Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a food product composed of a plurality of ingredients which are mixed to form the food product, includes the steps of providing a rotary surface having a rotary axis and a periphery, mixing together first and second fluid ingredients to form a liquid product mix, depositing the liquid product mix onto the surface while rotating the surface so that the liquid product mix spreads out on the surface in a layer, cooling the surface to a temperature low enough to at least partially freeze said layer to form a frozen product body, removing the product body from the surface as product body scrapings, and collecting and compacting the scrapings to form the food product. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a product includes a surface with a rotary axis and a periphery for supporting a layer of material, a motor for rotating the surface, a vertical forming cylinder positioned adjacent to the periphery, the cylinder having a side window opposite the periphery and a bottom opening below the surface, and a first scraper positioned above the surface and extending cross-wise to the direction of rotation of the surface. The first scraper engages the rotary surface while the surface is rotating to scrape the material into a row of scrapings on the surface. A second scraper is positioned above the surface adjacent to the first scraper and extends perpendicular to the first scraper, the second scraper engaging the surface and being movable parallel to the first scraper.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a product includes a surface with a rotary axis and a periphery for supporting a layer of material, a motor for rotating the surface, a vertical forming cylinder positioned adjacent to the periphery, the cylinder having a side window opposite the periphery and a bottom opening below the surface, and a first scraper positioned above the surface and extending cross-wise to the direction of rotation of the surface. The first scraper engages the rotary surface while the surface is rotating to scrape the material into a row of scrapings on the surface. A second scraper is positioned above the surface adjacent to the first scraper and extends perpendicular to the first scraper, the second scraper engaging the surface and being movable parallel to the first scraper.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a product includes a surface with a rotary axis and a periphery for supporting a layer of material, a motor for rotating the surface, a vertical forming cylinder positioned adjacent to the periphery, the cylinder having a side window opposite the periphery and a bottom opening below the surface, and a first scraper positioned above the surface and extending cross-wise to the direction of rotation of the surface. The first scraper engages the rotary surface while the surface is rotating to scrape the material into a row of scrapings on the surface. A second scraper is positioned above the surface adjacent to the first scraper and extends perpendicular to the first scraper, the second scraper engaging the surface and being movable parallel to the first scraper.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a food product composed of a plurality of ingredients which are mixed to form the food product, includes the steps of providing a rotary surface having a rotary axis and a periphery, mixing together first and second fluid ingredients to form a liquid product mix, depositing the liquid product mix onto the surface while rotating the surface so that the liquid product mix spreads out on the surface in a layer, cooling the surface to a temperature low enough to at least partially freeze said layer to form a frozen product body, removing the product body from the surface as product body scrapings, and collecting and compacting the scrapings to form the food product.

Abstract: An efficient manufacturing and distribution system for food products that are normally served at temperatures well below ambient uses a two stage manufacturing process. In the first stage, a neutral base product is prepared in bulk and is shipped to point of sale at ambient temperatures by common carrier, private trucking, parcel express, mail, etc. At the point of sale, a user selected quantity of it is finished to the specification of the user by aerating it, adding flavorings, mix-ins, etc. as desired, chilling it, and delivering it to the consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.

Abstract: A non-stick freezing surface for freezing a thin layer of liquid food product includes a thermally conductive platen having a smooth upper surface and a coating containing PTFE covering that surface. Preferably, the coating is of nickel-infused PTFE.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a frozen or partially frozen food product has a freezing surface with a central axis and periphery, a motor for rotating the freezing surface about that axis, a turret spaced above the freezing surface for depositing a selected amount of liquid product mix on the freezing surface while it is rotating so that the liquid mix spreads out on the freezing surface and cools to form a flat, at least partially frozen product body and a product delivery assembly disposed between the turret and the freezing surface. That assembly includes a scraper supported above the freezing surface and having a working edge engaging the freezing surface while it is rotating to scrape the frozen product body into a ridge row of scraped product. A vertical forming cylinder positioned adjacent to the periphery of the freezing surface has a side window and a bottom opening.