Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing solid flakes of fats and emulsifiers is provided utilizing a generally flat, cold plate to solidify the fat or emulsifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially continuously producing a stream of ice particulates P for use in performing ice blasting work on a work object W. The present invention includes an extruder assembly, a blast nozzle, and an ice-receiving line. The extruder assembly includes a pressure vessel within which the ice particulates are formed under elevated pressure. The extruder assembly further includes an ice discharge opening. The ice-receiving line has a first end adapted to receive a fluidizing gas from the pressurized air supply source and a second end connected to the blast nozzle. The ice-receiving line is in communication with the extruder assembly ice discharge opening. The pressurized ice particulates P are passed from the pressure vessel discharge opening to the pressurized ice-receiving line. The fluidized ice particulates move via pressure flow towards a blast nozzle to be expelled from the nozzle towards a work object.

Abstract: A method of making and harvesting ice cubes includes freezing water in an ice-forming mold having a back surface, an open front face and dividers mounted on the back surface forming pockets for the formation of individual ice cubes, the water also forming ice bridges between the ice formed in the pockets, thus forming a slab of ice cubes; heating the ice-forming mold to release the ice cubes from their individual pockets; and using pressurized fluid to push the frozen slab of ice cubes out of the ice-forming mold. An ice making machine for practicing the present invention preferably includes an air compressor to supply compressed air as the pressurized fluid. The compressed air is directed preferably through a plurality of holes in the back of the ice-forming mold.

Abstract: A method of making ice in an automatic ice maker includes the steps of: providing a mold including one cavity; filling the at least one mold cavity at least partially with water; providing an ice removal device at least partly within the at least one mold cavity; coupling a mechanical drive with the ice removal device; coupling a controller with the drive; measuring a temperature of the mold; measuring an ambient temperature associated with the mold; and controlling operation of the drive using the controller, dependent upon the measured temperature of the mold and the measured ambient pressure.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold and provides an output signal. An auger is positioned partly within the at least one mold cavity. A mechanical drive rotatably drives the auger. A controller is coupled with the sensor and the drive, and controls operation of the drive depending upon the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube in a heat exchanger for an ice making machine includes a bimetallic heat exchanger tube to improve capacity and wear characteristics of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tube has an outer portion with a first material composition and an inner portion with a second material composition where the first material composition is different from the second material composition. The first material composition is compatible with the refrigerants used in the heat exchanger unit of the ice making machine. The second material composition is compatible with the feed solution being chilled in the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold having at least one cavity configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the at least one mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the at least one mold cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold for sensing a temperature of the mold. A heat transfer member is metallurgically coupled with the auger and extends downwardly from the mold.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube in a heat exchanger for an ice making machine includes a bimetallic heat exchanger tube to improve capacity and wear characteristics of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tube has an outer portion with a first material composition and an inner portion with a second material composition where the first material composition is different from the second material composition. The first material composition is compatible with the refrigerants used in the heat exchanger unit of the ice making machine. The second material composition is compatible with the feed solution being chilled in the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in a refrigeration apparatus as well as a method of optimizing ice production in an ice maker. The ice maker has a mold and a fan selectively operable to direct moving cold air past the mold during the ice formation process. In the preferred embodiment, the fan does not operate during the harvest portion of the cycle. A fan assembly consisting of a fan or blower, a motor, a switch in series with the motor and leads for electrically interconnecting the motor and in switch with the icemaker power supply is preferably assembled as a module removably interconnectable with the icemaker as an optional feature. The icemaker has an increased the rate of ice production due to the increased rate of convective heat transfer.

Abstract: A method of making ice in an automatic ice maker includes the steps of: providing a mold including one cavity; filling the at least one mold cavity at least partially with water; providing an ice removal device at least partly within the at least one mold cavity; coupling a mechanical drive with the ice removal device; coupling a controller with the drive; measuring a temperature of the mold; measuring an ambient temperature associated with the mold; and controlling operation of the drive using the controller, dependent upon the measured temperature of the mold and the measured ambient pressure.

Abstract: A rotary shaft is inserted to a tank through a hole formed in a wall of the tank. A casing is provided outside the tank, and the rotary shaft is supported by a bearing arranged in the casing. The casing is watertightly connected to the wall including the hole through a flexible joint. Seal members are arranged in the casing to seal the clearance between the rotary shaft and the casing. A sleeve is fitted on the rotary shaft so that the sleeve is watertightly in contact with at least one of the seal members, and the sleeve can be moved along the rotary shaft to change the seal member in contact with the sleeve. The bearing and the seal member are not affected by the deformation of the tank since the flexible joint connects the tank and the casing, and the rotary shaft can rotate smoothly while securing high sealing quality. The alignment of the axes of the bearing and the hole in the tank can be easy since the bearing is provided outside of the tank, and thus assembly and maintenance of the structure are easy.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube in a heat exchanger for an ice making machine includes a bimetallic heat exchanger tube to improve capacity and wear characteristics of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tube has an outer portion with a first material composition and an inner portion with a second material composition where the first material composition is different from the second material composition. The first material composition is compatible with the refrigerants used in the heat exchanger unit of the ice making machine. The second material composition is compatible with the feed solution being chilled in the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold and provides an output signal. An auger is positioned partly within the at least one mold cavity. A mechanical drive rotatably drives the auger. A controller is coupled with the sensor and the drive, and controls operation of the drive depending upon the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold and an auger. The mold has at least one cavity with a bottom surface, and is configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. The auger has a shaft with at least one flight attached thereto, the shaft including a top end and a base end with the base end being rotatably mounted in the bottom surface of the at least one mold cavity. The shaft extends substantially vertically through the mold cavity and is configured to rotate and thereby push the ice out of the mold cavity. The shaft and/or at least one flight has an inward taper in a direction heading from the base end to the top end of the shaft.

Abstract: An icemaking assembly (“icemaker”) is provided which includes an improved construction including an ice mold separate but attached to a structural base. The structural base includes integral elements such as a water fill cup, stripper, and mounting configuration. The integral nature of the stripper, combined with its “living hinge” feature, allows for an improved method and apparatus for fixing the ice tray in place. The combination provides an icemaker having improved thermal properties, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies. Other improvements include an improved control system, as well as other cost-saving features.

Abstract: Apparatus to form and maintain a vent between the top and bottom surfaces of an ice core formed by ice extruders is disclosed. The vent is initially formed in one embodiment by a hollow member suspended within the freezing cell of the apparatus with one end of the hollow member forming a seal with a projection on the plunger that lifts the ice core upward during the extrusion of ice. After the vent is initially formed, the hollow member is removed and the plunger and projection begin a reciprocating motion causing the plunger to scrape ice from the walls below the ice core. The continuing motion of the plunger presses the ice chips against the bottom of the ice core and simultaneously causes the projection to seal the bottom opening of the vent, thus preventing the ice chips from closing the vent.

Abstract: A source fluid from which solid material forms when it is cooled is passed through apparatus which defines a continuous reentrant lumen. The lumen has a thermally conductive processing wall from which heat is extracted from the outside as the source fluid flows through the lumen, resulting in formation of solid material on the inner surface of the lumen wall. A runner circulates around the lumen and dislodges material deposited on the inner surface of the lumen wall. This material is then carried as solids of a slurry out of the apparatus with the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, thermal storage system and method for heat exchange using a tube-type heat exchanger. A rod or rods are propelled to moves over the inner surface of the tube. The moving rod is in contact with a first process liquid which is adjacent the inner surface as a falling film or by flooding the interior of the tube. The flooded mode is particularly useful where the tube is non-vertical or the heat exchanger is used to make an ice slurry for HVAC systems serving high-rise buildings. Multiple such rod and tube assemblies are operated simultaneously using a drive plate powered to execute an orbital motion in a plane generally orthogonal to the rods. In one form the plate is coupled via a crank to equiangularly space spaced rods in each tube. This form of orbital drive allows the use of a device to develop an auxiliary radial force, such as spring mounts extending between a central, rotating shaft mounted in each tube and the rod or rods for that tube.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker adapted for use in a refrigerator includes an ice-making tray rotatable between an upright ice-making position and an inverted ice-discharging position by a motor. A container is disposed beneath the tray for receiving ice when the tray is in the inverted position. First and second switches are each moved between first and second states in response to rotation of the tray. The second switch can be moved to its second state in response to the container being full of ice. Whenever the refrigerator is started-up, e.g., after a power outage, a controller determines whether both of the switches are in their first states. If so, an ice making operation is performed. If not, the motor is actuated in a manner tending to rotate the tray to its upright position. When the tray reaches its upright position, a stop is contacted, whereupon a load is generated at the motor, causing the controller to stop the motor.

Abstract: An automatic ice production apparatus and a method thereof, comprising an ice removing motor rotation control function, an ice removing motor protection function, a water supply alarm/indication function, a water supply state control function and a water supply motor control function. To perform the above functions, the automatic ice production apparatus comprises an ice removing motor rotation controller for controlling a rotating operation of an ice removing motor, a water supply motor rotation controller for controlling operation of a water supply motor, a water supply state controller for controlling the supply of the water pumped by the water supply motor to the automatic ice production apparatus and a dispenser, a water level detector for detecting the level of water in a water supply tank, an alarm generator for generating an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detector, and a microcomputer for controlling the entire operation of the automatic ice production apparatus.

Abstract: An ice making mechanism includes a tray for receiving water to be frozen into ice bodies, a sensor for determining whether the water is frozen, to initiate an ice-ejecting mode, a motor for rotating the tray to perform the ice-ejecting mode, a switching mechanism for indicating a state of the ice-ejecting mode, and a switch actuating structure driven by the motor for changing a state of the switches during the ice-ejecting mode. When an ice-ejecting mode is initiated, a time period for the state of the switching mechanism to be changed is compared with a reference time period. If the state of the switching mechanism has not been changed within the referenced time period, the ice-ejecting mode is stopped, and the tray is returned to an up-right position. Also, an alarm signal is generated indicating to a user that the ice-ejecting mode has been stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing ice vessels. A male die 21 is provided opposite to a female die 11. A bottom surface of the female die 11 is formed with a through-hole 15, in which is provided a reciprocating body 17. The body 17 is capable of being raised or lowered by cylinder 18. Above one side of the female die 11 is provided a chute box 31 having an outlet port 31A facing the female die 11. Adjacent the female die 11 is provided carrier arms 41 movable toward or away from each other. An ice pieces equalizer 28 is provided above the female die 11. Ice pieces I are accomodated into the female die 11 with the body 17 protruding from the bottom surface thereof. A surplus amount of the accomodated ice pieces I are removed by the approach and return trip of the equalizer 28. Then, the body 17 is lowered to form a sinking. After that, an ice vessel is molded by depressing the male die 21.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling an operation for determining an optimum ice removing period based on the present temperature in a freezing compartment and the present temperature in an ice making compartment in an automatic ice maker of a refrigerator. A controlling section measures a first present temperature of an ice tray through an ice making sensor installed at a portion of the ice tray and compares the first present temperature with a first reference temperature. If the first present temperature is the same as or higher than the first reference temperature, the controlling section compares an accumulated value of time computed based on a weight value established according to a range of the present temperature of the freezing compartment with a reference time.

Abstract: An apparatus, thermal storage system and method for heat exchange using a tube-type heat exchanger. A rod (24) or rods (24, 24') are propelled to move over the inner surface (7) of the tube (1). The moving rod (24) is in contact with a first process liquid which is adjacent the inner surface (7) as a falling film or by flooding the interior of the tube (1). The flooded mode is particularly useful where the tube (24) is non-vertical or the heat exchanger is used to make an ice slurry for HVAC systems serving high-rise buildings. Multiple such rod (24) and tube (1) assemblies are operated simultaneously using a drive plate (22) powered to execute an orbital motion in a plane generally orthogonal to the rods (24, 24'). In one form the plate (22) is coupled via a crank (40) to equiangularly spaced rods (24, 24') in each tube (1).

Abstract: An ice removal motor control circuit and method for an automatic ice maker is provided, which ice maker includes a load voltage detector for detecting a load voltage applied across an ice removal motor, a comparator for comparing the load voltage with a predetermined reference voltage, and a controller for outputting a control signal to an ice removal motor controller to stop operation of the ice removal motor when the load voltage is larger than the reference voltage. Thus, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to the ice removal motor, thereby protecting the ice removal motor and relevant elements from being damaged and further improving reliability of the automatic ice maker.

Abstract: A fluidized particle production system includes a solidifying unit having a forming surface for supporting a solidified layer of a medium, e.g. ice and a treatment apparatus for removing the solidified medium from the solidifying surface and sizing the removed solidified medium into particles of desired dimensions. The treatment apparatus comprising a sizing device co-operating and moving with the solidifying surface for effecting therebetween the sizing of the particles. A housing encloses the solidifying unit and the treatment apparatus and a sweep fluid outlet is positioned to discharge sweep fluid towards the sizing device for fluidizing the particles and transporting the fluidized particles through an outlet duct from the housing.

Abstract: An ice removal device for use in an ice maker comprises a driving motor; a cam gear; a cam provided with a smaller and a larger circular portions with concentrical circumferential surfaces, respectively; a plurality of gears; and a rotation reversing sensor having a knob switch. The rotation reversing sensor is disposed adjacent to the cam in such a way that the knob switch is pressed by either one of edges of the circumferential surface of the larger circular portion of the cam at a time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal energy storage composition and a method for reducing rupture failures during freezing cycles of container device phase change material. The phase change composition contains about 60 to about 91 weight percent water and about 9 to about 40 weight percent of one or a mixture of water-dispersible non-ionic surfactants, particularly alcohol ethoxylates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal energy storage composition and a method for reducing rupture failures during freezing cycles of container devices holding aqueous phase change materials. The thermal energy storage composition of the present invention contains about 60 to about 96.5 weight percent water, about 3 to about 40 weight percent of one or a mixture of water-dispersible non-ionic surfactants, particularly alcohol ethoxylates, and preferably an anionic surfactant in an amount sufficient to reduce phase separation of the composition at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A disk flake ice machine (10) includes a cooling member (12) mounted for rotation about an axis(52) and defining a first and second annular cooling surfaces (24) and a peripheral edge (25) in which is formed an annular groove (32). A motor (16) drives rotation of the cooling member. A refrigerant supply (18) supplies refrigerant to cool the cooling member. Liquid material to be frozen is introduced to the cooling surfaces of the cooling member by spray tubes (28). Ice removal blades (30) are disposed adjacent the cooling surfaces of the cooling member to remove flakes of frozen material. A guide member (34) engages the groove in the peripheral edge of the cooling member to limit wobble of the cooling member relative to the ice removal tools during rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing particulate bodies, comprising a rotary member having a generally horizontal freezing surface, means for dispensing said bodies onto said surface, means for cooling the surface to a freezing temperature and means for collecting said bodies in at least peripherally frozen state from said surface. The particulate bodies may comprise food stuffs, such as prawns or cream, a pharmaceutical, a microbiological culture, or a puree. Liquified carbon dioxide and nitrogen are preferred for cooling.

Abstract: The disclosed thermal storage composition includes water, an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte, and a nucleating surfactant. The nucleating surfactant reduces the surface tension of the thermal storage composition and simultaneously promotes nucleation sites within the thermal storage composition. The thermal storage composition is directed along at least one heat exchanger surface cooled by a refrigerant. The thermal storage composition forms ice crystals that selectively accumulate on the heat exchanger surface. Forces resulting from gravity and the interactions with the liquid of the thermal storage composition overcome the adhesion forces between at least a portion of the ice crystals and the heat exchanger surface, causing at least a portion of the ice crystals to separate from the heat exchanger surface.

Abstract: A machine for freezing or chilling a liquid continuously to produce a slurry of the liquid and frozen crystals feeds the liquid into a vertically oriented heat transfer tube at its upper end. A refrigerant flow at the outer tube surface evaporates in a vapor/foam stream causing the liquid to freeze at the inner tube surface. A whip rod, preferably one that is free-standing, revolves over the inner surface to dislodge the frozen crystals mechanically and to distribute the liquid. An additive to the liquid such as ethylene glycol (in water) aids the dislodging. In one form, a mechanical flow guide surrounding the outer surface produces a thin, high velocity upward flow of the boiling refrigerant to increase the heat transfer. An orbital drive propels the whip rod. In one form the orbital drive includes a pair of horizontal plates coupled between the whip rod and at least one eccentric crank.

Abstract: Apparatus for continous production of flake ice comprises one or more refrigerated discs mounted on a hollow shaft. Each disc rotates in the vertical plane and includes a plurality of narrow internal channels which extend substantially over all of the operative portion of the disc and are of substantially equal length. The discs form the evaporator of a refrigeration circuit, and an evaporative refrigerant is circulated to the channels in each disc via the hollow shaft. During each cycle, water is applied to both external flat surfaces of each disc at a first angular location and the film of water which adheres thereto freezes as the disc rotates. The ice sheet so formed is removed from both sides of the disc at a second angular location by scraper blades.

Abstract: A method of freezing aqueous liquids which method comprises the steps of:a) introducing the aqueous liquid into a mould;b) allowing at least the aqueous liquid in contact with said mould to freeze; andc) releasing said frozen liquid from said mould; wherein said method further comprises the step of:d) pre-cooling said mould to a temperature such that the frozen aqueous liquid can be readily released from said mould as a unitary structure.

Abstract: Frozen ice products are prepared by freezing a first ice mixture in a first mold to form a core and then by freezing a second ice mixture about the core in a second mold. The core is prepared by introducing and freezing a first ice mixture in a mold having a grooved frustocylindrical hollowed interior which, after demolding, provides a frozen grooved ice article which is introduced as a core into a second mold having a frustocylindrical hollowed interior and which has been filled partly with a second ice mixture which is frozen. A striped product is produced by employing a second mold which has a hollow cross-section size not larger than the cross-section size of the hollow of the first mold so that the outer edge frozen core surfaces contact the second mold.

Abstract: In a method for simultaneously carbonating and cooling liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure which is introduced under the liquid surface and is allowed to expand and dissolve in the liquid. Carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid is re-introduced under the liquid surface through a compressor and a cooler. A device for carrying out the method includes a closed vessel (1), a liquid inlet (2) opening into the vessel, a carbon dioxide inlet (12) opening into the vessel (1) under the liquid surface, a discharge conduit (5) for carbonated vessel, and, leading from the vessel (1) above the liquid surface, a re-circulation conduit (6,3) for carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid, compressor (7) and a cooler (8) being arranged in the re-circulation conduit (6,3).

Abstract: An automatic ice maker in an ice making compartment of a refrigerator includes an ice tray placed in the ice making compartment, a temperature sensing element for sensing the temperture of the ice tray, an ice removing driver for driving the ice tray so that ice is removed from it, and a controller for controlling the ice removing driver. The controller initiates one or more timing operations when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element falls to or below one of a plurality of set temperatures. When one of these timing operations runs to completion, the system determines that the ice making operation has been completed. The time period corresponding to each set temperature decreases with decreasing set temperatures.

Abstract: An ice level sensor for a flake-ice icemaker of the type having an electrically grounded rotary shaft for scraping ice from a refrigerated surface into an underlying ice bin has a contact plate insulated connected to a control circuit, a metallic sensing arm suspended from and electrically connected to the shaft for sweeping a path in the ice bin, the sensing arm moving against the plate on contact with accumulated ice thereby completing an electrical circuit through the drive shaft and causing the control circuit to stop the icemaker.

Abstract: Method for covering with snow artificial slopes for downhill or cross-country skiing, comprising the formation of an ice layer forming the bottom of the run, the on site production of snow by machining said ice layer by forming chips having a predetermined thickness, the keeping of the thickness of the ice layer forming the run bottom, the maintenance of the desired characteristics and quality of the snow. The machine for implementing such method comprises: a raisable curved blade (5) which is front-mounted for smoothing the snow surface; as a tool, a cylindrical cutter (7) provided with teeth and driven by a hydraulic motor (8) and housed in a casing (10) of which the bottom forms a vault and opens at the rear to deposit snow on the ground; as reconstitution means, a water sprinkling ramp (12) arranged under the vault; a comb (14) provided with tracers (25).

Abstract: A compact, efficient, and economical ice machine is provided which allows rapid production of ice chips. The preferred ice machine includes an elongated, flexible member formed as an endless loop which is rotated through a freezing tube by means of a harvesting pulley. The freezing tube includes an evaporator therearound in order to freeze water in the tube and around the flexible member portion located therein. After an ice column is formed, hot refrigerant gas passes through the evaporator to loosen the ice column from the tube interior whereupon the pulley rotates to withdraw the flexible member portion from the freezing tube and the ice column attached thereto upwardly therefrom. The ice breaking element adjacent the pulley engages the ice column and fractures it into ice chips as the flexible portion passes over the pulley.

Abstract: A compact, efficient, and economical ice machine is provided which allows rapid production of ice chips. The preferred ice machine includes an elongated, flexible member formed as an endless loop which is rotated through a freezing tube by means of a harvesting pulley. The freezing tube includes an evaporator therearound in order to freeze water in the tube and around the flexible member portion located therein. After an ice column is formed, hot refrigerant gas passes through the evaporator to loosen the ice column from the tube interior whereupon the pulley rotates to withdraw the flexible member portion from the frezing tube and the ice column attached thereto upwardly therefrom. The ice breaking element adjacent the pulley engages the ice column and fractures it into ice chips as the flexible portion passes over the pulley.

Abstract: Icemakers are characterized by a plurality of vertical evaporator tubes arranged in parallel and in a circle within the interior of a cylindrical ice making section. During an ice making cycle, water is supplied to the exterior surfaces of the evaporator tubes and refrigerant is supplied to the interiors of the tubes, to cause tubes of ice to freeze on the evaporator tubes. At the end of the ice making cycle and during a harvest cycle, the evaporator tubes are heated to free the ice tubes from their bond to the evaporator tubes, and a driver is actuated to move the ice tubes slidably along and off of the evaporator tubes and to fracture the leading ends of the ice tubes into smaller pieces of ice as they leave the evaporator tubes. In one embodiment, the driver comprises a piston for pushing the ice tubes off of the evaporator tubes. In another embodiment, a helical driver moves the ice tubes off of the evaporator tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for efficiently solidifying solvent-refined coal whereby the hot solvent-refined coal in liquid form is contacted in a cooling zone with dry, inert, heat absorbent particulate solids within a rotating structure. The liquid solvent refined coal is solidified upon the particulate solids, separated by abrasion and friction within a separating zone, and the particulate solids are cooled and recycled back into the cooling zone for contact with a fresh supply of liquid solvent refined coal.

Abstract: Apparatus for making drinks comprising an ice-slush machine, a blender and an associated control assembly is disclosed. The ice-slush machine includes a reservoir, two associated chilling chambers with screw pumps, and a nozzle for dispensing ice-slush to the blender for being mixed with liquor and additional flavoring constituents. The control assembly effects a sequence of operations including the activation of the blender, followed by the initiation of the dispensing of the ice-slush, followed by the termination of the dispensing of the ice-slush, folllowed by the inactivation of the blender in order to make optimum and consistent drinks. Also disclosed is the method of making such drinks.

Abstract: It has been recognized long ago that stickless frozen block bodies of a size corresponding to the ice block bodies of ordinary ice lollies may be produced with the aid of standard freezing machines for producing the ice lollies, when these machines are modified such that the individual sticks are replaced by pin members on an uptake device as operable to lift a whole row of ice bodies up from their freezing pocket members, whereafter the ice bodies are caused to be retracted from the pins. However, the correct and automatic mounting of the uptake device relative the freezing pockets is very problematic, and the invention provides for the improvement that use is made of individual sticks for the single freezing pockets, whereby these sticks, prior to their final retraction from the ice bodies, may be handled automatically with the use of both mounting and retraction means, which are already highly developed for the production of ice lollies.

Abstract: A falling film freeze exchanger, heat exchanger or crystallizer having a plurality of spaced apart vertical tubes secured in, and penetrating, an upper circular tube sheet and a lower circular tube sheet; each tube having a top end and a bottom end; a circular cylindrical shell around the tube sheets and connected thereto; the shell having a heat exchange fluid inlet and a heat exchange fluid outlet for circulating heat exchange fluid around the tubes between the tube sheets; a header surrounding and joined to the upper part of the shell and extending above the top tube sheet and above the top end of the tubes; means to deliver a liquid process feed stream into the header; and wiper means, adapted to rotate about a vertical axis, in contact with the top ends of the tubes.

Abstract: A confection freezing machine has a freezing chamber through which passes an endless conveyor having a plurality of successive separate planular support plates. The mold elements are supported on the support plates with one or more mold chambers normally facing upwardly. After the mold chambers are filled, the mold elements are carried through the freezing chamber to harden the ice cream therein. At the discharge from the freezing chamber, the mold elements are successively and automatically pivoted to an upsidedown inverted position for release of the confection therefrom. The mold elements are then pivoted back to their normal position for recharging.