Abstract: A rigid filter for capsules suitable for extracting beverages, comprising a flat body having a plurality of through filtering holes, which are sized so as to block the passage of solid particles and allow passage of brewed water or beverage, wherein the holes have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the middle plane of the flat body, so that the filter can be inserted into a capsule without taking care of the orientation of such holes with respect to the powdered substance within the capsule.

Abstract: An insert for filter holders of coffee machines, particularly espresso coffee machines, comprising an adapter provided with means for fixing to a filter holder and a disposable tray for containing a dose of ground coffee; the tray comprising a base which has a discharge port and a side wall which, together with the base, defines the tray; the tray further comprising a protrusion on the side wall which protrudes substantially radially toward the outside of the tray.

Abstract: A method for extracting an espresso coffee beverage by means of an espresso coffee machine, comprising: a) providing an extraction chamber, which comprises a dose of roasted and ground espresso coffee and a normally-closed septum which is arranged downstream of the coffee dose; b) injecting hot water into the chamber, outward dispensing of the beverage being prevented through the normally-closed septum; c) when the water pressure reaches a preset value, the partition is opened in order to force the beverage to pass through a small orifice before it is dispensed into the cup, the size of the orifice being such as to keep the dose of coffee contained in the extraction chamber at a substantially uniform pressure along the direction of the flow of water, so that the espresso coffee beverage extracted through the orifice comprises crema.

Abstract: A cartridge for the preparation of a beverage consists of a lateral cylindrical surface (S) obtained by rolling of a sheet and welding thereof along a line (L), as well as a top base (T) and a bottom base (B) welded to the cylindrical surface (S) so as to close the apertures at the ends of the latter, both the cylindrical surface (S) and the bases (B, T) being made from a flexible and gastight material. In this way a cartridge is obtained with a regular shape and easy to manufacture that not only is cheaper, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than prior art cartridges, but it also allows to make a coffee machine that is cheaper, more practical and lighter and can even be totally automatic.