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 utility model generally relates to a small device, and more particularly to a beverage maker. Background Art

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

[0003] Typical automatic drip coffee makers include a brewing basket containing ground coffee. The coffee grounds can be in the form of loose grounds in a filter, in a pouch-type package, or in a "pod" - type package commonly known as a K - CUP (trademark K - CUP). Regardless of the form the coffee grounds take, heated water is delivered to the brewing basket and released, where in the brewing basket, the heated water flows downward through the coffee grounds under the force of gravity and into a receiver such as a pot, jug, mug, etc. Exemplary automatic drip coffee makers are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,001,969 to Moore, U.S. Patent No. 7,066,080 to Hsu, and U.S. Patent No. 8,065,952 to Wang, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] Some coffee makers are designed to brew different forms of coffee; for example, coffee makers available in the FLEXBREW (trademark FLEXBREW) series from Hamilton Beach Brands (Richmond, Virginia) include inserts that enable the user to select between pod coffee or loose - ground coffee. Additionally, another coffee maker provided in the FLEXBREW (trademark FLEXBREW) series of coffee makers has two different side - by - side "stations", where one station can brew a full pot or carafe, while the other station brews a single - serving amount (usually using a pod as described above). Such a coffee maker can provide the user with the flexibility to brew a single - serving amount (if that is all that is needed) or multiple - serving amounts (pots or carafes).

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a coffee maker with different configurations that some consumers might prefer. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] As a first aspect, an embodiment of the present utility model relates to a multi-functional beverage making machine. The multi-functional beverage making machine includes a housing that defines a first service station, a second service station, and a control panel mounted on the 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 further 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 operatively connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the first brewing basket is sized and configured to be suitable for making a single beverage serving.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the first brewing basket is sized and configured to receive ground coffee in the form of pods.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the second brewing basket is sized and configured to be suitable for receiving loose ground coffee.

[0010] As a second aspect, an embodiment of the present utility model relates to a multi-functional beverage making machine, which includes a housing that defines a first service station, a second service station, and a control panel mounted on the 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. The first service station includes a rod pivotally attached to the housing and positioned above the first dispensing outlet, and the rod is movable about a pivot axis that extends generally 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 further 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 operatively connected to the control panel, the pump, the heating unit, and the three-way fluid diversion unit.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the first brewing basket is sized and configured to be suitable for making a single beverage serving.

[0012] As a third aspect, an embodiment of the present utility model relates to a beverage making machine including a multi-functional beverage making machine, the multi-functional beverage making machine including a housing that defines 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. The second brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a brewing position, in which the second brewing basket is located directly below the second dispensing inlet, and an access position, in which the second brewing basket pivots away from the second dispensing outlet towards the first service station; the beverage making machine further includes: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diverter 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 diverter unit.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the first brewing basket is sized and configured to be suitable for making a single beverage serving volume.

[0014] As a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present utility model relates to a multi-functional beverage making machine, which includes: a housing that defines 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. 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 that provides access to the second receiver platform for inserting and removing a receiver along the transverse axis. The beverage making machine further includes: a water reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the water reservoir; a heating unit; a three-way fluid diverter 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 diverter unit.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first brewing basket is sized and configured to be suitable for making a single beverage serving volume. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a multi-functional coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model, in which the brewing basket of the large service station is moved to its brewing position.

[0017] Figure 2 isFigure 1 Perspective view of a coffee machine, wherein the brewing basket of the large service station is pivoted to its entry position.

[0018] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Side perspective view of a coffee machine, wherein the brewing basket of the large service station is pivoted to its entry position.

[0019] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Side cross-sectional view of a coffee machine.

[0020] Figure 5 is Figure 1 Side cross-sectional view of a coffee machine, wherein the separator and the pot are removed, and the brewing basket of the large service station is pivoted to its brewing position.

[0021] Figure 6 is Figure 1 Top view of a coffee machine, wherein the top plate of the housing is removed.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operable connections between the controller and Figure 1 various components of a coffee machine.

[0023] Figure 8 Front perspective view of a multi-functional coffee machine according to an alternative embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Side perspective view of a coffee machine. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] The present utility model will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present utility model are shown. However, the present utility model can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present utility model to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In the drawings, for clarity, some layers, components or parts may be exaggerated, and the dashed lines show optional features or operations, unless otherwise specified. However, the present utility model can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present utility model to those skilled in the art.

[0027] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, etc. may 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 one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present utility model. Unless otherwise clearly stated, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or the drawings.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail for the sake of brevity and / or clarity.

[0029] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between approximately X and Y" should be interpreted as including X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between approximately X and Y" mean "between approximately X and approximately Y". As used herein, phrases such as "from approximately X to Y" mean "from approximately X to approximately Y".

[0031] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1A multi-functional coffee machine is shown, generally designated by 10. The coffee machine 10 has a large service station 12 and a small service station 14, where the large service station is configured to brew traditional coffee from loose grind or large pods or bags, and the small service station is configured to brew coffee from pods. Compared to a typical multi-functional coffee machine having stations for providing large and small services (where the small service station and the large service station are side by side), the coffee machine 10 is designed such that the small service station 14 is in front of the large service station 12. (As used herein, the "front" direction is the direction facing the user when the user operates the coffee machine 10; that is, the direction that allows the user to conveniently access the control panel 202 or a 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 conventionally positioned to operate the control panel 202 or the display, the user will face the rear. In this way, the front direction and the rear direction together define the horizontal longitudinal axis LO of the coffee machine 10. Additionally, as used herein, terms such as "lateral", "transverse", etc. refer to the direction along the horizontal axis LA perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As used herein with respect to these directions, if two components are both located on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis, one component is "directly in front of" or "directly behind" the other component.

[0032] Details regarding the configuration and operation of the coffee machine 10 will be elaborated below.

[0033] Referring Figures 1-5 , the coffee machine 10 has an integral housing 20 that covers the exterior of the device. The housing 20 includes a base 22, a rear wall 24, a front wall 26, side walls 28 (see 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 arcuate separator 36 (see Figure 3 ), which is positioned within the large service station 12 and spans the front wall 24 and the rear wall 26. The separator 36 provides a bottom plate 38 and a top plate 40 for the large service station 12, and also provides an arcuate side wall 42 on one side of the large service station 12. However, on the side of the large service station 12 opposite the side wall 42, there is a large window 34 that allows lateral access to the large service station 12 (i.e., access from the side). As shown, in some embodiments, the separator 36 may include a recess 37 that can accommodate the handle of a receiver (such as a pot 50) when the pot 50 is resting on the bottom plate 38, which serves as a platform for the pot 50 or other receiver.

[0034] The 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 a coffee machine. For example, the water reservoir 32 can be detachable for ease of 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 (commonly as a removable insert within a holder). In such embodiments, the water reservoir 32 has an outlet at its lower end that leads to a connector. The connector includes a spring-loaded seal that can prevent leakage through the outlet when water is not being pumped through it.

[0035] Now referring to Figure 4 , it can be seen that the reservoir 32 discharges water into line 41 that leads to the pump 44, which can also function as a flow meter. Line 46 leads to the heating element 48, which is positioned below the base plate 38 of the large service station 12. The heating element 48 both heats the water for brewing and provides heat to a receptacle (e.g., the pot 50) that holds the brewed beverage. Line 52 is routed from the heating element 48 upward to a three-way solenoid valve 56, which is positioned above the top plate 40 of the large service station 12. Line 60 leads from the solenoid valve 56 to the spout 82 of the large service station, and line 62 leads from the solenoid valve 56 to the dispensing needle 144 of the small service station 14.

[0036] Referring 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 within the inner cover 140; the connector is in fluid communication with line 62 at one end and with the aforementioned dispensing needle 144 at the opposite end, which extends into the brewing basket 100 and serves as its inlet. An outlet 146 extends from the bottom surface of the brewing basket 100. There is a receiver platform 148 on the base 22 that is positioned below the outlet 146 of the brewing basket 130 in front of the front wall 26 (see Figure 4 ).

[0037] Notably, the brewing basket 100 can be configured for "dual brewing", meaning that it can receive loose ground 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 brewing basket 100, and the pod is placed therein. The insert or adapter typically includes structure such as a hollow needle in its base, which can pierce or puncture the pod at or near its lower end to provide an outlet. If loose ground coffee is to be brewed, another adapter configured to brew loose ground coffee or a bag containing loose ground coffee can be positioned within the brewing basket 100. Such an adapter typically includes a porous "filter" portion such that water can drain therefrom while retaining the coffee within the brewing basket 100. In either case, the adapter and the inner lid 140 form a brewing chamber. An exemplary dual brewing 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 by reference in its entirety.

[0038] Now referring to Figures 3-6 , a brewing basket 80 of the large service station 12 is shown. The brewing basket 80 is generally of conventional construction and is positioned below the showerhead 82 to receive heated water therefrom. The brewing basket 80 typically includes a separate filter (not shown) into which ground coffee is introduced. An outlet 84 is located on the lower surface of the brewing basket 80 and provides a passage for the brewed beverage from the brewing basket 80 to the pot 50 when the pot 50 is rested on the base plate 38. The sidewall 86 of the brewing basket 80 abuts an upper portion 39 of the separator 36.

[0039] As Figures 1-3 and Figure 5 shown, the brewing basket 80 is pivotally mounted to the housing 20 and is movable between a brewing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 ) and an access position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), wherein in the brewing position, the brewing basket 80 is positioned below the showerhead 82 and in the access position, the brewing basket 80 pivots to the side of the base 22 and the housing 20. The brewing basket 80 is mounted to the housing 20 via a vertical strut 88 (see Figure 5 ), which enables the brewing 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 towards the front portion of the large service station 12. By positioning the axis VA towards the front of the large service station 12, in its access position, the brewing basket 80 moves forward and laterally, which can place the brewing basket 80 in a position convenient for a user (typically positioned in front of the coffee machine 10) to add or remove ground coffee to / from the brewing basket 80.

[0040] The coffee machine 10 also includes a controller 200 (usually in the form of a printed circuit board, etc.) that controls the operation of the coffee machine 10. The controller 200 is operably attached to a display panel 202, receives user instructions from the display panel, 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 user instructions (see Figure 7 ).

[0041] In operation, the user fills the water reservoir 32 with water. If a small serving size is desired, the user can fill the brewing basket 100 with grind, which can be in a pod, in a bag, or in loose form. The user accesses the brewing basket 100 by pivoting the lever 134 upward and backward about the axis HA. Once the brewing basket 100 is full, the user returns the lever 134 to its brewing position (as Figure 1 shown). Then, the user selects to brew a single serving size using the small service station 14 via the control panel 202. The user's instruction signals the controller 200 to cause brewing to occur: water is drawn from the water reservoir 32 through 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 size causes the controller 200 to signal the solenoid valve 56 to divert the heated water to the dispensing needle 144 and into the brewing basket 100. Then, the brewed beverage flows from the brewing basket 100 into a receptacle (such as a mug) placed on the receiver platform 148.

[0042] Conversely, if a large serving size is desired, the user fills the brewing basket 80 with grind (usually loose grind). As described above, since the brewing basket 80 pivots about a vertical axis VA located near the front of the large service station 12, at the Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown entry positions, the user can easily access the brewing basket 80 from a position in front of the coffee machine 10 for filling. Once the brewing basket 80 is full, the user returns the brewing basket 80 to its brewing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 ), then selects a large serving size via the control panel 202. The user's instruction causes water to be delivered from the water reservoir 32 and heated as described above, and then diverted by the solenoid valve 56 to the showerhead 82. The heated water flows through the grind and the brewing basket 80, and into the pot 50 positioned on the bottom plate 38 of the divider 36, which serves as a platform for the pot 50 as described above.

[0043] It should be noted that the arrangement of the small service station 14 and the large service station 12 (i.e., the small service station 14 is located in front of the large service station 12, and more specifically, the bottom plate / receiver platform 38 is at least partially directly behind the receiver platform 148 of the small service 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 approximately 8 inches and 12 inches, and the depth (measured in the longitudinal direction) can be between approximately 12 inches and 16 inches; in other embodiments, the depth / width "aspect ratio" can be between approximately 1.3:1 and 1.5:1. One way to achieve a smaller footprint is (as shown) to provide lateral access to the large service station 12 from the side of the coffee machine 10 (i.e., through the window 34), where the window 34 is large enough to allow the jug 50 to pass through. By orienting the jug 50 such that its handle 51 fits within the recess 37 of the separator 36, the positive effect of the overall smaller footprint can be maintained. The passage for the small service station 14 remains in front of the coffee machine 10.

[0044] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Another coffee machine is shown, generally designated 110, in which the small service station 114 is located in front of the large service station 112, and in which the large service 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 beside the side wall 124 of the coffee machine 110. The remainder of the coffee machine 110 can remain the same, except that the water pipeline from the water reservoir 132 to the pump / flow meter ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 not shown) is re-routed accordingly.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the coffee machines 10, 110 can take other forms. Specifically, the path, pumping, and heating of the water between the reservoir 32 and the spray head 82 and the needle 144 can employ any number of configurations known to those skilled in the art that are suitable for brewing beverages. As an example, the three-way solenoid valve 56 can be replaced with two different solenoid valves that act in the manner of a three-way valve. Other configurations or types of fluid diverter units (i.e., "three-way diverter units") that receive an input flow and divert that flow to one of two outlets can also be employed,

[0046] As a further example, the manner of supplying water to the large service station and the small service station can vary (e.g., there can be multiple pumps and / or multiple heaters, the fluid paths can be different, etc.). As a specific example, the small service station can be served by a first flow path that is routed from a reservoir to a needle via a first pump and a first heater, while the large service station can be served by a second flow path that is routed from the reservoir to a nozzle via a second heater that "pushes" water through the heater (much like an automatic drip coffee maker).

[0047] In addition, the size of the service station can vary (e.g., the small service station can provide a service volume two or more times rather than a single service volume). Further, in some embodiments, the configurations of the nozzle 82 and / or the needle 144 can be different. Other variations can also be employed.

[0048] The foregoing is a description of the present utility model and should not be construed as a limitation thereof. Although some exemplary embodiments of the present utility model have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present utility model. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model as defined by the claims. The present utility model is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A multifunctional beverage making machine, characterized in that: It includes: 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, characterized in that 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, characterized in that The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

4. The beverage making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that 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, characterized in that The second brew basket is sized and configured to receive loose grounds.

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

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

8. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that 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, characterized in that 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, characterized in that 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, characterized in that: It includes: 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 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, characterized in that The first service station is a small service station, and the second service station is a large service station.

13. The beverage making machine according to claim 12, characterized in that The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

14. The beverage making machine according to claim 11, characterized in that 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. The beverage making machine according to claim 14, characterized in that 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, characterized in that: It includes: 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 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. The beverage making machine according to claim 16, characterized in that The first service station is a small service station, and the second service station is a large service station.

18. The beverage making machine according to claim 17, characterized in that The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

19. A multifunctional beverage making machine, characterized in that: It includes: 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 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. The beverage making machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The first brew basket is sized and configured to produce a single beverage serving.

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