PRESSURE REGULATED BEVERAGE CARTRIDGES

摘要

Various embodiments of pressure regulated beverage cartridges are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a cartridge and a beverage preparation machine. The cartridge and machine can be configured such that, when the cartridge is received in the machine, a pressure of less than a limit value is maintained in the cartridge during the beverage preparation process, which can improve the flavor of certain beverages, such as brewed coffee beverages.

主权项

1. A beverage preparation machine comprising:
a reservoir configured to contain a brewing liquid; a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir; a brewing chamber in fluid communication with the pump, the brew chamber having a fluid entry port and fluid exit port and being configured to receive a cartridge comprising;
a filter top having a top filter area;a filter bottom having a bottom filter area;an inner chamber; anda beverage component or precursor positioned in the chamber, the beverage component extending above the filter bottom by a bed depth;wherein the cartridge has a spread ratio defined by the ratio of the bed depth to the second filter area; wherein, when the cartridge is received in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber comprises a head loss coefficient that is directly related to the spread ratio of the cartridge; a spout in fluid communication with the fluid exit port of the brewing chamber; the pump configured to encourage brewing liquid from the reservoir to the brewing chamber via piping; the pump configured to apply a pressure to the brewing liquid such that the brewing liquid passes through the top filter of the cartridge and into engagement with the beverage component or precursor to produce a beverage, the beverage being encouraged through the bottom filter and to the spout for dispensation; and the pressure applied by the pump creating a pressure differential between the fluid entry port and fluid exit port of the brewing chamber, the differential being a function of the head loss coefficient of the brewing chamber and being maintained at less than or equal to 6 psi.