Patent ID: 7163126
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: A47J,G01F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlled beverage dispensing in a beverage maker, the apparatus comprising: a controller for controlling operation of at least a portion of the beverage maker; a liquid reservoir; an inlet tube communicating with the liquid reservoir; a constant line pressure source communicating with the inlet tube; an inlet valve communicating with the inlet tube positioned between the constant line pressure source and the liquid reservoir and coupled to the controller; a level sensor associated with the liquid reservoir to detect at least one beverage level in the liquid reservoir, the level sensor being coupled to the controller; an outlet tube communicating with the liquid reservoir; an outlet valve communicating with the outlet tube and coupled to the controller; and the controller operating the outlet valve to remain open for a time period, the time period being a longer of an initial time period and an extension time period, the extension time period being the sum of the initial time period and one or more refill periods.