Abstract: A dispensing assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules includes: an injector device (50), for introducing into a capsule (10) water and/or steam under pressure; a capsule holder (40), facing the injector device (50) and designed to receive the capsule (10); and an actuation linkage (80), for causing displacements of the capsule holder (40) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (50). The dispensing assembly (30) further includes ejector means (70), which are designed to push the capsule (10) towards the outside of the capsule holder (40) according to the displacement of the capsule holder (40) towards its spaced position from the injector device (50). The ejector means (70) are mechanically constrained to the actuation linkage by means of a mechanical connection.

Abstract: A capsule or cartridge (1) including a cup-shaped body (2) with a bottom wall (3), a lateral wall (4) and a flange-like top formation (5) which is essentially planar and extends transversely towards the outside, and a cover (6) fixed to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2), such as to define a chamber (7) containing the material for the preparation of the beverage, in particular ground roasted coffee. The lateral wall (4) of the body (2) has a plurality of projections (8) and recesses (9) which as a whole define at least an identification of the capsule (1). The projections (8) and recesses (9) are aligned in an essentially rectilinear direction, belonging to a plane essentially parallel to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2) of the capsule (1).

Abstract: The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), that bears a movable receiving assembly (7) capable of receiving a capsule or similar (10), containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6). The movable assembly (7) is able to assume a closed position in which it is coupled with the cooperating assembly (6) to create a brewing chamber, and a separated open position. Between such assemblies (6, 7) there is a gripping device (20) including a pair of movable jaws, capable of assuming a relative retaining position in which they are capable of receiving and retaining a capsule or similar (10) inserted between said assemblies (6, 7) while the latter are in the separated open position.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.

Abstract: The brewing apparatus (1) comprises a guide and support structure (2), and bears a movable receiving assembly (7) provided with a receptacle (9) capable of receiving a capsule (10) or similar, containing a quantity or measure of a substance for the preparation of a beverage, and a substantially stationary cooperating assembly (6); the movable assembly (7) being able to assume a closed position in which it is coupled with the cooperating assembly (6) to define a brewing chamber able to contain a capsule (10), and a separated open position. The cooperating assembly (6) is able to inject water and/or steam into the brewing chamber. An ejection device (20) is provided to eject a used capsule (10) from the region between said assemblies (6, 7) when, after the beverage has been prepared, the movable assembly (7) returns from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The machine (M) comprises electric heaters (15, 42) suitable to heat an amount of water for preparing hot beverages to a preset temperature; a first unit (1) for preparing and delivering a first hot beverage, particularly coffee, including a bearing structure (3) wherein at least one extraction assembly (4) is mounted which is suitable to accommodate a capsule or pod containing a substance for preparing the first beverage, particularly roasted ground coffee, and an underlying movable dispenser (21, 22) which is capable of taking at least first and second delivery positions, and a second unit (2) for preparing a beverage by means of centrifugation, which is arranged adjacent the first unit (1) and including a vessel (26) to receive an amount of the first beverage from the dispenser (21, 22) of the first unit (1), when this dispenser (21, 22) is in a preset delivery position, and optional further substances, and a motor-driven centrifuge assembly (28) including a stirring member (36) suitable to be introduce

Abstract: The gripper device (100) comprises a pair of opposite movable jaws (41) having respective coordinated gripping profiles (50) intended to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (C) of a first predetermined type so as to define a retaining position for such a capsule (C) in which the capsule (C) is essentially coaxial with a predetermined reference direction (R-R). The jaws (41) are able to assume a relative rest or standby position in which they are close together and inlet portions thereof (41a, 45) are capable of being splayed and passed beyond by a capsule (C) introduced into the machine (1), so as to allow said capsule (C) to be positioned and gripped between the gripping profiles (50) in the retaining position.

Abstract: A capsule including a cup-shaped body with a protruding top flange, a lateral wall, a flexible bottom wall, and a flexible cover welded to the flange to define a sealed chamber containing ground roasted coffee. The coffee is compressed within the chamber to form a compact panel, and a vacuum is provided such that the cover moves towards the upper surface of the panel. Between the flange and the bottom wall, the lateral wall of the body has an annular step formation providing a local reduction in the cross-section of the chamber towards the bottom wall. This step formation is closer to the bottom wall than to the flange and provides a local reduction in the cross-section of the chamber of at least about 25%. The bottom wall of the body is deformable under the effect of the fluid introduced into the capsule, being displaced away from the cover.

Abstract: The brewing assembly (1) comprises a support structure (2) which is operationally stationary and in which the following are mounted: a movable part (4) including a cup-shaped body (5) in which there is defined a receptacle (6) suitable for receiving a capsule (C) or the like containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage; a cooperating locating part (9) provided with a member (10) for performing perforation and/or injecting water and/or steam; and a displacement mechanism (11) for causing displacement of the movable part (4) between an open position, remote from the locating part (9), in which the cup-shaped body (5) is in a position suitable for receiving a capsule (C) or the like, and a closed position, in which the cup-shaped body (5) is able to be coupled with the locating part (9) so as to define therewith a brewing chamber in which the capsule (C) is sealingly clamped, for preparation of the beverage.

Abstract: A heating device (1) which includes: an assembly (2-4) made of a heat-conducting material and has a heating resistor (5) and has a defined passage (7a, 7b) close to the resistor (5), for a flow of water to be heated. The assembly (2-4) includes a central body (2) having two main opposite surfaces (2a, 2b) to which respective closing shells (3, 4) are connected in a liquid-tight manner. Between each main surface (2a, 2b) and the associated shell (3, 4) there is defined a passage following a serpentine path (7a, 7b). The serpentine passages (7a, 7b) communicate with each other by a through-hole (10) provided between the main surfaces (2a, 2b) of the central body (2). The heating resistor (5) is provided in the central body (2), between the main surfaces or faces (2a, 2b) such that it is in a heat-exchanging relationship with both the serpentine passages (7a, 7b).

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a hot beverage. The apparatus includes a hot steam source for supplying a flow of steam into a vessel, a rotary stirring device including a rotatable shaft which carries a stirring rotor; and a cleaning container. A control unit controls movement of the stirring device between its rest position and its working position; the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend inside a vessel; and the activation of the steam source and of the stirring device while the shaft and the rotor of the latter extend in the cleaning container.

Abstract: The system comprises a capsule (1) which has first and second end walls (3, 2f) and an annular side wall (2e) and which contains a dose of a substance for preparation of the beverage, and a machine (M) comprising an infusion assembly (G) designed to receive a capsule (1) and having an inlet (30, 31) for supplying a flow of pressurized water to be introduced into the capsule (1), and a delivery outlet (14) for outflow of the beverage formed in the infusion assembly (G) towards a collecting container. The infusion assembly (G) includes a plurality of parts (10-12) which can be moved away from and towards each other and can be sealingly coupled together so as to define as a whole an infusion chamber into which the capsule (1) can be introduced. In at least one (11) of these parts (10-12) of the infusion assembly (G) there is provided a perforation device (21; 121) designed to perforate the capsule (1) arranged in the infusion chamber (20, 22).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a support and guide structure with a movable assembly and a cooperating assembly. The movable assembly couples with the cooperating assembly to define an infusion chamber. Between the two assemblies is provided a gripper type holding device, with a pair of movable jaws for receiving and retaining a capsule. The jaws opened by means for releasing the capsule when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. The opening has associated reaction means to keep it in an advanced position, when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. In an end phase of the displacement of the movable assembly the gripper type holding device urges the opening member towards a rearward position, and in an initial phase of the return displacement of the movable assembly the opening member maintains the gripper type holding device with the jaws wide open to release the capsule.

Abstract: A device (1) for loading and ejecting pods/cartridges (C) and the like containing a substantially granular preparation for use in machines for infusions such as coffee and the like. The device includes: a support (2); a housing (3) for a cartridge (C), rotatably connected to the support (2); an element (4) for extracting the infusion, connected to the housing (3); a device (5, 6) for locking and supporting the housing (3); an ejector (31) apt to eject the cartridge (C) from the housing (3); and an element (21) for actuating the ejector (31).

Abstract: The cartridge-holder assembly (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) in which there are formed an upper receptacle (3) adapted to receive a cartridge or pod (C) containing a substance (S) for the preparation of the beverage, and a lower duct (7) in communication with said receptacle (3) and intended to convey the beverage towards an underlying collecting container. In said duct (7) there is provided a control valve device (9-15) including a valve seat (11), an associated section-throttling member (12), and a control device (13-15) capable of causing a relative movement of the section-throttling member (12) with respect to the seat (11), between a first and a second working position, to correspondingly vary the cross section of said duct (7) and the rate of the flow of said beverage between a minimum and a maximum value, respectively.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges (10) comprises a delivery assembly (30) that includes at least: —one injector device (34), to introduce into a cartridge (10) water and/or steam under pressure; —an infusion chamber (31), facing the injector device (34) and designed to receive the cartridge (10); —an actuation system (35), designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device (34) and the infusion chamber (31), between a spaced position and a close position; —a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct (40) and retention means (42, 47), which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge (10) is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber (31) and to the injector device (34), and a release condition, where the cartridge (10) is free to fall towards an outlet passage (41) of the delivery assembly (30).

Abstract: The capsule (1) comprises a casing (2) having first and second end walls (3, 4) spaced one from the other and interconnected by a lateral wall (5) having an essentially annular shape, and defining an internal chamber (6) containing an amount or dose of a substance (7) for the preparation of a beverage. The casing (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable or pierceable wall portion (5a, 4a), acting as inlet and outlet, respectively, for the introduction of a flow of water into said chamber (6) and the outflow of the beverage from said chamber (6), respectively. An inlet wall portion (5a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (6) is provided in the annular lateral wall (5).

Abstract: The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2).

Abstract: The device comprises a body (2-4) having an inlet passage (7) and an outlet passage (18) for the liquid, and wherein there is defined an internal cavity (8) which by means of a movable intermediate member (9, 12) is divided into a first and second chamber (10, 11) which are sealingly separated from one another, preferably by means of a diaphragm member (9). The first chamber (10) is adapted to be put into communication with the inlet passage (7); a resilient member (15) is provided in the second chamber (11) and tends to urge the movable member (9, 12) towards the first chamber (10). The movable member (9, 12) has an associated valve member (16) interacting with an associated valve seat (17) in such a way as to form a valve device (16-18) defining a first orifice with a variable passage cross section between the inlet passage (7) and the outlet passage (18).