A method for the production of coffee tablets comprises the steps of: i) providing a uniformly moistened mass of roasted and ground coffee, having a moisture content by weight of between 3 and 11%; ii) feeding the moistened mass to a dosing device; iii) placing a dose of moistened coffee into a cavity of a moulding equipment, the cavity having a bottom surface (35a), a head surface (32a) and a peripheral surface, said the bottom surface (35a), said head surface (32a) and at least a portion (22a) of said peripheral surface being configured to delimit a compression space (CS) of the moistened coffee dose; iv) compressing the dose of moistened coffee (DGC) into the cavity (22) to form a coffee tablet (1); v) removing the coffee tablet (1) from the cavity (22). Step iv) comprises compressing the dose of moistened coffee (DGC) while said portion of the peripheral surface (22a) is heated at a different temperature, preferably lower, than a temperature at which at least one of the bottom surface (35a) and the head surface (32a) is heated.
A hot beverage preparation system and related method of use. The system includes a brewing machine that can deliver a finished brewed beverage such as coffee or tea accompanied by frothed supplementary liquid such as milk or milk substitute. The supplementary liquid is heated and frothed by a superheated jet or stream of water in liquid state dispensed from a nozzle the machine. This permits a less volume of water to be used to heat liquid which minimizes dilatation of the brewed beverage. The superheated water is injected directly into the supplementary liquid without contact with the nozzle which prevents cross-contamination. The system may use tandem water boiler to progressively heat the water to superheated conditions. A flow bypass may be provided which extracts and mixes heated water output from each of two boilers at different temperatures during the brewing cycle which follows the supplementary liquid heating/frothing step.
A dispenser of coffee in solid form comprises:-a storage volume (10). to contain coffee beans (CB),-a dosing arrangement (11), set downstream an outlet (40a) of the storage volume (10) and prearranged for releasing dosed amounts of coffee beans (CB) from the storage volume (10),-a dispensing mouth (12), set downstream an outlet (11a) of the dosing arrangement (11),-a cooling arrangement, configured for cooling the coffee beans (CB) contained in the storage volume (10). The storage volume (10) comprises an inner container (40), for receiving and storing the coffee beans (CB), and the cooling arrangement comprises a first outer casing (41) which surrounds at least partially the inner container (40), at least part of a first gap (42) being defined between the inner container (40) and the first outer casing (41), the cooling arrangement further including a cooling device (20) of the first gap (42).
A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a water tank, a water supply line connected to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container, a pressure sensor connected to the water supply line at a position upstream of the water outlet, and a controller configured to receive an output from the pressure sensor indicative of the pressure at the position upstream of the water outlet and to determine an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.
A vending machine comprises a cabinet (2) in which there are housed: —a storage volume (10), for containing coffee beans (CB), —a grinder (11), designed to grind coffee beans (CB) coming from the storage volume (10), —a brewing unit (12), designed to receive an amount of ground coffee (GC) coming from the grinder (11), —a supply arrangement (13), configured for supplying an extraction fluid (HW) to the brewing unit (12), —a dispensing arrangement (14) of a coffee-based beverage (EC), set downstream of an outlet (12a) of the brewing unit (12), —at least a part of a cooling arrangement, configured for cooling the coffee beans (CB) contained in the storage volume (10). The storage volume (10) comprises an inner container (40)), for receiving and storing the coffee beans (CB), and the cooling arrangement comprises a first outer casing (41) which at least partially surrounds the inner container (40)), between the inner container (40) and the first outer casing (41) at least a part of a first gap (42) being defined, having at least one inlet (42a) and at least one outlet (42b). The cooling arrangement further includes a refrigeration unit (20), having at least a first outlet (18) for a flow of cooled air, connected via at least one first delivery duct (CA) to the at least one inlet (42a) of the first gap (42), and at least one first inlet (29) for a flow of air to be cooled, connected via at least a first return duct (WA) to the at least an outlet (42b) of the first gap (42).
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
A47J 31/42 - Beverage-making apparatus with incorporated grinding or roasting means for coffee
A47J 42/50 - Supplying devices, e.g. funnelsSupply containers
A cleaning system for a machine for preparing hot beverages is provided. The cleaning system has a washing water supply piping connected to a water supply system of the machine, a detergent supply connected to the washing water supply piping, a washing chamber suppliable with washing water provided by the washing water supply piping, and washing valves arranged at one end of the washing water supply piping and between a flexible hose of a milk supply piping of the machine and a frothing head of the machine. In a first position of the washing valves, the washing water supply piping may be fluidically connected to the washing chamber for washing a movable part of the flexible hose placed in the washing chamber. Through the flexible hose, the washing water contained in the washing chamber may be conveyed to a milk inlet and to a distribution duct of the frothing head.
A beverage vessel support apparatus including a movable support member configured for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. An actuation assembly may adjust a height of the movable support member. A beverage vessel rim detector may be configured to determine whether an uppermost part of a beverage vessel supported by the movable support member is at an appropriate position for a beverage to be dispensed into the beverage vessel. A first beverage vessel detector may be positioned below the beverage vessel rim detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member. A second beverage vessel detector may be arranged between the beverage vessel rim detector and the first beverage vessel detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member.
A capsule-holder device for a beverage preparation machine comprises an axially hollow annular supporting body having a central axis, with a peripheral wall provided with a lateral attachment, for fixing a handle, and coupling means, for coupling with a hot-water dispensing unit of the beverage preparation machine. Within the supporting body a receiving assembly is mounted. having a respective central axis substantially coinciding with the central axis of the supporting body. The receiving assembly includes a container body having a respective peripheral wall and a bottom which define a chamber able lo receive a capsule. At the bottom of the container body a lower perforation arrangement is provided, able to cause perforation of an outlet wall of a capsule contained in the chamber. The lower perforation arrangement comprises a plurality of lips which are borne by a disk-shaped support that is mounted in an angularly rotatable way inside the chamber, for rotating about the central axis of the receiving assembly.
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
10.
SYSTEM FOR CLEANING MILK DUCTS FOR A MACHINE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES
A cleaning system for a machine for preparing beverages has a washing water supply piping and a washing chamber suppliable with washing water provided by the washing water supply piping. A movable part of a flexible hose extracted from a milk reservoir may be placed into the washing chamber. Through the flexible hose, the washing water contained in the washing chamber may be conveyed to a frothing head of the machine. The washing chamber is formed in a tray couplable in a releasable manner to the machine under the frothing head. A collection chamber, also formed in the tray, is separate from the washing chamber and configured to be arranged under the distribution duct of the frothing head.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
Cartridge (10) with a filling (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, said cartridge (10) including a side wall (140), a first end wall (142) through which said liquid product can flow from the cartridge (10) and a second end wall (16) of the cartridge (10) at the opposite side with respect to said first end wall (142), wherein said side wall (140), said first end wall (142) and said second end wall (16) comprise compostable material. The at least one between said first end wall (142) and said second end wall (16) has a layered structure comprising at least one layer (1420) of a first compostable material and at least one layer (1422) of a second compostable material, wherein said at least one layer (1420) of a first compostable material comprises at least one compound selected between polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylsuccinate (PBS), wherein said at least one layer (1422) of a second compostable material consists of at least one compound selected between polylactic acid (PLA) and a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer is preferably polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
A frothing head for heating and whipping milk is provided. The frothing head has a mixing chamber, a restriction duct extending from the mixing chamber, a frothing chamber arranged at one end of the restriction duct, a distribution duct, an air suction duct leading into the mixing chamber, and a milk suction duct leading into the mixing chamber. The frothing chamber is disc-shaped, and the restriction duct leads tangentially into the frothing chamber. The distribution duct extends axially from a center of a bottom surface of the frothing chamber and has an upper portion and a lower portion having a greater diameter than the upper portion.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
A device for heating and frothing milk which has a steam generator and a jet pump is provided. The jet pump has a steam inlet through which pressurized steam is injectable into the jet pump, a first suction inlet and a second suction inlet. The first suction inlet is configured to connect to a milk reservoir. An air inlet is connectable or connected to the second suction inlet of the jet pump for drawing air into the jet pump. A bypass valve is connected to the second suction inlet of the jet pump and has a bypass inlet. The bypass valve is switchable between a first position in which the second suction inlet of the jet pump is shut off from the steam generator, and a second position in which the second suction inlet is in fluid communication with the bypass inlet of the bypass valve for suction of steam.
In a method for producing tablets for extraction of a liquid food product, dosed and moistened amounts of a powder ingredient are heated while contained in respective confined volumes. The method comprises the steps of:
providing the ingredient in powder form;
loading dosed amount of the powder ingredient into respective forming cavities;
moistening each dosed amount of the powder ingredient, only at a surface layer thereof, and
heating the dosed and moistened amount of the ingredient while contained in the respective forming cavity.
In a method for producing tablets for extraction of a liquid food product, a plurality of dosed amounts of a moistened powder ingredient are loaded into respective forming cavities of a multi-cavity forming device, the multi-cavity forming device is then introduced into a multimode cavity of a microwave oven, and thereafter the multi-cavity forming device is removed from the multimode cavity. The multimode cavity is prearranged in such a way that an irradiation of the microwaves thereinto causes heating of all dosed amounts of the ingredient in the respective forming cavities of the multi-cavity forming device, to form simultaneously a plurality of tablets each having a self-supporting structure.
A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule.
A47J 31/14 - Coffee- or tea-making apparatus with filters placed in or behind pouring spouts
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A motorized brewing unit for preparing beverages from a powdered product has a dispensing assembly having a first assembly part provided with a receptacle adapted to receive the powdered product, and a second assembly part, relative to which the first assembly part is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the first assembly part and the second assembly part are coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber therebetween. The motorized brewing unit has an electric motor that controls movement of the first assembly part between the open position and the closed position and a readout device that provides a digital image of the powdered product. The readout device has an optical sensor. The receptacle faces the optical sensor when the first assembly part is in a detection position, intermediate between the open position and the closed position.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A brewing unit for preparing beverages from a powdered product containing at least one ingredient is provided. The brewing unit has a support structure having an inner cavity, and a dispensing assembly having a first assembly part configured as a drawer and having a receptacle adapted to receive the powdered product, and a second assembly part mounted to slide vertically within an upper part of the inner cavity, between a raised position and a lowered position. A filtering element defining a bottom surface of the receptacle and of the brewing chamber is mounted within the first assembly part. A dispensing duct is formed through the filtering element. A brewing head defining a top surface of the brewing chamber is carried by a lower end of the second assembly part.
A compostable material for packaging food products comprising a coffee-based granular material and at least one binding agent selected from methylcellulose, methylcellulose derivatives, mixtures thereof.
Described herein is a beverage preparation ingredient for cold-brewing, the beverage preparation ingredient comprising a blend of a water-insoluble drink powder and a water-soluble drink powder.
A23F 5/40 - Further treatment of dried coffee extractPreparations produced thereby, e.g. instant coffee using organic additives, e.g. milk, sugar
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
The present invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a housing; a reservoir for containing a liquid, wherein the reservoir is situated within the housing; a dispensing outlet for dispensing the liquid; a pump situated between the reservoir and the dispensing outlet; a user input means situated on an outer surface of the housing; and a pump controller configured to operate the pump for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet for dispensing the liquid, wherein the input means is capable of communicating with the pump controller in order to initiate an operation of the pump; and the pump controller is configured to operate the pump based on a characteristic of the previous operation of the pump.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
A method for making and/or dispensing a beverage may be provided. For example, a beverage may be selected from a user interface of a beverage dispensing apparatus. A beverage pressure value may be provided. A package containing a beverage preparation ingredient may be inserted into the beverage dispensing apparatus. A type of the inserted package may be detected. A package pressure value for the inserted package may be determined based on the type of the inserted package. If the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing apparatus may inject a liquid into the inserted package at the beverage pressure value. If the package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing apparatus may inject the liquid into the inserted package at the package pressure value. The selected beverage and/or the modified beverage may be dispensed into a drinking vessel.
A brewing unit includes a first part having a receptacle for receiving a capsule, a cartridge or a compacted pod, a second part movable relative to the first part between an open position in which the first and second parts are at a distance from each other, and a closed position in which the second and first parts are coupled to one another to define a brewing chamber. An electric motor controls movement of the second part relative to the first part. A transmission mechanism arranged between the electric motor and the first or second part comprises a movable member whose position is univocally associated with the relative position of the second part with respect to the first part. An electronic control unit controls the electric motor. A micro-switch switches between an ON operational state and an OFF operational state depending on the position of the movable member.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
27.
Machine, system and method for preparing fluid food products
A machine for preparing a food product comprises at least a stationary structure, a hydraulic circuit and a control system. The hydraulic circuit comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and pumping means, as well as a first dispensing element (51), which can be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam. The first dispensing element (51) is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, with an inlet (18, 26) of a disposable container (11) for preparing and retaining the food product, and the hydraulic circuit (40) is controllable, in particular via the control system, for conveying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first dispensing element (51).
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
28.
CONTAINER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING FLUID FOOD PRODUCTS
A sealed disposable container (11) for preparing and retaining a food product (17′) has an entry wall (13), a bottom wall (14) opposite to the entry wall (13), and a lateral wall (15), which define an internal volume (16) pre-packaged in which is a predetermined amount of at least one first food substance (17) or of a precursor thereof. The entry wall (13) has at least one axially hollow coupling or positioning element (18), which defines at least part of an inlet (18, 26) of the disposable container (11). The disposable container (11) comprises an axially extending injector element (20), which is couplable with the at least one coupling or positioning element (18) or is integrally formed or fixed therewith, in such a way that at least a first distal portion (DP) of the injector element (20) extends within the internal volume (16). The at least one coupling or positioning element (18) is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, with a dispensing element (51) of a preparation machine (1), for introducing into the internal volume (16) a flow of pressurized hot water and/or steam required for preparing the food product.
B65D 85/816 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ into which liquid is added, e.g. cups preloaded with powder or dehydrated food
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
29.
SYSTEM, MACHINE AND CONTAINER FOR PREPARING FLUID FOOD PRODUCTS
A system for preparing a food product comprises a sealed disposable container (11) and a preparation machine (1), having a hydraulic circuit that comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and pumping means, as well as a first dispensing element (51), which can be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam. The entry wall (13) of the disposable container (11) has at least one axially hollow coupling element (18, 26), which defines at least part of an inlet of the disposable container (11). The disposable container (11) comprises an axially extending injector element (20), which can be coupled to the at least one coupling element (18, 26) or is formed integrally therewith in such a way that at least one first distal portion of the injector element (20) extends within the internal volume (16). The first dispensing element (51) and the at least one coupling element (18, 26) of the disposable container (11) are configured for mutual coupling, and the hydraulic circuit (40) can be controlled for conveying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first dispensing element (51), for the corresponding injection into the internal volume (16) of the disposable container (11) through the injector element (20).
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
A plate filter for coffee makers and the like, such as moka pots, Neapolitan flip coffee makers, coffee presses, or percolators, comprises a filtering wall (6a) provided with a plurality of holes or apertures (8) that define as a whole a substantially mesh-like structure having, according to the DIN 791 standard, a long side of mesh pitch or major diagonal (DL) that is less than 2 mm±5%, in particular comprised between 0.1 and 1.9 mm±5%, preferably comprised between 0.6 and 1 mm±5%, and even more preferably of 0.85 mm±5%.
B01D 39/12 - Filter screens essentially made of metal of wire gauzeFilter screens essentially made of metal of knitted wireFilter screens essentially made of metal of expanded metal
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A47J 31/30 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under steam pressure
32.
Beverage dispensing apparatus and method for active pressure control thereof
A beverage dispensing apparatus and methods for active pressure control thereof. In one aspect, a method for controlling a beverage dispensing apparatus may include: a) determining whether a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; and b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been selected in step a), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when the first beverage has been determined to have been selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage has been determined to have been selected, the first pressure being less than the second pressure.
A beverage-ingredient container to be used in the preparation of a beverage by a beverage dispensing apparatus. The container has a first optical code on the first surface of the container, wherein the first optical code is positioned on a first surface to be read by an optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is received by the apparatus in a first orientation, and a second optical code on a second surface of the container, wherein the second optical code is positioned on the second surface to be read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is in a second orientation. The first optical code and the second optical code each stores container-related information including a container identifier which, when read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus, can be used by the beverage dispensing apparatus to control beverage preparation.
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
An apparatus for manufacturing tablets for hot beverage brewing includes a reservoir feeding infusible loose food products, a grinding system for the loose food products to obtain grounds of a given size, a moistening system moistening the grounds to a given moisture content, a mixing and homogenizing system for mixing and homogenizing the grounds to a homogeneous mixture, a weighing system of the homogeneous mixture to obtain a dose of predetermined weight, a forming system forming the dose into a tablet of predetermined volume, an irradiation system for electromagnetic irradiation of the tablet to overheat the particles to a partial baking and/or sintering for compactness and self-supporting ability without an enclosure, and a control system acting on the grinding, moistening, homogenizing, system, forming, and irradiating systems to control particle size, moisture content, homogeneity, weight, volume and compactness parameters of the tablet and change water permeability of the tablet accordingly.
A capsule for extraction of a beverage of the filter-coffee type has a capsule body (2), made of water-impermeable material, which defines a chamber (3), present inside which is a precursor of the beverage, comprising soluble coffee and roast and ground coffee. At least 51 wt % of the precursor is roast and ground coffee having a grain size expressed in x50 comprised between 350 and 800 μm, and the complement to 100 wt % of the precursor is soluble coffee having a grain size expressed in x50 comprised between 1000 and 5000 μm. The roast and ground coffee is laid out to form a first layer (GC) in the lower part of the capsule body (3), and the soluble coffee (SC) is laid out to form a second layer (SC) in the upper part of the capsule body, i.e., in a position corresponding to the inlet wall (5) and/or above the first layer (GC). The first layer of roast and ground coffee (GC) is pressed inside the capsule body (3), and the second layer of soluble coffee (SC) is present inside the capsule body (3) substantially unpressed.
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
B65B 29/02 - Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
A beverage dispensing apparatus having a height-adjustable support member for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. The beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage and a movable support member having a top surface for supporting a beverage vessel below the beverage dispensing outlet. The movable support member may include an inner telescoping element and an outer telescoping element. An actuation assembly may be operably coupled to the movable support member to move the movable support member to modify a distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet. Activation of the actuation assembly may cause both the inner and outer telescoping elements to move simultaneously either towards or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.
A beverage preparation capsule comprising a capsule body having a beverage preparation ingredient hermetically sealed therein, wherein a beverage outlet region of said capsule includes front and back sheets of air- and water-impermeable flexible film material arranged in face-to-face relationship along an edge, a folded strip of flexible film material in the form of a gusset extending inwardly from said edge, wherein at least a central region of said strip is provided with a plurality of perforations or a zone of weakness.
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A beverage-dispensing machine (10), for example, a machine for preparing coffee at home, is configured for being positioned in at least one first position and at least one second position that are rotated (a) with respect to one another about an axis of orientation (X10). The machine (10) comprises a user-interface element (20) carried by the machine in a rotatable way about the aforesaid axis of orientation (X10), with the interface element (20) that is configured to maintain a certain spatial orientation independently of the position of the machine (10).
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A paper cup and a method of forming the same. The paper cup may include a sidewall and a floor portion that collectively define a cavity. In one aspect, the paper cup may include a rim that is coated with a rigid shell that encapsulates the rim. In another aspect, a void defined by a rim of the paper cup may be filled with a rigid filler material, and the rigid filler material may be one that expands upon application of heat thereto. In yet another aspect, the paper cup may include a separate rim component that is attached to the sidewall. The separate rim component may be formed from molded pulp fibers, and it may include a flange portion that is attached to the sidewall and a rim portion that protrudes from the sidewall.
B65D 3/06 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape essentially conical or frusto-conical
B65D 3/14 - Discs fitting within container end and secured by bending, rolling, or folding operations
B65D 21/02 - Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
B65D 3/04 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape essentially cylindrical
According to one embodiment, a beverage preparation machine includes a beverage dispenser, a cup holding region located below the beverage dispenser, a light source configured to transmit light across a portion of the cup holding region, and a receiver configured to receive at least a portion the light transmitted by the light source. A processor determines whether a transparent cup has been sufficiently inserted into the cup holding region or is at a desired height by detecting either a trough in a light level of the portion of the light received at the receiver, or an inverted trough in a light level of the light transmitted by the light source. Upon making the determination that the transparent cup is not sufficiently inserted or at the desired height, the processor prevents the beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage.
The present invention relates to a nozzle (240). In particular, a nozzle for use as part of a beverage preparation package. The nozzle comprises a nozzle body (246) with a conduit (242), the conduit having an inlet end (254) and an outlet end (256), and a plug (248) that is connected to the nozzle body in a detachable manner. The plug and the conduit are configured such that, when the plug is detached from the nozzle body, the plug is adapted to travel along the conduit and be retained within the conduit at the outlet end such that fluid can flow through the conduit from the inlet end towards the outlet end.
B65D 47/10 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubesClosures with discharging devices other than pumps with discharge nozzles or passages having frangible closures
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
44.
Apparatus for preparing a foam from a food liquid, in particular from milk or a milk-based liquid
An apparatus for preparing foam from a milk-based liquid. The apparatus (1) includes: a support base; a container containing an amount liquid, the container being arrangeable in a working position on the support base; a stirrer adapted to be removably positioned in the container to rotate about an axis of rotation; and a driving device, positioned outside the container (3) and arranged to be magnetically coupled with the stirrer to drive it in rotation about the axis of rotation to stir the liquid contained in the container and form the foam. The driving device includes a stator (12) disposed around a member of the stirrer (8) generating a rotating magnetic field about the axis of rotation for inducing a rotation of the member (9) to drive the stirring device.
A47J 43/046 - Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
The present invention relates to beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, and methods for the preparation of beverages. In one aspect, these include beverage preparation capsules for use in beverage preparation apparatus comprising a clamp assembly suitable for preparing espresso-type beverages.
An apparatus for preparing a foam from a liquid, particularly a food liquid, such as milk or a milk-based liquid. The apparatus (10) includes a base body (16) provided with electrical connection means (52, 54) and an upper unit (12, 14) arranged to be releasably placed on the base body (16) to be electrically connected to the base body (16) through the electrical connection means (52, 54). The upper unit (12, 14) has an upper body (12) acting as a vessel and an intermediate body (14) separate from each other. The upper body (12) houses a stirring member (24). The intermediate body (14) houses electrically operated driver (42, 44, 46) for driving the stirring member (24) to rotate and a heating element (40) for heating the liquid contained in the upper body (12).
A47J 43/046 - Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
The present invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a housing; a reservoir for containing a liquid, wherein the reservoir is situated within the housing; a dispensing outlet for dispensing the liquid; a pump situated between the reservoir and the dispensing outlet; a user input means situated on an outer surface of the housing; and a pump controller configured to operate the pump for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet for dispensing the liquid, wherein the input means is capable of communicating with the pump controller in order to initiate an operation of the pump; and the pump controller is configured to operate the pump based on a characteristic of the previous operation of the pump.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
49.
Machine for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, a valve and a valve unit that can be used in said machine
A machine for preparing beverages has a hydraulic circuit including a normally open discharge valve, which comprises a main inlet connected to a fluid actuator, a main outlet connected towards a collecting space, and a valve member between the main inlet and the main outlet, for enabling and preventing a flow of fluid between the main inlet and the main outlet. The discharge valve is a hydraulically driven valve, which also comprises a driving chamber for hydraulic driving the valve member. The driving chamber has an auxiliary inlet, connected to the delivery of a pump, and an auxiliary outlet, connected to a brewing unit and to the fluid actuator, in such a way that water delivered by the pump passes through the driving chamber before reaching the brewing unit and the fluid actuator, respectively. The driving chamber has a further outlet, connected in fluid communication to a device for spillage of water from the driving chamber.
b). The spillage member (30) has a body that is made of a material that is permeable to water and to air and that is such as to be traversed by water and air when the pump is active.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
51.
Brewing unit, machine and system for the preparation of a beverage using prepackaged capsules
A brewing unit, machine and system for the preparation of a beverage using prepackaged capsules. The brewing unit (1) includes a piercing and liquid-supplying device (23, 34, 35) having points (35) for piercing the top wall (12) of a capsule (C) and a conduit (36) for supplying a flow of pressurized liquid to a brewing chamber above the top wall (12) of the capsule (C) and thereafter inside the capsule (C) through the pierces holes in the top wall. A drawer (3) holds a capsule (C) such that its top wall (12) lies in an inclined plane. A discharge channel (40) is provided in the drawer and in fluid communication with the region above the top wall (12) of the capsule (C) when, after the beverage has been prepared and dispensed, the piercing and liquid-supplying device moves from the extracted work position to the retracted rest position to allow the remaining liquid to be poured into the discharge channel (40).
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
d; 11), which put into communication a region upstream of the first piercing member (8) such that, during the preparation of a beverage, the fluid introduced into the recess (4) of the capsule-holder (2) exerts on the first piercing member (8) a force lower than a predetermined value towards the capsule (C), the first piercing member (8) being mounted in the recess (4) of the capsule-holder (2) such as to be movable under the action of a spring (10) tending to displace it towards the cooperating body (3).
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
55.
Cartridge, machine and system for the preparation of beverages and process for manufacturing the cartridge
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
B65D 65/46 - Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A system for the preparation of a multi-component food product, such as coffee, tea, soup or baby food. The system comprises two or more capsules (300,400), each capsule providing a component of the multi-component food product, each capsule having an inlet region for receiving liquid into the capsule and an outlet region (330) for dispensing liquid from the capsule, wherein the outlet region of a first capsule is configured to mate with the inlet region of a second capsule, such that the first and second capsules may be connected in fluid communication.
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 81/32 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
58.
Machine for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, and valve and valve unit for use therein
IN), connected between the one-way hydraulic valve and the brewing unit, a main outlet, connected toward a discharge space, and an open/close member set between the main inlet and the main outlet, designed to assume an open condition and a closed condition, where it enables and prevents, respectively, a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, with the open/close member being urged by a corresponding spring into the open condition. The discharge valve is a hydraulically driven valve, which includes a chamber for hydraulic driving of the open/close member, an auxiliary inlet of the driving chamber, connected to the delivery of the pump, and an auxiliary outlet of the driving chamber, connected to the brewing unit, in such a way that water forced by the pump passes through the driving chamber before reaching the brewing unit. The discharge valve has a further outlet of the driving chamber, connected in fluid communication to a device for spillage of water from the driving chamber, in particular towards one of the water tank and the inlet of the pump.
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
59.
Device for heating and frothing milk and wand for such a device
d, 24) for dispensing during use a flow of steam and a flow of compressed air, respectively, within the milk (M) contained in the receptacle (R), said outlets (23, 24) being arranged such that the flows of steam and compressed air exiting therefrom intersect each other.
A process for treating gaseous effluents developed in a coffee roasting installation making it possible to treat gaseous effluents developed in a coffee roasting installation, in which the effluents are passed through an oxidative catalytic converter. Within the catalytic converter use is made of a catalyst selected from the group including: a) a catalyst including a porous faujasite support containing copper oxide nanoparticles in a quantity of between 2% and 7% of the total weight of the catalyst; b) a catalyst including a porous γ-alumina support containing copper oxide nanoparticles in a quantity of between 2% and 7% of the total weight of the catalyst; and c) a catalyst including a mesoporous zeolite or silica support containing iron nanoparticles in a quantity of between 2% and 7% of the total weight of the catalyst.
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance, for example, ground coffee, for preparing a liquid product using liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10) comprises a body (14) with a bottom wall (142) and a cover (16) for closing the body (14) of the cartridge (10) in a position opposite to the bottom wall (142). The cover (16) is coupled to the body (14) via a coupling element, such as, for example, the mouth part (144) of the body or a lock ring (148) that undergoes shape variation under the action of said liquid and/or steam, thus causing release of the coupling between the cover (16) and the body (14) of the cartridge (10). The coupling element (144, 148) comprises, for example, compostable material that can undergo post-crystallization under the action of heat, which has not been subjected to post-crystallization in the cartridge (10) prior to use.
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
B65B 29/02 - Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
B65D 65/46 - Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
a) are configured in such a way that the ejector member (9) brings about expulsion of the capsule from the housing of the first part of chamber if the guide elements fail to extract the capsule from the housing.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
65.
Machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules and method of assembly
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
66.
Machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules
A machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprising a delivery assembly with a preparation chamber, which comprises a first part and a second part. The second part of chamber comprises an injector device, which is configured for introducing a preparation fluid into a capsule and has a hollow body and includes a first body part and a second body part. Defined between the two body parts is a chamber, housed in which is a perforation device having at least one front perforation element that is axially aligned to a respective through hole, defined in a front wall of the second body part of the injector device. The second body part is slidable, against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position, in which the at least one perforation element does not project substantially beyond the front wall, to a retracted position, where the at least one perforation element projects substantially beyond the front wall. The elastic means comprise a bending spring that extends in a direction transverse to the direction of axial sliding (X) of the second body part with respect to the first body part.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A beverage preparation apparatus for preparation of a beverage from a capsule in a clamp assembly (30). The clamp assembly has a first clamp member (31) and a second clamp member, where the inner surfaces of the first clamp member and the second clamp member form a clamp chamber (33) for substantially enclosing and supporting a capsule (10) during beverage preparation. The second clamp member comprises a rigid peripheral frame (32) having a central void and a resilient layer (37) extending across said central void. There is a piston (36) positioned in the central void and resiliently coupled to the peripheral frame (32) to allow limited resilient movement of the rigid peripheral frame (32) relative to the piston (36).
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
69.
Capsule or cartridge and infusion assembly for the preparation of a beverage, in particular coffee
A capsule or cartridge (1) including a cup-shaped body (2) with a bottom wall (3), a lateral wall (4) and a flange-like top formation (5) which is essentially planar and extends transversely towards the outside, and a cover (6) fixed to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2), such as to define a chamber (7) containing the material for the preparation of the beverage, in particular ground roasted coffee. The lateral wall (4) of the body (2) has a plurality of projections (8) and recesses (9) which as a whole define at least an identification of the capsule (1). The projections (8) and recesses (9) are aligned in an essentially rectilinear direction, belonging to a plane essentially parallel to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2) of the capsule (1).
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprising a delivery assembly with a preparation chamber, which comprises a first part and a second part. The second part of chamber comprises an injector device, which is configured for introducing a preparation fluid into a capsule and has a hollow body and includes a first body part and a second body part. Defined between the two body parts is a chamber, housed in which is a perforation device having at least one front perforation element that is axially aligned to a respective through hole, defined in a front wall of the second body part of the injector device. The second body part is slidable, against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position, in which the at least one perforation element does not project substantially beyond the front wall, to a retracted position, where the at least one perforation element projects substantially beyond the front wall. The elastic means comprise a bending spring that extends in a direction transverse to the direction of axial sliding (X) of the second body part with respect to the first body part.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
72.
Capsules, apparatus and methods for preparing a beverage
A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule. Also provided are a beverage preparation apparatus and system comprising the clamp assembly, and a method of preparing a beverage from the apparatus.
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/14 - Coffee- or tea-making apparatus with filters placed in or behind pouring spouts
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
73.
Dispensing assembly for machines for preparing liquid products by means of capsules
a longitudinally extended pusher member engaged in a respective guide of the guide member, to be displaceable according to a respective sliding axis between a first position and a second position, the sliding axis being generally transverse to the actuation axis when the guide member is in the operative position.
With the guide member in the operative position and with the first chamber part and the second chamber part in the spaced-apart position, a displacement of the pusher member from the first position to the second position causes a thrust on the capsule towards the outlet passage, in order to free the capsule from the retention means.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
74.
Dispensing assembly for machines for the preparation of liquid food products
A dispensing assembly (2) for a machine for the preparation of liquid food products comprises a preparation chamber (7, 8) and a hydraulic circuit (20), which is configured for supplying water and/or steam to the preparation chamber (7, 8). The preparation chamber (7, 8) is configured for receiving at least one dose (9) of a precursor of a liquid food product and for dispensing the liquid food product following upon passage of water and/or steam through the preparation chamber (7, 8). The preparation chamber comprises a first chamber part (7), preferably configured for introducing water and/or steam, and a second chamber part (8), preferably configured for dispensing the liquid food product. At least one chamber part (8) is displaceable with respect to the other chamber part (7) between a spaced-apart position, to enable loading of the aforesaid dose (9) into the preparation chamber, and a close position, to enable introduction of water and/or steam into the preparation chamber and dispensing the liquid food product therefrom. The dispensing assembly (2) further comprises a pneumatic circuit (30) configured for supplying compressed air to the preparation chamber, in particular when the first chamber part (7) and the second chamber part (8) are in the close position.
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, e.g., coffee, by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a body (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12), with a bottom wall (142), through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), and a cover (16) that closes the body of the cartridge (10) at the end of the body opposite to the bottom wall (142). The body (14) comprises a crushed-plant-fibre material (e.g., with a base of rice husk), which may also be used for producing the cover. Alternatively, the cover (16) may be made of paper material (e.g., filter paper). The body (14) and the cover (16) are connected together via purely mechanical connection, it thus being possible to avoid gluing or welding.
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
B65D 65/46 - Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A machine for preparing liquid food products includes a pump. A cylinder is defined in the pump casing, with a piston extending in the cylinder at least in part to define a variable-volume work chamber. Between a shaft of a motor and the piston there is a transmission arrangement for causing a reciprocating movement of the piston with a predetermined stroke between advanced and retracted positions, to vary a volume of the work chamber. The pump has an intake valve and a delivery valve, for connecting the work chamber with an inlet and an outlet of the pump casing, respectively. The transmission arrangement has an actuation member driven in rotation by the shaft and operatively coupled to the piston. The actuation member defines a cam path to which the piston is coupled. The cam path is prearranged for determining the predetermined stroke of the piston between the advanced position and the retracted position.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
79.
Machine for preparing liquid products, in particular via capsules
A machine for preparing liquid food products includes: a source of a liquid; a delivery assembly, having a brewing chamber for receiving a precursor of a liquid food product and for delivering the food product following passage of the liquid through the brewing chamber; a pump, for pumping the liquid; and a control system, for controlling an electric motor of the pump. The pump has a casing with an inlet and an outlet and an arrangement driven via the motor. The motor is bidirectional, and the control system includes means for controlling reversal of rotation of the motor between a primary direction and a secondary direction. The pump has a priming system including a recirculation valve and an actuation arrangement.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F04B 17/03 - Pumps characterised by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors driven by electric motors
F04B 19/22 - Other positive-displacement pumps of reciprocating-piston type
A machine for the preparation of beverages, including a brewing assembly (10) adapted to receive an amount or dose of a substance (11) for preparing a beverage, a pump (4) provided with an electric motor (8) for pumping a flow of liquid towards and through the brewing assembly (10); a flowrate detector (6) associated with the pump (4); a microphone sensor (20) adapted to provide electric signals indicating the loudness of the noise generated by the machine (1) during operation, and control circuits (ECU, 15) connected to the microphone sensor (5), the flowrate detector (6) and the pump (4) and designed to activate the pump (4) for preparation of a beverage depending on the signals provided by the microphone sensor (20) and by the flowrate detector (6).
A47J 31/24 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
82.
Machine and system for the preparation of liquid products using capsules
A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly, a loading arrangement, an actuation system and a control system, including a processor, a non-volatile memory and an optical sensor device for acquiring characteristic information associated to an end wall of the body of a capsule. The actuation system is prearranged so that movements of the first part and the second part of the infusion chamber take place in a direction generally transverse to a direction of movement of the capsule determined by the insertion guide. The optical sensor device is mounted laterally with respect to the insertion guide. The loading arrangement has first retaining elements, which define an intermediate retention position of the capsule, in such a way that the control system is able to acquire the characteristic information by the optical sensor device when the capsule is in the intermediate position of retention. The first retaining elements can be switched from the respective condition of retention to a respective condition of release of the capsule by applying a force to the capsule.
A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly having a first part and a second part designed to define an infusion chamber between them, a loading arrangement for the insertion of the capsule, an actuation system, a control system, and an arrangement for heating the fluid. A processor of the control system is prearranged for controlling at least the heating arrangement and the feeding arrangement. Encoded instructions contained in a memory of the control system has sets of brewing information that are differentiated from each other according to a type of capsule. The processor is prearranged for comparing an image acquired by an optical sensor device with reference images of the capsules that are encoded in the memory and for associating a set of brewing information to a corresponding type of capsule to select an operation mode.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A beverage preparation capsule comprising a capsule body having a beverage preparation ingredient hermetically sealed therein, wherein a beverage outlet region of said capsule comprises: front and back sheets of air- and water-impermeable flexible film material arranged in face-to-face relationship along an edge; a folded strip of flexible film material in the form of a gusset extending inwardly from said edge, wherein at least a central region of said strip is provided with a plurality of perforations or a zone of weakness.
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A method of making a tablet for hot espresso beverage extraction includes the steps of grinding a brewable product to obtain a powder having a substantially uniform particle size, dosing a predetermined amount of the ground product powder, moistening the powdered product dose, homogenizing the moistened mixture to obtain a powdered product with a substantially uniform moisture content, forming the powdered product dose to obtain a disk-shaped or prismatic tablet, and supplying an amount of energy to the tablet to obtain a substantially compact and integral item. The step of supplying energy is carried out by irradiating the tablet with an electromagnetic wave beam to overheat and partially bake and/or sinter the particles of the powdered product and impart a relatively compact and self-supporting construction to the finished tablet. The electromagnetic wave irradiation step is carried out at the end of the forming step while continuously compressing the dose.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A23L 5/10 - General methods of cooking foods, e.g. by roasting or frying
B30B 11/00 - Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses or tabletting presses
89.
Device for preparing beverages and related process
A device for preparing beverages, such as coffee, via a substance contained in a cartridge (C) comprises:—a supporting structure (3); and—a cartridge-holder moving element (10) having a distal cartridge-holder portion (12), the moving element (10) being supported on the supporting structure (3) for rotation about an axis (X10) between a first angular position and a second angular position and for translation with respect to said axis (X10) between a proximal position and a distal position. A link (18) is provided, such as an oscillating arm, which constrains the cartridge-holder moving element (10) and the supporting structure (3) so that the cartridge-holder moving element (10) is mobile between a condition of loading of the cartridge (C) and a condition of preparation of the beverage as a result of simultaneous movements of rotation and translation with respect to the aforesaid axis (X10).
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
90.
Gripper retention device for a capsule or the like in a machine for the preparation of beverages, in particular espresso coffee
The gripper device (100) comprises a pair of opposite movable jaws (41) having respective coordinated gripping profiles (50) intended to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (C) of a first predetermined type so as to define a retaining position for such a capsule (C) in which the capsule (C) is essentially coaxial with a predetermined reference direction (R-R).
a, 45) are capable of being splayed and passed beyond by a capsule (C) introduced into the machine (1), so as to allow said capsule (C) to be positioned and gripped between the gripping profiles (50) in the retaining position.
a, 45) of the jaws (41). These further coordinated profiles (51) are shaped and/or arranged such that they are capable of defining, for a capsule (CX) of the further type, a corresponding retaining position in which the capsule (CX) of the further type is axially offset by a predetermined amount (Δ) with respect to the predetermined reference direction (R-R).
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
91.
Dispensing assembly for machines for the preparation of beverages using capsules
A dispensing assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules includes: an injector device (50), for introducing into a capsule (10) water and/or steam under pressure; a capsule holder (40), facing the injector device (50) and designed to receive the capsule (10); and an actuation linkage (80), for causing displacements of the capsule holder (40) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (50). The dispensing assembly (30) further includes ejector means (70), which are designed to push the capsule (10) towards the outside of the capsule holder (40) according to the displacement of the capsule holder (40) towards its spaced position from the injector device (50). The ejector means (70) are mechanically constrained to the actuation linkage by means of a mechanical connection.
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
92.
Brewing assembly for a machine for the preparation of beverages using capsules
a displacement mechanism (11) for causing displacement of the movable part (4) between an open position, remote from the locating part (9), in which the cup-shaped body (5) is in a position suitable for receiving a capsule (C) or the like, and a closed position, in which the cup-shaped body (5) is able to be coupled with the locating part (9) so as to define therewith a brewing chamber in which the capsule (C) is sealingly clamped, for preparation of the beverage.
When passing from the closed position to the open position the movable part (4) performs an initial movement away from the locating part (9) and a subsequent movement during which it substantially pivots about an at least approximately horizontal transverse axis.
A disengagement member (30) protruding axially beyond the cup-shaped body (5) towards the locating part (9) is fixed to the movable part (4) and is configured and arranged such that during the subsequent pivoting movement of the movable part (4) its path is able to interfere with a used capsule (C) which may be still attached to the locating part (9) so as to cause it to be detached therefrom.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
93.
Delivery assembly for machines for preparing beverages via capsules and method of using same
a longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position.
The ejector member (70) includes a plurality of parts (74, 75) connected in an articulated way, amongst which at least one first part (74) and one second part (75) articulated in such a way that the second part (75) is able to assume a plurality of angular positions with respect to the first part (74) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position where it is close up.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
94.
Delivery assembly and method for preparing liquid products via cartridges
guiding elements mounted in a fixed position at generally opposite side parts of the injector device, that frontally protrude from the injector device and are capable of laterally constraining the cartridge to guide it until a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A23F 3/18 - Extraction of water soluble tea constituents
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
A system and machine for the preparation of beverages using capsules which includes a perforation device having an annular perforation member which, in the closed condition of the infusion chamber, extends into the interspace and is designed to cause a tear in the protruding portion of the wall of the capsule contained inside the chamber, such that a flow of pressurized water can be introduced into the capsule through the interspace or gap and the tear.
B65B 29/02 - Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
96.
Capsules, apparatus and methods for preparing a beverage
A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule. Also provided are a beverage preparation apparatus and system comprising the clamp assembly, and a method of preparing a beverage from the apparatus.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
A47J 31/14 - Coffee- or tea-making apparatus with filters placed in or behind pouring spouts
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
97.
Infusion apparatus for a machine for preparing beverages
The apparatus comprises a support and guide structure with a movable assembly and a cooperating assembly. The movable assembly couples with the cooperating assembly to define an infusion chamber. Between the two assemblies is provided a gripper type holding device, with a pair of movable jaws for receiving and retaining a capsule. The jaws opened by means for releasing the capsule when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. The opening has associated reaction means to keep it in an advanced position, when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. In an end phase of the displacement of the movable assembly the gripper type holding device urges the opening member towards a rearward position, and in an initial phase of the return displacement of the movable assembly the opening member maintains the gripper type holding device with the jaws wide open to release the capsule.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A sealed beverage preparation capsule includes a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom, a beverage preparation ingredient inside the body and a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside the body and abutting said bottom of said body. A kit is also provided for assembling a plurality of beverage preparation capsules. The capsules include a cup-shaped base having a bottom, and side walls extending from the base to an upper rim defining an open top of the base component, and a plurality of ingredient pods. Each ingredient pod includes a top, side walls and a bottom, each formed of sheet material, wherein the pod contains a beverage preparation ingredient. The ingredient pod is shaped and configured to be engaged with the base component to assemble a beverage making capsule, with the top of the pod forming a lid for the base component and the bottom of the ingredient pod spaced from the bottom of the base inside the base.
A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/30 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under steam pressure
100.
Delivery assembly for machines for preparing liquid products via cartridges
A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges comprises a delivery assembly that includes at least: one injector device, to introduce into a cartridge water and/or steam under pressure; an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and designed to receive the cartridge; an actuation system, designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device and the infusion chamber, between a spaced position and a closed position; a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct and retention means, which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and to the injector device, and a release condition, where the cartridge is free to fall towards an outlet passage of the delivery assembly. The injector device, the infusion chamber, and the retention means are prearranged for obtaining a switching of the retention means from the retention condition to the release condition by means of a relative displacement between the injector device and the infusion chamber.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
patents
