PACKAGE RECOGNITION SYSTEM

摘要

The invention provides a beverage production machine having an apparatus for recognising a package. The apparatus comprises two resonant tank circuits, each comprising a coil and a capacitor; two electronic circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal which is indicative of the changes; and means for controlling the beverage production machine according to the signal. The machine also comprises a holder for supporting the package. The package for use in the machine comprises a base unit having a compartment which contains tea material, and a rim with a projecting lip; conductive material associated with the package having two edge sections situated on opposite sides of the compartment; and a lid attached to the base unit around the rim, the central portion of the lid comprising at least one perforated line. The invention also provides a method of recognising the package.

主权项

1. A beverage production machine comprising an apparatus for recognising a package (4), the apparatus comprising:
two resonant tank circuits, each one comprising a coil (6a, 6b) and a capacitor; two electronic detection circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal wherein the signal is indicative of the changes in coil impedance; and a control means for controlling at least one parameter of the beverage production machine according to the signal;the beverage production machine further comprising a package holder for supporting the package within the machine and that interacts with the package to direct the location and alignment of the package within the beverage production machine in any one of n fixed orientations, wherein n is an integer.