Abstract: A capsule or container is provided having optimized recycling attributes. The capsule is provided for use in a machine for preparing a consumable product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening. A cover is disposed over the opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space to define a chamber between the filter and the cover. The body, filter and cover are preferably formed of the same substantially pure polymer material. Ingredients are disposed in the interior space for preparing a desired product. A hinge is provided to tether the cover to the body. The cover is attached with a peelable seal to the body so that cover may be peeled away from the body while remaining tethered at the hinge.

Abstract: A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.

Abstract: A disposable package having a reservoir filled with an ingredient to be combined with a base liquid. The package has a moulded plastic body with a bottom and a circumferential wall. The package is sealed by a top sealing film. The body has a column at its lower end integral with the centre of the bottom. The top sealing film is such that a base liquid feed lance can passed through the film and engage with the upper end of the column to dispense base liquid into the channel of the column. The column has apertures. The bottom has a multitude of filter holes or discharge openings, and a flexible portion around the column. A bottom sealing film is provided which breaks upon relative motion of the column to the lower operative position, creating one or more outflow openings in the film for outflow of the product from the package.

Abstract: A beverage substance for producing a tea beverage is proposed, wherein the beverage substance is intended to be stored in a portion capsule and to be infused in the portion capsule by means of hot water introduced under pressure into the portion capsule, wherein the beverage substance is substantially particulate and at least in part comprises tea, and wherein the beverage substance has a mean particle size of between 500 micrometres and 1,500 micrometres.

Abstract: An improved coffee brewing apparatus and method is shown. The method can include setting a permeable disk over coffee grounds in the filter of a conventional drip coffee maker, placing water on the permeable disk, and compressing the coffee grounds with a weight of the water on the permeable disk. The method can include percolating the coffee grounds with the water distributed uniformly with the permeable disk for brewing a coffee beverage. The method can also include passing the coffee beverage to an outlet. The method, in one embodiment, can include mixing contents within a booster pack to the coffee beverage.

Abstract: Capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule (1) along a rotational axis “I” in the device to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid and forcing a beverage out of the capsule, wherein the capsule (1) comprises containment walls containing beverage ingredients; said containment walls comprising a bottom wall (2), a widening sidewall (3) and a top wall (4), said top wall (4) comprising at least one liquid- impervious area (7) and at least one liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5); wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5) is peripherally positioned on the top wall (4) relative to the liquid-impervious area (7) and wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area is made of a porous flexible material which is extensible at least in axial direction and has a tensile elongation of at least 250, preferably at least 300% (DIN EN 29073-3).

Abstract: A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: A biodegradable pod or package designed to work in single serve beverage machines. The package of the present invention includes a base, a filter, and a top, all of which are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the base and filter are formed from a biodegradable polymeric material such as polylactic acid (PLA); preferably, both the base and the filter are formed from PLA or include a coating of PLA thereon (for example, paper with a PLA coating). The top can be formed from a cellulosic material or other plant-based material. The package utilizes a unique bond between the three components so as to withstand the temperature and pressures to which the pod is exposed by the beverage machine. The bond is formed by melted or softened biodegradable polymeric material from the base and the filter that also adheres the top.

Abstract: A method for producing a beverage from an ingredient-containing capsule by inserting a sealed capsule into a capsule enclosure space of a beverage production device, enclosing the capsule by a relative displacement of at least two enclosing members which define the capsule enclosure space, and opening an inlet face of the capsule and injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule in order to open an outlet face of the capsule. The capsule is provided at its outer surface with sealing material which is exposed to the fluid pressure in the capsule enclosure space. After enclosing the capsule, the fluid pressure in the capsule at least partially acts on the sealing material, such that in turn the sealing material is pressed against one of the enclosing members thus constituting a flow resistance that is sufficient to guarantee a pressure build-up inside the capsule sufficient for the pressure-assisted opening of the outlet face of the capsule.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. The beverage capsule includes a body having a sidewall and a base defining an interior space. A first opening is defined at one end of the body and a second opening is defined at an opposing end of the body. A first cover covers the first opening and a second cover covers the second opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space a pre-determined distance away from the second opening. Ingredients, such as ground coffee beans, are disposed in the interior space between the first opening and the filter for preparing a desired beverage, wherein the ingredients have a statistical arithmetic mean particle size that is greater than 600 microns.

Abstract: The invention provides an extended shelf life package comprising a material for mammal ingestion that degrades by oxidation, comprising an oxygen scavenger comprising a transition metal oxygen scavenger, a container substantially impervious to oxygen, wherein the container has a filter suspended in the container, the filter holds the material for mammal ingestion, the container also holds a support for the filter below the filter, and wherein the support holds the oxygen scavenger. In another embodiment, the invention provides an extended shelf life package comprising mammal ingestible material that degrades by giving off CO2 comprising a carbon dioxide scavenger, a container substantially impervious to carbon dioxide, wherein the container has a filter suspended in the container, the filter holds the mammal ingestible material, and the container also holds a support for the filter below the filter, and wherein the support holds the carbon dioxide scavenger.

Abstract: An improved coffee brewing apparatus and method is disclosed. The method can include setting a permeable disk over coffee grounds in the filter of a conventional drip coffee maker, placing water on the permeable disk, and compressing the coffee grounds with a weight of the water on the permeable disk. The method can include percolating the coffee grounds with the water distributed uniformly with the permeable disk for brewing a coffee beverage. The method can also include passing the coffee beverage to an outlet. The method, in one embodiment, can include mixing contents within a booster pack to the coffee beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad comprising an extractable product for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. The pad is provided with a first covering, a second covering attached to the first covering, and an inner chamber formed between the first and second covering for accommodating the extractable product. The pad is received in an apparatus arranged for preparing the beverage for intercepting a flow of fluid having supra-atmospheric pressure. The first covering conducts the fluid into the inner chamber for interacting with the extractable product for preparing the beverage and the second covering is conceived to conduct the beverage away from the inner chamber. The first covering comprises a partially transparent material for enabling visual inspection of the extractable product. The invention further relates to an apparatus, a container, a method of preparing a beverage and a method of manufacturing a pad.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system comprising a beverage preparation device (10) and a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a compartment (2) of the capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule, the beverage preparation device (10) having opening means (3) which are designed to interact with a wall member (4) provided at an outlet face (6b) of the capsule (1), wherein the opening means (3) comprise an opening member (7) having a hook-like shape designed to shear and move away at least a portion of a cover (11) sealed to the outlet face (6b) of the capsule.

Abstract: Capsules for use in a beverage production machine. One capsule includes a base body having a flange-like rim and containing beverage-forming ingredients therein, the ingredients being sealed in the base body by a foil member attached to the flange-like rim, and at least one flow control porous member arranged between at least a portion of ingredients in the capsule and the foil member. Another capsule includes a first wall member for supporting beverage-forming ingredients, a second perforable wall member attached to the first wall member, and at least one porous layer located between the beverage-forming ingredients in the capsule and the second wall member, with the porous layer forming a multilayer laminate with the perforable non-porous foil member. These flow control porous members provide faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.

Abstract: A free-flowing cellulosic substrate, such as rice hulls, can be impregnated with desired liquid flavoring agents to create a free-flowing flavoring composition for brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. The flavoring composition can be added to ground roasted coffee or prepared tea leaves in a brew filter device such as a paper filter, French press, percolator, vacuum pot or any other mechanical filtering device intended to brew coffee or tea. The flavor-impregnated substrate will release the desired flavors in contact with water during the brew process, imparting flavor to the finished coffee or tea beverage.

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 method and apparatus for forming a beverage involves the use of a filter aid, e.g., that is provided in a beverage cartridge with a beverage medium in a dry state. In one embodiment, a cartridge including a dried fruit material may also include a filter aid, such as perlite, diatomaceous earth or cellulose, that is mixed together with the fruit material. The filter aid may assist in flow through the beverage medium or through a filter, e.g., by helping prevent the clogging of pores of a filter used to remove particulate from a beverage formed by interaction of the beverage medium with water introduced into the cartridge. Thus, the filter aid may permit the use of some beverage media that would otherwise clog a filter and/or prevent proper dissolution of materials in the beverage media without the filter aid.

Abstract: Taught herein are a precharged ground coffee capsule comprising a polygonal cross-section container body made of a liquid-impermeable material, the container body having an open end and a large axial opening formed in a bottom wall of the container body, two walls made of a liquid-permeable material being arranged on the open end and at the bottom wall respectively, the liquid-impermeable material comprising a metallic material support layer and a thermoplastic material layer, the thermoplastic material layer facing the interior of the container body, the permeable walls being coupled to the container body through the thermoplastic material layer, an outwardly projecting radial flange being provided at the open end of the container body; a method for producing the capsule; and an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A sealed capsule contains a beverage ingredient in powder form, in particular, ground coffee. The capsule comprises a base body (4) and a foil member (5) tightly attached to the base body (4), the foil member (5) being made from a material allowing the production of a multitude of perforations in the foil member (5) when the foil member (5) is thrust, via the pressure caused by injecting a liquid or a liquid/gas mix into the capsule, against a relief plate of a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is provided with a flow control porous member (80), the flow control porous member (80) being positioned between at least a portion of ingredients (3) and the foil member (5). The flow control porous member provides a faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.

Abstract: A fiber sheet is obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric on a gauze. The gauze satisfies a warp fineness of 5 to 40 deniers, a warp density of 40 to 100 warps/inch, a weft fineness of 5 to 40 deniers, and a weft density of 20 to 100 wefts/inch. The nonwoven fabric is made of a melt-blown nonwoven fabric, a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, or a carded nonwoven fabric, having a fineness of 4.0 deniers or less. The fiber sheet has a basis weight of 7.5 to 20 g/m2. The fiber sheet is excellent like a gauze in terms of its transparency and strength and suitable also for contents having fine particle diameters. The fiber sheet can be obtained at a high productivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for preparing a beverage, such as coffee, that comprises a hollow member for containing a dose of, for example, ground coffee, said hollow member comprising a side wall, an upper face and a lower face including an extraction membrane, said cartridge being characterised in that it further comprises several separate protrusions provided on said side wall and/or said upper wall, each protrusion including at least one perforation area. The invention also relates to a device for using said cartridge.

Abstract: The invention proposes a capsule (9) for use in a beverage production device. The capsule (9) contains one or several ingredients (12) for producing a beverage or liquid comestible when a liquid (3) is fed into the capsule (9). The capsule is provided with an integrated antimicrobial filter (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides for use of a composition comprising black tea flavonoids as a prebiotic and/or for the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with poor gut health or low immunity. The flavonoids comprise thearubigin in an amount of at least 82% by weight of the tea flavonoids. Also provided is an edible product comprising the black tea flavonoids.

Abstract: A capsule for the production of a beverage in a beverage production machine comprising a capsule holder with relief and recessed elements. The capsule includes an inverted cup-shaped body forming a chamber containing beverage ingredients; a bottom injection wall; a sidewall; and a delivery wall which is sealed to the body. The delivery wall is configured and dimensioned to include a calibrated orifice or perforating means to provide a calibrated orifice with the beverage delivery wall not being tearable against the capsule holder during extraction. The wall also provides through the restriction created by the calibrated orifice a certain back pressure which generates an elevated pressure in the capsule during extraction. Also, a system and method for producing a beverage from the capsules of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients comprising a sealed ingredient compartment, an inlet face, an outlet face, an aperture in the inlet face of the capsule, a membrane attached to the inner side of the portion of the inlet face surrounding the aperture, wherein the membrane is attached to the inlet face by a first circumferential section in a detachable sealing engagement.

Abstract: A pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid sidewall; a rigid or semi-rigid upper surface containing one more apertures forming an inlet of the pod; a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material, the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the sidewall, upper surface and lower surface together defining a storage volume extending from the inlet to the outlet and containing a water-soluble composition, or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein the rigid or semi-rigid sidewall maintains a physical separation of the filtering material and the upper surface during use.

Abstract: Taught herein are a precharged ground coffee capsule comprising a polygonal cross-section container body made of a liquid-impermeable material, the container body having an open end and a large axial opening formed in a bottom wall of the container body, two walls made of a liquid-permeable material being arranged on the open end and at the bottom wall respectively, the liquid-impermeable material comprising a metallic material support layer and a thermoplastic material layer, the thermoplastic material layer facing the interior of the container body, the permeable walls being coupled to the container body through the thermoplastic material layer, an outwardly projecting radial flange being provided at the open end of the container body; a method for producing the capsule; and an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: Described is an infusion bag comprising a layer made of nonwoven fabric composed of bicomponent fibers and/or filaments composed of a high-melting component and a low-melting component, the high-melting component including a polyester. Problems in the fabrication of the nonwoven fabric are avoided by the fact that the low-melting component includes a likewise high-melting polymer having a melting point ?200° C.

Abstract: A filter material has one or more plies of fiber layers, in particular for the production of filter bags and filter cones for infused beverages, the at least one fiber layer containing fibers or microcapsules having phase change material. Paraffinic hydrocarbons can be used as the phase change material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed cartridge, provided to be extracted under pressure, containing a substance (15) for preparing a beverage, comprising a dish (9) with a bottom (10) and a side wall (11), having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone, and a circular edge with a diameter greater than the bottom, and a cover (12) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish, in which the cover (12) consists of a flexible material which is impermeable to oxygen, chosen from the group consisting of aluminum, an aluminum/plastic composite, an aluminum/plastic/paper composite, pure or multi-layer plastic, the said cartridge not comprising a filter or a weakening zone and the cover being intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a barrier (13) that is automatically resealable against leakage of the substance upon withdrawal of the fluid injection needle.

Abstract: A multi-phase, non-heat seal tea bag web material is provided with a pattern on either the top or bottom phases. The top phase is formed from fibers, such as hardwood, that provide a tighter or more dense fibrous phase than the vegetable fibers used in the base phase. Patterning can be provided during web formation by using a knuckled wire or by applying a fluid jet against the top of the web material. The sifting characteristics of the multi-phase web material are comparable to or better than that exhibited by single phase material.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge comprises a container having a sidewall extending from a first surface and a lip provided at an open end of the container. A cover is coupled to the lip of the container to cover the open end and seal the container. A sloped step is formed in the sidewall and a laminated filter structure is coupled to the sloped step. The laminated filter structure subdivides the container to form a brewing chamber and a beverage receiving chamber. The laminated filter structure includes first and second filter elements, both having edge portions. A seal is provided between the edge portions of the first and the second filter elements. The second filter element has a higher wet strength than the first filter element and the second filter element is located downstream of the first filter element. A beverage powder is contained in the brewing chamber. The container is pierceable to allow injection of liquid into the brewing chamber and to allow prepared beverage to be extracted from the container.

Abstract: The invention is a beverage device having a beverage pack, such as a bag containing substances to be added to flavor a liquid and a shield. The shield is connected to the pack and encapsulates the pack in the bottom of a cup. The shield has an open orientation which allows beverage pack steeping and a closed orientation. The shield can be made from two portions. A stick can be used to push the shield to the bottom of the cup and orient the shield in its closed orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are produced by preparing a gel of a hydrocolloid, and either sealing it in a closed vessel with a liquid of similar composition, pressurizing the vessel and abruptly releasing the pressure, followed by freeze drying, or by incorporating in such a gel a suitable microorganism, such as a yeast and inducing fermentation in the presence of a suitable nutrient medium, so that the carbon dioxide formed results in the expansion and foam formation, which is processed to the final product. The sponges-foams of the invention are such, that the initial network of the gel is maintained.

Abstract: A fibrous, non-woven, non-heat sealable, porous web material comprising natural fibers and 0.5 to 25 percent synthetic material is provided. The web material has properties well suited for use in infusion packages. The web material exhibits improved stiffness and memory characteristics which lead to significantly improved strength of mechanically formed and crimped seams.

Abstract: A filter material is described that is coated with cyclodextrins charged with taste substances, whereby the filter material also has 1 to 99% uncharged cyclodextrins, as well as a process for its production.

Abstract: A fibrous, porous web material of the heat seal type having improved particulate retention properties for use in the manufacture of beverage infusion bags. The material comprises juxtaposed, successively wet laid first (1), second (5) and third (7) fibrous layers, at least one of said layers incorporating heat sealable fibres. The fibres in the first layer are of greater aspect ratio than those in the second layer which are of higher aspect ratio than those in the third layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter material characterized in that it is impregnated with an amphiphilic substance or with a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic substance to control the water wettability and water absorption.

Abstract: A filter-paper insert (1) for preparing filtered coffee wherein, to alter the flavor of filtered coffee, the filter-paper insert (1) is provided with a coating (3) comprising a flavoring agent that forms a flavoring carrier, as well as a carrier material and a solvent. A coating (3) of this type can be sprayed or imprinted onto the filter-paper of the filter-paper insert (1), or otherwise applied to it, and dries relatively quickly following the application. Despite this, the flavoring agents are incorporated into the coating (3), and are reactivated when the hot brewing water flows through the filter-paper insert (1) for preparing filtered coffee.

Abstract: A brewing packet is provided for use in the preparation of hot or cold beverages. The brewing packet envelops a brewing ingredient chosen according to the tastes of a beverage drinker. The packet includes a machine interpretable feature that contains encoded data capable of being read by a beverage producing device. Furthermore, the data on the packet is capable of directing the beverage producing device to employ a specific brewing operation suited for the particular brewing packet. This allows for producing the optimal beverage from the brewing ingredient. The packet may be utilized with a variety of brewing ingredients to produce a variety of beverages. Similarly, the packet may be configured to produce single or multiple servings of a beverage.

Abstract: The method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption such as coffee comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A filter for the adsorption of ingredients from and/or the dispersion of ingredients into a fluid includes a matrix which has a plurality of particles having an inherently active surface or an active surface made of a fluid treating material. The particles are held in place by a moderately viscous binder which is impervious to the flow of the fluid. The particles, however, are made of a fluid pervious material. An insufficient amount of binder is incorporated in the matrix to otherwise completely cover the particles. Thus portions of the active surface of the particles remains exposed to the flow of fluid thereby resulting in tortuous paths of flow through the matrix, thereby assuring contact with the treating particles.

Abstract: A fibrous, porous web material of the non-heat seal tissue having a basis weight of 9-18 gm-2 and comprises a first layer and a second layer juxtaposed thereto wherein the second layer. The first layer comprising vegetable fibers and a second layer comprising hardwood fibers, the second layer has a smaller pore size than the first layer. The paper is useful for producing beverage infusion bags (e.g. teabags) from which there is minimal passage of fine particles from the bags into their packaging.

Abstract: Coffee of a generic flavor coming from the natural coffee bean is brewed and custom flavored in a method having the steps of (1) brewing the coffee in a brew chamber and passing the coffee through a filter to produce filtered filtrate of the brewed coffee at the downstream side of the filter, and (2) exposing a flavoring agent to the filtered filtrate at said downstream side of the filter to thereby add flavor associated with the flavoring agent to the filtered filtrate. The steps of producing filtered filtrate and adding flavor thereto are substantially separate and sequential as to each increment of filtered filtrate so produced and to which the flavoring agent is so exposed.

Abstract: An antioxidant composition which utilizes a desiccant carrier impregnated with a suitable fat soluble antioxidant is conveniently contained within a vapor permeable housing to prevent homogeneous mixing thereof with a stored product when the composition is provided in granulated form. The desiccant carrier is selected from a group of suitable hydrophilic materials which demonstrates the capacity for reducing levels of atmospheric moisture by absorption thereof, including for example, silica gel. The housing may conveniently be a sealed packet formed from a porous fiber material, such as, for example, that commonly used for fashioning tea bags and the like. Alternatively, the housing may include an enclosed perforated structure, the perforations of which are smaller than the granules of the contained composition. Where the composition is provided in the form of a unitary body, a housing need not be used.

Abstract: A cartridge which contains a substance for preparation of a beverage and for use for preparation of the beverage. The cartridge has a base, a wall, a rim and a cover. The wall extends from the base to form a cup shape which is substantially a frustum shape, the rim extends from the wall and has a diameter greater than the base and the cover is welded to the rim to contain the substance in the cartridge. The base further has sheared areas thinned, with respect to a base remainder, which extend to define arrangements which are spiral, substantially sinusoidal portions, radial segments and concentric arcs of a circle and which, along a line of each sheared area to define thickness, have a thickness which varies along the line, the sheared areas providing, upon extraction of the substance in the cartridge under pressure, openings through the base for filtering and obtaining the beverage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for flavoring liquids are disclosed. Flavoring solids such as particulate coffee solids are packed into an impermeable container, preferably occupying most or all of the available volume. Absorbed in the solids is a quantity of extractant liquid, preferably alcoholic liquor but others are possible. The amount of extractant is no more than can be taken up by the solids; there is no free liquid. The extractant pre-extracts flavoring components from the solids. One or more seals are removable to expose openings of the container. The openings may be closed by an integral filter, or a filter may be provided by an auxiliary device which holds the container. With the seals removed, the solids charge can be rinsed with liquid to be flavored, washing out the pre-extracted flavoring components.

Abstract: A filter is formed from a laminate of two sheets having a layer of adsorbent material and a layer of flavor enhancing material in the form of a flavor or supplement layer sandwiched between the sheets. Preferably, the adsorbent layer and the flavor or supplement layer are applied by a printing process.

Abstract: A filter for the filtration of extraction beverages includes a disk having a plurality of apertures through which the beverage extracted from the material to be extracted passes form the afflux side to the efflux side. Each aperture is formed by cut edges in the disk and by bending a cut edge away from the surface of the disk to form a roof-shaped dome. The filter is formed by a single punching, bending and embossing operation without scrap slug being produced.