Abstract: Pouring soft state ice cream as a precursor of hard state ice cream into a cone, cup or other shape made either one of paper, plastic resins or edible material and the thus poured ice cream is frozen to a hard state ice cream of -30.degree. C. to -40.degree. C. as it stands or wrapped within a plastic film and is held at -15.degree. C. to -25.degree. C., and the thus held ice cream is heated rapidly upto 0.degree. C. to -8.degree. C. by an electronic range upon request of a customer to be given to the customer without being touched by a person other than the customer so that it is held under very sanitary conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage often referred to as a slush beverage. A variety of apparatus have been designed to produce chilled beverages as well as to produce beverages which are in a "slush" form. Some of these apparatus are referred to as "granita" machines. Such apparatus can be used to produce slush beverages from a variety of products including fruit juices, coffee-based beverages, tea-based beverages, as well as beverages containing alcohol. Such apparatus includes a chilling structure, and some form of blade or auger which moves relative to the chilling portion to strip the frozen product off and circulate the beverage along the chilling portion. Circulation of the beverage along the chilling portion helps to reduce the temperature of the beverage mixture thereby approaching a slush consistency.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and delivering frozen beverages, such as water-ices, comprises a tank (12) for holding and refrigerating the beverage, in which there is an evaporator (16) of a refrigerating circuit and a mixing propeller (18) the rotation axis (19) of which is magnetically coupled, through a tank wall (28), with the rotation axis of an electric reduction motor (21). The magnetic coupling is formed of a first magnetic set (22) external to the tank and driven in rotation by the rotation axis of the reduction motor, and a second magnetic set (23) internal to the tank and connected to the propeller rotation axis. The first and second sets face each other on opposite faces of the tank wall to be magnetically coupled through said wall, the first set (22) thereby driving in rotation the second set (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-mode secondary power unit comprising a first starter/generator unit operably coupled to a shaft. The first starter/generator motor is operable in a motor mode for causing rotational movement of the shaft and is operable in a generator mode for generating electric power from rotational movement of the shaft. A thermal engine is operably coupled to the shaft and is operable in a fuel burning mode for causing rotational movement of said shaft and is operable in a non fuel burning mode for receiving rotational movement from the shaft. A load compressor is operably coupled to the shaft for pressurizing air to a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and method for heat absorption which include between about 35 percent and about 45 percent by weight of an between about 35 percent and about 45 percent by weight of an N,N'-ethylenebis-stearamide wax having a melting point of between 232.degree. C. and 240.degree. C. and between about 65 percent and about 55 percent by weight of an N,N'-ethylenebisstearamide wax having a melting point of about 140.degree. C., and thermally protected enclosures including the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant to a refrigeration device is provided. The system includes a mixing chamber that retains and produces the product, a compressor, and an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber for providing freezing of the product being produced within it. The system further includes a expansion valve coupled to the evaporator that regulates the flow of the refrigerant through the evaporator. A scraper rotatably mounted within the mixing chamber is provided for scraping the frozen product from the interior surface of the mixing chamber. A beater motor rotates the scraper. An electronic control is provided for controlling the refrigeration cycle. The electronic control employs a microprocessor which is operated in accordance with an algorithm for controlling the operation of the expansion valve.

Abstract: A cryogenic control system measures rotational resistance in a cryogenic food mixing machine such as a vacuum tumbler or agitator blender to determine by test the length of time it takes from the start of chilling to reach the maximum energy level T.sub.me, and the length of time it takes to chill the product to the desired forming point stiffness T.sub.f, to establish a ratio T.sub.f /T.sub.me for that product and batch size. This ratio can then be used for subsequent cycles, regardless of cryogenic flow rate, to determine the optimum product chilling point.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: A conveyor moves a dough sheet along a dough travel path. A filling applicator, located proximate the dough travel path, applies filling to the dough sheet. A cooler is located downstream of the filling applicator along the dough travel path. The cooler cools the filling applied to the dough sheet sufficiently to increase viscosity of the filling prior to the dough sheet being rolled to form a rolled dough product.

Abstract: A freezing system for processing frozen edible product includes a freezing section, an inlet section, a product discharge section, and a recirculation section that selectively recycles processed product through at least a portion of the outlet section back to the freezing section.

Abstract: The frozen dessert machine of the present invention has an automated dispenser for controlling the portion size.

Abstract: Equipment and a process for volumetric filling of novelties with soft frozen desserts is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing and dispensing semi-frozen food products having two freezing chambers, one compressor for supplying refrigerant to both freezing chambers, one beater drive motor for driving the beaters in both chambers, two solenoid valves control flow of refrigerant from the single compressor to the evaporators for the freezing chambers and periodic pulse width modulated signals are applied to operate the two solenoid valves alternately during each period and signals are modulated to have substantially equal duty cycles in an initial freeze mode and to have unequal duty cycles when product is dispensed from only one freeze chamber.

Abstract: A refrigeration controllere for use with an apparatus for manufacturing soft-ice-cream and the like by beating and refrigerating at a preset temperature an ice-cream mix supplied from a hopper into refrigeration cylinders.The controller is adapted to monitor refrigeration time and refrigeration temperatures of the refrigeration cylinders and the hopper so that, in case refrigeration time becomes too long due to wrong temperature setting, the preset lower temperature limit is shifted up to correct the wrong temperature setting, thereby permitting a layman to control the apparatus and provide ice-cream having proper softness and at the same time save energy and the life-time of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in the electronic control of frozen carbonated beverage machines and improvements in electric defrost heaters used therein. A control scheme is shown that provides for accurately determining the viscosity of a semi-frozen beverage as a function of the torque of a drive motor used in the harvesting and mixing thereof. The torque is first calculated based upon the current and voltage to the motor and the phase difference there between. The torque is adjusted to compensate for motor efficiency after which the net torque value is converted to a viscosity scale. The viscosity scale has a zero value relating to the net torque experienced by the motor when the beverage is known to be completely liquid. Viscosity is maintained within a narrow range based upon pre-defined three level low, medium and high viscosity sets, and wherein compressor short-cycling is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in the electronic control of frozen carbonated beverage machines and improvements in electric defrost heaters used therein. A control scheme is shown that provides for accurately determining the viscosity of a semi-frozen beverage as a function of the torque of a drive motor used in the harvesting and mixing thereof. The torque is first calculated based upon the current and voltage to the motor and the phase difference there between. The torque is adjusted to compensate for motor efficiency after which the net torque value is converted to a viscosity scale. The viscosity scale has a zero value relating to the net torque experienced by the motor when the beverage is known to be completely liquid. Viscosity is maintained within a narrow range based upon pre-defined three level low, medium and high viscosity sets, and wherein compressor short-cycling is eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for chilling and working fat-containing compositions, comprising:(a) means for chilling a composition passed therethrough,(b) a crystallizer-unit, comprising a rotor, suitable for working the fat-containing composition, placed downstream of said chilling means,(c) means for measuring the rotation speed of the rotor of the crystallizer-unit, and/or means for measuring the residence time of the fat-containing composition in the crystallizer-unit, which means are able to generate a signal responsive to the rotation speed of or residence time in the crystallizer-unit,(d) computing means which, on the basis of the signals generated by means (c), are able to calculate target values for the residence time and/or rotation speed, and(e) controlling means which may adjust the residence time and/or rotation speed of the crystallizer-unit in accordance with the target values calculated by (d) for the residence time and/or rotation speed.

Abstract: A refrigerated mixing and dispensing machine for the preparation of frozen dairy products and ice mixed beverages. The machine has a housing within which is mounted standard industrial units such as a compressor, condenser, evaporative coils and regulatory equipment. Also mounted in the housing is a gear motor having a torque adjustable clutch designed to disengage the gear motor from the drive line in the event of an overload. Its unique configuration and integral receptor features function to conserve space and shorten the drive line. A mixing pump is connected to the clutch and it is of an offset, rotary cam design, that features a uniquely shaped and positioned plunger valve designed to transmit and regulate the pressure of fluids pumped from the mix tank to the dasher cylinder. Fitted to a cavity of the pump housing and extending above fluid levels of the mix tank is a sleeve type metering valve which functions to house the pump plunger and regulate the mixture of air and fluid entering the pump.

Abstract: The present invention includes a counter top unit for dispensing the partially frozen beverage and, at one or more locations remote from that unit, two syrup supply canisters, a source of CO.sub.2, and a condenser and compressor unit that provides refrigeration coolant to the counter top unit. Supply and return lines carry the refrigeration coolant between the counter top unit and the compressor/condenser unit. The counter top unit includes a compact housing that is adapted to be set on the counter top. Inside the counter top unit is a pair of cooling chambers. Each cooling chamber produces, holds and dispenses a partially frozen beverages. The cooling chamber includes agitators, that mix the partially frozen beverage, and cooling coils, that are coupled to the refrigerant supply and return lines, which cool the interior of the cooling chamber. Two pumps in the counter top unit mix the water and the syrups and the resulting mixtures are fed, along with a predetermined amount of CO.sub.

Abstract: A domestic ice-cream maker comprises a refrigerated bowl-shaped container for an ice-cream mass; a rotatable stirring tool associated with such container for scraping off ice-cream freezing at a refrigerated surface of the container; and a single-phase synchronous motor for rotating the stirring tool, such motor having a maximum permissible operating temperature for making the ice-cream. A transmission path including a reduction mechanism extends between the synchronous motor and the stirring tool. Backlash is provided in the reduction mechanism as overload protection for the synchronous motor, the backlash acting in both directions of rotation of the motor and corresponding in each such direction of rotation to at least 10 revolutions of the motor, the motor, upon being blocked in either direction of rotation, reversing its direction of rotation and passing through the range of the backlash without exceeding its maximum permissible operating temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for making frozen comestibles, and the like, having an over-run. The system comprises a swept surface heat exchanger which includes a manifolded cylinder in which is disposed a tube having a dasher. Refrigeration means are connected to the manifolded cylinder and the tube is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The system further comprises an air/mix or over-run control system which includes a positive displacement pump having a variable drive, an inlet for a mix, and an outlet. A magnetic flow meter receives mix from the pump outlet and provides a signal proportional to the flow of mix therethrough. An air mass flow control is connected between the mix conduit and a source of pressured air. A control circuit, such as a programmable computer, receives signals from the flow meter and controls both the variable drive on the pump and the pressured air through the air mass flow control.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine is provided, comprising a frame containing a horizontally positioned stationary cylinder. A conventional cooling mechanism, typically comprising a compressor, a condenser, and cooling coils around the cylinder cools the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with an opening for removal of frozen beverages or ice cream. A shaft is rotatably and horizontally positioned within the frame and extends into the cylinder, where at least one beater bar is attached to the shaft. A motor assembly is operatively connected to and supported by the shaft exterior to the cylinder. A contact switch senses resistance to shaft rotation, and an adjustable spring maintains contact between the motor assembly and the contact switch until a desired resistance to shaft rotation, and thus a desired consistency of the semi-frozen beverage, is obtained.

Abstract: A machine suitable for placement in a freezer for making slush or ice cream in a cylindrical container. The machine comprises a platform which is lengthwise adjustable, at least four rollers which have an adjustable distance support container, a driving means to drive the rollers and rotate the container, a scraping means disposed on the shaft of the container to scrape freezing slush or ice cream and to be used as a second safety means, and a first safety means which comprises a base plate, a control plate and a flexible element engaged together. When the slush or ice cream is hard enough, the control plate and the flexible element will rotate respective to the base plate so that the shaft will rotate together with the container. Further, even if the first safety means is out of order, the scraping means will free from the shaft of the container, then the scraping means will rotate together with the container in order to be used as a second safety means.

Abstract: An ice-cream maker with a cylindrical container (1), inside which at least one cooled surface is provided for ice-cream formation, and with an electric motor (4), which through a gear unit (5) drives a shaft (6) running central to the container, said shaft bearing a scraper and stirrer tool (8) acting at least together with the cooled surface. An autosynchronous single-phase motor is provided as the electric motor and the scraper and stirrer tool has for both directions of rotation of the shaft at least one scraper and stirrer tool section (10,11) effective principally in the relevant direction of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for making drinks comprising an ice-slush machine, a blender and an associated control assembly is disclosed. The ice-slush machine includes a reservoir, two associated chilling chambers with screw pumps, and a nozzle for dispensing ice-slush to the blender for being mixed with liquor and additional flavoring constituents. The control assembly effects a sequence of operations including the activation of the blender, followed by the initiation of the dispensing of the ice-slush, followed by the termination of the dispensing of the ice-slush, folllowed by the inactivation of the blender in order to make optimum and consistent drinks. Also disclosed is the method of making such drinks.

Abstract: A soft-serve freezer operates in a first mode, with both the auger and compressor operating, and a second energy saving mode in which only the refrigeration compressor operates. The control circuit monitors the power level to the auger to control the consistency of the mix. When the mix achieves a selected consistency, the auger discontinues its mixing function. Signal lights are provided to indicate when it is necessary to actuate the auger to obtain the desired consistency prior to dispensing the product and indicate that the mix has achieved the desired consistency.

Abstract: In a portable freezer for preparation of sherbet, ice cream, and other frozen confections, of a type comprising a stationary bucket, which has an open top and is adapted to hold ice, salt, and brine, a removable can, which is adapted to hold confections being frozen, and which is seated within the bucket so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, a removable head, which comprises horizontal arms bridging the open top of the bucket and a cover covering the can and its contents, a motor, which is arranged to rotate the can within the bucket about said vertical axis in one rotational sense, and a dasher, which is mounted within the can and beneath the cover so as to remain relatively stationary as the can is rotated, an improvement is disclosed wherein the dasher is journalled so as to be rotatable about said vertical axis, wherein the dasher is restrained by resilient means permitting a range of limited rotation of the dasher about said vertical axis and biasing the dasher so as to oppose such rotation of the

Abstract: The temperature of a product which is being chilled in a blender by introducing carbon dioxide in solid and gaseous form into the blender is controlled by sensing the power drawn by the drive motor coupled to the impeller. The power drawn by the motor is sensed and analyzed and, upon reaching a predetermined value, the introduction of CO.sub.2 into the blender is terminated. As the product is chilled by contact with CO.sub.2 in the blender, the viscosity of the product will increase, which in turn, increases the power drawn by the motor. Variations in line voltage supplied to the motor and changes of the initial temperature of the product being chilled do not affect the final temperature to which the product may be accurately chilled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a semi-frozen product dispensing machine. The control system includes a viscosity sensing mechanism for sensing the viscosity of the product in the freezing chamber and for shutting off flow of refrigerant to the freezing chamber evaporator when the product reaches the desired viscosity. The control system also includes a refrigerant pressure sensing mechanism for sensing the pressure on the refrigerant in the freezing chamber evaporator when the supply of refrigerant is shut off and for restarting the refrigerating mechanism when the refrigerant pressure in the evaporator rises to a preselected value. The control system also includes circuitry for restarting the refrigerating mechanism when the dispensing valve is opened.

Abstract: An appliance for making sorbet or ice cream and including means for preventing the mixer blades from becoming locked in the ice by effecting the progressive withdrawal of these blades from a vertical orientation towards a horizontal orientation under the action of the opposing torque applied to the blades by the hardening of the ice during freezing, and an automatic stopping device which is mechanically operable as a result of the withdrawal of the blades or a part associated therewith to break the motor supply circuit when the blades reach their withdrawn position.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting, torque-sensing system has a first rotatable shaft which can be shifted radially in two orthogonally-displaced directions to be precisely concentric with a second rotatable shaft, has a first coupling element which is rotatable with but which is movable axially relative to one of those rotatable shafts, has a biasing means which urges the first coupling element for movement axially in one direction relative to the one rotatable shaft, has a second coupling element which is rotatable with the other rotatable shaft, and has a surface on one of those coupling elements which coacts with a complementary surface on the other of those coupling elements to enable those coupling elements to transmit torque from that rotatable shaft which is the driving shaft to that rotatable shaft which is the driven shaft while permitting the first coupling element to respond to a predetermined increase in rotation resistance of the driven shaft to move axially in the opposite direction relative to the one rota

Abstract: An appliance for making sorbet or ice cream and including means for preventing the mixer blades from becoming locked in the ice by effecting the progressive withdrawal of these blades from a vertical orientation towards a horizontal orientation under the action of the opposing torque applied to the blades by the hardening of the ice during freezing, and an automatic stopping device which is mechanically operable as a result of the withdrawal of the blades or a part associated therewith to break the motor supply circuit when the blades reach their withdrawn position.

Abstract: The machine dispenses a ready-made milk shake. A freezing chamber has a dispensing valve having porting and a valve element so arranged that flow of the semi-frozen comestible and the flavoring material occurs simultaneously. A beater mixes the two during dispensing. A conduit for the flavoring material has a unique coupling to the valve block and a quick-release coupling intermediate its ends. Upon release of the latter, a manually operable sampling valve may be connected to the conduit to selectively draw a sample of the flavoring. A pump is provided for sucking in a liquid comestible and gas in a preselected proportion and delivering them to the bottom of the freezing chamber. A vent is located in the valve block to vent air from the freezing chamber upon start-up of the machine. The vent has an inlet located at a level so that the liquid and gas volumes in the chamber are about equal to the respective proportions pumped.

Abstract: An automatic ice cream maker appliance for use in the freezer compartment of a domestic refrigerator including a front air intake wherein the ice cream maker fan draws freezer air therethrough for flow over the mixing tray and mix to be frozen and thence over the rearward agitator and fan motor drive unit for exhaustion from rear air outlet means. Air duct means are provided in the refrigerator cabinet for receiving the exhausted air for passage into the fresh food compartment. A circuit control system operates to place the agitator in a vertical position upon the appliance being in its "cooling" mode with the fan continuing its operation, while a neon signal lamp is switched from an "off-on" flashing mixing mode to a "full on" indicating that the mixing cycle has been completed.

Abstract: An automatic ice cream maker add-on accessory for use in the freezer compartment of a domestic refrigerator including a rear freezing air intake with a fan induced forward split flow path. A dual state thermostat provides cycling sequencing and hold control by means of first bimetal contacts to control cycling of the unit from a combined dasher and fan operation to a fan only operation by means of a voltage drop resistor to change the voltage on the motor when a predetermined mix temperature is reached under load. A second bimetal contact member, also sensitive to the temperature of the ice cream, provides a long term feature on the completion of the mixing operation.

Abstract: A soft-serve freezer operates in a first mode, with both the auger and compressor operating, and a second energy saving mode in which only the refrigeration compressor operates. The control circuit monitors the power level to the auger to control the consistency of the mix. When the mix achieves a selected consistency, the auger discontinues its mixing function. Signal lights are provided to indicate when it is necessary to actuate the auger to obtain the desired consistency prior to dispensing the product and indicate that the mix has achieved the desired consistency.