Patent ID: 7654191

Claim:
A beverage dispenser comprising: a) a controller, comprising: i) at least one control signal output ii) at least one sensor input; iii) a user input interface; iv) control logic coupled to the at least one control signal output, the at least one sensor input and the user input interface, such that the control logic controls at least one control signal output in response to user input at the user input interface; b) a source of circulating hot liquid; c) a water input coupled to a pressurized water supply; d) a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger having an input coupled to the water input, an output for heated water, and a heat-exchange circuit through which the circulating hot liquid from the source of circulating hot liquid circulates, such that water from the input is heated by exchange with the hot liquid, and the water exits from the output of the heat exchanger at an elevated temperature; e) a hot valve having an input coupled to the output of the heat exchanger, a control input for controlling flow through the valve in response to a signal from a control output of the controller, and an output for dispensing hot water under control of the control input; and f) a beverage dispensing output coupled to the output of the hot valve, such that the water flows through the dispenser under pressure, from the pressurized water supply through the heat exchanger and the hot valve under control of the controller, and is dispensed by the beverage dispensing output, without being held in storage.