Abstract:
A brew module for use with a refrigerator appliance is provided. The brew module includes a brewing body and a pivotally attached lid that together define a brew chamber configured to receive a brew pod. A lower needle is positioned at the bottom of the brew chamber and an upper needle is slidably received within the lid. Pivoting the lid to the closed position forces the lower needle to pierce the brew pod first, thereby relieving any built up pressure. Thereafter, a moving water supply tube drives the upper needle downward to pierce a top cover of the brew pod along a substantially vertical direction, thus minimizing the size of the pierced hole in the top cover. The brew module thus facilitates an improved seal with the brew pod, reduces the risk of clogging the upper needle, and prevents the ejection of brew pod contents.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to single serve beverage dispensers for use in refrigerator appliances. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Refrigerator appliances can include a dispensing assembly for directing ice from the refrigerator&#39;s ice maker and/or liquid water to the dispensing assembly. A user can activate the dispensing assembly to direct a flow of ice or liquid water into a cup or other container positioned within the dispensing assembly. Liquid water directed to the dispensing assembly is generally chilled or at an ambient temperature. However, certain refrigerator appliances also include features for dispensing heated liquid water that can be used to make hot beverages, such as coffee or tea. 
         [0003]    In some cases, users may desire only a single serving of a hot beverage, and some refrigerator appliances may include a dispensing assembly with features for utilizing single serve brew pods to dispense single serve beverages. For example, a conventional dispensing assembly may include a brew module having a brew chamber for receiving brew pods. Such brew pods typically contain a substance for creating a beverage, such as, e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, or the like, when water is passed through the brew pod. 
         [0004]    Conventional brew modules include a lower needle positioned in the bottom of the brew chamber and a stationary upper needle extending from a lid which is pivotally attached to the brew module. Each needle defines holes through which liquid may flow. Closing the lid causes the upper and lower needles to pierce the top and bottom of the brew pod, respectively, such that water may flow through the brew pod to create the beverage which is dispensed to the user. 
         [0005]    However, as the lid closes on conventional brew modules, the stationary upper needle moves on a circular path with a relatively small radius. The motion of the upper needle tears an oval hole in the top cover of the brew pod, which requires a larger sealing surface. Due to the orientation of the upper needle and the location of the water supply holes in the upper needle, contents of the brew pod may be forced into water supply holes as the needle is inserted into the brew pod. 
         [0006]    In addition, the brew pod initially sits on top of the lower needle and is forced down onto the lower needle as the lid is pivoted to the closed position. Therefore, as the lid pivots toward the closed position, the upper needle often pierces the brew pod before the lower needle pierces the brew pod. Notably, brew pods are commonly pressurized. Therefore, when the upper needle pierces the brew pod first, contents of the brew pod may be ejected into the upper needle. In addition, due to the larger oval hole in the top of the brew pod, brew pod contents can also be ejected from the brew module. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance that includes improved features for dispensing single serve beverages would be useful. More specifically, single serve beverage dispensing assemblies for refrigerator appliances that improve the seal with the brew pod, reduce the risk of a clogged upper needle, and prevent the ejection of brew pod contents would be particularly beneficial. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present subject matter provides a brew module for use with a refrigerator appliance. The brew module includes a brewing body and a pivotally attached lid that together define a brew chamber configured to receive a brew pod. A lower needle is positioned at the bottom of the brew chamber and an upper needle is slidably received within the lid. Pivoting the lid to the closed position forces the lower needle to pierce the brew pod first, thereby relieving any built up pressure. Thereafter, a moving water supply tube drives the upper needle downward to pierce a top cover of the brew pod along a substantially vertical direction, thus minimizing the size of the pierced hole in the top cover. The brew module thus facilitates an improved seal with the brew pod, reduces the risk of clogging the upper needle, and prevents the ejection of brew pod contents. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber and a door being rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber. The door defines a dispenser recess and a dispensing assembly is positioned within the dispenser recess and includes a moving water delivery tube configured to move substantially along the vertical direction between a retracted position and an extended position. A brew module is removably mounted to the dispensing assembly. The brew module includes a brewing body defining a brew chamber configured to receive a brew pod, the brewing body defining an outlet and including a lower needle. A lid is configured to seal the brew pod within the brew chamber. The lid defines an inlet configured to receive a flow of water from the moving water delivery tube to mix with contents of the brew pod to create a beverage. An upper needle assembly includes an upper needle attached to a drive member, the drive member being slidably received within the lid and configured to move in a vertical direction between a retracted position and an extended position. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment, a beverage dispensing assembly for use with a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly including a moving water delivery tube and defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The beverage dispensing assembly includes a brewing body defining a brew chamber configured to receive a brew pod, the brewing body defining an outlet and comprising a lower needle. A lid is configured to seal the brew pod within the brew chamber, the lid defining an inlet configured to receive a flow of water from the moving water delivery tube to mix with contents of the brew pod to create a beverage. An upper needle assembly includes an upper needle attached to a drive member, the drive member being slidably received within the lid and configured to move in a vertical direction between a retracted position and an extended position. 
         [0011]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  provides a front, elevation view of a dispensing assembly of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of a brew module that may be used with the exemplary dispensing assembly of  FIG. 2 , with a lid shown in the closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of the exemplary brew module of  FIG. 3 , with the lid shown in the open position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of the exemplary brew module of  FIG. 3 , with the lid exploded for clarity. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary brew module of  FIG. 3 , with the lid shown in the open position and a brew pod being inserted. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  provides a close-up cross sectional view of the exemplary brew module of  FIG. 3 , with the lid shown in the closed position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  provides a schematic cross sectional view of the exemplary brew module mounted to the exemplary dispensing assembly of  FIG. 2 , with the moving water delivery tube shown in the retracted position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  provides a close-up view of the exemplary dispensing assembly of  FIG. 2 , with a moving water delivery tube shown in the extended position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  provides a schematic cross sectional view of the exemplary brew module mounted to the exemplary dispensing assembly of  FIG. 2 , with the moving water delivery tube shown in the extended position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  provides a cross sectional view of a drive assembly which may be used in the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1  for extending and retracting a moving water delivery tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  provides a close-up cross sectional view of an exemplary brew module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, with the lid shown in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  provides a schematic cross sectional view of the exemplary brew module of  FIG. 12  being mounted to a dispensing assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a cabinet or housing  120 . Housing  120  extends between an upper portion  101  and a lower portion  102  along a vertical direction V. Housing  120  defines chilled chambers, e.g., a fresh food compartment  122  positioned adjacent upper portion  101  of housing  120  and a freezer compartment  124  arranged at lower portion  102  of housing  120 . Housing  120  also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system for cooling fresh food compartment  122  and freezer compartment  124 . 
         [0028]    Refrigerator appliance  100  is generally referred to as a bottom-mount refrigerator appliance. However, it should be understood that refrigerator appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Thus, the present subject matter is not limited to refrigerator appliance  100  and may be utilized in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that the present subject matter may be used with side-by-side style refrigerator appliances or top-mount refrigerator appliances as well. 
         [0029]    Refrigerator doors  128  are rotatably hinged to housing  120  proximate fresh food compartment  122  in order to permit selective access to fresh food compartment  122 . A freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator doors  128  for accessing freezer compartment  124 . Freezer door  130  is mounted to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably coupled within freezer compartment  124 . 
         [0030]    Refrigerator appliance  100  may also include a dispensing assembly  140  for dispensing various fluids, such as liquid water and/or ice, to a dispenser recess  142  defined on one of refrigerator doors  128 . Dispensing assembly  140  includes a dispenser  144  positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance  100 , for example, within dispenser recess  142 . Dispenser  144  includes several outlets for accessing ice, chilled liquid water, and heated liquid water. To access ice, chilled liquid water, and heated liquid water, water-dispensing assembly  140  may for example include a paddle  146  mounted below a chilled water outlet  150 , an ice outlet  152 , and a heated water outlet  154 . 
         [0031]    To operate dispensing assembly  140 , a user can urge a vessel, such as a cup, against paddle  146  to initiate a flow of chilled liquid water, heated liquid water and/or ice into the vessel within dispenser recess  142 . In particular, a control panel or user interface panel  160  may be provided for controlling the mode of operation of dispenser  144 , e.g., for selecting chilled liquid water, heated liquid water, crushed ice and/or whole ice. User interface panel  160  can include a chilled water dispensing button (not labeled), an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) and a heated water dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting between chilled liquid water, ice and heated liquid water, respectively. User interface panel  160  may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user. 
         [0032]    Outlets  150 ,  152 , and  154  and paddle  146  may be an external part of dispenser  144 , and are positioned at or adjacent dispenser recess  142 , e.g., a concave portion defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door  128 . Dispenser  144  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or liquid water, e.g., enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer compartment  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser  144  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
         [0033]    Operation of the refrigerator appliance  100  can be regulated by a controller  162  that is operatively coupled to user interface panel  160  and/or various sensors as discussed below. User interface panel  160  provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance  100  such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or other various options. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel  160  or sensor signals, controller  162  may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance  100 . Controller  162  may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance  100 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  162  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
         [0034]    Controller  162  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, controller  162  is located within the user interface panel  160 . In other embodiments, the controller  162  may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance  100 , such as for example within a fresh food chamber, a freezer door, etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  162  and various operational components of refrigerator appliance  100 . For example, user interface panel  160  may be in communication with controller  162  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
         [0035]    As illustrated, controller  162  may be in communication with the various components of dispensing assembly  160  and may control operation of the various components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller  162 . As discussed, interface panel  160  may additionally be in communication with the controller  162 . Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller  162  instruction. 
         [0036]    Refrigerator appliance  100  also includes features for generating heated liquid water and directing such heated liquid water to dispenser  144 . Thus, refrigerator appliance  100  need not be connected to a residential hot water heating system in order to supply heated liquid water to dispenser  144 . Features of such a water heating assembly (not shown) may include, for example, a variety of water supplies, hot water tanks, heating elements, temperature sensors, and control valves to heat water from a well or municipal water supply, store the heated water, and supply the heated water to dispenser  144 . 
         [0037]    Dispensing assembly  140  is preferably capable of providing heated water at various temperatures depending on the type of beverage being brewed. For example, when brewing ground coffee, water for brewing is preferably heated to between one hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit and one hundred and ninety degrees Fahrenheit. However, according to alternative embodiments, dispensing assembly  140  may be adjusted to provide water for making beverages at any suitable temperature. 
         [0038]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , dispensing assembly  140  may include a moving water delivery tube  170  for supplying heated water from the water heating assembly to dispenser  144 . Moving water delivery tube  170  may be any suitably rigid conduit or piping that is configured for moving in a substantially vertical direction V. More specifically, moving water delivery tube  170  may extend between a retracted position where it is retracted within dispenser  144  and an extended position where it protrudes downward along the vertical direction V away from dispenser  144  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, moving water delivery tube  170  is a vertically oriented stainless steel tube that extends into and provides heated water to a brew module, as described in detail below. 
         [0039]    Referring now briefly to  FIG. 11 , a drive assembly  180  which is configured for extending and retracting moving water delivery tube  170  will be described. According to the illustrated embodiment, drive assembly  180  includes an electric drive motor  182  that is operably coupled with a worm gear  184  via a shaft  186 . A plastic rack gear  188  is molded onto moving water delivery tube  170  and is configured to engage worm gear  184 . Worm gear  184  and moving water delivery tube  170  with plastic rack gear  188  are mounted within a drive housing  190 . Drive housing  190  is configured for ensuring that worm gear  184  and plastic rack gear  188  remain engaged while allowing moving water delivery tube  170  to move along the vertical direction V. A flexible tube  192  may be fluidly coupled to the rigid moving water delivery tube  170 , e.g., for providing hot water from refrigerator appliance  100 . An appliance controller, e.g., controller  162 , may be configured for selectively operating drive motor  182  to rotate worm gear  184  and extend or retract moving water delivery tube  170 . Although drive assembly  180  is described above as comprising an electric motor and a geared rack and pinion arrangement, it should be appreciated that other mechanisms for extending and retracting moving water delivery tube  170  are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0040]    Referring now generally to  FIGS. 2 through 7 , dispensing assembly  140  includes a brew module  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Brew module  200  is mountable within dispenser recess  142  such that brew module  200  is in fluid communication with moving water delivery tube  170  when mounted within dispenser recess  142 . Thus, heated water from the water heating assembly may flow into brew module  200  via moving water delivery tube  170 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 3 and 4  provide perspective views of brew module  200  in the closed position and the open position, respectively. Brew module  200  may include a body  202  that defines a brew chamber  204 . Brew chamber  204  may be a substantially cylindrical chamber that is configured to receive a brew pod  206 , as discussed below with respect to  FIG. 6 . A lid  208  is pivotally attached to body  202  with a hinge  210  to permit selective access to brew chamber  204 . More specifically, lid  208  is pivotable between a closed position ( FIG. 3 ) and an open position ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 , brew module  200  includes an upper needle assembly  220 , which includes an upper needle  222  positioned proximate a top of brew chamber  204 . In addition, brew module  200  includes a lower needle  224  positioned proximate a bottom of brew chamber  204 . Needles  222 ,  224  are each configured for piercing brew pod  206  and may define one or more channels and/or apertures for passing liquid through needles  222 ,  224 . For example, upper needle  222  may define a flow channel  226  and one or more water supply holes  228 . As will be described below, flow channel  226  and water supply holes  228  are configured for supplying heated water from moving water delivery tube  170  into brew pod  206  to facilitate the brewing or beverage making process. Similarly, lower needle  224  may define a flow channel  230  and one or more apertures  232  through which liquid may pass out of brew pod  206 . 
         [0043]    In addition, brew module  200  defines an outlet chamber  240  and an outlet  242  through which beverage may be dispensed from brew module  200 . Flow channel  230  and holes  232  of lower needle  224  place brew chamber  204  and outlet chamber  240  in fluid communication such that brewed beverage may drain from brew chamber  204  and flow out of brew module  200 . According to the illustrated embodiment, brew module  200  may further include a vent  244  positioned within the outlet chamber  240 , for example, to prevent a vacuum from being created within outlet chamber  240  and allow liquid to flow smoothly out of outlet  242 . 
         [0044]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that brew module  200  is used only for the purpose of explaining certain aspects of the present subject matter. Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. For example, different chamber configurations may be used, alternative needles geometries are possible, and other changes may be made as well while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0045]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 6 , upper needle assembly  220  and its interaction with brew pod  206  will be described in more detail. As illustrated, upper needle  222  may be attached to a drive member  250  which is slidably received within lid  208 . More specifically, drive member  250  (and thus upper needle  222 ) is configured to move in a vertical direction V between a retracted position and an extended position when installed on dispenser  144 . In other words, drive member  250  is configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface  252  of lid  208 . 
         [0046]    Drive member  250  may be a cylindrical member that is slidably received in a cylindrical channel  254  defined within lid  208 . A mechanical spring  256  may be placed between a bottom lip  258  of cylindrical channel  254  and an annular groove  260  defined by drive member  250 . In this manner, mechanical spring  256  urges drive member  250  and upper needle  222  toward a retracted position. More specifically, when drive member  250  is in the retracted position, drive member  250  is in contact with top surface  252  of lid  208  and upper needle  222  is retracted entirely within lid  208 . Although drive member  250  is illustrated as being urged toward the retracted position by mechanical spring  256 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that other means for retracting upper needle  222  are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, any suitable resilient member may be used to urge drive member  250  and upper needle  222  toward the retracted position. 
         [0047]    Referring still to  FIG. 6 , a cross sectional view of brew pod  206  being placed in brew module  200  is provided. Brew pod  206  is generally a container which contains or is fillable with a predetermined amount of brewing contents, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, or the like. The brewing contents are mixed with water to create a beverage that is dispensed to the user. According to some embodiments, brew pod  206  may also include a filter (not shown) positioned within brew pod  206  and configured for filtering brewing contents, such as coffee grounds or tea leaves. Brew pod  206  may be a single-use pod or a reusable pod. A top cover  270  of brew pod  206  may enclose an opening of brew pod  206 . Top cover  270  may be pierced, e.g., with upper needle  222 . In particular, the top cover  270  may be formed from a suitable foil material, such as aluminum foil, e.g., when brew pod  206  is a single-use pod. Similarly, a bottom  272  of brew pod may be pierced, e.g., with lower needle  224 . Brew pod  206  may additionally include a lip  274 , which may facilitate placing the brew pod  206  in brew module  200 . 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , as brew pod  206  is placed in brew chamber  204 , it typically sits on top of lower needle  224 , i.e., bottom  272  of brew pod  206  is not yet pierced. As best shown in  FIG. 8 , when lid  208  is pivoted to the closed position, it forces brew pod  206  downward along the vertical direction onto lower needle  224  which pierces bottom  272 . Notably, while lid  208  is being closed, upper needle  222  remains in the retracted position, such that top cover  270  of brew pod is not pierced. As described briefly above, by piercing bottom  272  first, any built up pressure within brew pod  206  may be relieved without potentially ejecting contents of brew pod  206  and clogging upper needle  222 . 
         [0049]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , lid  208  may further include an outer seal  280  that extends around and forms a seal with a peripheral edge of top cover  270  of brew pod  206  when lid  208  is in the closed position. According to the exemplary embodiment, outer seal  280  may be a resilient cylindrical gasket that may include one or more ridges for ensuring a proper seal with top cover  270  of brew pod  206 . Outer seal  280  ensures that heated water supplied into brew pod  206  does not leak into brew chamber  204 . 
         [0050]    After lid  208  is closed and brew pod  206  is pierced on bottom  272  by lower needle  224 , drive member  250  and upper needle  222  are driven down into top cover  270  of brew pod  206 . Notably, because upper needle  222  is moved toward the extended position only after lid  208  is in the closed position, upper needle  222  is vertically oriented, and the pierced hole in top cover  270  is approximately the same diameter as upper needle  222 , thus providing at least a partial seal between upper needle  222  and top cover  270 . 
         [0051]    In addition, as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , upper needle assembly  220  may further include an inner seal  282  that is attached to upper needle  222 . Similar to outer seal  280 , inner seal  282  may extend around upper needle  222  and form a seal with top cover  270  of brew pod  206 . Inner seal  282  is placed closer to upper needle  222  and only engages top cover  270  when drive member  250  and upper needle  222  are in the extended position. According to the exemplary embodiment, inner seal  282  may be a resilient cylindrical gasket that may include one or more ridges for ensuring a proper seal with top cover  270  of brew pod  206 . Inner seal  282  acts as a redundant, or secondary, seal for ensuing that heated water supplied into brew pod  206  does not leak into brew chamber  204 . 
         [0052]    According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , moving water delivery tube  170  is used to provide the driving force necessary to overcome the force of mechanical spring  256  and urge the drive member  250  and upper needle  222  downward to pierce top cover  270  of brew pod  206 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when brew module  200  is installed in dispenser  144 , an inlet  284  defined in top surface  252  of lid  208  is in vertical alignment with the vertically oriented moving water delivery tube  170 . Dispenser  144  is configured for extending moving water delivery tube  170  downward along the vertical direction into inlet  284 . 
         [0053]    As illustrated, drive member  250  defines a cylindrical channel  290  configured to receive an upper seal  292 . Upper seal  292  is configured to provide a fluid seal between moving water delivery tube  170  and drive member  250  when moving water delivery tube  170  is in the extended position. According to the illustrated embodiment, upper seal  292  includes a resilient sleeve  294  and a resilient flange  296  that extends inwardly along a radial direction from resilient sleeve  294 . In this manner, upper seal  292  forms both a radial seal between a side of moving water delivery tube  170  and resilient sleeve  294  and a face seal between an end of moving water delivery tube  170  and resilient flange  296 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that other seal configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0054]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present subject matter, drive member  250  may be urged toward the extended position using alternate means. For example, drive member  250  may define a first beveled surface  300  that extends upwardly along the vertical direction V from top surface  252  of lid  208  when drive member  250  is in the retracted position (as illustrated). In addition, a bottom surface  302  of dispenser  144  may further define a second beveled surface  304  that is configured to engage first beveled surface  300  when brew module  200  is mounted onto dispenser  144 . More specifically, as brew module is installed onto dispenser  144 , beveled surfaces  300 ,  304  engage each other to urge drive member  250  and upper needle  222  downward along the vertical direction, thereby piercing top cover  270  of brew pod  206  in a similar manner as described above. In this manner, moving water delivery tube  170  does not need to exert a force sufficient to urge drive member  250 , but instead only needs to move down into engagement with upper seal  292 . 
         [0055]    Once brew pod  206  is received in brew module  200  and brew module  200  is inserted into dispenser, moving water delivery tube  170  provides heated water into brew pod  206 . The heated water may mix with contents within brew pod  206 , and the brewed beverage may then flow from brew module  200  into, for example, a container or cup (not shown) typically placed within dispenser recess  142  below brew module  200 . 
         [0056]    As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , dispensing assembly  140  further includes features for mounting brew module  200  to dispenser  144 . For example, dispenser  144  may define a plurality of flanges  310  that extend down from dispenser  144  and toward each other. Body  202  of brew module  200  defines corresponding slots  312  on either side that are configured to receive flanges  310 . In this manner, a user may slide brew module  200  into engagement with dispenser and flanges  310  may hold brew module  200  in place while dispensing the beverage. Although a slot/flange arrangement is described herein, one skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable means of mounting brew module  200  to dispenser  144  may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, dispenser  144  may define a tray that is configured to receive and secure brew module  200 , different slot and flange configurations are possible, or other mechanical means of securing brew module  200  to dispenser  144  may be used. 
         [0057]    Referring back briefly to  FIG. 2 , dispensing assembly  140  also includes a sensor  320 , e.g., positioned proximate dispenser  144 . Sensor  320  detects and/or is triggered when brew module  200  is positioned proximate or on sensor  320 . Sensor  320  may be any suitable sensor for detecting brew module  200 . As an example, sensor  320  may be a plunger switch and/or other suitable mechanical switch that engages brew module  200  (e.g., a surface feature on brew module  200 ). As another example, sensor  320  may be a Hall effect sensor or magnetic reed switch that is triggered by a magnetic field from brew module  200  (e.g., a magnet on brew module  200 ). As yet another example, sensor  320  may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader that reads an RFID tag on brew module  200 . Sensor  320  may be utilized to detect or determine when brew module  200  is mounted within dispenser recess  142 . 
         [0058]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.