Machine for preparing and dispensing a beverage

Abstract

The beverage preparation and dispensing machine 10 accepts capsules 11 and, in an 'extraction zone' (16, Fig. 1), forms a beverage with its ingredients. Afterwards, the machine is able to, in a 'recyc

Description

The invention relates to devices for preparing and dispensing a beverage which also assists in the recycling of single-serve beverage capsules. One type of machine for making a beverage, such as coffee, is a capsule machine, in which the beverage ingredient, e.g. coffee, is contained in a sealed capsule. A capsule machine typically has a two part mechanism. The first part receives the capsule and is provided with an extraction surface upon which the capsule rests. The second part is provided with a locking lever which is used to make the first and second parts integral. In use, a capsule is inserted into a capsule cage of the machine which holds the capsule in position so that it may be cut by a cutting member. The second part cuts the upper surface of the capsule to allow water to enter the capsule and percolate down through the capsule, where it exits through the lower surface of the capsule at multiple locations determined by the geometry of the extraction surface. An example of such a machine is disclosed in EP 0870457 or W02005 / 004683. Capsule machines have proved to be commercially very successful as they are very convenient to use and produce a consistent product. One brand of capsule is Nespresso ®, which uses a sealed capsule made of aluminium. The original Nespresso capsule is disclosed in EP051214 and the current iteration in EP1654966. Recycling of the capsule is desirable. A particular problem with some aluminium capsules is that the silicone seal means that the capsule cannot be recycled easily despite the significant ecological benefit in recycling aluminium and they are not recyclable in normal kerbside mixed collections. Special collection of the capsules negates the benefits of recycling. GB2586618 discloses a device for separating beverage capsules comprising a base unit and a plunger, the base unit having a face with an aperture for receiving a body part of the capsule, wherein a portion of the face surrounding the aperture has a surface that undulates in a longitudinal direction relative to a central axis through the aperture; the plunger comprising a projection sized to fit within the aperture. A capsule can be placed, rim side down, on the base unit over the aperture, and the plunger used to urge the capsule down into the aperture. The result is that the capsule inverts, rupturing the foil layer and emptying the coffee or other residue into the base unit below the aperture. The coffee or residue and the capsule can then be removed for separate recycling. The present invention seeks to increase the recycling quota of beverage capsules. According to the invention, a machine for preparing and dispensing a beverage is provided which the machine comprises an extraction zone for extracting a capsule comprising a beverage ingredient to form the beverage and a recycling zone for separating the capsule from the beverage ingredient after extraction of the capsule in the extraction zone. The machine comprises, therefore, means for making the beverage and means for recycling the spent capsule such that the capsule and the beverage ingredient can be separated and the empty capsule and the beverage ingredient can be disposed of appropriately. The capsule is commonly a single serve capsule, e.g. a single serve coffee capsule. For example, if the capsule is formed of aluminium, the separated aluminium capsule can be recycled and the beverage ingredient composted. This encourages the user to recycle the capsule and thus increases the recycling quota. The recycling zone of the machine, therefore, provides two or more separate waste lines for recycling the capsule after its extraction in the extraction zone. Preferably, both the extraction zone and the recycling zone are housed within a common housing. This configuration saves space and also encourages the user to recycle the spent capsule. In an embodiment, the extraction zone comprises a first capsule holder having first means for retaining the capsule, and the recycling zone comprises a second capsule holder comprising a second means for retaining the capsule. In an embodiment, the first capsule holder is vertically aligned with the second capsule holder. This arrangement allows the capsule to drop under gravity from the first capsule holder into the second capsule holder. For example, after the beverage ingredient has been extracted, the capsule drops under gravity from the first to the second capsule holder in the recycling zone where the capsule is separated from the spent beverage ingredient. In an embodiment, first retaining means is configured to move the capsule between a retain configuration and a release configuration and the second retaining means is configured to move between a retain configuration and a release configuration. The first and second retaining means may comprise spring-loaded retaining clips, for example. In an embodiment, the capsule comprises a capsule body, a circular peripheral annulus flange extending from a peripheral part of the capsule body and an air-tight cover attached to the circular peripheral annulus flange. The capsule body comprises a cylindrical capsule body or a truncated cone capsule body or a hemispherical body. The capsule body may be formed of aluminium or plastic or paper. In an embodiment, the extraction zone further comprises a filter plate and a housing having a cavity. The machine further comprises an actuator. Operation of the actuator causes relative movement between the filter plate and the housing and causes a water-tight brew chamber to be formed around the capsule. The actuator may be a mechanical actuator, e.g. such as a lever that is manually operated by a user, or an automatic actuator. In an embodiment, the recycling zone comprises means for separating the beverage ingredient from the capsule and directing the beverage ingredient and the capsule into different waste lines. In an embodiment, the recycling zone further comprises a first guiding means for guiding the beverage ingredient to a first collector area and a second guiding means for guiding the capsule body to a second collector area. The first and second guiding means may be flaps, for example inclined flaps, or tubes, for example. The first and second collector areas may be provided by bins or drawers which may be located within the housing of the machine. In an embodiment, the means for separating comprises a nozzle for piercing the capsule and for forming a flow in the capsule to open the lid and remove the beverage ingredient from the capsule. The nozzle may have a sharp point for piercing the capsule and a tube for directing the flow. The flow may comprise water, or steam or air or suction. In an embodiment, the machine further comprising means for producing the flow. In an embodiment, the means for producing the flow comprises a pump that is in fluid communication with the nozzle and a water reservoir. In this embodiment, the flow is a water jet or a steam jet that is directed into the capsule by the nozzle. The water reservoir may also be in fluid communication with the extraction zone and serve as the source of water for producing the beverage. Steam for the jet of seam may be producing by directing water from the water reservoir to the heater that heats the water for extracting the capsule in the extraction zone and then from the heater into the nozzle in the recycling zone. In another embodiment, the means for producing the flow comprises a pump that has an air inlet and the flow is a jet of air that is directed into the capsule. In another embodiment, the means for producing the flow comprises a pump and the flow is a flow air from the capsule into the pump. In other words, the pump is used to remove the beverage ingredient from the capsule by suction. In an embodiment, as the actuator causes the filter plate and the housing to form the brew chamber around a first capsule in the extraction zone, the actuator also causes the nozzle to move into a capsule body of a second capsule located in the recycling zone. In an embodiment, the means for separating comprises an Auger screw. The screw is screwed into the lid and removes the beverage ingredient through the lid. In an embodiment, the Auger screw has a contour that is adapted to the inner shape of the capsule, e.g. the outer diameter of the screw thread of the Auger screw is adapted to the inner shape of the capsule body. This increases the proportion of the beverage that is removed from the capsule. In an embodiment, the recycling zone comprises a capsule inversion zone and means for inverting the capsule to separate the capsule from the beverage ingredient. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a machine for preparing and dispensing a beverage, the machine comprising an extraction zone for extracting a beverage ingredient capsule to form the beverage, the capsule comprising a cylindrical or truncated cone capsule body, a circular peripheral annulus flange extending from a peripheral part of the capsule body and an air-tight cover attached to the circular peripheral annulus flange, and a capsule inversion zone for inverting the capsule after extraction of the capsule in the extraction zone. In this embodiment, the capsule inversion zone provides the recycling zone. The machine comprises, therefore, means for making the beverage and means for inverting the spent capsule such that the capsule and the beverage ingredient can be separated and at least the empty capsule can be recycled. This encourages the user to recycle the capsule and thus increases the recycling quota. Preferably, both the extraction zone and the capsule inversion zone are housed within a common housing. This configuration saves space and also encourages the user to recycle the spent capsule. Preferably, the capsule inversion zone is located underneath the extraction zone in the common housing. This allows the used capsule to drop under gravity from the extraction zone into the capsule inversion zone. Preferably, the extraction zone comprises a first capsule holder having first means for retaining the capsule, a filter plate and a housing having a cavity. A water-tight brew chamber is formable around the capsule by way of an actuator which is operable to cause relative movement between the filter plate and the housing. In use, the capsule is inserted into the first capsule holder, typically by dropping the capsule vertically under gravity into the first capsule holder. The capsule is retained in position in the first capsule holder by the first means. In use, the first capsule holder including the capsule and the filter plate are moved towards the housing or the housing the moved towards the first capsule holder including the retained capsule such that the capsule is located within the cavity of the housing and a water-tight brew chamber is formed around the capsule by the filter plate and the housing. Preferably, the capsule inversion zone comprises a second capsule holder comprising a second means for retaining the capsule and an inversion plunger. Relative movement between the second capsule holder and the inversion plunger is provided by way of an actuator. Operation of the actuator causes relative movement between the inversion plunger and the second holder that causes the inversion plunger to invert the capsule held in the second holder. One or both of the second capsule holder and the inversion plunger are movable by the actuator so as to allow the inversion plunger to push the base of the capsule through the cover of the capsule, thus inverting the capsule. The capsule inversion zone may further comprise a removal plunger for removing the inverted capsule from the second capsule holder and the capsule inversion zone. In some embodiments, the removal plunger is moveable by way of the actuator. In one configuration, the inversion plunger and the removal plunger are aligned substantially horizontally along an axis. One or both of the second capsule holder and the inversion plunger are movable by the actuator along this axis so as to allow the inversion plunger to push the base of the capsule through the cover of the capsule thus inverting the capsule. In an embodiment, one actuator is used to form the brew chamber, move the second holder towards the inversion plunger so as to invert the capsule and move the second holder towards the removal plunger so as to remove the inverted capsule from the second capsule holder. In an alternative embodiment, each of the extraction zone and the capsule inversion zone includes a separate actuator. The two actuators are independently operable. A first actuator is used to form the brew chamber and a second actuator is used to move the second holder towards the inversion plunger so as to invert the capsule and move the second holder towards the removal plunger so as to remove the inverted capsule from the second capsule holder. Preferably, the first capsule holder is vertically aligned with the second capsule holder so that the capsule can drop under gravity from the first capsule holder into the second capsule holder. Preferably, the machine is configured such that, as the actuator moves the first capsule holder and filter plate onto the housing to form the brew chamber, the actuator also moves the second capsule holder towards the inversion plunger and inversion plunger onto the capsule body so as to invert the capsule. This configuration has the advantage that the spent capsule located in the second capsule holder is automatically inverted for recycling when a capsule in the first capsule holder is readied for extraction of the beverage ingredient. This has the advantage that the user does not have to perform an additional action to recycle the previously used and now spent capsule. Preferably, the machine is configured such that, as the actuator is moved in a first direction, the first capsule holder with the filter plate moves towards the housing to form the water-tight brew chamber around the capsule and the second capsule holder moves towards the inversion plunger to invert a further capsule located in the second capsule holder. For example, the actuator may be a lever and the lever is moved in a downward direction as the first direction. Preferably, the machine is configured such that, as the actuator is moved in a second direction, the second capsule holder moves away from the inversion plunger, the second capsule holder moves towards removal plunger so as to allow removal of the inverted further capsule from the inversion zone, and the filter plate moves way from the housing so as to allow the capsule to move from the first capsule holder in the extraction zone into the second capsule holder in the inversion zone. For example, the actuator may be a lever and the lever is moved in an upward direction as the second direction. Preferably, the first capsule holder has a first retaining means for moving the capsule between a retain configuration and a release configuration and the second capsule holder has a second retaining means for moving between a retain configuration and a release configuration. In an embodiment, the retaining means comprise spring-loaded retaining clips. Preferably, after the capsule is released from the first capsule holder, for example after the first retaining means has moved the capsule into the release configuration, it drops into the second capsule holder. The actuator may be a mechanical actuator, for example a lever that is operated by hand, or an automatic actuator, which is operated by an electric motor. In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a lever that is mechanically coupled to the housing of the brew chamber and the inversion plunger so as to move the housing and the inversion plunger relative to the first capsule holder and second capsule holder, respectively. In another embodiment, the actuator comprises a lever that is mechanically coupled to the first and second capsule holders so as to move the first capsule holder relative to the housing with its cavity and so as to move the second capsule holder relative to the inversion plunger. In an embodiment, the filter plate of the extraction zone comprises one or more piercing elements for piercing the air-tight cover of the capsule so as to form openings in the cover. The filter plate further comprises one or more apertures to allow liquid to pass thought the filter plate and into and out of the capsule. The piercing elements may comprise spikes or pyramids, for example. Preferably, the capsule inversion zone further comprises a first guiding means for guiding the beverage ingredient to a first collector area, e.g. a bin, and a second guiding means for guiding the inverted capsule to a second collector area, e.g. a bin. The first and second guiding means allows the automatic separate collection of the inverted capsules and the beverage ingredient. This enables the inverted capsules to be recyclable in normal kerbside mixed collections, thus encouraging recycling and which will lead to an increase in the recycling quota. In an embodiment, the first and second guiding means are mechanically attached to the second capsule holder. Movement of the second capsule holder, for example along a straight horizontal axis, also results in the corresponding movement of the first and second guiding means. Preferably, the first and second guiding means are coupled to a member that comprises the first and second capsule holder. In an embodiment, the first and second guiding means comprise inclined flaps. These inclined flaps may extend in opposing directions. This arrangement assists in the separate direction of the capsule and beverage ingredient into different collector areas, e.g. bins. Preferably, during inversion of the capsule the beverage ingredient is pushed into the first collector area. The first guiding means may be used to assist the direction of the beverage ingredient into the first collector area. Preferably, the second capsule holder comprises a collar surrounding an aperture for receiving the body part of the capsule. The annulus flange of the capsule is urged against the collar by movement of the inversion plunger in a straight direction. To invert the capsule, the annulus flange of the capsule is urged against the collar, the outer surface of the bottom of the capsule is pushed against the distal end of the inversion plunger and this outer surface of the bottom of the capsule is pushed through the aperture in the collar, thus tearing the capsule, inverting the capsule and allowing the beverage ingredient to fall out of the capsule. In the inverted state, the inverted capsule extends through the aperture of the collar and is urged against the collar by the inversion plunger. Preferably, in the inverted state the inverted base of the capsule is retained by an end face of the removal plunger. Preferably, the inversion plunger comprises a projection having a height. The projection improves the reliability of inverting the capsule. Preferably, the projection comprises an undulating outer surface in the longitudinal direction relative to the central axis of the inversion plunger. The projection may be at least one step in its outer surface. Preferably, the second capsule holder is movable along a straight axis by the actuator. This straight axis is aligned with the central axis of the inversion plunger. This configuration improves the reliability of the capsule inversion. Preferably, the second capsule holder has a maximum movement in the straight direction and the height of the projection is predetermined so that the height of the projection extending through the aperture and beyond the collar is approximately the same as but no greater than the height of the capsule in order to invert the capsule. This configuration is found to improve the reliability of the capsule inversion. Preferably, moving the actuator in an opposing straight direction causes the inversion plunger to exit the inverted capsule and causes the removal plunger to push the inverted capsule through the aperture in the collar and allow the inverted capsule to move into the second collector area. Preferably, the filter plate and housing are relatively movable from an open configuration for inserting and removing the capsule to a closed configuration which forms the brew chamber. Preferably, the machine further comprises an insertion slot for inserting the capsule into the first capsule holder. Preferably, the insertion slot comprises lateral slits or slots for guiding the annulus flange of the capsule during insertion and vertical slots for guiding the annulus flange of the capsule in a vertical fall into the first capsule holder and in a vertical fall from the first capsule holder into the second capsule holder. Preferably, the machine further comprises a drink outlet comprising a tube for directing the beverage to a user receptacle located in a receptacle placing area, a water reservoir that is coupled to the brew chamber, pumping means for pumping the water from the tank into the brew chamber and heating means for heating the water. The beverage ingredient may have different compositions. The beverage ingredient may comprise coffee grounds, soluble coffee, soluble cocoa, milk, tea, or dehydrated substances for bouillons. The capsules may be made from plastic / compostable polymers, paper, other types of fibre, e.g. artificial and natural fibres, as well as metal, for example aluminium, or a metal composite etc. It is not limited to the Nespresso Original line capsule. It is also suitable for other types of aluminium capsules such as Nespresso Vertuo, Dulce gusto, L’Or XL, K-Cup. An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine according to a first embodiment for preparing and dispensing a beverage and illustrates the machine in a first position during operation of the machine. Figure 2 illustrates the machine in a second position during operation of the machine of Fig. 1. Figure 3A illustrates the machine in a third position during operation of the machine of Fig. 1. Figure 3B illustrates the machine in a fourth position during operation of the machine of Fig. 1. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a portion of the machine according to another embodiment. Figures 5A and 5B illustrates a side view and partial cross-sectional view of the machine in the first position during operation of the machine of Fig. 4. Figures 6A and figure 6B illustrate a side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the machine in a second position during operation of the machine of Fig. 4. Figures 7A to 7C illustrate various views of a retaining means for retaining the capsule in a capsule holder of the machine. Figure 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine according to a second embodiment for preparing and dispensing a beverage. Figure 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine according to a third embodiment for preparing and dispensing a beverage. Figure 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine 10 for preparing and dispensing a beverage, for example coffee. The beverage ingredient, for example coffee grounds, is supplied to the machine within a sealed capsule 11. The capsule 11 has a size suitable for containing sufficient beverage ingredient for making a single beverage. The capsule 11 is typically a single use item. The capsule 11 comprises a body 12 which has a base and a side wall. The capsule body 12 may be cylindrical or hemispherical or, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, have a truncated cone shape. The capsule 11 has a circular peripheral annulus flange 13 which extends outwardly from a peripheral rim of the capsule body 12 at its open end. The capsule 12 further has a cover 14 which is attached to the circular peripheral annular flange 13 and which seals the capsule 11 in an air-tight manner. The capsule body 12 and cover 14 may be formed of aluminium, for example. The machine 10 comprises a housing 15 which encloses an extraction zone 16 for extracting the beverage ingredient capsule 11 to form the beverage. The extraction zone 16 is indicated in figure 1 by the dashed line 16. The machine 10 also comprises a recycling zone which is indicated by the dashed box 17. The zones may also be referred to as stations. In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 to 9, the extraction zone 16 is positioned above the recycling zone 17 and both zones 16, 17 are contained within the common housing 15 of the machine 10. This allows a compact size for the machine 10 and also allows the capsule 11 to drop from the extraction zone 16, after it has been extracted and a beverage made from the beverage ingredient within the capsule 11, into the recycling zone 17 under gravity. In other words, the spent capsule can drop vertically from the extraction zone 16 into the recycling zone 17. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the recycling zone 17 comprises a capsule inversion zone 17 for inverting the capsule 11 after the extraction of the capsule 11 in the extraction zone 16. The extraction zone 16 comprises a first capsule holder 18 having first retaining means 19 for retaining the capsule 11 within the first capsule holder 18. The first retaining means 19 may be spring loaded clips, for example. The extraction zone 16 further comprises a filter plate 22 which has a plurality of openings through which water can flow and one or more piercing members 23, e.g. in the form of spikes or pyramids, which are used to pierce and perforate the airtight cover 14 of the capsule 11. The filter plate 22 is located within a collar against which the peripheral flange 13 of the capsule 11 is urged. The extraction zone 16 also comprises a housing 24 having a cavity 25. The cavity 25 has a truncated cone type shape and is sized and shaped so as to receive the capsule 11. The first capsule holder 18 is movable by way of an actuator, which is not shown in figure 1, with respect to the housing 24. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the first holder 18 and filter plate 22 are movable in a straight horizontal direction with respect to the housing 24 and cavity 25. The first capsule holder 18 can be moved towards the cavity 25, the open end of cavity 25 is pressed against the lower side of the peripheral flange 13 of the capsule, the upper side of the peripheral flange is pressed against the collar which surrounds the filter plate 22 in order to form a sealed brew chamber around the capsule body 12 of the capsule 11. To make a beverage, the capsule 11 is inserted through an insertion slot 20 formed in the upper surface of the housing 18 in a horizontal orientation such that the cover 14 and the base of the body 12 of the capsule 11 are substantially vertical. The collar of the first capsule holder 18 is urged onto the peripheral flange of capsule which is urged against a flange of the housing 24 to form the brew chamber around the capsule body 12, whereby the piercing members 23 of the filter plate 22 pierce the cover 14 of the capsule 11 thus creating openings in the cover 14 through which water can enter the capsule 11 and extract the beverage ingredient located within the capsule 11. Water, typically hot water, is supplied through the openings in the filter plate 22, enters the capsule body 12 enabling the ingredient to be extracted and form the beverage, exit the brew chamber through the openings in the field plate 22 and exit through a dispenser tube into a container, typically a cup or a beaker. After the beverage ingredient has been extracted, the capsule 11 can be termed a used capsule or spent capsule. The recycling zone 17 comprises a second capsule holder 30 comprising a second retaining means 31 for retaining a capsule 11. The second retaining means 31 may comprise one or more spring-loaded clips. The second capsule holder 30 has a collar 32 surrounding an aperture. The second capsule holder 30 and the second retaining means 31 for retaining the capsule may have the same design as the first capsule holder and first retaining means for retaining the capsule used in the extraction zone 16. The first and second capsule holders 18, 30 may be formed in a common member or holder. As mentioned above, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the recycling zone is a capsule inversion zone 17. The capsule inversion zone 17 further comprises an inversion plunger 33 that is configured to invert a capsule 11 located in the second capsule holder 31. The inversion plunger 33 is sized and shaped so as to fit within the volume of the capsule body 12. The second capsule holder 30 is movable with respect to the inversion plunger 33 by way of the actuator (not shown). This actuator may also used to move the first capsule holder 18 in the extraction zone 16 to form the brew chamber. When the capsule 11 is retained in the second capsule holder 30, it’s base is moved onto the inversion plunger 33 and the peripheral flange 13 of the capsule 11 is urged against the collar 32. As the second capsule holder 30 advances further towards the inversion plunger 33, the inversion plunger 33 pushes the capsule body 12 through the aperture of the second capsule holder 30 to invert the capsule 11. The inversion zone 17 also comprises is a removal plunger 34 for removing the inverted capsule from the capsule inversion zone 17. The removal plunger 34 is aligned in the straight horizontal direction with the aperture and collar 32 of the second capsule holder 30 and the inversion plunger 33. The removal plunger 34 may be stationary and includes a distal end face against which the base of the inverted capsule 11 rests. The second capsule holder 31 is vertically aligned with the first capsule holder 18 of the extraction zone 16 so that the spent capsule 11 can drop under gravity from the first capsule holder 18 in the extraction zone 16 into the second capsule holder 31 of the inversion zone 17. The first and second capsule holders 18, 30 may be formed as part of a common member which is movable with respect to the cavity 25 of the housing 24 forming the brew chamber and the inversion plunger 33, respectively. The capsule 1T in the inverted position is illustrated in figures 2 and 3. To invert the capsule 11, the second capsule holder 30 and the base of the spent capsule 11 is moved towards the inversion plunger 33 in the horizontal direction, the base of the capsule 11 is pushed onto the inversion plunger 33, this urges the circular peripheral annular flange 13 of the capsule 11 against the collar 32 of the second capsule holder 31, the inversion plunger 33 forces the base of the capsule through the body 12 of the capsule 11 thus inverting the capsule. In the end position, the inverted base of the inverted capsule 1T is in contact with the facing distal end face of the removal plunger 34, as shown in figure 2. After the capsule 11 ’ has been inverted, the second holder 30 is moved in the opposing direction so that the inversion plunger 33 is no longer positioned with in the inverted capsule 11 ’ as shown in figure 3. The base of the inverted capsule 11 ’ is pressed into the removal plunger 34 which pushes the inverted capsule 11’ through the aperture in the second capsule holder 30, thus allowing the inverted capsule 1T to fall down and be removed from the inversion zone 17. The removal plunger 34 may have a fixed position on the front panel of the machine. In an embodiment, the first holder 18 and second capsule holder 30 are formed in a common holding member 35 which is movable in a horizontal direction with respect to a rear member 36 of the machine 10. The rear member 36 comprises the housing 24 with the cavity 25 for the brew chamber and the inversion plunger 33. Thus, as the holding member 35 comprising the first capsule holder with the filter plate 22 is moved relative to the housing 25 so as to form the brew chamber, the second capsule holder 30 with a spent capsule moves towards the inversion plunger 33 such that the outer surface of the capsule is bent inwards and over the outer surface of the inversion plunger 33, thus allowing the beverage ingredient within the capsule to be removed, e.g. to fall out and thus inverting the capsule. Both actions are performed substantially at the same time during a single movement of the common holding member 35. As can be seen in the views of figures 3A and 3B, the lower end of the common member 35 comprises first and second guiding means 37, 38, each in the form of a flap which may be flexible. The flaps 37, 38 are arranged at an inclined downward angle in two opposing directions, towards the front and rear of the machine 10. As can be seen in figure 3A, as the inversion plunger 33 moves through the base of the capsule 11, the beverage ingredient 39, for example coffee grounds, is pushed outwards in a direction towards the removal plunger 34 and towards the front of the machine 10. The first guiding means 37 directs the coffee grounds 39 into a first collecting area 40 which is located towards the base of the machine 10. The machine 10 also has a second collecting area 41 positioned adjacent the first collecting area 40 towards the rear of the machine 10 which may be separated from the first collecting area 40 by vertical wall 42. As shown in figure 3A, at the end position of the inversion plunger 33, the distal end of the first guiding means 37 may be substantially aligned with the vertical wall 42 and covers the second collector area 41 so as to prevent the beverage ingredient 39 from entering the second collector area 41. The first and second collector areas 40, 41 may be bins which are removable form the machine 10 to allow emptying. For example, the two collector areas 40, 41 may be formed as separate compartments of a bin that is slidably removable from the machine, for example from the front side. As is illustrated in figure 3B, as the common holding member 35 is moved towards the front of the machine 10 in order to remove the inverted capsule 11 ’ from the inversion plunger 33, the first and second guiding means 37,, 38 move towards the front of the machine 10, At the opposing end position, the second guiding means 38 is aligned substantially with the vertical wall 42 between the collector areas 40, 41 covers the first collector area 40 and thus guides and directs the inverted capsule 11 ’ into the second collector area 41. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the machine 10 further includes a drip tray 43 which is positioned under the first and second collector areas 40, 41, for example under the bin or as part of the bin. In this embodiment, the first collector area 40, in which the beverage ingredient is collected, includes a base 44 having a plurality of fine holes, for example, the base may have a mesh type structure, which allows any residual water in the beverage ingredient 39 to drain into the drip tray 43 and which retains the beverage ingredient 39 within the first collector area 40. The base 44 acts as a sieve. The second collector area 41 also comprises a base 45 with openings through which any residual water can flow. The openings of the base 45 of the second collector area 41 may be larger than those in the first collector area 40 since the capsules are larger than the beverage ingredient. Figure 5A illustrates a side view of the machine which shows the actuator, in the form of a lever 50 and the mechanism 51 with which the lever 50 is connected to the common holding member 35 so as to allow the common holding member 35 to move towards the rear of the machine 10. Figure 5B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view which shows a further section of the mechanism between the lever 50 and the common holding member 35. In this embodiment, the lever 50 is substantially cylindrical and extends from the side of the machine 10 such that the lever is moved in the downward direction and opposing upward direction. In Figure 5B, the lever 50 is depicted in the upward position. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a side view and cross-sectional view of the machine 10 with the lever 50 in the down position which is substantially horizontal in this embodiment. As the lever 50 is moved into the down position shown in figures 6A and 6B, the common holding member 35 is moved towards the rear of the machine 10 so that the first holding means 18 is pushed onto the peripheral flange 13 of the capsule 11 which is in turn pushed onto a flange of the housing 25 that borders the cavity 24 so as to form the water-tight brew chamber around the capsule 11 and so that the second holder 35 including spent capsule in the inversion zone 17 is pushed onto the inversion plunger 33, the beverage ingredient 39 is pushed into the first collector bin 40 and the capsule 11 is in the inverted state at the end position shown in figure 6. As the lever 50 is moved into the raised position shown in figure 5, after making the beverage, the common holding member 35 moves towards the front of the machine 10, thus removing the inverted capsule 11 ’ from the inversion plunger 33 and allowing the inverted capsule 11 ’ to fall into the second collector area 41, and thus opening the brew chamber and allowing the spent capsule 11 to drop from the first holding means 18 into the second holding means 30. Thus, all of the capsules successively used in the extraction zone 16 successively enter the inversion zone 17 where the capsule 11 is separated from the beverage ingredient 39 allowing the capsule 11 and depending on the beverage ingredient also the beverage ingredient to be more easily recycled. The inverted capsule 11’ in the inversion zone 17is ejected into the storage chamber, e.g. bin 41, before the next capsule drops 11 down from the brew chamber in the extraction zone 16. To achieve this, a retaining mechanism is required to keep the capsule in the brew chamber long enough for this to happen. In an embodiment shown in figures 7A to 7C, a mechanical system is provided that utilises two rotating sprung loaded arms. These hold the capsule in the brew chamber, only releasing the capsule 11 to drop down, after the lever 50 has been opened enough to allow the inverted capsule 1T to drop out into the waste basket. The retaining system 19 could be controlled by a solenoid actuator / pneumatics or hydraulic piston / linear or rotary motor. Figures 7A to 7C illustrate various views of spring-loaded clips which can be used as the retaining means 19, 31 for the first and second capsule holders 18, 30 which are used to retain the capsule 11 in the respective holder 18, 30 and release the capsule from the respective holder 18, 30. Two opposing clips are used in each capsule holder. Fig. 7C shows the left hand arm pivoted out the way to allow capsule to drop down from the extraction zone into the inversion zone. A machine is provided that enables a used capsule to be automatically prepared for recycling immediately after coffee extraction, within the same machine. This eliminates the need for the user to have to remove the coffee from the capsule as a separate operation and in principle ensures that 100% of capsules have the packaging separated from the coffee. This should have a dramatic impact on the likelihood that the user would recycle the packaging and compost the coffee. The machine is used to remove the coffee from the capsule and can also place each item in separate collection bins, built into the machine. These bins can be removable for easy emptying. Preferably, the used capsule automatically drops from the extraction zone into the inversion zone when the lever is lifted, so that the next capsule can be placed in for the proceeding extraction. The process of lowering the lever, in order to start extraction, also inverts the capsule and removes the coffee. The process of lifting and lowering lever is the same as the majority of capsule extraction machines, so the user would be familiar with the process. There is no additional time or effort involved, over a normal machine which is only configured to make a beverage by extracting a capsule. The inverted capsule 1’ is ejected from the inversion zone 17 by the removal plunger 34. The profile of the removal plunger 34 is such that it is match to the inverted shape of the capsule, so that it automatically centralises when it comes in contact with it. This aids the reliability of capsule ejection. Preferably, the inversion plunger 33 has a stepped design, since such a stepped outer surface has been found in order to lower the inversion force required to invert the capsule. The guiding means 37, 38 may have the form of angled slides that prevent the ejected coffee grounds and inverted capsules falling into the incorrect waste basket. The coffee slide 37 is advantageous as some of the coffee is ejected from the capsule 11 before it is fully inverted and directs the coffee into the coffee bin 40. The capsule slide 38 is advantageous due to the ejection point of the capsule 11 from the inversion collar relative to the position of baskets, i.e. the collector areas 40, 41. The capsule slide 38 directs the inverted capsule into the capsule bin 41. In some embodiments, the machine 10 allows any water from the extraction process to be collected in a drip tray 43. In these embodiments, the two bins 40, 41 are located on top of the drip tray 43. The capsule storage bin 41 has water drain holes and the coffee grind bin 40 may have a mesh that water can pass through, but the coffee cannot. The capsule collection basket can have a built-in sieve to aid rinsing, before recycling. The waste bins may be located at the bottom and / or on the side of machine and may be removable from the front rear or side of the machine. Removal from the front side would be more practical as the front of the machine is typically more accessible. In an embodiment, the geometry of the lever mechanism is configured so as to allow a particular range of movements. It provides adequate stroke of the brew chamber to allow for the capsule to enter and leave the brew chamber, and also fall into the inversion station. The lever arm mechanism also provides an adequate force at the beginning of the stroke to start the inversion process, provide enough force to seal the brew chamber around the capsule and also self-lock by the use of an over centre lever mechanism; so that during extraction the brew chamber cannot be forced open. The inventors have found that a lever length of 172mm provides the appropriate force. This is longer than most traditional capsule machines. The lever mechanism may be constructed from metal or plastic. Example The capsule enters the first capsule holder of the extraction zone via spung loaded slots. The slots have end stops to hold the capsule in axial alignment with the filter plate and the cavity which together from the brew chamber. The actuator is actuated, e.g. the lever arm is moved down and the brew chamber moves over the capsule; the capsule is then forced onto the filter plate, with the sprung load clips moving out the way to facilitate this. The capsule is then extracted. The user lifts the lever arm when they would like to make another coffee. The capsule is now in a slot that has not end stops, so it slides down vertically into a second set of sprung load clips with end stops which form the second capsule holder. It is now axially aligned with the Inversion station in the inversion zone. The user can place the new capsule into the machine ready for next extraction, and they close the lever. In the Inversion chamber, the plunger located on the conical end of the capsules and pushes it onto the Inversion collar. The capsule is inverted and the coffee is ejected into the coffee collection bin. The slide prevents the coffee entering the capsule collection bin. The Inversion plunger has a stepped feature to aid inversion and reduce force required by the user on the lever arm. As the lever is lifted up, the brew chamber starts to move back the capsule is ejected from the inversion collar by the removal plunger fixed to the front of the machine. The position of this removal plunger is that it ejects at the correct point so the capsule falls into the capsule bin, not the coffee bin. It also has to stay clear of the capsule falling down into the collection Inversion Station. Meanwhile the preceding capsule is held in axial alignment with the filter plate / brew chamber by the rotating sprung load arms, until the point where the inverted capsule is ejected from the collar. It then drops down in the inversion station. After emptying the bins, the used beverage ingredient, e.g. coffee grounds, can be composted and the capsule can be rinses and sent for recycling. The inversion chamber has a stepped plunger with similar geometry to the Dualit Ecopress. A simple non stepped plunger may be used but typically requires a higher lever force. The inversion chamber also has a collar, with the same geometry as the Dualit Ecopress. Like the Ecopress, the clearance between the collar and the plunger is selected to ensure reliable inversion, prevention of capsule getting stuck in the collar or on the plunger after inversion. Figure 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine 10’ according to a second embodiment. The machine 10’ differs from the machine 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 7 in the design of the recycling zone 17. In this embodiment, the recycling zone 17 comprises a nozzle 60 in place of the inversion plunger and removal plunger. The nozzle 60 comprises a tube with an inner chamber and a tip having a sharp point 61 for piercing the capsule body 12 of the capsule 11 ’ that is held by the second retaining means 31 of the second capsule holder 30. The nozzle 60 is located towards the back of the recycling zone 17 and is moved by the actuator, e.g. lever 50, towards the base 46 of the capsule body 12, as indicated in Figure 8 by the arrow, and then through the base 46 of the capsule body 12 so that the tip 61 is located within the volume of the capsule 11 ’. A flow, such as a flow of water or air is formed in the capsule 11. For example, a flow of water or seam or air is directed into the capsule 11 by the nozzle 60 at a pressure such that the lid 14 is at least partially removed and the beverage ingredient 39, e.g. coffee grounds, are pushed out of the open lid by the continuing flow of water, steam or air. In an embodiment, the nozzle 60 may include two or more openings 62 that are located around its circumference through which the flow of water, air or steam is forced. This radial spray arrangement is useful for removing the beverage ingredient 39 more reliably and completely. In the case of a jet of water or steam, the inside of the capsule 11’ is also rinsed. In this embodiment, the beverage ingredient 39 and in the case of water of steam being used for the flow, the material of the flow are directed into the first collector area 40. The first collector area 40 may include a sieve 44 for separating the beverage ingredient 39 from the water. The water reservoir 63, pump 64 and heater 65 of the machine 10, 10’ are illustrated schematically in Fig. 8. To extract the capsule 11 in the first capsule holder 18 and make a beverage, water is pumped from the reservoir 63 by the pump 64 into the heater 65 and from the heater 65 into the brew chamber formed around the capsule 11. For separating the capsule 11 ’ and beverage ingredient 39, the water may be obtained from the water reservoir 63 of the machine 10 and its pressure increased by means of the pump 64 that is used to direct the water via the heater 65 into the brew chamber in the extraction zone. This pump 64 may also be used to direct the water into the nozzle 60 which forms a flow or jet of water which is directed into the capsule 11 ’ in the second capsule holder 30 to remove the beverage ingredient 39 from the capsule 11’. If a jet of steam is used, the steam may be produced by directing water into the heater 65 to create the steam and from the heater 65 to the nozzle 60 and into the capsule 11’ in the second capsule holder 30. If a jet of air is used, a separate pump with an inlet open to the air may be used. In another embodiment, which is not shown in Fig. 8, the flow is formed by a vacuum so that the beverage ingredient 39 is removed from the capsule 11 ’ by suction. The machine 10 includes a pump that is connected to the nozzle so that a flow is formed from the capsule 11 ’ to the pump so that the beverage ingredient is sucked out of the capsule 11’. Figure 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine 10” according to a third embodiment. The machine 10” differs from the machine 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 7 in the design of the recycling zone 17. In this embodiment, the recycling zone 17 comprises an Auger screw 70 in place of the inversion plunger and removal plunger. The Auger screw 70 is driven into the lid 14 of the capsule 11 and removes the beverage ingredient 39 from the capsule 11 through the open lid end of the capsule 11 due to the advancement of the Auger screw 70 into the capsule 11 and by rotation of the Auger screw 70 as indicated in Figure 9 by the arrows. The beverage ingredient 39 is at least partially directed into the first collector area 40 by the rotation of the Auger screw 70. The rotation and movement of the Auger screw 70 may be activated by the actuator 50 so that the beverage ingredient 39 is removed from the capsule body 12 of the capsule 11’ retained in the second capsule holder 30 by the second retaining means 31 as the brew chamber is formed and the capsule 11 held in the first capsule holder 18 in the extraction zone 16 is extracted. The outer contour of the Auger screw 70, e.g. the diameter of the screw thread, may be adapted to the shape of the capsule body 12, i.e. the form of the volume enclosed by the capsule body 12 in order to increase the proportion of the beverage ingredient 39 that is removed by the rotation of the Auger screw 70. The machine 10, 10’, 10” is not limited to a moving filter plate system, it will also work with a brew chamber moving system. The machine 10, 10’, 10” may be lever operated, for example may have a single onesided lever, a double sided lever formed into a loop, or a single central lever. Alternatively, the machine 10; 10’, 10” may be motor driven, water pressure driven, as well as built in appliance machines. The machine may be a domestic or commercial machine. The machine 10, 10’, 10”is not limited to a single brew head machine. Multiple brew heads may also be used. The extraction and inversion systems could run on separate mechanisms, each being operated by a different lever. The proposed mechanisms for separating the capsules 11 and the beverage ingredient 39 would also work without the brewing function, if just a capsule emptying system was required. This could be a manual feed system, on an auto loading system could also be incorporated to fully automate the system. The inversion only system may be useful for locations where there may be multiple brewing machines and a centralised recycling station or for facilities that collect and recycle capsules. The housing of the machine may be provided with one or more access panels. The access panels may be opened in order to clear any blockage or for maintenance purposes, for example. These access panels may be either on the side I top or front. The access panel may include an interlocked hinge or removable panel. The panel may include the removal plunger and be removable to provide access to the main inversion plunger and / or brew chamber for example.

Claims

1. A machine for preparing and dispensing a beverage, the machine comprising: an extraction zone for extracting a capsule comprising a beverage ingredient to form the beverage;a recycling zone for separating the capsule from the beverage ingredient after extraction of the capsule in the extraction zone.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the extraction zone comprises a first capsule holder having first means for retaining the capsule, and the recycling zone comprises a second capsule holder comprising a second means for retaining the capsule.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein the first capsule holder is vertically aligned with the second capsule holder so that the capsule can drop under gravity from the first capsule holder into the second capsule holder.

4. A machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first capsule holder has a first retaining means for moving the capsule between a retain configuration and a release configuration and the second capsule holder has a second retaining means for moving between a retain configuration and a release configuration.

5. A machine according to claim 4, wherein the first retaining means comprise spring-loaded retaining clips and / or the second retaining means comprise spring-loaded retaining clips.

6. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the capsule comprises a capsule body, a circular peripheral annulus flange extending from a peripheral part of the capsule body and an air-tight cover attached to the circular peripheral annulus flange.

7. A machine according to claim 6, wherein the capsule body comprises a cylindrical capsule body or a truncated cone capsule body or a hemispherical body.

8. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extraction zone further comprises:a filter plate;a housing having a cavity,wherein operation of an actuator causes relative movement between the filter plate and the housing and causes a water-tight brew chamber to be formed around the capsule.

9. A machine according to claim 8, wherein the actuator is a mechanical actuator or an automatic actuator.

10. A machine according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.

11. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recycling zone comprises means for separating the beverage ingredient from the capsule and directing the beverage ingredient and the capsule into different waste lines.

12. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the recycling zone further comprises a first guiding means for guiding the beverage ingredient to a first collector area and a second guiding means for guiding the capsule body to a second collector area.

13. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the means for separating comprises a nozzle for piercing the capsule and for forming a flow in the capsule to open the lid and remove the beverage ingredient from the capsule.

14. A machine according to claim 13, further comprising means for producing the flow, wherein the flow comprises water, or steam or air or suction15. A machine according to claim 14, whereinthe means for producing the flow comprises a pump that is in fluid communication with the nozzle and a water reservoir, the water reservoir being in fluid communication with the extraction zone, and the flow being a waterjet or a steam jet that is directed into the capsule, orthe means for producing the flow comprises a pump that has an air inlet and the flow is a jet of air that is directed into the capsule, orthe means for producing the flow comprises a pump and the flow is an air flow air from the capsule into the pump.

16. A machine according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein as the actuator causes the filter plate and the housing to form the brew chamber, the actuator also causes the nozzle to move into the capsule body.

17. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the means for separating comprises an Auger screw adapted to the inner shape of the capsule.

18. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recycling zone comprises a capsule inversion zone and means for inverting the capsule to separate the capsule from the beverage ingredient.

19. A machine according to claim 18, wherein means for inverting the capsule comprises:an inversion plunger that is configured to invert the capsule, wherein operation of an actuator causes relative movement between the inversion plunger and the second holder which causes the capsule to be inverted;a removal plunger for removing the inverted capsule.

20. A machine according to claim 19, wherein as the actuator causes the filter plate and the housing to form the brew chamber, the actuator also causes the inversion plunger to move onto the capsule body so as to invert the capsule.

21. A machine according to claim 20, wherein as the actuator is moved in a first direction, the filter plate moves towards the housing to form the water-tight brew chamber around the capsule and the second capsule holder moves towards the inversion plunger to invert a further capsule located in the second capsule holder.

22. A machine according to claim 21, wherein as the actuator is moved in a second direction, the second capsule holder moves away from the inversion plunger so as to allow removal of the inverted further capsule from the inversion zone, and the filter plate moves way from the housing so as to allow the capsule to move fromthe first capsule holder in the extraction zone into the second capsule holder in the inversion zone.

23. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the actuator is a mechanical actuator or an automatic actuator.

24. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the actuator comprises a lever that is mechanically coupled to the housing of the brew chamber, the inversion plunger and the removal plunger.

25. A machine according to any one of claims 8 to 24, wherein the filter plate comprises piercing elements for opening the cover of the capsule and apertures to allow liquid to pass.

26. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the capsule inversion zone further comprises a first guiding means for guiding the beverage ingredient to a first collector area and a second guiding means for guiding the inverted capsule to a second collector area, wherein the first and second guiding means are coupled to a member that comprises the first and second capsule holder.

27. A machine according to claim 26, wherein during inversion of the capsule the beverage ingredient is pushed into the first collector area.

28. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the second capsule holder comprises a collar surrounding an aperture for receiving the body part of the capsule, wherein the annulus flange of the capsule is urged against the collar by relative movement between the second capsule holder and the inversion plunger in a straight direction.

29. A machine according to claim 28, wherein in the inverted state, the inverted capsule extends through the aperture of the collar and is urged against the collar by the inversion plunger.

30. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the inversion plunger comprises a projection having a height.

31. A machine according to claim 30, wherein the projection comprises at least one step in its outer surface.

32. A machine according to any one of claims 8 to 31, wherein second capsule holder is movable along the straight axis by the actuator.

33. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein second capsule holder has a maximum movement in the straight direction and the height of the projection of the inversion plunger is predetermined so that the height of the projection extending through the aperture and beyond the collar is approximately the same as but no greater than the height of the capsule in order to invert the capsule.

34. A machine according to claim 33, wherein moving the actuator in the opposing direction causes the inversion plunger to exit the inverted capsule and causes the removal plunger to push the inverted capsule through the aperture in the collar and allow the inverted capsule to move into the second collector area.

35. A machine according to any one of claims 8 to 34, wherein the filter plate and housing are relatively movable from an open configuration for inserting and removing the capsule to a closed configuration to from the brew chamber.

36. A machine according to any one of claims 2 to 35, further comprising an insertion slot for inserting the capsule into the first capsule holder, wherein the insertion slot comprises lateral slits or slots for guiding the annulus flange of the capsule during insertion and vertical slots for guiding the annulus flange of the capsule in a vertical fall into the first capsule holder and in a vertical fall from the first capsule holder into the second capsule holder.

37. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 36, further comprising: a drink outlet comprising a tube for directing the beverage to a user receptacle located in a receptacle placing area;a water reservoir that is coupled to the brew chamber;pumping means for pumping the water from the tank into the brew chamber;heating means for heating the water.

38. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the beverage ingredient comprises coffee grounds, soluble coffee, soluble cocoa, milk, tea, or dehydrated substances for bouillons.

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