Patent Abstract:
A hot beverage brewer ( 20 ) with an auto-directive brewer controller ( 22 ) that controls enabling and revealing of a plurality of hidden, or phantom, switches ( 39, 40, 42, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58  and  60 ). Signals from disabled switches are ignored by a microcomputer ( 24 ), and the operator is directed to only the hidden switches that are enabled by selectively revealing them with individually associated backlights ( 39′, 40′, 42′, 48′, 50′, 54′, 56′, 58′,  and  60 ′). When the backlights are energized the location of the hidden switches is revealed by the light passing through a dark, but semi-translucent, flexible, plastic control panel that overlies the hidden switches and their associated backlights. Different modes of normal operation may be preselected during a program mode (FIG.  12 D) in which one or more of the brew start switches are relatively permanently disabled and remain relatively permanently hidden, while other ones of the start brew switches and other function selection switches are only temporarily disabled and temporarily hidden due to changing conditions or status of the brewer during normal operation. A demonstration mode is proved in which the performance of the apparatus under normal circumstances is performed but the heating element and various valves are inhibited from being actuated. A self-diagnostic mode is provided for selective use in combination with a normal operation mode, a program mode and a self-diagnostic mode of operation.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/399,916, filed Jul. 31, 2002, filed in the name of Zbigniew G. Lassota, one of the current co-inventors and entitled “Coffee Brewer Assembly with Auto-Corrective Controller with Phantom Control Panel and Method”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention generally relates to food processing equipment, such as an electrical beverage brewer, such as a coffee or tea brewer, and, more particularly, to an such food processing equipment with a plurality of manually function control switches for controlling the operations of the food processing apparatus.  
           [0004]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Food processing equipment such as electrical coffee brewers, tea brewers, food grinders, hot water boilers, or dispensers, and the like that are electrically powered and have an operator control panel from which the operator interfaces with various operational elements of the apparatus in order to manually control the operation of the apparatus is well known. In the case of known beverage brewers, a plurality of brewer functions are respectively controlled by a plurality of associated brewer function selection switches. For instance in a single brewer, it is known to have at least one start brew cycle switch, an emergency stop brew switch, a hot water dispense switch, and full-power switch. It is also known to provide on the operator control panel a message display screen for displaying brewer status information and programming information.  
           [0006]    When the power switch is actuated, electrical power is applied to a heating element to heat water in a hot water reservoir. After the hot water has come up to a preselected temperature and the level is at a preselected level, a brew water valve, or brew valve, is opened to pass the hot water from the hot water reservoir to a spray head. Hot water is sprayed onto the top surface of a layer of ground coffee or the like that is held within filter paper within a brew basket. The hot water passes through and dissolves some of the coffee constituents of the ground coffee during the hot water dispense period of the brew cycle to make the brewed coffee beverage. The brewed coffee passes from the brew basket into a suitable container for service or storage.  
           [0007]    After a preselected time, corresponding to a preselected quantity of hot water and of brewed beverage, the brew valve automatically closes. The brew cycle, however, continues until the last of the hot water that was added to the brew basket passes through the coffee grounds and out of the bottom of the brew basket and into an urn or the like during the drain period, or drip period of the brew cycle.  
           [0008]    Some of the control switches are logically disabled or have no function during different status conditions of the brewer. For instance, during the dispense period of the brew cycle, actuation of the brew cycle start switch is ineffective since the dispense valve is already open and the hot water is already being passed to the spray head. During the dispense period, the emergency stop switch, if actuated is effective to close the brew valve and stop the brew cycle. However, after the brew cycle including the drain period is concluded then actuation of the emergency stop switch has no effect because the brew cycle is already concluded, and there is nothing further to stop.  
           [0009]    Some switches are artificially disabled at different times. For instance, when there is no brew cycle in progress, the hot water dispense switch, when manually held in an actuated state, maintains the brew valve in an open condition to pass hot water to the spray head. The brew valve remains open only so long as an operator holds the switch in an “on” state, or “open” actuated state. However, during the brew cycle drip period, there is still a filled brew basket beneath the spray head, and the hot water switch is therefore automatically disabled from reopening during this time by a brewer controller that interfaces the switches with the operating elements of the brewer.  
           [0010]    Other brewer functions are only used rarely, but, of course, remain on the control panel and can be inadvertently actuated. Initially, during installation of a commercial brewer, after a “full power-on” switch is actuated, a fill valve is opened to fill the hot water reservoir and power is applied to the heating elements in the hot water tank to heat the water. The brewer controller places the brewer into an active state instead of a standby state. After installation, power to the heating elements is generally left on at all times including during closing hours due to relative power efficiencies of so doing versus turning the heating element power off and reheating the entire hot water tank to brew temperature each new work day.  
           [0011]    Some brewers have the capability of making different amounts of coffee, such as one half gallon, one gallon and one and one half gallon. These different “batch quantities” have a plurality of different start brew cycle switches respectively associated with the different amounts of beverage to be brewed. Depending upon a preselected mode of operation that has been selected for the brewer, any one, any two or all three of the switches may be operational.  
           [0012]    In the case of a mode of operation being preselected in which more than one of the start brew cycle switches is operational, the brewer controller responds to actuation of the different start brew switches by keeping the brew valve open for different dispense time periods associated with the different amounts of beverage to be brewed. However, if a brew cycle for a given quantity of beverage has been started by manual actuation of the associated one of the plurality of start brew switches, then all the other start brew switches are disabled from starting a new brew cycle for a different amount of beverage. The one brew cycle start switch that does start the brew cycle is also disabled from restarting the cycle. Upon completion of the brew cycle, then once again all of the operational brew cycle start switches are enabled.  
           [0013]    As noted above, during initial setup, one of a plurality of different modes of operation may be selected. For instance in one mode of operation, the brewer start switches for making one half and one gallon are rendered operational so that the controller will respond to their actuation, subject to the temporary disablement during the brewing status of an existing brew cycle in progress. The third brew start switch for making one and one half gallons is rendered relatively permanently nonoperational. It will remain nonoperational until a new mode is preselected in which it is selected to be operational. Even though a switch is relatively permanently nonoperational, in known brewers, the switch remains on the operator control panel and remains visible.  
           [0014]    While some control panels have regular push-button switches of the type that protrude through a flat rigid panel, others are known which employ a so-called touch pad assembly. The touch pad assembly employs a sheet of flexible plastic, or “touch pad” that has touch pad switches. The membrane switches are actuated by manually pressing certain switch locations of the touch pad. The touch pad is outwardly marked with the location of all the different switches beneath, and these switch locations are provided with a graphic or other indication of the function associated with the switch location. These graphics or words or letters remain visible even though the switch itself is disabled either permanently, due to disablement associated a particular mode selection, or relatively temporarily disabled in accordance with changing conditions during a brew cycle as noted above.  
           [0015]    In the case of relatively permanently disablement, due to preselection of a mode of operation in which one or more brew start switches, or some other potentially functional capability switch, is relatively permanently disabled, it is known to provide different “touch pad” overlays for the different operational modes. The different overlays show only the switch locations of the switches that have been selected to be operational. This disadvantageously requires changing overlays in the field if there is a change in the operational capabilities or operational mode of the brewer in which different switches are rendered operational or nonoperational. In other cases, only a single overlay is used for all levels of operational capability, and all switch locations remain visible at all time even those that are relatively permanently nonoperational due to operational mode preselection.  
           [0016]    It is also known to provide such touch pads in association with message display units that are always visible even when not being used to display a message. Often such message display units are only used during programming or during initialization to display messages and are not employed during normal operation.  
           [0017]    Another deficiency with know food processing apparatus is that there is no tactile means for clearing indicating to a person that is visually impaired as to which function control switches are appropriate for use in general or intermittently during  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0018]    It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a beverage brewer with an operator control panel and a brewer controller and method of control that overcomes the disadvantages of known beverage brewers in which relatively permanently nonoperational brewer function selection switches, or temporarily disabled brewer function switches, or the locations of such switches, are always visible.  
           [0019]    This objective is achieved in part by providing in a food processing apparatus for performing a plurality of processes on a food ingredient with a directive manual control system having a plurality of hidden function selection switches associated with a plurality of different operator selectable food processing functions, a housing with a partially translucent, protective, operator control panel having an interior side covering the plurality of switches and through which the hidden function switches cannot be seen under ordinary ambient light conditions, and an exterior side for manual engagement by an operator, a plurality of lights each associated with at least one of each of the hidden function switches and located at the interior side of the panel, and a controller with means for selecting ones of the hidden function switches to be revealed to an operator in accordance with a computer program stored in the controller, means for energizing only the lights associated with the hidden function selection switches selected to be revealed to illuminate portions of the interior side partially translucent panel adjacent the selected function switches, said illumination of the interior side of the panel being visible through the translucent panel to indicate at the exterior of the panel the location of the selected one of the function switches.  
           [0020]    In the preferred embodiment, the food processing apparatus includes means associated with the controller for preselecting different modes of operation in which different ones of the function switches are not to be used and means for relatively permanently disabling the different ones of the function switches not to be used while the associated mode of operation remains preselected. Also, preferably, the controller, when in the preselected different modes of operation, relatively temporarily disables different ones of the function switches that are not relatively permanently disabled in response to changing conditions of the apparatus. The different modes of operation may includes one of different modes of operation of (a) a coffee brewer, (b) a hot tea brewer, (c) a fresh iced tea brewer, (d) a hot water heater and dispenser and (e) a food grinder.  
           [0021]    Similarly, the objective is achieved by providing a directive manual control method for use in a food processing apparatus for performing a plurality of processes on a food ingredient by performing the steps of covering a plurality of manually operable function switches with a partially translucent, protective, operator control panel forming part of a housing and having an interior side through which the hidden function switches cannot be seen under ordinary ambient light conditions and an exterior side for manual engagement by an operator, associating a plurality of lights with at least one of each of the hidden function switches and located at the interior side of the panel, selecting with a controller ones of the hidden function switches to be revealed to an operator in accordance with a computer program stored in the controller, energizing only the lights associated with the hidden function selection switches selected to be revealed to illuminate portions of the interior side partially translucent panel adjacent the selected function switches, and passing light from the illumination to the exterior of the panel said illumination of to illuminate and thereby indicate at the exterior of the panel the location the one of the function switches selected to be revealed.  
           [0022]    Preferably, the method includes the steps of preselecting with means associated with the controller different modes of operation in which different ones of the function switches are not to be used, and relatively permanently disabling the different ones of the function switches not to be used while the associated mode of operation remains preselected.  
           [0023]    Also, the method preferably includes the step of relatively temporarily disabling with the controller, when in the preselected different modes of operation, different ones of the function switches that are not relatively permanently disabled in response to changing conditions of the apparatus.  
           [0024]    The objective is also obtained by provision of a beverage brewer having an operator control panel with a plurality of hidden function selection switches respectively associated with a plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions, means for preselecting different modes of operation, and a controller with means for selectively revealing only preselected ones of the hidden function switches to an operator in accordance with the different preselected modes of operation.  
           [0025]    In the preferred embodiment, some of the plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions include a function of starting brew cycles for making different quantities of beverage, and the different preselected modes of operation are respectively associated with making the different quantities of beverage. The control panel may have other hidden switches associated with other functions, and the controller has means for selectively revealing the other hidden switches regardless of the different preselected modes operation. In addition, the control panel has a hidden message display, and the controller includes means for selectively revealing at least a portion of the hidden message display. Preferably, the operator control panel includes at least another hidden function selection switch associated with at least another brewer function that is independent of the different modes of operation, and the controller includes means for selectively revealing the at least another hidden function switch in response to a change in operating conditions of the brewer.  
           [0026]    In one embodiment, the plurality of hidden function switches are respectively associated with start a plurality of different brew cycles associated with a plurality of different quantities of beverage to be brewed and the controller includes means for selectively revealing only the preselected ones of the hidden function switches when a brew cycle is not already in progress.  20 .  
           [0027]    The control panel is preferably a partially translucent panel through which the hidden function switches cannot be seen under ordinary ambient light conditions behind which the hidden function switches are located, and the selectively revealing means includes a plurality of lights each associated with at least one of each of the hidden function switches, and means for selectively energizing the lights associated with the hidden function switches selected to be revealed to light portions of the partially translucent panel adjacent the selected function switches. The lights are visible through the translucent panel to indicate the location of the switches selected to be revealed.  
           [0028]    The object of the invention is also acquired by provision of a beverage brewer, with an operator control panel having a plurality of hidden function selection switches respectively associated with a plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions, and a controller with means for selectively revealing only selected ones of the hidden function switches to an operator in accordance with different phases of operation of the brewer.  
           [0029]    The invention thus also provides, for use in a beverage brewer, an auto-directive method of control by performance of the steps of hiding at a control panel a plurality of hidden function selection switches respectively associated with a plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions, preselecting different modes of operation, and selectively revealing only preselected ones of the hidden function switches to an operator in accordance with the mode of operation that has been preselected. Preferably, some of the plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions include the function of starting brew cycles for making different quantities of beverage, and the different preselected modes of operation are respectively associated with making the different quantities of beverage. The method may also include the steps of hiding other brewer function switches associated with other functions, and selectively revealing the other hidden switches regardless of the different preselected modes operation. With regard to the message display, the method may include the steps of hiding the message display, and selectively revealing the message display when needed for display of a message.  
           [0030]    Preferably, the control method also includes the steps of associating another brew function with another selection switch that is independent of the different modes of operation, and selectively revealing the at least another hidden function switch in response to a change in operating conditions of the brewer.  
           [0031]    The objective of the invention is also obtained in part by provision, for use in a beverage brewer, of an auto-directive control method achieved through performance of the steps of associating a plurality of hidden function selection switches of an operator control panel with a plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions, and selectively revealing through means of a controller only selected ones of the hidden function switches to an operator in accordance with different phases of operation of the brewer. In one embodiment, some of the plurality of different operator selectable brewer functions include one or more of the functions of (a) starting different brew cycles for making different quantities of beverage, (b) a brewer power-on function, (b) a stop brew cycle function, and (c) a water-dispense function and (d) a start-brew function.  
           [0032]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one of a plurality of different modes of brewing operation is preselected, and the hidden function selection switches that are not associated with any functions performed during the mode of brewing operation that have been selected are relatively permanently disabled. Also, the selectively revealing means is relatively permanently disabled from revealing the relatively permanently disabled function switches that are not associated with any functions of the preselected mode of operation. Preferably, the method includes the step of selectively enabling all of the function switches that have not been disabled due to the preselected mode to be selectively revealed in accordance with changing status of the brewer during normal operation in the preselected mode of brewing.  
           [0033]    If the operator control panel has a message display for displaying information needed for programming the controller, then the method may include the steps of hiding the message display, and selectively revealing the message display when needed for programming. Preferably, the message display is only revealed when there is a message to be displayed.  
           [0034]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a demonstration mode is provided in which the lighting of the different switches is demonstrated while the actual opening and closing of valves and the heating of the hot water is inhibited to facilitate training of new operators without risk of inappropriate entries and without the necessity of actually performing brew cycles. In this mode of operation, the energization of the heating element is inhibited and opening of the various brew valves in response to actuation of the control switches or otherwise in accordance with the operating program is inhibited. Otherwise, in the demonstration mode, the brewer operates in accordance with the normal operating software.  
           [0035]    The objective of the invention is also achieved by provision of a self-diagnostic           are that, when errors are discovered, lights the message display to reveal an error          ge but which otherwise leave the message display unlighted to hide the message          y when there is no message to be displayed.  
           [0036]    In accordance with another object of the invention, Braille code or other tactile-         le code is provided by embossments that are raised above the exterior surface of          nel and adjacent to, or directly atop, each of the switch locations. In the preferred          diment, these embossments are given the same color as the contiguous portions of          nel to reduce their visibility so as not to patently, visually, mark the location of any          es that has not be selected to be revealed. In one embodiment, the embossments          ie provided on a changeable tactile board so that only tactile codes are provided in          iation with the switches selected to be revealed or which are enabled for use. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0037]    The advantageous features of the invention will be described with          nce to the several figures of the drawing, in which:  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the brewer of          esent invention;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an underlying control panel board of a control          assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the          n brewer function control switches and associated switch revealing back lights, and          essage display unit, shown in functional block form in FIG. 1;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 3A is a sectional side view of one of the hidden switch assemblies taken           section line IIIA-IIIB of FIG. 2;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 3B is a is a plan view of the hidden switch assembly of FIG. 3A;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3C is an end view of the hidden switch assembly of FIG. 3A;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 3D is a perspective view showing the underside of hidden switch assembly the switch actuator installed of the hidden switch assembly of FIGS.  3 A- 3 C;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4A is another perspective view but showing the assembly with the translucent          h actuator shown in FIGS.  3 A- 3 C removed;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 4B is a plan view of the light pipe holder of FIG. 4A;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4C is a side view of the light pipe holder of FIG. 4B;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4D is an end view of the light pipe holder of FIG. 4C;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the light pipe hidden function switch actuator that is mounted for movement within the light pipe holder of the hidden switch assembly of FIGS.  3 A- 3 B;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIGS. 6A, 6B and  6 C are respectively a plan view, a side view and an end view of the hidden function switch actuator of FIG. 5;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of the hidden switch actuator taken through section line VII-VII of FIG. 6C;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8A is an enlarged side view one of the long life, high intensity incandescent lamps or high intensity lamps previously shown in FIG. 3A;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the incandescent lamp of FIG. 8A;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the lamp-mounting cutout in the panel of FIG. 3A;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a minimalist embodiment of the hiding overlay of the present invention that covers and hides the hidden brewer function switches, as seen when none of the switches, except the power-on switch, nor the display, are revealed and in which there are no functional graphics to identify switch locations except for the full power-on switch location;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 11A is another front elevation view similar to that of FIG. 10 of the hiding overlay which hides the hidden switches, when neither any of the switches nor the message display are revealed, but on which graphics are provided to identify the general left and right control panel areas, and the full power-on switch;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the hiding overlay, similar to that of FIG. 11A, but in which the message display unit location that is selectively displayed is shown in broken line, and in which the various switch location and identification images, or “icons”, that are revealed only selectively by the brewer controller, are shown by broken line;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 11C is another front elevation view of the hiding overlay, as seen by an operator when the medium batch quantity start brew switch for the left side of the brewer has been actuated to place the brewer into brewing status, such that, in accordance with the invention, the water dispense switch, the non-selected left side brew start switches and message display unit and the right stop brew switch are not revealed, while the left brew stop switch location and full power on switch location are revealed with continuously-on backlights, as indicated by solid line representations of the icons, and the selection of the medium batch quantity start brew switch is revealed by a flashing back-light, as indicated by a broken line representation of the icon that is revealed;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 11D is another side elevation view of the overlay when no brew cycle is in process but in which, due to mode selection, both the left and the right maximum batch quantity brew start switches have been relatively permanently disabled, such that their locations are not revealed as are the other brew start switches;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 12A is a general functional block diagram of the software that is used with the microcomputer of the controller showing the operational and programming subroutines and the self-diagnostics mode subroutine;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIGS. 12B and 12C form a detailed composite flow chart of the normal operation mode subroutine of FIG. 12A;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 12D is a general functional block diagram of the programming mode subroutine of FIG. 12A pursuant to which selected ones of the brew start switch may be relatively permanently disabled, or rendered nonoperational; and  
         [0062]    [0062]FIGS. 13A and 13B form a composite chart showing the different types of errors detectable when the brewer is operating in the self-diagnostics mode as well as showing the error codes that are displayed when an error is detected, possible causes of the different error conditions, the appropriate corrective action and the action needed to clear the message display of the error code after an error has been detected. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0063]    Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the beverage brewer  20  is seen to include an auto-directive brewer controller  22  with a microcomputer  24  and an interface circuit  26 . The microcomputer is preferably a Model 87C52 made by Phillips, or the like. The interface circuitry is conventional circuitry that matches the signal levels and power levels between the various other elements of the beverage brewer  20  and the controller  22 . A DC power supply converts the AC power to which the brewer is connected to DC levels needed by the microcomputer  24 , the interface circuit  26  and other circuit elements including the various switch backlights. The brewer also has conventional mechanical elements such as a housing  28  within which is contained the usual elements such as a hot water reservoir, a brew basket and brew basket mounting assembly, and matching urn for receipt of the brewed beverage. These conventional elements form no part of the present invention, and reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,082 issued to Lassota on Mar. 19, 1991 for “Beverage Maker and Method of Making Beverage”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,885 issued to Lassota on Jul. 26, 1994 for “Semiautomatic Beverage Maker and Method”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,944 issued to Lassota on Aug. 31, 1999, for “Brewing System with Hot Water Urn Flushing Apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,981 issued to Lassota on Sep. 21, 1999; and patents cited therein, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, for further information concerning such standard features.  
         [0064]    The brewer  20  has a plurality of automatic inputs and a plurality of manual inputs. In the case of a dual brewer, the automatic inputs include at least one level sensor  30  for sensing the water level in the single hot water reservoir (not shown) that is shared by both sides. When the water level is sensed to be below a preselected level in hot water reservoir, then a fill valve  44  is opened to add water to the reservoir until another preselected maximum level is reached and the fill valve  44  is then automatically closed by the microcomputer  24 . A thermostat  34  detects the temperature of the water in the hot water reservoir. When the temperature of the water in the reservoir is sensed to be below a preselected temperature, then an electrical heater  35  is energized to heat the water until another preselected maximum temperature is reached. When the preselected maximum temperature of the hot water in the reservoir is reached, then the computer automatically de-energizes the heater  34 .  
         [0065]    The manual inputs to the microcomputer  24  are from the hidden brewer function switches of a manual operator phantom control panel assembly  23 . A left stop switch  40  and a right stop switch  42  provide inputs to the microcomputer  24  to stop a brew cycle in progress on the left side of the brewer and the right side of the brewer, respectively. If the brew cycle is in the hot water dispense period when hot water from the reservoir is being passed to the brew basket, when the left stop brew switch  40  and the right stop brew switch  40  are actuated, then a left brew valve  44  and a right brew valve  46  are closed, respectively, to stop further dispense of the hot water and to terminate the brew cycle. In addition, the left bypass valve  45  and the right bypass valve, if open during the brew cycle, are automatically closed in response to actuation of the left stop brew switch  40  and the right stop brew switch  42 , respectively. In addition, the timers that measure the length of time that the brew valves are kept open during the dispense periods are reset to zero.  
         [0066]    On the other hand, while a hot water dispense switch  48  is held in an actuated state, the hot water dispense valve  49  is opened to pass hot water through a hot water outlet (not shown). As soon as the hot water dispense switch is released, the brew valve is caused to close.  
         [0067]    There are three start brew switches for each side of the dual brewer, or a total of six. For the left side of the brewer, there is a maximum quantity brew start switch  50 , a medium quantity brew start switch  52  and a minimum quantity brew start switch  54 . Similarly, for the right side of the brewer, there is a maximum quantity start brew switch  56 , a medium quantity start switch  58  and a minimum quantity brew switch  60 . The exact batch quantities associated with each of these switches are selectable during the program mode. The operator control panel assembly also includes a message display unit  62 .  
         [0068]    Each of the brew function selection switches has an associated backlight that is selectively lit by the microprocessor  24  to reveal, when selectively energized, the associated switch location. Preferably, icons are provided at the interior surface of the panel  66  such that when the associated backlight is energized, the light passes through a transparent switch actuator and through the transparent or translucent panel  66  to reveal the silhouette of the associated icon. The icon, being at the interior surface of the overlay panel  66  cannot be seen through the thickness of the panel  66  under normal light conditions such as prevail in such places that such commercial brewers are used. Preferably, the panel is translucent, rather than transparent, but as will be explained below, the backlights are light dispersive and isolated such that a transparent panel could be used, and might otherwise be suitable even without a dispersive light source. Therefore, to reduce wordiness, only the word translucent will be used to describe the light transmission properties of the panel, or overlay,  66  here and in the claims with the understanding that the term is intended to include the meaning of transparent as well as the regular meaning of translucent.  
         [0069]    When the translucent panel  66  is exterior surface is pressed inwardly at the location of the back-lighted icon, the switch actuator is pressed inwardly by the opposite interior surface of the panel  66  to actuate the switch. Brewer function switches  39 ,  40 ,  42 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60  have associated backlights  39 ′,  40 ′,  42 ′,  50 ′,  52 ′,  54 ′,  56 ′, and  60 ′, respectively. As will be made apparent, they are not integrated into a touch pad but are entirely distinct from the panel  66 , which enables the use of better and brighter light sources and the use of sturdier and more reliable switches. The light sources are high intensity incandescent or fluorescent lights or, preferably, high intensity LEDs.  
         [0070]    Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, in a preferred embodiment of the phantom control panel assembly  23 , the hidden brew function switches  40 ,  42 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58  and  60  and the message display unit  62  are mounted to a control panel circuit board  64  which, in turn, is mounted within the housing  28 . Referring briefly also to FIGS.  10  and FIGS.  11 A- 11 D, the control panel circuit board  64  and all of the elements are protectively hidden beneath a control panel  66  made of a flexible, resilient, semi-transparent piece of plastic, such as polycarbonate. More specifically, the control panel  66  is preferably made of velvet or gloss polycarbonate and has a coefficient of transparency of 30-40% and a thickness of approximately 0.010 inch. This has been found by experimentation to be a thickness that enables the desired resiliency for a suitable feel for actuating the switches that is neither too difficult nor too easy, while providing a degree of translucency that virtually eliminates viewing anything beneath the panel  66  unless back-lit in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0071]    Also, mounted to the circuit board  64  are three straps  57 ,  59  and  61  to provide a binary code representative of the particular model in which the board is installed to the microcomputer  24  which may be a plug-in unit for facilitating repairs in the field. The code is binary with a binary zero being represented by a broken strap that may be cut in the field with wire cutters, and a binary one is represented by a strap that has not been cut or broken. Thus, if strap  59  was cut but the other two were not, then the code would be  101  for model number five. Based on this code the computer will disable those functions with which model number five is not provided. This enables a single computer to be used on a plurality of different brewer models without the need for special programming in the field, for the computer self-programs itself based on the binary code represented by the straps  57 ,  59  and  61 .  
         [0072]    The control panel  66  is mounted to the housing  28  and supported in overlying relationship with respect to all of the hidden brewer function selection switches. The hidden brewer function selection switches and the message display unit  62  are hidden behind the control panel  66 . The panel is only partially translucent, or partially transparent, such that the hidden function switches and the message display unit  62  cannot be seen under ordinary ambient light conditions. The brewer controller  22  and the control panel board include means for selectively revealing the locations of the switches by selectively lighting the partially translucent control panel  66  beneath the panel  66  and adjacent to, or preferably precisely at the location of the hidden function switches that are selected to be revealed. The message display unit  62  is an LED display and is only seen when the LED&#39;s are lit to provide a message.  
         [0073]    The brewer function selection switches are push button switches, and the partially translucent control panel  66  is sufficiently flexible to enable actuating the push button brewer function switches by pushing against the panel  66  opposite the switches to press the panel  66  against the push button switches. The pushbutton switches have associated means for carrying the associated backlights. Preferably, there is a separate light source for each of the brewer function switches. Each of the separate light sources is preferably a long lasting high intensity LED, but a high intensity incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp could also be employed for the back-light sources.  
         [0074]    Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the control panel circuit board  64  is located beneath an opaque, protective metal cover plate  28 ′ that forms a portion of the housing  28 . The plate  28  is mounted to the board  64  in spaced parallel relationship by means of seven substantially identical mounting posts  67 . The mounting posts  67  extend upwardly from the board  64  and provide underlying support for the protective cover plate  28 ′. The cover plate  28 ′ has congruent, closely fitting cutouts, or mounting holes,  68  for receipt of each of a plurality of brewer, function selection, push button, light transmitting actuators  70  and, likewise, is fitted substantially flush within a congruent mounting hole  72  in the housing  28 .  
         [0075]    As best seen in FIG. 3A, a top surface  72  of the light transmitting actuator  70  is substantially flat and is positioned within the opening  68  with its flat top surface  72  substantially flush with the surface of the cover plate  28 ′. The bottom of the light transmitting actuator  70  is releasably attached to the top switch actuation surface  76  of a micro membrane switch  78  by a pair of mating male and female connectors  80 . The bottom of the switch is mounted to the printed circuit board  64  by means of a pair of pins  65  received within a pair of mating pin-holes in the board  64 , also seen in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, electrical contact is made with the printed circuit board  64  by means of four metal pin terminals  81  that are received within four mating terminal pin-holes and soldered to the printed circuit (not shown) on the board  64 . The circuit board  64 , in turn, has electrical conductivity paths on its surface and connectors at its edge to make contact between the switches and the display with the computer interface  22  and computer  24 .  
         [0076]    When the actuator surface  72  is pressed downwardly the switch actuation surface  76  is pressed downwardly. All of the brewer function switches are substantially identical, contact switches, and when actuated, internal contacts within the switch body are closed. When the light transmitting actuator  70  is released, the switch membrane resiliently returns to its original position and pushes the switch actuator  70  upwardly until the top surface is returned to a flush relationship with the protective panel  28 ′. All these brewer function switches are preferably Model B3W-4055 switches made by OMRON or the equivalent that employ high intensity LEDs. For purposes that will be made apparent with respect to the stop function switch and the hot water dispense switch, the contacts within the switch remain in contact so long as the actuator is manually held in an actuated state.  
         [0077]    Referring now also to FIGS. 3C, 3B,  3 D and  4 A- 4 D, each of the switches  78  and the light transmitting switch actuators  70  are contained within an opaque switch housing  82  with an open rectangular top opening at one end for snug receipt of the top surface  72  of the light transmitting actuator  70 . As best seen in FIG. 3A, the other end of the opaque switch assembly housing  82  covers an incandescent lamp, or light bulb,  84 . The open bottom  86  of the housing  82  is releasably mounted to the card  64  by means of a pair of pins  86 . The open bottom  86  is closed by the top surface of the card  64  except for a pair of ventilation cutouts  88  in opposite sides adjacent the bottom  86 .  
         [0078]    The lamp  84 , also seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, is passed trough a lamp mounting hole  90 , FIGS. 2 and 3A, and the metal base has a leading portion  94  releasably locked to electrical connectors  92 , also seen in FIG. 9. The electrical connectors are arcuate and partially surround the hole  90 , and another part  96  is pressed into electrical contact against another electrical contact on the underside of the card. The lamp  84  is preferably a high intensity LED. Alternatively, a long life incandescent bulb having a power of one watt, a voltage of thirteen volts DC, an initial luminosity of o.30MSCP and an expected life of 50,000 hours. Preferably, the lamp  84  is a Model IFL-NE514080 made by LUMEX or equivalent for use with an LED light.  
         [0079]    Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6A,  6 B,  6 C and  7 , the light transmitting actuator  70  is made of clear acrylic plastic. The flat top  72  is roughened or abraded to cause light diffusion as the light leaves the surface  72 . Parallel side walls  96  and  98 , parallel end walls  100  and  102 , inwardly tapered walls  104  and  106  and the bottom  108  are all smooth to maximize light transmission from the lamp  84  into the transparent body of the actuator  70 . The light from the lamp  84  is maintained within the housing  82  to prevent it from being seen at locations other than at the top surface  72  of the associated actuator  70 . When the lamp  84  is energized, the light within the housing reflects off the interior walls of the housing  82  and enters the transparent body of the actuator  70  through the various walls  96 - 108 . The light that enters the interior body of the actuator  70  then exits through the diffusive top surface  72  and shines light around the hidden icon on the interior surface of the panel  66  to renders the icon visible through the semitransparent control panel  66 .  
         [0080]    The protective metal plate  28 ′ functions to prevent the flexible translucent control panel overlay  66  from being stressed by pressure being applied at locations other than the switch actuator locations. The plate  28 ′, being opaque, blocks any light except through the actuator mounting holes.  
         [0081]    The releasable connector  80  for connecting the bottom  108  of the actuator  70  to the top of the switch is seen to have a round peg within a square hole. This is mated with a connector on the top of the switch having a complementary square peg with a round hole.  
         [0082]    Referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention the control panel overlay has no functional graphics on its outside surface except a power icon  106  overlying the actuator  70  of the power on switch  39 . Although not shown, the name of the maker and the model designation may be graphically displayed as well as purely decorative graphics. When full power is not on, the lamp  84  of power switch assembly  39  is intermittently energized to provide a flashing indication. When the power on switch  39  is actuated the lamp  84  is energized continuously, and the icon  106  alone provides the location of the switch  39 . When none of the other lamps  84  of the other switches is energized, then none of the other switch locations are visible and the switches remain hidden and unrevealed. Only after the reservoir comes up to level and the preselected maximum brew temperature has been reached are all of the brew start switches and the hot water switch enabled and backlit to reveal their locations.  
         [0083]    However, because users are accustomed to seeing some indication on the control panel of the presence of brewer function switches, other graphics may be provided to indicate the presence of controls even when none of the lamps are energized. Thus, as seen in FIG. 11A, brew basket icons  112  and  114  in the shape of a brew basket are provided as well as a pair of coffee icons  116  and  118  in the shape of a coffee urn. These icons  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118 , together with the start switch icon  108  are all that is seen by the operator in the absence of energizing of any of the hidden switch lamps  84 .  
         [0084]    However, when all of the lamps  84  are energized, then there are other icons revealed to locate the position of each of the hidden brewer function switches that is enabled. Referring to FIG. 11B, these icons are only on the interior surface of the control panel overlay  66  and cannot be seen unless backlit by the associated lamps  84 . These icons are actually in solid line but are shown in broken line to distinguish them from the graphics on the front of the panel  66  that can always be seen.  
         [0085]    Still referring to FIG. 11B, in accordance with another object of the invention, Braille code or other tactile-readable code is provided by embossments, such as embossments  121  associated with switch location icon  124 , that are raised above the exterior surface of the panel directly atop, each of the switch locations. These tactile readable codes are atop each of the switch location icons  106 , 120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . Alternatively, the tactile-readable codes are located adjacent the switch icon locations. In the preferred embodiment, these coded tactile embossments are given the same color as the contiguous portions of the panel to reduce their visibility so as not to patently, visually, mark the location of any switches that has not be selected to be revealed. In one embodiment, the embossments may be provided on a changeable tactile board so that only tactile codes are provided in association with the switches selected to be revealed or which are enabled for use. Alternatively, different panels are provide in which the codes are only present in association with the switch location icons that are selectable for the model of the unit in question.  
         [0086]    When the left stop switch  40  and the right stop switch  42  are enabled and their associated lamps are energized, then stop icons  120  and  122 , respectively, are made visible. As seen the stop switch icons are contained within the brew basket icons  112  and  114  and are in the standard octagonal shape of a traffic light within which is contained the word “STOP” and an arrowhead pointing downwardly toward the area where the start brew switches are located.  
         [0087]    Similarly, when the maximum, medium and minimum quantity brew start switches  50  and  56 ,  52  and  58 , and  54  and  60  are enabled and their associated lamps  84  are energized, then other icons associated with these functions are caused to appear to the operator. These hidden icons  124  and  126 ,  128  and  130 , and  132  and  134 , respectively become visible to the operator to mark the location of the associated switch actuators  70  and to provide an indication of the different start brew functions associated with the different start brew switches. As seen, the icons  124  and  126  have a representation of a full container; the icons  128  and  130  have a representation of a container that is two-thirds full, and the icons  132  and  134  have a representation of a container that is only one-third full. These approximately represent the actual ratio of the different preselected quantities of approximately 1½, 1 and ½ gallons of brewed coffee that are made when these different start switches are actuated.  
         [0088]    The location and function performed by the hot water dispense switch  48  is represented by an icon  136  that shows waves to represent the water that is dispensed from the hot water dispense valve  49  when the switch  48  is activated.  
         [0089]    Referring now to FIG. 11C, in accordance with the invention, when any of the brewer function switches are disabled from performing their function, either because of the temporary operating status of the brewer  20  or because of a mode of operation has been preselected in which certain functions associated with the function selection switch are not allowed, then those brewer function switches and their associated hidden icons remain hidden and are not revealed by energizing their associated lamp  84 . Thus, for example, referring to FIG. 11C, when there is no brew cycle in process on the right side brewer, the right stop switch  42  has no function to perform and is disabled. Accordingly, as shown, the hidden stop icon  126  is not backlit by the associated lamp  84  and remains hidden to the operator.  
         [0090]    Similarly, viewing the left side of the control panel overlay  64 , when a brew cycle on the left side of the brewer is in progress, then the hidden left stop brew switch  40  is enabled, and the associated hidden icon  120  is made visible by energizing the lamp  84 . In addition, to provide an indication of what quantity is being brewed, the backlight of the brew start switch that was actuated to start the brew cycle that is in process, in this case, switch  52  for lighting the icon  128 , is intermittently energized to flash the light  52 ′ beneath the icon  128  until the entire brew cycle, including the drip period, is completely over. On the other hand, another brew cycle cannot be started until the one in progress is completed, and so the other two start brew switches  50  and  54  are disabled, and their respectively associated locating hidden icons  124  and  132  remain hidden from the operator.  
         [0091]    The hot water dispense switch  48  remains enabled so long as the hot water reservoir is up to temperature and level and its backlight brew cycle the hot water dispense switch  48  is also disabled, and the hidden hot water switch icon  136  is hidden by de-energizing the associated lamp  84 . At the conclusion of the brew cycle the flashing of lamp  52 ′ is terminated and all of the lamps of all the preselected brew start switches  50 ,  52  and  54  are lit continuously.  
         [0092]    In the case of a mode being preselected in which some of the operational capabilities of the brewer are relatively permanently disabled, then despite the operational status of the brewer, switches associated with the disabled capability are disabled and their associated lamps  84  are kept off at all times. Thus, for example, reefing to FIG. 11D, if the operational capability of making a maximum quantity of beverage is disabled, then the hidden icons  124  and  126  for making the maximum quantity brew start switches  50  and  56  and the switches themselves remain hidden. This hiding of the switches occurs regardless of the operational status of the brewer. Thus, in FIG. 11D, the start maximum brew hidden icons cannot be seen even though there is no brew cycle in progress, such that the other start brew switches and hot water dispense icons are seen while the stop brew switch icons remain hidden.  
         [0093]    The computer  24 , FIG. 1, is loaded with software that operates in accordance with the algorithm, or logic flow chart of FIGS. 12A, 12B,  12 C and  12 D and the composite chart of self-diagnostics of FIGS. 13A and 13B.  
         [0094]    Referring to FIG. 12A, after the brewer  20  is connected with a standard AC power source, the program starts in step  140 . In step  142 , there is a five second delay, to allow all transients to pass and the circuits to settle into their quiescent states. After this, unless the stop brew switch  40  or  42  is held continuously in an actuated state for three seconds, as determined in step  144 , the program proceeds to step  146 . In step  146 , the brewer enters into and is operated in accordance with the normal operation mode in which brewing can occur, as will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 12B and 12C.  
         [0095]    On the other hand, if the one of the stop brew switch is held actuated for at least three seconds, then the brewer  20  enters into and is operated in accordance with a programming mode in step  148 . Entries into the microcomputer  124  are made by pressing the stop switches and the start brew switches to make selections of different modes of operation from a menu of options, as described in detail below with respect to FIG. 12D. These switches are backlit to identify them to the operator as the switches to use for programming.  
         [0096]    When in the program mode, if the stop brew switch is held actuated for at least three seconds in step  149 , then the computer in step  151  enters and operates pursuant to a self-diagnostics, or diagnostics mode. In the self-diagnostics mode, the various brewer functions, probes, etc. are scanned for proper operation, as shown in the composite chart of FIGS. 13A and 13B, and if any malfunctions are detected appropriate error codes are displayed that can be used to identify the problems and provide an indication of whatever corrective action may be needed pursuant to the chart of FIGS. 13A and 13B. The error codes may then be cleared by taking the action shown in the composite chart. When in the diagnostics mode, if the stop brew switch is actuated for three seconds in step  153 , the program then enters and operates in the demo mode  155 , or demonstration mode. In the demo mode  155  the lighting of the different switch icons and timing of different operation when switches are actuated is demonstrated while the actual opening and closing of valves and the heating of the hot water is inhibited to facilitate training of new operators without risk of inappropriate entries and without the necessity of actually performing brew cycles. In this mode of operation, the energization of the heating element, or heater  35  is inhibited and opening of the various brew valves, dispense valves bypass valves and fill valve in response to actuation of the control switches or otherwise in accordance with the operating program is inhibited. Otherwise, in the demo mode  155 , the brewer operates in accordance with the normal operation mode  146 , as illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. If the stop brew switch is actuated for three seconds in step  157 , the demo mode is exited, and the normal operation mode  146  is entered. When in the normal operation mode  146 , if in step  157 , the stop brew switch is actuated for three seconds, then the program mode  148  is again entered, and the loop continues, as shown and described above.  
         [0097]    In accordance with the different modes of operation, one or more of the brewer function switches is relatively permanently disabled, or rendered non-operational. If the user does not expressly exit the programming mode, after a period of thirty seconds without any entries being made while in the program mode, the computer automatically returns to the normal operation mode of step  146 . This programming mode begins at start  140 . After start  140 , the computer waits five second in step  142  and then in step  144  a determination is made as to whether the left hand stop switch  40  was held in an actuated state for at least three seconds. If so, then the computer enters the programming mode in step  146 .  
         [0098]    Referring to FIG. 12D, after the programming mode is begun in step  150 , in step  152 , the backlights of all of the switches except the power on switch backlight  39 ′ and the backlight of the stop switch used to enter selections and to navigate through the programming routine. Next, under control of the person programming the brewer for the various different modes of operation, successive options to be selected by the programmer are presented on the message display unit  62  in step  154 . In step  156 , the microcomputer  24  successively receives and stores preselections of which brew start switches are to be relatively permanently disabled and therefore relatively permanently hidden. In step  158 , the computer  24  receives and stores other pre-selections, and in step  160 , a determination is made as to whether any new selection entries have been made by the programmer within a preselected time period. If the time period has lapsed, then the computer  24  returns to the normal operation mode in step  162 . If the time period has not lapsed, then in step  164  a determination is made as to whether the power on switch has been deactuated. If not, then the programming routine continues. If the power on switch has been deactuated, then the program proceeds to step  162  from which re-actuation of the power on switch  39  is monitored.  
         [0099]    The programming mode operates in accordance with the following listing of program steps:  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ENTER PROGRAMMING       At POWER UP, hold the STOP key for 3 seconds to enter the program mode.       The first display will pertain to Brew button 1            Display:       0.0   0.0.2 (Software Version Number)                   No scroll - displayed for 3 seconds then go to 1.0           1.0   On   (Brew Selection)                   No scroll capabilities for position 1 and 2. Positions                   3-6 will scroll On or OFF respectively.           1.1   1.50   (Brew Volume in GAL)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0.50-2.00 (0.10 increment)           1.2   3.00   (Brew Time M.SS)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 3.00-24.0 (30 second                   increments)           1.3   0.00   (Percent bypass)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0.00 to 40.0 (1.00 increments)           1.4   0.00   (Percent Prewet)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0.00 to 15.0 (1.00 increments           1.5   1.00   (Prewet Delay M.SS)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0.10 to 5.00 (0.10 increments)           1.6   1.00   (Drip Delay M.SS)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0.30-6.00 (0.10 increments)           7   200   (Temperature in Degrees Fahrenheit)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 180-208 (1.00 increments)           8   A   (Hot Water Service)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from -A- to On to OFF           9   1   (Brew at temp)                   Scroll UP/DOWN from 0-1 (1 = a temp, 0 = any temp)           14   0   (Enter Diagnostics)            Scroll UP/DOWN from 0-1 (0 is default and selecting it will take you back to 1.0. If 1 is       selected, unit will go to 50)            50   Water Level in Tank-Tests if water is touching probe.                0 = LOW           1 = HIGH            51   Reference Probe Water Resistance           XXX resistance in Ohms as read by probe       52.1   Reference Probe                0 = ref probe           1 = 33 k           2 = 68 k            53   Brew Basket Sensor State           (To test, slide the brew basket in and out. Display should toggle           between 0 and 1. 0 = Brew Basket in. 1 = Brew Basket out)       54   Power Relay State.           (Check power relay on control board: Press Control Panel Power           Switch and Display should toggle between 0 and 1. 0 = Power relay           OFF, switch should blink. 1 = Power relay ON, switch should be lit           continuously)       55   Tank Temperature.                (Display current tank temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.           180-deg. F. to 208-deg. F. If below 180-deg. display LO)            56   Circuit Board Configuration                11   X2,6 portion           01   X2,4 portion           10   X1,3 portion           00   X0,2 portion            57   Re-load Defaults                Changes all settings to default factory settings           0 = do not reload defauslts           1 = Reload all default settings. If 1 is selected, there           must be advance to the next address for the change to take           effect            58   Temperature Scale                F. = Display of temperature in Fahrenheit degrees.           C. = Display of temperature in Celsius, or centigrade           degrees.            59   Water Volume Scale                GAL = Display volume in gallons.           LTR = Display volume in liters.            60, 61   Left Brew Valve Flow Rate/Right Brew Valve Rate           Range: 0.49-1.49 Gal. Or 1.85-5.84 liter           Default: 0.92 Gallons or 3.48 liter               62, 63   Left Bypass Valve Flow Rate/Right Bypass Flow Rate.           Range: 0.28-0.36 gallon or 1.05-1.44 liter           Default: 0.33 gallon or 1.24 lieter           (See Note for 60, 61)            64   Keypad Test           Scroll UP/DOWN from 0-1           0 = Skip keypad test           1 = Keypad test active. Light up all LED&#39;s on the board           and let the person press all buttons. Display the name of           each switch when pressed. Press hot water switch last to           exit the test., and then display STOP       65   Relay Test           Scroll UP/DOWN from 0-1.           If 0, skip relay test and loop back to 50.           If = 1, go to 90 and test the individual relays that control           various components. Use either batch button to actuate the           relays.       90   Left or Single Brew Valve       91   Right Brew Valve       92   Left or Single Bypass Valve       93   Right Bypass Valve       94   Hot Water Faucet       95   Fill Valve       96   Heater (To protect the heaters, the test will work only if           the tank full.)       97   Left or Single Brew Basket Lock       98   Right Brew Basket Lock                          
 
         [0100]    Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12 B, if the computer  24  does not enter the program mode in step  144 , FIG. 12A or if the program mode is terminated at step  164 , FIG. 12D, then the start of the normal operation mode begins in the step  166 . Next, in step  168 , if the power is not actuated, then the backlight  39 ′ is caused to flash and in step  170 , the controller monitors for actuation of the power on switch  39 . If the power on switch is actuated, then in step  172 , the power on backlight  39 ′ is continuously actuated to continue to locate the location of the power on switch while also indicating that the power on switch has been actuated and the brewer is in a full power on status condition. Next, in step  174  the backlights that have been preselected to be operational during the programming stage are selectively actuated based upon the operational status of the brewer.  
         [0101]    In step  184 , a determination is made as to whether the tank has been filled to a preselected level as sensed by the level sensor  30 . If not, in step  180 , the fill valve is opened to fill the hot water reservoir. In step  186 , a determination is made as to whether the temperature of the water is the preselected temperature, as indicated by the thermostat  34 , and, if not, then in step  182  the heater  35  is energized to begin heating the water in the reservoir. During initial startup, when the hot water reservoir has not yet been filled to the preselected level or the temperature has not yet reached the preselected minimum temperature, a “NOT READY” status message is provided on the message display unit  62  in step  193 . Whenever the brewer is not ready, in step  191  the hot water switch is disabled and its backlight is deactuated.  
         [0102]    In step  188 , when the correct level has been reached the fill valve is closed, and in step  190 , when the correct temperature is reached the heater  35  is deactuated. When both the level is correct and the temperature is correct, then in step  192  a determination is made that the brewer is ready. When the brewer becomes ready, then in step  194 , the not ready message display is terminated and the message display unit  62  returns to a hidden state, and in step  195  the hot water switch is enabled and the backlight is actuated.  
         [0103]    With no brew cycle having yet begun, the locations of all of the brewer function switches except the stop switches  40  and  42 , and any of the brewer start switches that were rendered nonoperational during operational mode programming, are revealed by energizing their associated backlights.  
         [0104]    Next, in step  196 , a determination is made as to whether any of the start brew switches has been selected. If not, the computer continues to recycle between step  144  and step  196 . Once a start brew switch has been selected, in step  198 , a determination is made as to whether the selected brew start switch has been programmed to be operational during the programming of the operational modes. If the actuated switch is one that is not nonoperational, then again the controller recycles to step  144 . If a brew start switch is actuated and the actuated switch is one that is operational because of the operational mode that has been selected, then the controller proceeds to step  200 , FIG. 12C. In step  200  all of the other start brew switches that are on the side of the brewer that has the selected start switch are turned off, and in step  202 , the lamp  84  of the selected switch is caused to flash on and off to indicate that a brew cycle is in progress and to also indicate which quantity—large medium or small—is being brewed. In step  206 , the lamp  84  for the stop brew switch on side of the brewer of the selected switch is turned on, and in step  208 , the appropriate brew valve is opened to pass hot water into the brew basket to start the brew. In step  210 , the dispense time associated with the selected start switch is measured to time the opening of the brew valve for the appropriate amount of brew water.  
         [0105]    In step  212 , after the preselected brew dispense time has lapsed, the selected brew valve is closed to terminate the dispense period of the brew cycle. If not, then in step  214  a determination is made whether the brew stop switch of the side of the brewer of the selected switch is actuated. If the stop switch is actuated, then the brew cycle is ended in step  216  by closing the brew valve and resetting all of the timers and returning to start step  144 .  
         [0106]    Once it is determined in step  210  that the dispense time period has lapsed, then in step  212  the brew valve is closed. A drip timer is then started and in step  218  a determination is made as to whether the drip period has lapsed. After the drip timer has lapsed, the brew cycle is ended, and in step  220  a determination is made whether the brewer is still ready. If the brewer is not still ready, then in step  222  the controller returns to step  192 . If the brewer is still ready, then in step  224  flashing of the lamp  84  of the selected brew start switch is terminated. Next, in step  228  the stop switch backlight  40 ′ or  42 ′ is deactuated. The lamp  84  of the selected start switch is turned on continuously, and the other brew start switches that are enabled by the programming mode are also revealed to the operator in step  230 . In step  232 , a determination of whether the programming mode has been selected. If so, then the program in step  234  returns to start step  150  of the program mode routine of FIG. 12D. If not, then in step  236  the program returns to the start step  166  of the normal operation mode of FIG. 12B, and the cycle is repeated when the next brew start switch is actuated.  
         [0107]    While a particular embodiment has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, the invention is not so limited but is defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0