Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a characteristic associated with the thickness of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet (20); c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a surface finish of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet; c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage is provided which is sealed prior to use and contains one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises: a body defining a beverage ingredient chamber containing the one or more beverage ingredients; a first filter defining an exit from the beverage ingredient chamber; a second filter downstream of, and spaced apart from, the first filter; and a flow constriction downstream of the second filter, such that in use beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients passes, in order, through the first filter, the second filter and the flow constriction.

Abstract: A tablet for forming a beverage having two or more layers, the tablet comprising: (i) a creamer/whitening component; (ii) a flavouring; and (iii) a biscuit component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in beverage preparation machines and in particular to a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.

Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage is provided which is sealed prior to use and contains one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises: a body defining a beverage ingredient chamber containing the one or more beverage ingredients; a first filter defining an exit from the beverage ingredient chamber; a second filter downstream of, and spaced apart from, the first filter; and a flow constriction downstream of the second filter, such that in use beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients passes, in order, through the first filter, the second filter and the flow constriction.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a characteristic associated with the thickness of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet (20); c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a surface finish of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet; c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.