Importance

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Abstract

Hot water in a supply tank (38) of a coffee maker, (20) is dispensed through a shut-off valve including a tube (84) at a uniform rate for a preselected time period until the open inlet (84C) of the tube (84) is raised above the surface level (110) of the water to not only stop the flow but to also drain and steam clean the tube (84) of any residual water to prevent the formation of mineral and lime deposits which undesirably alter the flow rate. A brewing strength by-pass valve assembly (80) for passing diluted hot water to an urn (24A or 24B) is drawn from a supply temporarily collected at the bottom of a drain chamber (76) received into the top (76A) of the drain chamber (76) as a stream through air to pressure isolate the strength control by-pass valve (80) as well as a mixing nozzle (116A), so that adjustment of the strength control will not create a variation in back pressure to alter the uniform flow rate. The mixing nozzle (116) has drain spouts (118) at the ends of open channels for easy cleaning; it also has a level control tube (116B) to compensate for reduced flow rate when the by-pass valve assembly (80) is closed for maximum strength brew. The dry ingredient is held in a nondistorted filter which conforms to the body of a holder (230) with a by pass drain inlet (240) laterally spaced from the body formed by a square collar (234). A hot water drain assembly has an upper draw hole (158) for obtaining the hotest water through a hot water faucet (36) while also serving as a valve opening closure to a drain hole (160) at the bottom of the supply tank (38) with a handle above the surface (52) of the water. The beverage maker housing is made of sheet metal parts including a single H-shaped part (176) which forms a substantial part of upper (22C), intermediate (22B) and lower (22A) sections of the housing for improved strength and simplified assembly.

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