Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage using a capsule, including a supporting structure and a brewing unit, which includes a first member and a second member. The brewing unit includes a retaining element which receives a perimetric flange of the capsule and is slidably movable relative to the supporting structure between a receiving position and a disengaging position. The brewing unit includes an ejector which ejects the capsule from the second member and is slidably movable relative to the supporting structure between an extracted position and a retracted position. The first member, which is movable between an operating position and a home position, mechanically operates to cause movements of the retaining element between the receiving position and the disengaging position, and to cause movements of the ejector between the extracted position and the retracted position. The retaining element and the ejector are separate and movable one relative to the other.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages, which uses capsules containing a food substance, comprising a forward movement duct for a capsule which extends between an infeed section and an extraction unit, an image acquisition device associated with a first side of the forward movement duct and facing towards an opposite side so as to frame a predetermined portion of an inner surface of the forward movement duct, a pattern having a known shape present in the predetermined portion, wherein an electronic processing unit is programmed to receive a first image acquired by the image acquisition device, and to perform an inspection step, during which the processing unit inspects the first image, a classification step, in which it classifies the first image as corresponding to an image of the transit zone-occupied by a capsule or not, and a control step, in which it controls the operation of the apparatus depending on the result of the classification step.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), wherein the detecting device (13) has an acquiring surface (27) fixed to the first piercing unit (17), and the first piercing unit (17) has a distal portion (35) which more than the acquiring surface (27), and wherein alternatively the distal portion (35) is resting on the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11), or the distal portion (35) is partly inserted in the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11) or resting on the recognition element (11).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage by means of a capsule (9) comprises a supporting frame (11), an infusion unit (2) which defines an infusion chamber (20), a loader (5) for loading the capsule (9) into the infusion chamber (20). The infusion unit (2) comprises a first member (21) and a second member (22): the first member (21) is movable relative to the second member (22) between a home position, in which the first member (21) and the second member (22) are spaced apart from each other and the infusion chamber (20) is open and allows loading of the capsule (9) into the infusion chamber (20), and an operating position, in which the first member (21) and the second member (22) are coupled to each other and the infusion chamber (20) is closed. The loader (5) has an insertion opening (501) for inserting the capsule (9) into the loader (5), a receiving seat (50) for receiving the inserted capsule (9) and an outfeed opening (502) through which the capsule (9) can come out of the receiving seat (50) towards the infusion chamber (20). The loader (5) is movable relative to the supporting frame (11) between a loading position and a receiving position, in a way coordinated with the movement of the first member (21). When the first member (21) is in the home position, the loader (5) is in the loading position: the receiving seat (50) is in communication with the open infusion chamber (20) through the outfeed opening (502) and the capsule (9) in the receiving seat (50) comes out through the outfeed opening (502) and is loaded into the infusion chamber (20). When the first member (21) is in the operating position, the loader (5) is in the receiving position: the outfeed opening (502) is blocked and the capsule (9) inserted in the loader (5) remains in the receiving seat (50).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance comprises an infusion unit (2) which defines an infusion chamber (23), the infusion unit (2) comprising a first member (21) and a second member (22), the first member (21) being movable relative to the second member (22) between a home position, in which the infusion chamber (23) is open, and an operating position, in which the infusion chamber (23) is closed. The apparatus (1) also comprises a dispenser (4) to dispense the beverage, a dispensing duct (5) which connects the infusion chamber (23) to the dispenser (4) and a back-pressure valve (6) which is positioned on the dispensing duct (5). The back-pressure valve (6) prevents or allows a flow of beverage towards the dispenser (4) based on a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the back-pressure valve (6). The back-pressure valve (6) comprises an obturator (62) which is movable relative to a sealing seat (622) between a closed position and an open position. The infusion unit (2) mechanically operates in conjunction with the back-pressure valve (6) by a moving mechanism (7), in such a way that during the movement of the first member (21) from the operating position to the home position the moving mechanism (7) shifts the obturator (62) from the closed position to the open position and that during the movement of the first member (21) from the home position to the operating position the moving mechanism (7) releases the obturator (62) and allows a return of the obturator (62) to the closed position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage by passing a liquid substance through a food substance comprises a supporting structure (2) which has a framework (20) having a first side (21) and a second side (22) opposite to each other. The apparatus (1) also comprises an infusion unit (3) which is housed between the first side (21) and the second side (22) and which defines an infusion chamber (30). The infusion unit (3) comprises a first member (31) and a second member (32). The second member (32) is fixed and stationary relative to the supporting structure (2), whilst the first member (31) is movable relative to the second member (32) between a home position and an operating position. An articulated mechanism (4) moves the first member (31) and comprises a crank (43), which pivots at the supporting structure (2) by means of a shaft (211), and a connecting rod (41), which is hinged to the first member (31) of the infusion unit (3) on a first hinge axis (410) and is hinged to the crank (43) on a second hinge axis (420). The supporting structure (2) comprises a first reinforcing element (23) and a second reinforcing element (24) which are mounted respectively on the first side (21) and on the second side (22) of the framework (20). The second member (32) of the infusion unit (3) is fixed to the reinforcing elements (23, 24), to which the shaft (211) is also constrained. The reinforcing elements (23, 24) resist a force which tends to move the shaft (211) away from the second member (32) when the first member (31) and the second member (32) are coupled to each other.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance comprises an infusion unit (2) which defines an infusion chamber (23), the infusion unit (2) comprising a first member (21) and a second member (22), the first member (21) being movable relative to the second member (22) between a home position, in which the infusion chamber (23) is open, and an operating position, in which the infusion chamber (23) is closed. The apparatus (1) also comprises a dispenser (4) to dispense the beverage, a dispensing duct (5) which connects the infusion chamber (23) to the dispenser (4) and a back-pressure valve (6) which is positioned on the dispensing duct (5). The back-pressure valve (6) prevents or allows a flow of beverage towards the dispenser (4) based on a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the back-pressure valve (6). The back-pressure valve (6) comprises an obturator (62) which is movable relative to a sealing seat (622) between a closed position and an open position. The infusion unit (2) mechanically operates in conjunction with the back-pressure valve (6) by a moving mechanism (7), in such a way that during the movement of the first member (21) from the operating position to the home position the moving mechanism (7) shifts the obturator (62) from the closed position to the open position and that during the movement of the first member (21) from the home position to the operating position the moving mechanism (7) releases the obturator (62) and allows a return of the obturator (62) to the closed position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), and supplying means for supplying hot water inside the capsule (4) inserted in the infusion chamber (3), wherein, moreover, the hot water supplying means are configured to supply the hot water inside the capsule (4) at a reading surface (12) of the recognition element (11) towards which the lighting device (26) and the detecting device (13) are directed in order to execute a cleaning step for cleaning the recognition element (11) if the capsule is not recognised.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit, wherein, moreover, the recognition element (11) has a reading surface (12) which forms a convexity directed towards the detecting device (13).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising a recognition element (11) placed inside an outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) configured to light the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit programmed to execute a comparing step, wherein real data are compared with saved reference data and to manage brewing in a different way if the real data match reference data or do not, compared with if the comparing step indicates that the real data do not match the reference data, wherein the reference data comprise one or more combinations of division of the total intensity received in a main band, into a plurality of separate secondary bands of wavelengths, which are included in the main band.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage, which uses a capsule (9) containing a food substance, comprises an optical capsule recognition system. The optical recognition system is intended to recognise an identification element (95) that is positioned inside the capsule (9). The optical recognition system comprises an optical reader (81) that has a reading head (82) associated with a piercer (37) and intended to enter the capsule (9) through a piercing made in said region (93) of the capsule (9). The apparatus (1) further comprises a detection system capable of detecting the reaching of a piercing position, interposed between a home position and an infusion position, wherein the piercer (37) makes a piercing in the capsule. The optical recognition system is operatively connected to the detection system and is configured to perform the recognition based on a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the piercing position has been reached.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage by means of a capsule (9) comprises a supporting structure (11) and a brewing unit (2), which comprises a first member (3) and a second member (4). The first member (3) is movable between an operating position, in which the brewing unit (2) is closed, and a home position, in which the brewing unit (2) is open. The brewing unit (2) comprises a retaining element (5) which is configured to receive a perimetric flange (92) of the capsule (9), when the first member (3) is in the home position. The retaining element (5) is slidably mounted relative to the supporting structure (11) and is movable between a receiving position and a disengaging position. The brewing unit (2) comprises an ejector (6) which is configured to eject the capsule (9) from a housing (41) in the second member (4) during the movement of the first member (3) from the operating position to the home position. The ejector (6) is slidably mounted relative to the supporting structure (11) and is movable between an extracted position and a retracted position. The first member (3) mechanically operates in conjunction with the retaining element (5) and with the ejector (6). The movement of the first member (3) from the home position to the operating position causes the movement of the retaining element (5) from the receiving position to the disengaging position and causes the movement of the ejector (6) from the extracted position to the retracted position; the movement of the first member (3) from the operating position to the home position causes the movement of the retaining element (5) from the disengaging position to the receiving position and causes the movement of the ejector (6) from the retracted position to the extracted position. The retaining element (5) and the ejector (6) are parts separate from each other and are movable one relative to the other.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages, which uses capsules containing a food substance, comprising a forward movement duct (14) for a capsule which extends between an infeed section (13) and an extraction unit (2), an image acquisition device (16) associated with a first side (20) of the forward movement duct (14) and facing towards an opposite side in such a way as to frame a predetermined portion (24) of an inner surface of the forward movement duct (14), a pattern (26) having a known shape being present in the predetermined portion, wherein an electronic processing unit is programmed to receive a first image (31) acquired by the image acquisition device (16), and to perform an inspection step, during which the processing unit inspects the first image (31), a classification step, in which it classifies the first image (31) as corresponding to an image of the transit zone (17) occupied by a capsule (4) or not, and a control step, in which it controls the operation of the apparatus (1) depending on the result of the classification step.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A capsule for making a beverage, containing a food substance wherein a supporting element (13) is mounted inside the main body (2) of the capsule (1) and comprises a base (14) and a projection (15) which extends from the base (14) towards the infeed wall (9) for the water, at least part of the food substance being interposed between the base (14) and the infeed wall (9), and an optical recognition element (11) being associated with the projection (15) and being directed towards an inner part of the infeed wall (9).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule for making a beverage, containing a food substance, wherein a water flow distributing unit (10), permeable for the water flow, is placed inside the main body (2) of the capsule, and is positioned between the infeed wall (36) for the water and the food substance, and wherein there is also a reinforcing element (12) which is placed inside the main body (2) between the infeed wall (36) and the water flow distributing unit (10), the reinforcing element (12) being configured to limit, in use, a deformation of the water flow distributing unit (10) towards the infeed wall (36).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance, wherein a water flow distributing unit (12) is placed inside the main body (2) between an infeed wall (10) and the food substance, the capsule also comprising a recognition element (14) separate from the water flow distributing unit (12), which is positioned between the infeed wall (10) and the food substance, and which comprises a reading area (17) which is directed towards the infeed wall (10), the reading area (17) comprising an optical recognition substance configured to emit a second optical signal with known and recognisable characteristics in response to an energising with a predetermined first optical signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), wherein the detecting device (13) has an acquiring surface (27) fixed to the first piercing unit (17), and the first piercing unit (17) has a distal portion (35) which more than the acquiring surface (27), and wherein alternatively the distal portion (35) is resting on the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11), or the distal portion (35) is partly inserted in the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11) or resting on the recognition element (11).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), and supplying means for supplying hot water inside the capsule (4) inserted in the infusion chamber (3), wherein, moreover, the hot water supplying means are configured to supply the hot water inside the capsule (4) at a reading surface (12) of the recognition element (11) towards which the lighting device (26) and the detecting device (13) are directed in order to execute a cleaning step for cleaning the recognition element (11) if the capsule is not recognised.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/60 - Cleaning devices
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit, wherein, moreover, the recognition element (11) has a reading surface (12) which forms a convexity directed towards the detecting device (13).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising a recognition element (11) placed inside an outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) configured to light the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit programmed to execute a comparing step, wherein real data are compared with saved reference data and to manage brewing in a different way if the real data match reference data or do not, compared with if the comparing step indicates that the real data do not match the reference data, wherein the reference data comprise one or more combinations of division of the total intensity received in a main band, into a plurality of separate secondary bands of wavelengths, which are included in the main band.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), and supplying means for supplying hot water inside the capsule (4) inserted in the infusion chamber (3), wherein, moreover, the hot water supplying means are configured to supply the hot water inside the capsule (4) at a reading surface (12) of the recognition element (11) towards which the lighting device (26) and the detecting device (13) are directed in order to execute a cleaning step for cleaning the recognition element (11) if the capsule is not recognised.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/60 - Cleaning devices

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11), wherein the detecting device (13) has an acquiring surface (27) fixed to the first piercing unit (17), and the first piercing unit (17) has a distal portion (35) which more than the acquiring surface (27), and wherein alternatively the distal portion (35) is resting on the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11), or the distal portion (35) is partly inserted in the recognition element (11) and the acquiring surface (27) is at a distance from the recognition element (11) or resting on the recognition element (11).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising a recognition element (11) placed inside an outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) configured to light the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit programmed to execute a comparing step, wherein real data are compared with saved reference data and to manage brewing in a different way if the real data match reference data or do not, compared with if the comparing step indicates that the real data do not match the reference data, wherein the reference data comprise one or more combinations of division of the total intensity received in a main band, into a plurality of separate secondary bands of wavelengths, which are included in the main band.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a brewing unit (2) and a capsule (4) containing a powdered food substance (5), the capsule (4) comprising an outer casing (6) and a recognition element (11) placed inside the outer casing (6), wherein the brewing unit (2) comprises a first piercing unit (17), a lighting device (26) associated with the first piercing unit (17) for lighting the recognition element (11), a detecting device (13) configured to detect a return light radiation from the recognition element (11) and an electronic control unit, wherein, moreover, the recognition element (11) has a reading surface (12) which forms a convexity directed towards the detecting device (13).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26). A barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5). The barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is a sheet of flexible material fixed in an oxygen-tight way to the containment body (2) and intended to be torn during use, thereby allowing the beverage to pass through it. A flow throttling element (7) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) in a position interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5) and obstructs the passage cross-section for the beverage in the containment chamber (20). The flow throttling element (7) has at least one through opening (71) through which, in use, the beverage flows towards the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage including an infusion chamber for a capsule containing a food substance, an insertion opening for inserting the capsule into the apparatus, a transfer channel for transferring the capsule from the insertion opening to the infusion chamber, an image acquisition device to acquire at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device includes an optical sensor facing an image capture zone in which, in use, said capsule is located or passes. A viewing window, made of transparent material, is interposed between the optical sensor and the image capture zone. A heating element for heating the viewing window is applied to, or incorporated in, the viewing window.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/60 - Cleaning devices
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
• H05B 3/86 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage, which uses a capsule (9) containing a food substance, comprises an optical capsule recognition system. The optical recognition system is intended to recognise an identification element (95) that is positioned inside the capsule (9). The optical recognition system comprises an optical reader (81) that has a reading head (82) associated with a piercer (37) and intended to enter the capsule (9) through a piercing made in said region (93) of the capsule (9). The apparatus (1) further comprises a detection system capable of detecting the reaching of a piercing position, interposed between a home position and an infusion position, wherein the piercer (37) makes a piercing in the capsule. The optical recognition system is operatively connected to the detection system and is configured to perform the recognition based on a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the piercing position has been reached.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage, which uses a capsule (9) containing a food substance, comprises an optical capsule recognition system. The optical recognition system is intended to recognise an identification element (95) that is positioned inside the capsule (9). The optical recognition system comprises an optical reader (81) that has a reading head (82) associated with a piercer (37) and intended to enter the capsule (9) through a piercing made in said region (93) of the capsule (9). The apparatus (1) further comprises a detection system capable of detecting the reaching of a piercing position, interposed between a home position and an infusion position, wherein the piercer (37) makes a piercing in the capsule. The optical recognition system is operatively connected to the detection system and is configured to perform the recognition based on a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the piercing position has been reached.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, having at least one image acquisition device (13) suitable for capturing images in electronic format, which show at least one portion of a capsule (2) located in an image capture zone (14) and which operates in the visible spectrum, a lighting device (15) associated with the capture zone (14) for lighting with light in the visible spectrum said portion of a capsule (2), and a detecting device (17) for detecting the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14), the detecting device (17) being operatively associated with the lighting device (15) for causing the switching of the lighting device (15) from a switched off condition to a switched on condition, depending on the detection of the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or of the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

considering the capsule recognised when the code in electronic format has been obtained.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage using a capsule (3), (4), wherein, respectively for a first and a second type of beverage selectable, first data and second data are saved which comprise a first and a second supplying start temperature value, a first and a second steady-state supplying temperature value, a first and a second total supplying time and a first and a second activation mode for the pump (16), and wherein an electronic control unit (19) is programmed to cause the supplying respectively of the first and second type of beverage using the first data and the second data for controlling a pump (16) and a boiler (17); wherein the first total supplying time comprises a pre-infusion time, a wait time and an infusion time; and wherein the first activation mode comprises an electricity supply to the pump (16) with an average power that is greater than that in the second activation mode. A capsule is also claimed, which is usable with the apparatus and the system which comprises the apparatus and two different capsules for making two different beverages.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/56 - Water boiling vessels having water-level controlsWater boiling vessels having temperature controls
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26) and has a first face (51) facing the filtering element (3), a second face (52) facing the bottom portion (22) and a perimetric face (53) which joins the first face (51) and the second face (52) to each other. The dispensing element (5) has, on the first face (51), a chamber or recess (551) in a central region, one or more chambers or recesses (552) in annular regions, a plurality of channels (553) that put said chambers or recesses (551, 552) in communication with each other and with the perimetric face (53). Moreover, the dispensing element (5) has, on the second face (52), one or more chambers or recesses (562) in annular regions and a plurality of channels (563) that put said one or more chambers or recesses (562) in communication with the perimetric face (53) and with the dispensing hole (26). The tortuous path for the beverage involves the first face (51), the perimetric face (53) and the second face (52) of the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, comprising a water distributing element (3) positioned in an inner chamber of the capsule (1), in a position interposed between a water infeed section and a powdered food substance (27). The water distributing element (3) comprises: a central region (35) intended, in use, to receive the water fed in; a perimetric region (37) which is in contact with a lateral wall (20) of the capsule (1); a partition wall (39) which extends between the central region (35) and the perimetric region (37) and has a first face (31) facing the water infeed section and a second face (32) facing the powdered food substance (27). The partition wall (39) comprises one or more holes or channels (40, 45) which pass through the partition wall (39) and put the first face (31) and the second face (32) in communication with each other, said one or more holes or channels (40, 45) being far from the central region (35) and near the perimetric region (37) and forming the only passages for the water, in use, from the water infeed section towards the powdered food substance (27). Relative to a reference plane (10) which is perpendicular to the central axis (29), the first face (31) of the partition wall (39) is slanting relative to the reference plane (10) or is formed of portions which are slanting relative to the reference plane (10). The first face (31) of the partition wall (39) has a convexity facing the water infeed section.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, comprising a water distributing element (3) positioned in an inner chamber of the capsule (1), in a position interposed between a water infeed section and a powdered food substance (27). The water distributing element (3) comprises: a central region (35) intended, in use, to receive the water fed in; a perimetric region (37) which is in contact with a lateral wall (20) of the capsule (1); a partition wall (39) which extends between the central region (35) and the perimetric region (37) and has a first face (31) facing the water infeed section and a second face (32) facing the powdered food substance (27). The partition wall (39) comprises one or more holes or channels (40, 45) which pass through the partition wall (39) and put the first face (31) and the second face (32) in communication with each other, said one or more holes or channels (40, 45) being far from the central region (35) and near the perimetric region (37) and forming the only passages for the water, in use, from the water infeed section towards the powdered food substance (27). Relative to a reference plane (10) which is perpendicular to the central axis (29), the first face (31) of the partition wall (39) is slanting relative to the reference plane (10) or is formed of portions which are slanting relative to the reference plane (10). The first face (31) of the partition wall (39) has a convexity facing the water infeed section.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, comprising an infusion chamber (21) suitable for receiving a capsule containing a food substance for making a beverage, an insertion opening (31) for inserting the capsule into the apparatus (1), a transfer channel (32) for transferring the 5 capsule from the insertion opening (31) to the infusion chamber (21), an image acquisition device (4) which is intended, in use, to acquire at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device (4) includes an optical sensor (42) facing an image capture zone (40) in which, in use, said capsule is located or passes. The apparatus (1) further comprises a 0 viewing window (45), made of transparent material, which is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40). The viewing window (45) has a first face (451) facing the optical sensor (42) and a second face (452) facing the image capture zone (40). The apparatus (1) further comprises a heating element (6) applied to the viewing window (45) 5 or incorporated in the viewing window (45). The heating element (6) is an electrical resistor-type heater and is electrically connectable to an electricity supply. The heating element (6) is intended for heating the viewing window (45) during use of the apparatus (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/60 - Cleaning devices

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, comprising an infusion chamber (21) suitable for receiving a capsule containing a food substance for making a beverage, an insertion opening (31) for inserting the capsule into the apparatus (1), a transfer channel (32) for transferring the 5 capsule from the insertion opening (31) to the infusion chamber (21), an image acquisition device (4) which is intended, in use, to acquire at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device (4) includes an optical sensor (42) facing an image capture zone (40) in which, in use, said capsule is located or passes. The apparatus (1) further comprises a 0 viewing window (45), made of transparent material, which is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40). The viewing window (45) has a first face (451) facing the optical sensor (42) and a second face (452) facing the image capture zone (40). The apparatus (1) further comprises a heating element (6) applied to the viewing window (45) 5 or incorporated in the viewing window (45). The heating element (6) is an electrical resistor-type heater and is electrically connectable to an electricity supply. The heating element (6) is intended for heating the viewing window (45) during use of the apparatus (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/60 - Cleaning devices

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26). A barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5). The barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is a sheet of flexible material fixed in an oxygen-tight way to the containment body (2) and intended to be torn during use, thereby allowing the beverage to pass through it. A flow throttling element (7) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) in a position interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5) and obstructs the passage cross-section for the beverage in the containment chamber (20). The flow throttling element (7) has at least one through opening (71) through which, in use, the beverage flows towards the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, comprising an infusion chamber (21) for a capsule containing a food substance, a transfer channel (32) which connects a capsule insertion opening (31) to the infusion chamber (21), an image acquisition device (4) for acquiring at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device (4) includes an optical sensor (42) facing towards an image capture zone (40) which is a stretch of the transfer channel (32). A viewing window (45), made of transparent material, is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40), the viewing window (45) having a first face (451 ) and a second face (452). The apparatus also comprises a heating device (6, 22), which is positioned in a first region (11 ) which is at a height lower than a second region (12) in which the viewing window (45) is positioned. The first region (11) and the second region (12) are in communication with each other. In use, the heating device (6, 22) heats air in the first region (11) and the heated air flows into the second region (12), where the heated air can make contact with the first face (451) and/or the second face (452) of the viewing window (45) and heat the viewing window (45).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, comprising an infusion chamber (21) for a capsule containing a food substance, a transfer channel (32) which connects a capsule insertion opening (31) to the infusion chamber (21), an image acquisition device (4) for acquiring at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device (4) includes an optical sensor (42) facing towards an image capture zone (40) which is a stretch of the transfer channel (32). A viewing window (45), made of transparent material, is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40), the viewing window (45) having a first face (451 ) and a second face (452). The apparatus also comprises a heating device (6, 22), which is positioned in a first region (11 ) which is at a height lower than a second region (12) in which the viewing window (45) is positioned. The first region (11) and the second region (12) are in communication with each other. In use, the heating device (6, 22) heats air in the first region (11) and the heated air flows into the second region (12), where the heated air can make contact with the first face (451) and/or the second face (452) of the viewing window (45) and heat the viewing window (45).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance (2) and comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) that has a bottom portion (5) equipped with a dispensing hole (9), a lower filtering element (14) mounted in the containment chamber (6) and positioned between the powdered food substance (2) and the bottom portion (5), and a sheet of flexible material (19), impermeable to oxygen, mounted in the containment body (3) between the powdered food substance (2) and the dispensing hole (9), and comprising a first layer (20) made of plastic material and a second layer (21) made of aluminium, which are coupled to each other, wherein the first layer (20) comprises one or more through cuts (25), each surrounded by a dispensing zone (26), the first layer (20) being locally detached from the second layer (21) at each dispensing zone (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A method for the optical recognition of capsules for hot beverages machines comprises the steps of introducing a capsule in a machine, stimulating the capsule by an exciting optical signal emitted by a light source, reading a feedback optical signal by an optical reader, acquisition of the values of the frequency and/or the time frame of the feedback optical signal, determining the fulfillment of predetermined conditions on the values of the frequency and/or the time frame. On the basis of the step of evaluating there is then a step of blocking the normal operation of the machine or a step of pursuing the normal operation of the machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
• A23F 5/00 - CoffeeCoffee substitutesPreparations thereof
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• B65B 29/02 - Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
• A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, comprising at least one image acquisition device (13) suitable for capturing images in electronic format, which show at least one portion of a capsule (2) located in an image capture zone (14) and which operates in the visible spectrum, a lighting device (15) associated with the capture zone (14) for lighting with light in the visible spectrum said portion of a capsule (2), and a detecting device (17) for detecting the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14), the detecting device (17) being operatively associated with the lighting device (15) for causing the switching of the lighting device (15) from a switched off condition to a switched on condition, depending on the detection of the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or of the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A method for recognising a capsule (1) in an apparatus (2) that uses capsules (1) for making beverages, comprising the operating steps of: acquiring an image in electronic format which shows at least one part of the outer surface (5) of the disk-shaped lid (4) of the capsule (1) and in which both an asymmetrical graphical element (6) and a graphical code (7) are present; identifying in the electronic image the asymmetrical graphical element (6) or one or more parts of it, identifying its position in the image and saving that position as a reference position; and starting from the reference position and using a known predetermined position of the graphical code (7) relative to the asymmetrical graphical element (6), identifying in the electronic image both a position in which the graphical code (7) is located and a graphical code (7) reading orientation; reading the graphical code (7) taking into account the position and the orientation previously identified in the electronic image, obtaining a code in electronic format; and considering the capsule (1)recognised when the code in electronic format has been obtained.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, comprising at least one image acquisition device (13) suitable for capturing images in electronic format, which show at least one portion of a capsule (2) located in an image capture zone (14) and which operates in the visible spectrum, a lighting device (15) associated with the capture zone (14) for lighting with light in the visible spectrum said portion of a capsule (2), and a detecting device (17) for detecting the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14), the detecting device (17) being operatively associated with the lighting device (15) for causing the switching of the lighting device (15) from a switched off condition to a switched on condition, depending on the detection of the presence of a capsule (2) at the capture zone (14) and/or of the arrival of a capsule (2) in the capture zone (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

A method for recognising a capsule (1) in an apparatus (2) that uses capsules (1) for making beverages, comprising the operating steps of: acquiring an image in electronic format which shows at least one part of the outer surface (5) of the disk-shaped lid (4) of the capsule (1) and in which both an asymmetrical graphical element (6) and a graphical code (7) are present; identifying in the electronic image the asymmetrical graphical element (6) or one or more parts of it, identifying its position in the image and saving that position as a reference position; and starting from the reference position and using a known predetermined position of the graphical code (7) relative to the asymmetrical graphical element (6), identifying in the electronic image both a position in which the graphical code (7) is located and a graphical code (7) reading orientation; reading the graphical code (7) taking into account the position and the orientation previously identified in the electronic image, obtaining a code in electronic format; and considering the capsule (1) recognised when the code in electronic format has been obtained.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, including an extraction unit (3) in which an openable extraction chamber (4) is made, an infeed section (9) for a capsule (2), a feed path (10) for the capsule (2) in the apparatus (1) from the infeed section (9), and at least one image acquisition device (12) operating in the range of visible light, positioned along the feed path (10) outside the extraction chamber (4), and designed, in use, when the capsule (2) is positioned in an image capture zone (13) located along the feed path (10), to capture images of at least an identification portion (14) of the capsule (2) on which a graphical element (15) is present and visible; the image acquisition device (12); an electronic processing unit (20) is connected to the image acquisition device (12) and is programmed to selectively enable or not enable the making of a beverage by performing the following operating steps based on a comparison between a first image detected by the image acquisition device (12) and one or more reference images saved in the apparatus (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, in particular a beverage containing milk. The apparatus (1) comprises a machine body, a milk container (2) and a milk frothing device (3) for mixing milk with air and steam. The milk frothing device (3) is removably mountable in a seat (10) in an outer wall (11) of the machine body. The milk container (2) is removably couplable to the milk frothing device (3). The apparatus (1) also comprises a locking member (5) for locking the milk frothing device (3) in the mounted condition. The milk container (2) interacts with the locking member (5) in such a way that, when the milk container (2) is coupled to the milk frothing device (3) in the mounted condition, the locking member (5) is active and prevents removal of the milk frothing device (3) from the seat (10), and in such a way that, when the milk container (2) is uncoupled from the milk frothing device (3), the locking member (5) may adopt the inactive condition for allowing removal of the milk frothing device (3) from the seat (10). Therefore, the milk frothing device (3) and the milk container (2) in the coupled condition are not simultaneously removable from the machine body.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An image acquisition device (4) for a capsule, usable in an apparatus (1) for making a beverage that uses the capsule. The device (4) comprises an optical sensor (42) facing an image capture zone (40) in which said capsule is located or passes, at least one light emitting element (44) for lighting the image capture zone (40), a box-shaped casing (5) surrounding an inner chamber (50) in which the optical sensor (42) is housed. The box-shaped casing (5) comprises a front wall (51), that is made of transparent material and is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40), and lateral walls (52, 53, 54, 55) that are connected to the front wall (51) and laterally delimit the inner chamber (50). At least one lateral wall (52) of the box-shaped casing (5) is coupled to the light emitting element (44) and has a lighting surface region (521) that is outside the inner chamber (5) and is facing the image capture zone (40), the lateral wall (52) being a light guide designed to transmit, inside it, the light emitted by the light emitting element (44) to said lighting surface region (521). The image capture zone (40) is lit by light projected from the lighting surface region (521) of the light-guide lateral wall (52).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An image acquisition device (4) for a capsule, usable in an apparatus (1) for making a beverage that uses the capsule. The device (4) comprises an optical sensor (42) facing an image capture zone (40) in which said capsule is located or passes, at least one light emitting element (44) for lighting the image capture zone (40), a box-shaped casing (5) surrounding an inner chamber (50) in which the optical sensor (42) is housed. The box-shaped casing (5) comprises a front wall (51), that is made of transparent material and is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40), and lateral walls (52, 53, 54, 55) that are connected to the front wall (51) and laterally delimit the inner chamber (50). At least one lateral wall (52) of the box-shaped casing (5) is coupled to the light emitting element (44) and has a lighting surface region (521) that is outside the inner chamber (5) and is facing the image capture zone (40), the lateral wall (52) being a light guide designed to transmit, inside it, the light emitted by the light emitting element(44) to said lighting surface region (521). The image capture zone (40) is lit by light projected from the lighting surface region (521) of the light-guide lateral wall (52).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage using a capsule (3), (4), wherein, respectively for a first and a second type of beverage selectable, first data and second data are saved which comprise a first and a second supplying start temperature value, a first and a second steady-state supplying temperature value, a first and a second total supplying time and a first and a second activation mode for the pump (16), and wherein an electronic control unit (19) is programmed to cause the supplying respectively of the first and second type of beverage using the first data and the second data for controlling a pump (16) and a boiler (17); wherein the first total supplying time comprises a pre-infusion time, a wait time and an infusion time; and wherein the first activation mode comprises an electricity supply to the pump (16) with an average power that is greater than that in the second activation mode. A capsule is also claimed, which is usable with the apparatus and the system which comprises the apparatus and two different capsules for making two different beverages.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage using a capsule (3), (4), wherein, respectively for a first and a second type of beverage selectable, first data and second data are saved which comprise a first and a second supplying start temperature value, a first and a second steady-state supplying temperature value, a first and a second total supplying time and a first and a second activation mode for the pump (16), and wherein an electronic control unit (19) is programmed to cause the supplying respectively of the first and second type of beverage using the first data and the second data for controlling a pump (16) and a boiler (17); wherein the first total supplying time comprises a pre-infusion time, a wait time and an infusion time; and wherein the first activation mode comprises an electricity supply to the pump (16) with an average power that is greater than that in the second activation mode. A capsule is also claimed, which is usable with the apparatus and the system which comprises the apparatus and two different capsules for making two different beverages.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/52 - Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages comprising; an extraction chamber (6) formed between a first part (12) and a second part (13), which are movable; an insertion duct (18) for insertion of a capsule (2), (3) in the extraction chamber (6), the insertion duct extending from an infeed section (19) equipped with a closing element (20) that is movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber (6) is closed; and at least one first supporting element (21) positioned upstream of the infeed section (19), for supporting a second capsule (3) outside the extraction unit (5) while a first capsule (2) is positioned at the extraction chamber (6); the first supporting element (21) being mechanically switchable, by one of either the first part (12) or the second part (13) or the closing element (20), from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule (2), (3), to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first part (12) and the second part (13) are in the extraction position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea

Abstract

A beverage dispensing unit (1; 13; 15; 17) for an apparatus for supplying a beverage (in particular, coffee) which comprises an infeed section (21) and a dispensing section (23), which comprises three dispensing spouts (31, 32, 33). Two ducts (41, 42) are interposed in parallel between the infeed section and the dispensing section. Each duct receives a respective part of the beverage and has an outfeed (44). A movable member (5; 53; 7) is shiftable to change a liquid transfer path between the outfeeds of the two ducts and the dispensing section: when the movable member is in a first position, the respective parts of beverage are introduced into a same first dispensing spout (31); when the movable member is in a second position, the respective part of beverage of one duct (41) is introduced into a second dispensing spout (32) and the respective part of beverage of the other duct (42) is introduced into a third dispensing spout (33).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers

Goods & Services

Electric coffee, tea and other hot beverages makers; electric coffee urns; coffee roasters; electric coffee filters; automatic installations for making coffee; coffee percolators, electric; installations for heating beverages; beverage cooling apparatus; cooling apparatus for dispensing chilled beverages. Coffee; artificial coffee; coffee-based beverages; tea; tea-based beverages; coffee flavourings; cocoa; cocoa-based ingredients for confectionery products; cocoa-based beverages; cereal bars; malt biscuits; cinnamon [spice]; caramels [candy]; chocolate; condiments; confectionery; sugar; natural sweeteners; edible ices; fruit jellies [confectionery]; chewing gum; honey; husked barley; bread; pasta; pastries; vegetal preparations for use as coffee substitutes; rice; sauces [condiments]; spices; tarts.

Abstract

A delivery unit (1) for an apparatus for making a beverage, in particular for making an espresso coffee. The delivery unit (1) includes a cup-shaped body (2) delimiting an inner chamber (20), the cup-shaped body (2) including a lateral wall (21) and a bottom wall (23). The delivery unit (1) also includes an infeed spout (3) for introducing beverage into the inner chamber (20) and an outfeed opening (45) through which the beverage can come out of the inner chamber (20), the outfeed opening (45) being positioned in a central portion of the bottom wall (23). In the inner chamber (20) the delivery unit (1) includes a partition wall (5) which surrounds the outfeed opening (45) and divides the inner chamber (20) into a peripheral region (26) and a central region (28) in which the outfeed opening (45) is located. The partition wall (5) includes a plurality of passage openings (55) for allowing the beverage to pass from the peripheral region (26) to the central region (28). The infeed spout (3) is designed to introduce the beverage into the peripheral region (26) of the inner chamber (20) with a direction substantially tangential to the lateral wall (21).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents
• A47J 31/34 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
• B01D 19/00 - Degasification of liquids

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26). A barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5). The barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is a sheet of flexible material fixed in anoxygen-tight way to the containment body (2) and intended to be torn during use, thereby allowing the beverage to pass through it. A flow throttling element (7) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) in a position interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5) and obstructs the passage cross-section for the beverage in the containment chamber (20). The flow throttling element (7) has at least one through opening (71) through which, in use, the beverage flows towards the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26) and has a first face (51) facing the filtering element (3), a second face (52) facing the bottom portion (22) and a perimetric face (53) which joins the first face (51) and the second face (52) to each other. The dispensing element (5) has, on the first face (51), a chamber or recess (551) in a central region, one or more chambers or recesses (552) in annular regions, a plurality of channels (553) that put said chambers or recesses (551, 552) in communication with each other and with the perimetric face (53). Moreover, the dispensing element (5) has, on the second face (52), one or more chambers or recesses (562) in annular regions and a plurality of channels (563) that put said one or more chambers or recesses (562) in communication with the perimetric face (53) and with the dispensing hole (26). The tortuous path for the beverage involves the first face (51), the perimetric face (53) and the second face (52) of the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26). A barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5). The barrier impermeable to oxygen (6) is a sheet of flexible material fixed in an oxygen-tight way to the containment body (2) and intended to be torn during use, thereby allowing the beverage to pass through it. A flow throttling element (7) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) in a position interposed between the filtering element (3) and the dispensing element (5) and obstructs the passage cross-section for the beverage in the containment chamber (20). The flow throttling element (7) has at least one through opening (71) through which, in use, the beverage flows towards the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, containing a powdered food substance (8) which enables a beverage to be made by passing water through it. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped containment body (2), in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (21) and a bottom portion (22), and a closing element (29) that closes the top of the containment body (2). The bottom portion (22) has a dispensing hole (26) and the containment body (2) defines a containment chamber (20) inside itself. A filtering element (3) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom portion (22). A dispensing element (5) is mounted in the containment chamber (20) and is positioned between the filtering element (3) and the bottom portion (22). The dispensing element (5) is intended to create a tortuous path for the beverage that flows towards the dispensing hole (26) and has a first face (51) facing the filtering element (3), a second face (52) facing the bottom portion (22) and a perimetric face (53) which joins the first face (51) and the second face (52) to each other. The dispensing element (5) has, on the first face (51), a chamber or recess (551) in a central region, one or more chambers or recesses (552) in annular regions, a plurality of channels (553) that put said chambers or recesses (551, 552) in communication with each other and with the perimetric face (53). Moreover, the dispensing element (5) has, on the second face (52), one or more chambers or recesses (562) in annular regions and a plurality of channels (563) that put said one or more chambers or recesses (562) in communication with the perimetric face (53) and with the dispensing hole (26). The tortuous path for the beverage involves the first face (51), the perimetric face (53) and the second face (52) of the dispensing element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Goods & Services

Drinks made from dairy products; Milk-based beverages containing coffee; Drinks based on yogurt; Milk; Condensed milk; Soya milk [milk substitute]; Tea with milk, milk predominating; Coffee creamer; Creamers for beverages; Non-dairy creamer; Coffee whiteners consisting principally of dairy products. Aperitifs, non-alcoholic; Fruit beverages and fruit juices; Green vegetable juice beverages; Fruit drinks; Non-alcoholic beverages; Non-alcoholic beverages flavoured with tea; Non-alcoholic beverages flavoured with coffee; Nutritionally fortified beverages; Beverages containing vitamins; Fruit squashes; Energy drinks; Energy drinks containing caffeine; Cocktails, non-alcoholic; Juices; Vegetable juices [beverages]; Alcohol free wine. Retail services in relation to coffee; Retail services in relation to teas; Retail services in relation to cocoa; Retail services in relation to non-alcoholic beverages; Wholesale services in relation to coffee; Wholesale services in relation to non-alcoholic beverages; Wholesale services in relation to teas; Wholesale services in relation to cocoa; Retail services relating to food. Café services; Bar services; Café services; Providing drink services; Bar services; Snack-bars; Bar and restaurant services; Snack-bars; Providing food and drink in restaurants and bars; Serving food and drink in restaurants and bars; Supplying of meals for immediate consumption; Coffee supply services for offices [provision of beverages]; Catering in fast-food cafeterias; Coffee supply services for offices [provision of beverages]; Catering services for company cafeterias; Drink dispensing machines (rental of); Bistro services; Preparation and provision of food and drink for immediate consumption; Ice cream parlour services; Banqueting services; Providing food and drink.

Goods & Services

Drinks made from dairy products; Milk-based beverages containing coffee; Drinks based on yogurt; Milk; Condensed milk; Soya milk [milk substitute]; Tea with milk, milk predominating; Coffee creamer; Creamers for beverages; Non-dairy creamer; Coffee whiteners consisting principally of dairy products. Aperitifs, non-alcoholic; Fruit beverages and fruit juices; Green vegetable juice beverages; Fruit drinks; Non-alcoholic beverages; Non-alcoholic beverages flavoured with tea; Non-alcoholic beverages flavoured with coffee; Nutritionally fortified beverages; Beverages containing vitamins; Fruit squashes; Energy drinks; Energy drinks containing caffeine; Cocktails, non-alcoholic; Juices; Vegetable juices [beverages]; Alcohol free wine. Retail services in relation to coffee; Retail services in relation to teas; Retail services in relation to cocoa; Retail services in relation to non-alcoholic beverages; Wholesale services in relation to coffee; Wholesale services in relation to non-alcoholic beverages; Wholesale services in relation to teas; Wholesale services in relation to cocoa; Retail services relating to food. Café services; Bar services; Café services; Providing drink services; Bar services; Snack-bars; Bar and restaurant services; Snack-bars; Providing food and drink in restaurants and bars; Serving food and drink in restaurants and bars; Supplying of meals for immediate consumption; Coffee supply services for offices [provision of beverages]; Catering in fast-food cafeterias; Coffee supply services for offices [provision of beverages]; Catering services for company cafeterias; Drink dispensing machines (rental of); Bistro services; Preparation and provision of food and drink for immediate consumption; Ice cream parlour services; Banqueting services; Providing food and drink.

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water. An infusion unit (12) of the apparatus comprises a first member (31) and a second member (32) which form an infusion chamber (30) intended to receive a capsule containing a food substance. The first member (31) and the second member (32) are movable one relative to the other between a home position, in which they are at a distance from one another, and an infusion position, in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber (30). A first piercing element (41) is associated with the first member (31) of the infusion unit (12) and is intended to make a water infeed perforation in a first region of the capsule. A second piercing element (42) is movable relative to the infusion chamber (30) between an active position, in which it at least partly projects into the infusion chamber (30) for making a beverage outfeed perforation in a second region of the capsule, and an inactive position, in which the second piercing element (42) is away from the infusion chamber (30) relative to the active position. The movement of the first member (31) relative to the second member and of the second piercing element (42) is implemented by a rotatable member (5) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation (50) and is angularly shiftable between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa. By means of a first cam-type guiding profile (61) and a first follower (71), the rotatable member (5) produces a relative movement of the first member (31) relative to the second member (32). By means of a second cam-type guiding profile (62) and a second follower (72), the rotatable member (5) produces a movement of the second piercing element (42).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers

Abstract

This invention relates to a milk frothing apparatus (1 ) suitable for mixing milk with air and steam to obtain frothed milk. The milk frothing apparatus (1 ) comprises a frothing chamber (20) that is connected to an air feeding duct (23), to a milk feeding duct (25) and to a steam injecting nozzle (27). In use, a flow of steam in the steam injecting nozzle (27) creates a pressure drop that sucks milk and air into the frothing chamber (20), through the respective feeding ducts (23, 25), thereby mixing milk with air and steam. Positioned in the air feeding duct (23), which puts the frothing chamber (20) in communication with an air inlet opening (30), there is a non-return device (4) that is designed to allow a flow of air from the air inlet opening (30) towards the frothing chamber (20) and to stop a flow of air and/or milk towards the air inlet opening (30). The non-return device (4) comprises a sealing element (41 ), substantially disk-shaped, that has a central region (415) fixed to a support (43) and that has an annular peripheral region (417) that is intended to make contact with an annular contact element (47). The sealing element (41 ) is deformable between a first condition, in which the annular peripheral region (417) is in sealed contact with the annular contact element (47), completely closing the passage section of the air duct (23), and a second condition, in which the annular peripheral region (417) is at least partly at a distance from the annular contact element (47), leaving a passage for the air between the sealing element (41 ) and the annular contact element (47). The condition adopted by the sealing element (41 ) is linked to a difference between the pressure upstream and the pressure downstream of the sealing element (41 ).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Goods & Services

(1) Electric coffee, tea and other hot beverages makers; electric coffee urns; coffee roasters; electric coffee filters being parts of electric coffee makers; automatic installations for making coffee, namely electric coffee roasters and electric coffee brewers; coffee percolators, electric; installations for heating beverages, namely electric coffee brewers; beverage cooling apparatus, namely refrigerated beverages dispensing units; apparatus for dispensing chilled beverages, namely refrigerated beverages dispensing units. (2) Coffee; artificial coffee; coffee-based beverages; tea; tea-based beverages; coffee flavourings; cocoa; cocoa products, namely cocoa powder and cocoa spread; cocoa-based beverages; cereal bars; malt biscuits; cinnamon [spice]; caramels [candy]; chocolate; condiments, namely savoury sauces used as condiments; confectionery, namely chocolate confectionery, fruit-based confectionery, peanut confectionery, sugar confectionery and almond confectionery; sugar; natural sweeteners; edible ices; fruit jellies [confectionery]; chewing gum; honey; husked barley; bread; pasta; pastries; vegetal preparations for use as coffee substitutes; rice; sauces [condiments], namely apple sauces; spices; tarts.

Abstract

A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance (2) and comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) that has a bottom portion (5) equipped with a dispensing hole (9), a lower filtering element (14) mounted in the containment chamber (6) and positioned between the powdered food substance (2) and the bottom portion (5), and a sheet of flexible material (19), impermeable to oxygen, mounted in the containment body (3) between the powdered food substance (2) and the dispensing hole (9), and comprising a first layer (20) made of plastic material and a second layer (21 ) made of aluminium, which are coupled to each other, wherein the first layer (20) comprises one or more through cuts (25), each surrounded by a dispensing zone (26), the first layer (20) being locally detached from the second layer (21 ) at each dispensing zone (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance (2) and comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) that has a bottom portion (5) equipped with a dispensing hole (9), a lower filtering element (14) mounted in the containment chamber (6) and positioned between the powdered food substance (2) and the bottom portion (5), and a sheet of flexible material (19), impermeable to oxygen, mounted in the containment body (3) between the powdered food substance (2) and the dispensing hole (9), and comprising a first layer (20) made of plastic material and a second layer (21 ) made of aluminium, which are coupled to each other, wherein the first layer (20) comprises one or more through cuts (25), each surrounded by a dispensing zone (26), the first layer (20) being locally detached from the second layer (21 ) at each dispensing zone (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Goods & Services

Electric coffee, tea and other hot beverages makers; electric coffee urns; coffee roasters; electric coffee filters; automatic installations for making coffee; coffee percolators, electric; installations for heating beverages; beverage cooling apparatus; refrigerated beverages dispensing units Coffee; artificial coffee; coffee-based beverages; tea; tea-based beverages; coffee flavourings; cocoa; cocoa-based ingredients for confectionery products; cocoa-based beverages; cereal bars; malt biscuits; cinnamon; caramels; chocolate; savory sauces used as condiments; confectionery; sugar; natural sweeteners; edible ices; Fruit jelly candy; chewing gum; honey; husked barley; bread; pasta; pastries; vegetal preparations for use as coffee substitutes; rice; sauces; spices; tarts

Abstract

A system for making beverages includes a capsule and a capsule holder including an annular edge at the top of which there is a projecting annular element and/or respectively an annular seat. The capsule includes a body including a lower wall, a lateral wall and a perimetric edge on which there is an annular groove having a bottom zone and two inner lateral faces, and/or respectively there is an annular tooth having a tip portion and two outer lateral faces. The capsule holder and the capsule can adopt a sealed configuration where the projecting annular element, inserted in the annular groove, is in sealed contact with at least one of the inner lateral faces, and/or respectively the annular seat receives inside it the annular tooth and is in sealed contact with at least one of the outer lateral faces.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents

Goods & Services

Coffee capsules.

Abstract

A containment body for making a cup-shaped capsule for making beverages comprising a lateral wall (4) that, in a zone of it closer to an upper edge (5) than to a bottom wall (3), is provided with one or more retaining elements (8) projecting towards the central axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the one or more retaining elements (8) forming between them and the bottom wall (3) an undercut seat (9); and a method for making capsules comprising different quantities of powdered food substance using said containment body (1) and positioning an upper filtering element (16) either coupled to the undercut seat (9) or positioned close to a lid (15).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, comprising an extraction unit (3) in which an openable extraction chamber (4) is made, an infeed section (9) for a capsule (2), a feed path (10) for the capsule (2) in the apparatus (1) from the infeed section (9), and at least one image acquisition device (12) operating in the range of visible light, positioned along the feed path (10) outside the extraction chamber (4), and designed, in use, when the capsule (2) is positioned in an image capture zone (13) located along the feed path (10), to capture images of at least an identification portion (14) of the capsule (2) on which a graphical element (15) is present and visible; the image acquisition device (12); an electronic processing unit (20) is connected to the image acquisition device (12) and is programmed to selectively enable or not enable the making of a beverage by performing the following operating steps based on a comparison between a first image detected by the image acquisition device (12) and one or more reference images saved in the apparatus (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages using capsules (2) containing a food substance, comprising an extraction unit (3) in which an openable extraction chamber (4) is made, an infeed section (9) for a capsule (2), a feed path (10) for the capsule (2) in the apparatus (1) from the infeed section (9), and at least one image acquisition device (12) operating in the range of visible light, positioned along the feed path (10) outside the extraction chamber (4), and designed, in use, when the capsule (2) is positioned in an image capture zone (13) located along the feed path (10), to capture images of at least an identification portion (14) of the capsule (2) on which a graphical element (15) is present and visible; the image acquisition device (12); an electronic processing unit (20) is connected to the image acquisition device (12) and is programmed to selectively enable or not enable the making of a beverage by performing the following operating steps based on a comparison between a first image detected by the image acquisition device (12) and one or more reference images saved in the apparatus (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for making a beverage comprises a machine body, a milk container and a milk frothing device. The milk frothing device is removably mountable in a seat in an outer wall of the machine body. The milk container is removably couplable to the milk frothing device and interacts with a locking member so that: when the milk container is coupled to the milk frothing device mounted in the seat, the locking member prevents removal of the milk frothing device from the seat; when the milk container is uncoupled from the milk frothing device, the locking member allows removal of the milk frothing device from the seat. Therefore, the milk frothing device and the milk container, when coupled together, are not simultaneously removable from the machine body.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, in particular a beverage containing milk. The apparatus (1) comprises a machine body, a milk container (2) and a milk frothing device (3) for mixing milk with air and steam. The milk frothing device (3) is removably mountable in a seat (10) in an outer wall (11) of the machine body. The milk container (2) is removably couplable to the milk frothing device (3). The apparatus (1) also comprises a locking member (5) for locking the milk frothing device (3) in the mounted condition. The milk container (2) interacts with the locking member (5) in such a way that, when the milk container (2) is coupled to the milk frothing device (3) in the mounted condition, the locking member (5) is active and prevents removal of the milk frothing device (3) from the seat (10), and in such a way that, when the milk container (2) is uncoupled from the milk frothing device (3), the locking member (5) may adopt the inactive condition for allowing removal of the milk frothing device (3) from the seat (10). Therefore, the milk frothing device (3) and the milk container (2) in the coupled condition are not simultaneously removable from the machine body.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A beverage dispensing unit comprises an infeed section, a dispensing section having three dispensing spouts, and two ducts interposed in parallel between the infeed section and the dispensing section, so that each duct receives a respective part of beverage. A movable member is shiftable to change a liquid transfer path between outfeeds of the two ducts and the dispensing section: when the movable member is in a first position, the respective parts of beverage are introduced into a same first dispensing spout; when the movable member is in a second position, the respective part of beverage of one duct is introduced into a second dispensing spout and the respective part of beverage of the other duct is introduced into a third dispensing spout.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices

Abstract

Provided herein is an apparatus for making beverages, comprising an extraction chamber formed between a first part and a second part, which are movable; an insertion duct for insertion of a capsule, in the extraction chamber, the insertion duct extending from an infeed section equipped with a closing element movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber is closed; and at least one first supporting element positioned upstream of the infeed section, for supporting a second capsule outside the extraction unit while a first capsule is positioned at the extraction chamber; the first supporting element being mechanically switchable, by either the first or second part or the closing element, from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule, to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first and second parts are in the extraction position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

An apparatus for making beverages comprising; an extraction chamber (6) formed between a first part (12) and a second part (13), which are movable; an insertion duct (18) for insertion of a capsule (2), (3) in the extraction chamber (6), the insertion duct extending from an infeed section (19) equipped with a closing element (20) that is movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber (6) is closed; and at least one first supporting element (21) positioned upstream of the infeed section (19), for supporting a second capsule (3) outside the extraction unit (5) while a first capsule (2) is positioned at the extraction chamber (6); the first supporting element (21) being mechanically switchable, by one of either the first part (12) or the second part (13) or the closing element (20), from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule (2), (3), to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first part (12) and the second part (13) are in the extraction position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

This invention relates to a beverage dispensing unit (1; 13; 15; 17) for an apparatus for supplying a beverage, in particular for supplying coffee. The dispensing unit comprises an infeed section (21 ) for a beverage to be dispensed and a dispensing section (23), comprising three dispensing spouts (31, 32, 33). The dispensing unit also comprises two ducts (41, 42) interposed in parallel between the infeed section (21 ) and the dispensing section (23), each duct (41, 42) comprising an infeed (43) in liquid transfer communication with the infeed section (21 ) and an outfeed (44) in liquid transfer communication with the dispensing section (23). Each duct (41, 42), in use, receives a respective part of the beverage. The dispensing unit also comprises a movable member (5; 53; 7) shiftable between a first position and a second position, and vice versa. The movable member (5; 53; 7) is designed to change a liquid transfer path between the outfeeds (44) of the two ducts (41, 42) and the dispensing section (23) as follows. When the movable member (5; 53; 7) is in the first position, the respective parts of beverage are introduced into a same first dispensing spout (31 ); when the movable member (5; 53; 7) is in the second position, the respective part of beverage of one duct (41 ) is introduced into a second dispensing spout (32) and the respective part of beverage of the other duct (42) is introduced into a third dispensing spout (33). This invention also relates to an apparatus for supplying a beverage, comprising said dispensing unit, and a method for dispensing a beverage.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a delivery unit (1) for an apparatus for making a beverage, in particular for making an espresso coffee. The delivery unit (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) delimiting an inner chamber (20), the cup- shaped body (2) comprising a lateral wall (21) and a bottom wall (23). The delivery unit (1) also comprises an infeed spout (3) for introducing beverage into the inner chamber (20) and an outfeed opening (45) through which the beverage can come out of the inner chamber (20), the outfeed opening (45) being positioned in a central portion of the bottom wall (23). In the inner chamber (20) the delivery unit (1) comprises a partition wall (5) which surrounds the outfeed opening (45) and divides the inner chamber (20) into a peripheral region (26) and a central region (28) in which the outfeed opening (45) is located. The partition wall (5) comprises a plurality of passage openings (55) for allowing the beverage to pass from the peripheral region (26) to the central region (28). The infeed spout (3) is designed to introduce the beverage into the peripheral region (26) of the inner chamber (20) with a direction substantially tangential to the lateral wall (21).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a delivery unit (1) for an apparatus for making a beverage, in particular for making an espresso coffee. The delivery unit (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) delimiting an inner chamber (20), the cup- shaped body (2) comprising a lateral wall (21) and a bottom wall (23). The delivery unit (1) also comprises an infeed spout (3) for introducing beverage into the inner chamber (20) and an outfeed opening (45) through which the beverage can come out of the inner chamber (20), the outfeed opening (45) being positioned in a central portion of the bottom wall (23). In the inner chamber (20) the delivery unit (1) comprises a partition wall (5) which surrounds the outfeed opening (45) and divides the inner chamber (20) into a peripheral region (26) and a central region (28) in which the outfeed opening (45) is located. The partition wall (5) comprises a plurality of passage openings (55) for allowing the beverage to pass from the peripheral region (26) to the central region (28). The infeed spout (3) is designed to introduce the beverage into the peripheral region (26) of the inner chamber (20) with a direction substantially tangential to the lateral wall (21).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/24 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure
• A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices

Abstract

A capsule containing a powdered food substance comprises a body including a lower wall and a lateral wall, and a lid fixed to the body. The lid and a central portion of the lower wall are pierceable to allow the injection of water into and the extraction of a beverage from the capsule. Between the lid and the lower wall, there is a permeable filter, which retains the powdered substance, the filter including a layered sheet of flexible material fixed to the body, and separating the powdered substance from the central portion. The sheet of flexible material is shaped to form, at the central portion, at least one projection towards the lid. At the projection the filter is distanced from the central portion and there is a compartment, located between the filter and the central portion, where a piercing element can be inserted following penetration through the central portion, without damaging the filter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A horizontal unit for making beverages includes a first part (4) and a second part (6) which are mobile between an operating position in which between them they form a chamber (8) for a capsule (2), and a capsule (2) insertion position in which they are separated. A beverage collection portion (14) includes a perforating element (44) mobile between an active position in which it perforates a capsule (2), and an inactive position. A hooking portion (46) is switchable between a hooking configuration in which it retains the perforating element in the active position and an unhooking configuration. During a movement of the first part and/or the second part from the insertion position to the operating position, the second part switches the hooking portion from the hooking configuration to the unhooking configuration, whilst during an opposite movement the second part moves the perforating element from the inactive position to the active position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

A horizontal unit for making beverages using capsules containing powdered food substances includes a first part (4) and a second part (6) which are mobile between an operating position in which they form an extraction chamber (8) for a capsule (2), and a capsule (2) insertion position in which they are distanced, and movement mechanism (17) for reciprocal movement of the two parts (4), (6) including a connecting rod (21)-crank (19) mechanism connected to the mobile part (4), (6). In the operating position the crank (19) rests on a part of the unit supporting structure (3). The crank (19) also includes one or two resting portions which in the unit closed position act in contact respectively against one or two shoulders, the shoulders being positioned respectively to prevent movements of the crank (19) towards the shaft parallel with the axial line and/or movements of the crank (19) transversally to the plane in which it rotates.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

A containment body for making a cup-shaped capsule for making beverages comprising a lateral wall (4) that, in a zone of it closer to an upper edge (5) than to a bottom wall (3), is provided with one or more retaining elements (8) projecting towards the central axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the one or more retaining elements (8) forming between them and the bottom wall (3) an undercut seat (9); and a method for making capsules comprising different quantities of powdered food substance using said containment body (1 ) and positioning an upper filtering element (16) either coupled to the undercut seat (9) or positioned close to a lid (15).

IPC Classes  ?

• B31B 50/00 - Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A containment body for making a cup-shaped capsule for making beverages comprising a lateral wall (4) that, in a zone of it closer to an upper edge (5) than to a bottom wall (3), is provided with one or more retaining elements (8) projecting towards the central axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the one or more retaining elements (8) forming between them and the bottom wall (3) an undercut seat (9); and a method for making capsules comprising different quantities of powdered food substance using said containment body (1 ) and positioning an upper filtering element (16) either coupled to the undercut seat (9) or positioned close to a lid (15).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages includes a capsule and a capsule holder including an annular edge at the top of which there is a projecting annular element and/or respectively an annular seat. The capsule includes a body including a lower wall, a lateral wall and a perimetric edge on which there is an annular groove having a bottom zone and two inner lateral faces, and/or respectively there is an annular tooth having a tip portion and two outer lateral faces. The capsule holder and the capsule can adopt a sealed configuration where the projecting annular element, inserted in the annular groove, is in sealed contact with at least one of the inner lateral faces, and/or respectively the annular seat receives inside it the annular tooth and is in sealed contact with at least one of the outer lateral faces.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
• A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ
• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• A23F 5/26 - Extraction of water soluble constituents

Abstract

A filter for capsules for making espresso coffee by passing pressurised hot water through ground coffee powder, the filter (2) being rigid or semi-rigid, bowl-shaped and comprising a first base wall (3), a first lateral wall (4), a first upper edge (5) and a plurality of passages passing through it and which comprise an inlet section (10) facing towards an inner part (6) of the bowl and an outlet section (11 ) facing towards an outer part (7) of the bowl, at least the inlet sections (10) of the passages being made in parts of the filter (2) which are radially separated from the central axis by a distance equal to at least two thirds of the minimum radial distance of the first lateral wall (4) from the central axis; and a capsule comprising said filter (2) near to a second base wall (16) of it.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A capsule (1) for making beverages comprises a powdered food substance, and comprises a body (2) having a lower wall (3) and a side wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to an edge (5) of the side wall (4). Between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the body (2) there is a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filter (10) is positioned, coupled at a coupling portion (14) located on the side wall (4) close to the edge (5). The filter (10) extends between a rim (12) positioned close to the lid (6) and coupled to the coupling portion (14), and a bottom portion (13) positioned close to the lower wall (3), and separates the chamber into a first compartment (15), containing the substance, delimited at least between the filter (10) and the lid (6), and into a second compartment (16) partly positioned between the side wall (4) and the filter (10), delimited between the filter (10), the lower wall (3) and the portion of side wall (4) located between the lower wall (3) and the coupling portion (14). The second compartment (16) comprises openings (11) at the part of it positioned between the filter (10) and the side wall (4).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

The apparatus comprises at least one piercing element (18) having an axis of extension which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall (5) of the capsule (2) used, a cutting edge (21) transversal to the axis of extension and designed to create a linear cut (22), and an operating portion (23) which forms a flow channel (24) with a concave inner surface (25) which extends substantially parallel to the axis of extension and is such that the projections parallel to the axis of extension of all of its cross-sections made in planes perpendicular to the axis of extension, lie substantially on the same line. According to the method a linear cut (22) is made in the bottom wall (5), said cut delimiting a tab (29) made of plastic material which is flexible towards the outside of the capsule (2) relative to the rest of the bottom wall (5) and which comprises a perimetric edge (30); the latter is coupled to a concave surface of the type indicated above; at the start of injection of water into the capsule (2) the concave surface and the perimetric edge (30) interact to prevent or at least hinder the flow of the beverage between them towards the outside of the capsule (2), whilst when a predetermined pressure value is reached inside the capsule (2) the tab (29) bends outwards, creating a transit gap (31) for the beverage.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Goods & Services

Electric coffee machines; electric coffee pots; electric coffee percolators. Non-electric coffee percolators; non-electric coffee pots; non-electrical coffee grinders. Coffee, coffee extracts and preparations for making beverages [coffee based]; coffee substitutes; tea; tea extracts and preparations for making beverages [tea based]; cocoa and preparations based on cocoa; chocolate; chocolate based products; sugar; natural sweeteners; honey and honey substitutes.

Abstract

A capsule for making beverages comprising a cup-shaped containment body (2) in turn comprising a tubular lateral wall (5) and a bottom portion (6) and forming inside it a containment chamber (4) which contains a powdered food substance; a closing element (3) is fixed to the containment body (2) to close it. The bottom portion (6) comprises a bowl-shaped first sheet made of a first material having a resistance to piercing and tearing which is less than that of a second material constituting the tubular lateral wall (5), and comprises a central zone (9) extending transversally to the central axis and a connecting wall (10) which is connected to the central zone (9) and which comprises at least one component of extension parallel with the central axis, the connecting wall (10) being connected to the tubular lateral wall (5) at the first edge (7).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A capsule for making beverages, containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted by passing hot water through it, the capsule (1 ) comprising a cup-shaped containment body (3) which inside it forms a chamber (2) for housing (16) the powdered food substance, and which comprises a bottom portion (7) through which, in use, hot water can be fed into the capsule (1 ), and a lateral wall (4) connected to the bottom portion (7) and forming an access opening for accessing the chamber (2), and a closing element (9) fixed to the lateral wall (4) at the access opening for closing it, and through which, in use, the beverage can come out of the chamber (2). The capsule (1 ) also comprises a filter element (10) which is permeable to water and positioned inside the chamber (2) between the powdered food substance and the bottom portion (7), the filter element (10) resting on the bottom portion (7) and being free to move away from the latter towards the inside of the chamber (2) except for the resistance applied by the powdered food substance. The invention also relates to a system for making beverages which comprises the capsule (1 ).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Abstract

A system for making beverages comprising a capsule (2) and a capsule holder (13). The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body (3) containing a powdered substance to be extracted, and a lid (8) associated with an upper perimetric edge (7) of the body (3). At the perimetric edge (7) there is a projecting annular tooth (9) with at least a first inner lateral face (11 ) facing inwards. The projecting annular tooth (9) is deformable relative to the first central axis (4) in such a way that the tip portion (10) can vary its distance from the first central axis (4). The first outer lateral face (12) extends at least partly either parallel with or diverging relative to the central axis of the capsule (2). The capsule holder (13) comprises a housing (14) for the capsule (2) and an annular edge (17) comprising a projecting annular element (18) and/or an annular seat (19) which in turn comprise at least a second lateral face (20). The capsule holder (13) and the capsule (2) can adopt a sealed configuration in which the second lateral face (20) is in sealed contact with the first inner lateral face (11 ) and the projecting annular tooth (9) is deformed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
• B65D 85/804 - Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ

Goods & Services

Electric coffee machines; electric coffee pots; electric coffee percolators. Non-electric coffee percolators; non-electric coffee pots; non-electrical coffee grinders. Coffee, coffee extracts and preparations for making beverages [coffee based]; coffee substitutes; tea; tea extracts and preparations for making beverages [tea based]; cocoa and preparations based on cocoa; chocolate; chocolate based products; sugar; natural sweeteners; honey and honey substitutes.

Goods & Services

(1) Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, artificial coffee

Goods & Services

Electric coffee percolators; Electric coffee urns. Coffee percolators, non-electric; Coffeepots, non-electric; Non-electrical coffee grinders. Coffee; Coffee extracts and preparations for making beverages (coffee-based); Artificial coffee; Tea; Tea extracts and preparations for making beverages (tea-based); Cocoa and cocoa products; Chocolate; Chocolate based products; Sugar; Sweeteners (Natural -); Honey and honey substitutes.

Abstract

A horizontal unit for making beverages using capsules comprises at least a first part (4) and a second part (6) which are mobile between an operating position in which between them they form a chamber (8) for a capsule (2), and a capsule (2) insertion position in which they are distanced, as well as water injection means (13) and beverage collection means (14) which are associated with the chamber (8). The beverage collection means (14) comprise at least one perforating element (44) mobile between an active position in which it perforates a capsule (2) inserted in the housing (5), and an inactive position in which it is distanced from the bottom of the capsule (2), hooking means (46) associated with the first part (4) and switchable between a hooking configuration in which they retain the perforating element (44) in the active position and an unhooking configuration, and first elastic means (47) acting on the perforating element (44) for pushing it towards the inactive position. During a movement of the first part (4) and/or the second part (6) from the insertion position to the operating position, the second part (6) switches the hooking means (46) from the hooking configuration to the unhooking configuration, whilst during an opposite movement the second part (6) moves the perforating element (44) from the inactive position to the active position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means

Abstract

A horizontal unit for making beverages using capsules containing powdered food substances comprises a first part (4) and a second part (6) which are mobile between an operating position in which they form an extraction chamber (8) for a capsule (2), and a capsule (2) insertion position in which they are distanced, and movement means (17) for reciprocal movement of the two parts (4), (6) comprising a connecting rod (21) - crank (19) mechanism connected to the mobile part (4), (6). In the operating position the crank (19) rests on a part of the unit supporting structure (3). The crank (19) also comprises at least a first resting portion (56) and/or a second resting portion (58) which in the unit closed position act in contact respectively against at least a first should (57) and/or a second shoulder (59) formed by the supporting structure (3), said shoulders being positioned respectively in such a way as to prevent movements of the crank (19) towards the shaft parallel with the axial line and/or movements of the crank (19) transversally to the plane in which it rotates.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/36 - Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means