WO2018048724A1 - Procédé d'ouverture et de prévention de reflux pendant l'injection dans une capsule de boisson - Google Patents

Procédé d'ouverture et de prévention de reflux pendant l'injection dans une capsule de boisson Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018048724A1
WO2018048724A1 PCT/US2017/049683 US2017049683W WO2018048724A1 WO 2018048724 A1 WO2018048724 A1 WO 2018048724A1 US 2017049683 W US2017049683 W US 2017049683W WO 2018048724 A1 WO2018048724 A1 WO 2018048724A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pod
inlet
liquid
fluid
delivery device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/049683
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey Jessie
Daniel COLON
Steven Janssens
Adrian Tyler HAIRRELL
Marcie Lynne Hamilton
Daniel Senatore
Original Assignee
Abbott Laboratories
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Abbott Laboratories filed Critical Abbott Laboratories
Publication of WO2018048724A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018048724A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
    • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
    • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
    • A47J31/3604—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means with a mechanism arranged to move the brewing chamber between loading, infusing and ejecting stations
    • A47J31/3623—Cartridges being employed
    • A47J31/3628—Perforating means therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
    • B65D85/8049—Details of the inlet

Definitions

  • Various beverage pod dispensing systems include a pod that contains reconstitutable powder and a delivery device for injecting the pod with a liquid (e.g., water) that mixes with the reconstitutable powder.
  • a liquid e.g., water
  • the powder and liquid mixture exit the pod as a drinkable beverage.
  • Many current systems have a pod with a puncturable cover.
  • the delivery device includes nozzle that punctures the cover and extends into the pod to inject the liquid to mix with the reconstitutable powder into the pod. This configuration leads to the nozzle coming into contact with the reconstitutable powder.
  • the powder/liquid mixture may also backflow into the nozzle under certain conditions. The delivery device coming unto contact with the contents of the pod can create sanitary concerns.
  • An exemplary beverage pod system includes a pod and a delivery device that is configured to inject fluid into the pod.
  • the pod has a chamber for containing a reconstitutable powder.
  • the pod has a fluid inlet that includes a burstable seal and an inlet channel, and the inlet channel is disposed between the burstable seal and the chamber.
  • the delivery device includes a check valve, a fluid channel, and a device outlet.
  • the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the check valve, and the device outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid channel.
  • the outlet of the delivery device is configured to be attached to the fluid inlet of the pod, such that the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the burstable seal.
  • An exemplary method of delivering a liquid to a beverage pod includes placing a liquid source in fluid communication with a liquid inlet of the beverage pod.
  • the pod has a chamber for containing a reconstitutable powder that is connected to the liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet has a pressure seal.
  • the method includes increasing the liquid pressure at the liquid inlet until a pressure threshold of the pressure seal is exceeded, which causes the pressure seal to burst, and allows liquid into the chamber.
  • the method includes capturing a column of liquid at the liquid inlet to prevent the flow of liquid from the beverage pod out of the liquid inlet.
  • An exemplary delivery device for a beverage pod system includes a fluid channel, a liquid check valve, an air check valve, and an interface.
  • the fluid channel has a "Y" fitting that includes a liquid inlet and an air inlet.
  • the liquid check valve is in fluid communication with the fluid channel. Liquid is pumped from a liquid pump through the liquid check valve into the liquid inlet of the fluid channel. In addition, air is pumped from an air pump through the air check valve into the air inlet of the fluid channel.
  • the interface comprises an outlet for the delivery device and is configured to attach to a pod.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary beverage pod system including a pod and a delivery device;
  • FIG. 2 is a front view another exemplary beverage pod system including an exemplary pod and an exemplary delivery device;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the exemplary pod of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the exemplary pod of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2 with a film cover disposed on the top of the pod and over the fluid inlet of the pod;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary pod of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid inlet of the exemplary pod of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the exemplary delivery device of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view an attachment point between the pod and the delivery device of the exemplary beverage pod system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of delivering a liquid to a beverage pod.
  • beverage pod systems include a pod containing reconstitutable powder, such as, for example, powder for making coffee, tea, hot chocolate, infant formula, nutritional drinks, or the like.
  • beverage pod systems often include a delivery device that injects a liquid (e.g., water) into the beverage pod system to mix with the reconstitutable powder to create a beverage (e.g., coffee).
  • a liquid e.g., water
  • the powder in dry or reconstituted form, from coming into contact with the device.
  • a burstable seal (or a pressure seal) is used, such that the pressure of the liquid being provided by the device is sufficient to rupture the burstable seal of the pod.
  • the use of a burstable seal negates the need of having the delivery device being configured to puncture the film cover of the pod, which prevents the device from coming into contact with the powder.
  • the delivery device may be configured such that a column of liquid is captured in the outlet of the delivery device and the captured column of liquid extends into the inlet of the pod during operation of the beverage pod system.
  • the column of liquid will prevent the powder from entering the outlet of delivery device because the column of liquid extends past the outlet of the delivery device and into the inlet of the pod and is incompressible such that it prevents the contents of the pod from traveling past the column.
  • a column of liquid extends into the inlet of the pod, and the liquid remains extended into the fluid inlet of the pod until the injection is completed.
  • the column of liquid remains in place because, in order for the liquid to be displaced, a vacuum would have to form in the delivery device to pull the column of liquid in to the delivery device (and there is insufficient motive force present to create the vacuum).
  • a vacuum would have to form in the delivery device to pull the column of liquid in to the delivery device (and there is insufficient motive force present to create the vacuum).
  • an analogous situation occurs when placing a drinking straw into a container of liquid, covering the top opening of the straw to create a seal, and lifting the straw out of the liquid.
  • the liquid stays inside the drinking straw because a vacuum would be created on the cover at the top of the straw if the liquid exited the straw, and there is insufficient motive force to create the vacuum.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage pod system 100 including a pod 102 and a delivery device 104.
  • the delivery device 104 is attached to the pod 102, but the delivery device 104 and the pod 102 are separate members.
  • the pod 102 has a chamber 106 for containing reconstitutable powder.
  • the delivery device 104 includes, or is in fluid communication with, a fluid source 120 and is configured to attach to the pod 102.
  • the delivery device 104 may attach to the pod 102 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded connection, or any other suitable means.
  • the delivery device 104 injects a fluid (e.g., water) into the pod 102 that mixes with the reconstitutable powder to form a beverage, such as, for example, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, infant formula, nutritional drinks, or the like.
  • a fluid e.g., water
  • the pod 102 includes a fluid inlet 108 that is in fluid communication with the delivery device 104 when the delivery device 104 is attached to the pod 102.
  • the fluid inlet 108 includes a burstable seal 110 and an inlet channel 112.
  • the burstable seal 110 seals the chamber 106 of the pod 102 to prevent contamination of the reconstitutable powder, and the seal 110 is configured to rupture when pressure applied to the seal 110 exceeds the pressure threshold of the seal 110.
  • the pressure threshold of the seal 110 is less than 100 psi, such as, for example, less than about 90 psi, less than about 50 psi, less than about 40 psi, or less than about 30 psi.
  • the pressure threshold of the seal 110 may be between about 20 psi and about 100 psi.
  • the pressure threshold of the seal 110 may be between about 30 psi and about 90 psi, between about 40 psi and about 70 psi, or between about 50 psi and about 60 psi.
  • the burstable seal 110 may be made of, for example, foil, thermoplastic film, or the like. Any suitable material may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the burstable seal comprises polypropylene.
  • the delivery device 104 includes a check valve 114, a fluid channel 116, and a device outlet 118.
  • the check valve 114 allows fluid to enter the fluid channel 116 from the fluid source 120 and prevents fluid from flowing back through the check valve 114.
  • the check valve 114 may be, any suitable check valve, such as for example, a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, or a swing check valve.
  • the check valve 114 may be integrated within another components, such as for example, in a pump, or may be a separate valve.
  • the check valve 114 is configured as a normally-closed valve.
  • the delivery device 104 includes a pump 121 that pumps fluid from the fluid source 120 through the check valve 114 and into the fluid channel 116.
  • the pump 121 may be any suitable pump for delivering fluid to the pod 102.
  • the pump 121 is a vibratory solenoid pump. In other embodiments, a pump 121 may not be included.
  • the delivery device 104 may be connected to a pressurized fluid source.
  • the delivery device 104 is attached to the pod 102, and the pump 121 pumps the fluid, such as water, from the fluid source 121 through the check valve 114 and into the fluid channel 116.
  • the fluid is prevented from traveling back towards the pump 121 by the check valve 114, and the fluid remains in the fluid channel 116 between the check valve 114 and the burstable seal 110.
  • the fluid remains between the check valve 114 and the burstable seal 110 until the pressure in the fluid channel 116 exceeds the pressure threshold of the burstable seal 110.
  • the fluid ruptures the burstable seal 110 and enters the chamber 106 of the pod 102 to mix with the reconstitutable powder.
  • the fluid and reconstitutable powder exits the pod 102 through the pod outlet 122 as a beverage.
  • the delivery device 104 is configured such that, during operation, a column of liquid is formed between the check valve 114 of the delivery device 104 and the fluid inlet 108 of the pod 102.
  • the a column of liquid extends from the fluid channel 116 of the delivery device 104 into the fluid inlet 108 of the pod 102, which prevents the reconstituted powder from entering the delivery device 104.
  • the column of liquid is captured by the check valve 114 and remains extended from the fluid channel 116 of the delivery device 104 and into the fluid inlet 108 of the pod to create a fluid seal on the inlet 124 of the fluid channel 116.
  • the sealing of the inlet 124 of the fluid channel 116 results in the situation described above.
  • the liquid column is retained in the fluid channel 116 of the delivery device 104 and the fluid inlet 108 of the pod 102 because if the liquid column were to drain from or leave the fluid channel, a vacuum would form at the check valve 114. Since, however, there is insufficient motive force present to create the vacuum, the liquid column remains between the check valve 114 and the fluid inlet 108 of the pod 102.
  • a member other than the check valve 114 may be used to create the seal of the inlet 124 that causes the water column to be formed.
  • Any member capable of closing the flow path within the device 104, such as between the fluid channel 116 and the pump 121, may be used.
  • any suitable type of valve may be used to close the flow path and cause the water column to be formed.
  • the inlet channel 112 of the pod 102 is straight and has a constant diameter D. The size of the diameter D is configured such that the liquid will obtain a desired velocity as it travels from the inlet channel 112 into the chamber 106 of the pod 102.
  • the beverage pod system 100 may require that a liquid entering the chamber 106 of the pod 102 have a desired velocity from the inlet channel 112 in order to properly mix with the reconstitutable powder and create a drinkable beverage.
  • the size and/or types of fluid pumps 121 used in the beverage pod system 100 is dependent upon the size of the diameter D of the inlet channel 112.
  • the inlet channel 112 may take any form, as long as the diameter D of an outlet 140 of the inlet channel 112 is a suitable size for the liquid to obtain the desired velocity from the inlet channel 112 into the chamber 106 of the pod 102.
  • the inlet channel 112 is sized to be the restriction or bottleneck within the system.
  • the diameter D of the inlet channel 112 may be less than 1.5 mm, such as less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.75 mm.
  • the length L of the inlet channel 312 may affect the velocity of the liquid entering the chamber 106 of the pod 102.
  • the length L to diameter D ratio may be between about 2 and about 4, such as between about 2.5 and about 3.5, or such as between about 3 and about 3.3.
  • the length L to diameter D ratio may be about 3, about 3.3, or any other ratio that allows for the liquid to obtain a desired velocity as it enters the chamber 106 of the pod 102.
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a beverage pod system 200 having a pod 202 and a delivery device 204.
  • the delivery device 204 is configured to attach to the pod 202 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by friction fit, snap fit, threaded connection, or any other suitable means.
  • the pod 202 includes a chamber 206, a fluid inlet 208, and an outlet 322 (FIG. 3).
  • the pod 202 may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, any suitable thermoplastic polymer, such as for example, a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer.
  • the outlet 322 may include a connector 226 for connecting the pod 202 to a beverage dispenser (not shown).
  • the pod 202 may be connected to a beverage dispenser by any suitable means in which the reconstituted powder exits the beverage dispenser as a drinkable beverage.
  • the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202 includes an open space 328, a burstable seal 310, and an inlet channel 312.
  • the open space 328 of the pod is disposed between the delivery device 204 (when the delivery device 204 is attached to the pod 202) and the burstable seal 310.
  • the open space 328 may take any shape as long as the open space 328 is in fluid communication with the burstable seal 310.
  • the inlet channel 312 is disposed between the burstable seal 310 and the chamber 206, and is in fluid communication with the delivery device 204 and the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the inlet channel 312 has a first portion 646 and a second portion 648 (FIG. 6). The first portion 646 is adjacent to the burstable seal 310 and the second portion 648 is adjacent to the chamber 206.
  • the burstable seal 310 seals the chamber 206 of the pod 202 to prevent contamination of the reconstitutable powder.
  • the seal 310 is configured to rupture when pressure applied to the seal 310 exceeds the pressure threshold of the seal 310.
  • the pressure threshold of the seal 310 may depend upon the area of the inlet 645 of the first portion 646 of the inlet channel 312. A larger area of the inlet 645 of the first portion 646 will allow the seal 310 to rupture at a lower pressure than if the inlet 645 has a smaller area.
  • the area of the inlet 645 of the first portion 646 may be larger than the area of the outlet 649 of the second portion 648.
  • the inlet 645 of the first portion 646 may have a diameter D 2 between about 4 mm and about 6mm or about 5 mm.
  • the pressure threshold of the seal 310 is less than 100 psi, such as, for example, less than about 90 psi, less than about 50 psi, less than about 40 psi, or less than about 30 psi. Additionally, the pressure threshold of the seal 310 may be between about 20 psi and about 100 psi. For example, the pressure threshold of the seal 110 may be between about 30 psi and about 90 psi, between about 40 psi and about 70 psi, or between about 50 psi and about 60 psi.
  • the burstable seal 310 may be made of any suitable material, such as for example, a foil, a thermoplastic film, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the burstable seal 310 comprises polypropylene.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the pod 202 includes the fluid inlet 208 having an insert 430 that defines the open space 328 and the inlet channel 312, and includes the burstable seal 310.
  • the main body 432 of the pod 202 is configured to receive the insert 430.
  • the pod 202 may be a unitary piece in which the open space 328 and the inlet channel 312 are integral to the main body 432 of the pod 202.
  • the open space 328 and the inlet channel 312 may be molded portions of a molded main body portion 432.
  • the inlet channel 312 may be made by drilling or otherwise formed in the molded main body portion. Referring to FIG.
  • the pod 202 may include a first film cover 442 that covers the top of the pod 202, and a second film cover 444 that covers the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202.
  • the film covers 442, 444 protect the chamber 206 of the pod 202 from elements exterior the pod 202.
  • the film covers 442, 444 may protect the pod 202 during shipping.
  • the film covers 442, 444 may be made of any suitable materials.
  • suitable materials for the film covers 442, 444 include any suitable laminate film, foil laminate or thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the first portion 646 of the inlet channel 312 is frusto-conical, such that an inlet 645 of the first portion 646 is larger than an outlet 647 of the first portion 646.
  • the first portion 646 may take any form, as long as the first portion 646 allows the seal 310 to burst when pressure is applied and is in fluid communication with the second portion 648 of the inlet channel 312.
  • the second portion 648 is straight and has a constant, or nearly constant, diameter D.
  • the size of the diameter D of the second portion 648 is configured such that the liquid will obtain a desired velocity as it travels from the inlet channel 312 to the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the beverage pod system 200 may require that a liquid entering the chamber 206 of the pod 202 have a desired velocity from the inlet channel 312 in order to properly mix with the reconstitutable powder and create a drinkable beverage.
  • the size and/or types of fluid pumps used in the beverage pod system 200 is dependent upon the size of the diameter D of the second portion 648 of the inlet channel 312.
  • the second portion 648 of the inlet channel 312 may take any form, as long as the diameter D of the outlet 649 of the second portion 648 is a proper size for the liquid to obtain the desired exit velocity from the inlet channel 312 into the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the diameter D of the second portion 648 of the inlet channel 312 may be less than 1.5 mm, such as less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.75 mm.
  • the length L of the second portion 648 of the inlet channel 312 may affect the velocity of the liquid entering the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the length L to diameter D ratio may be between about 2 and about 4, such as between about 2.5 and about 3.5, or such as between about 3 and about 3.3.
  • the length L to diameter D ratio may be about 3, about 3.3, or any other ratio that allows for the liquid to obtain a desired velocity as it enters the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the delivery device 204 includes a first check valve 214, a second check valve 215, a fluid channel 216, and an interface 234.
  • the illustrated embodiments show a delivery device having two check valves 214, 215.
  • Alternative embodiments, however, may include only a single check valve or more than two check valves.
  • the total number of check valves is dependent upon the number of fluids traveling through the delivery device 204 and into the pod 202.
  • the check valves may be any suitable type of check valve, such as for example, a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, or any combination thereof.
  • the fluid channel 216 includes a "Y" fitting 250, which provides two inlets 224, 225 into the fluid channel.
  • the two inlets 224, 225 allow for two separate fluids to enter the fluid channel 216.
  • a liquid such as water
  • a gas such as air
  • the fluid channel may have a single inlet or more than two inlets.
  • the total number of inlets for the fluid channel 216 is dependent upon the number of fluids entering the delivery device 204.
  • fluid is pumped through the one or more check valves 214, 215 and into the fluid channel 216 by one or more pumps 220, 221.
  • a first pump 220 pumps a first fluid through the first check valve 214, through the first inlet 224, and into the fluid channel 216.
  • the second pump 221 pumps a second fluid through the second check valve 215, through the second inlet 225, and into the fluid channel 216.
  • the first and second fluid may be identical, or the first and second fluid may be different.
  • the fluid being pumped into the fluid channel 216 may be any fluid suitable for use with a beverage pod, such as, for example, water, air, or any combination thereof. In alternative examples, there may be a single pump or more than two pumps that pump fluid into the fluid channel 216.
  • the interface 234 includes an outlet 318 for the delivery device 204.
  • the interface 234 may include a sealing member 836 that seals against the pod 202 (when the delivery device 204 is attached to the pod 202) to prevent fluid from exiting the pod 202 prior to reaching the chamber 206.
  • the sealing member 836 may be any suitable sealing member, such as for example, an O-ring, a gasket, or other suitable sealing structure.
  • the interface 234 includes an outlet 318 that extends into the open space 328, and the outlet 318 is in fluid communication with the fluid channel 316 and the open space 328 (when the delivery device 204 is attached to the pod 202).
  • the outlet 318 may take several different forms.
  • the outlet may have a pointed end 738.
  • the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202 is covered by the film cover 444 to protect the open space 328 and the burstable seal 310 from contamination or damage.
  • the pointed end 738 of the interface device 234 punctures the film cover 444 when the delivery device 204 is being attached to the pod 202.
  • the puncture of the film cover 444 provides an opening for the outlet 318 of the delivery device 204 to extend into the open space 328 and be in fluid communication with the burstable seal 310.
  • the film cover 444 may be punctured in any manner in which the outlet 318 of the delivery device 204 is in fluid communication with the burstable seal 310 of the pod 202.
  • the delivery device 204 attaches to the pod 202 such that the delivery device 204 is in fluid communication with the chamber 206 of the pod 202.
  • the outlet 318 of the delivery device 204 extends into the open space 328 of the pod, such that the outlet 318 is in fluid communication with the burstable seal 310.
  • one of the pumps 220, 221 pumps a liquid (e.g., water) through one of the inlets 224, 225 of the fluid channel 216.
  • the liquid travels through the fluid channel 216, through the outlet 318 of the delivery device 204, and into the open space 328 of the pod 202, such that the liquid fills the fluid channel 216 and the open space 328.
  • the pressure is also applied to the burstable seal 310. Once the fluid pressure exceeds the pressure threshold of the burstable seal 310, the burstable seal 310 ruptures.
  • the liquid travels through the inlet channel 312 of the fluid inlet 208 and into the chamber 206 to mix with the reconstitutable powder.
  • the mixture exits the pod through the pod outlet 322 and is dispensed by a beverage dispenser as a drinkable beverage.
  • a liquid column (e.g., a water column) is formed that extends from the check valves 214, 215 and into the fluid inlet 208.
  • the liquid extends from the fluid channel 216 of the delivery device 104 and into the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202, which prevents the reconstituted powder from entering the delivery device 204.
  • the column of liquid remains extended from the fluid channel 216 of the delivery device 204 and into the fluid inlet 208 of the pod by creating a seal on the inlets 224, 225 of the fluid channel 216.
  • the sealing of the inlets 224, 225 of the fluid channel 216 results in the situation described above in which, if the liquid leaves the fluid channel 216 of the delivery device 204 and the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202, a vacuum would form on the check valves 214, 215 and, because insufficient motive force is present to create the vacuum, a liquid column is created between the check valves 214, 215 and the fluid inlet 208 of the pod 202.
  • members other than the check valves 214, 215 may be used to create the seal of the inlets 224, 225 that causes the liquid column to be formed.
  • Any member capable of closing the flow path within the device 204, such as between the fluid channel 216 and one or both of the pumps 220, 221 may be used.
  • any suitable type of valve may be used to close the flow path and cause the water column to be formed.
  • the liquid column prevents the powder from entering the delivery device 204 because the liquid is incompressible.
  • the other pump 220, 221 may pump a gas (e.g., air) into the chamber 206 of the pod 202 to force out the remaining reconstituted powder.
  • the gas travels through the other one of the check valves 215, 215, through the other one of the inlets 224, 225, through the outlet 318 of the delivery device 204, through the fluid inlet 208 of the pod, and into the chamber 206.
  • the check valve 214, 215 for allowing liquid to enter the fluid channel 216 is disposed directly adjacent to the fluid channel 216, such that when the gas is pumped, the entire liquid path downstream of the check valve is also cleared by the gas.
  • a method 900 of delivering a liquid to a beverage pod includes placing a liquid source in fluid communication with a liquid inlet of a pod and increasing liquid pressure at the liquid inlet until a pressure threshold of a pressure seal of the liquid inlet is exceeded allowing liquid to enter a chamber of the pod.
  • the method 900 also includes capturing a column of liquid at the liquid inlet to prevent the flow of liquid from the beverage pod out of the liquid inlet. Additional steps may be included to the above method 900, and the additional steps may be placed at any position within the method 900.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de capsule de boisson comprenant une capsule et un dispositif de distribution qui est conçu pour injecter un fluide dans la capsule. Dans un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple du système, la capsule a un réservoir pour contenir une poudre pouvant être reconstituée, une entrée de fluide qui comprend un élément de scellement à éclatement et un conduit d'entrée disposé entre l'élément de scellement à éclatement et le réservoir. Le dispositif de distribution comprend un clapet antiretour, un conduit de fluide et une sortie de dispositif. Le conduit de fluide est en communication fluidique avec le clapet antiretour, et la sortie du dispositif est en communication fluidique avec le conduit de fluide. La sortie du dispositif de distribution est conçue pour être fixée à l'entrée de fluide de la capsule, de telle sorte que le conduit de fluide est en communication fluidique avec l'élément de scellement à éclatement.
PCT/US2017/049683 2016-09-09 2017-08-31 Procédé d'ouverture et de prévention de reflux pendant l'injection dans une capsule de boisson WO2018048724A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662385523P 2016-09-09 2016-09-09
US62/385,523 2016-09-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018048724A1 true WO2018048724A1 (fr) 2018-03-15

Family

ID=59859631

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2017/049683 WO2018048724A1 (fr) 2016-09-09 2017-08-31 Procédé d'ouverture et de prévention de reflux pendant l'injection dans une capsule de boisson

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2018048724A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109008634A (zh) * 2018-09-13 2018-12-18 深圳市道中创新科技有限公司 一种基于咖啡机的咖啡制作方法及咖啡机

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120186293A1 (en) * 2008-12-18 2012-07-26 Whirlpool Corporation Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems
US20140299000A1 (en) * 2013-04-03 2014-10-09 2266170 Ontario Inc. Capsule machine and components
WO2015004259A1 (fr) * 2013-07-10 2015-01-15 Nestec S.A. Capsule pour préparation de boisson
ES2577001T3 (es) * 2012-05-07 2016-07-12 Nestec S.A. Una cápsula de ingredientes para preparación de bebidas

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120186293A1 (en) * 2008-12-18 2012-07-26 Whirlpool Corporation Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems
ES2577001T3 (es) * 2012-05-07 2016-07-12 Nestec S.A. Una cápsula de ingredientes para preparación de bebidas
US20140299000A1 (en) * 2013-04-03 2014-10-09 2266170 Ontario Inc. Capsule machine and components
WO2015004259A1 (fr) * 2013-07-10 2015-01-15 Nestec S.A. Capsule pour préparation de boisson

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109008634A (zh) * 2018-09-13 2018-12-18 深圳市道中创新科技有限公司 一种基于咖啡机的咖啡制作方法及咖啡机

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2455215C2 (ru) Емкость для ингредиентов напитка, содержащая открывающую пластину с отверстиями для сброса давления
US8758305B2 (en) One-way valve, especially low pressure check valve for use in the medical technique
CN101405197B (zh) 单向阀装置
RU2013109379A (ru) Емкости и способы смешивания и дозированной выдачи концентратов напитков
US9415925B2 (en) Metering device
US20140186498A1 (en) Capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine
EP3419917B1 (fr) Capsule pour la production d'une boisson
CN108602615B (zh) 饮料胶囊
US20130043274A1 (en) Package for storing and dosing a fluid and dispenser for docking the package
US9242786B2 (en) Method and device for aseptically dispensing multiple portions of a fluid
HU231060B1 (hu) Kapszula csökkentett csepegéssel
US20130181005A1 (en) No straw liquid pouch
US8870025B2 (en) Method and device for aseptically dispensing multiple portions of a fluid
US20130213364A1 (en) Fuel tank for motor vehicles
WO2018048724A1 (fr) Procédé d'ouverture et de prévention de reflux pendant l'injection dans une capsule de boisson
KR101510720B1 (ko) 수액누출 차단 플랩을 갖는 배액 포트 및 상기 배액 포트를 구비하는 수액용기
WO2009017390A1 (fr) Ensemble de raccord de caisse-outre
ES2848202T3 (es) Válvula de dispensación que incorpora una válvula de dosificación
WO2017045050A1 (fr) Ensemble couvercle pour bouteille de boisson comprenant une capsule pour libération d'additif
US20120085789A1 (en) Package system including a fitment with anti-flow blocking and shut-off valve for use with dispensing devices
CN104685276A (zh) 止回阀、注射组件和饮料制备机器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17767967

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17767967

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1