Abstract:
An automatic drip coffeemaker with an automatically measured water metering means is herein disclosed. The apparatus also comprises a small flexible plastic water line which connects to the water source system, an in-line replaceable water filter to ensure clean filtered water, and a control circuit with automatic water sensing level switches to allow the user to select the desired amounts of cups to be made. While the exact water levels can vary per model of invention, selectable levels of a minimum to a maximum of cups of coffee would be envisioned as readily available. In such a manner the user only has to place the correct amount of ground coffee inside of the invention, select the proper number of cups to be made, and the invention will do the rest.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/067,714 filed on Mar. 3, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to coffee making apparatuses and, more particularly, to said apparatuses which provide a means of automatic coffee making. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     People have enjoyed drinking coffee for hundreds of years its use spread from Asia through the Middle East and on its way to Europe. Various methods of coffee preparation exist and each method has its own unique characteristics which are suited to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. One (1) of the more popular methods of preparation is that of automatic drip brewing which tends to take much of the guesswork out of preparing coffee. 
     Commercial automatic coffee makers, as found in offices and restaurants, make coffee by the use of a self-contained water connection. In these machines, the user simply adds ground coffee beans and can simply initiate the preparation process to make an entire pot of great tasting coffee. Residential automatic coffee makers are common sites in most peoples&#39; kitchens. Unfortunately, such convenience as mentioned is typically not offered in the residential arena due to the fact that people may make only make one (1) or two (2) cups of coffee. Thus disadvantageously, a residential coffee maker typically requires the user to pour the exact amount of water into a holding container prior to beginning the brewing process. While such a method does work, it requires additional time and effort on the part of a user which is typically not available during the morning rush to get out of the house. Additionally, the user must physically engage the coffee maker in order to initiate the brewing process. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome these problems and provide for a better means of automatic coffee preparation. Among the relevant attempts to address these problems are several U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,793,934; 4,094,233; 4,713,253; 5,285,718; 6,481,339; and 7,028,603. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective, each of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: multistage water delivery mechanisms for effective use in industrial settings; the use of probes or mechanical floats as a means of sensing water levels; cumbersome size; the use of internal pumps to deliver water between hot and cold storage tanks; and a control system which requires physical engagement. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for an invention that operates without the disadvantages as described above and provides a means by which the ease and convenience of commercial coffee makers can be made available to residential users. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized a problem and observed that there is need for a coffeemaker with automatic metered filling means and thus the present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies this need. 
     The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic coffeemaker comprising a means to automatically deliver a predetermined amount of cold supply water which is filtered, heated, and dispensed upon standard coffee grounds as part of the brewing process. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a main enclosure and a user interface, an inlet water supply, a water filter, a water reservoir, cold water plumbing, hot water plumbing, a one way valve, a heating means, a shower head, a filter basket, a water actuating means, a water level sensing means, an electrical control means, a warming plate, a brewed coffee container, and a remote control. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a user interface comprising control selector switches which enables a user to control and set the electronic programmable functions of the invention and a plurality of digital displays which provide a means of visual indication of the functions including a preset desired amount of brewed coffee, time, delay, and similar functions. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an inlet water supply which provides a constant source of cold water supply to the invention. The cold water supply is routed through the inline water filter to provide contaminate free water to the water reservoir. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a water actuating means comprising an electronic solenoid valve which controls the supply of inlet cold water as instructed by the electronic control means. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a water level sensing means which enables the invention to deliver only the amount of cold water to the water supply as predetermined and set by the user. The water level sensing means comprises magnetic reed switches, a floating magnetic level switch, and a guide rod which signal to the electronic controller to stop the inflow of cold water via the water actuating means. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide cold water plumbing which delivers the cold water from the reservoir into a heat exchange tube which is adjacent to the heating means. The heat exchange tube provides a means of temporarily storing an amount of cold water and transferring heat from the heating means until the cold water boils. The hot water plumbing delivers the hot water from the heat exchange tube to the shower head for dispersal over the coffee grounds in the filter basket. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control which provides a means of wireless control of the programmable functions of the invention. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an audible and visual indicator means for the programmable function of the invention. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for utilizing a coffee maker with automatic metered filling means. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a coffee maker with automatic metered filling means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view taken along line A-A of the coffee maker with automatic metered filling means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line B-B of the coffee maker with automatic metered filling means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram embodying the major electrical principles of the coffee maker with automatic metered filling means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  coffee maker with automatic metered filling means 
               20  main enclosure 
               22  lower base 
               24  upper base 
               25  user interface 
               26  warmer plate 
               28  filter basket 
               30  hinge 
               32  auto-stop feature 
               34  water filter 
               36  fastening feature 
               38  carafe 
               40  first digital display 
               42  increase selector 
               44  decrease selector 
               46  second digital display 
               48  control selector panel 
               49  controller 
               50  indicator lights 
               52  speaker 
               54  infrared receiver 
               55  splash guard 
               56  remote control 
               58  infrared signal 
               60  power cord 
               62  water reservoir 
               63  cold water 
               64  cold water tube 
               66  hot water tube 
               68  heating element 
               70  shower head 
               72  drip head 
               74  one-way valve 
               76  heat exchange tube 
               78  sensors 
               80  wiring 
               82  inlet water supply line 
               84  solenoid valve 
               86  filter media 
               88  level switch 
               89  reed switch 
               90  guide rod 
               92  aperture 
               94  internal supply line 
               96  step down transformer 
               98  rectifying bridge assembly 
               100  control module 
               102  contactor 
               104  driver circuit 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a coffee maker with automatic metered filling means (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides for automatic metering of a desired amount of water when preparing coffee comprising an improved automatic drip coffee maker. In conventional automatic drip coffee makers, a measured amount of cold water is poured into a reservoir. Inside the reservoir, a heating element heats the water to a boil. The steam rises through a tube and condenses. The condensed water is then distributed over the ground coffee in the filter. The water flows through the filter, infusing with the coffee, and falls into a carafe. 
     The present apparatus  10  generally comprises a main enclosure  20 , a filter basket  28 , an auto-stop feature  32 , an inline water filter  34 ; an electronic controller  49 , a removable carafe  38 , and an automated metering means. The automated metering means generally comprises a control circuit having a plurality of water level sensing switches and an electronically controlled valve which enables a user to preselect a desired amount of cups of finished coffee which will be made. Electrical power for the apparatus  10  is provided by a power cord  60  of the common variety in residential, industrial, commercial and institutional environments. 
     The apparatus  10  is fabricated using common manufacturing techniques and materials such as, injection molded plastics, metal stamping, electrical component wiring assembly and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed.  FIG. 1  illustrates the main features embodying the apparatus  10  and it is understood that various physical embodiments comprising the inventive features may be made available having equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The main enclosure  20  provides a counter-top housing means for the internal components of the apparatus  10  and is intended for use with a standard coffee carafe  38  which comprises common expected features such as a sufficiently thermally conductive body material, a handle, a hinged lid, a pouring spout, and the like. 
     A lower base  22  portion of the main enclosure  20  comprises a warmer plate  26  and a user interface  25 . The warming plate  26  is heated by a heating element  68  for maintaining the prepared coffee at a desired drinking temperature and provides a secure seating means thereto the carafe  38  once filled with freshly brewed coffee. The lower base  22  further comprises a user interface  25  which provides a means for the user to interact with the electronic control components of the apparatus  10 ; including digital displays  40 ,  46 , indicator lights  50 , and selection switches  42 ,  44 ,  48  each of which will be described in greater detail below. 
     Located on a front portion of the lower base  22  are at least two (2) digital displays. A first digital display  40  comprises an electronic numerical display which depicts the number of cups of coffee that the apparatus  10  is currently programmed to make. Selection of the number of cups is performed by two (2) control buttons comprising an increase selector switch  42  and a decrease selector switch  44 . Also located near the first digital display  40  is a second digital display  46  and a control selection panel  48 . An electronic controller  49  comprising a control module  100  and various input/output signals provides an operating means for the electronic functional control of the apparatus  10  such as, a clock/timer, an automatic delay timer control, coffee brew strength, and the like all of which are well known in the art. The second digital display  46  provides visual indicia of the electronic controller  49  embodied by a digital clock and status indicators which provide a means for the user to interface with the apparatus  10  and digitally program the various enabled functions of said apparatus  10 . The control selection panel  48  comprises a plurality of control buttons which provide a means to navigate the programming process including initiating the coffee making process, setting the clock/timer, programming the time delay, setting an alarm function, muting a signaling speaker  52 , and the like. 
     The speaker  52  comprises a common piezoelectric speaker which provides a signaling means to the user that a desired function is complete and as an alarm indication means. A plurality of signaling lights  50  are also provided which comprise small light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) which provide a visual indication of performed functions to the user. The lower base  22  further comprises a transparent plastic splash guard  55  which provides a means of protecting the user interface from spilled or dripped liquids. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a hand-held infrared (IR) remote control  56  and a corresponding IR receiver  54  which is located along a front surface of the lower base  22 . The remote control  56  enables initiation of the various functions of the apparatus  10  such as the ON/OFF function, selection of the number of cups, and timer functions, while at a distance via an IR signal  58 . The remote control  56  comprises a small wireless handheld enclosure having an array of control buttons for adjusting various settings, common internal electronic components, and a power source such as a replaceable battery. 
     The filter basket  28  is hingedly attached to the upper base  24  via an integrally molded hinge  30 . The filter basket  28  is located directly superjacent to the carafe  38  during use and can be swung out from the upper base  24  in order to be filled with a standard paper filter and ground coffee. The filter basket  28  may also be embodied in a filter basket with integral reusable filter assembly. An auto-stop feature  32  is provided comprising a lever actuated plunger assembly which enables the carafe  38  to be removed during the coffee making process without liquid dripping from said filter basket  28 . 
     The water filter  34  comprises a common inline replaceable water filtration device which well known in the art and which is removably connected to the upper base  24 . The water filter  34  further comprises a fastening feature  36  embodied by a threaded attachment with a locking ring which provides a simple means of connecting and removing said filter  34  from the apparatus  10  for replacement. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a section view taken along line A-A of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment, is disclosed.  FIG. 2  more clearly illustrates the path of the water flow from the water reservoir  62  to the filter basket  28 . The water reservoir  62  is located immediately above and behind the carafe  38  and is capable of holding an adequate amount of cold water  63  for brewing between a minimum of one (1) and a maximum number of cups of coffee, preferably between eight (8) to twelve (12) or more depending on the specific capabilities of the present apparatus  10 . A cold water tube  64  provides a channeling means for a desired amount of cold water  63  from the reservoir  62  to a first end of a heat exchange tube  76  which is of sufficiently thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, and the heating element  68 . The heating element  68  comprises a standard electrically resistive heater which is mounted between the warmer plate  26  and the heat exchange tube  76  via mechanical bracketry. The cold water  63  flows into the heat exchange tube  76  where said cold water  63  is heated to a boil. As the water boils, the bubbles of hot water rise up into a hot water tube  66  which is attached to a second end of the heat exchange tube  76 . The hot water tube  66  is small enough and the bubbles of hot water are big enough that a column of water can ride upward on top of the bubbles. The hot water exits the hot water tube  66  via a shower head  70  and drips onto a drip head  72 . The drip head  72  evenly distributes the hot water over the waiting coffee grounds within the filter basket  28  in an expected manner. 
     A one-way valve  74  is located inline with the cold water tube  64  and allows water to flow in only one direction, thereby enabling the cold water  63  to flow into the heat exchange tube  76 , but forces the bubbles of boiling water to flow up the hot water tube  66 . The one-way valve  74  is illustrated as located at the bottom of the reservoir  62  although the location can be near the entrance of the heat exchange tube  76  with equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     To keep the heating element  68  from overheating, various components are provided such as, sensors  78  and fuses. The sensors  78  detect if the heating element  68  is getting too hot and will subsequently cut off the current. When the heating element  68  cools down, said sensors  78  reactivate the electrical current. This cycling keeps the heating element  68  at an even temperature. The fuses are for safety in the event the sensors  78  fail and simply cut the power if too high of a temperature is reached. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view taken along line B-B of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment, is disclosed.  FIG. 3  more clearly illustrates an internal inlet water supply  82  and inline water filter  34  plumbing configuration as well as the balance of components utilized at the rear of the coffee maker with automatic metered filling means  10 . The water reservoir  62  is shown in a cutaway configuration to aid in the purposes of illustration. The apparatus  10  receives a constant supply of cold water  63  via the inlet water supply  82 . The inlet water supply  82  comprises a length of lightweight polyethylene tubing which is easy to supply, route, and connect to a conventional water source as commonly found in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional establishment as fed by a municipal water system or well. Preferably the inlet water supply  82  would connect via a standard plumbing fitting near a split valve under a sink basin, refrigerator water supply, or the like which enables simple water system integration. The inlet water supply  82  and fittings are used to facilitate the connection to the water source system in a manner currently and commonly used to feed ice makers or through the door water dispensers as commonly provided on current vintage refrigerators. An aperture  90  located on an underside of the main enclosure  20  provides a discreet access point for the inlet water supply line  82 . 
     An inline electronic solenoid valve  84  comprising an electronically actuated valve provides a means of regulating the proper desired amount of water directed into the water reservoir  62 . The electronic solenoid valve  84  is controlled by internal electronic circuitry  100  which will be described in greater detail herein below. The electronic solenoid valve  84  is preferably of the “energize to open variety” so any power failures, internal device failures, and the like will not allow for inadvertent operation and possible overfilling of the water reservoir  62 . The solenoid valve  84  is powered and controlled via connection to the controller  49  via common wiring  80 . 
     The water filter  34  is used to treat the incoming water from the inlet water supply line  82 . The water filter  34  comprises an internal filter media  86  which removes impurities and contaminants and provides for better tasting coffee. The inlet water supply line  82  filters cold water  63  through the water filter  34  which is then directed to an internal supply line  94  which fills the water reservoir  62 . 
     A magnetic level switch  88  and a plurality of magnetic reed switches  89  provide a means of controlling the amount of cold water  63  which is delivered into the water reservoir  62 . The magnetic level switch  88  rides upon a guide rod  90 . The guide rod  90  provides means of circuit closure to the various reed switches  89  which correspond to various levels of water in turn corresponding to various numbers of cups of brewed coffee. Further details on the operation of the various switches will be described herein below. 
     Finally, referring to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram embodying the major electrical principles of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. Electrical power at 120 VAC, 60 Hz is derived from the power cord  60  and delivered to a step down transformer  96 . From the step down transformer  96  the reduced AC voltage is forwarded to a rectifying bridge assembly  98  for conversion into DC. This DC bus then energizes a control module  100 . The control module  100  can be any type of control circuitry and is most likely envisioned as a dedicated hard programmed controller. However, other types of controllers such as hard-wired logic to basic stamp controller modules can be utilized, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present controller. Various inputs to the control module  100  are provided by the increase selector switch  42 , the decrease selector switch  44 , and the control selector panel  48  which are provided as switch inputs. Additional control signals may be provided thereto the control module  100  via transmitted IR signals  58  from the IR remote control  56  and received by the IR receiver  54 , thereby initiating an ON/OFF function, number of cups, and timer functions. 
     The plurality of magnetic reed switches  89  are provided at the various boundaries of the various water levels on the water reservoir  62  (as seen in  FIG. 3 ). The magnetic reed switches  89  operate by closing whenever the magnetic field of the magnetic level switch  88  passes by. In such a manner, a closed circuit is provided to the control module  100 . When the corresponding magnetic reed switch  89  that matches the number of cups to be brewed which is indicated on the first digital display  40 , the control module  100  opens the circuit to the solenoid valve  84  thus closing the valve and stopping the flow of water. Likewise, at the same time, the control module  100  closes a contactor  102  to energize the high wattage electric heating element  68  at line voltage to brew the coffee. Additional inputs to start the brewing cycles and set the delay timer, the brewing strength, and the clock as well as any other programmable features are provided by the control selector panel  48  as described. The first and the second digital displays are interfaced to the control module  100  by a driver circuit  104 . After the completion of a brewing cycle, the control module  100  resets itself awaiting additional inputs via the push button control switches  42 ,  44 ,  48  or the IR remote control  56 , to begin another brewing cycle. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be manufactured in general accordance with  FIGS. 1 through 4 . After purchase by the final consumer the apparatus  10  would be located on a suitable flat surface such as a kitchen countertop. The apparatus  10  would be connected to a suitable water source using the inlet water supply line  82  and associated fittings using commonly known and widely available flexible plumbing connections. Next, apparatus  10  would be connected to a suitable source of electricity using the power cord  60 . Finally, a coffee filter and ground coffee beans would be added to the filter basket  28  in a conventional manner. At this point in time, the apparatus  10  is ready to produce a desired programmable number of cups of coffee. 
     To begin the actual brewing process, the user would select the number of cups to be brewed by using the increase selector switch  42 , the decrease selector switch  44 , or the IR remote control  56  as necessary. To then immediately start the brewing process, a start signal would be generated by interfacing with the control selector panel  48  which includes a brewing initiation control, or by using the IR remote control  56 , or the start signal would be generated on a delayed basis by use of the electronic timer control function of said control selector panel  48  in a well-known manner. 
     After the start sequence is initiated, the control module  100  will open the electronic solenoid valve  84  and allow water to begin to flow into the water reservoir  62 . When the water level reaches the level that matches the amount of cold water  63  required to brew the desired number of cups of coffee, as set upon the first digital display  42 , the control module  100  will de-energize and close the solenoid valve  84 . At this point in the operating sequence, the water will be heated by the heating element  68  and pumped to the drip head  72 . In a conventional gravity fed manner, the resultant finished coffee will drip into the carafe  38 . At the completion of a timed brewing cycle as determined by the control module  100 , the apparatus  10  will de-energize itself and wait for the process to begin anew as initiated as previously described. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.