Capsule machine and components

Abstract

A machine is provided for preparing a desired product from a capsule containing desired ingredients. The machine includes a brew chamber that is adapted to hold the capsule at a downward angle relative to a horizontal plane. A cover for the brew chamber is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. A loading mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the brew chamber. An injection system is provided for injecting a fluid into the capsule. A fluid transfer system is provided for transferring a desired fluid from a fluid source to the injection system. A dispensing system is provided for dispensing product to a receptacle. A reusable capsule is also provided for use with the machine.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A machine for preparing a product from a capsule that contains desired ingredients, the machine comprising:
 a housing;   a brew chamber disposed in said housing, said brew chamber being adapted for holding a capsule at a downward angle relative to a horizontal plane for preparing a beverage;   a cover adapted for covering said brew chamber, said cover being moveable between an open position, for loading or unloading a capsule, and a closed position for preparing a beverage;   an injection system adapted for injecting a fluid into said capsule when said cover is in said closed position for preparing a beverage while said capsule is held in said brew chamber at said downward angle;   a fluid transfer system adapted for transferring a desired fluid from a fluid source to said injection system; and   a dispensing system adapted for dispensing product from said capsule to a desired receptacle.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said downward angle is between 15 and 60 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said downward angle is between 25 and 35 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said injection system includes an injection nozzle adapted to pierce a cover for said capsule, said injection nozzle being offset from a central axis of said brew chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said dispensing system comprises a probe adapted to pierce said capsule in said brew chamber at a lower most edge relative to a horizontal plane. 
     
     
         6 . A machine for preparing a product from a capsule that contains desired ingredients, the machine comprising:
 a housing;   a brew chamber disposed in said housing, said brew chamber being adapted for holding a capsule;   a cover adapted for covering said brew chamber, said cover being moveable between an open position, for loading or unloading a capsule, and a closed position for preparing a beverage;   an injection system adapted for injecting a fluid into said capsule when said cover is in said closed position for preparing a beverage, wherein said injection system includes an injection nozzle adapted to pierce a cover for said capsule, said injection nozzle being offset from a central axis of said brew chamber;   a fluid transfer system adapted for transferring a desired fluid from a fluid source to said injection system; and   a dispensing system adapted for dispensing product from said capsule to a desired receptacle.   
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 6 , wherein said injection nozzle includes a side opening for injecting fluid into said capsule in a direction that circulates around said central axis. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 6 , wherein said injection nozzle includes a side opening for injecting fluid into said capsule in a direction towards said central axis. 
     
     
         9 . A machine for preparing a product from a capsule that contains desired ingredients, the machine comprising:
 a housing;   a brew chamber disposed in said housing, said brew chamber being adapted for holding a capsule;   a cover adapted for covering said brew chamber, said cover being moveable between an open position, for loading or unloading a capsule, and a closed position for preparing a beverage;   an injection system adapted for injecting a fluid into said capsule when said cover is in said closed position for preparing a beverage;   a fluid transfer system adapted for transferring a desired fluid from a plurality of fluid sources to said injection system, said fluid sources including at least one heated fluid supply; and   a dispensing system adapted for dispensing product from said capsule to a desired receptacle.   
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein said fluid sources include at least one ambient temperature fluid supply. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein said fluid sources include at least one cooled fluid supply. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein fluid from at least two of said plurality of fluid sources may be transferred to said injection nozzle for injection into said capsule. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 9 , further comprising a control system for controlling said machine including said fluid transfer system, said control system being adapted to facilitate controlling the amount of fluid that is injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 13 , wherein said control system is further adapted to control the timing of said injection of fluid into said capsule in predetermined pulsed intervals. 
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 13 , wherein said control system is further adapted to control the injection of air into said capsule. 
     
     
         16 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking system associated with said cover for locking said cover in said closed position during the preparation of said beverage. 
     
     
         17 . The machine of  claim 16 , wherein said locking system includes a locking solenoid that is adapted to lock cover during preparation of said beverage. 
     
     
         18 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor associated with said cover for sensing when said cover is closed prior to initiation of said injection system. 
     
     
         19 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure relief valve associated with said injection system for relieving pressure when the pressure within said injection nozzle exceeds a predetermined amount. 
     
     
         20 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a check valve associated with said injection system for preventing a backflow through said fluid transfer system.