Device for grinding coffee beans, comprising a device body (11) with a feed opening (14), and a dosing system (20) comprising an interface (21) coupled to the device body (11), wherein the interface (21) is configured to support a container (30) for coffee beans and defines a through hole (22) aligned with the feed opening (24) to form a passage for the coffee beans to fall from the container (30) to the grinding chamber (13); and a shutter closing unit (25) having a plurality of shutter blades (26, 27) slidable between an opening position and a closing position. A grinder shaft (12c, 12c') extends axially until up to a plane defined by the shutter blades (26, 27), wherein, in the closing position, respective leading edges (26a, 27a) of the shutter blades (26, 27) cooperate to delimit a residual hole (28) receiving an upper end of the grinder shaft (12c, 12c').
Device for grinding coffee grains, comprising: a device body (11) in which a grinding chamber (13) is formed, a grinding member (12) arranged in the grinding chamber (13) and configured to grind coffee grains and to produce a ground coffee powder; a discharge conduit (20) configured to discharge the ground coffee powder coming from the grinding chamber (13) towards the outside of said device; a powder removing system configured to remove ground coffee powder from the discharge conduit (20), comprising a vibrator member (30) mounted on the discharge conduit (20) and operable to apply a controlled vibration to the discharge conduit (30).
A container-management system for a coffee grinding device comprising a container-holder element (42, 42') which accommodates a container (30) and which is movable along an interface (21) of the system, between an insertion position and a working position. The container (30) comprises a plate-shaped cap (33, 33'), provided with a pair of grip elements (33b, 33b') configured to engage respective diametrically opposite portions of an edge of the opening (34) of the container (30), the cap being applicable to and removable from the container (30) according to a sliding direction parallel to the opening and defined by the pair of grip elements (33b, 33b'). On an upper surface (23 c) of the interface (23) a cap receiving seat (23d) is obtained, wherein the cap (33, 33') received within the cap receiving seat (23d) has an upper surface (33c, 33c') substantially coplanar with the upper surface (23c) of the interface (21), and the pair of grip elements (33b, 33b') oriented parallel to a direction of movement of the container-holder element (42, 42') at the position of insertion.
A tablet (8; P) for the extraction of a beverage, formed by cohesion of a dosed amount of at least one precursor substance in granular or powder form, and a method for the production thereof are described. The tablet has at least one reference surface (S) with one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72), and is characterized in that said one or more graphic recognition markings (70, 72) are adapted to provide protection from abrasion of the precursor substance, such as a higher degree of cohesion, in a region of their formation compared to a region of the reference surface (S) of the precursor substance which is devoid of said graphic recognition markings.
A23L 2/395 - Dry compositions in a particular shape or form
A23L 23/10 - Soup concentrates, e.g. powders or cakes
A23P 10/28 - TablettingMaking food bars by compression of a dry powdered mixture
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
5.
A CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MACHINE FOR PREPARING AND DISPENSING HOT BEVERAGES BY CONTROLLED INFUSION OF A PRECURSOR SUBSTANCE IN GRANULAR OR POWDER FORM, BASED ON THE RECOGNITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF A DOSE UNIT INSERTED IN THE MACHINE
A control system and method for a machine (1) for preparing and dispensing hot beverages by controlled infusion of a precursor substance in granular or powder form, based on the recognition and classification of a dose unit (8) inserted in the machine (1). A control system and method are described for a machine (1) for preparing and dispensing hot beverages by controlled infusion of a precursor substance in granular or powder form arranged in a dose unit (8), wherein an automatic image recognition and processing unit (84), of the machine-learning type, is arranged to classify a dose unit (8) received by the machine into one of a plurality of predetermined classes of dose units on the basis of a set of training images of dose units taken in a learning step. The set of training images of dose units comprises at least a plurality of primary images of dose units (8) including predetermined graphic recognition markings (70, 72) on a reference surface of the dose unit (8), indicative of corresponding classes of dose units, and a plurality of synthetic images obtained by alteration of the plurality of primary images.
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.
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
A23L 2/395 - Dry compositions in a particular shape or form
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).
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 42/50 - Supplying devices, e.g. funnelsSupply containers
8.
SYSTEM FOR CLEANING MILK DUCTS FOR A MACHINE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES
Cleaning system for a machine (M) for preparing hot beverages, comprising a washing water supply piping (40) connected to a water supply system (10) of the machine, a detergent supply (42) connected to the washing water supply piping (40), a washing chamber (48) which may be supplied with washing water provided by the washing water supply piping (40), and washing valves (41, 49) arranged at one end of the washing water supply piping (40), these washing valves also being arranged between a flexible hose (51) of a milk supply of the machine and a frothing head (31) of the machine. In a first position of the valves, the washing water supply piping (40) may be fluidically connected to the washing chamber (48) for washing the movable part of the flexible hose (51) placed in the washing chamber (48). Through the flexible hose (51), the washing water contained in the washing chamber (48) may be conveyed to the milk inlet (31b) and to the distribution duct (33) of the frothing head (31).
Cleaning system for a machine (M) for preparing beverages, comprising a washing water supply piping (40; 40') and a washing chamber (48) which may be supplied with washing water provided by the washing water supply piping (40), it being possible to place the movable part of a flexible hose (51) that has been extracted from a milk reservoir (T) into the washing chamber, wherein, through the flexible hose (51), the washing water contained in the washing chamber (48) may be conveyed to a frothing head (31) of the machine (M), and wherein the washing chamber (48) is formed in a tray (60'') which may be coupled in a releasable manner to the body of the machine (M) under the frothing head (31), a collection chamber (72'') also being formed in the tray, which collection chamber is separate from the washing chamber (48) and configured to be arranged under the distribution duct (33) of the frothing head (31).
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).
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
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
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
A frothing head for heating and whipping milk, comprising a mixing chamber (12), a restriction duct (15) extending from the mixing chamber (12), a frothing chamber (16) arranged at one end (15a) of the restriction duct (15), a distribution duct (17), an air suction duct (13) leading into the mixing chamber (12), and a milk suction duct (14) leading into the mixing chamber (12). The frothing chamber (16) is disc- shaped, and the restriction duct (15) leads tangentially into the frothing chamber (16). The distribution duct (17) extends axially from the center of a bottom surface (16a) of the frothing chamber (16), and comprises an upper portion (17a) and a lower portion (17b) having a greater diameter than the upper portion (17a).
A device for heating and frothing milk, comprising a steam generator (10) and a jet pump (31), the jet pump comprising a steam inlet (31a) through which pressurized steam is injectable into the jet pump (31), and a first suction inlet (31b) and a second suction inlet (31c), wherein the first suction inlet (31a) is configured to connect to a milk reservoir. An air inlet (41.3; 51) is connectable or connected to the second suction inlet (31c) of the jet pump (31) for drawing air into the jet pump (31). A bypass valve (41) is connected to the second suction inlet (31c) of the jet pump (31) and has a bypass inlet (41.2). The bypass valve is switchable between a first position in which the second suction inlet (31c) of the jet pump (31) is shut off from the steam generator (10), and a second position in which the second suction inlet (31c) is in fluid communication with the bypass inlet (41.2) of the bypass valve (41) for the suction of steam.
It is described a method for producing tablets for extraction of a liquid food product, wherein each tablet is formed starting from at least one ingredient in granular or powder form, and wherein, in order to form each tablet, a dosed and moistened amount of the ingredient is irradiated with microwaves while contained in a confined volume. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing the ingredient in powder or granular form; b) loading at least one dosed amount of the ingredient into a respective forming cavity; c) irradiating the at least one dosed and moistened amount of the ingredient while contained in the respective forming cavity. Step b) comprises loading a plurality of dosed amounts of the ingredient into respective forming cavities of a multi-cavity forming device, and step c) comprises introducing the multi-cavity forming device into a multimode cavity of a microwave oven, and thereafter removing the multi-cavity forming device from such 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.
A23L 2/395 - Dry compositions in a particular shape or form
A23L 3/005 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating using irradiation or electric treatment
A23L 3/01 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating using irradiation or electric treatment using microwaves or dielectric heating
A23L 5/30 - Physical treatment, e.g. electrical or magnetic means, wave energy or irradiation
A23L 23/10 - Soup concentrates, e.g. powders or cakes
A23P 10/28 - TablettingMaking food bars by compression of a dry powdered mixture
It is described a method for producing tablets for extraction of a liquid food product, wherein each tablet is formed starting from at least one ingredient in granular or powder form, and wherein, in order to form each tablet, a dosed and moistened amount of the ingredient is heated while contained in a confined volume. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing the ingredient in powder or granular form; b) loading at least one dosed amount of the ingredient into a respective forming cavity; c) heating the at least one dosed and moistened amount of the ingredient while contained in the respective forming cavity. Before step c), there is provided for a step for the selective moistening of each dosed amount of the ingredient is provided for, only at a surface layer thereof.
A motorized brewing unit (10) for preparing beverages from a powdered product (P), comprising a dispensing assembly which includes a first assembly part (12) having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive said powdered product, and a second assembly part (14), relative to which the first assembly part (12) is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first assembly part (12) and the second assembly part (14) are coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber therebetween, an electric motor (16) adapted to control the movement of the first assembly part (12) between the open position and the closed position. The unit further comprises a readout device (40, 41) to provide a digital image of the powdered product. The readout device comprises an optical sensor (40) which the receptacle (13) faces in a detection position, intermediate between the open and the closed position.
Brewing unit (10) for preparing beverages from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, comprising a support structure (20) having an inner cavity (16), and a dispensing assembly which includes a first assembly part (12) configured as a drawer having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive said powdered product, and a second assembly part (14) mounted to slide vertically within an upper part of said cavity, between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein within said first assembly part there is a filtering element (123) mounted to translate vertically through which there is formed a dispensing duct (124), the filtering element defining a bottom surface of the receptacle (13) and of the brewing chamber, and wherein a brewing head (145) is carried by a lower end of the second assembly part (14), the brewing head defining a top surface of the brewing chamber.
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.
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 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
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
21.
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).
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.
The brewing unit (10) comprises: a first part (12) having a receptacle adapted to receive a capsule, a cartridge or a compacted pod; a second part (14), which is movable relative to the first part (12) between an open position in which the first part (12) and the second part (14) are at a distance from each other, and a closed position in which the second part (14) and the first part (12) are coupled to one another to define a brewing chamber therebetween; an electric motor (16) adapted to control the movement of the second part (14) relative to the first part (12); a transmission mechanism (18) that is arranged between the electric motor (16) and the first or the second part (12, 14) and comprises a movable member (32), the position of which is univocally associated with the relative position of the second part (14) with respect to the first part (12); an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to control the electric motor (16); and a micro- switch (34) configured to switch between a first and a second operational state (ON/OFF) depending on the position of the movable member (32).
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
24.
PLATE FILTER FOR COFFEE MAKERS AND THE LIKE, AND COFFEE MAKER INCLUDING SAID FILTER
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%.
A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
A47J 31/16 - Inverting coffee-making apparatus in which water is boiled in the lower part and the apparatus is subsequently inverted to pass the water through the filter
A47J 31/30 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under steam pressure
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
25.
CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A COFFEE-BASED BEVERAGE
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.
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).
A fluid heater (10), for example, for machines for preparing beverages, includes: - a heating core (12) including a first elongated heating element (121) and a second elongated heating element (122), which are co-extensive; and - a conduit (14) with an inlet end (10a) for fluid to be heated and an outlet end (10b) for heated fluid. The conduit (14) is wound around the heating elements (121, 122) in a winding pattern including a set of first winding loops (141) wound around the first heating element (121) and a set of second winding loops (142) wound around the second heating element (122), the first winding loops (141) being interleaved with the second winding loops (142).
F24H 1/16 - Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form helically or spirally coiled
28.
APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A FOAM FROM A LIQUID, PARTICULARLY A FOOD LIQUID, SUCH AS MILK OR A MILK-BASED LIQUID
The apparatus (10) comprises 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) comprises 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 driving means (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). The upper body (12) includes a main portion (18) of cylindrical shape, which is open at its top, and a coupling portion (20) of cylindrical shape, which is placed underneath the main portion (18) and communicates therewith. The intermediate body (14) has at its top a seat (34) for receiving the coupling portion (20) of the upper body (12). The upper body (12) and the intermediate body (14) are provided with threaded coupling means (36, 38) for coupling the upper body (12) with the intermediate body (14) when the coupling portion (20) of the upper body (12) is inserted into the seat (34) of the intermediate body (14). The heating element (40) is arranged around the seat (34) of the intermediate body (14).
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 apparatus (1) comprises: a support base (2); a container (3) for containing an amount of food liquid, the container (3) being arrangeable in a working position on the support base (2); a stirrer (8) adapted to be removably positioned in the container (3) to rotate about an axis of rotation (Z-Z); and electrically-operated driving means (12), positioned outside the container (3) and arranged to be magnetically coupled with the stirrer (8) to drive it in rotation about the axis of rotation (Z-Z), so as to stir the liquid contained in the container (3) and form a foam. The stirrer (8) comprises a member (9) provided with permanent magnets (10) and stirring means (11) connected to that member (9). The driving means comprise a stator (12) which is disposed around the member (9) of the stirrer (8), at least when the container (3) is placed in the working position on the support base (2), and is adapted, when coupled with a power supply, to generate a rotating magnetic field about the axis of rotation (Z-Z) for inducing a rotation of the member (9), so that the member (9) operates as a rotor to drive the stirring means (11) in rotation.
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
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance that can be used for preparing a liquid product, said cartridge comprising a side wall (140), a first end wall (142), through which said liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), and a second end wall (16) of the cartridge (10) at the end opposite to said first end wall (142), wherein said side wall (140), said first end wall (142), and said second end wall (16) comprise a compostable material. At least one, preferably both, of said first end wall (142) and said second end wall (16) have a layered structure comprising at least one layer (1420; 160) of a first compostable material and at least one layer (1422; 162) of a second compostable material, with at least one coating layer (1423) forming a barrier to oxygen and to water vapour sandwiched between said layer (1420) of a first compostable material and said layer (1422) of a second compostable material.
A machine for the preparation of beverages, comprising a hydraulic circuit that includes: - a brewing unit; - a water tank; - a pump having its inlet connected in fluid communication to the water tank and its outlet or delivery connected in fluid communication to the brewing unit; - a heating device for heating water forced by the pump towards the brewing unit; - a self-priming device (22), which comprises a hollow housing structure (27, 28), having an inlet (22a) in fluid communication with the outlet or delivery of the pump, and an outlet for spillage of water towards a collecting space, in particular the water tank. The self-priming device (22) comprises a spillage member (30), which is set between the inlet (22a) and the outlet (22b). 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.
A machine (M) for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, comprises a hydraulic circuit, which includes: - a brewing unit (1), comprising at least one first part (la) and one second part (lb), which are able to define between them a brewing chamber, at least the first part (la) being movable with respect to the second part (lb); - a fluid actuator (12), in particular a hydraulic actuator, which can be supplied for causing at least a displacement of the first part (la) of the brewing unit (1) towards the second part (lb); - a water tank (4); - a pump (3) having the inlet connected in fluid communication with the water tank (4) and the outlet or delivery connected in fluid communication with the brewing unit (1) and to the fluid actuator (12); - at least one normally closed unidirectional hydraulic valve (9'), set between the pump (3) and the brewing unit (1), to enable a flow of water towards the brewing unit (1) when the pressure of the water delivered by the pump (3) exceeds a substantially pre-set threshold; - a heater device (8) for heating the water delivered by the pump (3); and - a normally open discharge valve (10'), which has: a main inlet (10IN), connected to the fluid actuator (12); a main outlet (10OUT)> connected towards a collecting space, in particular the water tank (4); and a valve member set between the main inlet (ΙΟΠΜ) and the main outlet (10OUT)> able to assume an open condition and a closed condition, where it enables and prevents, respectively, a flow of fluid between said main inlet (10IN) and said main outlet (10Ουτ)· The discharge valve (10') is a hydraulically driven valve, which further comprises a driving chamber, for hydraulic driving of the valve member, an auxiliary inlet (10DR-IN) of the driving chamber, connected to the delivery of the pump (3), and an auxiliary outlet (10DR-OUT) of the driving chamber (26), connected to the brewing unit (1) and to the fluid actuator (12), in such a way that water delivered by the pump (3) passes through the driving chamber (26) before reaching the brewing unit (1) and the fluid actuator (12), respectively. The discharge valve (10') moreover has a further outlet (25) of the driving chamber (26), connected in fluid communication to a device (22) for spillage of water from the driving chamber (26), in particular towards the water tank (4).
The brewing unit (1) comprises: a stationary support structure (2), in which a brewing zone (5) is defined where a hydraulically activated piercing and liquid-supplying device (23, 34, 35) is mounted movable between a retracted rest position and an extracted working position, and a movable drawer (3) which forms a receptacle (10) for a capsule (C) and is insertable into and extractable from the support structure (2) in order to place a capsule (C) in the brewing zone (5) with a top wall (12) of the capsule (C) facing the piercing and liquid-supplying device (23, 34, 35) and, respectively, to allow ejection of the exhausted capsule (C) once the beverage has been dispensed and a new capsule (C) has been loaded. The piercing and liquid-supplying device (23, 34, 35) comprises a plurality of points (35) for piercing the top wall (12) of the 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 holes pierced by the points (35) in the top wall (12). The arrangement is such that when the drawer (3) is inserted into the support structure (2) with a capsule (C), the top wall (12) of the capsule (C) lies in an inclined plane. In the drawer (3) there is defined a discharge channel (40) adapted to be put into fluid communication with the region above said top wall (12) of the capsule (C) when, after the beverage has been prepared and dispensed, the piercing and liquid-supplying device (23, 34, 35) moves from the extracted work position to the retracted rest position to allow the remaining liquid to be poured into the discharge channel (40).
The infusion assembly (1) comprises a capsule-holder (2) and a cooperating body (3), adapted to assume an open configuration for positioning a capsule (C) therebetween, and a closed configuration for preparing a beverage through the capsule (C) clamped in a liquid- tight manner therebetween. In the capsule-holder (2) there is defined a recess (4) adapted to receive a capsule (C) with the bottom wall (20a, 20f) facing the interior of the capsule- holder (2) and wherein is provided a first piercing member (8) provided with at least a piercing point (9) adapted to penetrate through the bottom wall (20a) of said capsule (C). The capsule-holder (2) is adapted to supply a flow of fluid introduced into the capsule (C) through the tear created in its bottom wall (20a) from the at least one point (9). In the cooperating body (3) a dispensing conduit (13) is defined for the beverage and a second piercing member (14) is provided, having at least one point (16) adapted to pene¬ trate through the cover (21) of the capsule (C) to allow the outflow of the beverage from the capsule (C) towards said dispensing conduit (13). In the capsule-holder (2) there are provided fluid communication passages (8c; 8d; 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 predeter¬ mined 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
35.
CARTRIDGE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A LIQUID PRODUCT, AND CORRESPONDING ASSORTMENT
A cartridge (10) for the preparation of a liquid product by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10) comprises a casing (14) having inside it a first receiving chamber with a filling of a first substance (S1) for preparation of said liquid product. The casing has a bottom wall (142) through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), with said bottom wall (142) having, if viewed from outside the cartridge (10), a protruding central portion (1420) having inside it a second receiving chamber with a filling of a second substance (S2) for preparation of said liquid product. Applied on the bottom wall (142) is a laminar filter element (180) that separates the first receiving chamber from the second receiving chamber. The bottom wall (142) has at least one opening (1428) for outflow of said liquid product from the cartridge (10) located in the protruding central portion (1420), coupled to which is a further filter element (182).
A cartridge (10) for the preparation of a liquid product by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10) comprises a casing (14) with a central axis (X14), which has inside it a receiving 5 chamber with a filling of a substance (12) for preparation of the liquid product. The casing has a bottom wall (142), through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10). The aforesaid bottom wall (142) has a peripheral rim (1432) lying in 10 a plane (B-B') and has, when viewed from outside the cartridge (10), a protruding central portion (1420) that provides on its inside an extension of said receiving chamber with a filling of a substance for preparation of the liquid product. The central portion 15 (1420) protrudes from the casing of the cartridge beyond (d) the plane (B-B') in which the peripheral rim (1432) lies and is surrounded by an annular portion (1422) of the bottom wall, which extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis (X14) of the cartridge. 20 At least one opening (1428) for outflow of the liquid product from the cartridge (10) is provided, located in the protruding central portion (1420), with the bottom wall (142) that, in the aforesaid annular portion (1422), is without openings (1428) for outflow of said 25 liquid product from the cartridge (10).
The process makes it possible to treat gaseous effluents developed in a coffee roasting installation (1), in which the effluents are passed through an oxidative catalytic converter (5). Within the catalytic converter (5) use is made of a catalyst selected from the group comprising: a) a catalyst comprising 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 comprising 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 comprising 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.
A machine (M) for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, comprises a hydraulic circuit including: - a brewing unit (1); - a water tank (4); - a pump (3) having the inlet connected in fluid communication to said tank (4) and the outlet or delivery connected in fluid communication to the brewing unit (1); - a normally closed one-way hydraulic valve (10), set between the pump (3) and the brewing unit (1), for enabling a flow of water towards the brewing unit (1) when the pressure of the water delivered by the pump (3) exceeds a substantially predetermined threshold; - heating means (9) for heating the water delivered by the pump (3); and - a normally open discharge valve (12') having: a main inlet (12IN), connected between said one-way hydraulic valve (10) and the brewing unit (1); a main outlet (27a, 12OUT), connected towards a discharge space (11); an open/close member (29-31) set between the main inlet (12IN) and the main outlet (12OUT), designed to assume an open condition and a closed condition, where it enables and prevents, respectively, a flow of fluid between said inlet (12IN) and said outlet (12OUT), the open/close member (29-31) being urged by a corresponding spring (28) into the open condition. The discharge valve (12') is a hydraulically driven valve, which further comprises a chamber (26) for hydraulic driving of the open/close member (29-31), an auxiliary inlet (12DR-IN) of the driving chamber (26), connected to the delivery of the pump (3), and an auxiliary outlet (26a, 12DR-OUT) of the driving chamber (26), connected to the brewing unit (1), in such a way that water forced by the pump (3) passes through the driving chamber (26) before reaching the brewing unit (1). The discharge valve (12') moreover has a further outlet (26b, 25) of the driving chamber (26), connected in fluid communication to a device (22) for spillage of water from the driving chamber (26), in particular towards one of the water tank (4) and the inlet of the pump (3).
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance That can be used for preparing a liquid product, such as for example coffee, comprises a side wall (140), a bottom wall (142), through which the aforesaid liquid can flow from the cartridge (10), and a wall (16) for closing the cartridge (10) at the end opposite to said bottom wall (142). the bottom wall (142) comprises a cellulose compostable material having aN air permeance not higher than 20 μm/ (pa⋅s) (according to ISO 5636) and has a thickness of between 20 μm and 2.5 mm.
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance That can be used for preparing a liquid product, such as for example coffee, comprises a side wall (140), a bottom wall (142), through which the aforesaid liquid can flow from the cartridge (10), and a wall (16) for closing the cartridge (10) at the end opposite to said bottom wall (142). the bottom wall (142) comprises a plastic compostable material having a perforability of not less than 12 N (according to astm f 1306 90, RATE OF penetration: 300 mm/min) and has a thickness of between 20 μm and 2 mm.
The machine (M) comprises a hydraulic circuit including a brewing assembly (1), a water tank (4), a pump (3) with the inlet connected to the tank (4) and the outlet connected to the brewing assembly (1), a normally closed one-way valve (10) positioned between the pump (3) and the brewing assembly (1), a heater (9) for heating the water outputted by the pump (3), and a normally open discharge valve (12) having an inlet (12a) connected between the one-way valve (10) and the outlet of the pump (3) and the brewing assembly (1), designed to adopt an open condition and a closed condition, in which it allows and prevents, respectively, a flow of fluid from the inlet (12a) towards a discharge environment (11). The discharge valve (12) is a three-way, two-position valve with differential hydraulic control, having a main inlet (12a) coupled between the one-way valve (10) and the brewing assembly (1), first and second control inlets (12b; 12d, 12a) connected between the outlet of the pump (3) and the one-way valve (10) and, respectively, between the one-way valve (10) and the brewing assembly (1), and an outlet (12c) communicating with said discharge environment (11).
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance such as ground coffee that can be used in the preparation of a liquid product, for example, using liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10), comprises a side wall (140), a bottom wall (142), through which said liquid product is able to flow from the cartridge (10), and a wall (16) for closing the cartridge (10) at the end opposite to said bottom wall (142). The side wall (140), the bottom wall (142), and the closing wall (16) comprise a material compostable after use of the cartridge. Either the bottom wall (142) or the closing wall (16) or both disintegrates/disintegrate during composting more rapidly than said side wall (140). In addition or as an alternative, either the bottom wall (142) or the closing wall (16) or both of them is/are connected to the side wall (140) by a bond resolvable during composting. In this way, during composting, the spent dose (12) is no longer withheld within the cartridge (10), thus accelerating disintegration and hence composting of the side wall (140).
The device (1) comprises a steam generator (2, 4), a compressed-air generator (9, 11) and a dispensing wand (10) connected or adapted to be connected to the steam generator (2, 4) and the compressed-air generator (9, 11) and adapted to be introduced into a receptacle (R) containing the milk (M) to be heated and frothed. The dispensing wand (10) defines first and second conduits (21, 22) separate from each other and having respective separate inlets (10a, 10b) for connection to the steam generator (2, 4) and the compressed-air generator (9, 11), respectively, as well as respective separate outlets (10c, 23; 10d, 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.
The machine (M) comprises a brewing assembly (1), a water tank (4), an electric vibration pump (3) having its inlet connected to the tank (4) and its outlet or discharge connected to the brewing assembly (1), a unidirectional valve (10) between the pump (3) and the brewing assembly (1) to allow a flow of water towards the brewing assembly (1) when the pressure of the water supplied by the pump (3) exceeds a predetermined threshold, a heating device (9) for heating the water supplied by the pump (3), at least one solenoid valve (12, 13) having its inlet coupled between the outlet of the pump (3) and the brewing assembly (1) and adapted to assume an open condition and a closed condition in which it allows and prevents, respectively, a flow of fluid from its inlet towards a discharge environment, for controlling an auxiliary function of the machine (M) which is not utilized for the preparation of the beverage; and an electronic control unit (ECU) predisposed to control the solenoid valve (12, 13) such that upon starting a cycle for the preparation of a beverage the solenoid valve (12, 13) is opened for a predetermined period of time and allows a flow of water from the outlet or discharge of the pump (3) towards the discharge environment (8) so as to prime the pump (3), and is subsequently closed.
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprises a delivery assembly (2) having an actuation system that can be controlled to cause relative displacements between a first part and a second part of a preparation chamber. The actuation system comprises at least one first transmission member (13) and one second transmission member (14a). The first transmission member (13) includes two pins (13a), which are coaxial and are engaged in corresponding seats (3d), defined on respective side walls of the housing structure (3). The seats (3d) define a fixed axis of rotation of the first transmission element (13). The second transmission member (14a) is connected in an articulated way to the first transmission member (13) for turning about a movable axis of rotation, parallel to the fixed axis of rotation, and to one of the first part of chamber and the second part of chamber. The pins (13a) have, in cross section, a non- circular geometry, and the side walls of the housing structure (3) have, in homologous positions, transverse passages (3f) that extend from the seats (3d). The first transmission member (13) is constrained to the second transmission member (14a) so as to move in an angular range that does not include an angular position of the first transmission member (13) such that the corresponding pins (13a) would slide out transversely of the rotation seats (3d) through the aforesaid transverse passages (3f).
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
47.
MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF LIQUID PRODUCTS VIA CAPSULES
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly (2), which comprises: - a preparation chamber that includes a first, stationary, part of chamber and a second, movable, part of chamber; - an actuation system (13, 14), controllable for causing displacements of the second part of chamber with respect to the first part of chamber, between a spaced apart position and a close position; - two guide elements, configured for co-operating with a flange of a capsule for guiding the latter towards a position that is substantially coaxial to the first part of chamber and to the second part of chamber; - an ejector member (9), slidably mounted through a through opening of a bottom of the first part of chamber (4); and - connection members (8, 9a), which connect the ejector member (9) to the second part of chamber. The guide elements are prearranged for interfering with the flange of the capsule in order to extract the capsule from the housing of the first part of chamber. The connection members (8, 9a) 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 31/36 - 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
48.
MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF LIQUID PRODUCTS VIA CAPSULES
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules (6) comprising a delivery assembly (2) with a preparation chamber (4-5), which comprises a first part (4) and a second part (5). The second part of chamber comprises an injector device (5), which is configured for introducing a preparation fluid into a capsule (6) and has a hollow body (20-21) and includes a first body part (20) and a second body part (21). Defined between the two body parts (20, 21) is a chamber (23), housed in which is a perforation device (24) having at least one front perforation element (24b) that is axially aligned to a respective through hole (26), defined in a front wall (21a) of the second body part (21) of the injector device (5). The second body part (21) is slidable, against the action of elastic means (30), from an advanced position, in which the at least one perforation element (24b) does not project substantially beyond the front wall (21a), to a retracted position, where the at least one perforation element (24b) projects substantially beyond the front wall (21a). The elastic means comprise a bending spring (30) that extends in a direction transverse to the direction of axial sliding (X) of the second body part (21) with respect to the first body part (20).
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
49.
MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF LIQUID PRODUCTS USING CAPSULES
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly (2), which comprises: a preparation chamber (4-5) that includes a first part of chamber (4) and a second part of chamber (5); - an actuation system (11) controllable for causing movements of the second part of chamber (5) with respect to the first part of chamber (4); and - a supporting arrangement (8, 26) comprising a movable supporting member (8), which is able to keep a capsule in a position that is substantially coaxial to the parts of chamber (4, 5), and a first stop element and a second stop element for the supporting member (8). At least one of the body (30) of the supporting member (8) and the second stop element (28) comprises an elastic element. The supporting arrangement (8, 26) is configured for enabling, with the second part of chamber (5) in a spaced apart position with respect to the first part of chamber (4), a temporary recession of the supporting member (8) towards a respective position of release, against the action of the first elastic element and following upon application on the capsule of a force of thrust towards an outlet passage (3b) of the assembly ( 2 ).
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
50.
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 31/36 - 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 dispensing assembly (20) for a machine for preparing a liquid food product by means of capsules (1) including - a casing (21) having an inlet passage (26), and an outlet passage (27), - an infusion chamber which comprises two chamber parts (30, 31), - retention means, for keeping the capsule (1) in a retaining position, - an actuation system (55-59), operable for causing relative movements between the two chamber parts (30, 31) - a guide member (60) mounted at the inlet passage (26) to be displaceable between an inoperative position and an operative position, - a longitudinally extended pusher member (40) engaged in a respective guide (61) of the guide member (60), to be displaceable according to a respective sliding axis (B) between a first position and a second position, the sliding axis (B) being generally transverse to the actuation axis (A) when the guide member (60) is in the operative position. With the guide member (60) in the operative position and with the first chamber part (30) and the second chamber part (31) in the spaced-apart position, a displacement of the pusher member (40) from the first position to the second position is capable of causing a thrust on the capsule (1) towards the outlet passage (27), in order to free the capsule from the retention means (50).
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
52.
CARTRIDGE FOR PREPARING A LIQUID PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING IT
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.
A machine for preparing liquid food products comprises at least: - a source of a liquid; - a delivery assembly, having a brewing chamber configured for receiving a precursor of a liquid food product and for delivering the food product following upon passage of the liquid through the brewing chamber; - a pump (4), for pumping the liquid from the supply source through the brewing chamber of the delivery assembly and thereby causing delivery of the liquid product; and - a control system, configured for controlling an electric motor (33) of the pump, which has a rotating shaft (33a). The pump (4) has a pump casing with an inlet and an outlet and a pumping arrangement that can be driven via the motor (33). The motor (33) is a bidirectional motor, and the control system comprises means for controlling reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor (33) between a primary direction and a secondary direction. The pump (4) has a priming system comprising a recirculation valve (60-63) and a corresponding actuation arrangement (44, 65, 68). The actuation arrangement (44, 65, 68) is pre- arranged for causing opening of the recirculation valve (60-63) following upon rotation of the motor (33) in the secondary direction.
A machine for preparing liquid food products comprises a pump (4) having a pump casing (30) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (35), in the pump casing (30) there being defined a cylinder (38) in which a piston (41) extends at least in part to define a variable- volume work chamber. Between the shaft (33a) of the motor (33) and the piston (41) there is a transmission arrangement (44, 48) configured for causing a reciprocating movement of the piston (41) with a predetermined stroke between an advanced position and a retracted position, and thereby varying the volume of the work chamber. The pump (4) has an intake valve (42-43) and a delivery valve (52-53), for connecting the work chamber in fluid communication with the inlet (34) and with the outlet (35) of the pump casing (30), respectively. The transmission arrangement (44, 48) comprises an actuation member (44), which is driven in rotation by the shaft (33 a) of the motor (33) and is operatively coupled to the piston (38). The actuation member (44) defines a cam path (47) to which the piston (41) is coupled via a corresponding cam-follower (48). The cam path (47) is prearranged for determining the predetermined stroke of the piston (41) between the advanced position and the retracted position.
A capsule for the preparation of a liquid food product, configured for insertion into a brewing machine, has a body (3) that comprises a circumferential wall (4), a top face (5), and a bottom (6). The top face comprises a foil (5), which is secured to an upper flange (7) of the circumferential wall (4) and has at least one grippable portion (5a), this grippable portion (5a) having a proximal border defined by a corresponding portion of the border of the foil (5). The foil (5) is circular, and an annulus-shaped peripheral portion thereof, including the corresponding border, is laid over the flange (7). The grippable portion (5a) is defined within an annulus-shaped area of the foil (5), which is concentric to the foil itself and the outer circumference of which corresponds to the circumference of the foil (5). At least one of the foil (5) and the flange (7) is configured for enabling application of a pulling force on the grippable portion (5a) in order to remove the foil (5).
The machine comprises a brewing assembly (10) adapted to receive an amount or dose of a substance (1 1) 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). The control circuits (ECU, 15) are designed to drive the motor (8) of the pump (4) so as to reduce the loudness of said noise.
The system comprises capsules (C) with a cup-shaped body (1) having an annular lateral wall (6) which tapers from a mouth opening (2) towards a bottom wall (5). These capsules (C) are of at least a first type and a second type, and have identical bottom walls (5) and different axial lengths (hi, h2, h3). The system further comprises an infusion assembly (10) wherein there is defined a variable-volume infusion chamber (20), having an introduction opening (20a), an end delimitation part (16a) having a shape corresponding to that of the bottom wall (5) of the capsules (C), and with a lateral delimitation structure (13a, 13b; 14) which comprises a static portion (13a, 13b) and which extends between said introduction opening (20a) and the end delimitation part (16a). The latter is movable away from the introduction opening (20a). The arrangement is such that a capsule (C) introduced into the infusion chamber (20) causes a movement of the end delimitation part (16a) away from the introduction opening (20a), such that the infusion chamber (20) assumes a configuration and dimensions corresponding to those of the type of capsule (C) introduced thereinto. The lateral delimitation structure (13a, 13b; 14) of the infusion chamber (20) comprises further a movable portion (14) cooperating with the static portion (13a, 13b), and movable transversely to the direction of introduction of the capsules (C) into the chamber (20), against the action of an opposing spring (15), so as to increase the cross-section of the introduction opening (20a) and, correspondingly, the volume of the infusion chamber (20).
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
58.
MACHINE AND SYSTEM FOR THE PREPARATION OF LIQUID PRODUCTS USING CAPSULES
A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules (30) comprises a dispensing assembly (1) having a first part (3) and a second part (5) designed to define an infusion chamber between them and a loading arrangement including an insertion guide (7) that defines at least part of a displacement path of the capsule (30) in the dispensing assembly (1). The loading arrangement comprises first retaining means (15), which define an intermediate retention position of the capsule (30). The first retaining means (15) can be switched from the respective condition of retention to a respective condition of release of the capsule (30) by applying to the capsule itself a force of thrust in the direction of movement.
The system comprises: capsules (C) of at least a first type and a second type, having outwardly protruding transverse flanges (32), and respective different axial lengths (h1, h2, h3), and a brewing unit (6, 20, 7), in which there is defined a variable-volume brewing chamber (100) with a lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) and a slidable end delimiting part (54, 55), for receiving capsules (C) of said types introduced into the chamber (100). The capsules (C) of the aforementioned different types have flanges (32) of correspondingly different shapes, and the end delimiting part (54, 55) of the brewing chamber (100) carries stop members (70, 71) adapted to be coupled to the flanges (32) of said different types of capsules (C) when the latter are introduced into the brewing chamber (100), so as to allow correspondingly different relative movements of the end delimiting part (54, 55) relative to the lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) of said chamber (100).
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
60.
MACHINE AND SYSTEM FOR THE PREPARATION OF LIQUID PRODUCTS USING CAPSULES
A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules (30) comprises: • - a control system (9, 12-13), including processing means, non-volatile memory means and an optical sensor device (9) for acquiring an image of at least one portion of an end wall of the body of a capsule (30), to which there is associated graphical information representing the type of capsule (30); • - mean for heating the fluid (54) and means for feeding the fluid (53), controllable for supplying the fluid to the infusion chamber at a determined temperature and with one of pressure and quantity substantially determined. The processing means are prearranged for controlling at least the heating means and the feeding means to obtain a plurality of possible modes of operation of the machine on the basis of encoded instructions contained in the memory means and of the graphical information representative of the type of capsule. The processing means are prearranged for comparing an image acquired by means of optical sensor device with a plurality of reference images of the different types of capsules that are encoded in the memory means.
A method for the preparation of a liquid product such as coffee by means of hot liquid and/or steam introduced into a cartridge (10) containing a dose of ground coffee envisages introducing the hot liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10) thus bringing about deformation of at least one portion (1420) of a bottom (142) of the cartridge (10) and consequent perforation of the aforesaid bottom (142) by an array of perforating tips (10). The cartridge (10) is set with the bottom (142) facing the array of perforating tips (10) but at a distance therefrom so that the bottom (142), by undergoing deformation, comes into contact with the array of perforating tips (10) with a delay with respect to the start of the action of introduction of the aforesaid hot liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10).
The cartridge (1) according to the invention comprises an envelope (2) having a first and a second end wall (4, 5) connected together by an annular lateral wall (6) and defining an inner chamber (7) containing a quantity or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage. The envelope (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable wall (6a, 5) acting as an inlet for the introduction of a flow of water into the chamber (7) and as an outlet from it respectively for outflow of the beverage from chamber (7). Between the first and the second permeable walls (6a, 5) the envelope (2) has an outwardly projecting annular formation (3g). A portion of the permeable inlet wall (6a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (7) is made in the annular lateral wall (6) of the envelope (2). The annular formation (3g) extends from the second end wall (5) in a direction substantially opposite to the first end wall (4).
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 vapour introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a casing (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12) with a bottom wall (142) through which the liquid product may flow out of the cartridge (10). The bottom wall (142) has, as viewed from outside the cartridge (10) : - a central portion (1420); - a first annular cavity (1422) that surrounds the central portion (1420); - an intermediate annular portion (1424) that surrounds the first annular cavity (1422) and is separated from the latter by a first annular rib (1423); and - a second annular cavity (1426) that surrounds the intermediate annular portion (1424) and is separated from the latter by a second annular rib (1425). The bottom wall (142) has openings (1428) for exit of the liquid product from the cartridge (10), which are localized, for example, in at least one from between, and preferably in both, the aforesaid central portion (1420) and the aforesaid intermediate portion (1424).
The capsule or cartridge (1) comprises 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). Said 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 31/36 - 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 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
65.
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). The jaws (41) are able to assume a relative rest or standby position in which they are close together and inlet portions thereof (41a, 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. Moreover, the jaws (41), adjacent to said coordinated gripping profiles (50), have respective further coordinated gripping profiles (51) able to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (CX) of a further and different type able to be introduced into the machine as well as to splay and pass beyond the inlet portions (41a, 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 31/36 - 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.
SEALED CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE, IN PARTICULAR COFFEE
The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) with a protruding top flange (2a), a lateral wall (2b), a flexible bottom wall (2c), and a flexible cover (3) which is welded to the flange (2a) so as to define a sealed chamber (4) containing a granular material (5), in particular ground roasted coffee, for the preparation of the beverage. The granular material (5) is preliminarily compressed within the chamber (4) so as to form a compact panel, and in the chamber (4) a vacuum is then provided to a degree such that the cover (3) moves towards and tends to adhere to the upper surface of this panel. Between the flange (2a) and the bottom wall (2c) the lateral wall (2b) of the cup-shaped body (2) has an annular step formation (2f) which provides a local reduction in the cross- section of the chamber (4) towards the bottom wall (2c). This step-like formation (2f) is provided closer to the bottom wall (2c) of the cup-shaped body (2) than to the flange (2a) and provides a local reduction in the cross-section of the chamber (4) of at least about 25%. The bottom wall (2c) of the cup-shaped body (2) is able to be deformed under the effect of the fluid introduced into the capsule (1), being displaced away from the cover (3).
The brewing assembly (1 ) comprises a support structure (2) which is operationally stationary and in which is mounted: a movable part (4) including a cup-shaped body (5) in which there is defined a receptacle (6) suitable for receiving a capsule (C) or the like containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage. Said movable part (4) is movable between an open and a closed position. When passing from the closed position to the open position the movable part (4) performs an initial movement away from a 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 31/36 - 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
68.
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 comprises 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
69.
A DELIVERY ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINES FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES VIA CAPSULES
A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) comprises: - a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10); - a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2); - guide means (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40); - an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; and - 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) comprises 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 31/36 - 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
70.
ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HOT WATER AND/OR STEAM
The heating device (1) comprises: an assembly (2-4) which is made of a heat-conducting material and has an associated heating resistor (5) and in which, between inlet and outlet orifices (12), there is defined a passage (7a, 7b) which follows a predetermined path, close to the resistor (5), for a flow of water intended to be heated. The assembly (2-4) comprises a central body (2) having two main opposite surfaces or faces (2a, 2b) to which respective closing shells or covers (3, 4) are connected in a liquid- tight manner. Between each main surface or face (2a, 2b) of the central body (2) and the associated shell or cover (3, 4) there is defined a respective passage which follows a serpentine or labyrinth-like path (7a, 7b). These serpentine or labyrinth-like passages (7a, 7b) communicate with each other by means of a through-hole (10) provided between the main surfaces or faces (2a, 2b) of the central body (2). The heating resistor (5) is provided in the central body (2), between the main surfaces or faces (2a, 2b) such that it is in a heat-exchanging relationship with both the serpentine or labyrinth-like passages (7a, 7b).
The assembly (1) comprises first and second portions (17, 18), at least one (17) of which is movable with respect to the other one (18) between an open position in which a capsule (C) can be introduced therebetween, and a closed position in which this capsule (C) is enclosed in an infusion chamber (19) for the preparation of a beverage. Between these portions (17, 18), the assembly (1) comprises means for positioning the capsule (C), including two opposite, rotatable, gates (23), with which respective resilient opposing means (24) are associated, which tend to keep them in a working position in which they are capable of forming guides or seats (26) for receiving and retaining in an intermediate waiting position a capsule (C). The capsule (C) is able to open the gates (23) and pass beyond them when the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) pass from the open position to the closed position, these gates being capable of preventing a return of the capsule (C) to the intermediate position when the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) return to the open position. The resilient means associated with each of the gates (23) comprise a flexion spring including an essentially L- or V-shaped resilient strip (24), with an outer anchoring portion (24a) fixed to one of the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) in an orientation which is at least approximately parallel to the direction of movement (A-A), and an inner opposing portion (24d) which extends towards the direction of movement (A-A) and bears against the associated gate (23) on the side opposite the corresponding guide or seat (26) for the capsule (C).
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.
DELIVERY ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINES FOR PREPARING LIQUID PRODUCTS VIA CARTRIDGES
A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing liquids product by means of cartridges (10) includes: - an injector device (34), to let water and/or steam under pressure in the cartridge (10), - an infusion chamber (31), facing the injector device (34) and capable of receiving one said cartridge (10), - retention means (42, 47), capable of maintaining the cartridge (10) in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber (31) and the injector device (34). The retention means comprise: - a support element (42) of the cartridge (10), sustained in a displaceable way by the injector device (34) in a part thereof that generally faces towards the outlet passage (41); and - guiding means (47b) mounted in a fixed position at generally opposite side parts of the injector device (34), that frontally protrude from the injector device (34) and are capable of laterally constraining the cartridge (10) to guide it until a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber (31).
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
73.
SYSTEM AND MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES USING CAPSULES
The system comprises a capsule (1) which has first and second end walls (3, 2f) and an annular side wall (2e) and which contains a dose of a substance for preparation of the beverage, and a machine (M) comprising an infusion assembly (G) designed to receive a capsule (1) and having an inlet (30, 31) for supplying a flow of pressurized water to be introduced into the capsule (1), and a delivery outlet (14) for outflow of the beverage formed in the infusion assembly (G) towards a collecting container. The infusion assembly (G) includes a plurality of parts (10-12) which can be moved away from and towards each other and can be sealingly coupled together so as to define as a whole an infusion chamber into which the capsule (1) can be introduced. In at least one (11) of these parts (10-12) of the infusion assembly (G) there is provided a perforation device (21; 121) designed to perforate the capsule (1) arranged in the infusion chamber (20, 22). The infusion chamber (20, 22) is able to define, with respect to a capsule (1) positioned there, an annular interspace (20, 22) in which a transversely protruding portion (2b; 2h) of the side wall of the capsule (1) extends and which can be connected to the supply water inlet (30, 31) and is separated in a liquid-tight manner from the delivery outlet (14). The perforation device comprises an annular perforation member (21; 121) which, in the closed condition of the infusion chamber (20, 22), extends into the interspace (20, 22) and is designed to cause a tear in the protruding portion (2b; 2h) of the wall of the capsule (1) contained inside the chamber (20, 22), such that a flow of pressurized water can be introduced into the capsule (1) through the interspace or gap (20, 22) and said tear.
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
74.
A 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 31/36 - 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 pressure regulation valve (10) for lines for supplying a liquid for the preparation of beverages, for example coffee, includes an input lumen (30) for receiving said liquid and an output lumen (32) for delivering said liquid, as well as an obturator (36) elastically urged against an abutment surface (44). Obturator (36) is displaceable away from abutment surface (44) under the pressure of the inflowing liquid, to allow the flow of liquid through valve (10). Abutment surface (44) is a flared, for example frusto-conical, surface which diverges starting from input lumen (30) towards output lumen (32).
A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges (10) comprises a delivery assembly (30) that includes at least: - one injector device (34), to introduce into a cartridge (10) water and/or steam under pressure; - an infusion chamber (31), facing the injector device (34) and designed to receive the cartridge (10); - an actuation system (35), designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device (34) and the infusion chamber (31), between a spaced position and a close position; - a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct (40) and retention means (42, 47), which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge (10) is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber (31) and to the injector device (34), and a release condition, where the cartridge (10) is free to fall towards an outlet passage (41) of the delivery assembly (30). The injector device (34), the infusion chamber (31), and the retention means (42, 47) are prearranged for obtaining a switching of the retention means (42, 47) from the retention condition to the release condition by means of a relative displacement between the injector device (34) and the infusion chamber (31).
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
77.
DELIVERY ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINES FOR PREPARING LIQUID PRODUCTS VIA CARTRIDGES
A delivery assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: - an injector device (44), capable to introduce into the cartridge (10) water and/or steam under pressure; - an infusion chamber (31) facing the injector device (34) and capable to receive the cartridge (10); - an actuation system (55), designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber (31) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (44); - a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage (50) and retention means (57), switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge (10) by means of displacements of the infusion chamber (31) with respect to the injector device (34). The delivery assembly (30) further comprises ejector means (34, 56), functionally distinct from the retention means (59) and capable of pushing the cartridge (10) towards the outside of the infusion chamber (31) in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber (31) towards its spaced position from the injector device (44).
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
78.
CAPSULE, MACHINE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING BEVERAGE, PARTICULARLY ESPRESSO COFFEE
The capsule (1) comprises a casing (2) having first and second end walls (3, 4) spaced one from the other and interconnected by a lateral wall (5) having an essentially annular shape, and defining an internal chamber (6) containing an amount or dose of a substance (7) for the preparation of a beverage. The casing (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable or pierceable wall portion (5a, 4a), acting as inlet and outlet, respectively, for the introduction of a flow of water into said chamber (6) and the outflow of the beverage from said chamber (6), respectively. An inlet wall portion (5a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (6) is provided in the annular lateral wall (5).
The device comprises a body (2-4) having an inlet passage (7) and an outlet passage (18) for the liquid, and wherein there is defined an internal cavity (8) which by means of a movable intermediate member (9, 12) is divided into a first and second chamber (10, 1 1) which are sealingly separated from one another, preferably by means of a diaphragm member (9). The first chamber (10) is adapted to be put into communication with the inlet passage (7); a resilient member (15) is provided in the second chamber (11) and tends to urge the movable member (9, 12) towards the first chamber (10). The movable member (9, 12) has an associated valve member (16) interacting with an associated valve seat (17) in such a way as to form a valve device (16-18) defining a first orifice with a variable passage cross section between the inlet passage (7) and the outlet passage (18). An adjustable throttle device (20) is positioned substantially in series with the first orifice, between the inlet passage (7) and the outlet passage (18). The aforesaid valve device (16-18) is positioned in the second chamber (1 1), and the inlet passage (7) is also connected to this second chamber. The adjustable throttle device (20) is positioned between the inlet passage (7) and the second chamber (11), upstream of the valve device (16-18).
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 31/38 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side
G05D 7/01 - Control of flow without auxiliary power
80.
AN 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 31/36 - 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) for preparing a liquid product, for example a beverage such as coffee by introducing liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10) contains a dose (12) of at least one substance, such as for example powdered coffee, which is able to form the aforesaid product using said liquid and/or steam. The dose is enclosed between foils (14, 16) that can be traversed by the aforesaid liquid and/or steam, said foils (14, 16) being connected together around the dose (12). The aforesaid foils (14, 16) are made of compostable material, i.e., a material that can be recovered by composting and biodegradation, and are connected together around the dose (12) using a connecting material (30), which is also compostable. The cartridge as a whole can hence be recovered by composting and biodegradation, in compliance with the European Norm UNI EN 13432:2002 and/or subsequent modifications and integrations thereof.
A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance, such as powdered coffee, for preparing a liquid product by means of liquid and/or steam introduced at a given temperature into the cartridge (10) comprises a casing (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12) with a side wall (140) and a bottom wall (142) through which the liquid product flows out from the cartridge (10). The aforesaid bottom wall (142) has a layered structure with: at least one layer (1420) made of a first compostable material designed to undergo softening and/or melting at a temperature ranging between 70°C and 120°C; and - at least one layer (1422) made of a second compostable material that does not undergo appreciable softening and/or melting at said temperature.
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 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
83.
APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR MILK-BASED BEVERAGES, SUCH AS CAPPUCCINO, CHOCOLATE AND THE LIKE
The apparatus (1) comprises: a container (2); a removable cover (3), suitable for closing the container (2); a rotating stirrer (6) which extends inside the container (2) and is provided with an end impeller (8); an electric motor (22), for driving the stirrer (6) via a coupling joint (9, 10, 23, 26); and a hot steam dispensing wand (13) extending inside the container (2) and connectable to the steam source (52) of a coffee machine (CM) via a connection union (12) associated with the cover (3). The electric motor (22) is contained in a housing (21) which is separate and distinct from the cover (3) and is connected or able to be connected to power supply terminals (49, 50) with which the coffee machine (CM) is provided. The cover (3) is designed to support the stirrer (6) rotatably and the inlet fluid connector (12) thereof is able to be directly connected to a steam dispensing fluid union or socket (48) of the coffee machine (CM). The coupling joint comprises first and second coupling members (9, 10; 23, 26) which are separate and distinct from each other and connected to the shaft of the motor (22) and to the end of the stirrer (6) opposite the impeller (8) and close to the cover (3), respectively. The housing (21) and the cover (3) can be coupled together in an operating configuration in which the coupling members (9, 10; 23, 26) allow transmission of the rotation from the motor (22) to the stirrer (6) and in which the fluid inlet union (12) of the cover (3) can be directly connected to a steam dispensing socket (48) of the machine (CM).
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 43/07 - Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
84.
A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING MODES OF OPERATION OF A MACHINE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR COFFEE, BY MEANS OF CARTRIDGES OR CAPSULES
The system comprises - a data input device (T) for inputting data associated with a supply of cartridges or capsules comprised of a predetermined amount of cartridges or capsules (C), and capable of defining a predetermined reference number related to said amount; and - an electronic monitoring and control module (EM), adapted to be associated with a machine (CM) for preparing beverages of the cartridge or capsule kind, and comprising: * a detector (26) adapted to acquire said data; * at least one controlled switch (22), connectable between the electric pump (10) and the associated control switch (5a) of the machine (CM), such that the electric pump (10) can be activated only when said controlled switch (22) is closed, and can be deactivated if said switch (22) is open; * at least one detection terminal (21a) adapted to be connected to the control switch (5a) associated with the electric pump (10) of the machine (CM), to provide an activation signal each time said control switch (5a) is operated to activate the electric pump (10); and * a processing and control unit (25) predisposed for: - driving the controlled switch (22) to allow the activation of the electric pump (10), each time the processing and control unit (25) receives one activation signal; - counting and storing the number of activations of the electric pump (10) corresponding each to the preparation of a beverage by means of a corresponding cartridge or capsule (C); - comparing said number of activations with the reference number; and - performing a predetermined operation as a function of the result of said comparison.
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
85.
APPARATUS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A HOT BEVERAGE, IN PARTICULAR A MILK-BASED BEVERAGE
Apparatus for the preparation of a hot beverage, in particular a milk-based beverage comprising: a structure (1) in which a vessel (R) can be positioned for the preparation of the beverage; a hot steam source (4-7, 16; 30) suitable for supplying a flow of steam into a vessel or container (R; C) a rotary stirring device (10) comprising a rotatable shaft (13) which carries a stirring rotor (14); a control unit (ECU) for bringing about: - the movement of the stirring device (10) between its rest position and its working position; - the activation of the steam source (4-7) and of the stirring device (10) whilst the shaft (13) and the rotor (14) of the latter extend inside a vessel (R) for the preparation of a beverage; and - the activation of the steam source (4-7) and of the stirring device (10) whilst the shaft (13) and the rotor (14) of the latter extend in the cleaning container (C).
The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), that bears a movable receiving assembly (7) capable of receiving a capsule or similar (10), containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6). The movable assembly (7) is able to assume a closed position in which it is coupled with the cooperating assembly (6) to create a brewing chamber, and a separated open position. Between such assemblies (6, 7) there is a gripping device (20) including a pair of movable jaws, capable of assuming a relative retaining position in which they are capable of receiving and retaining a capsule or similar (10) inserted between said assemblies (6, 7) while the latter are in the separated open position. The jaws (21) can be parted by respective pusher members (23) of the movable assembly (7) to release the capsule (10) retained, when the receiving assembly (7) is at least close to the closed position, to allow a capsule (10) to be positioned in the brewing chamber.
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
87.
BREWING APPARATUS FOR A MACHINE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES
The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), and bears a movable receiving assembly (7) provided with a receptacle (9) capable of receiving a capsule (10) or similar, containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6); the cooperating assembly (6) is able to inject water and/or steam into the brewing chamber. An ejection device (20) is provided to eject a used capsule (10) from the region between said assemblies (6, 7) when, after the beverage has been prepared, the movable assembly (7) returns from the closed position to the open position. The ejection device includes an ejecting member (20) mounted pivotingly on the movable assembly close to the receptacle (9) along a path intersecting that region, between an idle position in which it allows a capsule (10) to be inserted into said region, and a working position in which it is able to push a used capsule (10) downwards to eject it from said region, a control mechanism (24; 26-34) on the structure (2) cooperating with the movable assembly (7) to cause the ejecting member (20) to move from the idle position to the working position each time the movable assembly (7) is in a predetermined position when returning to the open 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
88.
MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR COFFEE
The machine (1) comprises a support structure (3), in which the following are provided: a refillable water reservoir (4); a boiler (6) provided with an electric heater (7, 8); a pump (9) for supplying a flow of water from the reservoir (4) to the boiler (6); a first electric connector (5) for connecting the machine (1) to an AC supply voltage source; a dispensing unit (35) which is connected to the boiler (6), for dispensing a flow of hot water and/or steam, and to which the following can be coupled: a dose-holder unit (36) for receiving a dose, pre-packaged or loose, of a substance for the preparation of a beverage; a unit (24) for controlling operation of the machine (1); and at least one operating device (25) which can be operated so as to activate prepara¬ tion of a beverage. The support structure (2, 3) comprises a fixed part (2) and a movable part (3) which can be coupled and uncoupled to/from each other and are provided with respective cooperating means for providing electric and hydraulic connections (12, 16, 17; 13, 20, 21). When the movable part (3) is coupled to the fixed part (2), the machine (1) as a whole is capable of operating with water drawn from the reservoir (4) and using AC electric power. When the movable part (3) is uncoupled from the fixed part (2), this movable part (3) is capable of operating autonomously with water supplied to the boiler (6) via a water inlet means (32) and using DC electric power.
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
The machine (1) comprises a fixed support structure (2) in which there is provided a horizontal hot water and/or steam dispensing head (3) and a movable dose-carrier assembly (4) including a lever member (5), which at one first end (5a) is provided with a receptacle (6) adapted to receive a pre-packaged dose (C) of a substance for the preparation of the beverage, and which at its other or second end is provided with a handle (10). Said handle (10) is manually operable to move the assembly (4) between a position in which it is sealingly coupled with the dispensing head (3) and an uncoupling position, through first guide means (17, 18) which comprise first and second pairs of protruding horizontal formations (17, 18), which are horizontally aligned and opposing each other with respect to an intermediate vertical plane, and second guide means (13, 14) which comprise at least one pair of facing and parallel slits or grooves (13, 14), which extend in respective vertical planes on opposite sides and in which the protruding formations (17, 18) of the first and second pairs are guidedly and slidingly engaged. Said slits or grooves (13, 14) are shaped such that the dose-carrier assembly (4) is manually displaceable from the uncoupling position towards the coupling position by means of an upward displacement of the handle (10) thereof, essentially along an arcuate path having its concavity facing the dispensing head (3).
The machine (1) comprises: a support structure (3) carrying a hot-water dispensing head (5), a capsule-carrying assembly (6), mounted so as to be movable in a first plane in the support structure (3), guide means (9-12) suitable for allowing the capsule-carrying assembly (6) to move between a working position in which the assembly is coupled with the dispensing head (5) and an intermediate position in which the assembly (6) can pivot about a first axis (B-B) perpendicular to the first plane, towards an angular loading position in which it can receive a capsule (2), and an actuating device (14-19) including: an actuator member (14) which is rotatable about a second fixed axis (A-A), parallel to the first axis (B-B), is coupled with the capsule-carrying assembly (6), and can bring about the movement thereof between the working position and the loading position; and at least one arm (16) which is controlled by the actuator member (14) and is provided with a revolving roller (17) which is engaged in a corresponding rolling guide (18) of the capsule-carrying assembly (6), and which is arranged in a second plane parallel to said first plane. The arrangement is such that, when the capsule- carrying assembly (6) is situated between the loading position and the intermediate position, its movement is controlled by means of the revolving roller (17) of the at least one arm (16) and the corresponding guide (18) and, when the capsule-carrying assembly (6) is in a position between the intermediate position and the working position the revolving roller (17) can disengage from the corresponding guide (18) and the at least one arm (16) is coupled directly with the capsule- carrying assembly (6) so that the latter can be urged towards and against the dispensing head (5) directly by the arm (16).
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
The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2). In use, the pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule (1) deforms the first filter sheet (7) in such a way that it moves towards the bottom wall (2f) through the interspaces (5) between the spokes (4), while defining, along the opposite edges of each spoke (4), respective essentially radial channels or passages (10) for the drink to flow towards the openings (6) in the bottom wall (2f).
A machine (1) operating with capsules for the preparation of coffee and other hot beverages is designed to be equipped selectively with a first motorized actuator module (44), which comprises a support (43) and a first electro-mechanical locking assembly (22) mounted on the support (43) so as to form a preassembled interchangeable module, and with a second manually operated actuator module (70), which comprises a second mechanical locking assembly (72) able to be releasably connected to a lever (5) which can be operated by a user so as to be manually actuated by means of the lever (5).
A47J 31/38 - 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 operated by hand
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.
AN INFUSION ASSEMBLY FOR A MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES
The infusion assembly (1) comprises an abutment member (6) and a receiving member (7) which are capable of assuming, in a stationary support and guide structure (2), a spaced opening position as well as an engaged closing position in which they define an infusion chamber. The relative movement of said members (6,7) is controlled by means of an electric linear actuator (14). The receiving member (7) comprises: a first body (108) which is mounted movable in the support and guide structure (2) towards and away from the abutment member (6), and a second body (8), which can be engaged with and disengaged from the first body (108) and in which a cavity (9) is formed, which cavity cooperates so as to define the infusion chamber and can be provided internally with a plurality of perforated needles (27) capable of piercing a wall of a capsule.
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
94.
AN INFUSION ASSEMBLY FOR A MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES
The infusion assembly (1) includes an abutment member (6) and a receiving member (7) adapted to assume, in a stationary support and guide structure (2), a separated open position, as well as a coupled closed position in which an infusion chamber is defined. The relative movement of said members (6, 7) is controlled using an electrical linear actuator (14).
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
95.
CARTRIDGE-HOLDER ASSEMBLY, AND CARTRIDGE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE, PARTICULARLY COFFEE
The cartridge-holder assembly (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) in which there are formed an upper receptacle (3) adapted to receive a cartridge or pod (C) containing a substance (S) for the preparation of the beverage, and a lower duct (7) in communication with said receptacle (3) and intended to convey the beverage towards an underlying collecting container. In said duct (7) there is provided a control valve device (9-15) including a valve seat (11), an associated section-throttling member (12), and a control device (13-15) capable of causing a relative movement of the section- throttling member (12) with respect to the seat (11), between a first and a second working position, to correspondingly vary the cross section of said duct (7) and the rate of the flow of said beverage between a minimum and a maximum value, respectively.
The machine (M) comprises * electric heaters (15, 42) suitable to heat an amount of water for preparing hot beverages to a preset temperature; * a first unit (1) for preparing and delivering a first hot beverage, particularly coffee, including a bearing structure (3) wherein at least one extraction assembly (4) is mounted which is suitable to accommodate a capsule or pod containing a substance for preparing the first beverage, particularly roasted ground coffee, and an underlying movable dispenser (21, 22) which is capable of taking at least first and second delivery positions, and * a second unit (2) for preparing a beverage by means of centrifugation, which is arranged adjacent the first unit (1) and including a vessel (26) to receive an amount of the first beverage from the dispenser (21, 22) of the first unit (1), when this dispenser (21, 22) is in a preset delivery position, and optional further substances, and a motor-driven centrifuge assembly (28) including a stirring member (36) suitable to be introduced into this vessel (26) and be operated therein to stir the contents thereof, the stirring member (36) having a longitudinal duct (39), the outlet thereof ending within the vessel (26).
The present invention refers to a device (1) for loading and ejecting pods/cartridges (C) and the like containing a substantially granular preparation for use in machines for infusions such as coffee and the like, comprising: a support (2); a housing (3) for a cartridge (C), rotatably connected to the support (2); an element (4) for extracting the infusion, connected to the housing (3); and means (5, 6) for locking and supporting the housing (3). The device (1) further comprises ejecting means (31) apt to eject the cartridge (C) from the housing (3); and an element (21) for actuating the ejecting means (31).
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
98.
SEALED CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE, IN PARTICULAR ESPRESSO COFFEE
The capsule (1) is sealed without an internal filter. It comprises a cup-shaped body (2) with an outwardly projecting flange (2a), and a flexible lid (3) welded to the flange (2a) of the cup-shaped body (2) so as to define with the latter a sealed chamber (4) which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and contains a quantity of granular material (5). The granular material (5) is first compressed inside the chamber (4) in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the flange (2a), with a compressive load preferably of between 2 and 50 Kg per cm2 of the average cross-sectional area of the chamber (4), so as to form a compact tablet (5) of said material. A vacuum is formed inside the chamber (4) to a degree such that the lid (3) adheres to the upper surface of the tablet (5).
patents
