Abstract:
A multi-mode coffee maker facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. An upper edge of the carafe, and an arm reaching from the single cup adapter, engage a lever opening the drip valve. The hot plate may be manually turned on and off, or the single cup adapter may cooperate with a switch in the coffee maker to turn the hot plate off.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a Continuation In Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/610,181 filed Oct. 30, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,584 filed Nov. 17, 2009, which applications are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to coffee makers and in particular to a coffee maker utilizing a stream of hot water through tamped ground coffee. 
         [0003]    Coffee is generally prepared in a coffee maker by measuring an amount of ground coffee into a coffee filter, closing a lid over the ground coffee, and providing a stream of hot water through the loosely packed ground coffee. Unfortunately, water passes freely through the loosely packed ground coffee and does not obtain the full flavor which might otherwise be obtained. 
         [0004]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,831 filed Jul. 13, 2007 for “Pod Adapter System for Single Service Beverage Brewers” by the present applicant overcomes this problem using pre-packaged coffee in closed filter paper commonly called a pod, and inserting the closed pod into a pod holder including a tamping spring and bottom tamper for tamping the pod between the bottom tamper and a coffee holder lid. While the pod adapter of the &#39;831 application works well for coffee pods, it does not allow the simple use of bulk ground coffee not pre-packaged in the closed pod. 
         [0005]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/610,181 filed Oct. 30, 2009 for “Self Tamping Coffee Holder” filed by the present applicant further discloses a coffee making apparatus and methods which provide a tamped packing of loose ground coffee thereby obtaining richer flavor. The Coffee maker includes a reservoir, a pump, a heater, and a check valve. Coffee grounds are first loosely deposited in a coffee holder and then tamped onto a compacted state. The coffee holder may be filled loosely with the coffee and then placed into the coffee making apparatus and compacted, or the coffee may be compacted in the coffee holder and then the coffee holder placed into the coffee making apparatus. The compacting may be by a spring or by a resilient solid material and may be part of the coffee holder or part of the coffee making apparatus. 
         [0006]    Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,584 filed Nov. 17, 2009 for “Self Tamping Coffee Holder” filed by the present applicant further discloses a self-tamping coffee holder which tamps loose ground coffee obtaining richer flavor. The coffee holder includes a holder base and a holder cap. Coffee is loosely deposited in the coffee holder and the holder cap is attached to the holder base. An internal filter chamber holds the coffee and allows tamping of the coffee into a compacted state. The filter chamber may be formed by a fixed filter or by a removeable filter constructed of filter paper, nylon mesh, metal mesh, or any material capable of holding the coffee while allowing a flow of heated water through the coffee. The tamping may be by a spring or by a resilient solid material attached to the coffee holder and may push the coffee down inside the filter or push the filter and the coffee up against the holder lid. 
         [0007]    While the 831, 181, and 584 patents successfully address tamping loose coffee, the coffee maker generally prepares a fixed quantity of coffee, either several cups of coffee to fill a carafe, or a single cup. Most users do not have space for multiple coffee makers so must pick between the multi-cup or single cup coffee makers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing a multi-mode coffee maker which facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. An upper edge of the carafe, and an arm reaching from the single cup adapter, engage a lever opening the drip valve. The hot plate may be manually turned on and off, or the single cup adapter may cooperate with a switch in the coffee maker to turn the hot plate off. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       [0010]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a coffee maker according to the present invention. 
         [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the coffee maker according to the present invention. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the coffee maker according to the present invention. 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the coffee maker with an open lid allowing placement of a coffee holder according to the present invention inside the coffee maker. 
         [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a functional diagram of the coffee maker. 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a first coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing an empty coffee holder with the tamping spring and the bottom tamper according to the present invention. 
         [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, a portion of coffee, and the holder lid ready to attach to a holder body according to the present invention. 
         [0020]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach to the holder body according to the present invention. 
         [0021]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder with the tamping spring and bottom tamper, the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid attached to the coffee holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the first holder lid. 
         [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a filter paper cup according to the present invention. 
         [0024]      FIG. 7B  is a top view of the filter paper cup according to the present invention. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7C  is a second embodiment of the filter paper cup with a lid. 
         [0026]      FIG. 8A  shows the first coffee holder ready for insertion into the coffee maker. 
         [0027]      FIG. 8B  shows the first coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker before tamping the coffee. 
         [0028]      FIG. 8C  shows the first coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker after tamping the coffee. 
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a second coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing an empty coffee holder with the tamping spring and the top tamper according to the present invention. 
         [0032]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the coffee holder with the holder lid, tamping spring and top tamper, and a portion of coffee, ready to attach according to the present invention. 
         [0033]      FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the portion of untamped coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid, tamping spring and top tamper, ready to attach to the holder base, according to the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder and the tamping spring, top tamper, and the holder lid attached to the coffee holder, according to the present invention. 
         [0035]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the second holder lid. 
         [0036]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the bottom tamper. 
         [0037]      FIG. 14A  shows the second coffee holder ready for insertion into the coffee maker. 
         [0038]      FIG. 14B  shows the second coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker before tamping the coffee. 
         [0039]      FIG. 14C  shows the second coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker after tamping the coffee. 
         [0040]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a third coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0041]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder and the top tamper and the holder lid ready to attach to the coffee holder, according to the present invention. 
         [0043]      FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the top tamper and the holder lid ready to attach to the coffee holder, according to the present invention. 
         [0044]      FIG. 17C  is a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the bottom tamper, the top tamper, and the holder lid attached to the coffee holder, according to the present invention. 
         [0045]      FIG. 18A  shows the third coffee holder ready for insertion into a second coffee maker according to the present invention. 
         [0046]      FIG. 18B  shows the third coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker before tamping the coffee. 
         [0047]      FIG. 18C  shows the third coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker after tamping the coffee. 
         [0048]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a fourth coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0049]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 21A  is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee, and the holder lid ready to attach, according to the present invention. 
         [0051]      FIG. 21B  is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach, according to the present invention. 
         [0052]      FIG. 21C  is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper, a portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid attached, according to the present invention. 
         [0053]      FIG. 22A  shows the fourth coffee holder ready for insertion into the coffee maker. 
         [0054]      FIG. 22B  shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker before tamping the coffee. 
         [0055]      FIG. 22C  shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker after tamping the coffee. 
         [0056]      FIG. 23A  shows the fourth coffee holder ready for insertion into the coffee maker having a tamping block according to the present invention. 
         [0057]      FIG. 23B  shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker having the tamping block before tamping the coffee. 
         [0058]      FIG. 23C  shows the fourth coffee holder inserted into the coffee maker having the tamping block after tamping the coffee. 
         [0059]      FIG. 24  is a side view of a fifth coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0060]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 26A  is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder body, and the holder lid with the top tamper and tamping spring, ready to attach to the coffee holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 26B  is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the coffee holder with the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid with the top tamper and tamping spring ready to attach to the coffee holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0063]      FIG. 26C  is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid with the top tamper and tamping spring attached to the holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0064]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a sixth coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0065]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 29A  is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach to the holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0067]      FIG. 29B  is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach to the holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0068]      FIG. 29C  is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid attached and tamping the coffee, according to the present invention. 
         [0069]      FIG. 30  is a side view of a seventh coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0070]      FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 32A  is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the portion of coffee above the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach to the holder body, according to the present invention. 
         [0072]      FIG. 32B  is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid ready to attach to the holder body according to the present invention. 
         [0073]      FIG. 32C  is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder according to the present invention taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the portion of coffee in the coffee holder, and the holder lid attached to the holder body and the coffee tamped between the bottom tamper and spring and the holder lid, according to the present invention. 
         [0074]      FIG. 33  is a side view of an eighth coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0075]      FIG. 34A  is a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holder taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  showing a portion of coffee for placing inside the coffee holder and the holder lid with an insertable portion and an O-Ring inside the coffee holder for sealing according to the present invention. 
         [0076]      FIG. 34B  is a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holder taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  showing the portion of coffee inside the coffee holder and the holder lid with the insertable portion inserted into the coffee holder and cooperating with the O-Ring inside the coffee holder for sealing. 
         [0077]      FIG. 35  is a side view of a ninth coffee holder according to the present invention. 
         [0078]      FIG. 36A  is a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35  showing a portion of coffee for placing inside the coffee holder and a holder lid with a threaded portion for screwing inside the holder body for sealing according to the present invention. 
         [0079]      FIG. 36B  is a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35  showing the portion of coffee inside the coffee holder and a holder lid with the threaded portion screwed into the holder body and tamping the coffee according to the present invention. 
         [0080]      FIG. 37A  shows a third coffee maker having a coffee holder for receiving a portion of coffee and tamping spring according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0081]      FIG. 37B  shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the portion of coffee and the tamping spring under the coffee holder according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0082]      FIG. 37C  shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the portion of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed for tamping the coffee according to the present invention. 
         [0083]      FIG. 38A  shows a third coffee maker having a coffee holder for receiving a portion of coffee and tamping spring attached to the coffee maker lid according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0084]      FIG. 38B  shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the portion of untamped coffee according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0085]      FIG. 38C  shows the third coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the portion of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed to push the tamping spring into the coffee holder for tamping the coffee according to the present invention. 
         [0086]      FIG. 39A  shows a fourth coffee maker having a coffee holder for receiving a packet containing untamped coffee, a knife for cutting the packet open, and tamping spring attached to the coffee maker lid according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0087]      FIG. 39B  shows the fourth coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the packet of untamped coffee according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0088]      FIG. 39C  shows the fourth coffee maker with the coffee holder holding the packet of tamped coffee with the coffee maker lid closed to push the tamping spring into the coffee holder for tamping the coffee according to the present invention. 
         [0089]      FIG. 40A  shows a fifth coffee maker accepting a horizontal coffee holder and tamping spring residing horizontally in a coffee holder cavity according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0090]      FIG. 40B  shows the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder residing horizontally in the coffee holder cavity according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed. 
         [0091]      FIG. 40C  shows the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder residing horizontally in the coffee holder cavity with the coffee maker lid closed and the coffee holder pushed against the tamping spring for tamping the coffee, according to the present invention. 
         [0092]      FIG. 41  is a side view of a tenth coffee holder with straight walls according to the present invention. 
         [0093]      FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0094]      FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41  showing a full and tamped coffee holder. 
         [0095]      FIG. 44  is a side view of an eleventh coffee holder with straight walls according to the present invention. 
         [0096]      FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 44  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0097]      FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 41  showing a full and tamped coffee holder. 
         [0098]    FIG,  47 A is a side view of a top tamper. 
         [0099]    FIG,  47 B is a top view of the top tamper. 
         [0100]    FIG,  47 C is a side view of a top tamper with a seal according to the present invention. 
         [0101]    FIG,  47 D is a top view of the top tamper with a seal. 
         [0102]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of a filter paper cup with a folding cup lid. 
         [0103]      FIG. 49  is a side view of an twelfth coffee holder with straight walls according to the present invention. 
         [0104]      FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0105]      FIG. 51A  is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup, above the base, and the coffee holder base. 
         [0106]      FIG. 51B  is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base. 
         [0107]      FIG. 51C  is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base with a filter paper cover folded over the coffee in the filter paper cup. 
         [0108]      FIG. 51D  is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid attached to the base with the coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder base with the coffee tamped. 
         [0109]      FIG. 52  is a side view of a thirteenth coffee holder with a releaseable tamping latch according to the present invention. 
         [0110]      FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0111]      FIG. 54A  is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup, above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0112]      FIG. 54B  is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0113]      FIG. 54C  is a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0114]      FIG. 54D  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid attached to the base with the coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder base with tamping latch released and the coffee tamped. 
         [0115]      FIG. 55  is a side view of a fourteenth coffee holder with a releaseable tamping latch according to the present invention. 
         [0116]      FIG. 56  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0117]      FIG. 57A  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup, above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0118]      FIG. 57B  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0119]      FIG. 57C  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch released but just prior to tamping. 
         [0120]      FIG. 57D  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid attached to the base with the coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder base with tamping latch released and the coffee tamped. 
         [0121]      FIG. 58  is a side view of a fourteenth coffee holder with a releaseable tamping lock according to the present invention. 
         [0122]      FIG. 59  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing an empty coffee holder. 
         [0123]      FIG. 60A  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing a lid, coffee, a filter paper cup, above the base, and the coffee holder base, with the tamping lock retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0124]      FIG. 60B  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tamping lock retaining the bottom tamper. 
         [0125]      FIG. 60C  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base prior to tamping. 
         [0126]      FIG. 60D  is a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid attached to the base with the coffee and the filter paper cup residing in the coffee holder base with tamping lock released and the coffee tamped. 
         [0127]      FIG. 61  is a top view of a lock according to the present invention. 
         [0128]      FIG. 62  is a bottom view of a second bottom tamper with cooperates with the tamping lock according to the present invention. 
         [0129]      FIG. 63A  is a side view of a filter cup according to the present invention. 
         [0130]      FIG. 63B  is a top view of the filter cup according to the present invention. 
         [0131]      FIG. 64  is a side view of multi-mode coffee maker according to the present invention. 
         [0132]      FIG. 65A  is a front view of the multi-mode coffee maker according to the present invention with a carafe positioned for receiving a volume of coffee. 
         [0133]      FIG. 65B  is a side view of the multi-mode coffee maker according to the present invention with the carafe positioned for receiving a volume of coffee. 
         [0134]      FIG. 66A  is a front view of the multi-mode coffee maker according to the present invention with a coffee cup positioned for receiving a volume of coffee. 
         [0135]      FIG. 66B  is a side view of the multi-mode coffee maker according to the present invention with the coffee cup positioned for receiving a volume of coffee. 
         [0136]      FIG. 67A  is a front view of a single cup adapter according to the present invention. 
         [0137]      FIG. 67B  is a side view of the single cup adapter according to the present invention. 
         [0138]      FIG. 67C  is a top view of the single cup adapter according to the present invention. 
         [0139]      FIG. 68  is a cross-sectional view of the single cup adapter according to the present invention taken along line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 67A . 
         [0140]      FIG. 69A  is a side view of a multi-serving coffee holder according to the present invention for use in the multi-mode coffee maker for making several cups of coffee. 
         [0141]      FIG. 69B  is a side view of a single-serving coffee holder according to the present invention for use in the multi-mode coffee maker for making one cup of coffee. 
     
    
       [0142]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0143]    The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
         [0144]    A front view of a coffee  10  maker according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1A  a side view of the coffee maker  10  is shown in  FIG. 1B , and a top view of the coffee maker  10  is shown in  FIG. 1C . The coffee maker  10  includes a body  12 , an opening lid  14 , a lid handle  16 , a water container  18 , a display  20 , controls  22 , a platform  24  and a mouth  12   a . A coffee pitcher  26  rests on the platform  24  inside the mouth  12   a  and has a pitcher lid  28 . The coffee maker  10  provides a flow of hot water through coffee grounds to produce a coffee drink. The flow of water may be heated by one of any known means, for example, an electrical heating coil or a conductive coating on tubing carrying the water. 
         [0145]    A side view of the coffee maker  10  with an open lid  14  allowing placement of a coffee holder  30  according to the present invention inside the coffee maker  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The lid  14  includes a lid hinge  14 a and a water tube  15  carries heated water into the lid  14 . A pad  17  resides on a bottom surface of the lid  14  and presses against the coffee holder  30  when the lid  14  is closed, and in cooperation with other means discloses hereafter, tamps coffee contained in the coffee holder  30 . A nozzle  19  extending down from the closed lid  14  directs the flow of hot water into the coffee holder  30 . 
         [0146]    A functional diagram of the coffee maker  10  is shown in  FIG. 2A . The preferred coffee maker  10  includes the water tank  18 , water pump  21 , a heater  13 , check valve  23  and the nozzle  18 . The pump  21  preferably provides at least one PSI water pressure. The water heater  13  may include a heating coil or a resistive coating or any other means for heating water. The check valve  23  limits the water pressure at the nozzle  19  by returning some of the water flow to the water tank  18 . While a the water pump  21  is a preferred method for providing a flow of water to the nozzle  19 , other methods include pressuring the water in the water tank  18 , and a coffee maker using any means to provide a forced flow of water is intending to within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0147]    A side view of a first coffee holder  30   a  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3  and a cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder  30   a  including a holder body  31 , a first holder lid  32   a , a bottom tamper  34 , and a tamping spring  36  according to the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 4 . A volume (or coffee holder interior)  38  is provided inside the coffee holder  30   a  to receive loose coffee  41 . A passage  33  in the lid  32   a  is provided for the nozzle  19  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0148]    A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder  30   a  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing an empty coffee holder  30   a  with the tamping spring  36  and the bottom tamper  34  ready for filling are shown in  FIG. 5A . A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder  30   a  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder  30   a  with the tamping spring  36  and bottom tamper  34 , a portion of loose coffee  41 , and the holder lid  32   a  ready to attach is shown in  FIG. 5B . A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder  30   a  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder  30   a  with the tamping spring  36  and bottom tamper  34 , a portion of coffee in the volume  38 , and the holder lid  32   a  ready to attach is shown in  FIG. 5C . A cross-sectional side view of the first coffee holder  30   a  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the coffee holder  30   a  with the tamping spring  36  and bottom tamper  34 , a portion of loose coffee  41  in the volume  38 , and the holder lid  32   a  attached to the coffee holder  30   a , is shown in  FIG. 5D . 
         [0149]    A top view of the first holder lid  32   a  showing the passage  33  provided for the nozzle  19  (see FIG,  2 ) is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0150]    A side view of a filter paper cup  40  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 7A  and a top view of the filter paper cup  40  is shown in  FIG. 7B . The filter paper cup  40  includes a bottom  40   b , sides  40   a , and a rim  40   c . The rim  40   c  rests on a top edge of the holder body  31  and is held between the holder cap and body when the cap is placed on the body, thereby preventing or restricting the escape of coffee  41  from the cup  40  when hot water flows into the coffee holder  30   a.    
         [0151]    A second embodiment of the filter paper cup  40 ′ with a folding paper lid  40   d  is shown in  FIG. 7C . The lid  40   d  of the filter paper cup  40 ′ may be folded over the cup  40 ′ after loose coffee is poured into the cup. The lid  40   d  preferably includes a perforation  40   e  centered on the lid  40   d  allowing the nozzle  19  to enter and/or inject the hot flow of water into the tamped coffee  41 . 
         [0152]    The filter cups may be made from several materials including filter paper, nylon mesh, steel mesh, or any material suitable for filtration. 
         [0153]    The first coffee holder  30   a  is shown ready for insertion into a first coffee maker  10   a  in  FIG. 8A , the first coffee holder  30   a  is shown inserted into the coffee maker  10  before tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 8B , and the first coffee holder  30   a  is shown in the coffee maker  10  after tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 8C . The coffee maker includes a cavity  11  for accepting the coffee holder and has walls  11   a  for aligning the coffee holder in the coffee maker. When the lid  14  is closed, the pad  17  on the bottom of the lid  14  and/or arms  25  attached to the bottom of the lid  25 , push the coffee holder  30   a  down over the tamping spring  36  and the coffee  41  is tamped between the lid  32   a  and the bottom tamper  34 . The arms  25  push the coffee holder  30   a  down ahead of the nozzle  19  thereby seating the coffee holder  30   a  in the cavity  11  for alignment of the nozzle  10  with the passage  33  in the lid  32   a.    
         [0154]    A side view of a second coffee holder  30   b  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 9  and a cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder  30   b  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The coffee holder  30   b  includes the holder body  31 , a second holder lid  32   b , a tamping spring  36 , a spring washer  35   a , and a top tamper  35   b.    
         [0155]    A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder  30   b  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing an empty coffee holder  30   b  is shown in  FIG. 11A . A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder  30   b  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the holder lid  32   b  and a loose portion of coffee  41  above the empty coffee holder  30   b  is shown in  FIG. 11B . A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder  30   b  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the holder lid  32   b  above the coffee holder  30   b  with the portion of loose coffee  41  in the coffee holder  32   b  is shown in  FIG. 11C . A cross-sectional side view of the second coffee holder  32   b  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  showing the coffee holder with the holder lid  32   b  attached to the coffee holder  30   b  and a portion of loose coffee  41  in the coffee holder  30   b  is shown in  FIG. 11D . The tamping spring  36  extends upward out of the coffee holder  30   b  for tamping the loose coffee as disclosed hereafter. 
         [0156]    A top view of the second holder lid  32   b  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The holder lid  32   b  includes a larger passage  33   a  allowing passage of the tamping spring  36  through the holder lid  32   b.    
         [0157]    A top view of the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 13 . The bottom tamper  34  includes perforations  34 a to allow coffee drink to pass through the bottom tamper  34 . 
         [0158]    The second coffee holder  30   b  is shown ready for insertion into the coffee maker  10  in  FIG. 14A , the second coffee holder  30   b  is shown inserted into the coffee maker  10  before tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 14B , and the second coffee holder  30   b  is shown in the coffee maker  10  after tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 14C . The coffee maker  10  may include a long nozzle  19   a  to reach the top tamper  35   b  for “injection” of the heated water into the tamped coffee, but may also include the nozzle  19  and the heated water may pass through the coffee  41  under the pull of gravity. 
         [0159]    A side view of a third coffee holder  30   c  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 16  and a cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder  30   c  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  is shown in  FIG. 16 . The coffee holder  30   c  includes the holder body  31 , the second holder lid  32   b , the bottom tamper  34 , and the top tamper  35   b.    
         [0160]    A cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder  30   c  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the coffee holder  30   c  with the holder lid  32   b , the top tamper  35   b , and a portion of coffee, ready to attach to the holder  31 , is shown in  FIG. 17A . A cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the coffee holder  30   c  with the holder lid  32   b  and the top tamper ready to attach, and a portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder, is shown in  FIG. 17B . A cross-sectional side view of the third coffee holder  30   c  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15  showing the coffee holder with the holder lid and the top tamper attached and a loose portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 17C . The coffee holder  30   c  is configured to use with a coffee make  10   b  (see  FIGS. 18A-18C ) including apparatus for entering the coffee holder for tamping the loose coffee  41 . 
         [0161]    The third coffee holder  30   c  ready for insertion into a second coffee maker  10   b  in  FIG. 18A , the third coffee holder  30   c  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  before tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 18B , and the third coffee holder  30   c  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  after tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 18C . The coffee maker  10   b  includes the tamping spring  36  attached to the pad  17  on the bottom of the lid  14 . When the lid  14  is closed the tamping spring  36  enters the coffee holder  30   c  through the lid passage  33   a  (see  FIG. 12 ) and pushes the top tamper  35   b  against the coffee  41  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0162]    A side view of a fourth coffee holder  30   d  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 19  and a cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder  30   d  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  is shown in  FIG. 20 . The coffee holder  30   d  includes the holder body  31 , the first holder lid  32   a , and the bottom tamper  34 . 
         [0163]    A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder  30   d  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder with the bottom tamper  34 , and a portion of coffee  41  and the holder lid ready to attach is shown in  FIG. 21A . A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder  30   d  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder  30   d  with the bottom tamper  34 , the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder  30   d , and the holder lid  32   a  ready to attach is shown in  FIG. 21B . A cross-sectional side view of the fourth coffee holder  30   d  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  showing the coffee holder  30   d  with the bottom tamper  34 , a portion of coffee in the coffee holder  41 , and the holder lid  32   a  is shown in  FIG. 21C . 
         [0164]    The fourth coffee holder  30   d  ready for insertion into another embodiment of the second coffee maker  10   b  in  FIG. 22A , the fourth coffee holder  30   d  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  before tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 22B , and the fourth coffee holder  30   d  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  after tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 22C . The coffee maker  10   b  may include the tamping spring  36  residing in the bottom of the coffee holder cavity  11 . When the lid  14  is closed, the pad  17  pushed the coffee holder  30   d  down over the tamping spring  36  and the tamping spring  36  enters the coffee holder  30   c  through the bottom of the holder body  31  and pushes the bottom tamper  34  against the coffee  41  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0165]    The fourth coffee holder  30   d  ready for insertion into another embodiment of the second coffee maker  10   b  in  FIG. 23A , the fourth coffee holder  30   d  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  before tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 23B , and the fourth coffee holder  30   d  is shown residing in the coffee maker  10   b  after tamping the coffee  41  in  FIG. 23C . The coffee maker  10   b  may include a resilient solid block  42  residing in the bottom of the coffee holder cavity  11 . When the lid  14  is closed, the pad  17  pushed the coffee holder  30   d  down over the resilient solid block  42  and the resilient solid block  42  enters the coffee holder  30   c  through the bottom of the holder body  31  and pushes the bottom tamper  34  against the coffee  41  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0166]    A side view of a fifth coffee holder  30   e  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 24  and a cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder  30   e  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  is shown in  FIG. 25 . The fifth coffee holder  30   e  includes the holder body  31 , the holder lid  32   b , the tamping spring  36  and the top tamper  35   b  attached to the holder lid  32   a.    
         [0167]    A cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder  30   e  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the coffee holder  30   e  with a portion of coffee  41 , and the holder lid  32   b  with the top tamper  35   b  and tamping spring  36  attached, above the holder body  31 , is shown in  FIG. 26A . A cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder  30   e  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the coffee holder with the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder, and the holder lid  32   b  with the top tamper  35   b  and tamping spring  36  attached, above the holder body  31 , is shown in  FIG. 26B . A cross-sectional side view of the fifth coffee holder  30   e  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24  showing the coffee holder  30   e  with the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder  30   e , and the holder lid  32   b  with the top tamper  35   b  and tamping spring  36  attached to the holder base  31  is shown in  FIG. 26D . The tamping spring  36  and top tamper  35   b  tamp the coffee  41  to provide a tamped coffee when the holder lid  32   b  is attached to the holder base  31 . 
         [0168]    A side view of a sixth coffee holder  30   f  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 27  and a cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder  30   f  taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  is shown in  FIG. 28 . The sixth coffee holder  30   f  includes the holder body  31  and a third holder lid  32   c . The third holder lid  32   c  includes a recessed portion  32 ′ which reaches into the interior of the sixth coffee holder  30   f . The recessed portion  32 ′ is preferably a solid resilient material. 
         [0169]    A cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder  30   f  taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the sixth coffee holder  30   f  with a portion of coffee  41 , and the holder lid  32   c , above the holder body  31 , is shown in  FIG. 29A . A cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder  30   f  taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the coffee holder with the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder, and the holder lid  32   c  above the holder body  31 , is shown in  FIG. 29B . A cross-sectional side view of the sixth coffee holder  30   f  along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27  showing the sixth coffee holder  30   f  with the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder  30   e , and the holder lid  32   e  attached to the holder base  31  is shown in  FIG. 26D . A cushion  32 ′ tamps the coffee  41  to provide a tamped coffee when the holder lid  32   e  is attached to the holder base  31 . The cushion  32 ′ is preferably made from a resilient material to cushion the tamping of the loose coffee. 
         [0170]    A side view of a seventh coffee holder  30   g  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 30  and a cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder  30   g  taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  is shown in  FIG. 31 . The seventh coffee holder  30   g  includes the holder body  31 , the holder lid  32   b , the tamping spring  36 , and the bottom tamper  34  inside the holder base  31 . 
         [0171]    A cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder  30   g  taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the seventh coffee holder  30   g  with a portion of coffee  41  and the holder lid  32   a  above the holder body  31 , and with the bottom tamper  34  and tamping spring  36  inside the holder base  31 , is shown in  FIG. 26A . A cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder  30   g  taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the coffee holder with the portion of coffee  41  in the filter paper  40  in the holder base  31  resting on the bottom tamper  34  supported by the tamping spring  36 , and the holder lid  32   a  above the holder body  31 , is shown in  FIG. 26B . A cross-sectional side view of the seventh coffee holder  30   g  taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the seventh coffee holder  30   g  with the portion of coffee  41  in the coffee holder  30   e , and the holder lid  32   a  attached to the holder base  31 , is shown in  FIG. 26D . The tamping spring  36  and bottom tamper  34  tamp the coffee  41  upward against the tamper lid  32   a  to provide a tamped coffee when the holder lid  32   a  is attached to the holder base  31 . 
         [0172]    A side view of an eighth coffee holder  30   h  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 33 , a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holder  30   h  taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  showing a portion of coffee  41  for placing inside the coffee holder and a fourth holder lid  32   d  with an insertable portion and an O-Ring  50  inside the coffee holder for sealing is shown in  FIG. 34A , and a cross-sectional side view of the eighth coffee holder taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  showing the portion of coffee  41  inside the coffee holder  30   h  and the holder lid  32   d  with the insertable portion inserted into the coffee holder base  31   a  is shown in  FIG. 34B . The filter paper  40  extends up above the O-ring  50  and the O-Ring  50  cooperates with the holder lid  32   d  to sandwich the top edge of the filter paper  40  for sealing the filter paper  40  to reduce or prevent the coffee  41  from escaping when the flow of hot water is provided to the coffee holder  30   h . The holder base  31   a  is preferably cylindrical but may also be conical in shape. 
         [0173]    A side view of a ninth coffee holder  30   i  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 35 , a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder  30   i  taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35  showing a portion of coffee  41  for placing inside the coffee holder and a fifth holder lid  32   e  with a threaded portion for screwing inside the holder base  31   b  for sealing is shown in  FIG. 36A , and a cross-sectional side view of the ninth coffee holder  30   i  taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35  showing the portion of coffee  41  inside the coffee holder and the holder lid  32   e  with the threaded portion screwed into the coffee holder and tamping the coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 36B . The threads both provide tamping and sealing the coffee to reduce or prevent the coffee  41  from escaping when the flow of hot water is provided to the coffee holder  30   h . The holder base  31   b  is preferably cylindrical to facilitate having internal threads, and at least the threaded portion is preferably cylindrical. 
         [0174]    A third coffee maker  10   c  having a coffee holder  30  according to the present invention for receiving a portion of coffee and a tamping spring  36  for tamping the coffee is shown in  FIG. 37A , the third coffee maker  10   c  with the coffee holder  30  holding the portion of coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 37B , and the third coffee maker  10   c  with the coffee holder  30  holding the portion of coffee  41  with the coffee maker lid  14  closed for tamping the coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 37C . When the lid  14  is closed, the pad  17  pushes the coffee holder  30  down and the tamping spring  36  enters the bottom of the coffee holder  30  to tamp the coffee  41 . While attaching the lid  32   a  to the holder  30  is preferred in order to prevent coffee grounds from escaping the holder  30 , the coffee maker  10   c  may also be used without the lid  32   a  and the pad  17  may serve to seal the coffee  41  in the holder  30 . In this instance, the coffee maker lid  14  serves as a coffee holder lid. 
         [0175]    A third coffee maker  10   c  having a coffee holder for receiving a portion of coffee and tamping spring  36  attached to the coffee maker lid  14  according to the present invention for tamping the coffee  41  when the coffee maker lid  14  is closed is shown in  FIG. 38A , the third coffee maker with the coffee holder  30  holding the portion of coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 38B , and the third coffee maker  10   c  with the coffee holder  30  holding the portion of coffee  41  with the coffee maker lid  14  closed to push the tamping spring  36  into the coffee holder  30  for tamping the coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 38C . 
         [0176]    A fourth coffee maker  10   d  having a third holder base  31   c  for receiving a packet  41   a  containing untamped coffee, a knife  50  for cutting the packet  41   a  open, and tamping spring  36  under the holder base  31   c  according to the present invention for tamping the coffee when the coffee maker lid is closed is shown in  FIG. 39A , the fourth coffee maker  10   d  with the holder base  31   c  holding the packet  41   a  of untamped coffee is shown in  FIG. 39B , and fourth coffee maker with the holder base  31   c  holding the packet of tamped coffee  41   c  with the coffee maker lid  14  closed to push the holder base down over the tamping spring  36  for tamping the coffee is shown in  FIG. 39C . The coffee maker  10   d  includes a somewhat pointed nozzle  19   a  to puncture the packet  41   a  to provide the flow of hot water to the tamped coffee in the packet  41   a . Known coffee packets include internal filters to allow a flow of hot water through the packet to make the coffee drink while preventing coffee grounds from escaping. The cut in the packet  41   a  made by the knife  50  allows the coffee drink to escape from the packet while filter material in the packet  41   a  prevent coffee grounds from escaping. The tamping spring  36  may also be attached to the lid  14  as in  FIGS. 38A-38C . 
         [0177]    The packet  41   a  may be an air tight pod containing coffee in filter paper and positioning the knife on the side of the holder base  31   c  results in less likelihood of the knife  50  cutting the filter paper. The packet  41   a  is preferably air tight to maintain coffee freshness and may be plastic, metal foil, or other air tight material which is sufficiently flexible to allow the coffee contained in the packet  41   a  to be tamped. Alternatively, the knife  50  may be eliminated when the packet  41   a  is configured to burst under pressure to expose the coffee, for example, when the coffee maker tamps the coffee, the packet  41   a  also bursts. In one embodiment, filter paper  41  is inserted into the holder base  31   c  without the knife  50 , and the packet  41   a  bursts during compacting to release the coffee into the filter paper. 
         [0178]    Known coffee makers use a sealed cup or capsule having a somewhat ridged cup with a foil cover. Such cups might be compressible and used in the coffee maker  10   d , however, a similar cup or capsule having a less ridged cup which may be compressed in the coffee maker  10   d  are more suitable for use in the coffee maker  10   d  to allow tamping of the coffee contained in the cup or capsule. 
         [0179]    A fifth coffee maker  10   e  for horizontally receiving the coffee holder  30  is shown in  FIG. 40A , the fifth coffee maker with the coffee holder  30  residing in the coffee maker is shown in  FIG. 40B , and the fifth coffee maker with the coffee maker lid  14  closed and the tamping spring  36  entering the coffee holder  30  for tamping the coffee  41  is shown in  FIG. 40C . The fifth coffee maker  10   d  may alternatively include a tamping spring entering the coffee holder top, or a resilient solid block pushed into the coffee holder  30  to tamp the coffee. Preferably, a horizontal ram  42   a  is actuated when the lid  14  is closed and pushed the coffee holder  30  against the spring  36  to tamp the coffee. The horizontal ram  42   a  may actuated by an electrical solenoid, by pressure, or by mechanical levers connected to the lid  14 . The fifth coffee maker  10   e  may further include any of the features described above for other embodiments of the coffee maker according to the present invention and may be configured to use any of the coffee holders described above according to the present invention. 
         [0180]    A side view of a tenth coffee holder  30   j  with straight walls according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 41 , and a cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder  30   j  taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 42 . The coffee holder  30   j  provides straight cylindrical inside walls allowing a better fit between the top tamper  35   b  and the inside walls to reduce or eliminate coffee  41  escaping past the top tamper  35   b  during tamping. 
         [0181]    A cross-sectional view of the tenth coffee holder  30   j  taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41  showing a full and tamped coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 43 . The tamping spring  36  has been pushed down by the lid  32   b  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0182]    A side view of an eleventh coffee holder  30   k  with straight walls according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 44 , a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder  30   k  taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 44  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 45 , and a cross-sectional view of the eleventh coffee holder  30   k  taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 41  showing a full and tamped coffee holder. As with the coffee holder  30   j , the coffee holder  30   k  provides straight cylindrical inside walls allowing a better fit between the lid  32   f  and the inside walls to reduce or eliminate coffee  41  escaping past the lid  32   f  during tamping. The lid  32   f  may be used with or without the top tamper  35   b.    
         [0183]    A side view of a top tamper  35   b  is shown in  FIG. 47A  and a top view of the top tamper  35 B is shown in  FIG. 47B . A side view of a top tamper  35   b ′ with a seal  60  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 47C  and a top view of the top tamper  35   b ′ with the seal  60  is shown in  FIG. 47D . In some instances, for example with a very fine ground coffee, an amount of coffee may escape past the top tamper  35   b . In such instances, a user may prefer to use the top tamper  35   b ′ with the seal  60  to reduce or eliminate the escape of the coffee. 
         [0184]    A perspective view of a filter paper cup  40 ′ with a folding cup lid  40   d  is shown in  FIG. 48  (also see  FIG. 7C ). The cup lid  40   d  may be folded over the rim  40   c  to reduce or prevent coffee from escaping during tamping of subsequent processing. The lid  40   d  may also include a perforation  40   e  centered on the lid  40   d  allowing the nozzle  19  to enter and/or inject the hot flow of water into the tamped coffee  41 , but in some embodiments, the lid  40   d  does not include the perforation  40   e . The filter paper cup  40 ′ may be used in the coffee containers described herein, and may able be used in a coffee machine having a cavity for receiving the filter paper cup  40 ′. While the cup  40 ′ is preferably made from filter paper, the cup may also be made from a reusable mech. 
         [0185]    A side view of an twelfth coffee holder  30   l  with straight walls according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 49 , and a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder  30   l  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 50 . The twelfth coffee holder  30  includes a straight walled base and the tamping spring below the coffee, and additionally uses a filter paper cup  40 ′ with the folding lid  40   d.    
         [0186]    A cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder  30   l  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid  32   a , coffee  41 , the filter paper cup  40 ′ with lid  40   d , above the coffee holder base  31   a  is shown in  FIG. 51A , a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder  30   l  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid  32   a , above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40 ′ resting in the coffee holder base  31   a  is shown in  FIG. 51B , a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder  30   l  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid  32   a , above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40 ′ resting in the coffee holder base  31   a  with the filter paper cover  40   d  folded over the coffee  41  in the filter paper cup  40 ′ is shown in  FIG. 51C , and a cross-sectional view of the twelfth coffee holder  301  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49  showing the lid  32   a  attached to the base  31   a  with the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40 ′ residing in the coffee holder base  31   a  with the coffee  41  tamped is shown in  FIG. 51D . In embodiments with the coffee  41  partially exposed above the base  31   a , some coffee  41  may escape during tamping. Using the filter paper cup  40 ′ having the fold over paper lid  40   d  reduces or eliminates such escape of coffee  41 . 
         [0187]    A side view of a thirteenth coffee holder  30   m  with a releaseable tamping latch  64  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 52  and a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder  30   m  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 53 . The latch  64  is held in a latched position by a spring loaded lever  62  on the exterior of the base  31   a.    
         [0188]    A cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder  30   m  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid  32   a , coffee  41 , the filter paper cup  40 , above the base  31   a , and the coffee holder base  31   a , with the tamping latch  64  retaining the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 54A , a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder  30   m  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid  32   a  above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  resting in the coffee holder base  31   a , with the tamping latch  64  retaining the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 54B , a cross-sectional view of the thirteenth coffee holder  30   m  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid  32   a , above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  resting in the coffee holder base  31   a  with the tamping latch  64  retaining the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 54C , and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   m  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52  showing the lid  32   a  attached to the base  31   a  with the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  residing in the coffee holder base  31   a  with tamping latch  64  released and the coffee  41  tamped is shown in  FIG. 54D . The lever  62  thus holds the latch  64  until the lever  62  is pushed to release the latch  62  to release the bottom tamper  34  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0189]    A side view of a fourteenth coffee holder  30   n  with a releaseable tamping latch  64  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 55  and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 56 . The lever  62  holds the latch  64  until the arm  66  attached to the lid  32   g  pushes the lever  62  to release the latch  64 . 
         [0190]    A cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   n  taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid  32   g , coffee  41 ,and the filter paper cup  40 , above the coffee holder base  31   a , with the tamping latch  64  retaining the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 57A , a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   n  taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid  32   g  above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  resting in the coffee holder base  31   a , with the tamping latch  64  retaining the bottom tamper  34  is shown in  FIG. 57B , a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   n  taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid  32   g , above the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  resting in the coffee holder base  31   a  with the tamping latch  64  released but just prior to tamping (the bottom tamper has been released but has not moved upward against the coffee  41 ) is shown in  FIG. 57C , and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   n  taken along line  56 - 56  of  FIG. 55  showing the lid  32   g  attached to the base with the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  40  residing in the coffee holder base  31   a  with tamping latch  64  released and the coffee  41  tamped is shown in  FIG. 57D . The lever  62  thus holds the latch  64  until the lever  62  is pushed by the arm  66  to release the latch  62  to release the bottom tamper  34  to tamp the coffee  41 . 
         [0191]    A side view of a fourteenth coffee holder  30   o  with a releaseable tamping lock according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 58  and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   o  taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing an empty coffee holder is shown in  FIG. 59 . The coffee holder  30   o  includes a tamping lock  70  which engages a second bottom tamper  34 ′ to hold the second bottom tamper in a down position for filling the coffee holder with coffee and releases the bottom tamper  34 ′ to be pushed upwards by the tamping spring  36  to tamp the coffee after the holder lid  32   b  is attached to the base  31   a.    
         [0192]    A cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder  30   o  taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing a lid  32   b , coffee  41 , a filter paper cup  40 , above the coffee holder base  31 , with the tamping lock  70  retaining the bottom tamper  34 ′ is shown in FIG.  FIG. 60A , cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base, with the tamping latch retaining the bottom tamper  34 ′ is shown in FIG.  FIG. 60B , a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid, above the coffee and the filter paper cup resting in the coffee holder base prior to tamping is shown in  FIG. 60A , and a cross-sectional view of the fourteenth coffee holder taken along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  showing the lid  32   b  attached to the base  31   a  with the coffee  41  and the filter paper cup  41  residing in the coffee holder base  31   a  with tamping lock released and the coffee tamped is shown in  FIG. 60D . 
         [0193]    A top view of a tamping lock  70  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 61  and a bottom view of a second bottom tamper  34 ′ which cooperates with the tamping lock  70  according to the present invention is shown ion  FIG. 62 . The tamping lock  70  includes teeth  72  which are inserted between and turned to engage lips  74  on the bottom of the bottom tamper  34 ′ to hold the bottom tamper in the down position for filling the coffee holder  30   o  with coffee  41 . After the coffee holder  30   o  is filled with coffee and the holder lid  32   b  attached, the tamping lock is twisted to release the bottom tamper  32   b  to tamp the coffee. 
         [0194]    A side view of a filter cup  80  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 63A  and a top view of the filter cup  80  is shown in  FIG. 63B . The filter cup  80  includes a ring  84  made a of a material sufficiently strong to hold shape in the proposed use. Filter material  82  is attached to the ring  84 . The filter cup  80  is insertable into the coffee holder and in many embodiments is a replacement for the filter paper cup  40 . 
         [0195]    A side view of multi-mode coffee maker  100  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 64 . The multi-mode coffee maker  100  allows the user to easily make a single cup of coffee or several cups of coffee. The multi-mode coffee maker  100  includes manually operated controls  102  for selecting a volume of water for a single cup of coffee or to fill a carafe, residing in the mouth  114  of the multi-mode coffee maker  100 . The controls  102  may also allow selection of a large or small cup of coffee, and of hot water only. Alternatively, the multi-mode coffee maker  100  may detect the presence of a single cup adapter  118  and limit the volume of coffee produced to an amount for a single cup, for example as an override if a user accidentally selects a volume of coffee too large for a single cup. 
         [0196]    A spout/drip valve  104  releases the desired amount of coffee into a carafe or coffee positioned on a platform  24 , and a drip valve actuator (or valve lever)  106  is actuateable to open and close the spout/drip valve  104 . In other examples, the drip valve actuator may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric, and may be any mechanical link which opens the spout/drip valve  104 . The spout/drip valve  104  may further be manually opened by a user. For example, the spout/drip valve  104  is opened by placing the multi-cup brewed coffee container  26  in the coffee maker  100  and openable for use of the single cup brewed coffee container  116  by either a mechanical or electrically operated actuator or by positioning of the single cup adapter  118  for use of the single cup. 
         [0197]    In another embodiment the spout/drip valve  104  is opened by the positioning of a single cup adapter into position for use of a single cup in the coffee maker, for example by an arm on the single cup adapter cooperating with a lever connected to the spout/drip valve, by an arm residing at the rear of the mouth, the single cup adapter pushing against the arm to open the spout/drip valve, or by any mechanical or electrical apparatus connected to the spout/drip valve and actuated by positioning the single cup adapter to use a single cup in the coffee maker. In still another embodiment the flow of brewed coffee is controlled by turning the pump  21  on and off, by controlling a boiler, or by controlling a valve preventing the flow of water to the coffee holder. 
         [0198]    A hot plate  108  is recessed on the top surface of the platform  24  and the recess is larger than the footprint of the multi-cup brewed coffee container (or carafe)  26  allowing contact with the hot plate  108  for keeping a carafe at a minimum temperature. A passage  110  allows a finger  120  of a single cup adapter  118  (see  FIG. 67B ) to engage a switch  112  to turn off the hot plate  108  when the single cup adapter  118  is in use. 
         [0199]    A front view of the multi-mode coffee maker  100  with a carafe  26  residing on the platform  24  for receiving a selected volume of coffee is shown in  FIG. 65A  and a side view of the multi-mode coffee maker  100  with the carafe  26  positioned for receiving a selected volume of coffee is shown in  FIG. 65B . The top edge of the carafe  26  pushes the valve lever  106  upward opening the spout/drip valve  104  to allow the selected volume of coffee to flow into the carafe  26 . 
         [0200]    A front view of the multi-mode coffee maker  100  with a coffee cup (or single cup brewed coffee container)  116  residing on a single cup adapter  118  for receiving the selected volume of coffee is shown in  FIG. 66A  and a side view of the multi-mode coffee maker  100  with the coffee cup residing on the single cup adapter  118  for receiving the selected volume of coffee is shown in  FIG. 66B . The single cup adapter  118  includes an upward reaching arm portion  118  (see  FIG. 67B ) which pushes the valve lever  106  upward opening the spout/drip valve  104  to allow the selected volume of coffee to flow into the coffee cup  116 . 
         [0201]    A front view of a single cup adapter  118  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 67A , a side view of the single cup adapter  118  is shown in  FIG. 67B , a top view of the single cup adapter  118  is shown in  FIG. 67C , and a cross-sectional view of the single cup adapter  118  taken along line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 67A  is shown in  FIG. 68 . The single cup adapter  118  includes a base portion  118 a which includes a single cup platform  129  for supporting the coffee cup  116  and a drip basin (or tray)  124  for catching and holding drops from the spout/drip valve  104 . A grill  126  resides over the drip basin  124  and the coffee cup  116  rests on the grill  126 . An arm portion  118 b reaches up and an angled surface  128  at the top of the arm portion  118 b cooperates with the valve lever  106  to open the spout/drip valve  104  when the single cup adapter  118  is positioned in the coffee maker  100 . In another embodiment, the drip tray may be integrated into the coffee maker  100  and may pivot or slide into position under the coffee cup  116 , for example, the single cup adapter  118  may have an open side or rear that the drip tray slides or pivots into. 
         [0202]    A downward protrusion  122  on the bottom of the base portion  118   a  fits into a recess in the platform  24  to correctly position the single cup adapter  118  in the mouth  114  of the coffee maker  100 , and to resist easy detachment of the single cup adapter  118  from the coffee maker  100 . A rearward reaching finger  120  enters the passage  110  to actuate the switch  112  (see  FIG. 64 ) to turn off the hot plate when the single cup adapter  118  is attached to the coffee maker  100 . The finger  120  and switch  112  are one example of a means for turning off the hot plate  108  when the single cup adapter  118  is attached to the coffee maker  100 . Other means include a magnet switch detecting the presence of the hot plate  108  in the single cup adapter  118  by the proximity of a magnet and piece of magnetically attractive metal or a second magnet, a switch in the platform, or even a manual switch, and a coffee maker according to the present invention with any switch for turning off the hot plate is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0203]    A side view of a multi-serving dry coffee holder  130   a  according to the present invention for use in the multi-mode coffee maker  100  for making several cups of brewed coffee is shown in  FIG. 66A  and a side view of a single-serving dry coffee holder  130   b  according to the present invention for use in the multi-mode coffee maker  100  for making one cup of coffee is shown in  FIG. 66B . A variety of dry coffee holders  30   a - 30   o  and means for containing and tamping dry coffee in a coffee maker are disclosed in  FIGS. 3  though  63 B, and a multi-mode coffee maker  100  including any of the coffee holders disclosed herein, or any other coffee holder, is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0204]    While the present invention is described above as placing loose coffee in a coffee holder, the invention may also be practiced by placing prepackaged coffee, for example coffee pods, into the coffee holder. Further, while the coffee holder is generally described as having a snap on lid, a screw on lid may also be used, and in general the various elements of different embodiments described above may be mixed to provide new embodiments and such new embodiments are intended to come within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0205]    Further, many embodiments are described as including a coffee chamber comprising a filter paper cup. In many cases, a filter cup made of nylon mesh or metal mesh is equally suitable, and any coffee holder or combination of coffee maker and coffee holder including a filter chamber which holds coffee and allows the coffee to be tamped as described above is intended to come within the scope of the present invention regardless of the specific filter material. 
         [0206]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.