Beverage extraction apparatus

• US 5,992,300 A
• Filed: 12/15/1998
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sanyo Electric Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sanyo Electric Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Fukushima, Naoto
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, REGINALD
• Application Number:
  US09/212,504
• Time in Patent Office: 350 Days
• Field of Search: 99/279, 99/286, 99/289 R, 99/302 R, 99/289 T, 99/281, 99/280, 426/433
• US Class Current: 99/302.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/408 with means for moving a filter in the form of a tape
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/60 Cleaning devices

Abstract

The invention is aimed at provision of a beverage extraction apparatus in which the cylinder for extraction is kept clean and, thus, the quality of the extracted beverage is maintained without periodical or frequent maintenance for cleanness. A portion of cleaning liquid overflowing from the upper chamber (mixing chamber) is drained by using a draining trough and a pipe. A valve is interposed between the upper chamber and the extraction chamber. When the valve is closed, the cleaning liquid supplied to the upper chamber in excessive amount overflows from the chamber and drained. When the valve is opened, the cleaning liquid flows from the upper chamber into the extraction chamber. Thereby, both chambers are cleaned efficiently.

Claims

1. A beverage extraction apparatus comprising:

an extraction chamber for beverage extraction;

an upper chamber provided above said extraction chamber in liquid communication therewith;

means for supplying cleaning liquid to said upper chamber;

means for discharging said cleaning liquid out of said upper chamber after cleaning by said cleaning liquid is finished; and

means for draining a portion of said cleaning liquid overflowing from said upper chamber while said cleaning liquid is supplied to said upper chamber, said means being provided on said upper chamber.

2. A beverage extraction apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein:

said draining means comprises;

a trough provided around an upper opening of said upper chamber; and

a drain tube connected with said trough for draining said overflowing portion of said cleaning liquid.

3. A beverage extraction apparatus comprising:

an extraction chamber for beverage extraction;

an upper chamber provided above said extraction chamber in liquid communication therewith;

means for providing said liquid communication;

means for supplying cleaning liquid to said upper chamber; and

means for draining a portion of said cleaning liquid overflowing from said upper chamber during the cleaning using said cleaning liquid, said draining means being provided on said upper chamber;

wherein;

said cleaning liquid supplied to said upper chamber is transfered to said extraction chamber by way of said liquid communication providing means.

4. A beverage extraction apparatus comprising:

an extraction chamber for beverage extraction;

an upper chamber provided above said extraction chamber in liquid communication therewith;

means for providing said liquid communication;

means for supplying cleaning liquid to said upper chamber; and

means for draining a portion of said cleaning liquid overflowing from said upper chamber while said cleaning liquid is supplied to said upper chamber, said draining means being provided on said upper chamber;

wherein;

said liquid communication providing means is opened or closed; and

said cleaning liquid is contained in said upper chamber with said liquid communication providing means being closed.

5. A beverage extraction apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein:

said cleaning liquid is supplied from said upper chamber to said extraction chamber with said liquid communication providing means being opened.

6. A beverage extraction apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein:

said cleaning liquid is supplied to said upper chamber with said liquid communication providing means being closed, after said cleaning liquid has been supplied to said upper chamber for cleaning thereof, with said liquid communication providing means being opened.

7. A beverage extraction apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein:

said liquid communication providing means comprises a valve which is opened and closed.