Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CAPSULE BASED SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AND DISPENSING A BEVERAGE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to systems for dispensing a beverage. The
invention also
relates to capsule used in a system for dispensing a beverage and methods of
dispensing a
beverage from a capsule.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] There are a number of devices and techniques for dispensing a
beverage such as, for
example, a cup of coffee or tea from a capsule. In one approach a disposable
container fits on
top of a cup and has a compartment for receiving a beverage extract such as
coffee with a large
reservoir on top into which a person must pour boiling water. These devices
can be disposable
but expensive, the coffee is exposed to the air where it can easily get stale
or contaminated, and
they are not generally suitable for automatic coffee making or other beverage
machines. Because
the flow rate of beverage is generally slow, these devices are typically large
relative to the
volume of beverage dispensed. Also, these devices can be designed to be used
upright and only
the bottom area is available for filtration flow and this contributes to the
slowness of the filtration
process. In one construction, a filter is provided in a sealed receptacle and
a support member is
included intermediate the receptacle and filter which functions to support the
filter. When the
filter is wetted, it sags and conforms with the support member which has a
hole in it to release
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the filtered beverage but otherwise blocks the output of the filter. Such a
filter design used in an
application where water is injected under pressure would provide low flow
rates.
[0004] There are several known companies operating proprietary capsule
based machines in
the coffee and tea space, including Nestle's Nespresso, Green Mountain Coffee
Roaster's Keurig,
and Kraft's Tassimo. Mars Flavia and Britta Yource are machines utilizing a
pouch-style single
use dispensing system.
[0005] Currently, there are three other machines attempting to
commercialize a similar
capsule/pod based single-serve point of use beverage system. Omnifrio uses a
puncture
mechanism, which punctures the top and bottom of the capsule allowing a syrup
concentrate to
drain out. Bevyz uses a pressure mechanism to pop open the capsule to enable a
mixing process.
Finally, Esio makes a machine that offers a single serve beverage solution
using a pouch system.
[0006] When cold drinks are dispensed in a system in which the beverage is
prepared by
mixing cold fluid, usually water with a powder, one significant challenge is
that the powder will
not dissolve effectively during the mixing process. This can lead to poor
quality output from the
beverage system and unsightly and possibly unhealthful residue in the machine
itself. The
present invention is intended to provide a system for providing a hot, cold
ambient temperature
mixed beverage designed to enable the effective mixture of the powder with the
cold liquid
during dispensing providing for little or no residue, contamination or cross
contamination
between beverages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The purpose of the invention is to offer a compelling alternative to
bottled water and
other water based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The invention is meant to
offer a convenient,
reliable, and cost effective Point of Use solution to the consumer's hydration
and beverage needs.
The invention is a single-serve beverage system that can produce unlimited
chilled filtered water
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as well as single serve unique beverages through a proprietary capsule-based
system. The
invention can be cold, hot, still (not sparkling), flavored, enhanced, ultra
purified filtered waters
and flavors.
[0008] The capsules contain a powder or a liquid which is mixed into the
filtered water to
produce the beverage. The drinks can be "house formulas" or common mass market
branded
beverages licensed from the manufacturers.
[0009] The varied embodiments of the invention have multiple benefits:
= On-Demand Pure Water: Unlimited filtered, pure water. Potentially
unhealthy contaminants
are filtered out of water.
= On-Demand Custom Beverages: Customers can enjoy many of their favorite
branded
beverages, produced with very pure water, chilled to the correct temperature.
Option to
make sparkling beverages available in certain machine models.
= Reduction of CO2: No need to transport heavy bottled beverage to point of
consumption.
Each machine in use lowers carbon emissions.
= Space Savings: No need to stock voluminous beverages saves space in the
fridge/kitchen/pantry.
= Health Benefit: Improved hydration resulting from more convenient and
better hydration
options including better concentration, better circulation, and overall
general better health.
= Financial Benefit: Capsule cost approximately 2-3% of the cost of regular
bottled water and
approximately 33% of the cost of bottled beverages.
[0010] The peeling method of accessing the capsule offers an effective and
efficient way to
prepare and deliver a beverage. A mechanical device is adapted to peel off
some or all of the top
cover of a capsule. Alternatively, a drive motor to rotate it toward a cutter
to cut or scrape the
top cover of the capsule. Alternatively, slight crease could be included in a
lip of the capsule that
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can be used to break the seal and allow the cover to then be peeled back. When
the cover is
peeled back (tearing or scraping) the drink is mixed with a mixing stream of
liquid, which in
many embodiments will be water, either cold or hot, sparkling or not. Testing
has been
successful in flushing a drink powder concentrate out of a capsule using a
stream of water from
an ordinary sink faucet as well as in controlled experiments in a fully
functioning test rig.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention includes capsule that includes
one or more
creases at the interface between the capsule cover and the capsule body.
Forces may be applied
to the capsule to open the capsule at the creases to access the beverage. The
beverage may be
mixed in the capsule using a mixing stream into the capsule, vibration to get
the material in the
capsule out of the capsule for mixing outside the capsule or a combination of
both. In many
embodiments a finishing stream is used to direct the mixing stream into the
container that is
filled with the mixed beverage.
[0012] It may be advantageous to promote a controlled tear in the crease of
the capsule
which can ensure a smooth opening of the capsule. The controlled tear can
serve to lower the
force required to open the capsule and/or provide a more uniform and
repeatable tear to open the
capsule. A raised leading edge on the mechanism used to open the capsule can
serve to provide
a controlled tear. The raised leading edge can be located such that it would
facilitate opening the
capsule along a longitudinal center line of the capsule or it may be off the
centerline of the
capsule so that the peal will be initiated off the centerline and travel along
a crease to open the
capsule.
[0013] Specific technical achievements of the invention may include:
= Easy Recycling: The capsule is recyclable in the common aluminum
recycling stream along
with aluminum cans. No special treatment or collection is required for
recycling. The
capsules are free of residue or contaminants (such as coffee grinds).
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= Bacteria Control: All mixing occurs in the capsule, so there is no cross
contamination
between the possible sugary substances dispensed by the machine and the
machine itself. The
finished product leaves the capsule and goes directly into the customer glass.
= Sterilization: The mixing chamber may be self sterilizing either by heat
or UV light,
depending on the machine make and model.
= Finishing Stream for Excellent Mixing Characteristics: A finishing stream
mixes any powder
or liquid which may have made it into the beverage container (e.g. glass).
This relatively
powerful jet creates a vortex in the glass/receptacle thereby providing
additional mixing.
Optionally, certain machines may have a secondary washable mixing funnel where
additional
mixing may take place for certain beverage types.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. lA is a cross section taken along section lines 1A-1A in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of a capsule insertion in the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a detail cross section taken along section lines
2A-2A in FIG. 2
with a capsule inserted in the dispenser device;
[0018] FIGS. 2B-2D illustrates the capsule opening process and beverage
mixing according
to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a cross section taken along section lines 3A-3A in FIG.
3;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the embodiment
of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 4A-4A
in FIG. 4 with a
capsule oriented for insertion into the dispenser device;
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[0023] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second exemplary embodiment of
the present
invention with the capsule in the dispenser;
[0024] FIG. 5A is a cross section taken along section lines 5A-5A in FIG.
5;
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the embodiment
of FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 6A-6A
in FIG. 6 with a
capsule disposed in the dispenser device;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 7A is a cross section taken along section lines 7A-7A in FIG.
7;
[0029] FIG. 7B details a mixing action possible with the invention,
specifically, for example,
the embodiment of FIG 7;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention which illustrates a manner of crushing the capsule;
[0031] FIG. 8A is a cross section taken along section lines 8A-8A in FIG.
8;
[0032] FIG. 9 details a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for
the dispensing a
beverage according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 is an exemplary system schematic which describes the flow
paths for fluids
in the beverage dispenser;
[0034] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention where
vibration is used in the beverage mixing and/or dispensing process;
[0035] FIGS 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B illustrate details of the capsule opening
process in the
embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 7 of the present
invention;
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[0036] FIGS. 14A ¨ 14F illustrate details of the capsule opening process
for the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 7;
[0037] FIGS 15-17 illustrate bottom, side and end views, respectively, of a
capsule of the
present invention;
[0038] FIGS 18-20 illustrate bottom, and end views, respectively, of
another, larger capsule
of the present invention;
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule that can be
used with the
present invention.
FIG. 22 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.
The figures are illustrative and do not limit the scope or range of the
present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a
container by means
of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention
relate to (1) a capsule and (2) a dispenser with a mechanism for opening a
capsule and (3) an
automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a
customer receptacle
or glass with an option to eject capsule at the end of the drink preparation
cycle. Each of these
areas will be described in more detail below:
[0041] f 1) The Container/Capsule: The capsule is comprised of three parts,
all of which, in a
preferred embodiment are made from aluminum, though other materials, such as
biodegradable
materials and plastics are possible with the present invention:
= aluminum foil covering the top of the capsule,
= a receptacle for holding the mixing agents, which may be in powder form
and also in liquid
form. The receptacle may a variety of shapes, such as an oval which has been
cut in half
when the receptacle is viewed from the top, and
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= a more rigid top edge of the receptacle which may be formed from the same
or different
material from the receptacle and to which the foil is affixed by some bonding
agent, such as
glue.
[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the capsule comprises a
preformed body or
receptacle defining a filling cavity. The body has an opening and an integral
planar
circumferential rim surrounding opening. The opening is closed by a cover
sheet which is sealed
to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing glue.
[0043] The circumferential rim has a flat dispensing part on either end
which is covered by
the cover sheet e.g. aluminum foil, which cover sheet is sealed to the
dispensing part by at least
two outwardly directed sealing seams on each side, joining the circumferential
sealing seam and
extending at a distance from one another from the circumferential sealing seam
to the edge of the
dispensing part on either end.
[0044] A weakened seal extends between the two directed sealing seams on
the
perpendicular sides: The notch between the two points is directed towards the
cavity and the
weakened sealing seam joins the respective outwardly directed sealing seams at
a distance from
the location where the respective outwardly directed seals join the
circumferential seal.
[0045] There are two sizes of capsules, one approximately 20 cc and another
approximately
40 ccs. Of course, other sizes are contemplated in this invention. One
difference between the
two sizes is the volume of the receptacle part of the capsule, which in the
larger version is longer
and more voluminous as it is able to hold more mixing agent(s). The tops of
the capsules are
identical allowing them to fit in the same chamber feeding and ejection
mechanism in the
machine. The capsule contains a powder or a liquid concentrate. According to
an embodiment
of the invention the substance, e.g. powder or syrup or substance for energy
drink or other drinks
is dispensed directly from the container into a serving container, e.g. a cup
or a bottle. Also the
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water is dispensed into the serving container such that mixing may take place
in the serving
container thereby preventing the contamination of the dispensing apparatus
with the substance.
The capsules are described in more detail in connection with the illustrations
below.
[0046] p) The dispenser for opening such capsule. Another aspect of the
invention is the
dispenser for opening the capsule. In general, to operate the machine, a user
lifts a lid located at
the top of the machine. The user would then insert the aluminum capsule into
the tray slot or
sized opening to hold the capsule and closes down the lid. An optional optical
scanner can be
used to read an optional barcode on the capsule to ensure the proper mixing
process is activated
by a control system which could include a central processing unit. The capsule
is opened by a
process of pinching and peeling the capsule. In one embodiment the edge of the
capsule rim is
pinched tightly by the lid mechanism and some of the top of the capsule is
peeled off by a feeder
mechanism that grabs the trailing end of the capsule and breaks open the seam
and then pulls on
the cover to peel the cover away from the capsule. This initial portion of the
seam may require
the most force to open and can be accomplished by the user. When the cover
breaks the seal, a
servomotor that produces less torque can be selected to reduce cost and
complexity of the
machine. In this embodiment, the capsule can be rotated (e.g., swung down
about 45 -90 from
horizontal) to facilitate the breaking and peeling of the cover on top part of
the capsule.
[0047] A support surface or rim supports the cover sheet and keeps the
leading edge firmly
gripped, but allows the cover sheet to peel along the outwardly directed
sealing seams on the
dispensing part of the rim and down along the sides. The seams may be optional
if upon the
selection of an appropriate cover material or configuration enables the tear
consistently along a
desired path at a predetermined force. This way of opening the container
requires no cutting
means or other means adapted to open the container that could be contaminated
with the
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substance, which is advantageous in view of hygiene and avoiding cross
contamination. Of
course, as described in an alternative embodiment below, the capsule can be
opened along a
crease by opening one or both edges. In either configuration, the capsule is
provided with a
concave shape of the leading edge of the capsule has the beneficial effect of
directing the flow of
the mixed product so that splashing and contamination of the dispensing
apparatus is reduced or
prevented.
[0048] f3) The automated method of dispensing of the contents from such
container.
The present invention contemplates a "cold infusion" Process in which the
beverages in
the La Vit machine are prepared through a cold "infusion" so that the maximum
mixing per
capsule is possible. A user introduces an individually packaged capsule to a
machine.
[0049] According to another aspect of the invention the substance, e.g.
powder, syrup or
other substance for an unsweetened or other drinks is dispensed directly
from the container into a serving container, e.g. a cup or a bottle. Also the
water is
dispensed into the serving container such that mixing takes place in the
serving container
thereby preventing the contamination.
[0050] Beverage Mixing: As the capsule enters a 45 -90 degree pouring
angle, water is
injected into the capsule and the powder or liquid inside the capsule is mixed
with the filtered
water. Most or all of the mixing of the powder is achieved inside the capsule.
The powder is
agglomerated and highly solvable by nature.
[0051] Optional Secondary Mixing: The water based mix feeds down via
gravity into a
"funnel" or "capture tray" where a secondary mixing occurs. This secondary
mixing will take
place with the aid of water introduced into the side of said funnel whereby a
vortex created in the
second mixing chamber. The funnel creates a vortex, which is complemented by a
second nozzle
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that adds more water to the mix. The mix then feeds down the funnel and out
the dispenser
nozzle into a drink receptacle. This step is optional and will depend on the
machine model.
[0052] Pour Quality: The beverage exits the capsule (or the secondary
mixing chamber) and
pours directly into the customer receptacle/glass. The primary stream leaves
the capsule and
gravity feeds into the customer receptacle.
[0053] Finish Stream: A relatively pressurized secondary stream of filtered
water is injected
directly from the customer receptacle/glass causing an agitation in the glass,
and thereby causing
any unmixed powder or liquid to fully mix in the beverage contain ¨
(e.g.glass).
Description of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing Figures
[0054] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary beverage dispenser 10 of
the present
invention and FIG. lA is a cross section taken along section lines 1A-1A in
FIG. 1. The
beverage dispenser 10 is suitable for a home or business environment. As
illustrated the
dispenser 10 is generally rectangular shaped and is adapted to be located on a
kitchen counter or
some suitably sized table. While the overall size of the device is about a 30
cm tall, 20 cm deep
and 35 cm wide, the particular dimensions can change without departing from
the scope of the
invention recited in the specification.
[0055] The dispenser 10 includes an optional display 12 for conveying
dispenser status
information (such as dispensing, mixing, capsule not sized properly) or for
other information that
may be useful to a user, including information about the beverage being
dispensed (such as
calorie count, ingredients, producer information) or even advertisements. The
advertisements
can be associated with particular beverage choices so that if, for example, a
person chooses a
vitamin filled drink, an advertisement may be oriented to associated health
related products or
stores that sell associated health related products. FIG. 1 illustrates step 1
where the device
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provides the user with initial instruction, such as, "select a beverage
capsule", "lift handle" and
"insert capsule". The instruction may have step numbers or letters associated
with them to assist
during the operation of the machine. Various images or icons can be used to
represent the steps
or instructions. The icons can represent a step of the process or they can
represent a condition of
the machine, e.g., available, working, etc. or they can represent a condition
of the beverage, e.g.,
hot, tepid, cold, etc.
[0056] For example, the display can be programmed to illustrate the steps
of the beverage
dispensing process. Step 1 of the dispensing process may include the display
that provides the
user with initial instruction, such as, "select a beverage capsule", "lift
handle" and "insert
capsule". The instruction may have step numbers or letters associated with
them to assist during
the operation of the machine. Various images or icons can be used to represent
the steps or
instructions. The icons can represent a step of the process or they can
represent a condition of
the machine, e.g., available, working, etc. or they can represent a condition
of the beverage, e.g.,
hot, tepid, cold, etc. Another step, e.g., step 2, of the process may include
a display in which
information from the device is displayed, for example, the device senses a
step taken, for
example, a capsule has been inserted into the machine. The screen illustrates
a request to
"dispense" so that the process of dispensing can begin. The user may then
press the touch screen
button or icon to begin the process of dispensing. Alternatively, a button on
the machine may be
used instead of or in addition to the touch screen control. The instruction
can be separate from
the icon which would start the beverage dispensing process or it could be on
the overlap with the
instruction. An additional step, e.g, step 3, can be where the display is used
to show the status of
the machine during the dispensing process. An icon and/or words or phrases can
be used to
display the status of the machine. A final step, e.g., step 4 may be an
exemplary screen display
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suitable for notifying the user that the beverage is ready and the dispensing
process is complete.
Again, word or icons may be used to communicate the message to the user. Also,
although four
steps are used to describe the process, the present invention contemplates the
use of the touch
screen beverage dispensing process with more steps as part of the dispensing
process. Fewer
steps are also envisioned and are within the scope of the invention. Of
course, other lights, such
as LED lights may be used to illuminate various portions of the machine and
the dispensing
compartment in a manner that can provide additional lighting and/or
communicate information to
the user. The capsule bar code allows the machine to read the capsule and
display information
related to the capsule or the correct steps. The programming can be updated
using a USB key or
wirelessly.
[0057] Actuator buttons 14 and 16 are provided to enable the user to select
a particular
beverage. Button 14, for example, can be selected for dispensing hot water and
have an
appropriate indicia to inform the user of the dispenser what the selection
could be, in the
illustration "H" is used. Alternatively, other indicia may be used such as
color (e.g., red) or a
wavy lines above a liquid symbol. Button 16, may be used to initiate a
beverage dispensing
cycle where cold water is used to mix the beverage and an appropriate indicia
(such as the letter
"C" can be used. Of course, other types of symbols may be used to indicate the
actuator for
dispensing a cold beverage. Additionally, optional sensors 18 may be used to
determine the
presence of a beverage container (not illustrated in FIG. 1) in an appropriate
filling location 24
on the tray 22 of the beverage dispenser.
[0058] The dispenser 10 includes an open-able door or cover 26 actuated by
a handle 28.
The cover 26 is illustrated as being on the top of the dispenser but could be
on the front or sides
of the dispenser. The cover or door is used to access the capsule receiving
compartment 30
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portion of the dispenser and as illustrated in FIG lA the cover includes a
pivot 27 which enables
the door to swing open. Of course, other types of mechanisms can be used. A
mechanism for
mixing and dispensing a beverage is according to an embodiment of the
invention is described
below. A removable bin 40 with sides created by walls 42 may be used to store
used capsules as
described below. A rear portion 44 of the dispenser 10 may be used to house a
CPU and other
electronic components 46, a water container or a chiller (referenced in FIG
10) for cooling water.
A heater (referenced in FIG 10) useful for heating water may be supplied. As
an optional
desirable feature, the beverage dispenser may include a window showing the
actual filter or a
representation of a filter which communicates to the user that the water
moving through the
system is being filtered.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the dispenser 10 also includes an
optional mixing funnel 48
which can be used to guide the water into the beverage container and assist in
the mixing
process. The mixing funnel can shaped in a variety of ways and serves to guide
the beverages.
The mixing funnel may be optionally provided with a nozzle 92 dispensing a
secondary mixing
stream 94. Additionally, other type of beverage guide structures can be used
to guide the fluid
into the beverage container. For example, although not illustrated in this
embodiment, the fluid
can be guided along the inside, or even outside, of a tube or cylinder so that
the stream is
smoothed out. The finishing tube or cylinder can be in addition to or in the
place of the mixing
funnel.
[0060] Instead of or in addition to the mixing funnel 48, a nozzle 45 can
provide a finishing
stream of liquid 230, e.g. Water. The location of the finishing stream nozzle
45 is preferably in
front of (from the view of a user) the mixing stream from funnel 48, if
present, or the mixing
stream from the capsule as described in detail below. The finishing stream can
be used in
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addition to the mixing stream, in place of the mixing stream (should the user
only want a filtered
beverage). If the beverage mix within the capsule is deposited in beverage
container without the
mixing stream, the finishing; stream can mix the beverage in the mixing
container. Additionally,
when the finishing stream is used, as described in more detail below, the
turbulent (and perhaps
less aesthetically pleasing) stream can be covered by the more laminar
finishing stream thus
providing the user a more aesthetically pleasing beverage dispensing
experience.
[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of a capsule insertion in the
embodiment of FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2A illustrates a detail cross section taken along section lines 2A-2A in
FIG. 2 with a
capsule inserted in the dispenser device. FIG. 2A also illustrates two
capsules 50, 52 which can
be used to contain the mix which can be mixed by the dispenser 10. In this
embodiment of the
invention, the capsules have a rectangular (or square) top 54, 56,
respectively with a arched
curved bottom 60, 62, respectively. The arched surface configuration can be
modified to fit
more or less beverage mix. For example, a smaller capsule 50 may contain 20
ccs of material
and the larger capsule 52 may contain 40 ccs of mix. A larger capsule 52 may
be desirable for
more mix to produce a stronger beverage, sweetener to produce a sweeter
beverage or for any
material that may be mixed that can take up more volume than available in the
20 cc size. The
elements of capsules 50, 52 are described in more detail, which include a lip
68 onto which is
disposed (usually with glue, not shown) a cover 70 which may, in an embodiment
be foil. The
lip provides rigidity for the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, a foil cover
is glued or
otherwise sealed to the lip so that it is securely attached to the capsule and
the material is sealed
within the capsule until dispensed by the dispenser.
[0062] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the capsule opening process and beverage
mixing according to
a first embodiment of the invention which can be described as a pinch and peel
process. As
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described in more detail below, a portion of the foil is securely held
("pinched") and then a
mechanism swings the capsule to tear or "peel" the capsule to open it up,
enabling the beverage
to be mixed. Thus the opening method for the capsule for this embodiment is by
tearing or
peeling the top foil of the capsule so that the beverage can (optionally) be
mixed in the capsule
itself to reduce the process of contaminating the dispenser with powder or
unmixed drink that
could allow for bacteria to grow. A capsule 50, 52 is selected for mixing the
beverage and fits
within the slot 64 on a frame 72 that swings on a hinge 74 during the
dispensing process as
described below. Once a capsule 50, 52 is slid into the slot 64 so that it is
securely held on three
sides ( FIG. 2A) the cover 26 is closed on a hinge 27 in a direction
illustrated by an arrow.
[0063] An optical reader 80 may be used to scan information from the
capsule so that
information about the capsule and its contents may be processed in a CPU
containing the
electronic package 46 (shown schematically in FIG 1) of the beverage dispenser
10. In that way
the beverage dispenser can ensure that any programmable variables (e.g.,
temperature, volume,
mixing parameters, etc.) may be incorporated into the mixing process of the
beverage dispenser
for a particular drink.
[0064] Returning to the process of opening the capsule, as the user closes
the lid, the lid (or
some other part of the feeder mechanism 78 grabs the trailing end 58 of the
foil and "breaks"
open the seam. This initial first portion of the seam is the hardest to open
and is accomplished by
the user by pressing down on the lid 26. Once cracked open, a servo motor (not
shown) rotates a
gear 82 that in turn rotates a follower gear 84 that swings the frame 72
around hinge 74. As the
frame 72 swings down a portion of the cover 70 that is held stationary and the
remainder of the
capsule swings down as illustrated in FIG. 2C. Optionally, the capsule is
"cracked" open by the
force of the cover and not by the servo-motor inside the dispenser. This
allows the use of a
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smaller servo motor and ensures its longevity. In this mechanism, the foil is
not punctured at all,
thus reducing the possibility of contamination by whatever may be on the
puncturing surface.
The separation from the cover sheet from the dispensing part of the capsule
then progresses
along the weakened seal towards the outwardly directed sealing seams. This way
of opening the
capsule requires no cutting means or other means adapted to open the capsule
that could get
contaminated with the substance, which is advantageous in view of hygiene and
avoiding cross
contamination. Also illustrated in FIG. 2C, a mixing stream 86 is provided
from nozzle 88 which
mixes the contents of the capsule in the container and then the mixing stream
is allowed to flow
into mixing funnel 48 by a secondary nozzle 92 (FIG. 2C) so that the mixed
beverage can be
guided (and perhaps further mixed) in the funnel as it is directed to the
mixed beverage
container. An optional, though often desirable, finishing stream can be
directed downward in a
direction toward the beverage container 90. The finishing stream 230 from
nozzle 45 can help
mix the beverage (out of the capsule) and direct the mixed beverage to the
glass 90. The funnel
may be optional if the finishing stream is optimally and appropriately
designed.
[0065] Once the beverage is dispensed, the capsule is ready to be placed in
the used capsule
bin of the beverage dispenser as illustrated in FIG. 2D. The feeder mechanism
releases the edge
58 of the foil from its secure location and the capsule can fall into the
container by gravity. The
frame is preferably oriented so that the slots direct the used capsule toward
the used capsule
container. The beverage is dispensed, the capsule has been disposed in the
used capsule bin and
the dispenser is ready to dispense another beverage. An optical detector 43
senses when the used
capsule compartment is full and prompts a message on display 12 to empty the
bin.
[0066] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention and FIG. 3A is a cross section taken along section lines 3A-3A in
FIG. 3. In this
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embodiment one or both of the front and back edges of a specially constructed
capsule are
"cracked" open along a seam to allow the beverage device to be (optionally)
mixed in the
capsule. The overall shape and contours of the dispenser may be the same (and
similar features
of the dispenser housing are identified with the like numbers), the process of
opening a capsule is
different.
[0067] In the second embodiment the dispenser 100 includes a cover 126, the
cover is
configured to close about a hinge 127. A sensor 80 can be disposed in the
housing to read
symbolic instructions on the capsule. The capsules, illustrated in FIG. 4, can
be two sizes, a 20
cc and a 40 cc. The principle difference between the sizes is the volume of
the lower part of the
capsule. FIG. 4A also illustrates two capsules 150, 152 which can be used to
contain the mix
which can be mixed by the dispenser 100. In this embodiment of the invention,
the capsules
have a rectangular (or square) top 154, 156, respectively with an concave
bottom 160, 162,
respectively. The concave surface configuration can be modified to fit more or
less beverage
mix. For example, a smaller capsule 150 may contain 20 ccs of material and the
larger capsule
152 may contain 40 ccs of mix. A larger capsule may be desirable for more mix
to produce a
stronger beverage, sweetener to produce a sweeter beverage or for any material
that may be
mixed that can take up more volume than available in the 20 cc size. The
elements of capsule 50
are described in more detail, which includes a lip 168 onto which is disposed
(usually with glue,
not shown) a cover 170 which may be, in an embodiment, foil. The lip or rolled
edge provides
rigidity for the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, a foil cover is glued to
the lip so that it is
securely attached to the capsule and the material is sealed within the
capsule. The capsules 150
and 152 are described in more detail in connection with FIGS 15-20.
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[0068] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second exemplary embodiment of
the present
invention with the capsule 150 in the dispenser 100 and FIG. 5A is a cross
section taken along
section lines 5A-5A in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a capsule
insertion in the embodiment
of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 6A-
6A in FIG. 6 with a
capsule disposed in the dispenser device. The capsule 150 or 152 is disposed
in an opening in a
frame 200 which is sized to accommodate the capsule at the base of the lip
168. Once disposed
in the frame 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the cover is closed on a
hinge 127 which closes
the cover to the dispenser. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the cover
includes a portion 129
that is disposed facing the top of the capsule in the frame 200. An optical
reader 80 in the
portion 129 scans information from the capsule and sends it to the CPU (not
shown in this FIG.).
[0069] The frame 200 includes three sections 202, 204 and 206. Section 204
is the central
portion of the frame and forms a seat to securely hold the capsule as the ends
of the capsule are
opened. Section 202, in the front of the capsule and section 206 in the rear
are attached to the
central portion 204 by hinge pieces 210 and 212 respectively. The hinge piece
210 allows the
front section 202 to swing upward with respect to the central portion 204.
Likewise, the hinge
piece 212 allows the rear section to swing upward with respect to the central
portion 204.
[0070] In the position seen in FIGS 6 and 6A the frame 200 can be
considered to be in an "at
rest" position with the front section, central portion and rear section
aligned in a planar
relationship by springs or the like (not shown). The front section 202 rests
on side rails or guides
214. The rails 214 act as both cams and stops as described below. A further
cam 216 sits just
below the bottom surface of the rear section 206 as best seen in FIG. 6A. From
the Position
seen in FIG. 6A, the user manually presses downward on the front portions of
the capsule lip 168
to pivot counter clockwise about hinge 212. Rails 214 act as stops when the
capsule ends have
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been fully cracked open as seen in FIG. 7A. The user may then release the
cover during the
mixing and dispensing cycles as a mechanism (not shown) retains the cover and
frame in their
down positions until after the crush cycle. As detailed in connection with
FIGS 17-20, the
capsule includes a crease that allows for a controlled crack and opening the
ends of the capsule
as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 7A. It is the relative movement between the
center portion 204 and
the front and rear portions 202 and 206 enabled by the hinges 210 and 212
which allow the
capsule to open. Of course, various mechanism can be used to create the
relative motion
between the front and rear sections and the central section. For example, the
center section can
be lowered by a servo mechanism or the front and rear sections can be moved
with respect to the
center section by a servo mechanism that would allow for hinged motion between
the front
section and the center section and the rear section and the center section.
Additionally, while
there are two hinged pieces, it is within the scope of the invention to
include a single hinged
piece and open only one side of the capsule to enable the mixture to pour out.
Further, the terms
front and rear are for orientation purposes and should not be seen as limiting
the description of
the invention. It is possible that the capsule could be oriented along an
angle different than front
to back illustrated and the pour mechanism could be adjusted accordingly.
Moreover, the
opening and mixing could be from front to rear.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, in one embodiment of the invention, the
mix in the capsule
is allowed to exit the capsule prior to the addition of a liquid. In this
embodiment, the mixing
can occur in a mixing funnel and/or in the beverage container itself. FIG. 7B
illustrates
alternative mixing possibilities. A nozzle 218 fixed within the rear section
206 provides mixing
stream 220 to stream water into the capsule. As illustrated, the mixing stream
220 is fixed within
the frame 200. Alternatively, it could be outside the frame and oriented in a
way that allows the
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stream to enter the top of the capsule so that the water can mix with the
beverage mix. The
amount, force and temperature of the mixing stream can be adjusted according
to the particular
mix or it can remain fixed in the device. Additionally, a finishing stream 230
from Nozzle 45
can be used to add additional water not needed to mix with the beverage mix.
For example, in an
8oz. serving, 3 ounces of water may be used to mix the beverage and 5 oz. may
be included in
the finishing mix. This allows the appropriate amount of water to be used with
mixing without
unduly delaying the time needed to complete the mixing and beverage dispensing
process.
Additionally, since the finishing stream may be different than the mixing
stream, the temperature
of the mixing stream water may be heated to ensure that the beverage mix is
completely
dissolved. Chilled water can be used as the finishing stream to ensure that
the overall
temperature of the beverage is at a desired, cool, temperature.
Another benefit of the use of
an optional finishing stream is that it can assist in creating a laminar flow
of beverage out of the
machine so that a user of the beverage dispenser gets a more pleasing view of
laminar flow out
of the dispenser and not a turbulent flow of mixed beverage. Such a finishing
stream can assist
in the process of ensuring that use of the device is a pleasant and soothing
experience so that one
can enjoy the process of preparing a beverage.
[0072] As
described above, with either embodiment, there are several alternatives which
can
be employed in the mixing process. All the liquid to create the beverage may
be introduced by
the mixing stream. This would ensure the entire beverage is mixed and minimize
the need for an
alternative mixing arrangement. Without a finishing stream, the dispenser
would be simplified.
With the advantages of a finishing stream, the presently contemplated usage of
the beverage
dispenser is with both a mixing stream and a finishing stream. The proportion
of the amounts of
the finishing stream and the mixing stream can vary and even be adjusted by
beverage. Another
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alternative design contemplated is the use of a "finishing stream" with the
beverage mix being
allowed to exit the capsule by gravity.
[0073] The origination and orientation of the finishing stream can also
vary. The finishing
stream can be oriented to enter the beverage container from an oblique angle
and contribute to
the mixing process in the beverage container. A pleasant swirling may be
created in the glass
which can contribute to aesthetically pleasing attributes of the dispenser.
The finishing stream
may be introduced to the mixing stream under (and along side) the lower
opening of the capsule.
In this the orientation of the mixing stream is kept in line with the
finishing stream and the
finishing stream can introduce a laminar flow quality to the beverage mixing
stream and
contribute to another type of pleasing aspect to the dispensing beverage.
Finally, the finishing
stream can be oriented so that it joins the mixing stream as the mixing stream
exits the capsule.
This would allow for the laminar flow to be further introduced to the beverage
dispensing
stream. If different temperatures are used for the mixing stream and the
finishing stream, it
would allow the mixing to equalize the temperature to the desired temperature.
Since warmer
water dissolves the beverage mix more uniformly, it would likely be warm/hot
water could be
used to mix the beverage and it would be mixed with chilled or cooler water so
that the overall
temperature of the beverage is at a desired temperature. The use of warmer
water in the mixing
stream may also allow for less water to be passed through the mixing capsule
and speed the
delivery of the mixed beverage. Of course, it is possible to use cooler water
in the mixing
capsule and warmer water in the finishing stream.
[0074] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention which illustrates a manner of crushing the capsule and FIG. 8A is a
cross section taken
along section lines 8A-8A in FIG. 8. In this embodiment the beverage has been
dispensed and
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the capsule must be removed from the frame in order to allow the beverage
dispenser to be
available to receive another capsule and dispense another beverage. In this
embodiment, the
central section 204 is contains two moveable fingers, a left finger 204a and a
right finger 204b.
The left and right fingers slide laterally toward the capsule so that the
capsule is crushed. The
left and right arms 204a and 204b pass through slots in the sidewalls of the
capsule receiving
compartment 30 and are actuated by linear actuators (not shown). The capsule
is preferably
made from a light, crushable material, such as a thin aluminum sheet. Once the
capsule is
crushed, the capsule will fall through the opening in the frame.
[0075] An optional mechanism 240 to release the empty capsule container to
allow for it to
fall into the container is illustrated. This mechanism 240, which can be
mechanically controlled
or controlled by the CPU includes a linear actuator motor which can move a
wall 242 so that it is
oriented to receive the capsule, as illustrated in FIG. 8A. The CPU can also
control the frame to
be oriented for the process of dispensing another beverage. Of course, springs
(not illustrated)
can be provided so that the central portions 204a and 204b are returned to the
position for
accepting another capsule.
[0076] FIG. 9 details a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for
the dispensing a
beverage according to the present invention. The exemplary process includes a
step 300 of
dispenser workflow that can be shown on the touchscreen on the housing 10. In
step 305, the
device senses if a beverage container, such as a glass, is present and what
size the container is.
The device reads a code on the capsule and determines proportion size per
container according to
step 310. In step 315, the device prompts the user to press down on the handle
or otherwise
initiate capsule seal breakage. In step 320, the dispenser requests that the
user activate the hot or
cold water beverage selection. It is also possible that the beverage mixing
process could be
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initiated by the pressing down on the cover to break the capsule. Various
automation features
could be included to facilitate the initiation of the mixing process and
automate the variety of the
mixing process.
[0077] In step 325 the display screen displays the status of the dispensing
beverage. In step
330, the liquid being dispensed is timed out. In step 335 the device prompts
user that the
beverage is dispensed and invites the user to remove the beverage container
from the dispenser.
When the device senses that the beverage container has been removed, the
recycle process is
initiated in step 340 and the fingers of central portion 204a and 204b move to
crush the capsule.
The recycle door also opens in step 340. In step 345, the capsule drops to the
recycle bin and
then the recycle bin is closed in 350 and the system may be purged in step
355.
[0078] Other system functions may be communicated with words or icons in
the system.
Certain functions can be performed by the machine and illustrated on the touch
screen either to
inform the user that a step should be taken or to notify the user of the
status of the machine. For
example, the touch screen can be used to instruct the user to purge the
system. Additionally, an
exemplary screen can be used to alert the user that the trash bin is full and
requires emptying.
The dispenser can alert the user when the cold water tank is empty and
requires filling. Of
course the machine may have a connection line to a source of water, such as
tap water, in which
case the user may be alerted to issues related to water feed or to problems
with the connection.
A hot and cold water source may be provided. Finally, if filters are used in
the device, a screen
for instructing the user to change the filter at the appropriate time may be
provided. Appropriate
timing for the change in filter, e.g., per number of uses, per number of days,
etc. can be built into
the programming. The screen can be customized if desired to allow for periodic
cleaning or
replacement of the "pre filter" and "polish filter" at different cycle times.
Also various images or
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icons can be used to inform and entertain the user during the preparation and
dispensing cycle.
The images and icons can be still or moving.
[0079] FIG. 10 is an exemplary system schematic 450 which describes the
flow paths for
fluids in the beverage dispenser. Water can be supplied by tap water conduit
452 and/or a
refillable water tank 454. The refillable tank may have approximately 2-5
liters capacity. The
tafflc should have sufficient capacity to enable several beverages to be
prepared serially without
extensive delay for chilling or refilling the tank. A pump 456 may be used to
move water
through a conduit 458 from the water tank 454 toward a system valve 460 which
controls the
source of the water to be used in the dispensing. The system valve 460 may be
used to shut off
the water to the dispenser. The pre filter 430 is disposed along conduit line
462. The prefilter
may be a commercially available filter suitable for the purpose of purifying
the water and
removing impurities. A conduit valve 464 controls the finish water circuit 466
and the purge
circuit 490. A dispensing pump 470 is also provided along the conduit 466 to
provide fluid to
dispense from the dispenser.
[0080] In units that provide both heated and chilled beverages, the unit
may be configured as
illustrated with a hot water tank 472 and a refrigeration/chiller unit 474.
Various valves 476, 478
and 480 and conduits 466, 482, 484, 486, 488 connect the components. The
dispenser outlets
494, 496 are used to dispense water from the system.
[0081] The dispenser according to the present invention may include a
"sanitizing loop"
which disinfects all post filter non chlorinated conduits so that bacteria in
the conduits and
components is addressed in an effective manner. Conduits, for example, can be
cleaned by
opening valves 480, 478 and 476 to allow for the conduits to cycle the hot
water. Other types of
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cleaning/disinfecting designs can be used, for example the conduits can have
an inner and an
outer fluid conduits which allow for cleansing fluid to be circulated around.
[0082] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention where
vibration is used in the beverage mixing and/or dispensing process. In this
embodiment, the
capsule 152 is disposed in the center portion 504 of frame 500 and the frame
front section 502
and the frame rear section 506 is hinged (at 510 and 512) as described in the
earlier embodiment.
Here, the orientation of the capsule 152 is disposed adjacent a vibration
mechanism 520 which is
an eccentric weighted arm 522 connected by a shaft 524 to a rotary motor (not
shown). As the
rotary motor rotates the eccentric weight, the vibration created in the
capsule 152 mixes the
beverage mix in the capsule. The location of the vibration device can be
anywhere along the
concave portion of the capsule. This can serve to facilitate and make easier
the beverage mixing
process. Additionally, the vibration may serve to facilitate the movement of
the beverage mix
out of the capsule and into a mixing area. In a preferred form, illustrated in
FIG. 11B, the
vibration is engaged when the mixing occurs to ensure that the mix is fully
wetted and dissolved
into the mixing water.
[0083] Vibration can be used with a mixing stream as illustrated. It can
also be used with a
mixing and a finishing stream. Finally, it is possible that the vibration can
be designed such that
a sufficient amount of material is vibrated from the capsule and is able to
mix in the beverage
container or in a mixing funnel.
[0084] Also illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B is an additional feature of
the frame 500 which
enables a more consistent opening of the capsule during the opening process. A
raised portion
540 on the front of the frame 502 provides a focal place to make an initial
crack in the seal of the
capsule. Once the initial opening has taken place, the opening will follow the
crease along the
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front and rear ends of the capsule and ensure a smooth and consistent opening
process which
includes the lowest force required and the most predictable pattern across the
front and rear end
of the capsule. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the capsule during mixing is
oriented at angle such
that the mixing and pouring from the capsule is facilitated. The side of the
capsule (the concave
section) can be oriented a few degrees off horizontal as indicated in the
horizontal line at the
bottom of the capsule.
[0085] FIGS 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B illustrate details of the capsule opening
process in the
embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 5-7 and 11 of the present
invention. In
particular the front section of the frame includes a raised portion 540 along
the symmetric center
of the capsule. Of course, the raised portion can be on both the front and the
back of the portions
on the frame. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, which illustrates a capsule opened
using a frame with a
raised portion, the opened section 520 is smooth and consistent along the
crease of the capsule.
Opening 522 which is created without a raised portion 540 is illustrated for
comparison. FIGS.
13A and 13B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a raised portion 550 on
the frame. In this
embodiment, it is disposed a distance away from the centerline of the capsule.
This will
facilitate the opening of the capsule along the crease across the front (or
rear) of the capsule. As
illustrated in FIG. 13B, the capsule is opened at 524 with the raised portion
550 off the
centerline.
[0086] FIGS. 14A ¨ 14F illustrate details of the capsule opening process
for the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 5, 7 and 11 in which a crease is illustrated in the
capsule. In the illustrated
capsule 600 in FIG. 14A, the capsule includes a bottom portion 602 and a lip
604. The edge of
the foil cover 606 overhangs the lip slightly. The capsule 600 is constructed
with a crease 610,
612 in the front and rear, respectively, along the underside of the lip 604.
The crease serves to
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create a predetermined path for the capsule to open. As illustrated in FIG.
14B. FIG. 14C and
14D illustrate a particular location of a crease or weakened section 610. The
tear line is
immediately below the lip 604 and produces an opening as illustrated in FIG.
14D. The opening
may have a smoother edge depending on the type of material the capsule is
constructed from,
and the type of groove or weakened section is in the capsule. FIGS. 14E and
14F illustrate an
alternative location for a crease 620. The crease or breaking edge is in the
lip 604 so that the
breaking and opening mechanism is able to smoothly peel the lid off the edge
of the capsule as
illustrated in the open capsule in FIG. 14F. In this configuration, the
opening can be either
between the foil and the lip (e.g., by separating at the glue or the point of
affixation between the
lip and the foil) or it can be below the top surface of the lip and a portion
of the lip can be
cracked back with the foil.
[0087] FIGS
15-17 illustrate bottom, side and end views, respectively, of a capsule 700 of
the present invention which may be used with the second embodiment of the
invention. The
capsule 700 includes a foil cover 702, a lip or curled portion 704 and a
concave body portion
706. The concave body portion which is intended to hold the mix material. The
bottom of the
concave body portion may include a flattened section 710. The flattened
section can assist in
stabilizing the capsule on a table and stacking the capsules in a column. The
sides of the
concave body can be shaped in a manner that enables proper pressing of the
material to create
the concave material. The lip portion 704 can be formed during the same
process of the body
portion. Alternatively, the lip portion can be added after the body forming
process in a
secondary assembly process which could streamline the formation of the body
portion. The foil
cover seals the beverage mix in the capsule. Glue or some other material may
be used to create
the seal. The seal may be flat as illustrate, or alternatively, it could have
a different contour or
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orientation with respect to the edge of the capsule. A crease or weakened
section 712, 714 may
be provided to the lip or to body adjacent the lip. The weakened section may
be perforated or a
thinned section of material. The edge of the weakened section may extend a
certain portion
around the capsule as illustrated, it could be along a portion of the capsule,
up to about one
fourth of the longitudinal direction of the capsule as illustrated in FIG 15
reference distance a
and b. Different dimensions may be provided for a and b as needed for opening
characteristics.
The capsule can be dimension so that only a particular capsule may be used in
the machine, and
the capsule may have an irregular orientation so that only a capsule in a
particular orientation
may be used in the cartridge.
[0088] FIGS 18-20 illustrate top side and end views, respectively, of
another, larger capsule
800 of the present invention which may be used with the second embodiment of
the invention.
The capsule 800 includes a foil cover 802, a lip or curled portion 804 and a
concave body portion
806. The concave body portion which is intended to hold the mix material. The
bottom of the
concave body portion may include a flattened section 810. The flattened
section can assist in
stabilizing the capsule on a table and stacking the capsules in a column. The
sides of the
concave body can be shaped in a manner that enables proper pressing of the
material to create
the concave material. The lip portion 804 can be formed during the same
process of the body
portion. Alternatively, the lip portion can be added after the body forming
process in a
secondary assembly process which could streamline the formation of the body
portion. The foil
cover seals the beverage mix in the capsule. Glue or some other material may
be used to create
the seal.
[0089] The seal may be flat as illustrated, or alternatively, it could have
a different contour or
orientation with respect to the edge of the capsule. A crease or weakened
section 812, 814 may
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be provided to the lip or to body adjacent the lip. The weakened section may
be perforated or a
thinned section of material. The edge of the weakened section may extend a
certain portion
around the capsule as illustrated, it could be along a portion of the capsule,
up to about one
fourth of the longitudinal direction of the capsule as illustrated in FIG 18
reference distance c
and d. Different dimensions may be provided for c and d as needed for opening
characteristics.
The capsule can be dimension so that only a particular capsule may be used in
the machine, and
the capsule may have an irregular orientation so that only a capsule in a
particular orientation
may be used in the cartridge.
Additional Details of Invention
[0090] Using a peeling mechanism to open a capsule is unique and desirable
way to open the
capsule. Peeling the capsule expands the amount of room inside the capsule
allowing an
agglomerated powder to have more room to mix with the filtered water. The edge
snap method
can be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention. In a capsule
mixing method
the capsule mixing allows the mixed solution to quickly leave the capsule
allowing new water to
constantly mix with a new layer of dry powder such that the powder does not
become wet and
form clots. Agglomerated powder does not mix readily when packed tightly. The
capsule can be
filled with powder or liquid. Optionally to use a powder or a liquid in the
capsule. In either case,
vibration may be used to mix the material in the capsule with water.
[0091] Another advantage of the present invention is the exterior of the
capsule does not
come into contact with the drink. There is no contact of finished product with
the outside of the
capsule, as there is no puncture of foil lid or capsule base into the
beverage. Most machines have
contact of the outside of the capsule and the finished beverage, which is not
hygenic. The outside
of the capsule has been handled in a non-sterile fashion. Automated Capsule
Ejection prevents
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the used capsule from sitting and breeding bacteria inside the mixing chamber.
Having an empty
chamber allows for sterilization of said chamber.
= Color Screen: offers customers branded beverage experience
= The capsules are very eco-friendly and easily recyclable.
= High quality premium look and feel of capsules and machine
[0092] While there are many puncture mechanisms which prepare and deliver
beverages, the
La Vit peeling mechanism is believed to be a new way to prepare and deliver
drinks. By
exposing the inside of the capsule to a water jet, the mechanism avoids any
build up or clumping
of the powder on any part of the capsule as the mixture flushes easily out of
the capsule allowing
a complete and uniform mixing of the substance. Future development could
include introducing
a different way to peel or open the capsule, a different capsule shape, and a
different way to mix
the agents and water. When mixing occurs in the capsule and when empty, it is
not prone to
mildew or bacterial growth as other capsule based system where the capsule is
not flushed.
[0093] Commercial applications of the product include the office and home
primarily but
include hospitals, institutions, schools, hotels, cruise boats and any
environment where a point-
of-use drink machine would be convenient and beneficial.
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Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule that can be
used with the present invention. The walls 900 of the capsule form a concave
cup-like
receptacle with an upper opening (looking up from underneath). A flat annular
rim 901
defines the opening with an outward facing lip that does not protrude into the
opening.
The rim 901 has an edge 902 that can be curled under it for extra strength.
The
capsule and rim are not separately assembled, but are stamped from a single
flat sheet
of material, preferably aluminum.
The underside of the rim 902 has a linear weakened section 903 extending
approximately one third the longitudinal dimension on each side of the
centerline at one
or both longitudinal ends of the capsule. This weakened section 903 is located
just at
the junction where the rim meets the capsule body. The weakened section can be
a
groove, or it can be scored. Any technique to create a weakened section is
within the
scope of the present invention.
Fig. 22 shows a side view of the capsule of Fig. 21. The concave receptacle
body
900 with a flat annular rim can be seen. The curled edge 902 of the rim is
visible in Fig.
22. The rim has a diameter or size greater than that of the body of the
capsule. The
upper surface of the rim 901 can be flat and adapted to receive a flat lid or
cap or any
other type of cover. A flat lid can be glued or bonded to the upper surface of
the rim.
Fig. 23 shows a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a capsule used with
the system. Looking at the capsule from the bottom, it can be seen that the
longitudinal
dimension is greater than the lateral dimension making it axi-symmetric
(symmetric
about the longitudinal axis and symmetric about the lateral axis). While, the
preferred
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embodiment is axi-symmetric, any other shape is within the scope of the
invention
including a symmetric capsule.
When the capsule is forced downward or pivoted downward, a protruding
member or beak can engage a portion of the rim near either end. As the capsule
is
further forced downward or pivoted, the rim tears along the weakened section
causing the
lid and a portion of the rim to separate from the capsule body.
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