Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to force a frozen food product out of a receptacle by moving a piston back and forth within the receptacle. Pressurized air is used to move the piston toward the frozen product, thereby forcing the frozen product out of the receptacle. To move the piston away from the frozen product, the pressurized air is sent through a venturi that also connects to the receptacle. The flow of pressurized air through the venturi creates a vacuum in the receptacle. The vacuum pulls the piston away from the frozen product.

Abstract: A frozen dessert dispensing apparatus is comprised of a housing that receives at least one collapsible container for a frozen dessert wherein the collapsible container is provided with at least one opening for dispensing frozen dessert therefrom. A dispensing valve assembly is in flow communication with the at least one opening. Air pressure is utilized to collapse the collapsible container in response to the operation of the dispensing valve. The housing is provided with a door which is utilized for placing the collapsible containers in the housing as well for removal of the collapsed container from the apparatus. A safety device is provided so that collapsible containers cannot be removed from the apparatus until the air pressure on the collapsible container is vented.