Patent ID: 7856919

Claim:
Device ( 2 ) for preparing an infused beverage, including: a) an infusion container ( 6 ) for containing a liquid ( 4 ) and comprising an opening ( 8 ) to allow the liquid ( 4 ) to flow out of the container ( 6 ); b) a receptacle ( 10 ) defining a cavity ( 16 ) for receiving a cartridge ( 12 ) containing infusible matter ( 14 ); wherein the infusion container ( 6 ) and the receptacle ( 10 ) are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container ( 6 ) and the cavity ( 16 ) communicate through the opening ( 8 ); c) an openable and closable passage ( 18 ) communicating with the cavity ( 16 ) to allow liquid ( 4 ) to flow from the infusion container ( 6 ) in the passage ( 18 ) through the cavity ( 16 ); characterized in that it further includes d) cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapour within the infusion container ( 6 ); e) removing means for removing the cartridge ( 12 ) from the cavity ( 16 ); and f) operating means for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.