Patents by Inventor Gino Cocchi

Gino Cocchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20060169147
    Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing ice drinks and the like comprises a tank (3) containing the drink, a power-driven stirring element (17) mounted inside the tank (3), means (34, 38) for enabling/disabling the motor that rotationally drives the stirring element (17), and a lid (21) for closing the top of the tank (3) and acting in conjunction with the means (34,38) to disable the motor when the lid (21) is open; the machine further comprises at least one track (29; 33) on which the lid (21) can slide and defining a fixed direction in which the lid (21) is forced to move when it is fitted or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Antonio Vannini
  • Patent number: 6907743
    Abstract: Method for controlling and optimising the cycle for production of ice cream depending on the mixtures used in the ice-cream making machine, comprising a freezing cylinder exchanging heat with the evaporator of a refrigerating circuit, and a stirrer/scraper element rotating inside said freezing cylinder and actuated by a suitable electric motor, and further comprising a processing element, sensors for detecting continuously the temperature values of the refrigerating gas at the inlet and at the outlet of the evaporator and means for detecting continuously the value of the electric power used by the motor, said temperature values and said values for the electric power used by the motor being continuously input into said processing element; a software program in said processor for processing said values being able to provide an output signal which drives an impulse solenoid valve which introduces continuously the hot gases removed from the exhaust of the compressor into the main stream of refrigerating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 6745593
    Abstract: Device for supporting and handling containers of liquid ice cream mix in ice cream making machines of the type in which the liquid ice cream mix is contained in special disposable containers which, after having been connected to a feeder tube equipped with a perforating spike, are turned upside down and placed in a refrigerated chamber in the body of the machine. Said device comprises a basket of an essentially cage-like structure open at the front and provided at the bottom and top with supporting surfaces, the said cage-like structure pivoting in the center of its flanks on the flanks of the chamber of the said machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.-Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Publication number: 20040083754
    Abstract: Method for controlling and optimising the cycle for production of ice cream depending on the mixtures used in the ice-cream making machine, comprising a freezing cylinder exchanging heat with the evaporator of a refrigerating circuit, and a stirrer/scraper element rotating inside said freezing cylinder and actuated by a suitable electric motor, and further comprising a processing element, sensors for detecting continuously the temperature values of the refrigerating gas at the inlet and at the outlet of the evaporator and means for detecting continuously the value of the electric power used by the motor, said temperature values and said values for the electric power used by the motor being continuously input into said processing element; a software program in said processor for processing said values being able to provide an output signal which drives an impulse solenoid valve which introduces continuously the hot gases removed from the exhaust of the compressor into the main stream of refrigerating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Publication number: 20040086614
    Abstract: Method for the pasteurization of liquid mixtures for ice cream, characterised by the following stages: heating of the liquid mixture to a temperature below the coagulation point for the protein substances present in the liquid mixture and the simultaneous injection of pressurized gaseous carbon dioxide into the liquid mixture. The processing temperature lies between approximately 50° C. and approximately 59° C. and is preferably in the order of approximately 55° C. Injection of the gaseous carbon dioxide takes place at a pressure which may be varied between approximately 5 and approximately 6 bar and preferably at a pressure of approximately 5.5 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 6675990
    Abstract: A piston device for dispensing controlled amounts of pasty substances, such as ice creams, that is connectable to the freezing chamber of an ice cream making machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Publication number: 20040003620
    Abstract: Device for supporting and handling containers of liquid ice cream mix in ice cream making machines of the type in which the liquid ice cream mix is contained in special disposable containers which, after having been connected to a feeder tube equipped with a perforating spike, are turned upside down and placed in a refrigerated chamber in the body of the machine. Said device comprises a basket of an essentially cage-like structure open at the front and provided at the bottom and top with supporting surfaces, the said cage-like structure pivoting in the centre of its flanks on the flanks of the chamber of the said machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Publication number: 20040004304
    Abstract: Method for the production of sealing elements on plastics articles. Said method includes the step of producing a film of silicone rubber on the sealing surface of the article. Advantageously, this film is formed by co-moulding or co-extrusion with the plastics article itself. The thickness of the said film may vary from a few tenths of a millimetre to a few millimetres. In the case of cylindrical elements, such as the pistons of the delivery cocks of ice cream machines, this film preferably covers only the side wall or the sealing part of the side wall of the cylindrical element, while in the case of flat elements, this film covers only the sealing surface of this element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20030226858
    Abstract: A piston device for dispensing controlled amounts of pasty substances, such as ice creams, that is connectable to the freezing chamber of an ice cream making machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Publication number: 20030200870
    Abstract: Granita ices or chilled drinks made from water and a liquid flavoring are mixed in a dispenser equipped with an autofill device that comprises a module packaged in a housing positionable directly on top of the bowl from which the iced or chilled product is dispensed. Water is directed into the module through first feed pipelines, and flavoring through second feed pipelines, whereupon the two liquids are directed along a further pipeline from the respective feed pipelines into the bowl. The presence of the water and flavoring is detected by sensors located on the feed pipelines or the outlet pipeline, or both, and further sensors monitor the level of the mixture in the bowl; a control unit interlocked to the presence sensors will activate a solenoid valve on the first pipelines, and a pump on the second pipelines, to replenish the bowl with the requisite quantities of water and flavoring automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ALI S.p.A DIVISIONE GBG
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Antonio Vannini, Roberto Rinaldi
  • Publication number: 20030192325
    Abstract: Method for the control of the flow rate of refrigerating fluid in ice cream making machines comprising a vapour-compression refrigerating circuit provided as a minimum with a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a main valve for injecting refrigerating fluid into the said evaporator, the method comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Patent number: 6592096
    Abstract: Safety device for taps provided with a disk shutter sliding in a tubular sector shaped like the arc of a circle, constituting the product outlet duct of a pasteurizing machines used in the production of creams, soups or the like. The shutter disk is connected with an operating lever endowed with a spring pin fitting into suitable hollows obtained on an element with circular sector which is concentric with respect to the rotation axis of said operating lever. Both on the operating lever and in the element with circular sector showing the hollows defining the basic positions of the operating operating lever of the shutter, reciprocal abutment means have been provided, whose purpose is to interrupt the movement of the operating lever on reaching said intermediate position in which a radial opening for product discharge is opened, thus preventing the unintentional overcoming of said position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20020162577
    Abstract: Method for the cleaning and washing in situ of the soft type ice creams pressurized machines including the steps of: emptying of the ice cream contained in the machine freezing cylinder; removal of the liquid ice-cream mix container from the liquid ice-cream mix feeding circuit, and insertion into said circuit of a container containing water with a restrained lather light detergent dissolved in; starting up of the cleaning step, including a succession of water and detergent introductions into the freezing cylinder with steps of shaking and following openings of the ice cream extraction tap for the draining of the washing liquid; introduction of pressurized air into the cylinder for a few seconds in order to greatly reduce the amount of remaining water in the plant; repetition of the described cleaning operations for two or three more times; replacement of the container containing water and detergent with a container containing water and sanitizer; repetition of the described operations with water and sanitize
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Publication number: 20020130285
    Abstract: Safety device for taps provided with a disk shutter sliding in a tubular sector shaped like the arc of a circle, constituting the product outlet duct of a pasteurizing machines used in the production of creams, soups or the like. The shutter disk is connected with an operating lever endowed with a spring pin fitting into suitable hollows obtained on an element with circular sector which is concentric with respect to the rotation axis of said operating lever. Both on the operating lever and in the element with circular sector showing the hollows defining the basic positions of the operating operating lever of the shutter, reciprocal abutment means have been provided, whose purpose is to interrupt the movement of the operating lever on reaching said intermediate position in which a radial opening for product discharge is opened, thus preventing the unintentional overcoming of said position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 6158331
    Abstract: Feed Machine, preferably for use in machines for processing ice-cream mixtures or the like, having an element that swings (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) about a given axis between two positions and works in conjunction with a suitable housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) located at an opening made in one wall (1) of the machine (10). One of the two positions of the swing element (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) allows communication between the processing chamber and the outside environment and the other position prevents such communication. The housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) presents on its surface a funnel-shaped cavity (112; 113; 114; 115; 116) open at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 6119905
    Abstract: Device for automatically closing the plungers of the plunger-type dispensing taps of machines for dispensing ice cream, crushed ice drinks or the like. At the end of each plunger is a push rod pushed into permanent contact with the end of the plunger by a spring, this spring being loaded by the raising of the plunger by hand, so that when the lever is released, this spring, acting through the push rod, automatically pushes the plunger down to block the dispensing of the dispensed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 5671662
    Abstract: Pasteurizer for food products comprising a tank provided with agitator means connected to actuating means, characterized in that said tank has on the bottom a chamber cavity in which said agitator means are accommodated, said chamber being provided on the bottom with a hole which faces, towards the inside of the chamber, the internal cavity of a cylindrical sleeve projecting inside the chamber and fixed thereto, and, towards the outside, the actuating means, said agitator means being provided with a movement transmission shaft which, inserted in the cavity of the sleeve and through the hole on the bottom of the chamber, is coupled to the actuating means, said internal cavity of the sleeve being provided with fluid sealing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Romano Verardi
  • Patent number: 5653118
    Abstract: A combined machine for the dual production of crushed ice or ice cream includes a processing cylinder provided with a stirrer means, a refrigerating circuit and a device for operating the stirrer. The refrigerating circuit includes an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the processing cylinder, a compressor, a condenser, a filter and a control system for controlling the expansion of the refrigerating fluid. The control system includes a thermostatic expansion valve and a capillary tube, inserted in parallel in the circuit, as well as a switch disposed in the flow circuits of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 5615952
    Abstract: A stirrer for machines for making ice cream includes a section of a rotary drive shaft, a first hub supporting a plurality of angularly equidistant radial spokes integral with the drive shaft section and a second hub supporting the same number of spokes as the first hub. The spokes of the second hub are provided at their ends with fastening components. The first hub contains radial passages that extend from a position diametrically opposite the spokes and through a longitudinal axis of the spokes to accommodate screw-type fastening members. The stirrer further includes a plurality of stirrer blades which have, at their axial ends, tapped holes for engaging the fastening members and fastening components to operatively connect the first and second hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A. - Carpigiani Group
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Patent number: 5603229
    Abstract: Machine for making crushed ice drinks comprising a tank with horizontal axis provided at one end with means for dispensing the iced product, and internally housing a refrigerating element consisting of a hollow metal cylinder with double-walled shell housing the evaporator of a refrigerator unit in the gap between the two walls, a transporter screw being housed in the axial cavity of the said cylinder. The outer shell of the said cylinder is surrounded by a stirrer element consisting of one or more radial ribs or fins parallel to the directrices of the cylinder which are made to rotate right around the said cylinder, a series of blades able to exert a positive axial thrust on the product to be delivered towards the said dispensing means also being provided at that end of the said stirrer device facing the dispensing means of the said tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Carpigiani Group-Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra