Patent Description:
Known in the sector of beverage production by infusion is the use of capsules containing infusion material such as coffee, for example. The capsules are designed to be placed in specific machines where hot water or steam is fed into the capsule in order to brew the beverage.

In these machines, the capsule must remain airtight so as to obtain a pressurized environment. In many cases, the airtight seal is created on a flange-like rim of the capsule.

In this context, patent document <CIT> describes the making of a sealing member on the flange by injection moulding.

Patent document <CIT> describes a solution in which a sealing ring is retained on the flange by crimping the end of the flange itself.

Patent document <CIT> describes applying the seal on the flange by heating a charge of the sealing composition until it spreads over the entire surface and then conditioning the layer thus obtained.

Another method for applying a sealing member to a capsule is known from patent document <CIT>.

There continues, however, to be a need to improve the capsule seal and the method to make the seal.

The aim of this invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for applying a sealing member to a capsule for preparing a beverage to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

This aim is achieved by the method and apparatus of this invention as characterized in one or more of the appended claims.

Generally speaking, the method according to this disclosure is a method for applying a layer to a capsule intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages. This layer is of plastic material. In one embodiment (which this disclosure will concentrate on, without thereby losing in generality), this layer is a sealing member. In other possible embodiments, this layer might be a stiffening or reinforcing element.

In one embodiment, the capsule includes a body having a bottom wall. In one embodiment, the body comprises a side wall. In one embodiment, the radial cross section profile of the bottom wall is inclined to an axis of symmetry of the capsule. In another embodiment, the radial cross section profile of the side wall is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the capsule. The body of the capsule comprises a flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the flange-like rim extends from the side wall. In one embodiment, the flange-like rim extends from the side wall outwards relative to the axis of symmetry of the capsule.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of applying a charge of sealing composition on the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the charge is applied in a viscous state. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of compression moulding the charge of sealing composition against the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of compression moulding the charge of sealing composition on, that is to say, in contact with, the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment of the method, where the flange-like rim has a rear face directed towards the bottom wall of the body, and a front face, opposite to the rear face, the charge of sealing composition, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere at least to the rear face of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment of the method, the charge of sealing composition, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere to the rear face of the flange-like rim and in a zone of intersection between the rear face of the flange-like rim and the side wall of the body.

In one embodiment of the method, the charge of sealing composition, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere in a zone of intersection between the rear face of the flange-like rim and the side wall of the body.

In one embodiment of the method, the charge of sealing composition is applied by placing it on the front face of the flange-like rim and, during the step of compression moulding, the sealing composition making up the charge is made to migrate by compression. The term "migrate" is used to mean the tendency of the charge of viscous sealing composition to occupy the space surrounding it when subjected to compression. In a variant embodiment of the method, migration occurs around an end edge of the flange-like rim so as to adhere to both the front face and the rear face of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge of sealing composition includes a step of passing the sealing composition through an annular orifice.

In one embodiment, the step of passing the sealing composition through the annular orifice causes the sealing composition to be extruded through the annular orifice. In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge of sealing composition includes a step of cutting off the sealing composition fed out of the annular orifice in order to obtain the required charge. In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge of sealing composition includes a step of delivering the charge onto a surface of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the charge of sealing composition is delivered onto a front surface of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the charge of sealing composition is delivered onto a rear surface of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of compression moulding. The step of compression moulding, in one embodiment, comprises a step of moving one or more elements of a mould closer to the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the mould elements are shells. This allows forming a shaping cavity which includes the charge of sealing composition and surrounds at least part of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the step of compression moulding comprises compressing the charge of sealing composition by means of a mobile presser. This allows forcing the sealing composition of the charge to occupy the entire shaping cavity.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of supporting the capsule. The step of supporting is accomplished by an abutment element which contributes to forming the shaping cavity and supports the capsule on an outer portion of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the step of supporting the capsule is simultaneous with the step of compression moulding.

In one embodiment of the method, the flange-like rim is in contact with the abutment element. Contact occurs on a plurality of teeth of the abutment element. In one embodiment, where the charge of sealing composition is deposited on the front face of the flange-like rim, the teeth support the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, where the charge of sealing composition is deposited on the rear face of the flange-like rim, the teeth support the flange-like rim. The teeth are angularly spaced and positioned outside an uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity. The teeth leave grooves on the sealing member.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of stably joining a lid to the body. In one embodiment, the step of stably joining is accomplished by sealing the lid to a front face of the flange-like rim in an inner annular zone of the front face, surrounded by an outer zone of the front face which is covered by the sealing member.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of stably joining a lid to the sealing member. This allows closing the capsule body with, enclosed therein, the infusion material needed to make the beverage.

In another embodiment, the method comprises a step of stably joining the lid to the body. In one embodiment, the step of stably joining is carried out directly on a front face of the flange-like rim, where the annular sealing member is superposed on an outer edge of the lid.

This disclosure also provides an apparatus for applying a sealing member to a capsule intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages. The capsule includes a body having a bottom wall. The body comprises a side wall. The body comprises a flange-like rim which extends from the side wall. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a metering device. The metering device is configured to deliver a charge of sealing composition. The metering device is configured to deliver a charge of sealing composition on the flange-like rim of the capsule. The sealing composition is, in one embodiment, in a viscous state. The sealing composition is, in one embodiment, in a liquid state.

In one embodiment, the metering device includes a nozzle configured to deliver liquid or viscous plastic. The nozzle includes an annular duct which has an inlet and an outlet and which, at the outlet, has an annular orifice. Downstream of the nozzle (more specifically, downstream of the annular orifice of the nozzle), there is a cutter. The apparatus may also include an extruder (not illustrated), located upstream of the metering device, to supply liquid plastic from plastic in the solid state (for example, pellets). The inlet of the metering device receives the liquid plastic from the extruder (not illustrated). The metering device is configured to deliver a charge of sealing composition, that is, deposit a layer of plastic, on the flange-like rim of the capsule.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a compression moulding device. The compression moulding device comprises a mould. The shaping mould is configured to form a shaping cavity. The shaping cavity is geometrically shaped to at least partly surround the flange-like rim of the capsule with an uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity. This allows compressing the charge of sealing composition against, that is, in contact with, the flange-like rim in the shaping cavity.

In one embodiment, the mould has an abutment element which contributes to forming the shaping cavity. In one embodiment, the mould includes a plurality of teeth which are angularly spaced and project into the shaping cavity from a position round the outside of the uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity itself.

In one embodiment, the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround an end edge of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround at least part of the front face.

In one embodiment, the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround at least part of the rear face of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround a zone of intersection between the rear face of the flange-like rim and the side wall of the body. In one embodiment, where the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround at least a zone of intersection between the rear face of the flange-like rim and the side wall of the body, the plastic layer is deposited on the rear face of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, where the shaping cavity of the mould is shaped to surround at least a zone of intersection between the rear face of the flange-like rim and the side wall of the body, the plastic layer is deposited on the front face of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a conveyor. The conveyor is configured to transport a plurality of capsules along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the compression moulding device is movable along that predetermined path. In one embodiment, this movement occurs in synchrony with the conveyor.

In one embodiment, the mould has an abutment element. In one embodiment, the abutment element contributes to forming the shaping cavity. The abutment element comprises a plurality of teeth which are angularly spaced and project into the shaping cavity from a position round the outside of the uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity itself. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of moulds. In one embodiment, for each of the moulds of the plurality of moulds, the abutment element is associated with the conveyor. This allows receiving and supporting a corresponding capsule and moving as one with the conveyor.

In or more embodiments, the metering device, the conveyor, the transfer carousel and the intermediate carousel include one or more of the features described in <CIT> or in document <CIT>.

This disclosure also provides a capsule intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages. In one embodiment, the capsule comprises a body. The body includes a bottom wall. The body includes a side wall. The body includes a flange-like rim. The flange-like rim extends from the side wall. The flange-like rim comprises a rear face, directed towards the bottom wall of the body, and a front face opposite to the rear face.

In one embodiment, the body of the capsule is made of plastic material. In one embodiment, the body of the capsule is made of aluminium.

In one embodiment, the capsule comprises a sealing member. In one embodiment, the sealing member surrounds an end edge of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the sealing member surrounds at least part of the front face. In one embodiment, the sealing member surrounds at least part of the rear face of the flange-like rim. In one embodiment, the sealing member surrounds a zone of intersection between the side wall of the body and the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the capsule comprises a lid. In one embodiment, the lid is joined to the body on the front face of the flange-like rim in an inner annular zone of the front face, surrounded by an outer zone of the front face which is covered by the sealing member. In one embodiment, the capsule comprises an infusion material for making the beverage. The infusion material is contained in a housing formed by the body and closed by the lid.

In another embodiment, the lid is connected to the sealing member which is superposed on the front face of the flange-like rim.

In another embodiment, the lid is joined to the body directly on the front face of the flange-like rim, where the annular sealing member is superposed on an outer edge of the lid.

In one embodiment, where the body of the capsule is of aluminium, the capsule comprises an adhesive lacquer configured to keep the sealing member attached to the capsule.

This and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral <NUM> denotes an apparatus for applying a sealing member to a capsule <NUM> intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages.

In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a metering device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes a charging carousel <NUM>. The charging carousel <NUM> includes at least one charging cavity <NUM> configured to receive the capsule <NUM> and to present it to the metering device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes a compression moulding device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes a conveyor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the conveyor <NUM> is configured to transport a plurality of capsules along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the predetermined path is circular and the conveyor <NUM> is a carousel. In one embodiment, the predetermined path is rectilinear. In one embodiment, the compression moulding device <NUM> is movable along the predetermined path in phase synchrony with the conveyor <NUM>.

The conveyor <NUM> includes at least one mould location <NUM> configured to receive the capsule <NUM> and to present it to the compression moulding device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes a feed line <NUM> configured to feed the capsule <NUM> to the charging cavity <NUM> of the charging carousel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes an expulsion line <NUM> configured to expel the capsule <NUM> from the mould location <NUM> of the conveyor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an intermediate carousel <NUM>. The intermediate carousel <NUM> includes one or more intermediate housings, each configured to receive a capsule and transfer it from the charging carousel <NUM> to the conveyor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a transfer carousel <NUM>. The transfer carousel <NUM> includes one or more transfer housings, each configured to receive a capsule and transfer it from the conveyor <NUM> to the expulsion line <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the charging carousel <NUM> comprises a pre-heating plate <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pre-heating plate <NUM> is an induction plate. In one embodiment, the intermediate carousel <NUM> comprises a post-heating plate <NUM>. In one embodiment, the post-heating plate <NUM> is an induction plate. In one embodiment, the conveyor <NUM> comprises heating means. In one embodiment, the transfer carousel <NUM> comprises heating means. The heating means of the conveyor <NUM> or of the transfer carousel <NUM> are, in one embodiment, induction plates. The heating means of the conveyor <NUM> or of the transfer carousel <NUM> are, in one embodiment, electrical resistors.

This disclosure also covers the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> includes a body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the body <NUM> has a bottom wall <NUM>. In one embodiment, the body <NUM> has a side wall <NUM>. In one embodiment, the body <NUM> includes a flange-like rim <NUM>. The flange-like rim <NUM> comprises a rear face 113A, directed towards the bottom wall <NUM>, and a front face 113B, opposite to the rear face 113A. The flange-like rim <NUM> has an end edge 113C.

In one embodiment, the radial cross section profile of the bottom wall <NUM> is inclined to an axis of symmetry A of the capsule <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> includes a sealing member <NUM>.

The metering device <NUM> is configured to deliver a charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM>, in a viscous state, onto the flange-like rim <NUM> of the capsule. In one embodiment, the metering device <NUM> is configured to deliver a charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM>, in a viscous state, onto the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In another embodiment, the metering device <NUM> is configured to deliver a charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM>, in a viscous state, onto the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a polyester. In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a resin. In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a polyethylene.

In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a rubber. In one embodiment, the sealing composition <NUM> comprises a vulcanized thermoplastic material.

In one embodiment, the flange-like rim <NUM> is surface treated to improve adhesion of the sealing composition <NUM> to the flange-like rim <NUM> itself.

In one embodiment, the metering device <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> configured to deliver liquid or viscous plastic. The nozzle <NUM> includes an annular duct which has an inlet and an outlet and which, at the outlet, has an annular orifice <NUM>. Downstream of the nozzle <NUM> (more specifically, downstream of the annular orifice <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>), there is a cutter <NUM>. The metering device <NUM> may also include an extruder (not illustrated), located upstream of the metering device <NUM>, to supply liquid plastic from plastic in the solid state (for example, pellets). The inlet of the metering device <NUM> receives the liquid plastic from the extruder (not illustrated).

In one embodiment, the annular orifice <NUM> faces the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the annular orifice <NUM> faces the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the metering device <NUM> is equipped with a cutter <NUM>. The cutter <NUM> is, in one embodiment, positioned downstream of the annular orifice <NUM> and cuts the sealing composition <NUM> feeding out of the annular orifice <NUM> to obtain the charge <NUM>. In one embodiment, the metering device <NUM> includes an anvil element <NUM> of the cutter <NUM>. In one embodiment, the cutter <NUM> is configured to come into abutment against the front face 113B of the flange <NUM>. In one embodiment, the cutter <NUM> is configured to come into abutment against the rear face 113A of the flange <NUM>. The anvil element <NUM> is positioned in contact with the face of the flange-like rim <NUM> opposite the face against which the cutter <NUM> comes into abutment.

In one embodiment, the compression moulding device <NUM> is provided with a mould <NUM>. The mould <NUM> forms a shaping cavity <NUM>.

The shaping cavity <NUM> is geometrically shaped to at least partly surround the flange-like rim <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> with an uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity <NUM>. The shaping cavity <NUM> is geometrically shaped to compress the charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM> against the flange-like rim <NUM> in the shaping cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity extends all around the flange <NUM>, in contact with the front face 113B, with the end edge 113C and with the rear face 113A. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity is shaped to surround, that is, it extends in contact with, the rear face 113A.

In one embodiment, the shaping cavity <NUM> of the mould <NUM> is shaped to surround a zone of intersection between the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the mould <NUM> has an abutment element <NUM>. The abutment element <NUM> is, in one embodiment, associated with the mould location <NUM>. In one embodiment, in which the shaping cavity <NUM> extends all around the flange <NUM>, in contact with the front face 113B, with the end edge 113C and with the rear face 113A, the abutment element <NUM> contributes to forming the shaping cavity <NUM>. In this embodiment, the abutment element <NUM> is in contact with a part the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the abutment element <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth which are angularly spaced and project into the shaping cavity from a position round the outside of the uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity itself. The teeth form an abutment surface whereby the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> rests on the abutment element <NUM>.

In one embodiment, where the shaping cavity extends in contact with the rear face 113A, the abutment element <NUM> is in contact with the front face 113B and acts as a support and abutment for the presser <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the compression moulding device <NUM> comprises a plurality of moulds. For each mould <NUM> of the plurality of moulds, the abutment element <NUM> is associated with the conveyor <NUM> to receive and support a corresponding capsule <NUM> and move as one with the conveyor <NUM>.

Downstream of the compression moulding device <NUM>, the charge <NUM> becomes the sealing member <NUM>. Downstream of the compression moulding device <NUM> the apparatus <NUM>, in one embodiment, comprises a cooling element. In one embodiment, the cooling element is a fan configured to blow a jet of cool air on the sealing member <NUM>. In one embodiment, the cooling element is a cold plate placed in contact with the sealing member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the shaping cavity <NUM> is shaped to surround an end edge 113C of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity <NUM> is shaped to surround a front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the shaping cavity <NUM> is shaped to surround a rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> surrounds the end edge 113C of the flange-like rim <NUM>, at least part of the front face 113B and at least part of the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> surrounds at least part of the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> surrounds at least part of the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> includes a lid <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> surrounds the end edge 113C of the flange-like rim <NUM>, at least part of the front face 113B, at least part of the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> and at least part of the lid <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the lid <NUM> is joined to the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> on the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM> in an inner annular zone of the front face 113B, surrounded by an outer zone of the front face 113B which is covered by the sealing member <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the lid <NUM> is connected to the sealing member <NUM> which is superposed on the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In another embodiment, the lid <NUM> is joined to the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> on the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>, while the sealing member <NUM> covers only the rear face 113A.

In another embodiment, the lid <NUM> is joined to the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> directly on the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>, where the sealing member is superposed on an outer edge of the lid <NUM>. In one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> comprises infusion material used to make the beverage and contained in a housing formed by the body <NUM> and closed by the lid <NUM>. In one embodiment, the infusion material is coffee powder.

In one embodiment, a portion of the sealing member <NUM> adhering to the rear face 113A has a plurality of grooves 101A which are angularly spaced and positioned outside an uninterrupted inner annular portion of the sealing member <NUM>. These grooves 101A correspond to the teeth of the abutment element <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the compression moulding device <NUM> comprises a supporting element <NUM> on which the outer face of the bottom wall <NUM> of the capsule rests and which is thus configured to support the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the compression moulding device <NUM> comprises a centring element <NUM> positioned at least partly in the space inside the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> in order to keep the capsule <NUM> centred in the mould location <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the centring element <NUM> is configured to come into contact with the front face 113A of the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the centring element <NUM> is configured to come into contact with a radius connecting the inside of the flange-like rim <NUM> with the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. In these embodiments, the centring element <NUM> contributes to forming the shaping cavity <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the centring element <NUM> comprises a vent 308A. The vent 308A is an opening between the centring element <NUM> and the capsule <NUM> to place the shaping cavity <NUM> in communication with the outside atmosphere. In this embodiment, contact between the centring element 308A and the capsule <NUM> is not hermetic. In one embodiment, the vent 308A, being very reduced in depth (in the order of a few hundredths of a millimetre) allows expelling any air that may be trapped in the shaping cavity <NUM> but does not allow the sealing composition <NUM> to escape.

In one embodiment, the one or more shells <NUM>, the abutment element <NUM>, the supporting element <NUM> and the centring element <NUM> are connected to springs <NUM>, configured to close the shells <NUM> and the abutment element <NUM> around the shaping cavity <NUM> to keep the capsule <NUM> in the mould location <NUM>.

This disclosure also provides a method for applying a sealing member <NUM> to a capsule <NUM> intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages, where the capsule <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having a bottom wall <NUM>, a side wall <NUM> and a flange-like rim <NUM> which extends from the side wall <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of feeding the capsule <NUM> on a feed line <NUM> to a charging cavity <NUM> on a charging carousel <NUM>. The charging carousel <NUM> presents the capsule to a metering device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of applying a charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM> in a viscous state on the flange-like rim <NUM> by means of the metering device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge <NUM> includes a step of passing the sealing composition <NUM> through an annular orifice <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the step of passing the sealing composition <NUM> through the annular orifice <NUM> causes the sealing composition <NUM> to be extruded through the annular orifice <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of applying includes a step of cutting off the sealing composition <NUM> fed out of the annular orifice <NUM> in order to obtain the required charge <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of applying includes a step of delivering the charge <NUM> onto a surface of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the charge <NUM> is applied by placing the charge <NUM> itself on the front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the charge <NUM> is applied by placing the charge <NUM> itself on the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge <NUM> comprises pre-heating the capsule <NUM> by means of a pre-heating plate <NUM> in order to facilitate adhesion of the charge to the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of applying the charge <NUM> comprises applying an additive to the flange-like rim <NUM> in order to facilitate adhesion of the charge to the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of transferring the capsule <NUM> from the charging cavity <NUM> to an intermediate carousel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of transferring the capsule <NUM> from the intermediate carousel <NUM> to a mould location <NUM> on a conveyor <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> presents the capsule <NUM> to a compression moulding device <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the method, the step of applying the charge <NUM> is followed by a step of post-heating the capsule <NUM> by means of a post-heating plate <NUM> in order to keep the charge <NUM> in a viscous state. In one embodiment, post-heating is carried out after the step of applying the charge <NUM>, before the step of transferring the capsule <NUM> to the mould location <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of compression moulding the charge <NUM> of sealing composition <NUM> against the flange-like rim <NUM> by means of the compression moulding device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, where the flange-like rim <NUM> has a rear face 113A, directed towards the bottom wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and a front face 113B, opposite to the rear face 113A, the charge <NUM>, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere to the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the method, the charge <NUM>, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere to the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> and in a zone of intersection between the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the method, the charge <NUM>, during the step of compression moulding, is made to adhere in a zone of intersection between the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

During the step of compression moulding, in one embodiment of the method, the sealing composition <NUM> making up the charge <NUM> is made to migrate around an end edge 113C of the flange-like rim <NUM> so as to adhere to both the front face 113B and the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the compression moulding step includes moving one or more shells <NUM> of a mould <NUM> close to the flange-like rim <NUM> to form a shaping cavity <NUM> which includes the charge <NUM> and surrounds at least part of the flange-like rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, moving the one or more shells <NUM> closer to the flange-like rim <NUM> is accomplished by springs <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of compression moulding comprises compressing the charge <NUM> by means of a movable presser <NUM> to force the sealing composition <NUM> of the charge <NUM> to occupy the entire shaping cavity <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of supporting the capsule <NUM>. The step of supporting the capsule <NUM> is accomplished by an abutment element <NUM> which contributes to forming the shaping cavity <NUM> and supports the capsule <NUM> on an outer portion of the flange-like rim <NUM>.

In a variant of the method, the flange-like rim <NUM> is in contact with the abutment element <NUM> by a plurality of teeth of the abutment element <NUM>. In one embodiment, the plurality of teeth of the abutment element <NUM> are angularly spaced and positioned outside an uninterrupted inner annular portion of the shaping cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the plurality of teeth of the abutment element <NUM> create a plurality of grooves 101A in the part of the sealing member which is in contact with the rear face 113A of the flange-like rim.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of centring the capsule <NUM> on the mould location <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of centring is carried out by a centring element <NUM> connected to springs <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of transferring the capsule <NUM> from the mould location <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM> to a transfer carousel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of expelling the capsule from the transfer carousel <NUM> by means of an expulsion line <NUM>. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of placing infusion material, used to make the beverage, in a housing formed by the body <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of stably joining a lid <NUM> to the body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the step of stably joining is accomplished by sealing the lid <NUM> to a front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM> in an inner annular zone of the front face 113B, surrounded by an outer zone of the front face 113B which is covered by the sealing member <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the step of stably joining is carried out directly on a front face 113B of the flange-like rim <NUM>, where the sealing member <NUM> is superposed on an outer edge of the lid <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of stably joining the lid <NUM> to the sealing member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method for applying a sealing member (<NUM>) to a capsule (<NUM>) intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages, where the capsule (<NUM>) includes a body (<NUM>) having a bottom wall (<NUM>), a side wall (<NUM>) and a flange-like rim (<NUM>) which extends from the side wall (<NUM>),
wherein the method comprises a step of applying a charge (<NUM>) of sealing composition (<NUM>) in a viscous state on the flange-like rim (<NUM>) and is characterized in that it comprises a step of compression moulding the charge (<NUM>) of sealing composition (<NUM>) against the flange-like rim (<NUM>).