Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
CARTRIDGE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES AND METHOD
OF MANUFACTURING A CARTRIDGE
This is a division of Canadian 2,833,483 filed
January 23, 2004.
The present invention relates to a cartridge for the
preparation of beverages and, in particular, to sealed
cartridges which are formed from substantially air- and
water-impermeable materials and which contain one or more
ingredients for the preparation of beverages.
It has previously been proposed to seal beverage
preparation ingredients in individual air-impermeable
packages. For example, cartridges or capsules containing
compacted grOund coffee are known for use in certain coffee
preparation machines which are generally termed "espresso"
machines. In the production of coffee using these
.preparation machines the coffee cartridge is placed in a
brewing chamber and .hot water is passed though the cartridge
at relatively high pressures., thereby extracting the
aromatic coffee constituents from the ground coffee to
produce the coffee beverage. Typically, such machines
operate at a pressure of greater than 6 x 105 Pa. The
preparation machines of the type described have to date =been
relatilvelly expensive since.components of the'machine, such
as the water pumps and seals, must be able to withstand the
high pressures.
In W001/58766 there is described a cartridge for-the
preparation of beverages which operates at a pressure
generally in the range 0.7 to 2.0 x 105 Pa. However, the
cartridg4 ia designed for use in a beverage preparation
machine for the commercial or industrial market and is
relatively expensive. Hence, there remains a requirement
for a cartridge for the preparation of, beverages wherein the
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cartridges and beverage preparation machine are suitable, in
particular, for the domestic market in terms of cost,
performance and reliability.
It has also proven difficult to sterilise beverage
cartridges of the types described above due to the narrow
and tortuous pathways which are formed in the cartridge
bodies. Sterilisation, for example by exposure of the
cartridges to steam vapour, may not be fully effective for
tortuous pathways due to the surface tension properties of
= the cartridge which prevent ingress of the steam vapour into
the tortuous pathways and hence prevent exposure of the
entire component surfaces to the steam vapour.
Beverage cartridges can be prone to spluttering and
splashing problems wherein during the dispensation of the
beverage from the cartridge beverage is sprayed or splashed
outside the confines of the receptacle. This is particularly
the case with beverages dispensed at relatively high
pressure. It has been attempted to alleviate this problem by
providing a discharge probe on the beverage preparation
machine which guides the beverage into the receptacle.
However, the discharge probe tends to become contaminated
over time with beverage residue and is difficult to clean.
Further, there is a risk of cross-contamination between
beverage types.
In addition, in the cartridge of W001/58786 a jet of
the beverage is formed by passing the beverage through an
aperture. It has proven difficult to accurately size and
position apertures of this type. The accurate sizing and
positioning of the aperture is very important as it is
critical to the correct entrainment of air bubbles in the
final beverage. Forming small apertures is especially
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difficult in injection moulded components where the aperture
location is internal and surrounded by tiler portions of the
component. The traditional method of forming an aperture is
to use a mould'pin sized to the required diameter of the
aperture. However apertures formed by mould pins can
normally only be directed towards an opening of the
component (which opening allows the mould pin access to the
component during moulding). In a beverage cartridge this
results in the beverage being dispensed very quickly out of
the= opening at speeds up to 12-16 m/s since it is directed
directly towards the outlet.
One factor in the reliability of cartridges is their
ability to withstand internal pressurisation. Hence it is an
object of the present invention to provide a beverage
cartridge with an improved ability to withstand internal
pressurisation.
In order to reduce the cost of such cartridges it is
desirable for them to be manufactured in a simple, reliable
manner. In particular it is desirable to reduce the degree
of manual handling of components of the cartridge during
manufacture and to reduce the overall number of components.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an
aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for
discharge Of a beverage produced from the one or more
beverage ingredients, wherein the cartridge comprises an
outer member and an inner member conjoined on assembly with
the outer member, characterised by the inner member
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comprising a discharge spout defining the outlet of the
cartridge.
The cartridge of the present invention is easily
assembled with the main components being the inner member
and the outer member. By using separate components for the
inner and outer members which are then conjoined on assembly
the manufacture of each component can be optimised. This is
particularly advantageous in the cartridge of the present
invention where very small tolerances are desirable since
the beverage flow path through the cartridge is defined by
the interface between the outer member and the inner member.
In addition the components of the inner member and the outer
member may more easily be sterilised prior to assembly when
they are separated. Once the components are conjoined a
number of small-apertured, tortuous pathways are created
which cannot effectively be sterilised using known methods.
The ability to sterilise the components is a particularly
advantageous feature where the cartridges.are used for
dispensing dairy-based beverages. In addition, by using
separate components which are conjoined, the cartridge is
not required to be inverted during assembly since the
joining of the inner member and optionally a filter, the
filling of the beverage ingredients and the joining of a
lid, such as a laminate, can all be carried out with the
outer member in one orientation.
Advantageously, the inner member comprises the
discharge spout. The discharge spout serves to direct the
discharged beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The
discharge spout avoids excessive splashing or spraying of
the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow
characteristics of the beverage as it is transferred from
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the cartridge into the receptacle. For example, the
discharge spout can be shaped to reduce the degree of
turbulence imparted to the beverage to avoid unnecessary
reduction in the.quantity of bubbles contained in the
beverage. Also advantageously, the cartridge itself
comprises the discharge spout rather than providing a
separate discharge spout or probe in a beverage preparation
machine. Thus, there is no danger of cross-contamination of
beverage types between -dispense cycles since each discharge
spout is used only once and then disposed of with the
remainder of the cartridge. Also, preferably, the beverage
discharged through the discharge spout will not contact the
outlet mechanism of the beverage preparation machine thus
avoiding soiling of the beverage preparation machine with
beverage residue. Preferably, the discharge spout is
integral with the inner member. Advantageously, the
discharge spout and inner member are moulded or otherwise
formed as an integral, single unit which reduces the
manufacturing cost of the cartridge and reduces the number
of components which require assembly.
14 one embodiment the discharge spout comprises a
tapered portion. In an alternative embodiment, the discharge
spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In a further optional
variation, the discharge spout comprises a partition
extending at least part way along the length of the
discharge spout. The partition reduces the amount of
spraying and splashing of beverage on discharge.
Preferab1Y, a snap-fit arrangement is provided to
conjoin the outer member and the inner member. Typically,
the snap-fit arrangement comprises co-operating formations
on the inner member and the outer member. A snap-fit
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arrangement provides a quick to assemble but secure method
of conjoining the inner member and outer member.
Advantageously, the snap-fit arrangement avoids the need for
glues or other such adhesives in the interior of the
cartridge which will be exposed to the beverage ingredients.
Preferably, the outer member comprises a closed first
end and an open second end, wherein with the inner member
conjoined to the outer member the outlet of the discharge
spout is directed towards the open second end. Also
preferably, the inlet is directed towards the open second
end of the outer member; Thus the inlet and outlet are
directed to the same side of the cartridge. This allows the
cartridge to be used in a low-profile machine where piercing
means for forming the inlet and the outlet, in use, project
from a single plane of the beverage preparation machine.
Preferably, the outer member and inner member are
conjoined at or near the closed first end of the outer
member. Thus, the conjoining of the inner and outer members
is achieved at a point remote from the open end, or mouth,
of the outer member. Advantageously, the conjoining step
can be done before beverage ingredients are filled into the
cartridge and before sealing of the open end or mouth of the
cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process since the
inner and outer members may first be conjoined to form a
cartridge sub-assembly which may then be transferred to a
filling station on the packing line where the one or more
beverage ingredients are inserted. The filled cartridge is
then sealed, for example, by a laminated sheet which is heat
welded to the open end of the outer member. This assembly
process avoids the difficult task of aligning and keeping in
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alignment an outer member, inner member and laminate during
the heat-welding step.
Preferably, the outer member comprises an inwardly
directed extension which is received in a proximal end of
the discharge spout on conjoining of the outer member and
the inner member.
In one embodiment, the inner member comprises a frame
having a filter disposed thereupon. Preferably, one or more
passages are defined between the frame and a closed first
end of Ehe outer member when the inner member and outer
member are conjoined. Further, the one or more passages are
preferably delimited by webs extending upwardly from the
frame to the closed first end of the outer member.
Preferably, the one or more passages slope downwardly
towards .the discharge spout.
In another embodiment the inner member further
comprises a skirt surrounding the discharge spout.
Preferably, the skirt comprises an upper extension which, on
assembly of the cartridge, contacts the closed first end of
the cartridge. An upper rim of the upper extension
preferably, engages a co-operating formation of the outer
=member to =form a--snap-fit arrangement for= conjoining the
inner member to the outer member. Typically, the co-
operating formation of the outer member is an inwardly
directed extension.
Preferably, the cartridge is disc-shaped. Optionally,
the cartridge further comprises means for producing a jet of
the beverage', 'which means comprises an aperture in a
beverage flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The
inlet and/or outlet is preferably covered by a substantiall_
air- and water-impermeable material prior to the formation,
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in use, of the inlet and/or outlet in the cartridge. For
example, the inlet and/or outlet is covered by a
substantially air- and water-impermeable laminate. The
laminate may be polypropylene. The outer member and/or inner
member are formed, for example, from polypropylene.
Alternatively, the outer member and/or inner member may be
formed from a biodegradable polymer.
Preferably, the inner member forms a load-bearing
member.
Preferably, there is also provided a plurality of
cartridges, each cartridge as described above, wherein the
percentage yield of the beverage produced from the one or
more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridges is
consistent to within 1.0 standard deviations.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing.one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
front substantially air- and water-impermeable materials,
said cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of
an aqueous medium =into the cartridge, and an outlet for a
beverage produced from said one or more beverage
ingredients, wherein said cartridge comprises an outer
.member, an inner member inserted in the outer member and
means for producing a jet of the beverage, wherein said
means for producing the jet of the beverage comprises an
aperture in. a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the
outlet, characterised in that the aperture is delimited by
an interface between the inner member and the outer member.
The cartridge of the present invention produces a jet
of the beverage which can be used to alter the appearance
and characteristics of the dispensed beverage, by for,
example entraining air into the jet of beverage to produce a
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multitude of small air bubbles in the dispensed beverage.
The cartridge of the present invention is easily assembled
with the main components being the inner member and the
outer member By using separate components for the inner and
outer members which are then preferably conjoined on
assembly the manufacture of each component and the assembly
of the cartridge can be optimised. This is particularly
advantageous in the cartridge of the present invention where
very small tolerances are required for the size and location
of the aperture that produces the jet of beverage and also
for the reuainder of the beverage flow path through the
cartridge. In addition, the aperture can be directed=
perpendicular= to the overall flow path direction such that
the beverage impacts on a wall or surface of. the cartridge
and thereby slows down before being dispensed. As described
above such precision and orientation of the aperture is
difficult in injection moulded components. According to the
present invention, this difficulty is overcome by delimiting
the aperture by using the interface between the inner member
and the outer member rather than by forming the entire
aperture in a single component by, for example, a mould pin.
= preferably, one of the-inner-member or outer member
comprises an opening and the other of the inner member or
outer member comprises an obstruction, wherein on insertion
of the inner member in the outer member, the obstruction
partially obstructs the opening to so delimit the aperture.
Advantageously, it is easier to produce a separate
opening and obstruction which can be brought together to
delimit the aperture. Preferably, the opening comprises an
elongated slot, which may be provided in the inner member.
In this case, the outer member comprises the obstruction.
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Preferably, the obstruction comprises an extension of the
outer member at least a part of which projects into the
inner member. The elongated slot may be formed in a
cylindrical wall of the inner member. Preferably, the
elongated slot extends to the upper edge of the cylindrical
wall. In one embodiment, the extension of the outer member
is a cylindrical extension which is received as a sliding
fit within the cylindrical wall of the inner member.
Typically, the aperture has a cross-sectional area of 0.4 to
0.7 mm2.
Preferably, the cartridge further comprises at least
one inlet for air and means for generating a pressure
reduction of the jet of beverage, whereby, in use, air from
the at least one air inlet is incorporated into the beverage
as a plurality of small bubbles. Preferably, the at least
one air inlet is provided in the inner member downstream of
the aperture. The inner member may comprise a discharge
spout defining the= outlet. Preferably, the jet of beverage
issuing from the aperture is directed into the discharge
spout where it.may impinge a surface of the discharge spout
between issuing from the aperture and exiting the outlet.
Preferably, the -surface is a concave wall of the discharge
spout. The concave wall is preferably positioned on an
opposite side of the discharge spout from the aperture.
Preferably, the aperture directs the beverage to flow at an
angle substantially perpendicular to a flow of beverage out
of the outlet. The beverage thus has be to deflected before
it can exit the cartridge which results in a slowing of the
beverage, which is desired to prevent splashing in the
receptacle.
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The components of the inner member and the outer member
may more easily be sterilised prior to assembly when they
are separated. Once the components are conjoined a number
of small-apertured, tortuous pathways are created which
cannot effectively he sterilised using known methods. The
ability to sterilise the components is a particularly
advantageous feature where the cartridges are used for
dispensing dairy-based beverages.
Advantageously, the discharge spout is integral with
the inner member. The discharge spout serves to direct the
discharged beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The
discharge spout avoids excessive splashing or spraying of
the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow
characteristics of the beverage as it is transferred from
the cartridge into the receptacle. For example, the
discharge spout can be shaped to reduce the degree of
turbulence imparted to the beverage to avoid unnecessary
reduction in the quantity of bubbles contained in the
beverage. Also advantageously, the cartridge itself
comprises the discharge spout rather than providing a
separatg. discharge spout in a beverage preparation machine.
Thus, there is no danger of cross-contamination of beverage
types between dispense cycles since each discharge spout is
used only once and then disposed of with the remainder of
. 25 the cartrl.dge. Also, preferably, the beverage discharged
thibugh the discharge spout will not contact the outlet
mechanism of the beverage preparation machine thus avoiding
soiling of the beverage preparation machine. Advantageously,
the discharge spout and inner member are moulded or
otherwise formed as an integral, single unit which reduces
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the manufacturing cost of the cartridge and reduces the
number of components which require assembly.
Preferably, the cartridge is disc-shaped. The outer
member and/or inner member are formed, for example, from
polypropylene. The cartridge may be made of a biodegradable
polyner.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising a compartment containing the one or
more beverage ingredients, the compartment comprising a
plurality of inlet apertures for the introduction of an
aqueous medium into the compartment and a plurality of
outlet apertures for a beverage produced from the one or
more beverage ingredients. wherein at least a proportion of
the inlet apertures are out of alignment with the outlet
apertures such that at least a proportion of the aqueous
medium entering the compartment through the inlet apertures
is forced to circulate within the compartment before exiting
the compartment through the outlet apertures characterised
in that the inlet apertures are arranged around the
periphery of thscompartment.
Advantageously, the cartridge of the present invention
comprises inlet apertures and outlet apertures at least a
proportion of which are out of alignment. This ensures that
the aqueous medium which enters the compartment containing
the beverage ingredients cannot pass directly from the inlet
apertures to the outlet apertures. Instead the aqueous
medium is constrained to circulate in the compartment before
exiting via the outlet apertures. This increases the degree
of mixing of the aqueous medium and the beverage ingredients
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since substantially all portions of the beverage ingredients
in the compartment encounter the aqueous Medium flow path.
Preferably the inlet apertures may be equi-spaced
around the compartment periphery. Preferably, the outlet
apertures are located towards a centre of the compartment
relative to the inlet apertures. The outlet apertures may be
equi-spaced around the centre of the compartment. Equi-
spacing of the inlet and outlet apertures provides more even
flow characteristics within the compartment which provides
more consistent mixing of the beverage ingredients and
aqueous medium.
Preferably, the cartridge comprises 3 to 10 inlet
apertures. In one embodiment, 4 inlet apertures are
provided.
Preferably, the cartridge comprises 3 to 10 outlet
apertures. In one embodiment, 5 outlet .apertures are
provided.
Preferably, unequal numbers of inlet apertures and
outlet apertures are provided.
Preferably, the number of inlet apertures and outlet
apertures are given by the formula:
X. = Xi,+ C
where
Xi = the number of inlet apertures
X, = the number of outlet apertures
C = the set of integers not including 0 or nXi
n = any integer.
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Advantageously, the number of inlet apertures and
outlet apertures are chosen according to the above formula.
This is particularly advantageous where the cartridge is
disc-shaped and the apertures are equi-spaced around the
disc since it is not then necessary to consciously align the
components of the cartridge containing the inlet apertures
arid outlet apertures during assembly. Whatever the mutual
orientation of the components at least a proportion of the
inlet apertures and outlet apertures will be out of
alignment. For example, with= four inlet apertures and five
outlet apertures, all being equi-spaced it is impossible to
align more than one inlet aperture with an outlet aperture
whatever the alignment of the components containing the
inlet and outlet apertures. This results in a much faster
and simpler assembly procedure. Alternatively, the cartridge
may contain equal numbers of inlet apertures and outlet
apertures, but their spacing may be arranged to ensure that
at least a proportion of the inlets and outlets are not
aligned.
Typically, the inlet apertures are provided in an outer
member of the cartridge and the outlet apertures are
=provided in an inner member of the cartridge. Preferably,
the inner member comprises a discharge spout communicating
with the outlet apertures.
In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is disc-
shaped. Preferably, the flow of aqueous medium through the
inlet apertures into the compartment is directed radially
inwards towards a centre of =the cartridge.
The cartridge finds particular application with
beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels.
In one application a liquid chocolate ingredient is
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contained in the cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between
1700 and 3900mPa at ambient temperature arid between'500-0 and
10000mPa at 00C and a refractive solids of 67 Brix +3. In
another application liquid coffee is contained in the
cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between 70 and 2000mPa at
ambient and.between 80 and 5000mPa at 00C where the coffee
has a total solids level of between 40 and 70%.
With soluble beverage ingredients, such as a viscous
liquid or gel, incomplete-mixing of the ingredients with the
aqueous medium can be a particular problem. In particular,
in cartridges containing such products channels can be
quickly created linking the inlet to the outlet of the
cartridge due to local dissolution of the ingredient. The
channels then form a relatively low resistance flow path for
the remaining aqueous medium which will tend to flow along
the channels rather than through the remaining, undissolved,
viscous ingredient in the compartment. The cartridge of the
present invention largely solves this problem by forcing the
aqueous medium to recirculate within the compartment which
acts to not only dissolve a greater proportion of the
ingred3ents but also to create turbulence within the
compartment which improves mixing of the remaining
ingredient which in turn prevents the creation or
maintenance of low resistance flow paths linking the inlet
apertures to the outlet apertures.
The outer member and/or inner member may be formed from
polypropylene and may be formed by injection moulding. In
one embodiment the outer member and/or inner member are
formed from a biodegradable polymer.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
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from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage
chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage
ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout
forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the
one or more beverage ingredients, characterised in that the
inner member forms a load-bearing member.
The cartridge of the present invention provides a
robust mechanism for dispensing beverages. In particular
the inner member forms a load-bearing member which allows
the cartridge to withstand relatively high compressive loads
during use. This allows the cartridge to be used in a
beverage preparation machine which subjects the cartridge to
a compressive load prior to commencing a dispense cycle.
This is turn reduces the likelihood that the cartridge will
fail when it is internally pressurised. In addition the
application of the compressive load to the cartridge ensures
that the components of the cartridge are held firmly and
precisely in place.
Preferably, the inner member and outer member are
separate components which are conjoined during assembly of
the cartridge.
Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a filter
conjoined to the inner member.
Preferably, the inner member forms a load-bearing
member of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can
withstand a compressive load of greater than 130N. More
preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient
rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive
force of greater than 200N. Preferably, the load-bearing
member is of sufficient rigidity such that the load-bearing
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member can 'withstand a compressive force of greater than
130N.
In one embodiment.the inner member is formed from
polypropylene. 'Alternatively, the outer member and/or inner
member are formed from a biodegradable polymer.
Advantageously, the inner member comprises the
discharge spout. The discharge spout serves to direct the
discharged beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The
discharge spout avoids excessive splashing or spraying of
the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow
characteristics of the beverage as it is transferred from
the cartridge into the receptacle. For example, the
discharge spout can be shaped to reduce the degree of
turbulence imparted to the beverage to avoid unnecessary
reduction in the quantity of bubbles contained in the
beverage.
Preferably, the inner member and discharge spout are
formed as one piece.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising a housing having a closed first end and
an open second end, the housing defining a storage chamber
in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients,
wherein the open second end of the housing is sealed by a
lid, characterised by the cartridge further comprising a
load-bearing member spanning between the closed first end of
the housing and the lid.
Preferably, the load-bearing member comprises a
discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage
formed from the one or more beverage ingredients.
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Preferably, the load-bearing member is located at or
near a centre of the cartridge.
Preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient
rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive
load of greater than 130N. More preferably, the load-bearing
member is of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can
withstand a compressive force of greater than 200N.
Preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient
rigidity such that the load-bearing member can withstand a
compressive force of greater than 130N.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage
chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage
ingredients, an inner member having a discharge spout
forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the
one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter disposed
between the storage chamber and the discharge spout,
characterised in that the inner member and filter are
conjoined in one operation to the outer member by means of
at least one weld.
Advantageously, the cartridge of the present invention
can be assembled in a reliable manner with minimal manual
handling of the components. In addition, the outer member,
inner member and filter can be assembled first as a sub-
assembly and then easily transported without risk of
dislodging the filter. This enables the outer member, inner
member and filter to be assembled at a different site from
that where filling and sealing of the cartridge takes place.
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Preferably, the outer member has an opening for
accessing the storage chamber, wherein the inner member and
filter are conjoined to the outer member at a base remote
from the opening.
Preferably, the inner member, outer member and filter
are annular.
Preferably, the weld is substantially circular.
In one embodiment, the inner member and outer member
are of plastica materials and the at least one weld is an
ultrasonically-formed weld.
In one example, the inner member comprises a frame and
the at least one weld is formed round a periphery of said
frame. This weld prevents outflow of beverage from the
storage chamber other than through the filter. Preferably,
the frame comprises a plurality of webs extending upwardly
from the frame towards a closed first end of the outer
member to define one or more passages between the frame and
the closed first end of the outer member and wherein welds
are formed between the webs and the closed first end of the
outer member.
The present invention also provides a method of
manufacturing a cartridge containing one or more beverage
ingredientsiand being formed from substantially air- and
water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an
outex member defining a storage chamber in which is stored
the one or more beverage ingredients, an inner member having
a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage
formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, and a
filter, characterised by the method comprising conjoining
the inner member and the filter in one step to the outer
member by means of at least one welding step.
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Preferably, the welding step 'is by ultraeonic welding.
Preferably, the method further comprises forming a
first welding line around a periphery of the inner member
and filter.
Preferably, the method further comprises forming a
second welding line around the inner member and filter at or
=near the discharge spout.
It will be understood that by the term "cartridge" as
used herein is meant any package, container, sachet or
receptacle which contains one or more beverage ingredients
in the manner described. The cartridge may be rigid, semi-
rigid or flexible.
The cartridge of the present:invention contains one or
more beverage ingredients suitable for the formation of= a
beverage product. The beverage product may be,= for example,
one of coffee,= tea, chocolate or a dairy-based beverage
= including milk. The beverage ingredients may be powdered,
ground, leaf-based or liquid. The beverage ingredients may
be insoluble or soluble. Examples include roast and ground
coffee, leaf tea, powdered chocolate and soup, liquid milk-
based beverages and concentrated fruit juices.
The present invention also provides a cartridge
containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed
from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the
cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an
aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for
discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more
beverage ingredients, characterised in that the cartridge
comprises an outer member and an inner member conjoined on
assembly with the outer member, the inner member defining
the outlet of the cartridge, wherein a snap-fit arrangement
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is provided' to conjoin the outer member and the inner member
on assembly of the cartridge.
The cartridge of the present invention is easily
assembled with the main components being the inner member
and the outer member. By using separate components for the
inner and outer members which are then conjoined on assembly
by a snap-fit arrangement the manufacture of each component
and the assembly of the cartridge can be optimised. = This is
particularly advantageous in the cartridge of the present
invention where very small tolerances are desirable since
the beverage flow path through the cartridge is defined by
the interface between the outer member and the inner member.
In addition the components of the inner member and the outer
member may more easily be sterilised prior to assembly when
they are separated. Once the components are snap-fitted
together a number of small-apertured, tortuous pathways are
created which cannot effectively be sterilised using known
methods. The ability to sterilise the components is a
particularly advantageous feature where the cartridges are
used for dispensing dairy-based beverages. A snap-fit
arrangement provides a quick to assemble but secure method
of conjoining the inner member and outer member.
Advantageously; the snap-fit arrangement avoids the need for
glues or other such adhesives in the interior of the
cartridge which will be exposed to the beverage ingredients.
Typically, the snap-fit arrangement comprises co-
operating formations on the inner member and the outer
member. -Preferably, the outer member comprises a closed
first end and an open second end, wherein with the inner
member snap-fitted to the outer member the outlet of the
inner member is directed towards the open second end. Also
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
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preferably, the inlet is directed towards the open second
end of-the outer member. Thus the inlet and outlet are
directed to the same side of the cartridge. This allows the
cartridge to be used in a low-profile machine where piercing,
means for forming the inlet and the outlet, in use, project
from a single plane of the beverage preparation machine.
= Preferably, the outer member and inner member are snap-
fitted together at or near the closed first end of the outer
member. Thus, the conjoining of the inner and outer members
is achieved at a point remote from the open end, or mouth,
of the outer member. Advantageously, the snap-fitting step
can be done before beverage ingredients are filled into the
cartridge and before sealing of the open end or mouth of the
= cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process since the
inner and outer members may first be snap-fitted together to
form a cartridge sub-assembly which may then be transferred
to a filling station on the packing line where the one or
more beverage ingredients are inserted. The filled
cartridge is then sealed, for example, by a laminated sheet
which is heat welded to the.open end of the outer.member.
This assembly process avoids the difficult task of aligning
and keeping in alignment an outer member, inner member and
laminate during the heat-welding step.
Advantageously, the snap-fit between the inner member
and the outer member forms a water-tight seal.
In one embodiment the inner member further comprises a
skirt surrounding the outlet, the skirt comprising an upper
extension having an upper rim which engages, on assembly of
the cartridge, a co-operating formation of the outer member
to.form the snap-fit arrangement for conjoining the inner
member to the outer member. Typically, the cooperating
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
23
formation of the outer member is an inwardly directed
extension.
Preferably, the outer member comprises an inwardly
directed extension which is received in a proximal end of
the discharge spout on conjoining of the outer member and
the inner member.
Advantageously, the inner member comprises a discharge
spout. The discharge spout serves to direct the discharged
beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The discharge
spout avoids excessive splashing or spraying of the beverage
and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of
the beverage as it is transferred from the cartridge =into
the receptacle. For example, the discharge spout can be
shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the
beverage to avoid unnecessary reduction in the quantity of
bubbles contained in the beverage. Also advantageously, the
cartridge itself comprises the discharge spout rather than
providing a separate discharge spout in a beverage
preparation machine. Thus, there is no danger of cross-
contamination of beverage types between dispense cycles
since each discharge spout is used only once and then
=disposed of with the= remainder of the cartridge. Also,
preferably, the beverage discharged through the discharge
spout will not contact the outlet mechanism of the beverage
preparation machine thus avoiding soiling of the beverage
preparation machine. Preferably, the discharge spout is
integral with the inner member. Advantageously, the
discharge spout and inner member are moulded or otherwise
formed as an integral, single unit which reduces the
manufacturing cost of the cartridge and reduces the number
of components which require assembly.
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
24
In one eMbodiment the discharge spout comprises a
tapered portion. In an alternative embodiment, the discharge
spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In a further optional
variation, the discharge spout comprises a partition
extending at least part way along the length of the
discharge spout. The partition reduces the amount of
spraying and splashing of beverage on discharge.
Preferably, the cartridge is disc-shaped. Optionally,
the cartridge further comprises means for producing a jet of
the beverage, which means comprises an aperture in a
beverage flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The
outer member and/or inner member are formed, for example,
from polypropylene.
In the following description the terms "upper" and
"lower" and equivalents win be used to describe the
relational positioning of features of the invention. The
terms "upper" and "lower" and equivalents should be
understood to refer to the cartridge (or other components)
in its normal orientation for insertion into a beverage
preparation machine and subsequent dispensing as shown, for
example, in Figure 4. In particular, "upper" and "lower"
refer, respectively, to relative positions nearer or further
from a top turface 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the
terms "inner" and "outer" and equivalents will be used to
describe the relational positioning of features of the
invention. The terms "inner" and "outer" and equivalents
should be understood to refer to relative positions in the
cartridge tor other components) being, respectively, nearer
or further from a centre or major axis X of the cartridge 1
(or other component).
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
25
Embodiments of the present invention will now be
=
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member
of first and second embodiments of cartridge according to
the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of
the outer member of Figure 1 showing an inwardly directed
cylindrical extension;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of
the outer member of.Figure l'showing a slot;
Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer
member of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer
member of Figure 1 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the outer member
of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner
member of the first embodiment of cartridge;
Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of-the inner
member of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member =of Figure 7 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 10 is a plan view from above of the inner member
of Figure 7;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of the first
embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner
member of the second embodiment of cartridge;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of
the inner member of Figure 22 showf:ng an aperture;
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
26
Figure 14 is a perspective view from above of the inner
meMber of Figure 12;
Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member of Figure 12 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 16 is another cross-sectional drawing of the
inner member of Figure 12;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional drawing of another
detail of the inner member of Figure 12 showing an air
inlet;
= Figure 18 is a cross-sectional drawing of the second
embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
Figure 19 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member
of third and fourth embodiments of cartridge according to
the present invention;
= Figure 20 is a cross-sectional drawing of a.detail of
the outer member of Figure 19 showing an inwardly directed
cylindrical extension;
Figure 21 is a plan view from above of the outer member
of Figure 19;
Figure 22 is a perspective view from above of the outer
member of Figure 19;
Figure 23 is a perspective view from above of the outer
member of Figure 19 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 24 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner
member of the third embodiment of cartridge;
Figure 25 is a plan view from above of the inner member
of Figure 24;
Figure 26 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of
the inner member of Figure 24 showing an in-turned upper
rim;
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
27
Figure 27 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member of Figure 24;
Figure 28 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member of Figure 24 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 29 is a cross-sectional drawing of the third
embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner
member of the fourth embodiment of cartridge;
Figure 31 is a plan view from above of the inner member
of Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member of Figure 30;
Figure 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner
member of Figure 30 in an inverted orientation;
Figure 34 is a cross-sectional drawing of the fourth
embodiment of cartridge in an assembled condition;
Figure 35a is a graph of concentration vs. operating
cycle time;
Figure 35b is a graph of foamability vs. operating
20= cycle time; and
Figure 35c is a graph of temperature vs. operating
cycle.time.
As shown in Figure 11, the cartridge 1 of the present
invention generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner
member 3 and a laminate 5. The outer member 2, inner member
3 and laminate 5 are assembled to form the cartridge 1 which
has an interior 120 for containing one or more beverage
ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122 and a beverage flow
path linking the inlet 121 to the outlet 122 and which
passes through the interior 120. The inlet 121 and outlet
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
28
122 are initially sealed by the laminate 5 and are opened in
use by piercing or cutting of the.laminate 5. The beverage
flow path is defined by spatial inter-relationships between
the outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 as
discussed below. Other components may optionally be included
in the cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be described
further below.
A first version of cartridge 1 which will be described
for background purposes is shown in Figures 1 to 11. The
first version of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed
for use in dispensing filtered products such as roast and
ground coffee or leaf tea. However, this version of the
cartridge 1 and the other versions described below may be
used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea,
sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages,
flavoured milk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.
As can be seen from Figure 5, the overall shape of the
cartridge 1 is generally circular or disc-shaped with the
diameter of the cartridge 1 being significantly greater than
its height. A major axis X passes through the centre of the
outer member as shown in Figure 1. Typically the overall
diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 min 6mm and the
overall height is 16 mm Omm. Typically the volume of the
cartridge 1 when assembled is 30.2 ml 20*.
The outer member 2 generally comprises a bowl-shaped
shell 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed top 11
and an open bottom 12. The diameter of the outer member 2 is
smaller at the top 11 compared to the diameter at the bottom
12, resulting from a flaring of the annular wall 13 as one
traverses from the closed top 11 to the open bottom 12. The
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
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annular wall 13 and closed bottom 11 together define a
receptacle having an interior 34.
A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is
provided in the closed top 11 centred on the major axis X.
As more clearly shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical extension
18 comprises a stepped profile having first, second and
third portions 19, 20 and 21. The first portion 19 is right
circular cylindrical. The second portion 20 is frusto-
conical in shape and is inwardly tapered. The third portion
21 is another right circular cylinder and is closed off by a
lower face 31. The diameter of the first, second and third
portion 19, 20 and 21 incrementally decreases such that the
diameter of the cylindrical extension 18 decreases as one
traverses from the top 11 to the closed lower face 31 of the
cylindrical extension 18. A generally horizontal shoulder
32 is formed on the cylindrical extension 18 at the junction
between the second and third portions 20 and 21.
An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed in the
outer member 2 towards the bottom 12. The outwardly
extending shoulder 33 forms a secondary wall 15 co-axial
with the annular wall 13 so as to define an annular track
forming a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the
annular wall 13. The manifold 16 passes around the
circumference of the outer member 2. A series of slots 17
are provided in the annular wall 13 level with the manifold
16 to provide gas and liquid communication between the
manifold 16 and the interior 34 of the outer member 2. As
shown in Figure 3, the slots 17 comprise vertical slits in
the annular wall 13. Between 20 and 40 slots are provided.
In the embodiment shown thirty-seven slots 17 are provided
generally equi-spaced around the circumference of the
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
30
manifold 16. The slots 17 are preferably between 1.4 and 1.8
mm in length. Typically the length of each slot is 1.6 mm
representing.10% of the overall height of the outer member
2. The width of each slot is between 0.25 and 0.35 mm.
Typically, the width of each slot is 0.3 mm. The width of
the slots 17 is sufficiently narrow to prevent the beverage
ingredients passing therethrough into the manifold 16 either
during storage or in use.
ism inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at
the periphery of the outer member 2. A cylindrical wall 27
is provided, as most clearly shown in Figure 5, which
defines the inlet chamber 26 within, and partitions the
inlet chamber 26 from, the interior 34 of the outer member
2. The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper face 28 which
is formed on a plane perpendimilar to the major axis X and
an open lower end 29 co-planar with the bottom 12 of the
outer member 2. The inlet chamber 26 communiaates with the
manifold 16 via two slots 30 as shown in Figure 1.
Alternatively, between one and four slots may be used to
communicate between the manifold 16 and the inlet chamber
26.
A lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is
provided with an outwardly extending flange 35 which extends
perpendicularly to the major axis X. Typically the flange 35
has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. A portion of the flange
is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which the outer member
2 may be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upturned
rim 25 ta iMprove grip.
The outer member 2 is formed as a single integral piece
30 from high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyester, or a laminate of two or more of these materials.
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
31
A suitable polypropylene is the range of polymers available
from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, United Kingdom). The outer
member may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The
manufacturing process may be injection moulding.
The inner member 3 as shown in Figures 7 to 10,
comprises an annular frame 41 and a downwardly extending
cylindrical funnel 40. A major axis X passes through the
centre of the inner member 3 as shown in Figure 7.
As best shown in Figure 8, the dnnular frame 41
comprises an outer rim 51 and an inner hub 52 joined by ten
equi-spaced radial spokes 53. The inner hub 52 is integral
with and extends from the cylindrical funnel 40. Filtratipn
apertures 55 are formed in the annular frame 41 between the
radial spokes 53. A filter 4 is disposed on the annular
frame 41 so as to cover the filtration apertures 55. The
filter is preferably made from a material with a high wet
strength, for example a non-woven fibre material of
polyester. Other materials which may be used include a
water-impermeable cellulosic material, such as a cellulosic
material comprising woven paper fibres. The woven paper
fibres may be admixed with fibres of polypropylene,
polyvinyl chloride and/or polyethylene. The incorporation
of these plastic materials into the cellulosic material
renders the cellulosic material heat-sealable. The filter 4
may also be treated or coated with a material which is
activated by heat and/or pressure so that it can be sealed
to the annular frame 41 in this way.
As shown in the cross-sectional profile of Figure 7,
the inner hub 52 is located at a lower position than the
outer rim 51, resulting in the annular frame 41 having a
sloping lower profile.
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
32
The upPer surface of each spoke 53 is provided with an
upstanding web 54 which divides a void spate above the
annular frame 41 into a plurality of passages 57. Each
passage 57 is bounded on either side by a web 54 and on a
lower face by the filter 4. The passages 57 extend from the
outer rim 51 downwardly towards, and open into, the
cylindrical funnel 40 at openings 56 defined by the inner
extremities of the webs 54.
The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an outer tube 42
surrounciing an inner discharge spout 43. The outer tube 42
forms the exterior of the cylindrical funnel 40. The
discharge spout 43 is joined to the outer tube 42 at an
upper end of the discharge spout 43 by means of an annular
flange 47. The discharge spout 43 comprises an inlet 45 at
an upper end which communicates with the openings 56 of the
passages 57 and an outlet 44 at a lower end through which
the prepared beverage is discharged into a cup or other
receptacle. The discharge spout 43 comprises a frusto-
conical portion 48 at an upper end and a cylindrical portion
58 at a lower end. The cylindrical portion 58. may have a
slight taper such that it narrows towards the outlet 44.
The frusto,conical portion 48 helps to channel beverage from
the passages 57 down towards the outlet 44 without inducing
turbulence to the beverage. An upper surface of the frusto-
conical portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49
equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical
funnel 40. The support webs 49 define channels 50
therebetomeen. The upper edges of the support webs 49 are
level with one another and perpendicular to the major axis
X.
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
33
The inner member 3 may be formed as a single integral
piece from polypropylene or a similar material as described
above and by injection moulding in the same manner as the
outer member 2.
Alternatively, the inner member 3 and/or the outer
member 2 may be made from a biodegradable polymer. Examples
of suitable materials include degradable polyethylene (for
example, SPITEK supplied by Symphony Environmental,
Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyester amide
(for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental),
poly lactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minnesota, USA),
starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and
polypeptides.
The laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer
of aluminium and a second layer of cast polypropylene. The
aluminium layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm in thickness.
The cast polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm
in thickness. In one embodiment the aluminium layer is 0.06
mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm thick. This
laminate is particularly advantageous as it has a high
resistance to curling during assembly. An a result the
laminate 5 may be pre-cut to the correct size and shape and
subsequently transferred to the assembly station on the
production line without undergoing distortion. Consequently,
the laminate 5 is particularly well suited to welding. Other
laminate materials may be used including PET/Aluminium/PP,
PE/EVOH/PP, PET/metallised/PP and Aluminium/PP laminates.
Roll laminate stock may be used instead of die cut stock.
The cartridge 1 may be closed by a rigid or semi-rigid
lid instead of a flexible laminate.
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
34
Assembly of the cartridge 1 involves the following
steps:
a) the .nner member 3 is inserted into the outer
member 2;
b) the filter 4 is cut to shape and placed onto the
inner member 3 so to be received over the
cylindrical funnel 40 and come to rest against the
annular frame 41;
c) the inner member 3, outer member 2 and filter 4
are joined by ultrasonic welding;
d) the cartridge 1 is filled with one or more
beverage ingredients;
e) the laminate 5 is affixed to the outer member 2.
These steps will be discussed in greater detail below.
The outer member 2 is orientated with the open.bottom
12 directed upwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted
into the outer member 2 with the outer rim 51 being received
as a loose fit in an axial extension 14 at top 11 of the
cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18 of the outer
member 2 is at the same time received in the upper portion
of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The
third pbttion 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated
inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the closed lower face
31 of the cylindrical extension 18 bearing against the
support webs 49 of the inner member 3. The filter 4 is then
placed over the inner member 3 such that the filter material
contacts the annular rim 51. An ultrasonic welding process
is then used to join the filter 4 to the inner member 3 and
at the same time, and in the same process step, the inner
member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member 3 and
filter 4 are welded around the outer rim 51. The inner
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
35
member 3 and outer member 2 are joined by means of weld
lines around the outer rim 51 and also the upper edges of
the webs 54.
As shown most clearly in Figure 11, the outer member 2
and inner member 3 when joined together define a void space
130 in the interior 120 below the annular flange 41 and
exterior the cylindrical funnel 40 which forms a filtration
-chamber. The filtration chamber 130 and passages 57 above
the annular frame 41 are separated by the filter paper 4.
The filtration chamber 130 contains the one or more
beverage ingredients 200. The one or more beverage
ingredients are packed into the filtration chamber 130. For
a filtered style beverage the ingredient is typically roast
and ground coffee or leaf tea. The density of packing of the
beverage ingredients in the filtration chamber 130 can be
varied as desired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product
the filtration chamber contains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams
of= roast and ground coffee in a filtration bed of thickness
of typically 5 to 14 mm. Optionally, the interior 120 may
contain one or more bodies, such as spheres, which are
freely movable within the interior 120 to aid mixing by
inducing turbulence and breaking down deposits of beverage
ingredientsiduring discharge of the beverage.
The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2 by
forming a weld 126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to
join the laminate 5 to the lower surface of the outwardly
extending flange 35. The weld 126 is extended to. seal the
laminate 5 against the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 27
of the inlet chamber 26. Further, a weld 125 is formed
between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outer tube
42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 such that the inner member 3
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
36
spans between the outer member "2 and the laminate 5. The
laminate 5 forms the lower wall of the filtration chamber
130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and cylindrical
funnel 40. However, a small gap 123 exists prior to
dispensation between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of
the discharge spout 43. A variety of welding methods may be
used, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, depending on the
material characteristics of the laminate 5.
Advantageously, the inner member 3 spans between the
outer member 2 and the laminate 5. The inner member 3 is
formed from a material of relative rigidity, such as
polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms a load-
bearing member that acts to keep the laminate 5 and outer
member 2 spaced apart when the cartridge 1 is compressed. It
is preferred that the cartridge 1 is subjected to a
compressive load of between 130 and 280N in use, the load
being applied by a beverage preparation machine into which
the cartridge in inserted. However, with some arrangements
of cartridge and machine a lower force of greater than 50N
may be utilised. The compressive force acts to prevent
the cartridge failing under internal pressurisation and.also
serves to squeeze the inner member 3 and outer member 2
together. This ensures that the internal dimensions of
passageways and apertures in the cartridge 1 are fixed and
unable to change during pressurisation of the cartridge 1.
To use the cartridge 1 it is first inserted into a
beverage preparation machine and the inlet 121 and outlet
122 are opened by piercing members of the beverage
preparation machine which perforate and fold back the
laminate 5. An aqueous medium, typically water, under
pressure enters the cartridge 1 through the inlet 121 into
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
37
the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar.
From there the water is directed to flow through the slots
30 and round the manifold 16 and into the filtration chamber
130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17.
The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration
chamber 130 and mixes with the beverage ingredients 200
contained therein. The water is at the same time forced
upwardly through the beverage ingredients. The beverage
formed by passage of the water through the beverage
ingredients passes through the filter 4 and filtration
apertures 55 into the passages 57 lying above the annular
frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 and
the welding of the rim 51 with the outer member 2 ensures
that there are no short-circuits and all the beverage has to
pass through the filter 4.
The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial
passages 57 formed between the webs 54 and through the
openings 56 and.into the cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage
passes along the channels 50 between the support webs 47 and
down the discharge spout 43 to the outlet 44 where the
beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup.
Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises
an air purge facility, wherein compressed air is forced
through the cartridge 1 at the end of the operating cycle to
flush out the remaining beverage into the receptacle.
A second version of cartridge 1 is shown in Figures 12
to 18. The second version of the cartridge 1 is particularly
designed'for Ube in dispensing espresso-style products such
as roast and ground coffee where it is desirable to produce
a beverage having a froth of tiny bubbles known as a crema.
Many of the features of the second version of the cartridge
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
38
1 are the same as in the first version and like numerals
have been used to-reference like features. In the following
description the differences between the first and second
versions will be discussed. Common features which function
in the same manner will not be discussed in detail.
The outer member 2 is of the same construction as in
the first version of cartridge 1 and as shown in Figures 1
to 6.
The annular frame 41 of the inner member 3 is the same
as in the first version. Also, a filter 4 is disposed on
the annular frame 41 so as =to cover the filtration apertures
55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 is also
as before. However, there are a number of differences in the
construction of the inner member 2 of the second version
compared to the first version. As shown in Figure 16, the
discharge spout 43 is provided with a partition 65 which
extends part way up the discharge spout 43 from the outlet
44. The partition 65 helps to prevent the= beverage spraying
and/or splashing as it exits the discharge spout 43. The
profile of the discharge spout 43 is also different and
comprises a stepped profile with a distinct dog-leg 66 near
an upper end of the tube 43.
A rim 67 is provided upstanding from the annular flange
47 joining the outer tube 42 to the discharge spout 43. The
rim 67 surrounds the inlet 45 to the discharge spout 43 and
defines an annular channel 69 between'the rim 67 and the
upper portion of the outer tube 42. The rim 67 is provided
with an inwardly directed shoulder 68. At one point around
the circumference of the rim 67 an aperture 70 is provided
in the form of a slot which extends from an upper edge of
rim 67 to a point marginally below the level of the shoulder
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
39
68 as most clearly shown in Figures 12 and 13. The slot has
a width of 0.64 mm.
An air inlet 71 is provided in annular flange 47
circumferentially aligned with the aperture 70 as shown in
Figures 16 and 17. The air inlet 71 comprises an aperture
passing through the flange 47 so as to provide communication
between a point above the flange 47 and the void space below
the flange 47 between the outer tube 42 and discharge spout
43. Preferably, and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises an
upper frusto-conical portion 73 and a lower cylindrical
portion 72. The air inlet 71 is typically formed by a mould
tool such as a pin. The tapered profile of the air inlet 71
allows the mould tool to be more easily removed from the
moulded component. The wall of the outer tube 42 in the
vicinity of the air inlet 71 is shaped to form a chute 75
leading from the air inlet 71 to the inlet 45 of the
discharge spout 43. As shown in Figure 17, a canted
shoulder 74 is formed between the air inlet 71 and the chute
75 to ensure that the jet of beverage issuing from the slot
70 does not immediately foul on the upper surface of the
flange 47 in the immediate vicinity of the air inlet 71.
An in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as
a load-bearing member.
The assembly procedure for the second version of
cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version.
However, there are certain differences. As shown in Figure
18, the third portion 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 is
seated inside che support rim 67 rather than against support
webs. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical extension 18
between the second portion 20 and third portion 21 bears
against the upper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner
CA 3007411 2018-06-06
40
member 3. An interface zone 124 is thus formed between the
inner member 3 and the outer member 2 comprising a face seal
between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67
which extends around nearly the whole circumference of the
cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical extension 18
and the support rim 67 is not fluid-tight though since the
.slot 70 in the support rim 67 extends through the support
= rim 67 and downwardly to a point= marginally below the
shoulder 68. Consequently the interface fit between the
cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67 transforms
the slot 70 into an aperture 128, as most clearly shown in
Figure 18, providing gas and liquid communication between
the annular channel 69 and the discharge spout 43. The
aperture is typically 0.64 mm wide by 0.69 mm long.
Operation of the second version of cartridge 1 to
dispense a beverage is similar to the operation of the first
= version but with certain differences. Beverage in the
radial passages 57 flows downwardly along the passages 57
formed between the webs 54 and through the openings 56 and
into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40.
From =the annular channel 69 the beverage is forced under
pressure through the aperture 128 by the back pressure of
beverage collecting in the filtration chamber 130 and
passages 57. The beverage is thus forced through aperture
128 as a jet and into aft expansion chamber formed by the
upper end of the discharge spout 43. As shown in Figure 18,
the jet of beverage passes directly over the air inlet 71.
As the beverage enters the discharge spout 43 the pressure
of the beverage jet drops. As a result air is entrained into
the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air
bubbles as the air is drawn up through the air inlet 71. The
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jet of beverage issuing from the aperture 128 is funnelled
downwards to the outlet 44 where the beverage is diScharged
into a receptacle such as a cup where the air bubbles fort
the desired creme. Thus, the aperture 128 and the air inlet
71 together form an eductor which acts to entrain air into
the beverage. Flow of beverage into the eductor should be
kept as smooth as possible to reduce pressure losses.
Advantageously, the walls of the eductor should be made
concave to reduce losses due to 'wall effect' friction. The
dimensional tolerance of the aperture 128 is small.
Preferably the aperture size is fixed plus or minus 0.02 tne.
Hairs, fibrils or other surface irregularities can be
provided within or at the exit of the eductor to increase
the effective cross-sectional area which has been found to
increase the degree of air entrainment.
A third version of cartridge 1 is shown in Figures 19
to 29. The third version of the cartridge 1 is particularly
designed for use in dispensing soluble products which may be
in powdered, = liquid, syrup, gel or similar form. The soluble
product is dissolved by or forms a suspension in,-an aqueous
medium such as water when the aqueous medium is passed, in
us, thrbugh the cartridge 1. Examples of beverages include
chocolate, coffee, milk, tea, soup or other rehydratable or
aqueous-soluble products. Many of the features of the third
version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous
versions and like numerals have been used to reference like
features. In the following description the differences
between the third and previous versions will be discussed.
Common features which function in the same manner will not
be discussed in detail.
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Compared to the outer member 2 of =the previous
versions, the hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension
18 of the outer member 2 of the third version has a larger
overall diameter as shown in Figure 20. In particular the
diameter of the first portion 19 is typically between 16 and
= 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for the outer member 2 of the
previous versions. In addition, the first portion 19 is
provided with a convex outer surface 19a, or bulge, as most
clearly shown in Figure 20, the function of which will be
described below. The diameter of the third portions 21 of
the cartridges 1 are however the same resulting in the area
of the shoulder 32 being greater in this, the third version
of the cartridge L. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1
when assembled is 32.5 ml 20%.
The number and positioning of the slots in the lower
end of the annular wall 13 is also different. Between '3 and
5 slots are provided. In the embodiment as shown in Figure
23, four slots 36 are provided equi-spaced around the
circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 36 are slightly
wider than.in the previous versions of the cartridge 1 being
between 0.35 and 0.45 mm, preferably 0.4 mm wide.
In bther respects the outer members 2 of the cartridges
1 are.the same.
The construction of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the
inner member 3 is the same as in the first version of
cartridge 1 with an outer tube 42, discharge spout 45,
annular flange 47 and support webs 49 being provided. The
only difference is that the discharge spout 45 is shaped
with an upper frusto-conical section 92 and a lower
cylindrical section 93.
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In contrast to the previous versions and as shown in
Figures 24 to 28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a
skirt portion 80 which surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40
and is jcdned thereto by means of eight radial struts 87
which adjoin the cylindrical funnel 40 at or near the
annular flange 47. A cylindrical extension 81 of the skirt
portion 80 extends upwardly from the struts 87 to define a
chamber 90 with an open upper face. An upper rim 91 of the
cylindrical extension 81 has an in-turned profile as shown
in Figure 26. An annular wall 82 of the skirt portion 80
extends downwardly from the struts 87 to define an annular
channel 86 between the skirt portion 80 and the outer tube
42.
The annular wall 82 comprises at a lower end an
exterior flange 83 which lies perpendicular to= the major
axis X. A rim 84 depends downwardly from a lower surface of
the flange 83 and contains five apertures 85 which are
circumferentially equi-spaced around the rim 84. Thus, the
rim 84 is provided with a castellated lower profile.
= Apertures 89 are provided between the struts 87
allowing communication between the chamber 90 and the
annular channel 86.
As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as
a load-bearing member.
The assembly procedure for the third version of
cartridge 1 is 'similar to the assembly of the first version
but with certain differences. The outer member 2 and inner
member 3 are push-fitted together as shown in Figure 29 and
retained by means of a snap-fib arrangement rather than
welded together. On joining the two members the inwardly
= directed cylindrical extension 18 is received inside the
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upper cylindrical extension 81 of the skirt portion 80. The
inner member 3 is retained in the outer member 2 by
frictional interengagement of the convex outer surface 19a
of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical extension 18 with
the in-turned rim 91 of the upper cylindrical extension 81.
With the inner member 3 located in the outer member 2 a
mixing chamber 134 is defined located exterior to the skirt
portion 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the beverage
ingredients 200 prior to dispensation. It should be noted
that the four inlets 36 and the five apertures 85 are
staggered circumferentially with respect to one another. The
radial location of the two parts relative tO each other need
not be determined or fixed during assembly since the use of
four inlets 36 and five apertures 85 ensures that
misalignment occurs between the inlets and apertures
whatever the relative rotational positioning of the
components. Other numbers of inlet and outlet apertures can
be provided as found by the formula:
where
Xi = the number of inlet apertures
X, = the number of outlet apertures
C = the set of positive or negative integers not
including 0 or nXi
n - any integer.
Alternatively, the same number of inlet and outlet
apertures can be provided non-equispaced around the
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cartridge to ensure that the inlets and outlets are not
aligned.
The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into
the mixing chamber 134 of the cartridge. The density of
packing of the beverage ingredients in the mixing chamber
134 can be varied as desired.
The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2
and inner member 3 in the same manner as described above in
the previous versions.
In use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through the
four slots 36 in the same manner as previous versions of the
cartridge. The water is forced radially inwardly through
the mixing chamber and mixes with the beverage ingredients
contained therein. The product is dissolved or mixed in the
water and forms the beverage in the mixing chamber 134 and
is then driven though the apertures 85 into the annular
channel 86 by back pressure of beverage and water in the
mixing chamber 134. The circumferential Staggering of the
four inlet slots 36 and the five apertures 85 ensures that
jets of water are not able to pass radially directly from
the inlet slots 36 to the apertures 85 without first
circulating within the mixing chamber 134. In this way the
degree and consistency of dissolution or mixing of the
product is significantly increased. The beverage is forced
upwardly in the annular channel 86, through the apertures 89
between the struts 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage
passes from chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between the
support webs 49 into the discharge spout 43 and towards the
outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle
such as a cup. The cartridge finds particular application
with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or
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gels. In one application a liquid chocolate ingredient is
contained in the cartridge 1 with-a viscosity of between
1700 and 3900mPa at ambient temperature and between 5000 and
10000mPa at 0 C and a refractive solids of 67 Brix 3. In
another application liquid coffee is contained in the
cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between 70 and 2000mPa at
ambient and between 80 and 5000mPa at 0 C where the coffee
has a total solids level of between 40 and 70%.%. The liquid
coffee ingredient may contain between 0.1 and 2.CA by weight
sodium bicarbonate, preferably between 0.5 and 1.0% by
weight. The sodium bicarbonate acts to maintain the pH level
of the coffee at or below 4.8 enabling a shelf-life for
coffee-filled cartridges of up.to 12 months.
A fourth version of cartridge 1 is shown in Figures 30
to 34. The fourth version ot the cartridge 1 is particularly
designed for use in dispensing liquid products such as
concentrated liquid milk. Many of the features of the fourth
version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous
versions and like numerals have been used to reference like
features. In the following description the differences
between the fourth and previous versions will be discussed.
Common features which function in the same manner will not
be discussed in detail.
The outer member 2 is the same as in the third version
of cartridge 1 and as shown in Figures 19 to 23.
The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3 is
similar to that shown in the second version of cartridge 1
but with certain differences. An shown in Figure 30 the
discharge spout 43 is shaped with an upper frusto-conical
section 106 and a lower cylindrical section 107. Three
axial ribs 105 are provided on the inner surface of the
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discharge spout 43 to direct the dispensed beverage
downwards towards the outlet 44 and prevent the discharged
beverage from spinning within the spout. Consequently, the
ribs 105 act as baffles. As in the second version of
cartridge 1, an air inlet 71 is provided through the annular
flange 47. However, the chute 75 beneath the air inlet 71
is more elongated than in the second version.
A skirt portion 80 is provided similar to that shown. in
the third version of the cartridge 1 described above.
Between 5 and 12 apertures 85 are provided in the rim 84.
Typically ten apertures are provided rather than the five
provided in the third version of cartridge 1.
An annular bowl 100 is provided extending from and
integral with the flange 83 of the skirt portion 80. The
annular bowl 100 comprises a flared body 101 with an open
unper mouth 104 which is directed upwards. Four feed
apertures 103 shown in Figures 30 and 31 are located in the
body 101 at or near the lower end of the bowl 100 where it
joins the skirt portion 80. Preferably, the feed apertures
are equi-spaced around the circumference of the bowl 100.
=As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as
a load-bearing member.
The laminate 5 is of the type described above in the
previous embodiments.
The assembly procedure for the fourth version of
cartridge 1 is the same as that for the third version.
Operation of the fourth version of partridge is similar
to that of the third version. The water enters the
cartridge 1 and the mixing chamber 134 in the same manner as
before. There the water mixes with and dilutes 'the liquid
product which is then forced out below the bowl 100 and
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through the apertures 85 towards the outlet 44 as described
above. The proportion of the liquid product initially
contained within the annular bowl 100 as shown in Figure 34
is npt subject to immediate dilution by the water entering
the mixing chamber 134. Rather, the diluted liquid product
in the lower part of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to
exit through apertures 85 rather than be forced up and into
the annular bowl 100 through upper mouth 104. Consequently,
the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain
relatively concentrated during the initial stages of the
operating cycle compared to the product in the lower part of
the mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular
bowl 100 drips through the feed apertures 103 under gravity
into the stream of product exiting the mixing chamber 134
through the apertures 85 and below the bowl 100. The
annular bowl 100 acts to even out the concentration of the
diluted liquid product entering the cylindrical funnel 40 by
holding back a proportion of the concentrated liquid product
and releasing it into the exiting liquid stream flow path
steadily throughout the dispensation operating cycle as
illustrated in Figure 35a where the concentration of the
milk measured as a percentage of the total solids present is
shown during an optrating cycle of approximately 15 seconds.
Line a illustrates the concentration profile with the bowl
100 whilst line b illustrates a cartridge without the bowl
100. As can be teen the concentration profile with the cup
100 is more even during the operating cycle and there is no
immediate large drop in concentration as occurs without the
bowl 100. The initial concentration of the milk is typically
30-35% SS and at the end of the cycle 10% SS. This results
in a dilution ratio of around 3 to 1, although dilution
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ratios of between 1 to 1 and 6 to 1 are possible with the
present invention. For other liquid beverage ingredients the
concentrations may vary. For example for liquid chocolate
the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS and at the
end of the cycle 12-15% SS. This results in a dilution ratio
(ratio of aqueous medium to beverage ingredient in dispensed
beverage) of around 5 to 1, although dilUtion ratios of
between 2 to 1 and 10 to 1 are possible with the present
invention. For liquid coffee the initial concentration is
between 40-67% and the concentration at the end of dispense
1-2% SS. This results in a dilution ratio.of between 20 to 1
and 70 to 1, although dilution ratios of between 10 to 1 and
100 to 1 are possible with the present invention.
From the annular channel 86 the beverage is forced
under pressure through the aperture 128 by the back pressure
of beverage collecting in the filtration chamber 134 and
chamber 90. The beverage is thus forced through aperture 128
as a jet and into an expansion chamber formed by the upper
end of the discharge spout 43. As shown in Figure 34, the
jet of beverage passes directly over the air inlet 71. As
the beverage enters the discharge spout 43 the pressure of
the beverage jet drops. As a result air is entrained into
the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air
bubbles as the air is drawn up through the air inlet 71.
The jet of beverage issuing from the aperture 128 is
funnelled downwards to the outlet 44 where the beverage is
discharged into a receptacle such as a cup where the air
bubbles form the desired frothy appearance.
Advantageously, the inner member 3, outer member 2,
laminate 5 and filter 4 can all be readily sterilised due to
the components being separable and not =individually
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comprising tortuous passageways or narrow crevices. Rather,
it is only after conjoining the components, after
sterilisation, that the necessary passageways are formed.
This is particularly important where the beverage ingredient
is a dairy-based product such as liquid milk concentrate.
The fourth embodiment of beverage cartridge is
particularly advantageous for dispensing a concentrated
dairy-based .liquid product such as liquid milk. Previously,
powdered milk products have been provided in the form of
sachets for adding to a pre-prepared beverage. However, for
a cappuccino-style beverage it is necessary to foam the
milk. This has been achieved previously by passing steam
through a liquid milk product. However this necessitates
the provision of a steam supply which increases the cost and
complexity of the machine used to dispense the.beverage.
The use of steam also increases the risk of injury during
operation of the cartridge. Accordingly the present
invention provides for a beverage cartridge having a
.concentrated dairy-based liquid product therein. It has been
found that by concentrating the milk product a greater
amount of foam can be produced for a particular volume of
milk when compared to fresh or UHT milk. This reduces the
size required for the milk cartridge. Fresh semi-skimmed
milk contains approximately 1.0 fat and 10% total solids.
The concentrated liquid milk preparations of the present
invention contain between 0.1 and 12% fat and 25 to 40%
total solids. In a typical example, the.preparation
contains 4% fat and 30% total solids. The concentrated milk
preparations are suitable for foaming using a low pressure
preparation machine as will be described below. In
particular, foaming of the milk is achieved at pressures
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below 2 bar, preferably approximately 1.5 bar using the
cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.
The foaming of the concentrated milk is particularly
advantageous for beverages such as cappuccinos and milk
shakes. Preferably the passing of the milk through the
aperture 128 and over the air inlet 71 and the optional use
of the bowl 100 enables foaming levels of greater than 40%,
preferably greater than 70% fot milk. For liquid chocolate
foaming level of greater than 70% are possible. For liquid
coffee foaming levels of greater than 70% are possible. The
foamability level is measured as the ratio of the volume of
the foam produced to the volume of liquid beverage
ingredient dispensed. For example, where 138.3m1 of beverage
is dispensed, of which 58.3m1 is foam the foamability is
measured as [58.3/(138.3-58,3)]*100 = 72.9%. The fOamability
of the milk (and other liquid ingredients) is enhanced by
the provision of the bowl 100 as can be seen in Figure 35b.
The foarnability of the milk dispensed with the bowl 100
present (line a) is greater than that of milk diSpensed
without the bowl present (line b). This is because the
foamability of the milk is positively correlated to the
concentration of the milk and as shown in Figure 35a the
bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of the milk a
larger part of the operating cycle. It is also known that
foamability of the milk is positively correlated to
temperature of the aqueous medium as shown in Figure 35c.
Thus the bowl 100 is advantageous since more of the milk
remains in the cartridge until near the end of the operating
cycle when the aqueous medium is at its hottest. This again
improves foamability.
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The cartridge of the fourth embodiment is also
advantageous in dispensing liquid coffee products.
It has been found that the embodiments of beverage
cartridge of the present invention advantageously provide an
improved consistency of the dispensed beverage when compared
to prior art cartridges. Reference is made to Table 1 below
which shows the results of brew yields for twenty samples
each of cartridges A and B containing roast and ground
coffee. Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to the
first embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge B is a
prior art beverage cartridge as described in the applicant's
document W001/58766. The refractive index of the brewed
beverage is measured in Brix units and converted to a
percentage of soluble solids (%SS) using standard tables and
formulae. In the examples below:
%SS = 0.7774 * (Brix value) + 0.0569.
Yield = (%SS * Brew Volume (g))/
(100 * Coffee Weight (g))
Table 1
CARTRIDGE A
Sample Brew Volume (9) Coffee Weight (g) Brix % SS el %
Yield
105.6 6.5 1.58 1.29 20.88
2 10424 6.5 1.64 1.33_ 21.36
3 100.95 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.05
4 102.23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80
5 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 =21.67
6 107.54 8.6 1.59 1.29 21.39
7 102.70 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.41
8 97.77 6.5 1.86 1.50 22.81
97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75
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97.83 6.5 1.67, 1.36_ 20.40
-
11 97.6 6.5 = 1.78 1.44_ 21.63
12 106.64 = 6.5 1.61_ 1.31 .
21.47
13 99.26 6.5 1.54 1.25 19.15
_
14 97.29 6.5 1.59 1.29 19.35
= 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23
16 104.23 6.5 1.61 1.31 20.98
17 , 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03
18 100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14
19 101.67 6.6 1.67 1.36 21.20
101.32 6.5 = 1.68 1.36 21.24
AVERAGE 20.99
CARTRIDGE B
Semple Brew Volume (g) Coffee Weight (g) Brix % SS (*) % Yield
1 = 100.65 6.5 1.87 1.511 23.39
2 95.85 6.5 1.86 1.503 22.16
3 98.4 83 1.8 1.456 22.04
4 92.43 6.5 2.3 1.845 26.23
5 100.26, 6.5 1.72 1.394 21.50
6 98.05 8.5r- 2.05 1.651 24.90
7 99.49 6.5 1.96 1.581 24.19
8, 95.82,_ 6.5 2.3 1.845 27.14
9 94.28 6.5 2.17 1.744 25.29
10 96.13 8.5 = 1.72 1.394 20.62
11 , 96.86 6.5 1.81 1.464 21.82
õ 12 94.03 6.5 2.2 1.767 25.56
13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1.441 21.34
14 95.85 6.5_ 1.95 1.573 23.19,
15. 95.36 6.5 1.88 1.518 22.28
16 92.73 6.5 1.89 1.526 21.77
_ 17. 68 6.5 1.59 1293 17.50
le 93.5 6.5, 2.08 1.674 =
24.08
19 100.88 8.5 1.75 1.417 22.00
20 '' . 84.77 6.5 2.37 1.899 24.77
AVERAGE ' 23.09
Performing a t-test statistical analysis on the above
data gives the following results:
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Table 2
t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances
% Y/e/d (Cartridge A) % Yield (Cartridge B)
Mean 20.99 23.09
Variance 0.77 5.04
Observations 20 20
Pooled Variance 2.90
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
df 38
t Stat -3.90
P(T<=t) one-tall 0.000188
t Critical one-tail 1.686
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.000376
t Critical two-tall 2.0244
Standard Devisation 0.876 2.246
The analysis shows that the consistency of % yield,
which equates to brew strength, for the cartridges of the
present invention is significantly better (at a 95%
confidence level) =than the prior art cartridges, with a
standard deviation of 0.88% compared to 2.24%. This means
that beverages dispensed with the cartridges of the present
invention have a more repeatable and uniform strength. This
is preferred by consumers who like their drinks to taste the
same time after time and do not want arbitrary changes in
drink strength.
Whilst the first and second versions of the cartridge
have been described as being assembled by means of a welding
operation they may equally be assembled by means of a snap-
fit arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
For example, the outer member 2 could be provided with a
formation which co-operates with the periphery of the
annular frame 41 to from a snap-fit.
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The materials of the cartridges described above may be
provided with a barrier.coating tò improve thbir reSistance
to oxygen and/or moisture and/or other contaminant ingress.
The barrier coating may also improve the resistance to
leakage of the beverage ingredients from within the
cartridges and/or reduce the degree of leaching of
extractibles from the cartridge materials which might
adversely affect the beverage ingredients. The barrier
coating may be of a material selected from the group of PET,
Polyamide, EVOH, PVDC or a metallised material. The barrier
coating may be applied by a number of mechanisms including
but not limited to vapour deposition, vacuum deposition,
plasma coating, co-extrusion, in-mould labelling and
two/multi-stage moulding.
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