Source: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/55861818/Machine-For-The-Preparation-Of-Beverages---Patent-7316178
Timestamp: 2014-07-12 03:31:49
Document Index: 453654634

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n2', 'art.\n9', 'art.\n11', 'art.\n14', 'art.\n16', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 256']

Machine For The Preparation Of Beverages - Patent 7316178
United States Patent: 7316178
7,316,178
A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing
element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the
beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an
outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and
second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit.
Halliday; Andrew (Hook Norton, GB), Hensen; Nick (Banbury, GB), Carter; Steve (London, GB)
10/763,928
0301709.2
99/295  ; 99/302R
A47J 31/40&amp;nbsp(20060101)
99/295,302R,323,280,281,282,283,323.3
5899137
1.  A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming
an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable
unit;  further comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed
position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part.
2.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are oriented vertically and parallel to one another.
3.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are made of plastics materials.
4.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second piercing element is larger in diameter than the first piercing element.
5.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the removable unit only has a single first piercing element and a single second piercing element.
6.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second piercing element is larger in diameter than the first piercing element.
7.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the removable unit only has a single first piercing element and a single second piercing element.
8.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cartridge mount is rotatably mounted between a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part.
9.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein the upper part and the cartridge mount are rotatable about a common hinge axis.
10.  A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation
machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit stationary in use during forming the inlet and the outlet;  further
comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in
which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part.
11.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are orientated vertically and parallel to one another.
12.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are made of plastics materials.
13.  A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation
machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit;  wherein the removable united is mounted, in use, in a recess
formed in a fixed lower part.
14.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second piercing element is surrounded by a ledge which is raised relative to its surroundings.
15.  A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation
machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit;  further comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable
relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein
the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part;  wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in a recess formed in the fixed lower part.
16.  A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 15 wherein the second piercing element is surrounded by a ledge which is raised relative to its surroundings.  Description
The present invention relates to a machine for the preparation of beverages and, in particular, for use with sealed cartridges which are formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials and which contain one or more ingredients for
commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive.  Hence, there remains a requirement for a beverage preparation machine which is suitable, in particular, for the domestic market in terms of cost, performance and reliability.  There is also a
need for a beverage preparation machine for such cartridges which is simple to operate and reliable in operation.  In particular it is desirable that the machine be straightforward to maintain.
WO02/082962 describes a beverage filter cartridge holder comprising inlet and outlet probes which pierce, in use, a beverage cartridge.  The inlet and outlet probes are carried by a platen which is permanently mounted by means of a ball joint to
a pneumatic cylinder.  The inlet and outlet probes are difficult to access and hence difficult to maintain and, in particular, clean.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge
received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit.
The cartridge for use with the present invention may contain one or more beverage ingredients suitable for the formation of a beverage product.  The beverage product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate or a dairy-based beverage
The removable unit containing the inlet piercer and outlet piercer allows for easy cleaning of the components of the machine.  In particular the piercers may be placed in a dishwasher or similar.
Preferably, the beverage preparation machine further comprises a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower
part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part.
as shown in FIG. 1.  Typically the overall diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm .+-.6 mm and the overall height is 16 mm .+-.3 mm.  Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is 30.2 ml .+-.20%.
Kingdom), biodegradable polyester amide (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), poly lactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minn., USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.
to keep the laminate 5 and outer member 2 spaced apart when the cartridge 1 is compressed.  It is preferred that the cartridge 1 is subjected to a compressive load of between 130 and 280 N in use.  The compressive force acts to prevent the cartridge
and fold back the laminate 5.  An aqueous medium, typically water, under pressure enters the cartridge 1 through the inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar (10-200 KPa).  From there the water is directed to flow through
the slots 30 and round the manifold 16 and into the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17.  The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration chamber 130 and mixes with the beverage ingredients 200
contained 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 filter 4 and filtration apertures 55 into the passages 57
lying above the annular frame 41.  The sealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 and the welding of the rim 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short-circuits and all the beverage has to pass through the filter 4.
when assembled is 32.5 ml .+-.20%.
a refractive solids of 67 Brix .+-.3.  In another application liquid coffee is contained in the cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between 70 and 2000 mPa at ambient and between 80 and 5000 mPa at 0.degree.  C. where the coffee has a total solids level of
preferably approximately 1.5 bar (150 KPa) using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.
described in the applicant&#39;s document WO01/58786.  The refractive index of the brewed beverage is measured in Brix units and converted to a percentage of soluble solids (% SS) using standard tables and formulae.  In the examples below: % SS=0.7774*(Brix
value)+0.0569.  % Yield=(% SS*Brew Volume (g))/(100*Coffee Weight (g))
1.417 22.00 20 84.77 6.5 2.37 1.899 24.77 AVERAGE 23.09
The status indicators 243-246 preferably include a light emitting diode (LED) 243 to indicate readiness of the machine 201, a LED 244 to indicate if an error has occurred in the machine 201 operation, and one or more LEDs 245-256 to indicate
whether the machine 201 is operating in manual or automatic modes.  The LEDs 243-246 may be controlled to illuminate at a constant intensity, to flash intermittently, or both depending on the status of the machine 201.  The LEDs 243-246 may have a
maximum pressure of 2.5 bar (250 KPa).  Preferably, in normal use, the pressure will be limited to 2 bar.  The flow rate of water through the machine 201 can 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 pump 230.  Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor is a rotary sensor.
The air compressor 235 is operatively connected to the cartridge head 250 by means of a one-way valve and controlled by the control processor.  The air compressor 235 provides a maximum flow rate of air of 500 ml/min at 1.0 bar (100 KPa).  In use
a working volume of 35 ml is pressurised to 2.0 bar (200 KPa).  Preferably, the air compressor 235 can produce two flow rates: a fast (or maximum) flow rate and a slow flow rate.
in the cylinders 282a.  The resilient sleeves 282c are preferably formed from silicone.
The upper part 256 comprises a generally circular body 310 housing a circular viewing window 312 through which a consumer can view the beverage cartridge 1 during a dispense cycle and also visually confirm whether a cartridge 1 is loaded in the
machine 201.  The viewing window 312 is cup-shaped having a downwardly directed rim 311 which engages and grips the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge 1 against the lower part 256 when the cartridge holder 251 is closed.  At the same time the window 312
contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1.  A wave spring (not shown) is positioned between the viewing window 312 and the circular body 310 to enable the viewing window 312 to move axially relative to the circular body 310 by a small degree.  The
pressure exerted by the rim 311 on the flange 35 and by the window 312 on the closed top 11 ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 and the cartridge holder 251.
The outlet piercer 254 is surrounded by a ledge 254awhich is raised relative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.
punctured and cut by a non-metallic material.  Consequently, the piercers 253, 254 can be made less sharp which lowers the risk of injury to the consumer.  In addition, plastic piercing elements are not prone to rust.  The inlet piercer 253 and the
outlet piercer 254 are formed as a single, integral unit which is removable from the lower part 255.
the U-shaped arm 281 and pulls downwards.  Consequently, the upper part 256 rotates which first brings the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 into contact with the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge 1 in the cartridge mount 257 and the window 312 itself
into contact with the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1.  Continued rotation of the upper part 256 rotates the upper part 256 and cartridge mount 257 down into contact with the lower part 255.  Further rotation of the U-shaped arm 281 causes the U-shaped
arm 281 to rotate relative to the upper part 256 and the lower part 255 resulting in the hook members 287 of the upper part 256 engaging the bosses 259 of the lower part 255 with the cam surface 288 riding over the bosses 259.  During this last stage of
rotation the cartridge 1 is compressed between the cartridge mount 257 and the viewing window 312.  As a result, the viewing window 312 is moved axially relative to the circular body 310 of the upper part 256 against the bias of the wave spring.  This
movement allows for a take up of tolerances in the beverage cartridge 1 and 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 ensures a clamping pressure on the cartridge of between 130 and 280 N. Preferably the force is approximately 200 N. A force less than about 130N does not provide an adequate seal, whilst a force greater than
about 280 N leads to plastic failure of the components of the cartridge 1.  During closure of the cartridge head the laminate 5 of the cartridge 1 is tensioned as it is brought into contact with the ledge 254a surrounding the outlet piercer 254 which
causes the laminate 5 to flex out of plane as the distal end of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel is moved upwardly by 0.5 mm relative to the flange 35.  This movement also ensures that the great majority of the compressive force applied to the
cartridge acts through the central region of the cartridge 1 through the load-bearing inner member 3.  In the closed position the cartridge 1 is thus clamped around the flange 35 by means of the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 and firmly clamped
between the closed top 11 of the cartridge and the outer tube 42 of the inner member 3 by contact with the viewing window 312 and the ledge 254a.  These clamping forces help prevent failure of the cartridge 1 during pressurisation and also ensure that
the inner member 3 and outer member 2 are fully seated relative to one another and thus that all internal passageways and apertures remain at their intended dimensions even during internal pressurisation.
It is assumed that the machine 201 is initially switched off and with no cartridge 1 inserted in the cartridge head 250.  When the machine 201 is switched on the control processor is in State 1.  The water heater 225 is itched on.  Once the
surrounding the discharge spout 43.  When closed the cartridge holder 251 grips the cartridge 1 around the rim 35 between the cartridge mount 257 and the upper part 256 and between the window 311 and the top 11 of the cartridge 1 to form a fluid tight
Machine for the preparation of beverages, Halliday, et al., Andrew Halliday, Nick Hensen, Steve Carter, Application number 10 763-928, Foods And Beverages: Apparatus, coffee machine, closure mechanism, R & D, Kraft Foods, first reservoir, preparation machine, wherein said, Legal Status, Fluid dispenser, Patent Attorney
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates to a machine for the preparation of beverages and, in particular, for use with sealed cartridges which are formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials and which contain one or more ingredients forthe preparation of beverages.It has previously been proposed to seal beverage preparation ingredients in individual air-impermeable packages for use in beverage machines. For example, cartridges or capsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in certaincoffee preparation machines which are generally termed "espresso" machines. In the production of coffee using these preparation machines the coffee cartridge is placed in a brewing chamber and hot water is passed though the cartridge at relatively highpressures, thereby extracting the aromatic coffee constituents from the ground coffee to produce the coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate at a pressure of greater than 6.times.10.sup.5 Pa. The preparation machines of the type describedhave to date been relatively expensive since components of the machine, such as the water pumps and seals, must be able to withstand the high pressures.In WO01/58786 there is described a cartridge for the preparation of beverages which operates at a pressure generally in the range 0.7 to 2.0.times.10.sup.5 Pa. However, the cartridge is designed for use in a beverage preparation machine for thecommercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive. Hence, there remains a requirement for a beverage preparation machine which is suitable, in particular, for the domestic market in terms of cost, performance and reliability. There is also aneed for a beverage preparation machine for such cartridges which is simple to operate and reliable in operation. In particular it is desirable that the machine be straightforward to maintain.WO02/082962 describes a beverage filter cartridge holder comprising inlet and outlet probes which pierce, in use, a beverage car
Beverages _ Snacks
Dishes &amp; Beverages of the Old South