Field of application of the invention

The present invention has application in the field of the art regarding the man- agement of waste, that is the set of operations aimed for the collection, storage and treatment of the waste by means of disposal or recycling thereof. In particular, the present invention has application in reference to the management of a specific type of waste, i.e. that consisting of (waste) products comprising a multiplicity of disposable or recyclable materials according to modes that are differ- ent from each other.

The management of the waste of the aforesaid type usually requires a preliminary operation before the disposal or recycling consisting of the decomposition of the product to eliminate. Said preliminary operation is carried out for the purpose of allowing the mutual separation of the components (also defined "frac- tions") of the product that are disposable or recyclable according to modes that are different from each other.

Said fractions are usually constituted by materials belonging to different categories, such as synthetic materials, metals, wood, paper and cardboard, glass and the so-called "wet fraction", i.e. organic materials, in particular food residues. The present invention regards the management of waste products comprising at least one first fraction, generally solid or liquid, enclosed in a second solid fraction acting as a casing for containing the first fraction. Hereinbelow in the pre- sent description, in order to facilitate the exposition, with the term "capsule" the aforesaid solid fraction will be indicated, such fraction enclosing a fraction that is disposable or recyclable separately from said capsule, according to modes that are different from each other.

More precisely, the present invention refers to a device for suitably opening a capsule in order to allow a facilitated separation of said capsule from the fraction enclosed therein.

The present invention further refers to a method (actuatable, by way of example, by means of the device, subject of the invention) for suitably opening a capsule in order to allow a facilitated separation of said capsule from the fraction enclosed therein.

Illustration of the technical problem and review of the prior art

Among the waste comprising at least one first fraction, solid or liquid, enclosed in a second solid fraction acting as a casing for containing the first fraction, there are, by way of example, the used capsules for coffee machines, i.e. polymer casings with nearly cylindrical form enclosing coffee powder that is wet following the obtainment of a coffee drink. These capsules are constituted by a container comprising a circular first base and a cylindrical side wall that rises orthogonally from the edge of the first base so as to delimit an opening, also circu- lar, opposite the first base. A suitable quantity of coffee (already in powder form) is deposited in said container and the opening is subsequently closed by means of a circular cap that is welded to the side wall so as to act as a second base of the cylindrical capsule thus obtained. Hereinbelow in the present description, the word "cylindrical" also comprises the "frustoconical" shape very often used in the aforesaid capsules.

Due to the welding, the second base is integrally and irreversibly connected to the side wall of the container. This ensures that the above-described capsules appear as a single, non-openable body. Following the use of the capsule, even if the dry fraction (usually made of polyethylene) that constitutes the capsule can be recyclable separately from the biodegradable wet fraction (the coffee powder), the hermetic sealing of the casing makes it impossible to separate the aforesaid fractions and obliges the disposal of the used capsule by means of in- cineration, for example.

This constitutes a waste of materials since the polymers intended to contain the foods (such as the abovementioned polyethylene) and the food discard (such as the coffee powder of the used capsules) are recyclable in order to be trans- formed and reused in the form of other products. The incineration also has a negative environmental impact clearly greater than the recycling of the polymer and wet biodegradable fractions.

In order to seek to resolve this problem, capsules have been conceived comprising a casing made of a non-polymer material (such as aluminum) more eas- ily separatable from the coffee fraction enclosed therein. These "second generation" capsules have however attainment costs that are higher than those of the above-described polymer capsules. In addition, according to consumers, the quality of the coffee drink obtained by a capsule with a polymer casing is greater than that of the drinks obtained by capsules with a casing made of another material.

Since the consumption of capsules with a polymer casing for coffee machines is quite widespread, not only in Italy, the desire to reduce the environmental impact of the disposal of the used capsules has given rise to the need to provide a device that allows suitably opening the polymer casing in order to allow a facili- tated separation of said casing from the biodegradable fraction enclosed therein. The possibility of separating the dry fraction from the wet fraction could in fact allow separately recycling the polyethylene from the coffee. The Applicant knows of no device or method capable of meeting said need.

The above need arises not only in relation to the disposal of the used capsules with a polymer casing for coffee machines, but each time it is necessary to dispose of a waste product consisting of at least one first fraction, generally solid or liquid, enclosed in a second solid fraction acting as a casing for containing the first fraction.

Objects of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the described drawbacks and to indicate a device and a method for opening a casing enclosing at least one substance that is disposable or recyclable separately from said casing, according to modes that are different from each other.

Summary of the invention

The subject of the present invention is a device for cutting into at least three parts a capsule comprising a first base, a second base opposite the first base and at least one side wall interposed between said bases,

the device comprising:

• a seat in which the capsule is at least partially housable;

• a first and a second blade, the first blade including at least one first cutting profile, the second blade including at least one second cutting profile, the cut- ting profiles being situated at a mutual distance not greater than the distance between the bases of the capsule;

• means suitable for determining a relative movement between the blades and the seat for housing the capsule such that both cutting profiles at least partially traverse said seat;

the cutting profiles being arranged in a manner such that, when the capsule is housed in said seat, during the relative movement between the blades and the housing seat:

• the first cutting profile traverses the side wall of the capsule in proximity to the first base, separating the latter from at least one portion of the side wall; · the second cutting profile traverses the side wall of the capsule in proximity to the second base, separating the latter from at least said portion of side wall. Advantageously, when the blades penetrate into the seat for housing the capsule, they cut the latter into three parts, separating each base from the side wall. The cutting into three parts performed by the device, subject of the inven- tion, with respect to a common cutting into two parts, thus separates a central part of the capsule (constituted by the side wall) from the bases thereof. This facilitates the removal from the capsule of the fraction contained therein. Indeed, first of all, by cutting the side wall in proximity to the bases, the fraction contained in the capsule is not dispersed in the three parts in which the latter has been cut, but rather remains substantially contained within the central part. Secondly, due to the separation of the bases from the side wall, the latter appears, after the cutting, like a container open at two mutually opposite ends. This facilitates the removal of the fraction contained in the capsule with respect to the case in which, by way of example, the capsule is cut into two parts at the side wall (in proximity to one of the two bases or nearly at the same distance therefrom).

Further innovative characteristics of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cutting profiles are axially offset with respect to each other in a manner such that, during the relative movement between the blades and the capsule, one of said cutting profiles comes into contact with the side wall of the capsule before the other cutting profile.

Since one blade starts to cut the side wall before the other, the time period in which the cutting occurs comprises a first interval during which a single blade starts to cut and subsequently penetrates the side wall, and a second time interval during which, while the blade already traversing the side wall continues cutting, the other blade starts to cut and subsequently penetrates the side wall. Advantageously, since the cutting profiles do not come into contact with the side wall simultaneously, the movement means need to apply less force for the capsule to be cut into three parts. The pressing force that a blade must exert against the side wall in order to start to cut the latter is in fact greater than the pressing force to be exerted for continuing the cutting.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of the cutting profiles comprises at least one tip.

Preferably, the cutting profiles come into contact with the side wall at the tip. This facilitates the penetration of the blade within the side wall.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cutting profiles are flat and mutually parallel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the distance between the tip of the first cutting profile and the orthogonal projection of the tip of the second cutting profile, on the plane where the first cutting profile lies, is preferably comprised between 20 % and 50 % of the internal diameter of the transverse section of maximum diameter of the side wall, and still more preferably between 35 % and 40 % of said diameter. According to another aspect of the invention in which the bases of the capsule are nearly flat and mutually parallel, the distance between the cutting profiles is preferably comprised between 40 % and 70 % of the distance between the bases of the capsule, and still more preferably between 50 % and 60 % of said distance.

According to another aspect of the invention, when the capsule is housed in said seat, the cutting profiles are parallel to the bases of the capsule.

Advantageously, the side wall is cut by the blades parallel to the bases. The portion of side wall separated from the bases is therefore nearly cylindrical. According to another aspect of the invention, the seat for housing the capsule comprises at least one movable wall, at least partially mating with the side wall of the casing, said wall of the housing seat having a maximum height not greater than the mutual distance between the cutting profiles.

Advantageously, during the relative movement between the blades and the seat for housing the capsule, the movable wall of the housing seat can be inserted between the cutting profiles of the blades, facilitating the cutting of the side wall of the capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention, the movement means comprise means for translating the movable wall of the housing seat.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises means suitable for deforming the side wall portion of the capsule separated from the bases.

Advantageously, a deformation of the side wall portion facilitates the separation from said wall of the fraction (previously enclosed in the capsule) circumscribed within the latter.

According to another aspect of the invention, the deformation means comprise means suitable for transversely compressing said portion of side wall.

By way of example, if the side wall portion is nearly cylindrical, by "transverse compression" it is intended a compression obtained by applying at least one force directed nearly parallel to a transverse section of the side wall portion (i.e., with reference to the capsule before cutting, parallel to the bases of the capsule). According to another aspect of the invention, the deformation means comprise:

• at least one pair of mutually facing walls that are at least partially convergent to form a narrowing, the minimum distance between said convergent walls being less than the maximum width, measured in a transverse direction, of the portion of side wall;

• means suitable for forcing the passage of the side wall portion through said narrowing.

By way of example, if the casing is nearly cylindrical, by "width measured in a transverse direction" it is intended the external diameter of a transverse section of the portion of side wall.

According to another aspect of the invention, the means suitable for forcing the passage of the side wall portion through the narrowing comprise the means for the relative movement between the blades and the seat for housing the capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention in which the casing is nearly cylindrical, when the side wall portion is forced to pass through the narrowing, the walls of the narrowing are substantially orthogonal to a transverse section of the side wall portion (that is, with reference to the capsule before cutting, orthogonal to the bases of the capsule).

Since the minimum distance between the walls of the narrowing is less than the external diameter of a transverse section of the side wall, the latter, with the passage through the narrowing, is deformed, assuming a nearly elliptical configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, the walls of the narrowing are substantially orthogonal to the cutting profiles.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises means for collecting the three parts into which the capsule is cut, said collection means comprising a container including at least two compartments mutually separated by a net whose meshes have size such to prevent the passage of the cut cap- sule parts through the net.

By way of example, if the capsule is a used capsule for coffee machines, the three cut capsule parts are housable in a first of the two compartments. By ar- ranging the container in a manner such that the first compartment is situated above the second compartment and the net is preferably arranged nearly horizontal, the coffee crosses through the net, being collected in the second compartment, while the three cut capsule parts are retained by the net in the first compartment. In such a manner, the two fractions are easily separated from each other.

Another object of the invention is a method for cutting into at least three parts a capsule comprising a first base, a second base opposite the first base and at least one side wall interposed between the bases,

the method comprising the step of:

a) separating each base from the side wall by cutting the latter both in proximity to the first base, and in proximity to the second base.

According to one aspect of the invention, after step a), the method comprises the step of:

b) deforming said portion of side wall.

Brief description of the figures

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof and from the enclosed drawings, given as merely exemplifying and non-limiting, in which:

- figure 1 shows, in perspective view, the device that is the subject of the invention ready to cut a capsule;

- figure 2 shows the device 1 , in front schematic cross section, illustrating a capsule that has already been cut with a dashed line;

- figure 3 shows the device of figure 1 in schematic cross section along a plane ll-ll visible in figure 2, illustrating the central portion of an already-cut capsule and the subsequent capsule, ready to be cut;

- figure 4 shows, in perspective view, the position of the device of figure 1 at the end of the cutting of a capsule, not shown;

- figure 5 shows the device of figure 4, in front schematic cross section, illus- trating with a dashed line the cutting profiles, an already-cut capsule and the preceding transversely-deformed capsule;

- figure 6 shows the device of figure 4 in schematic cross section along a plane V-V visible in figure 5, illustrating the central portion of an already-cut capsule, lacking the bases and blocked between the blades.

Detailed description of several preferred embodiments of the invention

In the present description, in order to facilitate the exposition, reference is only made to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the device and the relative method are employed for cutting the polymer casing of a used capsule for coffee machines. It must be clear that the described device and method are not limited to the aforesaid embodiment but can be employed for cutting a generic casing comprising at least one side wall interposed between a pair of ba- ses and possibly enclosing at least one fraction that is disposable or recyclable separately from said casing.

Hereinbelow in the present description, a figure can also be illustrated with reference to elements not expressly indicated in that figure but in other figures. The scale and proportions of the various depicted elements do not necessarily correspond with the actual scale and proportions.

Figures 1 to 3 show a device 1 with which it is possible to cut into three parts a capsule 2 to be recycled, comprising a first fraction, preferably solid or liquid, enclosed in a second solid fraction acting as a casing for containing the first fraction. By way of example, the capsule is a used capsule for coffee machines comprising a polymer casing, preferably made of polyethylene, in which coffee powder is housed that has been wetted following the obtainment of a coffee drink. In order to clarify the description, hereinbelow the word "capsule" will only identify the casing, unless otherwise specified. The capsule 2 is preferably nearly cylindrical and comprises a first base 3 (visible in figure 3), a second base 4 opposite the base 3 and a side wall 5 interposed between the bases 3 and 4. The device comprises a plate P in which a chute 7 and a seat 6 are obtained in which the capsule 2 is housable for performing the cutting. The chute 7 comprises (figures 1 and 2) a ramp, delimited by a bottom surface 9 and by two side walls 10 and 11 , communicating with the seat 6 at a first end 32 and with the environment outside the device at a second end 8, arranged at a height greater than that at which the first end 32 lies.

The device also comprises a second cover plate C superimposed on the plate 1 , upon complete closure of the device, not illustrated in figures 1 , 2, 4 and 5 in order to allow viewing the interior of the device and shown only partially in figures 3 and 6. By way of example, the device 1 is arranged vertically.

A series of capsules 2 is introduced into the chute 7, at the end 8, with the side wall 5 arranged between the side walls 10 and 1 1 . Due to the weight force, the capsules 2 are moved towards the seat 6, by sliding or rolling along the ramp. The chute 7 therefore acts as a means for transporting the capsule 2 from the end 8 to the seat 6. The plate C maintains the capsules 2 on the ramp during the sliding or rolling towards the seat 6.

The seat 6 is delimited by a bottom surface, preferably the surface 9, and laterally (figure 1 ) by a pair of walls 30 and 31 preferably parallel to each other and orthogonal to the surface 9. The wall 31 constitutes the extension of the wall 1 1 of the chute 7 within the seat 6. Still more preferably, the walls 30 and 31 are extended beyond the seat 6 in a manner such that the chute 7 opens within the wall 31 . More precisely, the wall 31 comprises an opening 32 at which the seat 6 communicates with the chute 7.

The capsule 2 can therefore be housed in the seat 6 in a manner such that the bases 3 and 4 preferably lie orthogonal to the walls 30 and 31 . The distance between the walls 30 and 31 is preferably not less than the diameter of the bases 3 and 4.

The capsule 2 is housable in the seat 6 in a manner such that the bases 3 and 4 are preferably parallel to the bottom surface 9, and still more preferably (figures 3 and 6) in a manner such that the base 3 is in contact with said bottom surface 9 and the base 4 is in contact with said plate C.

The device 1 comprises a pair of superimposed blades 15 and 16, preferably flat and parallel to each other, and still more preferably parallel to the bottom surface 9. In order to clarify the drawing, only the lower blade 15 is illustrated in figure 1 . The blades 15 and 16 are integrally connected with the plate P of the device 1 and partially penetrate the seat 6 at a respective cutting profile 17 and 18. Preferably, the walls 30 and 31 are extended, on the lower part, beyond the seat 6 such that the blades 15 and 16 are interposed between said walls 30 and 31 . By way of example, with the device 1 in vertical position, the blades 15 and 16 are placed below the seat 6 and partially penetrate the latter from below. As can be observed in figure 2, each of the cutting profiles 17 and 18 preferably comprises a tip 19 and 20 directed towards the interior of the seat 6. Still more pref- erably, the cutting profiles 17 and 18 are equivalent to each other and the blades 15 and 16, at the cutting profiles 17 and 18, are shaped like an isosceles triangle in which the sides having equal length correspond to the cutting profiles 17 and 18. The blades 15 and 16 are preferably arranged in a manner such that the bases of the isosceles triangles are parallel to each other. By way of exam- pie, the blades 15 and 16 and the cutting profiles 17 and 18 are arranged vertically, and the bases of the aforesaid isosceles triangles are arranged horizontally. The cutting profiles 17 and 18 have an angular width, at the tips 19 and 20, preferably comprised between 70° and 120°, and still more preferably between 80° and 100°. By way of example, the blades 15 and 16 are made of steel.

Since the blades 15 and 16 are preferably parallel to the bottom surface 9, when the capsule 2 is housed in the seat 6, the bases 3 and 4 are preferably parallel to the blades 15 and 16, and consequently to the cutting profiles 17 and 18.

As can be observed in figures 2 and 3, the cutting profiles 17 and 18 are offset with respect to each other in a manner such that (with reference to the case in which the blades 15 and 16 are vertically arranged, penetrating the seat 6 from below) the profile 17 is at a greater height than the profile 18. Due to this, when the capsule 2 is housed in the seat 6 before the cutting has started (as shown in figures 1 to 3), the capsule 2 rests on the cutting profile 17 at the tip 19. The distance between the tip 19 and the orthogonal projection of the tip 20, on the plane where the cutting profile 17 lies, is preferably comprised between 20 % and 50 % of the width (distance between the walls 30 and 31 ) of said blades, and still more preferably between 35 % and 40 % of said distance.

With reference once again to figure 3, it is possible to observe that the cutting profiles 17 and 18 are situated at a mutual distance not greater than the distance between the surface 9 and the external surface of the plate P, (i.e. at the height of the side walls 30 and 31 ). In particular, the distance between the cutting profiles 17 and 18 is preferably comprised between 40 % and 70 % of the distance between said surfaces, and still more preferably between 50 % and 60 % of said distance. In addition, the blade 15 lies in proximity to the surface 9 but is situated at a distance from the latter not less than 15 % of said height. Analogously, the blade 16 lies in proximity to the plate C but is situated at a distance from the latter not less than 15 % of said height. Such values allow the cutting of nearly all types of capsules on the market, but the values can be optimized in relation to the type of capsule to be cut by adjusting the distance between said blades via a relative movement between the same.

The device 1 comprises a toothed wheel 22 that can be rotated, centrally, around a pin 23 preferably arranged parallel to the surface 9. The wheel 22 is therefore arranged preferably orthogonal to said surface 9. By way of example, the pin 23 is arranged horizontally and the wheel 22 is consequently arranged vertically.

The wheel 22 engages a rack 24 preferably arranged orthogonal to the pin 23 and parallel to the surface 9. By way of example, the rack 24 is arranged vertically. A lever 25 is integrally connected, at one end thereof, to the wheel 22. The lever 25 is preferably arranged orthogonal to the pin 23 and is rotatable around the latter via the wheel 22. Due to this coupling between the wheel 22 and the rack 24, a rotary motion of the lever 25 around the pin 23 involves a translational motion of the rack 24 parallel to itself. By means of the lever 25, a user of the device 1 is therefore able to impart a reciprocating translational motion to the rack 24.

By way of example, the rack 24 is arranged above the seat 6 and alongside the chute 7. A block 27 is integrally connected to the rack 24 at the end 26 thereof (visible in figure 3) closest to the seat 6. The block 27 on the upper part delimits the seat 6 with a front wall 28 preferably shaped like a cylindrical surface portion with the concavity directed downward, and still more preferably in a manner so as to mate with a portion of the side wall 5. The wall 28 and at least one portion of the block 27 adjacent thereto have a height (measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface 9) preferably not greater than the mutual distance be- tween the blades 15 and 16. Still more preferably, the block 27 is interposed between the planes where the blades 15 and 16 lie. In particular, as will be illustrated hereinbelow in reference to the device operation, the block 27 can be translated between a first position (when the rack 24 is at the upper end stop) in which the wall 28 is situated at a distance from the blade 15 such to allow a capsule 2 to slide in the seat 6, being stopped against the tip 19, and a second position (when the rack 24 is at the lower end stop) in which the wall 28 is interposed between the blades 15 and 16.

Since the wall 28 partly delimits the seat 6 and is axially movable, the present description has indicated (and will indicate hereinbelow) that the seat 6 is movable, but the mobility is always connected to the movement of the wall 28.

The block 27 is integrally connected (figure 2) to a dividing wall 33 that can translate, together with the block 27, preferably parallel to the opening 32. In particular, as will be better illustrated hereinbelow in reference to the operation of the device 1 , the wall 33 is translatable between a first position (when the rack 24 is situated at the upper end stop) in which it lies above the opening 32 (figure 2), allowing the seat 6 to be in communication with the chute 7, and a second position (when the rack 24 is situated at the lower end stop) in which (figure 5) it at least partially obstructs the opening 32 in a manner so as to pre- vent a passage of capsules 2 from the chute 7 to the seat 6.

The device comprises a third pair of mutually facing walls 34 and 35 that are preferably interposed between the blades 15 and 16, orthogonal thereto, on the side opposite the cutting profiles 17 and 18 (i.e., in the figures, in the lower part of the device). The walls 34 and 35 have a progression such to delimit, together with the blades 15 and 16, a spatial portion shaped nearly like an hourglass, i.e. they converge to form a narrowing 36 before then diverging once again. The minimum distance between the walls 34 and 35, measured in a direction orthogonal to the walls 30 and 31 , is less than the distance between said walls! In particular, the minimum distance between the walls 34 and 35 is preferably comprised between 10 % and 50 % of said distance, and still more preferably between 20 % and 30 % of said distance. The maximum distance between the walls 34 and 35, is preferably greater than said distance between the walls. Since the walls 34 and 35 are preferably orthogonal to the surface 9, when the capsule 2 is housed in the seat 6, the bases 3 and 4 are preferably orthogonal to the walls 34 and 35.

Figures 1 to 3 show the device 1 in a configuration in which the rack 24 is situ- ated at the upper end stop. In this configuration, the wall 28 of the block 27 is situated at a distance from the blade 15 such to allow a capsule 2 to be housed in the seat 6 by resting on the tip 19, and the dividing wall 33 lies above the opening 32, allowing the seat 6 to be in communication with the chute 7.

Figures 4 to 6 show the device 1 in a configuration in which the rack 24 is sit- uated at the lower end stop. In this configuration, the wall 28 of the block 27 is interposed between the blades 15 and 16, and the dividing wall 33 obstructs the opening 32 so as to prevent a passage of capsules 2 from the chute 7 to the seat 6. The cut capsule 2 (figure 4) is no longer in the seat 6.

Having observed the device 1 in its entirety, the operation thereof will now be illustrated, starting from the configuration shown in figures 1 to 3, with the rack 24 situated at the upper end stop, finishing with the configuration shown in figures 4 to 6, with the rack 24 at the lower end stop and with reference to two adjacent capsules in successive position, respectively the capsules 2- _\ and 2 ₂ . The capsule 2i (see figure 2), ready to be cut, is situated in the seat 6, with the bases 3 and 4 respectively parallel to the surface 9 and with the side wall 5 comprised between the walls 30 and 31 , abutted against the tip 19 of the profile 17 of the blade 15. As shown in figure 2, other capsules 2 (the first is 2 ₂ ) to be cut are waiting along the chute 7 on top of each other. The latter capsules will come to progressively occupy the seat 6 after the cutting of the preceding cap- sules.

In order to perform the cutting of the capsule 2- _\ , it is necessary to rotate the lever 25 around the pin 23 in clockwise sense, as illustrated by the arrow F in figure 1. This causes a translation downward of the rack 24. Due to said translation, the block 27 and the wall 28 therewith are moved progressively closer to the capsule 2 until the wall 28 comes into contact with the side wall 5. Continuing in the translation, the capsule 2^ is pressed against the cutting profile 17 of the blade 15 at the side wall 5. Due to said pressure, the cutting profile 17 cuts the side wall 5, crossing through the latter with the continuation of the downward translation of the capsule 2i , thrust by the block 27. The capsule 2i is then in contact, always at the side wall 5, with the tip 20 of the profile 18 of the blade 16. Analogous to what occurred with the blade 15, due to the pressure exerted by the block 27, the cutting profile 18 cuts the side wall 5, crossing through the latter with continuation of the downward translation of the capsule 2i . After the cutting by the blade 16 has started, the block 27, continuing the translation, is progressively interposed between the blades 15 and 16. Upon reaching the lower end stop of the rack 24, the blades 15 and 16 have completely traversed the side wall 5, separating the bases 3 and 4 therefrom. The capsule 2i is thus cut into three parts, respectively, the base 3, the base 4, and the central portion 37 of side wall 5 that lies interposed between the blades 15 and 16.

The blade 15 lies in proximity to the surface 9 but is situated at a distance therefrom not less than the thickness of the base 3. Analogously, the blade 16 lies in proximity to the wall C but is situated at a distance therefrom not less than the thickness of the base 4. The profiles 17 and 18 of the blades 15 and 16 traverse the side wall 5 respectively in proximity to the bases 3 and 4, parallel to the latter. In such a manner, the portion 37 therefore has a nearly cylindrical shape. Since the wall 28 of the block 27 on the upper part delimits the seat 6 for hous- ing the capsule 2, the movement of the block 27 with respect to the blades 15 and 16 constitutes a relative movement between the seat 6 and the blades 15 and 16 due to which the blades 15 and 16 penetrate through the seat 6 and with this through the capsule 2i housed therein.

With reference to figures 5 to 6, it is possible to observe that, when the rack 24 is at lower end stop, the bases 3 and 4, being disconnected from the side wall 5, have fallen, being separated from the blades 15 and 16. The portion 37 of side wall 5 instead rests against the walls 34 and 35 at the narrowing 36, and is retained therein between the blades 15 and 16 between which it is interposed. In order to expel the portion 37 of side wall 5 from the device 1 , it is necessary to carry out the cutting of a subsequent capsule 2 ₂ (exited from the opening 32 when the rack 24 has returned to the upper end stop) rested, at its side wall, against the side wall (figure 5) of the preceding capsule 2i . In order to expel the portion 37 of side wall 5 from the device, it is necessary to rotate the lever 25 in counterclockwise sense in the figure, so as to translate the rack 24 away from the blades 15 and 16. During this movement, the dividing wall 33 progressively frees the opening 32. Upon reaching the upper end stop, the opening 32 is completely freed and due to the weight force a capsule 2 ₂ rolls or slides from the chute 7 into the seat 6. At this point, it is necessary to once again rotate the lever 25 in clockwise sense until the lower end stop is reached by the rack 24. Due to this movement, the capsule 2 ₂ is thrust by the block 27 against the blades 15 and 16, and is thus cut into three parts. While the central portion of side wall of the capsule 2 ₂ is progressively separated from the bases of the latter, said central portion is in contact with the portion 37 of the previously-cut capsule 2 _\ . In particular, the wall 28 presses the central portion 37 of the capsule 2 ₂ against the walls 34 and 35, thus forcing the portion 37 of the capsule 2i to go beyond the narrowing 36 with its consequent deformation (figure 5) from nearly cylindrical to nearly oval. Beyond the narrowing 36, the portion 37 of 2i, not being retained by the walls 34 and 35, falls below, exiting from the device 1. In figures 2 and 3, interposed between the blades 15 and 16, the central portion 37 is visible of a capsule 2 that was cut before the capsule 2 _\ visible in figure 5 is the central portion 37 of a capsule 2i _, deformed by the passage through the narrowing 36 following the thrust received from the portion 37 of 2 ₂ , before being expelled from the device.

The system comprising the lever 25, the toothed wheel 22 and the rack 24, in order to act as means for the relative movement between the seat 6 and the blades 15 and 16, therefore acts as means suitable for forcing the passage of the portion 37 through the narrowing 36. The walls 34 and 35, the narrowing 36 and said movement system therefore act as means for deforming the portion 37. By passing through the narrowing 36, the portion 37 is deformed, assuming a nearly elliptical shape.

In light of that stated above, the capsules are cut by the device 1 according to the so-called "FIFO" that is "first in first out" mode, i.e. in the same order in which they have been inserted in the device.

It will then be clear that the lever 25 for rotating the toothed wheel 22, in order to translate the block 27 in both senses, constitutes only one of the different reciprocating systems, manual or motorized, that can be used for obtaining the translation of the aforesaid block.

As stated above, the capsules 2 are, by way of example, used capsules for cof- fee machines. This signifies that the portion 37 encloses wet coffee powder therein. Due to such wetness, the powder tends to remain attached to the internal surface of side wall 5 of the portion 37. The deformation of said portion caused by the passage through the narrowing 36 facilitates the separation of said coffee powder from side wall 5.

By using the device according to the invention, it is therefore possible to actuate a method for cutting into three parts the capsule 2, simultaneously separating the casing from the internal fraction. Said method comprises the steps of:

a) separating each of the bases 3 and 4 from the side wall 5 by cutting the latter in proximity to both the bases 3 and 4, preferably parallel thereto;

b) deforming, preferably transversely, the portion 37 of side wall 5.

Still in accordance with the invention, in a preferred embodiment of the device, not shown in the figures, the device comprises a container placed downstream of the narrowing 36 for the collection of the bases 3, 4, of the portion 37 of side wall 5, and of the fraction possibly enclosed in the capsule 2. If said fraction in- eludes a multiplicity of fragments of size smaller than the bases 3, 4 and the portion 37 of side wall 5 (such as coffee powder that is wet following the preparation of a coffee drink), the container is preferably divided into two compartments separated by a net whose meshes have a size such to prevent the passage of the bases 3 and 4 and of the portion 37, but not of said fraction. By way of example, the net is arranged horizontally, such that one compartment is placed above the other. Upon expulsion of the bases 3 and 4, of the portion 37 and of said fraction from the narrowing 36, these fall into the upper compartment. Said fraction, previously enclosed in the portion 37 and subsequently detached from the latter following the passage through the narrowing 36, crosses through the separation net of the container, being deposited in the lower compartment. The bases 3 and 4 and the portion 37 are instead retained by the net in the upper compartment. This allows a disposal of said fraction separately from the bases 3 and 4 and from the portion 37.

On the basis of the description provided for a preferred embodiment, it is clear that some changes can be introduced by the man skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.