Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly, a loading arrangement, an actuation system and a control system, including a processor, a non-volatile memory and an optical sensor device for acquiring characteristic information associated to an end wall of the body of a capsule. The actuation system is prearranged so that movements of the first part and the second part of the infusion chamber take place in a direction generally transverse to a direction of movement of the capsule determined by the insertion guide. The optical sensor device is mounted laterally with respect to the insertion guide. The loading arrangement has first retaining elements, which define an intermediate retention position of the capsule, in such a way that the control system is able to acquire the characteristic information by the optical sensor device when the capsule is in the intermediate position of retention.

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly having a first part and a second part designed to define an infusion chamber between them, a loading arrangement for the insertion of the capsule, an actuation system, a control system, and an arrangement for heating the fluid. A processor of the control system is prearranged for controlling at least the heating arrangement and the feeding arrangement. Encoded instructions contained in a memory of the control system has sets of brewing information that are differentiated from each other according to a type of capsule. The processor is prearranged for comparing an image acquired by an optical sensor device with reference images of the capsules that are encoded in the memory and for associating a set of brewing information to a corresponding type of capsule to select an operation mode.

Abstract: The system comprises: capsules (C) of at least a first type and a second type, having outwardly protruding transverse flanges (32), and respective different axial lengths (h1, h2, h3), and a brewing unit (6, 20, 7), in which there is defined a variable-volume brewing chamber (100) with a lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) and a slidable end delimiting part (54, 55), for receiving capsules (C) of said types introduced into the chamber (100). The capsules (C) of the aforementioned different types have flanges (32) of correspondingly different shapes, and the end delimiting part (54, 55) of the brewing chamber (100) carries stop members (70, 71) adapted to be coupled to the flanges (32) of said different types of capsules (C) when the latter are introduced into the brewing chamber (100), so as to allow correspondingly different relative movements of the end delimiting part (54, 55) relative to the lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) of said chamber (100).

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a liquid product such as coffee by means of hot liquid and/or steam introduced into a cartridge (10) containing a dose of ground coffee envisages introducing the hot liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10) thus bringing about deformation of at least one portion (1420) of a bottom (142) of the cartridge (10) and consequent perforation of the aforesaid bottom (142) by an array of perforating tips (10). The cartridge (10) is set with the bottom (142) facing the array of perforating tips (10) but at a distance therefrom so that the bottom (142), by undergoing deformation, comes into contact with the array of perforating tips (10) with a delay with respect to the start of the action of introduction of the aforesaid hot liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10).

Abstract: The cartridge (1) according to the invention comprises an envelope (2) having a first and a second end wall (4, 5) connected together by an annular lateral wall (6) and defining an inner chamber (7) containing a quantity or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage. The envelope (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable wall (6a, 5) acting as an inlet for the introduction of a flow of water into the chamber (7) and as an outlet from it respectively for outflow of the beverage from chamber (7). Between the first and the second permeable walls (6a, 5) the envelope (2) has an outwardly projecting annular formation (3g). A portion of the permeable inlet wall (6a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (7) is made in the annular lateral wall (6) of the envelope (2). The annular formation (3g) extends from the second end wall (5) in a direction substantially opposite to the first end wall (4).

Abstract: A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, e.g., coffee, by means of liquid and/or vapour introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a casing (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12) with a bottom wall (142) through which the liquid product may flow out of the cartridge (10). The bottom wall (142) has, as viewed from outside the cartridge (10): —a central portion (1420); —a first annular cavity (1422) that surrounds the central portion (1420); —an intermediate annular portion (1424) that surrounds the first annular cavity (1422) and is separated from the latter by a first annular rib (1423); and —a second annular cavity (1426) that surrounds the intermediate annular portion (1424) and is separated from the latter by a second annular rib (1425).

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: 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 device for preparing beverages, such as coffee, via a substance contained in a cartridge (C) comprises:—a supporting structure (3); and—a cartridge-holder moving element (10) having a distal cartridge-holder portion (12), the moving element (10) being supported on the supporting structure (3) for rotation about an axis (X10) between a first angular position and a second angular position and for translation with respect to said axis (X10) between a proximal position and a distal position. A link (18) is provided, such as an oscillating arm, which constrains the cartridge-holder moving element (10) and the supporting structure (3) so that the cartridge-holder moving element (10) is mobile between a condition of loading of the cartridge (C) and a condition of preparation of the beverage as a result of simultaneous movements of rotation and translation with respect to the aforesaid axis (X10).

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: 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 comprises 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 delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) comprises: a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10); a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2); guide elements (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40); an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; and a longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing liquids product by means of cartridges includes: an injector device, to let water and/or steam under pressure in the cartridge, an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and capable of receiving one said cartridge, retention element, capable of maintaining the cartridge in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and the injector device. The retention elements comprise: a support element of the cartridge, sustained in a displaceable way by the injector device in a part thereof that generally faces towards the outlet passage; and guiding elements mounted in a fixed position at generally opposite side parts of the injector device, that frontally protrude from the injector device and are capable of laterally constraining the cartridge to guide it until a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber.

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: 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 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).