(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`10 September 2010 (10.09.2010)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`A47J 31/36 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`PCT/EP2009/001617
`
`6 March 2009 (06.03.2009)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(71) Applicant
`except US):
`(for all designated States
`BRASILIA S.p.A.
`[IT/IT]; Via Stradivari, 4, 1-2013 1
`Milano (IT).
`
`(72) Inventor; and
`(for US only): ROSSI, Giampiero
`(75) Inventor/Applicant
`[IT/IT]; Via Leonardo da Vinci, 53, 1-27055 Rivanazzano
`(PV) (IT).
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2010/099806 Al
`
`RAPISARDI,
`(74) Agent:
`BREVETTI RAPISARDI
`1-20122 Milano (IT).
`
`Mariacristina;
`UFFICIO
`S.r.L, Via Serbelloni,
`12,
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ,
`EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN,
`HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR,
`KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO,
`NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG,
`SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA,
`UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE,
`ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: SYSTEM OF EDIBLE-PRODUCT MAKING MACHINE AND LOAD ELEMENT AND PROCESS FOR CON
`TROL OF MACHINE
`
`(57) Abstract: The process for controlling the operation of an edible-
`product making machine (1) of the type being fed with a single use load
`element (2) having a brewable or water soluble aromatic substance (3) for
`preparation of the edible product, comprises a first step of recognition
`wherein the edible-product making machine (1) recognises an identifying
`element (4) on the load element (2) allowing the edible-product making
`machine (1) to take further steps only if it also recognises on the load ele
`ment (2) a validation element (5) to be validated, a second step of valida
`tion of the validation element (5), and a third step of activation wherein
`the edible-product making machine (1) automatically activates a cycle of
`production of the edible product only after having recognised on the load
`element (2) the identifying element (4) in combination with the validation
`element (5) as validated.
`
`F l G.1
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 1 of 21
`
`

`

`MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR), Published:
`-, , /
`. t
`OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML,
`.
`,
`,
`t .
`/ ,,
`MR NF SN TD T
`— with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`>
`>
`>
`< >
`
`Declarations under Rule 4.17:
`— of inventorship (Rule 4.17 (iv))
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 2 of 21
`
`

`

`SYSTEM OF EDIBLE- PRODUCT MAKING MACHINE AND LOAD ELEMENT AND
`
`PROCESS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`The present
`
`invention
`
`relates
`
`to a system
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine and a load element, and a process for
`
`controlling
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`o f
`
`the
`
`edible-product
`
`making
`
`machine .
`
`Edible -product making machines of the type being fed with a
`
`single use load element having a brewable
`
`or water soluble
`
`aromatic substance for preparation of said edible product are
`
`often
`
`used
`
`for the preparation
`
`o f coffee,
`
`tea,
`
`or other
`
`beverages, as well as for soups. The load element generally
`
`comprises a capsule containing coffee powder, instant coffee
`
`granules,
`
`tea leaves,
`
`freeze-dried
`
`soup granules
`
`or other
`
`substances designed
`
`to be put in contact with water within
`
`machine. The load element is usually sealed, and the element
`
`is inserted
`
`into
`
`the machine,
`
`without
`
`the user
`
`being
`
`in
`
`contact with the substance therein. Inside the machine, the
`
`load element
`
`is generally
`
`pierced
`
`to allow
`
`water
`
`to pass
`
`through it, or the contents o f the load element are emptied
`
`out into a different
`
`container
`
`for the preparation
`
`of the
`
`edible product. The contents o f the load element are brewed
`
`or dissolved
`
`in
`
`the
`
`water
`
`in
`
`order
`
`to make
`
`the
`
`edible
`
`product .
`
`The
`
`necessary
`
`operating
`
`conditions
`
`o f
`
`the
`
`machine
`
`vary
`
`depending
`
`on the
`
`substance
`
`within
`
`the
`
`load
`
`element.
`
`Such
`
`operating conditions may include the amount of water used for
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 3 of 21
`
`

`

`each product,
`
`the
`
`temperature
`
`and pressure
`
`of the water
`
`supplied,
`
`a s well as the time required for operation.
`
`For
`
`each substance or type o f substance, the operating conditions
`
`affect the quality o f the final edible product. In order to
`
`achieve a desired quality, the contents o f the load element
`
`must be known and the appropriate operating conditions must
`
`be set .
`
`In systems o f the prior art which are capable o f producing a
`
`variety o f edible
`
`products,
`
`such as a variety
`
`o f coffee
`
`beverages, the user must select the operating conditions o f
`
`the machine. This requires time and effort and there i s the
`
`potential risk of producing an edible product with incorrect
`
`qualities if the user is not familiar with the functioning o f
`
`the machine or the operating conditions appropriate
`
`for the
`
`contents of the load element and therefore selects the wrong
`
`operating conditions.
`
`The production o f an edible product o f the desired quality is
`
`also dependent on the user knowing the contents o f the load
`
`element. Since load elements are generally sealed, it may not
`
`be possible
`
`to ascertain
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof
`
`by visual
`
`inspection.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`if there is no indication
`
`on the
`
`load element o f its contents, the user cannot be sure o f the
`
`contents,
`
`thus
`
`potentially
`
`selecting
`
`the
`
`wrong
`
`operating
`
`conditions
`
`for
`
`the
`
`desired
`
`quality
`
`of product,
`
`or
`
`even
`
`producing the wrong product.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 4 of 21
`
`

`

`Furthermore, edible -product making machines o f the prior art,
`
`such as coffee machines
`
`fed with capsules containing coffee
`
`powder, are usually designed so as to operate with a certain
`
`design or type o f load element.
`
`Use of an incorrect
`
`load
`
`element
`
`may
`
`cause
`
`the
`
`machine
`
`to
`
`malfunction
`
`and
`
`can
`
`prejudice the safety and integrity o f the machine and the may
`
`harm the user. These types of machines often involve the use
`
`of high
`
`pressure,
`
`high
`
`temperature
`
`water,
`
`which
`
`poses
`
`a
`
`potential health hazard if the machine is not used correctly
`
`or malfunctions.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`use o f the wrong operating
`
`conditions
`
`with the correct
`
`load element may also lead to
`
`these
`
`consequences.
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`use
`
`o f
`
`an
`
`insufficient
`
`amount
`
`o f water
`
`could
`
`lead
`
`to the
`
`contents
`
`o f the
`
`load
`
`element
`
`not
`
`being
`
`fully
`
`dissolved
`
`and
`
`blocking
`
`channels
`
`within the machine, thereby potentially
`
`causing accumulation
`
`and overflow o f hot water.
`
`The
`
`technical
`
`task
`
`proposed
`
`by
`
`the present
`
`invention
`
`is
`
`therefore
`
`that o f providing
`
`a system o f an edible-product
`
`making machine and load element and process for controlling
`
`the
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`machine
`
`that
`
`overcome
`
`the
`
`noted
`
`technical drawbacks o f the prior art .
`
`Within the scope of this technical task is therefore that of
`
`providing a safe and simple system and process for ensuring
`
`that an appropriate load element is used.
`
`A further technical task is that o f providing
`
`a system and
`
`process
`
`for ensuring
`
`that operating
`
`conditions
`
`appropriate
`
`for the load element are used.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 5 of 21
`
`

`

`The technical task, as well as these and other objects, are
`
`achieved according to the present invention by a process for
`
`controlling the operation o f an edible-product making machine
`
`o f the type being fed with a single use load element having a
`
`brewable or water soluble aromatic substance for preparation
`
`of said edible product, characterised in that it comprises a
`
`first step o f recognition wherein said edible -product making
`
`machine
`
`recognises
`
`an
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`on
`
`said
`
`load
`
`element allowing said edible -product making machine to take
`
`further steps only if it also recognises on said load element
`
`a validation
`
`element
`
`to be validated,
`
`a
`
`second
`
`step o f
`
`validation o f said validation
`
`element, and a third step o f
`
`activation
`
`wherein
`
`said
`
`edible-product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`automatically activates a cycle o f production o f said edible
`
`product only after having
`
`recognised
`
`on said load element
`
`said identifying element in combination with said validation
`
`element as validated.
`
`The present invention also relates to a system comprising a
`
`edible-product
`
`making machine
`
`and at least one single use
`
`load element
`
`having
`
`a brewable
`
`or water
`
`soluble
`
`aromatic
`
`substance to be fed into said edible -product making machine
`
`for preparation of said edible product, characterised in that
`
`said load element comprises an identifying
`
`element for its
`
`recognition and a validation element for its validation, and
`
`said
`
`edible -product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`comprises
`
`means
`
`for
`
`recognising
`
`said
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`and
`
`said
`
`validation
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 6 of 21
`
`

`

`element o f said load element,
`
`and means
`
`for validation
`
`of
`
`said validation element o f said load element.
`
`The use o f an identification
`
`element and recognition means,
`
`as well as the step o f recognising the identification element
`
`allows the machine to recognise the load element and, hence,
`
`its
`
`contents.
`
`This
`
`in
`
`turn
`
`enables
`
`the
`
`machine
`
`to
`
`automatically select the operating conditions appropriate for
`
`that
`
`specific
`
`load
`
`element.
`
`This
`
`prevents
`
`the
`
`user
`
`from
`
`having to verify the contents of the load element, and from
`
`having
`
`to
`
`know
`
`and
`
`select
`
`the
`
`operating
`
`conditions
`
`appropriate
`
`therefor.
`
`It also helps
`
`to prevent
`
`the safety
`
`hazard
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the use o f inappropriate
`
`operating
`
`conditions .
`
`The use o f a validation element and validation means, as well
`
`as the step allowing the machine to take further steps only
`
`if it also recognises
`
`on the load element
`
`the validation
`
`element help to prevent the use o f an already-used single use
`
`load element in the machine, thereby avoiding the production
`
`o f an edible product
`
`o f inferior quality
`
`and ensuring
`
`the
`
`proper functioning o f the machine. In the case o f re-use o f a
`
`load element originally
`
`containing a water soluble aromatic
`
`substance, the dynamics of the fluid flow through the machine
`
`could be different if there is no substance in the load unit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`water
`
`to
`
`contact,
`
`thereby
`
`causing
`
`incorrect
`
`functioning o f the machine and the associated health hazard.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 7 of 21
`
`

`

`The use of an activation step of automatically activating the
`
`cycle
`
`o f
`
`edible-product
`
`production
`
`only
`
`when
`
`the
`
`same
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`is recognised
`
`in combination
`
`with the
`
`validated
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`ensures
`
`that
`
`the
`
`operating
`
`conditions
`
`actually
`
`used
`
`are
`
`the
`
`correct
`
`conditions
`
`a s
`
`selected by the machine in the first recognition
`
`step. This
`
`helps
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`the
`
`user
`
`from
`
`making
`
`the
`
`mistake
`
`o f
`
`inserting into the machine a different
`
`load element to the
`
`one
`
`that
`
`was
`
`first
`
`recognised,
`
`for
`
`which
`
`the
`
`operating
`
`conditions are set.
`
`Other characteristics
`
`o f the present invention are moreover
`
`defined in the subsequent claims.
`
`The process o f the present invention comprises a first step
`
`o f
`
`the
`
`edible -product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`recognising
`
`an
`
`identifying element on the load element. This can optionally
`
`be through an infra red (IR) wave communication
`
`channel, a
`
`radio
`
`frequency
`
`(RF)
`
`wave
`
`communication
`
`channel,
`
`or
`
`an
`
`optical wave communication
`
`channel.
`
`The user may hold the
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`on
`
`the
`
`load
`
`element
`
`up
`
`against
`
`recognition
`
`means
`
`located externally
`
`on the edible-product
`
`making machine .
`
`The
`
`identification
`
`element
`
`preferably
`
`contains
`
`information
`
`about the contents
`
`o f the load element.
`
`This permits
`
`the
`
`optional
`
`further
`
`step o f self -programming
`
`o f the
`
`edible -
`
`product making machine according to the specific load element
`
`recognised such that the appropriate operating conditions are
`
`automatically set.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 8 of 21
`
`

`

`The edible -product making machine
`
`is only allowed
`
`to take
`
`further steps if it in the first step also recognises on the
`
`load
`
`element
`
`a
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`to
`
`be
`
`validated.
`
`In
`
`practice,
`
`this may take the form o f unlocking
`
`the machine
`
`when both
`
`the
`
`identification
`
`element
`
`and
`
`the unvalidated
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`are
`
`recognised.
`
`Thus,
`
`the
`
`production
`
`process cannot be activated unless the first step has been
`
`completed. The process could also require that the validation
`
`element be of a specific kind or be related to or associated
`
`to the identification element in a specific way in order for
`
`this first step to be completed. The validation element could
`
`be identical to the identification element, but is preferably
`
`different thereto, and could either be either of the same or
`
`of a different
`
`type to the identification
`
`element.
`
`If the
`
`identification
`
`element
`
`and
`
`the validation
`
`element
`
`are o f
`
`different
`
`types,
`
`the
`
`recognition
`
`means
`
`for
`
`the
`
`two must
`
`accordingly also be different.
`
`The process
`
`comprises
`
`a second step of validation
`
`o f the
`
`validation
`
`element.
`
`This may be performed
`
`by the machine,
`
`such as by a tool in or on the machine, or independently from
`
`the machine, such as by hand or by the user using a tool not
`
`associated with the machine. The validation preferably takes
`
`the form o f mechanical destruction o f the validation element,
`
`such
`
`a s
`
`ripping,
`
`cutting,
`
`scratching
`
`or
`
`piercing
`
`the
`
`identification
`
`element.
`
`Validation
`
`ensures
`
`that
`
`the
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`can
`
`no
`
`longer
`
`be
`
`recognised
`
`as
`
`an
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 9 of 21
`
`

`

`unvalidated validation element. Usually, this is evidenced by
`
`the communication
`
`channel
`
`producing
`
`a null-signal.
`
`It may
`
`also be advantageous
`
`if said validation
`
`is visible
`
`to the
`
`user,
`
`such that
`
`it
`
`is clear
`
`i f a load element
`
`has been
`
`validated and can therefore not be re-used in the process as
`
`it would not pass the first step.
`
`In a third step o f the process, the product -making machine
`
`automatically activates a cycle o f edible -product production.
`
`However,
`
`this is only after having recognised
`
`on the load
`
`element the same identifying
`
`element as that recognised
`
`in
`
`the first step, and it must be recognised in combination with
`
`the validation
`
`element a s validated. A s with the first and
`
`second steps, this step may take place inside or outside the
`
`machine.
`
`However,
`
`for
`
`reasons
`
`of cost
`
`efficiency,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`preferable to use the same recognition means in step three as
`
`in step one.
`
`The system
`
`o f the present
`
`invention
`
`comprises
`
`an edible-
`
`product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`and at least
`
`one
`
`single
`
`use
`
`load
`
`element having a brewable or water soluble aromatic substance
`
`to be fed into the machine
`
`for preparation
`
`of an edible
`
`product.
`
`The load element
`
`is preferably
`
`in the form o f a
`
`capsule, and is preferably sealed. It may optionally comprise
`
`a capsule and a protective packaging thereof . The capsule may
`
`have a protective
`
`sheet on the outlet base o f the capsule,
`
`designed to be removed by the user or by the machine prior to
`
`activation o f the production cycle.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 10 of 21
`
`

`

`The
`
`load
`
`element
`
`of the
`
`system
`
`comprises
`
`an
`
`identifying
`
`element for its recognition and a validation element for its
`
`validation.
`
`These are preferably
`
`in the form o f barcodes,
`
`antennae,
`
`or paints having optically measurable
`
`properties.
`
`The machine comprises means for recognising the load element
`
`and the validation
`
`element, such as at least one infra red
`
`barcode
`
`reader,
`
`radio
`
`frequency
`
`wave
`
`transmitter
`
`and
`
`receiver,
`
`or optical
`
`sensor.
`
`These are preferably
`
`located
`
`externally on a lateral wall o f the capsule, externally on
`
`the protective packaging o f the capsule, or externally on the
`
`protective sheet on the outlet base o f the capsule .
`
`The
`
`machine
`
`o f
`
`the
`
`system
`
`further
`
`comprises
`
`means
`
`for
`
`validating the validation element, this preferably comprising
`
`a mechanical
`
`destruction
`
`tool having
`
`a plurality
`
`of tips
`
`adapted
`
`to
`
`rip,
`
`cut,
`
`scratch
`
`or pierce
`
`said
`
`validation
`
`element. The machine may perform this validation, or the user
`
`may
`
`manually
`
`engage
`
`the
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`with
`
`the
`
`validation means.
`
`The
`
`system
`
`further
`
`optionally
`
`comprises
`
`checking
`
`means
`
`connected to a control unit of the machine. This may be in
`
`the form o f a computer programme within the control unit . The
`
`checking means compares the signal from the recognising means
`
`for the identifying element and the validation
`
`element with
`
`pre- stored data in order to allow the machine to proceed to
`
`activation only if it recognises the identifying element and
`
`the unvalidated validation element. The checking means may be
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 11 of 21
`
`

`

`connected to unlocking means for unlocking the machine when
`
`said recognition takes place.
`
`The
`
`system
`
`also
`
`optionally
`
`comprises
`
`activation
`
`means
`
`connected to the recognising means through the control unit.
`
`This automatically
`
`activates
`
`the machine,
`
`but only if the
`
`identifying element
`
`is recognised,
`
`and in combination
`
`with
`
`the validation
`
`element
`
`as validated.
`
`The activation
`
`means
`
`cannot be triggered
`
`unless
`
`the checking
`
`means
`
`have
`
`first
`
`indicated a positive recognition o f the identifying element
`
`and the unvalidated validation element.
`
`Further
`
`characteristics
`
`and
`
`advantages
`
`o f
`
`the
`
`present
`
`invention will become more evident from the description o f a
`
`preferred,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`exclusive,
`
`embodiment
`
`o f a system
`
`of
`
`edible -product making machine and a load element according to
`
`the
`
`finding,
`
`illustrated
`
`in
`
`the
`
`attached,
`
`non- limiting
`
`drawing, wherein:
`
`Figure 1 shows a schematic view o f one embodiment
`
`o f the
`
`system o f the present invention.
`
`With reference to the above figure, the system comprises an
`
`edible -product making machine 1 and a single use load element
`
`in the form of a capsule
`
`2 . The load element
`
`contains a
`
`brewable
`
`or
`
`water
`
`soluble
`
`aromatic
`
`substance
`
`3
`
`for
`
`preparation o f an edible product. The capsule 2 comprises an
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`in
`
`the
`
`form
`
`o f
`
`a
`
`barcode
`
`4
`
`and
`
`a
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`also in the form o f a barcode
`
`5 , both
`
`located externally on a protective sheet 6 of the outlet base
`
`o f the capsule.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 12 of 21
`
`

`

`The machine 1 comprises recognising means in the form o f an
`
`infrared barcode
`
`reader
`
`7 . This is connected
`
`to checking
`
`means 8 stored within a control unit 9 o f the machine. The
`
`checking means allow the machine activation means 1 0 to be
`
`engaged
`
`only
`
`if
`
`the
`
`barcode
`
`reader
`
`7
`
`recognises
`
`the
`
`identification barcode 4 and the validation barcode 5 .
`
`The machine 1 further comprises validation means in the form
`
`of a mechanical
`
`tool 11
`
`having a plurality
`
`o f tips for
`
`destroying the validation barcode 5 , for example by ripping,
`
`cutting, scratching or piercing, such that the barcode reader
`
`7 cannot recognise it as an unvalidated validation barcode.
`
`If, after the positive signal from the checking means 8 from
`
`the first recognition
`
`of the identification and validation
`
`barcodes
`
`4,5,
`
`the
`
`barcode
`
`reader
`
`7
`
`performs
`
`a
`
`second
`
`recognition o f the identification barcode 4 combined with the
`
`validated
`
`validation
`
`barcode
`
`5 ,
`
`the activation
`
`means
`
`10,
`
`connected to the barcode reader 7 through the control unit 9 ,
`
`automatically activate a cycle of production o f the edible
`
`product .
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 13 of 21
`
`

`

`CLAJMS
`
`1 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine of the type being fed with a single
`
`use load element having a brewable or water soluble aromatic
`
`substance
`
`for
`
`preparation
`
`o f
`
`said
`
`edible
`
`product,
`
`characterised
`
`in
`
`that
`
`it
`
`comprises
`
`a
`
`first
`
`step
`
`of
`
`recognition
`
`wherein
`
`said
`
`edible -product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`recognises
`
`an
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`on
`
`said
`
`load
`
`element
`
`allowing said edible -product making machine to take further
`
`steps only
`
`if
`
`it also recognises
`
`on said
`
`load element a
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`to
`
`be
`
`validated,
`
`a
`
`second
`
`step
`
`o f
`
`validation o f said validation
`
`element, and a third step of
`
`activation
`
`wherein
`
`said
`
`edible -product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`automatically activates a cycle o f production o f said edible
`
`product only after having
`
`recognised on said load element
`
`said identifying element in combination with said validation
`
`element a s validated.
`
`2 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine as claimed in claim 1 , characterised
`
`in that said second step is performed by said edible -product
`
`making machine .
`
`3 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`a s claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that said second step is not performed by
`
`said edible -product making machine.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 14 of 21
`
`

`

`4 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised in that said second step consists o f mechanical
`
`destruction o f said validation element.
`
`5 .
`
`Process
`
`for
`
`controlling
`
`the operation
`
`of an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that said mechanical destruction
`
`comprises
`
`ripping, cutting, scratching or piercing o f said validation
`
`element .
`
`6 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that it comprises a further step o f self-
`
`programming
`
`o f said edible -product making machine according
`
`to the specific load element recognised in said first step.
`
`7 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`a s claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that in said first step said recognition
`
`occurs through an IR communication channel.
`
`8 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that in said first step said recognition
`
`occurs through an RF communication channel.
`
`9 .
`
`Process
`
`for controlling
`
`the operation
`
`o f an edible-
`
`product making machine
`
`as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim,
`
`characterised
`
`in that in said first step said recognition
`
`occurs through an optical communication channel.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 15 of 21
`
`

`

`10.
`
`A system comprising a edible -product making machine and
`
`at least one single use load element having a brewable or
`
`water soluble aromatic substance to be fed into said edible -
`
`product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`for
`
`preparation
`
`o f
`
`said
`
`edible
`
`product, characterised
`
`in that said load element comprises an
`
`identifying
`
`element
`
`for
`
`its
`
`recognition
`
`and
`
`a validation
`
`element for its validation,
`
`and
`
`said edible -product making
`
`machine
`
`comprises
`
`means
`
`for
`
`recognising
`
`said
`
`identifying
`
`element and said validation element o f said load element, and
`
`means for validation of said validation element o f said load
`
`element .
`
`11.
`
`A system as claimed in claim 10, characterised
`
`in that
`
`said validation means comprises a mechanical destruction tool
`
`having a plurality o f tips adapted to rip,
`
`cut, scratch or
`
`pierce said validation element.
`
`12.
`
`A system a s claimed in claim 1 0 or 11, characterised in
`
`that it comprises checking means connected to a control unit
`
`o f
`
`said
`
`edible -product
`
`making
`
`machine
`
`for
`
`allowing
`
`said
`
`edible -product making machine to proceed to activation only
`
`if said recognition means recognises said identifying element
`
`and said validation element.
`
`13.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`12,
`
`characterised
`
`in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`checking
`
`means
`
`comprise
`
`a
`
`computing programmes stored within said control unit of said
`
`apparatus .
`
`14.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`of
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`13,
`
`characterised in that it comprises activation means connected
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 16 of 21
`
`

`

`to said
`
`recognising
`
`means
`
`through
`
`said
`
`control
`
`unit
`
`for
`
`automatic activation o f a cycle o f production o f said edible
`
`product only if said identifying element
`
`is recognised
`
`in
`
`combination with said validation element as validated.
`
`15.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`of
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`14,
`
`characterised
`
`in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`and
`
`said
`
`identification element comprise at least one barcode, and in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`identification
`
`means
`
`comprise
`
`at
`
`least
`
`one
`
`IR
`
`barcode reader.
`
`16.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`of
`
`claims
`
`10
`
`to
`
`15,
`
`characterised
`
`in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`and
`
`said
`
`identification element comprise at least one antenna, and in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`identification
`
`means
`
`comprise
`
`at
`
`lease
`
`one RF
`
`transmitter and receiver.
`
`17.
`
`16,
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`characterised
`
`in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`validation
`
`element
`
`and
`
`said
`
`identification
`
`element
`
`comprise
`
`at
`
`least
`
`one
`
`paint
`
`with
`
`measurable
`
`optical
`
`properties,
`
`and
`
`in
`
`that
`
`said
`
`identification means comprise at least one optical sensor.
`
`18.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`17,
`
`characterised in that said load element comprises a capsule.
`
`19.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`18,
`
`characterised in that said load element comprises a capsule
`
`and a protective packaging thereof.
`
`20.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`19,
`
`characterised
`
`in that said identification
`
`element and said
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 17 of 21
`
`

`

`validation element are located externally on a lateral wall
`
`o f said capsule .
`
`21.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`20,
`
`characterised
`
`in that said identification element and said
`
`validation element are located externally on said protective
`
`packaging o f said capsule .
`
`22.
`
`A
`
`system
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`in
`
`any
`
`o f
`
`claims
`
`1 0
`
`to
`
`21,
`
`characterised
`
`in that said identification element and said
`
`validation
`
`element are located externally on a protective
`
`sheet o f the outlet base o f said capsule.
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 18 of 21
`
`

`

`WO 2010/099806
`
`PCT/EP2009/001617
`
`1/1
`
`Fl G1
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA,Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 19 of 21
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 19 of 21
`
`

`

`A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`INV.
`A47J31/36
`
`According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`A47J
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practical, search terms used)
`EPO-Internal
`, WPI Data, PAJ
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category*
`
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`EP 1 890 271. A (GRIMAC S R L [IT])
`20 February
`2008 (2008-02-20)
`
`paragraph
`figures
`
`[0009] - paragraph
`1,2
`
`[0023];
`
`GB 964 657 A (UNIVERSAL
`22 July 1964 (1964-07-22)
`page 2 ,
`ine 87 - page 4 ,
`1-9
`
`MATCH CORP)
`
`l i ne 38;
`
`figures
`
`EP 1 764 015 A (GRIMAC S R L [IT])
`2 1 March 2007 (2007-03-21)
`paragraph
`[0013] - paragraph
`figures
`1-6
`
`[0028];
`
`1,2,
`6-10,
`12-22
`
`4,5,11
`3
`
`4,5,11
`
`1,2,6,
`10,12-14
`
`D Furtherdocume p ts are listed in the continuation of Box C.
`
`* Special categories of cited documents :
`
`"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`"E" earlier document but published on or after the international
`filing date
`"L" document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or
`which is cited to establish the publication date of another
`citation or other special reason (as specified)
`"O" document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or
`other means
`"P- document published prior to the international
`later than the priority date claimed
`
`filing date but
`
`See patent family annex.
`
`1T" later document published after the international filing date
`or priority date and not in conflict with the application but
`cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the
`invention
`"X" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`"Y' document of particular relevance; the claimed Invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`document is combined with one or more other such docu¬
`ments, such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`in the art.
`■&' document member of the same patent family
`
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`
`1 1 November 2009
`
`Name and mailing address of the ISA/
`European Patent Office, P.B. 5818 Patentlaan 2
`NL - 2280 HV Rijswijk
`TeI. (+31-70) 340-2040,
`Fax: (+31-70) 340-3016
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (April 2005)
`
`19/11/2009
`
`Authorized officer
`
`Lehe, Jd r n
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 20 of 21
`
`

`

`Patent document
`cited in search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`Publication
`date
`
`EP 1890271
`
`G B 964657
`
`EP 1764015
`
`A
`
`A
`
`A
`
`20-02-2008
`
`NONE
`
`22-07-1964
`
`NONE
`
`21-03-2007
`
`NONE
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (April 2005)
`
`IPR2023-00485
`Nespresso USA, Inc. Ex. 1041
`Page 21 of 21
`
`