Beverage or foodstuff preparation container, system, use, and method

Abstract

A container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof, the container comprising: a storage portion for containing a precursor material; a closure member for closing the storage portion; and a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closure member, wherein at least a portion of the flange portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and wherein the wood pulp-based material includes a processing area comprising a vitrified wood pulp-based material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrically operated beverage or food preparation system, wherein the beverage or food is prepared from pre-quantified capsules. Prior Technology

[0002] A system for preparing beverages includes a beverage preparation machine and capsules. The capsules contain a single serving of beverage, such as ground coffee or tea, of precursor material. The beverage preparation machine is configured to perform a beverage preparation process on the capsules, typically by exposing pressurized, heated water to the precursor material. As part of this preparation process, the capsules are guided through the machine by a series of complex interactions involving various mechanisms of the machine and, primarily, the flange of the capsule, to load, process, and eject the capsules. In this manner, the capsules are processed so that at least a portion of the precursor material from the capsules is extracted as a beverage.

[0003] Compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to manually operated moka pots / top-mount espresso machines), this configuration of beverage preparation machines is becoming increasingly popular due to its enhanced user convenience.

[0004] Due to the complex movement of the capsules through the machine and exposure to pressurized, heated water, only aluminum-based capsules have been achieved with high reliability. In fact, other materials have been found to easily adhere to the machine or cause other material-related errors. The desired outcome is to achieve capsules with fewer material limitations.

[0005] Therefore, despite the efforts already made in the development of this capsule, further improvements are still desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof, the container comprising: a storage portion having a cavity having a base for receiving a precursor material; a closing member for closing the storage portion; and a flange portion.

[0007] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the flange portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material (e.g., which may be bonded to a plastic or metal portion), wherein the wood pulp-based material includes a treated area comprising one of the vitrified wood pulp-based materials.

[0008] The treated area allows for a flange that is narrower than that used for an untreated wood pulp-based material, with a thickness equivalent to that of a flange formed from a conventional material (e.g., aluminum) of a conventional container. This enables the container to be compatible with machines designed for conventional containers.

[0009] The processing area can also provide a more consistent (e.g., smoother, with reduced discontinuities) surface for receiving a machine-readable optical code. A more consistent surface can be particularly important for a code that can be read by rotating the code relative to a reader about a rotation axis of the container. In an embodiment, the code is configured on a substrate (e.g., a metallic mark) applied to one of the processing areas.

[0010] As used herein, the term "glassification" or "glassify" refers to a change in one or more material properties of wood pulp to make it more like glass. This can be characterized by one or more of the following material properties (compared to untreated wood pulp): a glass transition temperature higher than ambient temperature; a harder material; a more brittle material; a material with low energy absorption before fracture; a thinner segment of material; a material with reduced fiber porosity; reduced water absorption; increased stiffness; and the transformation of the material to a glassy state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the treated area is treated by pressing and optionally by applying heat. In another embodiment, the treated area is heated to a temperature of 100 to 300 degrees Celsius and / or pressed under a pressure of 1 × 10⁵ to 1 × 10⁷ Pa. In yet another embodiment, the perforated area has a thickness reduction of at least 30% compared to the untreated portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processing area is disposed on a lower surface of the flange portion. In another embodiment, the processing area is configured as an annular ring centered on a rotation axis of the container. In another embodiment, a machine-readable code is disposed on the processing area. In yet another embodiment, the entire flange portion encompasses the processing area.

[0013] In this embodiment, one proximal portion of the storage portion is not processed. The proximal portion of the storage portion may be defined as a part connected to a flange portion and may include a depth within 5% of the total depth D extending from the flange portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the storage section is formed of a wood pulp-based material, wherein the wood pulp-based material includes a perforated region that is treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by one of the perforators of the machine than an untreated portion.

[0015] By processing a wood pulp-based container to make it easier to perforate, the reliability of such containers when used in the machine can be improved. For example, the deformation (rather than perforation) of a wood pulp-based capsule that has absorbed water in the perforation area by the penetrator can be minimized, or the large amount of energy required due to delamination / detachment of the wood pulp fibers can be minimized.

[0016] As used herein, the term "perforation region" may refer to the area directly adjacent to the penetrator, such as the wet area of ​​a segment on the longitudinal and transverse planes of the penetrator before penetration, or the area overlapping that segment.

[0017] As used herein, the term "comparatively easier" in relation to piercing of a penetrator may refer to one or more of the following: piercing of a brittle failure mode with relatively low energy absorption, rather than a ductile failure mode with relatively high energy absorption of an untreated region; less displacement of the penetrator to achieve complete penetration (e.g., due to reduced thickness of the pierced region and / or less movement of the pierced region with the penetrator); and penetration with a lower maximum force.

[0018] In an embodiment, the perforated region, compared to the untreated portion, includes one or more of the following material properties: reduced water absorption; increased brittleness (e.g., characterized by a more brittle fracture with low energy absorption); increased stiffness; and reduced thickness.

[0019] As used herein, the term "water absorption" can refer to the amount of water (in grams) absorbed per unit area (in m²) of a wood pulp-based material over a given time period (e.g., 60 or 180 seconds). Examples of suitable tests include the Cobb 60 or Cobb 180 tests. By achieving a perforated area with reduced water absorption, this perforated area can be more easily penetrated than if it were submerged in water, because a submerged portion can expand, thus requiring more displacement to fully penetrate, and is more likely to displace along with the penetrator rather than penetrate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the perforated area is processed by one or more of the following procedures: pressing; heat treatment; applying a coating; and scoring.

[0021] As used herein, the term "heat treatment" can refer to the application / extraction of heat energy as part of the treatment process. Generally, heat treatment involves increasing the temperature of one of the wood pulp-based materials. In embodiments, this temperature may be 100 to 300 or 100 to 400 degrees Celsius.

[0022] As used herein, the term "pressing" can refer to applying a compressive force in the through-thickness direction of the wood pulp-based material to reduce its thickness. In embodiments, the pressure can be 1×10⁵ to 1×10⁷ Pa or 1×10⁴ to 1×10⁸ Pa.

[0023] In an embodiment, the heat treatment and / or pressing may be applied for 2 to 10 seconds.

[0024] As used herein, the term "applying a coating" can refer to applying a coating to the wood pulp-based material to close the pores / voids between the fibers and / or act as a barrier. This can provide reduced water absorption, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. It can also provide for more brittle failure, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. The coating may contain caramel or starch or other suitable coatings.

[0025] In an embodiment, the perforated area has a thickness reduction of at least 20%, 30%, or 35% compared to the untreated portion. For example, a 0.5 mm thick material can have a thickness reduced to 0.3 mm. In an embodiment, a maximum thickness reduction can be 60% to 70%.

[0026] In one embodiment, the perforated area is disposed at the base of one cavity of the storage portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the perforated area is configured as an annular ring centered on one of the rotation axes of the container. The annular ring can be readily formed by a molding die. Furthermore, it can be ensured that one of the discrete perforating elements, comprising elements arranged about the rotation axis of the container, has an element that is always aligned with a portion of the annular ring.

[0028] In one embodiment, the annular ring is configured as segments, which are demarcated by untreated bridging members. By implementing bridging members to demarcate these segments, the overall strength of the base can be maintained because the forces between the internal components of the annular ring can be transmitted primarily through these bridging members, rather than entirely through these brittle segments.

[0029] In an embodiment, the bridging elements are configured to have a different angular distance than one of the penetrating elements forming the machine. By making this angular distance different, even if one penetrating element is aligned with a bridging element, other penetrating elements will not, thus ensuring that at least one penetrating element completely penetrates a segment of the perforated region rather than a bridging element.

[0030] In an embodiment, the perforated region is configured to be perforated by a penetrator element having a total area of ​​6 to 15 mm² when subjected to at least 2 to 10 Newtons or 0.5 to 50 Newtons.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least the base and / or all of the sidewalls of the storage portion are formed of a wood pulp-based material. In another embodiment, the wood pulp-based material has a thickness of 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm (e.g., for an untreated area).

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one base region of the storage portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, wherein the storage portion includes a stiffening portion configured to stiffen the storage portion (e.g., the base, or more specifically, a perforated area of ​​the base) to resist displacement of the base when it is perforated by a penetrator of the machine (e.g., compared to an equivalent container without such stiffening portions).

[0033] By implementing a reinforced portion for the base to be combined with a wood pulp-based material, it can be ensured that when the container is executed to form one or more fluid inlets for injecting conditioning fluid to form a beverage, the wood pulp-based base is cleanly perforated by the machine.

[0034] As used herein, the term "displacement" can refer to a depth of the base (or other components of the displacement) as the penetrator moves through it in the depth direction. It should be understood that the base needs to resist displacement so that it does not shift or is minimized by the penetrator's local displacement, thus remaining relatively undeformed as the penetrator moves through it. It should also be understood that a perforated region needs to fracture / crack, not shift.

[0035] As used herein, the term "base" may refer to a portion of the container that forms the lowest surface of the cavity and its closed sidewalls. The base may have a transverse and longitudinal component (or a radial component) that is greater than a depth component.

[0036] As used herein, the term "sidewall" may refer to a portion of the container disposed between the base and the flange portion. The sidewall may have a main component in the depth direction.

[0037] As used herein, the term "base region" may refer to a portion of the container, including the base and a proximal portion of the sidewall that joins the base. Proximal and distal are defined herein relative to the base. Thus, a proximal portion refers to a portion of the sidewall immediately adjacent to the base. These stiffening portions may be located on portions of the sidewall that significantly affect the rigidity of the base. The base region may include a portion of the sidewall having a distance d (measured in the depth direction from the lowest point of the base) less than 50% or 40% of the total depth D (measured from the lowest point of the base to the top of one of the flange portions).

[0038] As used herein, the term "stiffener portion" can refer to a portion of the wood pulp-based material that is geometrically adapted from a regular shape of the container to provide increased stiffness to the base. This stiffness of the base can be determined based on one or more of the following: a stiffness of the base region itself (e.g., a Young's modulus), including the stiffness of the base and / or the sidewalls; a structural constraint at a junction of the base and the sidewalls that provides more rigid support to the base. The stiffener portion can be formed of the same wood pulp-based material as the remainder of the base region, including in terms of composition and thickness.

[0039] As used herein, the term "resist displacement" can refer to a base that is inherently stiff, resulting in less displacement (e.g., deflection) when subjected to an impact from a penetrating device. It can also refer to sidewalls that are less likely to bend (or otherwise displace), and thus the base resists displacement based on the reduced bending of these sidewalls.

[0040] In one embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured to extend over both the base and the proximal region of the sidewall. By configuring the stiffening portions to extend continuously over the base and the sidewall, they can provide enhanced stiffness.

[0041] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions protrude into the interior of the storage portion and may not protrude outwards from the outside. By implementing the stiffening portions such that their geometry is entirely formed within the container (e.g., the stiffening portions do not extend beyond the outline of the container (compared to an equivalent portion of the container without the stiffening portions)), existing machines are compatible with novel and inventive capsule configurations.

[0042] In one embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured as channels that bridge the proximal regions of the base and the sidewall. By configuring these channels to interconnect portions of the sidewall and the base (which are not interconnected compared to an equivalent portion of the container excluding the stiffening portions), the rigidity can be improved.

[0043] In this embodiment, the base of the channel is linear. A linear base provides improved bending / displacement resistance. The channel may have a V-shaped, U-shaped, or other suitable cross-section.

[0044] In this embodiment, the channels are radially aligned. By achieving radial alignment of the channels, the base of the channels extends, wherein the combined lateral and longitudinal components are aligned with the radial direction, providing improved bending / displacement resistance.

[0045] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions have a maximum channel depth X of less than 10 mm and greater than 2 mm, or less than 8 mm and greater than 4 mm. The channel depth X can be defined as a vertical distance from one base of the channel to a virtual line that does not contain a segment of the stiffening portion. Within this range, the channel can provide enhanced stiffness.

[0046] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured to extend a distance Y along the sidewall in a depth direction, from the interface with the base (e.g., at a virtual location of the interface when measured for an equivalent portion of the container without a stiffening portion) to a depth of less than 40% or 30% of the total depth D between the storage portion and the base. The distance Y may be at least 5% or 10%. Within this range, the stiffening portions can provide enhanced stiffness.

[0047] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured to extend along the base from one periphery of the base to a radius Z greater than 30% or 40% of the total radius R of the base. Within this range, the stiffening portions can provide enhanced stiffness.

[0048] In one embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured to extend along the base from one periphery to near a perforated area, which is pierced by a piercer of the machine. By configuring the stiffening portions at a height close to the perforated area, they can provide high structural support to a portion of the perforated base.

[0049] As used herein, the term "contiguous" may refer to a complete or adjacent connection (e.g., within 4, 2, or 1 mm). As used herein, the term "perforation region" may refer to the area directly adjacent to the penetrator, such as, before penetration, the wet area of ​​a segment on the longitudinal and transverse planes of the penetrator / the area overlapping that segment.

[0050] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured to prevent one of the perforated areas of the base from displacing (e.g., the average displacement of the entire perforated area) in the depth direction greater than 0.5 to 2 mm when the perforated area is subjected to a compressive force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N applied by the penetrator in the depth direction.

[0051] In one embodiment, the stiffening portions comprise discrete units (e.g., those separated from each other) arranged circumferentially around one of the containers. A wavy configuration of equally spaced stiffening portions can provide increased stiffness.

[0052] In an embodiment, the stiffening portions are disposed only on the base or the sidewall.

[0053] In one embodiment, the storage portion includes the cavity having sidewalls, and a flange portion for interconnecting the storage portion and the closure member, wherein the sidewalls include a shoulder adjacent to the flange portion, the shoulder extending outward (e.g., away from the interior of the cavity) to define a gap defining region of the sidewall disposed between the shoulder and the base, the shoulder being configured to engage a container holding portion of a processing unit of the machine, wherein the gap defining region is configured away from the container holding portion to form a gap therebetween.

[0054] By implementing a shoulder at the top of one of the storage sections, which engages with the container holding section, a gap is precisely positioned between the portion of the sidewall that is away from and adjacent to the container holding section, thus defining a gap between the sidewall and the container holding section. This gap helps reduce the container from sticking to the container holding section during container manufacturing, especially when the container is formed of a wood pulp-based material and is more susceptible to displacement.

[0055] As used herein, the term "shoulder" may refer to a portion of the sidewall that extends outward from the rest of the sidewall in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions (e.g., radially) as a step, chamfer, or other feature.

[0056] As used herein, the term "proximal" in relation to the position of the shoulder and the flange portion may mean that the shoulder is configured to directly engage the flange portion, or is adjacent to, for example, within 1 or 2 mm in the depth direction.

[0057] As used herein, the term "void region" may refer to a region of the sidewall configured to be separated (i.e., moved away from) the container holding portion.

[0058] In one embodiment, the shoulder extends from the flange portion to the outer edge of the sidewall (e.g., a step, chamfer, bend, or other shape discontinuity in the outer surface profile). The entire shoulder (e.g., in terms of depth and / or circumference) between the flange portion and the outer edge of the sidewall engages the container holding portion. This configuration provides high stability despite the presence of the gap.

[0059] In one embodiment, the shoulder has a depth distance S between the flange portion and the outer edge of one of the sidewalls that is less than 40%, 30%, 25%, or 20% of the total depth D of the storage portion, which can be measured from the lowest position of the base to the top of one of the flange portions. In another embodiment, the shoulder has a depth distance S between the flange portion and the outer edge that is greater than 5%, 10%, or 15% of the total depth D of the storage portion. By making the shoulder within this depth range, sufficient stability can be provided despite the presence of the gap.

[0060] In an embodiment, the gap-defining region of the sidewall extends from the shoulder (e.g., including the entire shoulder) to the base of the container in the depth and / or circumferential direction. By making the container such that no part of the sidewall other than the shoulder contacts the container holding portion, it is ensured that the container is less likely to stick to the container holding portion.

[0061] In one embodiment, the gap defining region of the sidewall is configured to have a separation distance N in the radial direction from the container holding portion of at least 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm. By ensuring that the gap defining region is separated from the sidewall by at least this amount, the container is less likely to stick to the container holding portion.

[0062] In this embodiment, the average separation distance N between the gap defining region of the sidewall and the container holding portion is at least 0.5 mm or 1 mm. By ensuring that the gap defining region and one of the sidewalls are separated by this average amount, the container is less likely to stick to the container holding portion.

[0063] In one embodiment, the container is configured to stack within a second corresponding (e.g., in shape) container, whereby an outer edge of one shoulder of the container engages the flange portion of the second container, and at least a portion of the gap-defined area of ​​the sidewall of the container is distanced from the interior of a cavity in the second container. With this configuration, adhesion to the stacked containers can be reduced before filling.

[0064] In embodiments, the stiffening portions of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein are implemented in combination with the shoulder to stiffen the gap-defining region of the sidewall. By implementing these stiffening portions to stiffen the gap-defining region of the sidewall, the reduced stability of the sidewall due to not being in contact with the container holding portion can be compensated, and thus stabilized by these portions.

[0065] In one embodiment, the stiffening portions protrude into the interior of the storage portion and do not protrude outwards from the outside. By allowing the stiffening portions to protrude into the interior of the cavity of the storage portion, the void region can be maintained around the stiffening portions to reduce adhesion. In another embodiment, the stiffening portions are configured as channels that bridge the void defining region of the base and the sidewall. By configuring the stiffening portions to interconnect the void defining region of the sidewall and the base, the stability of the void defining region can be increased.

[0066] This disclosure provides a system comprising a container of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. In an embodiment, the machine includes: a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container, and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit.

[0067] This disclosure provides a use of the container in any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein for the machine discussed herein.

[0068] This disclosure provides a method for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: reading a machine-readable code disposed on a flange portion of the container, wherein at least a portion of the flange portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and the wood pulp-based material includes a processing region comprising a vitrified wood pulp-based material.

[0069] This disclosure provides a method for forming a container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes processing a treatment area of ​​the container formed from a wood pulp-based material to vitrify the wood pulp-based material. In an embodiment, the method includes wet-forming the storage portion and a flange portion. In an embodiment, the method includes, after the formation, processing the flange portion to realize the treatment area. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a machine-readable code on the treatment area.

[0070] This disclosure provides a method for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: perforating a perforated region with a perforator of the machine, the perforated region being treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by the perforator of the machine than an untreated portion, and processing the precursor material.

[0071] In an embodiment, processing the precursor material includes one or more of the following procedures: injecting conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in a base of the container formed by the machine; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide the beverage; and discharging a consumable container from the container processing unit.

[0072] This disclosure provides a method for forming a container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes processing a perforated region of the container, formed from a wood pulp-based material, to facilitate relatively easier perforation by a perforator of the machine than an untreated portion. In an embodiment, the method includes forming a storage portion of the container, and subsequently processing the storage portion to achieve the perforated region.

[0073] This disclosure provides a method for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: penetrating a wood pulp-based portion of a container with a penetrator to provide a fluid inlet, and during the penetration, using a stiffening portion to resist displacement of the wood pulp-based portion, and processing the precursor material.

[0074] In an embodiment, processing the precursor material includes one or more of the following procedures: injecting conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in a base of the container formed by the machine; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide the beverage; and discharging a consumable container from the container processing unit.

[0075] This disclosure provides a method for forming a container. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: forming a storage portion of the container from a wood pulp-based material, which may include wet forming and may include hot pressing. The method may include subsequently forming the stiffening portions from the storage portion.

[0076] This disclosure provides a method for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: disposing a container containing a precursor material in a container holding portion of a processing unit of a machine; engaging a shoulder of a sidewall of the container, the shoulder being contoured to maintain a gap between a base and a portion of the sidewall; and processing the precursor material.

[0077] In an embodiment, processing the precursor material includes one or more of the following procedures: injecting conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in a base of the container formed by the machine; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide the beverage; and discharging a consumable container from the container processing unit. During one or all of these procedures, the gap may be maintained between the base and the portion of the sidewall between the shoulder and the container holding portion.

[0078] This disclosure provides a method for filling a container with a precursor material. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: configuring the container in a container holding portion of a filling machine; engaging a shoulder of a sidewall of the container, the shoulder being profiled to maintain a gap between a base and a portion of the sidewall between the shoulder and the base; and filling the container with the precursor material. The method may include discharging a filled container from the filling machine. During one or all of these procedures, the gap between the base and the portion of the sidewall between the shoulder and the container holding portion can be maintained.

[0079] The preceding overview is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of the nature of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the above and / or subsequent embodiments may be combined in any suitable way to provide other embodiments. Other features, nature, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following description of implementation methods, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0080] The features, characteristics, and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar element symbols denote similar elements. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system used to prepare beverages or food or their precursors. Figure 2 is a block system diagram of an embodiment of the system in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the fluid conditioning system of the machine in Figure 2. Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing the container processing system of the first embodiment of the machine in Figure 2. Figures 4'A and 4'B are explanatory diagrams showing a second embodiment of the container processing system of the machine in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the control electrical circuit system of an embodiment of the machine in Figure 2. Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory figures, showing the embodiment container of the system of Figure 1 according to the embodiment containers of Figures 4A and 4B, and the embodiment container of the system of Figure 1 according to the embodiment containers of Figures 4'A and 4'B. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the preparation procedure of an embodiment of the system execution in Figure 1. Figures 8A and 8B are side views of the storage portion of embodiments of the containers shown in Figures 6A and 6B, respectively. Figure 9 is a top view of the storage section of Figure 8. Figure 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of the storage portion of Figure 9 through section line AA. Figures 11A and 11B are bottom and top perspective views of the storage section in Figure 8A, respectively. Figures 12A and 12B are bottom and top perspective views of the storage section of Figure 8B, respectively. Figure 13 is a side view of the cross section of Figure 10, which does not have the superimposed cross section of the stiffened portion shown as a virtual cross section line. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the storage section of Figure 10 and the cross-section of the container holding section of the system in Figure 1. Figure 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the storage section of Figure 10 and the corresponding stack of containers. Figure 16 shows a top perspective view of the storage section of Figure 8A. Implementation

[0081] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction or procedural steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who will find the benefits of this disclosure that the system can be implemented or carried out in other embodiments and in various ways.

[0082] This disclosure will be better understood by reading the following explanation: As used in this article, the term " [machine] "[(machine)]" can refer to an electrically operated machine that can prepare beverages and / or food from precursor materials, or; that can prepare precursor materials from pre-precursor materials, which can then be prepared into beverages and / or food. The machine can achieve this preparation by one or more of the following procedures: dilution; heating; pressurization; cooling; mixing; stirring; dissolving; soaking; macerating; extraction; conditioning; brewing; grinding; and other similar procedures. The machine can be sized for use on a worktop, for example, its length, width, and height can be less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term "beverages and / or food" is used in the context of beverages and / or food. [preparation] "[(prepare)]" can refer to the preparation of at least a portion of a beverage and / or food (e.g., a beverage fully prepared by the machine, or a partially prepared beverage to which an end user can manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, before consumption).

[0083] As used in this article, the term " [container] "[(container)]" can refer to any configuration containing precursor material (e.g., as a single, pre-quantified portion). The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can contain only a single portion of precursor material. The container may be for single use, for example, its physical form may change after a preparation process that may include one or more of the following: perforation to supply fluid to the precursor material; perforation to supply beverage / food from the container; or user-opening to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, for example, it may include flanges for aligning and guiding the container through or on the unit. The container may include a rupture portion configured to rupture upon exposure to a specific pressure to deliver beverage / food. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of the following: truncated conical; cylindrical; disc-shaped; hemispherical; and other similar forms. The container can be formed from various materials (such as metal or plastic or a combination thereof with wood pulp). Materials can be selected to ensure that the container is: food-safe; and able to withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process. The container can be defined as a capsule, wherein the capsule may have an internal volume of 20 to 100 ml. Capsules include coffee capsules, such as Nespresso® capsules (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, or other capsules).

[0084] As used in this article, the term " [External Device] [(external device)]” or “ [External electronic devices] [(external electronic device)]" or " [Peripheral Devices] "[(peripheral device)]" can include electronic components external to the machine, such as those located in the same location as the machine or those located away from the machine (which communicate with the machine via a computer network). The external device may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or server systems. The external device may include devices such as: smartphones; PDAs; game controllers; tablets; laptops; or other similar devices.

[0085] As used in this article, the term " [Server System] "[(server system)]" can refer to electronic components external to the machine, such as those configured at a remote location on the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network. A server system may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or external devices. Server systems may include: networked computers (e.g., remote servers); cloud-based computers; and any other server system.

[0086] As used in this article, the term " [system] [(system)]” or “ [Beverage or food preparation system] "[(beverage or foodstuff preparation system)]" can refer to any combination of two or more of the following: beverage or food preparation machine; container; server system; and peripheral device.

[0087] As used in this article, the term " [drinks] "[(beverage)]" can refer to any substance that can be processed to a state suitable for consumption, which may be iced or hot. A beverage can be one or more of the following: solid; liquid; gel; paste. Beverages may include one or a combination of the following: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin components; herbal tea / infusion; infusion / flavored water; and other substances. As used herein, the term "[(beverage)]" is used in conjunction with other substances. [food] "[(foodstuff)]" can refer to any substance that can be processed into nutrients for consumption, and it can be icy or hot. Food can be one or more of the following: solid; liquid; gel; paste. Food can include: yogurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; fruit smoothie; and other substances. It should be understood that there is some overlap between the definitions of beverage and food; for example, a beverage can also be a food, and therefore, the machine described for preparing a beverage or food does not preclude the preparation of both.

[0088] As used in this article, the term " [Precursor Materials] "[(precursor material)]" can refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or food. Precursor materials can be one or more of the following: powder; crystals; liquid; gel; solid; and others. Examples of beverages that form precursor materials include: ground coffee; milk powder; tea; cocoa powder; vitamin components; herbs, for example, used to form herbal / infused teas; flavorings; and other similar materials. Examples of food-forming precursor materials include: dried vegetables or broth as anhydrous soup powder; milk powder; flour-based powders, including custard; powdered yogurt or ice cream; and other similar materials. Precursor material can also refer to any pre-precursor material that can be processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can be subsequently processed into a beverage and / or food. In one example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans, which can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into a precursor material.

[0089] As used in this article, the term " [fluid] "[(fluid)]" (referring to fluids supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of the following: water; milk; others. As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to... [Treatment] "[(conditioning)]" can refer to altering its physical properties and may include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; agitation (including foaming by stirring to introduce foam, and mixing to introduce disturbance); portioning to single-serving quantities for use in single-serving containers; pressurization, such as to brewing pressure; carbonation; filtration / purification; and other conditioning processes.

[0090] As used in this article, the term " [Processing Unit] "[(processing unit)]" can refer to a setup that can process precursor materials into beverages or food products. It can also refer to a setup that can process pre-precursor materials into precursor materials.

[0091] As used in this article, the term " [Container Processing Unit] "[(container processing unit)]" can refer to a configuration for processing containers to derive related beverages or food products from precursor materials. A container processing unit can be configured to process precursor materials by one or more of the following: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; stirring; dissolving; soaking; impregnation; extraction; conditioning; pressurization; brewing; and other processing steps. Therefore, a container processing unit can be implemented as a range of units depending on the processing steps, which may include: an extraction unit (which may implement pressurization and / or heating, e.g., heating or cooling, brewing procedures); a mixing unit (which mixes a beverage or food product in a container for consumption by an end user); a dispensing and dissolving unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material and processes it by dissolving, and dispenses it into a container); and other similar units.

[0092] As used in this article, the term " [Preparation Procedure] "[(preparation process)]" can refer to the preparation of beverages or food from precursor materials or the preparation of pre-precursor materials from precursor materials. The preparation process can refer to a procedure executed by an electrical circuit system to control the container processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0093] As used in this article, the term " [Electrical Circuit System] [(electrical circuitry)]" or " [Circuit System] [(circuitry)]” or “ [Control electrical circuit system] "[(control electrical circuitry)]" can refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); electronic / electrical components (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors; non-transitory memory (e.g., implemented by one or more memory devices) that can store one or more software or firmware programs; combinational logic circuits; and the aforementioned interconnections. The electrical circuitry system may be entirely located at the machine, or distributed among one or more of the following: the machine; external devices; and server systems.

[0094] As used in this article, the term " [processor] [(processor)] or " [Processing Resources] "[(processing resource)]" can refer to one or more units used for processing, examples of which include ASICs, microprocessors, FPGAs, microfabrication devices, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. A processor can be configured to execute computer programs; for example, it can take the form of machine-readable instructions, which can be stored in non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. A processor can have various configurations corresponding to those discussed for the circuit system, such as built-in machines or distributed as part of the system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable medium can be configured to cause, for example, the machines or systems disclosed herein to perform the methods disclosed, and therefore can be used synonymously with the terminology.

[0095] As used in this article, the term " [coding] [(code)] can refer to the storage medium for encoding information. The encoding can be an optically readable code, such as a barcode. The encoding can be formed by multiple units, which can be called elements or tags.

[0096] As used in this article, the term " [Preparation Information] "[(preparation information)]" can refer to information related to the preparation process. This information can vary depending on the implementation of the processing unit. Parameters related to a container processing unit containing a fluid processing system may include one or more of the following: fluid pressure; fluid temperature; mass / volume flow rate; fluid volume; filtration / purification parameters for the fluid; and carbonation parameters for the fluid. More general parameters may include one or more of the following: container geometry, such as shape or volume; and precursor type.

[0097] As used in this article, the term " [Wood pulp based] "[(wood pulp based)]" can refer to the material or part of the material forming the container, which is one or more of the following: porous; fibrous; cellulose; formed of cellulose material; formed of natural cellulose material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulose material; non-woven; composed entirely of wood pulp or a composition of wood pulp; and wet-formed. The thickness of the wood-based material can be from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material can be 200 to 400 gsm.

[0098] As used in this article, the term " [Non-woven] "[(non-woven)]" can refer to non-woven or non-knitted fibrous materials. Non-woven materials can be made of fibers bonded together. As used in this article, the term "[(non-woven)]" is used to refer to non-woven or non-knitted fibrous materials. [Porous] "[(porous)]" can refer to materials configured with gaps to allow water (or other liquids) to pass through. As used in this article, the term "[(porous)]" [Fiber] "[(fibrous)]" can refer to materials containing fibers, which may be present in one or more of the material's components. As used herein, the term "[(fibrous)]" [Cellulose] [(cellulosic)] or " [Cellulose materials] "[(cellulosic material)]" can refer to known woody and / or non-woody materials, such as Manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached softwood and hardwood species. Cellulosic materials can include regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein, the term "[cellulosic material]" is used in conjunction with other related terms. [Natural Cellulose Materials] "[(natural cellulosic material)]" can refer to known wood-based materials that are not recycled. As used in this text, the term "[(natural cellulosic material)]" is used to refer to... [Reconstructed or regenerated cellulose materials] "[(reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material)]" can refer to natural cellulose materials that have undergone processing (including reconstituted or regenerated processes), examples of which include rayon and lyocell fiber. As used herein, the term "[(reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material)]" is used in conjunction with other technical terms. [Wood pulp] "[(wood pulp)]" can refer to lignocellulosic materials, which can be prepared by mechanically or chemically separating cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or rags. As used herein, the term "[(wood pulp)]" is used in conjunction with other similar materials. [Wet Formation] "[(wet formed)]" can refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers can be heated and pressed in a mold to shape the material and remove water from it. [General System Description]

[0099] Referring to Figure 1, the system [2] Includes machines [4] Container [6] Server system [8] and peripheral devices 10. Server system [8] Via computer network

[12] with machines [4] Communication. Peripheral devices.

[10] via computer network

[12] with machines [4] Communications.

[0100] In variant embodiments not shown: peripheral devices and / or server systems are omitted.

[0101] Although computer network

[12] illustrated in machine [4] Server system [8] and peripheral devices

[10] are the same, but other configurations are possible, including: different computer networks for communication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine via peripheral devices (rather than directly). In a particular example: the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a communication interface (e.g., using the Bluetooth™ protocol), and; the server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface (e.g., using the IEEE 802.11 standard), and also via an Internet. [machine]

[0102] Referring to Figure 2, the machine [4] Includes: processing unit

[14] , which is used to process the precursor material; electrical circuit system

[16] [,] and an encoding reading system

[18]

[0103] Electrical circuit system

[16] Control code reading system

[18] , from the container [6] Read the code (not shown in Figure 2) and determine the manufacturing information from it. Electrical circuit system

[16] Use preparation information to control the processing unit

[14] , to perform a preparation process in which the precursor material is processed into a beverage or food or a precursor thereof.

[0104] In a variant embodiment not shown: the encoding and encoding reading system is omitted, and the machine executes one or more preparation procedures stored in electronic memory of the electrical circuit system. [First Example of a Processing Unit]

[0105] Referring to Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 4'A, and 4'B, in the processing unit In the first example of

[14] , the unit includes a container processing unit.

[20] and fluid conditioning system [twenty two].

[0106] Container processing unit

[20] Configured as a processing container [6], to derive beverages or food from the precursor materials (not shown). Fluid conditioning system

[22] Conditioning and supplying to the container processing unit

[20] fluid. Electrical circuit system

[16] Using from container [6] Read the preparation information to control the container processing unit

[20] and fluid conditioning system

[22] , to perform the preparation procedure.

[0107] The machine's encoding reading system

[18] May include an image capturing unit

[46] , to detect and / or read coded elements located on the capsule for processing a specific formulation.

[44] And proposed the optimal extraction of the component contained in the capsule. The position of the coding element on the capsule may vary depending on the extraction system and the associated special container. [Fluid Conditioning System]

[0108] Referring to Figure 3, fluid conditioning system

[22] Including storage tanks

[24] ; pump

[26] ; heat exchanger

[28] [,] and an exit

[30] , used for this conditioning fluid.

[24] Contains fluid, usually sufficient for multiple preparation processes. Pump

[26] Allow the fluid to flow from the storage tank

[24] Displacement, via heat exchanger

[28] and to the export

[30] (It is connected to the container processing unit)

[20] ). Pump

[26] It can be implemented as any suitable device for driving fluids, including: reciprocating; rotary pumps; other suitable configurations. Heat exchanger

[28] The device is designed to heat the fluid and may include: a row-type or hot block type heater; a heating element that directly heats the fluid in the reservoir; or other suitable configurations.

[0109] In variant embodiments not illustrated: pumps are omitted, for example, fluid is fed to the container processing unit by gravity or pressurized by a mains water supply; storage tanks are omitted, for example, water is supplied by a mains water supply; heat exchangers are configured to cool the fluid, for example, they may include a refrigeration circulating heat pump; heat exchangers are omitted, for example, the mains water supply supplies water at the desired temperature; the fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, for example, a UV light system, the extent to which it is applied to the fluid is controllable; a carbonation system controls the degree of carbonation of the fluid. [Container Processing Unit]

[0110] Container processing unit

[20] This can be achieved through a range of configurations, as illustrated in the example below: Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, container processing unit

[20] The first example is used for processing and configuring into capsules. [6] A container (a suitable example of a capsule is provided in Figure 6, which will be discussed) for preparing a beverage. Container processing unit

[20] Configured as an extraction unit

[32] , from capsule [6] Beverage extraction. Extraction unit.

[32] Including container / capsule holding portion

[34] and closing components

[36] . Extraction unit

[32] It can be moved to the capsule receiving position (Fig. 4A), wherein the capsule holding part

[34] and closing components

[36] Configured to receive capsules [6]. Extraction Unit

[32] It can be moved to the capsule extraction position (Fig. 4B), wherein the capsule holding part

[34] and closing components

[36] Forming capsules [6] Surrounding seal. As shown in Figure 4A, when the capsule is in the extraction position (Figure 4B), an image capturing unit is provided on the closing member.

[46] Configured to read the location of the capsule [6] coding elements

[44] (More specifically, in capsules) [6] on the closed member

[36] (above).

[0111] Can continue with self-capsule [6] Beverage extraction. Extraction unit.

[32] The position may be driven by an actuator or moved manually between such positions.

[0112] Fluid conditioning system

[22] Export

[30] An injection head and / or a penetrator configured to penetrate a container.

[38] , to form capsules for injecting conditioning fluid into the capsule extraction site. [6] Inlet (usually under high pressure). Beverage outlet.

[40] The beverage is prepared to extract the extracted beverage and is extracted from the extraction unit.

[32] Delivery. Capsule. [6] Fluid injection inside (through a penetrator)

[38] ) This is done on one side of the capsule (on the base side), and the beverage outlet is...

[40] Arranged on the opposite side of the capsule (in the closure member)

[36] on the side above).

[0113] Extraction unit

[32] The fluid is configured to be injected into the capsule by applying pressure (e.g., 10 to 20 bar) and heating (e.g., 50 to 98 degrees Celsius). [6] Beverages are prepared using precursor materials. Pressure is increased over a predetermined time until the ruptured portion (which is the capsule) is exceeded. [6] The pressure on the closed component caused the component to rupture and the beverage to be dispensed to the beverage outlet.

[40]

[0114] In a second example of the container processing unit, an extraction unit similar to that in the first example is provided; however, the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation. An example of a suitable capsule is the Nespresso® Vertuo capsule. The relevant container is shown in Figures 4'A and 4'B. Referring to Figures 4'A and 4'B, container processing unit

[20] Another example is its use in processing and configuring into capsules. [6] A container (a suitable example of a capsule is provided in Figure 6, which will be discussed) for preparing a beverage. Container processing unit

[20] Configured as an extraction unit

[32] , from capsule [6] Beverage extraction. Extraction unit.

[32] Including container / capsule holding portion

[34] and closing components

[36] . Extraction unit

[32] It can be moved to the capsule receiving position (Fig. 4A), wherein the capsule holding part

[34] and closing components

[36] Configured to receive capsules [6]. Extraction Unit

[32] It can be moved to the capsule extraction position (Fig. 4B), wherein the capsule holding part

[34] and closing components

[36] in capsules [6] A cavity is formed around it, and it can be encapsulated. [6] Beverage extraction. Extraction unit.

[32] The position may be driven by an actuator or moved manually between such positions.

[0115] Extraction unit

[32] In the capsule holding portion

[34] Integrated image capturing unit

[46] The image capturing unit is related to the encoding and reading system shown in Figure 2.

[18] part. Therefore, when the extraction unit

[32] In the capsule extraction unit (Fig. 4B), the coding element

[44] (For preparation information encoding and located in capsule) [6] flange portion

[60] Above, more specifically, on the surface of the flange away from the closed member

[36] The side above) is red.

[0116] Fluid conditioning system

[22] Export

[30] (Figure 3) Injection head and / or penetrator configured to penetrate the container

[38] , to form capsules for injecting conditioning fluid into the capsule extraction site. [6] One or more inlets. Beverage outlet.

[40] The beverage is configured to be extracted and then extracted from the extraction unit.

[32] Delivered to the consumer's cup (not shown). Capsule [6] Fluid injection inside (through a penetrator)

[38] ) and beverage exports

[40] Configured in capsules [6] on the same side (here, in the closed member)

[36] on the side above).

[0117] In this case, the extraction unit

[32] The capsule is configured to be filled with a conditioning fluid (usually water) at a low pressure (less than 8 bar). [6] Internal precursor material (thanks to the penetrator)

[38] The capsule is formed at a given rotational speed (depending on the material precursors inside the capsule and / or the desired sensory properties of the beverage to be obtained, etc.), and is centrifuged from the capsule. [6] Extraction of beverages. An example of a suitable aluminum capsule is the Nespresso® Vertuo capsule, which is currently available on the market. An example of a suitable capsule is provided in EP 2594171 A1, and a suitable extraction process is provided in EP 2155019 A1, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0118] In variant embodiments not shown, although the injection head and beverage outlet are shown disposed on the holding portion and closure member, respectively, alternatively, the injection head and beverage outlet may be disposed on the closure member and holding portion, respectively; or both may be disposed on the same portion. Furthermore, the extraction unit may include two components configured as capsule holding portions, for example, for capsules symmetrical with respect to a flange, including Nespresso® Professional capsules.

[0119] Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in EP 1472156 A1 and EP 1784344 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference, and provide hydraulically sealed extraction units.

[0120] In the third example (not shown), the capsule processing unit operates by dissolving a beverage precursor, selected for dissolution under high pressure and temperature fluid. This configuration is similar to the extraction units of the first and second examples; however, the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required. Specifically, fluid can be injected into the capsule cap, with the ruptured portion located at the base of the capsule's storage portion. An example of a suitable capsule is the Nespresso® Dolce Gusto capsule. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and EP 1784344 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0121] In a fourth example (not shown), the container processing unit is configured as a mixing unit to prepare a beverage or food precursor stored in a container, which is a vessel intended for consumption by an end user. The mixing unit includes a stirrer (e.g., a planetary mixer, a spiral mixer, or a vertical cutter mixer) for mixing; and a heat exchanger for heating / cooling the beverage or food precursor in the vessel. A fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the vessel. Examples of such configurations are provided in WO 2014067987 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Control electrical circuit system]

[0122] Referring to Figure 5, electrical circuit system

[16] Implemented as a control electrical circuit system

[48] , to control the processing unit

[14] To perform a preparation procedure. In the embodiment of FIG5, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit

[14] is illustrated as a first example, which includes a container processing unit.

[20] and fluid supply unit [twenty two].

[0123] Electrical circuit system

[16]

[48] ​​At least partially implemented (e.g., in combination with hardware): Input unit

[50] , to receive confirmation from the user's machine [4] Input to the preparation procedure; processor

[52] , to receive from the input unit

[46] input, and provides control output to the processing unit.

[14] , and; feedback system

[54] , to provide from the processing unit during the preparation process.

[14] Feedback, which can be used to control the preparation process.

[0124] Input unit

[50] Implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: buttons, such as joystick buttons or push buttons; joysticks; LEDs; graphic or character LCDs; graphic screens with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; sensors to determine whether a container has been supplied to the machine by the user.

[0125] Feedback system

[54] It can achieve one or more of the following or other feedback control operations: Flow sensor to determine fluid supply system

[22] exports

[30] (shown in Figure 3) fluid velocity / volume, which can be used to calculate to the container [6] The correct amount of fluid, and therefore adjusted to the pump.

[26] electricity; Temperature sensor to determine fluid supply unit

[22] exports

[30] The temperature of the fluid, which can be used to ensure the temperature of the container. [6] The temperature of the fluid is correct, and therefore adjusted to the heat exchanger.

[28] electricity); Level sensor to determine the storage tank

[24] The fluid level is sufficient for the preparation process; Position sensor to determine extraction unit

[32] Location (e.g., capsule extraction location or capsule receiving location).

[0126] It should be understood that electrical circuit systems

[16]

[48] ​​Suitable for processing units

[14] Other examples, such as a second example for a container processing system, include a feedback system that can be used to control the rotational speed of the capsule. [container]

[0127] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, similar reference numbers are associated with similar components, used in conjunction with processing units. The container used in the first instance of

[14] [6] Includes configuration as a capsule [6] container [6]. Capsules [6] Includes: closing components

[56] ; Storage section

[58] and flange portion

[60]

[0128] The coordinate axis of this container includes the depth direction.

[0100] Longitudinal direction

[0102] and horizontal direction

[0104] Rotation axis

[0106] In the depth direction

[0100] Extends and defines the radial direction

[0108] The radial direction is from the longitudinal direction

[0102] and lateral direction

[0104] In the plane defined.

[0129] When from the longitudinal direction

[0102] and horizontal direction

[0104] When viewed from a defined planar perspective, the capsule [6] It has a circular cross-section.

[0130] Closed component

[56] Arranged in the longitudinal direction

[0102] and horizontal direction

[0104] In the defined plane. Closed member

[56] Closed storage section

[58] , and includes a flexible membrane. Closure member

[56] has an external surface

[62] (its surface is away from the storage part)

[58] ) and internal surface

[64] (Its storage portion)

[58] ).

[0131] flange portion

[60] Configured to interconnect storage sections

[58] and closing components

[56] , using an airtight seal for the precursor material. Flange portion

[60] It is configured as a ring, which is radially...

[0108] From the inner edge

[66] Extends to the outer edge

[68] . Flange portion

[60] Presents the upper surface

[70] , which is arranged in the longitudinal direction

[0102] and horizontal direction

[0104] In the defined plane. Upper surface

[70] Connected to the closing member by adhesive

[56] internal surface

[64] Periphery. Lower surface of the flange.

[72] Storage-oriented section

[58]

[0132] Storage section

[58] Includes cavity

[74] , used to store precursor materials (not shown). Cavity

[74] Including sidewalls

[76] and base

[78]

[0133] Regarding the container in Figure 6A, the sidewall

[76] Mainly in the depth direction

[0100] From the proximal edge

[80] Extends to the distal edge

[82] , wherein the proximal and distal ends are relative to the base

[78] and defined. Sidewall

[76] tapering, wherein the gradually increasing radius dimension begins from the adjacent proximal edge.

[80] to the distal edge

[82] . Base

[78] Mainly in the radial direction

[0108] Extended, but also has depth direction Fewer components on

[0100] . Base

[78] Self-axis

[0106] Extends to the surrounding edges

[84] , its joint sidewall

[76] proximal edge

[80] . Sidewall

[76] distal edge

[82] Joint flange portion

[60] inner edge

[66] . Storage section

[58] and flange portion

[60] It is formed in one piece.

[0134] Capsule 6 has a diameter of 2 to 5 cm and an axial length of 2 to 4 cm. Details of the construction, manufacture and / or extraction of the container and / or closure components are disclosed, for example, in EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP2378932, EP2470053, EP2509473, EP2667757 and EP 2528485.

[0135] Regarding the container in Figure 6B, the sidewall

[76] Mainly in the depth direction

[0100] From the base

[78] Extends to the proximal edge

[82] , the proximal edge connects to the flange-like outer edge.

[60] , wherein the proximal and distal ends are relative to the base

[78] and defined. Sidewall

[76] The system is presented from the base

[78] to the proximal edge

[82] The convex part form.

[0136] In variant embodiments not shown: the capsule may have other cross-sectional shapes, including square, other polygonal, or elliptical; the closure member may be rigid or other non-membrane in form; the flange may be connected to the upper surface of the closure member, for example, by curling; the sidewalls may be configured, including having an inverted tapered shape or aligned with the depth direction, or bendable; the base may be configured, including flat or curved; the flange portion may be connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed; the closure member may be configured as the storage portion, for example, it may include a cavity; and the flange portion may be omitted, for example, the closure member may be directly connected to the storage portion.

[0137] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, storage section

[58] base

[78] By means of a penetrator

[38] Perforation to form a cavity for injecting conditioning fluid.

[74] The entrance, as will be discussed. Penetrator

[38] It can be configured as a separate blade or a single blade integrated with the injector.

[0138] Referring to Figures 4'A and 4'B, close the storage section.

[58] Closed member

[56] By means of a penetrator

[38] Perforation to form a cavity for injecting conditioning fluid.

[74] The entrance, as will be discussed. Penetrator

[38] It can be configured as a separate blade or a blade that is then integrated with the injector. [Preparation Procedure]

[0139] [Refer to Figure 7, which illustrates the execution of a procedure for preparing beverages / foods from precursor materials:] [70 Blocks]: User supplies containers [6] To the machine [4]

[0140] []

[72] : Electrical circuit system

[16] (For example, its input unit)

[50] ) Receives user instructions to prepare beverages / foods from precursors, and the electrical circuit system

[16] (e.g., processor)

[52] ) Start the program.

[0141] []

[74] : Electrical Circuit System

[16] Control processing unit

[14] To process containers (e.g., in a container processing unit) In the first example of

[20] , the extraction unit

[32] Move from the capsule receiving position (Fig. 4A) to the capsule extraction position (Fig. 4B).

[0142] [] [76 Square]: Electrical Circuit System

[16] Based on the preparation information read from the encoding on the container or stored in the memory, the processing unit is controlled.

[14] to perform the preparation procedure. In a first example of the processing unit, this includes: a control fluid conditioning system.

[22] Fluid is supplied to the container processing unit at the temperature, pressure and time specified in the preparation information.

[20]

[0143] Electrical circuit system

[16] Subsequently, control the container processing unit

[20] , so that the extract portion moves through the capsule discharge location and is discharged from the container. [6] And return to the capsule receiving position.

[0144] In variant embodiments not shown: the above blocks can be executed in a different order, for example, in [Square]

[70] Executed before [Square]

[72] ; A certain square can be omitted, for example, it can be omitted. [Square]

[70] , machine storage capsule box.

[0145] As part of the manufacturing process, the electrical circuit system

[16] The communication interface of the machine (not shown) can be used via a computer network.

[12] From the server system [8] and / or peripheral devices

[10] Obtain additional preparation information. [Container reinforcement section]

[0146] Referring to Figures 8A, 9, 10, 11A, 11B, and 13, the container is related to the embodiment of Figure 6. [6] Including storage sections formed from wood pulp-based materials

[58] . In variant embodiments not illustrated, only a portion of the storage portion may be formed of a wood pulp-based material, for example, only the base or base region as defined herein.

[0147] Storage section

[58] Including stiffening parts

[0110] Its storage section is designed to enhance performance.

[58] . Specifically, the reinforced part

[0110] The strengthening is achieved by the penetrator

[38] Penetration storage section

[58] Perforated area

[0112] Nearby (shown in Figures 4A and 4B), making the perforated area

[0112] It can be penetrated relatively easily.

[0148] Perforated area

[0112] Once penetrated, one or more fluid inlets (not shown) are provided for injecting conditioning fluid into the storage section.

[58] cavity

[74] is used for processing precursor materials. Conditioning fluid injection container holding section.

[34] (shown in Figures 4A and 4B) has its fluid connection to these fluid inlets. Perforated area

[0112] Configured in the storage section

[58] base

[78] Above, as a ring, it is attached around the axis of rotation.

[0106] Centered.

[0149] The penetrator (not shown) contains three perforated elements surrounding the perforated area.

[0112] The annular rings are arranged circumferentially at equal angular distances. Each of the perforated elements is configured to form a dedicated entrance. The perforated elements have a cross-sectional area of ​​2 to 5 mm². The penetrators are in opposite depth directions.

[0100] A combined force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N (i.e., summed up by all perforating elements) is applied to the perforated area.

[0112] In the middle. Perforated area

[0112] Perforation can occur through various failure modes, including slits and / or brittle fracture, as will be discussed.

[0150] When the perforated area

[0112] In opposite depth directions

[0100] When subjected to a compressive force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N applied by the penetrator, the stiffening part

[0110] Prevent the base

[78] Perforated area

[0112] In the opposite depth direction

[0100] The upper displacement is greater than 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0151] In variant embodiments not shown: the penetrator includes a different number of perforated elements, such as 1, 2 or 4; the perforated elements have different cross-sectional areas, for example, the same total cross-sectional area as in the example may be distributed across the perforated elements; the penetrator applies different forces; the perforated regions are configured to have shapes other than annular rings, including circles or squares.

[0152] Strengthening section

[0110] It is configured as eight discrete units, which are arranged around the axis at equal angular intervals.

[0106] They are spaced apart circumferentially. Reinforcing sections

[0110] Extends continuously at the base

[78] and sidewalls

[76] Above the proximal portion.

[0153] As can be best seen in Figures 9 to 11 and Figure 13, the stiffening part

[0110] Configured as a channel

[0114] It has sidewalls

[0116] and base

[0118] Base

[0118] System is linear and radially aligned. Sidewall

[0116] Bend to the base

[0118] Therefore, the channel

[0114] It is usually a V-shape with a curved perimeter.

[0154] aisle

[0114] Primarily extends in the depth direction

[0100] Above and having a radial direction

[0108] Component, such that the base

[0118] Relative to the longitudinal direction

[0102] and horizontal direction

[0104] The defined plane is at an angle of approximately 50 to 60 degrees. [α] Angle (best seen in the cross section of Figure 10 when observing the right stiffening section).

[0155] As can be best seen in Figure 10, the sidewall

[76] has a depth dimension at its proximal end. [d], which originates from the base

[78] The lowest position is measured to the stiffening part

[0110] base

[0118] The distal end, which is less than about 40% of the total length. [D], Total length is from the base

[78] The lowest position is measured to the flange portion.

[60] Above surface

[70]

[0156] As can be best seen in Figures 10 and 13, the stiffening part

[0110] In opposite radial directions

[0108] protrudes into the cavity

[74] Inside, and the reinforced part

[0110] No part has a greater sidewall

[76] The corresponding part (which does not include the stiffening part)

[0110] ) Larger radial dimension (when comparing stiffened parts) [V110] When the virtual cross-sectional line of the equivalent section without stiffening is shown, as best seen in the cross-section of Figure 13. In this way, container 6 can be adjusted to hold the container in place without specific modifications. [6] Container holding part

[34] Used together (e.g., by creating a groove to contain an outwardly extending portion of the reinforcing portion).

[0157] In variant embodiments not shown: there are other numbers of stiffening portions, including 3, 4, or 6; the stiffening portions may directly engage with each other; the stiffening portions have other profiles, including U or V shapes; the stiffening portions extend outward in a radial direction; the stiffening portions may alternatively be configured to include having curved or stepped bases and non-radially aligned bases; the bases may alternatively be angled, including angles of approximately 30 degrees to 70 degrees. [α], and d are alternatively varying in size to be less than about 50% or 30% of D, and / or d may have a minimum value of at least 10% or 20% of D.

[0158] Refer to Figure 13, stiffening section

[0110] Along the base

[78] From the base

[78] Virtual Peripheral Edge

[84] ['](It exists for segments that do not contain stiffening parts, such as dashed lines) [V] indicates that the area extends close to the perforation area.

[0112] . As shown in Figure 9, the best view is the channel.

[0114] base

[0118] Distance defined at the far end [W] is tied in the perforation area.

[0112] Within 4 mm in the radial direction of the nearest edge 108 mm.

[0159] As shown in Figure 13, the reinforced section is the best view.

[0110] Has a maximum channel depth of approximately 3 mm [X]. Channel depth [X] is based on the vertical base.

[0118] Measure to the virtual cross-section line excluding the stiffening portion. The intersection point of [V]. In this example, the perpendicular distance is the same as the virtual cross-section line. The intersection point between [V] occurs on the sidewall.

[76] Virtual near edge

[80] ['] at the location. In variant embodiments not shown: depth [X] can be sized differently, from 5 mm to 2 mm or from 10 mm to 2 mm; the maximum depth can be located outside the proximal edge.

[0160] As shown in Figure 13, the reinforced section is the best view.

[0110] Along the side wall

[76] In opposite depth directions

[0100] Extension distance [Y], which is determined to be from the virtual cross-section line [V] sidewall

[76] Virtual near edge [80'] to the passage

[0114] at its far end. Distance [Y] Total depth less than 40% or 30% [D] The minimum distance of [Y] can be greater than 10% or 20% of the total depth. [D]

[0161] Strengthening section

[0110] Along the base

[78] From the base of the virtual section line V in the opposite radial direction 108.

[78] Virtual perimeter edge

[84] ['] Extends to radius [Z]. Radius [Z] is greater than the total radius of the base. 30% or 40% of [R]. The maximum radius of [Z] can be 90% or 80% of the radius. [R].

[0162] As shown in the best view of the cross-section in Figure 13, when comparing the right stiffening part.

[0110] Side and dashed line When [V], the stiffening part

[0110] Bridging base

[78] and sidewalls

[76] The near-end region, otherwise the two are not bridged.

[0163] In a variant embodiment not shown: the stiffening portion is alternatively formed to include a portion that increases the material thickness, for example, in contrast to a rib extending into the cavity interior; and the channel may include a region of increased material thickness, including at the base.

[0164] exist [Square]

[74] , As shown in Figure 7, the previously described preparation procedure can be achieved by configuring the container. [6] In the machine [2] processing unit

[14] Container holding portion

[34] . container [6] Can be achieved through a penetrator

[38] Penetrate to form an entrance, while simultaneously strengthening the container. [6], to utilize the stiffening part

[0110] Resisting displacement.

[0165] One method of forming a storage portion may include simultaneously wet-forming the storage portion and the stiffening portion, for example via the same mold / press. Alternatively, the stiffening element may then be pressed into the storage portion. [Container Processing Area]

[0166] Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, the flange portion

[60] Includes a portion formed of a wood pulp-based material (e.g., which may be bonded to a plastic or metal portion). The wood pulp-based material portion includes a processing area.

[61] , which contains vitrified wood pulp-based materials.

[0167] This processing area

[61] A flange that is narrower than that used for an untreated wood pulp-based material can be achieved, having a thickness equivalent to that of a flange formed from a conventional material (e.g., aluminum) of a conventional container. This allows the container to be compatible with machines designed for conventional containers.

[0168] This processing area

[61] A more consistent (e.g., smoother, with reduced discontinuities) surface may also be provided to receive machine-readable coded elements.

[44] (shown schematically). Encoding element

[44] It can be optically readable encoded and can be used on the flange portion.

[60] The entire processing area

[61] Extending upwards. A more uniform surface may be particularly important for reading a code by rotating the code about a rotation axis of the container relative to a code reader. In an embodiment, the code is configured on a substrate (e.g., a metallic mark) applied to a processing area.

[0169] As used herein, the term "glassification" or "glassify" refers to a change in one or more material properties of wood pulp to make it more like glass. This can be characterized by one or more of the following material properties (compared to untreated wood pulp): a glass transition temperature higher than ambient temperature; a harder material; a more brittle material; a material with low energy absorption before fracture; a thinner segment of material; a material with reduced fiber porosity; reduced water absorption; increased stiffness; and a transformation of the material to a glassy state.

[0170] In one embodiment, the treated area is treated by pressing and optionally by applying heat treatment. In another embodiment, the treated area is heated to a temperature of 100 to 300 degrees Celsius and / or pressed under a pressure of 1 × 10⁵ to 1 × 10⁷ Pa. In yet another embodiment, the perforated area has a thickness reduction of at least 30% compared to the untreated portion.

[0171] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the processing area

[61] Configured on the flange portion

[60] on the lower surface, and the encoding element

[44] Configured in the processing area

[61] Above. As shown, the entire flange portion

[60] Contains the processing area

[61] . Its flange portion

[60] It is configured as a ring and is centered on the rotation axis of the container. [Container shoulder]

[0172] Referring to Figures 8A, 8B, 11A to 12B, and 14, the sidewall

[76] Includes the shoulder

[0120] It is configured to engage the flange portion.

[60] . Shoulders

[0120] In the depth direction

[0100] From the flange portion

[60] Lower surface

[72] Extends to the outer edge

[0122] Shoulders

[0120] Defining the flange portion

[60] and outer edge

[0122] between linear outer surfaces

[0124] Outer surface

[0124] From the flange portion

[60] to the outer edge

[0122] The radial range is gradually reduced. This reduction helps to make it easier to position the container. [6] In the container holding part

[34] This interaction can be seen in Figure 14. This interaction also occurs in the containers of Figures 12A and 12B. [6] (but not shown). Outer edge

[0122] It is curved.

[0173] In a variant embodiment not shown: the shoulder is separated from the flange portion by a gap; the outer surface is alternatively contoured, including as curved or aligned with the depth direction, and the outer edge is alternatively contoured, including as a step or a linear ramp.

[0174] outer surface

[0124] Has a sidewall

[76] The gap defining region

[0126] Larger radial range. Sidewalls

[76] The gap defining region

[0126] Regarding the sidewall

[76] The remaining part from the shoulder

[0120] Extends to the base

[78]

[0175] In a variant embodiment not shown: the lower part of the sidewall includes a second shoulder that engages with the container holding portion, such that the gap defining region of the sidewall does not extend over the remainder of the sidewall.

[0176] Refer to Figure 14, shoulder

[0120] The processing unit configured to engage machine 2

[14] Container holding portion

[34] The upper region, in which the void defines the region

[0126] In the radial direction

[0108] is positioned to be fixed to the container portion.

[34] Separate to define the gaps between them.

[0128] .

[0177] shoulder

[0120] Configured to correspond in shape to the container holding portion

[34] The area above makes the entire outer surface

[0124] The combination improves the accuracy of positioning.

[0178] In variant embodiments not shown: the outer surface includes grooves or other surface discontinuities that do not engage with the container holding portion to reduce adhesion.

[0179] shoulder

[0120] Having a flange portion

[60] Lower surface

[72] and outer edge

[0122] and outer surface The depth distance between the intersection points of

[0124] [S], which is smaller than the storage portion

[58] Total Depth Approximately 15% of [D] (as previously defined).

[0180] In the variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: [S] Alternatively varying dimensions, including less than [D] of 40% or 30%, and minimum distance [S] can be greater than [D] 5% or 10%.

[0181] void area

[0128] Having in the radial direction

[0108] Upper and side walls

[76] The gap defining region

[12] 6 and container holding part

[34] The separation distance between directly adjacent parts [N] is 1 mm to 2 mm. Along the sidewall

[76] The gap defining region

[0126] The separation distance of the depth (excluding the stiffening part 110) The average value of [N] is approximately 1.5 mm.

[0182] In the variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: [N] Alternatively, the dimensions may vary, including those greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm; the average separation distance may be greater than 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm.

[0183] Referring to Figure 15, container [6] Configured to partially stack in a second container of corresponding shape [6] [']Inside. container [6] shoulder area

[0120] Outer edge

[0122] Joining the second container [6] ['] flange portion

[60] ['](including the proximal portion of the storage section). Adjacent to the second container [6] ['] shoulder area

[0120] ['] container [6] sidewall

[76] The gap defining region

[0126] is part away from the shoulder.

[0120] ['], to define the gap

[0130] .container [6] sidewall

[76] The gap defining region The remaining portion of

[0126] can also define the gap.

[0130] . ​​With this configuration, the adhesion of the stacked containers can be reduced before filling.

[0184] A similar configuration occurs when stacked containers 6 and 6' are shown in Figures 12A and 12B (but are not shown).

[0185] exist [Square]

[74] , As shown in Figure 7, the previously described preparation procedure can be achieved by configuring the container. [6] In the machine [2] processing unit

[14] Container holding portion

[34] In, and the connecting container [6] sidewall

[78] shoulder

[0120] Container holding portion

[34] To locate the sidewall

[76] The gap defining region

[0126] Away from the container holding part

[34] , to define the gap region

[0128] .

[0186] container [6] Can be achieved through a penetrator

[38] Penetration to form inlets, and conditioning fluid is injected into these inlets while maintaining the void region.

[0128] . Container [6] Self-retaining portion

[34] Discharge, while maintaining the void area

[0128] .

[0187] A method for filling a container 6 with a precursor material (not shown), comprising: placing the container... [6] Storage section

[58] A container holding portion disposed in a filling machine (not shown) (not shown, but it can be imagined that it is similar to a machine) [2] Container holding part

[34] ). Therefore, this step can achieve, for example, for the container holding portion.

[34] Discussed. Storage section

[58] Two or more containers stacked in the aforementioned configuration may be supplied to the filling machine. After filling, the storage section...

[58] Can close components

[56] Closed.

[0188] One method of forming a storage portion may include simultaneously wet-forming the storage portion and the shoulder, for example via the same mold / press. Alternatively, the shoulder may then be pressed into the storage portion. [Container perforation area]

[0189] Referring to Figures 8A, 9, 10, 11A, 11B and 16, the perforated area is as previously discussed.

[0112] The portion is processed to facilitate relatively easier penetration by the penetrator compared to the untreated portion.

[38] (As shown in Figures 4A and 4B) Perforation, as will be discussed.

[0190] Referring to Figure 16, perforated area

[0112] The annular ring system is configured with three segments.

[0132] It is radially demarcated by three bridging elements 134. Section 130 is processed without processing the bridging elements.

[0134] .

[0191] For the penetrator

[38] In the previously discussed example, there are three penetrating elements that are arranged around the axis.

[0106] And they are configured with equal angular distances.

[0120] Degree. Bridging component.

[0134] They have different equal angular distances: because there are four bridging components.

[0134] , around the axis

[0106] The angular distance is 90 degrees. In this way, if the container [6] Around the axis The rotational orientation of

[0106] is unknown, which ensures that even if a penetrating element is just aligned with the bridging element...

[0134] Other penetrating elements will not do so, thus ensuring that at least one penetrating element completely penetrates the perforated area.

[0112] 、

[0132] , rather than a bridging component

[0134] .

[0192] In a variant embodiment not shown: the penetrator has a number of penetrating elements other than three, such as 2 or 4; the perforated region comprises a number of segments other than four, such as 3 or 5; preferably, the number of segments is different from the number of penetrating elements; and bridging elements are omitted, such that the perforated region is a continuous loop.

[0193] The penetrating area is treated by increasing the temperature and by applying pressure.

[0112] , to vitrify the wood pulp-based material. The temperature is 100 to 300 degrees Celsius. The pressure is 1 × 10⁵ Pa to 1 × 10⁷ Pa. It should be understood that any suitable combination of temperature and pressure can be selected; for example, vitrification can be achieved by cold pressing, which may include pressing at room temperature but under pressure higher than hot pressing. The increased temperature and pressing force can be applied for 5 to 60 seconds.

[0194] Treated perforated area

[0112] It has a reduced thickness. For example, a 0.5 mm thick material can have a thickness reduced to 0.3 mm. Treatments can be applied until this thickness reduction has been achieved.

[0195] As used herein, the term "glassification" or "glassify" refers to a change in one or more material properties of wood pulp to make it more like glass. This can be characterized by one or more of the following material properties (compared to untreated wood pulp): a glass transition temperature higher than ambient temperature; a harder material; a more brittle material; a material with low energy absorption before fracture; a thinner segment of material; a material with reduced fiber porosity; reduced water absorption; increased stiffness; and the transformation of the material to a glassy state.

[0196] In variant embodiments, alternative treatments include: applying a coating; and scoring to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the material. As used herein, the term "applying a coating" can refer to applying a coating to the wood pulp-based material to close the pores / voids between fibers and / or act as a barrier. This can provide reduced water absorption, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. This can also provide for more brittle failure, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. The coating may contain caramel or starch or other suitable coatings. As used herein, the term "scoring" can refer to removing a portion of the material by cutting tools or other means. The removed portion of the material may be up to 50% of the material thickness. The portion of the material may be one or more of the following: a line; the perimeter of a perforated area; the area of ​​the perforated area.

[0197] By treating wood pulp-based containers using the disclosed treatment method [6] Perforation area

[0112] , can be more easily penetrated by the penetrator than untreated areas.

[38] Penetration. This can be characterized by one or more of the following: perforation of a brittle failure mode with a relatively low energy absorption region, rather than a ductile failure mode with a relatively high energy absorption region; less displacement of the penetrator to achieve complete penetration (e.g., due to reduced thickness of the perforated region and / or less movement of the perforated region with the penetrator); and penetration with a lower maximum force.

[0198] For the perforated area that needs to be processed from 0.5 mm to 0.3 mm thickness

[0112] For a penetrating element with a total penetrating area of ​​6 to 15 mm², perforation can occur at 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N.

[0199] exist [Square]

[74] , As shown in Figure 7, the previously described preparation procedure can be achieved by configuring the container. [6] In the machine [2] processing unit

[14] Container holding portion

[34] . container [6] Perforation area

[0112] It can be achieved by a penetrator

[38] Penetrate to form an entrance.

[0200] A method for forming a storage portion may include wet forming of the storage portion. Subsequently, perforated areas...

[0112] This can be handled by one of the procedures described above. Bridging

[0134] It can be formed by a press, the press system being shaped to process only the section.

[0132] .

[0201] In a variant embodiment not shown: in addition to the perforated area

[0112] Outside or in place of the perforated area, container The other parts of [6] can be processed by the procedures disclosed herein.

[0202] For example, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the flange portion can be processed.

[60] To provide an improved surface, in the flange portion

[60] Lower surface

[72] Carrying code. Specifically, when formed from wood pulp-based materials, a heating and pressing process can be applied to reduce the flange portion. The thickness of

[60] makes the flange portion

[60] It has a thickness comparable to containers formed from known materials (e.g., aluminum) to ensure compatibility with existing machines. The heating and pressing processes also provide a more consistent surface for use as encoding elements.

[44] The substrate can improve the reliability of code reading. In such examples, the fabrication process may include a step of reading the code to extract fabrication information from it. The step of reading the code may include rotating the code relative to the code reader, for example, by rotating it about a rotation axis.

[0106] Rotating container. The Nespresso™ Vertuo™ container can achieve this type of flange portion.

[0203] It should be understood that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding devices, programs, data carriers, etc.) can be implemented by a host or a client, depending on the specific implementation scheme (i.e., the disclosed methods / devices are in the form of communication and therefore can be implemented from a "viewpoint," i.e., in a manner corresponding to each other). Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" encompass "inputting" and "outputting," and are not limited to the RF context of transmitting and receiving radio waves. Therefore, for example, a chip or other device or component used to implement an embodiment may generate data for output to another chip, device, or component, or have input data from another chip, device, or component, and such output or input may be referred to as "transmitting" and "receiving," including the gerund forms, i.e., "transmitting" and "receiving," as well as "transmitting" and "receiving" in the RF context.

[0204] As used in this specification, any recipe using the type "at least one of A, B, or C" and recipes using "at least one of A, B, and C" use the disjunctive conjunctions "or" and "and" such that these recipes contain any and all combinations and permutations of A, B, and C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, and C in any order. More or fewer than three features may be used in such recipes.

[0205] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed in the claims. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more, not one. Moreover, the use of leading phrases in the claims (such as "at least one" and "one or more") should not be construed as implying that the indefinite article "a" or "an" introduces another claim element that limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to an invention containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes "one or more" or "at least one" and leading phrases such as "a" or "an". The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between elements described by such terms. Therefore, such terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other priority of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are described in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of such measures cannot be beneficial.

[0206] Unless otherwise expressly stated as incompatible, or physically or otherwise preventing such combinations of embodiments, examples, or claims, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and the following claims, may be integrated in any suitable configuration, especially those that would have a beneficial effect. This is not limited to any specified benefit, and alternatively may produce benefits from retrospection. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the form described, particularly the form of dependence of examples, embodiments, or claims (e.g., numbering). Furthermore, this also applies to the terms "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely stylistic forms of wording and should not be construed as limiting the following features of individual embodiments to all other examples of the same or similar words. That is, the reference to "an," "one," or "some" embodiments may refer to any one or more and / or all of the disclosed embodiments, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the preceding embodiment.

[0207] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable medium may perform the disclosed methods, and therefore may be used synonymously with or in the same way as the terminology.

[0208] The foregoing description provides an illustration and description of one or more implementations, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. In view of the foregoing teachings, modifications and variations are possible and may be obtained from the practice of various implementations of this disclosure. [Component Symbol]

[0209] [2] System [4] Machine

[14] Processing unit

[20] Container processing unit

[32] Extraction unit

[34] Container holding part

[36] Closed member

[38] Injection head / penetrator

[40] Beverage exports

[22] Fluid conditioning system

[24] Storage tank

[26] Pump

[28] Heat exchanger

[30] Exports

[16] Electrical circuit system

[48] ​​Control electrical circuit system

[50] Input unit

[52] Processor

[54] Feedback system

[18] Encoding and reading system

[46] Image capturing unit [6] Container

[56] Closing member

[62] Internal surface

[64] External surface

[58] Storage section

[74] Cavity

[76] Sidewall

[80] Proximal edge

[82] Far edge

[0120] Shoulder

[0122] Outer edge

[0124] Outer surface

[0126] Gap-defined region

[78] Base

[84] Peripheral edge

[0112] Perforation area

[0132] Section

[0134] Bridging component

[0110] Reinforcing section

[0114] Channel

[0116] Sidewall

[0118] Base

[60] Flange portion

[66] Inner edge

[68] outer edge

[70] Upper surface

[72] Lower surface

[44] Encoding element

[0210] 2: System 4: Machine 6: Container 6': container 8: Server System 10: Peripheral devices 12: Computer Network 14: Processing Unit 16: Electrical circuit system 18: Encoding and Reading System 20: Container processing unit 22: Fluid Conditioning System / Fluid Supply Unit 24: Storage tank 26: Pump 28: Heat exchanger 30: Exports 32: Extraction Unit 34: Container holding part / Capsule holding part 36: Closed component 38: Penetrator 40: Beverage Exports 44: Encoding element 46: Image capturing unit / input unit 48: Control electrical circuit system / Electrical circuit system 50: Input Unit 52: Processor 54: Feedback System 56: Closed component 58: Storage Section 60: Flange portion 60': Flange portion 61: Processing Area 62: External surface / Internal surface 64: Internal surface / External surface 66: Inner edge 68: Outer edge 70: Top surface / square 72: Bottom surface / square 74: Cavity / Cube 76: Sidewall / Cube 78: Base 80: Proximal edge 80': Edge 82: Far edge 84: Peripheral Edge 84': Peripheral Edge 100: Depth direction 102: Vertical direction 104: Horizontal direction 106: Axis 108: Radial direction 110: Strengthening section 112: Perforation area 114: Channel 116: Sidewall 118: Base 120: Shoulder 120': Shoulder 122: Outer edge 124: Outer surface 126: Gap-defined area 128: Voids / Void Areas 130: Gap / Section 132: Section / Perforation Area 134: Bridging component AA: Cross-section line d: distance D: Total Depth N: Separation distance R: Total radius S: Depth Distance V: Virtual cross-section line W: Distance X: Channel Depth Y: Distance Z: Radius α: Angle

Claims

1. A container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof, the container comprising: A storage section for containing a precursor material; A closing member for closing the storage portion, and a flange portion connecting the storage portion and the closing member, the flange portion being formed from a wood pulp-based material by fiber molding, wherein the flange portion includes a treated area comprising a vitrified wood pulp-based material and having a thickness reduction of at least 30% compared to an untreated portion.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the vitrification of the treated area compared to a portion of the untreated wood pulp-based material includes one or more of the following material properties: reduced water absorption; increased brittleness; increased stiffness; reduced thickness; and transformation of the wood pulp-based material to a glassy state.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing area is disposed on one of the lower surfaces of the flange portion.

4. The container of request item 1 or 2, wherein the processing area is configured as a ring, the ring being centered on one of the rotation axes of the container.

5. As in the container of request item 1 or 2, a machine-readable code is configured on the processing area.

6. The container as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein the entire flange portion includes the processing area.

7. The container of request item 1 or 2, in which one of the near-end portions of the storage section is not processed.

8. A system comprising a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof, the machine comprising: A processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container, the processing unit including a penetrator, and an electrical circuit system for controlling the processing unit.

9. A container as described in any of claims 1 to 7 for use in a system as described in claim 8.

10. A method for preparing a beverage and / or food, or a precursor thereof, from a precursor material of a container, the method comprising: reading a code disposed on a flange portion of the container, wherein at least a portion of the flange portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and the wood pulp-based material includes a processing region comprising a vitrified wood pulp-based material.

Images