Abstract: The present invention relates to a mould (1) for kids for making jewelry from a granular water-sensitive product, comprising: —a hollow body (2) having an opening (3) defining a respective forming zone; —a first element (4) combined with the hollow body (2) for closing-opening the opening (3) at a first side of the forming zone; —a second element (5) combined with the hollow body (2) for closing, and possibly opening, the opening (3) at a second side of the forming zone; wherein at least one among the hollow body (2), the first element (4) and the second element (5) comprises a plurality of holes (6) which are open in the forming zone, such that the forming zone is fluidically communicating with the environment outside of the mould (1).

Abstract: A method for processing parts for kitchen tools in order to protect the parts from scratches, includes sequentially: a nitridation step, optionally including a nitrocarburizing step, between 592 and 750° C. in order to promote the formation of a nitrogen austenite layer; and a processing step for promoting the conversion of at least a portion of the nitrogen austenite into a phase with reinforced hardness.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ergonomically designed solid single piece ice cream scoop emerging from a die-cast or forged too made out of a metal that is finished and polished to eliminate the rough edges from the die casting or forged process with superior mechanical leverage to scoop out the hardest ice cream from a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a food item, the apparatus having a chassis, an actuator, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The actuator is connected to the chassis and rotatable about a pivot. The first jaw is connected to the chassis and mechanically linked to the actuator. The first jaw is further adapted to move along a first arc. The second jaw is also connected to the chassis and mechanically linked to the actuator. The second jaw is also further adapted to move along a second arc. Rotation of the actuator about the pivot in a first direction brings together the first jaw and the second jaw, the first and second jaws moving along the first and second arcs, respectively. Rotation of the actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction brings apart the first jaw and the second jaw, the first and second jaws moving along the first and second arcs, respectively.

Abstract: An ice cream scoop includes a head configured to scoop frozen food product, a handle extending from the head to an end, the handle including an internal cavity with the end open to the internal cavity, a heat transfer fluid contained in the internal cavity and in thermal communication with the head, an end cap that closes the end of the handle, a gasket disposed between the end cap and the handle to seal the internal cavity, and a pin that secures the end cap to the handle.

Abstract: An ice cream scoop includes a handle, a scooper coupled to an end of the handle, a scraper installed in the scooper, a link rod extended from an end of the scraper into the end of the handle, and a transmission device installed on the link rod. The ice cream scoop further includes an operating device with an end pivotally coupled to the handle, such that the operating device can be swayed between a first position and a second position with respect to the handle. The operating device further includes a driving portion coupled to the transmission device. If the operating device is swayed between the first and second positions, the link rod will be rotated, and the scraper will be moved along an internal wall of the scooper.

Abstract: A combination scoop and mold press includes two generally cup-shaped half-mold members, which engage one another at mold member edges in mirror-image alignment to form a generally enclosed mold. The half-mold members of the scoop and mold press are carried on opposite ends of a unitary piece of injection molded polymeric material, which has a live hinge joint equidistantly spaced between the mold members. Either of the half-mold members may be utilized to scoop out an appropriate mass of bait dough having at least the volume of the closed mold. At least one of the half-mold members is equipped with a notch or slit through which the shank of a fish hook, or the line which is tied to the fish hook, may pass. Finger pressure is used to bring the mold half-members together, compressing the bait dough around the hook.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for extruding randomly shaped food items includes a one-piece finger member. The one-piece finger member reduces the downtime of the extruding machine containing the rotor assembly by reducing the number of parts in the rotor assembly and reducing the adjustment necessary after finger replacement. The proprietary threaded interface between the finger member and the improved extruder machine allows for quick swap out during extruder maintenance.

Abstract: The quick heat ice cream scoop is an improved heat ice cream scoop that includes a ceramic heating element and an ergonomic grip. The ceramic heating element is built into the ice cream scoop and quickly heats up the ice cream scoop, and conversely shall quickly cool down when turned off. The ice cream scoop is mounted to an ergonomic grip that reduces hand fatigue of the end user while providing a location to store powering means for powering the ceramic heating element.

Abstract: An ergonomic food scoop may comprise a scoop bowl, a hand grip and a wrist support. A support member may interconnect the bowl and the hand grip and may be oriented perpendicular to the hand grip. The wrist support may be oriented parallel to the hand grip. One or more hand grip connectors may connect the hand grip to the wrist support.

Abstract: A launching device is described that includes a launcher and an optional snowball forming device. The launching device accepts objects, such as snowballs, and propels them through a generally cylindrical housing energy stored in elastic bands. One embodiment is an automatic launcher that includes an integrated snowball forming device. Uncompacted snow is provided to a hopper. The backwards motion of a handle compacts the snow into a ball and stores energy for launching, and the release of the handle propels the snowball.

Abstract: A device has a first arm with a cup at a first distal end and a handle at a second proximal end with a second similarly configured arm pivoted thereto. The second cup forms an obtuse angle with its arm. Each of the first and second arms has an slight elbow bend so that the hurling cup trails the handles by a slight amount. Drawing the handles apart in a scissor-opening motion compacts the snow into a cohesive snowball that may then be slung.

Abstract: A scoop cutter and method for producing shaped food products. A rotating arcuate blade with a cutting edge on at least one side works in conjunction with a thickness spacing sphere to produce a shaped food product having three dimensions. As food product in the form of non-sticky, low tact dough, or raw or whole fruits and vegetables comes into contact with the thickness spacing sphere, the blade slices it, creating shaped food products with uniform thickness. The width to depth ratio of the shaped food product is adjustable depending on the desired texture and size.

Abstract: An automatic ice cream scooper. A cylinder of ice cream is placed vertically within a refrigerated container on a slicer having a disc shape. The slicer includes an angled slicing blade for removing ice cream. The slicer is rotated by a motor to remove the ice cream. The slicer has an upstanding edge with the screw thread formed thereon for removing the sidewall of the ice cream container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, including a shaft; a scoop, coupled to a distal end of the shaft, for collecting and holding a bolus of a compressible medium, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape when operated from a proximal end of the shaft; and a former, coupled to the scoop and mating with the scoop, for molding and compressing the bolus into a generally spherical ball retained within the scoop. A method for forming a throwable ball, includes scooping a bolus of a compressible medium with a scoop coupled to a distal end of a shaft, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape; and molding compressively the bolus into the scoop using a former coupled to the distal end, wherein the molding step creates the ball retained in the scoop when a user operates a proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An ice cream scoop includes a scooping bowl and a handle coupled to the scooping bowl. The scoop defines a confection retention enclosure for receiving a candy confection therein. An aperture is provided for dispensing the confection out of the enclosure. A removable plug is used to cover the aperture to selectively permit and prevent the confection from being dispensed out of the enclosure. The retention enclosure may be transparent or translucent to permit viewing of the confection located therein.

Abstract: An ice cream scooping implement includes an elongated handle that has an axial bore extending from a handle distal end and terminates approximately midway therealong. The handle has an end cap removably mated to a proximal end thereof. A scooping section is telescopically and removably insertable into the axial bore and includes a mechanism for locking the scooping section within the handle. A heating element is concentrically seated about a proximal portion of the scooping section, is in direct contact with the scooping section, is isolated from the handle, and is formed from thermal-conductive and electrical-conductive material, including tungsten. The heating element includes a pair of conductive terminals that extend proximally along a longitudinal length thereof. A mechanism is included for supplying power to the heating element. The terminals are directly engaged with the power supplying mechanism.

Abstract: A scoop for ice cream and other frozen products having a part-spherical body with an open side defined by an irregular edge extending from a point to be pushed into the product, and from the point along a generally helically curved leading edge to be pushed into the product and turned to form a ball of product with an auger-like action. An elongated handle is secured to the body on the side opposite the point and has a flat side band that spirals from the body to the free end to facilitate gripping and turning.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sand sculpting tool including at least one generally planar body, The planar body includes a central portion defined by a dominant silhouette of the body. Also, the planar body includes at least one sculpting feature substantially protruding from the dominant silhouette. The sculpting feature being substantially disposed in a common plane with the body. Further, the sculpting feature includes a unitary protruding shape capable of forming a solitary impression of the shape in the sand.

Abstract: A heated scooping utensil comprises a handle assembly, a scoop assembly and means for releaseably retaining the handle attachment structure of the scoop body in engagement with the housing. The handle assembly includes a housing and an electrical power supply at least partially contained within an interior space of the housing. The electrical interconnect portion of the electrical power supply is exposed at an exterior surface of the housing. The scoop assembly includes a scoop body and a heating element. The heating element is attached to the scoop body. The scoop body includes a handle attachment structure disengagably engaged with the housing. The heating element includes an electrical interconnect portion disconnectably interconnected with the electrical interconnect portion of the electrical power supply. The means for releaseably retaining the handle attachment structure enables the handle attachment structure of the scoop body to be selectively engaged with and disengaged from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portioning device for foodstuffs, in particular ice cream. Said device comprises a handle consisting of two handle halves that are interconnected by an articulation and can be pivoted in relation to one another, a scoop that is attached to said handle and a blade that is adapted to the interior shape of the scoop. Said blade is mounted so that it can pivot close to the surface of said scoop and carries out a pivoting displacement when the handle is operated. The handle is equipped, between the articulation and the scoop, preferably in the vicinity of the articulation, with a resilient pad consisting of an elastic material, preferably a rubber ring.

Abstract: A forced hot air ice cream scoop and heater for facilitating the removal of ice cream from its container having a handle portion having a first end and a distal end, an inlet and an outlet at the first end of the handle portion, a body having a ladle disposed on the distal end of the handle portion, an air passageway extending from the inlet of the handle portion to the ladle and back to the outlet of the handle portion, wherein the passageway is in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet, a heater having a heating element for generating heat and a blower for distributing the heat as hot air through the passageway, thereby heating the ladle. A temperature sensing device may be provided for sensing the temperature of the hot air, while an adjustable temperature setting device may also be provided for adjusting the temperature of the hot air.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, including a shaft; a scoop, coupled to a distal end of the shaft, for collecting and holding a bolus of a compressible medium, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape when operated from a proximal end of the shaft; and a former, coupled to the scoop and mating with the scoop, for molding and compressing the bolus into a generally spherical ball retained within the scoop. A method for forming a throwable ball, includes scooping a bolus of a compressible medium with a scoop coupled to a distal end of a shaft, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape; and molding compressively the bolus into the scoop using a former coupled to the distal end, wherein the molding step creates the ball retained in the scoop when a user operates a proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for dispensing food products such as ice cream, yogurt, sherbet, sorbet, whipped topping, cheesecake filling, pudding and the like comprising a scoop having a channel portion with a tapered, semi-circular cross section along a curved axis. The scoop is designed to be mounted on or adjacent to a container of food product and to extend substantially across one half of the opening of the container. The scoop may be mounted to the container with the smaller cross-sectional area mounted adjacent to the sidewall of the container and with the larger cross-sectional area mounted proximate the center of the container. Alternatively, the scoop may be mounted with the larger cross-sectional area adjacent the sidewall and with the smaller cross-sectional area mounted proximate the center of the container. The cross-sectional area of the channel portion in either case is tapered from end to end.

Abstract: An ice cream scoop that optimizes the total heat capacity of the scoop by increasing the mass of the ice cream scoop and/or increasing the amount of liquid the ice cream scoop can hold there by creating a highly efficient ice cream scoop. A second embodiment of the present invention also allows for two methods of increasing the heat transfer from the heat source to the scoop portion. The first version utilizes a heat pipe that directs the heat flow directly to the location requiring the heat. The second version utilizes a highly conductive material that has a higher rate of conductivity than that of aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for ladling an ice cream ball comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first piece, a first connecting section and a first handle. The first handle has a first slot. The first connecting section is located between the first piece and the first handle. The second portion has a second piece, a second connecting section and a second handle. The second handle has a second slot. The second connecting section is located between the second piece and the second handle. The second connecting section is connected to the first connecting section by a pin. After the first connecting section connects to the second connecting section, the first piece connects to the second piece, and the first piece and the second piece are formed a cup to take an ice cream ball. A spring has two extending ends and respectively placed in the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: A sculpting tool is provided for use in sculpting shapeable mass, such as common beach sand, snow, soft dirt or soft clay. The tool has first and second sculpting heads, each sculpting head having a pair of oppositely-facing cutting elements for cutting into the shapeable mass. The tool also has an elongate shaft or handle extending between the sculpting heads. Each cutting element is serrated so that a user may use the tool to produce patterns in the granular material. Preferably, each cutting element has a different serration pattern, thereby providing the user with four different patterns with which to sculpt. In addition, each sculpting head defines a pair of opposite cup-like structures such that a user may scoop and/or move a portion of the shapeable mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dispensing food product, such as hard ice cream, comprising an insulated housing having a refrigerated chamber therein and a receptacle in the chamber for holding a supply of food product under refrigeration. The receptacle has an open upper end to permit loading of food product into the receptacle and a lower end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved ice-cream scoop designed to alleviate strain on the operator's wrist, and to provide support and stability to the wrist. This improved scoop design significantly reduces the fatigue and discomfort associated with frequent and extended periods of use and lessens the potential for carpal tunnel syndrome. The scoop includes a hemispherical hollow bowl, handle, and forearm appendage connected to said bowl wherein said forearm appendage extends above the handle and conforms to the shape of an operator's forearm.

Abstract: An electrically-heated spoon including a flat heating device made of a plate-like positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor having a periphery side wall of the spoon mounted to the periphery and a handle of the spoon extending from the side wall. A pair of conductive wires in electrical connection with the heating device are embedded in the handle and extend out of a remote end of the handle to define an external connector for connection to an external power source. The plate-like positive temperature coefficient resistor is sandwiched between two insulating plates and then encased by two opposite metal casing members with the conductive wires, which are connected to the resistor, extending through openings formed on the casing members for connection to a power source.

Abstract: A product serving apparatus includes an apportioning scoop, a product separation assembly for separating the product from the scoop, a hand operated actuator assembly for driving the product separation assembly, and an integral handle and support assembly affixed to the scoop. The handle assembly provides a substantially smooth exterior which is impermeable to soil or food product. The handle assembly provides a crevice-free exterior extending over the entire distance between its ends.

Abstract: A hand held utensil has a blade with an arcuate working edge and radially spaced concave and convex surfaces. The utensil has a grip which is axially spaced from the arcuate edge and has a convex surface which is grasped by the hand of a user for manipulating the blade. The convex surface of the blade and the convex surface of the grip have congruent spherical curvature with spaced apart centers of curvature. The grip comprises a volume of wood, plastic, metal, or other suitable material which conforms to the space bounded by a pair of intersected eccentric spheres which each have a radius equal to the radii of curvature of the blade and the grip.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dispensing food product such as hard food product, having a refrigerated container for holding a supply of food product, a chamber adjacent the container for receiving food product and for delivery therefrom of a serving portion of food product, and a mechanism in the container for removing food product from the supply for delivery to the chamber thereby to pack the chamber with food product. A method of dispensing food product such as hard ice cream is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shovel is disclosed which is preferably a play shovel for use by a child or adult for making a molded head and neck of any desired character or object such as a storybook or cartoon character in the sand. The shovel includes a bottom spade portion and a middle handle portion and a top head portion. The head and handle portions have walls forming a mold cavity opening at the back. The head portion has inner and outer surfaces having features of the head of a character formed thereon.

Abstract: A snow ball making device is provided which includes a pair of elongated arms each of which has a first handle end and a second working end. These arms are pivotally secured to each other at a location intermediate their first and second ends, preferably within angled portions which connect longitudinally spaced parallel portions of the respective arms. The working end of each arm is provided with an open semi-spherical cup portion, such that the handle ends of the elongated arms are manipulable to move the semi-spherical cup portions between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the open semi-spherical cup portions are in flush engagement so as to insure the formation of a substantially spherical snow ball.

Abstract: There is disclosed a snowball maker that makes better snowballs as it limits that volume of snow used in the formation of the snowball and cuts away the excess snow. The snowball maker is comprised of a pair of semi-spherical cups, the cups having bevelled peripheral edges; and a guide adapted to permit rapid movement of the cups between a first position wherein the edges of the cups are in spaced relation and a second position wherein the edges are engaged, the guide having stop means which define the first position and thereby control the volume of snow compressed between the cups.

Abstract: A food mold having a rectangular body having sides and an upper mounting plate is disclosed. A dislodging plate is disposed within the body in a plane parallel with the mounting plate. A central shaft is connected to the dislodging plate and extends upward above the mounting plate. The shaft is positioned within an encircling depth control means. The depth control includes a sleeve in communication with the mounting plate and which contains depth indicators whereby a projection on the central shaft engages the desired depth indicator and controls the depth of the mold. A depth control selector is connected to the central shaft to rotate it so the projection engages the desired depth indicator.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a wide variety of types and flavors of a solid food, such as ice cream, in spherical-shaped balls or scoops. The dispensing system is housed in a structure that provides a plurality of drawer-like compartments that are accessible from a front side thereof. The structure may advantageously comprise the walls of a freezer or refrigeration unit when the solid food to be dispensed must be maintained at a low temperature. Each compartment is loaded by sliding it out from its compartment and placing the food to be dispensed within a barrel or holding chamber thereof. Once loaded, the compartment is slid back into the housing structure. The back side of the barrel or holding chamber is open and aligned with a movable plunger that moves forward and maintains a constant pressure on the food contained therein. The plunger is controlled by a suitable pressure source, such as a pressurized air cylinder or hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of formed edible products from moist edible pieces. Pneumatic suction draws the pieces into a mold or die cavity. A binder such as a gel solution is applied to the pieces in the cavity to cause adherence between the pieces. Thereafter contact with a chilled surface serves to attach the formed mass to the surface. The die is then withdrawn, leaving the form attached to the chilled surface. The preferred source material is onion pieces, with the method being carried out to produce onion rings. Also apparatus for carrying out the method and products resulting therefrom.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and process is described which is useful in making ice cream shapes attractive for consumption. Use of these articles permits rapid fabrication of various ice cream products without contamination and permits rapid and effective cleaning of such articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice cream spoon, comprising a highly heat conductive bowl and shaft assembly, in which the shaft portion of the assembly is embedded in a handle portion of a lightweight heat resistive material enclosed in a layer of heat insulating material.

Abstract: A frozen foot server includes a handle portion and a scoop portion and has an electrical heating element embedded in the scoop portion. The heating element includes a plurality of portions that are each positioned in the scoop portion to heat special areas of the inner and the outer surface of that scoop portion according to the particular portion of the scooping, transporting and dispensing process being carried out. The heating element can be positioned according to whether the server will be operated by a right-handed operator or by a left-handed operator.