US3596675A - Overflow control system for automatic beverage brewer - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed herein an overflow control system for use in an automatic beverage brewer or the like, comprising, in combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with the tank for discharging fluid therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into the tank when the first valve means is in an open position, means for operating the first valve means to the open position, means for operating the first valve means to a closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into the tank, and magnetically controlled valve means disposed in the fluid inlet means and having a normally open position permitting fluid to flow therethrough and into the tank so long as the first valve means is in the open position and having a closed position preventing the flow of fluid to the tank, the magnetically controlled valve means being operable to the closed position thereof in response to the introduction into the tank of a quantity of fluid in excess of the predetermined quantity, thereby to prevent flooding of the tank.

Description

United States Patent 1 3,596,675

[72] Inventors Harvey R. Krueger 3,376,013 4/1968 Mallett 251/65 Carlpenterivllle, 3,424,199 H1969 Breitholtz et al. 251/65 [211 Appl a; lwgampalamfibflh 3,439,895 4/1969 Marandi 251 45 x 9 l h l 7 8 Filed Dec. 1969 2.904.107 9/1 59 Ho t ouseetal 3 /3 9X 45 patented Aug 3, 1971 Primary ExaminerHenry Klinksiek [73] Assignee Reynolds Products, Inc. Anorne v-- Prangley, Clayton, Mullin, Dithmar & Vogel Rolling Medovvs, Ill.

Division of Ser. No. 756,592, Aug. 30, 1969, Pat No. 3,527,172, which is a continuation ABSTRACT: There IS disclosed herein an overflow control impan of application Ser. 708,121 system for use in an automatic beverage brewer or the like, Feb. 26,1968nWPaL 3,443,508 comprising, In combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with the tank for discharging flllld therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into the tank when the first valve means is in an [54] OVERFLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR open position, means for operating the first valve means to the AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE BREWE open position, means for operating the first valve means to a 8 Claims, 9 Drawing Fig closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into the tank, and magnetically controlled 137/389 valve means disposed in the fluid inlet means and having a [501 Iii 8 9 normally open position permitting fluid to flow therethrough and into the tank so long as the first valve means is in the open 400, 401, 402, 414, 334, 340, 34l;9295/;/8425,3 0 6 position and having a closed position preventing the flow of fluid to the tank, the magnetically controlled valve means [56] References Cited being operable to the closed position thereof in response to the introduction into the tank of a quantity of fluid in excess of UNITED STATES PATENTS the predetermined quantity, thereby to prevent flooding of the 3,320,970 5/1967 McHenry l37/4l4X tank.

a 53 4 1o 4F 4: 5: 59 72 50 2a 47 Z 37' 5| 5 so t I as 85 (I00 29 2k 91 V 1 E i .05 i 40* i T 30 i 25 i I 147 8:} -36 42" I i 35 is i so I \r. E I use i l 43" 4| 5 l 1 1 I 5 5 6 U 61 B6 62 IIGO y 19 i J J 141f 180 2 J 140 F I35 14 A I5 7 PATENTEUAUB 3:971

SHEET 1 OF 3 l6| I64 I63 INVENTORS HARVEY R. KRUEGER ARTHUR A, MORGAN A'ITYS PATENTED AUG 3 l97l SHEET 2 OF 3 FIG. 2

OVERFLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE BREWER This application is a division ofthe copending application, Ser. No. 756,592, filedAug. 30, l969, now US. Patent No. 3,527,172, for OVERFLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AU- TOMATIC BEVERAGE BREWER, which is a continuationin-part of US application Ser. No. 708,121, filed Feb. 26, 1968, now US. Pat. No. 3,443,508, entitled Automatic Beverage Brewer.

This invention relates generally to an overflow fluid control system and more particularly to an overflow control system adapted for use in an automatic beverage brewing machine such as the type capable of automatically brewing predetermined amounts of coffee.

Generally, an automatic beverage brewer includes a water inlet system for automatically introducing a predetermined quantity of cold water to a water tank, means for heating the water in the tank, and means for delivering the heated water to a spray or discharge head to be sprayed or discharged over a predetermined amount of beverage producing material, whereby extract of the material is brewed and delivered to a beaker or the like for consumer usage.

in the majority of automatic beverage brewers now manufactured, an electrically operated valve and suitable controls are provided for introducing a predetermined quantity of cold water from the municipal supply system into the water heating tank of the beverage brewing machine. Such valves and controls are also used in other machines which are connected to a source of fluid and are cyclically operated, such as dish washers and clothes washers. it is desirable to provide suitable safety devices in all such machines which will operate in the event of malfunction of the electrically operated valve, and particularly to terminate the input flow of water to the receiving tank should the water in the tank exceed a predetermined quantity, thereby to prevent the tank from overflowing and damaging the machine.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide an overflow control system capable of preventing entry of fluid into a receiving tank in the event ofa malfunction in the normal fluid inlet system which causesfluid in the tank to exceed a predetermined quantity.

it is a further object of the invention to provide an overflow control system which employs a novel float-operated magnetically controlled valve as part of the water inlet system, said valve being operative to terminate flow of water to the water tank in the event the amount of water within the tank exceeds a predetermined quantity.

it is a further object of the invention to provide an overflow control system employing a magnetically controlled valve means in an automatic type water system,the machine further employing a unique water inlet control arrangement that operates without a timer or scale to control the input quantity ofwater to the machine.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an automatic beverage brewer of the character described which includes a hydraulically operated discharge valve to control discharge of hot water from the water tank of the machine, the discharge valve being controlled by operation of the water inlet system so that while cold water is flowing into the tank the valve remains closed to prevent discharge of hot water therefrom.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved float-operated magnetically controlled valve which is of a positive and rapid action and which is economical of manufacture and is relatively compact in size.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic beverage brewing machine for brewing coffee or the like, the machine including a water tank having a sidewall and a bottom wall and a top wall. Thermostatically controlled heating means is disposed within the water tank for heating and maintaining water therein at a beverage brewing temperature. Discharge means is associated with the water tank for discharging hot water therefrom and means is provided for receiving a beverage producing material to be covered by hot water from the discharge means. The automatic machine also includes water inlet means including an electrically controlled valve for introducing cold water into the tank to cause hot water in the tank to be discharged therefrom in an amount corresponding to the quantity of cold water introduced thereto; means being provided for opening the electrically controlled valve to cause cold water to flow into the water tank, and means being provided for closing the electrically controlled valve after a predetermined quantity of cold water has been introduced into the water tank. In accordance with the invention, float-operated magnetically controlled valve means also is disposed in the water inlet means, the magnetically controlled valve means having a normally open position permitting water to flow therethrough and into the water tank so long as the electrically controlled valve is in the open position and having a closed position preventing the flow of water to the water tank. The magnetically controlled valve means is operable to the closed position thereof in response to introduction into the water tank of a quantity of cold water in excess of the predetermined quantity of cold water, thereby positively terminating the inlet flow of water so as to prevent flooding of the machine.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the automatic beverage brewing machine and the overflow control system therefor whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic beverage brewing machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in vertical section of the beverage brewing machine of the present invention taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and illustrating the beverage brewing machine preparatory to a brewing cycle with the water tank partially full and a beverage producing material in the basket provided therefor;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged views of the encircled area of FIG. 2, illustrating the construction of the hydraulically operated discharge valve in greater detail;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2, illustrating -the vessel forming part of the floatoperated magnetically controlled valve means of the present invention, with the float removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the float-operated magnetically controlled valve means of the present invention, taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5 and illustrating the position of the various parts thereof prior to the initiation of a brew cycle of the machine;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6, illustrating the position of various parts of the magnetically controlled valve means'in an open position when water is being introduced into the machine;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrating the position of the various parts of the magnetically controlled valve means in the closed position; and

' FlG. 9 is one .form of electrical circuit which may be employed with the automatic beverage-brewing machine disclosed herein.

Referring now to'the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated an automaticbeverage brewing machine 10 which may be used for brewing coffee or the like. The beverage-brewing machine 10 includes a generally rectangular base portion 11 having aforward control panel 12. A plurality of adjustably mountedlegs 13 is provided in the base 11 for properly seating the machine on a counter top or the like.

Alower heating unit 14 is provided immediately below the upper surface of the base 1 1 and is disposed adjacent the front end thereof. Thelower heating unit 14 is adapted to receive an associated beverage receiving beaker thereon. Alighted switch 15 is provided on thecontrol panel 12 for controlling operation of thelower heating unit 14.

Themachine 10 further includes a lower housing designated generally as 16, defined by an upstandingfront wall 17, a pair of sidewalls l8 and arear wall 19. An upper housing is mounted on thelower housing 16 and includes the forwardly extendingsidewalls 21, afront control panel 22, arear wall 23, atop wall 24 and abottom wall 25. As seen in the drawings, theupper housing 20 is substantially coextensive in length to the base 11.

Thetop wall 24 of the upper housing is provided with anupper heating unit 26 disposed substantially adjacent to the front end thereof. Theupper heating unit 26 is provided with a centrally disposed thermal-responsive switch 27, amanual control switch 26 being provided on thefront control panel 22 for controlling operation of theheating unit 26. Apilot light 29 is also provided on thefront panel 22 and is energized when theswitch 28 is in an on" position. Acycle control switch 30 is also provided on thefront panel 22 of the upper housing, depression of theswitch 30 effecting operation of the machine in the manner hereinafter described. Thetop wall 24 of theupper housing 20 is further provided with an opening therein defined by anannular flange 31, (FIG. 2) which opening is normally closed by adomed cover 32 held in position by aplate 33 disposed below the top wall and a screw 34 holding the plate and cover 32 in engagement with the top wall.

Thebottom wall 25 of theupper housing 20 is provided with a raised portion within which is disposed adischarge head 35. the discharge head being connected to the hot water discharge system as hereinafter described. Thebottom wall 25 is also provided with a pair of longitudinally extending slides 36 (one only being shown), theslides 36 being provided to operably position abrew basket 37 below thedischarge head 35. In

operation, thebrew basket 37 is provided with a filter paper cup containing the beverage-producing material, in this case ground coffee as shown at 38. An associatedbeverage receiving beaker 39 is disposed on thelower heater 14 below the brew basket to receive the coffee extract flowing therefrom. The discharge head may be of the type illustrated and described in the copending application'of Peterson et al. Ser. No. 736,09l, filed .lune ll, I968, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,356, for Spray Discharge Head, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application; and thebrew basket 37 may be of the type illustrated and described in the copending application of Reynolds et al. Ser. No. 668,384, filed Sept. l8, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3,479,949 also assigned to the same assignee.

The upper and lower housings l6 and 20 cooperate to provide an enclosure for awater tank 40. Thewater tank 40 includes a bottom wall 4! and acylindrical sidewall 42, thetank 40 being disposed upon apartition 43 which is provided in thelower housing 16. The upper end of thewater tank 40 is provided with an outwardly turnedannular lip 44. Acover 45 is disposed over thetank 40, the cover having a downwardly extendingannular channel 46 formed thereon about the periphery thereof adapted to cooperate with theannular lip 44 on thewater tank 40, thereby to prevent lateral movement of thecover 45 relative to thewater tank 40. Thecover 45 is provided with a centrally disposed and upwardly extendingannular flange 47 which defines a centrally disposed opening therein adapted to receive the upper end of anupstanding tube 50 as hereinafter described.

Aheating coil 60 is disposed within thewater tank 40 substantially adjacent to the bottom wall 41 thereof, theterminals 61 of the heating 'coil 60 extending through the bottom wall 41 of the water tank and thepartition 43 in the lower housing for connection through a fuse 63 with suitable conductors (not shown) to a terminal block 63 carried below thepartition 43.

A temperature-responsive element orthermostat 65 is disposed within thewater tank 40, thelower end 66 of thethermostat 65 extending through aligned openings in the bottom wall 41 of the tank and thepartition 43 for connection to atank thermostat switch 67 in a conventional manner; The arrangement is such that water is thewater tank 40 isconstantly maintained at an elevated temperature. This makes it possible to promptly draw off a supply of hot water from the water tank for the purpose of making coffee extract in the-manner to be described.

Provision is made for automatically displacing a predetermined quantity of hot water from the upper portion of thewater tank 40 by introducing an equal amount of water,

preferably cold water, in the lower portion of the water tank;

theupstanding tube 50 being provided for this purpose. Theupper end 51 of thetube 50 is provided with a plurality of nibs (not shown) adapted to engage the upstandingannular flange 47 of thecover 45,'whereby thetube 50 is removably carried by the cover.

Thetube 50 extends downwardly within thetank 40, thelower end 52 thereof terminating near the bottom wall 41 of the tank. The upper end of thetube 50 is provided with a generallyrectangular notch 53 which begins below thecover 45 and extends upwardly beyond theflange 47. Thenotch 53 places the interior of thewater tank 40 in direct communication with atmosphere and provides for the escape of air from the upper end of thewater tank 40 whenhot water within the tank is upwardly displaced therein in response to the pouring of cold water through thetube 50. The upper end of thetube 50 is also provided with a plurality ofopenings 54 therein which permit the discharge of air from the tank and also permit water to flow out of thetube 50 and directly into the tank in the event water floods the tube and is prevented from entering the tank through the lower end ofthe tube.

In a typical construction of thetube 50, the tube itself is formed of stainless steel and is approximately 8% inches long and it has an outer diameter of approximately 1% inches, the wall thereof being approximately 0.035 inch thick. The

openings 54 are approximately one-quarter inch in diameter.

with the centers thereof being disposed approximately thirteen thirty-secondths of an inch below the upper end of the tube. The relatively large diameter of the tube provides twofold advantages: (1) it permits rapid'introduction of the cold water to the bottom of the tank without great turbulence and (2) any liming effect or buildup of scale on the inner wall thereof will not interfere with the flow of incoming water as in the case where a tube having a small'diameter is used.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, it will be seen that a foraminous or screenlike inlet cover 55 including an outerperipheral flange 56 is secured to thetank cover 45 by a plurality ofscrews 57. One sidewall 58 of theinlet cover 55 is provided with an annular flange 59 which receives one end of a delivery conduit of the water inlet system hereinafter described, the inlet cover serving as an air break for the water inlet system to prevent back siphonage into the inlet water line in the event of a malfunction therein, such air break being required by virtually all local ordinances.

Still referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that thecover 45 for thetank 40 also is provided with a float actuated switch mechanism designated generally as 70. Theswitch mechanism 70 includes afloat 71 disposed within thetank 40 and having an upwardly extendingfloat stem 72 secured thereto. The float stem 72 extends through an opening provided therefor in thetank cover 45. A generallyrectangular bracket 73 is rigidly affixed to thecover 45, the bracket having an opening therethrough which receives the float stem 72 so as to permit reciprocal movement of the float stern therein. Anarm 74 is rigidly secured to the float stem 72 within thebracket 73 and is movable therewith. The major portion of thearm 74 is disposed substantially normal to thestem 72, the outer end of thearm 74 being formed to provide a holding flange within which is disposed a horizontally extendingmagnet 75.

Downward movement of the float is limited byv engagement of thearm 74 with a generallyU-shaped bracket 76. Areed switch 77 is mounted within thebracket 76 and is operable in response to movement of themagnet 75 carried by thearm 74. Thereed switch 77 includes terminals (not shown) for connection to suitable conductors. TheU-shaped bracket 76 is held in position on thebracket 73 by ascrew 78 which extends through tabs formed on thebracket 73 and the laterally extending arms of thebracket 76, thebracket 76 being vertically adjustable relative to thecover 45 by rotation of thescrew 78, whereby the operative position of theswitch 77 can be adjusted. Thereed switch 77 may be of the type manufactured by Hamlin, Inc. as its switch number KRL-Z.

In operation, as the hot water rises within thetank 40 and engages thefloat 71, thefloat 71 will rise within the tank causing thestem 72 also to rise, thereby raising thearm 74 and themagnet 75 mounted therein. When the magnet moves about one-half inch above thereed switch 77, the reeds thercwithin will separate and thereby break the circuit through the switch. As the water level in the tank drops and thefloat 71 descends therein, themagnet 75 will approach the reeds of thereed switch 77, and, when the magnet is approximately one-fourth inch away, the magnetic force thereof will cause the reeds to close and again complete a circuit through theswitch 77. The float actuatedswitch mechanism 70 is provided to control an electrically operated water inlet valve for the machine in a manner hereinafter described, suffice it to say for now that when theswitch 77 is opened it breaks a circuit for the water inlet valve and terminates the input of cold water to the water tank.

The hot water discharge system for the machine also is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein it is seen that theside wall 42 of thewater tank 40 is provided with an opening therein which is disposed substantially below the upper end of the water tank and is adapted to receive and support adischarge block 80 therein, hot water being delivered from thetank 40 through thedischarge block 80.

Thedischarge block 80 includes a vertically disposedpassage 81 extending upwardly from thebottom surface 82 of the block and terminating as adischarge outlet 83 disposed normal to thepassage 81. Thedischarge outlet 83 extends through the opening in the side wall of thewater tank 40, arubber gasket 84 being disposed about thedischarge outlet 83 where it passes through the opening thereby to prevent water from leaking therebetween.

One end ofadischarge line 85 is connected to thedischarge outlet 83 of theblock 80, the other end thereof being connected to a first inlet of adischarge valve 100, the discharge outlet from thevalve 100 being connected to thespray discharge head 35. As illustrated, thedischarge head 35 is mounted in spaced relation to thewater tank 40 and is disposed below thedischarge block 80 in the side wall of the water tank, thedischarge head 35 being located below the upwardly deformed portion of thebottom wall 25 of theupper housing 20.

lt will be understood that upward displacement of hot water within thetank 40 causes hot water to rise in thepassage 81 until it reaches thedischarge outlet 83, at which time hot water will flow through thedischarge block 80. thedischarge line 85, the discharge valve 100 (when open) and thedischarge head 35 until the water level in the water tank drops below thelower surface 83 of the discharge block. When the water level drops below thelower surface 82 of the discharge block, to the level indicated as 90 in FIG. 2, thepassage 81 of the discharge block provides an air gap between thedischarge outlet 83 and thebottom surface 82 thereof which prevents the drawing off of additional water from thewater tank 40. The lowest portion of thedischarge outlet 83 and thelower surface 82 of the block are sufficiently spaced so that thepassage 81 accommodates the expansion of cold water being heated in the tank without drippage thereof through thedischarge outlet 83.

in a typical construction of thedischarge block 80, the block itself is molded of silicone rubber with a hardness of approximately 0.40 durometer, thepassage 81 has an inner diameter of approximately five-eighths inch, thedischarge outlet 83 and the discharge line each have an inner diameter of approximately five-sixteenths inch, and the lowest portion of thedischarge outlet 83 is disposed about eleven thirtysecondths of an inch above thebottom surface 82 of the block. Thepassage 81 is formed of a larger diameter than thedischarge outlet 83 to insure that a full stream of hot water enters theoutlet 83, whereas if thepassage 81 and theoutlet 83 were of complementary diameters, it is possible that air bubbles might be entrained therein.

Thedischarge block 80 is suitably positioned in theside wall 42 of the water tank so that the volumetric capacity of thewater tank 40 between thelower surfaces 82 of the discharge block and the actuated position of thefloat 71 is sufficient to receive at least about 60 ounces of water when the hot water in the water tank is displaced to the upper portion of the tank, as indicated by the dashed line in FlG. 1; the volumetric capacity of thetank 40 below thedischarge block 80 being about 6 quarts of water. By adjusting the float stem 72 in the manner heretofore described, the capacity of the upper portion of the tank can be varied by approximately :6 ounces.

The upper portion of the water tank above thedischarge block 80 is intended to have a capacity corresponding to that of the associatedbeaker 30, whereby the introduction of a predetermined quantity of cold water into thewater tank 40 will cause a substantially equal amount of hot water to be upwardly displaced therein and ultimately discharged as a beverage extract into thebeaker 30.

As noted, thedischarge line 85 is connected through the discharge valve to the-discharge head 35, thedischarge head 35 being adapted to spray hot water in a plurality of streams at substantially uniform flow rates and in a particular overall pattern over the material 36 in thebrew basket 37, thehead 35 being illustrated and described in the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 736,091, flied June 1 1, 1969, entitled SPRAY DISCHARGE HEAD.

Thedischarge valve 100 for controlling discharge of hot water from the tank 40is best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thevalve 100 includes a generally T-shapedhollow body 101; one end of the head of the T providing afirst inlet passage 102 adapted to be connected to thedischarge line 85, the opposite end thereof being formed substantially larger and defining a generallycylindrical chamber 103 therein. The branch of the T defines adischarge passage 104 which is adapted to be connected by aconduit 105 to the inlet side of thedischarge head 35.

An inlet fitting designated generally as is rigidly secured to thebody 101 and extends within thechamber 103 thereof. A plunger designated generally as carrying a molded valve seat thereon is disposed within thechamber 103 for reciprocal movement relative to the inlet fitting 110 and theinlet passage 102, theplunger 120 serving as a closure member which precludes flow offluidthrough passage 104 when the plunger is in a closed position.

To complete the description of thebody 101, it will be seen that theinlet passage 102 is provided with a first shoulder 106 formed therein immediately to the right of thedischarge passage 104. The inner wall of thebody 101 continues as a straight section for a short distance from the shoulder 106 and then tapers outwardly as at 107, terminating in asecond shoulder 108 which forms the inner end of thechamber 103. Theshoulder 108 is provided with an inwardly extendinglip 109 thereon. The various sections 106 through 109 cooperate with theplunger 120 and with thevalve seat 125 carried by the plunger to provide a relatively watertight seal between these parts so as to prevent leakage of fluid from thechamber 103 to theinlet passage 102, or in the opposite direction, thelip 109 providing a relativelysmall surface areaupon which thevalve seat 125 abuts, thereby to provide a good seal therebetween even under relatively low pressures.

The inlet fitting 110 is provided with an inlet passage 11! therethrough, the outer portion of the fitting 110 being adapted to be connected by an appropriate connector to abranch conduit 115 of the water inlet system hereafter described, whereby the inlet passage 111 is adapted to discharge water against thevalve seat 125 and into thechamber 103.

The inlet fitting 110 is provided with a firstannular flange 112 which seats within an appropriately provided recess formed in the end of thevalve body 101; the inlet fitting 110 being held in position by awasher 113 which overlies one portion of theflange 112. Thewasher 113 is held in position by ascrew 114 which engages an appropriately provided portion of thebody 101. The inlet fitting 110 includes a secondannular flange 116 at the inner end thereof, an O-ring 117 being disposed between theflanges 112 and 116 and thebody 101 so as to provide a suitable seal therebetween. The inner end of the fitting 110 is provided with a generallycylindrical recess 118 for reasons hereafter explained.

Theplunger 120 includes a generally cylindricalmain body portion 121 which is of a diameter only slightly less than the diameter of theinlet passage 102 and is movable therein. The plunger includes anannular base 122 formed thereon, thebase 122 being of a larger diameter than themain body portion 121. Theplunger 120 further includes a secondcylindrical portion 123 which extends outwardly from thebase 122. Thebase 122 and thecylindrical portion 123 are provided to receive and retain thevalve seat 125 thereon. Awasher 126 holds thevalve seat 125 on theplunger 120, thewasher 126 overlying thevalve seat 125 and being held in position by a plurality of retainingtabs 124 which are formed in thecylindrical portion 123 and which overlie thewasher 126, thereby to maintain thevalve seat 125 in firm engagement on theplunger 120. Thevalve seat 125 is provided with an annularpointed ridge 127, theridge 127 being provided so as to minimize the surface contact between thevalve seat 125 and the inner surface of inlet fitting 110, thereby to insure a good seal therebetween under relatively light pressures. The recessedportion 118 is formed in the inner end of the inlet fitting 110 to receive the retaining tabs formed on the plunger when the plunger is in the position shown in FIG. 3, whereby theridge 127 of the valve seat can engage the fitting 110.

Acompression spring 129 is disposed about themain body portion 121 of the plunger and extends between the lower surfaces of theannular base 122 and the first shoulder 106 formed in the valve body, thespring 129 acting to bias theplunger 120 to the right so that theseat 125 sealingly engages the inner end of the inlet fitting 110, thereby to prevent entry of water through the passage 111 of the inlet fitting and into thechamber 109.

In operation, when thedischarge valve 100 is in the normal open" position, with theplunger 120 to the right as shown in FIG. 3, hot water may flow from the water tank through thedischarge block 80, thedischarge line 85, into theinlet passage 102 thereof and out of thevalve 100 viaoutlet passage 104 andconduit 105 to the inlet of thedischarge head 35, whereupon it will be sprayed therefrom over the coffee grounds in thebrew basket 37.

Thedischarge valve 100 is operable to a closed position when theplunger 120 is biased to the left, as shown in FIG. 4, at which time themain body portion 121 of the plunger operates to seal off the inner end of theoutlet passage 104 and thereby prevent the flow of hot water therethrough. The discharge valve is operated to the closed position thereof by the pressure of cold water flowing throughconduit 115 into the inlet passage 111 of the inlet fitting 110 and against theseat 125, such pressure being developed by the inlet water system in the manner hereinafter explained.

In a typical construction, thevalve body 101 may be formed of a nylonmaterial sold underthetrade name Zytel 31; thevalve body 101 being approximately 2.187 inches in length with the center of thedischarge passage 102 thereof being disposed approximately 0.0l4 inch from the left-hand end of the valve body. The shoulder 106 defining the end of theinlet passage 102 is disposed at approximately the midpoint of the head portion of the body, and thepassages 102 and 104 are each five-sixteenths inch in diameter. Theshoulder 108 formed in the side wall of thebody 101 is disposed approximately 0.791 inches from the end of the body, thelip 108 being raised approximately 0.020 inches thereon; the taperedportion 107 being disposed at an angle of approximately 30 relative to the sidewall of the body, and the sidewall 01 the body defining thechamber 103 being approximately 0.640 inches in diameter.

The inlet fitting 110 is formed of yellow brass, the inlet passage 111 therein being approximately 0.109 inch in diameter. When the inlet fitting 110 is positioned within thechamber 103, the inner end thereof is disposed approximately 0.32 inch from theshoulder 108.

The plunger is also formed of nylon asZytel 31. Themain body portion 121 of the plunger is approximately 0.695 inch in length and is approximately 0.295 inch in diameter; thebase 122 thereof being approximately 0.065 inch in length and approximately 0.41 inch in diameter; thecylindrical portion 123 being approximately 0.l9 inch in length including the retainingtabs 124 and being approximately 0.190 inch in diameter. Thevalve seat 125 is formed of hard rubber such as BUNA-N and is approximately 0.65 inch in diameter and 0.187 inches in height, including theannular ridge 127 thereon. As illustrated in the drawings, thebody portions 121 and 123 ofthe plunger are hollow for molding purposes.

The water inlet system for the machine is illustrated in FIG. 2 and includes awater supply line 130 which is adapted to be connected to an available source of cold water. Thesupply line 130 is connected through anappropriate fitting 131 to the inlet side of an electrically controlledvalve 135, the outlet of thevalve 135 being connected through aconduit 136 to the inlet of a normally open float-operated magnetically controlledvalve 140, thevalve 140 forming part of the present invention.

Thevalve 140 is intended to operate as a safetyvalve so as positively to prevent the introduction of cold water to thewater tank 40 in the event of a malfunction of the electrically controlledvalve 135, or some other component of the system, which malfunction would cause overflow of water from thetank 40.

Aconduit 141 connects the outlet of the magnetically controlledvalve 140 to the inlet of aflow restrictor 145 through a T-shapedfitting 146. The fitting 146 has abranch outlet 147, to which is connected theconduit 115 which leads to the inlet fitting 110 of thedischarge valve 100. The flow restrictor 145 serves to regulate the output flow of water therethrough to a relatively uniform flow rate of approximately 1 gallon per minute, regardless of the inlet water pressure thereto. The flow restrictor 145 may be of the type manufactured by the Dole Valve Company as their model No. M-39.

The outlet end of theflow restrictor 145 has adelivery conduit 150 connected thereto which extends upwardly above thewater tank 40. The upper end of thedelivery conduit 150 is bent to provide a downwardly directedportion 151 which is disposed within the flanged opening 59 formed in the sidewall 58 of theinlet cover 55, thereby to discharge cold water into the upper end of thetube 60 where it flows by gravity to the lower end of thetank 40. By directing the water discharging from theconduit 150 toward the side of thetube 50 instead of directly downward, it is possible to minimize agitation of the hot water in the tank as the cold water is introduced.

The flow restrictor 145 causes the cold water to be discharged at a fairly uniform flow rate regardless of the incoming pressure thereto. When the pressure of the incoming water to the flow restrictor exceeds a certain value, back pressure is developed therein which causes some of the entering cold water to be diverted through thebranch 147 of the T fitting and through theconduit 115 to the water inlet passage 111 of thedischarge valve 100. The pressure of the water flowing through the passage 111 and against thevalve seat 125 causes theplunger 120 to move to the "closed" position thereof illustrated in FIG. 4, whereby themain body portion 121 of the plunger closes off thedischarge outlet 104 and prevents hot water from flowing therethrough. At this time thevalve seat 125 abuts against thelip 109 formed in thechamber 103 so as to prevent flow of cold water fromchamber 103 into thepassage 102.

A pressure of approximately I /2 p.s.i. is required to hold theplunger 120 in the closed" position thereof. This pressure will be developed when the line pressure to theflow restrictor l 45 is approximately p.s.i., whereby the minimum operating pressure for the machine using components of the type herein described is approximately 10 p.s.i. The back pressure created by theflow restrictor 145 generally increases in direct ratio to the increase in line pressure thereto.

In addition to providing the back pressure which controls thedischarge valve 100, theflow restrictor 145 also insures that the water will flow into the water tank at a substantially uniform rate, whereby the water inlet cycle for themachine 10 will be relatively constant. The flow restrictor 145 also prevents rapid flooding of the tank should the inlet supply of water be at a high pressure.

The water inlet system and the hot water discharge system cooperate to admit only a predetermined quantity of water to thetank 40. In normal operation, when the electrically controlledvalve 135 is energized, cold water flowsthrough thesupply line 130, thevalve 135,conduit 136,valve 140 and intoflow restrictor 145, wherein the back pressure created therein causes some of the incoming water to flow through theT passage 147 and thence through theconduit 115 so that it impinges upon and applies a constant pressure to theseat 125 of theplunger 120 in thedischarge valve 100, the pressure being sufficient to cause theplunger 120 to move to the closed position thereof.

Concurrently with the closing of thedischarge valve 100; cold water also flows out of theflow restrictor 145 through thedelivery conduit 150, whereupon it is discharged through theinlet cover 55 into the upper end of theupstanding tube 50. The incoming cold water flows downwardly through the tube .50 to the bottom of the tank and causes hot water contained therewithin to be upwardly displaced within the tank. As the hot water in the water tank rises some of it will flow through thedischarge block 80, thedischarge line 85 and into theinlet passage 102 of thedischarge valve 100. However, the pressure of the water flowing through thedischarge head 80 is equal only to the head pressure of that water'within the water tank which is disposed above thedischarge block 80. The head pressure of the water and the force of thecompression spring 129 on the left side of theplunger 120 are substantiallyless than the pressure of the cold water flowing throughconduit 115 and against theseat 125 of the plunger-120, whereby theplunger 120 remains closed and prevents the discharge of hot water through thevalve 100 and thedischarge head 35.

Because the hot water is prevented from flowing out of thewater tank 40 by thedischarge valve 100 while the electrically controlledinlet valve 135 is open, cold water continues to flow into the bottom of the tank causing the hot water in the tank to rise above thedischarge block 80 and to raise thefloat 71. The float stem 72 also rises and lifts themagnet 75 carried thereby away from thereed switch 77, whereby theswitch 77 opens to break the electrical circuit to thevalve 135 and thereby close same to prevent further introduction of cold water to the tank.

' through thevalve 120 via thedischarge passage 104. through 'theconduit 105 and through thedischarge head 35 and over -the coffee grounds disposed in thebrew basket 37. The water will continue to flow out of the discharge head until the water level within the tank drops to just below thebottom surface 82 of thedischarge block 80, as indicated at in FIG. 2, the air drawn into the tank through thenotch 83 and theopenings 54 in the upper end of thetube 50 providing an air gap in thepassage 82 so that the flow of hot water from the water tank positively terminates.

As heretofore noted, discharge of hot water from thetank 40 terminates when the water reaches the level 90 illustrated in FIG. 2. Because thebottom surface 82 of the block 90 is disposed below the discharge outlet 83'therein, the standby level of water within thetank 40 is normally disposed below thedischarge outlet 53, and, as previously described, the distance between thedischarge outlet 83 and thebottom surface 82 of theblock 80 is sufficient to'accommodate expansion of the cold water within the tank upon the heating thereof to prevent drippage of water through thedischarge outlet 83.

As previously noted, it is a primary object of the invention to provide an overflow control system for use in a beverage brewing machine of thetype herein described, the overflow control system serving positively to terminate the flow of cold water into thewater tank 40 in the event the amount of water therein exceeds a predetermined amount. To this end, the float-operated magnetically controlled valve means has been provided.

To operate the valve means 140 in the manner hereinafter described, thewater tank 40 is provided with anoverflow pipe 155, the upper end of the pipe being disposed at a 'predeterminedmaximum permissible water level within the tank. The pipe 155'extends through the bottom wall 41 of thetank 40 and thepartition 43 for discharge into anoverflow vessel 160, the vessel being secured to thepartition 43. Theoverflow pipe 155 is held in position within the water tank 40' by a pair. ofnuts 156 which are threaded thereon and are disposed on opposite sides of the bottom wall'41.

The float-operated magnetically controlled valve means 140 of the'present invention is best illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 and includes avessel 160 comprising a generallycylindrical sidewall 161 and abottom wall 162. Thesidewall 161 is provided with a vertically extendingpocket 163 integrally formed therein, (FIG. 5), thepocket 163 receiving the lower end of theoverflow pipe 155 as illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6. Thepocket 163 is formed in thesidewall 161 in a manner such that a vertically extendingpassage 164 is provided between the pocket and the interior of thevessel 160, thepassage 164 permitting water to flow from the overflow pipe and the pocket into the vessel proper.

Thebottom wall 162 ofthe vessel is provided with a firstupturned portion 165 which cooperates with aseparate valve casing 180 to provide achamber 166 therebetween. Thebottom wall 162 is' further provided with a secondupturned portion 167 in the form ofa cylinder, the internal surface thereof defining a vertical guide passage for aplunger 190 disposed therein. Theupturned portion 167 defining the guide passage terminates in anupper stop member 168 which limits upward movement of theplunger 190 therein. As shown in FIG. 5, an outwardly extendingtab 169 is provided on thevessel side wall 161 whereby thevessel 160 is secured to thepartition 43 of the beverage brewer.

Afloat 170 is disposed within thevessel 160 and includes a generallycylindrical sidewall 171, atop wall 172 and abottom wall 173. The diameter of thefloat 170 is only slightly less than the inner diameter of thevessel 160, whereby theside wall 161 of the'vessel serves as a guide surface for the float. Thebottom wall 173 of the float is provided with anupturned portion 174 within which is disposed apermanent magnet 175, the magnet being heat staked to the float as at 176. The float normally assumes the position illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 wherein themagnet 175 abuts thestop position 168 of the vessel, the float being movable away from the stop member upon the introduction ofwater into the vessel.

As previously noted, a valve casing is secured to thebottom wall 162 of the vessel, the casing being held in position by a plurality ofscrews 181 which are threaded into appropriately provided thickened portions of thebottom wall 162 of the vessel. Thecasing 180 is provided with a threadedinlet passage 182 which is adapted to be connected by an appropriate fitting to theconduit 136, and a threadedoutlet passage 183 which is adapted to be connected to theconduit 141 which leads to theflow restrictor 145. A centrally located portedvalve seat 184 is provided in the casing between the inlet andoutlet passages 182 and 183 respectively.

As previously noted, thevalve casing 180 and the firstupturned portion 165 of the bottom wall of thevessel 160 cooperate to define achamber 166 therebetween. Extending across the chamber is aflexible diaphragm 185 of rubber or the like which is engageable with thevalve seat 164 for effecting a closed valve condition. Thediaphragm 185 includes amain body portion 186 for engagement with thevalve seat 184 and is provided with a relatively flexibleannular portion 187 which terminates in a peripheral bead whereby the diaphragm is mounted between the vessel bottom wall and the valve casing in a manner which provides a fluid tight connection therebetween. Thediaphragm 185 divides thechamber 166 into upper and lower compartments 166U and 166L, respectively.

Thediaphragm 185 has a centrally located aperture 188 therein and a pair ofside apertures 189 disposed along the flexible annular portion thereof, the central aperture 188 being located over thevalve seat 184 and being substantially larger than theapertures 189 which are exposed to theinlet passage 182 at all times.

As previously noted, aplunger 190 is disposed within the guide surface defined by thewall portion 167 of the vessel, theplunger 190 having a pointed tip at 191 which is engageable at the lower end of movement thereof with thediaphragm 185 to close off-or seal the central or discharge aperture 188 therein, as illustrated in FIG. 8. p

' Theplunger 190 is formed of magnetic stainless steel and in the absence of water within thevessel 160, so that thefloat 170 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the magnetic field of attraction between themagnet 175 and themagneticplunger 190 is sufficient to maintain theplunger 190 in an open" position of engagement with thestop portion 168.

In operation, when the electrically operatedvalve 135 is opened to permit waterto flow therethrough, the water will flow through theconduit 136 into the inlet passage 1820f the valve-140. The water will then flow through the side apertures- 189 in the diaphragm 185'and out the central or discharge aperture 188 thereof. Because the discharge aperture 188 is substantially larger than theside apertures 189, the water passing through the side apertures into the upper compartment 166U flows out of the central or dischargeaperture 168 as fast as it enters so as to provide a lower pressure in the upper compartment. The inlet pressure on the lower side of thediaphragm 185 thereby is able to raise thediaphragm 185 off of the portedseat 184 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7, whereby the major portion of the water flow is directed beneath the diaphragm 1'85 and directly out of theoutlet passage 183 and through the rest of the water inlet system heretofore described.

In the event ofa malfunction which results in an incomplete closing of the electrically controlledvalve 135, or a malfunction in thefloat mechanism 70, the water within the tank will rise until it exceeds the height of theoverflow pipe 155, whereupon excess water will flow through thepipe 155 into thepocket 163 of thevessel 160 and through thepassage 164 between the pocket and the vessel side wall so as to cause thefloat 170 to rise therein. As the water continues to enter and the float continues to rise, themagnet 175 moves away from theplunger 190 which is limited in upward movement by thestop portion 163 of the bottom wall. Theplunger 190 will remain in position until the magnetic field of attraction between it and themagnet 175 is weakened to a point where themagnet 175 can no longer hold theplunger 190 in its upper or "open" position. When this occurs, theplunger 190 drops immediately into the lowermost position thereof as in-' dicated in FIG. 8, thereby closing the discharge passage 196 of the diaphragm.

Upon the closing of the central or discharge aperture 198 by engagement of theplunger 190 therewith as described, the inlet water passing through theside apertures 189 immediately builds up substantial pressure within the upper compartment 166U sufficient to exert a differential downward force upon thediaphragm 185 so as to cause an immediate snap action closing of the main body portion of the diaphragm into watertight engagement with thevalve seat 184, thereby positively to terminate the flow of water out of theoutlet passage 183 and through the various components into thewater tank 40. it will be appreciated that even though the inlet flow of water to the machine is terminated theplunger 190 remains in a closed position until such time as the pressure caused by the incoming water throughinlet passage 192 is relieved;

When the cause of the malfunction has been terminated, the water within the vessel is removed via adrain opening 192 in thebottom wall 162 thereof, an appropriate threaded plug (not shown) being provided to seal the drain opening during normal operation. When excess water drains out of the vessel, the float drops to the position illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the magnet rests against thestop'portion 163 of the bottom wall. When the back pressure in theinlet passage 182 is relieved, the magnetic field betweenthemagnet 175 and themagnetic plunger 190 causes the plunger to rise to the open position illustrated in FIG. 6. g

[n a typical embodiment, thevessel 160 is formed of nylon such as Zytel' 31 and has an inner diameter of approximately 1 29/32 inches and an overall length of 4 inches; thestop portion 168 of the bottom wall being disposed approximately 0.70

inch from the bottom surface of the bottom wall; the first upturned portion being disposed approximately 0.265 inch from the lower surface of the bottom wall; the inner diameter of the secondupturned portion 167 defining the guide surface being approximately 0.437 inch, thediameter of the'first upturned portion being approximately 0.825 inch. The float is approximately 1 27/32 inches in diameter and is approximately l% inches in height. Themagnet 175 is about 0.750 inch in diameter and 0.375 inch in height, the magnet'being formed of a material such lndox l. Theplunger 190 is approximately 0.468 .inch in length, from the upper end to the bottom of thetip 191 thereof, thetip 191 being approximately 0.093 inch in length. The plunger is formed of stainless steel type430F which is magnetized after machining. The-valve casing and diaphragm are of the type included in the valve sold by the Dole Valve Company as its Model 5-30 valve.

The upper end of theoverflow pipe 155 is disposed about-8 21/32 inches from the bottom wall of the tank, the upper end of the pipe being disposed about three-sixteenths inch above the uppermost adjustable limit of movement of thefloat 71, in which case the tank can receive approximately 6 ozs. of water in excess of the maximum predetermined amount which the float will normally admit before causing thevalve 135 to close. Using a vessel and float having the dimensions given, the vessel will receiveapproximately 2 12 ounces of overflow water before the float is raised sufficiently high (about one-fourth inch) to cause the plunger to drop and terminate flow'of water through thevalve 140.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that thevalve 140 will operate to the closed position thereof upon the introduction into thewater tank 40 of a quantity of water is excess of the predetermined quantity admitted for brewingpurposes. Furthermore, thevalve 140 is simple in both operation and construction, including a minimum of moving parts, namely thefloat 170,diaphragm 185 andplunger 190. Moreover, by forming the bottom wall of the vessel in the manner disclosed, the vessel may be combined with component valve parts currently available, the bottom wall of the vessel providing one wall of the chamber for the diaphragm and also the guide surface for the plunger, while permitting direct operation of the permanent magnet carried by the float on the plunger.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a typical electrical circuit for thebeverage brewing machine 10, the input to the electrical circuit of FIG. 9 being on a pair of line conductors designated as A and B and connected through suitable switches and fuses (not shown) to a suitable 115volt 60 cycle AC supply.

As illustrated, abranch conductor 200 is connected to the line conductor A, theconductor 200 being connected to a first terminal of the float actuatedreed switch 77, the second terminal of theswitch 77 being connected through aconductor 201 to one terminal of afirst switch 202 ofa double pole, double throw relay, designated generally as 203. Theswitch 202 is normally disposed in the position shown in FIG. 8 wherein it contacts a dead terminal 204 in therelay 203. When the relay is energized as hereinafter described theswitch 202 is caused to move to a second position thereof wherein it engages acontact 205 of therelay 203, thecontact 205 being connected through aconductor 206, to a first terminal of therelay coil 207, the second terminal of therelay coil 207 being connected to the line conductor B, thereby to provide a holding circuit through the relay.

Thebranch conductor 200 is also connected to one terminal of the manually operatedswitch 30, theswitch 30 having two operative positions. Theswitch 30 is normally in the position shown in FIG. 8 where it engages contact 208 thereof, contact 208 being connected by theconductor 209 to one terminal ofasecond switch 210 in therelay 203.

When theswitch 30 is depressed by the operator it momentarily engages thesecond contact 211 thereof which is connected throughconductor 206 to thecoil 207 as previously described, whereby depression of theswitch 30 causes therelay 203 to be energized, causingswitch 202 therein to close and provide the holding circuit for the relay.

Thesecond switch 210 in the relay is normally in the position shown in FIG. 8, wherein it engages adead contact 212 in the relay; energization of therelay 203 causing theswitch 210 to move to a second position thereof wherein it engagescontact 213 in the relay, contact 213 in the relay being connected by aconductor 214 to the coil 215 of the solenoid operatedwater inlet valve 135, the second terminal of the coil 215 being connected to the line conductor B.

When theswitch 30 is closed to engagecontact 211, a completed circuit is provided through the line conductor A,conductor 200,switch 30,conductor 206,relay coil 207 and line conductor B. At this time therelay 203 is energized and causesswitches 203 and 210 to engagecontacts 205 and 213 respectively. When therelay 202 is energized a holding circuit therefor is completed throughconductor 200, float operatedswitch 77,conductor 201,switch 202, contact 205,conductor 206,relay coil 207 and line conductor B.

Theswitch 30 is a momentary type switch which is normally spring biased so that after it completes the circuit throughconductor 200 is returns to the position shown in FIG. 8. At this time a circuit is also completed throughconductor 200,switch 30,conductor 209,switch 211, contact 215,conductor 214 and the coil for thevalve 135, whereby cold water is allowed to flow through the water inlet system as previously described.

When the hot water in the water tank reaches the maximum predetermined level therein, indicated as 95, the float actuatedswitch 77 opens to deenergizerelay 203, thereby causing theswitch 210 to engage thedead contact 212 in the relay and thus deenergize thecoil 15 to prevent further introduction of cold water to the hot water tank.

Also as illustrated, the conductor A is connected to one terminal of atank thermostat switch 67, the other terminal of thethermostat switch 67 being connected through aconductor 221 to one terminal of theheating coil 60 for thewater tank 40. The second terminal of thecoil 60 is connected to the conductor B. The operation of theheating unit 60 under control of thethermostat switch 67 is fairly conventional, theswitch 67 being closed to provide a circuit through theheating coil 60 when the temperature of the water within the tank drops below a preselected value.

As previously noted, theupper heating unit 26 is controlled by both a thermostatically controlledswitch 27 and amanual switch 28, one terminal of theswitch 27 being connected to the main conductor A and the other terminal thereof being connected to aconductor 222 which in turn is connected to one terminal of the manually controlledswitch 28. The other terminal of themanual switch 28 is'connected to aconductor 223, one terminal of thepilot light 29 being connected to one branch of theconductor 223 and theupper heating unit 26 also having one terminal connected to theconductor 223. The other terminal of thepilot light 29 is connected to the line conductor B; similarly, the other terminal of theheating element 26 is also connected to the line conductor B.

Theupper heating unit 26 is used to maintain a previously brewed beaker of coffee at a predetermined temperature. In operation, the beaker containing the brewed coffee is placed on theupper heating unit 26, and themanual control switch 26 is closed. If the brewed beverage within the beaker is already at the predetermined temperature, thethermostatically controlledswitch 27 will remain open so as to open the circuit through theheating element 26, theswitch 27 remaining open so long as the beverage is at the predeterminedtemperature. As the beverage within the beaker cools belowthe predetermined temperature, thethermostatically controlledswitch 27 closes to complete the circuit through theline conductor A, theswitch 27, theconductor 222, theswitch 29, theconductor 223, theupper heating unit 26, thepilot light 29 and the line conductor B, thereby to energize theheating unit 26 so as to heat the beverage within the beaker. When the temperature of the beverage in the beaker reaches the predetermined value, the thermostatically controlledswitch 27 opens to break the circuit and deenergize theheater 26. The preferred temperature at which the beverage should be maintained by theheating unit 26 is l 5 F.

One terminal of theswitch 15 for thelower heater 14 is also connected to the main conductor A, a second terminal of theswitch 15 being connected through a conductor 224 to one terminal of a light 225, the second terminal of the light 225 being connected to the line conductor B. A third terminal of theswitch 15 is connected through aconductor 226 to one terminal of theheating element 14, the other terminal of theheating element 14 being connected to the main conductor B, whereby closing of theswitch 15 causes both the heating element l4 and the light 225 to be energized.

In operation, it will be assumed that thewater tank 40 is initially filled with water to the level indicated at in FIG. 2 and that thetank heater 60 under the control of thetank thermostat 65 is energized to bring the water within the tank to a predetermined temperature, thethermostat switch 67 being closed and opened in such manner as to maintain the temperature of the water in thewater tank 40 in the neighborhood of l9 lt4 F.

When it is desired to cause coffee extract to flow into thebeaker 39 the latter is positioned on theheating element 14 and thecontrol switch 15 is closed to energize theheating element 14 and also to cause the indicating light 225 for the switch to be energized. A supply of fresh ground coffee is placed in a cup of filter paper within thebrew basket 37. Thebasket 37 is then inserted below thedischarge head 35.

The manualcycle control switch 30 is then momentarily depressed causing therelay 203 to be energized in the manner heretofore described, energization of the relay causing theswitch 210 therein to complete a circuit through the coil 215 of the inlet valve and thereby causing cold water to flow through thewater inlet valve 135, the magnetically controlledvalve 140, the flow restrictor and through the delivery conduit into the upper end of thetube 50. The cold water flows directly through thetube 50 into the lower portion of thewater tank 40 thereby-causing hot water contained therein to be upwardly displaced in thetank 40.

Concurrently therewith, theflow restrictor 145 develops a back pressure which causes some of the entering cold water to flow through theconduit 115 to the inlet passage 111 of thedischarge valve 100, the inlet water pressure causing theplunger 120 in thevalve 100 to move to the closed position thereof as illustrated in FIG. 4. When thevalve 100 is in the closed position thereof hot water is prevented from discharging from thewater tank 40 through thedischarge block 80.

As the hot water continues to rise in thewater tank 40, thefloat 71 will eventually rise therewith until such time as themagnet 75 carried by thearm 74 moves sufficiently far away from thereed switch 77 to permit the reed switch to open, thereby deenergizing therelay 203 and the coil 215 for thewater inlet valve 135.

When thewater inlet valve 135 is deenergized and the inlet flow of water terminated, there is no longer back pressure developed by the flow restrictor 14S, whereby the force of thespring 129 and the head pressure of the hot water in theinlet passage 102 are sufficient to cause theplunger 120 to move to the discharge position thereof as illustrated in FIG. 3, at which time hot water can flow through thedischarge block 80, thedischarge line 85, thedischarge valve 100 and thedischarge head 35 to be sprayed over the ground coffee in thebrew basket 37, until all of the hot water in the upper portion of the water tank flows out of the discharge water line and the water level in the water tank reaches the standby position 90 therein, at which time the brewing cycle is completed.

Using a tank having a fill" capacity of approximately 60 ounces and using a flow restrictor which introduces water to the tank .at the rate of approximately 1 gallon per minute, it will take approximately 30 seconds to fill the tank with the predetermined quantity of cold water. It will then take approximately 2 minutes to discharge a like quantity of hot water from the tank through the discharge block, the discharge valve and the discharge head, and approximately another 1% minutes for the hot water to completely filter through'the coffee grounds in the brew basket for discharge into the beaker, whereby the total elapsed time for a brewing cycle isapproximately 3% minutes to 4 minutes.

lt will be apparent from the foregoing that thedischarge valve 100 and the float actuatedswitch mechanism 70 cooperate with thewater inlet valve 135 in a unique manner, the discharge valve being operable in response to operation of thewater inlet valve 135 to prevent discharge of hot water from the tank while thevalve 135 is open to introduce cold water into the tank, whereupon upward displacement of hot water in the tank to a predetermined level therein is effective to close the inlet water valve.

Because the volumetric capacity of the tank between the lower end of thedischarge block 80 and the actuating position of the float is substantially constant, only a predetermined quantity of cold water can be introduced to the machine during each cycle, and, because of the location of the discharge block in the tank sidewall, only that predetermined quantity of cold water which is admitted to the tank will be discharged as hot water therefrom. By providing predetermined amounts ofground coffee 38 on the disposable filter cup in thebrew basket 37 and by maintaining the temperature of the water in thewater tank 40 at a predetermined value, it is possible to make the coffee extract under identical controlled conditions for each brewing cycle.

Furthermore, the overflow control provided by theoverflow pipe 155 and the float-operated magnetically controlled.valve 140 insure that in the event of a malfunction in the machine which results in the introduction of a quantity of water in excess of the predetermined quantity, the flow of input water to the machine will positively terminate.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What we claim is:

l. A fluid control system comprising, in combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with said tank for discharging fluid therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into said tank when said first valve means is in an open position, means for operating said first valve means to an open position, means for operating said first valve means to a closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into said tank, and magnetically controlled valve means disposed in said fluid inlet means and having a normally open position permitting fluid to flow therethrough and into said tank so long as said first valve means is in the open position and having a closed position preventing the flow of fluid to said tank, said magnetically controlled valve means being operable to said closed position thereof in response to the introduction into said tank of a quantity of fluid in excess of said predetermined quantity, thereby positively to terminate the flow of fluid to said tank regardless of the position of said first valve means.

2. The fluid control system set forth in claim 1, wherein said first valve means comprises an electrically controlled valve.

3. The fluid control system set forth in claim 2, wherein said magnetically controlled valve means is disposed in said water inlet means downstream of said electrically controlled valve.

4. The fluid control system set forth in claim 1, wherein said discharge means includes means operative to prevent discharge of fluid from said tank until said predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced therein.

5. A fluid control system comprising, in combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with said tank for discharging fluid therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into said tank when said first valve means is in an open position, means for operating said first valve means to said open position, means for operating said first valve means to a closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into said tank, an overflow line connected to said tank for directing excess fluid from said tank, a vessel positioned to receive fluid from said overflow line, a float disposed in said vessel and operative between upper and lower positions of operation in response to the introduction of fluid from said overflow line into said vessel, said float carrying first magnetic means thereon, a casing having an inlet and an outlet secured to said vessel, said vessel and said casing defining a chamber therebetween, apertured means disposed within said chamber between said inlet and outlet, second magnetic means disposed within said chamber between said vessel and said apertured means and being reciprocally movable between an obstructing position of engagement with said apertured means for preventing the flow of fluid through the aperture thereof at substantially one end limit of movement thereof and a nonobstructing position at substantially the opposite end limit of movement thereof permitting the flow of fluid therethrough when said first valve means is in the open position, said first magnetic means carried by said float being operative to maintain said second magnetic means in the nonobstructing position thereof only so long as said float is in the lower position thereof, whereby the introduction of a quantity of fluid into said tank in excess of said predetermined quantity causes excess fluid in said tank to flow into said vessel and to move said float to the upper position thereof and thereby cause said second magnetic means to shift to the obstructing position thereof so as positively to terminate flow of fluid through said fluid inlet means into said tank.

6. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said sidewall of said vessel includes a verticallyextending pocket formed therein for receiving the lower end of said overflow line and a passage in said side between said pocket and said vessel whereby water from said overflow line enters said vessel from the sidewall thereof and thereby does not interfere with upward movement of said float.

7. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said vessel and said float and said casing are all formed of a nonmagnetic material.

8. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said bottom wall of said vessel includes means integrally formed therein defining a guide surface for said second magnetic means and stop means integrally formed therein for preventing said second magnetic means from moving with said first magnetic means carried by said float when said float rises in response o t e i t cti n wat tinw i esse CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,596,675 Dated August 3 1971 ln t fls) Harvey R. Krueger and Arthur A. Morgan It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 1,line 53, after "automatic" insert beverage brewing machine having a positive displacement Col. 3,line 19, "26" should be 28line 74, "63" should be 62 Col. 5,line 13, "KRL-Z" should be MRL-Z Col. 6,line 20, "Fig. 1" should be Fig. 2

line 28, "30 should be 39line 32, "30" should be 39line 37, "36" should be 38line 39, 1969" should be 1968 Col. 7, lines 45-46, "surfaces should besurface line 51, "109" should be 103line 75 "0 014" should be 0. 814

Col. 8,line 6, "0. 791" should be 0.781

line 16, "0.32 should be 0.52

line 55, "M-39" should be M-38 Col. 10, line 4, "83" should be 53 RM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE $969 D-35$-334 Patent No.

Page 2 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Dated August 3 1971 Inventor(s) Col. 10, line line Col. 11, line line Col. 12, line line line

line

Col. 13, line line Col. 14, line line line

line

Col. 16,

Signed and Harvey R. Krueger and It is certified that error appears and that said Letters Patent are hereby Arthur A. Morgan in the above-identified patent corrected as shown below:

"90" should be 80 "53" should be 83 168" should be 188 "163" should be 168 198" should be 188 "192" should be 182 "163" should be 168 "is" should be in "is" should be it after "coil" insert 215 "26" should be 28 "29" should be 28 "x" should be -i "side" should be side wall sealed this 6th day of June 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD I LFLETCER, JR.

Attesting Officer ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 e u s covznnuzm Pmmms OFFICE: Iss9 0-366-334

Claims (8)

1. A fluid control system comprising, in combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with said tank for discharging fluid therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into said tank when said first valve means is in an open position, means for operating said first valve means to an open position, means for operating said first valve means to a closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into said tank, and magnetically controlled valve means disposed in said fluid inlet means and having a normally open position permitting fluid to flow therethrough and into said tank so long as said first valve means is in the open position and having a closed position preventing the flow of fluid to said tank, said magnetically controlled valve means being operable to said closed position thereof in response to the introduction into said tank of a quantity of fluid in excess of said predetermined quantity, thereby positively to terminate the flow of fluid to said tank regardless of the position of said first valve means.

2. The fluid control system set forth in claim 1, wherein said first valve means comprises an electrically controlled valve.

3. The fluid control system set forth in claim 2, wherein said magnetically controlled valve means is disposed in said water inlet means downstream of said electrically controlled valve.

4. The fluid control system set forth in claim 1, wherein said discharge means includes means operative to prevent discharge of fluid from said tank until said predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced therein.

5. A fluid control system comprising, in combination, a tank for holding fluid therein, discharge means associated with said tank for discharging fluid therefrom, fluid inlet means including first valve means for introducing fluid into said tank when said first valve means is in an open position, means for operating said first valve means to said open position, means for operating said first valve means to a closed position after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been introduced into said tank, an overflow line connected to said tank for directing excess fluid from said tank, a vessel positioned to receive fluid from said overflow line, a float disposed in said vessel and operative between upper and lower positions of operation in response to the introduction of fluid from said overflow line into Said vessel, said float carrying first magnetic means thereon, a casing having an inlet and an outlet secured to said vessel, said vessel and said casing defining a chamber therebetween, apertured means disposed within said chamber between said inlet and outlet, second magnetic means disposed within said chamber between said vessel and said apertured means and being reciprocally movable between an obstructing position of engagement with said apertured means for preventing the flow of fluid through the aperture thereof at substantially one end limit of movement thereof and a nonobstructing position at substantially the opposite end limit of movement thereof permitting the flow of fluid therethrough when said first valve means is in the open position, said first magnetic means carried by said float being operative to maintain said second magnetic means in the nonobstructing position thereof only so long as said float is in the lower position thereof, whereby the introduction of a quantity of fluid into said tank in excess of said predetermined quantity causes excess fluid in said tank to flow into said vessel and to move said float to the upper position thereof and thereby cause said second magnetic means to shift to the obstructing position thereof so as positively to terminate flow of fluid through said fluid inlet means into said tank.

6. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said sidewall of said vessel includes a vertically extending pocket formed therein for receiving the lower end of said overflow line and a passage in said side between said pocket and said vessel whereby water from said overflow line enters said vessel from the sidewall thereof and thereby does not interfere with upward movement of said float.

7. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said vessel and said float and said casing are all formed of a nonmagnetic material.

8. The fluid control system set forth in claim 5, wherein said bottom wall of said vessel includes means integrally formed therein defining a guide surface for said second magnetic means and stop means integrally formed therein for preventing said second magnetic means from moving with said first magnetic means carried by said float when said float rises in response to the introduction of water into said vessel.

Images