IP Library Granted Patent US 9,049,959
Granted Patent B2
US 9,049,959 · App. 12/879,793 · Granted Jun 9, 2015

Coffee makers

Inventors: Marcos Jimenez (Charles Town, WV); Brad Beyer (Sterling, VA)
Assignee: The Richards Corporation
A47J31/44A47J31/46
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,049,959
App. No.
12/879,793
Granted
Jun 9, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.

Claims (20)

1. A coffee maker configured for use on board an aircraft, comprising:

(a) a water reservoir;

(b) a water fill drawer that directs water poured into the drawer to the water reservoir,

(c) a first track system on which the water fill drawer cooperates,

(d) an internal, secure closure system for securing the water fill drawer when closed, the closure system positioned along the first track system or at a rear of the coffee maker,

(e) a second track system with side rails positioned below the first track system,

(f) a coffee basket permanently secured to the coffee maker along the second track system; and

(g) a steam duct that is separate from a water delivery line that delivers water from the reservoir to the coffee basket for brewing, the steam duct mounted above and not in contact with water located in the coffee basket and the water reservoir and that traps steam built up in the coffee basket and directs the steam to the water reservoir for condensing.

2. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the water fill drawer comprises a grate.

3. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the secure closure system comprises a spring detent feature, a flat spring latch, or a push/push latch.

4. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the water fill drawer cooperates with the track system at a downward angle such that water entering the water fill drawer is directed via gravity back toward a water reservoir of the coffee maker.

5. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the steam duct comprises a heat exchanger component.

6. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the coffee basket comprises a separate insert portion having angled side surfaces and an injector positioned on its lower surface, the injector comprising a recessed water release portion, such that when the insert is positioned within the coffee basket, the injector presses into a pre-packaged coffee bag.

7. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the coffee basket comprises a rotating hinge.

8. The coffee maker of claim 7 , wherein the coffee basket is configured to be pulled horizontally out on the coffee basket track system and rotated sideways on the rotating hinge.

9. The coffee maker of claim 1 , further comprising: a lower water sensor system that senses a low water condition and activates a shut off feature.

10. The coffee maker of claim 9 , comprising a low water float.

11. The coffee maker of claim 1 , further comprising a drip stop valve comprising one or more curved levers.

12. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the coffee basket is used in conjunction with an insert, the insert comprising an injector that contacts a coffee bag and delivers water thereto.

13. The coffee maker of claim 1 , wherein the steam duct comprises a fan.

Assignments (4)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 27, 2021
From: THE RICHARDS CORPORATION
To: SAFRAN CABIN STERLING INC.
Reel/Frame 055126/0192 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 30, 2015
From: MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LLC
To: THE RICHARDS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 035534/0180 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 13, 2015
From: MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, INC.
To: MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 035421/0292 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 8, 2010
From: JIMENEZ, MARCOS; BEYER, BRAD
To: MAG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, INC. D/B/A MONOGRAM SYSTEMS
Reel/Frame 025321/0650 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61276426 · Sep 11, 2009
Related Publication 20110061542A1 · Mar 17, 2011