Content Cartridge

Abstract

A content cartridge is disclosed having a base with a content chamber and a piercing chamber. A cover is sealed to the base, covering the content chamber and the piercing chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. When the piercing chamber is pressurized with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the piercing chamber will increase forming a fluid path between the piercing chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the piercing chamber into the content chamber. When the predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of content cartridges, and more particularly to a content cartridge having a sterile portion to prevent cross contamination in a content dispensing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Content cartridges for use in beverage forming machines are known, and may include a beverage content, such as ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc. In use, a beverage forming machine introduces a fluid into the cartridge to interact with the beverage content. A piercing needle of the machine can be used to pierce a surface of the cartridge permitting liquid to enter the cartridge and mix with the beverage content. A second piercing needle can also be used to pierce a surface of the cartridge forming an outlet, permitting the mixed liquid/content to exit the cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a content cartridge having a base defining a content chamber, where a cover sealed to the base covers the content chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. The first frangible seal is configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, such that a fluid outlet path is formed from the content chamber.

The content cartridge can further include a separate sterile chamber positioned adjacent to the content chamber, wherein the cover covers the sterile chamber. A second frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. The second frangible seal is configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber forming a fluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber.

In an exemplary use, when the sterile chamber is pressured with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the sterile chamber will increase. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber, the second frangible seal opens forming a fluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the sterile chamber into the content chamber.

The pressurized fluid enters the content chamber, mixing with the contents of the content chamber, as well as increasing the pressure in the content chamber. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber. In this manner, the content/pressurized fluid mixture can flow out from the content cartridge.

The content cartridge can be utilized in a content dispensing apparatus. The content dispensing apparatus includes at least a housing having a first portion defining a cartridge holder and a second portion moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position access is provided to the cartridge holder, allowing for a content cartridge to be inserted or removed from the cartridge holder.

In the closed position, the second portion covers the cartridge holder, and includes a fluid inlet extending through second portion and having a penetrating end. The penetrating end of the fluid inlet pierces the cover over the sterile chamber, providing a fluid path into the sterile chamber. A fluid pump is provided in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, allowing for the pumping of pressurized fluid into the sterile chamber.

The content in the content cartridge can be a liquid or powder beverage concentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, a pharmaceutical, chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure without an impermeable, pierceable, cover;

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a side sectional view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the cartridge installed in a portion of a content dispensing machine which pierces a portion of the impermeable, pierceable, cover of the content cartridge;

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of a fitment for use on the content cartridge of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a side sectional view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 depicts a second side sectional view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 15 without an impermeable, pierceable, cover;

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 17 without an impermeable, pierceable, cover:

FIG. 19 depicts a top isometric view of another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 depicts a front view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 depicts a rear-bottom isometric view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 depicts a rear view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1-6 an exemplary content cartridge 10 of the present disclosure. The content cartridge 10 includes an impermeable base 12 having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16. Each of the content chamber 14 and sterile chamber 16 have openings 18 and 20 surround by a rim, lip, or flange 24 extending radially outwardly. A first end 25 of the flange 24 includes a pouring lip 26. The flange 24 further includes an intermediate portion 28, separating the content chamber 14 from the sterile chamber 16.

The base 12 can be made of a combination of polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyethylene.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 30 is positioned over the openings 18 and 20 of the content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16, sealingly engaging the flange 24 about the content chamber 14 and the sterile chamber 16, forming a content cartridge 10 having completely separated impermeable content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16. The cover 30 can also be extended radially about the flange 24, engaging the pouring lip 26 and intermediate portions 28 of the flange 24.

The cover 30 can be sealed to the flange 24 using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 30 to the flange 24 can include a frangible seal 32 extending from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26, and a frangible seal 34, on the intermediate portion 28, extending between the content chamber 14 and sterile chamber 16.

Referring also to FIG. 8, frangible seal 34 is configured to open, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the intermediate space 28, upon a pressurization of the sterile chamber 1, and when the pressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid path 36 is created between the sterile chamber 16 and the content chamber 14.

Frangible seal 32 is configured to open, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the pouring lip 26, upon a pressurization of the content chamber 14 and when the pressure in the content chamber 14 exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 is created from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26.

Referring to FIG. 7, the content chamber can include a content 40 to be dispensed from the content cartridge 10. The content 40 can be a liquid or powder beverage concentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, a pharmaceutical, chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the content cartridge 10 is well adapted for use in a content dispensing machine where it will be positioned in a content hold 42. The content holder 42 can include a first part 44 for supporting the base 12 of the content cartridge 10 and a second part 46 to engage the cover 30 of the content cartridge 10. The second part 46 includes a penetrator or needle 50 which penetrates a portion 52 of the cover 30 over the sterile chamber 16 to provide pressurized fluid 54 through the needle 50 in the sterile chamber 16.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the sterile chamber 16. When the pressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level the frangible seal 34 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the intermediate space 28. In this manner, a fluid path 36 is created between the sterile chamber 16 and the content chamber 14, allowing the pressurized fluid 54 to enter the content chamber 14.

The pressurized fluid 54 then pressurizes the content chamber 14. When the pressure in the content chamber 14 exceeds a predetermined level frangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the pouring lip 26. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 is created from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26, allowing for the dispensing of the content 40 from the content chamber 14 through the fluid output path 38.

In an exemplary use, the content 40 is a beverage concentrate. The content cartridge 10 positioned the content holder 42, with the first part 44 supporting the base 12 of the content cartridge 10 and the second part 46 engaging cover 30 of the content cartridge 10. The needle 50 of the second part 46 penetrates the portion 52 of the cover 30 over the sterile chamber 16 to provide pressurized fluid 54, such as water, through the needle 50 in the sterile chamber 16.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the sterile chamber 16. When the pressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level, frangible seal 34 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the intermediate space 28. In this manner, a fluid path 36 is created between the sterile chamber 16 and the content chamber 14, allowing the pressurized fluid 54 to enter the content chamber 14, mixing with the beverage concentrate 40.

The pressurized fluid 54 then pressurizes the content chamber 14. When the pressure in the content chamber 14 exceeds a predetermined level, frangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the pouring lip 26. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 is created from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26, allowing the fluid 54 beverage concentrate mixture 40 to be dispensed from the content chamber 14 through the fluid output path 38 into a cup or other container.

In another embodiment, the content cartridge 10 can include a fitment attached to the impermeable, pierceable, cover 30. The fitment includes a mechanism for piercing the cover 30, thus negating the need for the content dispensing apparatus to pierce that cove 30. Alternatively, the fitment can include a valve assembly, which when opened provides a fluid path into the content cartridge 10. In this manner, no element of the content dispensing apparatus comes into contact with the contents of the content cartridge 10, thus substantially preventing cross contamination by the content dispensing apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the fitment 60 is attached to the cover 30, positioned over the sterile chamber 16 of the content cartridge. The fitment 60 can be attached to the cover 30 with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover 30.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the fitment 60 includes a body portion 62 having upper and lower surfaces 64, 66. A center 68 of the body potion 62 includes a moveable depressive member 70. The depressive member 70 has an upper engagement surface 72 surrounding a longitudinal fluid inlet 74. A distal end 76 of the fluid inlet 74 includes a piercing member 78. A gasket 80 is positioned about the fluid inlet 74, adjacent to an underside surface 82 of the depressive member 70.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in use the fitment 60 is attached to cover 30, where the lower surface 64 of the fitment 60 is attached to the cover 30 with an adhesive or mechanical means. To dispense the contents, the content cartridge 10 is positioned in the content holder 42 of the dispensing apparatus, with the first part 44 supporting the base 12 of the content cartridge 10 and the second part 46 engaging cover 30 of the content cartridge 10. A fluid dispensing portion 84 of the content dispensing apparatus is moved into contacted with the upper engagement surface 72 of the depressive member 70, such that a fluid path is created between the fluid dispensing portion 84 and the fluid inlet 74. A gasket 86, positioned about the fluid dispensing portion 84 forms a fluid tight seal between the fluid dispensing portion 84 and the upper engagement surface 72 of the depressive member 70.

To penetrate the cover 30, the fluid dispensing portion 84 imparts a depressive force onto the upper engagement surface 72 of the depressive member 70, forcing the depressive member 70 into, through, the body portion 62 of the fitment 60. The piercing member 78 at the distal end 76 of the fluid inlet 74 pierces the cover 30, creating a fluid path into the sterile chamber 16. The depressive member 70 is pushed until the gasket 80 on the underside surface 82 of the depressive member 70, about the about fluid inlet 74, is depressed against the cover 30 forming a fluid tight seal between the cover 30 and the fluid inlet 74. Once completed, the pressurized fluid 54 can be introduced into the sterile chamber 16.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, another exemplary content cartridge 90 of the present disclosure is provided. The content cartridge 90 includes an impermeable base 92 having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber 94 and a secondary chamber 96, where a channel 98 fluidly connects the contend chamber 94 to the secondary chamber 96. Each of the content chamber 94 and second chamber 96 have openings 100 and 102 surround by a rim, lip, or flange 104 extending radially outwardly. A first end 106 of the flange 104 includes a pouring lip 108.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 110 is positioned over the content chamber 94, secondary chamber 96, and the channel 98, sealingly engaging the flange 104 about the content chamber 94, secondary chamber 96, and the channel 98. The cover 110 can also be extended radially about the flange 104, engaging the pouring lip 108.

The cover 110 can be sealed to the flange 104 using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 110 to the flange 104 can include a frangible seal 112 extending from the content chamber 94 along the pouring lip 108.

The frangible seal 112 is configured to open, separating the cover 110 from the flange 104 along the pouring lip 108 upon a pressurization of the content chamber 94, when the pressure in the content chamber 94 exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path is created from the content chamber 94 along the pouring lip 108.

The fitment 60 is attached to the cover 110, positioned over the secondary chamber 96 of the content cartridge 92. The fitment 60 can be attached to the cover 110 with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover 110. The fitment 60 operates as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, another exemplary content cartridge 120 of the present disclosure is provided. The content cartridge 120 includes an impermeable base 122 having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber 124 having openings 126 surround by a rim, lip, or flange 128 extending radially outwardly. A first end 130 of the flange 128 includes a pouring lip 132.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 134 is positioned over the content chamber 124, sealingly engaging the flange 128 about the content chamber 124. The cover 134 can also be extended radially about the flange 128, engaging the pouring lip 132.

The cover 134 can be sealed to the flange 128 using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 134 to the flange 128 can include a frangible seal 136 extending from the content chamber 124 along the pouring lip 132.

The frangible seal 136 is configured to open, separating the cover 134 from the flange 128 along the pouring lip 132 upon a pressurization of the content chamber 124, when the pressure in the content chamber 124 exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path is created from the content chamber 124 along the pouring lip 132.

The fitment 60 is attached to the cover 134, positioned over the content chamber 124 of the content cartridge 120. The fitment 60 can be attached to the cover 134 with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover 134. The fitment 60 operates as described above.

Referring to FIG. 19, another content cartridge 200 of the present disclosure is provided. The content cartridge 200 includes an impermeable base 202 having a predetermined shape, including a first, content, chamber 204 and a second, piercing, chamber 206. Each of the content chamber 204 and piercing chamber 206 have openings 210 and 212 surround by a rim, lip, or flange 214 extending radially outwardly. A first end 216 of the flange 214 can include a pouring lip 218. The flange 214 can further include an intermediate portion 220, separating the content chamber 204 from the piercing chamber 206.

Similar to FIG. 1, an impermeable, pierceable, cover 30 (not shown) is positioned over the openings 210 and 212 of the content chamber 204 and the piercing chamber 206. The cover 30 can sealingly engage the flange 214 about the first chamber 204 and the second chamber 206, forming a content cartridge 200 having sealed, impermeable, content chamber 204 and piercing chamber 206. The cover 30 can also be extended radially about the flange 214, engaging the pouring lip 218.

The cover 30 can be sealed to the flange 214 using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 30 to the flange 214 can include a frangible seal 32 extending from the first chamber 204 along the pouring lip 218. The portion of the cover 30 extending over the intermediate portion 220 can be biased against the intermediate portion 220, forming a pseudo seal between the first and second chambers 204 and 206.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the base 202 can include a front portion 222, a rear portion 224, a pair of opposing side walls 226, 228, and a bottom wall 230. The front portion 222 can include an angled wall 232, extending from the bottom wall 230. An intermediate wall 234 can be positioned between the angled wall 232 and the flange 214. The angled wall 232 can be provided at an angle α between 20 and 60 degrees from the bottom wall 230, to promote the flow of fluid out from the content chamber 204 to the pouring lip 218, substantially prevent pooling of fluid within the content chamber 204.

The intermediate wall 234 can include a recessed channel 236 extending from the angled wall 232 to the flange 214. The recessed channel 236 is positioned to provide a fluid path along the front portion 222, to collect and direct any pooled liquid to the pouring lip 218 of the flange 214, improving the evacuation efficiency of the container 200.

The flange 214 can further include a pair of opposing recesses 240, 242 positioned on opposite sides of the recessed channel 236. The pair of opposing recesses 240, 242 are positioned to prevent pooling of fluid between the cover 30 and the pouring lip 218 of the flange 214, improving the evacuation efficiency of the container 200.

The pouring lip 218 of the flange 214 can include a recessed portion 244 for directing the fluid along the pouring lip 218. The recessed portion 244 can have a narrowing configuration, having a wider end opposite 246 and a narrowed outlet 248. This configuration can improve the flow direction and fluid stream quality.

Referring to FIG. 24, the rear portion 224 of the base 202 can include an arcuate wall 250. The arcuate wall 250 can traverse the entire rear portion 224, extending between the bottom wall 230 and the flange 214. The arcuate wall 250 can be shaped to at least partially surround the piercing chamber 206. The shape of the arcuate wall 250 is selected to prevent the pooling of liquid against the rear portion 224 of the content chamber 204.

In operation, similar to content cartridge 10 as shown in FIG. 8, the content cartridge 200 is positionable in a content dispensing machine in a vertical orientation in the content holder 42. The content holder 42 can include a first part 44 for supporting the base 2002 of the content cartridge 200 and a second part 46 to engage the cover 30 of the content cartridge 200. The second part 46 includes a piercing element, such as penetrator or needle, 50 which penetrates a portion 52 of the cover 30 over the piercing chamber 206 to provide pressurized fluid 54 through the needle 50 in the piercing chamber 206.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the piercing chamber 206, where the pressurized fluid travels from the piercing chamber 206 into the content chamber 204, mixing with the content therein. The vertical orientation of the content cartridge 200, for the water and content to flow to the front portion 222 of the content cartridge 200. The angled wall 232 directs the mixed fluid to the flange 214 cover 30 interface at the pouring lip 218. When the pressure in the content chamber 204 exceeds a predetermined level, the frangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 214 along the pouring lip 218. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 is created from the content chamber 204 along the pouring lip 218 allowing for the dispensing of the content 40 from the content chamber 204.

In dispensing the mixed fluid, the angled wall 232 directs the mixed fluid to intermediate wall 234, where at least a portion of the mixed fluid flow through the recessed channel 236 to the pouring lip 218. The recessed channel 236 is positioned to collect and direct any remaining mixed fluids to the pouring lip 218 of the flange 214. The pair of opposing recesses 240, 242 positioned on opposite sides of the recessed channel 236 provide additional assistance to direct any remaining fluid to the pouring lip 218, where the curved surfaces of the recesses 240, 242 provide an easier path for fluid to end the content chamber 204. The recessed portion 244 of the pouring lip 218 direct the mixed fluid out of content container 200 in a substantially uniform stream.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the content container 200 can further include a pair outlet channel 260 extending through the intermediate portion 220 of the flange, 214. The outlet channel 260 are positioned on opposite sides of the piercing chamber 206, providing a fluid path from the piercing chamber 206 into the content chamber 204 through the intermediate portion 220.

The outlet channels 260 can be positioned to direct fluid toward the inner surfaces 264 of the sided walls 226, 228 of the content chamber, creating an arcuate fluid flow about the opposite sidewall 226, 228. The arcuate fluid flow can increase the rate of mixing of the water and content in the content chamber 204, providing a more uniformly mixed fluid for exiting the content chamber 204.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the piercing chamber 206 is shown as having a substantially conical configuration. A depth “d” of the piercing chamber 206 is selected such that a piercing element 50 can piercing the cover 30, entering the piercing chamber 206 without piercing a bottom surface 268 of the piercing chamber. While the piercing chamber 206 is shown as being a substantially conical configuration, other configuration are contemplated, including, but not limited to, frusto-conical, hemi-spherical, hemi-elliptical, triangular based pyramid, square based pyramid, cube, cuboid, cylindrical, and the like. It is further contemplated, that the piercing chamber can take any shape and size which allows for an entry of a piercing element through the cover 30 without piercing of the bottom surface 268 of the piercing chamber 206.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A content cartridge comprising; a base including a content chamber and a piercing chamber, the content chamber having a content chamber opening and the piercing chamber having a piercing chamber opening;a flange surrounding the content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening; anda cover sealed to the flange, covering the content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening.

2. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flange includes a pouring lip extending from the content chamber and an intermediate space extending between the piercing chamber and the content chamber.

3. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 2, further comprising an outlet channel extending through the intermediate space, creating a fluid path between the content chamber and the piercing chamber.

4. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a first frangible seal between the cover and the flange along the pouring lip, wherein the first frangible seal opens when a first predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber forming a fluid outlet from the content chamber along the pouring lip.

5. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 2, the content chamber including a front portion having an angled wall proximal to the pouring lip of the flange.

6. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 5, the content chamber further including a rear portion, a bottom wall, and a pair of opposing side walls.

7. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 6, the content chamber further including an intermediate wall interposed between the angled wall and the flange.

8. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 7, wherein the intermediate wall includes a recessed channel extend at least partially between the angled wall and the flange.

9. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 8, where in the flange includes a pair of recesses positioned on opposite sides of the channel.

10. A content cartridge comprising: a base including a content chamber and a piercing chamber, the content chamber having an content chamber opening and the piercing chamber having a piercing chamber opening;a flange surrounding the content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening, the flange including an intermediate space extending between the content chamber and the piercing chamber;an outlet channel extending through the intermediate space, creating a fluid path between the content chamber and the piercing chamber, anda cover sealed to at least a portion of the flange, covering the content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening.

11. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 10, wherein the flange includes a pouring lip extending from the content chamber.

12. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 11, wherein the content chamber includes a front portion having an angled wall proximal to the pouring lip of the flange.

13. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 12, wherein the content chamber further includes an intermediate wall interposed between the angled wall and the flange.

14. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 13, wherein the intermediate wall includes a recessed channel extending at least partially between the angled wall and the flange.

15. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 14, where in the flange includes a pair of recesses positioned on opposite sides of the channel.

16. A content cartridge comprising; a base including an content chamber and a piercing chamber, the content chamber including a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, the front portion having an angled wall;a flange surrounding the content chamber and the piercing chamber; anda cover sealed to the flange, covering the content chamber and the piercing chamber.

17. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 16, wherein the content chamber further include an intermediate wall interposed between the angled wall and the flange.

18. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 17, wherein the intermediate wall includes a recessed channel extend at least partially between the angled wall and the flange.

19. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 18, where in the flange includes a pair of recesses positioned on opposite sides of the channel.

20. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 16, the flange including an intermediate space extending between the content chamber and the piercing chamber; and an outlet channel extending through the intermediate space, creating a fluid path between the content chamber and the piercing chamber.