U.S. patent application number 14/906384 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for single servie capsule having a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent identifier.
The applicant listed for this patent is K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH. Invention is credited to Gunter EMPL, Marc KRUGER.
Application Number | 20160185518 14/906384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51178875 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160185518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRUGER; Marc ; et
al. |
June 30, 2016 |
SINGLE SERVIE CAPSULE HAVING A FLUORESCENT AND/OR PHOSPHORESCENT
IDENTIFIER
Abstract
The invention relates to a single serve capsule for producing a
drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided in the
cavity of a main body. The invention also relates to a method for
producing a drink.
Inventors: |
KRUGER; Marc; (Bergisch
Gladbach, DE) ; EMPL; Gunter; (Bergisch Gladbach,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH |
Bergisch Gladbach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51178875 |
Appl. No.: |
14/906384 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
June 18, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/062887 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/00 20130101;
A47J 31/4492 20130101; B65D 65/466 20130101; B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 19, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 211 568.7 |
Claims
1. A single serve capsule (1) for producing a drink from a
drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity (3) of a
main body (2), characterized in that the main body (2) has a
fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule.
2. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the main body (2) has a wall (2.1) which is adjoined at its
first end (2.2) by a bottom and at its second end (2.3) by a cover,
characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance
(6) is provided in the area of the cover and/or in the area of the
bottom.
3. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 2, characterized in
that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is provided
only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the bottom.
4. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 2 or 3,
characterized in that the cover (2.4) is a film (5), which is
connected to the wall.
5. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4,
characterized in that the film (5) has at least two film layers (9,
10).
6. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4,
characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance
(6) is provided between two film layers (9, 10).
7. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent
substance is printed.
8. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 7,
characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance
is printed onto a film layer (9, 10).
9. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 7, characterized in
that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is at least
partly surrounded by a filling layer (12).
10. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1
characterized in that it has a decorative print (11).
11. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 10,
characterized in that the decorative print (11) at least partly
covers the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance and/or the
filling layer (12).
12. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 10,
characterized in that the decorative print (11) is connected to a
film layer (10).
13. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 12,
characterized in that an adhesion promoter layer is provided
between the decorative print (11) and the film layer (10).
14. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that it has an axis of rotation (4) and in that
the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided
rotationally symmetrically with respect to this axis of
rotation.
15. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the identifier has two areas that are spaced
apart from each other and are preferably provided concentrically in
relation to each other.
16. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 15,
characterized in that the substance is different in the two
areas.
17. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the layer thickness of the identifier is 1-4
.mu.m, preferably 2-3 .mu.m.
18. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the application of the identifier is 0.5-2
g/m.sup.2, preferably 0.8-1.6 g/m.sup.2, particularly preferably
1.0-1.4 g/m.sup.2.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for
producing a drink from a drink/food raw material, which is provided
in the cavity of a main body. Furthermore, the present invention
relates to a method for producing a drink.
[0002] Single serve capsules of this type are sufficiently
well-known and are offered on the market in a large number of
embodiments and are used to produce coffee, espresso, cappuccino,
tea, milk or cocoa drinks or else other drinks or food such as
soups. In order to be able to be produced in an automatic machine,
these capsules must all have the same external shape, the
respective production method differing. For example, the quantity
of water and/or the temperature which is used to produce the
respective drink can differ. Furthermore, the water of the single
serve capsule can be led through the single serve capsule
continuously or intermittently. In order to make it easier for the
customer to produce the respective drink or food, it is desirable
that the automatic machine, for example the coffee machine, should
detect the respective single serve capsule and automatically select
the program suitable for the production of the drink or food. The
automatic machines which are used to produce the respective drink
or food must be cleaned at regular intervals, for which purpose
cleaning capsules are available, the external dimensions of which
are identical to the dimensions of the single serve capsules and
through which water likewise flows after they have been introduced
into the automatic machine, said water dissolving the cleaning
substance out of the capsules and cleaning the brewing chamber of
automatic machine and the downstream lines by using the solution.
Here, it is absolutely necessary to avoid a user, for example a
child or a visually impaired adult, using the cleaning capsule to
produce a drink and consuming the latter.
[0003] It was therefore the object of the present invention to
provide a single serve capsule which satisfies the above
requirements.
[0004] The object is achieved by a single serve capsule for
producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided
in the cavity of a main body, wherein the main body has a
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance which makes it possible
to individualize the respective single serve capsule.
[0005] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0006] Single serve capsules of this type are generally inserted
into the brewing chamber of an automatic machine and rinsed through
with hot water there. The water is enriched with an aromatic
substance, for example, which gives rise to a drink to be produced.
In the automatic machine, residues of the respective drink/food raw
material often build up but lime deposits also arise and water
deposits in the form of steam and/or droplets are formed on the
surfaces of the automatic machine. It was entirely surprising and
unexpected to those skilled in the art that an identifier of a
single serve capsule which is based on fluorescence and/or
phosphorescence functions in such an environment.
[0007] The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for
producing a drink or food which has a cavity in which there is
provided a drink/food raw material, which is desorbed, extracted
and/or dissolved in order to produce the drink. The drink/food raw
material is, for example, coffee powder, tea leaves, milk powder,
cocoa powder, an instant drink powder, a food supplement powder or
a soup powder. Such a single serve capsule is produced, for
example, from plastic, a natural substance and/or a biodegradable
material and has a wall, for example a cylindrical, conical,
four-cornered wall, with a first and a second end. A bottom is
provided in the region of the first end and a cover is provided in
the region of the second end. The wall, the cover and the bottom
define the cavity in which the drink/food raw material is located.
In addition, a filter and/or a liquid distribution system can also
be provided in the cavity. The bottom and the wall are preferably
provided in one piece and are produced, for example, by deep
drawing a film or by injection molding. After the filling of the
cavity, the cover is fixed, in particular sealed, preferably to the
end of the wall which is opposite to the bottom. For this purpose,
this end of the wall preferably has a flange with a sealing face.
The cover can be made from a material that is the same as or
different from the wall and/or the bottom. The main body can be
liquid-tight and/or substantially gas-tight. However, it is also
conceivable for at least some sections of the main body to be
permeable to water.
[0008] To produce a drink, the single serve capsule is placed in an
automatic machine and a liquid, in particular hot water, then flows
through the same; in the process this water is enriched with the
desired drink or food substance and after that is collected in a
container. If appropriate, the single serve capsule is opened at
one or more points, for example by the main body being perforated.
This perforation is preferably carried out in the area of the cover
and/or the bottom.
[0009] The invention provides for this single serve capsule to have
an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the
respective single serve capsule. Individualization in the sense of
the invention preferably means that the respective single serve
capsule can be assigned to a group which is suitable for the
production of a drink or food. It is not necessary for the
identifier to disclose which single serve capsule is specifically
involved, i.e. to contain a serial number or batch number or the
like, but merely to permit the classification of the respective
single serve capsule to a group of single serve capsules, for
example drink/food single serve capsules or cleaning capsules.
Preferably, the identifier permits differentiation between the
individual drinks and/or types of food, for example that it is a
capsule with which tea, coffee, a milk drink or the like or a soup
can be produced.
[0010] Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on the
automatic machine, for example a coffee machine, detects this
identifier and preferably compares the same with a stored
identifier. The automatic machine, in particular its pressure pump
providing the water, can then be started up preferably only if the
identifier determined agrees with the reference identifier of a
drink/food single serve capsule. Otherwise, the coffee machine is
not to be started, since it is to be feared that this is a capsule
in which there is a cleaning agent, for example. In this case, the
automatic machine can be started up, for example, only if a
specific pushbutton combination on the operating panel of the
automatic machine has previously been pressed. This reliably avoids
the situation in which a cleaning capsule is inadvertently used for
drink production.
[0011] According to the invention, this identifier is, then, a
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent sub stance.
[0012] A fluorescent substance in the sense consists of at least
one molecule having at least one electron which is excited by
electromagnetic radiation, is preferably released from its orbit
and is raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a
higher energy content. As a rule, this excited state is not stable,
so that the electron falls back into its original orbit again and
its energy is at least partly liberated in the form of
electromagnetic radiation. This liberated electromagnetic radiation
is preferably of longer wavelength than the excitation radiation.
In the case of an identifier which is based on a fluorescent
substance, a sensor receives the liberated radiation and a linked
control system compares the profile and/or the intensity of this
radiation with a stored profile. If these are at least partly
identical, the linked control system knows that this is a single
serve capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the automatic
machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control system detects
the type of single serve capsule that is involved, for example tea,
coffee, milk or the like, and controls the automatic machine
appropriately. The liberated radiation preferably has at least one
maximum, particularly preferably a plurality of maxima. The sensor
or the linked control system then investigates whether at least one
of these maxima is present in the received radiation.
[0013] A phosphorescent substance in the sense of the invention
consists of at least one molecule having at least one electron
which is excited by electromagnetic radiation, is preferably
released from its orbit and is raised into a preferably empty,
unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content. As a rule, this
excited state is not stable, so that the electron falls back into
its original orbit again and its energy is at least partly
liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This liberated
electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer wavelength than
the excitation radiation. In the case of a phosphorescent
substance, however, the radiation emission does not end with the
end of the irradiation but decays over a longer time period than is
the case in fluorescence. In the case of an identifier which is
based on a phosphorescent substance, a sensor receives the
liberated radiation and a linked control system compares this
profile with a stored profile or profile section. The intensity of
this radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, is
preferably compared with a stored profile and/or a specific value.
If these are at least partly identical, the linked control system
knows that this is a single serve capsule and not a cleaning
capsule and releases the automatic machine. Alternatively or
additionally, the control system detects the type of single serve
capsule that is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the
like, and controls the automatic machine appropriately. The the
sensor or the linked control system investigates the time interval
after which the original intensity of the radiation has decayed by
a specific percentage and compares the measured value with a stored
value. Alternatively or additionally, the height of the intensity
of the radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, is
investigated after a specific time period, and this value is
compared with a stored value. If the stored value coincides with
the measured value, the control system releases the automatic
machine or selects a specific preparation program for the
respective drink or food.
[0014] The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
irradiated with a specific electromagnetic radiation and as and/or
after the radiation has been switched off, the fluorescence and/or
phosphorescence is measured. The irradiation can be carried out
with one wavelength or multiple wavelengths. The radiation can
comprise one or more sources which are used simultaneously or one
after another.
[0015] There can be one or more sensors which analyze the radiation
emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance.
[0016] Automatic machine in the sense of the present application is
used as a synonym for any automatic machine used for the production
of a drink or food. A coffee machine or tea-making machine may be
mentioned merely by way of example.
[0017] The detection means which reads the identifier can be
provided in the area of the insertion chute of the automatic
machine for the single serve capsules. In another preferred
embodiment, the detection means is provided in the area of the
brewing chamber. Alternatively, the identifier prevents insertion
of the single serve capsule into the coffee machine or the
automatic feeding of the single serve capsule to the coffee
machine. Alternatively or additionally, a means, in particular
mechanical means, particularly preferably one or more gear wheels,
is provided in particular in the insertion chute, preventing a
wrong single serve capsule getting into the coffee machine, in
particular the insertion chute.
[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the identifier can be used to
cause the coffee machine to execute a specific program, i.e. for
example to heat the water to a determined temperature, provide the
same at a specific pressure and/or deliver a specific quantity of
water through the single serve capsule.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the identifier serves to sort
the materials from which the single serve capsule is produced
during a subsequent disposal and/or recycling process.
[0020] The main body preferably has a wall which is adjoined at its
first end by a bottom and at its second end by a cover, wherein the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided in the area
of the cover and/or in the area of the bottom. Particularly
preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
provided only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the bottom.
This reduces the production and/or disposal costs.
[0021] The cover is preferably a film, which is connected to the
wall. For this purpose, the wall preferably has a sealing or
adhesive face, for example in the form of a flange, to which the
cover film is connected.
[0022] The film from which the cover of the single serve capsule is
made preferably has at least two film layers, which are in
particular connected to each other. The fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is preferably provided between two of
these film layers. As a result, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is, for example, protected against
environmental influences.
[0023] The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
preferably applied to the main body, in particular the cover film,
by a printing process. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is preferably printed onto one of the layers of the cover
film. This layer of the cover film is preferably at least
substantially transparent.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is at least partly surrounded by a filling
layer. This filling layer prevents the cover film having
irregularities, since the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is particularly preferably not applied to the entire area
of the cover film or of a layer of the cover film.
[0025] Particularly preferably, the main body of the single serve
capsule, in particular the cover, has a decorative print.
Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is applied at the same time as the application of this
decorative print. In particular, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is the first component which is printed
onto the cover film or one of the film layers of the latter. It was
surprising to those skilled in the art that the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is still detected adequately by the
detection means. Although a decorative print is present.
Furthermore, it was surprising to those skilled in the art that the
quality of the decorative print is not influenced or is influenced
only slightly by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance.
[0026] Particularly preferably, the decorative print at least
partly covers the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance
and/or the filling layer.
[0027] Particularly preferably, the decorative print is connected
to a film layer. Particularly preferably, an adhesion promoter
layer is provided between the decorative print and the film layer.
Very particularly preferably, this film layer is white.
[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the cover film further has a barrier layer.
Particularly preferably, this barrier layer is connected to the
decorative layer.
[0029] The single serve capsule preferably has an axis of rotation
or symmetry. Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is provided symmetrically, in particular
rotationally symmetrically to this axis. For example, the
identifier is provided as a circle or as one or more circular
rings, the circle and the circular rings being in particular
provided concentrically in relation to each other.
[0030] The identifier preferably has at least two areas that are
spaced apart from each other and are preferably provided
concentrically in relation to each other. Particularly preferably,
the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is different in the
two areas. The two areas can be detected by one or more
sensors.
[0031] The layer thickness of the identifier is preferably 1-4
.mu.m, preferably 2-3 .mu.m.
[0032] The application of the identifier is preferably 0.5-2
g/m.sup.2, preferably 0.8-1.6 g/m.sup.2, particularly preferably
1.0-1.4 g/m.sup.2 (dry).
[0033] The identifier can also be provided on the capsule body.
Here, it can involve coating by varnishing or by plasma vapor
deposition. Likewise, an application of an in-mold label with
appropriate printing is conceivable, as is the application of a
sleeve, in particular in a sub-area of the cylindrical or conical
outer side of the capsule body which, for example, is connected to
the capsule body in a form-fitting manner via a shrink tunnel. The
coating can be carried out in sub-areas or on the entire surface of
the capsule body.
[0034] Furthermore, an additive having the described properties can
be added to the granules of the basic film for the capsule; in this
way, the capsule is given these properties on the entire surface
following the deep drawing. In this way, by means of a "reader"
which detects the signals when the brewing chamber is opened or
closed, possibly also and/or the signal could be detected and
evaluated, in order thus to permit product-related recognition.
[0035] A further inventive or preferred subject of the present
invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier which
makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve
capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a piercing area which
is provided to open the single serve capsule in order to have
liquid flow through the same. According to the invention, provision
is then made for the piercing area and the identifier to be
provided such that they at least partly coincide.
[0036] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0037] This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage
that the identifier is at least partly destroyed as the single
serve capsule is pierced and consequently cannot be used
improperly.
[0038] The piercing area is preferably located in the cover film or
on the bottom of the single serve capsule. The single serve capsule
is preferably opened by one or more piercing pins as a brewing
chamber is closed, by the respective piercing pin penetrating the
main body of the single serve capsule. Here, one or more of these
piercing pins also pierces the identifier and destroys the latter,
at least locally.
[0039] A further inventive or preferred subject of the present
invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier which
makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve
capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a piercing area which
is provided to open the single serve capsule in order to have a
liquid flow through the same. According to the invention, provision
is then made for the piercing area and the identifier to be
arranged locally separately from one another.
[0040] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0041] This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage
that the identifier is not impaired when the single serve capsule
is pierced.
[0042] The piercing area is preferably located in the cover film or
on the bottom of the single serve capsule. Preferably, the single
serve capsule is opened by one or more piercing pins as a brewing
chamber is closed, by the respective piercing pin penetrating the
main body of the single serve capsule. In this case, the identifier
of the single serve capsule is maintained undamaged.
[0043] A still further inventive or preferred subject of the
present invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier
which makes it possible to individualize the respective single
serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a cavity in
which a drink/food raw material that has an expiration date is
provided and the identifier is deactivated when the expiration date
passes.
[0044] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0045] Following expiry of the use-by date, the identifier
consequently changes such that no further release of the automatic
machine takes place. This prevents a user producing a spoiled drink
or food.
[0046] A still further subject of the present invention is a method
for producing a drink or food by using a single serve capsule in
which a drink/food raw material is provided and which has an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective
single serve capsule, the single serve capsule being pierced in
order to produce the drink, characterized in that the identifier is
at least partly pierced as the capsule is pierced.
[0047] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0048] A still further subject of the present invention is a method
for producing a drink or food by using a single serve capsule in
which a drink/food raw material is provided and which has an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective
single serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule is pierced
in order to produce the drink and the single serve capsule is
pierced first and then the individualization is carried out.
[0049] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0050] The method according to the invention has the advantage that
very reproducible conditions are present for the identifier. For
example, a positive pressure that is present in the single serve
capsule and as a result of which the cover film bulges can
initially at least partly be dissipated before the identifier is
read.
[0051] The identifier is preferably not damaged as the single serve
capsule is pierced.
[0052] A still further subject of the present invention is the use
of the single serve capsule to produce a hot drink.
[0053] The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the
present invention and vice versa.
[0054] The invention will be explained below by using the FIGS.
1-9. These explanations do not restrict the general idea of the
invention. The explanations apply equally to all the subjects of
the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows a single serve capsule.
[0056] FIGS. 2-4 show identifiers.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows the piercing area of the single serve
capsule.
[0058] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a main body having a plurality of film
layers.
[0059] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the fluorescence and phosphorescence of
an identifier.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a single serve capsule and a detector.
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a single serve capsule 1 which has a base
element 2 with a wall 2.1. A bottom is provided at the first end
2.2 of the wall here, and a cover is provided at the second end 2.4
of the wall here. In the present case, the cover is fixed, here
sealed, to an edge region 2.3 which adjoins the wall 2.1. The wall
2.1, the bottom 2.2 and the flange 2.3 are provided in one piece in
the present case. The wall 2.1, the bottom 2.2 and the cover 2.4
define a cavity, in which a drink/food raw material and possibly an
installation element can be provided. After it has been filled,
said cavity is closed by the cover 2.4. The cover and/or the bottom
can be designed to be liquid-tight or liquid-permeable. In the
first case, the single serve capsule must be opened, for example
pierced, before the production of the drink. The single serve
capsule, for example a coffee capsule, is inserted into a brewing
chamber in which a liquid, for example water, flows through the
same. In the process, the drink raw material is extracted, desorbed
and/or dissolved and, as a result, the desired drink, here coffee
or espresso, is produced.
[0062] According to the invention, this single serve capsule then
has an identifier, with which it can be established whether the
respective single serve capsule is suitable for the production of a
drink or food in an automatic machine and/or how the process
parameters have to be set.
[0063] This identifier is a fluorescent and/or phosphorescence
substance 6 which, in the present case, is provided on the cover
2.4 of the single serve capsule. The fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is irradiated by using an electromagnetic
radiation source and in the process and/or thereafter the radiation
emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
analyzed by a sensor, which will be explained by using FIGS. 8 and
9. The analyzed values are compared with reference values and, in
accordance with this comparison, the automatic machine is either
started up or not and/or specific process parameters are set.
[0064] In the present case, the single serve capsule is provided
rotationally symmetrically with respect to the line of symmetry
4.
[0065] As can be gathered from FIGS. 2-4, the identifier can be
provided, for example, as a circular area and/or as a circular
ring. The identifier is preferably in each case provided
rotationally symmetrically with respect to the line of symmetry 4.
For the case in which two identifier areas 6 are provided, for
example a circular area and a circular ring or two circular rings,
these preferably have different fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substances and/or different concentrations, so that the
electromagnetic radiation respectively emitted by these two areas
differs. One or more areas can be analyzed for the identifier.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows the cover of a single serve capsule which has
to be opened, for example pierced, before the production of the
drink or food. For this purpose, at least one piercing area 7 is
provided, in which the automatic machine pierces the single serve
capsule. In the present case, the piercing area and the area in
which the identifier is provided cover each other, so that the
identifier is destroyed locally in the piercing area(s).
Alternatively or additionally, the piercing area is specifically
provided such that the identifier is not damaged during
piercing.
[0067] In FIGS. 6 and 7, a main body of the single serve capsule,
here a cover film 5, which consists of a plurality of film layers,
is provided. The designation 8 symbolizes the environment of the
single serve capsule and the designation 3 symbolizes the capsule
interior. In the present case, the identifier 6 is applied by a
printing process to the film layer 9, which in the present case is
preferably provided so as to be transparent. In the present case,
two identifier areas 6 are applied, being provided at a distance
from each other.
[0068] The single serve capsule preferably also has a decorative
print. Preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorus substance and
the decorative print are applied to the film layer 9 in a printing
process, wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance 6
is applied first and then the decorative print 11.
[0069] The colors gold, silver and metallic colors should
preferably be avoided as decorative printing inks. Furthermore,
carbon inks are preferably to be avoided as a decorative print.
[0070] In the present case, the decorative print is covered by a
further film layer 10, in particular a white film layer. A gas
barrier can also be provided as an additional film layer. The film
layers are preferably connected to each other via an adhesion
promoter layer.
[0071] In the structure according to FIG. 7, reference can be made
substantially to the explanations according to FIG. 6; in the
present case a filling layer 12 is present between the fluorescent
and/or phosphorescent substance 6 and/or around the latter on the
outside, in order if necessary to compensate for irregularities
which turn out to be too high.
[0072] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the functioning of the identifier
according to the invention. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance 6 is irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation 14 with
a wavelength A.sub.o and consequently excited, and emits the
electromagnetic radiation 15 which, overall, has a different
wavelength than the excitation radiation. For example, in the
emitted electromagnetic radiation there are three peaks at the
wavelengths .lamda..sub.1-.lamda..sub.3. In the case of the
fluorescence, a sensor investigates, for example, whether there is
a peak at the wavelengths .lamda..sub.1-.lamda..sub.3 and/or what
intensity the emitted radiation has at the wavelengths
.lamda..sub.1-.lamda..sub.3.
[0073] In the case of a phosphorescent substance, as soon as the
radiation 14 is switched off, the emitted radiation 15 decays over
a certain time period, which is illustrated in FIG. 9, in which the
intensity I is plotted against time for three wavelengths
.lamda..sub.1-.lamda..sub.3. A sensor investigates, for example,
the time t after which the radiation intensity I at the wavelengths
.lamda..sub.1-.lamda..sub.3 has decayed to x %.
[0074] The measured values are compared with stored values and, if
these agree, the automatic machine is released to produce a drink
or food or a specific production method is selected. If the
measured values do not agree with the stored values, this is, for
example, a cleaning capsule which has no identifier. The production
of a drink consequently does not take place.
[0075] FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of the sensor and the
radiation source 13 for the case in which the identifier is
provided in or on the cover film. The distance between the sensor
and the radiation source is preferably always constant and
preferably as low as possible. The respective measurement is
preferably carried out under at least reduced daylight. [0076] 1
List of designations [0077] 2 Single serve capsule [0078] 2.1 Main
body [0079] 2.1 Wall [0080] 2.2 First end, bottom [0081] 2.3 Edge
region, flange [0082] 2.4 Second end, cover [0083] 3 Cavity [0084]
4 Axis of rotation [0085] 5 Film, cover film [0086] 6 Identifier
[0087] 7 Piercing area [0088] 8 Environment [0089] 9 First film
layer, outer layer [0090] 10 Second film layer, inner layer [0091]
11 Decorative print [0092] 12 Filling layer [0093] 13 Sensor,
radiation source [0094] 14 Excitation [0095] 15 Emission [0096] I
Intensity [0097] t Time [0098] .lamda.Wavelength
* * * * *