Abstract: A portioning device includes an integrated handle, actuating lever, and rack with teeth, with the handle having an aperture at the top. The rack is formed to be easily placed, and retained, in an initial position for assembly. One or more scoops are provided which may each be detachably connected the handle top end. A wiping blade may be detachably connected to the scoop for free rotation within the scoop. The wiping blade includes a shaft having a number of gear teeth, together with a camming surface leading to the first tooth on the shaft. Insertion of the scoop and wiping blade shaft into the handle aperture results in the first rack tooth acting as a camming surface and rotating the wiping blade to the proper clocking position with the first tooth of the shaft engaged with the first tooth of the rack. In this manner the number of component parts is reduced significantly, while at the same time allowing for re-use of the handle with the various interchangeable scoops.

Abstract: An expandable molding insert apparatus and corresponding method are provided. The insert apparatus may be expandable between a first uncompressed position with a first diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger diameter due to axial decompression and compression, respectively, of the insert apparatus. For example, the insert apparatus may include an inner rod, an outer jacket, and a compression member. The compression member may be configured to provide axial compression to the outer jacket, such that the outer jacket may be adjusted between a first uncompressed position with a first outer diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger outer diameter. The insert apparatus of the present disclosure facilitates withdrawal of the insert apparatus from a molded component, requires a minimal number of mechanical components, and provides for ease of actuation when the insert apparatus is utilized during a molding process.

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 device, such as a tamale maker, for inserting edible filling into dough, generally includes a lower assembly and an upper assembly. The lower assembly includes an elongate cylindrical mold sleeve comprised of a plurality of separable longitudinal segments around a central cavity and a base for receiving the mold sleeve so as to define a container for receiving dough. The upper assembly comes in two forms, one having a plunger for use with masa dough having a firm consistency so it can be formed into a self-supporting shape, and one having tines for inserting a solid or frozen filling into flowable or soft masa dough. The tamale is removed from the container by separating one or more sleeve segments of the container to expose the tamale.

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 device for forming scoops of a material, such as ice cream or other foods, includes a frame adapted to be held in the hand of a used with a plunger extending into the user's palm to be operated by squeezing or closing the hand. A pair of scoop halves are pivotally connected to rotate between open and closed positions. A pivot plate is attached to the plunger to be moved relative to the frame by movement of the plunger. A pair of lever arms are coupled to the frame, the pivot plate, and the scoop halves so that movement of the pivot plate in relation to the frame causes movement of the lever arms and, in turn, rotation of the scoop halves between open and closed positions. The lever arms each have opposite ends and an intermediate fulcrum. The device can be biased to normally maintain the scoop halves in either open or closed position, as by a spring arranged to bias the plunger.

Abstract: An ice cream scoop includes a first scoop member and a second scoop member. The first scoop member includes a handle having an end on which a ring is formed. The second scoop member includes a handle having an end on which a bowl is formed. Second ends of the handles are pivotally connected. The ring is engageable with the bowl to form a scoop for scooping ice cream. An elastic element is attached between the second end of the handle of the first scoop member and the second end of the handle of the second scoop member for biasing the ring and the bowl away from each other for ejecting ice cream.

Abstract: This invention is a hand held motor driven scooper intended to facilitate handling of frozen ice cream and at the same time form attractive spheres of same. The device is equipped with a half circle shaped arc at the end of a tube, in which arc half circle shaped claws are inserted. The claws will slide in and out as per the operators command. When fully extended a circle shaped unit is formed. When operating in the substance the claws are first fully retracted and the arc is rotated until it is embedded in the substance. The operator then activates the claws which gradually extends during the continues rotation of the unit, until when fully extended a sphere of the substance has formed. When serving where intended, the sphere is released by command to retract the claws. The arc is not rotating whilst the claws are retracted.

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.