Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040191370A1/en
Timestamp: 2018-07-21 06:52:43
Document Index: 220749509

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

US20040191370A1 - System and method for the preparation of beverages - Google Patents
System and method for the preparation of beverages Download PDF
US20040191370A1
US20040191370A1 US10763376 US76337604A US2004191370A1 US 20040191370 A1 US20040191370 A1 US 20040191370A1 US 10763376 US10763376 US 10763376 US 76337604 A US76337604 A US 76337604A US 2004191370 A1 US2004191370 A1 US 2004191370A1
US10763376
US7592027B2 (en )
A method of preparing a beverage comprising the steps of:
[0024]FIG. 1 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member of first and second embodiments of cartridge for use with the present invention;
[0025]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of FIG. 1 showing an inwardly directed cylindrical extension;
[0026]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of FIG. 1 showing a slot;
[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1;
[0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1 in an inverted orientation;
[0029]FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1;
[0030]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the first embodiment of cartridge;
[0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7;
[0032]FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7 in an inverted orientation;
[0033]FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7;
[0034]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
[0035]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the second embodiment of cartridge;
[0036]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member of FIG. 12 showing an aperture;
[0037]FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 12;
[0038]FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 12 in an inverted orientation;
[0039]FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional drawing of the inner member of FIG. 12;
[0040]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional drawing of another detail of the inner member of FIG. 12 showing an air inlet;
[0041]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional drawing of the second embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
[0042]FIG. 19 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member of third and fourth embodiments of cartridge for use with the present invention;
[0043]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of FIG. 19 showing an inwardly directed cylindrical extension;
[0044]FIG. 21 is a plan view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19;
[0045]FIG. 22 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19;
[0046]FIG. 23 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19 in an inverted orientation;
[0047]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the third embodiment of cartridge;
[0048]FIG. 25 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24;
[0049]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member of FIG. 24 showing an in-turned upper rim;
[0050]FIG. 27 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24;
[0051]FIG. 28 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24 in an inverted orientation;
[0052]FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional drawing of the third embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
[0053]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the fourth embodiment of cartridge;
[0054]FIG. 31 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30;
[0055]FIG. 32 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30;
[0056]FIG. 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30 in an inverted orientation;
[0057]FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional drawing of the fourth embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
[0058]FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a beverage preparation machine for use with the present invention;
[0059]FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the machine of FIG. 35 with a cartridge head in an open position;
[0060]FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 35 with some parts omitted for clarity;
[0061]FIG. 38 is another rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 35 with some parts omitted for clarity;
[0062]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the cartridge head of the machine of FIG. 35 with some parts omitted for clarity;
[0063]FIG. 40 is another perspective view of the cartridge head of the machine of FIG. 35 with some parts omitted for clarity;
[0064]FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge head in a closed position;
[0065]FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge head in an open position;
[0066]FIG. 43 is a schematic layout of the machine of FIG. 35;
[0067]FIG. 44a and 44 b are schematic layouts of first and second code recognition means for the machine of FIG. 35;
[0068]FIG. 45 is a plan view of a beverage of the present invention comprising a barcode.
[0069]FIG. 46a is a graph of concentration vs. operating cycle time;
[0070]FIG. 46b is a graph of foamability vs. operating cycle time; and
[0071]FIG. 46c is a graph of temperature vs. operating cycle time.
The outer member 2 is orientated with the open bottom 12 directed upwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2 with the outer rin 51 being received as a loose fit in an axial extension 14 at top 11 of the cartrige 1. The cylindrical extension 18 of the outer member 2 is at the same time received in the upper portion of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third portion 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the closed lower face of the cylindrical extension 18 bearing against the support webs 49 of the inner member 3. The filter 4 is then placed over the inner member 3 such that the filter material contacts the annular rim 51. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to join the filter 4 to the inner member 3 and at the same time, and in the same process step, the inner member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member 3 and filter 4 are welded around the outer rim 51. The inner member 3 and outer member 2 are joined by means of weld lines around the outer rin 51 and also the upper edges of the webs 54.
Advantageously, the inner member 3 spans between the outer member 2 and the laminate 5. The inner member 3 is formed from a material of relative rigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms a load-bearing member that acts 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 280N in use. The compressive force acts to prevent the cartridge failing under internal pressurisation and also serves to squeeze the inner member 3 and outer member 2 together. This ensures that the internal dimensions of passageways and apertures in the cartridge 1 are fixed and unable to change during pressurisation of the cartrige 1.
The assembly procedure for the second version of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version. However, there are certain differences. As shown in FIG. 18, the third portion 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the support rim 67 rather than against support webs. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical extension 18 between the second portion 20 and third portion 21 bears against the upper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner member 3. An interface zone 124 is thus formed between the inner member 3 and the outer member 2 comprising a face seal between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67 which extends around nearly the whole circumference of the cartrige 1. The seal between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67 is not fluid-tight though since the slot 70 in the support rim 67 extends through the support rim 67 and downwardly to a point marginally below the shoulder 68. Consequently the interface fit between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67 transforms the slot 70 into an aperture 128, as most clearly shown in FIG. 18, providing gas and liquid communication between the annular channel 69 and the discharge spout 43. The aperture is typically 0.64 mm wide by 0.69 mm long.
A third version of cartridge 1 is shown in FIGS. 19 to 29. The third version of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in dispensing soluble products which may be in powdered, liquid, syrup, gel or similar form. The soluble product is dissolved by or forms a suspension in, an aqueous medium such as water when the aqueous medium is passed, in use, through the cartrige 1. Examples of beverages include chocolate, coffee, milk, tea, soup or other rehydratable or aqueous-soluble products. Many of the features of the third version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous versions and like numerals have been used to reference like features. In the following description the differences between the third and previous versions will be discussed. Common features which function in the same manner will not be discussed in detail.
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 19 a, 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 cartrige 1. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is 32.5 ml ±20%.
In use, water enters the,mixing chamber 134 through the four slots 36 in the same manner as previous versions of the cartridge. The water is forced radially inwardly through the mixing chamber and mixes with the beverage ingredients contained therein. The product is dissolved or mixed in the water and forms the beverage in the mixing chamber 134 and is then driven though the apertures 85 into the annular channel 86 by back pressure of beverage and water in the mixing chamber 134. The circumferential staggering of the four inlet slots 36 and the five apertures 85 ensures that jets of water are not able to pass radially directly from the inlet slots 36 to the apertures 85 without first circulating within the mixing chamber 134. In this way the degree and consistency of dissolution or mixing of the product is significantly increased. The beverage is forced upwardly in the annular channel 86, through the apertures 89 between the struts 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage passes from chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between the support webs 49 into the discharge spout 43 and towards the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup. The cartridge finds particular application with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application a liquid chocolate ingredient is contained in the cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between 1700 and 3900 mPa at ambient temperature and between 5000 and 1000 mPa at 0° C. and 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° C. where the coffee has a total solids level of between 40 and 70%. The liquid coffee ingredient may contain between 0.1 and 2.0% by weight sodium bicarbonate, preferably between 0.5 and 1.0% by weight. The sodium bicarbonate acts to maintain the pH level of the coffee at or below 4.8 enabling a shelf-life for coffee-filled cartridges of up to 12 months.
A skirt portion 80 is provided similar to that shown in the third version of the cartridge 1 described above. Between 5 and 12 apertures 85 are provided in the rim 84. Typically ten apertures are provided rather than the five provided in the third version of cartrige 1.
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 below the bowl 100 and through the apertures 85 towards the outlet 44 as described above. The proportion of the liquid product initially contained within the annular bowl 100 as shown in FIG. 34 is not subject to immediate dilution by the water entering the mixing chamber 134. Rather, 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 during the initial stages of the operating cycle 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 under gravity into the stream of product exiting the mixing chamber 134 through the apertures 85 and below the bowl 100. 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 flow path steadily throughout the operating cycle as illustrated in FIG. 46a where the concentration of the milk measured as a percentage of the total solids present is shown during an operating cycle of approximately 15 seconds. Line a illustrates the concentration profile with the bowl 100 whilst line b illustrates a cartridge without the bowl 100. As can be seen the concentration profile with the cup 100 is more even during the operating cycle and there is no immediate large drop in concentration as occurs without the bowl 100. The initial concentration of the milk is typically 30-35% SS and at the end of the cycle 10% SS. This results in a dilution ratio of around 3 to 1, although dilution ratios of between 1 to 1 and 6 to 1 are possible with the present invention. For other liquid beverage ingredients the concentrations may vary. For example for liquid chocolate the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS and at the end of the cycle 12-15% SS. This results in a dilution ratio (ratio of aqueous medium to beverage ingredient in dispensed beverage) of around 5 to 1, although dilution ratios of between 2 to 1 and 10 to 1 are possible with the present invention. For liquid coffee the initial concentration is between 40-67% and the concentration at the end of dispense 1-2% SS. This results in a dilution ratio of between 20 to 1 and 70 to 1, although dilution ratios of between 10 to 1 and 100 to 1 are possible with the present invention.
The foaming of the concentrated milk is particularly advantageous for beverages such as cappuccinos and milk shakes. Preferably the passing of the milk through the aperture 128 and over the air inlet 71 and the optional use of the bowl 100 enables foaming levels of greater than 40%, preferably greater than 70% for milk. For liquid chocolate foaming levels of greater than 70% are possible. For liquid coffee foaming levels of greater than 70% are possible. The foamability level is measured as the ratio of the volume of the foam produced to the volume of liquid beverage ingredient dispensed. For example, where 138.3 ml of beverage is dispensed, of which 58.3 ml is foam the foamability is measured as [58.3/(138.3-58.3)]*100=72.9%. The foamability of the milk (and other liquid ingredients) is enhanced by the provision of the bowl 100 as can be seen in FIG. 46b. The foamability of the milk dispensed with the bowl 100 present (line a) is greater than that of milk dispensed without the bowl present (line b). This is because the foamability of the milk is positively correlated to the concentration of the milk and as shown in FIG. 46a the bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of the milk a larger part of the operating cycle. It is also known that foamability of the milk is positively correlated to temperature of the aqueous medium as shown in FIG. 46c. Thus the bowl 100 is advantageous since more of the milk remains in the cartridge until near the end of the operating cycle when the aqueous medium is at its hottest. This again improves foamability.
A beverage preparation machine 201 for use with the present invention for use with the above described beverage cartridges is shown in FIGS. 35 to 45. The beverage preparation machine 201 generally comprises a housing 210 containing a water tank 220, a water heater 225, a water pump 230, an air compressor 235, a control processor, a user interface 240 and a cartridge head 250. The cartridge head 250 in turn generally comprises a cartridge holder 251 for holding, in use, the beverage cartridge 1, cartridge recognition means 252 and inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 for forming, in use, the inlet 121 and the outlet 122 in the beverage cartrige 1.
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 operating cycle and the heater 225 being able to commence a subsequent operating cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature to within + or −2° C. during the operating cycle. As discussed below, the water for the operating cycle may be delivered to the cartridge head 250 at 8° 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 cartrige 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.
The variables for the operational parameters are stored in the memory. The cartridge 1 comprises a code provided on or in the cartridge 1 representing the operational parameters required for optimal dispensation of the beverage in that cartrige 1. The code is in binary format and comprises a plurality of data bits corresponding to the variables stored in the control processor memory. Table 3 illustrates how 13 bits of data can be used to represent the necessary variables for the operational parameters described above.
The cartridge mount 257 is rotatably mounted between the upper and lower parts 255, 256 of the cartridge holder 251. The mount 257 is provided with a substantially circular recess 290 which receives in use the beverage cartrige 1. The recess 290 includes an irregularity 291 for accommodating the handle portion 24 of the beverage cartridge 1 which also acts to prevent rotation of the beverage cartridge 1 in the cartridge holder 251. The cartridge mount 257 is sprung relative to the fixed lower part 255 such that in the open position, as shown in FIG. 41, the cartridge mount 257 is biased out of contact with the fixed lower part 255 so that the cartridge mount 257 is moved out of contact with the outlet and inlet piercer members 254, 253. The cartridge mount 257 is provided with an aperture 292 for receiving therethrough the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 and a head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252 when the cartridge mount 257 is moved into the closed position.
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 an operating 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 cartrige 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 lower part 255 comprises the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 and the head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252. The inlet piercer 253 comprises a hollow needle-like tube 260 having a sharpened end 261 for perforating the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 in use. The inlet piercer 253 is in fluid communication with a water conduit 262 as shown in FIG. 42 which passes through the lower part 255 and is connected to an outlet conduit 263 of the water heater 225. The outlet piercer 254 is similar in type to the outlet piercer described in the applicant's European patents EP 0 389 141 and EP 0 334 572 and comprises an open ended cylinder 264 of circular or D-shaped cross-section having dimensions larger than the discharge spout 43. An arcuate portion 265 of the upper end of the outlet piercer 254 is serrated to pierce and eventually cut the laminate of the beverage cartrige 1. The remainder of the upper end is cut back longitudinally of the cylinder at least to the base of the teeth 266 of the serrated portion to fold or pull the cut laminate 5 away from the outlet aperture before the beverage is dispensed therethrough. The outlet piercer 254 pierces the laminate 5 externally of the discharge spout 43 and when the cartridge mount 257 is in the closed position, rests in the annulus between the discharge spout 43 and the outer wall 42 of the discharge funnel 40. The outlet piercer 254 folds back the cut laminate 105 into the annulus. Thereby both the outlet piercer 254 and the cut laminate 105 are held out of the way of the discharged beverage.
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 the window 312 itself into contact with the closed top 11 of the cartrige 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 280N. 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 cartrige 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 254 a 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 254 a. 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.
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 44 b. The lower part 255 comprises an aperture 326 which is the same size as the barcode 320 on the beverage cartrige 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.
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 switched on. Once the temperature reaches 85° C. the control processor transits to State 2. If at any time during State 1 or 2 the cartridge holder 251 is closed the lock sensor will be triggered to send a signal to the control processor indicating that the cartridge holder 251 is properly closed. The control processor then interrogates the cartridge sensor by sending a ‘readpod’ instruction. The cartridge sensor returns a signal to the control processor indicating whether a cartridge is in place in the cartridge holder 251. If no cartridge is present the control processor transits to State 3 where it remains in a readiness state until the cartridge holder 251 is reopened at which point the control processor transits back to State 2. If a cartridge is present in State 2 then the control processor transits to State 4 and operation is commenced automatically. During States 4 to 9 the water temperature is controlled in the background to remain within the required tolerance range of the desired temperature as set by the operational parameters set by the barcode on the beverage cartrige 1. Once the discharge stage of dispense is completed an air purge is commenced in State 8. Once the air purge is completed the operating cycle is completed and the machine enters to standby mode in State 10. If, during operation, an error occurs then the processor transits to State 11. If a low water level is detected then the processor transits to State 12.
In the brew/mixing stage water is passed through the cartridge 1 in order to produce the beverage from the beverage ingredients 200. The temperature of the water is determined by the control processor which sends instructions to the water heater 225 to heat the water passing from the water tank 220 to the cartridge head 250. Water enters the lower part 255 of the cartridge holder 251 through the conduit 262 via the inlet valve and the inlet piercer 253 into the inlet chamber 126 of the beverage cartrige 1. Brewing and/or mixing and subsequent dispensing of the beverage from the beverage cartridge 1 is as described above with reference to the versions of the beverage cartrige 1.
The machine 201 may also advantageously comprise a memory in operative communication with the control processor that stores information on the type of beverage dispensed by a user. The operating cycle of the machine 201 may then be adjusted for the next cartrige 1. This is especially advantageous where two or more beverage cartridges 1 are used sequentially to form a beverage. For example a coffee cartridge may be dispensed followed by a milk cartridge to form a cappuccino beverage. Alternatively a chocolate cartridge could be used followed by a milk cartridge to produce a creamy hot chocolate beverage. By using a memory that stores information on the first beverage dispensed, the manner of dispensing the second cartridge, say a milk cartridge, may be altered to achieve an optimum beverage. In the above example the milk dispensed for hot chocolate may, typically, be diluted less than the milk added to the coffee. In addition, the milk dispensed for chocolate may be dispensed at a slower flow rate to lessen the degree of foaming of the beverage. Many combinations of cartridges are possible and operating parameters as will be obvious to the skilled person. In addition, the memory may be used to allow the machine 201 to ‘predict’ the type of beverage that a user will next want to dispense. For example, if a user predominantly drinks one beverage type then the machine can instruct the water heater to remain at the optimum temperature for that beverage type.
1. A beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine having means for receiving a range of beverage cartridges and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges, a first beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients for preparing a first portion of said beverage, and a second beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients for preparing a second portion of said beverage, wherein that one of the first or second beverage cartridges contains a liquid dairy-based ingredient.
2. A method of preparing a beverage comprising the steps of:
wherein that one of the first or second beverage cartridges contains a liquid dairy-based ingredient.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein one of the first or second beverage cartridges contains an ingredient for forming a brewed portion of a beverage.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the step of removing the first beverage cartridge before inserting the second beverage cartridge.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is roast and ground coffee.
6. A method as claimed in claims 4 wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is leaf-based tea.
7. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is a liquid coffee ingredient.
8. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the liquid dairy-based ingredient is a concentrated dairy-based product.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the concentrated dairy-based product is concentrated liquid milk.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains between 25 and 40% total solids.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains 30% total solids.
12. A method as claimed in claims 11 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains between 0.1 and 12% fat.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12 further comprising the step of foaming the one or more liquid dairy-based ingredients during dispensation.
US10763376 2003-01-24 2004-01-23 Method for the preparation of beverages Active 2027-04-27 US7592027B2 (en)
US10763376 US7592027B2 (en) 2003-01-24 2004-01-23 Method for the preparation of beverages
US20040191370A1 true true US20040191370A1 (en) 2004-09-30
US7592027B2 US7592027B2 (en) 2009-09-22
US10763376 Active 2027-04-27 US7592027B2 (en) 2003-01-24 2004-01-23 Method for the preparation of beverages
WO2008144462A1 (en) * 2007-05-18 2008-11-27 Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges
US9386877B2 (en) * 2007-05-18 2016-07-12 Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. Beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges
US7592027B2 (en) 2009-09-22 grant
US20130101716A1 (en) 2013-04-25 Beverage cartridge with filter guard