The present invention relates to an insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages.
It is known to provide machines and systems for the preparation of beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate. Typically, in such systems the beverage ingredients are used either in a loose form or contained in a container. It is known in some machines to use flexible containers, such as filter paper bags containing roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. It is also known in other machines to use containers in the form of cartridges which may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible and which are pierced during preparation of the beverage. In both cases, the machine for use with such containers is specially adapted to receive a particular design of container in a brew head and to pass water and/or steam through the container to prepare a beverage which is then dispensed. Such beverage preparation machine may be used in commercial or domestic markets. In the domestic market consumers may not wish to use separate machines when preparing beverages from different beverage ingredient containing containers or, indeed, loose beverage ingredients. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an insert, a beverage preparation machine and a beverage preparation system which allows consumers to use a variety of containers or loose ingredients in a single beverage preparation machine. In one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to provide an insert for a beverage preparation machine which is primarily designed for use with cartridges, whether rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, that allows the beverage preparation machine to dispense beverage ingredients from flexible containers such as filter bags.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, the insert comprising, or being adapted to contain in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients in a brewing volume, a lower surface of the insert comprising an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head, characterised in that the lower surface of the insert further comprises a barcode or RFID which, in use, is readable by a barcode or RFID reader of the beverage preparation machine for controlling operation of the beverage preparation machine, wherein the barcode or RFID is located on the lower surface of the insert such that a line joining the outlet of the insert to a centre of the barcode and a line joining the outlet of the insert to the inlet of the insert separated by a minimum angular separation of greater than 70 degrees.
Advantageously, it has been found that this minimum angular separation of the barcode or RFID from the inlet improves the accuracy of the reading of the barcode or RFID by the recognition means of the machine. Firstly, the separation results in any distortion of the inlet area having a minimal affect on the region of the barcode or RFID. Secondly, it has been found that there may be a small degree of leakage of fluid from the inlet area during dispensation since dispensation occurs at pressure. This fluid may spread, in particular due to capillary effect between the insert and a brew head of the machine, leading to partial obfuscation of the barcode or RFID by the fluid resulting in a greater chance of the barcode or RFID being misread. With the barcode or RFID separated by an angle of greater than 70 degrees it has been found that this problem does not occur.
Preferably, the line joining the outlet of the insert to the centre of the barcode or RFID and the line joining the outlet of the insert to the inlet of the insert subtend an angle of greater than or equal to 85 degrees.
Preferably the outlet is located at a centre or near a centre of the lower surface of the insert. The barcode or RFID is preferably located at or near a periphery of the lower surface.
The insert may be disc-shaped.
The insert may be a cartridge. The cartridge may be rigid or semi-rigid. The lower surface may be a laminate. In this case, the inlet and outlet of the cartridge may be portions of the lower surface which are opened for transportation, in use, by piercing the lower surface. Alternatively, the insert may define a receptacle for receiving loose beverage ingredients. Alternatively, the insert may define a receptacle for receiving a container of beverage ingredients, wherein the container comprises filtering means. In one aspect, the container is formed at least in part from filter paper or filtering membrane. For example, the container may be a filter bag.
The inlet and outlet of the insert may be open. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet of the insert may be closed prior to use by means of a frangible membrane. The frangible membrane may comprise a tear-off portion.
The insert may be reusable.
The inlet of the insert, outlet of the insert and barcode or RFID may be coplanar. Alternatively, the inlet of the insert, outlet of the insert and barcode or RFID may not be coplanar.
Preferably, the insert further comprises means for preventing rotation of the insert in the brew head after insertion of the insert and closing of the brew head. The means for preventing rotation may comprise an externally directed handle or tab portion.
The externally directed handle or tab portion may be located substantially diametrically opposite the inlet of the insert.
The present invention also provides a beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine and an insert for use in said machine, said insert being as described above.
The beverage preparation machine may comprise a brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head, a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine and a barcode or RFID reader having a window in the brew head through which signals may be transmitted, wherein a line joining the outlet of the machine to a centre of the window and a line joining the outlet of the machine to the inlet of the machine subtend an angle of greater than 70 degrees.
Preferably the line joining the outlet of the machine to the centre of the window and the line joining the outlet of the machine to the inlet of the machine subtends an angle of greater than or equal to 85 degrees.
Preferably the outlet of the beverage preparation machine is located at or near a centre of the brew head.
Preferably the barcode reader or RFID reader window is located at or near a periphery of the brew head.
The brew head may comprise a mount for receiving the insert so as to prevent relative rotation of the insert and the brew head once the brew head is closed.
The mount may comprise a recess or opening for receiving an externally directed handle or tab portion of the insert. The mount may comprise an opening through which the inlet of the brew head, outlet of the brew head and barcode reader or RFID reader window are accessible.
The brew head may comprise a cavity for receiving the insert wherein one of the insert and cavity comprises a key and the other of the insert and cavity comprises a recess, wherein interengagement of the key and recess prevents relative rotation of the insert and the brew head once the brew head is closed.
The insert of the present invention may contain or be loaded with one or more beverage ingredients suitable for the formation of a beverage product. The beverage product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate or a dairy-based beverage including milk. The beverage ingredients may be powdered, ground, leaf-based or liquid. The beverage ingredients may be insoluble or soluble. Examples include roast and ground coffee, leaf tea, powdered chocolate and soup, liquid milk-based beverages, carbonated drinks and concentrated fruit juices.
In the following description the terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalents should be understood to refer to the insert (or other components) in its normal orientation for insertion into the beverage preparation machine and subsequent dispensing. In addition, the terms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. The terms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents should be understood to refer to relative positions in the insert (or other components) being, respectively, nearer or further from a centre or major axis X of the insert (or other component).
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
a is a front perspective view of a beverage preparation machine of the present invention;
b is a front perspective view of the machine of
a and 9b are schematic layouts of first and second code recognition means for the machine of
A beverage preparation machine 201 of the beverage preparation system of the present invention is shown in
The beverage preparation machine 201 is designed to be capable of dispensing beverage ingredients from inserts in the form of cartridges 1 such as that illustrated in
Cartridge for Use in the System
As shown in
The cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in dispensing filtered products such as roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. However, the cartridge 1 may be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages, flavoured milk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.
As can be seen from
The outer member 2 generally comprises a bowl-shaped shell 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open bottom 12. The diameter of the outer member 2 is smaller at the top 11 compared to the diameter at the bottom 12, resulting from a flaring of the annular wall 13 as one traverses from the closed top 11 to the open bottom 12. The annular wall 13 and closed bottom 11 together define a receptacle having an interior 34.
A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is provided in the closed top 11 centred on the major axis X. As more clearly shown in
An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed in the outer member 2 towards the bottom 12. The outwardly extending shoulder 33 forms a secondary wall 15 co-axial with the annular wall 13 so as to define an annular track forming a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13. The manifold 16 passes around the circumference of the outer member 2. A series of slots 17 are provided in the annular wall 13 level with the manifold 16 to provide gas and liquid communication between the manifold 16 and the interior 34 of the outer member 2. As shown in
An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at the periphery of the outer member 2. A cylindrical wall 27 is provided, as most clearly shown in
A lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is provided with an outwardly extending flange 35 which extends perpendicularly to the major axis X. Typically the flange 35 has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. A portion of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which the outer member 2 may be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upturned rim 25 to improve grip.
The outer member 2 is formed as a single integral piece from high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or a laminate of two or more of these materials. A suitable polypropylene is the range of polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, United Kingdom). The outer member may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The manufacturing process may be injection moulding.
The inner member 3 as shown in
As best shown in
As shown in the cross-sectional profile of
The upper surface of each spoke 53 is provided with an upstanding web 54 which divides a void space above the annular frame 41 into a plurality of passages 57. Each passage 57 is bounded on either side by a web 54 and on a lower face by the filter 4. The passages 57 extend from the outer rim 51 downwardly towards, and open into, the cylindrical funnel 40 at openings 56 defined by the inner extremities of the webs 54.
The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an outer tube 42 surrounding an inner discharge spout 43. The outer tube 42 forms the exterior of the cylindrical funnel 40. The discharge spout 43 is joined to the outer tube 42 at an upper end of the discharge spout 43 by means of an annular flange 47. The discharge spout 43 comprises an inlet 45 at an upper end which communicates with the openings 56 of the passages 57 and an outlet 44 at a lower end through which the prepared beverage is discharged into a cup or other receptacle. The discharge spout 43 comprises a frusto-conical portion 48 at an upper end and a cylindrical portion 58 at a lower end. The cylindrical portion 58 may have a slight taper such that it narrows towards the outlet 44. The frusto-conical portion 48 helps to channel beverage from the passages 57 down towards the outlet 44 without inducing turbulence to the beverage. An upper surface of the frusto-conical portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49 equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The support webs 49 define channels 50 therebetween. The upper edges of the support webs 49 are level with one another and perpendicular to the major axis X.
The inner member 3 may be formed as a single integral piece from polypropylene or a similar material as described above and by injection moulding in the same manner as the outer member 2.
Alternatively, the inner member 3 and/or the outer member 2 may be made from a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials include degradable polyethylene (for example, SPITEK supplied by Symphony Environmental, Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyester amide (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), poly lactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minn., USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.
The laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminium and a second layer of cast polypropylene. The aluminium layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm in thickness. The cast polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm in thickness. In one embodiment the aluminium layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm thick. This laminate is particularly advantageous as it has a high resistance to curling during assembly. As a result the laminate 5 may be pre-cut to the correct size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assembly station on the production line without undergoing distortion. Consequently, the laminate 5 is particularly well suited to welding. Other laminate materials may be used including PET/Aluminium/PP, PE/EVOH/PP, PET/metallised/PP and Aluminium/PP laminates. Roll laminate stock may be used instead of die cut stock.
The cartridge 1 may be closed by a rigid or semi-rigid lid instead of a flexible laminate.
Assembly of the cartridge 1 involves the following steps:
These steps will be discussed in greater detail below.
The outer member 2 is orientated with the open bottom 12 directed upwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2 with the outer rim 51 being received as a loose fit in an axial extension 14 at top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18 of the outer member 2 is at the same time received in the upper portion of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third portion 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the closed lower face 31 of the cylindrical extension 18 bearing against the support webs 49 of the inner member 3. The filter 4 is then placed over the inner member 3 such that the filter material contacts the annular rim 51. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to join the filter 4 to the inner member 3 and at the same time, and in the same process step, the inner member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member 3 and filter 4 are welded around the outer rim 51. The inner member 3 and outer member 2 are joined by means of weld lines around the outer rim 51 and also the upper edges of the webs 54.
As shown most clearly in
The filtration chamber 130 contains the one or more beverage ingredients 200. The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into the filtration chamber 130. For a filtered style beverage the ingredient is typically roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. The density of packing of the beverage ingredients in the filtration chamber 130 can be varied as desired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product the filtration chamber contains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams of roast and ground coffee in a filtration bed of thickness of typically 5 to 14 mm. Optionally, the interior 120 may contain one or more bodies, such as spheres, which are freely movable within the interior 120 to aid mixing by inducing turbulence and breaking down deposits of beverage ingredients during discharge of the beverage.
The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2 by forming a weld 126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to join the laminate 5 to the lower surface of the outwardly extending flange 35. The weld 126 is extended to seal the laminate 5 against the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Further, a weld 125 is formed between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40. The laminate 5 forms the lower wall of the filtration chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and cylindrical funnel 40. However, a small gap 123 exists prior to dispensation between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the discharge spout 43. A variety of welding methods may be used, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, depending on the material characteristics of the laminate 5.
Advantageously, the inner member 3 spans between the outer member 2 and the laminate 5. The inner member 3 is formed from a material of relative rigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms a load-bearing member that acts to keep the laminate 5 and outer member 2 spaced apart when the cartridge 1 is compressed. It is preferred that the cartridge 1 is subjected to a compressive load of between 130 and 280N in use. The compressive force acts to prevent the cartridge failing under internal pressurisation and also serves to squeeze the inner member 3 and outer member 2 together. This ensures that the internal dimensions of passageways and apertures in the cartridge 1 are fixed and unable to change during pressurisation of the cartridge 1.
To use the cartridge 1 it is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine and the inlet 121 and outlet 122 are opened by piercing members of the beverage preparation machine which perforate and fold back the laminate 5. An aqueous medium, typically water, under pressure enters the cartridge 1 through the inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar. From there the water is directed to flow through the slots 30 and round the manifold 16 and into the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17. The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration chamber 130 and mixes with the beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. The water is at the same time forced upwardly through the beverage ingredients. The beverage formed by passage of the water through the beverage ingredients passes through the filter 4 and filtration apertures 55 into the passages 57 lying above the annular frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 and the welding of the rim 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short-circuits and all the beverage has to pass through the filter 4.
The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial passages 57 formed between the webs 54 and through the openings 56 and into the cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage passes along the channels 50 between the support webs 47 and down the discharge spout 43 to the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup.
Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purge facility, wherein compressed air is forced through the cartridge 1 at the end of the dispense cycle to flush out the remaining beverage into the receptacle.
In accordance with the present invention, the cartridge 1 is provided on the laminate with a barcode 320 as shown in
As shown in
Preferably, the barcode 320 is also located near a periphery of the laminate 5 so as to separate the barcode 320 from the outlet 122 so as to avoid distortion of the barcode 320 on piercing of the outlet 122.
The cartridge 1 described above is given as an example of one type of cartridge that may bear a barcode 320 in accordance with the present invention. Other cartridges of a similar type may be provided for dispensing other beverage types, for example foamed milk, espresso-style coffee, chocolate, each of which in accordance with the present invention is provided with a barcode or RFID 320 as described above.
Beverage Preparation Machine
As shown in
The front half 211 of the housing 210 comprises a dispense station 270 where dispensation of the beverage takes place. The dispense station 270 comprises a receptacle stand 271 having a hollow interior forming a drip tray 272. An upper surface 273 of the receptacle stand is provided with a grill 274 on which the receptacle is positioned. The drip tray 272 is removable from the housing 210 to ease emptying of the collected water. A recess 275 is formed in the front half of the housing 210 above the receptacle stand 271 to accommodate the dimensions of the receptacle.
The brew head 250 is located towards the top of the housing 210 above the receptacle stand as shown in
The machine user interface 240 is located on the front of the housing 210 and comprises a start/stop button 241, and a plurality of status indicators 243-246.
The status indicators 243-246 preferably include a light emitting diode (LED) 243 to indicate readiness of the machine 201, a LED 244 to indicate if an error has occurred in the machine 201 operation, and one or more LEDs 245-256 to indicate whether the machine 201 is operating in manual or automatic modes. The LEDs 243-246 may be controlled to illuminate at a constant intensity, to flash intermittently, or both depending on the status of the machine 201. The LEDs 243-246 may have a variety of colours including green, red and yellow.
The start/stop button 241 controls commencement of the dispense cycle and is a manually operated push-button, switch or similar.
A volume adjustment control may be provided to allow a user of the machine 201 to manually adjust the volume of the delivered beverage without altering the other operating characteristics. Preferably the volume adjustment control allows an adjustment in volume of plus or minus 20%. The volume adjustment control may be a rotary knob, a linear slider, a digital readout with increment and decrement buttons, or similar. More typically, volume is controlled by a user operating the start/stop button 241.
A manual power switch (not shown) may be provided on the machine 201. Alternatively, power supply can be controlled simply by insertion or removal or the power supply plug from the mains power supply.
The water tank 220 is located to the rear of the housing 210 and is connected to the rear half 212 of the housing 210. The water tank 220 comprises a generally cylindrical body 221 which may be right circular or a frustum as desired for aesthetic reasons. The tank comprises an inlet for filling the tank with water which is closed off in use by a manually removable lid 222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end of the tank which communicates with the water pump 230. The water tank 220 may be made from a transparent or translucent material to allow a consumer to view the quantity of water remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the water tank 220 may be made from an opaque material but have provided a viewing window therein. In addition, or in place of the above, the water tank 220 may be provided with a low level sensor which prevents operation of the water pump 230 and optionally triggers a warning indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank descends to a preselected level. The water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 liters.
The water pump 230 is operatively connected between the water tank 220 and the water heater 225 as shown schematically in
The water heater 225 is located in the interior of the housing 210. The heater 225 has a power rating of 1550 W and is able to heat water received from the water pump 230 from a starting temperature of approximately 20° C. to an operating temperature of around 85° C. in under 1 minute. Preferably the dwell time between the end of one dispense cycle and the heater 225 being able to commence a subsequent dispense cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature to within + or −2° C. during the dispense cycle. The water for the dispense cycle may be delivered to the brew head 250 at 83° C. or 93° C. The heater 225 is able to quickly adjust the delivery temperature to either 83° C. or 93° C. from a nominal water temperature of 85° C. The heater 225 comprises an over-temperature cut-off which shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98° C. Water output from the heater 225 is fed to the brew head 250 by means of a three-way valve. If the pressure of the water flow is acceptable the water is passed to the cartridge 1. If the pressure is below or above predetermined limits then the water is diverted by means of the three-way valve into the drip tray recovery receptacle 270.
The air compressor 235 is operatively connected to the brew head 250 by means of a one-way valve and controlled by the control processor. The air compressor 235 provides a maximum flow rate of air of 500 ml/min at 1.0 bar. In use a working volume of 35 ml is pressurised to 2.0 bar. Preferably, the air compressor 235 can produce two flow rates: a fast (or maximum) flow rate and a slow flow rate.
The control processor of the beverage preparation machine 201 comprises a processing module and a memory. The control processor is operatively connected to, and controls operation of, the water heater 225, water pump 230, air compressor 235 and user interface 240.
The memory of the control processor includes one or more variables for one or more operational parameters for the beverage preparation machine 201. The operational parameters are the temperature of the water passed through the beverage cartridge 1 during the operating stage, the speed of charging the beverage cartridge 1, the presence or otherwise of a soak step, the total dispensed volume of the beverage, the flow rate of the water during the discharge stage, and the flow rate and period of the purge stage.
The variables for the operational parameters are stored in the memory. The cartridge 1 comprises a code provided on or in the cartridge 1 representing the operational parameters required for optimal dispensation of the beverage in that cartridge 1. The code is in binary format and comprises a plurality of data bits corresponding to the variables stored in the control processor memory.
The brew head 250 is shown in
The rotatable upper part 256 and pivotable cartridge mount 257 are moved relative to the fixed lower part 255 by means of a clamping mechanism 280. The clamping mechanism 280 comprises a clamping lever having first and second members or parts 281 and 282. The first part 281 of the clamping lever comprises a U-shaped arm which is pivotably mounted to the upper part 256 at two first pivot points 283, one on each side of the holder 251.
The second part of the clamping lever comprises two over-centre arms 282, one on each side of the holder 251 which are each pivotably mounted to the upper part 256 at a second pivot point 285 located on the hinge axis 258 coupling the upper part 256 to the fixed lower part 255. Each over-centre arm 282 is a reciprocal member comprising a cylinder 282a, a stem 282b and a resilient sleeve 282c. The cylinder 282a has an internal bore and is rotatably mounted at one end at the hinge axis 258. A first end of the stem 282b is slidingly received in the bore of the cylinder 282a. The opposite end of the stem 282b is rotatably mounted to the U-shaped arm 281 at a third pivot point 286. The third pivot points 286 are unconnected to, and freely moveable relative to, the upper part 256 and lower part 255. The resilient sleeve 282c is mounted externally on the stem 282b and extends, in use, between abutment surfaces on the cylinder 282a and stem 282b. The resilient sleeve 282c accommodates shortening of the over-centre arm 282 but biases the over-centre arm 282 into an extended configuration. Movement of the third pivot points 286 towards and away from the hinge axis 258 is thus possible by relative movement of the stems 282b in the cylinders 282a. The resilient sleeves 282c are preferably formed from silicone. Whilst the illustrated embodiment uses two over-centre arms 282, it will be apparent that the closure mechanism my be configured with only one over-centre arm 282.
The U-shaped arm 281 extends around the front of the holder 251 and comprises two downwardly dependant hook members 287, one on each side of the holder 251, each comprising a cam surface 288 facing the hinge axis 258. The fixed lower part 255 of the holder 251 is provided with two bosses 259, or detents, located one on each side of the lower part 255 at or near a front edge 260 thereof aligned generally with the hook members 287.
As shown in
The cartridge mount 257 is rotatably mounted between the upper and lower parts 255, 256 of the holder 251. The mount 257 is provided with a substantially circular recess 290 which receives in use the beverage cartridge 1. The recess 290 includes an irregularity 291 for accommodating the handle portion 24 of the beverage cartridge 1 which also acts to prevent rotation of the beverage cartridge 1 in the holder 251. The cartridge mount 257 is sprung relative to the fixed lower part 255 such that in the open position, as shown in
The upper part 255 comprises a generally circular body 310 housing a circular viewing window 312 through which a consumer can view the beverage cartridge 1 during a dispense cycle and also visually confirm whether a cartridge 1 is loaded in the machine 201. The viewing window 312 is cup-shaped having a downwardly directed rim 311. The viewing window 312 is able to move axially relative to the body 310 of the upper part 255. One arrangement of accomplishing the relative movement is to provide a wave spring (not shown) or similar resilient means such as a rubberised ring, positioned between the viewing window 312 and the circular body 310. In an alternative arrangement, a series of helical compression springs (not shown) are provided extending between the viewing window 312 and the body 310. In both cases the resilient means allows the viewing window 312 to move axially relative to the circular body 310 by a small degree.
When the holder 251 is in the closed position, the viewing window 312 bears against the beverage cartridge 1 biasing it against the lower part 256. In one arrangement, the rim 311 of the viewing window contacts and bears against the flange 35 of the beverage cartridge. At the same time the window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1. In an alternative arrangement, only the viewing window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1, and there is no bearing contact between the rim 311 and the flange 35. The pressure exerted by the rim 311 on the flange 35 and/or by the window 312 on the closed top 11 ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 and the holder 251.
The lower part 255 comprises the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 and the head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252. The inlet piercer 253 comprises a hollow needle-like tube 260 having a sharpened end 261 for perforating the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 in use. The inlet piercer 253 is in fluid communication with a water conduit 262 as shown in
The outlet piercer 254 is surrounded by a ledge 254a which is raised relative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.
Advantageously, the outlet piercer 254 is removable from the lower part 255 to enable it to be thoroughly cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. The removable outlet piercer 254 is received in a recess 267 in the lower part 255 where it is seated. The inlet piercer 253 and/or the outlet piercer 254 may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, or from a plastics material. Advantageously, the use of plastic cutting elements is enabled by use of a laminate 5 which is able to be punctured and cut by a non-metallic material. Consequently, the piercers 253, 254 can be made less sharp which lowers the risk of injury to the consumer. In addition, plastic piercing elements are not prone to rust. Preferably, the inlet piercer 253 and the outlet piercer 24 are formed as a single, integral unit which is removable from the lower part 255.
In accordance with the present invention, the inlet piercer 253 is located at a specific angular distance from a window of the cartridge recognition means head 300. A line 326 may be defined extending from the centre of the brew head 250 through the centre of the window of the recognition means 252. In addition, a line 327 may be defined extending from the centre of the brew head 250 through the centre of inlet piercer 253. According to the present invention, the angle α subtended by these two lines is greater than 70 degrees. Preferably the angle α is greater than or equal to 85 degrees. Where the outlet piercer 254 is at the centre of the brew head 250 as in the illustrated embodiment the lines 326 and 327 extend from a centre of the outlet piercer 254 to the window and inlet piercer respectively.
In use, the upper part 256 of the holder 251 is movable from an open position in which it is orientated vertically or towards the vertical as shown in
An imaginary datum line can be drawn between the first and second pivot points 283, 285 of the holder 251. As can be seen in
The purpose of the recognition means 252 is to allow the machine 201 to recognise the type of beverage cartridge 1 that has been inserted and to adjust one or more operational parameters accordingly. In a typical embodiment, the recognition means 252 comprises an optical barcode reader which reads the printed barcode 320 provided on the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 as shown in
The brew head 250 may also include a cartridge sensor for detecting whether a cartridge is present in the holder 251.
The brew head 250 may also include a lock sensor which detects whether the holder 251 is properly closed. Preferably the lock sensor comprises a micro-switch which is triggered when the holder 251 is closed and locked. Preferably the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are connected in series such that the output of both sensors must be satisfactory, i.e. cartridge present and mechanism locked, before the dispense cycle can be commenced.
Operation of the machine 201 comprises insertion of a beverage cartridge 1 into the brew head 250, carrying out a dispense cycle in which the beverage is dispensed and removal of the cartridge 1 from the machine.
The operational behaviour of the machine 201 is determined by software embedded in the control processor.
To insert the cartridge 1 the holder 251 is opened as described above to expose the cartridge mount 257. The cartridge 1 is then placed on the cartridge mount 257 received within the recess 290 such that the handle 24 of the cartridge is located in the irregularity 291. The optical or magnetic barcode 320 or RFID of the cartridge 1 is orientated directly above the aperture 326 in the cartridge mount 257. The holder 251 is then closed by operation of the clamping lever as described above. During closure the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 pierce the laminate 5 of the cartridge 1 to form the cartridge inlet 121 and outlet 122. As described above the laminate 5 cut by the outlet piercer 254 is folded up into the annulus surrounding the discharge spout 43. When closed the holder 251 grips the cartridge 1 around the rim 35 between the cartridge mount 257 and the upper part 256 and/or between the window 311 and the top 11 of the cartridge 1 to form a fluid tight seal of sufficient integrity to withstand the pressures developed during the dispense cycle.
To commence the operating cycle the consumer operates the start/stop button 241.
The operating cycle comprises the steps of cartridge recognition and the discharge cycle.
Cartridge recognition is performed by the optical recognition means 252 as described above assuming that the outputs from the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are satisfactory. Once the barcode 320 or RFID has been decoded the operational parameters of the machine 201 are adjusted by the control processor. The discharge cycle is then automatically commenced.
The discharge cycle has four main stages, not all of which are used for all beverage types:
(i) Pre-wet
(ii) Pause
(iii) Brew/Mixing
(iv) Purge
In the pre-wet stage the cartridge 1 is charged with water from the water storage tank 220 by means of the water pump 230. The charging with water causes the beverage ingredients 200 in the filtration chamber 130 to be wetted. The charging may take place at a “fast” flow rate of 600 ml/min or a “slow” flow rate of 325 ml/min. The slow charging rate is particularly useful for cartridges containing viscous liquid beverage ingredients where the ingredients require some dilution before they are able to be pumped at a higher volume flow rate. The volume of water injected into the cartridge 1 is selected to ensure that water or beverage does not drip out of the cartridge outlet 122 during this stage.
The pause stage allows the beverage ingredients 200 to soak in the water injected during the pre-wet stage for a predetermined period of time. Both the pre-wetting and soaking stages are known to increase the yield of the extractibles from the beverage ingredients 200 and to improve the end flavour of the beverage. Pre-wetting and soaking are particularly used where the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.
In the brew/mixing stage water is passed through the cartridge 1 in order to produce the beverage from the beverage ingredients 200. The temperature of the water is determined by the control processor which sends instructions to the water heater 225 to heat the water passing from the water tank 220 to the brew head 250. Water enters the lower part 255 of the holder 251 through the conduit 262 via the inlet valve and the inlet piercer 253 into the inlet chamber 126 of the beverage cartridge 1. Brewing and/or mixing and subsequent dispensing of the beverage from the beverage cartridge 1 is as described above with reference to the versions of the beverage cartridge 1.
The air purge comprises the blowing of pressurised air through the beverage preparation machine and the beverage cartridge 1 to ensure that all beverage is dispensed and that the flow path is cleared ready for dispensing another beverage. The air purge does not commence immediately on cessation of the brew/mixing stage to allow for the majority of the fluid to clear the flow path. This prevents an unacceptable spike in internal pressure on commencement of the air purge.
In normal operation a user manually stops the machine 201 by operating the start/stop button 241.
Once the operating cycle has been completed the consumer removes the cartridge 1 by opening the holder 251 and manually removing and disposing of the cartridge. Alternatively, the machine 201 may be provided with an automatic ejection mechanism for removing the cartridge automatically on opening the holder 251.
Insert for Use in the System
As described above, the machine 201 of the present invention may also be used with other inserts not necessarily of a cartridge form. An example of another suitable form of insert will now be described.
The insert 400 comprises an upper part 401 and a lower part 402. The upper part 401 in the illustrated embodiment is generally in the form of the outer member 2 described above with reference to the cartridge 1. However, it will be apparent that other shapes and forms of upper part may be used. The upper part 401 does not contain an inner member but is substantially hollow having a downwardly directed opening 409. Sealing means in the form of a rubberised or elastomeric ‘O’ ring 403 is inserted or attached to a rim of the opening 409 of the upper part 401. The O-ring 403 may be releasable or permanently attached to the upper part 401. Alternatively, the O-ring 402 may be attached to the lower part 402.
The lower part 402 is generally in the form of the mount 257 described above. In particular, the lower part 402 comprises a generally planer portion having a circular recess 408 for receiving the upper part 401 as will be described below. In addition, the lower part 402 comprises two dependent legs 407 having C-shaped clipping means 406 at their distil ends for attachment to the pivot axis of the beverage preparation machine 201 in the same manner as described above for attachment of the mount 257 of the beverage preparation machine 201. The lower part 402 is provided with an inlet aperture 405 near a periphery of the recess 408 and an outlet aperture 404 at a centre of the recess 408.
The outlet aperture 404 of the lower part 402 is provided with a downwardly dependent cylindrical extension 410 which, as shown in
In use, the upper part 401 and lower part 402 of the insert 400 are sealed together as shown in
When the upper part 401 and lower part 402 are sealed together, the ‘O’, ring 403 provides a peripheral seal surrounding the brewing volume to prevent leakage of fluid at the extremities of the insert 400.
As shown in
In use, a quantity of beverage ingredients is loaded into the brewing volume defined by the insert 400 by placing the beverage ingredients between the upper part 401 and lower part 402 and then placing the upper part 401 and lower part 402 together so as to seal the brewing volume by means of the ‘O’, ring 403. This loading operation may take place before or after the insert 400 is removably attached to the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the lower part 402 of the insert 400 remains attached to the beverage preparation machine 201 and the user loads the quantity of beverage ingredients onto the lower part 402 and then places the upper part 401 on top of the lower part 402 in the recess 408 to define and seal the brewing volume.
Operation of the closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine is exactly the same as described above. In particular, it should be noted that on closure of the closure mechanism the brew head applies a downward pressure on the upper part 401 of the insert 400 to hold the upper part 401 and lower part 402 together to create the seal therebetween. The pressure may be applied to the upper part 401 by the top portion of the viewing window 311 or by the downwardly dependent rim of the viewing window dependent on the construction of the upper part 401. In addition, the downwardly directed pressure applied by the closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine seals the lower part 402 of the insert 400 against the fixed lower part 255 of the brew head ensuring a seal between the inlet aperture 405 of the lower part 402 and the upwardly directed inlet of the brew head to ensure that water does not leak during dispensation at this point. Preferably the lower part 255 of the brew head 250 at the inlet is provided with a rubberised seal 420 which stands slightly proud of the plane of the lower part 255 to create an improved seal between the upwardly directed inlet and the lower surface 417 of the lower part 402 of the insert 400.
The quantity of beverage ingredients loaded into the brewing volume of the insert 400 may be loose or may be contained in a container such as a flexible filter bag made of filter paper. Use of a filter bag has the advantage that loading of the beverage ingredients is very quick and removal of the beverage ingredients after dispensation is made easier.
During dispensation the beverage preparation machine injects water upwardly into the brewing volume from the upwardly directed inlet of the brew head 250. The water mixes with the quantity of beverage ingredients held in the brewing volume and the resulting beverage is dispensed downwardly through the outlet aperture 404 into a receptacle situated below the brew head 250. Other aspects of the operation of the beverage preparation machine are as described above in respect of operation of the cartridge. In particular, the recognition means of the beverage preparation machine may be used to read a barcode or RFID situated on the lower surface of the lower part 402, preferably in the recess 415.
The insert 400 has been described particularly for use with beverage ingredients contained in containers such as filter bags. As indicated, the beverage ingredients may alternatively be in a loose form. In this case, a separate filter may be provided in the insert 400 to prevent discharge of beverage ingredient residue. A preferred arrangement is for a planer filter to be placed across the upper extremity of the outlet aperture 404 of the lower part 402.
It will be appreciated that it will be advantageous that the upper part 401 of the insert 400 is rigid or semi-rigid in order to be able to transfer the downward pressure created by the closure mechanism to the seal 403 to ensure a good seal between the upper part 401 and lower part 402 of the insert 400.
In the illustrated embodiment of the insert 400, the upper part 401 and lower part 402 are shown as separate items. In an alternative configuration, the upper part 401 and lower part 402 may be hinged together at one point but movable from an open position and a closed position to allow loading and unloading of the quantity of beverage ingredients. Preferably, this version of the insert 400 would be formed as a plastic moulding with a plastic hinge.
Flow through the insert 400 is generally in an inward direction from the inlet 405 to the outlet 404. Also, advantageously since the inlet 405 and outlet 404 are both provided in the lower part 402, the construction of the upper part 401 is simplified.
In the above description the insert has been described as defining a brew volume. It should be understood that the insert and beverage preparation machine may be used with beverage ingredients which do not require brewing but are, instead, dissolved, diluted or otherwise mixed with water without departing from the scope of the present invention.
An insert of a non-cartridge form has been described for use with the beverage preparation system comprising an upper and a lower part and defining a brewing volume inbetween. Open-topped inserts may also be used which are formed for sealing against the brew head 250 of the machine 210 and which are provided with a barcode or RFID on their lower surface located in accordance with the present invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
0403496.3 | Feb 2004 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2005/000469 | 2/11/2005 | WO | 00 | 8/10/2006 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2005/079638 | 9/1/2005 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1576735 | Fessenden | Mar 1926 | A |
2715868 | Brown | Aug 1955 | A |
2778739 | Rodth | Jan 1957 | A |
2899106 | Weinert | Aug 1959 | A |
3083101 | Noury | Mar 1963 | A |
3336857 | Knodt et al | Aug 1967 | A |
3403617 | Lampe | Oct 1968 | A |
3790029 | Ward | Feb 1974 | A |
3823656 | Vander Veken | Jul 1974 | A |
D255529 | Dziekonski | Jun 1980 | S |
4382402 | Alvarez | May 1983 | A |
4389191 | Lowe | Jun 1983 | A |
4452130 | Klein | Jun 1984 | A |
4471689 | Piana | Sep 1984 | A |
4484515 | Illy | Nov 1984 | A |
4551611 | Longo | Nov 1985 | A |
4653390 | Hayes | Mar 1987 | A |
4724752 | Aliesch et al. | Feb 1988 | A |
4738378 | Oakley et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
4744291 | Wallin | May 1988 | A |
4775048 | Baecchi et al. | Oct 1988 | A |
4787299 | Levi et al. | Nov 1988 | A |
4806375 | Favre | Feb 1989 | A |
4818544 | Seward | Apr 1989 | A |
4838152 | Kubicko et al. | Jun 1989 | A |
4846052 | Favre et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
4853234 | Bentley et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
4873915 | Newman et al. | Oct 1989 | A |
4875408 | McGee | Oct 1989 | A |
4876953 | Imamura et al. | Oct 1989 | A |
4886674 | Seward et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
4917005 | Knepler | Apr 1990 | A |
4920870 | Newman et al. | May 1990 | A |
4921712 | Malmquist | May 1990 | A |
4990352 | Newman et al. | Feb 1991 | A |
5014611 | Illy et al. | May 1991 | A |
5063836 | Patel | Nov 1991 | A |
5072660 | Helbling | Dec 1991 | A |
5082676 | Love et al. | Jan 1992 | A |
5111740 | Klein | May 1992 | A |
5134924 | Vicker | Aug 1992 | A |
5178058 | van Dort et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
5183998 | Hoffman et al. | Feb 1993 | A |
5186096 | Willi | Feb 1993 | A |
5197374 | Fond | Mar 1993 | A |
5242702 | Fond | Sep 1993 | A |
5259295 | Timm | Nov 1993 | A |
5265520 | Giuliano | Nov 1993 | A |
5272960 | Kinna | Dec 1993 | A |
5285717 | Knepler | Feb 1994 | A |
5287797 | Grykiewicz et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5303639 | Bunn et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5325765 | Sylvan et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5327815 | Fond et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5343799 | Fond | Sep 1994 | A |
5347916 | Fond et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5349897 | King et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5375508 | Knepler et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
5398595 | Fond et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5398596 | Fond | Mar 1995 | A |
5408917 | Lussi | Apr 1995 | A |
5440972 | English | Aug 1995 | A |
5455887 | Dam | Oct 1995 | A |
5463932 | Olson | Nov 1995 | A |
5472719 | Favre | Dec 1995 | A |
5479849 | King et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5531152 | Gardosi | Jul 1996 | A |
5531604 | Huang | Jul 1996 | A |
5549035 | Wing-Chung | Aug 1996 | A |
5603254 | Fond et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5637335 | Fond et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
5638740 | Cai | Jun 1997 | A |
5638741 | Cisaria | Jun 1997 | A |
5639023 | Hild et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
5649412 | Binacchi | Jul 1997 | A |
5649472 | Fond et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5704275 | Warne | Jan 1998 | A |
5738001 | Liverani | Apr 1998 | A |
5762987 | Fond et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5776527 | Blanc | Jul 1998 | A |
5794519 | Fischer | Aug 1998 | A |
5826492 | Fond et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5840189 | Sylvan et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5858437 | Anson | Jan 1999 | A |
5862738 | Warne | Jan 1999 | A |
5895672 | Cooper | Apr 1999 | A |
5897899 | Fond | Apr 1999 | A |
5899137 | Miller et al. | May 1999 | A |
5921168 | Nello | Jul 1999 | A |
5948455 | Schaeffer et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5967021 | Yung | Oct 1999 | A |
5974950 | King | Nov 1999 | A |
5992298 | Illy et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6000317 | Van Der Meer | Dec 1999 | A |
6006653 | Sham et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6009792 | Kraan | Jan 2000 | A |
D419821 | Powell et al. | Feb 2000 | S |
6021705 | Dijs | Feb 2000 | A |
6025000 | Fond et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
D423863 | Lupi | May 2000 | S |
6062127 | Klosinski et al. | May 2000 | A |
6068871 | Fond et al. | May 2000 | A |
6082245 | Nicolai | Jul 2000 | A |
6095031 | Warne | Aug 2000 | A |
6109168 | Illy et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6117471 | King | Sep 2000 | A |
6142063 | Beaulieu et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6170386 | Paul | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6173117 | Clubb | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6178874 | Joergensen | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6182554 | Beaulieu et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6186051 | Aarts | Feb 2001 | B1 |
D443792 | Peters et al. | Jun 2001 | S |
6240832 | Schmed et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6240833 | Sham et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6245371 | Gutwein et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6279459 | Mork et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6289948 | Jeannin et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
D452107 | Cahen | Dec 2001 | S |
6347725 | Yoakim et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6358545 | Chandler et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6405637 | Cai | Jun 2002 | B1 |
D459628 | Cahen | Jul 2002 | S |
D460653 | Cahen | Jul 2002 | S |
D461358 | Cahen | Aug 2002 | S |
6499388 | Schmed | Dec 2002 | B2 |
D475567 | Hsu | Jun 2003 | S |
6606938 | Taylor | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6607762 | Lazaris et al. | Aug 2003 | B2 |
D479939 | Au | Sep 2003 | S |
6612224 | Mercier et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6644173 | Lazaris et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6645537 | Sweeney et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6655260 | Lazaris et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6698332 | Kollep et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6698333 | Halliday et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
D489930 | Tse | May 2004 | S |
6758130 | Sargent et al. | Jul 2004 | B2 |
6786136 | Cirigliano et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6857353 | Kollep et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6935222 | Chen et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
20010048957 | Lazaris et al. | Dec 2001 | A1 |
20020002913 | Mariller et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
20020015768 | Masek et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020023543 | Schmed | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020048621 | Boyd et al. | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20020078831 | Cai | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020088807 | Perkovic et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020121197 | Mercier et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020121198 | Kollep et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020124736 | Kollep et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020129712 | Westbrook et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020144603 | Taylor | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20020144604 | Winkler et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20020148356 | Lazaris et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20020148357 | Lazaris et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20030005826 | Sargent et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030039731 | Dalton et al. | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030056655 | Kollep et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030145736 | Green | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030222089 | Hale | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20070175334 | Halliday et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
0 057 671 | Aug 1982 | EP |
0 151 252 | Aug 1985 | EP |
0 272 922 | Jun 1988 | EP |
0 334 571 | Sep 1989 | EP |
0 334 572 | Sep 1989 | EP |
0 449 533 | Oct 1991 | EP |
0 451 980 | Oct 1991 | EP |
0 445 337 | Nov 1991 | EP |
0 469 162 | Feb 1992 | EP |
0 521 510 | Jan 1993 | EP |
0 524 464 | Jan 1993 | EP |
0 638 486 | Feb 1995 | EP |
0 604 615 | Sep 1998 | EP |
0 862 882 | Sep 1998 | EP |
0 870 457 | Oct 1998 | EP |
0 904 718 | Mar 1999 | EP |
0 730 425 | May 1999 | EP |
0 756 844 | May 1999 | EP |
1 042 978 | Oct 2000 | EP |
1 090 574 | Apr 2001 | EP |
1 095 605 | May 2001 | EP |
1 101 430 | May 2001 | EP |
1 153 561 | Nov 2001 | EP |
1 208 782 | May 2002 | EP |
0 862 882 | Jul 2002 | EP |
1 316 283 | Jun 2003 | EP |
1 255 685 | Apr 2004 | EP |
1 537 031 | Aug 1968 | FR |
2 322 796 | Apr 1977 | FR |
468 248 | Jul 1937 | GB |
828 529 | Feb 1960 | GB |
1 215 840 | Dec 1970 | GB |
2 306 432 | May 1997 | GB |
2 374 795 | Oct 2002 | GB |
2 374 816 | Oct 2002 | GB |
2 374 856 | Oct 2002 | GB |
2 379 624 | Mar 2003 | GB |
2000-93309 | Apr 2000 | JP |
8807472 | Oct 1988 | WO |
9507648 | Mar 1995 | WO |
9516377 | Jun 1995 | WO |
9717006 | May 1997 | WO |
9827854 | Jul 1998 | WO |
0028868 | May 2000 | WO |
0042891 | Jul 2000 | WO |
0115582 | Mar 2001 | WO |
0130218 | May 2001 | WO |
0158786 | Aug 2001 | WO |
0160219 | Aug 2001 | WO |
0160220 | Aug 2001 | WO |
0182760 | Nov 2001 | WO |
0219875 | Mar 2002 | WO |
0228241 | Apr 2002 | WO |
02074143 | Sep 2002 | WO |
02074661 | Sep 2002 | WO |
02082962 | Oct 2002 | WO |
02085170 | Oct 2002 | WO |
02085170 | Oct 2002 | WO |
02084700 | Nov 2002 | WO |
02092439 | Nov 2002 | WO |
03026470 | Apr 2003 | WO |
03039309 | May 2003 | WO |
03059778 | Jul 2003 | WO |
03059778 | Jul 2003 | WO |
03065859 | Aug 2003 | WO |
03065859 | Dec 2003 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20070157821 A1 | Jul 2007 | US |