A device for use in the preparation of beverages, for managing the draw-off of water from a source of hot water

摘要

A device (10) for use in the preparation of beverages, for managing the draw-off of water from a source of hot water comprises a chamber (11) having a base (12), a cylindrical wall (13) mounted on the base (12) and a top section illustrated generally at (14). An inlet (15) and a return outlet (16) are mounted in the base (12), and both the inlet (15) and the return outlet (16) are connectable to a source of hot water. Three draw-off outlets (17, 19) are also mounted in the base (12). The return outlet (16) consists of a hollow tube section (32), which passes through the base (12) to form a stand pipe (33). In use, hot water is introduced into the chamber (11) through inlet (15) and the chamber (11) is orientated such that return outlet (16) is positioned above the inlet (15). The inlet flow rate is equal to or greater than the draw-off flow rate, and any excess volume of hot water in the chamber (11) is returnable, to the source of hot water, through the return outlet (16), thereby creating a constant head of water above the draw-off outlets (17, 19). Figure 3