Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7316178?dq=patent:+7360079
Timestamp: 2014-08-23 16:10:18
Document Index: 482160858

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n2', 'art.\n9', 'art.\n14', 'art.\n16', 'application No. 60', 'art 256', 'art 256', 'art 255', '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 256', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 256']

Patent US7316178 - Machine for the preparation of beverages - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use,...http://www.google.com/patents/US7316178?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7316178 - Machine for the preparation of beveragesAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7316178 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/763,928Publication dateJan 8, 2008Filing dateJan 23, 2004Priority dateJan 24, 2003Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20040191372Publication number10763928, 763928, US 7316178 B2, US 7316178B2, US-B2-7316178, US7316178 B2, US7316178B2InventorsAndrew Halliday, Nick Hensen, Steve CarterOriginal AssigneeKraft Foods R & D, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (102), Referenced by (11), Classifications (23), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMachine for the preparation of beveragesUS 7316178 B2Abstract A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit.
1. A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit;
further comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part.
2. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are oriented vertically and parallel to one another.
3. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are made of plastics materials.
4. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second piercing element is larger in diameter than the first piercing element.
5. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the removable unit only has a single first piercing element and a single second piercing element.
6. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second piercing element is larger in diameter than the first piercing element.
7. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the removable unit only has a single first piercing element and a single second piercing element.
8. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cartridge mount is rotatably mounted between a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part.
9. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein the upper part and the cartridge mount are rotatable about a common hinge axis.
10. A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit stationary in use during forming the inlet and the outlet;
11. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are orientated vertically and parallel to one another.
12. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are made of plastics materials.
13. A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit;
wherein the removable united is mounted, in use, in a recess formed in a fixed lower part.
14. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second piercing element is surrounded by a ledge which is raised relative to its surroundings.
15. A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit;
further comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part;
wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in a recess formed in the fixed lower part.
16. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 15 wherein the second piercing element is surrounded by a ledge which is raised relative to its surroundings.
RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/462,538, filed Apr. 11, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND 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.
It has previously been proposed to seal beverage preparation ingredients in individual air-impermeable packages for use in beverage machines. For example, cartridges or capsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in certain coffee preparation machines which are generally termed �espresso� machines. In the production of coffee using these preparation machines the coffee cartridge is placed in a brewing chamber and hot water is passed though the cartridge at relatively high pressures, thereby extracting the aromatic coffee constituents from the ground coffee to produce the coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate at a pressure of greater than 6�105 Pa. The preparation machines of the type described have to date been relatively expensive since components of the machine, such as the water pumps and seals, must be able to withstand the high pressures.
In WO01/58786 there is described a cartridge for the preparation of beverages which operates at a pressure generally in the range 0.7 to 2.0�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 beverage preparation machine which is suitable, in particular, for the domestic market in terms of cost, performance and reliability. There is also a need for a beverage preparation machine for such cartridges which is simple to operate and reliable in operation. In particular it is desirable that the machine be straightforward to maintain.
WO02/082962 describes a beverage filter cartridge holder comprising inlet and outlet probes which pierce, in use, a beverage cartridge. The inlet and outlet probes are carried by a platen which is permanently mounted by means of a ball joint to a pneumatic cylinder. The inlet and outlet probes are difficult to access and hence difficult to maintain and, in particular, clean.
SUMMARY Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit.
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, semi-rigid or flexible.
The cartridge for use with the present invention may contain one or more beverage ingredients suitable for the formation of a beverage product. The beverage product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate or a dairy-based beverage 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 removable unit containing the inlet piercer and outlet piercer allows for easy cleaning of the components of the machine. In particular the piercers may be placed in a dishwasher or similar.
Preferably, the beverage preparation machine further comprises a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, wherein the removable unit is mounted, in use, in the fixed lower part.
Preferably, the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are orientated vertically and parallel to one another.
Preferably, the inlet piercer and outlet piercer are made of plastics materials.
In the following description the terms �upper� and �lower� and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms �upper� and �lower� and equivalents should be understood to refer to the cartridge (or other components) in its normal orientation for insertion into a beverage preparation machine and subsequent dispensing as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In particular, �upper� and �lower� refer, respectively, to relative positions nearer or further from a top surface 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the terms �inner� and �outer� and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms �inner� and �outer� and equivalents should be understood to refer to relative positions in the cartridge (or other components) being, respectively, nearer or further from a centre or major axis X of the cartridge 1 (or other component).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 44 a and 44 b are schematic layouts of first and second code recognition means for the machine of FIG. 35; and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 for use with the present invention generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3 and a laminate 5. The outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 are assembled to form the cartridge 1 which has an interior 120 for containing one or more beverage ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122 and a beverage flow path linking the inlet 121 to the outlet 122 and which passes through the interior 120. The inlet 121 and outlet 122 are initially sealed by the laminate 5 and are opened in use by piercing or cutting of the laminate 5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatial inter-relationships between the outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 as discussed below. Other components may optionally be included in the cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be described further below.
As can be seen from FIG. 5, the overall shape of the cartridge 1 is generally circular or disc-shaped with the diameter of the cartridge 1 being significantly greater than its height. A major axis X passes through the centre of the outer member as shown in FIG. 1. Typically the overall diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm �6 mm and the overall height is 16 mm �3 mm. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is 30.2 ml �20%.
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 (10-200 KPa). From there the water is directed to flow through the slots 30 and round the manifold 16 and into the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17. The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration chamber 130 and mixes with the beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. The water is at the same time forced upwardly through the beverage ingredients. The beverage formed by passage of the water through the beverage ingredients passes through the filter 4 and filtration apertures 55 into the passages 57 lying above the annular frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 and the welding of the rim 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short-circuits and all the beverage has to pass through the filter 4.
Operation of the second version of cartridge 1 to dispense a beverage is similar to the operation of the first version but with certain differences. Beverage in the radial passages 57 flows downwardly along the passages 57 formed between the webs 54 and through the openings 56 and into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the annular channel 69 the beverage is forced under pressure through the aperture 128 by the back pressure of beverage collecting in the filtration chamber 130 and passages 57. The beverage is thus forced through aperture 128 as a jet and into an expansion chamber formed by the upper end of the discharge spout 43. As shown in FIG. 18, the jet of beverage passes directly over the air inlet 71. As the beverage enters the discharge spout 43 the pressure of the beverage jet drops. As a result air is entrained into the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air bubbles as the air is drawn up through the air inlet 71. The jet of beverage issuing from the aperture 128 is funnelled downwards to the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup where the air bubbles form the desired crema. Thus, the aperture 128 and the air inlet 71 together form an eductor which acts to entrain air into the beverage. Flow of beverage into the eductor should be kept as smooth as possible to reduce pressure losses. Advantageously, the walls of the eductor should be made concave to reduce losses due to �wall effect� friction. The dimensional tolerance of the aperture 128 is small. Preferably the aperture size is fixed plus or minus 0.02 mm2. Hairs, fibrils or other surface irregularities can be provided within or at the exit of the eductor to increase the effective cross-sectional area which has been found to increase the degree of air entrainment.
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 cartridge 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 10000 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 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 present invention provides for a beverage cartridge having 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 (150 KPa) using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.
% SS=0.7774*(Brix value)+0.0569.% Yield=(% SS*Brew Volume (g))/(100*Coffee Weight (g))
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 (250 KPa). Preferably, in normal use, the pressure will be limited to 2 bar. The flow rate of water through the machine 201 can be controlled by the control processor to be a percentage of the maximum flow rate of the pump by cycle chopping the electrical supply to the pump. Preferably the pump can be driven at any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum rated flow rate. The accuracy of the volume of water pumped is preferably + or −5% leading to a + or −5% accuracy in the final volume of the dispensed beverage. A suitable pump is the Evolution EP8 pump produced by Ulka S.r.l. (Pavia, Italy). A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flow line either upstream or downstream of the water pump 230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor is a rotary sensor.
The 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.
The air compressor 235 is operatively connected to the cartridge head 250 by means of a one-way valve and controlled by the control processor. The air compressor 235 provides a maximum flow rate of air of 500 ml/min at 1.0 bar (100 KPa). In use a working volume of 35 ml is pressurised to 2.0 bar (200 KPa). Preferably, the air compressor 235 can produce two flow rates: a fast (or maximum) flow rate and a slow flow rate.
00 = cold
10 = 83� C.
11 = 93� C.
Cartridge charge
00 = fast charge with soak
4, 5, 6 & 7
0000 = 50 ml
000 = 30%
00 = slow flow/short period
The code on or in the cartridge 1 will normally comprises one or more extra data bits for error checking. In one example a 16 bit code is provided. For example, using the variables listed in Table 3, a cartridge 1 bearing the code �1000100011110� would have the following operational parameters:
Water temperature of 83� C.
Fast charge with soak
Dispensed drink volume of 150 ml
Flow rate equals 100%
Fast air flow purge/short period.
The upper part 256 comprises a generally circular body 310 housing a circular viewing window 312 through which a consumer can view the beverage cartridge 1 during a dispense cycle and also visually confirm whether a cartridge 1 is loaded in the machine 201. The viewing window 312 is cup-shaped having a downwardly directed rim 311 which engages and grips the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge 1 against the lower part 256 when the cartridge holder 251 is closed. At the same time the window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1. A wave spring (not shown) is positioned between the viewing window 312 and the circular body 310 to enable the viewing window 312 to move axially relative to the circular body 310 by a small degree. The pressure exerted by the rim 311 on the flange 35 and by the window 312 on the closed top 11 ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 and the cartridge holder 251.
The outlet piercer 254 is surrounded by a ledge 254 awhich is raised relative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.
Advantageously, the outlet piercer 254 is removable from the lower part 255 to enable it to be thoroughly cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. The removable outlet piercer 254 is received in a recess 267 in the lower part 255 where it is seated. The inlet piercer 253 and/or the outlet piercer 254 may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, or from a plastics material. Advantageously, the use of plastic cutting elements is enabled by use of a laminate 5 which is able to be punctured and cut by a non-metallic material. Consequently, the piercers 253, 254 can be made less sharp which lowers the risk of injury to the consumer. In addition, plastic piercing elements are not prone to rust. The inlet piercer 253 and the outlet piercer 254 are formed as a single, integral unit which is removable from the lower part 255.
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 cartridge 1. Continued rotation of the upper part 256 rotates the upper part 256 and cartridge mount 257 down into contact with the lower part 255. Further rotation of the U-shaped arm 281 causes the U-shaped arm 281 to rotate relative to the upper part 256 and the lower part 255 resulting in the hook members 287 of the upper part 256 engaging the bosses 259 of the lower part 255 with the cam surface 288 riding over the bosses 259. During this last stage of rotation the cartridge 1 is compressed between the cartridge mount 257 and the viewing window 312. As a result, the viewing window 312 is moved axially relative to the circular body 310 of the upper part 256 against the bias of the wave spring. This movement allows for a take up of tolerances in the beverage cartridge 1 and beverage preparation machine and ensures that the amount of compressive force applied to the cartridge is kept within an acceptable range. The clamping force of the mechanism as moderated by the action of the wave spring ensures a clamping pressure on the cartridge of between 130 and 280 N. Preferably the force is approximately 200 N. A force less than about 130N does not provide an adequate seal, whilst a force greater than about 280 N leads to plastic failure of the components of the cartridge 1. During closure of the cartridge head the laminate 5 of the cartridge 1 is tensioned as it is brought into contact with the ledge 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.
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 282 c. Once the third pivot points 286 are past the imaginary datum line then recovery of the resilient sleeves 282 c 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 282 c provide a resistance to re-opening of the upper part 256 since a minimum force is required to compress the sleeves 282 c 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. 44 a and 44 b. 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 operational behaviour of the machine 201 is determined by software embedded in the control processor. Operation of the machine can be described in terms of �States�, wherein the machine 201 will normally exist in a particular State until an event occurs to change the State, a step called a State transition.
(OK, NOK,
CLR)
> or = 85 goto 2
Low goto
<85 goto 2
Sensor = OK
10 mins goto 9
Sensor = NOK
BREW AUTO
[Run Brew
[Water off; air
on, timeout n
sec then goto
BREW DONE
Open goto 2
[air purge]
[heater off]
It is assumed that the machine 201 is initially switched off and with no cartridge 1 inserted in the cartridge head 250. When the machine 201 is switched on the control processor is in State 1. The water heater 225 is itched on. Once the 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 cartridge 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.
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 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.
In the pre-wet stage the cartridge 1 is charged with water from the water storage tank 220 by means of the water pump 230. The charging with water causes the beverage ingredients 200 in the filtration chamber 130 to be wetted. The charging may take place at a �fast� flow rate of 600 ml/min or a �slow� flow rate of 325 ml/min. The slow charging rate is particularly useful for cartridges containing viscous liquid beverage ingredients where the ingredients require some dilution before they are able to be pumped at a higher volume flow rate. The volume of water injected into the cartridge 1 is selected to ensure that water or beverage does not drip out of the cartridge outlet 122 during this stage.
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 cartridge 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.
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