Abstract: A machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprising a delivery assembly with a preparation chamber, which comprises a first part and a second part. The second part of chamber comprises an injector device, which is configured for introducing a preparation fluid into a capsule and has a hollow body and includes a first body part and a second body part. Defined between the two body parts is a chamber, housed in which is a perforation device having at least one front perforation element that is axially aligned to a respective through hole, defined in a front wall of the second body part of the injector device. The second body part is slidable, against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position, in which the at least one perforation element does not project substantially beyond the front wall, to a retracted position, where the at least one perforation element projects substantially beyond the front wall.

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products includes a pump. A cylinder is defined in the pump casing, with a piston extending in the cylinder at least in part to define a variable-volume work chamber. Between a shaft of a motor and the piston there is a transmission arrangement for causing a reciprocating movement of the piston with a predetermined stroke between advanced and retracted positions, to vary a volume of the work chamber. The pump has an intake valve and a delivery valve, for connecting the work chamber with an inlet and an outlet of the pump casing, respectively. The transmission arrangement has an actuation member driven in rotation by the shaft and operatively coupled to the piston. The actuation member defines a cam path to which the piston is coupled. The cam path is prearranged for determining the predetermined stroke of the piston between the advanced position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A water controller and a water controlling method are provided. The water controller includes: a water tank having a first water outlet; a magnetic control assembly; a water trough having a water inlet, the first water outlet being connected with the water inlet via the magnetic control assembly; an electromagnet configured to switch between a power-on state and a power-off state; wherein when the electromagnet is in a power-on state, a path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in a connected state under control of the control assembly; and when the electromagnet is in a power-off state, the path between the first water outlet and the water inlet is in a blocking state under the control of the control assembly.

Abstract: A food capsule has a cup-shaped capsule body enclosing a cavity with an opening at a first end, a second end including at least one outlet communicating with the cavity; an injection wall closing the opening, and at least one partition within the cavity extending from the injection wall to the second end of the capsule body. The at least one partition divides the cavity into chambers. Each chamber houses a quantity of an alimentary substance and communicates with at least one outlet including an independently-operable closure member in the second end.

Abstract: A system for the preparation of a liquid product has a dispensing apparatus and a disposable cartridge. The cartridge includes a reservoir filled with a single serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid, one or more dispensing passages, and a sealing film that covers the reservoir. The apparatus has a pressurization dome member with a peripheral gas seal adapted to sealingly engage the cartridge around a location where one or more openings are created in the sealing film. A pressurized gas source is connected to the dome member. The apparatus feeds pressurized gas beneath the dome member, to allow the liquid ingredient to be pressurized via the one or more openings in the sealing film, to assist dispensing of the liquid ingredient from the reservoir via the one or more dispensing passages.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule includes a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, wherein the first and/or the second brewing chamber element are/is movable in an axial direction between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements are spaced apart from each other, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements form a substantially closed brewing chamber and wherein the first brewing chamber element has at least one first perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means being arranged along the Earth's gravitational field below a horizontal plane extending substantially at a right angle to the gravitational field and centrally through the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A coffee capsule is provided, the outer dimensions of which are matched to the size of a filtered-coffee capsule, but which has a separating element that separates an empty area from an extraction-material area. Furthermore, at least one liquid channel is provided, which passes through the empty area for example. The liquid channel or liquid channels and the extraction-material area are designed in such a way that water introduced into the capsule at an injection location or a beverage produced in the capsule substantially does not enter the empty area.

Abstract: A capsule for holding an extractable product for dispensing a beverage is disclosed. The capsule comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, and an entrance opening portion and an exit opening portion for letting fluid in the capsule and draining prepared beverage from the capsule, respectively, of which at least one opening portion is closed to prevent fluid from passing. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid of the capsule enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product, and the capsule further comprises at least one moveable portion of the capsule that extends at a distance from a respective opening portion, and that is arranged to open the respective opening portion by being moved with respect to the respective opening portion.

Abstract: A brewing unit for making espresso (ES) and fresh-brew (FB) coffee, wherein the brewing chamber of a brewing assembly is supplied with water by a constant-frequency pump, and communicates with a first ES coffee outlet conduit, controlled by a calibrated valve, and a second FB coffee outlet conduit via a three-way COV (contact-operated) switch valve, which is formed in a compression piston for closing the brewing chamber, and is designed to be set to a normal open position, in which the first and second outlet conduit and a delivery manifold communicate with one another, and to switch, in use and in opposition to a spring, to a closed position, in which the second outlet conduit is closed, and the first outlet conduit communicates with the delivery manifold.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus, puncturing mechanism, and cartridge are disclosed. The mixing apparatus has a housing and a drawer with a recess. Corresponding cartridges may be inserted into the drawer and slid into the housing to facilitate mixing a liquid with contents of the cartridge. The liquid may originate from a reservoir in the mixing apparatus or a direct line. Also inside the housing of the mixing apparatus is the puncturing mechanism. The puncturing mechanism has a nozzle configured to puncture a lid of a cartridge and inject liquid to mix with the contents of the cartridge. The puncturing mechanism is further configured to drive an internal puncturing unit inside of the cartridge through a lower portion of the cartridge to allow liquid from the nozzle and contents of the cartridge to be dispensed into a receptacle.

Abstract: An additivation device (2) for beverages (B) adds at least one additive (A) to at least one beverage (B). The device (2) includes at least one first inlet duct (30), through which at least one beverage (B) coming from a source is introduced into the device (2), and at least one second inlet duct (40), through which at least one additive (A) is introduced into the device (2). The additive (A) is a fluid and is contained in at least one container (21). The device includes at least one outlet duct (39), through which the beverage (B), to which said at least one additive (A) has been added, exits the device (2). The device (2) includes an additivator device (5) for taking a known quantity of the at least one additive (A) and mixing the additive (A) with the beverage (B). The device (2) supplies and mixes the at least one additive (A) with the beverage (B) while the beverage (B) is flowing between the at least one first inlet duct (30) and the outlet duct (39).

Abstract: The receptacle including stacking lugs to help reduce vacuum and friction when de-nesting the receptacles. The receptacle including a lid that helps when storing certain types of goods and/or serves as a seat. A septum or receptacle molded into the lid to allow for injection of inert gases or flushing headspace.

Abstract: An infusion group to be used in a machine for dispensing beverages extracted from capsules, which group has: a capsule-holder with an infusion chamber; an infusion head, cooperating with the capsule-holder; a system for the relative movement of a capsule (C) with respect to the capsule-holder; a capsule retaining device of the capsule during the relative motion between capsule and capsule-holder, having a first and a second vertical oblong element for retaining a capsule projecting upper edge, wherein the first retaining element retains the capsule while it enters the infusion chamber and the second retaining element retains the used capsule while it is extracted from the infusion chamber two control arms, determining that the relative motion between capsule and capsule-holder is carried out in a coordinated manner with the relative position between capsule-holder and infusion head.

Abstract: A system for making beverages includes a capsule and a capsule holder including an annular edge at the top of which there is a projecting annular element and/or respectively an annular seat. The capsule includes a body including a lower wall, a lateral wall and a perimetric edge on which there is an annular groove having a bottom zone and two inner lateral faces, and/or respectively there is an annular tooth having a tip portion and two outer lateral faces. The capsule holder and the capsule can adopt a sealed configuration where the projecting annular element, inserted in the annular groove, is in sealed contact with at least one of the inner lateral faces, and/or respectively the annular seat receives inside it the annular tooth and is in sealed contact with at least one of the outer lateral faces.

Abstract: Capsule (1) for containing beverage ingredients for producing a beverage in a beverage preparation device upon liquid injection into the capsule and by rotating the capsule about its central axis in the device, the capsule comprising:—a side wall (2a), a bottom wall (2b), an opening (2c) and a flange-like rim (2d), and—a lid member (3) attached to the flange-like rim (2d) and/or to the side wall and at least partially covering the opening, wherein the lid member (3) comprises an upper wall (3a) in recess relative to the flange-like rim and/or to the side wall towards the opening of the capsule and which comprises a central inlet (4) and peripheral outlet apertures (5) for the beverage release by effect of centrifugal forces, wherein the lid member (3) further comprises reinforcement members (6) protruding from the upper wall (3a) in axial direction.

Abstract: A coffee maker with continuously adjustable water flow rate, continuously adjustable feedback-controlled water temperature, and low thermal mass allows baristas to experiment with and digitally program and/or record different flow-rate and temperature profiles (brewing profiles) over the course of brewing a cup or batch of coffee. Brewing profiles may be recorded on one machine and reproduced (played back) on another machine, allowing reproducibility of subtle flavor variations in brewed coffee.

Abstract: A system comprises a capsule (30) with a wall and a capsule extraction unit (10,10?, 20). The extraction unit has a capsule holder (20) for holding the capsule and an opener (10) with a cutting edge (151) for forming an opening (37,38) in the capsule wall (32,33) by cutting the wall. The opener (10,10?) further comprises a ram (152) that recesses a portion (39) of the capsule wall (32,33) adjacent to the opening (37,38) after formation of the opening by cutting the wall (32,33) by the cutting edge (151).

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly having a first part and a second part designed to define an infusion chamber between them, a loading arrangement for the insertion of the capsule, an actuation system, a control system, and an arrangement for heating the fluid. A processor of the control system is prearranged for controlling at least the heating arrangement and the feeding arrangement. Encoded instructions contained in a memory of the control system has sets of brewing information that are differentiated from each other according to a type of capsule. The processor is prearranged for comparing an image acquired by an optical sensor device with reference images of the capsules that are encoded in the memory and for associating a set of brewing information to a corresponding type of capsule to select an operation mode.

Abstract: A device (1) handles selectively a first capsule (2a) having a first flange (2a?) and a second capsule (2b) having a second flange (2b?) greater than the first flange (2a?). The device comprises a first part (10) and a second part (20) that are relatively movable from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing such capsule (2a, 2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule (2a, 2b). The device further comprises separation means (33) for separating such capsule (2a, 2b) from at least one of the first and second parts (10,20) when the first and second parts (10,20) are relatively moved from the extraction position to the transfer position.

Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which a cartridge holder is movably mounted to the frame and has an opening to receive a cartridge. The cartridge holder may be arranged to hold and move a cartridge between an open position in which the opening of the cartridge holder is oriented in an upwardly inclined position to receive the cartridge, and a closed position in which the opening is oriented in a horizontal or downwardly inclined position. A cover may be arranged to cover the opening of the cartridge holder in a closed position, and the cover may be positioned away from the opening of the cartridge holder in an open position. A cartridge retainer may have an engagement portion arranged to hold the cartridge in the cartridge holder opening in at least a part of movement of the cartridge holder between the open and the closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, comprising a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, the first and/or the second brewing chamber element being movable along an axial direction from a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element are spaced apart from one another, to an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element form a substantially closed brewing chamber, and the brewing apparatus further comprising a drive mechanism for moving the first and/or second brewing chamber element, characterized in that the brewing apparatus has a separate locking mechanism for locking the brewing chamber in the extraction position.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule includes a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, wherein the first and/or the second brewing chamber element are/is movable in an axial direction between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements are spaced apart from each other, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements form a substantially closed brewing chamber and wherein the first brewing chamber element has at least one first perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means being arranged along the Earth's gravitational field below a horizontal plane extending substantially at a right angle to the gravitational field and centrally through the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients includes 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: A portable packaging system is disclosed that includes a food container, a beverage container lid and a tray. The food container has a bottom and a wall extending from the bottom that defines a food container footprint. The lid has a rim coupling structure that detachably couples to the rim of a beverage container and a hole to allow access to the contents of the beverage container when the beverage container lid is coupled to the beverage container. The tray has a tray bottom and walls that define a tray footprint that complements the food container footprint such that the food container can securely nest in the tray. The tray and lid can detachably couple to each other. In other embodiments, the system need not have a separate food container.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a brewing device is provided, the capsule having a body part, which defines a cavity, a lid which is attached to the body part and which closes the cavity, the lid having lines of weakness which define an opening region having an area of from 75 mm2 to 300 mm2; and tea material enclosed within the cavity, wherein at least 75% by weight of the tea material particles have a size of from 2 to 10 mm. A method of preparing a tea-based beverage in a brewing device using the capsule is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly formed by a removable infusion unit and the supporting or locking elements thereof, for a machine for preparing beverages by extraction of a product to be infused. The assembly includes a receptacle intended to be rigidly connected to the machine and configured to removably receive the infusion unit. The assembly also includes a device for locking the unit onto the receptacle and an actuation device supported by either the unit or the receptacle and which controls the locking device and is arranged such that in a position in which the actuation device is deactivated, the locking device prevents the unit from being disconnected from the receptacle, and in a position in which the actuation device is activated, the locking device allows the unit to be disconnected from the receptacle. The invention is suitable for use in machines for preparing EXPRESSO-type beverages by extracting a product to be infused.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving, moving and holding a cartridge. A cartridge holder may be movable between an open position in which the cartridge holder is in an upwardly inclined orientation to receive a cartridge and a closed position in which the cartridge holder is in a downwardly inclined orientation. A cover may be arranged to at least partially cover the opening of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position, yet be positioned away from the opening with the cartridge holder in the open position.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different dimensions (da, ha; db, hb) comprises a seat (14,20) for receiving any of these cartridges (1a; 1b) for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part (20, 30, 33) and second part (12,13,14) that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position. The first delimiting part has a first member (30) and a second member (33) that are relatively movable between: —a first member position delimiting a cartridge cavity of a first depth (Ha) for receiving a cartridge (1a) having a first height (ha); and —a second member position in which the ca cartridge cavity has a second depth (Hb) different to the first depth (Ha) for receiving a cartridge (1b) having a second height (hb) different to the first height (ha).

Abstract: A kettle has a container and a guiding board. The container has a body. The body has an upper segment, a lower segment, and a through hole defined in the lower segment and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The guiding board is attached securely to an inner surface of the lower segment of the body, covers the through hole, and has a guiding segment. The guiding segment is attached securely to the inner surface of the lower segment of the body at a position below the bottom edge of the through hole, is curved in cross section, extends upward and toward the central line of the body, is free from forming a through bore, and has a top edge higher than the bottom edge of the through hole and lower than the top edge of the through hole.

Abstract: An espresso machine is constructed and programmed to have secondary water system. The secondary water supply works in conjunction with the coffee brewing mechanisms of the device to produce and Americano style coffee beverage. The size and strength of the resulting beverage may be pre-set, or user programmable.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for filtering a beverage in a beverage producing apparatus, includes a base plate, a plurality of piercing components connected to a front side of the base plate, and a plurality of filtering holes extending through the base plate from the front side of the base plate to the rear side of the base plate. Each piercing component includes a piercing base extending away from the front side of the base plate, and a piercing point, integrated with the piercing base, having a pointed tip. During use of the beverage producing apparatus, the filtering apparatus mates with a sealing cover of a beverage cartridge by coupling the plurality of filtering holes and the plurality of piercing components with the sealing cover to form a filtering screen.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a;1b) of two different dimensions (da,ha;db,hb) comprises a seat (14,20) for receiving any of such cartridges (1a;1b) and for extraction thereof in the seat. The unit (10) further comprises a pair of slides (19a) for guiding any of such cartridges (1a;1b) towards the seat (14,20) in a sliding contact of each of these slides (19a) with a cartridge guide (5a;5b) of the cartridges (1a; 1b). The slides are relatively movable to be spaced selectively by a first and second distance (Da, Db) according to the size (da, db) of the cartridge.

Abstract: A capsule for preparing a beverage, for example coffee, includes a hollow element for containing a product from which the beverage is made, for example ground coffee. The hollow element is provided with a side wall, a top surface, a bottom surface and a flange. The flange includes a deformable element which is deformed by a deforming member arranged on the capsule holder. A device for using the capsule and a method for extracting a beverage are also provided.

Abstract: A brewing device includes a frame that has an insertion area for inserting a capsule towards a brewing position. Further, the brewing device includes a brewing chamber that has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions of the brewing chamber are slidingly arranged in a sliding area of the frame. The first portion and the second portion both slide with respect to each other and with respect to the frame between a closed position and an open position. Ducts supply a brewing fluid to the chamber and outlet a brewed product from the brewing chamber. A pair of opposed guiding channels are provided for inserting, from a top of the insertion area, the capsule in the brewing position which is fixed with respect to the frame, and at least one member is provided for supporting the capsule in the brewing position.

Abstract: A universal lid system and methods for use with any of a selection of teapots for quick and sanitary beverage preparation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and methods including a lid sized and shaped to facilitate the storage of a retention element such as a tea bag. The retention element may be held out of contact with the beverage by a retention element stabilizing component.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine includes a capsule holder for holding a capsule, a fluid conduction system, a brewing head having an aperture for receiving the capsule holder, and an injection support connected to the fluid conduction system, an injection plate supported by the support, including an upper surface connected to the fluid conduction system through the support. The injection plate includes at least one channel independent from the fluid conducting channel connecting its upper and lower surfaces, the channel being suitable for circulating fluid at least from the lower surface towards the upper surface of the injection plate, the channel further including at least one piercing element having a base attached to the injection plate and an apex directed towards the lower surface of the injection plate.

Abstract: Devices for preparing a drink extracted from a capsule include a capsule mounting and a capsule housing, inside of which at least one water inlet and a capsule-boring means are arranged, wherein the housing is sized so as to at least partially deform any capsule, consisting of a material that is deformable when placed in contact with hot water and placed in the housing, such that the capsule is retained in the housing after the contact thereof with the hot water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a beverage by means of extracting a food substance contained in a capsule (10), the device comprising capsule enclosing means (29,30) for housing a dedicated capsule (10) within the device, water supply means (25,27,28,29) for providing liquid to the enclosing means (29,30) and perforating means (20) provided within the enclosing means (29,30) for perforating the capsule (10) in order to produce outlet openings in the capsule for guiding the produced beverage out of the capsule, wherein the perforating means comprise at least two perforating members (20), each of the perforating members (20) comprising a cutting edge (1) formed by two outer cutting surfaces (2,3) joined at the cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge (1) is arranged essentially parallel to a central axis (X) of the enclosing means (29,30).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a food capsule (100, 300) comprising a cup-shaped capsule body (101, 301) enclosing a cavity (102, 302) with an opening (105, 305) at a first end (103, 303), a second end (104, 304) comprising at least one outlet (106a, 106b, 310, 311) communicating with said cavity (102, 302); an injection wall (112, 314) closing said opening (105, 305); and at least one partition (107, 306) within said cavity (102, 302) extending from said injection wall (112, 314) to said second end (104, 304) of said capsule body (101, 301) and dividing said cavity (102, 302) into a plurality of chambers (108, 109, 308, 309); characterized in that each chamber houses a quantity of an alimentary substance (110, 111, 315, 316) and communicates with at least one outlet comprising an independently-operable closure means (106a, 106b, 310, 311) in said second end (104, 304).

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage producing machine (1) comprising a housing (3) and a connector (20) for attaching an ingredient container (C) to said housing. The connector comprises a bottom wall (23) with a passage (25) for dispensing said ingredient towards the interior of the housing and a locking seat for said ingredient container. The locking seat comprises a ridge member (29) at least partly surrounding the bottom wall, wherein at least one resilient element (47, 49) is provided in said locking seat and constrained to the ridge member. The ridge member (29) is provided with at least one tangentially extending slot (39, 41) with an edge (39A, 41A) extending substantially parallel to and distanced from the bottom wall. The at least one resilient element projects from the edge of the slot towards the bottom wall (23) and is arranged to reduce backlash between an ingredient container and said connector when said ingredient container is locked to said connector.

Abstract: An appliance for frying has a frying pot disposed within a housing for containing oil or fat and having a normally-closed valve disposed at a bottom thereof. An oil receiving tank is removably receivable within the housing below the frying pot, and has an oil receiving hole positionable below the valve such that when the draining valve is opened, the oil or fat may flow from the frying pot into the oil receiving tank. An actuation mechanism disposed entirely on the housing has a first condition wherein the activation mechanism allows removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing, a second condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while not opening the valve, and a third condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while opening the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising: a support arranged to receive a capsule provided with a front face, a filter wall, a ring, a rear face and a solid casing extending between the ring and the rear face and defining a receptacle containing the material to be infused; injection means; an infusion chamber having a substantially vertical opening arranged to be in fluid communication with the filter wall, said ring comprising sealing means arranged to maintain the fluid communication sealed from the surrounding medium; and an outlet.

Abstract: A cartridge for forming a beverage includes a container defining an interior space, a filter, a beverage medium contained in the interior space, and a filter guard. The filter may be arranged so that liquid that interacts with the beverage medium flows through the filter to exit the interior space. The container may include a surface arranged to be pierced by a piercing member to permit beverage to exit the container. The filter guard may be arranged to contact the piercing member to resist damage to the filter when the container surface is pierced. In one embodiment, the filter guard and filter may be in contact with the container surface that is pierced, yet damage to the filter that might be caused by the piercing element may be avoided.

Abstract: A brew basket is provided for use in a beverage brewing machine. The brew basket includes a body defining a brewing reservoir that extends along a longitudinal length from an open top to a bottom end having one or more openings. The brewing reservoir has an internally tapered multi-sided three-dimensional (3D) shape. The brewing reservoir having a first cross-sectional area at the open top that progressively narrows along the longitudinal length of the multi-sided 3D shape to a smaller second cross-sectional area proximate to the one or more openings at the bottom end. The open top is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine during a brewing operation with brewed beverage discharging from the one or more openings. The multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir configured to receive a filter pack having a generally tapered multi-sided 3D shape similar to the multi-sided 3D shape of the brewing reservoir.

Abstract: A capsule that contains at least one ingredient for preparing an edible product by flowing water therethrough includes a water-inlet wall and a product-outlet wall. The product-outlet wall has at least a first, pierceable wall portion, and a second, pierceable wall portion. The second wall portion is recessed with respect to the first wall portion. The product-outlet wall is asymmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the capsule.

Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising a movable first part, a fixed second part and a cartridge guide; the first part being movable between an open position and a clamping position; the cartridge guide being operatively engaged with the first part and slidably movable relative to the second part between a loading position and a dispensing position; the cartridge guide being located in the loading position when the first part is in the open position so as to enable loading of a cartridge into the cartridge guide; wherein on movement of the first part into the clamping position the cartridge guide is slidable into the dispensing position due to the operative engagement of the cartridge guide with the first part.

Abstract: A container within which is a liquid absorbing material that is wetted by a wetting liquid. The liquid absorbing material has a liquid retention characteristic for retaining the vinegar—such that the liquid retention ability reduces as a surface tension of the wetting liquid reduces due to a temperature rise of the wetting liquid over time. The temperature rise of the wetting liquid comes about when heated water at a higher temperature than the wetted liquid comes into contact with the wetting liquid. Preferably the liquid absorbing material is cotton and the wetting liquid is vinegar, such as apple vinegar. The container has an open top closed by a cover or lid and has a bottom. After piercing the cover of lid, heated water to pass through to enter confines of the container and heat the vinegar and mix with it for cleaning a machine that uses single serving beverage filter cartridges.

Abstract: A capsule which under pressure in expresso machines is suitable for extraction of coffee, including a truncated cone-shaped capsule body of thermoformed plastic having a conical side wall, the wider end of the side wall defining an outlet side of the capsule and the narrower end of the side wall defining an inlet side of the capsule. A destructible inlet sealing membrane closes the inlet opening of the capsule body and is attached to the inside of the capsule body. The capsule body further includes a circumferential centering ramp at the narrower end of the conical side wall, which translates into an inwardly directed circumferential second flange forming the circular inlet opening, the circumferential centering ramp designed to align the inlet sealing membrane with the inlet opening before welding it to the second flange.

Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B; 1C, 1D; 1E, 1F, 1G; 1H, 1I; 1J,1K, 1L); each one for selectively delivering a beverage having specific characteristics that differ from the other capsules of the set; each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) with a sidewall and a free rim (3), an upper wall (4) and an extractable or infusible ingredient; and an insertion diameter (D) of the body of the capsule for insertion in a rotary capsule holder (14) of the centrifuge brewing device (7) in a referential position, wherein the different capsules in the set having bodies (2) of different storage volumes obtained by a variable depth (d1, d2, d3) of the body in the set but the same insertion diameter (D) for all capsules of the set.