JUICER SYSTEM AND CARTRIDGES
Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.
1 . A juicer cartridge comprising:
food matter;
one or more liquid permeable compartments adapted and arranged to at least partially surround the food matter; and
a liquid impermeable compartment at least partially surrounding the one or more liquid permeable compartments, wherein compressing the juicer cartridge compresses the food matter to extract juice from the food matter, wherein the extracted juice flows from the one or more liquid permeable compartments to the liquid impermeable compartment and then from the liquid impermeable compartment to outside of the juicer cartridge.
2 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising an outlet associated with the liquid impermeable compartment, wherein the extracted juice flows through the outlet to outside of the juicer cartridge.
3 . The juicer cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the outlet is adapted and arranged to dispense fluid from a corresponding juicer without the fluid directly contacting the juicer.
4 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein in the liquid permeable compartment comprises a liquid permeable pouch.
5 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising a seal associated with the outlet.
6 . The juicer cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the seal is adapted to open above a pressure threshold.
7 . The juicer cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the seal is adapted to be opened using an opening mechanism on a juicer.
8 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the one or more liquid permeable compartments function as filters for the food matter during juice extraction.
9 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the outlet is a drip proof outlet.
10 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the one or more liquid permeable compartments and liquid impermeable compartment are adapted to permit respiration of food matter contained therein.
11 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the food matter contained in each liquid permeable compartment of the one or more liquid permeable compartments is sized relative to at least one physical characteristic of the food matter.
12 . The juicer cartridge of claim 11 , wherein the at least one physical characteristic is at least one of water content, density, hardness, fiber content, and freshness.
13 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge includes an indicator that reacts when the food matter exceeds a predetermined storage condition threshold.
14 . The juicer cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the storage condition comprises at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure, and radiation.
15 . A juicer cartridge comprising:
a compartment containing a volume of liquid, wherein the compartment is constructed and arranged to be compressed by an associated juicer; and
an outlet in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein the outlet is constructed and arranged to extend out from the juicer such that at least a portion of the outlet is not compressed by the juicer.
16 . The juicer cartridge of claim 15 , wherein the liquid is located within food matter capable of being compressed to extract the liquid.
17 . The juicer cartridge of claim 15 , wherein the compartment is constructed and arranged to be located within a pressing chamber of the juicer.
18 . The juicer cartridge of claim 17 , wherein the outlet is constructed and arranged to extend out of the pressing chamber of the juicer.
19 . The juicer cartridge of claim 15 in combination with the juicer.
20 . A juicer cartridge comprising:
a first compartment containing food matter;
a second sealed compartment, wherein the first compartment is disposed within the second compartment, wherein the second compartment contains a gas volume that is sufficient to space at least a portion of the second compartment from the first compartment.
21 . The juicer cartridge of claim 20 , wherein the gas volume comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon.
22 . The juicer cartridge of claim 20 , wherein the second sealed compartment includes a substantially rigid shell.
23 . The juicer cartridge of claim 20 , wherein the second sealed compartment includes a flexible polymer film.
24 . A juicer cartridge comprising:
a first compartment constructed and arranged to contain food matter, wherein the first compartment is constructed and arranged to be compressed by a juicer to extract juice from the food matter; and
an outlet in fluid communication with the first compartment, wherein the outlet includes a first layer located adjacent to a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer cooperate to form a valve, wherein fluid flow during active compression by the juicer during juice extraction opens the valve.
25 . The juicer cartridge of claim 24 , wherein the outlet includes a sealed distal portion.
26 . The juicer cartridge of claim 25 , wherein the sealed distal portion comprises a portion of the first layer sealed to a portion of the second layer.
27 . The juicer cartridge of claim 25 , wherein the sealed distal portion is constructed and arranged to be detached from the outlet to open the outlet.
28 . The juicer cartridge of claim 25 , wherein the sealed distal portion is constructed and arranged to be pierced by an associated juicer to open the outlet.