Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing chemical solutions are disclosed. The blending unit (11) includes a manifold (38) having a plurality of chemical inlet ports (39), a water inlet port (45), and an outlet port (46). A plurality of pumps (43) and valves (41) are associated with the chemical inlet ports (39). The outlet port (46) is connected to dispensing outlets (25, 29) for dispensing the chemical solutions and water into a container 16. The apparatus (10) also includes a quality control systems, including a conductivity cell (50), a weight measurement station (26), and a volume flow measurement device. The apparatus (10) also includes an electronic control unit (70) associated with the pumps (43) and valves (41) to operate them in response to a pre-selected volume, sequential combination and concentration of chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning-in-place valve actuator (23) for cleaning a soft serve shake machine (10). The valve actuator (23) is mounted upon the front of the soft serve shake machine (10), and a motor (20) moves a series of mechanical linkages (15, 11) so that a shifting fork (8) pivotally and reciprocally rotates. The forked ends (64) of the shifting fork (8) attach to levers (42) on the soft serve shake machine (10) and cause the lever (42) to move back and forth. The movement of the lever (42) opens and closes a draw valve (40) which controls flow to the machine's outlet nozzle (31), so that the cleaning solution can flow to all parts of the soft serve shake machine (10) for thorough cleaning.

Abstract: An aspirating foamer having a water inlet path to admit water into the nozzle assembly, two diametrically opposed foaming material inlet paths perpendicular to the water inlet path, and a conical conduit wherein the pressurized water and foaming materials mix and are allowed to expand; and an air inlet valve at the exiting end of the conical conduit for admitting air; and an exiting path for the foam. In one foamer (2) the conical conduit has an outwardly tapered angle of approximately 5 degrees (from centerline) initially with an immediate increase to an outwardly tapered angle of about 7 degrees in the second half of the conical conduit. In another embodiment foamer (102) according to the invention the conical conduit has an initial taper of 21/2 degrees followed by a 15 degree diffusion angle and then a 7 degree angle.