Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage comprising: a closed container defining a container volume; a filter to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume; a beverage medium located in the ingredient chamber volume; and a guard element located in the filtrate volume; wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the closed container and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone; wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that on piercing of a piercing surface of the cartridge by a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge comprising a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top with a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to define a container volume. The lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium. A filter being located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume. The base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume. The peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards. The cup-shaped body being configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient (32). The capsule comprising a first section (12, 14) and a second section (15, 40) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprising a pre-formed inlet (23) for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet (41) for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. Wherein the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1), suitable for use with a beverage machine of the type comprising a code reader, the device (1) comprising: an inlet (40) for receiving, in use, heated water from a water supply of the beverage machine; and an outlet (43) through which said heated water can be dispensed; the device (1) further comprising a plurality of codes (19), each other plurality of codes (19) containing information relating to one or more dispensation parameters of the beverage machine; the device (1) being configurable by a user such that the user can choose one of the plurality of codes (19) to be read by the code reader of the beverage machine during a dispensation operation in order to set one or more dispensation parameters o the beverage machine.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the preparation of beverages and, in particular, to an improved cartridge for preparing beverages in brewing machines. The cartridges can also be used for preparing liquid food products. The cartridge comprises a continuous elongate tubular chamber containing the at least one ingredient providing a fluid flow path linking an inlet for the introduction of the liquid at one end of the chamber to an outlet for discharge of the beverage or food product at an opposite end of the chamber. The chamber has an internal width to length ratio in the range of 1:4 to 1:200.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a beverage preparation machine for dispensing the beverage into a receptacle. The accessory is placed across the receptacle to be supported on either side by the rim and provides a beverage receiving surface. The surface has a slope that allows beverage to flow downwardly to meet an upstanding portion that may be positioned within the receptacle, next to the side. In this way, the beverage can flow smoothly down the accessory and then down the inside of the receptacle with reduced turbulent flow.

Abstract: Method of preparing beverages using a beverage preparation machines and in particular a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients. The method includes controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.