Abstract: An improved microprocessor controller program, for soft ice cream manufacturing machines and the like, for maintaining the quality of the frozen product during times of low usage, when such products have a tendency to "age" in both consistency and flavor. The controller keeps track of the quantity of product served during a given base period, and reduces the serving temperature of the product a preselected amount each time a given quantity has not been served therein. The serving temperature is reset to the desired serving temperature whenever said given quantity has been served, thereby avoiding the quality problem which could arise if said given quantity were served at the beginning of one base period but not until the very end of the following base period, thus allowing nearly two base period to elapse without a desired reduction in temperature.

Abstract: A soft ice cream machine which has a controller in contact with a freezing chamber. The controller is provided with temperature information from a temperature sensor, which senses when the temperature of the ice cream is approaching a temperature which could bring about freeze-up and disables the compressor until the mixture warms up a selectable amount. The controller automatically switches the refrigeration compressor and the mixer and auger to a standby condition when the controller senses that the dispensing spigot has not been actuated. The controller further senses when the temperature of the ice cream in the freezing chamber is approaching a temperature which would give an inadequately frozen product unacceptable to consumers.

Abstract: The front wall of a freezing barrel supports a rod-like projection extending into the inner area of the freezing chamber. Such rod-like projection is hollow and encloses a temperature sensor to directly measure the temperature of the mix being frozen. The rod-like projection also provides partial pivotal support for a mixing blade in the freezing chamber. The machine includes a temperature readout on a front panel thereof with plus or minus readings and also includes a fill light on such panel designating when fill material is to be added. A dial is also provided for precise setting of the temperature of the freezing chamber by specific degrees.