MXPA01008812A - Method and apparatus for brewing a fluid extract using an inclined filter pouch containing flavor extractable particles - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of brewing a fluid extract using a filter pouch (10) containing flavor extractable particles. One step is supporting a fully compliant, fluid-permeable filter pouch partially filled with flavor extractable particles (14) such that the pouch is inclined at an angle to horizontal ranging from about 30°to about 90°so that the particles accumulate at a bottom end of the filter pouch. Another step is directing brew water to near an upper end of the filter pouch above the particles. The brew water enters the filter pouch without the need for an opening in the pouch, and drops to infiltrate the particles. The particles are partially fluidized by and suspended in the brew water and they rise with the brew water into an empty portion of the filter pouch without a need for opposing sides of the filter pouch to separate to generate internal space. A further step includes brewing a fluid extract from the particles in the filter pouch and discharging the fluid extract from the filter pouch. The filter pouch has sufficient exit area that a fluid extract discharge rate matches a rate of brew water entry into the filter pouch when a fluid head is produced inside the filter pouch which is at least as great as a vertical depth of particles in the filter pouch.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO OBTAIN BY INFUSION A FLUID ABSTRACT USING AN INCLINED FILTER PAPER HAIR WHICH CONTAINS PARTICLES TO WHICH THE TASTE CAN BE REMOVED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the preparation of infusions and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for preparing infusions in filter paper pouches. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the deviation of water for the infusion of filter paper sachets and improving the consistency of the infusion therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A coffee infusion is typically the result of the extraction, with a yield of 15% to 30%, of the dissolved solids of the coffee particles, which are mixed with hot water for infusion, for several minutes. The resulting fluid extract is filtered by gravity from the ground coffee already exhausted, by means of a piece of filter paper. Commercial infusion machines supply approximately half a gallon of hot water, typically at almost 195 ° F, to a nozzle on the infusion basket. In the basket of Pl343? infusion is placed an extended cup-shaped filter, on which is placed a measure of coffee particles to which the flavor is extracted. When the water for the infusion is sprayed on the uncompressed particles, the particles tend to float and many are suspended or fluidized in the water for infusion. It is believed that this represents the ideal condition to perform the infusion of the maximum dissolved solids of the particles. The water for the infusion is typically sprayed during about 3 minutes on the particles, where the material extracted from the particles continually flows, while the fluid extract passes through the filter. The infusion basket preferably has a discharge opening below the filter, sufficient for drain all the fluid extract from the filter in approximately 3 to 4 minutes. A problem with the standard system for preparing infusions from loose particles is that there is a spillage of particles and contamination in different points of the process. For example, the particles can be spilled by being poured manually into the cup-shaped filter. Also, the particles may deviate from the filter pass in case the water for the infusion overflows to the filter or the filter, for other part, is improperly placed in the infusion basket. In addition, each batch of spent ground coffee must be removed and frequently spilled when the wet filter is removed from the infusion basket for disposal. To solve the problem of particle containment, the industry for commercial infusions has adopted filter paper sachets with various designs, where a pre-measured quantity of low-compressed particles is totally enclosed within each bag. The user, therefore, never manipulates the particles directly. Although filter paper pouches can solve one of the problems, they are often the cause of other problems. For example, although the particles are little compressed within the pouch, the space is insufficient for the particles to expand and fluidize, which can result in the agglomeration of some of the particles. The condition of agglomeration is much less conducive to extraction than the suspension of particles. Low percentages of dissolved solids are extracted when the containers do not have enough internal space. The prior art exposes pouches with a complex and expensive construction that allows it to expand and provides the required internal space. Another problem of the pouches is that the material to filter, located between the water mist for the infusion and the particles contained in the container, can interfere with the fluidization of the particles. The water for the infusion must enter the container first, before the particles can be fluidized for infusion. Although water for infusion passes easily through the filter material, the overall open area is often insufficient to allow the complete flow of water for infusion into the pouches. In case the bag does not have the capacity to adopt a cup shape to form a reservoir, some of the water for the infusion could be diverted from its entrance to the filter paper bag, finally diluting the fluid extract from the bag. Other designs of pouches and infusion baskets are designed so that the pouch forms a seal with the basket, in such a way that external deviation can not occur. However, such a seal is inconsistent. In addition, when a filter paper bag is partially filled with the particles to allow expansion of the particles, manual handling of the container can result in the accumulation, at one end of the container, of most of the particles. If this is not corrected when the container is manually placed horizontally in the infusion basket, a portion of the container will probably be left empty. The water for infusion easily finds those empty portions and flows directly through the container without contact with the particles. This is also an undesirable way of causing a diversion of water for infusion. What is needed is an infusion system with a filter paper bag that reduces the undesirable deviation of the infusion water and also provides enough space for the particles to be suspended in the infusion water, inside the container, to prepare a consistently optimal infusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the practice of the present invention the problems of particle containment, deviation of water for infusion and of providing space inside the container for the particles to be expanded are solved, so that it is possible to prepare an infusion Consistent and optimal with each replacement of the filter paper bag used in the infusion system. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for performing the preparation of a fluid extract using a filter paper bag containing particles to which the flavor can be extracted. The method includes a step to support a fully elastic, fluid-permeable filter paper bag partially filled with particles to which the flavor can be extracted, such that the container is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, which fluctuates between about 30 and about 90 degrees, such that the particles accumulate at one end of the bottom of the filter paper bag. Another step is to direct the infusion water to a near top end of the filter paper bag, above the particles. The water for the infusion enters the filter paper bag without the need for an opening in the filter paper bag. The water for the infusion falls to infiltrate the particles. The particles are partially fluidized by the water and are suspended therein for infusion and are raised together with the water for infusion, into an empty portion of the filter paper bag, without the need for opposite sides of the filter bag. filter paper to separate to generate the internal space. An additional step includes the preparation of a fluid extract obtained from the particles contained within the filter paper bag and the discharge of the fluid extract from the filter paper bag. The filter paper bag has a sufficient output area, so that the Pl343 discharge velocity of the fluid extract equals the rate of inflow of water for infusion into the filter paper pocket, when a fluid head is produced inside the filter paper bag, which is at least as large as the depth vertical of the particles in the filter paper bag. The filter paper bag is preferably supported in the infusion basket by means of a fluid-permeable support member. The method further comprises the step of draining the fluid extract from the infusion basket at a rate sufficient to prevent the accumulation of the fluid extract at the bottom of the basket from coming into contact with the lower end of the filter paper bag. , such that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract remains substantially unchanged. The step of directing the infusion water to a near upper end of the filter paper bag is preferably carried out using a conduit for the infusion water, which comes in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag, with the purpose of reducing the surface tension generated there, while the water for the infusion can flow on or through the conduit, so that the water for the infusion enters the filter paper pocket with a minimum Pl343 resistance and, as a consequence, the diversion of water for infusion from the outer surface of the filter paper bag is reduced. The water conduit for infusion is preferably constituted by a plurality of flexible fingers in fluid communication with an infusion water reservoir having drainage orifices. The flexible fingers come into contact with the outer surface of the filter paper pocket while the infusion water flows over the fingers from the draining holes. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus having a replaceable filter paper bag and an infusion basket that can be reused., for an infusion system, includes a fully elastic fluid-permeable filter paper bag. The filter paper bag is partially filled with particles to which the flavor can be extracted. Also included is an infusion basket having a fluid-permeable support member therein. The support member supporting the filter paper bag is at an angle, with respect to the horizontal, from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. The support member places the lower end of the filter paper bag sufficiently above the bottom surface of the infusion basket as to avoid its Pl343 contact with the fluid extract that is in the bottom of the infusion basket, during the infusion process. Also included is a means for directing the hot water for infusion from the reservoir to a near upper end of the filter paper bag, so that it enters the filter paper bag above the level of the particles therein. inside, in such a way that the water for the infusion infiltrates the particles to prepare a fluid extract from it. The fluid extract is drained from the filter paper bag to the bottom of the infusion basket, which has a hole in it, in such a way that the fluid extract is discharged into a removable container below. The reservoir is preferably connected to the infusion basket to receive water for infusion from the nozzle head of the infusion machine. The reservoir has a plurality of drainage holes in the lower end of the reservoir. The drainage holes are located adjacent to the flexible fingers extending from the lower end and contact the outer surface of the filter paper bag to reduce the surface tension generated on the outer surface. The water for the infusion that flows from the reservoir, through the Pl343 drainage holes and on the flexible fingers, towards the outer surface of the filter paper bag, flows mainly into the filter paper pocket instead of draining on the outer surface. When the filter paper bag is tilted, the particles accumulate at the lower end thereof, so that the infusion water entering the filter paper bag falls on the particles and infiltrates them. The particles are partially fluidized by water and suspended therein for infusion and are raised with water into an empty portion of the filter paper bag, preferably without the need for the opposite sides of the filter paper bag to separate. to generate the internal space. Preferably, the inclination of the filter paper bag provides a sufficient output area, such that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract equals the inflow water inlet speed into the filter paper bag when a fluid head has been produced. inside it, which is at least as large as the vertical depth of the particles inside the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with the Pl343 claims, which in a particular manner and clearly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood with the following description of the preferred modalities, seen together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers are used reference for identifying identical elements and wherein: Figure 1 is a front elevated view of a preferred embodiment of the filter paper bag of the present invention, which exposes a partially filled rectangular bag, sealed around its perimeter by a seal of fin; Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the same, showing a substantially flat pocket; Figure 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the infusion basket of the present invention, showing a handle, a water reservoir for infusion and a fluid-permeable support member made of perforated metal; Figure 4 is a front elevated transverse view of the same, taken along the section of line 4-4 of Figure 3, showing the flexible fingers extending from the reservoir; Figure 5 is a front elevated transverse view similar to that of Figure 4 showing the pouch P343 of preferred filter paper of the present invention placed on the support member of the infusion basket of the present invention; Figure 6 is a front elevational cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4, showing the preferred filter paper bag of the present invention fully inserted into the infusion basket of the present invention, with the flexible fingers in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag, near an upper end thereof; Figure 7 is a front elevational cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4, showing the preferred filter paper bag of the present invention when initially filled with infusion water from the reservoir, through drainage holes and flexible fingers; Figure 8 is a front elevational cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4 showing the preferred filter paper bag of the present invention discharging the fluid extract, while the particles have expanded and elevated within the filter paper bag; and Figure 9 is a front elevational cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4, showing the preferred filter paper bag of the present Pl343 invention after the infusion is finished and the filter is being removed to be discarded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the filter paper bag of the present invention, generally indicated as 10. The filter paper bag 10 It preferably has a rectangular shape and has fin seals 12 around its perimeter. The filter paper bag 10 is preferably made uniformly on the front and back faces with heat sealable porous filter paper, similar to # 3968, a fluid permeable filter paper obtainable from Dexter Corporation of Indsor Locks, Connecticut. The paper filter bag 10 is preferably manufactured at low cost, using high-speed machinery, similar to the forming-filling-sealing machines. The manufacture of the pouch 10 is well known in the technical field. Two continuous and parallel filtering material membranes or a bent membrane are fed together to a point where they form the fin seals by means of heat and pressure joining, to form a pouch with an open end, into which it can be inserted fluid material. After insertion Pl343 of the fluid material, a second fin seal is made to completely close the filter paper bag 10. Then, the individual pouches are cut from the continuous membranes or the bent membranes. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the filter paper bag 10 contains particles to which flavor 14 can be extracted, which are preferably coffee, tea, herbal, spice, natural condiments or toasted particles. The particles 14 preferably occupy about 30% to about 60% of the available volume of the filter paper bag 10, so that a fluid for preparing an infusion can be added to the filter paper bag 10 above the level of the particles in the filter paper bag 10 and the particles 14 can be fluidized and expanded inside the filter paper bag 10 instead of agglomerating. The filter paper bag 10, when filled with the particles 14, remains substantially flat, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. Preferably, the particles 14 have a certain size and the filter paper bag 10 has such porosity that the particles 14 can not escape from it. An example of particles 14 is coffee FOLGERS.RTM. prepared by Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Those coffee particles are characterized as green coffee beans that have been Pl343 roasted and ground to an average particle size of approximately 750 microns. The filter paper bag 10 may not have a rectangular shape and be made of different materials on the front and rear faces, may have a different stamp than the fin and may be filled with material other than particles, for example flakes, as long as the infusion processes described here are possible with these variations. Figures 3 and 4 show an infusion basket 16 which is designed to be used with the filter paper bag 10 in an infusion process, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 9. The infusion basket 16 is used, for example, with a commercial machine for preparing coffee , similar to the Bunn-O-Matic, model No. OL-35, which is manufactured by Bunn-O-Matic Corporation of Springfield, 111. The infusion machine, not shown, includes a refillable container with water, known as water for infusion or infusion fluid, which can be heated by the heating elements that are inside the machine. The machine also includes a system for delivering hot water for infusion to a rolling head or nozzle at a flow rate and in a certain time sequence within the machine. The basket of Pl343 infusion 16 is preferably fitted by sliding it directly into the infusion machine under the rolling head, so that the infusion basket can be removed to be filled with a new filter paper bag, inserted again to perform the infusion with the new filter paper bag placed to receive the infusion water from the rolling head and then removed again to discard the used filter paper bag. The infusion basket 16 preferably has flanges 18 to be assembled to the infusion machine and a handle 20 for manually manipulating the infusion basket with one hand. The infusion basket 16 is preferably a rectangular container with the upper part 22 substantially open and with the sides 24 closed and a bottom 26 sloping gently. The bottom 26 preferably has a hole 28 located in the center of the sloping bottom, near the lower portion of the infusion basket 16. The hole 28 is intended to discharge the diverted infusion water and the fluid extract from the infusion process to a container, not shown, that is placed directly below the infusion basket 16 in the infusion machine. A mixture of the infusion fluid discharged into the container is available for consumption after the infusion process has been completed.

Pl343 The infusion basket 16 is preferably made of heat resistant plastic by a commonly known injection molding process. It can also be manufactured with metal, for example aluminum foil. The infusion basket 16 has an open reservoir 30 for the infusion water placed in the upper part 22 and facing up, to receive the infusion water from the spray head. A main purpose of reservoir 30 is to receive infusion water, regardless of what kind of spray head the infusion machine has, and redirect the infusion water, at the desired flow rate, to the filter paper bag. The reservoir 30 has, at a lower end 32, a plurality of drainage holes 34, which are located adjacent to the plurality of flexible fingers 36. A flexible finger 36 is positioned, relative to a drainage orifice 34, in such a way that any water for the infusion that flows through it will flow on the flexible finger. The reservoir 30 is preferably manufactured integrally with the infusion basket 16, but, on the other hand, is made of heat-resistant plastic or metal and is connected to the infusion basket 16 by means which is not shown, for example pressure assembly, fusion by welding or other assembly processes well Pl343 known in the technical field of manufacturing rigid parts. The flexible fingers 36 are preferably injection molded from silicone rubber to be flexible, hygroscopic and to have the capacity to withstand temperatures of 200 ° F. The flexible fingers 36 are preferably connected to the reservoir 30 by means of molding a rectangular rod 37 that contains all the fingers, which is snapped into a groove located in the lower end 32. The rod 37 may also have holes of drainage 34 molded therein to achieve precise placement relative to the fingers 36. Alternatively, silicone rubber threads may be spread through the drainage holes 34 and mechanically fastened to the interior surface of the reservoir 30. The infusion 16 also has a support member 38 for the filter paper pocket, the support is fluid permeable, but stiff enough to hold the filter paper pocket 10 during the infusion process. The support member 38 is preferably angled at 45 degrees relative to the horizontal, but may be inclined at an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees for reasons discussed below. The support member 38 is preferably manufactured from Pl343 integral with the infusion basket 16, but, on the other hand, it is removable and is made of heat-resistant plastic, metal or metallic wire. It is connected to the infusion basket 16 by means not shown, for example press fit, fusion by welding or other assembly process well known in the technical field of the manufacture of rigid parts. The support member 38 can also be made of a perforated metal with a plurality of holes 40. The support member 38 has a lower end 42 that supports a filter paper pocket spaced above the bottom 26. The support member 38 is placed in relation to the reservoir 30 in such a way that a space is provided between them to insert a filter paper bag and in such a manner that the flexible fingers 36 come into contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag at a close upper end of the filter paper. he. The lower end 42 has a hook-shaped portion 44 so that when the filter paper pocket is placed on the support member 38 and wet during the infusion process, the filter paper bag does not relax and slide downwardly. on the surface of the inclined support. Figures 5 to 9 show the steps of an infusion process using a filter paper bag Pl343 10 and an infusion basket 16. Figure 5 shows a filter paper pouch 10 placed inside the infusion basket 16 between the support member 38 and the reservoir 30. The flexible fingers 36 are biased so that the paper pouch filter 10 pass below them. Figure 6 shows a filter paper bag 10 placed in position to start the infusion. The flexible fingers 36 remain offset and in contact with an outer surface 46 of the filter paper bag 10 near the upper portion 48 thereof. The benefit offered by the contact of the flexible finger with the outer surface of the filter paper bag is believed to consist of a reduction in the surface tension at the contact point, so that the infusion water can enter the bag with a minimum resistance and , consequently, avoid the diversion of water for infusion of the outer surface. The flexible fingers 36 are preferably in contact with the filter paper bag 10 at a point above the level of the particles 14, so that the water can be directed into the filter paper bag 10 without the interference of the particles 14. However, it is desirable that the contact of the flexible finger be near the upper level of the particles 14, such that the water for the infusion does not deviate from the particles 14 by passing through an opposite side of the pouch.

Filter paper 14. The ideal positioning of the flexible fingers 36 is therefore a function of the angle of inclination 50 of the filter paper pocket 10. The more acute the angle, the greater the contact of the fingers 36 with the exterior surface 46, without the internal deviation of water for infusion. The flexible fingers represent a mode of the infusion water conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and extending from the infusion water reservoir. That duct could be a hollow tube through which the water for the infusion could flow. It could also be a solid ribbon of material on which the infusion water could flow. Flexible fingers are preferred because they provide greater elasticity to the insertion and removal of the filter paper pocket, while ensuring contact with the outer surface of the filter paper pocket. Figure 7 shows water for infusion 52 that comes from a spray head of an infusion machine, which is being accumulated in the reservoir 30. The flow of water for infusion 52 through the drainage holes 34 on the flexible fingers 36 and into the filter paper bag 10 and particles 14, can not be seen in Figure 7. Water for infusion infiltrates the particles 14 to Pl343 prepare the fluid extract 54 obtained from the particles. The fluid extract 54 consists of water for infusion and dissolved solids of the particles 14. Figure 8 shows a condition of the filter paper bag 10 and the infusion basket 16 almost at the end of the infusion, where the level of fluidized particles and expanded has been raised within the filter paper bag 10 and the infusion water establishes a head near the point where the flexible fingers 36 come into contact with the outer surface 46. In the prior art there are elaborate schemes for horizontally placed pouches so that they expand vertically in order to provide space for the expansion and fluidification and suspension of the particles. Because the filter paper bag of the present invention is inclined and only partially filled with particles, it is not necessary that the opposite sides of the filter paper bag 10 be separated for the purpose of generating an interior space. In return, the expansion occurs inside the filter paper pocket 10 along its axis of inclination. If the filter paper bag 10 is inclined at an angle less than 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal, there will probably be a greater tendency for Pl343 opposite sides of the socket try to separate, which in favor of the particles moving along the axis of inclination. Also, at lower inclination angles, the placement of the particles at the lower end of the filter paper pocket is not as consistent and, thus, the infusion water may not fall on the particles. What could happen is that it would pass through the opposite side of the filter paper bag and, therefore, would have deviated from the particles. In case the filter paper bag 10 is inclined more than approximately 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal, the depth of the infusion basket 16 would be excessive. Many infusion machines have a fixed space between the spray head and the upper part of the receiving container so that the infusion basket is placed there. A shorter and thicker filter paper pouch could allow tilt angles greater than 60 degrees for a horizontal position inside the infusion basket 16. While the fluid extract 54 of the particles 14 is shown continuously coming out of the filter paper bag 10, all around the filter paper bag 10 where the particles 14 come into contact with it. Because the fluid extract 54 has a higher viscosity than the water for infusion 52 and because the When particles 14 tend to fill the pores of the filter paper bag 10, it is desirable that the available surface area for the fluid extract 54 to come out of the filter paper bag 10 be significantly larger than the available surface area for the water to flow. infusion 52 enters the filter paper bag 10, so that a substantial equalization of the flow rates maintains a fluid head 56 within the filter paper bag 10. The fluid head 56 preferably develops at least the same size that the thickness of particles 14 in the filter paper bag 10 during most of the infusion time, so that a maximum number of particles can be infiltrated, fluidized and suspended by the water for infusion 52. Figure 8 also shows a accumulation of the fluid extract inside the infusion basket 16 at the slightly inclined bottom 26 behind the hole 28. The hole 28 pre it has a large enough size so as not to allow the accumulation of the fluid extract 54 at a level where it would touch the filter paper bag 10, so that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract 54 of the filter paper bag 10 is not altered . The orifice 28 preferably centers a discharge stream 60 from the infusion basket 16 into the container under the basket.

Pl343 infusion 16. Multiple holes in the bottom 26 could also be beneficial. Figure 9 shows the removal of the used filter paper bag 10, after the infusion process has been completed. Again, the flexible fingers 36 are deflected in such a way that the bag can pass out of the infusion basket 16 in the same way it entered. Alternatively, in case the tank 30 is removable from the infusion basket 16, the tank 30 could be removed first and then the wet filter paper bag 10 could be removed more easily. In an alternative embodiment for the use of an infusion basket 16, a filter paper bag could be suspended vertically or tilted at an angle of at least 30 degrees against a support bar and the water for infusion could be sprayed in a manner substantially perpendicular to the upper end of the filter paper pocket, so that the water for infusion enters the filter paper pocket without the need to have contact with the flexible fingers. In this embodiment (not shown) the infusion water fluidizes the particles that are in the filter paper bag in the same way as in the infusion basket mode. However, the fluid extract that comes out of the Pl343 filter paper pouch falls directly from filter paper pouch into an open container underneath. Accordingly, the infusion basket of the present invention is not necessary in this embodiment. However, a means is required to suspend or support the filter paper bag, in addition to directed nozzles in the infusion machine. The filter paper bag 10 is a fully elastic bag, constructed only of flexible material, to minimize its production cost. There are other totally elastic sachets in the prior art, which are designed to be placed flat in the infusion basket where the elasticity has the purpose of sealing the container against the infusion basket, in order to minimize the diversion of water for infusion. However, because the placement of the particles in a horizontally disposed bag is unpredictable, it is known that those bags provide an untrustworthy seal. To overcome this problem, some cartridges of prior art have included portions with rigid edges that provide a more predictable seal in the infusion basket. However, such a commitment significantly increases the cost of producing these cartridges.

P1343 The filter paper bag of the present invention contrasts with the prior art because a seal between the infusion basket and the bag is not required. In fact, in an alternative modality, not even an infusion basket is required. This is because the infusion system of the present invention directs the infusion water into the inclined filter paper pocket, so that an outer fluid head of the water for infusion is not produced. The fluid head of the present invention is located inside the pocket, instead of being above it, in an infusion basket. The benefits of the present invention are that the cost of the pouch is minimized and also the diversion of the water for infusion is minimized. In the prior art filter bags, the infusion water is directed towards them through openings in the bags. These openings reduce the potential for diverting water for infusion by eliminating any resistance to the filter material. However, any opening compromises the integrity of the filter paper bag. That is, when handling the container after the infusion, the ground coffee can escape through the opening. Because one of the main advantages of the container is to reduce the P1343 Particle contamination that is common with the use of open filters, providing an opening, for any reason, is markedly negative. The pouch of the present invention is always kept completely closed to prevent the escape of particles. The infusion water is directed into the filter paper bag 10 without the need for an opening therein. In a preferred embodiment, the filter paper bag 10 preferably has dimensions of 12 cm by 12 cm, with an internal volume of approximately 300 ml. The infusion basket 16 preferably has outside dimensions of 16 cm in width by 16 cm in length and 10 cm in height. The support member 38 is preferably separated from the reservoir 30 by a distance of 2.5 cm to allow access to the filter paper bag 10. The reservoir 30 preferably has a volume of approximately 150 ml. The drainage holes 34 are preferably approximately 3 mm in diameter, and preferably there are five of them centered at approximately 4 cm from each edge of the infusion basket 16. The flexible fingers 36 are preferably approximately 1.5 mm in diameter and approximately 3 mm in diameter. cm long Each finger preferably extends through a drainage hole.

Pl343 While most of the foregoing analysis has focused on the use of a single filter paper pouch, it should be understood that the principles of the present invention can be applied to configurations and processes using a plurality of pouches accommodated on each side, in the form of a fan or other arrangements that allow infusion according to the present invention. While some particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those who master the technical field that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to cover in the claims below, all those modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

P1343

Claims (10)

CLAIMS t 1. A method to obtain by infusion a fluid extract using a filter paper bag containing particles to which the flavor can be extracted, the method comprises the steps of: a) supporting a filter paper bag permeable to fluids , completely elastic, the filter paper bag is partially filled with particles to which the flavor can be extracted and is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal that fluctuates between approtely 30 and approtely 90 degrees, in such a way that the particles are accumulate in a lower end of the bag; b) directing the infusion water near an upper end of the filter paper bag, above the particles; the infusion water enters the filter paper bag, without the need for an opening in it, and it infiltrates the particles, which are partially fluidized by the water for infusion and are suspended in it, the particles rise with the water for infusion into an empty portion of the filter paper bag, without the need for the opposite sides of the filter paper bag to separate to generate an internal space; and c) obtain by infusion a fluid extract
1. Pl343 obtained from the particles contained within the filter paper bag and discharging the fluid extract from the filter paper bag; the filter paper bag has a sufficient output area so that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract equals the water inlet speed into the filter paper bag, it occurs when a fluid head inside the filter paper bag , which is at least as large as the vertical depth of the particles inside the filter paper bag. 2. A method of preparing a fluid extract using a filter paper bag containing particles to which the flavor can be extracted, where the method comprises the steps of: a) supporting a filter paper bag permeable to fluids and totally elastic, where the filter paper bag is partially filled with particles to which the flavor can be extracted and is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal, ranging from approtely 30 degrees to approtely 90 degrees, in such a way that particles accumulate at the lower end of the filter paper bag; b) directing the infusion water to a near upper end of the filter paper pouch, above the particles, using a plurality of
2. Pl343 flexible fingers in fluid communication with the water tank for infusion and having drainage holes in it; the flexible fingers are in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag to reduce the tension generated therein, while the infusion water flows on the fingers from the drainage holes and on and inside the filter paper bag, thus decreasing the minimum that the infusion water runs away from the outer surface of the filter paper bag; the water for infusion infiltrates the particles and these are partially fluidized by the water and are suspended in it and rise with the infusion water into an empty portion of the filter paper bag; and c) obtaining by infusion a fluid extract of the particles that are in the filter paper bag and discharging the fluid extract from the filter paper bag; the filter paper bag has sufficient output area, in such a way that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract equals the inflow water inlet speed into the filter paper bag, when a fluid head is produced inside the bag of filter paper, which is at least as large as the vertical depth of the particles inside the filter paper bag.
3. 3. An appliance basket infusion and bag Pl343 * * 33 of replaceable filter paper, for an infusion system, characterized by: a) a filter paper bag, completely flexible and permeable to liquid, partially filled with 5 particles to which the taste can be extracted; b) an infusion basket having a liquid permeable support member therein; the support member holds the filter paper bag at an angle to the horizontal that varies approtely between 30 10 degrees and 60 degrees, the support member places the lower end of the filter paper bag sufficiently above the bottom surface of the infusion basket to avoid contact with an accumulation of fluid extract at the bottom of the infusion basket, during the 15 infusion process; c) a means for directing the water for infusion, from a tank to near an upper end of the filter paper bag, so that it enters inside it, above the level of particles therein, of 20 so that the water for infusion infiltrates the particles for the infusion process of the fluid extract from them; the fluid extract is drained from the filter paper bag towards the bottom of the infusion basket that has a hole in it, so that the extract The fluid is discharged to a removable container.
4. 4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter paper bag is supported in an infusion basket by means of a fluid-permeable support member and where the method further comprises the step of draining the fluid extract from the basket. of infusion at a rate sufficient to prevent the accumulated fluid extract from coming into contact with the lower end of the filter paper bag, so that the rate of discharge of the fluid extract remains substantially unchanged. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of directing the infusion water near an upper end of the filter paper bag utilizes a conduit that is in contact with an outer surface of the filter paper bag, with the purpose of reducing the tension there generated while the infusion water flows on or through the conduit, in such a way that the infusion water enters the filter paper bag with a minimum resistance and, therefore, the deviation of the water for infusion of the outer surface of the filter paper bag. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the infusion water conduit comprises a plurality of flexible fingers P1343 * i 35 in fluid communication with the infusion water tank that has drainage holes; the flexible fingers are in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper pocket while the infusion water 5 flows over the fingers from the draining holes to the outer surface. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is connected to the infusion basket to receive the water 10 for infusion from the spray nozzle of the infusion machine; the reservoir has a water conduit for infusion in fluid communication therewith and extending therefrom, the conduit is in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag 15 reduce the surface tension thereof, so that the infusion water enters the filter paper bag with a minimum resistance so that it flows mainly into the pocket and does not deviate from the outer surface. 8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the infusion water conduit comprises a plurality of drainage orifices at the lower end of the reservoir, the drainage orifices are located adjacent to the flexible fingers. 25 that extend from the lower end and are in contact with the outer surface of the filter paper bag, so that the infusion water flows through the drainage holes and over the flexible fingers towards the external surface. 9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter paper pocket, when inclined, causes the particles to accumulate in the lower end of the filter paper pocket, so that the infusion water entering the 10 saquillo falls on the particles and infiltrates them; the particles are partially fluidized and suspended in the infusion water, rising together with this to an empty portion of the filter paper bag, without the need for the opposite sides of the bag to be separated for 15 generate internal space. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter paper pocket, when tilted, provides a sufficient exit area so that the discharge velocity of the The fluid extract coincides with an inflow rate of infusion water into the filter paper bag, when a fluid head is produced inside the filter paper bag, which is at least as large as the vertical depth of the particles that are present. inside of the 25 filter paper bag. PL343 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for infusing a fluid extract using a filter paper bag containing particles to which the flavor can be extracted. One step is to hold a fully elastic, fluid-permeable paper filter pouch partially filled with particles to which the flavor can be extracted, such that the container is inclined at an angle to the horizontal ranging from about 30 to 30 ° C. approximately 90 degrees, in such a way that the particles accumulate at one end of the bottom of the filter paper bag. Another step is to direct the infusion water near the upper end of the filter paper bag, above the particles. The infusion water enters the filter paper bag without the need for an opening in it and falls to infiltrate the particles. The particles are partially fluidized by the water for infusion and are suspended in it and rise with the water for infusion, into an empty portion of the filter paper bag, without the need for opposite sides of the paper bag. filter are separated to generate the internal space. An additional step includes the preparation of a fluid extract obtained from the particles contained within the filter paper bag and the discharge of the fluid extract from the bag. Pl343 filter paper bag. The filter paper bag has a sufficient output area so that the discharge velocity of the fluid extract equals the inflow rate of the infusion water into the filter paper bag, when a fluid head is produced inside the filter bag. filter paper, is at least as large as the vertical depth of the particles in the filter paper bag. Pl343