Importance

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Abstract

A clamping mechanism for a beverage preparation machine is provided comprising: a support; a holder for a beverage cartridge; and a clamp. The holder capable of being coupled to and decoupled from the support. Wherein the holder is rotatable about a first axis of the clamping mechanism between: i) a first position, in which the holder is able to be coupled to or decoupled from the support and the holder and clamp are relatively spaced apart in the direction of the first axis; and ii) a second position in which the holder is retained to the support and the holder and clamp are relatively close to one another in the direction of the first axis such that a beverage cartridge held in use in the holder is clamped between the holder and the clamp. Wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises an inlet piercer for forming an inlet in the beverage cartridge. Wherein the inlet piercer forms part of or is coupled to, the clamp and is able to rotate with the holder about the first axis.

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First Claim