WO2016116358A1

WO2016116358A1 - Code reading mechanism of beverage preparation machine for reading a code of a receptacle

Info

Publication number: WO2016116358A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/050725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Marc Flick; Vincent MARCHAND
Original assignee: Nestec S.A.
Priority date: 2015-01-21
Filing date: 2016-01-15
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

A code reading mechanism of a receptacle processing unit of a beverage preparation machine, the code reading mechanism comprising: an actuator unit; a code reader support; a receptacle engagement unit to engage and support a receptacle, the receptacle engagement unit comprising a receptacle constraint unit, the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member operable to move between an engaged and disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position a receptacle is rotationally constrained with respect to the receptacle engagement member, the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member actuation unit to actuate the said receptacle engagement member between the said positions; the code reading mechanism being configured such that the actuator unit supplies rotary motion to one of the components: the code reader support; at least the receptacle engagement member of the receptacle constraint unit, to cause the said component to rotate about an axis of rotation relative the other to effect reading of a code arranged on a supported receptacle.

Description

CODE READING MECHANISM OF BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE FOR READING A

CODE OF A RECEPTACLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising a code reading system to read a code from a receptacle, the receptacle to receive a prepared beverage from the beverage preparation machine. More particularly, the invention relates to a code reading mechanism of the code reading system, the code reading mechanism to effect reading of the said code.

BACKGROUND

Beverage preparation machines that are generally used in public or corporate establishments vend a beverage, for instance, coffee, tea or soup, to a user upon the selection by the user of a desired beverage. Such beverage preparation machines are generally configured to operate using a dosage of a soluble power that comprises an ingredient of the beverage and is dispensed from a container of the beverage preparation machine, examples of which are provided in WO 2013/014142 and WO 2010/034722. The soluble powder is at least partially dissolved by mixing with a solvent, typically water or milk, and dispensed into a receptacle. With such a beverage preparation machine it is desirable to code information on the receptacle from which the end user consumes the beverage, e.g. a cup. The information may comprise an operational parameter of the beverage preparation machine. In this way a user can select the receptacle to determine the particular beverage type that is to be prepared. Alternatively the receptacle may comprise a code for recycling purposes, as discussed in EP 0766188 A1.

More particularly EP 0766188 A1 discloses an example of a code which is read by means of relative rotation between a code reader and receptacle. However a suitable mechanism for effecting the said rotation and code reading is not disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a code reading mechanism operable to read a code of a receptacle by means of relative rotation between the code reader and receptacle.

It would be advantageous to provide a code reading mechanism that is un-complicated, such that it is easy to assemble.

It would be advantageous to provide a code reading mechanism that is cost-effective, such that the use of expensive components is minimised expensive components. It would be advantageous to provide a code reading mechanism that is operable to reliably engage with a receptacle during code reading.

Objects of the invention are achieved by the code reading mechanism according to claim 1 , the beverage preparation machine according to claim 14 and the method according to claim 15.

Disclosed herein and according to a first aspect of the invention is a code reading mechanism of a receptacle processing unit of a beverage preparation machine, the code reading mechanism comprising: an actuator unit; a code reader support (preferably which comprises a code reader connected thereto); a receptacle engagement unit to engage and support a receptacle, the receptacle engagement unit comprising a receptacle constraint unit, the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member operable to move between an engaged and disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position a receptacle is rotationally constrained with respect to the receptacle engagement member and in the disengaged position it is not rotationally constrained with respect to the receptacle engagement member, the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member actuation unit to actuate the said receptacle engagement member between the said positions; the code reading mechanism being configured such that the actuator unit supplies rotary motion to one of the components: the code reader support; at least the receptacle engagement member of the receptacle constraint unit, to cause the said component to rotate about an axis of rotation relative the other to effect reading of a code arranged on a supported receptacle.

Accordingly objectives of the invention are solved since the code reading mechanism comprises a receptacle engagement member that is actuatable to the engaged position to hold securely a receptacle during reading of a code of the receptacle. For removal and addition of a receptacle to the code reading mechanism the receptacle engagement member is actuatable to the disengaged portion.

In particular the code reading mechanism may be configured to engage and read a code of a receptacle which is for end user consumption therefrom, e.g. said receptacle may have a volume of at least 150 - 350 ml, and may exclude a capsule from which a beverage is extracted.

Preferably the code is arranged on a base of the receptacle or a portion of the sidewall of the receptacle. Preferably the code is arranged about an axis of rotation, said axis being arranged aligned with an elongated length of the receptacle. The code reading mechanism may be arranged on a body which is integrated with the body of the beverage preparation machine or separable therefrom.

The code reading mechanism may be configured with the actuator unit to actuate the actuation unit of the receptacle constraint unit. Advantageously the code reading mechanism is cost-effective. The actuation unit of the receptacle constraint unit may however comprise dedicated actuators, such as an electrically operated motor or a solenoid. The receptacle engagement member comprise a receptacle engagement portion, which may be pivotably supported with respect to either: a body of the code reading mechanism; or a receptacle engagement member carriage of the receptacle constraint unit which is rotatable relative the said body, i.e. depending on whether the code reader support or receptacle remains stationary with respect to the body of the code reading mechanism during code reading. The receptacle engagement position may alternatively be slidably supported. The receptacle engagement portion may be formed integrally with the body of the receptacle engagement member, or separate and abutting a portion of the receptacle engagement member.

The receptacle engagement member may comprise an actuation portion, and in addition the engagement member actuation unit may comprise an engagement member actuation portion of a rotary member, the rotary member receiving rotary motion from the actuator unit, e.g. directly (i.e. it is the primary rotary member) or indirectly via intermediate components (i.e. via a rotary member drive unit). The engagement member actuation portion to actuate the actuation portion upon rotation of the rotary member relative the receptacle engagement member to effect the receptacle engagement member to move between the said position.

The rotary member may be: rotatable relative the receptacle engagement member to a first position to effect actuation of the receptacle engagement member to the engaged position; rotatable relative the receptacle engagement member to a second position to effect actuation of the receptacle engagement member to the disengaged position.

The rotary member may be: rotatable in a first direction to the first position; rotatable in an opposed second direction to the second position. Alternatively with continued rotation in a single direction it may effect the first and second positions, e.g. via a suitably shaped engagement member actuation portion.

The engagement member actuation portion of the rotary member may comprise a guide, in the form of a channel or slot the guide having periphery of varying radial position, the actuation portion of the receptacle engagement members being actuatable by the said periphery.

The receptacle constraint unit may be configured with a receptacle engagement portion of the receptacle engagement member to move substantially perpendicular to the said axis of relative rotation, i.e. in a radial direction. There may be one or more, typically 2, 3 or 4 receptacle engagement members. The receptacle engagement members are circumferentially disposed about the said relative axis of rotation.

The code reading mechanism may be configured with: the code reader support arranged proximal a base of a supported receptacle, i.e. to read a code arranged on the base of the receptacle, it may alternatively be arranged proximal a side-wall of the receptacle, i.e. to read a code arranged on the side- wall of the receptacle; the receptacle engagement member arranged proximal a side-wall of the base of a supported receptacle, e.g.: the receptacle engagement member engages the receptacle from the interior or exterior side of the said side-wall.

The code reader support may comprise a support portion for attachment to the code reader, the support portion being movable relative a body of the code reader support, e.g. by a spring or flexible connection. The code reader support being configured with the code reader and/or the support portion to abut a receptacle. In this way, during the said relative rotation, the code reader can move relative the said body to remain in operational proximity to the code. In an example wherein the code reader support is rotationally constrained about the said axis of rotation with respect to a body of the code reading mechanism and at least the receptacle engagement member of the receptacle constraint unit is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative the body of the code reading mechanism, the code reading mechanism further comprises a receptacle drive unit comprising the receptacle constraint unit and the rotary member, which is a primary rotary member, the receptacle drive unit being configured with the receptacle engagement member to rotate in a first direction with the primary rotary member subsequent to its actuation from the disengaged to the engaged position by rotation of the primary rotary member. The receptacle drive unit may be configured with the receptacle engagement member to rotate in an opposed second direction with the primary rotary member subsequent to its actuation from the engaged position to the disengaged position of by rotation of the primary rotary member. The receptacle drive unit may be configured with the receptacle engagement member to remain substantially stationary with respect to the body of the code reading mechanism when being actuated by the primary rotary member between its said positions. The primary rotary member, the receptacle engagement member and a receptacle engagement member carriage may be rotatable relative an axle of the code reader support. The receptacle constrain unit may comprise a carriage to support the receptacle engagement member, the carriage being rotatable with the receptacle engagement member relative the primary rotary member. The receptacle constraint unit may comprise a housing through which the receptacle engagement portion of the receptacle engagement member extends during actuation between its said positions. The housing may be arranged to be proximal a sidewall of a supported receptacle. The housing may be integrated with or connected to the carriage.

In an alternate example wherein the receptacle engagement member is rotationally constrained about the said axis of rotation with respect to a body of the code reading mechanism and the code reader support is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative the body of the code reading mechanism, the code reader support may comprise a code reader support portion and a primary rotary member to: rotate therewith; receive rotary motion from the actuator unit, the rotary member of the receptacle constraint unit being rotatable relative the primary rotary member.

The receptacle constraint unit may further comprise a rotary member drive unit, the rotary member drive unit comprising: a secondary rotary member, which may be in the form of a full or partial gear; an engagement member of the primary rotary member, the engagement member to transmit rotary motion to the rotary member via the secondary rotary member, e.g.: by direct contact between the engagement member and secondary rotary member; by direct contact between the secondary rotary member and the primary rotary member or via an intermediate gear system. The secondary rotary member is preferably movable, by means of the engagement member of the primary rotary member, between a first and second position corresponding to the engaged and disengaged positions of the receptacle engagement member. The primary rotary member is preferably rotatable in a first and second opposed direction, the engagement member thereof to move the secondary rotary member to the first position with rotation of the primary rotary member in the first direction, the engagement member to move the secondary rotary member to the second position with rotation of the primary rotary member in the second direction.

Disclosed herein and according to a second aspect of the invention is a combination of the code reading system and a control system to control the actuator unit, the control system comprising position sensors to sense a position of the primary rotary member; the control system comprising a processing unit comprising program code and/or programmable logic to: control the actuator unit to rotate the primary rotary member in the first direction to actuate the receptacle engagement member to the engaged position; thereafter continue to rotate the rotary primary rotary member in the first direction for reading of the code; rotate the primary member in the second direction to actuate the receptacle engagement member to the disengaged position, alternatively the control system may comprise position sensors to: sense a position of the primary rotary member; sense a position of the secondary rotary member, the control system comprising a processing unit comprising program code and/or programmable logic to: control the actuator unit to rotate the primary rotary member in the first direction to actuate the receptacle engagement member to the engaged position; thereafter continue to rotate the rotary primary rotary member in the first direction for reading of the code; and preferably as the transmission portion approaches the secondary rotary member rotate the primary member in the second direction for reading of the code and to actuate the receptacle engagement member to the disengaged position.

Disclosed herein according to a fourth aspect of the invention is a beverage preparation machine comprising: a beverage preparation unit to process beverage preparation material; a fluid supply operable to supply fluid to the beverage preparation unit; a receptacle processing unit comprising a code reading system for reading a code of a receptacle, the code reading system operable to generate a code signal when reading the code; a control system comprising a processing unit to process the code signal to determined beverage preparation information encoded therein, the code reading system comprising the code reading mechanism according to any of the preceding aspects. The beverage preparation unit may comprise: a beverage material container; beverage material processing unit; dispensing unit. Alternatively it may be operable to process a capsule to extract an ingredient of a beverage therefrom.

Disclosed herein according to a fourth aspect of the invention is a method of preparing a beverage the method comprising using the beverage preparation machine according to the previous aspect and a receptacle comprising a code configured to be read by the code reading system, the method comprising: controlling the actuator unit of the code reading mechanism to effect reading of the code,

controlling the beverage preparation unit using at least part of the determined beverage preparation information and/or at least part of the determined beverage preparation information is stored on a memory unit of the control system for monitoring of beverage consumption and/or usage of the beverage preparation machine.

The above aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, from the detailed description, and annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an illustrative view of a beverage preparation system that comprises a beverage preparation machine, a receptacle according to the invention; Figure 2 and 3 show perspective views of an embodiment of a receptacle processing unit of the beverage preparation machine according to figure 1

Figures 4 - 7 show perspective and cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of a code reading mechanism of the receptacle processing unit of figures 2 and 3;

Figures 8 - 13 show perspective and cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of a code reading mechanism of the receptacle processing unit of figures 2 and 3;

Figure 14 is a system level block diagram of a control system of the beverage preparation machine according to figure 1 ;

Figure 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a receptacle of the beverage preparation system according to figure 1 ; Figure 16 shows an example of a code arranged on the receptacle of figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Beverage Preparation System Figure 1 shows an illustrative view of a beverage preparation system 2, which comprises at a first level: a beverage preparation machine 4; a receptacle 6.

Beverage Preparation Machine

Functionally, the beverage preparation machine 4 is operable to process beverage material, generally from a large re-fillable container (however the invention is also applicable to beverage preparation machines that operate with single use capsules), to dispense one or more ingredients of the beverage into the receptacle 6 (e.g. a cup, which is typically plastic or cardboard). Typically the beverage material is a soluble power, which is at least partially dissolved by mixing with a solvent, typically water or milk. The beverage preparation machine 4 may be dimensioned for use on a work top, i.e. it is less than 70 cm in length, width and height or to operate as part of a freestanding unit. Examples of suitable beverage preparation machines 4 are disclosed in WO 2013/014142 and WO 2010/034722, which are incorporated herein by reference. For completeness such a beverage preparation machine 4 will now be described in more detail, and can be considered to comprise at a first level of the beverage preparation machine 4: a housing 10; a fluid supply 12; a beverage material container 14; a beverage material processing unit 16; a dispensing unit 18; and a control system 20. These components are sequentially described in more detail:

Housing

The housing 10 houses and supports the aforementioned first level components and comprises at a second level of the beverage preparation machine 4: a base 22 for abutment of a horizontally arranged support surface; a body 24 for mounting thereto the other first level components.

Fluid Supply

The fluid supply 12 is operable to supply fluid, which is in general water that is heated, to the dispensing unit 18. The fluid supply 12 typically comprises at a second level of the beverage preparation machine 4: a reservoir 26 for containing fluid, which in most applications is 1 - 5 litres of fluid; a fluid pump 28, such as a reciprocating or rotary pump that may be driven by an electrical motor or an induction coil; a fluid heater 30, which generally comprises a thermo block type heater; an outlet for supplying the fluid to the dispensing unit 18, which will be discussed. The reservoir 26, fluid pump 28, fluid heater 30, and outlet are in fluid communication with each other in any suitable order. In an alternative example the fluid supply 12 may comprise a connection to an external fluid source e.g. a water main. Beverage Material Container

The beverage material container 14 is for containing the beverage material, which in most applications is 1 - 2 litres. The container it typically refillable or replaceable for the supply of new beverage material to the beverage preparation machine 4. Beverage Material Processing Unit

The beverage material processing unit 16 is operable to extract a predetermined dosage of the beverage material from the beverage material container 14, and to supply the said dosage to the dispensing unit 18. Accordingly, the beverage material processing unit 16 comprises a processing mechanism, such as an auger driven by an actuator, or other suitable mechanism.

Dispensing unit

The dispensing unit 18 is operable to dispense fluid from the fluid supply 12 and beverage material from the beverage material processing unit 16 to the receptacle 6. In one example it comprises one or more fluid outlet nozzles for dispensing the said fluid into the receptacle together with a separate beverage material outlet for the said beverage material, such an example is disclosed in more detail in WO 2010/034722. In such an example the fluid nozzles and beverage material outlet can be arranged discrete from another, such that the beverage material is firstly dispensed into the receptacle, and subsequently the receptacle is moved to receive the fluid. In an alternative example the dispensing unit 18 comprises a mixing unit and one or more nozzles, the mixing unit to mix the beverage material and fluid prior to them being dispensed through the or each nozzle: such an arrangement is known in the art and therefore does not require further description.

Receptacle Processing Unit

The receptacle processing unit 32 is operable to process the receptacle 6 to: optionally detect its supply by a user; read a code of the receptacle 6; optionally displace the receptacle to receive the fluid and beverage material from the dispensing unit 18. The receptacle processing unit 32 comprises at a second level of the beverage preparation machine 4: a code reading system 34; an optional receptacle detection system 36, which are sequentially described:

The code reading system 34 is operable to read a code of the receptacle 6 to generate therefrom a code signal. The code signal can be processed by the processing unit (discussed later on) of the control system 20 to determine beverage preparation information (which herein is defined as any information related to the preparation of a beverage) encoded therein. The beverage preparation information encoded by the code relates to the receptacle and/or operational parameters of the machine that may be used during the beverage preparation process. The code reading system comprises a code reader 38, which is configured to generate the code signal that may be either analogue or digital. The code reader may comprise various readers, which are selected in accordance with the particular formation of the code on the receptacle. For example: for a code that is embossed or layered as conductive portions on the receptacle the reader may be an inductive sensor; for a code that is printed on the receptacle the reader may be an optical sensor. An example of a suitable inductive sensor is a POSIC Sensor (www.posic.ch) reference ID1301 000002. With such a sensor the preferred reading configuration is: relative velocity of the code to the sensor 0.137 m/s; embossing depth 0.3 mm; reading distance 0.5 mm. A further example of a suitable inductive sensor is a Texas LDC 1000 series sensor. An example of a suitable optical sensor is a light source, lens and light sensor operable to translate optical impulses into electrical impulses. A further example of a suitable optical sensor is an optoelectronic sensor, such as a camera with an image processor.

Figures 2 and 3 show a general example of a code reading system 34 wherein the code reader 38 comprises an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor is arranged with a reading head proximate a base of a cavity of the receptacle 6 and with the reading direction aligned to the receptacle axis of rotation. It will be appreciated that the particular arrangement of the code reader 38 will vary in accordance with the arrangement of the code on the receptacle 6 and how it is read. For example, the code reader may be arranged to read a code on a side-wall of the receptacle 6.

The code reader 38 is configured to read the code with relative movement between the reading head of the code reader 38 and the code, i.e. the receptacle 6. The code reading system 34 therefore further comprises a code reading mechanism 40, which is either operable to displace the receptacle 6 to move relative the code reader 38 or to displace the code reader 38 to move relative the receptacle 6. A configuration comprising the former is desirable in a beverage preparation machine 4 wherein the receptacle 6 is already driven to rotate relative the fluid outlet nozzles dispensing unit 18 for the purpose of enhanced mixing with the beverage material, such an example is disclosed in more detail in WO 2010/034722. With this configuration the code reading mechanism 40 is integrated as part of the mixing unit.

Figures 2 and 3 show a general example of a code reading mechanism 40 that is operable to displace one of the receptacle 6 or code reader 38 to move relative the other, wherein the code reading mechanism 40 comprises: an actuator unit 42 (not shown in the figure 2, 3); an optional drive train 44 (also not shown in figure 2, 3); a receptacle engagement unit 46; a code reader support 62 each are which are generally described:

The actuator unit 42 is generally an electrically operated motor however it may comprise a solenoid or another form of driven motor. The drive train is operable to; receive and to gear down or up rotary motion from the actuator unit 42 (i.e. when the angular velocity of the rotary motion of the actuator unit 42 requires changing to couple to the receptacle engagement unit 46); output the said geared up or down rotary motion to a rotary member of the receptacle engagement unit 46. The drive train 44 typically comprises a plurality of meshed gears the particular arrangement of which is not essential to the invention, only the said function. In the proceeding examples the drive train 44 comprises: a first gear mounted to the rotor of the motor 42; the first gear meshes with a second gear, which is mounted to a first shaft; the first shaft comprises a worm drive; the worm drive outputs the geared down rotary motion to a primary rotary member as will be discussed. An alternative example of a drive train comprises a drive wheel, which is driven by the motor 42, which is arranged to engage a portion of the primary rotary member. The drive train 44 further comprises a position sensor 60 to provide position information, such as a read cycle signal 80, in respect of a component of the drive train, or operatively inked thereto.

The code reader support 62 supports the code reader 38 in a position suitable for reading the code of the receptacle. The code reader support 62 may be rotatable relative the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4, or constrained thereto, as will be discussed. The code reader support 62 may be arranged to read a code that is arranged on a side-wall, including an upper and lower rim thereof, or a base of the receptacle 6, in the following the latter configuration is exemplified. The code reader support 62 may comprise a support portion for attachment to the code reader 38, the support portion being movable relative a body of the code reader support 62, e.g. by a spring or flexible connection. With such an example the code reader 38 and/or the support portion abuts the receptacle 6: therefore a frictional force resists the said relative rotation between the code reader support 62 and receptacle 6. The engagement of the receptacle engagement members (as will be discussed) of the receptacle engagement unit 46 with the receptacle 6 is advantageous in overcoming this frictional force. In this way, during the said relative rotation the code reader 38 can move relative the said body to remain in operational proximity to the code.

The receptacle engagement unit 46 is operable to engage a receptacle 6 to either: enable the receptacle 6 to be rotated relative the code reader support 62, which is constrained with respect to the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4; or enable the receptacle 6 to be constrained with respect to the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4 whilst the code reader support 62 is rotated relative thereto. An embodiment of firstly the former and subsequently the latter configuration will now be described: Embodiment 1 : Receptacle rotated relative the stationary code reader support

Figures 4 - 7, show the first embodiment in various operational configurations. The code reader support 62 of the first embodiment comprises: a code reader support portion 64; a shaft 66. In the embodiment the code reader support portion 64 is: disc shaped for insertion in to a cavity of a base portion of the receptacle 6 and comprises a cut-out for receiving the code reader 38. The code reader support portion 64 may however comprises other shapes where applicable, e.g. it may be configured to merely support the code reader 38 rather than fit the said cavity or be configured for reading of a code arranged on the interior surface of the side-wall of the cavity. The shaft 66 forms an axle for various components of the receptacle engagement unit 46 as will be discussed. The receptacle engagement unit 46 is operable to engage a receptacle to: support it with respect to the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4; effect rotary motion of the receptacle 6. The receptacle engagement unit 46 comprises a receptacle support unit 82 and a receptacle drive unit 84, which are sequentially described: The receptacle support unit 82 is configured to support the receptacle 6 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the receptacle 6. In the example it comprises an abutment portion to abut a rim of the sidewall proximate the base of the receptacle 8, it may alternatively abut the base. The receptacle drive unit 84 is operable to effect rotary motion of a supported receptacle 6 and comprises a primary rotary member 88 and a receptacle constraint unit 86, which are sequentially described:

The primary rotary member 88 receives rotary motion from the actuator unit 42 via the optional drive train 44, and supplies the said rotary motion to the receptacle constrain unit 86. In this example the primary rotary member 88 is a gear, it may however comprise another coupling suitable for transmission of rotary motion, e.g. a friction coupling. The primary rotary member 88 is arranged to rotate about the shaft 66 of the code reader support 62. The receptacle constraint unit 86 is operable to constrain the receptacle 6 such that it rotates with the primary rotary member 88. The receptacle constraint unit 86 comprises: a receptacle engagement member 90 (in the illustrated example there are three receptacle engagement members, however there may be one or more: for convenience the following only makes reference to a single receptacle engagement member 90); a receptacle engagement member actuation unit 92; a carriage 98, an optional housing 106, which are sequentially described:

The receptacle engagement member 90 is movable between an engaged and disengaged position with respect to the receptacle 6, and comprises a receptacle engagement portion 100 for engagement with the receptacle 6. In the example the receptacle engagement portion 100 is arranged to engage an interior surface of a side-wall of a cavity of the base of the receptacle, however it may be configured to engage other portions e.g. the side-wall in general. In the example the receptacle engagement member 90 is pivotably supported on the carriage 98: it may be alternatively supported e.g. slideable supported. An example of the latter configuration is a slideable portion actuated by a separate part of the receptacle engagement member 90 or a separate actuator.

The carriage 98 is for the said support of the receptacle engagement member 90, and therefore rotates therewith, i.e. relative the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4. The carriage 98 is also rotatable relative the primary rotary member 88 as will be discussed. In the example the carriage 98 comprises: an annular ring arranged about the shaft 66 of the code reader support 62; pivot support portions, which extend from the said annular ring. Other configurations of the carriage 98 are possible, e.g. depending on the aforesaid mounting of the receptacle engagement portion 100.

The engagement member actuation unit 92 is operable to actuate the receptacle engagement member 90 between its said positions. It may comprise: a separate arrangement having dedicated actuators, e.g. a solenoid to directly actuate the receptacle engagement member 90, the solenoid being controlled by the control system 20; or an integrated arrangement that is actuated by the actuator unit 42. An example of the latter confirmation comprises: an actuation portion 102 of the receptacle engagement member 90 and a guide member 104 of the primary rotary member 88, which are sequentially described: The actuation portion 102 is arranged on the opposed side of the pivot to the receptacle engagement portion 100, in an alternative example it could however be alternatively arranged e.g. on the same side. In the example the actuation portion 102 comprises an extension.

The guide member 104 is operable to actuate the actuation portion 102 to effect the receptacle engagement member 90 to move between its said positions. More particularly, the guide member 104 comprises a slot with a periphery to engage with actuation portion 102. The periphery is arranged with a varying radial location with respect to the axis of rotation of the primary rotary member 88. In this way as the primary rotary member 88 is rotated relative the receptacle engagement member 90 it actuates its actuation portion 102. Referring to figure 5 in particular it can be seen that an outer periphery of each of the three guide members 104 is configured with a most counter clockwise portion of a lesser radial extent than that of the most clockwise portion. Accordingly, the respective portions actuate the receptacle engagement member 90 between respective engaged and disengaged positions. The guide member 104 may have other functionally equivalent configurations, e.g.: it may comprise an extension to abut the actuation portion 102; the outer periphery or inner periphery may engage the actuation portion 102.

The housing 106 houses the receptacle engagement member 90 and abuts the code reader support portion 64 of the code reader support 62. The housing 106 comprises a cut-out through which the receptacle engagement portion 100 moves when actuated. In the example the housing 106 is optionally formed integrally with the carriage 98.

Referring to figure 6 the receptacle engagement unit 46 is shown with the receptacle engagement member 90 in the disengaged position and the primary rotary member 88 in a second position relative the receptacle engagement member 90, i.e. with the most clockwise portion of the guide member 104 engaged with the actuation portion 102 of the receptacle engagement member 90. In this position a receptacle 6 can be added to the receptacle support unit 82.

Referring to figure 7 the receptacle engagement unit 46 is shown subsequent to rotation of the primary rotary member 88 in the clockwise direction (as indicated) with the receptacle engagement member 90 in the engaged position and the primary rotary member 88 in a first position relative the receptacle engagement member 90, i.e. with the most counter clockwise portion of the guide member 104 engaged with the actuation portion 102 of the receptacle engagement member 90. In this position the receptacle engagement member 90 engages a receptacle 6 that was added in the position of figure 6. The receptacle engagement member 90 and thus an engaged receptacle 6 is driven to rotate with subsequent rotation of the primary rotary member 88. Accordingly code reading of an engaged receptacle is effected: the receptacle engagement member 90 may continue to rotate in the clockwise direction until the said code has been satisfactorily read.

Following reading of the code the primary rotary member 88 is rotated in the counter clockwise direction by an amount sufficient to move the primary rotary member from the first to the second position with respect to the receptacle engagement member 90, thus causing the receptacle engagement unit 46 to return to the position in figure 6. In this position a previously engaged receptacle 6 can be removed from the receptacle support unit 82. The control system 20, which is discussed following, is operable to control the actuator unit 42 to supply rotary motion to the primary rotary member 88 in the aforesaid manner.

Embodiment 2: Code reader support rotated relative the stationary receptacle

Figures 8 - 13, show the second embodiment in various operational configurations. The code reader support 62 is operable to support and transmit rotary motion to the code reader 38, and comprises the aforesaid: code reader support portion 64; shaft 66, of the first embodiment, which for brevity are not further described. In addition the code reader support 62 comprises the aforesaid primary rotary member 88, which receives rotary motion from the actuator unit 42 via the optional drive train 44, and supplies the said rotary motion to the code reader support portion 64. In the example the shaft 66 interconnects the code reader support portion 64 and primary rotary member 88.

The receptacle engagement unit 46 is operable to engage a receptacle to: support it with respect to the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4; prevent its rotation with the code reader support 62. The receptacle engagement unit 46 comprises a receptacle support unit 82 and a receptacle constraint unit 1 10, which are sequentially described:

The receptacle support unit 82 is configured to support the receptacle 6 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the receptacle 6. In the example it comprises an abutment portion to abut a rim of the side- wall proximate the base of the receptacle 8, it may alternatively abut the base. The receptacle constraint unit 1 10 is operable to constrain the receptacle 6 such that it does not rotate with the code reader support 62. The receptacle constraint unit 1 10 comprises: a receptacle engagement member 1 12 (in the illustrated example there are three receptacle engagement members, however there may be one or more: for convenience the following only makes reference to a single receptacle engagement member 1 12); a receptacle engagement member actuation unit 1 14; an optional housing 1 16, which are sequentially described:

The receptacle engagement member 1 12 comprises a receptacle engagement portion 1 18 and is as described for the first embodiment, thus for brevity is not further described. However, since the support of the receptacle engagement member 1 12 is not required to rotate relative the body: instead of the carriage 98 of the first embodiment, the receptacle engagement member 1 12 is supported by the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4.

The engagement member actuation unit 1 14 is operable to actuate the receptacle engagement member 1 12 between the engaged and disengaged positions and comprises: an actuation portion 120 of the receptacle engagement member 1 12; a guide member 122, which are as described for the first embodiment. However, the engagement member actuation unit 1 14 of the second embodiment further comprises: rotary member 124; a rotary member drive unit 134, which will be described: The rotary member 124 comprises the guide member 122 (as opposed to the primary rotary member 88 as in the first embodiment). Accordingly as the rotary member 124 is rotated relative the receptacle engagement member 1 12 it actuates the actuation portion 120 thereof to move the receptacle engagement member 1 12 between the engaged and disengaged positions. The rotary member drive unit 134 drives the rotary member 124 to rotate relative the receptacle engagement member 1 12. The rotary member drive unit 134 may comprise a separate actuator e.g. and electrically operated motor or solenoid. In the example it comprises a drive unit that utilises the rotary motion of the actuator unit 42 (which also transmits rotary motion to the code reader support 62), wherein the rotary member drive unit 134 comprises: a secondary rotary member 136; an engagement member 138 of the primary rotary member 88, which are described:

The engagement member 138 is configured to transmit rotary motion of the primary rotary member 88 to the secondary rotary member 136, and in the example comprises an extension that protrudes from the primary rotary member 88. In another example it may comprise a partial gear, which during a revolution partially meshes with a gear mounted to the same shaft as the secondary rotary member 136.

The secondary rotary member 136 is operable to: receive rotary motion from the engagement member 138; transmit rotary motion to the rotary member 124. More particularly it: is actuatable by the engagement member 138 between first and second positions (as shown in figure 10 and 9 respectively); actuates the rotary member 124 between corresponding first and second positions (also as shown). In more detail, the secondary rotary member 124 comprises an engagement portion 140 to engage with the engagement member 138. In the example engagement portion 140 comprises a slot to receive the engagement member 138, however it may be alternatively configured, such as a side portion of the rotary member 124. Further, the secondary rotary member 124 comprises a partial gear, with the extremities forming two abutment portions, one of which can abut with a portion of the body 24 in one of the said positions, and the other abuts in the other position. A position sensor may be arranged at one or both of the abutted portions of the body to determine the position of the secondary rotary member 124. The secondary rotary member may be alternatively configured, e.g. it comprises a gear which is not partial and the aforesaid abutment portions extend therefrom. The housing 1 16 houses the receptacle engagement member 1 12 and abuts the code reader support portion 64 of the code reader support 62. The housing 1 16 comprises a cut-out through which the receptacle engagement portion 1 18 moves when actuated. The housing is constrained to the body 24 of the beverage preparation machine 4, i.e. it does not rotate with the code reader support 62.

Referring to figure 9 the receptacle engagement unit 46 is shown with: the receptacle engagement member 1 12 in the disengaged position; the rotary member 124 in a second position relative the receptacle engagement member 1 12, i.e. with the most clockwise portion of the guide member 122 engaged with the actuation portion 120 of the receptacle engagement member 122; the secondary rotary member 136 in a second position. In this position a receptacle 6 can be added to the receptacle support unit 82.

Referring to figure 10 the receptacle engagement unit 46 is shown subsequent to rotation of the primary rotary member 88 in the clockwise direction (as indicated) with: the receptacle engagement member 1 12 in the engaged position; the rotary member 124 in a first position relative the receptacle engagement member 1 12, i.e. with the most counter clockwise portion of the guide member 122 engaged with the actuation portion 120 of the receptacle engagement member 1 12; the secondary rotary member 136 in a first position. In this position the receptacle engagement member 1 12 engages a receptacle 6 that was added in the position of figure 9. The receptacle engagement member 1 12 and thus an engaged receptacle 6 is held in a fixed position whilst the code reader support 62 is driven to rotate via the primary rotary member 88 to effect reading of the code.

When moving between the positions of figure 9 and 10 the engagement member 138 of the primary rotary member 88 engages with the engagement portion 140 of the secondary rotary member 136 to move it from the second to the first position.

Referring to figure 1 1 the receptacle engagement unit 46 is shown having completed approximately one revolution, whereby the engagement member 138 of the primary rotary member 88 is proximate the secondary rotary member 136. Optionally the secondary rotary member 136 comprises a rotation extension cut-out 142, which enables the engagement member 138 of the primary rotary member 88 to extend into secondary rotary member 136 without effecting its actuation: figure 12 shows the rotation extension cut-out 142 in this position. In this way the operable range of rotation of the primary rotary member 88 is extended. Subsequent to the position of figure 1 1 or optional position of figure 12, the primary rotary member 88 is rotated by approximately one revolution in the counter clockwise position to the position shown in figure 13 to effect further reading of the code.

Referring to figure 13, the primary rotary member 88 is rotated from this position to the position shown in figure 9, such that: the rotary member 124 is moved from the first position to the second position; the secondary rotary member 136 is moved from the first position to the second position. Thus causing the receptacle engagement members 1 12 to return to the disengaged position. In this position a previously engaged receptacle 6 can be removed from the receptacle support unit 82.

The control system 20, which is discussed following, is operable to control the actuator unit 42 to supply rotary motion to the primary rotary member 88 in the aforesaid manner.

The receptacle detection system 36 is operable to detect the presence of a receptacle 6 on the code reader support 62. The receptacle detection system 36 comprises one or more receptacle detection sensors to detect the presence of a receptacle 6 in proximity thereto. The receptacle detection sensors are operable to generate a receptacle detection signal that is processed by the processing unit (discussed later on) of the control system 20. The or each receptacle detection sensor can be of various configurations, e.g.: inductive sensors; optical sensors; mechanically actuated sensors, the receptacle detection sensor may also comprise the code reader 38. Upon detection of a receptacle 6 the control system 20 may be configured to initiate control of the actuator unit 42 in one of the aforesaid manners to effect reading of the code.

Control System

With reference to figure 14, the control system 20 will now be considered: the control system 20 is operable to control the other first level components to perform a beverage preparation operation. The control system 20 typically comprises at a second level of the beverage preparation machine 4: a user interface 68; a processing unit 70; optional sensors 126; a power supply 130; optionally a communication interface 132, which are sequentially described:

The user interface 68 comprises hardware to enable a user to interface with the processing unit 70, by means of a user interface signal. More particularly: the user interface receives commands from a user; the user interface signal transfers the said commands to the processing unit 70 as an input. The commands may, for example, be an instruction to execute beverage preparation process and/or to adjust an operational parameter of the beverage preparation machine 4 and/or to power on or off the beverage preparation machine 4. The processing unit 70 may also output feedback to the user interface 68 as part of the beverage preparation process, e.g. to indicate the beverage preparation process has been initiated or that a parameter associated with the process has been selected.

The hardware of the user interface 68 may comprise any suitable device(s), for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following: buttons, such as a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons. The user interface 68 can be formed as one unit or a plurality of discrete units. For more complicated hardware configurations the user interface 68 can comprise a separate processing unit (examples of which are provided following) to interface with the maser processing unit 70. The sensors 126 are operable to provide an input signal to the processing unit 70 for monitoring of the beverage preparation process and/or a status of the beverage preparation machine 4. The input signal can be an analogue or digital signal. The sensors 126 typically comprise one or more of the following: fluid level sensors 126 associated with the reservoir 26; flow rate sensors associated with the fluid pump 28; temperature sensors associated with the heater 30; fluid level sensors 70 operable to measure a fluid level in the receptacle 6; receptacle detection sensors associated with the receptacle detection system 36; the code reader 38 associated with the code reading system 34.

The processing unit 70 is operable to: receive an input, i.e. the commands from the user interface 68 and/or the signal of the sensors 126 (e.g. the receptacle detection sensors of the receptacle detection system 36); process the input according to program code (or programmed logic) stored on a memory unit (discussed later on); provide an output, which is generally a beverage preparation process. More specifically the output may comprise the operation of the: receptacle processing unit 32 (e.g. operation of the code reading system 34); beverage material processing unit 16 (i.e. operation of the processing mechanism to extract a predetermined dosage of the beverage material from the beverage material container and to supply the said dosage to the dispensing unit 18); water supply 12 (i.e. operation of the fluid pump 28 and fluid heater 30 to supply fluid to the dispensing unit 18); dispensing unit 18 (i.e. to dispense the received fluid and beverage material to the receptacle 6). Operation of the aforesaid components can be open-loop control, or more preferable closed-loop control using the input signal from the sensors 126 as feedback.

The processing unit 70 generally comprise memory, input and output system components arranged as an integrated circuit, typically as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing unit 70 may comprises other suitable integrated circuits, such as: an ASIC; a programmable logic device such as a PAL, CPLD, FPGA, PSoC; a system on a chip (SoC); an analogue integrated circuit, such as a controller. For such devices, where appropriate, the aforementioned program code can be considered programed logic or to additionally comprise programmed logic. The processing unit 70 may also comprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the later is several integrated circuits arranged in communication with each other in a modular fashion e.g.: a slave integrated circuit to control the user interface 68 in communication with a master integrated circuit to control the receptacle processing unit 32, beverage material processing unit 16, dispensing unit 18 and water supply 12.

The processing unit 70 generally comprises a memory unit 72 for storage of instructions as program code and optionally data. To this end the memory unit 72 typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPROM, EEPROM or Flash for the storage of program code and operating parameters as instructions; volatile memory (RAM) for temporary data storage. The memory unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a die of the semiconductor) memory. For programmable logic devices the instructions can be stored as programmed logic. The power supply 130 is operable to supply electrical energy to the said controlled components, the processing unit 70 and components associated therewith. The power supply 130 may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition a mains electrical supply. The power supply 130 may be operatively linked to part of the user interface 68 for powering on or off the beverage preparation machine 4. The communication interface 132 is for data communication of the beverage preparation machine 4 with another device/system, which may be a server system. The communication interface 132 can be used to supply and/or receive information related to the beverage preparation process, such as beverage material consumption information and/or beverage preparation information (e.g. recipes). The communication interface 132 may comprise a first and second communication interface for data communication with several devices at once or communication via different media.

The communication interface 132 can be configured for cabled media or wireless media or a combination thereof, e.g.: a wired connection, such as RS-232, USB, PC, Ethernet define by IEEE 802.3; a wireless connection, such as wireless LAN (e.g. IEEE 802.1 1 ) or near field communication (NFC) or a cellular system such as GPRS or GSM. The communication interface 132 interfaces with the processing unit 70, by means of a communication interface signal. Generally the communication interface comprises a separate processing unit (examples of which are provided above) to control communication hardware (e.g. an antenna) to interface with the maser processing unit 70. However, less complex configurations can be used e.g. a simple wired connection for serial communication directly with the processing unit 70.

Programs Stored on Memory Unit

Referring to figure 14, the instructions stored on the memory unit 72 can be idealised as comprising a main beverage preparation program 74. The beverage preparation program 74 can be executed by the processing unit 70 in response to the said input, (i.e. the commands from the user interface 68 and/or the signal of the receptacle detection sensors). Execution of the beverage preparation program 74 causes the processing unit 70 to control the following first level components the: receptacle processing unit 32; beverage material processing unit 16; water supply 12; dispensing unit 18. The beverage preparation program 74 can effect control of the said components using beverage preparation information encoded on the code of the receptacle and/or other beverage preparation information that may be stored as data on the memory unit 72 and/or input via the user interface 68. The beverage preparation information of the receptacle 6 may as an alternative or in addition be used by the beverage preparation machine 4 or a device in communication therewith (e.g. a server communicating with the beverage preparation machine over a network such as the internet via a communication interface) for various purposes, such as: to monitor beverage material consumption for re-ordering; to scheduled maintenance of the beverage preparation machine; to monitor machine usage.

To obtain and decode the beverage preparation information from the receptacle 6, the beverage preparation program 74 can be idealised as comprising a code processing program 76: The code processing program 76 may comprise program code to control the receptacle processing unit 32 to provide a code signal 78, i.e. such that the code reader 38 reads the code, whereby the code signal comprises the beverage preparation information. The code processing program 76 may further comprise program code to process the code signal 78 and to store it on the memory unit 72 as code read information. The code processing program yet further comprises program code to process the code read information and to output the decoded beverage preparation information. To this end the code processing program can be idealised as comprising various sub-programs, e.g. subroutines, which will be discussed. Moreover, other signals such as the read cycle signal 80 may also be obtained and processed by the code processing program 76 as will be discussed. The beverage preparation information is output by the code processing program for use by the main beverage preparation program 74 as discussed above. Generally the processing unit used for code processing is the processing unit 70 of the beverage preparation machine 4, however it may also be a dedicated processing unit, for example an ASIC of the code reader. For convenience herein the processing unit is exemplified as being that of the processing unit 70 of the beverage preparation machine 4. Receptacle

The receptacle 6 comprises any configuration suitable for holding a portion of liquid of a beverage, such as 0.25 - 0.5 L. Accordingly, it comprises a beverage cavity for storing the liquid defined by sidewall 56 and a base 58. Generally the sidewall 56 and base 58 are composed of a light-weight, cost-effective material such as cardboard or plastic. Preferably, the receptacle 6 is axis symmetric, about an axis of rotation, however it may alternatively be asymmetric. In the example shown in figure 15 the receptacle comprises the beverage cavity formed by the sidewall 56 and base 58. A base cavity is arranged adjacent the beverage cavity and is defined by the rim of the sidewalls 56 extending beyond the opposed side of the base 58.

Code of Receptacle

Initially the general arrangement of the code on the receptacle 6 is discussed, wherein the code 94 is arranged on the receptacle 6 such that it can be read by the code reader 38 by relative movement between the receptacle 6 and code reader 38. Referring to figure 16, and example of the code 94 is shown, wherein the code 94 is arranged on an outer surface of the base 58 of the base cavity of the receptacle 6. In this example the code 94 is arranged circumferentially about the receptacle axis of rotation (herein the rotational axis of symmetry) such that the code 94 can be read during rotational of the receptacle 6 about the receptacle axis of rotation. In other examples code may be arranged on other portions of the receptacle 6, such as a side wall or a rim. Further, the code 94 may have other arrangements, for example, a linear arrangement for reading by a reciprocating motion. Yet further, the code 94 is shown as being supported code support member, which is an integral portion of the receptacle 6, however in another example the code support member may be distinct from and attachable to the receptacle, e.g. it comprises an adherable disk or annular ring, such as a PET disc with the code printed thereon. The code 94 may be repeated a plurality of times on the receptacle 6, for example 2 - 6 times, with each repetition of the code 94 being referred to herein in as a code repetition. In the case of a single code repetition, the code 94 may be read a single time, or in a preferred example the code 94 is read a plurality of times and the processing unit 70 is operable to perform a step of checking the reads of the code correspond to each other. Alternatively, in an example wherein the code comprises a plurality of code repetitions, each code repetition is read once or is read a plurality of times and the processing unit 70 is operable to perform a step of checking the reads of the code correspond to each other.

The general formation of the code 94 will now be discussed, wherein the code 94 is preferably formed of a series of markers. Generally all the markers comprise substantially the same shape such that a characteristic feature (e.g. a pulse) is provided in the code signal 78 when they are read by the code reader 38. In a preferred example the markers 96 are bar shaped, however they may be other shapes such as square or circular. The markers 96 may be formed on the receptacle 6 by various means, for example, by embossing or printing. It will be appreciated that the embossing may comprise an indent that extends normal to the surface of the receptacle in either direction (i.e. the markers 96 can be defined by the absence or presence of the indent). In the example shown in figure 16 the markers 96 are formed on a portion of the receptacle 6, or a portion attached thereto (e.g. a PET disc), by the application of conductive (e.g. metallic) layers thereto, whereby the absence or presence of a conductive layer defines a marker 96. In a yet further example the markers 96 may be formed by ink printing, whereby the absence or presence of a print defines a marker 96.

The dimensions of the markers 96 vary with the dimensions of the receptacle 6 and the resolution of the reading head of the code reader 38. However, in a preferred example, the markers 96 in bar form have the following dimensions: 0.6 mm - 0.2 mm in depth, with a preferred depth of 0.4 mm; 1.5 mm - the radii of the receptacle 6 in length, with a preferred length of 2.5 mm; 10 mm - 0.4 mm in width, with a preferred width of 0.75 mm. The distance between markers 96 varies as discussed following, however it is generally within the range of 2 - 0.5 mm. In the case of circu inferential ly arranged markers 96 the distance between the markers 96 may be defined as the maximum, minimum or average circumferential distance.

The markers 96 can be arranged in various ways on the receptacle 6, e.g.: a sequential or a combination of sequential and parallel tracked arrangement. In figure 16 the markers 96 are arranged sequentially to each other on a single circumferentially extending line. In this way they can be read by a single reading head of a code reader 38. They may alternatively be arranged over more than one circumferentially extending line (i.e. parallel tracked).

The markers 96 are arranged to encode the beverage preparation information. Particularly, a plurality of the markers may encode data 98, whereby each adjacent marker has a specific spacing as a variable to at least partially encode extraction information therein. An example of such a code is disclosed in PCT/EP14/055510, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In further embodiments the code 94 may comprise a barcode or the optically readable code disclosed in EP 2594171 A1 , which is incorporated herein by reference.

The code 94 encodes the beverage preparation information, i.e. information related to the beverage preparation process, which may comprise information relating to the receptacle 6 and/or operational parameters of the beverage preparation machine 2. For example, the beverage preparation information may encode one or more of the following: water temperature (at the mixing unit and/or machine outlet); water mass/volumetric flow rate; total water volume; a sequence of beverage preparation operations (e.g. the order that different beverage preparation materials are processed); receptacle 6 parameters (volume, type, shape for shape specific beverage preparation processes, expiry date for receptacles pre-filled with beverage preparation material); recipe (e.g. the quantities of different beverage preparation materials to be used, which can be monitored via the communication interface 132 for optional reordering).

LIST OF REFERENCES

Beverage preparation system

4 Beverage preparation machine

10 Housing

22 Base

24 Body

12 Fluid supply

26 Reservoir

28 Fluid pump

30 Fluid heater

14 Beverage material container

16 Beverage material processing unit

18 Dispensing unit

Mixing unit

20 Control system

68 User interface

70 Processing unit

72 Memory unit

74 Beverage preparation program

76 Code signal processing prog

126 Sensors (temperature, water level, injection head position) 130 Power supply

132 Communication interface

32 Receptacle processing unit

34 Code reading system

38 Code reader

78 Code signal

40 Code reading mechanism

42 Actuator unit

44 Drive train

60 Position sensor

80 Read cycle signal

62 Code reader support

64 Code reader support portion

66 Shaft

88 Primary rotary member (Embodiment 2) 138 Engagement member 46 Receptacle engagement unit

Embodiment 1 82 Receptacle support unit

84 Receptacle drive unit

86 Receptacle constraint unit

90 Receptacle engagement member

100 Receptacle engagement portion 02 Actuation portion

92 Engagement member actuation unit 98 Carriage

106 Housing

88 Primary rotary member

104 Guide member

106 Housing

Embodiment 2

82 Receptacle support unit

1 10 Receptacle constraint unit

1 12 Receptacle engagement member

1 18 Receptacle engagement portion 120 Actuation portion

1 14 Engagement member actuation unit

124 Rotary member

122 Guide member

134 Rotary member drive unit

136 Secondary rotary member 140 Engagement portion 142 Rotation extension cutout

1 16 Housing

36 Receptacle detection system

Receptacle

56 Side-wall

58 Base

94 Code

96 Markers

Claims

A code reading mechanism of a receptacle processing unit of a beverage preparation machine, the code reading mechanism comprising:

an actuator unit;

a code reader support;

a receptacle engagement unit to engage and support a receptacle, the receptacle engagement unit comprising a receptacle constraint unit, the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member operable to move between an engaged and disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position a receptacle is rotationally constrained with respect to the receptacle engagement member,

the receptacle constraint unit comprising a receptacle engagement member actuation unit to actuate the said receptacle engagement member between the said positions,

the code reading mechanism being configured such that the actuator unit supplies rotary motion to one of the component(s):

the code reader support; or

at least the receptacle engagement member of the receptacle constraint unit,

said rotary motion to cause the said component(s) to rotate about an axis of rotation relative the other to effect reading of a code arranged on a supported receptacle.

The code reading mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the code reading mechanism is configured with the actuator unit to actuate the actuation unit of the receptacle constraint unit.

The code reading mechanism according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle engagement member comprise a receptacle engagement portion pivotably supported with respect to either: a body of the code reading mechanism; or a receptacle engagement member carriage of the receptacle constraint unit which is rotatable relative the said body.

The code reading mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle engagement member comprises an actuation portion and the engagement member actuation unit comprises a engagement member actuation portion of a rotary member, the rotary member receiving rotary motion from the actuator unit, the engagement member actuation portion to actuate the actuation portion upon rotation of the rotary member relative the receptacle engagement member to effect the receptacle engagement member to move between the said position.

The code reading mechanism according to the directly preceding claim, wherein the rotary member is: rotatable relative the receptacle engagement member to a first position to effect actuation of the receptacle engagement member to the engaged position; rotatable relative the receptacle engagement member to a second position to effect actuation of the receptacle engagement member to the disengaged position.

6. The code reading mechanism according to the directly preceding claim, wherein the rotary member is: rotatable in a first direction to the first position; rotatable in an opposed second direction to the second position.

7. The code reading mechanism according to any of the three directly preceding claims, wherein the engagement member actuation portion of a rotary member comprises a guide, the guide having periphery of varying radial position, the actuation portion of the receptacle engagement members being actuatable by the said periphery.

8. The code reading mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of receptacle engagement members, which are circumferentially disposed about the said relative axis of rotation.

9. The code reading mechanism according to any preceding claim in combination with claim 4, wherein the code reader support is rotationally constrained about the said axis of rotation with respect to a body of the code reading mechanism and at least the receptacle engagement member of the receptacle constraint unit is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative the body of the code reading mechanism,

code reading mechanism further comprising a receptacle drive unit comprising the receptacle constraint unit and the rotary member, which is a primary rotary member, the receptacle drive unit being configured with the receptacle engagement member to rotate in a first direction with the primary rotary member subsequent to its actuation from the disengaged to the engaged position by rotation of the primary rotary member.

10. The code reading mechanism according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 8 claims in combination with claim 4, wherein the receptacle engagement member is rotationally constrained about the said axis of rotation with respect to a body of the code reading mechanism and the code reader support is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative the body of the code reading mechanism.

1 1. The code reading mechanism according to the directly preceding claim, wherein the code reader support comprises a code reader support portion and a primary rotary member to: rotate therewith; receive rotary motion from the actuator unit, the rotary member of the receptacle constraint unit being rotatable relative the primary rotary member,

the receptacle constraint unit further comprising a rotary member drive unit comprising: a secondary rotary member; an engagement member of the primary rotary member, the engagement member to transmit rotary motion to the rotary member via the secondary rotary member.

12. The code reading mechanism according to the directly preceding claim, wherein the secondary rotary member is movable, by means of the engagement member of the primary rotary member, between a first and second position corresponding to the engaged and disengaged positions of the receptacle engagement member.

13. The code reading mechanism according to any of the three directly proceeding claims, wherein the primary rotary member is rotatable in a first and second opposed direction, the engagement member thereof to move the secondary rotary member to the first position with rotation of the primary rotary member in the first direction, the engagement member to move the secondary rotary member to the second position with rotation of the primary rotary member in the second direction.

14. A beverage preparation machine comprising:

a beverage preparation unit to process beverage preparation material;

a fluid supply operable to supply fluid to the beverage preparation unit;

a receptacle processing unit comprising a code reading system for reading a code of a receptacle, the code reading system operable to generate a code signal when reading the code;

a control system comprising a processing unit to process the code signal to determined beverage preparation information encoded therein,

the code reading system comprising the code reading mechanism according to any of the preceding claims.

15. A method of preparing a beverage the method comprising using the beverage preparation machine according to claim 14 and a receptacle comprising a code configured to be read by the code reading system, the method comprising:

controlling the actuator unit of the code reading mechanism to effect reading of the code, controlling the beverage preparation unit using at least part of the determined beverage preparation information and/or at least part of the determined beverage preparation information is stored on the memory unit for monitoring of beverage consumption and/or usage of the beverage preparation machine.

Use of a receptacle comprising a code for preparing a beverage in the machine according to claim 14.