Abstract: The beverage machine for preparing a hot beverage by brewing and extracting a substance received in a cartridge is provided with a brewing chamber comprising a lower brewing chamber portion and a closure element. The lower portion of the brewing chamber serves for positively receiving of the cartridge. On both the lower brewing chamber portion and the closure element, piercing elements are provided for piercing the cartridge at opposite sides thereof. Upon closing the brewing chamber, the lower portion thereof, together with the cartridge received therein, is axially moved relative to the closure member to such an extent that the cover of the cartridge is pierced by means of the one piercing member. The bottom of the cartridge is pierced by the other piercing member only to such an extent that the tip of the piercing member penetrates the bottom of the cartridge, without a beverage outlet channel provided in the other piercing element being connected to the interior of the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge containing one serving of coffee powder for preparing a coffee beverage. The bottom of the cartridge is provided with a passage covered by a gas-tight foil. The foil is manually removed before the cartridge is inserted into the coffee machine. Between the passage and the coffee powder, a filter element is disposed, preventing coffee powder to escape from the cartridge. The passage shall prevent a hydraulic pressure build-up in the cartridge, which would lead to the formation of froth.

Abstract: The coffee maker for brewing powder coffee contained in a cartridge comprises a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge, at least one punching member for punching the cartridge and a pump for feeding brewing water into the brewing chamber. In order to avoid that the prepared coffee shows froth at its surface, the coffee maker comprises means for restricting the amount of water fed by the pump into the brewing chamber per unit of time. This means ensures that the brewing water flows through the cartridge essentially unpressurized.

Abstract: A cartridge containing a single serving of a particulate substance extractable by means of water for preparing a beverage, preferably an espresso coffee beverage is disclosed. Between the bottom of the cartridge and the particulate substance as well as between the particulate substance and the cover of the cartridge, in each case a fluid director member is provided, having a plurality of small openings. The one close to the cover serves as a water distribution member for distributing the water, fed into the cartridge through a central opening pierced therein, evenly over the particulate substance, and the one close to the bottom serves as a beverage collection member to lead the beverage to a central opening pierced into the bottom of the cartridge. Both director members are provided with a recess directed towards the interior of the cartridge, allowing the penetration of a piercing member without damage to the director members.