Apparatus for engraving of pre-portioned container

Abstract

Apparatus for processing of a body portion (6) of a pre-portioned container, the apparatus comprising: a conveying system (8), and; a processing head (10) arranged for sequential processing of body portions (6) conveyed thereto by the conveying system (8), wherein the conveying system (8) implements a rotary member (50) which is rotationally supported about an axis of rotation (110), the rotary member (50) rotationally movable to: receive a container body (6) in a receiving position (52); process with the processing head (10) the received container body (6) in a processing position (54), and; eject a processed container body (6) from the rotary member (50) in an ejection position (56).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR ENGRAVING OF PRE-PORTIONED CONTAINER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to manufacturing of single-use, pre-portioned coffee capsules, and in particular to the formation of objects on an exterior surface of a body portion of said capsule.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pre-portioned coffee capsules, including Nespresso® classic capsules, are formed of a body portion, which includes a storage portion and a flange portion, connected to a closing member, which is typically arranged as a membrane. The closing member hermetically seals over the flange portion and precursor material in the storage portion, which is typically ground coffee.

[0006] During manufacturing it is necessary to process the body portion to form objects on the body portion, for example, so that a manufacturer and / or specific type of capsule can be identified by the end user and / or machine. However, accurate and reliable orientation of the body portion in an automated manner for rapid object forming as part of a manufacturing line is challenging.

[0007] Therefore, in spite of the effort already invested in the development of said apparatus further improvements are desirable.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides apparatus for processing of a body portion (e.g. when empty, prior to filing with a precursor material and closing by a closing member) of a pre-portioned container. The apparatus comprises: a conveying system, and; a processing head arranged for sequential processing of body portions conveyed thereto by the conveying system.

[0010] In embodiments, the conveying system implements a rotary member which is rotationally supported about an axis of rotation. In embodiments the rotary member is rotationally movable to: receive a container body portion in a receiving position; process with the processing head the received container body portion in a processing position, and; eject a processed container body portion from the rotary member in an ejection position. In embodiments, the rotary member is arranged to convey, by rotation, the body portion through the processing position. By implementing a rotary member to rotate between said positions, rapid processing of body portions may be achieved.

[0011] In embodiments, the rotary member is rotationally movable from the loading position to the processing position and to the ejection position.

[0012] By implementing the rotary member to rotate from the loading position to the processing position and to the ejection position, in order, rapid processing of body portions may be achieved.

[0013] In embodiments, the rotary member is rotationally movable between said positions sequentially in a first direction of rotation. By implementing the rotary member to rotate in one direction, e.g. an anticlockwise direction, through the positions, rapid sequential processing of body portions may be achieved.

[0014] In embodiments, the rotary member is arranged to rotate in a vertically arranged plane. Rotation in a vertically orientated plane may be implemented for gravitational assistance, e.g. for loading and / or ejection from the associated position.

[0015] In embodiments, the rotary member includes a coupler to couple the body portion to the rotary member. Couplers may individually couple a body portion to the conveyor system for conveyance between the positions.

[0016] In embodiments, the coupler implements a locator protrusion that is shaped to fit within an interior of the body portion. An implement that fits within, e.g. to correspond in shape to at least part of the body position, may precisely locate the body portion on the conveyor system for processing.

[0017] In embodiments, the coupler implements an ejection and retention arrangement for ejection and retention of a body portion from / on the locator protrusion.

[0018] In embodiments, the ejection and retention arrangement is implemented as an air pressure regulation system to retain the body portion on and / or eject the body portion from the locator protrusion of the coupler. An air pressure regulation system may conveniently couple, e.g. by suction, or eject, e.g. by an over pressure, a body portion and a locator protrusion.

[0019] In embodiments, the rotary member comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed couplers, each of which are sequentially rotatable (e.g. one after the other) by rotation of the rotary member to the loading position, processing position and the ejection position. By implementing a number of couplers, sequential processing of body portions may be achieved. In embodiments, there are at least 3 or at least 10 or at least 20 couplers arranged on the rotary member. A maximum may be 30 or 50 or 100 couplers, which may be combined with any of the aforementioned minimums as part of an upper and lower range.

[0020] In embodiments, the rotary member is arranged to rotate at a constant angular velocity. A constant velocity may provide fast and accurate movements through the processing position, and may simplify drive mechanisms. In embodiments, the rotary member has a diameter of 15 cm - 150 cm or 20 - 60 cm. In embodiments, an angular velocity and diameter of the rotary member are configured to process 50 - 500 or 100 - 250 body portions per minute.

[0021] A velocity of the conveyor system at the body portion (e.g. a rotational speed at the periphery) may be a minimum of 0.05 m / s or 0.1 m / s or 0.12 m / s. A velocity of the conveyor system at the body portion may be a maximum of 0.2 m / s or 0.5 m / s or 1 m / s or 5 m / s or 10 m / s, any of the maximums may be combined with any of the minimums.

[0022] An angular velocity of the rotary member may be a minimum of 0.05 rads / s or 0.1 rads / s or 0.5 rads / s. An angular velocity of the rotary member may be a maximum of 1 rads / s or 5 rads / s or 10 rads / s, any of the maximums may be combined with any of the minimums.

[0023] In embodiments, the apparatus comprises a supply unit arranged to supply a body portion from a stack of body portions to the loading position of the rotary member. The supply unit may conveniently transfer body portions from a stack arrangement to a sequential arrangement on the rotary member, e.g. via a gravitationally assisted arrangement.

[0024] In embodiments, the apparatus comprises electrical circuity implementing a determination system configured to determine an adverse condition of a body portion. The electrical circuitry implementing ejection of the body portion from the rotary member in a first ejection position of the ejection position based on said adverse determined condition, e.g. for unacceptable body portions.

[0025] In embodiments, the electrical circuitry is configured to implement ejection of the body portion at a second ejection position of the ejection position based on an absence of the determination of an adverse condition, e.g. for acceptable body portions.

[0026] In embodiments, the adverse condition is a change in angular velocity of the rotary member, which may be determined by a rotary encoder or other suitable sensor. For example, the angular velocity of the rotary member may deviate from a target constant angular velocity, to cross a threshold amount, such that processing of the body portion is determinedly affected.

[0027] In embodiments, the apparatus comprises a receiving unit arranged to receive a processed body portion from the rotary member in the ejection position (e.g. the second ejection position) and to arrange said body portion as a part of stack. The receiving unit may conveniently transition the body portions from the sequential arrangement on the rotary member to a stack formation, e.g. via a gravitationally assisted arrangement.

[0028] In embodiments, the conveying system is arranged to convey the body portion through a processing position (e.g. a position that has more than one spatial position over which processing is performed).

[0029] In embodiments, the processing head is arranged for processing of an exterior surface of the body portion conveyed through the processing position by the conveying system. In embodiments, the processing head is arranged to translate in an axial direction of the container (e.g. an axis of symmetry of the body position which extends from a flange portion to a base of a cavity of a storage portion, which is perpendicular, including generally perpendicular, to a conveying direction when the body portion is on the conveyor system) and is arranged to process the container during conveying (e.g. during moving) by the conveying system through the processing position.

[0030] By processing an exterior of the body portion whilst it is in transit by the convenor system and with the processing head able to move in an axial direction of the body portion (e.g. generally perpendicular to a direction of conveying at the processing position), rapid and accurate forming of objects on the body portion may be achieved.

[0031] In embodiments, the processing head includes a first unit and a second unit, which are independently translatable (of each other). In embodiments, a first unit and a second unit are arranged to process an exterior surface, which may be on opposed sides of the body portion. By implementing two separately actuated units, objects on either side of the body portion may be crated independently of each other.

[0032] In embodiments, the first unit and second unit are spatially separated in the conveying direction. By implementing the first unit and second unit to be separated from each other in the direction of movement, damage of said units may be avoided, e.g. by avoiding lasers projecting into each other. In embodiments, the processing head comprises an engraving head to engrave the body portion. In embodiments, the engraving head is configured to engrave by ablation a wood pulp-based body portion with a laser system.

[0033] In embodiments, the apparatus comprises electrical circuitry for the control of the conveying system and / or the processing head.

[0034] In embodiments, the electrical circuity implements image processing circuitry arranged to implement an image forming process on the body portion, in which the processing head is controlled (e.g. based on, including synchronised with, a velocity of the conveying system) to form a target image. For example, movement of the body portion by the conveying system may implement image formation in a first direction and the translation in the axial direction may implement image formation in a second direction, which combine for 2-dimensional image formation.

[0035] In embodiments, the processing head is controlled to translate in the axial direction to implement a raster movement to form a target image. A raster movement implemented by the axial movement and advanced by the conveyor direction may enable rapid image formation without stopping of the conveyor system.

[0036] In embodiments, the apparatus comprises electrical circuitry which implements position detection circuitry, which is arranged to provide a position of a body portion on the convenor system to the image processing circuitry for commencement of an image forming process.

[0037] In embodiments, the conveying system is arranged to convey the body portion through the processing position at a constant velocity. A constant velocity may enable rapid processing of body portions and less complex control of the translation of the processing heads in the axial direction during the image forming process.

[0038] In embodiments, the processing position includes a start position on the body portion, at which processing is commenced, and end position on the body portion, at which processing is terminated, the start position and end position spatially separated and aligned to a conveying direction of the convenor system. The start an end position may be defined for an object formed on one side of the body portion or in respect of objects formed on both sides, e.g. the start position is for the most upstream object and the end position of for the most downstream object. In embodiments, the processing head is arranged not to extend into gaps between body portions on couplers of the conveyor system. By avoiding an implementation in which the processing head can extend between gaps of body portions, the conveyor system may advance the body portions on the conveyor system without risk of impacting the processing heads.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a body portion of a pre-portioned container body formed by the apparatus of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0040] The present disclosure provides a system comprising the apparatus of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein, and one or more pre-portioned container body portions processed by the apparatus.

[0041] The present disclosure provides a method of processing a body portion of a pre-portioned container. The method my implement the features of the apparatus of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0042] In embodiments, the method comprises receiving with a rotary member a container body portion in a receiving position; processing on the rotary member the received container body portion in a processing position, and; ejecting from the rotary member a processed container body portion in an ejection position. The method may comprise rotating the rotary member between the positions.

[0043] In embodiments, the method comprises conveying with a conveying system a body portion through (e.g. by rotation) a processing position, and; processing an exterior surface of the body portion with a processing head to translate in an axial direction of the container during conveying by the conveying system through the processing position.

[0044] The present disclosure provides use of a body portion of a pre-portioned container for the apparatus of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein or the method of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0045] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the abovedescribed features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description of Embodiments, Brief Description of Figures, and Claims.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0047] Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

[0048] Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment system for processing of a body portion of a pre-portioned container.

[0049] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a container of the system of figure 1 .

[0050] Figure 3 is a side view showing the container of figure 2.

[0051] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing apparatus of the system of figure 1 .

[0052] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of figure 4.

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a coupler arrangement of the apparatus of figure 4.

[0054] Figure 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing apparatus of figure 4.

[0055] Figure 8 is an illustrative view showing an object formed by the apparatus of the system of figure 1.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

[0058] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations:

[0059] As used herein, the term “system” or “manufacturing line” may refer to an arrangement for manufacturing of part or all of a container. Specifically, it includes apparatus with a conveying system and processing head for processing of a body portion of the container. As used herein, the term “apparatus” may refer to a stand alone arrangement or a module of a manufacturing line for processing of a body portion of a container.

[0060] As used herein, the term “conveying system” may refer to an arrangement operable to convey body portions to and / or from a processing head. Typically, the conveying system implements a rotation based transmission arrangement, however linear transmission may also be implemented.

[0061] As used herein, the term “processing head” may refer to an arrangement for processing of a body portion of the container. Typically, processing is of an exterior surface of the body portion. Processing may include the formation of an object on the body portion e.g. by one or more of: engraving; embossing; debossing; pressing; cutting; ablation; printing.

[0062] As used herein, the term "container" or “capsule” or “pod” may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid; for example a liquid like water, to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage / foodstuff from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit. The container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage / foodstuff. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical, and other like form. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or wood pulp based and combination thereof. The material may be selected such that it is: foodsafe; it can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of a preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule or as a pod, wherein a capsule or pod may have an internal volume of 5 - 100 ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule or pod, e.g. a Nespresso® capsule (including an Original Line, Professional, Vertuo Line, or other capsule).

[0063] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot. The beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea / infusion; infused / flavoured water, and other extractable substance. As used herein, the term "foodstuff" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot. The foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.

[0064] As used herein, the term "precursor material” or “beverage ingredient” may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and other. Examples of a beverage forming precursor material include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming an herbal / infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material. Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and / or foodstuff. In an example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and / or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material.

[0065] As used herein the term “moulded pulp-based” may refer to the or a portion of material forming the container which is one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; non-woven; is composed entirely of or is a composition of cellulosic pulp; formed of wood-pulp, and; is wet formed. A thickness of the moulded pulp-based material may be may be 0.08 mm to 0.90 mm, for example between 0.10 mm and 0.75 mm or generally about 0.15 - 0.5 mm. The moulded pulp-based material may be 200-400 gsm. Examples of suitable pulp based material are provided in WO 2021 / 145764.

[0066] As used herein the term “non-woven” may refer to a fabric-like material which is not woven or knitted. A non-woven material may be made from bonded together fibres. As used herein the term “porous” may refer to material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) therethrough. As used herein the term “fibrous” may refer to material comprised of fibres, which may be present in one or more of the material constituents. As used herein the term “cellulosic”, “cellulose-based” or “cellulosic material” may refer to conventionally woody (from soft wood and / or hard wood species) and / or non-woody materials. These materials may be bleached and unbleached and may include a regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. Examples of softwood are Pine, Spruce, Redwood etc. Examples of hardwood are Maple, Oak, Ash, Eucalyptus, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Beech etc. Examples of non- woody origin cellulose-based material are rice, manila hemp, sisal, jute, bamboo, maize, sugar cane, sugar cane residues (bagasse), banana peels, coffee ground.

[0067] As used herein the term “natural cellulosic material” may refer to conventionally woody materials or non-woody materials, which are not regenerated. As used herein the term “reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material” may refer natural cellulosic material subject to processing that comprises reconstitution or regeneration, examples include rayon and lyocell.

[0068] As used herein the term “wood pulp” may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material, which may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or rags. As used herein the term “wet formed” may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers may be heated and pressed in a mold to set the material and remove water therefrom. As used herein the term “dry formed” may refer to a process of forming not using aqueous solution of fibers.

[0069] As used herein, the term “machine” may refer to an electrically operated device that can prepare, from a precursor material of a container a beverage and / or foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurisation; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and; other like process. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.

[0070] As used herein, the term "electrical circuitry" or "circuitry" or "control electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include: one or more of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other programable logic; electronic / electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors (e.g. circuitry structure of the processor); a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at one component of the system, or distributed between a plurality of components of the system (e.g. a server system and / or external device) which are in communication with each other over a computer network via communication resources.

[0071] As used herein, the term "processor" or "processing resource" may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), state machine or other suitable component. A processor may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board or distributed as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by the system or components thereof as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.

[0072] As used herein, the term "computer readable medium / media" or "data storage" may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry.

[0073] As used herein, the term "communication resources" or "communication interface" may refer to hardware and / or firmware for electronic information transfer. The communication resources / interface may be configured for wired communication (“wired communication resources / interface”) or wireless communication (“wireless communication resources / interface”). Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.1 1 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Bluetooth™ from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash. Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The converting machine may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device and / or server system.

[0074] As used herein, the term "network" or "computer network" may refer to a system for electronic information transfer between a plurality of apparatuses / devices. The network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g. a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and / or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet; personal area networks (PANs), including with Bluetooth a short-range wireless technology standard.

[0075] As used herein, the term “external device” or "external electronic device" or “peripheral device” may include electronic components external to the converting machine, e.g. arranged at a same location or remote therefrom, which communicate therewith over a computer network. The external device may comprise a communication interface for communication with the machine and / or a server system. The external device may comprise devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.

[0076] As used herein, the term “server system” may refer to electronic components external to converting machine, e.g. arranged at a same location or remote therefrom, which communicate therewith over a computer network. The server system may comprise a communication interface for communication with the converting machine or the external device. The server system can include: a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.

[0077] [General system description]

[0078] Referring to figure 1 a system / manufacturing line 2 comprises apparatus 4 for processing of a body portion 6 of a pre-portioned container (not illustrated in figure 1 ). The apparatus 4 comprises a conveying system 8, and; a processing head 10 arranged for sequential processing of body portions 6 conveyed thereto by the conveying system 8.

[0079] The apparatus 4 comprises electrical circuitry 12 for control of its associated components, for example the conveying system 8, and the processing head 10 to implement an image formation process on the body portion 6, as will be discussed. The electrical circuitry 12 may be arranged as part of the apparatus 4 or distributed over other parts of the system 2, including on a server system (not illustrated) or peripheral electronic device (not illustrated).

[0080] The conveying system 8 may be a dedicated conveying system of the apparatus 4 of part of a general conveying system of a manufacturing line (not illustrated). The body portion 6 is typically processed by the processing head 10 when empty, prior to filing with a precursor material and closing by a closing member, although it may also be processed as a completed container.

[0081] [Container]

[0082] Referring to figures 2 and 3, a container 20, that if formed / processed by the system 2, that is for use with a machine (not illustrated) includes in fully assembled form: a closing member 22 and a body portion 6. The body portion 6 comprises a storage portion 24, and; a flange portion 26.

[0083] A local container coordinate axis includes a longitudinal direction 100, lateral direction 102, and a depth direction 104. A rotational axis 106 extends in the depth direction 104 and defines a radial direction 108, which is in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102.

[0084] The container 20 has a circular cross-section when viewed in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102, it is therefore fully rotationally symmetric about the axis 106.

[0085] The closing member 22 is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102. The closing member 22 closes the storage portion 24 and comprises a flexible membrane. The closing member 22 has an interior surface that faces towards the storage portion 24, and an exterior surface that faces away from the storage portion 24.

[0086] The flange portion 26 is arranged to interconnect the storage portion 24 and closing member 22 to hermetically seal precursor material. The flange portion 26 is arranged as an annular ring, which extends in the radial direction 108 from an interior edge 28 to an exterior edge 30. The flange portion 26 presents an upper surface, which is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102. The upper surface is connected by an adhesive or by sealing to a periphery of the interior surface of the closing member 22. A lower surface of the flange portion 26 faces towards the storage portion 24.

[0087] The storage portion 24 includes a cavity 32 for storage of the precursor material (not illustrated). The cavity 32 includes a sidewall 34 and a base 36. The sidewall 34 extends principally in the depth direction 104 from a distal edge 38 to a proximal edge 40, wherein proximal and distal are defined relative the base 36. The sidewall 34 tapers with a decreasing radial dimension from the distal edge 38 to the proximal edge 40. The base 36 extends principally in the radial direction 108. but also has a lesser component in the depth direction 104.

[0088] The base 36 extends from the axis 106 to a peripheral edge 42 that adjoins the proximal edge 40 of the sidewall 34. The distal edge 38 of the sidewall 34 adjoins the interior edge 28 of the flange portion 26. The storage portion 24 and flange portion 26 are integrally formed.

[0089] The capsule 6 has a diameter of 2 - 5 cm and an axial length of 2 - 4 cm. Constructional, manufacturing and / or (beverage) extraction details of containers (made in aluminium) and / or closing members are for instance disclosed in EP0512468A1 , EP0512470A1 , EP1646305A1 or EP1165398A1.

[0090] Recently published WO2023 / 052352A1 , the content of which is incorporated by hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a pulp-molded compostable capsule similar to capsule 6 and in particular its structure and forming process. This capsule, containing preferably roast and ground coffee, developed and marketed by Nespresso® is a complementary solution to aluminium capsules and is intended to be used in a Nespresso® Original Line beverage machine in the same way as the Nespresso® Original Line aluminium capsules.

[0091] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the capsule may have other cross-section shapes, including square, other polygons, or elliptical; the closing member may be rigid or other non-membrane formation; the flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closing member, e.g. by crimping; the sidewall is alternatively arranged, including with the reverse taper or is aligned to the depth direction, or is curved; the base is alternatively arranged, including with as flat or curved; the flange portion is connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed; the closing member is arranged as a storage portion, e.g. it comprises a cavity, and; the flange portion is omitted, e.g. the closing member connects directly to the storage portion.

[0092] [Conveying system]

[0093] Referring to figures 4 and 5, the conveying system 8 is implemented with rotary member 50, which is rotationally supported about an axis of rotation 110.

[0094] As best seen in figure 4, the rotary member 50 is rotationally movable to: receive a container body portion 6 in a receiving position 52; process with the processing head 10 the received container body portion 6 in a processing position 54, and; eject a processed container body portion 6 from the rotary member 50 in an ejection position 56. The rotary member 50 is arranged to convey, by rotation, the body portion 6 through the processing position as will be discussed.

[0095] In the example, the receiving position 52 is arranged at 12.00 (and aligned to the longitudinal direction 100), the processing position 54 is arranged at 9.00 - 1 1.00, and; the ejection position 56 is arranged at 3.00 (and aligned to the lateral direction 104). The rotary member 50 rotates in the anticlockwise direction, hence the positions 52, 54, 56 are achieved sequentially for a loaded body portion 6.

[0096] The rotational axis 110 is aligned to the depth direction 104, with the longitudinal direction 100 aligned vertically, hence the rotary member 50 is arranged to rotate in a vertically arranged plane.

[0097] The rotary member 50 includes couplers 60 to couple the body portion 6 to the rotary member 50. In the example, there are 24 couplers each equidistantly circumferentially disposed.

[0098] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, other numbers of couplers may be implemented.

[0099] Referring to figure 6, each coupler 60 implements a locator protrusion 62 that is shaped to fit within an interior of the body portion 6. The locator protrusion 62 corresponds in shape to part or all of the cavity 32 of the body portion 6 to precisely locate the body portion 6 for conveying.

[0100] The coupler 60 implements an ejection and retention arrangement 64 for ejection and retention of a body portion 6 from / on the locator protrusion 62.

[0101] In the example, the ejection and retention arrangement 64 is implemented as an air pressure regulation system. The air pressure regulation system may conveniently couple, e.g. by suction in a retention configuration, or eject, e.g. by an over pressure in an ejection configuration, a body portion 6 to / from a locator protrusion 62.

[0102] Specifically, the retention arrangement 64 comprises by one or ore inlets / outlets 63 (one is illustrated) on the locator protrusion 62, which are fluidically coupled via a flow path 65 to an air pressure control system (e.g. an air pump, not illustrated).

[0103] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, other retention arrangements may be implemented e.g. mechanically actuated system, such as a solenoid arranged in the locator protrusion. The ejection and retention arrangement 64 implements said retention configuration and said ejection configuration. The electrical circuitry 12 transitions the retention arrangement 64 from the retention configuration to the ejection configuration as part of an ejection sequence for couplers 60 arranged in the ejection position 56. For the loading position 52 and the processing position 54 the electrical circuitry 12 controls the retention arrangement 64 to be in the retention configuration.

[0104] The conveyor system 8 includes a drive system (not illustrated, e.g. an electric motor) for driving the rotary member 50 to rotate at a constant angular velocity. The drive system is controlled by the electrical circuitry 12.

[0105] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, other conveyor systems may be implemented, e.g. a linear rather than an rotary arrangement.

[0106] [Loading position]

[0107] As best seen in figure 4, the apparatus 4 comprises a supply unit 70 arranged to supply a body portion 6 from a stack 72 of body portions to the loading position 52 of the rotary member 50.

[0108] Specifically, the stack 72 supplies body portions 6 once a coupler 60 is arranged in the loading position 52. The electrical circuitry 12 may determine when coupler 60 is arranged in the loading position with a position sensor (not illustrated), and effect a loading sequence in which a body portion 6 is release of from the stack 72. The coupler 60 may also be switched to the retention arrangement. The stack 72 is aligned to the longitudinal direction 100, hence vertically for the arrangement to be gravitationally fed.

[0109] A position sensor (not illustrated) may also determine if a coupler 60 is coupled with a body portion 6 or not. For example, if the electrical circuitry 12 determines a coupler 60 is absent a body portion and is in the loading position a body portion 6 may be supplied to the coupler 60. If a coupler 60 is determined as not comprising a body portion 6 then body portion 6 may not be supplied to the coupler 60. The position sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor, e.g. a capacitive or indicative or optical sensor. The position sensor may determine proximity of a base or sidewall of the body 6 portion to the locator protrusion 62.

[0110] A further position sensor (not illustrated) may determine if the body portion 6 is arranged correctly on the coupler. The further position sensor may be arranged at a different location to the position sensor, e.g. to determine proximity of a side wall of the body portion 6. [Ejection position]

[0111] As best seen in figure 4, the ejection position 56 is arranged with a first ejection position 80 and a second ejection position 82, as will be discussed. The apparatus 4 comprises a receiving unit 84 arranged to receive a processed body portion 6 from the rotary member 50 in the second ejection position 82 and to arrange said body portion 6 as a part of stack 86.

[0112] Specifically, the coupler 60 transitions from the retention arrangement to the ejection arrangement to eject the body portion 6 to the receiving unit 84 once the coupler is arranged in the ejection position 56. The electrical circuitry 12 may determine when coupler 60 is arranged in the ejection position 56 with a position sensor, and effect said ejection sequence. The stack 86 is aligned to the lateral direction 102.

[0113] The electrical circuitry 12 implements a determination system (not illustrated) configured to determine an adverse condition of a body portion 6 and to implement ejection of the body portion 6 from the rotary member 50 in the first ejection position 80 based on said determined adverse condition, e.g. for not-acceptable body portions.

[0114] The electrical circuitry 12 is configured to implement ejection of the body portion 6 at the second ejection position 82 based on an absence of the determination of an adverse condition, e.g. for acceptable body portions.

[0115] In a first example, the adverse condition is a change in angular velocity of the rotary member 50. For example, the rotary member 50 may deviate from a target constant angular velocity, to cross a threshold amount, such that processing of the body portion is determinedly affected.

[0116] In a second example, the adverse condition may be a malfunction in the image forming process, as will be discussed.

[0117] Other examples are to be contemplated in the disclosure.

[0118] [Processing position and Processing head]

[0119] As best seen in figure 7, the conveying system 8 is arranged to convey the body portions 6 through the processing position 54, which has more than one spatial position over which processing is performed.

[0120] The processing head 10 includes a first unit 90 and a second unit 92, which are independently translatable of each other in an axial direction 106 (as also shown in figures 2 and 3, which is a radial direction of the rotary member 50) of the body portion 6 when coupled to the coupler 60. The first unit 90 and the second unit 92 are arranged to process exterior surfaces, which are on opposite sides of the body portion 6. As can be seen in figure 7, the first unit 90 and second unit 92 are spatially separated in the conveying direction D. By implementing two separately actuated first and second units, objects on either side of the side wall 32 (as shown in figures 2, and 3) of the body portion 6 may be created independently of each other.

[0121] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the first and second units may be spatially aligned in the conveying direction or have other positions; there may only be one of said units or further units.

[0122] The first 90 and second unit 92, are translated in the axial direction 106 during conveying (e.g. during moving, without stopping) by the conveying system 8 through the processing position. Given that the axial direction 106 is generally perpendicular to the direction of conveying D (the axial direction is aligned to the radial direction of the rotary member 50) 2-dimensoinal objects can be formed on the body portion 6.

[0123] Specifically, the electrical circuitry 12 implements image processing circuitry to control the conveying system 8 (e.g. to rotate at the desired constant velocity) and the processing head (e.g. to operate on / off and to translate in the axial direction 106) to implement an image forming process on the body portion 6. For an image forming process, the translation of the processing head is synchronised with the velocity of the conveying system 8 to form a target image.

[0124] Referring to figure 8, a target image 94 is formed by a raster movement, in which the conveying system 8 implements image formation in a first direction 96 and the translation in the axial direction of the processing head 10 implements image formation in a second direction 98, which combine for 2-dimensional image formation. The first direction 96 is generally perpendicular to the second direction 98 accounting for drift caused by the constant motion of the conveying system 8 as the processing head 10 is translated axially. The target image here presented is a product name but it may be of any kind, e.g. a logo, a trademark or any other differentiating sign.

[0125] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the target image may be alternatively formed, e.g. by vectored scribbling, mask laser, or other suitable image formation technique.

[0126] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the coupler may be arranged to rotate a body portion arranged on the coupler protrusion. Such an arrangement may be achieved by a drive system integrated in the rotary member, including with a geared system and / or a dedicated rotary actuator. Such an arrangement may enable greater surface area of the body portion to be processed or may obviate a second unit of the processing head.

[0127] The electrical circuitry 12 implements position detection circuitry, which is arranged to provide a position of a body portion 6 on the convenor system 8 to the image processing circuitry for commencement of an image forming process.

[0128] As best seen in figure 7, the processing position 54 includes a start position 112 on the body portion 6, at which processing is commenced, and end position 114 on the body portion 6, at which processing is terminated. The start position and end position spatially separated in the conveying direction D of the convenor system. Specifically, the start position 112 is where the first unit 90 of the processing head 10 commences processing and the end position 114 is where the second unit 92 of the processing head 10 terminates processing.

[0129] As will be appreciated from figures 5 and 7, the processing head 10 is arranged not to extend into gaps G between body portions 6 on couplers 60 of the conveyor system 8, such that the processing head 10 is not arranged in a path of the moving body portions 6. In this manner, the conveyor system 8 may advance the body portions 6 on the couplers 60 without risk of impacting the processing heads 10, and actuation movement in and out of the gaps G is not required.

[0130] In the example, the processing head 10 comprises an engraving head to engrave the body portion 6. Specifically, the first unit 90 and a second unit 92 comprise separate engraving heads. The engraving heads can be implemented as a laser system for ablation a wood pulp-based body portion 6.

[0131] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, more than one rotary member and the associated componentry may be arranged about the same axis of rotation (e.g. such that they are driven by the same drive system), for parallel processing of body portions.

[0132] It will be appreciated that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding apparatuses, programs, data carriers, etc.) may be carried out by either a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e. the disclosed methods / apparatuses are a form of communication(s), and as such, may be carried out from either ‘point of view’, i.e. in corresponding to each other fashion). Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms “receiving” and “transmitting” encompass “inputting” and “outputting” and are not limited to an RF context of transmitting and receiving radio waves. Therefore, for example, a chip or other device or component for realizing embodiments could generate data for output to another chip, device or component, or have as an input data from another chip, device or component, and such an output or input could be referred to as “transmit” and “receive” including gerund forms, that is, “transmitting” and “receiving”, as well as such “transmitting” and “receiving” within an RF context.

[0133] As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” use a disjunctive “or” and a disjunctive “and” such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, 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, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.

[0134] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0135] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an “ex post facto” benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase “in one embodiment”, “according to an embodiment” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to ‘an’, ‘one’ or ‘some’ embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to “the” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0136] As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or compute readable media, may carry out a disclosed method, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.

[0137] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0138] LIST OF REFERENCES

[0139] 2 System / Manufacturing line

[0140] 4 Apparatus

[0141] 8 Conveying system

[0142] 50 Rotary member

[0143] 52 Loading position

[0144] 54 Processing position

[0145] 56 Ejection position

[0146] 80 First ejection position

[0147] 82 Second ejection position

[0148] 60 Coupler

[0149] 62 Locator protrusion

[0150] 64 Ejection and retention arrangement

[0151] 10 Processing head

[0152] 90 First unit

[0153] 92 Second unit

[0154] 70 Supply unit

[0155] 72 Stack

[0156] 84 Receiving unit

[0157] 86 Stack

[0158] 20 Container

[0159] 6 Body portion

[0160] 24 Storage portion

[0161] 32 Cavity

[0162] 34 Sidewall

[0163] 38 Distal edge

[0164] 40 Proximal edge

[0165] 94 Target image

[0166] 96 First direction

[0167] 98 Second direction

[0168] 36 Base

[0169] 42 Peripheral edge

[0170] 26 Flange portion

[0171] 28 Interior edge

[0172] 30 Exterior edge

[0173] 22 Closing member

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for processing of a body portion of a pre-portioned container, the apparatus comprising: a conveying system, and; a processing head arranged for sequential processing of body portions conveyed thereto by the conveying system, wherein the conveying system implements a rotary member which is rotationally supported about an axis of rotation, the rotary member rotationally movable to: receive a container body in a receiving position; process with the processing head the received container body in a processing position, and; eject a processed container body from the rotary member in an ejection position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rotary member is rotationally movable from the loading position to the processing position and to the ejection position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the rotary member is rotationally movable between said positions sequentially in a first direction of rotation.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the rotary member is arranged to rotate in a vertically arranged plane.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the rotary member includes a coupler to couple the body portion to the rotary member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupler implements: a locator protrusion that is shaped to fit within an interior of the body portion, and; an air pressure regulation system to retain the body portion on and / or eject the body portion from the locator protrusion of the coupler.

7. The apparatus of either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the rotary member comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed couplers, each of which are sequentially rotatable by rotation of the rotary member to the loading position, processing position and the ejection position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein there are at least 3 couplers arranged on the rotary member.

9. The apparatus of either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the rotary member is arranged to rotate at a constant angular velocity.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising supply unit arranged to supply a body portion from a stack of body portions to the loading position of the rotary member.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising electrical circuitry implementing a determination system configured to determine an adverse condition of a body portion, the electrical circuitry to implement ejection of the body portion from the rotary member in a first ejection position of the ejection position based on said adverse determined condition.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the adverse condition is a change in angular velocity of the rotary member.

12. A body portion of a pre-portioned container body formed by the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11.

13. A system comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 and one or more pre-portioned container body portions processed by the apparatus.

14. A method of processing a body portion of a pre-portioned container, the method comprising: receiving with a rotary member a container body portion in a receiving position; processing on the rotary member the received container body portion in a processing position, and; ejecting from the rotary member a processed container body portion in an ejection position.

15. Use of a body portion of a pre-portioned container for the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 or for the method of claim 14.

Images