Abstract: A frozen dessert dispensing apparatus is provided with a metering chamber having a predetermined volume into which a frozen dessert product is issued at a uniform constant rate from a bulk source. The time period required to fill the chamber volume determines a characteristic viscosity value of the dessert product which is advantageously used to time the flow of additional frozen dessert product from the source into and through the chamber to a selected point. The total time required to dispense a desired volume is based upon the viscosity measurement. A reciprocating piston arrangement provides gating of the frozen dessert product from the bulk source when in a first position and further acts to extrude frozen dessert product from the metering chamber when set in motion under the command of a controller. The piston arrangement includes a compressible plunger portion which deforms as necessary to prevent accidents or other mishaps from occurring in pinch-off regions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A frozen dessert dispensing apparatus is provided with a metering chamber having a predetermined volume into which a frozen dessert product is issued at a uniform constant rate from a bulk source. The time period required to fill the chamber volume determines a characteristic viscosity value of the dessert product which is advantageously used to time the flow of additional frozen dessert product from the source into and through the chamber to a selected point. The total time required to dispense a desired volume is based upon the viscosity measurement. A reciprocating piston arrangement provides gating of the frozen dessert product from the bulk source when in a first position and further acts to extrude frozen dessert product from the metering chamber when set in motion under the command of a controller. The piston arrangement includes a compressible plunger portion which deforms as necessary to prevent accidents or other mishaps from occurring in pinch-off regions of the apparatus.