Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a frozen yogurt product that remains frozen at relatively high temperatures and can be added to juice, milk, or other liquid to create a smoothie or similar beverage.

Abstract: A system and mechanism for forming discrete units of ice cream is disclosed utilizing cryogenically cooled equipment during the manufacturing process. The discrete units are formed and then coated with one or more various confectionary substances, also using cryogenically cooled equipment, so as to result in a substantially uniformly-coated ice cream product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining beaded ice cream and cookie dough is disclosed. The ice cream is dripped, beaded, frozen, and then combined with precut shapes of cookie dough. The resulting combination is packaged for subsequent storage at low temperature.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use in feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber is disclosed. The tray has a plurality of projections that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The projections area each downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, where each orifice is associated with a corresponding projection. These projections are uniform in size and can be formed using computerized welding techniques. An alternate embodiment in which the tray is pressurized is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drain apparatus for the intake end of an auger is disclosed. The drain apparatus comprises a bearing with radial arms, a cover with a cover portion, a drain and a drain cap for removably closing the opening of the drain. The drain apparatus facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for manufacturing popcorn-shaped frozen product, such as but not limited to ice cream. Unlike prior systems that manufactured small, beaded frozen product, the method of the present invention introduces a much larger (diametrically larger) quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant. By introducing a sufficiently large quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant, the freezing processes changes substantially, to give the final product a popcorn shape.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor is provided for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product comprising. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cryogenic processor includes a freezing chamber having a substantially conical shape, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

Abstract: The cryogenic processor comprises a tray or multiple trays that receives liquid feed composition from a delivery source. A plurality of orifices or combination of orifices and feed droppers, hereinafter feed assembly, associated with the tray are specifically arranged and adapted for discharging uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the tray. In a key aspect of the improvement, a regulated flow of ambient air is provided to the feed assembly by a venturi assembly or other source of partial vacuum. The vacuum assembly allows ambient air to be pulled into the cryogenic processor and across the feed assembly which prevents liquid composition from freezing and accumulating in the flow channels of the feed assembly, thus allowing continuous formation of uniformly sized beads. Adjustable door inlets are also adapted and arranged as a means to control the flow of incoming ambient air, as well as the flow of outgoing gaseous refrigerant.