EP3641957A1 - Capsule recycling system for domestic coffee machines - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for capsules used (11), such as coffee capsules, having a lid and a capsule body, said system comprising at least cutting means (17) for cutting the lid relative to to the body, capture means for extracting the cut-out lid with respect to the body, compaction means (12, 14) for compacting the capsule body, thereby extracting the coffee contained in said capsule, and recovery means (40); , 41) to recover the coffee on one side and the lid cut with the compacted capsule body on the other side so that the materials are separated.

Description

jCAPSULE RECYCLING SYSTEM FOR DOMESTIC COFFEE MACHINES

CORRESPONDING APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to the earlier Swiss application N° 00825/17 filed in June 23, 2017 in the name of ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL), the content of this earlier application being incorporated by reference in its entirety in the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns the field of recycling systems and methods for coffee capsules, in particular metallic coffee capsules. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such metallic capsules and capsules made of other materials may be subjected to the system and method described herein.

More specifically, the present invention concerns the field of recycling such capsules whereby the coffee and the material forming the capsule are sorted at an early stage for simplifying the necessary systems and methods. BACKGROUND ART

Coffee is the most important agricultural commodity in the world. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO, 2009), over 7 million tons of coffee beans are produced annually worldwide. Coffee capsules make up one third of the€18 billions Western European coffee market (Ross Colbert, Rabobank). In particular, the consumption of easy-to-use single-cup serving coffee pods and capsules has become very popular in the last few years: the coffee market in general is growing at 1 .6 % a year, but capsule sales are growing 9 % a year since 201 1 . One of the most popular coffee pods machine is called "Pixie"™ and is manufactured by Koenig and Krups. Pixie™ is designed to process Nespresso™ capsules (commercially named "Grands Cms"™). As the popularity of coffee capsules increases, also public concern about the disposal of the used capsules is rapidly growing. Indeed, these portion packs cause both resource consumption and waste generation. Nestle™ - owner of the Nespresso™ brand - has addressed the subject by providing dedicated capsule collecting points (14,000 dedicated points in 31 countries) in order to recycle 80 % of used capsules, and it is aiming to increase this figure to 100 % by 2020.

Used Nespresso™ capsules are essentially made of aluminum alloy and coffee ground. After being collected, the used capsules are processed by separating the coffee waste from the aluminum container. The most crucial part of this recycling process is the recovery of the aluminum used to produce the capsules. Regarding the spent coffee grounds, these are used together with other organic residues to form compost or they might have applications with greater added value.

As said before, the coffee grounds produced during the preparation of coffee beverage have no commercial value and are normally discarded as solid waste or, in few cases, sent to compost facilities. In recent years, however, research has been done in order to find different ways of using this waste. As a result, a large amount of applications has been discovered for coffee grounds.

Firstly, the calorific value of the coffee grounds is relatively high in comparison to other typical wastes and wood materials. This opens the possibility of using them to produce pellets or other agglomerates for heating purposes.

Moreover, due to the phenolic compounds that the coffee grounds contain, these can be used to remove basic dyes and heavy metal ions from contaminated waters. But these phenolic compounds can also be recovered up to a 90% with extraction techniques. The advantage of this procedure is that it permits a full recycling of the coffee grounds in two combined different aspects. Firstly, extracting the mentioned phenolic compounds and, secondly, using the solid that remains after that procedure for heating purposes. The heat of combustion of these rests of coffee is roughly the same as it was before the extraction of phenolic compounds. Another application is the use of Fe-treated coffee grounds to increase the availability of iron to plants in neutral to alkaline soils. The Fe-containing material can be prepared easily by adding specific amounts of a soluble ferric compound to the coffee grounds and composting the result. In addition, coffee ground is used in cosmetics, to produce exfoliating masks. Indeed, the anti-oxidant ingredients of coffee ground are employed in anti-aging and anti-cellulite therapies. For example, coffee grounds are mixed with olive oil and applied on the skin, in order to eliminate the fading dark circles around the eyes.

It is also proved that coffee grounds can be used to produce a biofuel of 51 % methyl esters which is stable for more than one month at ambient temperature.

A different use that can be given to this product is the preparation of low-cost activated carbons with high C02 adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacities obtained are up to 4.8 mmol g-1 at 273 K, and 3.0 mmol g-1 at 298 K, which are above those of most commercial activated carbons.

Other recycling applications include the production of a-amylase by solid fermentation and the use of coffee grounds as a potential source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols which are potent antioxidants and intervenors at some stages of cancer development.

At a domestic scale, used coffee capsules might be stored in separate containers, or thrown in the general trash. In order to increase the recycling rate, in Switzerland Nespresso™ collaborates with the Swiss Post in the "Recycling at Home" program. The used aluminum capsules are picked up by the postman directly at home, when delivering a new coffee order, and then fed into the Nespresso™ recycling system. From the Nespresso™ recycling system, the sorting technologies are considered the most relevant subject for this project, and, as such, they are analyzed and described.

Other techniques are known in the art, such as for example: Magnetic separation: ferrous scrap materials have to pass from a first conveyor belt to a second one, which is equipped with magnets. In this passage, just the ferromagnetic portion of the scrap is attracted to the magnet and pulled onto the second conveyor belt, while the non-ferrous portion falls into a collection bin. Air separation: in a vertical air separation system, the recycled material stream is fed through a column with air pushing upwards; the heavy metals are collected at the bottom and the other materials are pushed through various feeds further up. Limitation: loss of lightweight metallic products.

Eddy current separation: a rotor is lined with magnets with alternating north and south poles. The rotor produces an external magnetic field which repels non-magnetic electrically conductive metals. The magnetic field can be controlled with the speed of the rotor. Metals will then be thrown at different distances, depending on their conductivities.

Sink float / heavy media separation: a water-based slurry with known specific gravity is used to separate non-ferrous materials with differing densities. Limitations: maintaining constant density slurries is expensive; loss of hollow or boat-shaped metal components. Color sorting: color sorting can occur by hand or through automated processes. In the latter case, images of each scrap are analyzed by a computer which sorts them, based on specified color ranges. In addition, to separate aluminum by alloy family, chemical etching is often used in conjunction with color sorting. Limitation: environmental and economic impact of etching chemicals.

Hot crush: the hot crush process is a thermal-mechanical separation technique that is currently used to separate wrought and cast aluminum alloys, taking advantage of their different melting temperatures. Limitation: just large initial scraps can be processed. The device described in FR2944420 is activated manually to treat individual capsules, and it is very complex in terms of transmissions and mechanisms. In addition, it does not remove the lid of the capsule, meaning that the separation efficiency is lower. Finally, it does not ensure that the capsule will always fall at the right moment when the platform turns over 180 degrees.

The device described in WO2010136601 is activated manually, and it is not integrated inside a machine. The compaction is performed vertically. It is said that it can be used for any kind of food waste container, such as coffee or tea. In addition, it does not remove the lid, meaning that the separation efficiency is lower. On top of that, the coffee remaining attached to the lid would prevent the compacted capsule from sliding into the aluminum container.

The device described in US2010050880 does not describe in concrete how to handle the capsule, cut the lid, compact the capsule, and implement the mechanism and the storage into a domestic coffee machine.

Finally, the device described in WO201 1051867 is activated manually and the device described in WO2014078893 does not remove the lid, meaning that the separation efficiency is lower. In addition, the brewing mechanism and the piston slide together as they are both integral with the same sub-chassis, while in the present invention the piston moves independently from the motion of the brewing mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to improve the known methods and devices to recycle products such as, for example, coffee capsules. Other examples are powder capsules for: chocolate, tea, milk, soup, and fruit juice. Another aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and method that is easy to use.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a system and method in which the recycling is efficient but using simple means available in a home coffee machine, such as Nespresso™ coffee machines (e.g. Pixie™).

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device or system that allows a separation of the products being recycled, for example a separation between the metal and the coffee in the case of Nespresso™ capsules.

Other aims and results of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention.

An exemplary embodiment of the separation mechanism is preferably implemented inside a coffee machine so that the recycling process may be started as the used capsule is still individualized and not mixed with other used capsules. In such an embodiment, the separation mechanism is approximately and preferably located below the point where the capsule is inserted for brewing coffee. Used capsules are stored in this space in most of the current coffee machine designs. In the present invention, one uses the fact that a capsule is isolated and in a stable and known position when being used for brewing and it thus can easily be treated individually. Indeed, once a capsule has fallen into the storage volume for used capsules, it is in a random position and it becomes difficult to isolate each capsule individually again. Also, this subsequent process takes time. More precisely, a separation process begins when the capsule leaves or falls from the brewing position. In the present invention, the capsule, instead of falling inside the storage volume for used capsules, slides vertically into a capsule holder inside a separation mechanism whereby, according to the present invention, a separation process takes place.

The separation process is divided in two steps. At first, the lid is removed from the top of the capsule. Then, the capsule is compacted from behind against a wall. A circular hole on the wall surface allows the coffee ground to be squeezed out of the capsule during the capsule compacting step and to fall on the side of the wall opposite to the capsule location. It is therefore possible, with a single movement, to simultaneously compact the capsule against the wall and eject the coffee ground. The geometry of the parts prevents the capsule from passing through the hole so that the coffee ground and the compressed capsule are separated from each other. Afterthe separation, the compressed capsule and the lid are stored together, for example in a drawer, while the coffee ground is collected in a different drawer. Both drawers can be manually and individually emptied by the user for example for the next steps of the recycling process. No input from the user is necessary after the capsule has slid into the separation mechanism and the entire process may be carried out automatically.

Thanks to the fact that the process of separation may be carried out without the intervention of the user, the system can be integrated in any coffee machines which are or are not equipped with levers for brewing the coffee. This is then an integrated unit in the coffee machine and the recycling operation starts at this level.

In an embodiment, the invention concerns a method for recycling used capsules with a lid, a body and a product in the body, after the capsule has been used having the following steps:

-) transporting the used capsule in a recycling position wherein the capsules is held in a stable position;

-) removing the lid of the capsule;

-) compacting the capsule body thereby extracting the product contained in the capsule;

-) separating the extracted product and the capsule body.

In an embodiment, the product is coffee. Other similar products may of course be envisaged in the frame of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the capsule is transported by gravity to its recycling position.

In an embodiment, the lid is removed by cutting with a blade.

In an embodiment, the blade has a shape corresponding to the capsule, for example a circular shape. Other shapes and/or sizes are of course possible depending on the shape/size of the lid or part to be cut by the system or of the capsule. In an embodiment, the blade comprises rough inner walls that exploit friction in order to capture the cut lid.

In an embodiment, the blade features a serrated profile and/or undercuts. In an embodiment, the cut lid is removed from inside the blade via an ejecting wall. Other methods may be used to remove the cut part as well.

In an embodiment, the compacting step is carried out via a movable compacting wall. In an embodiment, the lid cut, capture, and ejection, the capsule compaction, and the coffee ground ejection, are carried out by the linear motion of a frame which integrates cutting and capturing means on one side, and compacting means on the other side. In an embodiment, the capsule is subjected to vibrations or shaking or rotations during the recycling process.

In an embodiment, the cut lid, the extracted product and the compacted capsule body are each recuperated individually.

In an embodiment, the empty capsules may be stacked one on top of the other instead of being compacted and the product is being extracted by said vibrations, shaking or rotations. In an embodiment, the entire method and recycling process is carried out in an automatic manner. Preferably, mechanical, electrical and/or electronic means are used to control the steps being carried out the by technical means of the system.

In an embodiment, the actuation is provided by means of a motor or an hydraulic system.

In an embodiment, the entire method is integrated in a machine, for example a coffee machine. Other applications include powder capsules for: coffee, chocolate, tea, milk, soup, and fruit juice. In an embodiment, the invention concerns a recycling system for used capsules, with a lid and a capsule body, wherein said system comprises at least guiding means to hold the capsule in place, cutting means to cut the lid from the body, capturing means to extract the cut lid from the body, compacting means to compact the body of the capsule thereby extracting the coffee contained in said capsule and recuperating means to recuperate the coffee on one side and the cut lid and the compacted capsule body on the other side such that said materials are separated from each other.

In an embodiment, the system includes means to shake and/or tilt and/or drill the capsule, in order to improve the quality of the separation. In an embodiment, the cutting means comprise a blade.

In an embodiment, the blade has a shape corresponding to the capsule, for example a circular shape. Other shapes and/or sizes are of course possible depending on the shape/size of the lid or part to be cut by the system or of the capsule

In an embodiment, the blade features rough inner walls that exploit friction in order to capture the cut lid. In an embodiment, the blade features a serrated profile and/or undercuts. The blade may also comprise a continuous profile or another equivalent profile.

In an embodiment, the cut lid is removed from inside the blade via an ejecting wall. Other equivalent means may be used to remove the cut part, for example air under pressure.

In an embodiment, the lid cut, capture, and ejection, the capsule compaction, and the coffee ground ejection, are carried out by the linear motion of a frame which integrates cutting and capturing means on one side, and compacting means on the other side. In an embodiment, the capsule is subjected to vibrations or shaking or rotations during the recycling process by vibrating means or rotation means.

In an embodiment, the cut lid, the extracted product and the compacted capsule body are each recuperated individually.

In an embodiment, the empty capsules are stacked one on top of the other instead of being compacted and the product is extracted by said vibrations, shaking or rotations.

In an embodiment, the system is automatic and/or integrated in a machine.

In an embodiment, the actuation of the parts is realized by means of a motor and/or an hydraulic system.

In an embodiment, the invention concerns a machine comprising a system as described in the present application and using the method as described in the present application. In an embodiment, the machine may be a coffee machine or another equivalent machine extracting a product from a capsule, whereby the capsules contain coffee, or chocolate, or tea, or milk, or soup, or fruit preferably in a powder state and the machine is able to deliver coffee , chocolate, tea, milk, soup, or fruit juice from said capsules.

The invention will now be described in more details and embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 10 illustrate top perspective views of embodiments of the invention in different positions corresponding to the method of the invention. Figure 1 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present invention integrated in a coffee machine.

Figures 12 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 13 to 16 illustrate top views of the second embodiment of the invention in different positions corresponding to the method of the invention.

Figures 17 to 22 illustrate exemplary embodiments of specific features and parts of the invention.

Figure 23 illustrates an embodiment of a functional decomposition of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, the same parts are identified by the same reference numbers for the sake of simplicity. A first top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention is given in figure 1 . The recycling system 1 comprises a capsule holder 10 for receiving a used capsule 1 1 , a wall 12 with a hole 13, a compacting wall 14 moved by a motor 15, for example via an endless screw 16 (for example), a blade 17 to cut the lid of the capsule 1 1 , the blade being displaced by a motor 18.

Figure 1 illustrates specifically the step where a capsule 1 1 is in the position where the coffee is being brewed and it is ready to fall into the recycling position as per the present invention. In this example, gravity is used such that the coffee extraction position of the capsule is higher (for example directly over) than the recycling position: in such case, the used capsule will fall into the recycling position. In other embodiments, the movement of the capsule from the coffee extraction position to the recycling position may be assisted by transfer means, so both positions may not be one on top of the other and depending on gravity only (or in part).

Figure 2 illustrates the step where the capsule 1 1 has fallen into the recycling system 1 and is held by the holder 10 in front of the opening 13 of the wall 12. In this position, the capsule 1 1 is ready to undergo the operations according to the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates the step in which the capsule 1 1 is pushed against the wall 12 by the holder 10. Preferably, the capsule collar is pinched between the holder 10 and the wall 12, which have been moved towards each other, in order to maintain the capsule 1 1 in this position and ready for the next steps of the recycling process. Figure 4 illustrates the step where the lid is being cut by the blade 17. Specifically, the motor 18 acts for example on an actuating mechanism 19 that moves the blade 17 along a straight axis and the blade 17 penetrates into the opening 13 of the wall 12 (see figure 10). The diameter of the blade 17 is preferably equal to the diameter of the lid of the capsule (less the collar) and the blade thus cuts the lid, allowing an opening of the capsule.

As illustrated in figure 5, the blade 17 then moves backwards, once the lid cutting operation has been carried out. Means are preferably provided in the blade 17, for example a pusher, to ensure the cut lid does not remain in the blade but, for example, falls underneath the blade in a dedicated recuperation volume for such lids while the blade is moving backwards, away from the capsule. This can be done as illustrated in figure 6 where the capsule 1 1 is moved away from the wall 12, in order for the lid to fall underneath the capsule 1 1 . The blade 17 is preferably a serrated blade with teeth. Of course, the blade may have any other suitable shape for the purpose of cutting the lid. The blade is preferably made of metal, but other appropriate materials are possible (such as synthetic materials or mix of materials, alloys etc .).

Figure 7 illustrates the step where the capsule 1 1 is again held against the wall 12, for example by pinching of its collar between wall 12 and holder 10. This step prepares the next ones where the coffee will be separated from the open capsule (after the lid has been cut away as described previously).

Figure 8 illustrates the step where the capsule 1 1 is being compressed by the compacting wall 14 against the wall 12. This compacting operation is important as it not only reduces the size of the capsule but it also allows the extraction of the coffee present in the capsule. The said coffee is in fact pushed through the opening 13 of the wall while the compacted capsule remains on the same side of the wall 12. Hence, the coffee extracted from the capsule is separated from the capsule material (each ends on a different side of the wall 12) and they may be each recuperated individually in a different storage location. Thus, there is no mix of different materials (coffee and metal) and the system allows an efficient separation of them.

The capsule holder is preferably moved by an electric motor 15. The correct movement ensures that the capsule is compacted, the coffee ground ejected and that all the parts fall in the expected storage space. As said, the foil is removed by means of a blade which cuts the foil circularly. The blade is preferably driven by a different electric motor 18, smaller than the motor 15 necessary for compaction. Alternatively, a single motor may be used with appropriate transmission means. The cutting mechanism (for example blade 17) is located on the opposite side of the wall with respect to the capsule holder 10. Any suitable electric motor may be envisaged, such as stepper motors and other equivalent.

In order to improve the quality of the separation, vibrations may be induced in the capsule. In order to improve the quality of the separation, the capsule may be drilled, tilted, or turned vertically. For example, a 90° tilting may be carried out once the lid has been removed so that the lid-side of the capsule faces downwards and the coffee is pushed downwards during the compacting operation. In such case, it must be ensured that the compacted capsule is recuperated in an appropriate place and is not mixed with the coffee. This can be done by movement of the parts holding the compacted capsule (linear, rotation etc.).

Typically, taking figure 8 as a reference, the coffee is found on the left side of the wall 12 and the compacted capsule is on the right side of the wall 12.

Accordingly, and preferably, the lid is also recuperated on the same side of the wall 12 as the compacted capsule in order not to be mixed with the coffee, typically on the right side as illustrated in the embodiment of the invention described hereabove. Of course, it is possible to envisage other recuperation paths and routes, it being important that separated materials are not mixed again later to that the process according to the present invention keeps its efficiency. Also, the lid may be recuperated in a dedicated volume.

Figure 9 illustrates the step where the compacting wall 14 has been moved backwards to free the compacted capsule that has fallen into its storage compartment (preferably underneath the system 1 to use gravity).

Figure 10 illustrates the system back into its initial position (as in figures 1 or 2) ready to receive another used capsule and to carry out a cycle as illustrated in figures 1 to 9 described hereabove.

Figure 1 1 illustrates an example of the integration of the system 1 according to the present invention in a normal coffee machine 2, as provided for example from the company Nespresso™.

As illustrated in figure 1 1 , the system 1 according to the present invention is preferably compact enough to be entirely integrated in said machine 2 and receive directly the used capsule 1 1 by way of gravity (preferably). Underneath the system 1 , one has illustrated possible positions for the storage compartments of the waste produced by the process described herein. For example, front compartment 3, may receive the coffee extracted from the compacted capsule while back compartment 4 may receive the cut lid and the compacted capsule 1 1 once the process has taken place. It is then easy for a user to dispose the content of each compartment in a proper manner. The coffee may be used as compost while the metallic (mainly Al) or plastic part of the capsule may be recycled or re purposed.

Figure 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. The recycling system comprises a capsule holder 10 for receiving a used capsule 1 1 , a wall 12 with a hole 13, a compacting wall 14 moved by a motor 15, for example via an endless screw 16 (for example), a blade 17 to cut and capture the lid of the capsule 1 1 (the blade being displaced by the same motor 15), an ejecting wall 18' to push the lid away from the blade 17. The wall 12 is fixed to supports 12'. The entire system is fixed onto a table "T" which is meant to illustrate a machine in which the system is mounted, for example a coffee machine 2 as illustrated in figure 1 1 , as an example.

Figure 13 illustrates specifically the step where a used capsule 1 1 has fallen in the recycling position as per the present invention, and is held by the holder 10 in front of the opening 13 of the wall 12. In this position, the capsule 1 1 is ready to undergo the recycling operations according to the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates the step where the lid is being cut by the blade 17. Specifically, the motor 15 acts for example on a linear transmission frame 34, 14, 14", 43 that moves the blade 17 along a straight axis and the blade 17 penetrates into the opening 13 of the wall 12. The diameter of the blade 17 is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of the lid of the capsule (less the collar) and the blade thus cuts the lid, allowing an opening of the capsule.

As illustrated in figure 15, the blade 17 then moves backwards, once the lid cutting operation has been carried out. The lid is captured inside the blade, the blade comprising one or more undercuts. An example of undercut is shown in the serrated teeth along the blade profile in figure 17 (for example). Of course, the blade may have another suitable shape for the purpose of cutting and/or capturing the lid. Means are preferably provided in the blade 17, for example the ejecting wall 18, to ensure the cut lid does not remain in the blade but falls underneath the blade in a dedicated recuperation volume. After the lid has been cut away, figure 15 also illustrates the step where the capsule 1 1 is being compressed by the compacting wall 14 against the wall 12. This compacting operation is important as it not only reduces the size of the capsule but it also allows the extraction of the coffee present in the capsule. The said coffee is in fact pushed through the opening 13 of the wall while the compacted capsule remains on the same side of the wall 12. Hence, the coffee extracted from the capsule is separated from the capsule material and they may be each recuperated individually in a different storage location. Thus, there is no mix of different materials (coffee and metal or plastic) and the system allows an efficient separation of them. The compacting wall 14 is actuated by the same motor 15, which at the same time also actuates the blade 17.

The lid is removed by means of a blade which cuts the lid circularly. Figure 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the undercuts along the profile of the teeth of the serrated blade 17. Such undercuts allow the blade to capture the cut foil. A further embodiment of the blade 17 features a sharp profile in order to cut the lid, and rough surface of the inner wall of the blade in order to use friction as a means to capture the lid.

An exemplary embodiment of the motor 15 is an electric motor as mentioned in relation to embodiments described herein. As an alternative to the motor 15, the separation system can be actuated by means of an hydraulic system, such as the water pump of the brewing unit. Other equivalent means are of course possible and this is applicable to all embodiments described herein.

In orderto improve the quality of the separation, vibrations may be induced in the capsule during the process.

In order to improve the quality of the separation, the capsule may be drilled, tilted, or turned vertically as mentioned in relation to embodiments described herein. Typically, taking figure 15 as a reference, the coffee is found on the left side of the wall 12 and the compacted capsule is on the right side of the wall 12.

The face of the ejecting wall 18 which comes into contact with the lid, may be located on the left or the right side of the wall 12. In both cases, the recuperation volume for the lid preferably coincides with the recuperation volume for the compressed capsules if possible. Of course, it is possible to envisage other recuperation paths and routes as described herein, it being important that separated materials are not mixed again later to that the process according to the present invention keeps its efficiency. Figure 16 illustrates the step where the compacting wall 14 has been moved backwards to free the compacted capsule that has fallen into its storage compartment (preferably underneath the system 2 to use gravity). Figure 16 also illustrates the system back into its initial position (as in figures 12 or 13) ready to receive another used capsule and to carry out a cycle as illustrated in figures 13 to 16 described hereabove.

Figure 18 and 19 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the capsule holder 10 comprising two vertical grooves 10', 10", which constrain the displacement of the capsule 1 1 in any direction other than vertical. The grooves 10', 10" are located by the side of the outer edge of the capsule 1 1 , and leave clearance around the rest of the capsule body. The clearance is instrumental in letting the compacting wall 14 pass through the capsule holder 10 and in between the two grooves, during the compaction of the capsule 1 1 . Beneath the capsule 1 1 , the capsule holder 10 features a shelf 30 which prevents a free fall of the capsule 1 1 during the process. The shape of the shelf 30 is complementary to the shape of the compacting wall 14, in order to let the compacting wall pass through the capsule holder during the compaction of the capsule, as shown in figure 20. In figure 18 beneath the capsule, a hollow is located in the capsule holder, whose geometry and size permit the free fall of a compacted capsule, yet prevent the free fall of a capsule which has not been compacted. The capsule holder 10 slides back and forth along the axis of the capsule 1 1 , in order to displace the capsule 1 1 while the lid or the coffee ground are being ejected. During the lid cutting, a mechanical stop limits the backward motion of the capsule holder 10. Springs connect the capsule holder 10 to the wall 12, in order to bring the capsule holder back to its initial position after the lid cutting and after the capsule compaction. Figure 19 also illustrates the front holder 33 which is functional in preventing the translation of the capsule along its axis towards the wall 12 at all stages of the separation process. The capsule holder 10 and the front holder 33 could be features of the same part. An alternative embodiment of system 2 features the capsule holder 10 and wall 12 made of a same part. In such an embodiment, the lower side of the wall 12 could feature a hollow to let the compressed capsule fall freely by gravity (preferably). Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the compacting wall 14 with its protrusion 14'. Along the axis of the capsule 1 1 , the compacting wall protrusion 14' features a cross section which is complementary - in geometry and size - to the clearance available for the capsule in the capsule holder 10. In order to support the capsule and define uniquely its orientation, the shelf 30 may comprise a key 31 which cooperates with a keyway 32 of the protrusion 14'.

Figure 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the linear transmission frame. The mounts 14 and 14" are integral with the guides 34. In addition, the mount 14" is connected to the lead screw 16 to transmit the linear motion, while the mount 14 is connected to the compacting wall 14'. The guides 34 can slide through the wall 12 and the support 42. In addition, the blade holder 43 is integral with the guides 34 in order to engage the motion of the blade 17 back and forth depending on the rotation of the motor 15 (clockwise and counter clockwise). The cutting and extraction of the lid, the ejection of the coffee ground, and the compaction of the capsule are performed through the linear movement of one single frame which integrates the compacting wall 14' at the rear of the capsule, and the blade 17 in front of the lid. The linear movement of the frame takes place to and fro along the axis of the capsule. The linear movement of the frame is derived from the rotative motion of a lead screw 16 or a cam (for example) and guided by guides 34. As can be seen from a comparison of figures 13 and 15 for example, this structure with the guides 34 and walls 14, 14" and 43 allows to displace the blade 17 backwards (after the cutting of the lid) and at the same time to compact the capsule 1 1 with the compacting wall 14', the assembly being then, once this operation is completed, brought back in the position of figure 16, awaiting the delivery of a new capsule 1 1 . The cycle then starts again as in figure 13.

Figure 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the recuperation volumes for the compacted capsule and lid on one side 40, and the coffee ground on the other side 41 . The coffee ground is preferably collected on a geometrical plan which is different from the one where the compacted capsule and the lid are collected, in order to allow that the compacted capsule and the lid are collected in the same recuperation volume. Figure 23 illustrates an exemplary functional decomposition of the separation mechanism. The system receives a used coffee capsule (generally named "pod" in the figure) as input, and gives the aluminium foil lid and compacted capsule separated by the coffee ground as outputs. The steps of the separation process include (as described in detail hereabove): capsules/pod guidance, lid cuting, lid capture, lid ejection (followed by individual recuperation), capsule/pod compaction (coffee ground ejection and individual recuperation), and compacted capsule/pod release (and recuperation). Exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, although certain methods and systems are described herein with respect to aluminum coffee capsules, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, the present invention is intended to be used for recycling different types of food packaging. These include capsules made of metal or plastic, containing coffee or chocolate or tea or other organic material.

Moreover, while this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

For example equivalent means may be used to replace the ones described herein. Different motors or actuating means may be envisaged, as the endless screw may be replaced by another equivalent element suitable for the sought effect, such as a cam (for example). In addition, instead of the motor, an hydraulic system can be used in order to actuate the separation system. The hydraulic system may be for example the water pump of the brewing unit.

The shapes used to illustrate the means and parts of the invention should also not be considered as limiting and other shapes may be used to obtain the same function or result.

For example, the blade 17 preferably has a circular shape with a plurality of teeth to cut the lid, and undercuts to capture the lid. However, the blade may have another shape and cut the lid from the side (such as a guillotine). Preferably, the entire system is automatic and treat each individual capsule 1 1 directly with no action from the user. Preferably, the system is integrated in a machine, for example a capsule coffee machine.

The blade 17 may be obtained by rolling and/or soldering a sheet of metallic or synthetic material, or machining a piece of such a material, for example a tube.

In some cases, the lid of the capsule is not made from metal but for example from paper or another material that is biodegradable. In such cases, the cutting step of the lid is not always necessary and the compacting step can be carried out alone, the lid being recuperated with the coffee ground.

Claims

1 . A method for recycling used capsules with a lid, a body and a product in the body, after the capsule has been used having the following steps:

-) transporting the used capsule in a recycling position wherein the capsules is held in a stable position;

-) removing the lid of the capsule;

-) compacting the capsule body thereby extracting the product contained in the capsule;

-) separating the extracted product and the capsule body.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein said product is coffee.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said capsule is transported by gravity to its recycling position.

4. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is removed by cutting with a blade.

5. The method as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the blade has a shape corresponding to the capsule.

6. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade comprises rough inner walls that exploit friction in order to capture the cut lid.

7. The method as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the blade features a serrated profile and/or undercuts.

8. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut lid is removed from inside the blade via an ejecting wall.

9. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the compacting step is carried out via a movable compacting wall.

10. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid cut, capture, and ejection, the capsule compaction, and the coffee ground ejection, are carried out by the linear motion of a frame which integrates cutting and capturing means on one side, and compacting means on the other side.

1 1 . The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule is subjected to vibrations or shaking or rotations during the recycling process.

12. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut lid, the extracted product and the compacted capsule body are each recuperated individually.

13. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the empty capsules are stacked one on top of the other instead of being compacted and the product is extracted by said vibrations, shaking or rotations.

14. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein it is automatic.

15. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation is provided by means of a motor or an hydraulic system.

16. The method as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein it is integrated in a delivery machine.

17. A recycling system for used capsules, with a lid and a capsule body, wherein said system comprises at least guiding means to hold the capsule in place, cutting means to cut the lid from the body, capturing means to extract the cut lid from the body, compacting means to compact the body of the capsule thereby extracting the coffee contained in said capsule and recuperating means to recuperate the coffee on one side and the cut lid and the compacted capsule body on the other side such that said materials are separated from each other.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the system includes means to shake and/or tilt and/or drill the capsule, in order to improve the quality of the separation.

19. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims 17 or 18, wherein the cutting means comprise a blade.

20. The system as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the blade has a shape corresponding to the capsule.

21 . The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade comprises rough inner walls that exploit friction in order to capture the cut lid.

22. The system as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the blade comprises a serrated profile and/or undercuts.

23. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut lid is removed from inside the blade via an ejecting wall.

24. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid cut, capture, and ejection, the capsule compaction, and the coffee ground ejection, are carried out by the linear motion of a frame which integrates cutting and capturing means on one side, and compacting means on the other side.

25. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule is subjected to vibrations or shaking or rotations during the recycling process.

26. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut lid, the extracted product and the compacted capsule body are each recuperated individually.

27. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the empty capsules are stacked one on top of the other instead of being compacted and the product is extracted by said vibrations, shaking or rotations.

28. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims 17 to 18, wherein it is automatic and/or integrated in a machine.

29. The system as defined in one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation is provided by means of a motor or an hydraulic system.

30. A machine comprising a system as defined in any one of claims 17 to 29.

31 . A machine using a method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16.

32. The machine as defined in one of claims 30 or 31 , wherein said capsules contain coffee, or chocolate, or tea, or milk, or soup, or fruit powder and said machine is able to deliver coffee, chocolate, tea, milk, soup, or fruit juice.