COFFEE MAKER WATER HEATER
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A water heating system for a coffee maker water heater, comprising:
- (a) a water reservoir;
(b) an in-line flow-through heater assembly;
(c) a variable speed pump for moving water through a water flow path from the reservoir through the heater assembly and either (i) back to the reservoir or (ii) to a brew outlet or hot water outlet, wherein the variable speed pump is associated with software configured to control pump speed depending upon a brew set point temperature as correlated with actual water temperature flowing through the in-line flow-through heater assembly;
(d) a temperature sensor positioned in the water flow path; and
(e) a valve positioned in the water flow path for delivering water either (i) back to the reservoir or (ii) to the brew outlet or the hot water outlet
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved heating methods for use in coffee makers and other beverage makers that use hot water for various beverages and other purposes. These improvements find particular use on-board aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles, where quick heating and reduced power consumption are particularly desirable and beneficial. Further embodiments also relate to improved water level sensing, improved water reservoirs, and improved carafe features.
22 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A water heating system for a coffee maker water heater, comprising:
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(a) a water reservoir; (b) an in-line flow-through heater assembly; (c) a variable speed pump for moving water through a water flow path from the reservoir through the heater assembly and either (i) back to the reservoir or (ii) to a brew outlet or hot water outlet, wherein the variable speed pump is associated with software configured to control pump speed depending upon a brew set point temperature as correlated with actual water temperature flowing through the in-line flow-through heater assembly; (d) a temperature sensor positioned in the water flow path; and (e) a valve positioned in the water flow path for delivering water either (i) back to the reservoir or (ii) to the brew outlet or the hot water outlet - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A water heating system for a coffee maker water heater, comprising:
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(a) a housing for supporting a water reservoir; (b) a flow-through heater; (c) a variable speed pump for moving water from the water reservoir through the flow-through heater at variable water flow rates; and (d) a controller for controlling speed of the variable speed pump, wherein the controller slows the water flow rate when water is to be quickly heated and speeds the water flow rate when water is approaching or at a desired brew set point. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for heating water on-board a vehicle, the method comprising:
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(a) providing a water heater comprising (i) a water reservoir;
an (ii) in-line flow-through heater assembly;
(iii) a variable speed pump for moving water through a water flow path from the reservoir through the heater assembly and either back to the reservoir or to a brew outlet or hot water outlet;
(iv) a temperature sensor positioned in the water flow path; and
(v) a valve positioned in the water flow path for delivering water either back to the reservoir or to the brew outlet or the hot water outlet;(b) filling the reservoir with water; (c) causing water to circulate at varying speeds through the water heater via the variable speed pump and back to the reservoir, the varying speeds dependent upon a brew set point and actual water temperature; (d) delivering a signal to the system that hot water is needed; and (e) causing water to conduct a final pass through the heater assembly and to be delivered at the desired temperature.
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Specification