Beverage preparation with compact conditioning chamber

Abstract

A machine (1) has: a rotatable ingredient handling system (10,20) to hold and rotate a flavouring ingredient (5a) and water for centrifugation about a processing axis (30') in a processing cavity (5) so as to form a beverage (4). The machine (1) includes a beverage conditioner (50) in fluid communication with and downstream of the processing cavity (5). The conditioner (50) has a conditioning cavity (51) in which the beverage (4) supplied from the processing cavity (5) is conditioned. The conditioning cavity (51) is delimited by a first conditioning surface (52,52a) and a second conditioning surface (53,53a) which surfaces (52,52a,53,53a) face each other and are movable one relative to and over the other. At least one surface (52,52a) of the first and second conditioning surfaces (52,52a,53,53a) is provided with a beverage impeller (52',52'') comprising: one or more protrusions (52'); and / or one or more recesses (52'').

Description

[0001] BEVERAGE PREPARATION WITH COMPACT CONDITIONING CHAMBER

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The field of the invention pertains to beverage preparation machines by centrifuging a favouring ingredient, e.g. provided in a capsule.

[0004] For the purpose of the present description, a "beverage" is meant to include any human-consumable liquid substance, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc... A "capsule" is meant to include any container such as a packaging for containing a pre-portioned beverage ingredient, e.g. a flavouring ingredient, the packaging forming an enclosure of any material, in particular an airtight or pervious material, porous or non-porous material, e.g. plastic, aluminium, recyclable and / or biodegradable packagings, and of any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges for containing the ingredient.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules containing ingredients to be extracted or to be dissolved and / or ingredients that are stored and dosed automatically in the machine or else are added at the time of preparation of the drink. Some beverage machines possess filling means that include a pump for liquid, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a source of water that is cold or indeed heated through heating means, e.g. a thermoblock or the like.

[0007] Especially in the field of coffee preparation, machines have been widely developed in which a capsule containing beverage ingredients is inserted in a brewing device. The brewing device is tightly closed about the capsule, water is injected at the first face of the capsule, the beverage is produced in the closed volume of the capsule and a brewed beverage can be drained from a second face of the capsule and collected into a receptacle such as a cup or glass. Brewing devices have been developed to facilitate insertion of a " fresh" capsule and removal of the capsule upon use. Examples of such brewing devices are disclosed in EP 1 767 129, WO 2009 / 043630, WO 2005 / 004683 and WO 2007 / 135136. The preparation of a beverage by using centrifugation is also known. Examples of centrifugation processes and corresponding devices are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO2008 / 148650, US 5, 566, 605, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779 and WO 2013 / 007780.

[0008] Irrespectively of the extraction process itself it has also been proposed to facilitate the handling of capsules by systems for extracting them, in particular by motorizing the opening and / or closure of the extraction system for inserting and / or removing a capsule. Examples of such systems are for example disclosed in EP 1 767 129, WO 2009 / 113035, WO 2012 / 025258, WO 2012 / 025259, WO 2012 / 041605, WO 2013 / 127476, WO 2014 / 096122, WO 2014 / 096123 and EP2015185946. 9.

[0009] The preparation of a beverage by using centrifugation is also known. Such beverage preparation includes: providing a beverage (flavoring) ingredient, e.g. as powder and / or leaves, in a capsule; circulating liquid into the capsule and rotating the capsule at sufficient speed to ensure interaction of the liquid with the ingredient while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the capsule. Such pressure increases gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the capsule. As liquid traverses the ingredient, e.g. coffee bed, extraction of the ingredient, e.g. coffee compounds, takes place and a liquid extract is obtained that flows out at the periphery of the capsule. Examples of such systems are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779, WO 2013 / 007780, WO 2017 / 046294, WO 2017 / 068134 and WO 2017 / 202746. A different, rotation-based beverage processing is disclosed in WO 2024 / 133023.

[0010] It has been proposed to prepare beverages by centrifugation along a horizontal axis.

[0011] WO 2015 / 173123 and WO 2015 / 173124 disclose a centrifugal brewing chamber formed between two enclosing parts that are relatively translatable between an open position and a closed position. The enclosing parts cooperate with a pair of jaws that are movable between a capsule holding position to hold a capsule between the enclosing parts in the open position and a capsule release position to release the capsule. The jaws are actuated by a first actuator and a second actuator that are activated by the enclosing parts during their the relative translation. The jaws guide a capsule into a position between the enclosing parts in the open position and immobilize the capsule thereinbetween. Then, when the enclosing parts are translated together to enclose the capsule, the jaws release the capsule so that the brewing chamber is formed about the capsule. The enclosing parts are rotated about a horizontal axis to centrifuge the capsule for preparing the beverage with the ingredient in the capsule. At the end of beverage preparation, centrifugation stops and the enclosing parts are relatively translated to the open position whereby the used capsule is allowed to drop from the enclosing parts. Then the jaws are brought back into their capsule holding position.

[0012] WO 2008 / 148646 and WO 2008 / 148650 describe a beverage preparation device wherein a flow restriction is created downstream of the receptacle, in particular a capsule, for example, by a valve which opens or enlarges under the pressure created by the centrifuged liquid leaving the receptacle. The higher the rotational speed, the more the valve opens or enlarges. The valve can be formed by a mobile restriction part of the device which is elastically urged against a rim portion of the capsule. In WO 2017 / 068134 the centrifugal brewing chamber is fitted with an outlet valve that is controlled by an inertia body of the machine rotating with the centrifugal brewing chamber. The valve leads into a collector forming a crema chamber in which the beverage upon undergoing a pressure drop at the valve is refined for dispensing into a user-recipient, e.g. a cup or a mug. Such collection chamber is typically arranged around the centrifugal brewing chamber, as for example disclosed in WO 2020 / 201469. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from at least one flavouring ingredient. Normally such beverage is then dispensed to a user, e.g. to a user-cup or user-mug.

[0014] For instance, the machine is a coffee, tea, chocolate, cacao, milk or soup preparation machine. For example, the machine is arranged for preparing within a beverage processing module that includes an ingredient holder, a beverage by passing hot or cold water or another liquid through the ingredient held in the holder, such as a flavouring ingredient, of the beverage to be prepared, such as ground coffee or tea or chocolate or cacao or milk powder.

[0015] Such beverage preparation typically includes the mixing of a plurality of beverage ingredients, e.g. water and milk powder, and / or the infusion of a beverage ingredient, such as an infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. One or more of such ingredients may be supplied in loose and / or agglomerate powder form and / or in liquid form, in particular in a concentrate form. A carrier or diluent liquid, e.g. water, may be mixed with such ingredient to form the beverage. Typically, a predetermined amount of beverage is formed and dispensed on user-request, which corresponds to a portion (e.g. a serving). The volume of such a serving may be in the range of 15 to 1000 ml such as 25 to 600 ml for instance 40 to 250 ml, e.g. the volume for filling a cup or mug, depending on the type of beverage. Formed and dispensed beverages may be selected from ristrettos, espressos, lungos, cappuccinos, café latte, americano coffees, teas, etc... For example, a coffee machine may be configured for dispensing espressos, e.g. an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 ml per serving, and / or for dispensing lungos, e.g. a volume in the range of 70 to 200 ml per serving, and / or for dispensing americanos, e.g. a volume in the range of 150 to 750 ml.

[0016] An aspect of the invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from a flavouring ingredient in a processing cavity. Such a cavity may be configured for holding the ingredient supplied within a capsule. The beverage is prepared by mixing the ingredient with water and centrifugally driving such ingredient and water about a processing axis.

[0017] The centrifugation process for preparing a beverage is known for example from EP 2 000 062, EP 2 155 020, EP 2 152 128, WO 2008 / 148646, WO 2009 / 106175, WO 2009 / 106589, WO 2010 / 026045, WO 2010 / 026053, WO 2010 / 066736, WO 2008 / 148650, WO 2008 / 148834, WO 2010 / 066705, WO 2010 / 063644, WO 2011 / 023711, WO 2014 / 096122 or WO 2014 / 096123.

[0018] The machine includes a rotatable ingredient handling system for holding and rotating the flavouring ingredient and water during centrifugation about the processing axis. The ingredient handling system has at least one beverage outlet and at least one water inlet for supplying the water to the ingredient. In an embodiment, the system has a first ingredient handler and a second ingredient handler that are movable one relative to the other from:

[0019] an ingredient transfer configuration for receiving the ingredient by the first and second capsule handlers and / or releasing the ingredient from the first and second ingredient handlers; to

[0020] an ingredient processing configuration for centrifuging the ingredient and water by rotation about the processing axis, e.g. at a speed in the range of 500 to 15000 RPM such as 1500 to 10000 RPM, e.g. 2500 to 8000 RPM; and

[0021] vice versa.

[0022] The machine has a beverage conditioner in fluid communication with the above beverage outlet (s). The conditioner is located downstream of the outlet (s). The beverage conditioner includes a conditioning cavity in which the beverage supplied from the outlet (s) is conditioned. The conditioner leads into a beverage exit passage e.g. exit conduit, typically towards a location for placing a user receptacle, e.g. a cup or mug. The machine incorporates a frame and / or housing which is stationary when the ingredient handling system is rotated for centrifugation and which supports the ingredient handling system.

[0023] The conditioning cavity is delimited by a first conditioning surface and a second conditioning surface. These surfaces face each other. Such surfaces are movable one relative to and over the other so as to condition the beverage therebetween. For instance, the first conditioning surface or the second conditioning surface is stationary relative to the frame and / or housing, or the first and second conditioning surfaces are movable relative to the frame and / or housing.

[0024] For instance, when the beverage supplied from the processing cavity includes different phases, a liquid and a gas (e.g. air) and / or two or more liquids, the beverage conditioner may be configured to ref ine the beverage, e.g. as a dispersion, e.g. to improve the quality of a beverage-gas emulsification. It is also possible to add to the beverage a phase, such as gas like air, in the beverage conditioner and incorporate therein the added phase into the beverage. When the beverage is coffee, then the conditioner may be configured to refine the coffee crema by dispersing air or another gas in the coffee, the air or another gas being supplied together with the coffee into the conditioner or incorporated into the coffee when present in the conditioner.

[0025] The frame and / or housing may include or be fixed to a bottom configured to rest on a support surface external to such machine when the ingredient handling system is rotated about the processing axis for centrifugation. The external support surface can be formed by a table top or a shelf. The processing axis is at an angle relative to such bottom in the range of 0° to 80°, for instance of 0° to 45°, such as of 0° to 30°, e.g. of 0° to 15°, typically of substantially 0°.

[0026] Examples of such configurations are for example disclosed in WO 2015 / 173123, WO 2015 / 173124, WO 2023 / 118245, WO 2023 / 118249 and WO 2023 / 198823 The frame and / or housing can support a motor that is connected to the ingredient handling system, for instance connected to the handling system directly or via a transmission such as at least one of belts e.g. toothed belts, gears e.g. spur gears, and connecting rods.

[0027] At least one surface of the abovementioned first and second conditioning surfaces is provided with a beverage impeller that comprises: one or more protrusions extending towards the other surface of the f irst and second surfaces; and / or one or more recesses extending away from the other surface of the first and second surfaces. The impeller may be: integrally formed by and / or fixed to the abovementioned at least one surface; and / or movable relative to the frame and / or housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the above at least one surface provided with the beverage impeller is a surface movable relative to the frame and / or housing and the other surface is stationary relative to the frame and / or housing or movable relatively thereto e.g. against a movement of the surface with the impeller.

[0029] When the surface with the beverage impeller is rotationally movable relative to the frame and / or housing, the other surface may be located inside the surface with the impeller. Thereby, centrifugal forces of the beverage in the conditioning cavity may urge the beverage against the rotationally movable surface with the impeller.

[0030] Alternatively, it is possible to provide the beverage impeller on a surface that is stationary relative to the frame and / or housing and actuate the beverage thereagainst with the surface that is movable relative to the frame and / or housing and smooth. Such a configuration may be used to limit vibrations due to the conditioning of the beverage.

[0031] Typically, the machine includes one or more of the following components:

[0032] a) a fluid system in fluid communication with the flavouring ingredient during beverage preparation; b) an in- line heater and / or cooler for thermally conditioning a flow of liquid, e.g. water, circulated to the flavouring ingredient or a batch heater and / or cooler for circulating thermally conditioned liquid from the batch heater and / or cooler to the flavouring ingredient;

[0033] c) a pump for pumping liquid, e.g. water, to the flavouring ingredient, in particular a low pressure pump e.g. delivering the liquid at a pressure within the range of 1 to 5 bar, such as 1.5 to 3 bar;

[0034] d) a motor for driving the flavouring ingredient in rotation during beverage preparation;

[0035] e) an electric control unit, in particular comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), for receiving instructions from a user via an input user - interface and for controlling the heater and / or cooler, pump and motor ( s ); and

[0036] f ) one or more sensors for sensing at least one characteristic selected from characteristics of fluid system, the heater and / or cooler, the pump, a liquid tank, an ingredient collector, a flow of the liquid (e.g. by a flowmeter), a pressure of the liquid and a temperature of the liquid, and for communicating such characteristic ( s ) to the control unit, the liquid being for example water.

[0037] When the flavouring ingredient is supplied within a capsule, the capsule can have a body containing an ingredient and a peripherally projecting flange, e.g. a body in the shape of a cup and a lid covering the mouth of the cup and extending beyond the mouth to form the peripherally projecting flange.

[0038] The capsule may have a body that is symmetric or asymmetric, conical or frusto-conical or cylindrical or spherical or hemispherical or frusto - spherical, containing the ingredient, e.g. ground coffee, tea or cacao or another beverage ingredient.

[0039] The capsule may be of the type described above under the header "field of the invention". The capsule may be a capsule that has a container-body, e.g. a generally cup- shaped or hemispherical or hemi - ellipsoidal body, having a flange to which a cover lid (or membrane) is attached, in particular sealed. Typically the capsule contains a beverage ingredient e.g. the flavouring ingredient. Examples of suitable capsules are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO 2008 / 148604, WO 2008 / 148646, WO 2008 / 148650, WO 2008 / 148656, WO 2008 / 148834, WO 2011 / 141532, WO 2011 / 141535, WO 2013 / 072239, WO 2013 / 072297, WO 2013 / 072326, WO 2015 / 044400. The capsule may be of the variety commercialised by Nespresso under the brand Vertuo.

[0040] Upon processing, the used ingredient, e.g. contained in a capsule, may be collected in an ingredient (or ingredient capsule) collector downstream the handling system, as for example disclosed in WO 2009 / 074559 or WO 2009 / 135869.

[0041] The first and second conditioning surfaces may be at least one of substantially parallel, substantially concentric and substantially circular.

[0042] At least part of each of the first and second conditioning surfaces can be substantially planar.

[0043] Such planar part (s) can be substantially orthogonal to the processing axis.

[0044] The planar part (s) may be rotatable one relative to the other about a conditioning axis. Such conditioning axis can be the processing axis or can be parallel thereto. For instance, the abovementioned one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses extend (s) radially or extend spirally relative to the conditioning axis. The planar part (s) may be relatively rotatable in a sense to generate: a centripetal force and / or a centrifugal force onto the beverage in the conditioning cavity; and / or a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of the beverage through the conditioning cavity.

[0045] At least part of each of the first and second conditioning surfaces can be substantially circular surface parts, such as substantially disc-shaped or surface of revolution shaped, e.g. at least one of a cylindrical, conical, spherical and ellipsoidal surface. The substantially circular surface parts may be configured to rotate one relatively to the other about a conditioning axis, such as an axis that is the processing axis or that is parallel thereto.

[0046] For example, the abovementioned one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses extend (s) on the surface of revolution substantially shaped part and along a direction that is: parallel to or intercepting the processing axis; and / or helicoidal about the processing axis, for instance the first and second conditioning surfaces being rotatable in a sense to generate a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of the beverage through the conditioning cavity.

[0047] The first and second conditioning surfaces may have each a part that is at least substantially shaped as a surface of revolution. Such parts can be concentrically positioned; and / or the part of the first surface can be an outwards part and the part of the second surface can be an inwards part.

[0048] The first and second conditioning surfaces may be spaced apart by an average width of the conditioning cavity. The first and second conditioning surfaces can be spaced apart by an average width of less than 5 mm, such as less than 3 mm, e.g. less than 2 mm.

[0049] The first and second conditioning surfaces can be spaced by an average width in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, such as 0.2 to 2.5 mm, for example less than 2 mm, e.g. in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0050] The average width may be sufficiently small to generate a couette flow or another shear-stressed flow, with or without turbulences, of the beverage between the first and second conditioning surfaces during conditioning.

[0051] During beverage conditioning in the cavity the abovementioned one or more protrusions of one conditioning surface, when present, can be permanently (i. e. during an entire conditioning of a beverage preparation serving) spaced from the facing conditioning surface by a constant or variable distance of: at least 5%, such as a distance of more than 25%, e.g. more than 50% of the average width; and / or up to 95%, such as up to 75%, e.g. up to 50%, of the average width.

[0052] During beverage conditioning in the cavity one or more recesses of one conditioning surface, when present, maybe permanently (i. e. during an entire conditioning of a beverage preparation serving) spaced from the facing conditioning surface by a constant or variable distance of: at least 105%, such as a distance of at least 125%, e.g. at least 150%, of the average width; and / or up to 300%, such as up to 200%, e.g. up to 150%, of the average width.

[0053] The beverage impeller may include, as the abovementioned one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses, at least one of ribs, grooves, channels, waves, holes e.g. blind-holes, pins, prisms, pyramids, cones and bumps. Such at least one surface of the first and second conditioning surfaces can be at least one of wavy, striated, fragmented, so as to form the abovementioned one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses.

[0054] One surface of the first and second conditioning surfaces may include at least one part that is even and that faces a part of the other surface which is provided with the beverage impeller.

[0055] One surface of the first and second conditioning surfaces can be movable relative to the machine frame and / or housing during beverage conditioning, the other conditioning surface being stationary relative to the frame and / or housing. For example, the stationary surface is provided with an impeller and the movable surface is even or provided with an impeller.

[0056] The conditioning cavity can be at least partly off set relative to the processing cavity along the processing axis, for instance off - set by a distance of at least 25% of a total axial length of the conditioning cavity, such as at least 50% of the axial length, for instance at least 75% of the axial length, e.g. the conditioning cavity being entirely off - set relative to the processing cavity, e.g. relative to the handling system, along the processing axis.

[0057] The processing cavity may extend about the processing axis up to a maximum processing distance from the processing axis. The conditioning cavity may extend about the processing axis up to a maximum conditioning distance from the processing axis. The conditioning distance can be equal to or smaller than the processing distance. For example, the conditioning distance is in the range of 50 to 100% of the processing distance, such as at least 75%, e.g. at least 85%, for example at least 90% of the processing distance.

[0058] The conditioning cavity may be entirely off - set relative to the processing cavity along the processing axis, e.g. the beverage conditioner being entirely off set relative to the rotatable ingredient handling system.

[0059] The beverage conditioner can include an overflow cavity that is in fluid communication with the conditioning cavity for storing beverage prior to its conditioning when the conditioning cavity is full with beverage that is being conditioned.

[0060] Thus, the filling of the overflow cavity with unconditioned beverage exceeding the capacity of the conditioning cavity maybe favoured rather than allowing such unconditioned beverage to exit the beverage conditioner via the beverage exit passage without proper conditioning.

[0061] The overflow cavity may extend from the conditioning cavity towards the processing axis to a distance therefrom that is less than 75%, such as less than 60%, for instance less than 40%, e.g. less than 25%, of a distance spacing the conditioning cavity from the processing axis.

[0062] The overflow cavity can extend from the conditioning cavity and around the conditioning cavity.

[0063] The overflow cavity may be delimited by an overflow part that is for example fitted with a profiled surface, such as formed by guides e.g. helicoidal guides, configured to act against a flow of beverage from the conditioning cavity.

[0064] The beverage exit passage can be connected to the conditioning cavity at a level corresponding to a top of the overflow cavity or thereabove.

[0065] The beverage outlet and the beverage conditioning cavity may be fluidically connected by a beverage passage, e.g. a beverage conduit.

[0066] The beverage conduit may extend at least in part: towards and along the processing axis, e.g. concentrically therealong; or at a distance from the processing axis e.g. in parallel thereto.

[0067] The beverage conduit can be associated with a valve, such as a centrifugal and / or electric valve, for controlling the flow and / or the pressure of the beverage along the beverage passage, and optionally in the processing cavity and / or in the conditioning cavity.

[0068] The processing cavity typically has a plurality of beverage outlets peripherally arranged at the processing cavity about the central processing axis.

[0069] Each peripherally arranged beverage outlet can be in fluid communication with the beverage passage that extends from the communicating outlet towards the processing axis. For instance a plurality or all of the beverage outlets are in fluid communication with the common beverage passage in a funnel - like configuration.

[0070] A plurality or all of the beverage outlets may be in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of beverage conduits that:

[0071] - merge together at the central processing axis, e.g.

[0072] to extend along the central processing axis; or extend spaced apart one from another towards the conditioning cavity at a distance from the central processing axis.

[0073] The water inlet can be arranged at the processing cavity on or adjacent to the processing axis and / or is fluidically connected via an upstream water conduit to a water source e.g. to a water tank or a water distribution network.

[0074] The water conduit may extend at least in part along the processing axis, e.g. concentrically or adjacently therealong.

[0075] The water conduit can be associated with a thermal conditioner, e.g. a heater and / or a cooler, for thermally conditioning the water. Typically, the water is thermally conditioned, e.g. by a thermal conditioner with electric powering connectors.

[0076] For example, the beverage conditioner is fixed to or integral with the water conduit.

[0077] The water conduit may be associated with: a water driver, e.g. a pump, for driving the water towards the processing cavity; and / or a sensor for sensing a characteristic of the water, e.g. a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0078] The beverage passage and the water conduit may extend adjacently one to the other or extend one within the other e.g. concentrically. For instance, the beverage passage surrounds the water conduit or vice versa.

[0079] One or more of the beverage outlet (s) and the water inlet (s) may be associated with one or more capsule openers, such as capsule piercers. Example of such piercers are disclosed in WO 2023 / 198819 and in EP 2023215020.

[0080] The handling system and the beverage conditioner may be configured so that:

[0081] the handling system rotates the flavouring ingredient and water about the processing axis while the first and second conditioning surfaces are moved, e.g. rotated, one relative to the other so as to condition the beverage therebetween; and / or

[0082] the first and second conditioning surfaces are relatively rotated about the processing axis of the handling system.

[0083] The first and second conditioning surfaces may be moved one relative to the other by the abovementioned motor or by an actuator different to the motor. For example, the first and second conditioning surfaces are moved one relative to the other in a back-and-forth or rotational movement in a manner that is:

[0084] coupled with the first and second ingredient handlers to rotate in a synchronous manner; or

[0085] at least temporarily uncoupled from the rotating first and second ingredient handlers.

[0086] For instance, the handling system and the beverage conditioner is mechanically connected by at least one of a direct connection, gears and clutches. Optionally at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces is fixed to at least one of the first and second ingredient handlers to move therewith during beverage preparation.

[0087] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system that includes a machine as described above and the abovementioned f lavouring ingredient. For instance, the ingredient is contained within a capsule in the machine' s processing cavity.

[0088] The invention also relates to a method of preparing in a machine, as described above, the beverage from the flavouring ingredient in the machine' s processing cavity and then conditioning the beverage in the machine' s beverage conditioner. The method includes the steps of: holding and rotating the ingredient, e.g. provided within the capsule, with the machine' s handling system;

[0089] feeding said water via the water inlet into the processing cavity and centrifuging the flavouring ingredient with the water so as to form the beverage; supplying the beverage from the processing cavity into the beverage conditioner;

[0090] conditioning the beverage by relatively moving the first conditioning surface and a second conditioning surface delimiting the conditioner' s cavity that contains the beverage; and then delivering the conditioned beverage from the beverage exit passage.

[0091] The beverage impeller of at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces impels the beverage during its conditioning in the conditioning cavity.

[0092] A further aspect of the invention relates to a use of a flavouring ingredient, e.g. provided within a capsule, for: handling in a machine as described above; implementing a system as described above; or carrying out a method as described above. Accordingly, the ingredient is: held and rotated with the handling system; and mixed with the water fed via the water inlet into the processing cavity, the flavouring ingredient being centrifuged with the water whereby the beverage is formed that is in turn supplied from the processing cavity into the beverage conditioner.

[0093] The beverage is: conditioned by relatively moving the first conditioning surface and the second conditioning surface delimiting the conditioner' s cavity that contains the beverage; and then delivered from the beverage exit passage. The beverage impeller of at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces impels the beverage during its conditioning in the conditioning cavity.

[0094] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0095] The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:

[0096] Figure 1 is a cross - sectional side view of part of a machine that has a centrifugal processing cavity and a conditioning cavity according to the invention;

[0097] Figure 2 is a partly cut-away perspective view of the centrifugal processing cavity and the conditioning cavity shown in Fig. 1;

[0098] Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the ingredient handling system and of the beverage conditioner of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Figure 4 is a cross - sectional perspective view of part of a variation of the ingredient handling system and of the beverage conditioner of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

[0099] Figure 5 is a cross - sectional perspective view of part of part of the ingredient handling system and of the beverage conditioner shown in Fig. 4;

[0100] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first conditioning surface with an impeller as shown in the conditioner illustrated in Fig. 4;

[0101] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an enlarged part of the conditioning surface with the impeller as illustrated in Fig. 6;

[0102] Figure 8 is a partly cut-away perspective view of the centrifugal processing cavity and the conditioning cavity integrating the impeller and conditioning surface shown in Figs 6 and 7;

[0103] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a detail X indicated in Fig. 8;

[0104] Figure 10 illustrates an overflow part that is integrated in ingredient handling system shown in Figs 4 to 9;

[0105] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a thermal conditioner that can be associated with the ingredient handling system of Fig. 1 or 4; and

[0106] Figure 12 is a perspective cross - section of the thermal conditioner shown in Fig. 10.

[0107] Detailed description

[0108] Figures 1 to 12 illustrate embodiments of part of a machine 1 in accordance with the invention.

[0109] Machine 1 is configured for preparing a beverage 4 from a flavouring ingredient 5a in a processing cavity 5. Cavity 5 can be configured for holding ingredient 5a provided within a capsule 5b. Beverage 4 is formed by mixing ingredient 5a with water 4 ' and centrifugally driving such ingredient 5a and water 4 ' about a processing axis 30 '.

[0110] Machine 1 includes a rotatable ingredient handling system 10, 20 for holding and rotating flavouring ingredient 5a and water during centrifugation about processing axis 30 '. Ingredient handling system 10, 20 has at least one beverage outlet 25 and at least one water inlet 24 for supplying water 4 ' to ingredient 5a. System 10, 20 may comprise a first ingredient handler 10 and a second ingredient handler 20 that are movable one relative to the other from:

[0111] an ingredient transfer configuration for receiving ingredient 5a by first and second capsule handlers 10, 20 and / or releasing ingredient 5a from first and second ingredient handlers 10, 20; to

[0112] an ingredient processing configuration for centrifuging ingredient 5a and water by rotation about processing axis 30 ', e.g. at a speed in the range of 500 to 15000 RPM such as 1500 to 10000 RPM, e.g. 2500 to 8000 RPM; and

[0113] vice versa;

[0114] Machine 1 has a beverage conditioner 50 in fluid communication with beverage outlet (s) 25 and downstream thereof. Beverage conditioner 50 includes a conditioning cavity 51 in which beverage 4 supplied from outlet (s) 25 is conditioned. Conditioner 50 leads into a beverage exit passage 54, e.g. an exit conduit.

[0115] Machine 1 includes a machine frame and / or housing 40 which is stationary when ingredient handling system 10, 20 is rotated for centrifugation and which supports ingredient handling system 10, 20.

[0116] Conditioning cavity 51 may be delimited by a first conditioning surface 52, 52a and a second conditioning surface 53, 53a, which surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a face each other and are movable one relative to and over the other so as to condition beverage 4 therebetween. For example, first conditioning surface 52, 52a (Fig. 1) or second conditioning surface 53, 53a (Fig. 4) is stationary relative to frame and / or housing 40, or the first and second conditioning surfaces are both movable relative to the f rame and / or housing e. g. both movable in opposition one relative to the other.

[0117] Frame and / or housing 40 may include or be f ixed to a bottom conf igured to rest on a support surface external to such machine 1 when ingredient handling system 10, 20 is rotated about processing axis 30 ' for centrifugation. The external support surface can be formed by a table top or a shelf. Processing axis 30 ' can be at an angle relative to such bottom in the range of 0 ° to 80 °, for instance of 0 ° to 45 °, such as of 0 ° to 30 °, e. g. of 0 ° to 15 °, typically of substantially 0 °.

[0118] Frame and / or housing 40 can support a motor 2 that is connected to ingredient handling system 10, 20, for instance connected directly or via a transmission 3 such as at least one of belts e. g. toothed belts, gears e. g. spur gears, and connecting rods.

[0119] At least one surface 52, 52a of f irst and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a is provided with a beverage impeller 52 ', 52 ' ' that has:

[0120] one or more protrusions 52 ' extending towards the other surface 53, 53a of f irst and second surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a; and / or

[0121] one or more recesses 52 ' ' extending away f rom the other surface 53, 53a of f irst and second surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a.

[0122] Impeller 52 ', 52 ' ' may be integrally formed by and / or f ixed to such at least one surface 52, 52a.

[0123] Impeller 52 ', 52 ' ' can be movable relative to f rame and / or housing 40 ( Fig. 4 ) or stationary thereto ( Fig.

[0124] 1 ).

[0125] First and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a can be at least one of substantially parallel, substantially concentric and substantially circular.

[0126] At least part 52a, 53 a of each of f irst and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a may be substantially planar. Such planar part (s) 52a, 53a can be substantially orthogonal to processing axis 30'.

[0127] Planar part (s) 52a, 53a may be rotatable one relative to the other about a conditioning axis, such as an axis that is equal to processing axis 30 ' or that is parallel thereto. For instance, protrusion ( s ) 52 ' and / or recess (es) 52 ' ' extend (s) radially or extend (s) spirally relative to conditioning axis 30 '. Planar part (s) 52a, 53a may be relatively rotatable in a sense to generate:

[0128] - a centripetal force and / or a centrifugal force onto beverage 4 in conditioning cavity 51; and / or

[0129] - a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of beverage 4 through conditioning cavity 51.

[0130] At least part of each of first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a can be substantially circular, such as substantially disc-shaped 52a, 53a or shaped as a surface of revolution 52, 53 e.g. at least one of a cylindrical, conical, spherical and ellipsoidal surface.

[0131] Substantially circular surface parts 52, 52a, 53, 53a may be configured to rotate one relatively to the other about a conditioning axis, such as an axis that is the processing axis 30 ' or that is parallel thereto.

[0132] For instance, the abovementioned one or more protrusions 52 ' and / or one or more recesses 52 ' ' may extend on such surface of revolution substantially shaped part and along a direction that is: parallel to or intercepting processing axis 30 '; and / or helicoidal about processing axis 30 ', first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a being for instance rotatable in a sense to generate a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of beverage 4 through conditioning cavity 51.

[0133] First and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a may have each a part 52, 53 that is at least substantially shaped as a surface of revolution, optionally: such parts 52, 53 being concentrically positioned; and / or part 52 of first surface 52, 52a being an outwards part and part 53 of second surface 53, 53a being an inwards part. First and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a may be spaced apart by an average width 51 ' ' of conditioning cavity 51. For instance, f irst and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a are spaced apart by an average width 51 ' ' of less than 5 mm, such as less than 3 mm, e. g. less than 2 mm.

[0134] First and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a can be spaced by an average width 51 ' ' in the range of 0. 1 to 3 mm, such as 0. 2 to 2. 5 mm, for example less than 2 mm, e. g. in the range of 0. 5 to 1. 5 mm.

[0135] Average width 51 ' ' may be sufficiently small to generate a Couette flow or another shear-stressed flow, with or without turbulences, of beverage 4 between f irst and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a during conditioning.

[0136] During beverage conditioning in cavity 51, the abovementioned one or more protrusions 52 ' of one conditioning surface 52, 52a, when present, can be permanently spaced from facing conditioning surface 53,53a by a constant or variable distance of: at least 5%, such as a distance of more than 25%, e.g. more than 50% of average width 51''; and / or up to 95%, such as up to 75%, e.g. up to 50%, of average width 51''.

[0137] During beverage conditioning in cavity 51, the abovementioned one or more recesses 52 ' ' of one conditioning surface 52, 52a, when present, can be permanently spaced from facing conditioning surface 53,53a by a constant or variable distance of: at least 105%, such as a distance of at least 125%, e.g. at least 150%, of average width 51''; and / or up to 300%, such as up to 200%, e.g. up to 150%, of average width 51''.

[0138] Beverage impeller 52 ', 52 ' ' may include, as such one or more protrusions 52 ' and / or such one or more recesses 52 ' ', at least one of ribs, grooves, channels, waves, holes e.g. blind-holes, pins, prisms, pyramids, cones and bumps.

[0139] Surface(s) 52,52a of first and second conditioning surfaces 52,52a,53,53a may be at least one of wavy, striated, fragmented, so as to form the abovementioned one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses.

[0140] Surfaces 53, 53a of f irst and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a can:

[0141] have at least one part that is even and that faces a part of the other surface 52, 52a which is provided with beverage impeller 52 ', 52 ' '; and / or

[0142] be movable relative to machine f rame and / or housing 40 during beverage conditioning, the other conditioning surface 52, 52a being stationary relative to f rame and / or housing 40.

[0143] Conditioning cavity 51 may be at least partly offset relative to the processing cavity 5 along processing axis 30', optionally off-set by a distance 50' of at least 25% of a total axial length 53' of conditioning cavity 51, such as at least 50% of axial length 53', for instance at least 75% of axial length 53', e.g. conditioning cavity 51 being entirely off-set relative to processing cavity 5, e.g. relative to handling system 10,20, along the processing axis 30'.

[0144] Processing cavity 5 may extend about processing axis 30 ' up to a maximum processing distance 5 ' f rom processing axis 30 '. Conditioning cavity 51 may extend about processing axis 30 ' up to a maximum conditioning distance 51 ' f rom processing axis 30 ', conditioning distance 51 ' being equal to or smaller than processing distance 5 '. For example, conditioning distance 51' is in the range of 50 to 100% of processing distance 5 ', such as at least 75%, e. g. at least 85%, for instance at least 90% of the processing distance 5 '.

[0145] Conditioning cavity 51 may be entirely of f - set relative to processing cavity 5 along processing axis 30 ', e. g. beverage conditioner 50 being entirely of f - set relative to rotatable ingredient handling system 10, 20.

[0146] Beverage conditioner 50 may include an overflow cavity 51a that is in fluid communication with conditioning cavity 51 for storing beverage 4 prior to its conditioning when conditioning cavity 51 is full with beverage 4 that is being conditioned. Overflow cavity 51a can extend from conditioning cavity 51 towards processing axis 30 ' to a distance therefrom that is less than 75%, such as less than 60%, for instance less than 40%, e.g. less than 25%, of a distance spacing conditioning cavity 51 from processing axis 30 '. See Fig. 1.

[0147] Overflow cavity 51a may extend from conditioning cavity 51 and around conditioning cavity 51 (Fig. 4).

[0148] overflow cavity 51a can be delimited by an overflow part 21 that is for example fitted with a profiled surface 22, such as formed by guides e.g. helicoidal guides, configured to act against a flow of beverage 4 from conditioning cavity 51. See Fig. 4.

[0149] Beverage exit passage 54 may be connected to conditioning cavity 51 at a level corresponding to a top of overflow cavity 51a or thereabove.

[0150] Beverage outlet 25 and beverage conditioning cavity 51 can be fluidically connected by a beverage passage 26 e.g. a beverage conduit.

[0151] Beverage conduit 26 may extend at least in part: towards and along processing axis 30 ' e.g. concentrically therealong (Fig. 2); or at a distance from processing axis 30 ' e.g. in parallel thereto (Fig. 4).

[0152] Beverage conduit 26 can be associated with a valve 27, such as a centrifugal and / or electric valve 27, for controlling flow and / or pressure of beverage 4 along the beverage passage 26, and optionally in processing cavity 5 and / or in conditioning cavity 51.

[0153] Processing cavity 5 can have a plurality of beverage outlets 25 peripherally arranged at processing cavity 5 about central processing axis 30'.

[0154] Each peripherally arranged beverage outlet 25 may be in fluid communication with beverage passage 26 that extends from communicating outlet 25 towards processing axis 30 '. For example, a plurality or all of beverage outlets 25 are in fluid communication with the abovementioned common beverage passage in a funnel - like configuration. A plurality or all of beverage outlets 25 can be in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of beverage conduits 26 that:

[0155] - merge together at central processing axis 30 ', for example to extend along central processing axis 30 ' (Fig. 2 ); or

[0156] extend spaced apart one from another towards conditioning cavity 51 at a distance from central processing axis 30 ' (Fig. 4).

[0157] Water inlet 24 may be arranged at processing cavity 5 on or adjacent to processing axis 30' and / or may be fluidically connected via an upstream water conduit 28 to a water source e. g. to a water tank or a water distribution network, such as a water conduit 28.

[0158] Such water conduit 28 may extend at least in part along processing axis 30 ', e.g. concentrically or adjacently therealong.

[0159] Water conduit 28 can be associated with a thermal conditioner 4''', e.g. a heater and / or a cooler, for thermally conditioning water 4 ' and, optionally, beverage conditioner 50 by being fixed thereto or integral therewith;

[0160] Water conduit 28 may be associated with a water driver, e.g. a pump, for driving water 4 ' towards processing cavity 5.

[0161] Water conduit 28 can be associated with a sensor for sensing a characteristic of water 4 ', e.g. a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0162] Beverage passage 26 and water conduit 28 can extend adjacently one to the other or extend one within the other e.g. concentrically, for instance beverage passage 26 surrounding water conduit 28 or vice versa.

[0163] Typically, water 4 ' is thermally conditioned, e.g. by a thermal conditioner 4''' with electric powering connectors 4a'''', and / or pressurized, e.g. by a pump, prior to mixing.

[0164] Water 4 ' may be fed via a water line 28 to processing cavity 5. For instance, water line 28 is in fluid communication with or comprises thermal conditioner 4''', such as a heater and / or cooler that is an inline continuous flow heater and / or cooler, e.g. a thick film resistive or induction heater and / or a thermocouple cooler.

[0165] The generator may be in thermal or inductive communication with a heating water guide 28a and / or water 4 ' circulating in a water guide 28a, such as a thermally conditioning conduit extending along a generally cylindrical and / or conical device 4a''' e.g. helicoidally around cylindrical and / or conical device 4a'''. Cylindrical and / or conical device 4a''' may extend along cylinder and / or cone axis 30'.

[0166] Thermal conditioner 4''' may extend, e.g. substantially cylindrically and / or conically, around beverage conditioner 50, typically along axis 30'' that may be coaxial with cylinder and / or cone axis 30''. For example, thermal conditioner 4''' remains stationary during beverage preparation.

[0167] One or more of beverage outlet (s) 25 and water inlet (s) 24 can be associated with one or more capsule openers 24',25', such as capsule piercers 24',25'.

[0168] Handling system 10, 20 and beverage conditioner 50 may be configured so that the handling system rotates flavouring ingredient 5a and water about processing axis 30 ' while first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a are moved, e.g. rotated, one relative to the other so as to condition beverage 4 therebetween.

[0169] Handling system 10, 20 and beverage conditioner 50 can be configured so that first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a are relatively rotated about processing axis 30 ' of handling system 10, 20.

[0170] First and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a may be moved one relative to the other by motor 2 or by an actuator different to the motor. For example, first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a are moved one relative to the other in a back-and-forth or rotational movement in a manner that is: coupled with first and second ingredient handlers 10, 20 to rotate in a synchronous manner; or at least temporarily uncoupled from rotating first and second ingredient handlers 10, 20.

[0171] Handling system 10, 20 and beverage conditioner 50 can be mechanically connected by at least one of: a direct connection, gears and clutches. For example at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces are fixed to at least one of the first and second ingredient handlers to move therewith during beverage preparation.

[0172] During operation of machine 1, ingredient 5a, e.g. provided within capsule 5b, is held and rotated with machine's handling system 10,20. Water 4' is fed via water inlet 24 into processing cavity 5. Flavouring ingredient 5a with water 4 ' are centrifuged so as to form beverage 4. Such beverage 4 is supplied from processing cavity 5 into beverage conditioner 50. Beverage 4 is conditioned by relatively moving first conditioning surface 52, 52a and second conditioning surface 53, 53a delimiting conditioner's cavity 51 that contains beverage 4. Conditioned beverage 4 is delivered from beverage exit passage 54. Beverage impeller 52 ', 52 ' ' of at least one of first and second conditioning surfaces 52, 52a, 53, 53a impels beverage 4 during its conditioning in conditioning cavity 51.

Claims

Claims1. A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (4) from a flavouring ingredient (5a) in a processing cavity (5), such as a cavity (5) for holding said ingredient (5a) supplied within a capsule (5b), by mixing said ingredient (5a) with water (4 ' ) and centrifugally driving such ingredient (5a) and said water (4 ' ) about a processing axis (30 ' ) to form said beverage (4), such machine (1) comprising:a rotatable ingredient handling system (10, 20) for holding and rotating said flavouring ingredient (5a) and water during centrifugation about the processing axis (30 ' ), the ingredient handling system (10, 20) having at least one beverage outlet (25) and at least one water inlet (24) for supplying said water (4 ' ) to said ingredient (5a), optionally the system (10, 20) having a first ingredient handler (10) and a second ingredient handler (20) that are movable one relative to the other from:an ingredient transfer configuration for receiving said ingredient (5a) by the first and second capsule handlers (10, 20) and / or releasing said ingredient (5a) from the first and second ingredient handlers (10, 20); toan ingredient processing configuration for centrifuging said ingredient (5a) and water by rotation about the processing axis (30 ' ), e.g. at a speed in the range of 500 to 15000 RPM such as 1500 to 10000 RPM, e.g. 2500 to 8000 RPM; andvice versa;a beverage conditioner (50) in fluid communication with said at least one beverage outlet (25) and downstream thereof, the beverage conditioner (50) comprising a conditioning cavity (51) in which said beverage (4) supplied from the outlet (s) (25) is conditioned, the conditioner (50) leading into a beverage exit passage (54), e.g. an exit conduit; and a machine frame and / or housing (40) which is stationary when the ingredient handling system (10, 20)is rotated for centrifugation and which supports the ingredient handling system (10, 20),the conditioning cavity ( 51 ) being delimited by a f irst conditioning surface ( 52, 52a) and a second conditioning surface ( 53, 53a) which surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) face each other and are movable one relative to and over the other so as to condition said beverage ( 4 ) therebetween, for example the first conditioning surface (52, 52a) or the second conditioning surface (53, 53a) being stationary relative to the frame and / or housing (40) or the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) being movable relative to the frame and / or housing (40), optionally the frame and / or housing:comprising or being f ixed to a bottom configured to rest on a support surface external to such machine (1) when the ingredient handling system (10, 20) is rotated about the processing axis (30') for centrifugation, e.g. an external support surface formed by a table top or a shelf, the processing axis (30') being at an angle relative to such bottom in the range of 0° to 80°, for instance of 0° to 45°, such as of 0° to 30°, e.g. of 0° to 15°, typically of substantially 0°; and / orsupporting a motor ( 2 ) that is connected to the ingredient handling system (10, 20), for instance connected directly or via a transmission (3) such as at least one of belts e.g. toothed belts, gears e.g. spur gears, and connecting rods,characterised in that at least one surface (52, 52a) of the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) is provided with a beverage impeller (52', 52'') comprising:one or more protrusions (52') extending towards the other surface (53, 53a) of the first and second surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a); and / orone or more recesses (52'') extending away from the other surface (53, 53a) of the first and second surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a),optionally the impeller (52', 52'') being:integrally formed by and / or fixed to said at least one surface (52, 52a); and / ormovable relative to the frame and / or housing (40).

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are at least one of substantially parallel, substantially concentric and substantially circular.

3. The machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part (52a, 53a) of each of the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are substantially planar, optionally:said planar part(s) (52a, 53a) being substantially orthogonal to the processing axis (30'); and / or said planar part(s) (52a, 53a) being rotatable one relative to the other about a conditioning axis, such as an axis that is the processing axis (30') or that is parallel thereto, for instance said one or more protrusions (52') and / or said one or more recesses (52'') extending radially or extending spirally relative to the conditioning axis (30'), optionally the planar part (s) (52a, 53a) being relatively rotatable in a sense to generate:- a centripetal force and / or a centrifugal force onto said beverage (4) in the conditioning cavity (51); and / or- a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of said beverage (4) through the conditioning cavity (51).

4. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein at least part of each of the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are substantially circular, such as disc-shaped (52a, 53a) or substantially shaped as a surface of revolution (52, 53 ) e.g. at least one of a cylindrical, conical, spherical and ellipsoidal surface.

5. The machine of claim 4, wherein said substantially circular surface parts (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are configured to rotate one relatively to the other about a conditioningaxis, such as an axis that is the processing axis ( 30 ' ) or that is parallel thereto,for instance said one or more protrusions ( 52 ' ) and / or said one or more recesses ( 52 ' ' ) extending on the surface of revolution substantially shaped part and along a direction that is:parallel to or intercepting the processing axis (30'); and / orhelicoidal about the processing axis (30'), for instance the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) being rotatable in a sense to generate a force accelerating and / or decelerating a flow of said beverage (4) through the conditioning cavity (51).

6. The machine of claim 4 or 5, wherein the f irst and second conditioning surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) have each a part ( 52, 53 ) that is at least substantially shaped as a surface of revolution, optionally:said parts (52, 53) being concentrically positioned; and / orthe part (52) of the first surface (52, 52a) being an outwards part and the part (53) of the second surface (53, 53a) being an inwards part.

7. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the f irst and second conditioning surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) are spaced apart by an average width ( 51 ' ' ) of the conditioning cavity ( 51 ), optionally the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) being spaced apart by a distance of less than 5 mm, such as less than 3 mm, e.g. less than 2 mm, and wherein during beverage conditioning in the cavity (51):said one or more protrusions (52') of one conditioning surface (52, 52a), when present, is / are permanently spaced from the facing conditioning surface (53, 53a) by a constant or variable distance of:at least 5%, such as a distance of more than 25%, e.g. more than 50% of the average width (51''); and / orup to 95%, such as up to 75%, e. g. up to 50%, of the average width ( 51 ' ' );and / orone or more recesses ( 52 ' ' ) of one condi tioning surface ( 52, 52a), when present, is / are permanently spaced f rom the facing conditioning surface by a constant or variable di stance of:at least 105%, such as a distance of at least 125%, e. g. at least 150%, of the average width ( 51 ' ' ); and / orup to 300%, such as up to 200%, e. g. up to 150%, of the average width ( 51 ' ' ).

8. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the beverage impeller ( 52 ', 52 ' ' ) comprises, as said one or more protrusions ( 52 ' ) and / or said one or more recesses ( 52 ' ' ), at least one of ribs, grooves, channels, waves, holes e.g. blind-holes, pins, prisms, pyramids, cones and bumps,optionally said at least one surface ( 52, 52a) of the f irst and second conditioning surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) being at least one of wavy, striated, fragmented, so as to form said one or more protrus ions ( 52 ' ) and / or said one or more recesses ( 52 ' ' ).

9. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein one surface ( 53, 53a) of the f irst and second conditioning surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a):has at least one part that is even and that faces a part of the other surface ( 52, 52a) which is provided with the beverage impel ler ( 52 ', 52 ' ' ); and / oris movable relative to the machine f rame and / or housing ( 40 ) during beverage conditioning, the other conditioning surface ( 52, 52a; 53, 53a) being stationary relative to the f rame and / or housing ( 40 ).

10. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the beverage conditioner ( 50 ) comprises an overflow cavity ( 51a) that is in fluid communication with the conditioning cavity ( 51 ) for storing beverage ( 4 ) prior to its conditioning when the conditioning cavity ( 51 ) isfull with beverage (4) that is being conditioned, optionally:the overflow cavity (51a) extending from the conditioning cavity (51):towards the processing axis (30 ' ) to a distance therefrom that is less than 75%, such as less than 60%, for instance less than 40%, e.g. less than 25%, of a distance spacing the conditioning cavity (51) from the processing axis (30 ' ); and / or around the conditioning cavity (51);the overflow cavity (51a) being delimited by an overflow part (21) that is for example fitted with a profiled surface (22), such as formed by guides e.g. helicoidal guides, configured to act against a flow of beverage (4) from the conditioning cavity (51); and / or the beverage exit passage (54) being connected to the conditioning cavity (51) at a level corresponding to a top of the overflow cavity (51a) or thereabove.

11. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the beverage outlet (25) and the beverage conditioning cavity (51) are fluidically connected by a beverage passage (26) e.g. a beverage conduit, such as a beverage conduit (26):extending at least in part:towards and along the processing axis (30 ' ) e.g. concentrically therealong; orat a distance from the processing axis (30' ) e.g. in parallel thereto;and / orbeing associated with a valve (27), such as a centrifugal and / or electric valve (27), for controlling the flow and / or the pressure of said beverage (4) along the beverage passage (26), and optionally in the processing cavity (5) and / or in the conditioning cavity (51),for instance the processing cavity (5) having a plurality of beverage outlets (25) peripherally arranged at theprocessing cavity (5) about the central processing axis (30 ' ), optionally:each peripherally arranged beverage outlet (25) being in fluid communication with said beverage passage (26) that extends from the communicating outlet (25) towards the processing axis (30 ' ), for instance a plurality or all of said beverage outlets (25) being in fluid communication with said common beverage passage in a funnel - like configuration; and / ora plurality or all of said beverage outlets (25) being in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of beverage conduits (26) that merge together at the central processing axis (30 ' ), e.g. to extend along the central processing axis (30 ' ), or that extend spaced apart one from another towards the conditioning cavity (51) at a distance from the central processing axis (30 ' ).

12. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the handling system (10, 20) and the beverage conditioner (50) are configured so that:the handling system rotates said flavouring ingredient (5a) and water about the processing axis (30 ' ) while the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are moved, e.g. rotated, one relative to the other so as to condition said beverage (4) therebetween; and / orthe first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) are relatively rotated about the processing axis (30 ' ) of the handling system (10, 20), optionally the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) being moved one relative to the other by said motor (2) or by an actuator different to the motor, for instance the first and second conditioning surfaces (52, 52a, 53, 53a) being moved one relative to the other in a back-and-forth or rotational movement in a manner that is:coupled with the first and second ingredient handlers (10, 20) to rotate in a synchronous manner; orat least temporarily uncoupled from the rotating first and second ingredient handlers (10, 20),for instance, the handling system (10, 20) and the beverage conditioner (50) being mechanically connected by at least one of a direct connection, gears and clutches, for example at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces being fixed to at least one of the first and second ingredient handlers to move therewith during beverage preparation.

13. A system comprising a machine (1) as defined in any preceding claim and said flavouring ingredient (5a), optionally the ingredient (5a) being contained within a capsule (5b) in the machine' s processing cavity (5).

14. A method of preparing in a machine (1), as defined in any one of claim 1 to 12, said beverage (4) from said flavouring ingredient (5a) in the machine' s processing cavity (5) and then conditioning the beverage (4) in the machine' s beverage conditioner (50), such method comprising:holding and rotating the ingredient (5a), e.g. provided within said capsule (5b), with the machine' s handling system (10, 20);feeding said water (4 ' ) via the water inlet (24) into the processing cavity (5) and centrifuging the flavouring ingredient (5a) with the water (4 ' ) so as to form said beverage (4);supplying the beverage (4) from the processing cavity (5) into the beverage conditioner (50);conditioning the beverage (4) by relatively moving the first conditioning surface (52, 52a) and the second conditioning surface (53, 53a) delimiting the conditioner' s cavity (51) that contains the beverage (4 ); and thendelivering the conditioned beverage (4) from the beverage exit passage (54),wherein the beverage impeller (52 ', 52 ' ' ) of at least one of the first and second conditioning surfaces( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) impels the beverage ( 4 ) during its conditioning in the conditioning cavity ( 51 ).

15. A use of a f lavouring ingredient ( 5a), e. g. provided within a capsule ( 5b), for:handling in a machine as def ined in any one of claims 1 to 12;implementing a system as def ined in claim 13; or carrying out a method as def ined in claim 14, wherein the ingredient ( 5a) is:held and rotated with said handling system ( 10, 20 ); andmixed with said water ( 4 ' ) f ed via the water inlet ( 24 ) into the process ing cavity ( 5 ), the f lavouring ingredient ( 5a) being centrifuged with the water ( 4 ' ) whereby said beverage ( 4 ) is formed that is in turn supplied f rom the process ing cavity ( 5 ) into the beverage conditioner ( 50 );the beverage ( 4 ) being:conditioned by relatively moving the f irst conditioning surface ( 52, 52a) and the second conditioning surface ( 53, 53a) delimiting the conditioner ' s cavity ( 51 ) that contains the beverage ( 4 ); and thendelivered f rom the beverage exit passage ( 54 ), wherein the beverage impeller ( 52 ', 52 ' ' ) of at least one of the f irst and second conditioning surfaces ( 52, 52a, 53, 53a) impels the beverage ( 4 ) during its conditioning in the conditioning cavity ( 51 ).

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