Cartridge, a machine, a system and a method for the preparation of beverages

The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. The first part of the brew head comprises a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position. While in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part. A beverage cartridge, a beverage preparation system and a method of preparing a single serving of a filtered beverage are also claimed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application of International Application No. PCT/US2005/026459, filed Jul. 26, 2005, claiming priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. 416705.2, filed Jul. 27, 2004.

The present invention relates to a cartridge, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide machines and systems for the preparation of single servings of beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate from cartridges contained a pre-measured quantity of one or more beverage ingredients. The strength of the beverage dispensed can be varied by diluting the ingredients or the brewed composition using a supply of water. However, with some beverages such as coffee there is a demand for stronger beverages and or larger quantities of beverage in a single serving. Attempts have been made to provide concentrated beverage ingredients, in granular or liquid form, to allow larger and or stronger beverages to be dispensed from a cartridge of fixed volume. However these attempts have generally not proved successful due in part to differences in taste between granular and liquid based, composition and compositions based on roasted and ground ingredients. Another solution is simply to use larger cartridges for larger volume beverages. However, this normally requires the use of a separate machine for each cartridge size or the utilisation of complicated clamping mechanisms which can adopt separate modes for clamping different cartridges. This results in expensive arrangements which can be difficult to operate.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges, the brew head comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from on open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts, the first part of the brew head comprising a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way-towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position, wherein in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part.

Advantageously, the clamping arrangement of the present invention allows for a simplified arrangement which accommodates beverage cartridges of various sizes using a single mode of operation. This results in a machine which is easier to operate. In addition the mechanism is inexpensive and not prone to breakdown since the mechanism does not need to be altered or adjusted to accommodate different sized cartridges. The use of a fixed distance between the clamping member and the second part results in a uniform compressive force being applied to the cartridges irrespective of their size. This improves the consistency of operation of the machine.

Preferably the clamping member is located at or near a centre of the first part so as to clamp a beverage cartridge received in the brew head at or near a centre thereof.

Preferably the clamping member comprises an extension which co-operates in use with a recess of the beverage cartridge.

The brew head space may have a volume of greater than 50 ml. The brew head space may have a height of between 15 and 30 mm.

In one aspect the clamping member extends towards the second part a distance between 50 and 70% of the height of the brew space. The clamping member may extend towards the second part a distance of approximately 60% of the height of the brew space.

In use, beverage cartridges of at least too heights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part.

The present invention also provides a beverage cartridge comprising a storage volume containing one or more beverage ingredients and comprising an outer surface having an elongated recess which extends towards an opposed surface of the cartridge a distance between 50 and 70% of the height of the beverage cartridge, the recess being suitable for receiving in use a clamping member of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the recess defines a clamping surface for said clamping member.

The storage volume for one or more beverage ingredients may be between 40 and 60 ml. In one aspect the storage volume for the one or more beverage ingredients is greater than or equal to 50 ml.

The height of the cartridge may be greater than 25 mm.

The present invention further provides a beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine as described above and a plurality of beverage cartridges of various heights, wherein each of said beverage cartridges comprises a first clamping surface on a first side of the beverage cartridge and a second clamping surface on an opposed side of the beverage cartridge, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces of each of the beverage cartridges are separated by a uniform distance equal to or marginally greater than the distance between the clamping member and the second part of the beverage preparation machine when in a closed position.

Preferably each of the beverage cartridges comprises a recess on the first side thereof and the first clamping surface is provided at or near a bottom of said recess.

Preferably, with the first and second parts of the brew head in the closed position, the clamping member is extendable within the recess such that the distal end of the clamping member is contactable with the first clamping surface.

In one aspect the brew head space may be greater than 50 ml.

Preferably the beverage cartridges comprise cartridges of at least two heights which may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part.

In one aspect the beverage cartridges comprise a first cartridge type of a first height and storage volume and a second cartridge type of a second height and storage volume greater than the first cartridge type. Preferably the first cartridge type has a height of less than 18 mm and a storage volume of less than 35 ml. Preferably the second cartridge type has a height of greater than 25 mm and a storage volume of greater than or equal to 35 ml.

The present invention further provides a method of dispensing a single serving of a filtered beverage comprising the steps of:

providing a beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients suitable for brewing in a storage volume;

passing an aqueous medium through the one or more beverage ingredients to thereby form a filtered beverage;

dispensing said filtered beverage from the cartridge into a receptacle;

wherein the storage volume of the beverage cartridge is between 40 and 60 ml;

wherein the volume of the dispensed beverage is greater than 400 ml.

The volume of the dispensed beverage may be greater than 600 ml. The volume of the dispensed beverage may be greater than 700 ml. Preferably the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee. Also, instant coffee, instant tea or leaf tea may be used.

Optionally the method further comprises the steps of:

providing a second beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients suitable for foaming in a storage volume;

passing an aqueous medium through the one or more beverage ingredients to thereby form a foamed beverage portion;

dispensing said foamed beverage portion from the cartridge into a receptacle to thereby form a cappuccino-style beverage;

wherein the storage volume of the second beverage cartridge is between 40 and 60 ml; and

wherein the volume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion is greater than 200 ml.

The volume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion may be greater than 300 ml. The foamable beverage ingredient may comprise a liquid milk or milk-based product or chocolate-based products.

In the following description the terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalents should be understood to refer to the cartridge (or other components) in its normal orientation for insertion into the beverage preparation machine and subsequent dispensing. In addition, the terms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents should be understood to refer to relative positions in the cartridge (or other components) being, respectively, nearer or further from a centre or major axis X of the cartridge (or other component).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Beverage Preparation System

A beverage preparation machine201of the beverage preparation system of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1ato9b. The beverage preparation machine201generally comprises a housing210containing a water tank220, a water heater225, a water pump230, an air compressor235, a control processor, a user interface240and a brew head250. The brew head250in turn generally comprises a holder251, recognition means252and inlet and outlet piercers253,254.

The beverage preparation machine201is designed to be capable of dispensing beverage ingredients from inserts in the form of cartridges1such as that illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 22.

Cartridges for use in the System

FIGS. 10 to 21illustrate a first embodiment of the cartridge1. The cartridge1generally comprises an outer member2, an inner member3and a laminate5. The outer member2, inner member3and laminate5are assembled to form the cartridge1which has an interior120for containing one or more beverage ingredients, an inlet121, an outlet122and a beverage flow path linking the inlet121to the outlet122and which passes through the interior120. The inlet121and outlet122are initially sealed by the laminate5and are opened in use by piercing or cutting of the laminate5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatial inter-relationships between the outer member2, inner member3and laminate5as discussed below. Other components may optionally be included in the cartridge1, such as a filter4, as will be described further below.

The cartridge1is particularly designed for use in dispensing filtered products such as roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. However, the cartridge1may be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages, flavoured milk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.

As can be seen fromFIG. 15, the overall shape of the cartridge1is generally circular or disc-shaped with the diameter of the cartridge1being significantly greater than its height. A major axis X passes through the centre of the outer member as shown inFIG. 11. Typically the overall diameter of the outer member2is 68.5 mm±6 mm and the overall height is 16 mm±3 mm. Typically the volume of the cartridge1when assembled is 30.2 ml±20%.

The outer member2generally composes a bowl-shaped shell10having a curved annular wall13, a closed top11and an open bottom12. The diameter of the outer member2is smaller at the top11compared to the diameter at the bottom12, resulting from a flaring of the annular wall13as one traverses from the closed top11to the open bottom12. The annular wall13and closed bottom11together define a receptacle having an interior34.

A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension18is provided in the closed top11centred on the major axis X. As more clearly shown inFIG. 12, the interior surface of the cylindrical extension18comprises a stepped profile having first, second and third portions19,20and21. The first portion19is right circular cylindrical. The second portion20is frusto-conical in shape and is inwardly tapered. The third portion21is another right circular cylinder and is closed off by a lower face31. The diameter of the first, second and third portion19,20and21incrementally decreases such that the diameter of the cylindrical extension18decreases as one traverses from the top11to the closed lower fate31of the cylindrical extension18. A generally horizontal shoulder32is formed on the cylindrical extension18at the junction between the second and third portions20and21. From the outside, the cylindrical extension18forms a recess in the outer surface of the cartridge. A clamping surface18ais provided by the bottom of the recess as shown inFIG. 12. The use of the clamping surface18awill be described below.

An outwardly extending shoulder33is formed in the outer member2towards the bottom12. The outwardly extending shoulder33forms a secondary wall15co-axial with the annular wall13so as to define an annular track forming a manifold16between the secondary wall15and the annular wall13. The manifold16passes around the circumference of the outer member2. A series or slots17are provided in the annular wall13level with the manifold16to provide gas and liquid communication between the manifold16and the interior34of the outer member2. As shown inFIG. 13, the slots17comprise vertical slits in the annular wall13. Between20and40slots are provided. In the embodiment shown thirty-seven slots17are provided generally equi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold16. The slots17are preferably between 1.4 and 1.8 mm in length. Typically the length of each slot is 1.6 mm representing 10% of the overall height of the outer member2. The width of each slot is between 0.25 and 0.33 mm. Typically, the width of each slot is 0.3 mm. The width of the slots17is sufficiently narrow to prevent the beverage ingredients passing therethrough into the manifold16either during storage or in use.

An inlet chamber26is formed in the outer member2at the periphery of the outer member2. A cylindrical wall27is provided, as most clearly shown inFIG. 15, which defines the inlet chamber26within, and partitions the inlet chamber26from, the interior34of the outer member2. The cylindrical wall27has a closed upper face28which is formed on a plane perpendicular to the major axis X and an open lower end29co-planar with the bottom12of the outer member2. The inlet chamber26communicates with the manifold16via two slots30as shown inFIG. 11. Alternatively, between one and four slots may be used to communicate between the manifold16and the inlet chamber26.

A lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder33is provided with an outwardly extending flange35which extends perpendicularly to the major axis X. Typically the flange35has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. A portion of the flange35is enlarged to form a handle24by which the outer member2may be held. The handle24is provided with an upturned rim25to improve grip.

The outer member2is formed as a single integral piece from high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or a laminate of two or more of these materials. A suitable polypropylene is the range of polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, United Kingdom). The outer member may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The manufacturing process may be injection moulding.

The inner member3as shown inFIGS. 17 to 20, comprises an annular frame41and a downwardly extending cylindrical funnel40. A major axis X passes through the centre of the inner member3as shown inFIG. 17.

As best shown inFIG. 18, the annular frame41comprises an outer rim51and an inner hub52joined by ten equi-spaced radial spokes53. The inner hub52is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel40. Filtration apertures55are formed in the annular frame41between the radial spokes53. A filter4is disposed on the annular frame41so as to cover the filtration apertures55. The filter is preferably made from a material with a high wet strength, for example a non-woven fibre material of polyester. Other materials which may be used include a water-impermeable cellulosic material, such as a cellulosic material comprising woven paper fibres. The woven paper fibres may be admixed with fibres of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and/or polyethylene. The incorporation of these plastic materials into the cellulosic material renders the cellulosic material heat-sealable. The filter4may also be treated or coated with a material which is activated by heat and/or pressure so that it can be sealed to the annular frame41in this way.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile ofFIG. 17, the inner hub52is located at a lower position than the outer rim51, resulting in the annular frame41having a sloping lower profile.

The upper surface of each spoke53is provided with an upstanding web54which divides a void space above the annular frame41into a plurality of passages57. Each passage57is bounded on either side by a web54and on a lower face by the filter4. The passages57extend from the outer rim51downwardly towards, and open into, the cylindrical funnel40at openings56defined by the inner extremities of the webs54.

The cylindrical funnel40comprises an outer tube42surrounding an inner discharge spout43. The outer tube42forms the exterior of the cylindrical funnel40. The discharge spout43is joined to the outer tube42at an upper end of the discharge spout43by means of an annular flange47. The discharge spout43comprises an inlet45as an upper end which communicates with the openings56of the passages57and an outlet44at a lower end through which the prepared beverage is discharged into a cup or other receptacle. The discharge spout43comprises a frusto-conical portion48at an upper end and a cylindrical portion58at a lower end. The cylindrical portion58may have a slight taper such that it narrows towards the outlet44. The frusto-conical portion48helps to channel beverage from the passages57down towards the outlet44without inducing turbulence to the beverages. An upper surface of the frusto-conical portion48is provided with four support webs49equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel40. The support webs49define channels50therebetween. The upper edges of the support webs49are level with one another and perpendicular to the major axis X.

The inner member3may be formed as a single integral piece from polypropylene or a similar material as described above and by injection moulding in the same manner as the outer member2.

Alternatively, the inner member3and/or the outer member2may be made from a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials include degradable polyethylene (for example, SPITEK supplied by Symphony Environmental, Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyester amide (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), poly lactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

The laminate5is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminium and a second layer of cast polypropylene. The aluminium layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm in thickness. The cast polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm in thickness. In one embodiment the aluminium layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm thick. This laminate is particularly advantageous as it has a high resistance to curling during assembly. As a result the laminate5may be pre-cut to the correct size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assembly station on the production line without undergoing distortion. Consequently, the laminate5is particularly well suited to welding. Other laminate materials may be used including PET/Aluminium/PP, PE/EVOH/PP, PET/metallised/PP and Aluminium/PP laminates. Roll laminate stock may be used instead of die cut stock.

The cartridge1may be closed by a rigid or semi-rigid lid instead of a flexible laminate.

Assembly of the cartridge1involves the following steps:a) the inner member3is inserted into the outer member2;b) the filter4is cut to shape and placed onto the inner member3so to be received over the cylindrical funnel40and come to rest against the annular frame41;c) the inner member3, outer member2and filter4are joined by ultrasonic welding;d) the cartridge1is filled with one or more beverage ingredients;e) the laminate5is affixed to the outer member2.

These steps will be discussed in greater detail below.

The outer member2is orientated with the open bottom12directed upwards. The inner member3is then inserted into the outer member2with the outer rim51being received as a loose fit in an axial extension14at top11of the cartridge1. The cylindrical extension18of the outer member2is at the same time received in the upper portion of the cylindrical funnel40of the inner member3. The third portion21of the cylindrical extension18is seated inside the cylindrical funnel40with the closed lower face31of the cylindrical extension18bearing against the support webs49of the inner member3. The filter4is then placed over the inner member3such that the filter material contacts the annular rim51. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to join the filter4to the inner member3and at the same time, and in the same process step, the inner member3to the outer member2. The inner member3and filter4are welded around the outer rim51. The inner member3and outer member2are joined by means of weld lines around the outer rim51and also the upper edges of the webs54.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 21, the outer member2and inner member3when joined together define a void space130in the interior120below the annular flange41and exterior the cylindrical funnel40which forms a filtration chamber. The filtration chamber130and passages57above the annular frame41are separated by the filter paper4.

The filtration chamber130contains the one or more beverage ingredients230. The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into the filtration chamber130. For a filtered style beverage the ingredient is typically roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. The density of packing of the beverage ingredients in the filtration chamber130can be varied as desired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product the filtration chamber of the first embodiment of cartridge contains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams of roast and ground coffee in a filtration bed of thickness of typically 5 to 14 mm. Optionally, the interior120may contain one or more bodies, such as spheres, which are freely movable within the interior120to aid mixing by inducing turbulence and breaking down deposits of beverage ingredients during discharge of the beverage.

The laminate5is then affixed to the outer member2by forming a weld126around the periphery of the laminate5to join the laminate5to the lower surface of the outwardly extending flange35. The weld126is extended to seal the laminate5against the lower edge of the cylindrical wail27of the inlet chamber26. Further, a weld125is formed between the laminate5and the lower edge of the outer tube42of the cylindrical funnel40. The laminate5forms the lower wall of the filtration chamber130and also seals the inlet chamber26and cylindrical funnel40. However, a small gap123exists prior to dispensation between the laminate5and the lower edge of the discharge spout43. A variety of welding methods may be used, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, depending on the material characteristics of the laminate5.

Advantageously, the inner member3spans between the outer member2and the laminate5. The inner member3is formed from a material of relative rigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member3forms a load-bearing member that acts to keep the laminate5and outer member2spaced apart when the cartridge1is compressed. It is preferred that the cartridge1is subjected to a compressive load of between 130 and 280N in use. The compressive force acts to prevent the cartridge failing under internal pressurisation and also serves to squeeze the inner member and outer member2together. This ensures that the internal dimensions of passageways and apertures in the cartridge1are fixed and unable to change during pressurisation of the cartridge1.

As shown inFIG. 21, the clamping surface18aat the bottom of the recess in the upper surface of the outer member2and the bottom surface of the laminate5are separated by a distance d which is fixed by the relative dimensions of the inner member3and outer member2.

To use the cartridge1it is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine (as will be described below) and the inlet121and outlet122are opened by piercing members of the beverage preparation machine which perforate and fold back the laminate5. An aqueous medium, typically water, under pressure enters the cartridge1through the inlet121into the inlet chamber26at a pressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar. From there the water is directed to flow through the slots30and round the manifold16and into the filtration chamber130of the cartridge1through the plurality of slots17. The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration chamber130and mixes with the beverage ingredients200contained therein. The water is at the same time forced upwardly through the beverage ingredients. The beverage formed by passage of the water through the beverage ingredients passes through the filter4and filtration apertures55into the passages57lying above the annular frame41. The sealing of the filter4onto the spokes53and the welding of the rim51with the outer member2ensures that there are no short-circuits and all the beverage has to pass through the filter4.

The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial passages57formed between the webs54and through the openings56and into the cylindrical funnel40. The beverage passes along the channels50between the support webs47and down the discharge spout43to the outlet44where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup.

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purge facility, wherein compressed air is forced through the cartridge1at the end of the dispense cycle to flush out the remaining beverage into the receptacle.

The cartridge1is provided on the laminate with a barcode320as shown inFIG. 10. The barcode320is formed from a plurality of bars of contrasting colour. Preferably the bars are black on a white background to maximise the contrast. The barcode320is not required to conform to a published standard but a standard format for barcodes, such as EAN-13, UPC-A, or Interleaf 2 of 5 may be used.

FIG. 22shows a second embodiment of beverage cartridge1according to the present invention. Like components between the first and second embodiments have been referenced with like numerals. Many of the components and functions of the second embodiment of cartridge1are the same as for the first embodiment. However, it can be seen fromFIG. 22that the cartridge has a greater overall height compared to the cartridge shown inFIG. 21. The outer member2is taller and thereby defines a larger void space130in which a larger quantity of beverage ingredients can be stored. The second embodiment of cartridge is therefore suitable for dispensing larger volumes of beverage. The diameter of the outer member2and cartridge1are the same as in the first embodiment. Typically the storage volume of the cartridge1when assembled is 50 to 58 ml±20%. As with the first embodiment, the upper surface of the outer member2is provided with a recess having a clamping surface18alocated at a bottom thereof. According to the present invention, the separation, d, between surface18aand the underside of the laminate5is the same as for the first embodiment. As a result, the elongated recess extends approximately 60% of the distance towards the laminate5. This advantageously allows for a simplified clamping arrangement to be used as described below.

The first and second embodiments of cartridge1described above are given as examples of the type of cartridge that embody the present invention. Other cartridges of a similar type may be provided, in particular with different inner members3which are suitable for dispensing other beverage types, for example foamed milk, espresso-style coffee and chocolate.

Beverage Preparation Machine

As shown inFIG. 1athe housing210contains and holds in position the other components of the machine201. The housing210preferably made in whole or in part from a robust plastics material such as ABS. Alternatively, the housing210can be made in whole or in part from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminium. The housing210preferably comprises a clam-shell design having a front half211and a rear half212which allow access during assembly for fitting of the machine201components and can afterwards be joined together to define an interior213of the housing210. The rear half212provides a recess214for the attachment of the water tank220. The housing210is formed with means, such as detents, abutments, bosses and threaded portions, for retaining the components of the machine201in position without the need for a separate chassis. This reduces the overall cost and weight of the machine201. A base215of the housing210is preferably provided with feet for standing the machine thereon in a stable manner. Alternatively, the base215itself may have a shape forming a stable support.

The front half211of the housing210comprises a dispense station270where dispensation of the beverage takes place. The dispense station270comprises a receptacle stand271having a hollow interior forming a drip tray272. An upper surface273of the receptacle stand is provided with a grill274on which the receptacle is positioned. The drip tray272is removable from the housing210to ease emptying of the collected water. A recess275is formed in the front half of the housing210above the receptacle stand271to accommodate the dimensions of the receptacle.

The brew head250is located towards the top of the housing210above the receptacle stand as shown inFIGS. 1aand1b. Preferably, the height of the grill274relative to the brew head250can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of receptacle. It is preferred that the receptacle is as close to the brew head250as possible, whilst still allowing the receptacle to be inserted and withdrawn from the dispense station270, so as to minimise the height that the dispensed beverage has to descend before contacting the receptacle. This acts to minimise spraying and splashing of the beverage and minimise loss of entrained air bubbles where these are present. Preferably receptacles of between 70 mm and 110 mm in height can be inserted between the grill274and brew head250.

The machine user interface240is located on the front of the housing210and comprises a start/stop button241, and a plurality of status indicators243-246.

The status indicators243-246preferably include a light emitting diode (LED)243to indicate readiness of the machine201, a LED244to indicate if an error has occurred in the machine201operation, and one or more LEDs245-255to indicate whether the machine201is operating in manual or automatic modes. The LEDs243-246may be controlled to illuminate at a constant intensity, to flash intermittently, or both depending on the status of the machine201. The LEDs243-246may have a variety of colours including green, red and yellow.

The start/stop button241controls commencement of the dispense cycle and is a manually operated push-button, switch or similar.

A volume adjustment control may be provided to allow a user of the machine201to manually adjust the volume of the delivered beverage without altering the other operating characteristics. Preferably the volume adjustment control allows an adjustment in volume of plus or minus 20%. The volume adjustment control may be a rotary knob, a linear slider, a digital readout with increment and decrement buttons, or similar. More typically, volume is controlled by a user operating the start/stop button241.

A manual power switch (not shown) may be provided on the machine201. Alternatively, power supply can be controlled simply by insertion or removal or the power supply plug from the mains power supply.

The water tank220is located to the rear of the housing210and is connected to the rear half212of the housing210. The water tank220comprises a generally cylindrical body221which may be right circular or a frustum as desired for aesthetic reasons. The tank comprises an inlet for filling the tank with water which is closed off in use by a manually removable lid222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end of the tank which communicates with the water pump230. The water tank220may be made from a transparent or translucent material to allow a consumer to view the quantity of water remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the water tank220may be made from an opaque material but have provided a viewing window therein. In addition, or in place of the above, the water tank220may be provided with a low level sensor which prevents operation of the water pump230and optionally triggers a warning indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank descends to a preselected level. The water tank220preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 liters.

The water pump230is operatively connected between the water tank220and the water heater225as shown schematically inFIG. 8and is controlled by the control processor. The pump provides a maximum flow rate of 900 ml/min of water at a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. Preferably, in normal use, the pressure will be limited to 2 bar. The flow rate of water through the machine201can be controlled by the control processor to be a percentage of the maximum flow rate of the pump by cycle chopping the electrical supply to the pump. Preferably the pump can be driven at any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum rated flow rate. The accuracy of the volume of water pumped is preferably + or −5% leading to a + or −5% accuracy in the final volume of the dispensed beverage. A suitable pump is the Evolution® EP8 pump produced by Ulka S.r.l. (Pavia, Italy). A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flow line either upstream or downstream of the water pump230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor is a rotary sensor.

The water heater225is located in the interior of the housing210. The heater225has a power rating of 1550 W and is able to heat water received from the water pump230from a starting temperature of approximately 20° C. to an operating temperature of around 85° C. in under 1 minute. Preferably the dwell time between the end of one dispense cycle and the heater225being able to commence a subsequent dispense cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature to within + or −2° C. during the dispense cycle. The water for the dispense cycle may be delivered to the brew head250at 83° C. or 93° C. The heater225is able to quickly adjust the delivery temperature to either 83° C. or 93° C. from a nominal water temperature of 85° C. The heater225comprises an over-temperature cut-off which shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98° C. Water output from the heater225is fed to the brew head250by means of a three-way valve. If the pressure of the water flow is acceptable the water is passed to the cartridge1. If the pressure is below or above predetermined limits then the water is diverted by means of the three-way valve into the drip tray recovery receptacle270.

The air compressor235is operatively connected to the brew head250by means of a one-way valve and controlled by the control processor. The air compressor235provides a maximum flow rate of air of 500 ml/min at 1.0 bar. In use a working volume of 35 ml is pressurised to 2.0 bar. Preferably, the air compressor235can produce two flow rates: a fast (or maximum) flow rate and a slow flow rate.

The control processor of the beverage preparation machine201comprises a processing module and a memory. The control processor is operatively connected to, and controls operation of, the water heater225, tracer pump230, air compressor235and user interface240.

The memory of the control processor includes one or more variables for one or more operational parameters for the beverage preparation machine201. The operational parameters are the temperature of the water passed through the beverage cartridge1during the operating stage, the speed of charging the beverage cartridge1, the presence or otherwise of a soak step, the total dispensed volume of the beverage, the flow rate of the water during the discharge stage, and the flow rate and period of the purge stage.

The variables for the operational Parameters are stored in the memory. The cartridge1comprises a code provided on or in the cartridge1representing the operational parameters required for optimal dispensation of the beverage in that cartridge1. The code is in binary format and comprises a plurality of data bits corresponding to the variables stored in the control processor memory.

The brew head250is shown inFIGS. 4 to 7. The holder251of the brew head250comprises a fixed lower part255, a rotatable upper part256and a pivotable cartridge mount257positioned inbetween the fixed lower part255and the rotatable upper part256. The upper part256, lower part255and cartridge mount257are rotated about a common hinge axis258.FIGS. 4 to 7show the holder251with some components of the machine201omitted for clarity.

The rotatable upper part256and pivotable cartridge mount257are moved relative to the fixed lower part255by means of a clamping mechanism280. The clamping mechanism280comprises a clamping lever having first and second members or parts281and282. The first part281of the clamping lever comprises a U-shaped arm which is pivotably mounted to the upper part256at two first pivot points283, one on each side of the holder251.

The second part of the clamping lever comprises two over-centre arms282, one on each side of the holder251which are each pivotably mounted to the upper part256at a second pivot point285located on the hinge axis258coupling the upper part256to the fixed lower part255. Each over-centre arm282is a reciprocal member comprising a cylinder282a, a stem282band a resilient sleeve282c. The cylinder282ahas an internal bore and is rotatably mounted at one end at the hinge axis258. A first end of the stem282bis slidingly received in the bore of the cylinder282a. The opposite end of the stem282bis rotatably mounted to the U-shaped arm281at a third pivot point286. The third pivot points286are unconnected to, and freely moveable relative to, the upper part256and lower part255. The resilient sleeve282cis mounted externally on the stem282band extends, in use, between abutment surfaces on the cylinder282aand stem282b. The resilient sleeve282caccommodates shortening of the over-centre arm282but biases the over-centre arm282into an extended configuration. Movement of the third pivot points286towards and away from the hinge axis258is thus possible by relative movement of the stems282bin the cylinders282a. The resilient sleeves292care preferably formed from silicone. Whilst the illustrated embodiment uses two over-centre arms282, it will be apparent that the closure mechanism may be configured with only one over-centre arm282.

The U-shaped arm281extends around the front of the holder251and comprises two downwardly dependant hook members287, one on each side of the holder251, each comprising a cam, surface288facing the hinge axis258. The fixed lower part255of the holder251is provided with to bosses259, or detents, located one on each side of the lower part255at or near a front edge260thereof aligned generally with the hook members287.

As shown inFIG. 4, the U-shaped arm281may be formed from a one piece plastics moulding comprising an ergonomic hand grip and the hook members281integral to the arm.

The cartridge mount257is rotatably mounted between the upper and lower parts255,256of the holder251. The mount257is provided with a substantially circular recess290which receives in use the beverage cartridge1. The recess290includes an irregularity291for accommodating the handle portion24of the beverage cartridge1which also acts to prevent rotation of the beverage cartridge1in the holder251. The cartridge mount257is sprung relative to the fixed lower part255such that in the open position, as shown inFIG. 7, the cartridge mount257is biased out of contact with the fixed lower part255so that the cartridge mount257is moved out of contact with the outlet and inlet piercer members254,253. The cartridge mount257is provided with an aperture292for receiving therethrough the inlet and outlet piercers253,254and a head300of the cartridge recognition means252when the cartridge mount257is moved into the closed position.

The upper part255comprises a generally circular body310housing a circular viewing window312through which a consumer can view the beverage cartridge1during a dispense cycle and also visually confirm whether a cartridge1is loaded in the machine201. The viewing window312is cup-shaped having a downwardly directed rim311. In addition, according to the present invention, the viewing window312is provided with a clamping member in the form of an inwardly directed tubular extension500as shown inFIG. 7. The extension500is directed towards the lower part256and lies within the volume of the brew head when in the closed position as shown inFIG. 6. The viewing window312is able to move axially relative to the body310of the upper part255. One arrangement of accomplishing the relative movement is to provide a wave spring (not shown), or similar resilient means such as a rubberised ring, positioned between the viewing window312and the circular body310. In an alternative arrangement, a series of helical compression springs (not shown) are provided extending between the viewing window312and the body310. In both cases the resilient means allows the viewing window312to move axially relative to the circular body310by a small degree.

When the holder251is in the closed position, a distal end501of the tubular extension500of viewing window312bears against the clamping surface18aof the beverage cartridge1biasing it against the lower part256as shown inFIG. 6(in which the arrangement is illustrated containing a cartridge according to the second embodiment previously described). The pressure exerted by the tubular extension500on the outer member2ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge1and the holder251. It should be noted that the height of the viewing window312and hence also the brew head is such that cartridges of various heights can be inserted. InFIG. 6the arrangement is shown with the relative tall cartridge of the second embodiment described above. The same brew head can also accommodate the shorter cartridge of the first embodiment. In this case there will be a gap between the upper surface11or the cartridge1and the window312. However the cartridge1is fully sealed at inlet and outlet by the pressure applied by the tubular extension500.

The lower part255comprises the inlet and outlet piercers253,254and the head300of the cartridge recognition means252. The inlet piercer253comprises a hollow needle-like tube260having a sharpened end261for perforating the laminate5of the beverage cartridge1in use. The inlet piercer253is in fluid communication with a water conduit262as shown inFIG. 7which passes through the lower part255and is connected to an outlet conduit263of the water heater225. The outlet piercer254is similar in type to the outlet piercer described in the applicants's European patents EP 0 389 141 and EP 0 334 572 and comprises an open ended cylinder264of circular or D-shaped cross-section having dimensions larger than the discharge spout43. An arcuate portion265of the upper end of the outlet piercer254is serrated to pierce and eventually cut the laminate of the beverage cartridge1. The remainder of the upper end is cut back longitudinally of the cylinder at least to the base of the teeth266of the serrated portion to fold or pull the cut laminate5away from the outlet aperture before the beverage is dispensed therethrough. The outlet piercer254pierces the laminate5externally of the discharge spout43and when the cartridge mount257is in the closed position, rests in the annulus between the discharge spout43and the outer wait42of the discharge funnel40. The outlet piercer254folds back the cut laminate105into the annulus. Thereby both the outlet piercer254and the cat laminate105are held out of the way of the discharged beverage.

The outlet piercer254is surrounded by a ledge254awhich is raised relative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.

Advantageously, the outlet piercer254is removable from the lower part255to enable it to be thoroughly cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. The removable outlet piercer254is received in a recess267in the lower part255where it is seated. The inlet piercer253and/or the outlet piercer254may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, or from a plastics material. Advantageously, the use of plastic cutting elements is enabled by use of a laminate5which is able to be punctured and cut by a non-metallic material. Consequently, the piercers253,254can be made less sharp which lowers the risk of injury to the consumer. In addition, plastic piercing elements are not prone to rust. Preferably, the inlet piercer253and the outlet piercer24are formed as a single, integral unit which is removable from the lower part255.

In use, the upper part256of the holder251is movable from an open position in which it is orientated vertically or towards the vertical as shown inFIG. 1b, to a closed position in which it is orientated substantially horizontally and in interengagement with the fixed lower part255and cartridge mount257. The upper part256is moved from the open to the closed positions by operation of the clamping lever. To close the upper part256a user takes hold of the clamping lever by the U-shaped arm281and pulls downwards. Consequently, the upper part256rotates which first brings the tubular extension500of the viewing window312into contact with the clamping surface18aof the beverage cartridge1. Continued rotation of the upper part256rotates the upper part256and cartridge mount257down into contact with the lower part255. Further rotation of the U-shaped arm281causes the U-shaped arm281to rotate relative to the upper part256and the lower part255resulting in the hook members287of the upper part256engaging the bosses259of the lower part255with the cam surface288riding over the bosses259. During this last stage of rotation the cartridge1is compressed between the cartridge mount257and the viewing window312. As a result, the viewing window312is moved axially slightly relative to the circular body310of the upper part256against the bias of the wave spring or helical springs. This movement allows for a take up of tolerances in the beverage cartridge1and beverage preparation machine and ensures that the amount of compressive force applied to the cartridge is kept within an acceptable range. The clamping force of the mechanism as moderated by the action of the wave spring or helical springs ensures a clamping pressure on the cartridge. It has been found that a pressure of between 50N and 280N is required. It will be noted that a lower pressure level is possible with this arrangement without a deleterious effect on the sealing of the cartridge1. During closure of the brew head the laminate5of the cartridge1is tensioned as it is brought into contact with the ledge254asurrounding the outlet piercer254which causes the laminate5to flex out of plane as the distal end of the outer tube42of the cylindrical funnel is moved upwardly by 0.5 mm relative to the flange35. This movement also ensures that the great majority of the compressive force applied to the cartridge acts through the central region of the cartridge1through the load-bearing inner member3. These clamping forces help prevent failure of the cartridge1during pressurisation and also ensure that the inner member3and outer member2are fully seated relative to one another and thus that all internal passageways and apertures remain at their intended dimensions even during internal pressurisation.

In the closed position, the separation of the distal end501of the tubular extension500and the lower part256is shown by reference D inFIG. 6. This distance is fixed by the dimensions of the viewing window312, body310and lower part256. The distance D is chosen to be the same or marginally smaller than the distance d between the clamping surface18aand laminate under surface of the cartridges1. In this way, on closure of the brew head the cartridges1are subjected to a fixed, known degree of compression. In addition, both the first and second embodiments or cartridge can be clamped with the same degree of compression since distance d is the same for both cartridge types.

An imaginary datum line can be drawn between the first and second pivot points283,285of the holder251. As can be seen inFIG. 7, in the open position the third pivot points286are located on the side of the datum ling nearest the fixed lower part255. As the upper part256reaches the closed position, the third pivot points286of the clamping lever pass through the datum line joining the first and second pivot points283,285to the opposite side of the line, furthest from the fixed lower part255. Consequently, the U-shaped arm281‘snaps through’ from a first stable position to a second stable position. The snap through action is accommodated by shortening of the over-centre arms282and consequential compression of the resilient sleeves282c. Once the third pivot points286are past the imaginary datum line then recovery of the resilient sleeves282cacts to continue the motion of the third pivot points286away from the imaginary datum line. The clamping lever thus has a bi-stable operation in that the lever is stable in the open or closed positions but unstable at the point when the third pivot points286lie on the imaginary datum line joining the first and second pivot points283,285. Thus, the snap-through action of the clamping lever provides a positive closure mechanism which leads to a definite closure action wherein in the final stages of the clamping lever's rotation, the snap-through action of the U-shaped arm281and second arms284forces the hook members287firmly into engagement with the bosses259. In addition, the resilient sleeves282cprovide a resistance to re-opening of the upper part256since a minimum force is required to compress the sleeves282csufficiently to movie the third pivot points286back into line with the datum line joining the first and second pivot points283,285. Advantageously, the interengagement of the hook members287and the bosses259prevents separation of the upper and lower parts other than by rotation of the clamping lever. This is useful in preventing opening of the brew head250during operation when the brew head250is subject to internal pressurisation.

The purpose of the recognition means252is to allow the machine201to recognise the type of beverage cartridge1that has been inserted and to adjust one or more operational parameters accordingly. In a typical embodiment, the recognition means252comprises an optical barcode reader which reads the printed barcode320provided on the laminate5of the beverage cartridge1as shown inFIG. 10and discussed above. The optical barcode reader comprises one or more LEDs321to illuminate the barcode320, a focusing lens322to acquire an image of the barcode, a charge coupled device (CCD)323for producing an electrical signal representative of the acquired image and support circuitry for the LEDs and CCD. The space in the lower part for accommodating the barcode reader is limited. A mirror or mirrors324may be used to reflect the light from the LEDs321to a focussing lens which is not located in the lower part255. Schematic arrangements are shown inFIGS. 9aand9b. The lower part255comprises an aperture326which is the same size as the barcode320on the beverage cartridge1. The aperture320is closed by a window, preferably glass, which can transmit the signals produced by the barcode reader. In use the electrical signals produced are decoded by signal processing software and the results forwarded to the control processor. The software can recognise whether the read of the barcode contained errors, although the occurrence of these is minimised as described above by specific location of the barcode320relative to the inlet. The barcode320may be rescanned a number of times before an error message is presented to the consumer. If the machine201is unable to read the barcode the consumer is able to use the beverage cartridge1to dispense a beverage using a manual mode of operation. Alternatively, an RFID reader is provided to read an RFID located on the cartridge1.

The brew head250may also include a cartridge sensor for detecting whether a cartridge is present in the holder251.

The brew head250may also include a lock sensor which detects whether the holder251is properly closed. Preferably the lock sensor comprises a micro-switch which is triggered when the holder251is closed and locked. Preferably the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are connected in series such that the output or both sensors must be satisfactory, i.e. cartridge present and mechanism locked, before the dispense cycle can be commenced.

Operation of the machine201comprises insertion of a beverage cartridge1into the brew head250, carrying out a dispense cycle in which the beverage is dispensed and removal of the cartridge1from the machine.

The operational behaviour of the machine201is determined by software embedded in the control processor.

To insert the cartridge1the holder251is opened as described above to expose the cartridge mount257. The cartridge1is then placed on the cartridge mount257received within the recess290such that the handle24of the cartridge is located in the irregularity291. The optical or magnetic barcode320or RFID of the cartridge1is orientated directly above the aperture326in the cartridge mount257. The holder251is then closed by operation of the clamping lever as described above. During closure the inlet and outlet piercers253,254pierce the laminate5of the cartridge1to form the cartridge inlet121and outlet122. As described above the laminate5cut by the outlet piercer254is folded up into the annulus surrounding the discharge spout43. When closed the holder251grips the cartridge1around the rim35between the cartridge mount257and the upper part256and/or between the window311and the top11of the cartridge1to form a fluid tight seal of sufficient integrity to withstand the pressures developed during the dispense cycle.

To commence the operating cycle the consumer operates the start/stop button241.

The operating cycle comprises the steps of cartridge recognition and the discharge cycle.

Cartridge recognition is performed by the optical recognition means252as described above assuming that the outputs from the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are satisfactory. Once the barcode320or RFID has been decoded the operational parameters of the machine201are adjusted by the control processor. The discharge cycle is then automatically commenced.

The discharge cycle has four main stages, not all of which are used for all beverage types:(i) Pre-wet(ii) Pause(iii) Brew/Mixing(iv) Purge

In the pre-wet stage the cartridge1is charged with water from the water storage tank220by means of the water pump230. The charging with water causes the beverage ingredients200in the filtration chamber130to be wetted. The charging may take place at a “fast” flow rate of 600 ml/min or a “slow” flow rate of 325 ml/min. The slow charging rate is particularly useful for cartridges containing viscous liquid beverage ingredients where the ingredients require some dilution before they are able to be pumped at a higher volume flow rate. The volume of water injected into the cartridge1is selected to ensure that water or beverage does not drip out of the cartridge outlet122during this stage.

The pause stage allows the beverage ingredients200to soak in the water injected during the pre-wet stage for a predetermined period of time. Both the pre-wetting and soaking stages are known to increase the yield of the extractibles from the beverage ingredients200and to improve the end flavour of the beverage. Pre-wetting and soaking are particularly used where the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.

In the brew/mixing stage water is passed through the cartridge1in order to produce the beverage from the beverage ingredients200. The temperature of the water is determined by the control processor which sends instructions to the water heater225to heat the water passing from the water tank220to the brew head250. Water enters the lower part255of the holder251through the conduit262via the inlet valve and the inlet piercer253into the inlet chamber126of the beverage cartridge1. Brewing and/or mixing and subsequent dispensing of the beverage from the beverage cartridge1is as described above with reference to the versions of the beverage cartridge1.

The air purge comprises the blowing of pressurised air through the beverage preparation machine and the beverage cartridge1to ensure that all beverage is dispensed and that the flow path is cleared ready for dispensing another beverage. The air purge does not commence immediately on cessation of the brew/mixing stage to allow for the majority of the fluid to clear the flow path. This prevents an unacceptable spike in internal pressure on commencement of the air purge.

In normal operation a user manually stops the machine201by operating the start/stop button241.

Once the operating cycle has been completed the consumer removes the cartridge1by opening the holder251and manually removing and disposing of the cartridge. Alternatively, the machine201may be provided with an automatic ejection mechanism for removing the cartridge automatically on opening the holder251.