U.S. patent application number 14/756042 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing system and versatile pivot.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frank W Krockenberger, Joseph P Webster. Invention is credited to Frank W Krockenberger, Joseph P Webster.
Application Number | 20160213194 14/756042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66096857 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160213194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webster; Joseph P ; et
al. |
July 28, 2016 |
Multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing system
and versatile pivot
Abstract
A multiple tank brewer having a rinsing system is disclosed
having a container having a first top and a first tank for
receiving a first brewed beverage through the first top, the first
tank having a first bottom outlet, a first tube connected between
the first bottom outlet, a first pinch valve, and a first dispenser
nozzle, a first drain tube connected between the first pinch valve
and a drain line, a rinse tube, and a rinse spray head for
delivering rinse water into the first tank through the first top,
out through the first bottom outlet, through the first tube, the
first pinch valve, the first drain tube, and the drain line.
Inventors: |
Webster; Joseph P; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Krockenberger; Frank W; (St. Louis,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Webster; Joseph P
Krockenberger; Frank W |
St. Charles
St. Louis |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66096857 |
Appl. No.: |
14/756042 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12927014 |
Nov 4, 2010 |
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14756042 |
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62123226 |
Nov 10, 2014 |
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61280568 |
Nov 5, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/467 20130101;
A47J 31/60 20130101; A47J 31/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/60 20060101
A47J031/60 |
Claims
1. A multiple compartment decanter for tank brewer having a rinsing
system and pivotal movements comprising: a decanter incorporating a
container having a first top and a first tank for receiving a first
brewed beverage through the first top, the first tank having a
first bottom outlet, and a second top and a second tank for
receiving a second brewed beverage through the second top, the
second tank having a second bottom outlet; a first tube connected
between the first bottom outlet, a first pinch valve, and a first
dispenser nozzle; a first drain tube connected between the first
pinch valve and a drain line; a second tube connected between the
second bottom outlet, a second pinch valve, and a second dispenser
nozzle; a second drain tube connected between the second pinch
valve and the drain line; a rinse tube; and a rinse spray head for
delivering rinse water into the first tank through the first top,
out through the first bottom outlet, through the first tube, the
first pinch valve, the first drain tube, and the drain line.
2. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 wherein the rinse tube is adapted for delivering
rinse water into the second tank through the second top through a
second spray head, out through the second bottom outlet, through
the second tube, the second pinch valve, the second drain tube, and
the drain line.
3. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 further comprising a base and a swivel assembly
between the container and the base for rotating the container
relative to the base.
4. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 wherein the first pinch valve is opened after the
rinse spray head has delivered rinse water.
5. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 wherein the second pinch valve is opened after
the rinse spray head has delivered rinse water.
6. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 wherein the first pinch valve is closed after the
rinse water has been emptied from the first container.
7. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 further comprising an audible indicator for
indicating when a rinsing operation has been completed.
8. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 further comprising a visual indicator for
indicating when a rinsing operation has been completed.
9. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 wherein the first top is at a 12 o'clock position
and the second top is at a 6 o'clock position.
10. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 1 further comprising a water dispenser assembly for
providing rinse water to the rinse tube and the rinse spray
head.
11. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer of claim 12 and
including said base mounting a lower base support, a dispenser
nozzle assembly provided in conjunction with the lower base
support, said swivel assembly mounting said lower base support for
pivotal movement, relative to said base, thereby allowing said
decanter to pivot upon its base when disposing its various
compartments for acceptance of a brewed beverage during a brewing
cycle.
12. A multiple compartment decanter for brewer having pivotal
movement during a brewing cycle, comprising: a decanter comprising
a container having a first top and a first tank for receiving a
first brewed beverage through the first top, the first tank having
a first bottom outlet, said container having a second top and an
integral second tank for receiving a second brewed beverage through
the second top, the second tank having a second bottom outlet; and
said tank bottom outlets provided in proximity with a tank base, a
swivel assembly between the container and said base for rotating
the container relative to the base to provide for positioning of
the first and second tops of the container in proximity with a brew
basket of the brewer in preparation for a brewing cycle.
13. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer of claim 12,
wherein said swivel assembly includes a bearing swivel means that
allows for pivot of the decanter during its application.
14. A multiple compartment decanter for a tank brewer having a
rinsing system and pivotal movements comprising: a decanter
incorporating a container having a first top and a first tank for
receiving a first brewed beverage through the first top, the first
tank having a first bottom outlet, and a second top and a second
tank for receiving a second brewed beverage through the second top,
the second tank having a second bottom outlet; a first tube
connected between the first bottom outlet, a first pinch valve, and
a first dispenser nozzle; a first drain tube connected between the
first pinch valve and a drain line; a second tube connected between
the second bottom outlet, a second pinch valve, and a second
dispenser nozzle; a second drain tube connected between the second
pinch valve and the drain line; a rinse tube; a rinse spray head
for delivering rinse water into the first tank through the first
top, out through the first bottom outlet, through the first tube,
the first pinch valve, the first drain tube, and the drain line;
and and the tank bottom outlets provided in proximity with a tank
base, a swivel assembly between the container and said tank base
for rotating the container relative to the tank base to provide for
positioning of the first and second tops of the container in
proximity with a brew basket of the tank brewer in preparation for
a brewing cycle.
15. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 wherein the rinse tube is adapted for delivering
rinse water into the second tank through the second top through a
second spray head, out through the second bottom outlet, through
the second tube, the second pinch valve, the second drain tube, and
the drain line.
16. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 wherein the first pinch valve is opened after
the rinse spray head has delivered rinse water.
17. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 wherein the second pinch valve is opened after
the rinse spray head has delivered rinse water.
18. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 wherein the first pinch valve is closed after
the rinse water has been emptied from the first container.
19. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 wherein the second pinch valve is closed after
the rinse water has been emptied from the second container.
20. The multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing
system of claim 14 further comprising an audible indicator for
indicating when a rinsing operation has been completed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to
the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/123,226,
filed on Nov. 10, 2014, which claims priority to the
continuation-in-part patent application having Ser. No. 12/927,014,
filed on Nov. 4, 2010, which claims priority to the provisional
patent application having Ser. No. 61/280,658, filed on Nov. 7,
2009, now expired.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to brewing of a beverage, and more
specifically relates to a multiple compartment container for a
brewer for allowing for simultaneous brewing and dispensing of a
brewed beverage and rinsing of the multiple compartments in which
the beverage is brewed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various styles of decanters have long been available in the
art. Obviously, in the early days, coffee was brewed into a glass
coffee pot, and was kept warm by the warmer internal to the brewer
base or top cover until it was consumed. The problem with that is
that while the coffee was maintained in warmed state, until it was
fully consumed, another pot of fresh coffee could not be brewed
until the first coffee pot was fully removed. Thus, there is always
a gap in the availability of freshly brewed coffee because of this
arrangement.
[0004] In addition, of recent origin, are the larger decanters that
can fit within an oversized brewer, and allow for the brewing of a
larger quantity of coffee or tea, and have it readily available for
dispensing, through usage of the container apparatus. But, once
again, while the decanter was maintained in a warmed state, upon
the brewer, or if it should be removed, under the later
circumstance, the brewed beverage would not remain in a warm state
because of the removal of the decanter from the heating pad of the
brewer. Thus, there is always the predicament that either all of
the coffee or tea had to be dispensed, or it had to be removed from
the brewer, to brew a fresh pot of beverage, but under those
circumstances, maintaining its warmth was nonexistent. Thermos
style decanters and dispensers have replaced glass decanters
because they do not need an external heat source to maintain
beverage temperature.
[0005] The decanters or containers in which beverages, such as
coffee or tea, are brewed require regular cleaning to maintain
beverage freshness. Even though the heat is removed from the
decanter after use, coffee oils and tea residue will stay in
contact with the side wall of the decanter or container unless the
side wall is rinsed. During times of high usage, it may not be
possible or practical to clean each decanter after use. If the
tanks or containers that contain brewed beverages are not cleaned
on a regular basis, then the subsequently brewed beverage may
suffer in taste quality. In some establishments it is important to
have a consistently tasting brewed beverage to keep repeat
customers. Without being able to clean or sanitize the container in
which beverages are brewed on a consistent basis, a quality brewed
beverage may not be obtained.
[0006] The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome
many of the disadvantages and shortcomings experienced with prior
decanters. The present disclosure is related to a multiple tank
container for a brewer having a rinsing system to rinse away any
oils or residue left after dispensing the brewed beverage to
maintain the taste quality of the beverage brewed within the
multiple tanks.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] This disclosure contemplates the use of a multiple tank
container for a brewer having a rinsing system for cleaning an
interior of each brewing tank.
[0008] The device of the present disclosure is used to provide a
rinsing spray to an interior of a tank that stores a brewed
beverage. The rinsing spray is used to clean and sanitize the
interior of the tank to maintain the freshness of the brewed
beverage stored therein. In the case of a thermal vessel, the
rinsing spray may be used to preheat the container.
[0009] In one form of the present disclosure, a multiple tank
brewer having a rinsing system is disclosed in which the multiple
tank brewer having a rinsing system comprises a container having a
first top and a first tank for receiving a first brewed beverage
through the first top, the first tank having a first bottom outlet,
and a second top and a second tank for receiving a second brewed
beverage through the second top, the second tank having a second
bottom outlet, a first tube connected between the first bottom
outlet, a first pinch valve, and a first dispenser nozzle, a first
drain tube connected between the first pinch valve and a drain
line, a second tube connected between the second bottom outlet, a
second pinch valve, and a second dispenser nozzle, a second drain
tube connected between the second pinch valve and the drain line, a
rinse tube, and a rinse spray head for delivering rinse water into
the first tank through the first top, out through the first bottom
outlet, through the first tube, the first pinch valve, the first
drain tube, and the drain line.
[0010] In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized
that the present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer having
a rinsing system that can clean and sanitize each tank to maintain
beverage freshness.
[0011] The present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system in which the amount of water is
controllable.
[0012] The present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system in which the rinsing system has operable
drain valves to drain away rinsing water from each tank after a
rinsing operation.
[0013] The present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system that indicates when a rinsing operation has
been completed and the tanks are ready for another brewing
operation or cycle.
[0014] The present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system with the multiple tank brewer having a
multi-compartmentalized decanter each of which may accept and hold
a plurality of brewed beverages, awaiting its dispensing to a
consumer.
[0015] The present disclosure is also directed to a multiple tank
brewer having a rinsing system having a pair or more of separate
compartments that may accept a freshly brewed beverage, for
subsequent dispensing, simply through an orientation of the
decanter in its placement upon the brewer.
[0016] The present disclosure provides a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system that provides a continuous supply of
freshly brewed beverage, whether it be tea or coffee, or other
liquid, all of which may be contained within separate integrated
compartments embodied within a singular decanter.
[0017] The present disclosure provides for a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system that has an access opening in the top of a
decanter having discrete integral compartment therein, and with
each compartment having its own rinse cap and a spigot, proximate
at the bottom, for dispensing of any brewed beverage contained
therein.
[0018] These and other advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the
following detailed specification in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In referring to the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a multiple brewing and
dispensing decanter shown seating under the brew basket of the
disclosed brewing apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 2 provides an isometric view of a double
compartmentalized decanter of the present disclosure, wherein an
integrated divider is provided internally of the decanter to
separate it into two separate and isolated compartments, each
having its own entrance opening, and associated spigot;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a side view of the decanter shown in FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 3B is a front view of the decanter shown in FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 3C is a back view of the decanter shown in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the decanter shown in FIG.
2;
[0026] FIG. 4A provides a side view of the decanter shown in FIG. 2
resting upon the brewer as disclosed in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4B is a front view of the decanter upon its brewer as
disclosed in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of a
multi-compartmentalized, or four compartment decanter capable of
accepting brewed beverage through any one of its access openings at
the top, with each compartment capable of dispensing its contained
beverage through manipulation of its associated spigot, arranged at
the bottom of the shown decanter;
[0029] FIG. 6A is a front view of the decanter shown in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 6B is a right side view of the decanter shown in FIG.
5;
[0031] FIG. 6C is a left side view of the decanter shown in FIG.
5;
[0032] FIG. 6D is a top plan view of the decanter shown in FIG.
5;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system constructed according to the present
disclosure with a drain line shown in phantom;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system constructed according to the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a side view of the multiple tank brewers having a
rinsing system with the rinsing system shown in phantom; and
[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a rinse spray head with
the cap assembly incorporated into a cap/gauge and clean rinse
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a
standard brewer 1 is readily disclosed, incorporating its housing 2
and an upper compartment 3 having its control panel 4 and
supporting a brew basket 5 applied, containing a supply of grounds
for brewing through the application of hot water of a fresh
beverage into a decanter 6 of the present disclosure. The decanter
6 rest upon the elevated base 7 of the brewer 1, as can be
noted.
[0038] The multiple brewing and dispensing decanter 6 of the
present disclosure is readily disclosed in FIG. 2, as can be noted,
and it contains an outer wall 8 with an integral divider 9 provided
internally within the decanter 6, so as to separate it into tow
discrete compartments 10 and 11, as can be noted. Operatively
associated with each compartment 10 and 11 is an inlet 12 and 13,
respectively, and each inlet 12 and 13 provide for deposit within
its respective compartment 10 and 11 of the freshly brewed beverage
through various openings 14 and 15 located through the upper
portions of each of the said inlets 12 and 13. Each inlet 12 and 13
is capable of otherwise engaging, or is integrally formed
therewith, or can be threadably engaged onto the top of their
respected decanter openings (not shown) provided through the upper
surface of the compartments 10 and 11, and can be secured into
position by known methods. In addition, it can be seen that there
may be threads or connecting means 16 and 17 provided with their
access openings, so that other closure means may be applied there
on, to seal off their heated contents, in the event that the
decanter or carafe is moved to a different location. There may be a
handle (not shown) operatively associated with the top of the
decanter 6, to facilitate its conveyance.
[0039] In addition, although it is not shown, it is possible that
the sidewalls of the decanter 6, within its housing 8, may be
insulated, probably through a double walled structural
configuration, in order to sustain the warmth of the various brewed
beverages contained within their respective compartments 10 and 11.
Furthermore, the decanter may have its own electric element
provided therein, within its sidewalls, and which may be
electrically charged or battery operated to furnish heat to
maintain the warmth of the brewed beverage separately contained
therein, during its usage and consumption.
[0040] As can be noted proximate the base of the decanter 6 is a
spigot for each compartment, with a spigot 18 being operatively
associated with the compartment 10, and a spigot 19 being
operatively associated with the compartment 11, so that when their
operating handles 20 and 21 are manipulated, the separate beverages
may be dispensed from their spouts 22 and 23, as can be noted. In
addition, the base 24 of the decanter 6 may rest upon legs, as at
25, so as to provide some elevation. Or, it may be that the
decanter 6 can be formed without legs, and can rest directly upon
the heat pad provided normally within the usually formed brewer 1,
in order to help maintain the warmth of any beverages that have
been discharged into its separate compartments of the vessel,
during brewing.
[0041] FIG. 3A shows a side view of the decanter 6, showing how the
brew inlets 12 and 13 are provided at the front and back of the
formed decanter 6, and their respective compartments being
separated by the integral partition or divider 9, as can be noted.
FIG. 3B shows a front view of the decanter 6, which FIG. 3C
provides a back view of the decanter 6.
[0042] FIG. 3D provides a top view, and it can be readily seen how
the access openings or inlets 12 and 13 are arranged to bifurcate
the decanter 6 into the two separate compartments 10 and 11 through
their internal divider wall 9 as noted.
[0043] As can be noted in FIG. 4A, the operational usefulness of
the structured decanter 6 of the present disclosure can be noted.
While the front side compartment 10 is provided for serving its
contained beverage, that will already have been previously brewed
and deposited from the brew basket 5 through its access opening 12
therein, simultaneously, the brew basket 5 will have been recharged
with fresh beverage grounds, and is capable of simultaneous brewing
into its separate compartment 11 a fresh batch of hot beverage, the
brew basket 5 depositing the brewing beverage through the access
opening 13, as can be understood. The spigot 18 can be manipulated
for dispensing of the previously brewed beverage from the
compartment 10 of the decanter 6, while the spigot 19 remains
closed. A front view of the assembly is also readily disclosed in
FIG. 4B.
[0044] A variation upon the concept of the present disclosure, in
providing a multiple brewing and dispensing decanter, can be seen
in FIG. 5. A decanter 20 as shown herein is structured in applying
the same principle of the segregated decanter 6, but in this
instance, the decanter 20 contains integrally internally four
discrete compartments. These compartments are separated by the
fluid type dividers 21 through 24, and each compartment has its own
access inlet 25 through 28, as can be readily seen. Each of these
access inlets 25, 26, 27, and 28 are constructed similarly to the
inlets 12 and 13 as previously analyzed, and their interconnection
with a top wall 29 of the decanter 20 is similar to the structural
relationship as previously reviewed. In addition, each of the
compartments, as can be seen at 30 through 33 has its own separate
spigot 34 through 27 operatively associated therewith, in order to
allow for the discrete dispensing of any brewed beverage from the
individual compartments through their respective spigot when a
consumer wishes to pour a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or the
like, from the various compartments of the shown decanter 20.
[0045] FIG. 6A provides a front view of the decanter 20 showing the
relationship of the various spigots mounted at quarter segments of
the compartmentalized dispenser, while FIG. 6B provides a right
side view, and FIG. 6C provides a left side view of the decanter
20. Thus, FIG. 6D provides the top view of the structured decanter
20, and indicates how, in this instance, freshly brewed beverage
may be dispensed from the spigot 35, while simultaneous a freshly
brewed beverage exiting the brew basket 5 may be deposited within
the access opening 28, to fill up that compartment of the decanter
20 with a freshly brewed beverage. Hence, the concept of attaining
simultaneously the dispensing of the beverage, while brewing a
fresh beverage, can be readily determined from reviewing these
drawings.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, a multiple tank brewer having a
rinsing system 50 are shown. The multiple tank brewers having a
rinsing system 50 has a first cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 52
and a second cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 54 positioned
within a server top 56. The server top 56 is mounted to an outside
server wrapper or container 58. The outsider server wrapper 58 is
positioned on a base server mounting 60 that has a dispenser nozzle
assembly 62 having a first dispense nozzle or spigot 64 and a
second dispense nozzle or spigot 66 extending out from the
dispenser nozzle assembly 62. A base 68 having four legs 70, 72,
74, and 76 supports the outside server wrapper 58 and the dispenser
nozzle assembly 62. A drain tube 78 extends downwardly from the
dispenser nozzle assembly 62 and is connected to a drain line 80,
which is shown in phantom, to drain rinse liquid and residue from
the system 50, as will be explained. A server base 82 has a grate
or cup platform 84 upon which may be placed a cup for receiving a
beverage from the nozzles 64 and 66. The base 82 is placed upon a
riser 86 which is located on a counter top 88. The riser 86 may be
used to house the drain tube 78 and the drain line 80 out of sight
of customers. Only a portion of a water dispenser assembly 90 of
the rinsing system 50 is shown in this particular view.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the multiple tank
brewers having a rinsing system 50. The multiple tank brewers
having a rinsing system 50 is depicted having the first cap/gauge
and clean rinse assembly 52 and the second cap/gauge and clean
rinse assembly 54 positioned within the server top 56. The server
top 56 is mounted to the container 58. The container 58 is
positioned on the base server mounting 60 that has an opening 92
that is adapted to receive the dispenser nozzle assembly 62 having
the first dispense nozzle 64 and the second dispense nozzle 66. A
lower base support 94 is used to accept the dispenser nozzle
assembly 62 when the assembly 62 is inserted in the opening 92. A
swivel assembly 96 is connected to the dispenser nozzle assembly 62
which provides for the rotation of the container 58, the base
server mounting 60, and the nozzles 64 and 66 relative to the base
68. A drain tube and pinch valve assembly 98 is positioned below
the swivel assembly 96. The assembly 98 comprises a first drain
tube 100 and a second drain tube 102. The first drain tube 100 is
connected to a first auxiliary drain tube 104 that is in the drain
tube 78. The second drain tube 102 is connected to a second
auxiliary drain tube 106 that is fitted in the drain tube 78. A
bottom support plate 108 is mounted to an interior top 110 of the
base 68. The plate 108 has a center opening 112 through which the
auxiliary drain tubes 104 and 106 extend. The base 68 has the four
legs 70, 72, 74, and 76, the server base 82, and the grate 84.
[0048] With particular reference now to FIG. 9, the multiple tank
brewer having a rinsing system 50 is shown in more detail. The
water dispenser assembly 90 has a rinse tube 114. A rinse spray
head assembly 116 is incorporated into the second cap/gauge and
clean rinse assembly 54 into a first interior tank or container 118
that is used to store a brewed beverage. Although not shown in this
particular view, the second cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 54
has an annular opening that the rinse tube 114 is positioned over
to inject a stream of rinse water. The water dispenser assembly 90
may be connected to a water supply (not shown) and may include a
heating element (also not shown) for providing heated rinse water
to the rinse tube 114 and the rinse spray head assembly 116. The
first container 118 has a bottom outlet 120 that allows any liquid
within the container 118 to flow out of through a tube 122 to
either a dispenser nozzle 124 or to a pinch valve 126. The pinch
valve 126 is connected to the second drain tube 102. The pinch
valve 126 may be electrically or mechanically operative.
[0049] In operation, the rinse tube 114 is positioned over the
second cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 54 and rinse water flows
from the rinse tube 114 into the rinse spray head assembly 116 into
the first container 118 to provide rinse water, such as hot water,
into the first container 118. The construction of the rinse spray
head assembly 116 is such that the rinse water is sprayed against
interior sides of the first container 118. After a rinsing
operation or cycle has been completed by the rinse spray head
assembly 116 delivering rinse water, the pinch valve 126 is
operated to allow any rinse water to flow from the container 118,
through the bottom outlet 120, into the pinch valve 126, and
through the second drain tube 102 to the drain line 80. In this
manner, any residue or brewed beverage left in the container 118 is
rinsed out to both sanitize the container 118 and maintain a fresh
environmental in the container 118 for brewing another
beverage.
[0050] The system 50 also has a brew basket 128 within which may be
placed a filter and coffee or another beverage to be brewed. Hot
water is provided by the water dispenser assembly 90 to flow
through the brew basket 128 out an outlet 130 into the second
cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 54 into the first container 118
through a fill tube 132. After a brewing operation is complete, the
brewed beverage will be contained within the first container 118.
The container 58 is rotated to present the dispenser nozzle 124
over the grate 84. A cup (not shown) may be placed on the grate 84
and the nozzle 124 operated to dispense the brewed beverage stored
within the first container 118.
[0051] The multiple tank brewer having a rinsing system 50 also has
a second interior tank or container 134 in which a second brewed
beverage may be stored. The second brewed beverage may be the same
or different from the brewed beverage stored in the first container
118. The first cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 52 is used to
cover the second container 134. The second container 134 also has a
bottom outlet 136 that allows any liquid within the container 134
to flow out of through a tube 138 to either the dispenser nozzle 66
or to a pinch valve 140. The pinch valve 140 is connected to the
first drain tube 100. The pinch valve 140 may be electrically or
mechanically operative. The second container 134 also has a fill
tube 142. Although not shown in this view, the first cap/gauge and
clean rinse assembly 52 also has a rinse spray head assembly
incorporated therein. The second interior tank 134 may also be
rinsed out by use of the rinse tube 114.
[0052] As can be appreciated, the container 58 may be rotated to
place the second container 134 in position for a rinse operation
and then a brewing operation. The rinse tube 114 and the rinse
spray head 116 may be inserted through the first cap/gauge and
clean rinse assembly 52 into the second container 134 to provide
rinse water into the second container 134 to rinse out any liquid
or residue therein. After a rinsing operation has been completed,
the pinch valve 140 is opened to allow any rinse water to flow from
the second container 134, through the bottom outlet 136, into the
pinch valve 140, and through the first drain tube 100 to the drain
line 80. After the rinse water has been emptied from the second
container 134, the pinch valve 140 is closed and a brewing
operation may begin. It is also possible that the system 50 may be
fitted with an audible or visual indicator to indicate when a
rinsing operation has been completed. Once the rinsing operation is
complete, the system 50 may automatically begin a brewing
operation.
[0053] The drain tube 78 houses the first drain tube 100 and the
second drain tube 102 which each funnels into the drain line 80.
The drain line 80 is housed within the riser 86 and exits through
an opening 144 formed in the counter top 88. The system 50 also has
feet 146 that are adapted to fit into indentations 148 formed in
the riser 84 to correctly position and locate the system 50 on the
riser 84.
[0054] By positioning the first assembly 52 and the second assembly
54 at basically a 12 and 6 o'clock orientation, the system 50 is
capable of dispensing a brewed beverage from the first tank 118
through the dispenser nozzle 124 while at the same time undergoing
a rinsing operation and a brewing operation in the second tank 134.
This design allows for time efficiencies of brewing and dispensing
as well as eliminating the possibility of prematurely dispensing
from one of the containers 118 or 134 or brewing and mixing old and
new beverages. The containers 118 and 134 may be sized to each hold
1.5 gallons of a brewed beverage. By placing the assemblies 52 and
54 at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, the system 50 has independent
fill and dispense locations to enhance the operation of the system
50. Rotating the container 58 allows the assemblies 52 and 54 to be
positioned to allow either dispensing of a brewed beverage or a
rinsing operation followed by a brewing operation.
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the rinse spray head
assembly 116 incorporated into the second cap/gauge and clean rinse
assembly 54. The second cap/gauge and clean rinse assembly 54 has a
cap 160 that is adapted to being screwed or pressed onto the top of
the first container 118. An annular opening 162 is formed in the
cap 160. Extending downwardly from the cap 160 is an annular member
164 having an annular outlet 166. Any rinse water that is provided
from the rinse tube 114 flows into the annular opening 162 down
through the annular member 164 and out through the annular outlet
166. In this manner, a spray rinse is introduced into the first
container 118 to rinse the interior of the first container 118.
Further, the outlet 166 may have apertures formed therein to
provide a stronger spray or spray pattern.
[0056] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has
thus been shown and described herein a multiple tank brewer having
a rinsing system. It will become apparent to those skilled in the
art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and
other uses and applications of the subject multiple tank brewer
having a rinsing system are possible and contemplated. All changes,
modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed
to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the
claims which follow.
* * * * *