Abstract: A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.

Abstract: An apparatus and packaging system for filling single-serve pods is described. The apparatus includes a base for supporting a rotatable platform comprising multiple pod holders, a filler mounted on the base and adjacent to the rotatable platform comprising a container filled with food product and multiple augers capable of filling the pods with food product, a sealer mounted on the base comprising a film winder, and a controller directing rotation of the rotatable platform, filling of the food product from the filler, and sealing and trimming of the sealed film tops of the single-serve pods.

Abstract: A thread material cutting device is provided which is used in an extraction bag sheet manufacturing apparatus. The thread material cutting device has tension application means such as a pressing plate configured to engage with the thread material placed between adjacent tags so as to apply tension to the thread material. While the welding means is press-heating the thread material onto the tags, the tension application means applies tension to the thread material so as to cut the thread material.

Abstract: A capsule includes a deformable and/or compressible casing that is provided with a base wall and with a side wall that define a cavity containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product and with a nozzle provided with a plurality of openings for the passage of the fluid. The nozzle engages an outflow portion of the base wall and is arranged for exiting from the cavity through the outflow portion when the casing is compressed and/or crushed. The nozzle includes a first portion abutting on and sliding with interference inside the outflow portion in a sealed manner so that the final product exits the cavity at least initially only through at least one further opening of the nozzle.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge is provided for use in forming a beverage in a beverage machine that provides a pressurized liquid. The cartridge includes a container having an interior space; a rim; a lid attached to the rim and closing the opening of the container, wherein the lid accommodates an inflow of the pressurized liquid; a membrane disposed within the interior space and defining a first chamber and a second chamber within the interior space, wherein the membrane is configured to selectively isolate the first and second chamber; a fluid stored within the second chamber wherein the fluid is arranged to interact with the pressurized liquid introduced into the container to form the beverage; and a filter disposed within the first chamber, wherein the filter is arranged to contain a first beverage medium arranged to interact with the pressurized liquid introduced into the container to form the beverage.

Abstract: A beverage flavoring apparatus comprising of an elongated tubular body, having at least three elongated hollow sections and a container for holding liquid flavor. The top hollow section is for suction and at least one of the hollow sections is adapted to receive liquid flavor and it has a smaller cross sectional area and shorter length which enables the flavoring liquid to be introduced into the beverage stream in minute quantity. The other hollow section is adapted to receive beverage. The container is mounted or loaded on the elongated tubular body so that the section adapted to receive liquid flavor is immersed in the liquid flavor while the other hollow section is dipped in a beverage. As oral suction is being applied, both the liquid flavor and the beverage are drawn up the tubular body and mixes at the hollow suction end before ingestion.

Abstract: A sealed capsule contains a beverage ingredient in powder form, in particular, ground coffee. The capsule comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) tightly attached to the base body (4), the foil member (5) being made from a material allowing the production of a multitude of perforations in the foil member (5) when the foil member (5) is thrust, via the pressure caused by injecting a liquid or a liquid/gas mix into the capsule, against a relief plate of a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is provided with a flow control porous member (80), the flow control porous member (80) being positioned between at least a portion of ingredients (3) and the foil member (5). The flow control porous member provides a faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.

Abstract: A reusable cartridge and method for forming a beverage using a beverage machine. The cartridge may include a bottom surface with inlet and outlet openings, e.g., arranged to receive an inlet or outlet needle, respectively, and an opening at a top end through which access to the interior space may be had. A filter basket may be inserted or removed into the interior space through the opening and a cover may engage at top to seal the opening closed.

Abstract: A capsule for the production of a beverage in a beverage production machine comprising a capsule holder with relief and recessed elements. The capsule includes an inverted cup-shaped body forming a chamber containing beverage ingredients; a bottom injection wall; a sidewall; and a delivery wall which is sealed to the body. The delivery wall is configured and dimensioned to include a calibrated orifice or perforating means to provide a calibrated orifice with the beverage delivery wall not being tearable against the capsule holder during extraction. The wall also provides through the restriction created by the calibrated orifice a certain back pressure which generates an elevated pressure in the capsule during extraction. Also, a system and method for producing a beverage from the capsules of the invention.

Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, an outlet for a beverage produced from said one or more beverage ingredients, an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet which generates, in use, a jet of beverage, and an expansion chamber located downstream of the aperture. The expansion chamber comprises an expansion chamber inlet for receiving the jet of beverage and an expansion chamber outlet; and an air inlet located in the expansion chamber in the vicinity of the expansion chamber inlet. The cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber decreases in a downstream direction from the expansion chamber inlet to the expansion chamber outlet, and the cross-sectional area and profile of the expansion chamber outlet are substantially the same as the cross-sectional area and profile of the beverage stream as it passes through the outlet.

Abstract: A capsule, system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is shown. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall comprises a woven or nonwoven filtering material, such as filtering paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage mixing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to a filter containing coffee, tea, or another additive to be mixed with a liquid. The filter is formed into a ball and attached to a rigid stick for stirring and mixing the contents of the present invention into a liquid. The filter may keep solid beverage additives separate from the liquid while still allowing the two to mix. Soluble additives may pass freely through the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.

Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.

Abstract: A reusable water container that infuses a fruit or herb flavor into a liquid inside the container. The container is segregated into a top liquid chamber, and a bottom flavor infusion chamber. The two chambers join at a watertight seal. A perforated divider positions between the two chambers, acting to retain the fruit in the infusion chamber when liquid is being poured out of the opening in the top of the container. The fruit or herb in the infusion chamber infuses a respective flavor by passing through the perforated divider, and infusing throughout the liquid in the entire container. A base detaches from the bottom of the infusion chamber so that the fruit or herb can be placed inside the infusion chamber. The base and the fruit may be frozen prior to attaching to the infusion chamber to cool the liquid.

Abstract: A form-retaining pad for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption includes a first covering and a form-providing stiffening body, and a substance which is soluble in a liquid. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet that are manufactured from a material non-transmissive to the soluble substance, but transmissive to the substance dissolved in a liquid. The form-providing stiffening body is between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The stiffening body has a compartmenting wall configuration having a grid structure which is transmissive to liquid from the top side to the bottom side. At least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated in the grid structure, and each compartment is surrounded by the wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet. At least the bottom side of the stiffening body includes a bulging part extending away from the top sheet.

Abstract: A pod holder for brewing a single cup beverage with infused heated water consist of a holder body having an open top and a base with an egress hole. A body inner cup, to with a keyhole shaped opening in the bottom, is placed within the holder body. A pod ejector pin extend through both the inner cup keyhole shaped opening and the holder body egress hole and protrudes beneath. A single cup pod is manually compressed into the inner cup, and a lid is attached to the body. The lid has an integral water inlet hollow duct with a pod cushion, permitting the cushion to press against the pod without piercing the pod cover, such that when hot water is introduced into the pod the water seeps through the pod's contents and a beverage is brewed. The brewed liquid drains through the inner cup and body and is discharged into a cup beneath, with the spent pod expelled when the lid is removed and the ejector pin is manually depressed.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure containing one or more beverage ingredients, filtering means delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, beverage flow guiding means for guiding the beverage to a beverage outlet of the capsule, a shell and a protective cover that is attached to the shell in order to form a gas tight container for the beverage ingredients. The capsule further comprises an overflow wall that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering means and comprises at least one overflow aperture. The capsule further comprises opening means comprising an opening element configured to open the gas-tight container in order to create the beverage outlet. The beverage flow guiding means and the opening element are integrally housed in the gas-tight container.

Abstract: A tea pot includes a lower container assembly comprising an internally threaded open top, a releasable bottom, and a diaphragm for dividing space of the lower container assembly into a lower beverage chamber and an upper passage chamber, the diaphragm having holes for communicating the beverage chamber with the passage chamber and an annular flange projecting into the passage chamber; and an upper container assembly comprising an externally threaded lower portion secured to the top of the lower container assembly, a releasable top, a bottom dividing the upper container assembly into upper ingredient chamber and lower passageway chamber, a cylindrical channel integrally formed with the bottom of the upper container assembly and projecting into the passageway chamber, and an annular gasket put on the channel and blocking the holes when the upper and lower container assemblies are threadedly secured together; and a strainer in the ingredient chamber.

Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage through a capsule inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule comprising an enclosure containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure to brew the said one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewed liquid is filtered by a filtering wall and delivered from the capsule, wherein the filtering wall extends from substantially the bottom of the enclosure and said filtering wall is associated to an overflow wall that forces the brewed liquid to traverse at least one overflow aperture. The method is particularly suitable for brewing a tea containing capsule.

Abstract: A capsule comprising beverage ingredients therein, and including a closed enclosure hermetically sealed to gas; and a perforated flow-regulating disc member which is arranged in the closed enclosure, perpendicularly to the liquid flow path inside the capsule, and which is configured for separating the ingredients at least partially into at least two ingredient spaces and which enables liquid to spread more evenly and transversely across one ingredient space and to the periphery of the enclosure to facilitate extraction of the beverage ingredients in the ingredient spaces. The capsule also may include an insert located within the enclosure and having tubular portions which are respectively open away from the center of the enclosure, wherein the insert is centrally arranged inside the capsule, and the ingredients are entirely provided radially outside the tubular portions of the insert.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.

Abstract: A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing a cooked food in a flexible-walled container having an opening. The method includes placing a quantity of food in a flexible-walled container and submerging at least a portion of the container in a liquid with the opening being located so that liquid does not enter the opening. At least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid and the food is maintained in the container below the surface of the liquid. The liquid collapses the container to seal the container. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained at a non-ambient temperature to heat or cool the food as it is stored. The method may also include storing the food adjacent a work surface, or at a remote main vat and transporting the rack to the work surface at which a serving that includes the food is prepared.

Abstract: A weighted fluid infusion device is provided and comprises a sealed porous pouch containing brewing material and capable of allowing brewing fluid to filter therethrough, a string for manipulating the fluid infusion device, and a weighted device. The weighted device is sufficient to completely submerge the sealed porous pouch in the brewing fluid.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (102), and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing a first fluid under pressure to a first mixing chamber (110) of the exchangeable holder. The exchangeable holder is provided with a storage space (108) which is filled with a second fluid and a fluid communication (114) between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber. The holder further comprises a fluid communication seal (138) for bringing the fluid communication into operation through removal of the sealing action of the fluid communication. The fluid communication is a channel having a first curvature (171) in longitudinal direction of the channel.

Abstract: Provided is an oral pouch product having a coated seam, having a porous pouch wrapper; an inner filling material enclosed within first and second opposed layers of the porous pouch wrapper; at least one seam holding a portion of said first and second opposed layers of said porous pouch wrapper together; and a first coating comprising a releasable ingredient applied to an outer surface of said seam. Also provided is a method for making the oral pouch product.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, filtering means (22) delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, beverage flow guiding means (40) for guiding the beverage to a beverage outlet (41b) of the capsule, a shell (21) and a protective cover (4) that is attached to the shell in order to form a gas tight container for the beverage ingredients. The capsule further comprises an overflow wall (3) that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering means (22) and comprises at least one overflow aperture (25). The capsule further comprises opening means comprising an opening element (43) configured to open the gas-tight container in order to create the beverage outlet (41). The beverage flow guiding means (40) and the opening element (43) are integrally housed in the gas-tight container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form-retaining pad, an assembly and a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. For this purpose, the pad is provided with a covering, in which a water-soluble substance, such as milk powder/creamer and sugar, is included. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The pad is further provided with a form-providing stiffening body, placed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, with the top sheet and the bottom sheet extending at least partly substantially parallel to each other and to a surface. The stiffening body has a top side adjacent to the top sheet and a bottom side adjacent to the bottom sheet, and, by providing a compartmenting wall configuration therein, has a grid structure transmissive to liquid, in which structure at least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated and each compartment formed by the wall configuration is surrounded by that wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

Abstract: A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.

Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid into the capsule. The capsule includes at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The capsule also has a selectively openable gas inlet which is placed on or in the capsule to allow gas introduction from outside the capsule into the compartment without passing through the filter.

Abstract: A method for producing a beverage or liquid comestible from a single capsule by subdividing the interior of the capsule into a plurality of compartments, at least two compartments containing beverage-forming ingredients, introducing a liquid into one of the compartments of the capsule and starting to produce and drain a first beverage component on the basis of the ingredient contained in the first compartment, and opening a fluid communication between the first and the second compartment such that after the start of the production of the first beverage compartment, a production of a beverage component on the basis of the ingredient contained in the second compartment commences. The capsule is preferably used to make cappuccino-style beverages.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a beverage suitable for consumption such as, for instance, cappuccino, wherein use is made of at least one extraction pad (44) at least filled with a product to be extracted such as ground coffee (45), and at least one additive holder (32) at least filled with a soluble substance such as a flavoring and/or odorant and/or colorant, more in particular such as an instant and/or liquid creamer (35), the method further having the following method steps: the extraction pad (44) and the additive holder (32) are positioned relative to each other such that they lie clear of each other; hot water is pressed under pressure through the extraction pad (44) and contacted with the soluble substance (35) for obtaining an extract with the soluble substance (35) dissolved therein;—the extract with the soluble substance (35) dissolved therein is fed under pressure to at least one nozzle (28) for obtaining an extract jet; and the extract jet is aimed at an impact surface (16) for obtaining a bever

Abstract: The capsule (2) for brewing food fragments comprises a filtering means (22) delimitating one filtering side of a brewing enclosure (20). It also comprises an overflow wall (3) positioned in the path of brewed liquid after the filtering means. The filtering means (22) are integral with the overflow wall (3).

Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage through a capsule (2) inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure to brew the said one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewed liquid is filtered by a filtering wall (22) and delivered from the capsule, wherein the filtering wall extends from substantially the bottom of the enclosure and said filtering wall is associated to an overflow wall (3) that forces the brewed liquid to traverse at least one overflow aperture (25). The method is particularly suitable for brewing a tea containing capsule.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, a filtering wall (22) delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, wherein the capsule further comprises an overflow wall (3B) that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering wall and which comprises at least one overflow aperture or is associated with at least one puncture means (8A, 8B) or, respectively, puncture indication means capable of producing or, respectively, indicating at least one overflow aperture. The capsule of the invention is designed for delivering a brewed liquid at relatively low pressure and is more particularly suited for tea beverages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage involves the use of a filter aid, e.g., that is provided in a beverage cartridge with a beverage medium in a dry state. In one embodiment, a cartridge including a dried fruit material may also include a filter aid, such as perlite, diatomaceous earth or cellulose, that is mixed together with the fruit material. The filter aid may assist in flow through the beverage medium or through a filter, e.g., by helping prevent the clogging of pores of a filter used to remove particulate from a beverage formed by interaction of the beverage medium with water introduced into the cartridge. Thus, the filter aid may permit the use of some beverage media that would otherwise clog a filter and/or prevent proper dissolution of materials in the beverage media without the filter aid.

Abstract: A tablet (10) of product, in particular in the form of a food product, especially an infusion product such as coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, dehydrated stock or other product, includes a tablet body (12) and elements (20) for conveying the infusion liquid. The invention also provides a coffee infusion pack (030) including a supporting member (032) and a compact coffee tablet (010) that is directly supported by, and removable from, the supporting member (032).

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable brewing device including at least one contact volume connectable with at least one target volume, the at least one contact volume and the at least one target volume being separated by at least one filter arrangement, the at least one contact volume and the at least one target volume defining at least one predefined flow path through filter arrangement.

Abstract: A beverage preparation material (1) comprising a substantially insoluble and water-permeable tiller matrix (3) having a beverage ingredient (2) dispersed therein, wherein a plurality of layers, cells, or individual particles (2) of said beverage ingredient are held in a spaced-apart relationship within said material by regions of said tiller matrix (3). Also provided are beverage preparation pods and capsules (5) containing a beverage preparation material according to the invention.

Abstract: An infusion beverage package includes a body portion having overlying layers of porous material that are joined to form at least one compartment for carrying infusion beverage product in addition to a weight that causes the body portion to sink in water. The compartment(s) may also carry an agent (e.g., sweetener) that imparts flavor characteristics into a solution during steeping of the infusion beverage product. The weight is preferably realized by a non-toxic, insoluble odorless, flavorless microwaveable material (e.g., ceramic material, porcelain material, and naturally-occurring rock material). Alternatively, the weight may be realized by a dissolvable agent such as a sweetener. A multi-compartment single bag design and dual-bag designs are illustrated.

Abstract: One embodiment of an infusion package comprises a prepared raw material compartment (10) formed by sealed partitions (12) and (14) and containing prepared raw material (16). Partition (14) separates compartment (10) from a flotation compartment (18) filled with flotation material (20) to cause the package to float in a liquid. Any floatable material which is inert and harmless in the liquid, or a gas bubble sealed in a liquid-tight bag can serve as flotation material. A sealed package top (22) carries advertising materials, though advertising labels can be attached to its surface as an option. One end of a string (24) is attached to top (22) and the other—to a conventional label (26). The package can be agitated and removed from the liquid with the help of top (22) or string (24). The package can be entirely or in part of a liquid-permeable, heavier-, or lighter-than-liquid, inert and harmless material like paper, fabric, plastic net, perforated plastic film, etc. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A capsule comprising beverage ingredients therein, and including a closed enclosure hermetically sealed to gas; and a perforated flow-regulating disc member which is arranged in the closed enclosure, perpendicularly to the liquid flow path inside the capsule, and which is configured for separating the ingredients at least partially into at least two ingredient spaces and which enables liquid to spread more evenly and transversely across one ingredient space and to the periphery of the enclosure to facilitate extraction of the beverage ingredients in the ingredient spaces. The capsule also may include an insert located within the enclosure and having tubular portions which are respectively open away from the center of the enclosure, wherein the insert is centrally arranged inside the capsule, and the ingredients are entirely provided radially outside the tubular portions of the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13).

Abstract: A pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid sidewall; a rigid or semi-rigid upper surface containing one more apertures forming an inlet of the pod; a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material, the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the sidewall, upper surface and lower surface together defining a storage volume extending from the inlet to the outlet and containing a water-soluble composition, or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein the rigid or semi-rigid sidewall maintains a physical separation of the filtering material and the upper surface during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage that is designed to be extracted by injection of a fluid under pressure. The capsule comprises a closed chamber containing the substance with at least part of the closed chamber including a retaining part made of a flexible membrane. One or more raised elements that face the membrane are associated with and forming part of the capsule. These element(s) are used to open the capsule due to a buildup of pressure therein. This rise in pressure causes relative engagement of the raised element(s) with the membrane until the membrane ruptures or is torn to release the formed beverage from the chamber. As the liquid of the beverage does not come into contact with the machine, hygiene is improved and cross-contamination is reduced when preparing a beverage from the capsule.

Abstract: A liquid infusion pod having a fluid distribution member and a liquid permeable first filter member. The filter member is sealed to the fluid distribution member forming a first interior chamber that contains a liquid dispersible material. The fluid distribution member has at least one injection nozzle protruding downward from the top of the fluid distribution member into the interior chamber. The injection nozzle has at least one infusion port that directs fluid into the first interior chamber in a direction that is not normal to the top plane of the fluid distribution member.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, a filtering wall (22) delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, wherein the capsule further comprises an overflow wall (3B) that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering wall and which comprises at least one overflow aperture or is associated with at least one puncture means (8A, 8B) or, respectively, puncture indication means capable of producing or, respectively, indicating at least one overflow aperture. The capsule of the invention is designed for delivering a brewed liquid at relatively low pressure and is more particularly suited for tea beverages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form-retaining pad, an assembly and a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. For this purpose, the pad is provided with a covering, in which a water-soluble substance, such as milk powder/creamer and sugar, is included. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The pad is further provided with a form-providing stiffening body, placed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, with the top sheet and the bottom sheet extending at least partly substantially parallel to each other and to a surface. The stiffening body has a top side adjacent to the top sheet and a bottom side adjacent to the bottom sheet, and, by providing a compartmenting wall configuration therein, has a grid structure transmissive to liquid, in which structure at least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated and each compartment formed by the wall configuration is surrounded by that wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet.