US 12,268,326 B2
Machine, system and method for preparing fluid food products
Carlo Carbonini, Turin (IT); Carlo De Mango, Turin (IT); and Luca Bugnano, Turin (IT)
Assigned to LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A., Turin (IT)
Appl. No. 17/627,620
Filed by LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A., Turin (IT)
PCT Filed Jul. 16, 2020, PCT No. PCT/IB2020/056682
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Jan. 14, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/014286, PCT Pub. Date Jan. 28, 2021.
Claims priority of application No. 102019000012390 (IT), filed on Jul. 19, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2022/0265082 A1, Aug. 25, 2022
Int. Cl. A47J 31/36 (2006.01); A23F 5/26 (2006.01); A47J 31/40 (2006.01); A47J 31/46 (2006.01); A47J 31/52 (2006.01)
CPC A47J 31/3628 (2013.01) [A23F 5/26 (2013.01); A47J 31/407 (2013.01); A47J 31/468 (2018.08); A47J 31/469 (2018.08); A47J 31/525 (2018.08)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A machine for preparing a food product, comprising at least a stationary structure, a hydraulic circuit, and a control system,
wherein the hydraulic circuit comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and a pump,
wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises a first external dispensing element, designed to be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam,
wherein the first external dispensing element is configured for coupling with an inlet of a disposable container for preparing and retaining the food product,
wherein the hydraulic circuit is controllable for supplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first external dispensing element,
wherein the stationary structure defines a container-positioning area,
wherein the first external dispensing element is part of a dispensing head that is carried by the stationary structure and faces towards the container-positioning area,
wherein the dispensing head is configured for coupling of the first external dispensing element with the inlet of the disposable container when the disposable container is positioned in a substantially predetermined position within the container-positioning area,
wherein the dispensing head is provided with piercing or tearing means configured for locally piercing or tearing an entry wall of the disposable container, and enabling venting of air present inside the container in the course of preparation of the food product,
and wherein the machine moreover comprises a preparation unit, which includes a preparation chamber suitable for receiving a dose of a precursor of at least one second food substance, and dispensing the at least one second food substance following upon passage of water and/or steam through the preparation chamber, the hydraulic circuit being configured for supplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the preparation chamber.