Patent Publication Number: US-2016220061-A1

Title: Pump Operated Beverage Maker

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/613,682, filed Feb. 4, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to a beverage maker, and more particularly, to a pump operated beverage maker. 
     Typical hot beverage makers are generally steam operated or pump operated. One advantage of pump operated beverage makers is that the internal pressure of the system can be better regulated by the beverage maker&#39;s control system. Conventional air pump operated beverage makers, however, may continue dispensing a heated beverage if a user opens the beverage maker&#39;s lid/cover while the air pump is running, which may lead to injury, e.g., burn injury, from heated liquid being sprayed onto the user. 
     Some manufacturers have attempted to address this potentially hazardous situation by employing a solenoid that electronically opens and closes a pressure release valve in the beverage maker. The solenoid is programmed to open the pressure release valve whenever the lid of the beverage maker is opened, to quickly release the pressure within the system, thereby preventing further dispensing of the heated beverage or a spray of hot liquid. One drawback of such a setup, however, is that if the electronics of the beverage maker are compromised, or malfunction, in any manner, the solenoid may not properly operate to electronically open the pressure release valve. Accordingly, the beverage maker may not stop dispensing the heated beverage as intended and spray of hot liquid may occur. Another drawback of such a setup is that a solenoid is a relatively expensive component, the cost of which is ultimately imparted onto the consumer. 
     Therefore, it would be advantageous to employ a more cost effective, mechanical solution for releasing the pressure within the system, unrelated to the beverage maker&#39;s electronic circuitry, for preventing further dispensing of a heated beverage or accidental spray of the hot liquid if the lid of the beverage maker is opened during operation of the air pump. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker comprises a body housing a reservoir therein for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage and a hot liquid generator (HLG) having an inlet, an outlet and a tank. The inlet of the HLG is connected to the reservoir for receiving liquid into the tank. The body further houses at least one heater in thermal communication with liquid in the HLG tank, a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG, a pump fluidly connected with the HLG tank for displacing liquid out of the tank outlet to the discharge port, a controller configured to actuate the at least one heater and the pump, and a switch electrically coupled with the controller and the pump. 
     The switch is biased into an “off” position, to maintain the pump in an inoperable condition, and is actuatable into an “on” position, placing the pump in an operational condition. A pressure release valve is in fluid communication with at least the pump and the HLG tank, and is biased into one of an open position for releasing pressure within the tank therethrough and a closed position for preventing the release of pressure within the tank therethrough, and is actuatable into the other of the open and closed positions. A cover is movably attached to an upper end of the body and is movable between an open position, to provide access to the reservoir, and a closed position, closing the upper end. The cover mechanically actuates the switch into the “on” position and mechanically actuates or releases the pressure release valve into one of the open and closed positions, upon movement of the cover to the closed position thereof. The cover releases the switch for return into the “off” position and mechanically actuates or releases the pressure release valve into the other of the open and closed positions, upon movement of the cover from the closed position toward the open position. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker comprises a reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage, and a HLG having an inlet, an outlet and a tank. The inlet of the HLG is connected to the reservoir for receiving liquid into the tank. At least one heater is in thermal communication with liquid in the HLG tank and a discharge port is in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG. A pump is fluidly connected with the HLG tank for displacing liquid out of the tank outlet to the discharge port. The beverage maker further includes a vent tube having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being proximate a base of the HLG tank and the upper end extending out of a top end of the HLG tank to an upper end. The vent tube includes a vent valve at the upper end thereof, the vent valve being biased into an open position, and further includes a vent orifice proximate the top end of the HLG tank, such that air may escape from the HLG tank through the vent tube via at least one of the lower end of the vent tube and the vent orifice and pass through the vent valve, as liquid is received into the HLG tank from the reservoir. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment of a beverage maker which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front perspective view of a beverage maker according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of certain components of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged top, front perspective view of an upper portion of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , with a cover of the beverage maker in a partially open position; 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic block circuit diagram between a controller and an air pump of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , with a switch therebetween in the off position; 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic block circuit diagram between the controller and the air pump of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , with the switch therebetween in the on position; 
         FIG. 4A  is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 1 , with an embodiment of a pressure release valve engaged by the cover; 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 1 , with an alternative embodiment of a pressure release valve engaged by the cover; 
         FIG. 5A  is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 1 , with the cover in the open position and a metering valve in the closed position; 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 1 , with the cover in the closed position and a metering valve in the open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional left side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 1 , showing a floatation member and floatation stem for indicating an amount of liquid in the hot liquid generator; and 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional left side elevational view of the beverage maker of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 1 , with the cover in the closed position and a basket cover sealingly engaging the basket. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the beverage maker, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the disclosure, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-7  a beverage maker, generally designated  10 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage maker  10  is intended or designed for preparing a beverage from foodstuff (not shown) to be consumed by a user. The foodstuff is preferably inserted into at least a portion of the beverage maker  10  in a dry or generally dry state. Following completion of preparation of the beverage, any moist or saturated foodstuff remaining in the beverage maker  10  is preferably removed and either recycled or discarded. 
     Although the beverage maker  10  may be generally referred to as a “coffeemaker,” wherein coffee is prepared from coffee grounds, the beverage maker is preferably capable of making other beverages from extractable/infusible foodstuff as well, such as tea leaves, hot chocolate powder, soup ingredients, oatmeal, and the like. Thus, the beverage maker  10  is versatile because it may be used to create and/or prepare any one of a variety of different types of beverages from a variety of different types of foodstuff. More specifically, the beverage maker  10  preferably heats a liquid, such as water, to a sufficient temperature to be combined with or poured over the foodstuff to create a hot beverage (or even a cold beverage if poured over ice). 
     The beverage maker  10  of the preferred embodiment prepares a beverage of a single-serving size (which is up to approximately sixteen ounces of prepared beverage), although it is envisioned that, in alternative embodiments, the beverage maker  10  may be operative with smaller or larger serving sizes (e.g., a pot or carafe) as well. Depressing an on/off button (not shown) of the beverage maker  10  preferably initiates an operating cycle, and subsequent depressing of the on/off button preferably ends the operating cycle. The phrase “operating cycle” is broadly defined herein as a period of time when the beverage maker  10  is first activated to when the beverage is fully prepared and the beverage maker  10  is deactivated either by itself or by a user depressing the on/off button. As should be understood, the beverage maker  10  is not limited to including solely an on/off button. For example, additional buttons, knobs, switches, levers (not shown) and/or a control panel may be added to the beverage maker  10  to allow the user increased control over the functionality and/or operation of the beverage maker  10 . 
     The beverage maker  10  includes a housing or body  12  for enclosing and protecting internal components of the beverage maker  10 , as described in detail below. The body  12  and/or any components thereof may be constructed from any polymer, metal or other suitable material or combinations of materials. For example, an injection molded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material could be employed, but the body  12  may be constructed of nearly any generally rigid material that is able to take on the general shape of the body  12  and perform the functionality of the body  12  described herein. The body  12  may be generally or completely or partially opaque, translucent or transparent. The body  12  includes a recess  14  that is sized, shaped and/or configured to receive and/or support at least a portion of cup, pot, carafe, travel mug, vessel or other receptacle (not shown) for receiving a beverage that exits the beverage maker  10 . The beverage preferably flows, drips or otherwise accumulates in the receptacle, which is subsequently removed from the recess  14  by a user prior for consumption of the beverage. 
     The beverage maker  10  preferably allows a user to create a beverage from foodstuff in any one of a variety of different forms or states. For example, the beverage maker  10  may be used to make a hot beverage from loose grounds or leaves. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the body  12  includes funnel  62  oriented above the recess  14 , through which a beverage is dispensed. The funnel  62  includes a basket  64  having an open upper end  64   a  for receiving loose foodstuff grounds or the like, as will described in further detail below. The basket  64  may include a filter (not shown) or be configured to receive a conventional or specialized filter to facilitate infusion of the loose grounds with the liquid. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the beverage maker  10  may be used to make a beverage from grounds or leaves packed in a generally soft packet (i.e., a flexible “pod” or a bag), or grounds or leaves packed in a generally hard container/cartridge  72  (shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ). The cartridge  72  may include a generally rigid body and a cap or foil top removable therefrom. For example, the cartridge  72  may be a conventional K-CUP®, a rigid pod, or any other structure that is capable of holding or storing foodstuff. As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the funnel  62  includes a cartridge holder  66 , for receiving a cartridge  72  therein. The cartridge  72  is preferably removably insertable into the cartridge holder  66 . As should be understood, however, the funnel  62  may accommodate both the basket  64  and the cartridge holder  66 , e.g., the shell  66  being removably supported within the basket  64 , such that a user may select whether to utilize loose grounds with the basket  64  or grounds contained with a cartridge  72  with the cartridge holder  66 . 
     The beverage maker  10  further includes a cover  16  movably, e.g., hingedly or otherwise pivotably, attached to an upper end of the body  12 . The cover  16  is movable between an open position ( FIG. 3A ) to provide and allow access to the interior of the body  12 , including access to the funnel  62  for inserting foodstuff therein, and a closed position ( FIG. 1 ), closing the upper end of the body  12 , as described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of various components of the beverage maker  10 , enclosed by the body  12 , to illustrate the flow of fluid therethrough. As shown, the body  12  includes a reservoir  18  for receiving a liquid inserted by the user, to be used for preparing a beverage, when the cover  16  is moved into the open position. The term “reservoir” is broadly used herein throughout as a body, cavity, or conduit that holds a volume of liquid, either temporarily or for an extended period of time. The reservoir  18  is preferably sized, shaped and/or configured to receive at least an amount of liquid that is suitable for at least a single-serving size (up to approximately sixteen ounces). However, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the reservoir  18  may alternatively be sufficiently sized to receive an amount of liquid that is capable of filling an entire carafe of approximately one liter or greater, for example. 
     An outlet  18   b  is formed in a lower portion of the reservoir  18 , and at least a portion of a bottom wall of the reservoir  18  may be slanted or sloped to direct liquid within the reservoir  18  toward the outlet  18   b . The body  12  further includes a lot liquid generator (HLG)  20  having a HLG tank  20   a  for receiving liquid. At least one heater  22  is in thermal communication with liquid in the HLG tank  20   a.    
     The HLG tank  20   a  is, for example, a boiler or the like. However, the HLG  20  need not be a tank and may instead be in the form of a generally U-shaped, tubular, aluminum extrusion, or the like. The heater  22  is preferably located outside of and in contact with the HLG tank  20   a  to heat the liquid therein. However, the heater  22  may also be located inside the HLG tank  20   a  in direct or indirect physical contact with the liquid. The HLG tank  20   a  preferably includes an inlet  20   b  (i.e., upstream side) and an outlet  20   c  (i.e., downstream side). The inlet  20   b  of the HLG tank  20   a  is fluidly connected to the outlet  18   b  of the reservoir  18  via a fill tube  19 , for receiving liquid therefrom. The phrase “fluidly connected” is broadly used herein as being in direct or indirect fluid communication. 
     The beverage maker  10  further includes an inlet check valve  24  positioned in the fill tube  19  between the reservoir  18  and the HLG tank  20   a . Liquid flows from the reservoir  18  to the HLG tank  20   a , e.g., via gravity, through the inlet check valve  24 . The inlet check valve  24  prevents liquid from flowing back out of the inlet  20   b  of the HLG tank  20   a  toward the reservoir  18 . The inlet check valve  24 , and any other check valves described herein, may be any type of one-way valve, such as a silicone flapper, a ball-type valve, a diaphragm-type valve, a duckbill valve, an in-line valve, a stop-check valve, a lift-check valve, or the like. 
     A discharge port  26 , attached to the movable cover  16  ( FIGS. 3, 5B, 7 ) and movable therewith, is in fluid communication with the HLG  20  via the outlet  20   c  thereof, and is located above, and in fluid communication with the funnel  62 , having foodstuff therein. A discharge or riser tube  28  fluidly connects the outlet  20   c  of HLG tank  20   a  to the discharge port  26 . A check valve  30 , similar to the check valve  24 , is located proximate the discharge port  26  to prevent fluid flow back into the discharge tube  28  and the HLG tank  20   a.    
     The discharge port  26  may include one or more relatively small or narrow internal passageway(s). At least a portion of an outlet end of the discharge tube  28  may be slanted or sloped to direct liquid toward the discharge port  26 . A lower tip of the discharge port  26  may be sharp or pointed for piercing a cartridge  72  in the funnel  62 , when present. Thus, in embodiments where a cartridge  72  is used and properly inserted into the cartridge holder  66  in the funnel  62 , an interior of the cartridge  72  is fluidly connected to the discharge port  26 . More specifically, the motion of closing the cover  16  brings the pointed end of the discharge port  26  into contact with the top or cap  72   c  of the cartridge  72 , such that the tip or distal end of the discharge port  26  at least partially pierces or is otherwise inserted into the cap  72   c  of the cartridge  72 . 
     As should be understood, prior to being inserted into the funnel  62 , the cartridge  72  may be air-tight. However, once the cartridge  72  is properly inserted into the cartridge holder  66  in the funnel  62  and the cover  16  is closed, at least two spaced-apart holes are preferably formed or present in the cartridge  72 . A first hole  72   a  exists by or at the discharge port  26  piercing or being inserted into the cartridge cap  72   c . Thus, the first hole  72   a  is preferably formed in an upper end or cap  72   c  of the cartridge  72 . The first hole  72   a  can be formed by moving the cover  16 , and thus the lower tip of the discharge port  26 , with respect to the generally stationary funnel  62 , into the closed position. A second hole  72   b  is present or is formed preferably in or near a lower end of the cartridge  72  and vertically below foodstuff grounds within the cartridge  72 . The second hole  72   b  can be formed during and/or after the cartridge  72  is properly inserted into the cartridge holder  66 . The second hole  72   b  allows the infused beverage to leave the cartridge  72  for dispensing into a receptacle. 
     Liquid may exit the discharge port  26  at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the discharge port  26 . In particular, liquid may exit the discharge port  26  at an angle between approximately thirty and ninety degrees (30°-90°) with respect to a longitudinal, i.e., major, axis of the body  12 . However, liquid may alternatively exit the discharge port  26  in a manner that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body  12 . Other geometric arrangements may also be suitable. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the discharge port  26  may alternatively resemble a more conventional showerhead of an automatic drip coffeemaker (ADC) for use with loose infusible material in the basket  64 . 
     An air pump  32  is provided within the body  12  for moving, i.e., displacing, liquid in the HLG tank  20   a  through the discharge tube  28  to the discharge port  26 . Operation of the air pump  32  can be automatic or controlled by a user through selective manipulation of a display (not shown). The air pump  32  preferably empties the HLG tank  20   a  of liquid, as will be described in detail below. As will also be described in detail below, operation of the air pump  30  is controlled in the illustrated embodiment via a controller  34  using feedback from at least one temperature sensor  36  operatively connected to the HLG tank  20   a  for sensing the temperature of the liquid therein. As should be understood, any temperature sensor  36 , currently known or that later becomes known by those of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized, such as, for example, without limitation, a thermistor that changes resistance with temperature and transmits a corresponding voltage to the controller  34 . A liquid level sensor (not shown), operatively connected to the controller  34 , may also be present in the HLG tank  20   a  to detect and provide liquid level feedback to the controller for operation of the heater  22 . 
     The controller  34  may be any type of controller, such as a microprocessor, multiple processors, or the like. The controller  34  preferably includes or is operatively coupled to a memory (not shown) that stores the code or software for carrying out operation of the beverage maker  10 . The memory can be any known or suitable memory device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, or the like. The controller  34  may also include, as hardware or software, or may be operatively connected to other components, such as clocks, timers, or the like (not shown) used for operating the beverage maker  10 . 
     As shown schematically in  FIG. 2 , a vent tube  38  is provided to allow air, displaced by liquid entering the HLG tank  20   a  from the reservoir  18 , to escape from the HLG tank  20   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the vent tube  38  extends from within the HLG tank  20   a  to the reservoir  18 . Preferably, the vent tube  38  extends from proximate a lower portion or base of the HLG tank  20   a  and defines an inner diameter within the range of approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. A vent valve  40  is located in the vent tube  38  proximate the reservoir  18  and a vent orifice  42  is located in the vent tube  38 , proximate an upper or top inner surface of the HLG tank  20   a . The vent orifice  42  has a diameter within the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, and preferably approximately 2 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent valve  40  is located within the reservoir  18 , although the vented air may be directed to other locations as well. 
     The vent valve  40  is biased into a normally open position to allow air to escape from the HLG tank  20   a  through the vent tube  38  (including through the vent orifice  42 ) and out the vent valve  40  as liquid is received into the HLG tank  20   a  from the reservoir  18 . The vent valve  40  is preferably a needle valve or the like, although other types of valves, currently known or that later become known, may be used as well. As will be described in further detail below, the diameter of the vent orifice  42  is particularly set to balance between allowing air to escape therethrough during filling of the HLG tank  20   a  and thereafter assisting in building pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  for dispensing the liquid therefrom. 
     An overpressure tube  44  is also provided and connected to the HLG tank  20   a  to vent excess pressure caused by any malfunction. An overpressure valve  46 , which is preferably in the form of a spring biased needle valve or the like, is located at an end of overpressure tube  44  opposite the HLG tank  20   a . Conversely to the vent valve  40 , the overpressure valve  46 , i.e., safety valve, is biased into a normally closed position under normal operating conditions and is configured to move against the bias into an open position at a predetermined internal pressure of the HLG tank  20   a , determined to be an abnormally high amount of pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, a pump line  48  from the air pump  32  joins the overpressure tube  44  for communicating with the HLG tank  20   a  and the overpressure valve  46 . However, as should be understood, other methods of connecting the air pump  32  to the HLG tank  22  may be utilized as well. 
     In the event that an abnormally high amount of pressure builds up in the HLG tank  20   a  (at or above the predetermined internal pressure set for the overpressure valve  46 ), e.g., due to malfunctioning of the heater  22  or the air pump  32 , air is allowed to escape through the overpressure valve  46  to relieve the excessive pressure. That is, the overpressure valve  46  operates as a course adjustment of pressure within the system for releasing excess pressure at a high release rate. 
     As also shown schematically in  FIG. 2 , a pressure regulation tube  50  having a pressure regulation orifice  52  branches off the pump line  48 , and is therefore fluidly communicated with the air pump  32 . The pressure regulation orifice  52  is sized and configured to bleed off minor excess pressure caused by the air pump  32  during normal operation, to assist in maintaining an even pressure within the system during air pump  32  operation. That is the pressure regulation orifice  52  operates as a fine adjustment of pressure within the system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the body  12  further includes a switch  54 , e.g., a contact or microswitch, located at the upper end thereof and electrically coupled with the controller  34  and the pump  32  (shown schematically in  FIGS. 3B, 3C ). The switch  54  is biased in an off position ( FIG. 3B ) when the cover  16  is raised, electrically disconnecting the controller  34  from the pump  32 , and is actuatable by the cover  16  in a closed position into an on position ( FIG. 3C ), electrically connecting the controller  34  with the pump  32 , in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the switch  54  may be connected between the pump  32  and a source of electrical power (not shown) for the pump  32  to provide or remove power from the pump  32 . When the cover  16  is in the closed position thereof ( FIG. 1 ), the cover  16  mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, the switch  54  to overcome the bias into the on position ( FIG. 3C ). Thus, when the cover  16  is in the closed position, the controller  34  (or electrical power) is electrically connected with the pump  32 , and therefore may operate the pump  32  when necessary. Conversely, when the cover  16  is moved away from the closed position ( FIG. 3A ), e.g., into an open position thereof, the cover  16  releases the switch  54  for return into the off position ( FIG. 3B ). Thus, when the cover  16  is open, the pump  32  is inoperable, and if the cover  16  is opened during a brewing cycle, as described in further detail below, pump  32  operation is immediately terminated as the pump  32  is electrically disconnected from the controller  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A  (and schematically in  FIG. 2 ), the body  12  also includes a pressure release valve  56  located at the upper end thereof and in fluid communication with at least the pump  32  and the HLG tank  20   a , via a pressure release line  58 . The pressure release valve  56  is biased into one of an open position for releasing pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  therethrough and a closed position for preventing the release of pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  therethrough, and the pressure release valve  56  is actuatable by the cover  16  into the other of the open and closed positions. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A, 4A , the pressure release valve  56  is located forward of the pivot attachment between the cover  16  and the body  12 , i.e., on the same side of the pivot attachment as the reservoir  18  and the funnel  62 . The pressure release valve  56  is in operative engagement with a first orifice  60  of the pressure release line  58 . The valve  56  includes a generally hollow and dome-shaped elastic valve body  56   a  defining an integral elastic spring, monolithic with the valve body  56   a , and a generally central valve stem  56   b  projecting through, and monolithic with, the valve body/spring  56   a . The base of the dome-shaped elastic valve body  56   a  is spaced from the first orifice  60 . The first orifice  60  defines a valve seat of the pressure release valve  56  that is sized and shaped to sealingly receive the valve stem  56   b  in the closed position of the pressure release valve  56 . 
     The elastic valve body  56   a  of the valve  56  biases, i.e., spaces, the valve stem  56   b  away from the first orifice  60 , such that the valve  56  is in an open position, for releasing pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  from the first orifice  60  through the space between the first orifice  60  and the base of the dome-shaped elastic valve body  56   a . Accordingly, when the cover  16  is in an open position, i.e., partially or fully open, disengaged from the valve stem  56   b , the elastic valve body  56   a  biases the pressure release valve  56  into the open position, spaced from the first orifice  60 . Conversely, when the cover  16  is in the closed position thereof, the cover  16  mechanically overcomes the bias of the elastic valve body  56   a  and mechanically moves, e.g., depresses, the valve stem  56   b  downwardly into sealing engagement with the first orifice  60 , thereby closing the valve  56 . 
     Thus, when the cover  16  is open, the pressure release valve  56  is open and pressure cannot build up in the HLG tank  20   a  (but rather is released from the valve  56 ), and if the cover  16  is opened during operation of a brewing cycle, the valve  56  is released, thereby opening and pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  is substantially immediately released, thereby preventing further discharge of hot liquid from the discharge port  26 , as described in further detail below. 
     Alternatively, in the embodiment of  FIG. 4B , the pressure release valve  56 ′ is located rearwardly of the pivot attachment between the cover  16  and the body  12 , i.e., the opposing side of the pivot attachment relative to the reservoir  18  and the funnel  62 . The pressure release valve  56 ′ is attached to the first orifice  60 ′ of the pressure release line  58 ′, in fluid communication with the pump  32  and the HLG tank  20   a . The pressure release valve  56 ′ includes a generally cylindrical, hollow valve body  56   a ′ and an annular valve seat  56   c ′ projecting radially inwardly from the valve body  56   a ′. The annular valve seat  56   c ′ includes a generally central aperture  56   f . A valve stem  56   b ′ projects through the valve body  56   a ′ and the aperture  56   f  of the valve seat  56   c ′. The valve stem  56   b ′ also includes an annular seal  56   d ′ attached thereto, proximate a base end thereof. A spring  56   e ′, e.g., a coil spring or the like, is operatively connected between the valve body  56   a ′ and the valve stem  56   b ′, and normally biases the annular seal  56   d ′ into sealing engagement with the valve seat  56   c ′. Thus, conversely to pressure release valve  56 , the pressure release valve  56 ′ is biased by the spring  56   e ′ into the closed position. 
     Accordingly, when the cover  16  is opened ( FIG. 4B ), the cover  16  engages the valve stem  56   b ′ and mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, the valve stem  56   b ′ against the bias of the spring  56   e ′, thereby disengaging and spacing the annular seal  56   d ′ from the valve seat  56   c ′ and opening the pressure release valve  56 ′ to allow pressure within HLG tank  20   a  to release therethrough. Upon movement of the cover  16  to the closed position thereof, the cover  16  mechanically releases the valve stem  56   b ′ of the valve  56 ′ for return into the closed position via the bias of the spring  56   e ′. Thus, similarly to the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , when the cover  16  is open, the pressure release valve  56 ′ is open and pressure cannot build up in the HLG tank  20   a  (but rather is released from the valve  56 ′), and if the cover  16  is opened during operation of a brewing cycle, the valve  56 ′ opens and pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  is substantially immediately released, thereby preventing further discharge of hot liquid from the discharge port  26 , as described in further detail below. 
     Operation of the beverage maker is similar to the method of operation described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/177,347, filed Feb. 11, 2014 and entitled “Computer Controlled Coffeemaker,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. Nonetheless, general operation of the beverage maker  10  will now be described. 
     The beverage maker  10  is first powered on, e.g., when the beverage maker  10  is plugged into an outlet, recovers from a power failure, or the like. At power on, the controller  34  enters into communication with at least the liquid level sensor (not shown), the temperature sensor  36  in the HLG tank  20   a , the heater  22 , and the air pump  32 . 
     To make a beverage, a user opens the cover  16  to access the reservoir  18  and the funnel  62 . Once the cover  16  is opened, the switch  54  is released and returns to the off position ( FIG. 3B ), electrically disconnecting the controller  34  from the pump  32  (or the pump  32  from a power source). The pressure release valve  56 ,  56 ′ is also opened. The user then either adds loose grounds into the basket  64  or inserts a cartridge  72  into the cartridge holder  66 , and pours liquid, e.g., water, into the reservoir  18 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5B , a metering valve  68  is located at the outlet  18   b  of the reservoir  18 , to assist the user in determining the volume of liquid poured into the reservoir  18 . The metering valve  68  is in fluid communication with the fill tube  19 , and includes a valve body  68   e  defining a valve seat  68   f  and a metering stem  68   a  projecting through the valve body  68   e  and upwardly past the open upper end of the reservoir  18 . The metering stem  68   a  has metering markings  68   b  thereon for indicating a volume of liquid within the reservoir  18 . As shown best in  FIG. 5B , the metering valve  68  further includes an annular seal  68   c  attached thereto proximate a base end thereof. A spring  68   d , e.g., a coil spring or the like, is operatively connected between the valve body  68   e  and the metering stem  68   a , and normally biases the annular seal  68   c  into sealing engagement with the valve seat  68   f  ( FIG. 5A ). Therefore, when the user pours liquid into the reservoir  18  (with the cover  16  open), the metering valve  68  is biased into a closed position ( FIG. 5A ) and the liquid accumulates in the reservoir  18 . Thus, the user can tell how much liquid has been poured according to the metered markings  68   b  on the metering stem  68   a.    
     Once the user pours in the desired volume of liquid, the user closes the cover  16 . The cover  16  mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, the metering stem  68   a  ( FIG. 5B ), against the bias of the spring  68   d , into an open position of the metering valve  68 , thereby releasing the liquid within the reservoir through the metering valve  68  and fill tube  19  and into the HLG tank  20   a . Air within the HLG tank  20   a  that is displaced by the liquid, escapes through the vent tube  38  (including through vent orifice  42 ) and vent valve  40 , which is biased into the open position thereof. 
     Alternatively, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the vent tube  38  extends proximate to the upper end of the reservoir  18 , and includes a viewing section  38   a  within the reservoir  18 , that is visible to the user from inside the reservoir  18  and/or the external surface of the body  12 . The viewing section  38   a  is, for example, transparent or translucent, and includes measured markings  38   b  thereon for indicating a volume of liquid within the HLG tank  20   a . A floatation member  39  is located within the vent tube  38  having a floatation stem  39   a  projecting therefrom toward the reservoir  18 . Accordingly, when the user pours liquid into the reservoir  18 , which flows into the HLG tank  20   a , the liquid within the HLG tank  20   a  raises the floatation member  39  and an upper end of the floatation stem  39   a  becomes visible through the viewing section  38   a  of the vent tube  38 , relative to the measured markings  38   b , thereby indicating the volume of liquid within the HLG tank  20   a . As in the above-described embodiment, air within the HLG tank  20   a  that is displaced by the liquid, also escapes through the vent tube  38  and vent valve  40 , which is biased into the open position thereof. 
     In either embodiment, as liquid rises in the HLG tank  20   a , the liquid reaches and exceeds the base end of the vent tube  38 . As the pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  and the vent tube  38  is approximately the same, the liquid enters and rises through the vent tube  38  along with the rise of liquid in the HLG tank  20   a . Thus, the liquid level within the vent tube  38  is approximately equivalent to the liquid level within the HLG tank  20   a , and effectively closes the base end of the vent tube  38 . Nonetheless, the vent orifice  42 , above the liquid level, continues to allow air to enter the vent tube  38  and escape through the vent valve  40 . 
     After pouring the desired amount of liquid into the beverage maker  10 , the user returns the cover  16  into the closed position, mechanically actuating the switch  54  into the on position ( FIG. 3C ) to electrically connect the controller  34  with the pump  32  (or the pump  32  to the power source). The pressure release valve  56 ,  56 ′ is also closed. The user then initiates the brewing cycle, e.g., by selecting a button or combination of buttons. The controller  34  thereafter energizes the heater  22  and also confirms that there is sufficient liquid in the HLG tank  20   a , via feedback from the liquid level sensor. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, if the controller  34  determines that there is an insufficient amount of liquid in the HLG tank  20   a , the user is notified, e.g., a visual or audible alert is made to the user, and the heater  22  is turned off. 
     As the heater  22  heats the liquid within the HLG tank  20   a , the temperature sensor  36  communicates with the controller  34 , providing feedback correlating to the temperature of the liquid within the HLG tank  20   a . The controller  34  periodically reads the feedback and calculates the temperature within the HLG tank  20   a  in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to assess whether the temperature of the liquid in the HLG tank  20   a  has reached or exceeded a preset final value, e.g., within the range of approximately 89° C. to approximately 95° C. 
     As should be understood, heating of the liquid within the HLG tank  20  causes expansion of the liquid, that, in turn, causes the liquid level to rise further in the vent tube  38 . Vapor is also generated within the HLG tank  20   a , e.g., via thin film boiling (as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art), which creates pressure in the HLG tank  20   a . The vapor attempts to escape the HLG tank  20   a  via the vent orifice  42 . However, due to the diameter of the vent orifice  42 , the developing vapor begins to overwhelm the vent orifice  42 , i.e., the vent orifice  42  begins to restrict the flow rate for adequate vapor escape. Once the temperature of the liquid within the HLG tank  20   a  reaches the preset final value, the controller  34  energizes the air pump  32 . The controller  34  may also power the heater  22  off. 
     Operation of the air pump  32  causes a sudden additional increase in pressure within the HLG tank  20   a , thereby overwhelming the vent orifice  42 , i.e., the vent orifice  42  can no longer accommodate the necessary flow rate therethrough for pressure relief, and building a pressure differential between the (greater) pressure in the HLG tank  20   a  relative to the (lower) pressure within the vent tube  38 . The pressure differential causes the liquid within the vent tube  38  to further rise, ultimately blocking the vent orifice  42 . Once the vent orifice  42  is blocked, air can no longer escape the HLG tank  20   a , thereby accelerating the rate of liquid rising within the vent tube  38  and compressing the air therein. The rapid compression of the air within the vent tube  38  closes the vent valve  40 . 
     Once the vent valve  40  is closed, the valve  40  remains closed due to the static air pressure within the vent tube  38  (Bernoulli&#39;s principle), as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Once the vent valve  40  is closed, the pressure within the HLG tank  20   a  continues to increase, thereby forcing the heated liquid out of the HLG outlet  20   c , for proceeding through the discharge tube  28  and exiting through the discharge port  26  to interact with the foodstuff grounds, e.g., with the loose grounds in the basket  64  or in the cartridge  72 . 
     Where a cartridge  72  packing foodstuff grounds is utilized, the cartridge  72  remains at least relatively or even fully air-tight, thereby acting as a restriction on the discharge port  26 . To overcome this restriction, the heated liquid flows under pressure through the discharge port  26  and into the cartridge  72  to saturate the foodstuff therein. The heated liquid is therefore forced to flow through the saturated foodstuff under pressure and exits the cartridge  72  into the funnel  62 . By pressurizing the heated liquid within the cartridge  72 , the liquid wicks better with the grounds to create a stronger hot beverage, and the brewed beverage is dispensed at a faster flow rate. 
     Conversely, where the basket  64  having loose grounds therein is used, the basket  64  generally does not restrict the discharge port  26  in the same manner. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  16  includes a basket cover  70  attached to an inner side thereof, and is located and shaped to sealingly engage the upper end of the basket  64  when the cover is moved into the closed position. The sealing engagement between the basket cover  70  and the basket  64  maintains the basket  64  at least relatively or even fully air-tight, similarly to the cartridge  72 , such that pressurized heated liquid flows through the basket  64  in substantially the same manner as the heated liquid flows through the cartridge  72 , and into the funnel  62 . Additionally, the sealed engagement between the basket cover  70  and the basket  64  prevents foodstuff or liquid from flowing out of the upper end of the basket  64 . 
     The funnel  62  may include a sloped floor to a funnel outlet  62   a . The brewed beverage drains from funnel outlet  62   a  and into a receptacle (not shown) positioned in the recess  14 . At this point a normal brew cycle has been completed. If, however, the user opens the cover  16  at any point during the brewing cycle, the switch  54  is released by the cover  16  and returns to the off position ( FIG. 3B ), electrically disconnecting the controller  34  from the pump  32  (or the pump  32  from the power source), and the pressure release valve  56 ,  56 ′ is also opened. That is, in the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the cover  16  releases the pressure release valve  56  for return into the open position. Conversely, in the embodiment of  FIG. 4B , the cover  16  mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, the pressure release valve  56 ′ into the open position. In either embodiment, the pressure within the HLG  20   a  is substantially immediately relieved. Accordingly, as the pressure with the HLG tank  20   a  is relieved and the air pump  32  is powered off (thereby no creating any additional pressure) substantially no heated liquid can be dispensed from the discharge port  26 , preventing possible injury to the user. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the beverage maker  10  may include a second reservoir for receiving and/or holding liquid to be used for preparing a beverage that in fluid communication with the reservoir and preferably selectively removable from the body. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.