Capsule Based System for Preparing and Dispensing a Beverage

Abstract

The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 411,786 filed Nov. 9, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to systems for dispensing a beverage. The invention also relates to capsule used in a system for dispensing a beverage and methods of dispensing a beverage from a capsule.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]There are a number of devices and techniques for dispensing a beverage such as, for example, a cup of coffee or tea from a capsule. In one approach a disposable container fits on top of a cup and has a compartment for receiving a beverage extract such as coffee with a large reservoir on top into which a person must pour boiling water. These devices can be disposable but expensive, the coffee is exposed to the air where it can easily get stale or contaminated, and they are not generally suitable for automatic coffee making or other beverage m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The purpose of the invention is to offer a compelling alternative to bottled water and other water based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The invention is meant to offer a convenient, reliable, and cost effective Point of Use solution to the consumer's hydration and beverage needs. The invention is a single-serve beverage system that can produce unlimited chilled filtered water as well as single serve unique beverages through a proprietary capsule-based system. The invention can be cold, hot, still (not sparkling), flavored, enhanced, ultra purified filtered waters and flavors.

[0014]Reduction of CO2: No need to transport heavy bottled beverage to point of consumption. Each machine in use lowers carbon emissions.

[0015]Space Savings: No need to stock voluminous beverages saves space in the fridge / kitchen / pantry.

[0016]Health Benefit: Improved hydration resulting from more convenient and better hydration options including better concentration, better circulation, and overall general better health.

[0020]It may be advantageous to promote a controlled tear in the crease of the capsule which can ensure a smooth opening of the capsule. The controlled tear can serve to lower the force required to open the capsule and / or provide a more uniform and repeatable tear to open the capsule. A raised leading edge on the mechanism used to open the capsule can serve to provide a controlled tear. The raised leading edge can be located such that it would facilitate opening the capsule along a longitudinal center line of the capsule or it may be off the centerline of the capsule so that the peal will be initiated off the centerline and travel along a crease to open the capsule.

[0023]Bacteria Control: All mixing occurs in the capsule, so there is no cross contamination between the possible sugary substances dispensed by the machine and the machine itself. The finished product leaves the capsule and goes directly into the customer glass.

Problems solved by technology

These devices can be disposable but expensive, the coffee is exposed to the air where it can easily get stale or contaminated, and they are not generally suitable for automatic coffee making or other beverage machines.

Because the flow rate of beverage is generally slow, these devices are typically large relative to the volume of beverage dispensed.

Also, these devices can be designed to be used upright and only the bottom area is available for filtration flow and this contributes to the slowness of the filtration process.

When the filter is wetted, it sags and conforms with the support member which has a hole in it to release the filtered beverage but otherwise blocks the output of the filter.

When cold drinks are dispensed in a system in which the beverage is prepared by mixing cold fluid, usually water with a powder, one significant challenge is that the powder will not dissolve effectively during the mixing process.

This can lead to poor quality output from the beverage system and unsightly and possibly unhealthful residue in the machine itself.

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