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AssigneeNestec S.A.
InventorsRuguo Hu, John R. Bernardi, Corey M. Arrick, Ennio Bardin
Estimating the term…
A unit having a collecting device with a seat arranged to receive a disposable capsule containing a soluble product, such as a beverage-forming powder. The capsule contains at least one inlet port for a diluting fluid introduced into the capsule, at least one outlet port for delivery of a beverage provided by thorough mixing of the soluble product and the diluting fluid, and a bottom wall. The unit also includes a throttling arrangement provided by an engaging surface of a plunger that is operatively associated with the outlet port of the capsule. The engaging surface of the plunger is positioned and arranged outside of the capsule before the diluting fluid enters into the capsule, with the throttling arrangement created as diluting fluid is urged to enter the capsule by expansion of the capsule bottom wall and by forcing the engaging surface of the plunger to snugly fit through the outlet port. This limits the introduction of the plunger inside the capsule to the limited displacement of the bottom wall as a result of its deformation under pressure.
A unit for preparation of a foamy beverage from a soluble product, the unit comprising:
A method for the preparation of a frothy beverage with a creamy or stable head of foam from a soluble product contained in a disposable capsule, wherein the capsule is fitted in the seat of a collecting device and wherein diluting fluid is conveyed into the capsule via an inlet port and is forced through a throttling arrangement, obtained by forcing a plunger through an outlet port of the capsule, wherein the throttling arrangement is carried out under the pressure of diluting fluid entering the capsule whereby dissolution of the soluble product in the diluting fluid is improved as less interaction or compaction of soluble product, in the solid state, occurs with the plunger.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.