EP4619325A1 - Système de préparation de boisson ou d'aliment - Google Patents

Système de préparation de boisson ou d'aliment

Info

Publication number
EP4619325A1
EP4619325A1 EP23806277.2A EP23806277A EP4619325A1 EP 4619325 A1 EP4619325 A1 EP 4619325A1 EP 23806277 A EP23806277 A EP 23806277A EP 4619325 A1 EP4619325 A1 EP 4619325A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
consumable
precursor material
locator
material portion
processing unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23806277.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jose Javier ALVAREZ BACHA CRUZ
Karsten RANITZSCH
Alexis Alberto Rodriguez Rodriguez
Frédéric MESTDAGH
Anthony Bessant
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Original Assignee
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Societe des Produits Nestle SA, Nestle SA filed Critical Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Publication of EP4619325A1 publication Critical patent/EP4619325A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electrically operated beverage or foodstuff preparation systems, with which a beverage or foodstuff is prepared from a pre-portioned consumable.
  • Systems for the preparation of a beverage comprise a beverage preparation machine and a consumable.
  • the consumable comprises a single-serving of a beverage forming precursor material, e.g. ground coffee or tea.
  • the beverage preparation machine is arranged to execute a beverage preparation process on the consumable, typically by the exposure of pressurized, heated water to said precursor material. Processing of the consumable in this manner causes the at least partial extraction of the precursor material from the consumable as the beverage.
  • This configuration of beverage preparation machine has increased popularity due to 1) enhanced user convenience compared to a conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g. compared to a manually operated stove-top espresso maker) and 2) an enhanced beverage preparation process which is optimized to the consumable.
  • EP1767129B1 discloses a system having a consumable with a central core of precursor material, which is surrounded by packaging material that integrates a peripheral flange for holding of the consumable whilst it is processed in a consumable processing unit of the machine.
  • packaging material can be made to be highly recyclable and/or biodegradable, it may be desirable to even further improve the options for sustainability of such a consumable.
  • the present disclosure provides a consumable for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the consumable comprising a precursor material portion, which may be solid (e.g. it is not a liquid or gel or a lose powder, which is not compacted to a predefined shape) an have a predefined shape and; a separable locator portion, which is which is arranged to removably retain the precursor material portion.
  • the locator portion is configured to locate the precursor material portion in a consumable processing unit of said machine.
  • the locator portion is configured to implement a seal between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit with precursor material portion sealed (e.g. due to said seal) in said consumable processing unit.
  • the seal is around the precursor material portion with the precursor material portion located in said consumable processing unit.
  • the locator portion may be used repetitively with numerous precursor material portions with the precursor material portions optionally being single use. In this way a sustainability of the consumable may be optimised. Moreover, a different material for the locator portion may be used to that of the precursor material portion, which may be of optimised dimension and/or material for processing the consumable, e.g. so that a better seal may be obtained. By implementing a solid precursor material portion a stable connection to the locator portion may be provided. Moreover, a precursor material portion with a predefined shape may ensure compatibility with the locator portion and/or ensure the correct dose and/or type of precursor material is provided (e.g. compared to a user filling a consumable themselves with an undefined quantity/type of coffee powder).
  • precursor material portion may refer to a portion that is composed (e.g. entirely of or as a mixture) of precursor material (e.g. so that the locator portion connects directly to the precursor material). It may also refer to a portion that has an outer layer (e.g. a coating) to encapsulate the precursor material.
  • the precursor material component may therefore define the shape of the precursor material portion.
  • predefined shape may refer to the external geometry, or key geometric dimension (which maybe those associated with the interface to the locator portion), of the precursor material portion being fixed from one precursor material portion to another.
  • the term “removably retain” may refer to the locator portion and the precursor material portion having some form of connection, which may comprise a removable attachment and/or a containment (which may be lose or restrained) e.g. fully or partially within a cavity.
  • the term “removably attachable” may refer to the locator portion and the precursor material portion having some form of engaging physical connection, (e.g. a mechanical connection suitable for transmission of force or moment between said portions), which may enable repetitive disconnection and connection of at least the locator portion to the precursor material portion and subsequent different precursor material portions (e.g. with at least locator portion not to be damaged/changed when disconnecting and connecting to a precursor material portion).
  • seal may refer to a sufficiently impervious barrier across which fluid (e.g. liquid from the processing unit) can not be transmitted at the pressures experienced in the consumable processing unit (e.g. 1 - 20 bar), including a hermetic seal.
  • the seal may refer to sealing between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit (e.g. rather than between the locator portion and the precursor material portion), so that the precursor material portion is sealed in the consumable processing unit.
  • single use may refer to the precursor material portion being deformed or otherwise rendered inoperable in a consumable processing unit of the machine following use.
  • seal around the precursor material portion in said consumable processing unit may refer to a seal being provided that extends around the outer periphery of the precursor material portion such that the precursor material portion may be arranged in a sealed cavity of the consumable processing unit.
  • the locator portion may form an integral member of the seal, e.g. to act as a gasket.
  • locator the locator portion providing some mechanical restraint (e.g. in a depth and/or lateral and/or longitudinal direction) to the precursor material portion when it is arranged in the consumable processing unit so that it is arranged in a position suitable for processing.
  • the locator portion is configured to form a seal around the precursor material portion by sealing between first and second movable parts of the consumable processing unit.
  • the locator portion may be both held in position as a sealing gasket and locate the precursor material portion in a position for processing.
  • the locator portion includes opposed back and front surfaces for engagement between a first part and a second part of the consumable processing unit, with said first part and second part arranged in a consumable processing position.
  • the back and front surfaces of the locator position may be planar and aligned to each other such that they form a suitable gasket between the first and second part.
  • the back and front surfaces are arranged for handling of the consumable by opposed digits of a user to manipulate a position of the consumable (e.g. to/from the consumable processing unit). By shaping the back and front surfaces so that they can be pinched between a users finger(s) and thumb to handle the consumable, the consumable may be conveniently inserted and extracted from the machine.
  • the predefined shape of the precursor material portion is complimentary in shape to a first part and a second part of the consumable processing unit.
  • the precursor material portion corresponds in shape to a cavity (e.g. it fits in said cavity) formed by the first part and the second part arranged in a consumable processing position.
  • the precursor material portion is rotationally symmetric (including substantially rotationally symmetric) about a central axis that may extend in a longitudinal direction.
  • the precursor material portion may be coupled to the locator portion in a range of rotary positions, which may be more convenient for a user.
  • the precursor material portion is single or doubly convex (including substantially convex) orfrustoconical (including substantially frustoconical) in shape.
  • a single or double convex or frustoconical shape may be self locating (e.g. in a depth and lateral direction) when coupled with a corresponding in shape second or first part of the consumable processing unit.
  • a sidewall e.g. a peripheral rim
  • that extends in the longitudinal direction interconnects a back surface and a front surface, which comprise said convex shape.
  • the precursor material portion comprises ground coffee, which is compacted (e.g. to the predefined shape).
  • the moisture, grind size, and compacting conditions e.g. one or more of temperature, pressure, time
  • the term “compacted” may refer to the ground coffee achieving an increased density compared to the ground coffee prior to being subject to said conditions.
  • the precursor material portion includes an outer protective layer.
  • the outer protective layer may be biodegradable. By implementing a protective layer the ground coffee may be less sensitive to air or moisture degradation.
  • the outer protective layer may be formed of one or more of: P; PP; natural rubber; silicone; polysaccharides or their derivatives; compounds of vegetable starch and fatty acids; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; fleece; proteins; cellulose; aluminium, and; biodegradable plastics.
  • the outer layer may be dissolvable, e.g. in the fluid (which may be heated and/or pressurised water of the fluid conditioning system) or not dissolvable.
  • the precursor material portion is biodegradable as defined with reference to EN 13432:2000 (including anaerobic conditions, disintegration etc) and/or EN 14046:2004 (aerobic conditions).
  • the locator portion is configured not to be damaged when being retained or separated from the precursor material portion.
  • the locator portion By implementing the locator portion not to be deformed or otherwise changed (e.g. in a manner in which a subsequent retention to a precursor material portion is effected) when being attached or detached from the precursor material portion it may be reused multiple times.
  • the precursor material portion is configured to be altered (e.g. in a manner in which a subsequent retention to a locator portion is effected) when being attached or detached from the locator portion.
  • the precursor material portion By implementing to the precursor material portion to be in some way changed (e.g. such that a part of the portion is removed due to a friction fit), when being attached or detached it may be ensured that the precursor material portion is single use. For example, a user may be prevented from re-use, or it may be apparent that the precursor material portion has already been used (e.g. the interference fit may be insufficient in friction force so that the portions accidentally separate), so that beverage quality is not effected by re-using a spent consumable.
  • the precursor material portion and locator portion are removably retained by means of direct coupling between said portions.
  • direct coupling may refer to an interface between the portions forming part of the removable attachment. Directly connection the portions (e.g. so that force an/or moment may be transmitted between them may be efficient in terms of material usage.
  • the precursor material portion and locator portion are removably attachable by means of an interference fit connection.
  • Said interference fit may be between a central portion of the locator portion and a side surface of the precursor material portion.
  • An interference fit connection between the precursor material portion and locator portion (e.g. by pressing them together in the depth direction) may be cost effective and convenient for a user to implement.
  • interference fit may refer to a pressed fit or friction fit as a form of fastening between the two tight fitting, mating parts that produces a joint which is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together.
  • a degree of friction force in the connection may be selected so that it is obtainable by a user’s hands whilst being sufficient to maintain the precursor material portion and locator portion assembled when being inserted and/or extracted from the machine.
  • the precursor material portion and locator portion are removably attachable by means of an elastic connection, which may be based on an elasticity of the locator portion applying a retaining force to the precursor material portion.
  • the locator portion is arranged as an annular ring with a central portion, which may be arranged to extend around a side surface of the precursor material portion with the locator portion and precursor material portion arranged in an assembled configuration.
  • An annular ring is fully rotationally symmetric, hence the user may conveniently connect it to the precursor material portion at any rotary position about a central axis.
  • the precursor material portion and locator portion are removably retained by means of a complementary in shape cavity.
  • a cavity arranged to fully or partially receive a precursor material portion may provide a convenient retention.
  • the locator portion is arranged to define a cavity that corresponds in shape to the precursor material portion. By implementing the locator portion in include a cavity which his the same shape as the precursor material portion, said portion may be conveniently located.
  • the locator portion comprises a first portion and a second portion which are arrangeable in an assembled configuration in which the precursor material portion is arranged in the cavity and in a disassembled configuration in which the locator portion is arranged to receive a precursor material portion.
  • the first portion is planar or convex and the second portion is convex or frustoconical.
  • the locator portion includes a stabilising member which is arranged to extend over a front and/or back surface of the precursor material portion with the locator portion and precursor material portion arranged in an assembled configuration.
  • a stabilising member which extends in the depth and lateral direction over the precursor material portion (e.g. between edges of an inner portion of the locator portion) may retain the precursor material portion and locator portion together in the longitudinal direction, e.g. in addition to or instead of the interference fit).
  • the locator portion includes: a first portion comprising a stabilising member in the assembled configuration to extend over the front surface, and; a second portion comprising a stabilising member in the assembled configuration to extend over the back surface, wherein the first portion and second portion are movable between a closed position in which the locator portion and precursor material portion arranged in an assembled configuration, and an open position in which the locator portion is arranged to receive a precursor material portion.
  • the stabilizing member is arranged to enable penetration of the precursor material portion by one or more injectors/penetrators of the consumable processing unit when in the consumable processing position.
  • the locator portion may be reused, whilst stabilizing the precursor material portion in the consumable processing unit without interfering with said processing.
  • the present disclosure provides a system comprising a beverage and/or foodstuff preparation machine and the consumable of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein, wherein said machine comprises a consumable processing unit for processing the precursor material of the precursor material portion.
  • the consumable processing unit and locator portion are configured to locate the precursor material portion in a consumable processing unit of said machine.
  • the consumable processing unit and locator portion are configured to implement a seal between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit with precursor material portion sealed in said consumable processing unit.
  • the consumable processing unit comprises first and second movable parts, which are arrangeable: in a consumable receiving portion, in which the consumable is insertable between said parts (e.g. for loading a consumable into the machine), and; in a consumable processing position, in which said parts engage the locator portion with the locator portion to provide a seal between said parts.
  • the first and second movable parts are movable between the consumable receiving portion and the consumable processing portion by one or more of: sliding; rotating; pivoting.
  • the machine comprises a fluid conditioning system for supply of conditioned fluid to the consumable processing unit.
  • the consumable processing unit is configured to inject fluid from the fluid conditioning system into the precursor material of the precursor material portion.
  • the consumable processing unit includes an outlet system to outlet extracted beverage and/or foodstuff from the precursor material portion.
  • the locator portion locates the precursor material portion in the consumable processing unit in the consumable processing position.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a locator portion for the system of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides use of a locator portion for the consumable of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a locator portion (e.g. for the system of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein and/or the consumable of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein), wherein the locator portion is configured for removable retention to a precursor material portion, which may be solid and with a predefined shape.
  • the locator portion is configured to locate the precursor material portion in a consumable processing unit of said machine. In embodiments, the locator portion is configured to implement a seal between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit with precursor material portion sealed in said consumable processing unit.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a consumable for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the method comprising: removably retaining a locator portion to a precursor material portion.
  • the locator portion is arranged to locate the precursor material portion and/or provide a seal between the locator portion and a consumable processing unit of said machine.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a beverage, the method comprises: inserting the consumable (e.g. according to any of the previous embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein) into a consumable processing unit of a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine (e.g. by holding the locator portion between digits of a hand of a user); processing the consumable (e.g. with the locator portion locating the precursor material portion and/or sealing between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit); extracting the consumable from the consumable processing unit (e.g. by holding the locator portion between digits of a hand of a user).
  • a consumable processing unit of a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine e.g. by holding the locator portion between digits of a hand of a user
  • processing the consumable e.g. with the locator portion locating the precursor material portion and/or sealing between the locator portion and the consumable processing unit
  • extracting the consumable from the consumable processing unit e.g. by holding the
  • the method comprises assembling the consumable according the preceding method. In embodiments, the method comprises separating the locator portion from the precursor material portion (e.g. when spend) subsequent to said processing.
  • the method comprises subsequently retaining the locator portion to a different precursor material portion (e.g. so that the process of processing a precursor material portion can be performed on the different precursor material portion using the same locator portion and so on).
  • Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment system for preparation of a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof.
  • Figure 2 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment machine of the system of figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment fluid conditioning system of the machine of figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram showing embodiment electrical circuitry of the machine of figure 2.
  • Figures 5 and 6 are cross-section views showing a consumable processing unit of the machine of figure 2.
  • Figures 7 and 8 are illustrative views showing an embodiment consumable in an assembled configuration of the system of figure 1 .
  • Figures 9 and 10 are illustrative views showing a locator portion of the consumable of figures 7 and 8.
  • Figures 11 and 12 are illustrative views showing a precursor material portion of the consumable of figures 7 and 8.
  • Figures 13 and 14 are illustrative views showing an embodiment consumable in an assembled configuration of the system of figure 1 .
  • Figure 15 is an illustrative view showing an embodiment locator portion of a consumable of the system of figure 1 .
  • the term “machine” may referto an electrically operated device that: can prepare, from a precursor material, a beverage and/or foodstuff.
  • the machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and; other like process.
  • the machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.
  • the term “prepare” in respect of a beverage and/or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and/or foodstuff (e.g.
  • a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and/or water).
  • the machine may be configured to operate from a mains AC electrical supply, e.g. 110 - 240v at 40 - 70 hz.
  • the term "consumable” may refer to any configuration to contain/hold the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount.
  • the consumable may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain/hold a single-serving of precursor material.
  • the consumable may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage/foodstuff from the consumable, and; deformation from the unprocessed shape, including swelling due to water absorption.
  • the consumable may 4 - 10 grammes of precursor material.
  • the term “external device” or “external electronic device” or “peripheral device” may include electronic components external to the machine, e.g. those arranged at a same location as the machine or those remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine over a computer network.
  • the external device may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and/or a server system.
  • the external device may comprise devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.
  • server system may refer to electronic components external to the machine, e.g. those arranged at a remote location from the machine, which communicate with the machine over a computer network.
  • the server system may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and/or the external device.
  • the server system can include: a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.
  • system or “beverage or foodstuff preparation system” may refer to the combination of any two of more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the consumable; the server system, and; the peripheral device.
  • the term "beverage” may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot.
  • the beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste.
  • the beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea/infusion; infused/flavoured water, and; other substance.
  • the term "foodstuff may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot.
  • the foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste.
  • the foodstuff may include: yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.
  • the term "precursor material” may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff.
  • the precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and; other.
  • a beverage forming precursor material include: ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming a herbal/infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material.
  • Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include: dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material.
  • a precursor material may also refer to any preprecursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and/or foodstuff.
  • fluid in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system
  • fluid conditioning in respect of a fluid may refer to change a physical property thereof and can include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; agitation (including frothing via whipping to introduce bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulence); portioning to a single-serving amount suitable for use with a single serving consumable; pressurisation e.g. to a brewing pressure; carbonating; fliting/purifying, and; other conditioning process.
  • processing unit may refer to an arrangement that can process precursor material to a beverage or foodstuff.
  • the processing unit may have any suitable implementation for processing the consumable.
  • the processing unit may comprise a consumable processing unit and a fluid conditioning system.
  • the term “consumable processing unit” may refer to an arrangement that can process a consumable to derive an associated beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material.
  • the consumable processing unit may be arranged to process the precursor material by one of more of the following: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; pressurisation; infusion, and: other processing step.
  • the consumable processing unit may therefore implement a range of units depending on the processing step.
  • preparation process may refer to a process to prepare a beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material or to prepare a pre-precursor material from precursor material.
  • a preparation process may refer to the processes electrical circuitry executes to control the consumable processing unit to process said precursor or pre-precursor material.
  • the term "electrical circuitry” or “circuitry” or “control electrical circuitry” may refer to one or more hardware and/or software components, examples of which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); electronic/electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors; a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid.
  • the electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the machine, or distributed between one or more of: the machine; external devices; a server system.
  • processor or “processing resource” may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), state machine or other suitable component.
  • a processor may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic.
  • the processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board machine or distributed as part of the system.
  • any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by the machine or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.
  • the term "computer readable medium/media” or “data storage” may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD.
  • RAM random access memory
  • CD compact disc-read only memory
  • hard drive a hard drive
  • solid state drive a solid state drive
  • the memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry.
  • the term "communication resources” or “communication interface” may refer to hardware and/or firmware for electronic information transfer.
  • the communication resources/interface may be configured for wired communication (“wired communication resources/interface”) or wireless communication (“wireless communication resources/interface”).
  • Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and BluetoothTM from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash.
  • Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations.
  • the machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device and/or server system.
  • the term "network” or “computer network” may refer to a system for electronic information transfer between a plurality of apparatuses/devices.
  • the network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g. a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet.
  • PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
  • PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
  • LAN local area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • IMS Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem
  • the system 2 comprises a machine 4, a consumable 6, server system 8 and a peripheral device 10.
  • the server system 8 is in communication with the machine 4 via a computer network 12.
  • the peripheral device 10 is in communication with the machine 4 via the computer network 12.
  • peripheral device and/or server system is omitted.
  • the computer network 12 is illustrated as the same between the machine 4, server system 8 and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: a different computer network for intercommunication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine via the peripheral device rather than directly.
  • the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a wireless interface, e.g. with a BluetoothTM protocol, and; the server system communicates with the machine via a via a wireless interface, e.g. with a IEE 802.11 standard, and also via the internet.
  • the machine 4 comprises: a processing unit 20 for processing the precursor material, and; electrical circuitry 22.
  • the electrical circuitry 22 controls the processing unit 20 to execute a preparation process, in which the precursor material of the consumable 6 is process to a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof.
  • the processing unit 20 comprises a consumable processing unit 24 and a fluid conditioning system 26.
  • the consumable processing unit 24 is arranged to process the consumable 6 to derive a beverage or foodstuff from the precursor material 18.
  • the fluid conditioning system 26 conditions fluid supplied to the consumable processing unit 24.
  • the electrical circuitry 22 controls the consumable processing unit 24 and the fluid conditioning system 26 to execute the preparation process.
  • the fluid conditioning system 26 includes a reservoir 28; pump 30; heat exchanger 32 and; an outlet 38 for the conditioned fluid.
  • the reservoir 28 contains fluid, typically sufficient for multiple preparation processes.
  • the pump 30 displaces fluid from the reservoir 28, through the heat exchanger 32 and to the outlet 38 (which is connected to the consumable processing unit 24).
  • the pump 30 can be implement as any suitable device to drive fluid, including: a reciprocating; a rotary pump; other suitable arrangement.
  • the heat exchanger 32 is implemented to heat the fluid, and can include: an in-line, thermo block type heater; a heating element to heat the fluid directly in the reservoir; other suitable arrangement.
  • the pump is omitted, e.g. the fluid is fed by gravity to the consumable processing unit or is pressurised by a mains water supply;
  • the reservoir is omitted, e.g. water is supplied by a mains water supply;
  • the heat exchanger is arranged to cool the fluid, e.g. it may include a refrigeration-type cycle heat pump);
  • the heat exchanger is omitted, e.g. a mains water supply supplies the water at the desired temperature;
  • the fluid conditioning system includes a filtering/purification system, e.g. a UV light system, a degree of which that is applied to the fluid is controllable; a carbonation system that controls a degree to which the fluid is carbonated.
  • the electrical circuitry 22 at least partially implements (e.g. in combination with hardware) an: input unit 40 to receive an input from a user confirming that the machine 4 is to execute a preparation process; a processor 42 to receive the input from the input unit 40 and to provide a control output to the processing unit 20, and; a feedback system 44 to provide feedback from the processing unit 20 during the preparation process, which may be used to control the preparation process.
  • an input unit 40 to receive an input from a user confirming that the machine 4 is to execute a preparation process
  • a processor 42 to receive the input from the input unit 40 and to provide a control output to the processing unit 20, and
  • a feedback system 44 to provide feedback from the processing unit 20 during the preparation process, which may be used to control the preparation process.
  • the input unit 40 is implemented as a user interface, which can include one or more of: buttons, e.g. a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons; other like device; a sensor to determine whether a consumable has been supplied to the machine by a user.
  • buttons e.g. a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons; other like device; a sensor to determine whether a consumable has been supplied to the machine by a user.
  • the feedback system 44 can implement one or more of the following or other feedback control based operations: a flow sensor to determine a flow rate/volume of the fluid to the outlet 38 (shown in figure 3) of the fluid conditioning system 26, which may be used to meter the correct amount of fluid to the consumable 6 and thus regulate the power to the pump 30; a temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the fluid to the outlet 38 of the fluid conditioning system 26, which may be used to ensure the temperature of fluid to the consumable 6 is correct and thus regulate the power to the heat exchanger 32); a level sensor to determine a level of fluid in the reservoir 28 as being sufficient for a preparation process; a position sensor to determine a position of the consumable processing unit 24 (e.g. a consumable extraction position or a consumable receiving position).
  • a flow sensor to determine a flow rate/volume of the fluid to the outlet 38 (shown in figure 3) of the fluid conditioning system 26, which may be used to meter the correct amount of fluid to the consumable 6 and thus regulate the power to the pump 30
  • the container processing unit 20 can be implemented with a range of configurations, as discussed in examples 1 - 6 below.
  • a first example of the container processing unit 20 is for processing of a container arranged as a consumable 6 (a suitable example of a consumable is provided in figure 7, which will be discussed) to prepare a beverage.
  • the container processing unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 to extract the beverage from the consumable 6.
  • the extraction unit 32 includes a first part 34 and a second part 36. Both of which are shaped to correspond in shape to that of the consumable 6. Since the consumable 6 is double convex (as will be discussed) the first part 34 and second part 36 are both concave.
  • the extraction unit 32 is movable to a consumable receiving position (figure 5), in which the first part 34 and the second part 36 are spaced apart arrange to receive a consumable 6 therebetween.
  • the extraction unit 32 is movable to a consumable processing position (figure 6), in which the first part 34 and second part 36 form a seal around a consumable 6, and the beverage can be extracted from the consumable 6.
  • the first part 34 and the second part 36 form a cavity in which the precursor material portion of the consumable 6 (as will be discussed) is located.
  • the locator portion of the consumable 6 acts as a gasket to seal between the first part 34 and the second part 36 and seal around the precursor material portion.
  • the extraction unit 32 can be actuator driven or manually movable between said positions.
  • the first part 34 and the second part 36 move between the positions via translation a longitudinal direction 102.
  • the outlet 38 of the fluid conditioning system 26 is arranged as injectors 50 on the first part 34 to inject the conditioned fluid into the consumable 6 in the consumable processing position, typically under high pressure.
  • a beverage outlet 54 is operatively associated with perforators 52 on the second part 36 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey it from the extraction unit 32.
  • the extraction unit 32 is arranged to prepare a beverage by the application of pressurised (e.g. at 10 - 20 Bar), heated (e.g. at 50 - 98 degrees C) fluid to the precursor material within the consumable 6.
  • pressurised e.g. at 10 - 20 Bar
  • heated e.g. at 50 - 98 degrees C
  • the pressure is increased over a predetermined amount of time by increasing the flow rate through the consumable 6.
  • the first part and the second part move between the positions via alternative movements, including one or more of: translation in other directions; rotation; pivoting.
  • injectors and beverage outlet are illustrated as arranged respectively on the first part and second part, they may be alternatively arranged, including: the injectors and beverage outlet are arranged respectively on the second part and first part; or both on the same part.
  • a similar extraction unit to the first example is provided, however the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation.
  • An example of a suitable capsule is a Nespresso® Vertuo capsule.
  • a suitable example is provided in EP 2594171 A1. With such an example (or indeed the other examples) a guide portion may be obviated and the container manually loaded into the extraction unit.
  • the consumable processing unit operates by dissolution of a beverage precursor that is selected to dissolve under high pressure and temperature fluid.
  • the arrangement is similar to the extraction unit of the first and second example, however the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required.
  • fluid can be injected into a lid of the capsule and a rupturing portion is located in a base of a storage portion of the capsule.
  • An example of a suitable capsule is a or Nescafe® Dolce Gusto capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and in EP 1784344 A1.
  • the consumable processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit to prepare a beverage or foodstuff precursor that is stored in a container that is a receptacle, which is for end user consumption therefrom.
  • the mixing unit comprises an agitator (e.g. planetary mixer; spiral mixer; vertical cut mixer) to mix and a heat exchanger to heat/cool the beverage or foodstuff precursor in the receptacle.
  • a fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the receptacle. An example of such an arrangement is provided in WO 2014067987 A1.
  • a consumable 6 in an assembled configuration for the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine 4 includes a precursor material portion 14, and; a separable locator portion 16, which is removably retainable to the precursor material portion 14, as will be discussed.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is solid and has a predefined shape (as will be discussed). With the consumable 6 in the illustrated assembled configuration, locator portion 16 is configured to locate the precursor material portion 14 in the consumable processing unit 24 of said machine 4 as will be discussed.
  • the locator portion 16 is configured to implement a part of a seal between the locator portion 16 and the consumable processing unit 24 such that the precursor material portion 14 is sealed in said consumable processing unit 24.
  • the precursor material portion is alternatively sealed, e.g. it is self sealing due to pressure applied directly to it by first and second parts of the consumable processing unit.
  • the precursor material portion 14 and the locator portion 16 are retained to each other, such that the precursor material portion 14 is at a predetermined position suitable for its processing relative the locator portion 16.
  • the locator portion 16 Since the precursor material portion 14 and the locator portion 16 are coupled in this manner, with reference to figures 5 and 6, it will be understood that with the locator portion 16 abutting the first part 34 and/or second part 36 of the consumable processing unit 24, the locator portion 16 provides mechanical restraint in the depth direction 100, a longitudinal direction 102 (a degree of which will be discussed), and a lateral direction 104 to the precursor material portion 14 when it is arranged in the consumable processing unit 24.
  • the locator portion 16 seals a cavity 80 of the consumable processing unit 24 in which the precursor material portion 14 is arranged. Since the locator portion 16 extends around a periphery of the precursor material portion 14 said seal extends around said periphery of the precursor material portion 14.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is composed entirely of precursor material 18 which has been compacted to form a particular peripheral shape.
  • the precursor material 18 is ground coffee.
  • the peripheral shape can be achieved in a mould which subjects ground coffee powder to compacting conditions that one or more of: elevated temperature; pressure, and; time for which the conditions are held.
  • the coffee powder may be 300 - 600 micron. A naturally present degree of moisture in the coffee powder may act as a binder to ensure the predefined shape is retained when the precursor material portion 14 is removed from the mould.
  • precursor materials are implemented including combinations of different precursor materials, moreover an additive may be included to improve binding and/or act as a flavourant.
  • the locator portion 16 connects directly to the precursor material 18 as will be discussed.
  • the precursor material 18 forms the precursor material portion 14
  • the precursor material portion 14 is deformed and/or structurally weakened due to one of more of the following when processed by the consumable processing unit 24: fluid absorption; temperature; pressure. Said deformation and/or structurally weakening may prevent reuse with the locator portion 16.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is rotationally symmetric about a central axis 106, which is parallel to a longitudinal axis 102.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is doubly convex in shape (i.e. convex on both sides), wherein said concavity is in respect of a plane in a depth direction 100 and a lateral direction 104.
  • the precursor material portion 14 therefore includes a first convex portion 60, which is at a lesser longitudinal position and is opposed to a second convex portion 62.
  • the first convex portion 60 has a front surface 90.
  • the second convex portion 62 has a back surface 92.
  • the first convex portion 60, and second convex portion 62 are symmetrical, such that the precursor material portion 14 has a line of symmetry in the plane in the depth direction 100 and lateral direction 104 at the mid point in the side surface 64.
  • the precursor material portion 14 has a diameter of 35 - 45 mm at the side wall 64, and a peak longitudinal length of 8 - 16 mm at the central axis 108 and a longitudinal dimension of the side surface 64 of 2 - 6 mm.
  • the precursor material portion is alternatively shaped/dimensioned: it may not be rotationally symmetric, e.g. a square section; it may be single convex, e.g. with one portion planar; or with different first and second portions; the side surface may be omitted. It may be frustoconical or with a greater degree of convexity, e.g. hemispherical.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is complimentary in shape to the first part 34 and a second part 36 of the consumable processing unit 24.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is complimentary in shape to a cavity 80 formed by the first part 34 and the second part 36 when they are arranged in the consumable processing position to enable it to fit in said cavity 80. That is, the first part 34 corresponds in shape to the second convex portion 62 and the second part 36 corresponds in shape to the first convex portion 60.
  • the precursor material portion 16 is biodegradable as defined with reference to EN 13432:2000 (including anaerobic conditions, disintegration etc) and/or EN 14046:2004 (aerobic conditions). In variant embodiments, the precursor material portion may not be biodegradable.
  • the precursor material portion includes an outer protective layer/coating (e.g. such that the predefined shape of the precursor material portion is substantially unchanged).
  • the outer protective layer may be biodegradable. By implementing a protective layer the ground coffee (or other precursor material) may be less sensitive to air or moisture degradation.
  • the outer protective layer may be formed of one or more of: P; PP; natural rubber; silicone; polysaccharides or their derivatives; compounds of vegetable starch and fatty acids; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; fleece; proteins; cellulose; aluminium, and; biodegradable plastics.
  • the outer layer may be dissolvable, e.g. in the fluid (which may from the fluid conditioning system) or not dissolvable.
  • the locator portion 16 is arranged as an annular ring.
  • a central portion comprises an inner peripheral surface 66 and an outer portion comprises an outer peripheral surface 68.
  • the annular ring is fully rotationally symmetric abut the central axis 108, hence the user may conveniently connect it to the precursor material portion 14 at any rotary position about the central axis 106.
  • the inner peripheral surface 66 is arranged extend around the side surface 64 of the precursor material portion 14.
  • the annular ring includes a front surface 70 and an opposed back surface 72, which face the opposed longitudinal direction and longitudinal direction 102 respectively.
  • the front and back surfaces 70, 72 of the locator portion 16 are planar to the plane in the depth direction 100 and lateral direction 104 and aligned to each other such that they form a suitable gasket between the first 34 and second part 36.
  • the back surface 70 engages the first part 34 and the front surface 70 engages the second part 36 of the consumable processing unit 24.
  • the front surface 70 and back surface 72 are also arranged for handling of the consumable 6 in the assembled configuration (figures 7 and 8) by opposed digits of a user to manipulate a position of the consumable (e.g. for transmission to and from the machine 2).
  • the annular ring of the locator portion 16 has a diameter of 35 - 45 mm at the inner peripheral surface 66, and a diameter of 55 - 65 mm at the outer peripheral surface 68.
  • the locator portion 16 has a thickness in the longitudinal direction 102 of 120 microns ⁇ 20 or 50%.
  • a body of the locator portion may be alternatively shaped to an annular ring, e.g. a square shaped periphery or other shape to correspond to that of the consumable processing unit; the front surface and back surface may be smaller, such that they are not relied upon for manipulate a position of the consumable and/or sealing; the annular ring may be alternatively dimensioned, e.g. the thickness may be 50 microns to 4 mm.
  • the locator portion 16 can be removably retained to the precursor material portion 14 by various arrangements, as will be discussed:
  • the precursor material portion 14 and locator portion 16 are removably retained by means of direct mechanical coupling between said portions.
  • Said coupling comprises an interference fit connection, which is between the inner peripheral surface 66 of the central portion of the locator portion 16 and the side surface 64 of the precursor material portion 14.
  • An interference fit connection is achieved by specifying the diameter of the Inner peripheral surface 66 of the locator portion 16 to be less than that of the side surface 64 of the precursor material portion 14. In the assembled configuration (figures 7 and 8), said different diameter provides a friction force to resist relative movement of the portions in the longitudinal direction 102 on engagement of the surfaces.
  • the dimension and material of the locator portion 16 is selected relative the precursor material portion 16 not to be altered on engagement and/or disengagement (at least in a manner that would substantially effect further connection to a different precursor material portion 16). This may be achieved by implementing the locator portion 16 to have a greater hardness than that of the precursor material portion 14, e.g. the locator portion 16 may be made of one or more of: metal based; plastic based, and; paper based etc; a biodegradable material as defined herein.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is configured to be damaged when being engaged and/or disengaged from the interference fit. Since the locator portion 16 is harder, the interference fit may naturally separate particles of precursor material 18 from the precursor material portion 14. The damage can result in a comparatively loose connection indicating to a user that the precision material portion 16 has already been used.
  • no notable damage/altering of the precursor material portion may be achieved with the interference fit connection.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the central portion of the locator portion can implement a friction increasing element, which is configured to increase the friction force of the interference fit.
  • this may comprise a flange to increase a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the locator portion in contact with the precursor material portion.
  • the flange may be cylindrical and protrude from the annular ring in the longitudinal direction to extend the entire longitudinal distance of the side wall of the precursor material portion, (or other increased longitudinal distance overthat of the annular ring).
  • the flange may extend partially or fully around the inner peripheral surface of the central portion of the locator portion.
  • the flange may also be tapered to facilitate easier insertion of the precursor material portion.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the central portion of the locator portion can include extension arranged to protrude into the precursor material portion to increase the interference fit.
  • the circular portion of inner peripheral surface of the central portion may or may not engage the precursor material portion.
  • the precursor material portion and locator portion are removably retained by means of direct mechanical coupling between said portions that comprises an elastic connection.
  • the locator portion maybe formed of or include portions of a suitably elastic material (e.g. rubber) so that it can be increased in diameter during assembly and then retained by elastic force in the assembled configuration.
  • the precursor material portion 14 and locator portion 16 are removably retained by means of complementary in shape cavity 69 defined by the locator portion 16.
  • the cavity 69 fully encapsulates the precursor material portion 14 and extends contiguous (i.e. touching or in close proximity to, including less than 1 mm) the precursor material portion 14.
  • the cavity 69 can be configured to provide an interference fit or a loose fit.
  • the locator portion 16 comprise the annular ring of the first example (and its associated variants), however the interface fit of the inner peripheral surface 66 of the central portion is may optionally be include in the second example.
  • the locator portion 16 comprises a first portion 74 and a second portion 76.
  • the first portion 74 is convex and the second portion 76 is also convex.
  • the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 is are arrangeable in a closed position (as shown in figure 13) in which the precursor material portion 14 is arranged in the cavity 69 and the consumable 6 is in the assembled configuration.
  • the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 is are arrangeable in an open position (as shown in figure 14) in which the precursor material portion 14 is receivable in the cavity 69 and the consumable 6 is in the disassembled configuration.
  • first portion and the second portion are alternatively shaped e.g. one may be planar such that a cavity is only defined by the other, one may be frustoconical or with a greater degree of convexity, e.g. hemispherical.
  • the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 comprise a connection system (not illustrated) so that they are movable between the open and closed positions and are therefore removably retained in the assembled configuration of figure 13.
  • This can include one or more of: a threaded connection; a magnetic connection; an interference fit (e.g. by having protrusions insertable into corresponding cut outs); a hinged connection; adhesive connection, and; other suitable connections.
  • the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 of the locator portion 16 extend over the corresponding first portion 60 and the second portion 62 of the precursor material portion 14 to provide a restraint, principally in the longitudinal direction 102.
  • the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 of the locator portion 16 are arranged to facilitate penetrating of the injectors 50 in to the precursor material portion 14 and fluid communication of the beverage outlet 54 and interaction with the perforators 52 with the precursor material portion 14:
  • the portions 74, 76 include cut-outs (not illustrated) arranged to correspond in position to the injectors 50 and/or the perforators 52.
  • the portions 74, 76 are formed of a mesh or other fluid transmissive material which is able to deform around the injectors 50 and/or the perforators 52.
  • the portions 74, 76 are formed of one or more elongate members (e.g. wires) that extend between two points on the 66 Inner peripheral surface 66 of the locator portion, so that minimal interference is provided to the injectors 50 and/or the perforators 52.
  • elongate members e.g. wires
  • the portions 74, 76 are formed of perforated material, which is designed to be repetitively perforated by the injectors 50 and/or the perforators 52 as locator portion 16 is reused (or in such an example the locator portion 16 may be single use).
  • the locator portion 16 includes a stabilising member 82, which is arranged as a flange 84 from which extensions 86 extend.
  • extensions 84 extend over a front surface 90 and back surface 92 of the first portion 60 and the second portion 62 of the precursor material portion 14 respectively, principally in the depth direction 100 and the lateral direction 104.
  • the extensions 84 restrain relative movement in the longitudinal direction 102 between the locator portion 16 and the precursor material portion 14.
  • the flange 84 restrains relative movement in the depth direction 100 and lateral direction 102 between the locator portion 16 and the precursor material portion 14 (as discussed for the first example).
  • the stabilising member 82 may be formed of a flexible material (e.g. rubber) so that it can be deformed around a precursor material portion 14 and into the assembled position (not illustrated) in which said precursor material portion 14 is retained.
  • the locator portion 16 may be formed of two parts and be movable between open and closed positions (as for the second example).
  • the stabilising member 82 can extend continuously around the annular ring or as one or more discrete positions.
  • the first and second examples may be combined, e.g. an interference fit is combined with a cavity retaining arrangement etc.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is hemispherical/convex and the locator portion 16 includes a separable circular first portion 74 and a corresponding hemispherical/convex second portion 76.
  • the precursor material portion 14 is frustoconical and the locator portion 16 includes a separable circular first portion 74 and a corresponding frustoconical second portion 76.
  • the second portion 76 does not form part of the seal with the consumable processing unit 24. In variant embodiments, they may also form part of the seal as for the second example. The principle of using only one of the portions for the seal may be extended to the other examples and associated variants.
  • the precursor material portion may be configured only to fill part of the cavity.
  • the precursor material portion may not form an outer surface of the consumable.
  • a method of assembling the consumable 6 comprises removably retaining together a locator portion 16 and a precursor material portion 14.
  • this step comprises: sliding in the longitudinal direction 102 the inner periphery 66 of the locator portion 16 over, and in physical engagement with, the side surface 64 of the precursor material portion 14 to achieve in interference fit in the assembled configuration shown in figures 7 and 8.
  • this step comprises: in the disassembled configuration, with the locator portion 14 in the open configuration (figure 14) aligning the first and second portions 74, 76 with the precursor material portion 14 in the depth direction 100 and lateral direction 104, and; sliding together the first and second portions 74, 76 to engage the precursor material portion 14 in the longitudinal direction 102 either concurrently or one after the other to achieve the assembled configuration shown in figure 13, in which the precursor material portion 14 is arranged in the cavity 69 defined by said portions.
  • a method of preparing a beverage or foodstuff comprises:
  • Step 1 assembling the consumable 6 as discussed above;
  • Step 2 inserting the consumable 6 into the consumable processing unit 24 of a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine 4, with the consumable processing unit 24 in the consumable receiving position 24 (figure 5). A user may hold the locator portion 16 to manipulate the position of the consumable 6 for this step.
  • Step 3 processing the consumable 6, which may include moving the consumable processing unit 24 to the consumable processing position (figure 6) and controlling the fluid condition system 26 to apply conditioned fluid under pressure and/or elevated temperature to the precursor material portion 14.
  • Step 4 extracting the spent consumable 6 from the consumable processing unit 24, which may include moving the consumable processing unit 24 to the consumable receiving position 24 (figure in figure 5). A user may manually extract the spent consumable 6 by holding the locator portion 16 or the consumable processing unit 24 can be configured to automatically eject the consumable 6.
  • Step 5 for the spent consumable 6, separating the locator portion 16 from the precursor material portion 14.
  • Step 6 reattaching the locator portion 16 to a different precursor material portion 14 (e.g. so that the process of processing a precursor material portion 16 of steps 2 - 5 can be performed on the different precursor material portion 14 using the same locator portion 16 and so on.
  • the consumable may be supplied in the assembled configuration so that at least step 1 can be omitted for at least the first use; Steps 5 and 6 may be omitted if the consumable is single use.
  • any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” use a disjunctive “or” and a disjunctive “and” such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.
  • any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.
  • the word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim.
  • the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one.
  • any machine executable instructions, or compute readable media may carry out a disclosed method, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.
  • Peripheral device Computer network 0 Longitudinal direction 2 Lateral direction 4 Depth direction 6 Central axis 8 Major axis (of penetrators)

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un consommable pour une machine de préparation de boisson ou d'aliment, le consommable comprenant : une partie matériau précurseur solide ayant une forme prédéfinie, et ; une partie dispositif de placement séparable, qui est conçue pour retenir de manière amovible la partie matériau précurseur, la partie dispositif de placement étant : conçue pour placer la partie matériau précurseur dans une unité de traitement de consommable de ladite machine.
EP23806277.2A 2022-11-18 2023-11-16 Système de préparation de boisson ou d'aliment Pending EP4619325A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22208355 2022-11-18
PCT/EP2023/081981 WO2024105138A1 (fr) 2022-11-18 2023-11-16 Système de préparation de boisson ou d'aliment

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EP4619325A1 true EP4619325A1 (fr) 2025-09-24

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NZ534103A (en) 2002-01-16 2006-06-30 Nestle Sa Closed capsule with opening mean
WO2006021405A2 (fr) 2004-08-23 2006-03-02 Nestec S.A. Capsule pour preparer et distribuer une boisson, par injection d'un fluide sous pression dans ladite capsule
ES2317123T5 (es) * 2005-09-27 2017-05-05 Nestec S.A. Módulo de extracción para un dispositivo de producción de bebidas a partir de cápsulas
EP1785369A1 (fr) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-16 Nestec S.A. Capsule multipoche contenant des ingrédients de boissons
ES2471874T3 (es) 2011-11-16 2014-06-27 Nestec S.A. Soporte y cápsula para preparar una bebida mediante centrifugaci�n, sistema y método para preparar una bebida mediante centrifugaci�n
AU2013340893B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2017-06-29 Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Machine, container, system and method for preparing ice cream or chilled desserts on demand
TWI721084B (zh) * 2016-02-23 2021-03-11 瑞士商雀巢製品股份有限公司 用於飲料或食品製備機器之容器、經組態以用於附接至該容器之附接件、飲料或食品製備系統、經組態以用於附接至該機器之附接件、編碼製備資訊之方法、製備該飲料或食品之方法、代碼用於在該容器上編碼製備資訊之用途及電腦程式產品
WO2020073107A1 (fr) * 2018-10-10 2020-04-16 Café Rancheiro Agro Industrial Ltda Unité monodose pour café filtre et procédé de production et d'infusion de cette unité
JP7588583B2 (ja) * 2018-12-04 2024-11-22 ソシエテ・デ・プロデュイ・ネスレ・エス・アー 飲料ポッド

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