WO2007023265A1

WO2007023265A1 - Improvements to liquid heating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007023265A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/003105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Elliott
Original assignee: Eliot's Limited
Priority date: 2005-08-20
Filing date: 2006-08-18
Publication date: 2007-03-01
Also published as: GB0517125D0

Abstract

An apparatus having a liquid heating chamber including a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a heat source, and a means to measure an amount of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber through the liquid inlet. This apparatus allows efficient heating of a liquid by the provision of means to measure an amount of liquid into the heating chamber, which ensures that only the desired amount of liquid is heated.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO LIQUID HEATING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for heating liquid and in particular for heating specified quantities of liquid, such as individual measures of liquid.

In the present invention the particular liquids of interest are water and ready made beverages although the scope of the invention is not limited to just these liquids.

In the heating of water, particularly to make beverages, the most common heating apparatus are kettles or larger scale water heaters, both of which heat the water by the use of heating elements, usually powered by electricity. These apparatus heat large quantities of water from which specified smaller quantities can be dispensed. There are many problems associated with these known heating apparatus, which can result in large amounts of energy being used unnecessarily.

For example with a large scale water heater considerable energy must be expended in initially heating the water and then in keeping the water at the desired temperature for use in beverage preparation. Furthermore it is possible that larger quantities of water than are actually needed will be heated and kept hot.

With the use of existing kettles it is not possible to accurately measure the correct amount of water to be heated and therefore too much water is often heated resulting in energy being wasted. Furthermore the excess water may be re-used several times which can lead to the use of stale water in preparation of a beverage. Alternatively, too little water may be heated meaning that a second amount of water must be subsequently heated. Furthermore if the kettle boils while the user is not near to the kettle it is common to re-boil the kettle to ensure the water used to prepare the beverage is boiling, this may happen several times before a beverage is prepared, again wasting energy.

In addition kettles are switched off when heating of the water is complete by use of a steam-activated switch, however the switch can take 10-15 seconds of being contacted by steam before it is activated. This means that the water is kept at boiling point for at least 10-15 seconds, which is clearly inefficient.

For ready prepared beverages, such as coffee or soup, large volumes of ready prepared beverage may be kept hot in a liquid heater similar to the water heater mentioned above. Alternatively the liquid may be kept hot by the use of a vessel placed on a hot plate, which again requires a considerable amount of energy to be expended to keep the liquid hot.

Accordingly there remains a need for an apparatus that can heat a specified quantity of liquid on demand, reducing the need to keep large amounts of liquid hot and also the waste of energy in heating the wrong amount of liquid.

Accordingly the present invention provides an apparatus having a liquid heating chamber including a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a heat source, and a means to measure an amount of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber through the liquid inlet.

This apparatus allows efficient heating of a liquid by the provision of means to measure an amount of liquid into the heating chamber, which ensures that only the desired amount of liquid is heated.

Preferably the heat source is a heating element. Preferably the heating chamber has at least a base and one or more sidewalls. The heating chamber may be any suitable shape, for example of circular cross-section. Preferably the liquid inlet has a first end opening into the heating chamber and a second end opening to the outside of the heating chamber.

In a most preferred embodiment the apparatus is also provided with a liquid source. The liquid source is preferably a tank. The tank may be disposable to allow different liquids to be provided for use with the apparatus. The tank may also be resealable to allow it to be removed from the apparatus and replaced by another tank even if it is not empty.

This allows great versatility of type of liquid heated. It would be possible to have various liquids in different tanks which could be used interchangeably, for example whilst the apparatus may be mainly used for heating water it may be desirable to heat ready made beverages, such as coffee, mulled wine or soup, which could be kept in different tanks and used with the apparatus as required.

The tank may be re-usable and therefore may be refilled and used more than once for the same or different liquids. The tank may have any suitable capacity, for example from 0.5 to 5 litres or more, preferably from 1 to 3 litres, most preferably 1.5 litres.

The liquid source is preferably provided with means to communicate with the liquid heating chamber to allow liquid from the liquid source to enter the liquid heating chamber through the liquid inlet. Preferably the liquid source is provided with an outlet, for example a tap that communicates with the liquid inlet of the heating chamber. The outlet of the liquid source and the inlet of the heating chamber may be arranged to create an airlock in the liquid outlet of the liquid source and/or the liquid inlet of the heating chamber when a predetermined amount of liquid has been dispensed into the heating chamber.

Measurement using an airlock system is very accurate and simple and is achieved using mechanical apparatus and is therefore reliable and reproducible. This form of measurement is also very energy efficient and cost effective.

Preferably the first end of the liquid inlet is positioned over the centre of the base of the heating chamber. This arrangement ensures that the amount of liquid measured by the airlock is not affected by the heating chamber not being horizontal, the heating chamber could be up to 10° off horizontal and the liquid measurement would still be accurate.

The heating chamber is preferably pivotable about a horizontal axis such that it has at least a first position, in which the heating chamber is generally horizontal and a second position.

The heating chamber may be releasably held in the first position by a suitable retaining means. An example of a suitable mechanism is an actuator, such as a solenoid.

The heating chamber is preferably provided with one or more sealable apertures to allow the escape of steam during the heating of the liquid in the heating chamber. The apparatus is preferably provided with a corresponding seal to mate with each sealable aperture when the heating chamber is in the second position. Preferably the heating chamber is adapted in use such that in the second position the liquid inlet of the heating chamber, or an extension thereof, contacts and opens the liquid outlet of the liquid source.

Preferably in the second position the or each sealable aperture is sealed by a corresponding seal provided such that the liquid source and the heating chamber form a sealed system.

Preferably the liquid inlet of the heating chamber is sized and arranged in relation to the base to ensure that in use an airlock is created when the heating chamber is in the second position and a predetermined amount of liquid has been dispensed into the heating chamber.

The action of pivoting the heating chamber about a horizontal axis to dispense a measured amount of liquid into the heating chamber by use of an airlock is a simple procedure that can be carried out easily and safely by people who would find it hard to fill a kettle, such as the old, young or disabled. The action is not going to result in spillage of the liquid and could therefore be used in unstable environments such as on a boat or in a caravan.

It may also be desirable to be able to override the airlock measuring system to be able to dispense more than a single measure into the heating chamber at a given time, this may be done by releasing or removing the seal in the heating chamber to prevent creation of an airlock system between the heating chamber and the liquid source.

A snorkel valve may be present as an alternative to, in addition to, or as part of, the airlock system. Alternatively the liquid outlet of the liquid source may be operated manually to dispense liquid through the liquid inlet of the heating chamber into the heating chamber. In this case the heating chamber or the liquid source may be provided with a measuring scale to allow the correct amount of liquid to be dispensed from the liquid source into the heating chamber.

As an alternative to a measuring scale there may be provided a flow meter to measure the amount of liquid entering the heating chamber from the liquid source. The flow meter may be provided associated with the liquid outlet of the liquid source and therefore measure the flow of liquid out of the outlet. Alternatively the flow meter may be provided associated with the liquid inlet of the heating chamber or with the heating chamber itself and therefore measure the flow of the liquid into the heating chamber.

The use of a flow meter is an alternative way to allow the volume of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber to be monitored and therefore the length of time required to heat the liquid can be adjusted appropriately to ensure the desired energy saving. This means that, for example, a cup or a mug of water, of any chosen size, can be heated to make the amount of beverage desired by the user.

It is also possible to measure the volume of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber from the liquid source based on the time taken to fill the heating chamber to the desired level calculated from the length of time the outlet of the liquid source is open. This would also require constants such as the area of the outlet of the liquid source and/or the flow rate of the liquid from the liquid source to be known/estimated.

This measurement system is, like the airlock system, mechanical in nature and therefore accurate and simple as well as reliable and reproducible. Furthermore owing to the mechanical nature of the system it is energy efficient and cost effective.

Alternatively the liquid may be pumped into the heating chamber from the liquid source. Again, in_ this embodiment, the heating chamber_or the liquid source may be provided with a measuring scale. Alternatively the pump may be provided with a means to pump a predetermined amount of liquid into the heating chamber.

In the above disclosed embodiments using any of a measuring scale, a flow meter, the use of the time the valve is open or a pump to measure the liquid into the heating chamber there may also be provided a measuring scale on the heating chamber or the tank of the liquid source to allow the user to see approximately how much liquid they are dispensing.

In the above disclosed embodiments using any one or more of a measuring scale, a flow meter, the use of the time the valve is open or a pump to measure the liquid into the heating chamber the liquid may be dispensed from the liquid source into a separate container, such as a cup or a mug of the size desired by the user. The liquid may then be dispensed from that container into the heating chamber through the inlet to the heating chamber. In this embodiment the liquid outlet of the liquid source could be a simple tap.

As a further alternative the liquid may be measured into the heating chamber from a source not, in use, forming part of the apparatus, such as the mains water supply. The apparatus may be connected to this liquid source by means of a suitable valve operated outlet to allow the liquid to be dispensed from the source to the apparatus when required. In this case the heating chamber may be provided with a measuring scale or a flow meter may be provided associated with the liquid source outlet, the liquid inlet of the heating chamber or the heating chamber itself to measure the flow of liquid into the heating chamber. As a further alternative the volume of liquid dispensed may be calculated as described above based on the length of time the valve is open.

Again where the liquid supply does not, in use, form a part of the apparatus the liquid could be dispensed from the liquid source into a container such as a cup or a mug and could then be dispensed into the heating chamber of the apparatus from the container.

The liquid outlet from the heating chamber may be any suitable type of outlet such as a tap. The outlet may be opened manually or alternatively the outlet may be opened automatically when the heating process is complete.

As an example the apparatus may be provided with a means to pivot the heating chamber, manually or automatically, about a horizontal axis to a third position in which the tap is opened, manually or automatically, and the heating chamber is tilted such that the liquid flows towards the tap. The use of an actuator, such as a solenoid, may allow the heating chamber to pivot from the first position to a third position, for example by releasably retaining the heating chamber in the first position and allowing movement from the first to the third position when the heating chamber is released from the first position. In some embodiments of the invention the second position and the third position may be the same.

Again this apparatus provides a safe and easy way to dispense the heated liquid, which would be suitable for use by all, even those not usually able to use an apparatus such as a kettle. The amount of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber is preferably one cup. The amount of liquid dispensed can preferably be adjusted depending on the desired cup size. The amount of liquid dispensed could also be adjusted to be more than one cup if desired, for example two or three cups, or a jug, or more. The amount . of liquid could alsp . be. adjusted to be a portion of a cup, mug or jug, such as half or three quarters of a cup, mug or jug.

The heating element is preferably linked to a control system to ensure efficient heating of the liquid in the heating chamber.

The control system preferably comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is provided with a program for use by the processor to accept a data input and process that input to give rise to an output signal.

The control system is preferably provided with, or with means to determine, as either data input values or as information stored in the memory, one or more of the ambient temperature, liquid temperature, altitude, liquid volume and strength of the heat source. The control system can then determine an output signal by running the program saved in the memory and either using a mathematical equation or a "look up" table to give an output signal which sets the heating time accordingly to achieve the desired end liquid temperature.

The control system is therefore able to obtain, or be provided with, the details of the volume of liquid in the heating chamber from the various possible means to determine the volume of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber.

For example any flow meter present may be linked to the control system and provide details of the volume of liquid dispensed as an input to the control system. This could also be the case for the use of means to pump a set amount of liquid into the heating chamber.

For a system based on calculation of the volume of liquid dispensed from the length of _time the valve of the liquid source outlet is open the memory_. of the control system may contain a "look up" table for use by the processor to first calculate the volume of liquid dispensed from the length of time that the outlet valve of the liquid source is open before processing the information to give rise to an output signal that would activate the heat source for a set time.

This would be the situation regardless of whether the liquid was dispensed directly into the heating chamber or into a separate container.

For the air lock system there may not need to be a control system. The volume of liquid dispensed by the air lock system is known and a time- controlled switch could simply activate the heat source for a predetermined period of time based on the known volume of liquid dispensed. However, there may be a control system provided that would be aware of the volume of liquid dispensed as an input or piece of information stored on the memory of the control system and would take into account other parameters to calculate an appropriate heating time.

Alternatively the volume of liquid could be input manually into the control system, for example where the means to measure the volume of liquid in the heating chamber is a measuring scale there may be provided means to input the volume manually into the control system, for example by means of an appropriate keypad. The keypad may allow the actual volume of liquid measured to be entered into the control system in the appropriate units or alternatively may allow an indication to be given to the control system as to whether the volume of liquid dispensed is a cup, a mug or a jug, for example.

If the volume of liquid is known together with the current temperature conditions and the strength of the power supply, for example the jrating_._of the heat source and the supply voltage, the only variable is the time required to heat the liquid to the desired temperature and this can be readily determined from the known values.

The control system would preferably co-operate with means to activate the heating element for the necessary time period. The control system would preferably also co-operate with means to automatically dispense the heated liquid from the heating chamber.

This has the advantage of carefully monitoring the liquid being heated and ensuring that the liquid is heated for just long enough to reach the desired temperature but that energy is not wasted in heating the liquid for longer than is necessary.

The apparatus may be free standing or alternatively may be provided with means, such as a bracket or hook, to secure it to a wall or an article of furniture such as a table top or a bar top or the underside of a cupboard.

As a further modification the apparatus may be provided with more than one heating chamber, as described above, each of which may be provided with a liquid source. The liquid source may be the same for each heating chamber, wherein the liquid source would be provided with an outlet for communication with each heating chamber. Alternatively a separate liquid source may be provided for each heating chamber wherein each liquid source would then be provided with an outlet for communication with a heating chamber. Alternatively the heating chamber may be divided into two or more sub- chambers each of which may be provided with a liquid source. The liquid source may be the same for each of the sub-chambers, wherein the liquid source would be provided with an outlet for communication with each_ heating chamber. Alternatively a separate liquid source may be provided for each sub-chamber wherein each liquid source would then be provided with an outlet for communication with a sub-chamber.

This would allow the apparatus to heat more than one amount of liquid at any one time and also for the liquids to be different. This would be advantageous in a household where the members had different tastes in beverages or required the option of making beverages simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by means of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view (with the housing cut away) of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the front and the left side of the apparatus of Figure 1.

The heating apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a heating chamber 2 having a liquid inlet 3 and a liquid outlet 4. The heating chamber 2 is cylindrical in shape having a circular base portion 2a, a cylindrical sidewall 2b extending from the base portion and a circular top portion 2c parallel to and spaced apart from the base portion by the sidewall. The heating chamber 2 is provided with an integral heating element 5 situated below the base portion 2c for ease of cleaning and for aesthetic reasons. The heating element is electrically powered. The heating element is activated by the output signal from a control unit that monitors, or is provided with details of at. least .the volume of the. liquid to be heated and calculates the exact heating time for the liquid.

The heating chamber 2 is pivotally mounted in a housing 6, a part of which is shown in Figure 2. The pivotal mounting is achieved by the provision of two protrusions 7 on the sidewall 2b of the heating chamber 2 each having a female component for the receipt of a male component (not shown) protruding from the housing 6. The heating chamber 2 has a first position in which it lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the apparatus 1. The heating chamber 2 is releasably held in this position by an electrically activated switch or an actuator, such as a solenoid.

The liquid inlet 3 is provided with a first end 3 a that opens into the heating chamber and a second end 3b that opens to the exterior of the heating chamber. The first end 3a opens into the heating chamber above the centre of the base portion of the heating chamber 2. The second end 3b is provided with a forked extension 10 that protrudes above the top of the heating chamber and extends parallel to the central axis through the heating chamber 2 (see especially Figure 2) .

Mounted on the housing 6 above the heating chamber 2, when the apparatus is standing vertically ready for use, is a tank 8 containing a liquid. The tank 8 is provided with a liquid outlet in the form of a tap 9 operable by application of pressure to two diametrically opposing shoulders 11, in the direction opposing the direction in which the liquid is to be dispensed, to open the outlet. The tank 8 and the heating chamber 2 are arranged such that on pivotal movement of the heating chamber in one direction into a second position the forked protrusion 10 engages with the shoulders 11 of the liquid outlet 9 of the tank 8 and opensjhe outlet 9 dispensing liquid from the_. tank_8_ into the heating chamber 2. When the heating chamber is pivoted back to the first position the forked protrusion 10 disengages from the shoulders 11 and the liquid outlet 9 is closed.

The tank 8 and the heating chamber 2 are arranged to provide an airlock system, which results in an accurate specified amount of liquid being dispensed from the tank 8 into the heating chamber 2.

The heating chamber 2 is provided with two apertures (not shown) in the top portion thereof. Each aperture is provided with a sealing member 12 that has a first position in which it is biased away from the aperture thus allowing the aperture to be open and a second position in which the seal fills and closes the aperture. Each sealing member 12 is preferably made from a deformable rubber and is generally T-shaped. The cross bar of the T is of a size suitable to seal the aperture and the central stem of the

T is mounted such that it extends from the aperture and biases the cross bar of the T-shaped seal away from the aperture.

On movement of the heating chamber 2 into the second position the cross bar of each sealing member 12 is pushed into the aperture to seal the aperture by deformation of the stem of the sealing member 12.

The sealing of the heating chamber 2 when it is in the second position creates a closed system between the tank 8 and the heating chamber 2. Accordingly once sufficient liquid has been dispensed into the heating chamber to cover the first end 3a of the inlet 3 an airlock system is set up and no more liquid can be dispensed from the tank 8 into the heating chamber 2. Therefore an accurate specified amount of liquid can be dispensed into the heating chamber each time.

The_ liquid outlet _4 of _. the heating chamber 2 is. a _ tap . operated., by application of pressure to a circumferential rim 13, in the direction opposing the direction in which the liquid is to be dispensed, to open the outlet.

The apparatus is provided with a drip tray 14 situated below the liquid outlet from the heating chamber 2. The drip tray 14 is provided with an aperture 15 extending therethrough and having an upstanding collar 16 around it. The aperture is situated such that the heating chamber can be pivoted towards the drip tray 14 and the outlet from the heating chamber 2 contacts the aperture 15 such that the collar 16 of the aperture in the drip tray 14 acts on the rim 13 of the liquid outlet 4 from the heating chamber 2 and causes the outlet to open and the liquid to be dispensed through the aperture 15.

The heating chamber 2 is provided with a handle portion 20 to assist in pivotal movement of the heating chamber.

In addition beneath the drip tray 14 is a shelf 17 on which a glass or a cup can be placed to receive the liquid being dispensed from the heating chamber 2 through the liquid outlet 4 and the aperture 15.

Also provided is a C-shaped bracket 18 which allows the apparatus to be mounted to a table top or a bar top. The bracket is provided with a screw threaded aperture (not shown) and a corresponding screw 19 which can be used to secure the bracket to the table top or work top. The apparatus is provided with a housing (of which part is shown in Figure 2 in which the shelf 17, drip tray 14, heating chamber 2 and tank 8 are mounted. To give a user-friendly product the tank liquid outlet, heating chamber liquid inlet and outlet and handle portion all face in the same direction, which, in use, would be towards the user. The bracket faces in the opposing direction to allow mounting of the apparatus to face the user.

In use the tank 8 is either filled with a liquid to be heated such as water or the tank 8 may be bought ready to use containing a liquid to be heated such as mulled wine. To dispense a specified amount of liquid from the tank 8 into the heating chamber 2 the heating chamber is pivoted towards the tank by use of the handle portion 20 such that the forked extension 10 of the liquid inlet 3 of the heating chamber 2 contacts the shoulders 11 of the outlet tap 9 of the tank 8 and also such that the sealing members 12 close the apertures in the heating chamber 2 to form a closed system.

Liquid is dispensed into the heating chamber 2 until the airlock described above prevents further liquid from being dispensed. The heating chamber

2 is then returned to the first position and the heating element 5 is activated to heat the liquid in the heating chamber 2. The heating chamber 2 is retained in the first position by an electrically operated catch or an actuator, such as a solenoid.

Once the heating operation is complete the electrically operated catch or actuator is released which allows the heating chamber 2 to pivot towards the drip tray 14 such that the circumferential rim 13 of the outlet 4 of the heating chamber 2 is contacted by the collar 16 around the aperture 15 in the drip tray 14 and the outlet is opened to dispense the heated liquid into a cup or glass positioned on the shelf 17.

Claims

1. An apparatus having a liquid heating chamber including a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a heat source, and a means to measure an amount of Hqmd dispensed jnto the Jieating chamber.thro.ugh the_liquid..inlet._

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the heating chamber has at least a base and one or more sidewalls.

3. An apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the heating chamber is of circular cross-section.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the liquid inlet has a first end opening into the heating chamber and a second end opening to the outside of the heating chamber.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is also provided with a liquid source.

6. An apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the liquid source is a tank.

7. An apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein the tank is disposable.

8. An apparatus according to either Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the tank is resealable.

9. An apparatus according to either Claim 6, Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the tank is re-usable.

10. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 9 wherein the tank has a capacity of from 0.5 to 5 litres or more.

11. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the tank has a capacity of from 1 to 3 litres.

12. An apparatus according to any_ one of Claims 6 to 11 wherein the tank has a capacity of 1.5 litres.

13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 12 wherein the liquid source is provided with means to communicate with the liquid heating chamber.

14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 13 wherein the liquid source is provided with an outlet.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein the outlet is a tap that communicates with the liquid inlet of the heating chamber.

16. An apparatus according to either Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein the outlet of the liquid source and the inlet of the heating chamber are arranged to create an airlock in the liquid outlet of the liquid source and/or the liquid inlet of the heating chamber when a predetermined amount of liquid has been dispensed into the heating chamber.

17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 4 to 16 wherein the first end of the liquid inlet is positioned over the centre of the base of the heating chamber.

18. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating chamber is pivotable about a horizontal axis such that it has at least a first position, in which the heating chamber is generally horizontal and a second position.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 18 wherein the heating chamber is releasably held in the first position by a suitable retaining means.

20. An apparatus_^ according to Claim 19 .wherein the suitable .retaining_^ means has a solenoid mechanism.

21. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating chamber is provided with one or more sealable apertures to allow the escape of steam during the heating of the liquid in the heating chamber.

22. An apparatus according to Claim 21, as it depends from Claims 18 to

20, wherein the apparatus is provided with a corresponding seal to mate with each sealable aperture when the heating chamber is in the second position.

23. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 18 to 22 wherein the heating chamber is adapted in use such that in the second position the liquid inlet of the heating chamber, or an extension thereof, contacts and opens the liquid outlet of the liquid source.

24. An apparatus according to either Claim 22 or Claim 23, as it depends from Claim 22, wherein, in the second position, the or each sealable aperture is sealed by a corresponding seal provided such that the liquid source and the heating chamber form a sealed system.

25. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 18 to 24 wherein the liquid inlet of the heating chamber is sized and arranged in relation to the base to ensure that in use an airlock is created when the heating chamber is in the second position and a predetermined amount of liquid has been dispensed into the heating chamber.

26. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 25 wherein the heating chamber or_the_ liquid source is provided with a measuring scale.

27. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 15 wherein there is provided a flow meter to measure the amount of liquid entering the heating chamber from the liquid source.

28. An apparatus according to Claim 27 wherein the flow meter is provided associated with the liquid outlet of the liquid source.

29. An apparatus according to Claim 27 wherein the flow meter is provided associated with the liquid inlet of the heating chamber or with the heating chamber itself.

30. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 15 further arranged to measure the volume of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber from the liquid source based on the time taken to fill the heating chamber to the desired level calculated from the length of time the outlet of the liquid source is open.

31. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 15 further arranged to pump liquid into the heating chamber from the liquid source.

32. An apparatus according to Claim 31 wherein the pump is provided with a means to pump a predetermined amount of liquid into the heating chamber.

33. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 5 to 32 further arranged so the liquid can be dispensed from the liquid source into a separate container of the size desired by the user.

34. An apparatus according to Claim 33 whej-ein. the_ separate container. is, a cup or a mug.

35. An apparatus according to either Claim 33 or Claim 34 further arranged so the liquid can be dispensed from said separate container into the heating chamber through the inlet to the heating chamber.

36. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 33 to 35 wherein the liquid outlet of the liquid source is a simple tap.

37. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 further arranged so the liquid can be measured into the heating chamber from a source not, in use, forming part of the apparatus.

38. An apparatus according to Claim 37 wherein said source not, in use, forming part of the apparatus is the mains water supply.

39. An apparatus according to either Claim 37 or Claim 38 wherein the apparatus is connected to said source not, in use, forming part of the apparatus by means of a suitable valve operated outlet.

40. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 37 to 39 wherein the heating chamber is provided with a measuring scale or a flow meter associated with the liquid source outlet, the liquid inlet of the heating chamber or the heating chamber itself to measure the flow of liquid into the heating chamber.

41. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 37 to 39 further arranged to measure the volume of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber from the liquid source based on the time taken to fill the heating chamber to the desired level calculated from the length of time the outlet of the liquid source is open.

42. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 37 to 39 further arranged so the liquid can be dispensed from the liquid source into a separate container of the size desired by the user.

43. An apparatus according to Claim 42 wherein the separate container is a cup or a mug.

44. An apparatus according to either Claims 42 or Claim 43 further arranged so the liquid can be dispensed from said separate container into the heating chamber through the inlet to the heating chamber.

45. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the liquid outlet from the heating chamber is a tap.

46. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating chamber liquid outlet can be opened manually when the heating process is complete.

47. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 45 wherein the heating chamber liquid outlet can be opened automatically when the heating process is complete.

48. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 45 to 47 wherein the apparatus is provided with a means to pivot the heating chamber about a horizontal axis to a third position in which the tap is opened and the heating chamber is tilted such that the liquid flows towards the tap.

49. An apparatus according to Claim 48 wherein the means to pivot the heating chamber from the, first position to_a third position has_. a solenoid _. mechanism.

50. An apparatus according to Claim 49 further arranged so the solenoid, in use, releasably retains the heating chamber in the first position and allows movement from the first to the third position when the heating chamber is released from the first position.

51. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further arranged such that, in use, the amount of liquid dispensed into the heating chamber is one cup.

52. An apparatus according to Claim 51 wherein the amount of liquid dispensed is adjusted depending on the desired cup size.

53. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 50 further arranged such that, in use, the amount of liquid dispensed is adjusted to be more than one cup.

54. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 50 further arranged such that, in use, the amount of liquid dispensed is adjusted to be a portion of a cup, mug or jug.

55. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating element is linked to a control system.

56. An apparatus according to Claim 55 further arranged such that the control system is provided with, or with means to determine, one or more of the ambient temperature, altitude, liquid temperature, liquid volume and strength of the heating source.

57. An apparatus according to Claim 55 or Claim 56 further provided with means to input the volume manually into the control system.

58. An apparatus according to Claim 57 wherein the means to input the volume manually into the control system is a keypad.

59. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 to 58 wherein the control system is provided with means to calculate the time needed to heat a given volume of liquid from the above information supplied to it by measurement or input as a constant.

60. An apparatus according to Claim 59 wherein the control system is provided with means to activate the heating element for the necessary time period.

61. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 55 to 60 wherein the control system is provided with means to automatically dispense the heated liquid from the heating chamber.

62. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is free standing.

63. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 61 wherein the apparatus is provided with means to secure it to a wall or an article of furniture.

64. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is provided with more than one heating chamber.

65. An apparatus according to Claim 64 wherein at least one of the heating chambers is_ provided with a liquid source.

66. An apparatus according to either Claim 64 or Claim 65 wherein the liquid source is the same for each heating chamber, and wherein the liquid source is provided with an outlet for communication with each heating chamber.

67. An apparatus according to either Claim 64 or Claim 65 wherein a separate liquid source is provided for each heating chamber, and wherein each liquid source is provided with an outlet for communication with a heating chamber.

68. An apparatus according to either Claim 64 or Claim 65 wherein at least one of the heating chambers is divided into two or more sub- chambers each of which is provided with a liquid source.

69. An apparatus according to Claim 68 wherein the liquid source is the same for each of the sub-chambers, wherein the liquid source is provided with an outlet for communication with each heating chamber.

70. An apparatus according to Claim 68 wherein a separate liquid source is provided for each sub-chamber, wherein each liquid source is provided with an outlet for communication with a sub-chamber.