RU2365533C2 - Cartridge and method to prepare drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: drinks preparation apparatuses.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to drinks preparation apparatuses, particularly to cartridges incorporated with appropriate machine, from example, those to prepare coffee, tea, cappuccino etc. Proposed cartridge contains one or more drink liquid ingredients and is made from air- and watertight materials. It comprises liquid inlet, compartment to accommodate liquid ingredients and outlet to force prepared drink out. Aforesaid compartment includes the device decelerating dilution of at least a portion of the said ingredients on feeding water into the said compartment. In operation water way passes from inlet to outlet, while aforesaid dilution decelerating device comprises a gate constricting ingredient flow into water flow.

EFFECT: easy and reliable operation, chances to produce wide range of drinks.

77 cl, 49 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge and method for preparing beverages, in particular using sealed cartridges that are made of substantially air and watertight materials and which contain one or more ingredients for preparing beverages.

Previously it was proposed to seal the ingredients for the preparation of the drink in separate airtight containers. For example, cartridges or capsules are known containing packaged (sealed) ground coffee for use in some coffee brewing machines, which are commonly referred to as espresso machines. When preparing coffee using these machines, the coffee cartridge is placed in the brewing chamber, and hot water is passed through the cartridge under relatively high pressure, thereby extracting the aromatic constituents of coffee from the ground coffee to produce a coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate under a pressure of more than 6 x 10 ⁵ Pa. Coffee machines of the type described have so far been quite expensive since machine components such as water pumps and seals must withstand high pressures.

WO 01/58786 describes a beverage preparation cartridge that operates under pressure substantially in the range of 0.7 to 2.0 x 10 ⁵ Pa. However, this cartridge is designed for use in a machine for commercial or industrial preparation of a beverage and is relatively expensive. Therefore, there remains a need for a cartridge for preparing beverages in which the cartridges and the machine for preparing the beverage are suitable, in particular in terms of cost, performance and reliability, for domestic use. There is also a need for a beverage machine in such a system that is easy to operate, reliable and capable of producing a wide variety of beverage types.

It is known to use dairy-based beverage ingredients in cartridges in the form of a powder or other dehydrated form. However, consumers unanimously point out that the use of such powdered dairy products has a negative effect on the taste, color and texture of the finished drink. The difficulty of obtaining liquid products based on dairy products in a cartridge is proved due to the need to sterilize the components of the cartridge. In addition, it turned out to be difficult to control the dilution and bottling of liquid dairy products in such a way as to reach a consistent quality and acceptable finished drink.

In addition, dairy products in the form of a powder cannot be used to produce authentic looking milk foam, as consumers require for cappuccino drinks. A number of beverage machines use a steam probe or similar device for foaming a certain amount of milk. However, adding a steam probe increases the cost of the machine and requires a means of generating steam. The steam probe must be controlled manually and requires experience in order to be successful. In addition, in connection with the use of steam, there is a danger of burns to the consumer or steam, or hot parts of the machine. In addition, the consumer must have a source of milk separate from the machine, and performs an additional production operation of a different type for the production of a drink such as cappuccino. This increases the complexity and increases the time required to obtain such drinks.

Therefore, there remains a need for a beverage preparation system in which cartridges and a beverage preparation machine are suitable, in particular for cost, performance and reliability, for domestic use. There is also a need for a beverage machine for such a system that is easy to operate, reliable and capable of producing a wide variety of beverage types.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge comprising one or more liquid beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an entrance for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge, a compartment containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients, and an outlet for dispensing a beverage obtained by diluting one or more liquid beverage ingredients with an aqueous medium, said compartment comprising means for controlling the dilution of at least a portion of Nogo or more liquid beverage ingredients in the aqueous feed medium in the compartment.

Preferably, the cartridge of the invention provides improved dilution and dispensing of liquid beverage ingredients, ensuring a more uniform distribution of liquid beverage ingredients during the working cycle, rather than being fully dispensed at the beginning of the working cycle, followed by a substantially pure aqueous medium, such as, for example, water. This uniform dispensing of liquid beverage ingredients leads to improved uniformity of the dispensed liquid beverage. In addition, in the case where the diluted liquid beverage is then foamed, for example, by injection through an opening, improved fluid uniformity leads to an increase in foaming consistency and an improvement in the quality and quantity of foam obtained per unit volume of the liquid beverage.

Preferably, the dilution control means delays the dilution of at least a portion of one or more liquid ingredients of the beverage upon delivery to the compartment of the aqueous medium.

Preferably, in use, the path for the flow of the aqueous medium is arranged from the entrance to the exit, and the dilution delay means comprises a partition that prevents at least a portion of one or more liquid ingredients of the beverage from entering the path for the flow of the aqueous medium. In one embodiment, the septum comprises one or more openings for controlled release of at least a portion of one or more liquid beverage ingredients into the flow path of the aqueous medium. Four holes are possible.

The partition may contain a cup-shaped element with a hole facing away from the path for the flow of an aqueous medium. The cup-shaped element is preferably annular. Preferably, one or more holes are provided on or near the base of the cup-shaped element. At least a portion of the liquid beverage ingredients located in the bowl-shaped element flows, for example, by gravity through one or more of the openings used.

In one embodiment, the cup-shaped element is separated by a gap from the bottom of the cartridge, so that the path for the flow of aqueous medium passes between the cup-shaped element and the bottom of the cartridge. As a result, at least a portion of the liquid beverage ingredients located in the bowl-shaped element flows under the influence of gravity through one or more of the used openings vertically downward into the path for the flow of the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises an inner member and an outer member, the inner member comprising a cup-shaped member. The components of the inner element and the outer element are easier to sterilize before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after connecting the components, a series of narrow, winding channels are formed, which cannot be effectively sterilized using known methods. The ability to sterilize components is a particularly beneficial feature when using a cartridge for dispensing beverages based on dairy products such as milk.

Preferably, the cartridge also comprises means for producing a strong jet of beverage, wherein said means for producing a strong jet of beverage contains an opening in the path for the flow of an aqueous medium. A hole may be formed in the transition zone between the inner element and the outer element.

Preferably, the cartridge also comprises at least one air inlet and means for generating a pressure reduction in the beverage stream, whereby when used, the air from the at least one air inlet is included in the beverage in the form of a plurality of small bubbles. At least one air inlet may be located in the internal element after the opening in the upstream direction.

In one embodiment, at least one air inlet and means for lowering the pressure in the beverage stream allows foaming of one or more liquid beverage ingredients in a volume of more than 40%. Preferably more than 70%. Preferably, the cartridge is disk-shaped. The outer element and / or inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene.

In one example, the liquid beverage ingredient is a concentrated liquid dairy composition. Preferably, the concentrated liquid milk contains from 25 to 40% dry matter. More preferably, concentrated liquid milk contains 30% dry matter. Also preferably, concentrated liquid milk contains from 0.1 to 12% fat. On the other hand, one or more liquid beverage ingredients is selected from the group consisting of cocoa solids, coffee, tea, sweeteners, stimulants, condiments, spirits, flavored milk, fruit juices, squash (diluted juice), sauces and desserts.

The present invention also provides a method for dispensing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients during a duty cycle comprising the steps of passing an aqueous medium through the cartridge to form a beverage by diluting said one or more liquid ingredients, foaming said beverage and dispensing foamed drink in the receiver, as well as control the degree of dilution of the specified one or more beverage ingredients, so that the foamed dispensed beverage has a concentration at the beginning of bochego cycle from 30 to 70% solids and a concentration at the end of the duty cycle of 1 to 15% solids.

In one embodiment, the concentration at the beginning of the operating cycle is from 30 to 35% dry matter. The concentration at the end of the operating cycle is approximately 10% dry matter. The liquid ingredient may be concentrated milk. In another embodiment, the concentration at the beginning of the working cycle is from 60 to 70% of dry matter. The concentration at the end of the working cycle is from 12 to 15% dry matter. The liquid ingredient may contain cocoa solids. In another embodiment, the concentration at the beginning of the working cycle is from 40 to 70% of dry matter. The concentration at the end of the working cycle is from 1 to 2% dry matter. The liquid ingredient may contain coffee.

The present invention also provides a method for dispensing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients during a duty cycle comprising the steps of passing an aqueous medium through a cartridge to form a beverage by diluting said one or more liquid ingredients and dispensing the beverage to a receiver, one or more liquid beverage ingredients are foamed when dispensed to a level of from 20 to 150%.

Preferably, one or more liquid beverage ingredients is foamed to a level of 70 to 100%.

One or more liquid beverage ingredients may include one or more concentrated milk, coffee, and cocoa particles.

The present invention also provides a beverage obtained by these methods.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a cartridge for dispensing a beverage, which comprises the following operations:

a) manufacturing a plurality of external elements comprising at least an external element of the first type and an external element of the second type having different shapes and configurations;

b) manufacturing a plurality of internal elements comprising at least an internal element of the first type and an internal element of the second type, having different shapes and configurations;

c) storing said plurality of outer elements and said inner elements;

d) selecting from a plurality of external elements one of the external elements of the first type and one of the external elements of the second type;

e) the selection from the set of internal elements of one of the internal elements of the first type and one of the internal elements of the second type;

f) connecting the selected inner member to the selected outer member, such that the inner member is inside the outer member;

g) filling the outer element with one or more beverage ingredients selected from a plurality of beverage ingredients; and

h) sealing the outer element with a cap to form a cartridge.

The manufacturing method of the invention provides an economical means of producing a cartridge for dispensing one of a plurality of beverages. It is important that this cartridge is easily assembled from the main components of the inner element, the outer element, the beverage ingredient and the lid. Depending on the ingredient to be dispensed, various types of outer element, inner element and lid are made. However, the different types of outer element, inner element, and cap are interchangeable, so that special cartridges can be assembled from special combinations of the starting components. This leads to a reduction in the amount of all components that are required to be produced, without adversely affecting the variety of types of cartridges that can be produced. For example, an external element of the same type can be used to dispense filtered coffee and espresso coffee.

The cost of manufacturing a number of beverage cartridges is reduced through the use of interchangeable components. In addition, the types of outer element share essentially the same outer shape and configuration, so that all cartridges of this series can be used for dispensing using the same beverage machine.

Additionally, the method also provides, in step b, a connection with an inner element of a first type and / or a second type of filter element.

The outer element of the first type may be suitable for receiving fried and ground ingredients of a beverage or the like. The outer element of the second type may be suitable for receiving roasted and ground beverage ingredients or the like.

The inner element of the first type may be suitable for filtering the fried and ground ingredients of a beverage or the like. The inner element of the second type may be suitable for filtering the fried and ground ingredients of a beverage or the like. and to capture a plurality of air bubbles by the dispensed beverage.

The inner element of the first and second type may comprise a frame with a filter placed on it, in which the peripheral rim of the frame is connected to the selected type of outer element by welding.

By using individual components for the internal and external elements, which are then connected to an assembly unit by a welding process, the manufacture of each component and the assembly of the cartridge can be optimized. This is important for a true cartridge where very small tolerances are desired, since the path for the beverage to flow through the cartridge is limited by the transition zone between the outer element and the inner element. In addition, the components of the inner element and the outer element can be more easily sterilized before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after welding the components together, several narrow, winding channels are formed that cannot be effectively sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize components is a particularly beneficial feature when using a cartridge for dispensing beverages based on dairy products such as milk. The use of welding is a quick and reliable way to connect the inner and outer element. It is important that the welding method avoids glue or other similar adhesives inside the cartridge, where they will be open for contact with the ingredients of the drink.

Preferably, the inner element of the second type comprises means for producing a strong jet of beverage, comprising an opening in the path for the flow of beverage between the inlet and the outlet of the cartridge.

Preferably, the method comprises the manufacture and storage of an internal element of the third type. An internal element of the third type may be suitable for dispensing soluble ingredients of a beverage and the like.

Preferably, the method comprises the manufacture and storage of an internal element of the fourth type. The inner element of the fourth type may be suitable for dispensing liquid ingredients of a beverage and the like.

The inner elements of the third and fourth type may comprise a skirt surrounding the outlet, the skirt comprising an upper protrusion having an upper rim that engages when assembled with an interacting formation of an external element of the selected type, forming a snap fit to connect the internal element of the third or fourth type to external element of the selected type.

The present invention provides a cartridge system for dispensing a plurality of beverages, which comprises:

a) a plurality of external elements comprising at least an external element of the first type and an external element of the second type having different shapes and configurations;

b) a plurality of internal elements comprising at least an internal element of the first type and an internal element of the second type, having different shapes and configurations;

c) a variety of beverage ingredients and

d) at least one cap for sealing the cartridge;

in which each cartridge contains an outer element, an inner element, one or more beverage ingredients and a lid.

The present invention also provides a method for preparing a beverage, comprising the steps of:

a) introducing a first beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients into a beverage preparation machine;

b) operating said beverage preparation machine for passing an aqueous medium through a first beverage cartridge to dispense a first portion of said beverage to a receiver;

c) introducing a second beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients into the beverage preparation machine;

d) operating said machine for preparing a beverage to pass an aqueous medium through a second beverage cartridge to dispense a second portion of said beverage to a receiver;

moreover, one of the first and second beverage cartridges contains a liquid ingredient based on dairy products.

By using two or more cartridges for preparing a beverage, it is possible to obtain a wide selection of drinks in the same beverage machine. In addition, each cartridge can be optimized to deliver specific beverage ingredients. In particular, the ability to dispense liquid ingredients based on dairy products allows the formation of drinks with a genuine appearance, taste and sensation on the lips, which previously could only be obtained using systems not based on cartridges, such as using a separate steam probe for foaming mass volumes milk. The present method offers a reliable and easy-to-use system for the formation of such drinks.

Preferably, one of the first or second beverage cartridges contains an ingredient for forming the brewed portion of the beverage.

Preferably, the method also includes the step of removing the first beverage cartridge before inserting the second beverage cartridge.

In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is roasted and ground coffee. In another embodiment, the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is loose leaf tea. In yet another embodiment, the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is a liquid coffee ingredient.

Preferably, the beverage liquid ingredient is a concentrated milk-based product. Preferably, the concentrated milk-based product is concentrated liquid milk. Preferably, the concentrated liquid milk contains from 25 to 40% dry matter. More preferably, concentrated liquid milk contains 30% dry matter. In addition, preferably concentrated liquid milk contains from 0.1 to 12% fat.

Preferably, the method also includes a foaming operation during dispensing of one or more dairy based ingredients.

The present invention also provides a beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine having means for receiving various beverage cartridges and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges, the first beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients for preparing a first serving of said beverage, and the second beverage cartridge contains one or more beverage ingredients for preparing a second portion of said beverage, the first or second beverage cartridges contains a liquid dairy-based ingredient products.

It is understood that the term “cartridge” as used herein means any packaging, container, sachet or receptacle that contains one or more beverage ingredients as described above. The cartridge may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.

The cartridge of the invention contains one or more liquid beverage ingredients suitable for forming a finished beverage. The finished drink can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of coffee, tea, chocolate and a drink based on dairy products, including milk.

In the following description, the terms “upper” and “lower”, as well as their equivalents, will be used to describe the relative distribution of features of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower”, as well as equivalent to them, should be considered as referring to the cartridge (or other components) in their normal orientation for installation in a machine for preparing drinks and subsequent delivery, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In particular, “upper” and “lower” refer to relative positions closer and further from the upper surface 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the terms “internal” and “external”, as well as equivalent thereto, will be used to describe the relative position of the features of the invention. The terms "internal" and "external", as well as equivalent to them, should be considered as referring to the relative positions on the cartridge (or other components) located respectively closer and further from the center or main axis X of the cartridge 1 (or other component).

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view in cross section of the outer element of the first and second embodiments of the cartridge;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Figure 1, showing an inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion;

Figure 3 is a view in section of a detail of the outer element of Figure 1, showing a gap;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Figure 1 in an inverted position;

6 is a top view of the outer element of figure 1;

7 is a view in cross section of the inner element according to the first embodiment of the cartridge;

Fig.8 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.7;

Fig.9 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.7 in an inverted position;

Figure 10 is a top view of the inner element of Figure 7;

11 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

12 is a sectional view of an inner member of a second embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig.13 is a view in section of a detail of the inner element of Fig.12, showing the hole;

Fig.14 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.12;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the inner member of FIG. 12 in an inverted position; FIG.

Fig.16 is another view in cross section of the inner element of Fig.12;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another detail of the inner member of Fig. 12, showing an air inlet;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the outer element of the third and fourth cartridge embodiments;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Fig. 19, showing an inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion;

Fig.21 is a top view of the outer element of Fig.19;

Fig.22 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Fig.19;

Fig.23 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Fig.19 in an inverted position;

24 is a sectional view of an inner member of a third embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig.25 is a top view of the inner element of Fig.24;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a detail of the inner member of FIG. 24 showing an inwardly turned upper rim; FIG.

Fig.27 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.24;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 24 in an inverted position;

Fig. 29 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of an inner member of a fourth embodiment of the cartridge of the invention;

Fig - top view of the inner element of Fig;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 30;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 30 in an inverted position;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 35 is a front perspective view of a beverage machine for use with the present invention;

Fig. 36 is a front perspective view of the machine of Fig. 35 with the cartridge in the open position;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view from the rear of the machine of Fig. 35, where some details are omitted for clarity;

Fig. 38 is another perspective view from the rear of the machine of Fig. 35, where some details are omitted for clarity;

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of the cartridge head of the machine of Fig. 35, where some details are omitted for clarity;

Fig. 40 is another perspective view of the cartridge head of the machine of Fig. 35, in which some details are omitted for clarity;

Fig. 41 is a sectional view of the cartridge head in the closed position;

Fig. 42 is a sectional view of the cartridge head in the open position;

Fig. 43 is a block diagram of the machine of Fig. 35;

Figures 44a and 44b are block diagrams of the first and second code recognition means for the machine of Figure 35;

Fig - top view of the drink according to the invention, containing a bar code;

Figa is a graph of the concentration of the duration of the working cycle;

Fig.46b is a graph of the dependence of the formation of foam on the duration of the working cycle;

Fig. 46c is a graph of temperature versus duration of a duty cycle.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 generally comprises an outer element 2, an inner element 3 and a laminated material 5. The outer element 2, the inner element 3 and the laminated material 5 are assembled to form a cartridge 1 that has an inner part 120 for holding one or more beverage ingredients, inlet 121, outlet 122, and a path for a beverage flow that connects inlet 121 and outlet 122 and which passes through the interior 120. Inlet 121 and outlet 122 are initially sealed with laminated material 5 and open when used by punching or cutting through the laminated material 5. The path for the flow of the beverage is determined by the spatial relationships between the outer element 2, the inner element 3 and the laminated material 5, as will be discussed below. Other components, such as filter 4, may be further included in cartridge 1, as will be described later.

A first embodiment of the cartridge 1, which will be described as a basic embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 1-11. The first embodiment of cartridge 1 is in particular intended for use in dispensing filtered products, such as roasted and ground coffee or loose tea. However, this cartridge option 1 and other options described below can be used with other products, such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, stimulants, condiments, spirits, flavored milk, fruit juices, fruit juice with sparkling water, booze and Dessert.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 1 has a generally circular or disk-shaped shape, with the diameter of the cartridge 1 being significantly greater than its height. The main axis X passes through the center of the outer element, as shown in figure 1. Typically, the entire diameter of the outer element 2 is 74.5 mm ± 6 mm, and the total height is 16 mm ± 3 mm. Typically, the volume of cartridge 1 after assembly is 30.2 ml ± 20%.

The outer element 2 comprises a generally cup-shaped casing 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open lower part 12. The diameter of the outer element 2 on the top 11 is less than the diameter of the lower part 12, which is associated with the expansion of the annular wall 13 downward, the transition from the closed top 11 to the open bottom 12. The annular wall 13 and the closed top 11 together form a receiver with the inner part 34.

In the closed top 11, an inwardly hollow cylindrical protrusion 18 is made, centered on the main axis X. As is best shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical protrusion 18 comprises a step profile having first, second and third sections 19, 20 and 21. The first section 19 has the shape of a regular round cylinder. The second section 20 has the shape of a truncated cone and is beveled inward. The third section 21 is another section with the shape of a regular round cylinder and is closed by the lower surface 31. The diameter of the first, second and third sections 19, 20 and 21 decreases sequentially, so that the diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 18 decreases when moving from the top 11 to the closed lower surface 31 of the cylindrical protrusion 18. A substantially horizontal shoulder 32 is formed on the cylindrical protrusion 18 at the junction between the second and third sections 20 and 21.

An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed on the outer element 2 in the direction of the lower part 12. The outwardly extending shoulder 33 forms a secondary wall 15 coaxial with the annular wall 13 so as to form an annular path defining a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13. The collector 16 runs around the circumference of the outer element 2. In the annular wall 13, a series of slots 17 are made flush with the manifold 16 to allow gas and liquid to move between the collector 16 and the inner part 34 of the outer element 2. As shown in FIG. 3, Do 17 comprise vertical slits in the annular wall 13 is used 20 to 40 slots. In the illustrated embodiment, thirty-seven slots 17 are used equally spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 17 preferably have a length of 1.4 to 1.8 mm. Typically, the length of each gap is 1.6 mm, accounting for 10% of the total height of the outer element 2. The width of each gap is from 0.25 to 0.35 mm. Typically, the width of each gap is 0.3 mm. Slots 17 are narrow enough to prevent the ingress of beverage ingredients into collector 16 both during storage and use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer element 2 along the periphery of the outer element 2. As is best shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical wall 27 is provided which forms the inlet chamber 26 and separates the inlet chamber 26 from the inner part 34 of the outer element 2. The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper surface 28, which is located in a plane perpendicular to the main axis X, and an open lower end 29, which is in the same plane with the lower part 12 of the outer element 2. The inlet chamber 26 communicates, as shown in figure 1, with to llektorom 16 through two slots 30. On the other hand, for communication between the manifold 16 and the inlet chamber 26 may be used between one and four slots.

The lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is provided with an outwardly extending flange 35 that extends perpendicular to the main axis X. Typically, the flange 35 has a width of 2 to 4 mm. Part of the flange 35 is enlarged, forming a handle 24, for which you can hold the outer element 2. The handle 24 is equipped with an upward facing rib 25 in order to improve the grip.

The outer element 2 is made in one piece of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester or laminated material from two or more of these materials. Suitable polypropylene can be selected from polymers from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, UK). The outer element may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The manufacturing process may be injection molding.

The inner element 3, as shown in Figs. 7-10, contains an annular frame 41 and a cylindrical funnel 40 extending downward. The main axis X, as shown in Fig. 7, passes through the center of the inner element 3.

As shown best in FIG. 8, the annular frame 41 comprises an outer rim 51 and an inner sleeve 52, which are connected by ten equally spaced radial bridges 53. The inner sleeve 52 forms and departs from the cylindrical funnel 40. Filter openings 55 are provided in the annular frame 41 between the radial bridges 53. The filter 4 is arranged on the annular frame 41 so as to cover the filter openings 55. The filter is preferably made of a material having high wet strength, for example, non-woven fibrous material made of polyester. Other materials that can be used include waterproof cellulosic material, such as cellulosic material containing non-woven paper fibers. Non-woven paper fibers can be mixed with fibers of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene. The incorporation of these plastic materials into the cellulosic material makes the cellulosic material thermally adhesive. The filter 4 can also be treated and coated with a material that is activated by heating and / or pressure, so that it can adhere to the annular frame 41 in this way.

As shown in the cross section of FIG. 7, when the inner sleeve 52 is located in a lower position relative to the outer rim 51, the annular frame 41 has an inclined lower profile.

The upper surface of each jumper 53 is provided with an uprising baffle 54, which divides the cavity space above the annular frame 41 into a plurality of passages 57. Each pass 57 is bounded on the sides by a baffle 54 and from below by a filter 4. The passages 57 extend from the outer rim 51 down to the cylindrical funnel 40, opening into openings 56 formed by the inner edges of the partitions 54.

The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an inner pipe 42 surrounding the inner dispensing pipe 43. The outer pipe 42 forms the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40. The dispensing pipe 43 is connected to the outer pipe 42 at the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43 by means of an annular flange 47. The dispensing pipe 43 contains at the upper end an inlet 45, which communicates with the openings 56 of the passages 57 and an outlet 44 at the lower end, through which the prepared beverage is dispensed into a cup or other receiver. The dispensing pipe 43 comprises a section in the form of a truncated cone 48 at the upper end and a cylindrical section 58 at the lower end. The cylindrical section 58 may have a slight taper, so that it tapers towards the outlet 44. The truncated cone-shaped portion 48 helps to transfer the beverage from the passages 57 downward towards the exit 44 without imparting turbulence to the beverage. The upper surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion 48 is provided with four support bridges 49 equally spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The support bridges 49 form channels 50 between them. The upper edges of the supporting jumpers 49 are located at the same level with each other and perpendicular to the main axis X.

The inner element 3 can be made integrally from polypropylene or a similar material, as described above, and by injection molding in the same way as the outer element 2.

Alternatively, the inner element 3 and / or the outer element 2 can be made of a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials include biodegradable polyethylene (e.g. SPITEK from Symphony Environmental, Borhamwood, UK), biodegradable polyetheramide (e.g. BAK 1095 from Symphony Environmental), dairy polyacids (PLA from Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

Laminated material 5 is formed of two layers, the first layer of aluminum and the second layer of molded polypropylene. The thickness of the aluminum layer is from 0.02 to 0.07 mm. The thickness of the cast polypropylene layer is from 0.025 to 0.065 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm. This laminate is particularly suitable because it has great resistance to torsion during assembly. As a result, the laminated material 5 can be pre-cut to the desired size and shape and then transferred to the assembly section of the production line, while it is not warped. Therefore, the laminated material 5 is particularly suitable for welding. Other laminated materials may be used, including PET / Aluminum / PP, PE / EVON / PP, PET / metallized / PP and Aluminum / PP. Instead of cut blanks, it is possible to use laminated material in rolls.

Instead of a flexible laminated material, the cartridge 1 may be closed with a rigid or semi-rigid cover.

The assembly of the cartridge 1 includes the following operations:

a) the inner element 3 is inserted into the outer element 2;

b) the filter 4 is cut out to the desired shape and placed on the inner element 3 in such a way as to place it on top of the cylindrical funnel 40 and lay on the ring frame 41;

c) the inner element 3, the outer element 2 and the filter 4 are connected by ultrasonic welding;

d) cartridge 1 is filled with one or more beverage ingredients;

e) the laminated material 5 is attached to the outer element 2.

These operations will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer element 2 is arranged with the open lower part 12 facing up. The inner element 3 is then inserted into the outer element 2 with the outer rim 51 freely fitted into the axial protrusion 14 on the top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical protrusion 18 of the outer element 2 is at the same time inserted into the upper part of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3. The third section 21 the cylindrical protrusion 18 is placed inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the bottom surface 31 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 closed, resting on the supporting bridges 49 of the inner element 3. Then, the filter 4 is placed on the inner element 3 so that the filter is in contact with the annular rim 51. After that, the ultrasonic welding process is used to connect the filter 4 with the inner element 3 simultaneously with the operation of the process of connecting the inner element 3 with the outer element 2. The inner element 3 and the filter 4 are welded along the outer rim 51. The inner element 3 and the outer element 2 is connected using welds around the outer rim 51 and, in addition, along the upper edges of the jumpers 54.

As is most clearly shown in FIG. 11, the outer element 2 and the inner element 3, being connected to each other, form a cavity 130 in the inner part 120 below the annular flange 41 and the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40, forming a filter chamber. The filter chamber 130 and the passages 57 above the annular frame 41 are separated by filter paper 4.

The filter chamber 130 contains one or more beverage ingredients 200. One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in a filter chamber 130. For a filtered type beverage, the ingredient is usually roasted ground coffee or loose tea. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the filter chamber 130 may vary as desired. Typically, to obtain a filtered finished coffee filter chamber contains from 5.0 to 10.2 grams of roasted and ground coffee in the filter layer with a usual thickness of 5-14 mm. Additionally, the inner part 120 may contain one or more elements such as balls that move freely in the inner part 120, facilitating mixing by stimulating turbulence and destroying the accumulation of beverage ingredients during dispensing.

The laminated material 5 is then attached to the outer element 2 by forming a weld seam 126 around the periphery of the laminated material 5 to connect the laminated material 5 to the lower surface of the outward flange 35. Welded seam 126 continues to tightly attach the laminated material 5 to the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Next, between the laminated material 5 and the lower edge of the outer pipe 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40, a weld 125 is formed. The laminated material 5 forms the lower the wall of the filter chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and the cylindrical funnel 40. However, before dispensing, a small gap 123 exists between the laminated material 5 and the lower edge of the dispensing pipe 43. Various welding methods, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, may be used, depending on the characteristics laminated material 5.

Preferably, the inner element 3 extends between the outer element 2 and the laminated material 5. The inner element 3 is made of a material having relative stiffness, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner element 3 forms a load bearing element that serves to hold the laminated material 5 and the outer element 2 separated by compression of the cartridge 1. It is desirable that when using the cartridge 1 was subjected to a compressive load of 130 to 280 N, and the load is applied by the machine the drink into which the cartridge is inserted. The compressive force helps to prevent the destruction of the cartridge under the influence of internal pressure and also serves to press against each other the inner element 3 and the outer element 2. This ensures that the internal dimensions of the passages and holes in the cartridge 1 remain fixed and cannot change during injection cartridge pressure 1.

For use, cartridge 1 is first inserted into a beverage machine, opening inlet 121 and exit 122 by the punching elements of a beverage machine that punches and bends the laminate 5. Water, usually water, enters the cartridge 1 under pressure through inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 under a pressure of 0.1-2.0 bar. From here, water is directed for flow through the slots 30 and around the collector 16 into the filter chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17. Water is directed radially inward through the filter chamber 130 and mixed with the beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. At the same time, water is directed up through the ingredients of the drink. The drink formed by the passage of water through the ingredients of the beverage passes through the filter 4 and the filter holes 55 into the passages 57 that lie above the annular frame 41. The tight connection of the filter 4 with the jumpers 53 and the welding of the rim 51 to the outer element 2 ensures no bypasses and that that the entire beverage must pass through filter 4.

The beverage then flows down along the radial passages 57 formed between the jumpers 54 and through the openings 56 into a cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage passes along the channels 50 between the support jumpers 47 and down the dispensing pipe 43 to the outlet 44, where the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver.

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises a purge device that delivers compressed air through the cartridge 1 at the end of the operating cycle to drain the remaining beverage into the receiver.

12-18 shows a second embodiment of cartridge 1. A second embodiment of cartridge 1 is designed specifically for dispensing espresso products, such as roasted and ground coffee, where it is desirable to produce a beverage containing foam from tiny bubbles known as “creams” ( Italian. "foam") . Many features of the second embodiment of cartridge 1 are the same as in the first embodiment, and the same numeric positions are used to indicate the same features. In the following description, differences between the first and second options will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

The outer element 2 has the same design as in the first embodiment of the cartridge 1, and as shown in figures 1-6.

The annular frame 41 of the inner element 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, the filter 4 is located on the annular frame 41 so as to cover the filter holes 55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 is also the same as before. However, there are a number of differences in the design of the inner element 2 of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the dispensing pipe 43 is provided with a partition 65, which partially extends up the dispensing pipe 43 from the outlet 44. The partition 65 helps to prevent the beverage from splashing and / or splashing when it leaves the dispensing pipe 43. The profile of the dispensing pipe 43 also different and contains a stepped profile with clearly visible curvature 66 near the upper end of the pipe 43.

A rim 67 is provided that rises from the annular flange 47 and connects the outer pipe 42 to the dispensing pipe 43. The rim 47 surrounds the inlet 45 of the dispensing pipe 43 and forms an annular channel 69 between the rim 67 and the upper part of the outer pipe 42. The rim 67 is provided with an inward-facing shoulder 68 In one place around the circumference of the rim 67, a hole 70 is made in the form of a slit extending from the upper edge of the rim 67 to a place located at a minimum distance below the level of the shoulder 68, as best shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The width of the slit is 0.64 mm

An air inlet 71 is provided in the annular flange 47 around the circumference with the hole 70, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The air inlet 71 includes a hole passing through the flange 47 in such a way as to ensure communication between the place above the flange 47 and the cavity below the flange 47 between the outer pipe and the dispensing pipe 43. Preferably and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises a truncated conical upper portion 73 and a lower cylindrical portion 72. The air inlet 71 is typically formed by a molding tool, such as a stud. The taper profile of the air inlet 71 facilitates removal of the molding tool from the molded component. The wall of the outer pipe 42 near the air inlet 71 is shaped like a groove 75 leading from the air inlet 71 to the inlet 45 of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in FIG. 17, a beveled shoulder 74 is formed between the air inlet 71 and the groove 75 to guarantee that a strong jet of beverage leaving the slot 70 does not immediately hit the upper surface of the flange 47 in the immediate vicinity of the air inlet 71.

The assembly procedure of the second embodiment of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first embodiment. However, there are certain differences. As shown in FIG. 18, the third portion 21 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 is placed inside the support rim 67 rather than on the support jumpers. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 between the second portion 20 and the third portion 21 rests on the upper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner element 3. Thus, a transition zone 124 is formed between the inner element 3 and the outer element 2, containing an end seal between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the supporting rim 67 extending almost the entire circumference of the cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the support rim 67 is not impermeable to the fluid, since the gap 70 in the support rim 67 passes through the support rim 67 and down to a place immediately below the shoulder 68. As a result, the transition between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the support rim 67 turns the slot 70 into the hole 128, as shown best in FIG. 18, allowing gas and liquid to pass between the annular channel 69 and the dispensing pipe 43. The hole typically has a width of 0.64 mm and a length of 0.69 mm.

The operation of the second cartridge option when dispensing a beverage is similar to the operation of the first embodiment, but with some differences. The drink in the radial passages 57 flows down the passages 57 formed between the jumpers 54 and through the openings 56 into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the annular channel 69, the beverage is guided through the opening 128 by backpressing the beverage collecting in the filter chamber 130 and the passages 57. The beverage thus, it passes under pressure through the opening 128 in the form of a strong jet and enters the expansion chamber formed by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in Fig. 18, the strong jet of the beverage does not pass directly above the air inlet 71. When the beverage enters dispensing pipe 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is captured by the beverage jet in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked through the air inlet 71. A strong jet of beverage exiting the opening 128 is directed downward to exit 44, where the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver where air bubbles form the desired cream. Thus, the hole 128 and the inlet 71 for air together form an ejector, which serves to capture air by the drink. The flow of the beverage into the ejector must be kept as smooth as possible in order to reduce pressure loss. Preferably, the walls of the ejector should be concave in order to reduce losses due to the frictional boundary effect. Hole tolerances 128 are small. Preferably, the hole dimensions are set with a deviation of plus or minus 0.02 mm ² . Inside or at the exit of the ejector, hairs, fine fibers or other surface irregularities may be provided in order to increase the effective cross-sectional area, which may contribute to an increase in air entrainment.

19-29 show a third embodiment of the cartridge 1 according to the invention. The third embodiment of cartridge 1 is specifically designed for use in dispensing soluble products, which may be in the form of a powder, liquid, syrup, gel, or similar form. A soluble product is dissolved in or suspended in an aqueous medium, such as water, during the passage of the aqueous medium through use of cartridge 1. Examples of beverages include chocolate, coffee, milk, soup, or other dehydrated or water-soluble products. Many features of the third embodiment of cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous embodiments, and the same numeric positions are used to indicate the same features. In the following description, differences between the third and previous versions will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

As shown in FIG. 20, compared with the outer member 2 according to the previous embodiments, the hollow inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion 18 of the outer member 2 according to the third embodiment has a larger outer diameter. In particular, the diameter of the first section 19 is usually from 16 to 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for the outer element 2 of the previous options. In addition, the first portion 19 is provided with a convex outer surface 19a, or bloating, as most clearly shown in FIG. 20, the functions of which will be described below. However, the diameter of the third portions 21 of the cartridges 1 is the same, so that the area of the shoulder 32 in this third embodiment of the cartridge 1 is larger. Typically, the volume of the cartridge 1 in assembled form is 32.5 ml ± 20%.

The number and arrangement of slots at the lower end of the annular wall 13 also differ. 3 to 5 slots are used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, four slots 36 are spaced around the circumference of the collector 16. The slots 36 are slightly wider than in the previous embodiments of the cartridge 1, having a width of 0.35 to 0.45 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

In other respects, the outer elements 2 of the cartridges 1 are the same.

The design of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is the same as in the first embodiment of the cartridge 1, with the outer tube 42, the dispensing pipe 45, the annular flange 45 and the supporting bridges 49. The only difference is that the dispensing pipe 45 is provided with an upper portion 92 in the shape of a truncated cone and the lower cylindrical section 93.

Unlike the previous options and as shown in Figs. 24-28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a detail in the form of a skirt 80 that surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40 and is connected to it by eight radial brackets 87 that are adjacent to the cylindrical funnel 40 on the annular flange 47 or next to it. The cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80 extends upward from the brackets 87 to form a chamber 90 with an open upper surface. As shown in FIG. 26, the upper rim 91 of the cylindrical protrusion 81 has an inwardly bent profile. The annular wall 82 of the skirt 80 extends downward from the brackets 87 to form an annular channel 86 between the skirt 80 and the outer pipe 42.

The annular wall 82 contains at its lower end an outgoing flange 83 located perpendicular to the main axis X. The rim 84 extends downward from the bottom surface of the flange 83 and contains five holes 85 equally spaced around the circumference of the rim 84. Thus, the rim 84 is provided with a toothed lower profile.

Between the brackets 87 are formed openings 89, providing communication between the camera 90 and the annular channel 86.

The assembly procedure of the third embodiment of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first embodiment if there are some differences. The outer element 2 and the inner element 3 are tightly joined together, as shown in FIG. 20, and held together by snap fit, rather than welding. When two elements are connected, the inwardly cylindrical protrusion 18 enters into the upper cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80. The inner element 3 is held in the outer element 2 by the frictional interaction of the convex outer wall 19a of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 with the rim 91 of the upper cylindrical protrusion 81 bent inward. an inner element 3 located in the outer element 2, a mixing chamber 134 is formed located outside the skirt 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the ingredients 200 of the beverage d cooking it. It should be noted that the four inlets 36 and five holes 85 are located around the circumference with an offset relative to each other. The radial arrangement of the two parts relative to each other does not need to be determined or fixed during assembly, since the use of two inputs 36 and five holes 85 guarantees the absence of alignment between the inputs and holes regardless of the relative rotation of the components.

One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in a mixing chamber 134 of the cartridge. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the mixing chamber 134 can be varied as desired.

Then, laminated material 5 is attached to the outer element 2 and the inner element 3 in the same manner as described above for the previous embodiments.

In use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through four slots 36 in the same manner as in previous cartridge embodiments. Water is pumped radially inward through the mixing chamber and mixed with the beverage ingredients contained therein. The product dissolves or mixes in water and forms a drink in the mixing chamber 134, which is then diverted through the openings 85 into the annular channel 86 under the influence of the backpressure of the drink and water in the mixing chamber 134. The circumferential placement of four inlet slots 36 and five openings 85 guarantees that strong jets of water cannot radially pass directly from the inlet slots 36 to the openings 85 without circulation in the mixing chamber 134. Thus, the degree and uniformity of dilution and mixing of the product is significantly increased. The beverage is discharged upward into the annular channel 86 through the openings 89 between the brackets 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage passes from the chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between the support jumpers 49 into the dispensing pipe 43 in the direction of the outlet 44, where the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver. The cartridge finds particular use with the beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application, cartridge 1 contains an ingredient in the form of liquid chocolate with a viscosity of 1,700 to 3,900 mPa at ambient temperature and 5,000 to 10,000 mPa at 0 ° C and refractory dry matter in an amount of 67 brix ± 3. In another application, cartridge 1 contains liquid coffee with a viscosity of 70 to 2000 MPa at ambient temperature and 80 to 5000 MPa at 0 ° C, where the coffee has a total solids content of 40 to 70%. The liquid coffee ingredient may contain from 0.1 to 2.0 wt.% Sodium bicarbonate and preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 wt.%. Sodium bicarbonate is used to maintain the pH of coffee at a level of 4.8 or lower, ensuring the shelf life of filled coffee cartridges is up to 12 months.

30 to 34 show a fourth embodiment of the cartridge 1 of the invention. The fourth embodiment of the cartridge 1 is intended in particular for use in dispensing liquid products, such as concentrated liquid milk. Many features of the fourth embodiment of cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous embodiments, and the same numeric positions are used to indicate the same features. In the following description, differences between the fourth and previous versions will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

The outer member 2 has the same construction as in the third embodiment of the cartridge 1 and as shown in FIGS. 19-23.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is similar to that shown in the second embodiment of the cartridge 1, but with some differences. As shown in FIG. 30, the dispensing nozzle 43 is provided with an upper section in the form of a truncated cone and a lower cylindrical section 107. On the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle 43 there are three axial ribs 105 designed to guide the dispensed beverage in the direction of exit 44 and not allow turbulence of the dispensed beverage in the nozzle. As a result, the ribs 105 serve as reflective partitions. As in the second embodiment of the cartridge 1, the air inlet 71 is made in an annular flange 47. However, the pipe 75 under the air inlet 71 is more elongated than in the second embodiment.

Similarly to the third embodiment of cartridge 1 described above, there is a skirt portion 80. In the rim 84 there are from 5 to 12 holes. Typically, instead of the five holes provided for the third embodiment of cartridge 1, ten holes are provided.

An annular bowl 100 is provided, extending from the flange 83 of the skirt 80 and forming one with it. The annular bowl 100 contains a bell 101 with the upper hole 104 facing up. The four feed openings 103 are shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 and are located in the element 101 at or near the lower end of the bowl 100 where it is connected to the skirt 80. Preferably, the supply openings are equally spaced around the circumference of the bowl 100.

Laminated material 5 is of the type described above in previous embodiments.

The assembly procedure of the fourth embodiment of cartridge 1 is the same as that of the third embodiment.

The operation of the fourth cartridge option is similar to the operation of the third cartridge. Water enters the cartridge 1 and into the mixing chamber 134 in the same way as before. Here, water is mixed with the liquid product and dilutes it, after which it is diverted under pressure below the bowl 100 and through the openings 85 in the outlet direction 44, as described above. A portion of the liquid product initially contained in the annular bowl 100, as shown in FIG. 34, is not immediately diluted with water entering the mixing chamber 134. Most likely, the diluted liquid product at the bottom of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through openings 85 instead to flow up and into the annular bowl 100 through the upper opening 104. As a result, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated in the initial stages of the operating cycle compared to the product in the lower part mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 seeps through the supply openings 103 under the influence of gravity into the product stream leaving the mixing chamber 134 through the openings 85 and under the bowl 100. The annular bowl serves to equalize the concentration of the diluted liquid product entering the cylindrical funnel 40 by delaying a portion of the concentrated liquid product and gradually dispensing it into the channel for the outgoing liquid stream, as shown in Fig. 46a, where the milk concentration, measured in percent, is shown of dry matter, within the working cycle, lasting about 15 seconds. Line “a” shows the concentration profile in the presence of bowl 100, while line “b” shows the cartridge without bowl 100. You can see that the concentration profile in the presence of bowl 100 during the work cycle is more uniform and there is no sharp drop in concentration at the very beginning, as happens in the absence of a bowl of 100. The initial concentration of milk is usually 30-35% SS (solids), and at the end of the cycle it is 10% SS. This leads to a dilution factor of about 3 to 1, although dilution ratios of 1 to 1 to 6 to 1 are possible according to the invention. For other liquid beverage ingredients, the concentration may vary. For example, in the case of liquid chocolate, the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS, and at the end of the cycle 12-15% SS. The result is a dilution factor (ratio of the aqueous medium to the beverage ingredient in the dispensed beverage) of the order of 5 to 1, although dilution factors of 2 to 1 to 10 to 1 are possible according to the invention. In the case of liquid coffee, the initial concentration is from 40 to 67%, and concentration at the end of delivery of 1-2% SS. The result is a dilution factor of 20 to 1 to 70 to 1, although dilution factors of 10 to 1 to 100 to 1 are possible according to the invention.

From the annular channel 86, the beverage is guided through the opening 128 by means of counter-pressure of the beverage collected in the filter chamber 134 and the chamber 90. The beverage is thus passed under pressure through the strong jet inlet 128 and enters the expansion chamber formed by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown on Fig, a strong jet of drink passes directly above the inlet 71 for air. When the beverage enters dispensing pipe 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is captured by the beverage jet in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked through the air inlet 71. A strong jet of beverage exiting the opening 128 is directed downward to exit 44, where the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver where air bubbles form the desired foam.

It is important that the inner element 3, the outer element 2, the laminated material 5 and the filter 4 can all be easily sterilized, since these components can be separated and do not contain winding passages or narrow slots separately. The required passages are formed only after connecting the components after sterilization. This is especially important when the ingredient in the beverage is a milk-based product, such as a liquid milk concentrate.

A fourth embodiment of the beverage cartridge is particularly suitable for dispensing a concentrated liquid dairy product, such as liquid milk. Previously, powdered dairy products were offered in the form of a sachet for adding to a pre-prepared beverage. However, in a cappuccino type beverage, it is necessary to froth milk. This was previously achieved by passing steam through a liquid dairy product. However, this requires the organization of steam supply, which increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to dispense the drink. Using steam also increases the risk of injury when operating the cartridge. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage cartridge that contains a concentrated liquid milk-based product. It was found that due to the concentration of the milk product, it is possible to achieve the formation of a greater amount of foam based on a certain volume of milk compared to using fresh or pasteurized milk. This reduces the size required for the milk cartridge. Fresh half-skimmed milk contains approximately 1.6% fat and 10% dry matter. Concentrated liquid milk suitable for the invention contains from 0.1 to 12% fat and 25-40% dry matter. In a typical example, the milk load contains 4% fat and 30% dry matter. Concentrated milk dressings are suitable for foaming using a low pressure prep machine, as described below. In particular, foaming of milk is achieved at a pressure below 2 bar, preferably about 1.5 bar, using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.

Foaming concentrated milk is especially important for drinks such as cappuccino and milkshakes. Preferably, the flow of milk through the opening 128 and above the air inlet 71, with the additional use of the bowl 100, allows foaming levels of milk to be greater than 40%, preferably greater than 70%. For liquid chocolate, a foaming rate of more than 70% is possible. For liquid coffee, a foaming rate of more than 70% is possible. The level of foaming is measured as the ratio of the volume of the obtained foam to the volume of dispensed liquid ingredient of the drink. For example, in the case of dispensing 138.3 ml of a drink, of which 58.3 ml is foam, foaming is measured as [58.3 / (138.3-58.3)] x 100 = 72.9%. Foaming of milk (and other liquid ingredients) is improved by using a bowl 100, as shown in Fig. 46b. The foaming capacity of milk dispensed with a bowl of 100 (line a) is higher than that of milk dispensed without a cup (line b). This is due to the fact that the foaming of milk is directly related to the concentration of milk and, as shown in Fig. 35a, the bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of milk during most of the working cycle. It is also known that foaming of milk is directly related to the temperature of the aqueous medium, as shown in FIG. Thus, the bowl 100 creates advantages, since most of the milk remains in the cartridge until the end of the working cycle, when the aqueous medium is heated more strongly. This also contributes to increased foaming.

The cartridge of the fourth embodiment also provides advantages in dispensing liquid coffee products.

It has been found that embodiments of the beverage cartridge of the invention have the advantage of providing improved constancy of dispensed beverage compared to cartridges used so far. The following table 1 shows the results of the yield of the drink for twenty samples for each of the cartridges A and B containing roasted ground coffee. Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge B is an existing cartridge type described in Applicant Application WO 01/58786. The refractive index of the prepared beverage is changed in brix and converted to the percentage of soluble solids (% SS) using standard tables and formulas. In the examples below:

% SS = 0.7774 x (value in brix) + 0.0569

Yield,% = (% SS x beverage volume (g)) / (100 x coffee weight (g))

Table 1 Cartridge A Sample The volume of drink, g Weight of coffee, g Brix % SS (x) Exit, % one 105.6 6.5 1,58 1.29 20.88 2 104.24 6.5 1,64 1.33 21.36 3 100.95 6.5 1,67 1.36 21.06 four 102,23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80 5 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67 6 107.54 6.5 1,59 1.29 21.39 7 102.70 6.5 1,67 1.36 21.41 8 97.77 6.5 1.86 1,50 22.61 9 97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75 10 97.83 6.5 1,67 1.36 20.40 eleven 97.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63 12 106.64 6.5 1,61 1.31 21.47 13 99.26 6.5 1,54 1.25 19.15 fourteen 97.29 6.5 1,59 1.29 19.35 fifteen 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23 16 104.23 6.5 1,61 1.31 20.98 17 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03 eighteen 100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14 19 101.67 6.5 1,67 1.36 21,20 twenty 101.32 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.24 average 20,99 Cartridge B Sample The volume of drink, g Weight of coffee, g Brix % SS (x) Exit, % one 100.65 6.5 1.87 1,511 23.39 2 95.85 6.5 1.86 1,503 22.16 3 98.4 6.5 1.8 1,456 22.04 four 92.43 6.5 2,3 1,845 26.23 5 100.26 6.5 1.72 1,394 21.50 6 98.05 6.5 2.05 1,651 24.90 7 99.49 6.5 1.96 1,581 24.19 8 95.62 6.5 2,3 1,845 27.14 9 94.28 6.5 2.17 1,744 25.29 10 96.13 6.5 1.72 1,394 20.62 eleven 96.86 6.5 1.81 1,484 21.82 12 94.03 6.5 2.2 1,767 25.56 13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1,441 21.34 fourteen 95.85 6.5 1.95 1,573 23.19 fifteen 95.36 6.5 1.88 1,518 22.28 16 92.73 6.5 1.89 1,596 21.77 17 88 6.5 1,59 1,293 17.50 eighteen 93.5 6.5 2.08 1,674 24.08 19 100.88 6.5 1.75 1,417 22.00 twenty 84.77 6.5 2,37 1,899 24.77 average 23.09

Statistical analysis of the indicated student data yielded the following results:

table 2 Student Test: Scatter across two supposedly identical samples Exit, %
(cartridge A) Exit, %
(cartridge B) Average 20,99 23.09 Scatter 0.77 5.04 Observations twenty twenty Total spread 2.90 Estimated Average Difference 0 Df 38 Check Start -3.90 P (T <= t) one-sided criterion 0.000188 t critical one-way criterion 1,686 P (T <= t) two-sided criterion 0,000376 t critical two-way criterion 2,0244 Standard deviation 0.876 2,245

The analysis shows that the yield constant in%, which corresponds to the strength of the drink, is significantly better for the cartridges according to the invention (at a confidence level of 95%) than in the cartridges used so far, with a standard deviation of 0.88% compared to 2.24% . This means that the drinks that are dispensed using the cartridge according to the invention have a more reproducible and uniform strength. This is preferred by consumers who regularly consume their drink and do not like accidental changes in its strength.

The materials of the cartridges described above may be provided with a protective coating in order to increase their resistance to oxygen and / or moisture, and / or the penetration of other contaminants. The protective coating can also improve the resistance to leakage of beverage ingredients from the cartridges and / or reduce the degree of extraction of extractable substances from the cartridge materials, which can adversely affect the beverage ingredients. The protective coating may be a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, EVOH, polyvinylidene chloride or metallized material. The protective coating can be applied in several ways, including, but not limited to, vacuum deposition, vapor deposition, plasma coating, bimetallic extrusion, mold marking, and two- and multi-stage molding.

A beverage preparation machine 201 for use with the present invention for use with the beverage cartridges described above is shown in FIGS. 35-45. The beverage preparation machine 201 includes a whole housing 210 including a water tank 220, a water heater 225, a water pump 230, an air compressor 235, a control processor, a user interface 240, and a cartridge head 250. The cartridge head 250 in turn comprises a cartridge holder 251 designed to hold the beverage cartridge 1 in use, cartridge recognition means 252, punching devices 253 and 254 at the inlet and outlet, intended to be formed in the beverage cartridge 1 during use zovaniya input 121 and output 122.

The housing 210 holds and holds in place the other components of the machine 201. The housing 210 is preferably made in whole or in part from a strong plastic such as ABS. Alternatively, the housing 210 may be wholly or partially made of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum. The housing 210 preferably has a grab-shaped construction, having a front half 211 and a rear half 212 that provide assembly access for installing components of the machine 201, which can then be connected together to form the inside 213 of the housing 210. The rear half 212 has a recess 214 for mounting water tank 220. The housing 210 is made with means such as latches, supports, tides and threaded sections, designed to hold the components of the machine 201 in the desired position without the need to use the department Foot chassis. This reduces the overall cost and weight of the machine 201. The base 215 of the housing 210 is preferably provided with legs for stable placement of the machine on them. On the other hand, the base 215 itself may be in the form of a stable support.

The front half 211 of the housing 210 contains a dispensing section 270, on which the beverage is dispensed. The dispensing section 270 comprises a receiving stand 271 having a hollow interior forming a pallet 272. The upper surface 273 of the receiving stand is provided with a grill 274 on which the receiver is placed. The tray 272 may be removed from the housing 210 in order to facilitate removal of accumulated water. In the front half of the housing 210 above the receiving stand 271, a recess 275 is made, which makes it possible to adapt to the dimensions of the receiver.

The cartridge head 250 is located, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, in the direction of the top of the housing 210 above the receiving stand. Desirably, the height of the grill 274 relative to the cartridge head 250 can be adjusted to be able to receive receivers of various sizes. It is desirable that the receiver be as close as possible to the cartridge head 250, while allowing the installation and removal of the receiver from the dispensing section 270 so as to minimize the height that the dispensed beverage should lower before touching the receiver. This minimizes the splashing and splashing of the drink and minimizes the loss of trapped air bubbles where they are present. Preferably, receivers from 70 mm to 110 mm high can be inserted between the grill 274 and the cartridge head 250.

The user interface 240 of the machine is located in front of the housing 210 and includes a start / stop button 241 and several status indicators 243-246.

Status indicators 243-246 preferably include a light emitting diode (LED) 243, designed to indicate the availability of the machine 201, LED 244, indicating the error that occurred in the operation of the machine 201, and one or more LEDs 245-256, designed to indicate whether the machine 201 is in manual or automatic mode. On command, the LEDs 243-256 can be lit with constant intensity, flash intermittently or show both depending on the state of the machine 201. The LEDs 243-256 can have various colors, including green, red and yellow.

The start / stop button 241 controls the start of a duty cycle and is a manually operated button, switch, and the like.

It is possible to use a volume control device that allows the user of the machine 201 to manually adjust the volume of dispensed beverage without changing other performance characteristics. Preferably, the volume control device allows you to adjust the volume within plus / minus 20%. The volume control device can be a rotary flywheel, a linear slider, a digital indicator with increment and decrease buttons and the like. Typically, the volume is controlled by the user using the start / stop button 241.

On machine 201, a manual power switch (not shown) may be provided. On the other hand, power can be controlled simply by plugging in or unplugging the power plug from the mains.

A water tank 220 is located at the rear of the housing 210 and is connected to the rear half 212 of the housing 210. The water tank 220 includes a generally cylindrical housing 221, which may be a regular circular cylinder or may have the shape of a truncated cone, depending on desires for aesthetic reasons. The reservoir contains an entrance for filling the reservoir with water, which, when used, is closed by a manually removable lid 222. An outlet is provided in the direction of the lower end of the reservoir, which communicates with the water pump 230. The water reservoir 220 may be made of a transparent or translucent material, allowing the consumer to see the amount of water, remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the water reservoir 220 may be made of an opaque material, but provided with a viewing window. In addition, or instead of the above, the water tank 220 may be equipped with a low level sensor that stops the water pump 230 and further includes a warning indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank drops to a set value. The water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 liters.

A water pump 230 is operatively connected between the water tank 220 and the water heater 225, as shown schematically in FIG. 43, and is controlled by a control processor. The pump provides a maximum flow rate of 900 ml / min with a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. Preferably, during normal use, the pressure should be limited to 2 bar. The water flow through the machine 201 can be controlled by the control processor in the form of a percentage of the maximum pump flow by periodically interrupting the pump power supply. Preferably, the pump can be driven at any value from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum nominal flow. The accuracy when pumping the volume of water is preferably ± 5%, which leads to an accuracy of ± 5% to obtain the final volume of the dispensed beverage. A suitable pump is the Evolution EP6 pump from Ulka S.r.l. (Pavia, Italy). A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably mounted on the hydraulic line either in front of or after the water pump 230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor is a centrifugal sensor.

A water heater 225 is located in the interior of the housing 210. The heater 225 has a rated power of 1,550 W and can heat water coming from the water pump 230 from an initial temperature of about 20 ° C to an operating temperature of about 85 ° C in less than 1 minute. Preferably, the holding time between the end of one working cycle and the ability of the heater 225 to start the next working cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature within ± 2 ° C during the operating cycle. As shown below, water for the duty cycle can be discharged into the cartridge head 250 at a temperature of 83 ° C or 93 ° C. Heater 225 can quickly adjust the dispensing temperature to 83 ° C or 93 ° C based on a nominal water temperature of 85 ° C. Heater 225 contains an overheat relay that turns off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98 ° C. Water leaving heater 225 enters cartridge head 250 and cartridge 1 through a three-way valve. If the pressure of the water flow is at an acceptable level, water is passed into cartridge 1. If the pressure is lower or higher than the set limit values, the water is diverted via a three-way valve to the trap receiver of the tray 270.

The air compressor 235 is operatively connected to the cartridge head 250 via a one-way valve and is controlled by a control processor. The 235 air compressor provides a maximum air flow of 500 ml / min at a pressure of 1.0 bar. When used in a working volume of 35 ml, an overpressure of 2 bar is created. Preferably, the air compressor 235 can provide two speeds: fast (or maximum) and slow.

The control processor of the beverage preparation machine 201 comprises an executive module and a storage device. The control processor is preferably connected to the water heater 225, the water pump 230, the air compressor 235, and the user interface 240 and controls their operation.

The memory of the control processor includes one or more variables for one or more operating parameters of the beverage machine 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating parameters are the temperature of the water passed through the beverage cartridge 1 during the operation, the loading speed of the beverage cartridge 1, the presence or absence of a soaking operation, the total dispensed beverage volume, dispensing rate, and also the speed and duration of purging.

Variables for operating parameters are stored in the storage device. Cartridge 1 contains a code placed on or in cartridge 1 and representing the operating parameters required for optimal beverage dispensing in cartridge 1. The code is in binary format and contains many data bits corresponding to the variables stored in the memory of the control processor. Table 3 shows how 13 bits of data can be used to represent the necessary variables for the operating parameters described above.

Table 3 Bits Parameter Description 0 and 1 Water temperature 00 = cold
01 = warm
10 = 83 ° C
11 = 93 ° C 2 and 3 Cartridge Charging 00 = fast charge with soaking
01 = fast charge without soaking
10 = slow charging with soaking
11 = slow charge without soaking 4, 5, 6 and 7 Beverage volume 0000 = 50 ml
0001 = 60 ml
0010 = 70 ml
0011 = 80 ml
0100 = 90 ml
0101 = 100 ml
0110 = 110 ml
0111 = 130 ml
1000 = 150 ml
1001 = 170 ml
1010 = 190 ml
1011 = 210 ml
1100 = 230 ml
1101 = 250 ml
1110 = 275 ml
1111 = 300 ml 8, 9 and 10 Consumption 000 = 30%
001 = 40%
010 = 50%
011 = 60%
100 = 70%
101 = 80%
110 = 90%
111 = 100% 11 and 12 Purge 00 = slow flow / short period
01 = slow flow / long period
10 = fast flow / short period
11 = fast flow / long period

The code on cartridge 1 or in it will usually contain one or more additional data bits for error control. One example uses 16-bit code. For example, using the variables listed in Table 3, cartridge 1 carrying the code “1000100011110” will have the following operating parameters:

10 water temperature 83 ° C 00 soaking fast charging 1000 volume of dispensed drink 150 ml 111 consumption is 100% 10 rapid air purge / short period

Thus, unlike previous beverage machines, the memory of the control processor does not store the operating instructions for beverage cartridges based on the type of cartridge, i.e. instructions for a cartridge for coffee, instructions for a cartridge for chocolate, instructions for a cartridge for tea, etc. Instead, the memory of the control processor stores a variable to adjust individual duty cycle operating parameters. This has several advantages. Firstly, a high degree of control of the issuing cycle can be implemented. For example, for different varieties or blends of coffee, slightly different operating parameters may be used instead of using the same parameters for all types of coffee. Previous coding solutions based on storage instructions depending on the type of cartridge, rather than individual parameters, are not suitable for such subtle differences in duty cycles for similar types of beverage, since they quickly occupy the available memory space in the encoding medium of the control processor. Secondly, the coding method according to the invention allows the use of new-type beverage cartridges in existing beverage machines even in cases where the operating parameters of the new beverage cartridge 1 are determined only after the sale of the beverage machine 201. This is because the control processor of the beverage machine 201 does not need to recognize what a new type of beverage is. Instead, the operating parameters of the duty cycle are set without directly mentioning the type of beverage. Therefore, the coding method of the invention provides excellent backward compatibility of a new type of beverage preparation machine. In contrast, with previous machines, the manufacturer is limited in the ability to dispense a new type of beverage using one of the existing dispensing cycles determined by the machines on the market.

The cartridge head 250 is shown in FIGS. 39-42. The cartridge holder 251 in the cartridge head 250 comprises a fixed lower part 255, a rotatable upper part 256 and a hinge support of the cartridge 257 placed between the fixed lower part 255 and the rotatable upper part 256. The upper part 256, the lower part 255 and the support of the cartridge 257 rotate around a common hinge axis 258. FIGS. 39-42 show a cartridge holder 251 with some components of machine 201 omitted for clarity.

The pivotable upper portion 256 and the articulated support of the cartridge 257 are moved relative to the stationary lower portion 255 by means of a clamping device 280. The clamping device 280 comprises a clamping lever having first and second elements or parts 281 and 282. The first clamping lever part 281 comprises a U-shaped handle, articulated mounted on top of 256 at the first two turning points 283, one on each side of the cartridge holder 251.

The second part of the clamping lever contains two off-center arms 282, one on each side of the cartridge holder 251, each of which is pivotally mounted on the upper part 256 at the second pivot point 285 located on the hinge axis 258, connecting the upper part 256 with the fixed lower part 255. Each off-center shoulder 282 is a reciprocating element that includes a cylinder 282a, a stem 282b, and an elastic sleeve 282c. The cylinder 282a has an internal channel and is rotatably mounted on one end of the hinge axis 258. The first end of the rod 282b is slidably inserted into the channel of the cylinder 282a. The opposite end of the rod 282b is rotatably connected to the U-shaped handle 281 at the third pivot point 286. The third pivot points 286 are not connected to the upper part 256 and the lower part 255 and can freely move relative to them. An elastic sleeve 282c is mounted externally on the stem 282b and continues to be used between the supporting surfaces of the cylinder 282a and the stem 282b. The elastic sleeve 282c perceives the shortening of the off-center shoulder 282 and biases the shoulder 282, pushing it apart. Thus, it becomes possible to move the third pivot points 286 in and out of the hinge axis 258 due to the relative movement of the rods 282b in the cylinders 282a. The elastic sleeves 282c are preferably made of silicone.

The U-shaped handle 281 extends around the front side of the cartridge holder 251 and contains two retracting engaging elements 287, one on each side of the cartridge holder 251, each of which has a curved surface 288 facing the hinge axis 258. The fixed lower portion 255 of the cartridge holder 251 is provided with two protrusions 259, or stoppers, one on each side of the lower part 255 at or near its front edge 260, being aligned generally with the engaging elements 287.

As shown in FIG. 39, the U-shaped handle 281 may be made of a single plastic casting containing ergonomic hand grips and engaging elements 287 that are integral with the handle.

The support of the cartridge 257 is rotatably mounted between the upper and lower parts 255, 256 of the cartridge holder 251. The support 257 is provided with a substantially circular recess 290 into which the beverage cartridge 1 is placed in use. The recess 290 includes an unevenness 291 for accommodating the handle 24 of the beverage cartridge 1, which also serves to prevent the beverage cartridge 1 from rotating in the cartridge holder 251. The support of the cartridge 257 is sprung relative to the stationary lower part 255 so that in the open position, as shown in Fig. 41, the support of the cartridge 257 is pressed out of contact with the stationary lower part 255, so that the support of the cartridge 257 is brought out of contact with the input and output breakdown elements 254, 253. The support of the cartridge 257 is provided with an opening 292 for to accommodate the input and output punches 253, 254 and the head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252 when the cartridge support 257 is moved to the closed position.

The upper portion 256 comprises a generally circular element 310 including a circular inspection window 312 through which the consumer can observe the beverage cartridge 1 during the operating cycle and visually check whether the cartridge 1 is loaded into the machine 201. The inspection window 312 is cup-shaped and facing down the rim 311, which engages and presses the flange 35 of the cartridge 1 for drinks to the lower part 256, when the holder of the cartridge 251 is closed. At the same time, the window 312 is in contact with the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1. A strip spring (not shown) is placed between the inspection window 312 and the circular element 310 in order to allow the inspection window 312 to move slightly axially relative to the circular element 310. Pressure, which the rim 311 is attached to the flange 35, and the window 312 to the closed top 11, provides a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 and the cartridge holder 251.

The lower part 255 comprises an inlet and an outlet punch 253, 254 and a cartridge recognition means 300. The inlet punch 253 comprises a needle-type hollow tube 260 with a pointed end 261 for punching using the laminated material 5 of the beverage cartridge 1. The inlet piercer 253 communicates with the water channel 262 shown in Fig. 42, which passes through the lower part 255 and is connected to the outlet channel 263 of the water heater 225. The outlet piercer 254 is similar in type to the outlet piercer described in the European patent application EP 0389141 and EP 0334572, and comprises an open end cylinder 264 having a round or D-shaped cross section, the dimensions of which are larger than the dimensions of the dispensing pipe 43. The arcuate portion 265 of the upper end of the outlet punch 254 is serrated in order to punch and ultimately cut through the laminated material of the beverage cartridge 1. The rest of the upper end is cut along the cylinder at least to the base of the teeth of the serrated portion 266 in order to wrap or pull off the trimmed laminate 5 from the outlet before dispensing a beverage through it. The outlet punch 254 punches the laminated material 5 from the outside relative to the dispensing pipe 43 and, when the cartridge support 257 is in the closed position, is located in the ring between the dispensing pipe 43 and the outer wall 42 of the dispensing funnel 40. The outlet punch 254 bends and cuts the laminated material 105 in the ring. Thus, both the outlet punch 254 and the trimmed laminate 105 are removed from the dispensed beverage path.

The outlet punch 254 is surrounded by a shoulder 254a raised 0.5 mm from the surrounding surface.

Preferably, the outlet punch 254 may be removed from the bottom 255 so that it can be washed thoroughly, for example in a dishwasher. A removable outlet punch 254 is inserted into a recess 267 at the bottom 255 where it sits. The inlet punch 253 and / or the outlet punch 254 may be made of metal, such as stainless steel, or of plastic. The preferred use of plastic cutting elements is allowed by the laminated material 5, which can be punctured by a non-metallic material. Therefore, the punches 253, 254 can be made less sharp, which reduces the risk of injury to the user. In addition, plastic piercing elements are not susceptible to rust. Preferably, the inlet punch 253 and the outlet punch 24 are integrally formed, which is removed from the bottom 255.

In use, the upper portion 256 of the cartridge holder 251 is moved from an open position in which it is oriented vertically or in a vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 36, to a closed position in which it is oriented substantially horizontally and interlocked with the stationary lower part 255 and supporting the cartridge 257. The upper part 256 is moved from open to closed position by means of a clamping lever. In order to close the upper part, the user takes the clamping lever by the U-shaped handle 281 and pulls it down. As a result, the upper part 256 rotates, which first causes the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 to come into contact with the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge 1 in the support of the cartridge 257, and the window itself makes contact with the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1. Continuing to turn the upper part 256 rotates the upper part 256 and supporting the cartridge 257 downward until it contacts the lower part 255. Further rotation of the U-shaped handle 281 causes the U-shaped handle 281 to rotate relative to the upper part 256 and the lower part 255, causing the engaging elements 287 of the upper part 256 to engage with the protrusions 259 of the lower part of the portion 255 when the curved surface 288 slides along the protrusions 259. During this last stage of rotation, the cartridge 1 is clamped between the support of the cartridge 257 and the viewing window 312. As a result, the viewing window 312 moves axially relative to the circular element 310 of the upper part 256 against the direction of action of the band spring . This movement compensates for deviations in the beverage cartridge 1 and in the beverage machine and ensures that the amount of compressive force applied to the cartridge is kept within an acceptable range. The clamping force of the mechanism, softened by the action of the band spring, leaves the clamping pressure on the cartridge equal to from 130 to 280 N. Preferably, the force is approximately 200 N. The force of less than approximately 130 N does not provide sufficient compaction, while the force exceeding approximately 280 N, leads to the destruction of the plastic components of the cartridge 1. When closing the cartridge head, the laminated material 5 of the cartridge 1 is stretched when it comes into contact with the shoulder 254a surrounding the outlet punch 254, which causes the laminated material 5 to deviate from the plane, since the distal end of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel moves up 0.5 mm relative to the flange 35. This movement also ensures that most of the compressive force applied to the cartridge acts through the central part of the cartridge 1 through load-bearing inner element 3. In the closed position, the cartridge 1 is thus crimped on the flange 35 by means of the rim 311 of the viewing window 312 and is firmly clamped between the closed top 11 of the cartridge and the draft tube 42 of the inner member 3 by contact with the viewing window 312 and the shoulder 254a. These clamping forces prevent the destruction of the cartridge 1 during the pressure increase and also ensures that the inner element 3 and the outer element 2 are completely seated on top of each other, so that all internal channels and openings retain their intended sizes even during internal pressure increase.

An imaginary baseline may be drawn between the first and second turning points 283, 285 of the cartridge holder 251. As shown in FIG. 41, in the open position, the third pivot points 286 are located on the side of the baseline closest to the fixed lower part 255. When the upper part 256 reaches the closed position, the third pivot points 286 of the clamping arm pass through the baseline connecting the first and second pivot points 283 and 285 with the opposite side of the line farthest from the fixed lower portion 255. As a result, the U-shaped handle 281 “jumps” from the first stable position to the second stable position. The hopping action is performed by shortening the shoulders 282 offset from the center and then compressing the elastic sleeves 282c. As soon as the third pivot points 286 pass the imaginary baseline, the return of the elastic sleeves 282c to its original position leads to the continued movement of the third pivot points 286 from the imaginary baseline. Thus, the clamping lever operates in a bistable mode, in which the lever is stable in the open or closed position, but not stable at the point where the third pivot points 286 lie on an imaginary base line connecting the first and second pivot points 283, 285. Thus , the action of jumping the clamping lever creates a positive closing mechanism, in which, in the final stages of rotation of the clamping lever, the action of jumping the U-shaped handle 281 and the second levers 284 engages the engaging elements 287 in tight engagement with protrusions 259. In addition, the elastic sleeves 282c create resistance to re-opening the upper part 256, since the minimum force required to compress the sleeves 282c is sufficient to move the third pivot points 286 back to the same level with the baseline connecting the first and second pivot points 283, 285. Advantageously, the engagement of the engaging elements 287 and the protrusions 289 prevents the separation of the upper and lower parts differently than by turning the clamping lever. This prevents the opening of the cartridge head 250 during operation when the cartridge head 250 is subjected to an increase in internal pressure.

The cartridge recognition means 252 is intended to allow the machine 201 to recognize the type of inserted beverage cartridge 1 and, accordingly, to adjust one or more operating parameters. In a typical embodiment, the cartridge recognition means 252 comprises an optical barcode reader that reads a printed barcode 320 placed on the laminated material 5 of the beverage cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. Barcode 320 is formed by many strokes of contrasting color. Preferably, to maximize the contrast, strokes are made black on a white background. Barcode 320 is not required to be consistent with the published standard, but can have a standard barcode format such as EAN-13, UPC-A, or Interleaf 2 of 5. The optical barcode reader includes one or more 321 LEDs for lighting a barcode 320, a focusing lens 322 for acquiring a barcode image, a charge coupled device (CCD) 323 for receiving an electrical signal representing the image obtained, as well as a power supply circuit for LEDs and CCDs. The space at the bottom for barcode readers is limited. A mirror or mirrors 324 can be used to reflect light from the LEDs 321 onto a focusing lens that is not located at the bottom 255. A schematic layout is shown in FIGS. 44a and 44b. The lower portion 255 includes an opening 326, which is the same size as the barcode 320 on the cartridge 1 for drinks. During use, electrical signals are decoded by the signal processing program and the results are sent to the control processor. The program can recognize if barcode reading does not contain errors. The barcode 320 can be re-scanned several times before an error message is sent to the consumer. If the machine 201 is not able to read the barcode, the consumer can use the cartridge 1 for drinks to dispense a drink in manual mode.

The cartridge head 250 also includes a cartridge sensor for detecting whether a cartridge is present in the cartridge holder 251.

The cartridge head also includes a lock sensor, which determines whether the cartridge holder 251 is properly closed. Preferably, the lock sensor comprises a microswitch that is actuated after the cartridge holder 251 is closed and locked. Preferably, the cartridge sensor and the lock sensor are connected in series, so that the output signals of both sensors must be satisfactory before the cycle can be started, i.e. e. indicate the presence of a cartridge and that the mechanism is locked.

The operation of the machine 201 includes the installation of the cartridge 1 for drinks in the cartridge head 250, the execution of the duty cycle during which the dispensing of the beverage, and removing the cartridge 1 from the machine.

The operation of the machine 201 is determined by the program installed in the control processor. The operation of the machine can be described in terms of “state”, when the machine is normally in a certain state until an event that changes the state occurs, a step called a state change.

Table 4 shows a state transition that illustrates the state and state transition for one embodiment of a beverage machine 201.

The following example illustrates the duty cycle to provide an example of a state transition by the control processor.

It is assumed that the machine 201 is first turned off and no cartridge 1 is inserted in the cartridge head 250. When the machine 201 is turned on, the control processor is in state 1. The water heater 235 is turned on. As soon as the temperature reaches 85 ° C, the control processor goes into state 2. If you close the cartridge holder 251 at any time with state 1 or 2, a lock sensor will work, which will send a signal to the control processor that the cartridge holder 251 is properly closed. The control processor then requests the cartridge sensor by issuing the 'readpod' command. The cartridge sensor returns a signal to the control processor, indicating whether the cartridge is in place in the holder of the cartridge 251. If there is no cartridge, the control processor enters state 3, in which it remains in standby state until the cartridge holder 251 is reopened, and at this moment, the control processor goes back to state 2. If a cartridge is present in state 2, the control processor goes into state 4, and operation starts automatically. Under conditions 4-9, the water temperature is controlled during preparation so that it remains in the required range of the desired temperature, set by the operating parameters specified by the barcodes of the beverage cartridge 1. After completion of the dispensing step, in case of dispensing in state 8, air purging begins. After air purge is completed, the operating cycle is completed and the machine enters ready mode in state 10. If an error occurs during operation, the processor goes to state 11. When a low water level is detected, the processor goes to state 12.

In order to insert the cartridge 1, the cartridge holder 251 is opened as described above to open the cartridge support 257. Then, the cartridge 1 is placed on the cartridge support 257 inserted in the recess 290, so that the cartridge handle 24 is located in the unevenness 291. The optical or magnetic barcode 320 of the cartridge 1 is oriented directly above the hole 326 in the cartridge support 257. The cartridge holder 251 is then closed with clamping lever as described above. When closing the inlet and outlet punches 253, 254, the laminated material 5 of the cartridge 1 is flashed, forming the input 121 and the output 122 of the cartridge. As described above, the laminated material 5 cut by the outlet punch 254 is wrapped in a ring surrounding the dispensing pipe 43. When closed, the cartridge holder 251 clamps the cartridge 1 along the rim 35 between the cartridge support 257 and the top 256 and between the window 311 and the cartridge top 11 1 to form a fluid tight seal of sufficient integrity to withstand the pressures generated during the duty cycle.

To start the work cycle, the consumer uses the start / stop button 241.

The duty cycle includes cartridge recognition operations and the dispense cycle.

The cartridge recognition is carried out by the optical cartridge recognition means 252 as described above, provided that the output signals of the cartridge sensor and the lock sensor are satisfactory. Immediately after decoding the barcode 320, the control processor refines the operating parameters of the machine 201. Then, the issuing cycle automatically starts.

The dispensing cycle contains four main stages, not all of which are used for all types of drinks:

(I) Pre-wetting

(Ii) pause

(III) Cooking / Mixing

(IV) Purge

In the pre-wetting step, the cartridge 1 is charged with water from the water storage tank 220 using a water pump 230. A water load causes the ingredients of the beverage 200 to be wetted in the filter chamber 130 to be wetted. The load can take place at a “fast” flow rate of 600 ml / min or "Slow" flow rate at 325 ml / min. Slow refueling flow rate is especially useful in the case of cartridges containing viscous liquid beverage ingredients where the ingredients require some dilution before they can be pumped at a higher volumetric flow rate. The volume of water injected into the cartridge 1 is selected in such a way as to ensure that water or drink will not drain out of the outlet 122 of the cartridge at this stage.

The pause stage allows the ingredients of the beverage 200 to be soaked with water injected in the pre-wetting step for a set period of time. It is known that both the pre-wetting stage and the pause period increase the yield of extractable substances from the ingredients of the drink 200 and improve the taste of the drink. Pre-wetting and soaking is especially used when the ingredients of the drink are roasted and ground coffee.

In the preparation / mixing step, water is passed through the cartridge 1 in order to obtain a beverage from the beverage ingredients 200. The temperature of the water is determined by the control processor, which sends commands to the water heater 225 to heat the water flowing from the water tank 220 to the cartridge head 250. Water enters the lower part 255 of the cartridge holder 251 through the channel 262 through an inlet valve and an inlet piercer 253 into the inlet chamber 126 of the cartridge 1 for drinks. The preparation and / or mixing and subsequent dispensing of the beverage from the beverage cartridge 1 is as described above with reference to embodiments of the beverage cartridge 1.

The air purge comprises blowing compressed air through a beverage machine and a beverage cartridge 1 to ensure that the entire beverage is dispensed and that the flow path is clear and ready to dispense another beverage. Air purge does not begin immediately after the preparation / mixing step is terminated to allow most of the fluid to leave the flow path. This prevents an unacceptable surge in internal pressure at the start of air purge.

During normal operation, the user manually stops the machine 201 using the start / stop button 241.

After completion of the operating cycle, the consumer removes the cartridge 1 from the cartridge holder 251 and manually removes the cartridge and sends it to waste. Alternatively, the machine 201 may be equipped with an automatic ejector mechanism for automatically removing the cartridge when the cartridge holder 251 is opened.

As described above, according to the invention, two or more beverage cartridges can be used to produce a wide selection of drinks, including combining the advantages of delivering a portion of a dairy-based liquid beverage from a cartridge of the same overall dimensions as the cartridges used to prepare the remainder of the beverage. Thus, the same beverage machine can be used with all types of cartridges, since the interface between the cartridges and the machine remains the same regardless of the beverage ingredients contained in the cartridges.

The dispensing time using machine 201 and cartridges 1 is usually 10 to 120 seconds, preferably 30-40 seconds, for roasted and ground coffee, 5 to 120 seconds, preferably 10 to 20 seconds, for chocolate and 5 to 120 seconds, preferably 10 to 20 seconds, for milk.

Machine 201 may also advantageously comprise a memory device in operative communication with a control processor that stores information about the type of beverage dispensed by the user. The duty cycle of machine 201 can then be adjusted for the next cartridge 1. This is especially convenient when two or more cartridges are used in series to produce a beverage. For example, a coffee cartridge may be dispensed, followed by a milk cartridge to produce a cappuccino beverage. Alternatively, a chocolate cartridge may be used, followed by a milk cartridge to produce a thick, hot chocolate drink. By using a storage device storing information about the first dispensed beverage, it is possible to change the dispensing nature of the second cartridge, for example a milk cartridge, in order to obtain an optimal beverage. In the above example, milk that is dispensed for hot chocolate can usually be diluted to a lesser extent than milk added to coffee. In addition, milk dispensed for chocolate may be dispensed at a slower rate in order to reduce the degree of foaming of the beverage. The person skilled in the art should appreciate the possibility of many combinations of cartridges and operating parameters. In addition, a storage device can be used so that the machine can “predict” the type of beverage that the user wants to dispense next. For example, if a user predominantly drinks a drink of one kind, the machine may instruct the water heater to maintain a temperature optimal for a drink of this type.

Claims (77)

1. The cartridge (1) containing one or more liquid ingredients (200) of the drink and made of essentially air and waterproof materials, and the cartridge contains an inlet (121) for introducing into the cartridge an aqueous medium, a compartment (134) containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients, and an outlet (122) for dispensing a beverage obtained by diluting one or more liquid beverage ingredients with an aqueous medium, said compartment comprising delay delay means for diluting at least a portion of one or more liquid beverage ingredients n and supplying the aqueous medium to the compartment, characterized in that, when used, the path for the flow of the aqueous medium is located from the entrance to the exit, and the dilution delay means comprises a baffle (100) that prevents the entry of at least part of one or more liquid beverage ingredients into a path for the flow of the aqueous medium, the delay means being configured to delay dilution of at least a portion of one or more liquid beverage ingredients when the aqueous medium is supplied to the compartment. 2. The cartridge (1) according to claim 1, in which the baffle (100) contains one or more holes (103) for the controlled release of at least part of one or more liquid ingredients of the drink in the path for the flow of an aqueous medium. 3. The cartridge (1) according to claim 2, in which four holes are provided. 4. The cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the septum contains a cup-shaped element with an open mouth (104), facing away from the path for the flow of an aqueous medium. 5. The cartridge (1) according to claim 4, in which the cup-shaped element is annular. 6. The cartridge (1) according to claim 4, in which one or more holes (103) are placed on the base of the cup-shaped element or next to it. 7. The cartridge (1) according to claim 6, in which at least a portion of the liquid beverage ingredients located in the bowl-shaped element (100) drains under the influence of gravity through one or more openings (103) used. 8. The cartridge (1) according to claim 7, in which the cup-shaped element is separated by a gap from the bottom of the cartridge, so that the path for the flow of aqueous medium passes between the cup-shaped element and the bottom of the cartridge. 9. The cartridge (1) according to claim 8, in which at least a portion of the liquid ingredients of the beverage in the bowl-shaped element (100) drains under the action of gravity through one or more of the used openings (103) vertically downward, in a flow path water environment. 10. The cartridge (1) according to claim 9, which contains an inner element (3) and an outer element (2), and the inner element contains a cup-shaped element. 11. The cartridge (1) according to claim 10, which further comprises means for producing a strong jet of beverage, wherein said means for producing a strong jet of beverage contains an opening (128) in the path for the flow of an aqueous medium. 12. The cartridge (1) according to claim 11, in which the hole (128) is formed in the transition zone between the inner element and the outer element. 13. The cartridge (1) according to claim 11 or 12, which further comprises at least one air inlet (71) and means for generating a pressure reduction in the beverage stream, resulting in the use of air from at least one air inlet is included in the drink in the form of many small bubbles. 14. The cartridge (1) according to item 13, in which at least one inlet (71) for air is located in the inner element after the hole (128). 15. The cartridge (1) according to 14, in which at least one inlet (71) for air and means for lowering the pressure in the jet of drink provide foaming of one or more liquid ingredients of the drink in a volume of more than 40%. 16. The cartridge (1) according to clause 15, in which foaming exceeds 70%. 17. The cartridge (1) according to clause 16, which is disk-shaped. 18. The cartridge (1) according to 17, in which the outer element and / or inner element is made of polypropylene. 19. The cartridge (1) according to claim 18, wherein the outer member and / or inner member is injection molded. 20. The cartridge (1) according to claim 19, in which the liquid ingredient of the drink is a concentrated liquid milk composition. 21. The cartridge (1) according to claim 20, in which the concentrated liquid milk contains from 25 to 40% dry matter. 22. The cartridge (1) according to item 21, in which concentrated liquid milk contains 30% dry matter. 23. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs.20-22, in which the concentrated liquid milk contains from 0.1 to 12% fat. 24. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which one or more liquid beverage ingredients are selected from the group consisting of cocoa solids, coffee, tea, sweeteners, stimulants, condiments, spirits, flavored milk, fruit juices, carbonated fruit juices water, booze and desserts. 25. A method of dispensing a beverage from a cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1-24, containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients (200), during a working cycle including the steps of passing an aqueous medium through a cartridge to form a beverage by diluting said one or more liquid ingredients, foaming the specified beverage and dispensing the foamed beverage to the receiver, as well as controlling the degree of dilution of the specified one or more beverage ingredients, so that the foamed dispensed beverage has a concentration at the beginning of the operating cycle from 30 to 70% dry matter and a concentration at the end of the working cycle from 1 to 15% dry matter. 26. The method according A.25, in which the concentration at the beginning of the working cycle is from 30 to 35% dry matter. 27. The method according to p, in which the concentration at the end of the working cycle is approximately 10% of dry matter. 28. The method according to p. 26 or 27, in which the liquid ingredient is concentrated milk. 29. The method according A.25, in which the concentration at the beginning of the working cycle is from 60 to 70% of dry matter. 30. The method according to clause 29, wherein the concentration at the end of the duty cycle is from 12 to 15% dry matter. 31. The method according to clause 29 or 30, in which the liquid ingredient contains cocoa solids. 32. The method according A.25, in which the concentration at the beginning of the working cycle is from 40 to 70% of dry matter. 33. The method according to p, in which the concentration at the end of the working cycle is from 1 to 2% dry matter. 34. The method according to p. 32 or 33, in which the liquid ingredient contains coffee. 35. A method of dispensing a beverage from a cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1-24, containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients (200) during a duty cycle including the operation of passing an aqueous medium through a cartridge to form a beverage by diluting said one or more liquid ingredients, and dispensing the beverage to the receiver, wherein one or more liquid beverage ingredients is foamed when dispensed to a level of from 20 to 150%. 36. The method according to clause 35, in which one or more liquid ingredients of the beverage foaming to a level of from 70 to 100%. 37. The method according to clause 35 or 36, in which one or more liquid ingredients of the drink include one or more ingredients selected from concentrated milk, coffee and cocoa solids. 38. The drink obtained by the method according to clause 37. 39. A method of manufacturing a cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for dispensing a beverage, comprising the steps of:
a. manufacturing a plurality of external elements (2), including at least an external element of the first type and an external element of the second type, having different shapes and configurations;
b. manufacturing a plurality of internal elements (3) including at least an internal element of the first type and an internal element of the second type having different shapes and configurations, the internal element of the first type and the internal element of the second type being interchangeable;
c. storing said plurality of external elements and said internal elements;
d. selecting from a plurality of external elements one of the external elements of the first type and one of the external elements of the second type;
e. selecting from a plurality of internal elements one of the internal elements of the first type and one of the internal elements of the second type;
f. connecting the selected inner element to the selected outer element so that the inner element is inside the outer element;
g. filling the outer element with one or more beverage ingredients (200) selected from a plurality of beverage ingredients; and
h. sealing the outer element with a cap (5) to form a cartridge. 40. The method according to § 39, which further provides for stage b. connection with the inner element (3) of the first type and / or the second type of filter element (4). 41. The method according to § 39 or 40, in which the outer element (2) of the first type serves to receive the fried and ground ingredients of the drink or the like. 42. The method according to paragraph 41, in which the outer element (2) of the second type serves to receive the fried and ground ingredients of the drink or the like. 43. The method according to § 42, in which the inner element (3) of the first type serves to filter the fried and ground ingredients of a drink or the like. 44. The method according to item 43, in which the inner element (3) of the second type serves to filter the fried and ground ingredients of the drink or the like. and to capture a plurality of air bubbles by the dispensed beverage. 45. The method according to item 43 or 44, in which the inner element (3) of the first and second type comprises a frame (41) with a filter (4) placed on it, in which the peripheral rim (51) of the frame is connected to the selected type of outer element by welding. 46. The method according to item 45, in which the inner element (3) of the second type comprises means (70) for producing a strong jet of drink, containing an opening in the path for the flow of drink between the inlet and outlet of the cartridge. 47. The method according to item 46, which further provides for the manufacture and storage of the internal element (3) of the third type. 48. The method according to clause 47, in which the inner element of the third type serves to dispense soluble ingredients of the drink, etc. 49. The method according to p, which further provides for the manufacture and storage of the inner element (3) of the fourth type. 50. The method according to 49, in which the inner element (3) of the fourth type serves to dispense the liquid ingredients of the drink and the like. 51. The method according to any one of claims 47-50, wherein the inner elements (3) of the third and fourth type comprise a skirt (80) surrounding the outlet, the skirt comprising an upper protrusion (81) having an upper rim (91) that includes into engagement during assembly with the interacting formation (19) of the outer element (2) of the selected type, forming a snap fit for connecting the inner element of the third or fourth type to the outer element of the selected type. 52. The cartridge system for dispensing multiple drinks, which contains many cartridges according to any one of claims 1 to 24, containing ingredients of different drinks. 53. The cartridge system according to paragraph 52, in which each cartridge also contains a filter (4). 54. The cartridge system according to paragraph 52 or 53, in which the outer element (3) of the first type serves to contain fried and ground ingredients of the drink, etc. 55. The cartridge system according to item 54, in which the outer element (3) of the second type serves to contain soluble or liquid ingredients or the like. 56. The cartridge system of claim 55, wherein the first type of internal element (3) serves to filter roasted and ground beverage ingredients, and the like. 57. The cartridge system according to item 56, in which the inner element (3) of the second type serves to filter the fried and ground ingredients of the drink, etc. and comprises means for trapping a plurality of air bubbles by the dispensed beverage. 58. The cartridge system according to clause 57, in which the inner element (3) of the first and second type contains a frame (4) having a filter (4) superimposed on it, and in which the peripheral rim of the frame (51) is connected to the outer element of the selected type by welding. 59. The cartridge system according to Claim 57 or 58, wherein the inner member (3) of the second type comprises means (70) for producing a strong jet of beverage, comprising an opening in the path for the flow of beverage between the inlet and outlet of the cartridge. 60. The cartridge system according to § 59, which also contains an internal element (3) of the third type. 61. The cartridge system of claim 60, wherein the third type of internal element (3) serves to dispense soluble beverage ingredients and the like. 62. The cartridge system according to claim 61, which comprises an internal element (3) of the fourth type. 63. The cartridge system according to claim 62, wherein the fourth-type internal element (3) serves to dispense liquid beverage ingredients and the like. 64. The cartridge system according to any one of paragraphs 60-63, in which the internal elements (3) of the third and fourth type contain a skirt (80) surrounding the outlet, and the skirt contains an upper protrusion (81) having an upper rim (91), which engages during assembly with the interacting formation (19) of the outer element (2) of the selected type, forming a snap fit for connecting the inner element of the third or fourth type to the outer element of the selected type. 65. A method of preparing a beverage, comprising the steps of:
a. introducing a first beverage cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) into the beverage machine (201);
b. driving said machine for preparing a beverage to pass an aqueous medium through a first beverage cartridge to dispense a first portion of said beverage to a receiver;
c. introducing a second beverage cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) into the beverage machine;
d. driving a machine for preparing a beverage to pass an aqueous medium through a second beverage cartridge to dispense a second portion of said beverage to a receiver;
characterized in that one of the first and second beverage cartridges is a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and contains a liquid ingredient based on dairy products. 66. The method according to item 65, in which the first or second cartridge (1) for a drink contains an ingredient for the formation of a variable part of the drink. 67. The method according to p. 65 or 66, which further includes the step of removing the first cartridge (1) for the drink before inserting the second cartridge (1) for the drink. 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is roasted and ground coffee. 69. The method of claim 67, wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is loose leaf tea. 70. The method of claim 67, wherein the beverage ingredient in the first or second beverage cartridge is a liquid coffee ingredient. 71. The method according to p, in which the liquid ingredient of the drink is a concentrated product based on milk. 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the concentrated milk-based product is concentrated liquid milk. 73. The method according to p, in which the concentrated liquid milk contains from 25 to 40% dry matter. 74. The method according to p, in which the concentrated liquid milk contains 30% dry matter. 75. The method according to any one of claims 71-74, wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains from 0.1 to 12% fat. 76. The method according to item 75, which further includes the stage of foaming during the issuance of one or more ingredients based on dairy products. 77. A beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine (201) having means for receiving various beverage cartridges (1) and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges, the first beverage cartridge (1) containing one or more ingredients ( 200) a beverage for preparing a first portion of said beverage, and the second beverage cartridge (1) contains one or more ingredients (200) of a beverage for preparing a second portion of said beverage, wherein the first or second cartridge for drinks, it is a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and contains a liquid ingredient based on dairy products.

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