Source: http://www.allindianpatents.com/patents/256472-device-for-preparing-infused-liquid
Timestamp: 2017-12-13 20:46:10
Document Index: 46671100

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 42', 'art 38', 'arts 42', 'art 38', 'art 38', 'art 42', 'art 111', 'art 54', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42']

Indian Patents. 256472:DEVICE FOR PREPARING INFUSED LIQUID
DEVICE FOR PREPARING INFUSED LIQUID
The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapour within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively. Figure 1.
"DEVICE FOR PREPARING INFUSED LIQUID"
The invention relates to a device for preparing infused beverages, more specifically for preparing infused tea.
Such device and processes are known in the art.
In use, the tea leaf cartridge is inserted in the holder. The cartridge top seal is automatically removed when the holder is inserted in the device. The opened cartridge in the holder is moved under the tank. Then while the opening is turned toward the interior of the tank, the tea leaves contained in the cartridge are able to move and float freely into the infusion tank, once water is introduced in the tank and holder. The infusion then takes place. A stirring mechanism comprising a rod partially immerged in the infusion tank can be operated to stir the water while infusing.
The disclosed device is easy to use and to prepare infusion in a traditional way during which tea leaves are allowed to float freely in the infused liquid, and it also provides easy handling of the used infusible matter, such as tea leaves, in the cartridge itself forming a filter. However, with the prior art device, residue tends to settle on the inner surface of the infusion container as well as on the rod of the stirring mechanism when
infusions are successively carried out. The rod of the stirring mechanism is not easily accessible and cannot easily be cleaned. Residue from preceding infusions tends to alter the quality of the tea, in the sense that both the taste, i.e. the flavour, and the odour, i.e. the perfume, of the tea or infused liquid are progressively corrupted by previous residues.
International Patent Application Publication WO 95/01293 A1 discloses a filter pack containing tea leaves for preparing a tea infused beverage. This filter pack comprises a side wall and an
expansible brew chamber between a liquid-permeable filter at the bottom of the cartridge and a flexible, liquid-permeable sheet fixed to the inside of said side wall. When water is circulated through the filter pack, the tea leaves swell and the brew chamber expands up to five times the volume of the dry tea leaves to accommodate their expansion.
It is an object of the invention to provide a device and process according to which successive infusions, whether of the same type or of distinct types of infusible matter, may be carried out without substantially altering the quality of an infused beverage by residue from previous infusions.
In use, a cartridge containing infusible matter is introduced in a cavity defined in a receptacle of the device. The bottom part of the cartridge comprises a liquid-permeable filter. An infusion container for containing liquid provided with an opening and the receptacle are arranged in relation to each other in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate with each other through the opening. Liquid is poured into the infusion container and flows to the cavity so that the infusible matter can be immersed in the liquid. The infusion takes place. Once the infusion finished, a passage in the device communicating with the cavity is opened to let the infused liquid flowing
from the infusion container through the cavity and through the filter of the cartridge to the passage.
The vapour condenses on contact with the inner walls of the container while the liquid flows toward the passage through the cavity and the filter of the cartridge. Any large residues settled on the inner walls of the container are dragged away and gathered in the cartridge with the infusible matter already settled in the cartridge. Such a process allows removing from the container residues settling on its inner walls and which would have altered any subsequent infused beverage. These residues are collected in the cartridge; they are removed from the cavity together with the cartridge.
Advantageously, the liquid container may be removable. It gives the option to manually clean the container with any cleaning product.
Introducing gas with oxygen provides the further advantage of improving the quality of infused tea beverages. It is known that water when heated up loses oxygen, which has an effect on the taste of the tea. Oxygenating the liquid while it infuses restores a normal oxygen
concentration to water and ensures a high quality taste for the infused tea.
In use, once the liquid for infusion is introduced in the infusion container, tea leaves contained in the cartridge located in the cavity are able to move and float freely into the infusion container. However, leaves tend to remain within the cartridge preventing the liquid from infusing properly.
In one embodiment, the protruding nozzle is provided with at least one opening in the lateral side of the nozzle, for delivering gas in the cavity and the cartridge contained therein, in a lateral direction, i.e. in a direction which is substantially parallel to a bottom part of the cartridge. A gas emitted in such direction ensures that all infusible matter still settled in the cartridge are dragged away.
In another embodiment, the protruding nozzle is provided with at least one opening on the top of the nozzle, for delivering gas in the receptacle and the cartridge contained therein, in a vertical direction, in a direction which is substantially parallel to a side wall of the cartridge. The protruding nozzle may also contain injecting openings both in its lateral and top sides.
In one embodiment, the container consists of an enclosed container. The enclosed container may comprise a safety valve to prevent any danger from high pressure developing within the container. The size of the infusion container is calculated to contain enough liquid to infuse the infusible matter of a cartridge and to contain gas and air above the surface of the liquid infusing. It is important that heat flows between the infusing liquid and the gas above takes place as it allows for the condensation of aromas, which would have been lost through evaporation otherwise.
Once the infusion finished, the liquid may directly be pumped off and brought by gravity toward the outside of the device, for
instance in a cup, or it may be temporarily stored in a storage container before being later pumped or brought by gravity toward the outside.
These and further aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig.11a-e shows a mechanism for opening a cartridge located inside the device for preparing infused beverages according to one embodiment;
Fig. 13 shows a schematic section of a receptacle for receiving a cartridge according to another embodiment;
Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of the device for preparing infused beverages according to one embodiment.
The reservoir 66 may consist of any standard bottle (mineral bottle or the like) on to which the valve-cap has been screwed. The device 2 further comprises two infusion containers 6 for containing liquid 4. The infusion container 6 is designed to simultaneously contain air and
enough water for a normal cup of beverage. Alternatively, the infusion container 6 is designed to contain several cups of beverage. The container 6 preferably consists of an enclosed space. The infusion container 6 may be provided with a security valve (not represented) to allow air and water to escape to prevent any danger from high pressure occurring.
The infusion container 6 is disposed on a platform 68 connected to the device 2 via a supporting arm 69. A removable holding cap 70 is clipped on top of the container 6. An opening (not represented) is located on top of the container 6 and is closed by the holding cap 70. A pair of arc-shaped arms 71 connects the holding cap 70 to the platform 68. The container 6 is securely held between the platform 68 and the holding cap 70. The supporting arm 69, the holding cap 70, the pair of arms 71 enclose various conduits for gas and liquid to flow between the infusion container 6 and other internal elements of the device 2.
Referring now to figure 2, the platform 68 comprises a receptacle 10 for receiving a cartridge 12 containing infusible matter 14. In this particular embodiment, the receptacle 10 consists of a drawer. The
drawer 10 is operable between at least a first position and a second position. The drawer 10 slides from a closed position in the platform 68 to an opened position out of the platform 68. The drawer comprises a cavity 16 into which a cartridge 12 (not represented) containing infusible matter may be inserted. The drawer 10 may slide either automatically or manually. When the drawer 10 is closed in the platform 68, the cavity 16 of the drawer 10 communicates with the bottom opening 8 of the infusion container 6, so that the infusion container 6 and the cavity 16 form an infusion chamber.
In another embodiment, the receptacle 10 may consist of a pivoting drawer, pivoting towards and away from the platform 68. Alternatively, the receptacle 10 may be fixed with respect of the device 2, while the infusion reservoir 6 is operated in order to be positioned in contact to the receptacle 10.
The device 2 comprises a support 72 for the reservoir 66. The support 72 comprises an opening where the valve-cap of the reservoir 66 is plugged, giving access to the water contained in the reservoir 66. The support 72 is connected to a conduit 65a, creating a flow path for water from the reservoir 66. The conduit 65a is connected to a series of conduits 65b, via a system of actuated valves, to transfer water to respective infusion containers 6. The conduit 65b is located within one of the pair of arms 71. A sprinkler 63 with several outlets 61 is disposed at one extremity of the conduit 65b. The sprinkler 63 is located within the holding cap 70 and is plugged into an opening located at the top of the infusion container 6.
The device 2 further comprises a heating chamber 59 to heat water while travelling within the conduit 65b. Water reaches the recommended temperature when poured within the infusion container 6. The infusion container 6 may also be heated, with the help of a heating element (not represented), to maintain the right temperature of the liquid 4 within the container 6. Such heating element may be located in the platform 68.
The device further comprises an air or gas inlet pipe 28 located within the arm 69 and the platform 68. The gas inlet pipe 28 is
adapted to deliver pressurised gas. In one embodiment, the pump 67 is used for ejecting pressurised gas into one of the inlet pipe extremity. The pump 67 is actuated to control the pressure of the gas at the inlet.
A connecting arm 75 connects the cup holder 64 to the drawer 80. The cup holder 64 comprises a waste container 77 to collect liquid flowing either from the spout 19 or from the cup on the cup support 64. The waste container 77 is connected through a conduit (not represented) located in the connecting arm 75 to the drawer 80 so that
waste water from the waste container 77 is collected in the first waste container 76.
As shown in figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, the cartridge 12 for use with the present invention generally comprises a bottom part 42 provided with a filter 44 adapted to let liquid pass through, a top part 38 provided with an opening 35 and at least one side wall 45 joining the bottom and top parts 42,38. It defines an inner volume 40 to contain infusible matter 12. The volume 40 is calculated so to receive enough infusible matter 12 for preparing a standard cup of infused beverages. Infusible matter when soaked tends to swell. The volume 40 is also calculated to contain all the swollen infusible matter once infused. A preferable volume 40 can be between two and five times, preferably around four times, the volume of the dry infusible matter 14.
The cartridge 12 is preferably made of aluminium. Food contact approved aluminium may be used. Alternatively, the inner surface of the cartridge 12 may be covered with a food contact approved coating
layer able to resist to temperatures at least up to 100°C during several minutes.
The top part 38 comprises a lip 39 surrounding the opening 35 at least partly. The lip 39 rests upon the rim of the receptacle 10. The opening 35 is closed and covered by a sheet 50 (not represented) arranged towards the outside of the cartridge. Preferably the sheet 50 is made of aluminium and is heat-sealed to the lip 39 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, it may be made of a transparent material, so as to allow a user to view the contents of the cartridge before use. In that case it would be preferable to have a coating layer of a contrast-enhancing colour on the inner wall of the cartridge 12.
In one embodiment, the top part 38 may be covered by a filter (not represented) arranged towards the outside of the cartridge 12. The sheet 50 covers the filter. The filter consists of an extensible or deformable sheet made of wool or of any natural or synthetic material adapted to infusion and filtering. When a cartridge 12 comprising such filter is immersed in water, the filter spreads in water out of the cartridge; the filter creates a space in water where infusible matter 14 contained in the cartridge 12 is able to float. Such a filter prevents that the infusible matter 14 scatters everywhere in the infusion container 6 in particular and in the device in general. The bottom part 42 is recovered by a removable sheet 36, arranged towards the outside of the cartridge 12 with respect to the filter 44. The removable sheet 36 may be heat-sealed or glued to the cartridge 12 in a conventional manner. It is made of aluminium or of any
other food approved material. The removable sheet 36 comprises a prehension means (not shown), so a user can grasp and remove it from the cartridge 12.
The receptacle 10 consist of a drawer comprising a front panel 105, a tray 107. The drawer 10 slides along two side panels 104a and 104b located inside the platform 68. The platform 68 further comprises an ejection chute 106 forming a slope going down within the platform 68. One side of the ejection chute 106 is disposed against the bottom part of both side panels 104a, 104b while the other side of the ejection chute 106 is connected to the conduit 24 at the entrance of the
arm 69. A multiple runner mechanism is disposed on the top edge of both side panels 104a, 104b.
A protruding nozzle 112, preferably cylindrical or frustroconical, is located on the bottom part 111 towards the inside of the cavity 16. The dimensions of protruding nozzle 112 are such that the recess 46 of a cartridge 12 inserted in the cavity 16 perfectly fits the protruding nozzle 112. The protruding nozzle 112 comprises openings 113 injecting gas towards the inside of the cavity 12. The openings 113
are disposed in the protruding nozzle 112 in such way that the openings in the recess of a cartridge 12 inserted in the cavity face the injection opening 113. In one embodiment, four openings 113 are located on the side wall of the nozzle 112 and one on its top part 54.
The protruding nozzle 112 is connected to a conduit 29 (not represented) located within the bottom part 111 of the cavity 16. Alternatively, the conduit 29 may be located on the surface of the bottom part 111 either towards the inside of the cavity 16 or the outside of the cavity 16.
As a matter of example, the sensor may consist of a sensor detecting colours. The colour of the cartridge 12 indicates the type of infusible matter 14 the cartridge 12 contains and is associated with infusion parameters. The sensor may consist of a beam emitter (not represented) located on one side panel 103 and a beam receiver (not
represented) located on the other side panel 104. Because the cavity 16 comprises partial side walls only, it does not interfere with the beam transmitting between the emitter and the receiver.
Fig. 10b shows the drawer 10 in an intermediate position, sliding out of the platform 68. The second runner 102 slides out of the first runner 101 while the third runner 103 remains disposed on or within the second runner 102.
Fig. 10c shows the drawer 10 fully opened in a second position. The third runner 103 slides out of the second runner 102, the three runner 101, 102, 103 between disposed in a fully extended position. The cavity 16 is then fully accessible and a cartridge 12 may be inserted therewithin.
A mechanism to automatically open the cartridge, while the drawer 10 slides into the platform 68, is now described with reference to figures 2 and 11a to 11e.
The device 2 comprises a pair of parallel arc-shaped bars 33 between which a flat blade 31 is attached. The blade 31 is fixedly attached tangent to the cylindrical surface formed between the arc-shaped bars 33. The blade 31 is preferably a semi-circular or semi-oval blade, its straight side being connected to the arc-shaped bars 33 through rods 31a. The small and long diameters of the blade 31 are slightly smaller than these of the opening 35 of the cartridge 12.
Figure 11a shows the position of the blade 31 in relation to the cartridge 12, when the drawer 10 starts sliding into the platform 68. The arc-shaped bars 33 rotate and soon the lip 29 of the cartridge 12 is trapped between the arc-shaped bars 33 and the recess 109 of the tray 107. The edge of the blade 31 touches and pierces the first sheet 50 inside the opening 35 of the cartridge 12 close to the opening edge. Figure 11b to 11d shows the position of the blade 31 in relation to the cartridge 12, while the drawer keeps on sliding into the platform 68. The arc-shaped bars 33 keep on rotating; the blade 31 follows a circular movement in and out of the cartridge 12 cutting the sheet 50 close to the edge of the opening 35. It is important that the cartridge 12 is remained blocked in the cavity 12 between the arc-shaped bars 33 and the recess 109 of the tray 107, so that the blade 31 may perform a proper and efficient cut of the sheet 50.
Figure 11e shows the position of the blade 31 in relation to the cartridge 12, when the drawer 10 reaches its final position in the platform 68. When the blade 31 moves out of the cartridge 12, it pushes away of the cartridge 12 the part of the sheet 31 it just cut out. The cut out part remains partially attached to the sheet 31. The whole opening 35 is accessible.
The device 2 further comprises a movable snapping insert 81 (not represented) located in the platform 68. The movement of the insert 81 is controlled by the operating means of the device 2. The insert 81 is operated to be brought to contact with the cavity 16 of the tray 107. The insert 81 is adapted to fit exactly together with the edge of the side walls 110 of the cavity 16 and with the bottom part 111 of the cavity 16. The insert 81 is also adapted to fit together with the bottom surface of the tray 107. A gasket 83 (not represented) may be disposed on each part of
the insert 81 adapted to contact the cavity 16. The insert 81 is connected to the passage 18.
A mechanism for ejecting the cartridge 12 from the cavity of the drawer 10 according to one embodiment is now explained in respect with figures 12a to 12c.
Figure 12a shows the drawer 10 closed within the platform 68 in the first position. All three runners 101, 102, 103 are locked disposed one on or within the others in a compact position. Fig. 12b shows the tray 107 in an intermediate position, sliding on or within the third runner 103, towards the inside of the platform 68. Fig. 12c shows the tray 107 sliding further towards the inside of the platform 68 in a third position, where the tray 107 folds up around the hinge 108. The second panel 107b slides out of the third runner 103 and falls on the ejection chute 106. The cavity 16 comprising partial side walls 110 along the first panel 107a only, the cartridge 12 is not held within the cavity 16 anymore. The cartridge 12 is released from the cavity 16; it falls on the ejection chute 106 and slides down toward the ejection conduit 24 in the arm 69.
The ejection mechanism to withdrawn the cartridge 12 allows to eject the cartridge smoothly. It prevents the infused matter 14 contained in the cartridge 12 from falling out of the cartridge 12. Some
infused matter 14 may still fall out of the cartridge 12 when it is dropped onto the ejection chute 108. It is collected on the ejection chute 108 in any case.
A drawer 10 and an insert 81 according to another embodiment of the invention are now explained in respect with figure 13. A mechanism for detecting a cartridge 12 in the cavity 16 is also presented.
The device 2 further comprises a movable insert 81 located in the platform 68. The movement of the insert 81 is controlled by the operating means of the device 2. The insert 81 is operated to be brought to contact with the cavity of the tray 107. The insert 81 adapted to fit exactly together with the edges 114 of the side walls 110 of the cavity 16. A gasket 83 may be disposed either on the insert 81 or on the edges 114 of the side walls 110 to ensure a hermetic contact between the cavity 16 and the insert 81. The insert 81 is connected to the passage 18.
A protruding nozzle 112, preferably cylindrical or frustroconical, is located in the insert 81 towards the inside of the cavity 16. The protruding nozzle 112, provided with openings 113 for the ejection of gas, is connected to a conduit 29 located within the insert 81; the conduit 29 is connected to the inlet pipe 28.
The insert 81 comprises a detector to detect whether a cartridge 12 is slot in the cavity 16 or not. The detector comprises an actuating push-button 82, located around the protruding nozzle 112 and connected to the circuitry 25 of the device 2. The push-button 82 is able to slide up and down along the protruding nozzle 112. When pushed
down, it actuates part of the functioning of the device 2. The push-button 82 is cone-shaped, truncated at the level of its top part. The diameter of the bottom section (at the level of the bottom part 42) of the recess 46 of a cartridge 12 is larger than that of the top section of the push-button 82.
Once the drawer 10 is closed within the platform 68 and once the tray 107 has been brought to contact with the bottom opening 8 of the infusion container 6, the insert 81 is operated to be brought to contact with the cavity 16, so the cavity 6 and the insert 81 fit exactly together. The cartridge 12 is firmly maintained in the cavity 16, its lip 39 between grasped between the upper surface of the tray 107 and the edge of the opening 8 of the infusion container 6. While the insert 81 is raised up, the protruding nozzle 112 and the push-button 82 move into the recess 46 of the cartridge 12. The outside side surface of the push-button 82 is brought into contact with the side surface of the recess 46.
The bottom part 42 of the cartridge comprises a recess 46a towards the inside of the cartridge 12. The recess 46a consists of a first truncated cone 46a 1, its larger section being at the level of the bottom
part 42 of the cartridge 12 and of a second truncated cone or cylinder 46a2 "stacked" upon the first cone 46a1. The intersection between the first and second cone 46a 1 and 46a2 constitutes an actuating surface 46b. The recess 46a2 comprises openings 48 for letting gas pass through.
The diameter of the bottom section of the recess 46a 1 is larger than that of the top section of the push-button 82.
Preferably the angle of the cone of the recess 46a 1 is substantially identical to that of the cone of the pushbutton 82.
In use, when the insert 81 is raised up, the protruding nozzle 112 and the push-button 82 of the insert 81 move into the recess 46a 1 of the cartridge 12. The outside side surface of the push-button 82 is brought into contact with the side surface of the recess 46a1. The push-button 82 slides along the surface of the recess 46a 1 until being blocked by the actuating surface 46b. As the insert 81 keeps on sliding up, the push-button 82 is pressed down by the surface 46b; the push¬button creates a new connection in the circuitry 25 for the actuation of a process in the device 2. Once the insert 81 is brought into contact to the edges 114 of the cavity 16, the protruding nozzle 112 is located inside the recess 46a2 of the cartridge 12, so that the openings 113 of the protruding nozzle 112 face the openings 48 of the recess 46a.
Immediately after the infusion container 6 is filled up with water 4, a first oxygenation takes place and pressurised gas is introduced
within the container 6 through the opening 113 of the protruding nozzle 112.
A second oxygenation takes place later during the infusion; pressurised gas is introduced again in the container 6. Infusible matter 14 is mixed within the infused liquid 4, which is stirred. The gas emitted by the nozzle 113 drag away all infusible matter 14 which may still remain in the cartridge 12.
Directly after the infused beverage has been poured into the cup, the cleaning of the device 2 starts. Valves are actuated automatically; the passage 18 is connected to the waste water conduit 23; the conduit 65a to the relevant conduit 65b. The passage 18 remains
opened. Water is pumped from the reservoir 66 and sent at a certain pressure to the conduit 65b, so the sprinkler 63 ejects water along the inner walls of the infusion container 6. The sprinkler 63 is provided with enough outlets 61 to eject water in all direction and to ensure that water flows on all inner surfaces of the infusion container 6. Water may be heated while travelling through the heating chamber 69.
When the first cleaning operation is completed and once the infusion container 6 is emptied, the ejection of the cartridge 12 may start. The insert 81 is detached from the cavity 16. The tray 107 is lowered and put to contact with the third runner 103. The ejecting mechanism is actuated to eject the cartridge 12 from the cavity 16. The tray 103 slides back to its previous position and is raised up against the bottom edge 8 of the infusion container 6 again. The insert 81 is brought to contact with the cavity 16 again.
In the embodiment where the detector comprises a push¬button 82 located in the insert 81, the push-button 82 is released once the cartridge 12 is removed from the cavity 16. The release of the push¬button 82 may control the actuation of valves and/or of the introduction of liquid for infusion in the infusion chamber. For instance, it may control the actuation of the second cleaning operation.
1.	Device (2) for preparing an infused beverage, including:
a)	an infusion container (6) for containing a liquid (4) and comprising an opening (8) to allow the liquid (4) to flow out of the container (6);
b)	a receptacle (10) defining a cavity (16) for receiving a cartridge (12) containing infusible matter (14); wherein the infusion container (6) and the receptacle (10) are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container (6) and the cavity (16) communicate through the opening (8);
c)	an openable and closable passage (18) communicating with the cavity (16) to allow liquid (4) to flow from the infusion container (6) in the passage (18) through the cavity (16);
d)	cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapour within the infusion container (6);
e)	removing means for removing the cartridge (12) from the cavity (16); and
f)	operating means for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.
2.	Device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is adapted for operating the cleaning means, the withdrawing means and the cleaning means anew.
3.	Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, further including introducing means for introducing gas in the infusion container (6) through the cavity (16).
4.	Device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the introducing means comprises a protruding nozzle (112) arranged in the cavity (18) and provided with at least one injection opening (113) for introducing the gas.
5.	Device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the device comprises automatic reading means (34) for reading preparation
parameters from the cartridge (12), the preparation parameters being selected from the group consisting of the infusion temperature, the infusion duration, when the introduction of gas takes place, how long it lasts and a combination of these parameters.
6.	Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage (18) comprises a spout (19) to allow infused liquid (4) to flow within a cup from the passage (18) directly.
7.	Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a first waste container (76) for collecting waste cleaning liquid and/or vapour (22) and a second waste container (78) for receiving the used cartridge (12) removed from the cavity (16).
8.	Process for preparing an infused beverage in a device including an infusion container (6) for containing liquid (4) and a receptacle (10) comprising a cavity (16), the infusion container (6) comprising an opening (8) for liquid (4) to flow out, the process including the steps of:
a)	inserting a cartridge (12) containing infusible matter (14) in the cavity (16), the cartridge (12) comprising a filter (44) to let liquid pass through;
b)	arranging the container (6) and the receptacle (10) in relation to each other in a position so that the infusion container (6) and the cavity (16) communicate with each other through the opening (8);
c)	introducing liquid (4) for infusion in the infusion container (6) so that the liquid flows to the cavity (16) immersing infusible matter (14) contained in the cartridge (12);
d)	opening a passage (18) of the device (2), the passage (18) communicating with the cavity (16), to let the infused liquid (4) flow from the infusion container (6) through the cavity (16) and the filter (44) of the cartridge (12) into the passage (18);
characterized in that it further includes the successive steps of
e)	introducing a liquid and/or vapour in the container (8) for cleaning
the container (6); and
f)	removing the cartridge (12) from the cavity (16).
9.	Process according to claim 9, including a further step of
introducing a liquid and/or vapour in the container (8).
10.	Process according to claims 8 or 9, including, between
the step of introducing the liquid (4) for infusion and the step of opening
the passage (18), a step of introducing gas through the cavity (16) in the
infusion container.
11.	Process according to claim 10, wherein the step of
introducing gas takes place at 50 to 80 percent, or more particularly at 60
to 70 percent, of the time between the end of the step of introducing the
liquid (4) for infusion and the beginning of the step of opening the
passage (18) and/or substantially immediately after the step of
introducing the liquid (4) for infusion.
12.	Cartridge (12) containing dry infusible matter (14) for
use in a device (2) for preparing an infused beverage, and comprising:
a)	a bottom part (42);
b)	a top part (38) provided with at least one opening (35); and
c)	at least one side wall (45) joining the bottom part (42) and the top part (38);
said cartridge being characterized in that said bottom part (42), top part (38) and at least one side wall (45) enclose a volume between two and five times, preferably around four times, the volume of the dry infusible matter (14).
2262-CHENP-2008 AMENDED CLAIMS 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 09-08-2012.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 FORM-3 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 OTHERS 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-CHENP-2008 POWER OF ATTORNEY 05-06-2013.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 abstract.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 claims.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 correspondence-others.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 description complete.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 drawings.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 form-1.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 form-18.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 form-2.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 form-3.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 form-5.pdf
2262-chenp-2008 pct.pdf
abs-2262-chenp-2008.jpg
2262/CHENP/2008
CENSE D'ALMEZ S.A.
RUE D'ALMEZ, 5, B-1325 CORROY-LE-GRAND
1 VAN BELLEGHEM, LUC C/O CENSE D'ALMEZ S.A. RUE D'ALMEZ, 5, B-1325 CORROY-LE-GRAND
PCT/EP06/67165
1 05109368.0 2005-10-07 EUROPEAN UNION