Multifunctional beverage making machine

Abstract

A multifunctional beverage making machine includes a housing defining a first service station, a second service station, and a control board mounted on a front surface of the housing. The first service station includes a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform. The second service station includes a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform, where the second receiver platform is separate from the first receiver platform and is positioned at least partially directly rearward of the first receiver platform. The beverage making machine further comprises: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected with the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid distribution unit fluidly connected with the pump, the first distribution inlet and the second distribution inlet; and the controller is operably connected with the control board, the pump, the heating unit and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to small appliances and more particularly to beverage making machines. Background Art

[0002] Automatic drip coffee makers are well known and widely used. They can effectively brew several bottles of coffee (usually holding five to eight cups or more of liquid). Automatic drip coffee makers can also be used to brew smaller quantities (one to four cups).

[0003] A typical automatic drip coffee maker includes a brew basket containing ground coffee. The coffee grounds can be present in the form of loose grounds in a filter, in a pouch-style package, or in a "pod" type package commonly referred to as a K-cup (trademarked as K-CUP). Regardless of the form in which the coffee grounds are presented, heated water is delivered to the brew basket and released, where it flows downward through the coffee grounds under gravity and into a receptacle such as a bottle, pot, mug, etc. Exemplary automatic drip coffee makers are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,001,969 to Moore et al., 7,066,080 to Hsu, and 8,065,952 to Wang, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] Some coffee machines are designed to brew different forms of coffee; for example, the coffee machines provided in the FLEXBREW (trademark FLEXBREW) line of products available from Hamilton Beach Brands (Richmond, Virginia) include an insert that enables the user to select between pod coffee or loose ground coffee. In addition, another coffee machine provided in the FLEXBREW (trademark FLEXBREW) line of coffee machines has two different side-by-side "stations," one of which can brew a full pot or carafe, while the other of which brews a single serving (typically using a pod as described above). Such a coffee machine can provide the user with the flexibility to brew a single serving (if that is all that is desired) or multiple servings (carafe or pot).

[0005] It may be desirable to provide a coffee maker having different configurations that some consumers may prefer. Summary of the invention

[0006] As a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a multifunctional beverage making machine. The multifunctional beverage making machine includes a housing defining a first service station, a second service station, and a control panel mounted on a front surface of the housing. The first service station includes a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform. The second service station includes a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform, wherein the second receiver platform is separated from the first receiver platform and is at least partially positioned directly behind the first receiver platform. The beverage making machine also includes: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diversion unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first dispensing inlet, and the second dispensing inlet; and a controller operably connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

[0007] As a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a multifunctional beverage making machine, which includes a housing that defines a first service station and a second service station. The first service station includes a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform. The second service station includes a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform. The first service station includes a rod pivotally attached to the housing and positioned above the first dispensing outlet, the rod being movable around a pivot axis extending substantially horizontally and laterally; the housing has a longitudinal axis that is horizontal and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the rod, and the second receiver platform is separated from the first receiver platform and is at least partially positioned directly behind the first receiver platform; the beverage making machine also includes: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diversion unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first dispensing inlet, and the second dispensing inlet; and a controller operably connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

[0008] As a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a beverage making machine including a multifunctional beverage making machine, the multifunctional beverage making machine including a housing, the housing defining a first service station and a second service station. The first service station includes a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform. The second service station includes a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform. The second brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing and can move between a brewing position and an entry position, in which the second brewing basket is located directly below the second dispensing inlet, and in which the second brewing basket is pivoted away from the second dispensing outlet toward the first service station; the beverage making machine also includes: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diversion unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first dispensing inlet, and the second dispensing inlet; and a controller, which is operably connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

[0009] As a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a multifunctional beverage making machine, comprising: a housing defining a first service station and a second service station. The first service station comprises a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform. The second service station comprises a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform. The housing defines a horizontal longitudinal axis extending through the first receiver platform and the second receiver platform and a horizontal transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein there is a window in the housing providing access to the second receiver platform for inserting and removing the receiver along the transverse axis. The beverage making machine also comprises: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diversion unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first dispensing inlet, and the second dispensing inlet; and a controller operably connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a multi-function coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brew basket of the large serving station is moved to its brewing position.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a coffee machine with the brew basket of the large service station pivoted into its entry position.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of a coffee machine with the brew basket of the large service station pivoted into its entry position.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A side cutaway view of a coffee machine.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cutaway view of a coffee machine with the divider and jug removed and the brew basket of the large serving station pivoted to its brewing position.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of the coffee machine with the top plate of the housing removed.

[0016] Figure 7 is shown as the controller and Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the operable connections between the various components of a coffee machine.

[0017] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a multi-function coffee machine according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Side perspective view of a coffee machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention is now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, some layers, components or parts may be exaggerated, and dashed lines illustrate optional features or operations, unless otherwise specified. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will become thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0021] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or drawings.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that those terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the specification and in the relevant field, and unless specifically defined in this document, should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0023] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or their collections. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0024] As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[0025] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 11 shows a multifunctional coffee machine, generally designated 10. The coffee machine 10 has a large serving station 12 and a small serving station 14, wherein the large serving station is configured for brewing traditional coffee from loose grounds or large pods or bags, and the small serving station is configured for brewing coffee from pods. In contrast to a typical multifunctional coffee machine having stations for providing large and small servings, wherein the small and large serving stations are side by side, the coffee machine 10 is designed so that the small serving station 14 is in front of the large serving station 12. (As used herein, the "front" direction is the direction facing the user when the user is operating the coffee machine 10; i.e., the direction that allows the user to easily access the control panel 202 or similar display for operating the coffee machine 10). The "front" direction is also parallel to the lower surface on which the coffee machine 10 is located. The "rear" direction is opposite to the "front" direction; thus, when typically or traditionally positioned to operate the control panel 202 or display, the user will face rearward. Thus, the front direction and the rear direction together define a horizontal longitudinal axis LO of the coffee machine 10. Additionally, as used herein, terms such as "lateral," "transverse," and the like refer to directions along a horizontal axis LA that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As used herein with respect to these directions, a component is "directly in front of" or "directly behind" another component if both components lie on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] Details regarding the configuration and operation of the coffee machine 10 are set forth below.

[0027] refer to Figure 1-Figure 5 The coffee machine 10 has an integral housing 20 covering the exterior of the device. The housing 20 includes a base 22, a rear wall 24, a front wall 26, and side walls 28 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) and a top plate 30. The front wall 26 separates the large service station 12 from the small service station 14. The housing 20 also includes an arc-shaped divider 36 (see Figure 3 ), which is an arcuate divider positioned within the large serving station 12 and spans the front wall 24 and the rear wall 26. The divider 36 provides a floor 38 and a top 40 of the large serving station 12, and also provides an arcuate side wall 42 on one side of the large serving station 12. However, on the side of the large serving station 12 opposite the side wall 42, there is a large window 34 that allows lateral access to the large serving station 12 (i.e., access from the side). As shown, in some embodiments, the divider 36 may include a recess 37 that can accommodate the handle of a receptacle (such as a jug 50) when the jug 50 is resting on the floor 38 (which serves as a platform for the jug 50 or other receptacle).

[0028] A water reservoir 32 is mounted on the base 22 behind the rear wall 24. The water reservoir 32 can have any configuration known to be suitable for use with coffee machines. For example, the water reservoir 32 can be removable to facilitate filling. The water reservoir 32 can also be transparent to enable the user to discern the fill line. In some embodiments, the water reservoir 32 can include a water filter (typically as a removable insert within the holder). In the described embodiment, the water reservoir 32 has an outlet at its lower end that leads to a fitting. The fitting includes a spring-loaded seal that prevents leakage through the outlet when water is not being pumped through the outlet.

[0029] Reference now Figure 4 , it can be seen that reservoir 32 discharges water into line 41 leading to pump 44, which can also be used as a flow meter. Line 46 leads to heating element 48, which is positioned below the bottom plate 38 of the large serving station 12. Heating element 48 both heats the water for brewing and provides heat to a receiver (e.g., kettle 50) that contains the brewed beverage. Line 52 is routed from heating element 48 upward to three-way solenoid valve 56, which is positioned above the top plate 40 of the large serving station 12. Line 60 leads from solenoid valve 56 to spray head 82 of the large serving station, and line 62 leads from solenoid valve 56 to dispensing needle 144 of the small serving station 14.

[0030] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , in which the brewing basket 100 of the small service station 14 is shown. The brewing basket 100 is mounted below a pivot rod 134 that pivots about a horizontal axis HA, which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LO of the coffee machine 10. The rod 134 has an outer cover and an inner cover that form a hollow cavity. A connector is mounted in the inner cover 140; the connector is in fluid communication with the pipeline 62 at one end and is in fluid communication with the aforementioned dispensing needle 144 at the opposite end, which extends into the brewing basket 100 and serves as its inlet. The outlet 146 extends from the bottom surface of the brewing basket 100. There is a receiver platform 148 on the base 22, which is positioned below the outlet 146 of the brewing basket 130 in front of the front wall 26 (see Figure 4 ).

[0031] It is worth noting that the brew basket 100 can be configured for "dual brewing," meaning that it can receive loose grounds of coffee (either in a filter bag or loose in a filter) or a coffee pod. If a coffee pod is to be used, a pod insert or adapter is typically positioned within the brew basket 100, with the pod placed therein. The insert or adapter typically includes a structure, such as a hollow needle in its base, that can pierce or puncture the pod at or near its lower end to provide an outlet. If loose grounds are to be brewed, another adapter configured to brew loose grounds or a bag containing loose grounds can be positioned in the brew basket 100. Such an adapter typically includes a porous "filter" portion that allows water to drain therefrom while retaining the coffee in the brew basket 100. In either case, the adapter and inner cover 140 form a brewing chamber. An exemplary dual brew arrangement of this type is discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0208952 to Starr et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0032] Reference now Figure 3-Figure 6 , a brew basket 80 of the large serving station 12 is shown. The brew basket 80 is of generally conventional construction and is positioned below the spray head 82 to receive heated water therefrom. The brew basket 80 typically includes a separate filter (not shown) into which the ground coffee is introduced. An outlet 84 is located on the lower surface of the brew basket 80 and provides a passage for the brewed beverage from the brew basket 80 to the pot when the pot 50 is resting on the bottom plate 38. The side wall 86 of the brew basket 80 abuts the upper portion 39 of the divider 36.

[0033] like Figure 1-Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the brewing basket 80 is pivotally mounted to the housing 20 and is in the brewing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 ) and entry position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), wherein the brewing position, the brewing basket 80 is positioned below the spray head 82, and in the entry position, the brewing basket 80 is pivoted to the side of the base 22 and the housing 20. The brewing basket 80 is connected to the base 22 and the housing 20 via a vertical support 88 (see Figure 5 ) is mounted to the housing 20, the vertical strut enabling the brew basket 80 to pivot about a vertical axis VA. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis VA is positioned directly behind the front wall 26 of the housing 22, and thus toward the front portion of the large serving station 12. By positioning the axis VA toward the front of the large serving station 12, in its entry position, the brew basket 80 is moved forwardly and laterally, which can position the brew basket 80 to be convenient for a user (generally positioned at the front of the coffee maker 10) to add or remove grounds to the brew basket 80.

[0034] The coffee maker 10 also includes a controller 200 (typically in the form of a printed circuit board or the like) that controls the operation of the coffee maker 10. The controller 200 is operably attached to a display panel 202 from which it receives user commands, and has a pump / flow meter 44, a heating element 48, and a solenoid valve 56. The controller 200 is configured to activate or deactivate the pump / flow meter 44, the heating element 48, and the solenoid valve 56 based on the user's commands (see FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0035] In operation, the user fills the water reservoir 32 with water. If a small serving is desired, the user can fill the brew basket 100 with grounds, which can be in a pod, in a bag, or in loose form. The user accesses the brew basket 100 by pivoting the lever 134 upward and rearward about the axis HA. Once the brew basket 100 is filled, the user returns the lever 134 to its brewing position (eg, Figure 1 14). The user then selects, via the control panel 202, to brew a single serving using the small serving station 14. The user's command sends a signal to the controller 200 to cause brewing to occur: water is drawn from the water reservoir 32 by the pump / flow meter 44, passes through the heating element 48, returns through the pump / flow meter 44 and reaches the solenoid valve 56. The user's selection of a small serving causes the controller 200 to send a signal to the solenoid valve 56 to divert the heated water to the dispensing needle 144 and into the brew basket 100. The brewed beverage then flows from the brew basket 100 into a receiver (such as a mug) placed on the receiver platform 148.

[0036] Conversely, if a large serving is desired, the user fills the brew basket 80 with grounds (typically loose grounds). As described above, since the brew basket 80 pivots about a vertical axis VA located near the front of the large serving station 12, the brew basket 80 is positioned at a vertical axis VA located near the front of the large serving station 12. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 10, the user can easily access the brew basket 80 from the front of the coffee maker 10 for filling. Once the brew basket 80 is filled, the user returns the brew basket 80 to its brewing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 ), and then selects the large serving size via the control panel 202. The user's command causes water to be delivered from the water reservoir 32 and heated as described above, and then transferred by the solenoid valve 56 to the spray head 82. The heated water flows through the grounds and brew basket 80, and into the pot 50 positioned on the floor 38 of the divider 36, which serves as a platform for the pot 50 as described above.

[0037] Notably, the arrangement of the small serving station 14 and the large serving station 12 (i.e., the small serving station 14 is located in front of the large serving station 12, and more specifically, the floor / receiver platform 38 is at least partially located directly behind the receiver platform 148 of the small serving station 12) can provide a coffee machine with a smaller "footprint" than existing coffee machines. This is particularly useful when countertop space is very limited. In some embodiments, the width (measured in the lateral direction) of the base 22 of the coffee machine 10 can be between about 8 inches and 12 inches, and the depth (measured in the longitudinal direction) can be between about 12 inches and 16 inches; in other embodiments, the depth / width "aspect ratio" can be between about 1.3:1 and 1.5:1. One way to achieve a smaller footprint is to provide lateral access to the large serving station 12 from the side of the coffee machine 10 (i.e., through the window 34), as shown, wherein the window 34 is large enough to allow a pot 50 to pass through. By orienting the jug 50 so that its handle 51 fits within the recess 37 of the divider 36, the positive effect of the overall smaller footprint is maintained. Access to the small service station 14 is maintained at the front of the coffee maker 10.

[0038] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Another coffee machine is shown, generally designated 110, wherein a small serving station 114 is located in front of a large serving station 112, and wherein the large serving station 112 is accessed through a window 134 on the side of the coffee machine 110. However, in this embodiment, the water reservoir 132 is located directly to the side wall 124 of the coffee machine 110. The rest of the coffee machine 110 may remain the same, except for the flow from the water reservoir 132 to the pump / flow meter ( Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The water lines (not shown) are rerouted accordingly.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the coffee maker 10, 110 may take other forms. Specifically, the routing, pumping, and heating of the water between the reservoir 32 and the spray head 82 and the needle 144 may take any number of configurations known to those skilled in the art that are suitable for brewing a beverage. As an example, the three-way solenoid valve 56 may be replaced with two different solenoid valves that function in the manner of a three-way valve. Other configurations or types of fluid diverter units that receive an input flow and divert that flow to one of two outlets (i.e., a "three-way diverter unit") may also be used,

[0040] As a further example, the manner in which water is supplied to the large and small service stations may vary (e.g., there may be multiple pumps and / or multiple heaters, the fluid paths may be different, etc.). As a specific example, the small service station may be served by a first flow path routed from a reservoir to a needle via a first pump and a first heater, while the large service station may be served by a second flow path routed from a reservoir to a spray head via a second heater that "pushes" water through the heater (much like an automatic drip coffee maker).

[0041] Furthermore, the size of the serving station may vary (eg, a small serving station may provide two or more servings rather than a single serving). Additionally, in some embodiments, the configuration of the spray head 82 and / or needle 144 may be different. Other variations may also be employed.

[0042] The foregoing is an explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting it. Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, all of these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. The present invention is defined by the appended claims, and the equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A multifunctional beverage making machine, comprising: a housing defining a first service station, a second service station, and a control panel mounted on a front surface of the housing; wherein the first service station comprises a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform; and wherein the second service station includes a second dispensing inlet, a second brew basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform, wherein the second receiver platform is separate from the first receiver platform and is at least partially positioned directly behind the first receiver platform; Wherein, the beverage making machine also includes: Water storage tank; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; Heating unit; A three-way fluid flow splitting unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first distribution inlet, and the second distribution inlet; and A controller is operably connected to the control board, the pump, the heating unit and the three-way fluid flow dividing unit.

2. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The first service station is a small service station, and the second service station is a large service station.

3. The beverage making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

4. The beverage making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The first brew basket is sized and configured to receive grounds in the form of a pod.

5. The beverage making machine according to claim 4, wherein: The second brew basket is sized and configured to receive loose grounds.

6. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water reservoir is installed directly behind the second service station.

7. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water storage tank is installed at the front side of the second service station.

8. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The second brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a brewing position and an access position, wherein the second brewing basket is located directly below the second dispensing inlet and the access position, wherein the second brewing basket is positioned to the side of the second dispensing inlet for loading and unloading of grounds.

9. The beverage making machine according to claim 8, wherein: The second brew basket pivots about a vertical pivot axis, and wherein the vertical pivot axis is positioned longitudinally between the first and second dispensing inlets.

10. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The first service station includes a lever pivotally attached to the housing and positioned above the first dispensing outlet, the lever being movable about a generally horizontal and laterally extending pivot axis.

11. A multifunctional beverage making machine, comprising: a housing defining a first service station and a second service station; wherein the first service station comprises a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform; and wherein the second service station comprises a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform; wherein the first service station comprises a lever pivotally attached to the housing and positioned above the first dispensing outlet, the lever being movable about a generally horizontal and laterally extending pivot axis; wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis that is horizontal and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the rod, and wherein the second receiver platform is separate from the first receiver platform and is positioned at least partially directly behind the first receiver platform; Wherein, the beverage making machine also includes: Water storage tank; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; Heating unit; A three-way fluid flow splitting unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first distribution inlet, and the second distribution inlet; and A controller is operably connected to the control board, the pump, the heating unit and the three-way fluid flow dividing unit.

12. The beverage making machine according to claim 11, wherein: The first service station is a small service station, and the second service station is a large service station.

13. A beverage making machine according to claim 12, wherein: The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

14. The beverage making machine according to claim 11, wherein: The second brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a brewing position and an access position, wherein the second brewing basket is located directly below the second dispensing inlet and the access position, wherein the second brewing basket is positioned to the side of the second dispensing inlet for loading and unloading of grounds.

15. A beverage making machine according to claim 14, wherein: The second brew basket pivots about a vertical pivot axis, and wherein the vertical pivot axis is positioned longitudinally between the first and second dispensing inlets.

16. A multifunctional beverage making machine, comprising: a housing defining a first service station and a second service station; wherein the first service station comprises a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform; and wherein the second service station comprises a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform; wherein the second brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a brewing position, wherein the second brewing basket is located directly below the second dispensing inlet, and an access position, wherein the second brewing basket is pivoted away from the second dispensing outlet toward the first service station; Wherein, the beverage making machine also includes: Water storage tank; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; Heating unit; A three-way fluid flow splitting unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first distribution inlet, and the second distribution inlet; and A controller is operably connected to the control board, the pump, the heating unit and the three-way fluid flow dividing unit.

17. A beverage making machine according to claim 16, wherein: The first service station is a small service station, and the second service station is a large service station.

18. A beverage making machine according to claim 17, wherein: The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

19. A multifunctional beverage making machine, comprising: a housing defining a first service station and a second service station; wherein the first service station comprises a first dispensing inlet, a first brewing basket, a first dispensing outlet, and a first receiver platform; and wherein the second service station comprises a second dispensing inlet, a second brewing basket, a second dispensing outlet, and a second receiver platform; wherein the housing defines a horizontal longitudinal axis and a horizontal transverse axis, the horizontal longitudinal axis extending through the first receiver platform and the second receiver platform and the horizontal transverse axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a window is present in the housing, the window providing access to the second receiver platform for inserting and removing a receiver along the transverse axis; and Wherein, the beverage making machine also includes: Water storage tank; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; Heating unit; A three-way fluid flow splitting unit fluidly connected to the pump, the first distribution inlet, and the second distribution inlet; and A controller is operably connected to the control board, the pump, the heating unit and the three-way fluid flow dividing unit.

20. A beverage making machine according to claim 19, wherein The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

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