Patent Publication Number: US-6990891-B2

Title: Seal in a coffeemaker

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus, such as a coffeemaker, and, more particularly, to a seal used in a brewing apparatus. 
     2. Brief Description of Prior Developments 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,850 discloses a seal which is located inside a cylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,839 discloses a seal with a lower web that causes a seal on the top surface under pressure and legs are restrained. U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,152 discloses a cam movement structure which can cam the member upward and downward when the handle is moved. 
     There is a desire to provide a coffeemaker which can receive disposable coffee pods. Use of a coffee pod, rather than loose coffee grounds, can provide a repeatable good brewed coffee quality. However, to ensure good brewed coffee quality, the temperature of hot water and the quantity of hot water delivered to the coffee pod must be repeatedly, accurately delivered. One factor which can influence the quantity and quality of hot water being delivered is the seal provided in a chamber which houses the coffee pod. With repeated use of inserting and removing coffee pods, the seal can become worn. A worn seal can allow heated water, in the form of steam or hot water vapor to escape the coffee pod chamber without becoming brewed coffee, and thereby reduce the quality of the coffee being brewed. There is a need to provide a seal for a coffee pod receiving chamber with significantly less wear then prior art devices even with repeated opening and closing of the coffee pod receiving chamber over and, therefore, extend the working life of the coffeemaker. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a brewing apparatus is provided including a housing having a movable lid; a water heater connected to the housing; a pod carrier removably connected to the housing; a seal connected to the lid for movement towards and away from a top side of the pod carrier as the lid is moved between an open position and a closed position; and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid for delivering hot water from the water heater in a direction towards the top side of the pod carrier when the lid is in its closed position. When the lid is in its closed position, the movable lid closes over the top side of the pod carrier and, the seal is adapted to be located against a perimeter side of the pod carrier for sealing along the perimeter side. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a coffeemaker is provided comprising a housing; a water heater connected to the housing; a hot water discharge head connected to the water heater; a seal connected to the hot water discharge head; and a pod carrier connected to the housing having a top aperture with a surrounding perimeter wall forming an inwardly facing sealing surface and an inwardly extending shelf located at a bottom of the sealing surface. The hot water discharge head is movable with a portion of the housing about a pivot axis. The seal is movable into the top aperture. The seal is adapted to be compressed between the discharge head and the shelf. 
     In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method is provided for forming a seal in a coffeemaker. The method comprises the steps of removably positioning a coffee pod carrier on a housing of the coffeemaker; pivotably moving a lid of the housing to a closed position, the lid covering a top side of the coffee pod carrier; moving a seal on the lid into a top aperture of the coffee pod carrier; and compressing the seal inside the coffee pod carrier to form the seal between the coffee pod carrier and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a coffeemaker incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the coffeemaker shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the hot water heater used in the coffeemaker shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the top of the coffeemaker shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid moved to an open position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the combined locking and cam ring member shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view as in  FIG. 4  with the coffee pod carrier shown in an exploded position; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the funnel shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the pod carrier and funnel shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the pod carrier and funnel shown in  FIG. 8  taken along line  9 — 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a coffee pod for use with the coffeemaker shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 9  with the coffee pod carrier located in a reversed, flipped different position; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of alternate embodiments of a coffee pod, coffee pod carrier, and funnel incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of an attachment between the coffee pod carrier and funnel shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the coffeemaker shown in  FIG. 1  with an optional elevation attachment for use with a smaller cup; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial, exploded perspective view of the optional elevation attachment shown in  FIG. 14  and the support section of the housing of the coffeemaker 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view of the pod carrier and the seal before the seal is compressed; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view of the pod carrier and the seal after the seal is compressed; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of a bottom plate of one embodiment of the hot water discharge head; and 
         FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of the plate shown in  FIG. 18  taken along line  19 — 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of a brewing apparatus  10  incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. A similar brewing apparatus is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/327,538 filed Oct. 5, 2001; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/260,045 filed Sep. 30, 2002; and PCT application No. PCT/US02/30565 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     In the embodiment shown, the brewing apparatus  10  comprises a coffeemaker. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the brewing apparatus could comprise any suitable type of brewing apparatus such as, for example, a cappuccino maker or a tea maker. The coffeemaker  10  generally comprises a housing  12 , a hot water heater  14 , a controller  16 , a pump  18 , a pod receiving section  20 , and a water reservoir  22 . The coffeemaker is a single serve coffeemaker. More specifically, the coffeemaker is adapted to make a single serving of coffee at a time, such as a single cup or mug. 
     The coffeemaker  10  is adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet by a removable plug  24 . The water reservoir  22  is removable from the housing  12 . In an alternate embodiment, the coffeemaker might not include a removable water reservoir, such as when the coffeemaker is connected directly to a water supply line or if the water reservoir is non-removable. Referring also to  FIG. 2 , the water reservoir  22  includes a seal  26  for removably coupling the water reservoir with an inlet  28  to the pump  18 . The pump  18  includes an outlet  30  which is connected by tubing  31  to an inlet  32  of the hot water heater  14 . 
     The pump  18  preferably comprises a direct drive solenoid pump which can vary the flow rate of water therethrough by adjustably controlling the speed of the pump. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of pump could be used. The pump  18  is connected to the controller  16 . The controller  16  comprises a printed circuit board  34  with a processor  36  and control switches  38 . The controller  16  is adapted to control the speed of the pump  18  based upon sensor input, input from the control switches  38 , and pre-programming. The controller  16  is also adapted to control activation of the hot water heater  14 . More specifically, the controller  16  is connected to a relay  44  for controlling the supply of electricity to the hot water heater  14 . 
     The housing  12  forms a general frame for the coffeemaker. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the housing  12  includes a base section  42 , a column section  44 , and a top section  46 . The column section  44  is supported on a rear portion of the base section  42 . The pump  18  is mounted on top of the base section  42  with the column section  44  surrounding the pump  18 . The base section  42  forms a forward extending section  48 . The controller  16  is located inside the base section  42  with the control switches  38  extending out of apertures at the front end of the forward extending section  48 . The top side of the forward extending section  48  forms a support surface  50 . The support surface  50  is adapted to support a cup or container  52 , such as a cup or mug, or any other type of liquid single user container, thereon. The support surface  50  can be flat or in a recess  51 , or recessed as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the sidewalls which form the recess at the support surface  50  comprise overflow slots  54 . The overflow slots  54  allow the fluid to flow out of the recess, in the event fluid overflows into the recess, and prevents the overflowing fluid from overflowing onto the user control section  56  having the control switches  38 . The slots  54  can also be used to support attachment of a removable elevated cup support platform  244  (see  FIG. 14 ) as further described below. 
     In the embodiment shown, the coffeemaker also comprises a system  58  for detecting when an overflow condition has occurred. The system  58  includes a tube  60  which is connected to the pump  18  or a sensor. A front end of the tube  60  extends into the recess  51  at the support surface  50 . In the event the recess fills with fluid, the tube  60  can transport some of the fluid in the tube to the pump or a sensor to signal the overflow condition. The pump  18  and/or the controller  16  can then automatically deactivate the pumping action of the pump  18  to prevent further overflow. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of overflow sensing system could be provided. In another alternate embodiment, an overflow sensing system might not be provided. 
     The column section  44  of the housing supports the hot water heater  14  in a front section  62 . The column section  44  also has a receiving area  64  for removably receiving the water reservoir  22 . Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of the heater  14  is shown. The heater  14  generally comprises a water heating subassembly  118 , heat shield members  120 ,  122 , thermal cutoffs (TCO)  124 , a TCO clip  126 , a thermistor  128 , a thermistor clip  130 , top and bottom water tube fittings  132 ,  134 , and top and bottom end caps  136 ,  138 . However, in alternate embodiments, the heater could comprise additional or alternative components. 
     The thermistor is used to measure the temperature of the hot water generator for determining an end of a pre-heat cycle and, to help insure that the hot water generator is at a temperature for generating the hot water in a temperature range to provide proper brewing and a preferred coffee temperature. If too hot, the power to the heating elements can be turned OFF. If too cool, the pump can be stopped or its speed lowered. The thermistor also provides over-temperature sensing, such as when water flow to the heater stops (such as when the water reservoir becomes empty). The coffeemaker also comprises a temperature sensor  70  (see  FIG. 2 ) connected to the tubing  31 . The temperature sensor  70  can sense the temperature of the water entering the inlet  32  of the heater  14 . In an alternate embodiment, the temperature sensor  70  could be located connected to the tube  68  for measuring the temperature of the water exiting the heater  14 . 
     The water heating subassembly  118  generally comprises a water conduit tube  140 , two heating elements  142 , and blocks  144  of heat conductive material which connect the heating elements  142  to the water conduit tube  140 . In a preferred embodiment, the two heating elements  142  are Calrods. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of heating element could be used. In addition, more or less than two heating elements could be used. In a preferred embodiment, the tube  140  and the blocks  144  are formed as a single extruded aluminum member. The heating elements  142  are connected to the one-piece member after it is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the inside of the tube  140  comprises one or more heat transfer fins  141 . However, in an alternate embodiment, the fins  141  might not be provided. Alternatively, any suitable type of internal heat transfer members could be provided inside the tube  140 . Formation of the tube  140  as an extruded member makes formation of heat transfer members inside the tube relatively easy. In an alternate embodiment, the blocks  144  of heat conductive material are comprised of cast aluminum and are subsequently connected to the tube. However, in alternate embodiments, the blocks  144  could be comprised of any suitable type of material. In addition, more or less than two blocks could be used. 
     Blocks  144  function as mechanical attachments for the heating elements  142  to the water conduit tube  140 . In addition, the blocks  144  also function as heat transfer elements to transfer heat from the heating elements  142  to the water conduit tube  140 . The heating elements  142  are connected to the relay  40  which is controlled by the controller  16 . In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of water heating subassembly could be provided. 
     The TCO  124  and the thermistor  128  are mechanically attached to the subassembly  118  by the two clips  126 ,  130 . However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable means could be used to attach the TCO  124  and the thermistor  128  to the subassembly  118 . For example, the TCO  124  and/or the thermistor  128  could be integrally formed with the subassembly  118 . The TCO  124  and the thermistor  128  are operably electrically connected to the controller  24 . In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of a temperature sensor or thermal fuse could be provided. 
     The shield members  120 ,  122  and end caps  136 ,  138  substantially surround the water heating subassembly  118 . The two fittings  132 ,  134  are connected to opposite ends of the water conduit tube  140 . The bottom tube fitting  132  is connected to the tubing  31 . The top tube fitting  134  is connected to a hot water discharge head  66  by a tube  68  (see  FIG. 2 ). As seen best in  FIG. 2 , the heater  14  is orientated in a substantially vertical orientation with its water inlet  32  at its bottom end and its heated water outlet at its top end. However, in an alternate embodiment, the heater could be orientated in any suitable orientation. The heater in this embodiment has a substantially straight shape. However, in an alternate embodiment, the heater could have any suitable type of shape, such as L shaped for example. For the vertical heater shown, the water being pushed upward into the inlet  32  contacts the entire inner diameter surface of the water conduit tube  140 . In addition, the water is retained in the water conduit tube  140  by gravity until the water is pushed out of the top outlet at fitting  134  by new incoming water. This ensures maximum heat transfer to the water in the water conduit tube  140  before the water flows out of the top outlet fitting  134 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the heater is a 1400 Watt heater at 120 Volts. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable heater could be provided. A 1400 Watt heater allows the heater to be able to increase in temperature from room temperature to heat water to 180° F. within one minute. In alternate embodiments, temperature sensors could be provided in the water reservoir and/or at the outlet from the heater for more precise hot water generation. Of course, not every electrical outlet has exactly 120 Volts. In addition, power from the power company can fluctuate, such as during a brownout. Manufacturing tolerances for the heater are preferably +5% to −10% Wattage variation. Thus, for a same type of heater from the same manufacturer, at 128 Volts the heater would have an output of 1950 Watts, and at 107 Volts the heater would have an output of 1100 Watts. The present invention recognizes this and uses the controller to compensate by controlling operation of the pump and heater. The thermistor  128  and temperature sensor  70  monitor the hot water generator and the incoming water temperature, and sends signals to the controller  16  such that the controller can take action to adjust or correct the temperature of the water while the water is still inside the hot water generator. This control delivers a relatively accurate desired temperature of the hot water. This results in the best predetermine quality of brewed coffee even though the supply of electricity or the initial water temperature may not always be the same. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the controller can control the heater  14  and the pump  18 , based at least partially upon the temperature of the heater sensed by the thermistor  128  and the temperature of the incoming water sensed by the temperature sensor  70 . For example, during the winter or in a cold weather climate the speed of the pump  18  might need to be slower than the during the summer or in a warm weather climate. The controller  16  can be programmed to, at least initially, control the speed of the pump  18  based upon the incoming water temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor  70 . The use of two sensors  70 ,  128  can also do away with the pre-heating cycle, or at least reduce the pre-heating cycle. Preferably, the controller  16  is programmed to control the speed of the pump  18  based upon the temperatures sensed by the two sensors  128 ,  70 . The programming of the controller  16  can comprises an algorithm or a lookup table, for example. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the controller  16  performs a pre-heat cycle of the heater before the pump  18  is actuated, such as about one minute. In an alternate embodiment, a pre-heat cycle might not be provided. The pre-heat cycle could be longer or shorter than one minute, such as merely 10 seconds for example when the speed of the pump  18  is initially set at a slow speed while the heater is being initially heated. In one type of pre-heat cycle, the pump  18  is not turned ON until the heater  14  has reached a predetermined minimum temperature. After the predetermined minimum temperature is reached, the controller  16  then actuates the pump  18  to start pumping water into the heater. However, the speed of the pump  18  does not need to be constant as explained above. The controller continuously monitors the temperature of the heater and the inlet water. If the temperature of the heater goes above a predetermined out-of-range upper temperature, the controller shuts the heater OFF, but continues pumping water through the pump to the heater. If the temperature of the heater goes below a predetermined out-of-range lower temperature, the controller shuts the pump OFF until the temperature of the heater rises again. Then, the pump is turned ON again. 
     In the situation when the coffee maker is used again when the heater is still hot from a previous brewing cycle, the controller could turn the pump ON without use of the pre-heat cycle; such as when a user starts the coffee maker when the temperature of the heater is between the out-of-range lower and upper temperatures. The out-of-range lower and upper temperatures could be fixed or could be varied based upon predetermined conditions, such as pod recognition or coffee maker system state. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , the top section  46  of the housing  12  comprises a stationary section  72  and a movable lid  73 . The top section  46  is connected to the top of the column section  44 . The top section  46  extends outward in a general cantilevered fashion from the top of the column section  44 . More specifically, the top section  46  extends outward over the forward extending section  48  of the base section  42 . This forms a cup receiving area  74  between the support surface  50  and the top section  46 . The stationary section  72  comprises a top section  76  and a bottom section  78 . The bottom section  78  comprises two members  80 ,  82  (see  FIG. 2 ). The two members  80 ,  82  form an internal area which houses a switch  84 . The switch  84  is connected to the controller  16 . The stationary section  72  forms an aperture  86  for receiving various components as further described below. 
     The movable lid  73  is pivotably connected to the stationary section  72 . A brewing area is formed under the lid  73  when the lid is located at a closed, down position. The lid  73  comprises a main lid member  88  and an assembly  90 . The main lid member  88  comprises two rearwardly extending pivot arms  92 . The rear ends of the pivot arms  92  are pivotably attached to the rear end of the stationary section  72  at the top rear of the housing  12 . Springs  146  could be provided to bias the lid  88  in the open position shown in  FIG. 4 . In an alternate embodiment, the spring(s) could bias the lid in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . However, a spring for the lid  73  does not need to be provided. The lid  73  could comprise a latch (not shown) for latching the lid in a closed position with the stationary section  72 . For example, the main lid member  88  could comprise a resilient deflectable latch. In an alternate embodiment, the latch for retaining the lid in the closed position could be mounted on the stationary section  72  and adapted to engage the main lid member  88 . One side of the main housing member  88  comprises a slot  94 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 2 , the assembly  90  generally comprises the hot water discharge head  66 , a seal  96 , a combined locking and cam ring member  98 , and a mounting member  100 . The discharge head  66  has a general showerhead design. The hot water discharge head  66  generally comprises a top water inlet  102 , mounting flanges  104 , an internal plenum  106 , and bottom side outlet apertures  108  (see  FIG. 4 ). The inlet  102  is connected to the tube  68  from the hot water heater  14 . The mounting flanges  104  are used to stationarily attach the discharge head  66  to the main lid member  88 . The outlet apertures  108  allow hot water to exit the discharge head in a downward direction. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet apertures  108  are arranged to deliver a greater quantity of water towards the outer perimeter than the center of the bottom side of the discharge head. However, any suitable type of array or configuration of the outlet apertures could be provided. In addition, any suitable type of discharge head could be provided. 
     The seal  96  is attached to the bottom side of the discharge head  66  at its outer perimeter. The seal  96  comprises an O-ring seal. The mounting member  100  is located above the top side of the discharge head  66 , and is adapted to slidably rotate on the top side of the discharge head. The ring member  98  is fixedly attached to the mounting member  100 . The ring member  98  extends below the discharge head  66  and is adapted to rotate relative to the discharge head  66  due to its suspended connection with the mounting member  100 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5 , The ring member  98  generally comprises a handle  110  and a center ring section  111 . The center ring section  111  generally comprises a main center aperture  113 , three equi-spaced locking projections  112 , two opposing slots  114 , and two opposing cam surfaces  116 . The locking projections  112  extends downward from the ring section. The slots  114  are located along an interior side of the ring section at the main center aperture  113 . The cam surfaces  116  are located adjacent the slots  114 . The handle  110  extends out of the slot  94  in the main lid member  88 . The handle  110  can move in the slot  94  as the ring member  98  is rotated. More specifically, a user can moved the handle to rotate the ring member  98  between a locked position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and an unlocked position (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The hot water discharge head  66  remain stationary as the ring member  98  is rotated between its locked and unlocked positions. 
     The stationary section  72  comprises slots  148  along the aperture  86  to allow the locking projections  112  of the ring member  98  to pass therethrough. When the lid  73  is located in its down, closed position and the ring member  98  is rotated to its locked position, bottom portions of the locking projections  112  are moved beneath portions of the stationary section  72  to latch the lid  73  in its closed position. When the ring member  98  is moved back to its unlocked position, the locking projections  112  can once again be passed through the slots  148  to allow the lid  73  to be moved back to its open position. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of locking system could be provided. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 6 , the coffeemaker  10  includes a pod carrier  150  and a discharge funnel  152 . The carrier pod  150  and the discharge funnel  152  are adapted to be removably connected to the stationary section  72  at the aperture  86 . Referring also to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the funnel  152  generally comprises an upper circular wall section  154 , a lower cone-shaped wall section  156 , and an outlet  158  at the bottom center of the lower cone-shaped wall section  156 . The upper wall section  154  includes slots  164  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). The slots  164  are provided to accommodate projections on the pod carrier  150  as further described below. The funnel  152  includes support ledges  160  extending outward from a top side of the upper wall section  154 . Keying sections  162  extends downward from the support ledges  160 . The stationary section  72  includes slots for receiving the keying sections  162 , and the support ledges  160  are adapted to be supported on a top side of the stationary section  72  at the aperture  86 . Thus, the funnel  152  can be dropped into the aperture  86  with the support ledges  160  supporting the funnel on the stationary section and the keying sections  162  aligning the funnel in the aperture  86  in a predetermined position. 
     The pod carrier  150  generally comprises a frame  166  and a center support  168 . The frame  166  comprises a one piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. The center support  168  preferably comprises a metal screen member. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of center support could be provided. The frame  166  is preferably over molded onto the outer perimeter of the center support  168 . This fixedly attaches the center support  168  to the frame  166 . However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable attachment system could be used. The center support  168  provides three functions. First, the center support  168  divides the frame  166  into two sections; each section having a distinct pod receiving area. Second, the center support  168  provides a path to allow fluid to flow through the center support from one pod receiving area to the other pod receiving area. Third, the center support  168  helps to provide a support surface for supporting a pod of material in either one of the two pod receiving areas as further described below. 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  8  and  9 , the frame  166  includes a handle  170 , a first pod receiving area or cavity  172 , a second pod receiving area or cavity  174 , and two sets of lateral extending cam projections  176 ,  178 . As noted above, the two pod receiving areas  172 ,  174  are separated from each other by the center support  168 . The two pod receiving areas  172 ,  174  are adapted to receive pods  180 , one of which is shown in  FIG. 10 . The pod  180  generally comprises a porous casing  182  and an interior area comprising material to be brewed, such as coffee grounds  184 . The casing  182  is comprised of a material similar to coffee filter paper. Thus, hot water can flow into the top side of the casing  182  and exit the bottom side of the casing as brewed coffee. Each pod  180  is preferably a single serve pod; i.e., each pod can be used to generate a single serving, such as one cup, of coffee. 
     The first pod receiving area  172  has a first open entrance aperture on a first side of the frame, and the first pod receiving area is sized and shaped to receive one of the coffee pods  180 . The second pod receiving area  174  is about twice as large as the first pod receiving area  172 . The second pod receiving area  174  has a second open entrance aperture on a second side of the frame, and the second pod receiving area is sized and shaped to receive two of the coffee pods  180 ; one pod stacked on top of the other pod inside the receiving area. In an alternate embodiment, a single larger coffee pod (not shown) could be positioned into the second pod receiving area  174 . The coffee pod(s)  180  are held in the first or second pod receiving areas  172 ,  174  merely by gravity; at least before the lid  73  is moved to its closed position. Thus, the first pod receiving area  172  can receive and hold one of the pods  180  only when it is orientated facing a top side of the pod carrier  150 . Likewise, the second pod receiving area  174  can receive and hold two of the pods  180  only when it is orientated facing the top side of the pod carrier  150 . The pod carrier  150  is adapted to be flipped 180 degrees to hold either one pod  180  in the first pod receiving area  172  or two pods  180  in the second pod receiving area  174 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 9 , the frame  166  of the pod carrier  150  has an first open aperture on a first side at the first pod receiving area  172  and a second open aperture at a second side of the second pod receiving area  174 . The frame  166  forms a surrounding perimeter wall  186  forming two inwardly facing sealing surfaces  188 ,  190  and two inwardly extending shells  192 ,  194  located at a bottom of the sealing surfaces  188 ,  190 , respectively. The entrance apertures into the first and second pod receiving areas are defined by the perimeter wall. When the two coffee pods  180  are inserted into the second receiving area  174  the outer rim  196  of the bottom coffee pod can flex upward against the sidewalls inside the second pod receiving area  174 , and the outer rim  196  of the top coffee pod can sit against the shelf  194 . The bottom of the bottom coffee pod would sit against one side of the mesh screen  168 . Referring also to  FIG. 11 , the coffee pod carrier is shown flipped 180 degrees relative to its position shown in  FIG. 9 . In this position, the first coffee pod receiving area  172  is located at the top of the coffee pod carrier  150 . One of the coffee pods  180  can be located in the first coffee pod receiving area  172  with its outer rim  196  located against the shelf  192  and the bottom of the coffee pod being located against one side of the mesh screen  168 . The handle  170  extends outward along a plane proximate a junction of the first and second pod receiving areas; slightly more toward the larger second pod receiving area than the first pod receiving area. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  9  and  11 , the coffee pod carrier  150  is adapted to be removably inserted into the top side of the funnel  152  when the lid  73  is located in its open position.  FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  9  illustrate the position of the coffee pod carrier  150  into the funnel  152  inside the stationary section  72  with the second pod receiving area  174  located in the top position. When the coffee pod carrier  150  is inserted into the funnel  152  the first set of cam projections  176  slide into the slots  164  in the funnel and come to rest on the bottom sides of the slots. Because the funnel  152  is supported on the stationary section  72  by its support ledges  160 , the pod carrier  150  is therefore supported on the stationary section  172  by the funnel  152 . If the pod carrier  150  is inserted into the funnel  152  with the first pod receiving area  172  located in the top position as shown in  FIG. 11 , then the second set of cam projections  178  would be received in the slots  164  and rest against the bottom of the slots. The handle  170  is positioned in a front recess of the stationary section  72  for relatively easy grasping by a user to remove the pod carrier after use and dispose of a hot coffee pod(s) located in the carrier without the need for touching the hot coffee pod(s). 
     With the pod carrier  150  located in the funnel  152  the top side of the pod carrier extends above the funnel as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . When the lid  73  is moved to its down or closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the cam projections  178  pass through the slots  114  (see  FIG. 5 ) in the ring member  98 . The bottom side of the hot water discharge head  66  and the seal  96  extend slightly into or just above the top aperture into the second pod receiving area  174 . Because the pivot arms  92  of the main lid member  88  extend almost completely to the rear end of the stationary section  72 , the lid  73  comes down on the pod carrier  150  at a very small angle; almost vertically, such as about merely five degrees of rotation between when the bottom of the seal  96  is located proximate the top of the aperture into the second receiving area  172  and when the lid  73  reaches its closed position. The inner top side of the surrounding perimeter wall  186  is curved to substantially prevent wear on the seal  96  when the lid  73  is merely moved to its closed position and before the pod carrier  150  is moved upward as explained below. 
     When the lid  73  is in its closed position and the user rotates the handle  110  from its unlocked position to its locked position, the ring section  111  rotates, and the cam surfaces  116  engage the bottom surfaces of the cam projections  178  to cam the pod carrier  150  in an upward direction. As the pod carrier  150  moves upward, the outer rim  196  of the top coffee pod  180  in the second pod receiving area  174  is sandwiched or captured between the shelf  194  and the seal  96 . This helps to clamp the pod to prevent it from moving, and to prevent hot water from the discharge head  66  from passing around the outer side of the top pod  180  without passing through the pod. Referring also to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , as the pod carrier  150  moves upward by the camming action of the ring member  98 , the seal  96  is vertically compressed and expands or deforms in an outward direction. As the seal  96  expands outwardly, it engages the sealing surface  190  on the inner side of the perimeter wall  186  at the second receiving area  174 . This seals the pod carrier frame  166  with the hot water discharge head  66  such that water discharged from the discharge head  66  must pass through the second pod receiving area  174  in order to exit through the mesh screen  168 . The seal  96  also helps to clamp the rim  196  against the surface  194  to hold the rim in a stationary position. However, the sealing action is provided between the surface  190  (or  188 ) and the head  66  by the seal  96 . 
     When the brewed coffee exits through the mesh screen  168  it flows through the first pod receiving area  172  and onto the inner surface of the discharge funnel  152  at the lower cone-shaped wall section  156 . The brewed coffee can flow to the outlet  158  and flow out of the funnel  152  as a stream into the cup  52  located on the support surface  50 . Because the funnel  152  has a relatively high upper wall section  154 , the bottom side of the pod carrier  150  stays inside the funnel when the pod carrier is moved upward by the ring member  98 . This ensures that the brewed coffee exits the pod carrier into the interior of the funnel even though the pod carrier has been vertically moved relative to the funnel. 
     If the pod carrier  150  is inserted into the funnel  152  with the first pod receiving area  172  located in the top position as shown in  FIG. 11 , the pod carrier  150  is located in the funnel  152  with the top side of the pod carrier extending above the funnel. When the lid  73  is moved to its down or closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the cam projections  176  past through the slots  114  (see  FIG. 5 ) in the ring member  98 . The bottom side of the hot water discharge head  66  and the seal  96  extend slightly into or just above the top aperture into the first pod receiving area  172 . The inner top side of the surrounding perimeter wall  186  at the first pod receiving area  172  is curved to substantially prevent wear on the seal  96  when the lid  73  is merely moved to its closed position and before the pod carrier  150  is moved upward as explained below. 
     When the lid  73  is in its closed position and the user rotates the handle  110  from its unlocked position to its locked position, the ring section  111  rotates and the cam surfaces  116  to engage the bottom surfaces of the cam projections  176  to cam the pod carrier  150  in an upward direction. As the pod carrier  150  moves upward, the outer rim  196  of the coffee pod  180  in the first receiving area  172  is clamped between the shelf  192  and the seal  196 . This helps to prevent the pod from moving and to prevent hot water from the discharge head  66  from passing around the outer side of the pod  180  in the first receiving area  172  without passing through the pod. As the pod carrier  150  moves upward by the camming action of the ring member  98 , the seal  96  is vertically compressed and expands or deforms in an outward direction. As the seal  96  expands outwardly, it engages the sealing surface  188  on the inner side of the perimeter wall  186 . This seals the pod carrier frame  166  with the hot water discharge head  66  such that water discharged from the discharge head  66  must pass through the first pod receiving area  172  in order to exit through the mesh screen  168 . 
     When the brewed coffee exits through the mesh screen  168  it flows through the second pod receiving area  174  and onto the inner surface of the discharge funnel  152  at the lower cone-shaped wall section  156 . The brewed coffee can flow to the outlet  158  and flow out of the funnel  152  as a stream. The coffeemaker has a system for varying water temperature of water exiting the heater. The system comprising the controller coupled to the sensors. The pump is a variable speed pump. Power, when the hot water heater is ON, is supplied as a substantially fixed non-varying power, and the controller is adapted to provide hot water from the heater at either a first temperature or a second higher temperature based upon speed of the pump without varying power supply to the heater. In an alternate embodiment, the system could be configured to deliver hot water at more or less than two temperatures. 
     Consistently repeatable good quality brewed liquid requires accurate hot water quantity delivery and relatively precise hot water temperature. Conventional coffeemakers adjust the hot water heat to control water temperature. However, because of inherent lag times for hot water heater adjustments because of heat transfer rates from the heating element to the heat transfer member of the heater and then to the water, temperature control, especially in a single serve brewing apparatus dispensing a relatively small quantity of water such as only about seven to twelve ounces, is not good and does not produce consistently repeatable good quality brewed liquid. The present invention provides a better control system for water temperature for a small serve brewing apparatus, such as an individual serving dispenser coffeemaker. 
     After the coffee has been brewed, the user can rotate the handle  110  back to its unlocked position and open the lid  73 . The user can then grasp the coffee pod carrier  150  at the handle  170  to remove the coffee pod carrier and dispose of the used coffee pod(s). One of the features of the present invention is a reduced amount of wear on the seal  96 . More specifically, the seal  96  does not run up against any of the components when it is being inserted into or removed from the aperture in the pod carrier. Only after the seal is located in the aperture in the pod carrier is it deformed to perform its sealing function. The perimeter sealing feature described above reduces wear on the seal  96  to prevent steam or water vapor from exiting from the pod brewing chamber without passing through the coffee pod. This helps to maintain an accurate and predictable good brewed coffee quality. 
     As noted above, the coffeemaker comprises a switch  84  (see  FIG. 2 ) located in the stationary section  72 . The ring member  98  comprises a section which is adapted to actuate the switch  84  when the ring member  98  is moved to its locked position. The ring member  98  is adapted to deactuate the switch  84  when the ring member is moved away from its locked position. The switch  84  is connected to the controller  16 . When the switch  84  is actuated the controller  16  knows that the ring member  98  is at its locked position. If the user moves the ring member  98  from its locked position during a brewing cycle, the controller  16  is programmed to deactivate the heater  14 . Thus, if the user opens the lid  73  during a brewing cycle, the pump  18  will continue to flow water out of the discharge head  66 , but the water is prevented from being converted into potentially harmful steam because the heater  14  has been turned OFF and, the continuing flow of water through the heater  14  prevents water from standing in the heater and turning into steam. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of signaling system or any suitable type of system for preventing a user from being potentially harmed by steam could be provided. In one type of embodiment, the controller could be programmed to continue pumping of water through the heater until the heater reached a predetermined relatively cool temperature. In another embodiment, the controller could be programmed to continue pumping of water through the heater for a predetermined amount of time after the switch is deactuated or after the heater is turned OFF. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the control system could also comprise an electromagnetic solenoid  260  having an extendable shaft  262 . The solenoid would be connected to the controller  16 . The shaft  262  would normally be retracted at a home position when the solenoid is not actuated. When the switch  84  is actuated by the member  98 , the controller activated the solenoid to move the shaft  262  forward and into engagement with the member  98 . This engagement results in the member  98  no longer being able to rotate away from its locked position. Thus, the control system forms a lock to prevent the user from opening the lid  73  during a brewing cycle. Once the brewing cycle is completed, the controller  16  can deactivate the solenoid  260 , thereby removing engagement between the shaft  262  and the member  98 , and the user can now rotate the member  98  to allow the lid to be opened again. The controller might be programmed to move the solenoid to an unlocked position after an end of a purge cycle of the brewing cycle to allow a purge of water and steam from the heater into the brewing chamber before the lid can be moved to an open position. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of locking system could be provided. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an additional, optional feature of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 12  shows a cross sectional view of a second type of pod carrier  198 , a funnel and mixing or frothing attachment  200 , and a second type of pod  202 . The second type of pod  202 , in this embodiment, is a creamy coffee pod. In particular, the creamy coffee pod  202  comprises an outer casing  182 , a plastic or hard paper divider  204  which forms a first chamber  206  and a second chamber  208 , coffee grounds  184  located in the first chamber  206  and a powdered nondairy creamer  210  located in the second chamber  208 . The divider  204  is adapted to allow fluid to flow therethrough, but otherwise substantially separates the coffee grounds  184  from the nondairy creamer  210 . In the embodiment shown, the divider  204  extends to the outer rim  212  where the top and bottom sides of the casing  182  are connected to the divider  204 . In an alternate embodiment the pod could have more than one divider, and nondairy creamer might not be provided such as when the chambers of the pod merely comprise different types of coffee grounds, such as one or more different flavored coffee grounds. 
     The pod carrier  198  generally comprises a handle  214 , a pod receiving area  216 , and a lower chamber  218 . The pod receiving area  216  is adapted to receive the pod  202 . The pod receiving area  216  includes a shelf  220  and a sealing surface  222  on an inwardly facing perimeter side. The pod carrier  198  is adapted to be inserted into the aperture  86  in the stationary section  72  as a replacement component for the pod carrier  150 . When the pod carrier  198  is used rather than the pod carrier  150 , the funnel  152  is not used. The funnel  152  is removed from the aperture  86 . The funnel and mixing attachment  200  is attached to the bottom end of the pod carrier  198  as further described below. 
     The shelf  220  and sealing surface  222  function substantially the same way as the shelves  192 ,  194  and sealing surfaces  188 ,  190  described above with reference to the pod carrier  150 . In particular, when the lid  73  is moved to its closed position the ring member  98  can be rotated to its locked position to move the pod carrier  198  to an upward position. As the pod carrier  198  moves upward, the seal  96  is clamped between the top side of the outer rim  212  and the hot water discharge head to cause the seal to expand outward against the sealing surface  222 . Because of the porous nature of the casing  182 , a good seal cannot be formed against the casing  182  at the shelf  212 . Thus, the seal  96  is used to seal against the sealing surface  212  and substantially prevent steam or hot water vapor from exiting from the pod receiving area  216  without passing through the pod  202 . However, the seal  96  helps to clamp the pod  202  in the pod receiving area  216  such that the pod does not move or float in the event the pod receiving area  216  becomes substantially filled with water. 
     The pod carrier  198  includes a metal mesh screen  168 , such as a screen having the plastic portion of the pod carrier over molded thereonto. However, in an alternate embodiment, the screen might not be metal, such as a molded plastic screen, and the screen could be attached to the frame of the pod carrier by any suitable means. The lower chamber  218  is located beneath the screen  168  and allows brewed coffee and nondairy creamer to mix therein before exiting a bottom outlet  224 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 13 , the main housing  226  of the pod carrier  198  includes mounting projections  228  on a lower exterior side and cam lugs  176  at a top side. The cam lugs  176  can work with the member  98  the same way that the cam lugs work on the pod carrier  150 . The mounting projections  228  are provided to allow the funnel and mixing attachment  200  to be removably connected to the bottom end of the pod carrier  198 . In an alternate embodiment, any suitable system for removably attaching the attachment  200  to the pod carrier  198  could be provided. The attachment  200  is screwed, twisted or rotated onto the bottom of the pod carrier  198 . The two members  198 ,  200  could be connected by a caming connection. In one type of alternate embodiment, the funnel and mixing attachment could be formed integrally with the pod carrier rather than being removably connected. 
     The funnel and frothing attachment  200  comprises a main housing  230  and a mixing or frothing insert  232 . The main housing  230  includes a top end with mounting apertures  234  and a bottom end with an outlet  236 . The mounting apertures  234  are adapted to receive the mounting projections  228  therein to fixedly but removably attach the main housing  230  to the main housing  226 . The mixing insert  232  comprises a plate having apertures  238  therethrough. The mixing insert  232  divides the main housing  230  into two chambers  240 ,  242 . At least the first chamber  240  forms a frothing chamber. The mixing insert  232  is adapted to sit against interior sidewalls of the frame in the chamber. The mixing insert  232  is preferably removably located in the chamber for easier cleaning. When coffee and nondairy creamer exit from the lower chamber  218  from the bottom outlet  224  of the pod carrier  198 , they enter the chamber  240  and contact the mixing insert  232 . Although the brewed coffee and nondairy creamer mix in the lower chamber  218  of the pod carrier, the chamber  240  and mixing insert  232  allow the coffee and nondairy creamer to mix again, more thoroughly, in the chamber  240 . 
     The coffee and nondairy creamer can flow through the apertures  238  into the chamber  242 , with additional mixing or frothing occurring, and exit the outlet  236  as a mixed stream of coffee and creamer directly into a user&#39;s cup. Thus, the user does not need to manually mix the nondairy creamer with the brewed coffee. The mixing is done automatically in the chambers  218 ,  240  and  242 ; the three chambers each forming frothing chambers. The pod carrier  198  and funnel and mixing attachment  200  cause a slight time delay in the flow of liquid therethrough. This allows froth or foam generated from the mixing to at least slightly settle. Thus, because of this slight time delay, it may be preferred to have the temperature of the water entering the pod carrier  198  from the heater to be slightly higher in temperature than normal to compensate for heat lost during this time delay. 
     With the present invention a brewing apparatus pod carrier and mixing device can be provided which includes a pod receiving section open at a top side of the device, a first mixing section located below the pod receiving section and adapted to receive brewed liquid from a first outlet of the pod receiving section, and a second mixing section located below the first mixing section and adapted to receive the brewed liquid from a second outlet from the first mixing section. The device can include the two mixing sections arranged in series. The second outlet of the first mixing section is small relative to the first outlet of the pod receiving section such that the brewed liquid will partially mix in the first mixing section before passing through the second outlet to the second mixing section. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14–15 , another feature of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the coffeemaker  10  is provided with an additional, optional attachment  244  for accommodating the positioning of a smaller cup  246 . The attachment  244  is a booster seat or elevated cup platform. The cup  52  shown in  FIG. 1  is sized and shaped to receive at least twelve ounces of brewed coffee. Twelve ounces of brewed coffee can be generated by the coffeemaker  10  with the use of two of the coffee pods  180  and the pod carrier  150  having been positioned as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . For brewing a smaller cup of coffee, such as seven ounces with the smaller coffee cup  246  shown in  FIG. 14 , if the smaller cup  246  were placed on the support surface  50  the distance between the funnel outlet  158  and the entrance to the smaller coffee cup  246  might result in coffee splashing out of the top of the coffee cup  246 . The attachment  244  is provided to allow the smaller coffee cup  246  to be located at an elevated position relative to the support surface  50 . 
     The elevation attachment  244  generally comprises a bottom end  248 , a top surface  250 , and stabilizing supports  252 . In a preferred embodiment the attachment  244  has a general truncated cone shape with the bottom end  248  being larger than the top surface  250 . A side wall connects the top and bottom sides. In a preferred embodiment the side wall is about two or three or four inches high. However, any suitable height could be provided. The attachment  244  is preferably a one piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. The general cone shape provides stability to the attachment on the support surface  50 . However, any suitable shape can be provided. The bottom end  248  is sized and shaped to fit in the recess  51  and against the support surface  50 . The bottom side is adapted to be vertically lowered into the recess. The stabilizing supports  252  are sized and shaped to be located in the slots  54 . The stabilizing supports  252  help to stabilize the elevation attachment  244  and prevent it from pivoting or rotating while connected in the recess  51 . The top surface  250  is sized and shaped to support the bottom surface of the smaller cup  246  thereon. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the elevation attachment  244  is connected to the forward extending section  48  of the base section  42 , the elevation attachment  244  can allow a user to place the smaller size cup  246  on the attachment  244  at an elevated position closer to the outlet  158  of the discharge, funnel  152  (see  FIG. 11 ). When brewing coffee for the smaller size cup  246 , the pod carrier  150  would be orientated as shown in  FIG. 11  to receive only one pod in its top receiving area. The height of the elevation attachment is preferably about three to four inches or more. However, any suitable height could be provided. The elevation attachment could also have a variable or reconfigurable height, or variable connection location to the housing of the coffeemaker. The housing and the booster seat are adapted to alternatively support the first larger cup  52  without use of the booster seat or the second smaller cup  246  with the use of the booster seat at about the same distance from the brewed coffee outlet from the exit funnel. One of the features of the present invention is the reduced cost of the attachment  244  relative to the more complicated prior art devices. The reduced cost is possible because the attachment is merely a one-piece member, such as a molded member, and does not need any complicated connection to the frame of the coffeemaker. In addition, the attachment  244  is relatively easy to clean because of its simple structure, and can even be placed in an automatic dishwasher. 
     In an alternate embodiment the stabilizing supports  252  might not be provided. In this alternate embodiment, the bottom side forms a sole connection area with the brewing apparatus by merely being place on top of the brewed liquid container support surface  50  without any additional attachments. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the coffeemaker  10  comprises four of the control switches  38 . A first one of the control switches  38  is actuated by a user when using a single pod  180  and the elevation attachment  244  for making a small cup of coffee. The pod carrier  150  would be positioned as shown in  FIG. 11 . When this first control switch is actuated, the controller  16  will control the heater  14  and pump  18  to supply about seven ounces of hot water through the pod carrier and out the outlet  158 . Based upon the speed of the pump  18  and the duration which the pump is pumping, the controller  16  can precisely measure the quantity of hot water which is being dispensed. A second one of the control switches  38  is actuated by a user when using two of the pods  180  for making a larger cup of coffee, such as the twelve ounce cup  52  shown in  FIG. 1 . The pod carrier  150  would be positioned as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . When this second control switch is actuated, the controller  16  will control the heater  14  and pump  18  to supply about twelve ounces of hot water through the pod carrier and out the outlet  158 . A third one of the control switches  38  is actuated by the user when using the pod  202 , pod carrier  198  and attachment  200  shown in  FIG. 12  for making coffee having nondairy creamer. When this third control switch is actuated, the controller  16  will control the heater and pump to supply about seven ounces of hot water through the pod carrier and out the outlet  236 . The speed of the pump  18  when brewing with the pod  202  might be slower than the speed of the pump when the first or second control switches are actuated to allow the water to be heated to a higher temperature because the water will take longer to pass through the pod  202  then through one or two of the pods  180 . A fourth one of the control switches  38  is actuated by the user to perform an override or reset of the controller  16 . For example, if the user presses a wrong one of the control switches, the user can press the fourth control switch to interrupt a brewing cycle. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of user interactive control could be provided. 
     The coffeemaker can operate in one of three brewing modes with the actuation of one of the first three user actuated switches  38  noted above. In particular, the actuation of the first switch can cause the coffeemaker to dispense a first quantity of water at a first temperature. The actuation of the second switch can cause the coffeemaker to dispense a second quantity of water at a second temperature. The second temperature could be the same as the first temperature or could be hotter or cooler than the first temperature. The actuation of the third switch can cause the coffeemaker to dispense a third quantity of water at a third temperature. The third quantity of water is preferably about the same as the first quantity of water. However, the third quantity of water could be more or less than the first quantity of water. The third temperature is preferably hotter than the first and second temperatures. However, the third temperature could be the same as or cooler than the first or second temperatures. 
     One of the features of the present invention is the ability to use another mode of brewing. A user can load the pod carrier  150  with two of the pods  180 . However, rather than pressing the user actuated switch  38  for twelve ounces of water, the user can actuate the switch  38  for seven ounces of water. This will result in an extra strong cup of seven ounces of coffee being brewed. Another mode of operation could comprise the user loading the pod carrier  150  with two of the pods  180 . However, rather than pressing the user actuated switch  38  for seven or twelve ounces of water, the user can actuate the switch  38  for the creamy pod. This could result in a hotter and stronger cup of coffee, but perhaps more than seven ounces. 
     The user could also load the pod carrier with two different types of the pods  180 ; having different coffee grounds in each pod to produce a unique mixture or coffee blend. For example, the user could load one pod flavored with vanilla and a second pod flavored with hazelnut to produce a user configured blend; configured based upon user selection of different types of coffee pods. 
     Although the present invention was described above comprising a removable coffee pod carrier and a reversible coffee pod carrier, features of the present invention could be used with a non-removable coffee pod carrier and/or a coffee pod carrier which is not intended to be reversible or re-orientatable. In another alternate embodiment, the coffee pod carrier might have more or less than two coffee pod receiving areas, such as only one coffee pod receiving area as shown in  FIG. 12 . Rather than a removable funnel, such as the funnel  152 , the funnel could be integrally formed with the housing of the coffeemaker or the housing of the coffee pod carrier. Although specific types of coffee pods  180 ,  202  have been described above, features of the present invention could be adapted for use with any suitable type of coffee pods, or pods carrying brewable material, such as tea leaves. In another alternate embodiment, any suitable type of movable lid for the coffeemaker could be provided. In one type of alternate embodiment, the seal  96  could form a seal with the top side of the pod carrier, or the seal could form a seal with the outer perimeter side of the pod carrier. The seal could be located on the lid housing rather than on the hot water discharge head. In one type of alternate embodiment, the coffeemaker could comprise an electromechanical latch, such as a solenoid to prevent the ring  98  from being moved away from the locked position during a brew cycle and thereby prevent the lid from being moved to an open position during the brew cycle. In one type of alternate embodiment, the temperature of the heater could be adjusted as well as the speed of the pump. Alternatively, the speed of the pump could be constant and the temperature of the heater could merely be adjusted. 
     With the present invention, a brewing apparatus can be provided comprising a system for varying water temperature of water exiting the heater. The system can comprise a controller coupled to sensors, wherein power when the hot water heater is ON is supplied as a substantially fixed non-varying power, and wherein the controller is adapted to provide hot water from the heater at either a first temperature or a second higher temperature based upon speed of the pump without varying power supply to the heater. A brewing apparatus can be provided comprising a user input section connected to the controller. The user input section can be adapted to allowed a user to select one of at least three brewing modes comprising a first mode having a first quantity of water delivered by the pump and the heater at a first temperature, a second mode having a second quantity of water delivered by the pump and the heater at a second temperature, and a third mode having a third quantity of water delivered by the pump and the heater at a third temperature. The first and second temperatures can be equal, and the third temperature can be the same as or different from the first and second temperatures. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , there is shown one embodiment of a bottom plate  264  of the hot water discharge head  66 . The bottom plate  264  generally comprises three sets of water discharge holes. A first set  266  of the holes comprises a first center array of smaller holes  268 . In the embodiment shown, the first set  266  of smaller holes  268  comprise four of the smaller holes arranged in a general box or diamond shape configuration. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable number of smaller holes and any suitable pattern could be provided. 
     The second set  270  of the holes and to the third set  272  of the holes form a second surrounding array of larger holes  274 . In the embodiment shown, the second set  270  of larger holes  274  comprise four of the larger holes arranged in a general box or diamond shape configuration similar to the pattern of the first set  266  of smaller holes. However, the second set  270  of larger holes is axially rotated about 45 degrees relative to the first set  266  of smaller holes. The third set  272  of larger holes to  274  comprise four of the larger holes arranged in a general box or diamond shape configuration similar to the pattern of the first set  266  of smaller holes and aligned with the first set of smaller holes. The second set  270  and a third set  272  form concentric rings of holes around the first set  266 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the larger holes  274  are at least about 50 percent larger than the smaller holes  268 . In a preferred embodiment, the larger holes  274  are about 75 percent larger than the smaller holes  268 . With the present invention hot water introduced into the plenum of the hot water discharge head  66  is allowed to exit the plenum out the bottom outlet holes  268 ,  274 . More of the hot water from the plenum exits the outer holes than the center holes for a total wetting of the coffee pod located beneath the bottom plate  264  and a substantially even removal of coffee from the coffee grounds in the pod. In the embodiment shown, the bottom plate  264  includes a recessed area  276  which is adapted to receive a portion of the coffee pod if necessary. However, the recessed area  276  preferably provides an area to allow hot water to migrate, at least partially, over a top surface of the coffee pod before entering the coffee pod. This also increases entire wedding of the coffee grounds inside the coffee pod and more even removal of coffee from the coffee grounds. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.