U.S. patent application number 13/293043 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage.
This patent application is currently assigned to La-Vit Technology LLC. Invention is credited to John R. Laverack, Gian Matteo Lo Faro, George E. Riehm, Yuanli Shentu, Greg G. Weaver, Kurt R. Weseman.
Application Number | 20120231126 13/293043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46051290 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120231126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lo Faro; Gian Matteo ; et
al. |
September 13, 2012 |
Capsule Based System for Preparing and Dispensing a Beverage
Abstract
The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from
a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a
container and (2) the automated method for opening such container
and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from
such container into a customer receptacle or glass.
Inventors: |
Lo Faro; Gian Matteo; (Key
West, FL) ; Laverack; John R.; (Southbury, CT)
; Shentu; Yuanli; (Waterbury, CT) ; Weseman; Kurt
R.; (Middletown, CT) ; Riehm; George E.; (New
Fairfield, CT) ; Weaver; Greg G.; (Waterbury,
CT) |
Assignee: |
La-Vit Technology LLC
Miami
FL
|
Family ID: |
46051290 |
Appl. No.: |
13/293043 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61411786 |
Nov 9, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 ;
426/112; 426/122; 426/431; 99/280; 99/287; 99/295 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23F 3/18 20130101; A23F
5/262 20130101; A47J 31/407 20130101; G06K 7/1417 20130101; B65D
85/8046 20130101; B65D 85/8043 20130101; A23L 2/39 20130101; A23V
2002/00 20130101; A47J 31/4492 20130101; B65D 79/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 ; 99/295;
99/280; 99/287; 426/112; 426/122; 426/431 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/00 20060101
A47J031/00; A23F 5/24 20060101 A23F005/24; A23F 3/18 20060101
A23F003/18; B65D 85/804 20060101 B65D085/804 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for mixing a beverage from a cartridge, the
dispenser comprising: a frame to accommodate the cartridge so that
the cartridge is securely located within the frame, a mechanism to
peel open the cover of the capsule, the frame positioning the
capsule so that when the capsule is peeled open, a mixing stream
can be directed into the capsule and allowed to flow out a top edge
of the capsule.
2. The dispenser recited in claim 1, the frame comprising a hinge
so that the mechanism can swing on the hinge to effect peeling of
the capsule.
3. The dispenser recited in claim 2, wherein the capsule includes a
thin material on the top of the capsule and the mechanism further
includes a means to secure an edge of the thin material so that the
material stays fixed while the mechanism swings the frame on the
hinge to effect peeling of the capsule.
4. The dispenser recited in claim 3, wherein the frame is adapted
to position the capsule so that a mixing stream can mix the
beverage in the capsule.
5. The dispenser recited in claim 4, further comprising a finishing
stream that is not oriented to go into the capsule and is directed
toward a beverage container.
6. The dispenser recited in claim 5 wherein the beverage is able to
be mixed by an amount of warmer water going into the mixing stream
and a cooler water going into the finishing stream.
7. The dispenser recited in claim 2 further comprising a bar code
reader on the dispenser to read a bar code on a capsule and a
computer on the dispenser to make the drink according to a set of
instructions based on the information on the capsule.
8. The dispenser recited in claim 2 further comprising at least one
sensor on the machine to determine the presence of a beverage
container.
9. The dispenser recited in claim 8 wherein the there includes a
plurality of sensors to determine both the presence and the volume
of a beverage container.
10. The dispenser recited in claim 1 further comprising a frame
which includes two ends that pivot on hinges with respect to a
central portion, the mechanism further including a portion of the
device immobilizing the capsule with respect to the frame, the
mechanism opening the capsule by pivoting the ends with respect to
the central portion to open the capsule.
11. The dispenser recited in claim 10 further comprising a mixing
stream nozzle adapted to provide a mixing stream of water into the
capsule when the capsule is opened by the two ends pivoting.
12. The dispenser recited in claim 11 further comprising a second
nozzle adapted to provide a finishing stream of water in addition
to the mixing stream, wherein the finishing stream is directed
toward the beverage container without going through the
capsule.
13. The dispenser recited in claim 12 further comprising an device
to vibrate the capsule during the mixing process to facilitate
mixing.
14. The dispenser recited in claim 13 wherein a computer program
determines which of vibration, the mixing stream and the finishing
stream are used with a particular capsule based on information
provided on the capsule.
15. The dispenser recited in claim 11 wherein the mixing stream
nozzle is disposed on the frame and is oriented into the capsule
when the capsule is opened.
16. The dispenser recited in claim 11 wherein the frame is adapted
to position the capsule so that a mixing stream can mix the
beverage in the capsule.
17. The dispenser recited in claim 16, further comprising an outlet
for a finishing stream that is not oriented to go into the capsule
and is directed toward the beverage container.
18. The dispenser recited in claim 17 wherein the beverage is able
to be mixed by an amount of warmer going into the mixing stream and
a cooler water going into the finishing stream.
19. The dispenser recited in claim 11 further comprising a bar code
reader on the dispenser to read a bar code on a capsule and a
computer on the dispenser to make the drink according to a set of
instructions based on the information on the capsule.
20. The dispenser recited in claim 11 further comprising at least
one sensor on the machine to determine the presence of a beverage
container.
21. A dispenser for mixing a beverage from a cartridge, the
dispenser comprising: a frame to accommodate the cartridge so that
the cartridge is securely located within the frame, a mechanism to
peel open the cover of the capsule, the frame positioning the
capsule so that when the capsule is peeled open, a mixing stream
can be directed into the capsule and allowed to flow out a top edge
of the capsule, the frame further comprises an end that pivots on a
hinge with respect to a central portion, the mechanism further
including a portion of the device immobilizing the capsule with
respect to the frame, and wherein the mechanism opens the capsule
by pivoting the end of the capsule with respect to the central
portion to open the capsule.
22. The dispenser recited in claim 20 wherein the capsule includes
a lip onto which a cover is affixed, further comprising a crease on
the lip which opens when the mechanism pivots the end with respect
to the central portion.
23. The dispenser recited in claim 22 further comprising a raised
section on the end of the mechanism that is elevated with respect
to the surface of the mechanism so that when the capsule is opened,
the portion of the capsule adjacent the raised section is opened
first and the capsule is opened along the crease.
24. The dispenser recited in claim 23 wherein the raised section is
aligned with the axis of the capsule.
25. The dispenser recited in claim 23 wherein the raised section is
off set from the axis of the capsule.
26. The dispenser recited in claim 22, wherein dispenser is adapted
to open a capsule on the underside of the lip of the capsule.
27. The dispenser recited in claim 22 wherein the dispenser is
adapted to open the capsule at the lip so that only the cover is
pealed away.
28. A capsule for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: a concave
receptacle for containing a mix, a rim forming an opening in an
outer receptacle, the rim having a flat section, a cover which is
adapted to be disposed on the flat section of the rim, wherein the
capsule is adapted to be opened by peeling the cover from the flat
section and the capsule is adapted to enable a beverage to be mixed
within the receptacle of the capsule.
29. The capsule recited in claim 28 further comprising glue that
fixes the cover to the flat section.
30. A capsule for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: a concave
receptacle for containing mix, a rim forming an opening to be
disposed on the flat section of the rim, wherein the capsule is
adapted to be opened along a crease along an edge of the capsule
adjacent the rim.
31. The capsule recited in claim 30 further comprising a second
crease along an opposite side of the capsule whereby the capsule
can be opened by one or both the creases in the capsule.
32. The capsule recited in claim 31 wherein the receptacle of the
capsule is adapted to receive water from one opening and pours the
mixed beverage out of the other opening.
33. The capsule recited in claim 32 wherein the capsule includes an
oval shaped top.
34. The capsule recited in claim 32 wherein the capsule has an
axi-symmetric top.
35. A dispenser for mixing a beverage from a cartridge, the
dispenser comprising: a frame to accommodate the cartridge so that
the cartridge is securely located within the frame, a mechanism to
open the cover of the capsule, the frame positioning the capsule so
that when the capsule is opened, a mixing stream can be directed
into the capsule and allowed to flow out the edge of the capsule,
the frame further comprises an end that pivots on a hinge with
respect to a central portion, the mechanism further including a
portion of the device immobilizing the capsule with respect to the
frame, and wherein the mechanism disposes of a used capsule by
crushing the capsule on the frame and disposing the capsule in the
machine.
36. A dispenser for mixing a beverage from a cartridge, the
dispenser comprising: a frame to accommodate the cartridge so that
the cartridge is securely located within the frame, a mechanism to
open the cover of the capsule, the frame positioning the capsule so
that when the capsule is opened, a mixing stream can be directed
into the capsule and allowed to flow out the edge of the capsule,
the frame further comprises an end that pivots on a hinge with
respect to a central portion, the mechanism further including a
portion of the device immobilizing the capsule with respect to the
frame, and wherein the capsule during beverage mixing is oriented
so that the side of the capsule is less than 10 degrees inclination
from horizontal.
37. A method of mixing a beverage where the beverage is mixed from
a capsule which has a top, and edge and a bottom, wherein the
capsule is opened by using force against the edge of capsule to
break a seal so that water can be delivered into the capsule to mix
the beverage.
38. A capsule for use in mixing a beverage, the capsule comprising:
a top and bottom and an edge wherein the capsule can be opened by
using force against the edge of capsule to break a seal so that
water can be delivered into the capsule.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/411,786 filed Nov. 9, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] The varied embodiments of the invention have multiple
benefits: [0012] On-Demand Pure Water: Unlimited filtered, pure
water. Potentially unhealthy contaminants are filtered out of
water. [0013] 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. [0014] Reduction of
CO2: No need to transport heavy bottled beverage to point of
consumption. Each machine in use lowers carbon emissions. [0015]
Space Savings: No need to stock voluminous beverages saves space in
the fridge/kitchen/pantry. [0016] Health Benefit: Improved
hydration resulting from more convenient and better hydration
options including better concentration, better circulation, and
overall general better health. [0017] Financial Benefit: Capsule
cost approximately 2-3% of the cost of regular bottled water and
approximately 33% of the cost of bottled beverages.
[0018] 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 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] Specific technical achievements of the invention may
include: [0022] 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). [0023] 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. [0024] Sterilization: The mixing chamber may be
self sterilizing either by heat or UV light, depending on the
machine make and model. [0025] 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
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 1A is a cross section taken along section lines 1A-1A
in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of a capsule insertion in
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrates a detail cross section taken along
section lines 2A-2A in FIG. 2 with a capsule inserted in the
dispenser device;
[0030] FIGS. 2B-2D illustrates the capsule opening process and
beverage mixing according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3A is a cross section taken along section lines 3A-3A
in FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the
embodiment of FIG. 3;
[0034] 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;
[0035] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention with the capsule in the
dispenser;
[0036] FIG. 5A is a cross section taken along section lines 5A-5A
in FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the
embodiment of FIG. 5;
[0038] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section taken along section
lines 6A-6A in FIG. 6 with a capsule disposed in the dispenser
device;
[0039] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 7A is a cross section taken along section lines 7A-7A
in FIG. 7;
[0041] FIG. 7B details a mixing action possible with the invention,
specifically, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 7;
[0042] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention which illustrates a manner of crushing the
capsule;
[0043] FIG. 8A is a cross section taken along section lines 8A-8A
in FIG. 8;
[0044] FIG. 9 details a flow chart illustrating an exemplary
process for the dispensing a beverage according to the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 10 is an exemplary system schematic which describes the
flow paths for fluids in the beverage dispenser;
[0046] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the
present invention where vibration is used in the beverage mixing
and/or dispensing process;
[0047] 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;
[0048] FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate details of the capsule opening
process for the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 7;
[0049] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate bottom, side and end views,
respectively, of a capsule of the present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 18-20 illustrate bottom, and end views, respectively,
of another, larger capsule of the present invention;
[0051] These illustrations are illustrative of the present
invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope or range
of the invention presented in this application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0052] 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:
[0053] (1) The Container/Capsule
[0054] 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: [0055] aluminum foil covering
the top of the capsule, [0056] 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 [0057]
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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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 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.
[0062] (2) The Dispenser for Opening Such Capsule
[0063] 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.degree.-90 from horizontal) to facilitate the breaking and
peeling of the cover on top part of the capsule.
[0064] 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 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.
[0065] (3) The Automated Method of Dispensing of the Contents from
Such Container.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] Beverage Mixing: As the capsule enters a
45.degree.-90.degree. 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.
[0069] 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 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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
[0072] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary beverage
dispenser 10 of the present invention and FIG. 1A 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.
[0073] 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 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.
[0074] 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 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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 portion of the dispenser and as
illustrated in FIG. 1A 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.).
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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
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.
[0089] 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 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 8 oz. 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.
[0090] 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 alternative design contemplated is the use of a
"finishing stream" with the beverage mix being allowed to exit the
capsule by gravity.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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
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.
[0097] 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 tank 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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
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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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 create a predetermined path for the capsule to
open. As illustrated in FIG. 14B. FIGS. 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.
[0105] 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 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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 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
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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 hygienic. The outside of the
capsule has been handled in a non-sterile fashion. Automated
Capsule Ejection prevents the used capsule from sitting and
breeding bacteria inside the mixing chamber. Having an empty
chamber allows for sterilization of said chamber. [0110] Color
Screen: offers customers branded beverage experience [0111] The
capsules are very eco-friendly and easily recyclable. [0112] High
quality premium look and feel of capsules and machine
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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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