Abstract: A capsule for use in a brewing device is provided, comprising a body part, which defines a cavity and which has a flange, a lid which is attached to the flange and tea material enclosed within the capsule, characterized in that the shape of the flange is defined by two intersecting circular arcs when viewed from above. A brewing device which comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule is also provided, the capsule holder comprising a sidewall which is circular when viewed from above and which has an upper rim, a shelf on at least part of the inside of the sidewall, a filter and an openable and closable passage on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim. A method of preparing a tea-based beverage in the brewing device using the capsule is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tea beverage in a capsule-based brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber (10); a capsule holder (20) sized and shaped so as to receive a capsule (30); a filter (25); an openable and closable passage (29) which terminates in an orifice (40); a vessel (60) located beneath the orifice (40) and having a spout (63); the method comprising the steps of: introducing liquid and infusible beverage material from the capsule (30) into the infusion chamber (10) so as to brew the beverage; and then after brewing has taken place for a sufficient time, opening the passage (29) to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber (10) through the filter (25), along the passage (29), through the orifice (40), into the vessel (60) and out from the spout (63).

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage production machine having an apparatus for recognizing a package. The apparatus comprises two resonant tank circuits, each comprising a coil and a capacitor; two electronic circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal which is indicative of the changes; and means for controlling the beverage production machine according to the signal. The machine also comprises a holder for supporting the package. The package for use in the machine comprises a base unit having a compartment which contains tea material, and a rim with a projecting lip; conductive material associated with the package having two edge sections situated on opposite sides of the compartment; and a lid attached to the base unit around the rim, the central portion of the lid comprising at least one perforated line. The invention also provides a method of recognizing the package.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tea beverage in a brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber with a bottom rim which defines an opening; a capsule holder for receiving a capsule, the capsule holder comprising a filter and an openable and closable passage; the method comprising: inserting a capsule into the capsule holder; connecting the capsule holder to the infusion chamber; introducing liquid into the capsule so that the liquid and tea material mix and flow into the infusion chamber and brew the beverage; and then opening the passage to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber through the filter and out through the passage. A capsule containing tea material for use in the method is also provided, the capsule comprising a body part, which is a single, impermeable piece which defines a cavity with a volume of from 10 to 24 cm3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for a beverage production machine, the capsule comprising: an ingredient enclosed within the capsule; and an identifier; wherein the identifier is an area of conductive material incorporating a code pattern, the code pattern consisting of a predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities formed in the conductive material, and wherein the capsule comprises an orientation member for directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage production machine.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tea beverage in a brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber with a bottom rim which defmes an opening; a capsule holder for receiving a capsule, the capsule holder comprising a filter and an openable and closable passage; the method comprising: inserting a capsule into the capsule holder; connecting the capsule holder to the infusion chamber; introducing liquid into the capsule so that the liquid and tea material mix and flow into the infusion chamber and brew the beverage; and then opening the passage to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber through the filter and out through the passage. A capsule containing tea material for use in the method is also provided, the capsule comprising a body part, which is a single, impermeable piece which defines a cavity with a volume of from 10 to 24 cm3.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tea beverage in a capsule-based brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber (10); a capsule holder (20) sized and shaped so as to receive a capsule (30); a filter (25); an openable and closable passage (29) which terminates in an orifice (40); a vessel (60) located beneath the orifice (40) and having a spout (63); the method comprising the steps of: introducing liquid and infusible beverage material from the capsule (30) into the infusion chamber (10) so as to brew the beverage; and then after brewing has taken place for a sufficient time, opening the passage (29) to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber (10) through the filter (25), along the passage (29), through the orifice (40), into the vessel (60) and out from the spout (63).

Abstract: A method of preparing a beverage in a brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber (10) with a bottom rim (12) which defines an opening; a capsule holder (20) for receiving a capsule (30), the capsule holder comprising a sidewall (24) having an upper rim (23), a filter (25) and an openable and closable passage (29) on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim; the method comprising the steps of: inserting a capsule (30) containing infusible beverage material into the capsule holder (20); connecting the upper rim (23) of the capsule holder (20) to the bottom rim (12) of the infusion chamber (10); introducing liquid into the capsule (30) and releasing the beverage material from the capsule so that the liquid and beverage material mix and flow into the infusion chamber (10) so as to brew the beverage; and then after brewing has taken place, opening the passage (29) to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber (10) through the filter (25) and out through the passage.

Abstract: A capsule holder for receiving a capsule containing tea material is provided, the capsule holder comprising a sidewall having an upper rim, means for supporting the capsule within the capsule holder, so that the capsule partially covers the area inside the upper rim, a filter situated beneath the intended location of the capsule and an openable and closable passage on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim. A brewing device comprising the capsule holder and a method of brewing a tea-based beverage in the brewing device are also provided.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a brewing device is provided, comprising a body part, which defines a cavity and which has a flange, a lid which is attached to the flange and tea material enclosed within the capsule, characterized in that the shape of the flange is defined by two intersecting circular arcs when viewed from above. A brewing device which comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule is also provided, the capsule holder comprising a sidewall which is circular when viewed from above and which has an upper rim, a shelf on at least part of the inside of the sidewall, a filter and an openable and closable passage on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim. A method of preparing a tea-based beverage in the brewing device using the capsule is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for a beverage production machine, the capsule comprising: —an ingredient enclosed within the capsule; and —an identifier; wherein the identifier is an area of conductive material incorporating a code pattern, the code pattern consisting of a predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities formed in the conductive material, and wherein the capsule comprises an orientation member for directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage production machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage production machine having an apparatus for recognising a package. The apparatus comprises two resonant tank circuits, each comprising a coil and a capacitor; two electronic circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal which is indicative of the changes; and means for controlling the beverage production machine according to the signal. The machine also comprises a holder for supporting the package. The package for use in the machine comprises a base unit having a compartment which contains tea material, and a rim with a projecting lip; conductive material associated with the package having two edge sections situated on opposite sides of the compartment; and a lid attached to the base unit around the rim, the central portion of the lid comprising at least one perforated line. The invention also provides a method of recognising the package.