Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage or a liquid foodstuff from a capsule containing a product with a substance to be extracted, the capsule having a flexible membrane (17) capable of deforming elastically or permanently to a considerable extent, comprising the steps of perforating a plurality of holes (26) distributed over the flexible membrane and of injecting water onto the flexible membrane, in such a manner that it deforms in the direction of the product inside the capsule and in that the water penetrates into the capsule via said holes. The size of the holes perforated by the perforating spikes is controlled by the level to which the capsule is filled or by the compactness of the product inside the capsule, so as to influence the hydraulic pressure differential ?P between the two sides (17a, 17b) of the flexible membrane, in such a manner as to achieve an automatic adjustment of the compression of the product contained in the capsule.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a drink or liquid food from a capsule (3) containing a substance to be mixed with water injected at pressure into the capsule, the apparatus comprising a mixing unit (4) with a capsule insertion channel (14), a capsule holder (8) with a mixing wall (22), an injecting head (10) for injecting water into the capsule, and an opening and closing mechanism (12) for producing a relative movement between the capsule holder and the injecting head to open and close the injecting head on the capsule holder. The insertion channel is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane (HZ).

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule containing the product to be extracted comprising a water injecting device (3) including an injection head (18) connected to a water supply conduit (9), and a hydraulic system for displacing the injection head towards a capsule-holder (4) positioned beneath the injection head, the hydraulic system being connected to a piston water conduit (11) interconnected via a locking control valve (12) to a pump (2), which also feeds the injection head.