Source: https://patents.justia.com/patent/7231869
Timestamp: 2020-01-25 09:45:19
Document Index: 238213532

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 256']

US Patent for Machine for the preparation of beverages Patent (Patent # 7,231,869 issued June 19, 2007) - Justia Patents Search
Justia Patents US Patent for Machine for the preparation of beverages Patent (Patent # 7,231,869)
Jan 23, 2004 - Kraft Foods R & D Inc.
A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part and an upper part, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a centre of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N.
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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 the preparation of beverages.
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 2.0×105 Pa. However, the cartridge is designed for use in a beverage preparation machine for the commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive. Hence, there remains a requirement for a cartridge for the preparation of beverages wherein the cartridges and beverage preparation machine are 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, means are required to provide a reliable and known sealing force to withstand pressure within the beverage cartridge during a dispense cycle.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part and an upper part, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a centre of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N.
The closure mechanism of the present invention provides an extremely robust mechanism that firmly retains the beverage cartridge in the beverage preparation machine. The clamping force of greater than 50N ensures that the cartridge does not expand and leak or burst during operation. In addition, the compressive force applied acts to prevent failure, or relative movement, of the components of the beverage cartridge. The compressive force also serves to squeeze the component or components of the cartridge together. This ensures that the internal dimensions of passageways and apertures in the cartridge are fixed and unable to change during pressurisation of the cartridge.
It will be understood that by the term “cartridge” as used herein is meant any package, container, sachet or receptacle which contains one or more beverage ingredients in the manner described. The cartridge may be rigid or semi-rigid.
The cartridge for use in 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 including milk. The beverage ingredients may be powdered, ground, leaf-based or liquid. The beverage ingredients may be insoluble or soluble. Examples include roast and ground coffee, leaf tea, powdered chocolate and soup, liquid milk-based beverages, carbonated drinks and concentrated fruit juices.
The closure mechanism may exert a compressive force of greater than 130N.
Preferably, the closure mechanism exerts a compressive force of approximately 200N.
Preferably, the closure mechanism in addition contacts a peripheral flange of the beverage cartridge. In addition, the closure mechanism may contact an uppermost surface of the beverage cartridge.
Preferably, the closure mechanism further comprises a resilient member which contacts at least a part of the top surface of the beverage cartridge. The resilient member maybe a sprung member.
Preferably, the sprung member is a viewing window.
Preferably, the lower part may comprise a raised portion which contacts a central portion of the bottom surface of the beverage cartridge. The raised portion ensures that the majority of the compressive force applied to the cartridge is transferred upwardly to the cartridge's top surface through the central region of the cartridge. A load-bearing member is preferably provided in this central region in the cartridge.
Preferably, the lower part is fixed and the upper part is rotatable relative to the lower part from the open position to the closed position. Preferably the closure mechanism further comprises a cartridge mount interposed between the lower part and the upper part and being rotatable relative to the lower part and the upper part for receiving, in use, the beverage cartridge.
FIGS. 44a and 44b are schematic layouts of first and second code recognition means for the machine of FIG. 35; and
A first version of cartridge 1 which will be described for background purposes is shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. The first version of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in dispensing filtered products such as roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. However, this version of the cartridge 1 and the other versions described below may be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages, flavored milk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.
To use the cartridge 1 it is first inserted into a beverage preparation machine (which will be described in further detail below) and the inlet 121 and outlet 122 are opened by piercing members of the beverage preparation machine which perforate 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. 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.
Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purge facility, wherein compressed air is forced through the cartridge 1 at the end of the dispense cycle to flush out the remaining beverage into the receptacle.
Compared to the outer member 2 of the previous versions, the hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 of the outer member 2 of the third version has a larger overall diameter as shown in FIG. 20. In particular the diameter of the first portion 19 is typically between 16 and 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for the outer member 2 of the previous versions. In addition, the first portion 19 is provided with a convex outer surface 19a, or bulge, as most clearly shown in FIG. 20, the function of which will be described below. The diameter of the third portions 21 of the cartridges 1 are however the same resulting in the area of the shoulder 32 being greater in this, the third version of the cartridge 1. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is 32.5 ml±20%.
The assembly procedure for the third version of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version but with certain differences. The outer member 2 and inner member 3 are push-fitted together as shown in FIG. 29 and retained by means of a snap-fit arrangement rather than welded together. On joining the two members the inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is received inside the upper cylindrical extension 81 of the skirt portion 80. The inner member 3 is retained in the outer member 2 by frictional interengagement of the convex outer surface 19a of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical extension 18 with the in-turned rim 91 of the upper cylindrical extension 81. With the inner member 3 located in the outer member 2 a mixing chamber 134 is defined located exterior to the skirt portion 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the beverage ingredients 200 prior to dispensation. It should be noted that the four inlets 36 and the five apertures 85 are staggered circumferentially with respect to one another. The radial location of the two parts relative to each other need not be determined or fixed during assembly since the use of four inlets 36 and five apertures 85 ensures that misalignment occurs between the inlets and apertures whatever the relative rotational positioning of the components.
Operation of the fourth version of cartridge is similar to that of the third version. The water enters the cartridge 1 and the mixing chamber 134 in the same manner as before. There the water mixes with and dilutes the liquid product which is then forced out through the apertures 85 towards the outlet 44 as described above. A proportion of the liquid product is initially contained within the annular bowl 100 as shown in FIG. 34 and is not subject to immediate dilution by the water entering the mixing chamber 134. The diluted liquid product in the lower part of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through apertures 85 rather than be forced up and into the annular bowl 100 through upper mouth 104. Consequently, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated compared to the product in the lower part of the mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 drips through the feed apertures 103 into the stream of product exiting the mixing chamber 134 through the apertures 85. The annular bowl 100 acts to even out the concentration of the diluted liquid product entering the cylindrical funnel 40 by holding back a proportion of the concentrated liquid product and releasing it into the exiting liquid stream more steadily throughout the dispensation cycle.
The fourth embodiment of beverage cartridge is particularly advantageous for dispensing a concentrated dairy-based liquid product such as liquid milk. Previously, powdered milk products have been provided in the form of sachets for adding to a pre-prepared beverage. However, for a cappuccino-style beverage it is necessary to foam the milk. This has been achieved previously by passing steam through a liquid milk product. However this necessitates the provision of a steam supply which increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to dispense the beverage. The use of steam also increases the risk of injury during operation of the cartridge. Accordingly the beverage cartridge may have a concentrated dairy-based liquid product therein. It has been found that by concentrating the milk product a greater amount of foam can be produced for a particular volume of milk when compared to fresh or UHT milk. This reduces the size required for the milk cartridge. Fresh semi-skimmed milk contains approximately 1.6% fat and 10% total solids. The concentrated liquid milk preparations of the present invention contain between 3 and 10% fat and 25 to 40% total solids. In a typical example, the preparation contains 4% fat and 30% total solids. The concentrated milk preparations are suitable for foaming using a low pressure preparation machine as will be described below. In particular, foaming of the milk is achieved at pressures below 2 bar, preferably approximately 1.5 bar using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.
It has been found that the embodiments of beverage cartridge of the present invention advantageously provide an improved consistency of the brewed beverage when compared to prior art cartridges. Reference is made to Table 1 below which shows the results of brew yields for twenty samples each of cartridges A and B containing roast and ground coffee. Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge B is a prior art beverage cartridge as described in the applicant'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:
TABLE 1 Coffee Sample Brew Volume (g) Weight (g) Brix % SS (*) % Yield
1 105.6 6.5 1.58 1.29 20.88 2 104.24 6.5 1.64 1.33 21.36 3 100.95 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.05 4 102.23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80 5 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67 6 107.54 6.5 1.59 1.29 21.39 7 102.70 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.41 8 97.77 6.5 1.86 1.50 22.61 9 97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75 10 97.83 6.5 1.67 1.36 20.40 11 97.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63 12 106.64 6.5 1.61 1.31 21.47 13 99.26 6.5 1.54 1.25 19.15 14 97.29 6.5 1.59 1.29 19.35 15 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23 16 104.23 6.5 1.61 1.31 20.98 17 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03 18 100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14 19 101.67 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.20 20 101.32 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.24 AVERAGE 20.99
1 100.65 6.5 1.87 1.511 23.39 2 95.85 6.5 1.86 1.503 22.16 3 98.4 6.5 1.8 1.456 22.04 4 92.43 6.5 2.3 1.845 26.23 5 100.26 6.5 1.72 1.394 21.50 6 98.05 6.5 2.05 1.651 24.90 7 99.49 6.5 1.96 1.581 24.19 8 95.62 6.5 2.3 1.845 27.14 9 94.28 6.5 2.17 1.744 25.29 10 96.13 6.5 1.72 1.394 20.62 11 96.86 6.5 1.81 1.464 21.82 12 94.03 6.5 2.2 1.767 25.56 13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1.441 21.34 14 95.85 6.5 1.95 1.573 23.19 15 95.36 6.5 1.88 1.518 22.28 16 92.73 6.5 1.89 1.526 21.77 17 88 6.5 1.59 1.293 17.50 18 93.5 6.5 2.08 1.674 24.08 19 100.88 6.5 1.75 1.417 22.00 20 84.77 6.5 2.37 1.899 24.77 AVERAGE 23.09 % SS = 0.7774 * (Brix value) + 0.0569. % Yield = (% SS * Brew Volume (g))/(100 * Coffee Weight (g))
Mean 20.99 23.09 Variance 0.77 5.04 Observations 20 20 Pooled Variance 2.90 Hypothesized Mean 0 Difference df 38 t Stat −3.90 P(T <= t) one-tail 0.000188 t Critical one-tail 1.686 P(T <= t) two-tail 0.000376 t Critical two-tail 2.0244 Standard Deviation 0.876 2.245
The machine user interface 240 is located on the front of the housing 210 and comprises a start/stop button 241, and a plurality of status indicators 243–246.
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 variety of colours including green, red and yellow.
The start/stop button 241 controls commencement of the dispense cycle and is a manually operated push-button, switch or similar.
The water tank 220 is located to the rear of the housing 210 and is connected to the rear half 212 of the housing 210. The water tank 220 comprises a generally cylindrical body 221 which 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 lid 222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end of the tank which communicates with the water pump 230. The water tank 220 may 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 tank 220 may be made from an opaque material but have provided a viewing window therein. In addition, or in place of the above, the water tank 220 may be provided with a low level sensor which prevents operation of the water pump 230 and optionally triggers a warning indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank descends to a preselected level. The water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 litres.
The water pump 230 is operatively connected between the water tank 220 and the water heater 225 as shown schematically in FIG. 43 and 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 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 (RTM) 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 water heater 225 is located in the interior of the housing 210. The heater 225 has a power rating of 1550 W and is able to heat water received from the water pump 230 from 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 heater 225 being 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. As discussed below, the water for the dispense cycle may be delivered to the cartridge head 250 at 83° C. or 93° C. The heater 225 is able to quickly adjust the delivery temperature to either 83° C. or 93° C. from a nominal water temperature of 85° C. The heater 225 comprises an over-temperature cut-off which shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98° C. Water output from the heater 225 is fed to the cartridge head 250 and cartridge 1 by means of a three-way valve. If the pressure of the water flow is acceptable the water is passed to the cartridge 1. 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 receptacle 270.
TABLE 3 Bit Parameter Description
0 & 1 Water temperature 00 = cold 01 = warm 10 = 83° C. 11 = 93° C. 2 & 3 Cartridge charge 00 = fast charge with soak 01 = fast charge without soak 10 = slow charge with soak 11 = slow charge without soak 4, 5, 6 & 7 Beverage volume 0000 = 50 ml 0001 = 60 ml 0010 = 70 ml 0011 = 80 ml 0100 = 90 ml 0101 = 100 ml 0110 = 110 ml 0111 = 130 ml 1000 = 150 ml 1001 = 170 ml 1010 = 190 ml 1011 = 210 ml 1100 = 230 ml 1101 = 250 ml 1110 = 275 ml 1111 = 300 ml 8, 9 & 10 Flow rate 000 = 30% 001 = 40% 010 = 50% 011 = 60% 100 = 70% 101 = 80% 110 = 90% 111 = 100% 11 & 12 Purge 00 = slow flow/short period 01 = slow flow/long period 10 = fast flow/short period 11 = fast flow/long period
10 Water temperature of 83° C. 00 Fast charge with soak 1000 Dispensed drink volume of 150 ml 111 Flow rate equals 100% 10 Fast air flow purge/short period.
Thus, unlike in previous beverage preparation machines, the memory of the control processor does not store operational instructions for beverage cartridges based on the cartridge type, i.e. instructions for a coffee cartridge, instructions for a chocolate cartridge, instructions for a tea cartridge etc. Instead the memory of the control processor stores variables for adjusting the individual operational parameters of the dispense cycle. This has a number of advantages. Firstly, a greater degree of control of the dispensation cycle can be exercised. For example, slightly different operational parameters can be used for different grades or blends of coffee rather than using the same parameters for all types of coffee. Prior coding solutions relying on storing instructions by cartridge type rather than by individual parameters are unsuited to such subtle differences in dispense cycles for similar beverage types because they quickly consume the available storage space in the coding medium and control processor. Secondly, the coding method of the present invention allows for new beverage cartridge types to be used in pre-existing beverage preparation machines even where the operational parameters for the dispense cycle for the new beverage cartridge 1 are only decided upon after sale of the beverage preparation machine 201. This is because the control processor of the beverage preparation machine 201 does not need to recognise that the beverage is of a new type. Rather the operational parameters of the dispense cycle are set without direct reference to the beverage type. Hence the coding method of the present invention provides excellent backward compatibility of the beverage preparation machines for new beverage types. In contrast, with prior machines, the manufacturer is restricted to dispensing a new beverage type using one of the pre-existing dispensation cycles as determined by the in-market machines.
The second part of the clamping lever comprises two over-centre arms 282, one on each side of the cartridge holder 251 which are each pivotably mounted to the upper part 256 at a second pivot point 285 located on the hinge axis 258 coupling the upper part 256 to the fixed lower part 255. Each over-centre arm 282 is a reciprocal member comprising a cylinder 282a, a stem 282b and a resilient sleeve 282c. The cylinder 282a has an internal bore and is rotatably mounted at one end at the hinge axis 258. A first end of the stem 282b is slidingly received in the bore of the cylinder 282a. The opposite end of the stem 282b is rotatably mounted to the U-shaped arm 281 at a third pivot point 286. The third pivot points 286 are unconnected to, and freely moveable relative to, the upper part 256 and lower part 255. The resilient sleeve 282c is mounted externally on the stem 282b and extends, in use, between abutment surfaces on the cylinder 282a and stem 282b. The resilient sleeve 282c accommodates shortening of the over-centre arm 282 but biases the over-centre arm 282 into an extended configuration. Movement of the third pivot points 286 towards and away from the hinge axis 258 is thus possible by relative movement of the stems 282b in the cylinders 282a. The resilient sleeves 282c are preferably formed from silicone. Whilst the illustrated embodiment uses two over-centre arms 282, it will be apparent that the closure mechanism my be configured with only one over-centre arm 282.
The upper part 255 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. The viewing window 312 is able to move axially relative to the body 310 of the upper part 255. 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 window 312 and the circular body 310. In an alternative arrangement, a series of helical compression springs (not shown) are provided extending between the viewing window 312 and the body 310. In both cases the resilient means allows the viewing window 312 to move axially relative to the circular body 310 by a small degree.
When the cartridge holder 251 is in the closed position, the viewing window 312 bears against the beverage cartridge 1 biasing it against the lower part 256. In one arrangement, the rim 311 of the viewing window contacts and bears against the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge. At the same time the window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1. In an alternative arrangement, only the viewing window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1, and there is no bearing contact between the rim 311 and the flange 35. The pressure exerted by the rim 311 on the flange 35 and/or 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 254a which is raised relative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.
In use, the upper part 256 of the cartridge holder 251 is movable from an open position in which it is orientated vertically or towards the vertical as shown in FIG. 36, to a closed position in which it is orientated substantially horizontally and in interengagement with the fixed lower part 255 and cartridge mount 257. The upper part 256 is moved from the open to the closed positions by operation of the clamping lever. To close the upper part 256 a user takes hold of the clamping lever by 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/or 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 or helical springs. 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 or helical springs ensures a clamping pressure on the cartridge. For the arrangement where bearing pressure is applied to both the flange 35 and the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1, it has been found that a pressure of between 130 and 280N is required. Preferably the force is approximately 200N. A force less than about 130N does not provide an adequate seal, whilst a force greater than about 280N leads to plastic failure of the components of the cartridge 1. For the arrangement where bearing pressure is applied only to the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1 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 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 may thus be clamped around the flange 35 by means of the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 and is always 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.
An imaginary datum line can be drawn between the first and second pivot points 283, 285 of the cartridge holder 251. As can be seen in FIG. 41, in the open position the third pivot points 286 are located on the side of the datum line nearest the fixed lower part 255. As the upper part 256 reaches the closed position, the third pivot points 286 of the clamping lever pass through the datum line joining the first and second pivot points 283, 285 to the opposite side of the line, furthest from the fixed lower part 255. Consequently, the U-shaped arm 281 ‘snaps through’ from a first stable position to a second stable position. The snap through action is accommodated by shortening of the over-centre arms 282 and consequential compression of the resilient sleeves 282c. Once the third pivot points 286 are past the imaginary datum line then recovery of the resilient sleeves 282c acts to continue the motion of the third pivot points 286 away 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 points 286 lie on the imaginary datum line joining the first and second pivot points 283, 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 arm 281 and second arms 284 forces the hook members 287 firmly into engagement with the bosses 259. In addition, the resilient sleeves 282c provide a resistance to re-opening of the upper part 256 since a minimum force is required to compress the sleeves 282c sufficiently to move the third pivot points 286 back into line with the datum line joining the first and second pivot points 283, 285. Advantageously, the interengagement of the hook members 287 and the bosses 259 prevents separation of the upper and lower parts other than by rotation of the clamping lever. This is useful in preventing opening of the cartridge head 250 during operation when the cartridge head 250 is subject to internal pressurisation.
The purpose of the cartridge recognition means 252 is to allow the machine 201 to recognise the type of beverage cartridge 1 that has been inserted and to adjust one or more operational parameters accordingly. In a typical embodiment, the cartridge recognition means 252 comprises an optical barcode reader which reads a printed barcode 320 provided on the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 45. The barcode 320 is formed from a plurality of bars of contrasting colour. Preferably the bars are black on a white background to maximise the contrast. The barcode 320 is 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. The optical barcode reader comprises one or more LEDs 321 to illuminate the barcode 320, a focusing lens 322 to acquire an image of the barcode, a charge coupled device (CCD) 323 for 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 mirrors 324 may be used to reflect the light from the LEDs 321 to a focussing lens which is not located in the lower part 255. Schematic arrangements are shown in FIGS. 44a and 44b. The lower part 255 comprises an aperture 326 which is the same size as the barcode 320 on the beverage cartridge 1. 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. The barcode 320 may be rescanned a number of times before an error message is presented to the consumer. If the machine 201 is unable to read the barcode the consumer is able to use the beverage cartridge 1 to dispense a beverage using a manual mode of operation.
The cartridge head 250 also includes a lock sensor which detects whether the cartridge holder 251 is properly closed. Preferably the lock sensor comprises a micro-switch which is triggered when the cartridge holder 251 is closed and locked. Preferably the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are connected in series such that the output of both sensors must be satisfactory, i.e. cartridge present and mechanism locked, before the dispense cycle can be commenced.
Operation of the machine 201 comprises insertion of a beverage cartridge 1 into the cartridge head 250, carrying out a dispense cycle in which the beverage is dispensed and removal of the cartridge 1 from the machine.
TABLE 4 Cartridge Sensor variable Water Water State Lock (OK, NOK, level flow State Description Temperature Sensor CLR) indicator rate StartStop
1 WATER > or = 85 goto 2 Closed: N/A Low goto N/A No HEATING [Cartridge 10 Action Sensor = readpod( )] Open: [Cartridge Sensor = CLR] 2 WATER <85 goto 2 Closed: Cartridge Low goto N/A No READY [Cartridge Sensor = OK 10 Action If timeout Sensor = readpod( )] goto 4 10 mins goto 9 Open: Cartridge [Cartridge Sensor = NOK Sensor = CLR] goto 3 3 READY TO N/A Open: N/A Low goto N/A Goto 5 BREW AUTO [temperature [Cartridge 10 controlled in Sensor = CLR] background] goto 2 4 BREW IN N/A Open: N/A Low goto No Water off PROGRESS [temperature [Cartridge 10 flow goto 6 AUTO controlled in Sensor = CLR] goto [Run Brew background] goto 10 10 State] goto 7 5 BREW N/A Open: N/A Low goto N/A Goto 5 SUSPENDED [temperature [Cartridge 10 controlled in Sensor = CLR] background] goto 10 6 READY TO N/A Open: N/A Low goto N/A [Water BREW [temperature [Cartridge 10 On] MANUAL controlled in Sensor = CLR] Goto 8 background] goto 2 7 BREW IN N/A Open: N/A Low goto No Released PROGRESS [temperature [Cartridge 10 flow goto 7 MANUAL controlled in Sensor = CLR] goto background] goto 10 10 8 PURGE N/A Open: N/A No action N/A No [Water off; air [temperature [Cartridge Action on, timeout n controlled in Sensor = CLR] sec then goto background] goto 10 9] 9 BREW DONE N/A Open goto 2 N/A Low goto N/A Goto 9 [air purge] [temperature 10 [Cartridge controlled in Sensor = CLR] background] if timeout 10 s goto 2 10 STANDBY N/A Open: N/A Low goto N/A Goto 1 [heater off] [Cartridge 10 Sensor = CLR] goto 1 Closed: [Cartridge Sensor = readpod( )] 11 ERROR N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Power off/on required to clear 12 WATER LOW Low goto 10
The following example illustrates a dispense cycle to exemplify the use of the State Transitions by the control processor.
To insert the cartridge 1 the cartridge holder 251 is opened as described above to expose the cartridge mount 257. The cartridge 1 is then placed on the cartridge mount 257 received within the recess 290 such that the handle 24 of the cartridge is located in the irregularity 291. The optical or magnetic barcode 320 of the cartridge 1 is orientated directly above the aperture 326 in the cartridge mount 257. The cartridge holder 251 is then closed by operation of the clamping lever as described above. During closure the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 pierce the laminate 5 of the cartridge 1 to form the cartridge inlet 121 and outlet 122. As described above the laminate 5 cut by the outlet piercer 254 is folded up into the annulus 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/or between the window 311 and the top 11 of the cartridge 1 to form a fluid tight seal of sufficient integrity to withstand the pressures developed during the dispense cycle.
1. A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part, an upper part, and a resilient member, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a center of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N, wherein the resilient member contacts at least a part of the top surface of the beverage cartridge, and wherein the resilient member is a viewing window.
2. The closure mechanism of claim 1 wherein the lower part comprises a raised portion which contacts a central portion of the bottom surface of the beverage cartridge.
3. The closure mechanism of claim 2 wherein the lower part is fixed and the upper part is rotatable relative to the lower part from the open position to the closed position.
4. The closure mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a cartridge mount interposed between the lower part and the upper part and being rotatable relative to the lower part and the upper part for receiving, in use, the beverage cartridge.
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Patent number: 7231869
Patent Publication Number: 20040211322
Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D Inc.
Inventors: Andrew Halliday (Hook Norton), Steve Carter (London)
Primary Examiner: Reginald L. Alexander
Application Number: 10/763,767
Current U.S. Class: 99/289.R; Cartridge Type (99/295); 99/302.0R
International Classification: A47J 31/00 (20060101);