U.S. patent application number 12/826608 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for filter coffee maker.
This patent application is currently assigned to Breville Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Daniel Serra, Gerard Andrew White.
Application Number | 20100288777 12/826608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43067688 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100288777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White; Gerard Andrew ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
Filter Coffee Maker
Abstract
A float may be provided within an insulated carafe so that a
user may read the carafe fill level.
Inventors: |
White; Gerard Andrew;
(Darlinghurst, AU) ; Serra; Daniel; (Flemington,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL MOLINS;MOLINS & CO.
SUITE 5, LEVEL 6, 139 MACQUARIE ST
SYDNEY NSW
2000
AU
|
Assignee: |
Breville Pty Limited
Botany
AU
|
Family ID: |
43067688 |
Appl. No.: |
12/826608 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12282649 |
Sep 12, 2008 |
|
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12826608 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.18 ;
220/592.28; 222/475.1; 73/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 23/50 20130101;
G01F 23/68 20130101; G01F 23/74 20130101; A47J 31/56 20130101; A47J
31/04 20130101; A47J 31/10 20130101; A47J 31/42 20130101; G01F
23/48 20130101; G01F 23/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.18 ;
220/592.28; 222/475.1; 73/320 |
International
Class: |
A47J 41/00 20060101
A47J041/00; G01F 23/30 20060101 G01F023/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 23, 2006 |
AU |
2006901499 |
Claims
1. A carafe, comprising: an insulated body; a lid assembly carried
by the body; and a level detection mechanism within the carafe that
is carried by the lid assembly.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein, the level detection mechanism
comprises a pivot float, wherein an end of the pivot float
comprises a buoyant element, and an other end of the pivot float
comprises a scale with markings that indicate a fill level inside
the carafe.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein, the buoyant element is a
pocket.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein, the lid assembly further
comprises a view opening.
5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising, the lid
assembly is thermally insulated
6. The device of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising, a
pivoting spout cover that is activated by a thumb trigger, wherein
the spout cover and the trigger are interconnected by a mechanical
linkage carried within the lid.
7. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a pivoting spout
cover that is activated by a thumb trigger, wherein the spout cover
and the trigger are interconnected by a mechanical linkage carried
within the lid.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein: the level detection mechanism
comprises a helical shaft to which is keyed a float; the float
acting on the helical shaft to rotate it as a level of liquid in
the carafe rises and falls; the shaft carrying a pointer that
indicate an internal volume of the carafe.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein: the shaft is carried within a
tube.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein: the lid assembly is thermally
insulating.
11. The device of claim 8, further comprising a pivoting spout
cover that is activated by a thumb trigger, wherein the spout cover
and the trigger are interconnected by a mechanical linkage carried
within the lid.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein: the lid assembly further
comprises a view opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention pertains to coffee makers and more
particularly to a drip-filter coffee maker.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Drip-filter coffee makers are well known. However, as coffee
drinkers become more sophisticated in their appreciation for better
quality coffee, and coffee making equipment improvements are
required to deliver better tasting coffee, ease of use and other
attributes that consumers find desirable.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is also an object to provide a carafe having a fill level
indicator. There is thus provided a carafe comprising an insulated
body and a lid assembly carried by the body, and a level detection
mechanism provided within the carafe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0004] In order that the invention be better understood, reference
is now made to the following drawing figures in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drip-filter coffee maker
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a cross section of the device depicted in FIG. 1,
through line A-A;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view partially through the
coffee delivery path showing the chute and the rotating valve;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the solenoid, valve link and
valve;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view through the coffee delivery
path, showing the valve in the open position;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the hopper and coffee delivery
path;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross section through the plate burr grinder and
coffee chute;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a side elevation, partially cross sectioned, of
the water tank, volume sensors and water delivery system;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the eject drawer showing the
telescopic water fill port;
[0014] FIGS. 10(a), (b) and (c) are top plan views of the eject
drawer showing the operation of the telescopic water fill port;
[0015] FIG. 11 is an inverted perspective of the eject drawer
illustrating the operation of the torsion spring, damper and
links;
[0016] FIGS. 12(a), (b) and (c) are inverted plan views of the
eject drawer showing the operation of the drive link and slave
slink;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the eject drawer and
dampened link mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an insulated carafe
according to the teachings of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 15 is an inverted perspective view of the lid and level
housing depicted in FIG. 14;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a cross section through a magnetic linear level
indicator;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross section through a float linear level
indicator;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating the way in which brew time
is optimised according to sensed brew volume;
[0023] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the coffee chute door and
the DC stepping motor;
[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view partially through the
coffee delivery path showing the chute door in a closed
position;
[0025] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view partially through the
coffee delivery path showing the chute door in an open
position;
[0026] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a pivot float;
[0027] FIG. 23(a) is a cross sectional view of an empty carafe with
the pivot float;
[0028] FIG. 23(b) is a partial perspective view of the carafe,
showing the pivot float and the seat for the pivot float;
[0029] FIG. 24 is a cross section view of a filled carafe with the
pivot float; and
[0030] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the damped spring
mechanism for ejecting the eject tray.
BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0031] A drip-filter coffee maker 10 is depicted in FIG. 1. The
exterior appearance of the device 10 is characterised by a base 11,
an upright housing 14 and a head assembly 12 with bean hopper 22
and eject drawer 13. The upright housing 14 contains a water
reservoir and interconnects the base 11 with the head assembly 12.
In this example, the base does not include a heating plate.
Instead, the unit is intended to work together with a thermally
insulated carafe 15.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the upright housing 14 contains a water
reservoir 15. Considerable space saving, particularly in the
vertical direction, is achieved by locating a coffee grinder 21
above the reservoir 15, extending above the upright housing 14. The
grinder's hopper 22 for coffee beans is located directly above the
grinder 21.
[0033] In preferred embodiments of the invention the grinder 21
uses plate burrs 23. A grinder with plate burrs has the property of
ejecting ground coffee at higher velocities than, say, one with
conical burrs. Because the kinetic energy of the ejected coffee
grounds is sufficiently high with a plate burr grinder, the grinder
can be located remotely from the paper filter holding cone 24. The
ejected grounds travel through a coffee chute 25, being a channel
that extends from the exit opening of the plate burr grinder 21,
through the upright housing, into the head assembly, terminating
above the filter cone, as will be further explained.
[0034] In order to prevent moisture and water vapour from entering
the coffee chute 25, the chute terminates in a chute door 26. The
coffee maker's controller opens the chute door 26 by activating a
motor or solenoid or other actuator when grounds are being ejected
by the coffee grinder 21. The chute door 26 is closed when the
grinding operation is complete.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal bend portion 31 of the
coffee chute 25 comprises a section that is removable to allow
cleaning of the chute 25 as well as that area of the chute adjacent
to the door 26.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating door 26 is mounted on a
horizontal shaft 41. The reciprocating shaft 42 of a solenoid 43
has a pivot end 44 that carries a link 45. The link 45 pivots about
a horizontal stub shaft 46. In this way, reciprocation of the
solenoid shaft 42 causes the opening and closing of the door 26. As
shown in FIG. 5, when the door 26 is open, coffee grounds ejected
by the plate burr grinder are delivered into the open mouth of the
brew cone 24. When the door 26 is closed, the coffee chute 25 is
effectively sealed from the area of the brew cone. An alternative
mechanism for closing the door is depicted in FIGS. 19 to 21.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 6 the coffee chute 25 comprises an enclosed
channel that follows a slightly curved path from the exit opening
of the grinder to the area of the valve 26. The path of the chute
25 is slightly curved to conserve the kinetic energy of the ejected
coffee grounds. In particularly preferred embodiments, the coffee
chute approximates the exit trajectory of the ground coffee. As
best shown in FIG. 7, whole beans 71 are contained within the
hopper 22. The beans descend into the area of the plate grinding
heads 72, 73, it being understood that the upper plate burr 72 has
a central opening for allowing the beans to pass therethrough.
Coffee grounds are ejected through the gap that exists between the
upper lower burrs 72, 73. A stainless steel fan 74 that rotates
with the grinder motor assists with the propulsion of the grounds
through the exit opening 75 of the grinder. Grounds passing through
the exit opening 75 travel through the curved chute 25 which is
also disposed slightly "downhill" from the burrs, allowing gravity
to assist in the delivery of the grounds from the exit opening 75
to the area of the chute door 26. The duration of operation of the
grinder determines the amount of grounds supplied to the brew cone.
This duration can be established with reference to fill level
(volume) data provided by the sensors in the reservoir 81.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the internal reservoir 81 comprises a
water tank in which may be located a float 82 or other level
detection sensor. The float 82 incorporates, for example, a magnet
83 that can be detected by a number of evenly spaced and vertically
arranged proximity sensors 84. In preferred embodiments, the
proximity sensors are spaced apart so that each switch corresponds
to e.g. two cups of water. Adding water to the reservoir causes the
float and thus the magnet 83 to rise in the float guide chamber 85.
The device's controller detects which one or two of the proximity
sensors 84 are in closest proximity to the magnet 83. Thus, the
controller can determine the volume in the reservoir to a
resolution of approximately one cup. This data, collected about the
volume of water in the reservoir, can be used for a number of
purposes. One purpose is to adjust the quantity of coffee beans
that are ground and discharged by the grinder. This is done by
having the device's controller establish an "on" time for the
grinder that is based on the amount of water in the reservoir.
Another purpose for the sensors is to adjust the duration of the
discharge of hot water or brew time, as will be further explained.
Note that the contents of the reservoir are discharged through a
flexible hose 86 that has an outlet 87 located above the open mouth
of the brew cone 88.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the grinder housing 91, coffee chute 25
(shown partially disassembled) and the cap 92 that covers the brew
cone remain stationery while the eject tray 13 is able to open and
close. In this example, these components are moulded together to
form a showerhead chassis 97. As suggested by FIGS. 9 and
10(a)-(c), the opening and closing of the eject drawer 13 causes
the deployment of a telescopic water fill port 93. The port 93
comprises a pivoting open-top tail piece 94 and a reciprocating
water chute 95 nested within it. As depicted in FIG. 10(a), when
the eject tray 13 is closed, the water port 93 is fully contained
within the head assembly. The water chute 93 terminates in an open
topped funnel-like tray or enlargement 96. The underside of the
funnel-like enlargement 96 features a vertical pin 101 that is
captured by and travels within a slot 102 formed into the bottom
surface of the eject drawer 13. As shown in FIG. 10(b) opening the
eject drawer 13 causes the telescopic chute 95 to extend from the
tail piece 94. Simultaneously, the action of the pin 101 in the
slot 102 causes the entire port 93 to pivot away from the brew cone
103. A gap 104 along the side edge of the eject tray 13 allows the
enlarged funnel-like terminus of the port to extend past the side
edge the eject tray 13 making it easily accessible to a user. As
shown in FIG. 10(c) when the eject tray 13 is fully open, the port
93 is both fully extended and fully laterally displaced, thus fully
clearing the outer margin of the brew cone 103. In this position,
paper filters can be introduced into or removed from the brew cone
103 without being obstructed by the port 93. A tension spring 105
biases the fill port 93 toward its initial position shown in FIG.
10(a) thus facilitating the retraction of the port 93 as the eject
tray 13 is closed.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12(a)-(c), the opening of the eject
drawer 13 is facilitated by an optional dampened spring mechanism.
As shown in FIG. 11, a torsion spring assembly 110 is fixed within
the head assembly or vertical housing. Thus, a torsional spring 111
is carried around a fixed shaft 112. The shaft 112 also carries a
pivoting drive link 113 that is biased toward an extended position
by the torsion spring 111. For the sake of compactness, the drive
link 113 is generally "L" shaped. The outer terminal end 114 of the
drive link 113 is pivoted to a slave link 115 that responds to the
rotating extension of the drive link 113. The outer terminal end of
the slave link 115 is pivoted to a portion of the eject tray
116.
[0041] The eject drawer 13 is maintained in a fully closed position
by a latch mechanism. Pushing the eject tray 13 inward, toward the
vertical housing releases the latch mechanism and allows the
torsional spring to rotate the drive link 113 toward its extended
position. In doing so, the slave link 115 urges the eject tray 13
toward its fully extended position. This reciprocating motion of
the eject tray 13 is guided by rails 117 located along the lateral
extremities of the eject drawer 13. The parallel rails 117 are
carried by cooperating slots formed in the head assembly.
[0042] The geometry of the above referenced link mechanism is
better explained with reference to FIGS. 12(a)-(c). The eject tray
13 is shown in its closed position in FIG. 12(a). Note that the "L"
shaped drive link 113 extends rearward from its pivoting connection
with the shaft 112 and torsional spring iii. Thus, a first arm 121
of the drive link 113 extends rearward from the shaft 112, and
makes a 90.degree. bend 122. The drive link 113 continues through
the bend 122 toward the nearest lateral edge of the drawer 123 and
terminates at its pivoting connection 114 with the slave link
115.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 12(b) it will be appreciated that the
drive link 113 is being rotated clockwise (as seen from below) and
toward the brew cone, thus causing an extension of the slave link
115. In the fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 12(c) the
drive link 113 and the slave link 115 are both fully extended,
causing a full extension of the eject tray 113. As suggested by
FIG. 11, the torsional spring mechanism 121 has its pivoting
connection with the drive link 113 occurring at a vertical height
that results in both a drive link and slave link running just above
the underside 122 of the eject drawer 13.
[0044] As suggested by FIG. 13, the motion of the eject tray 13
caused by the torsional spring assembly 121 is dampened so as to
moderate both the velocity and acceleration that would otherwise be
imparted by the torsional spring. This is achieved by locating a
fixed gear 131, for example moulded into the underside of the
showerhead chassis 97. A rotating gear 132 is located on and above
the drive link 113. The fixed gear 131 and the damper's rotating
gear 132 cooperate by meshing with one another. As the drive link
113 rotates about the shaft 112 of the torsional spring assembly
110 the rotation of the damper's gear 132 is resisted by a damping
mechanism 133 located on an underside of the drive link 113,
directly below and in communication with the rotating gear 132.
Dampening mechanisms of this kind are characterised by frictional
mechanisms such as an arrangement of a rotating impeller carried
within a grease containing compartment. Other dampening mechanisms
may be used to the same effect. An example is depicted in FIG.
25.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 14 it is preferred that the drip-filter
coffee maker of the present invention be used with reference to a
thermally insulated carafe 140. The carafe 140 comprises a
thermally insulated, opaque body 141 that carries, by hinged or
screwed connection, a removable thermally insulating lid assembly
142 with a handle 145. The lid is removable and replaceable for
convenience of cleaning. The lid preferably features a pivoting
spout cover 143 that is activated by a thumb trigger 144 carried
above the handle 145. The spout cover 143 and thumb trigger 144 are
interconnected by a mechanical linkage carried within the lid 142.
The lid 142 also features a central opening 146 into which brewed
coffee is discharged. The lid 142 also features a clear display
lens 147 through which the volume of brewed coffee within the
carafe can be viewed, as will be explained.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 15, a tubular indicator housing 151 is
carried by the underside of the lid 142. Note that the handle 145
is also attached to and carried by the lid 142. The combination of
site glass and indicator tube 151 may be used in a variety of ways
as explained below.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 16, the indicator tube 151 is carried
within an opening in the lid 142. In this embodiment, the tube 151
is sealed. Contained within it there is a helical, rotating
indicator shaft 161. The indicator shaft 161 has a flange 162 at is
lower end that works in conjunction with a stub or pin 163 to
locate and journal the lower end of the shaft 161 with respect to
the lower end of the tube 151. The upper end of the shaft 161 also
carries a flange 164. A pointer 165 is carried, preferably above
the upper flange 164 and below the site glass 147. A magnetic ring
166 having a central slot 167 is carried around the indicator shaft
161. The magnetic ring 166 is keyed with respect to the interior of
the tube 151 so that it is prevented from rotating while being
allowed to freely move in the vertical direction. In this way, the
rising and falling of the magnetic disk 166 causes a corresponding
rotation in the indicator shaft 161. This vertical movement of the
magnetic ring 166 is caused by the movement of a float disk 168.
Although the float disk 168 is buoyant, it contains an element such
as a steel disk 169 that has a magnetic interaction with the
magnetic ring 166. Thus, the magnetic ring 166 will follow the
motion of the float disk 168, causing a corresponding rotation in
the indicator shaft 161. The pointer 165, being rigidly carried by
the shaft 161 indicates the degree of rotation and thus the volume
of water or brewed coffee within the carafe.
[0048] An alternate embodiment is depicted in FIG. 17. In this
embodiment, the indicator tube 151 is not sealed and therefore,
brewed coffee within the carafe is able to enter the interior of
the tube 151. A similarly configured indicator shaft 171 and
pointer 172 are contained within the tube 151. As coffee enters the
interior of the tube 151 it causes a float 173 to rise or fall. The
float 173 is keyed to the interior of the tube 151 so that the
float's central slot 174 acts on the helical shaft 171 to rotate
it. In this way, the movement of the float 173 is translated into a
rotation of the pointer 172 and provides the user with an
indication of the internal volume of coffee contained within the
carafe.
[0049] As previously mentioned, the device's controller receives
information from the tank volume sensors 84 previously discussed
with reference to FIG. 8. Because the entire volume of the tank 81
is delivered into the ground coffee in the brew cone, the volume
within the tank 81 at or just before the inception of the brew
cycle is directly indicative of the brew volume. The unit's
controller can use this pre-established measurement of brew volume
to adjust the brew time for the purpose of delivering an optimised
brew. In one embodiment, the brew time is adjusted by on and off
cycling of the unit's boiler. This on and off cycling of the boiler
can be used to slow down the effective rate at which the boiler
delivers water to the grounds in the filter. As shown in FIG. 18,
it can be seen that a conventional optimised brew time 180
corresponds to an interval of four-six minutes. This means that hot
water is in contact with the grounds in the filter for about four
to six minutes. A first line 181 on the graph of FIG. 18
illustrates the volumetric output of a conventional drip-filter
coffee maker over a period of time. It can be seen that the output
is essentially linear ranging from 1.5 minutes for a two cup brew
through to about 11 minutes for a 12 cup brew. However, note that
the brew is only within the optimised range 180 from about five
cups through to about seven cups. When less than five cups are
brewed, the brew cycle is essentially too short. The present
invention overcomes this by adjusting the brew cycle time in
accordance with the teachings above by adjusting the brew cycle
time in accordance with the predetermined volume measurement taken
from the reservoir prior to the inception of the brew cycle. In
this example, it can be seen that when a single cup is brewed, as
determined by the sensors 84, the brew cycle is adjusted to four
minutes. With reference to the example of a four cup brew, the brew
cycle time is adjusted to just short of five minutes, well within
the optimised zone 180. Because the brew cycle time can be adjusted
downwardly in the manner suggested, it allows the unit to benefit
from a more powerful heater, thus providing faster delivery of
brewed coffee. This faster delivery of brewed coffee provides an
advantage when the brew volume is about eight cups (or more) when
compared to the prior art brew times 181.
[0050] It can also be seen that some prior art devices have a small
cup setting 183 in which the delivery pump is run at a slower rate.
This has the effect of retarding the brew cycle time and provides
better quality when the brew volume is between two and four cups.
However, even with the "small cup setting" associated with prior
art devices, (a) brews fail to reach the optimum brew cycle time
180 when the brew volume falls below about 3.5 cups, and (b) the
"small cup setting" has no bearing on brew volumes in excess of
about 4 cups.
[0051] FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 depict a further embodiment where,
instead of a solenoid, a DC stepping motor is used to control the
chute door (or "chute valve") at the end of the coffee chute.
Referring to FIG. 19, the chute door 191 in this example comprises
an arched floor 192 that extends between two generally fan-shaped
side panels 193, 194. A slot 195 is rigidly attached to the
fan-shape 194 between the fan-tip 196 and a location closer to the
floor 192. In some embodiments, the slot and the fan-shape are
integrally formed. The slot 195 is located adjacent to a DC
stepping motor 199. The stepping motor has an output driving shaft
198. A crank 197 is mounted on the driving shaft 198, and further
carries a pin (not shown) that rides in the slot 195. Rotation of
the motor is thus translated into a reciprocating motion in the
chute door.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a lip 201 extends from the
upper roof 202 of the chute 203. This lip 201 is similarly curved
as the chute door floor 192 and is located just above the chute
door floor 192. When the stepping motor is in the `closed`
position, the floor 192 closes the chute 203. Referring to FIG. 21,
as the stepping motor `steps into` the `open` position, the motor's
driving shaft rotates and turns the crank, the slot, and the chute
door. The chute door floor 192 then rotates toward the lip and
unblocks the chute.
[0053] In some embodiments, the carafe (because it is opaque)
further includes a level detection mechanism that allows the user
to see the liquid level within the opaque carafe. In one example, a
pivot float is used for this purpose. Referring to FIG. 22, the
pivot float 220 has a floating arm 221 and an indicator 222. A
pocket, such as an air pocket 223 is provided on one end of the
floating arm 221. In this embodiment, the air pocket is
ultrasonically sealed into the injection moulded floating arm. A
roller 224 that approximately cylindrical in profile is provided on
the other end of the arm 221. The indicator is located beside and
rigidly affixed to the roller 224.
[0054] The indicator 222 further has an arc-shaped scale 225 that
has markings or wordings to show the liquid level in the carafe.
Two side panels 226, 227 project perpendicularly from the scale
225. An inverted "U" shaped third panel 230 is further provided
between the two side panels. The scale 225 and the side and third
panels define a space 231 into which retaining details from the
carafe are locatable. There are two aligned stub axles 228, 229,
each extending perpendicularly out of one panel. The axle 229
extending from the panel 227 adjacent to the roller 224 is rigidly
affixed into the roller 224. The other axle extends into a
corresponding detail (not shown) provided in the carafe and helps
locate the pivot float 220.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 23(a) (b) and 24, a seat 231 is attached
to the rim 232 of the carafe sidewall 233. This attachment is
provided such that a gap 234 wide enough to accommodate the scale
225 and one thickness of a rotation limiter is provided between the
rim 232 and the seat 231. The seat 231 is locatable within the
space defined by the panels and scale 225 of the indicator. The
pivot float 220 can thus be positioned for rotating motion on the
seat. From the seat 231, the floating arm 221 can extend toward the
interior of the jug.
[0056] The rotation limiter extends from the sidewall of the
central coffee inlet 235 and toward the jug sidewall where the seat
231 is attached. The limiter cradles the seat 231 from below the
indicator. A first portion 236 of the limiter is locatable in the
gap 234 between the rim 232 and the seat 231. The first limiter
portion 236 bends into a second portion 237 that lies below the
indicator. The second limiter portion 237 inclines towards and
bends into a third limiter portion 238.
[0057] Further, a view window 239 with optional viewing lens is
provided in the lid 240 and is located above the scale 225. This
view window may be a view opening with or without a lens that
covers or seals the opening. As the floating arm rises up and down
with changes in the liquid level, the pivot float pivots about its
axel (not shown) and causes the scale 225 to rotate. Different
portions of the scale bearing different markings become visible
through this view window. The revealed marking indicates to the
user what the fill level within the carafe is.
[0058] In further embodiments, the dampening of the eject tray
motion may be achieved in a fashion modified from the mechanism
depicted in FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 25, the eject tray 251 of
the coffee maker 250 is biased outwardly by a dampened spring
mechanism. A torsion spring 257 is wound around a shaft 256. Each
terminal end of the shaft is attached to a generally L-shaped drive
link 254. When the eject tray is closed, each drive link 254
extends rearward and upwardly until it bends into an elbow. After
this point the drive link extends upwardly but forwardly, and ends
at a pivoting connection 255 with a slave link 253. From this
pivoting connection, the slave link 253 reaches forwardly and
downwardly, until its attachment to a lateral side 260 of the eject
tray 251. Each drive link and its corresponding slave link are
collectively referred to as a linkage assembly. The linkage
assemblies on both ends of the shaft are parallel and identical to
each other. All of the aforesaid pivot connections rotate about
horizontal axes that are parallel to the front and rear edges of
the eject tray.
[0059] As the latch mechanism (not shown) is released, the torsion
spring is also released. The spring bias causes the shaft and the
drive links to rotate forwardly. The rotation of the drive links
pushes both the pivoting connection and consequently the slave
links toward the front, ejecting the tray.
[0060] Further referring to FIG. 25, the dampening of this spring
biased eject motion is achieved by mounting a rotating gear 258 to
the shaft, and meshing the rotating gear with a damper's gear 259
that is in communication with a damping mechanism 252. The spring
biases the shaft to rotate forward, but this forward rotation is
moderated, or dampened, by the damper's gear.
[0061] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to particular details of construction, these should be
understood as having been provided by way of example and not as
limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *