Source: https://patents.justia.com/patent/7316178
Timestamp: 2020-01-18 17:57:30
Document Index: 48576907

Matched Legal Cases: ['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']

US Patent for Machine for the preparation of beverages Patent (Patent # 7,316,178 issued January 8, 2008) - Justia Patents Search
Justia Patents Cartridge TypeUS Patent for Machine for the preparation of beverages Patent (Patent # 7,316,178)
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%.
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 254a surrounding the outlet piercer 254 which causes the laminate 5 to flex out of plane as the distal end of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel is moved upwardly by 0.5 mm relative to the flange 35. This movement also ensures that the great majority of the compressive force applied to the cartridge acts through the central region of the cartridge 1 through the load-bearing inner member 3. In the closed position the cartridge 1 is thus clamped around the flange 35 by means of the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 and firmly clamped between the closed top 11 of the cartridge and the outer tube 42 of the inner member 3 by contact with the viewing window 312 and the ledge 254a. These clamping forces help prevent failure of the cartridge 1 during pressurisation and also ensure that the inner member 3 and outer member 2 are fully seated relative to one another and thus that all internal passageways and apertures remain at their intended dimensions even during internal pressurisation.
2899106 August 1959 Weinert
5899137 May 4, 1999 Miller et al.
Patent number: 7316178
Patent Publication Number: 20040191372
Inventors: Andrew Halliday (Hook Norton), Nick Hensen (Banbury), Steve Carter (London)
Application Number: 10/763,928