Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having a cylindrical cooling tank and an auxiliary tank. The auxiliary tank ensures that the cylindrical cooling tank is flooded with liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank provides more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing or a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a process control block having a plurality of inlets for receiving ingredients and a plurality of outlets. A mixing block has a plurality of inlets connected to the process control block outlets such that ingredients flowing through the mixing block are mixed together therein. At least one freezing chamber is connected to the mixing block outlet to receive the mixed ingredients therefrom, and a refrigeration system is arranged to refrigerate the freezing chamber. A dispensing valve and a drain valve are connected to the freezing chamber. A controller is connected to the process control block to control operation of the frozen beverage machine. The beverage machine includes an automated sanitizing system operated by the controller, in which the beverage mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber to sanitize the machine.

Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

Abstract: Composite articles of frozen confectionery are manufactured containing inclusions, by forming extrusions of a central filling surrounded by a sleeve of frozen composition by co-extrusion at a temperature for the frozen composition of less than or equal to about −8° C., and the extrusions are then processed into a mass of frozen composition incorporating the inclusions by coiling up the extrusion or folding it on itself. The filling is injected into the heart of the vein of frozen composition leaving the extruder, by a co-extrusion nozzle which may be moving of static.

Abstract: A single and dual transferable battery-operated ice cream maker to be used in the freezer compartment of any domestic or commercial refrigerator and/or ice chest comprising: product containers into which the ice cream ingredients are placed; a timer-controlled creamer for stirring the ingredients; a motorized lid connected to said creamer; a temperature sensor making contact with said product container; a container housing where said product containers and cooling mechanisms are located; an audible means to indicate completion of process; and a storage lid to cover the product container.

Abstract: A compact portable, self-contained and self-cleaning, domestic frozen food and beverage system capable of rapidly and automatically preparing and dispensing soft ice cream products, slush drinks, and frozen beverages in an efficient manner. Ingredients are preferably transferred spill-free into the freezing chamber via a paired bottle cap and receptacle that block ingredient transfer unless the bottle cap is securely seated within the receptacle. To begin the freezing process, a user would simply select and depress the start button corresponding to the type of product desired. An inlet port or ports allowing for pressurized fluid flow evenly about the freezing chamber and a rotating auger member disposed within the freezing chamber help the present invention to achieve a rapidly frozen product. Once operation begins, a microprocessor controls the temperature and speed of ingredient mixing with automatic shut-down occurring when auger torque indicates that the product has reached the desired consistency.

Abstract: A system for sensing the torque exerted upon a motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of a mixture. The system includes a moving member for moving the mixture. One form of the mixture may be a chilled beverage in which the moving member moves the chilled beverage within a container. The motor shaft assembly includes a drive device coupled to the moving member for imparting movement to the moving member and a drive shaft connecting the drive device in the moving member. The drive shaft defines an axis of rotation. The drive shaft is adapted for rotation to effect movement of the moving member. The drive shaft includes at least one axially aligned resilient coupling extending generally coaxial with and radially spaced from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine having numerous novel features, including a beater of dasher which allows for increased strength, efficiency, and consistency of mixing of the food stuffs.

Abstract: A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine (1) having numerous novel features to make the machine and the operation thereof more efficient; a novel supply method and apparatus provides raw product mix and gaseous matter at the proper ratios to the freezing cylinder (17) of the machine. Additionally, and also in conjunction with a novel door and product dispensing apparatus (40, 40a), the special design features enable the maintenance of a dispenser (60), beater (110), freezing chamber and other parts of the machine capable of easy flushing with a cleaning and/or sanitizing solution via the supply method and apparatus without requiring machine disassembly with no retention of the food stuffs and the like.

Abstract: An iced-beverage making machine comprises a tank (11) to contain the beverage, a mixer (12) to stir the beverage in the tank and a refrigerating circuit (14) to cool the beverage in the tank. The mixer is connected by a magnetic joint to a movement reduction motor (13). The magnetic joint comprises a driving portion (16) which is provided with a crown of first magnets (22) and is connected to the reduction motor (13), and a driven portion (17) which is provided with a crown of second magnets (21) and is connected to the mixer and magnetically driven in rotation by the driving portion. Close to the two magnet crowns there is the presence of means (23, 24) for detecting the angular phase displacement of the two crowns relative to the angular position of maximum attraction between the magnets, the detecting means sending a disabling signal (26) to the refrigerating circuit when the detected angular phase displacement exceeds a preestablished value.

Abstract: An icing machine including a horizontal evaporator, an axle extending internally through the evaporator and coupled, at one end, to a motor reducer, and a magnetic clutch connected in watertight relation between the other end of the axle and a scraping blade on the outside of the evaporator. The clutch includes a primary cylindrical rotor connected to the axle and including a magnet, and an external secondary cylindrical rotor also including a magnet and encircling the primary rotor, both rotors being magnetically coupled, and the inside of the evaporator and the axle remain watertight.

Abstract: A compact portable, self-contained and self-cleaning, domestic frozen food and beverage system capable of rapidly and automatically preparing and dispensing soft ice cream products, slush drinks, and frozen beverages in an efficient and spill-free manner. Ingredients are transferred into the freezing chamber via a paired bottle cap and receptacle that block ingredient transfer unless the bottle cap is securely seated within the receptacle. To begin the freezing process, a user would simply select and depress the start button corresponding to the type of product desired. An inlet port or ports allowing for pressurized fluid flow evenly about the freezing chamber and a rotating auger member disposed within the freezing chamber help the present invention to achieve a rapidly frozen product. Once operation begins, a microprocessor controls the temperature and speed of ingredient mixing with automatic shut-down occurring when auger torque indicates that the product has reached the desired consistency.

Abstract: An ice cream vending machine prevents loss of cool air when the vending machine is not in vending operation by closing a passage of a guide member. The vending machine includes a cooling system, a freezing chamber cooled by the cooling system, a canister arranged within the freezing chamber, for holding a bead type ice cream, a cup supplying device arranged outside of the freezing chamber, for supplying a cup for holding the bead type ice cream, an ice cream discharging device for discharging the bead type ice cream from the canister, a guide member having a passage for guiding the ice cream discharged by the ice cream discharging device into the cup, and an opening/closing device for selectively opening and closing a passage of the guide member. An actuator device of the opening/closing device means may comprise a resilient member.

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a process control block having a plurality of inlets for receiving ingredients and a plurality of outlets. A mixing block has a plurality of inlets connected to the process control block outlets such that ingredients flowing through the mixing block are mixed together therein. At least one freezing chamber is connected to the mixing block outlet to receive the mixed ingredients therefrom, and a refrigeration system is arranged to refrigerate the freezing chamber. A dispensing valve and a drain valve are connected to the freezing chamber. A controller is connected to the process control block to control operation of the frozen beverage machine. The beverage machine includes an automated sanitizing system operated by the controller, in which the beverage mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber to sanitize the machine.

Abstract: A frozen confection dispensing machine for dispensing a predetermined volume of a frozen confection. In one embodiment, the machine includes a user interface and programmable control circuit to allow an operator to select the volume of extruded frozen confection for a particular product. In another embodiment, the machine includes a readily accessible hollow member to supply the machine with additional mix without interrupting extrusion of the frozen confection. In another embodiment, a plurality of frozen confection dispensing machines are located adjacent a conveyor belt for filling a pastry product with a selected volume of frozen confection.

Abstract: A batch freezing ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes a flooded evaporator or evaporator having an auxiliary tank or section of the evaporator that can ensure that a cooling chamber is surrounded by liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The mix from the evaporator is placed in a freezer for ripening once it reaches a particular consistency in the evaporator.

Abstract: This invention is related to a reactor used in the production of hard candy by employing a treatment with neutral carbon dioxide gas and thus having gas bubbles, which effervesce in the mouth. The reactor for manufacturing popping candy includes a pressure vessel of double-walled construction; a shaft assembly mounted within the pressure vessel for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel; the shaft assembly including a first shaft located within a second shaft for circulation of cooling fluid in the shaft assembly; a plurality of stirring blades secured to the second shaft and arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis; and a reactor wall stripper attached to outer ends of the blades, the reactor wall stripper having a width substantially identical to widths of the blades.

Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid storage, delivery, and automatic fill apparatus and method for a semi-frozen or chilled liquid beverage machine having a bowl to contain semi-frozen beverage. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one refrigerated storage cavity in the housing for receiving a bulk storage container of liquid beverage. The housing includes a planar surface, the planar surface adapted to support the beverage machine thereon. A fluid conduit is provided for passing the beverage from the bulk storage container to the beverage machine.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: An ice-cream freezer includes a base, a bucket, a freezing cylinder, a stirring unit, a fixing annular cover, a cap and a transmitting device. The transmitting device consists of a motor, a transmitting gear, a transmitting shaft, and a transmitting rod. The motor is positioned under the base, rotating the transmitting gear, then the transmitting shaft and then the transmitting rod that then rotates a large gear of the stirring unit, and then two stirring arm to stir ingredients of ice cream placed in the bucket and at the same time frozen by the freezing cylinder placed inside the bucket. The components of the ice-cream freezer are convenient to assemble and disassemble for washing and cleaning, with the motor never getting wet to prolong service life of the ice-cream freezer.

Abstract: A freeze cylinder includes a scraper/mixing element having two rotating scraper mounting rods secured at opposite ends thereof to common spanning members. Each spanning member has a central pivoting mounting point for providing pivotal mounting thereof within the freeze cylinder. A scraper blade is secured to each of the scraper mounting rods. An eccentric shaft extends through the cylinder, offset from a central axis thereof and each end thereof extends is retained within a respective central pivoting mounting point of the spanning members. An auger section extends from one of the spanning sections for positioning thereof at a dispense end of the cylinder adjacent a dispensing valve. The scraper blade is used in the context of a semi frozen food product making and dispensing machine. In operation, a drive means provides for rotating the spanning members and hence the scraping blades and auger section within a food product producing freeze cylinder.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator with baffles. The evaporator can be a flooded evaporator or evaporator having an auxiliary tank or section of the evaporator that can ensure that a cooling chamber is surrounded by liquid refrigerant during normal operation.

Abstract: An improved frozen carbonated beverage dispenser is provided with the beverage product including improved integrity and the apparatus including improved sanitation, product visualization, and low profile features. The dispenser includes a cylindrical auger chamber formed as a sleeve with sealed ends, within which a mixing auger (screw) is contained. The mixing auger is driven rotationally from an external source and acts to mix and transfer (pump) chilled/frozen products, such as beverage products, in the chamber. The mixing auger contains a central conduit or bore through its central axis acting as a return passage for mixed product. Product is dispensed from within the mixing chamber by use of a dispensing lever assembly.

Abstract: An ice-making machine comprises a heat exchanger including a generally cylindrical, tubular body defining a generally cylindrical internal surface. The body is formed of corrodible material and has at least one refrigerant passage extending therethrough. End plates are provided at opposite ends of the body. A refrigerant inlet delivers refrigerant to the at least one refrigerant passage and a refrigerant outlet collects refrigerant having passed through the at least one refrigerant passage. An inlet delivers fluid from which ice is to be made into the body to permit the refrigerant to extract heat from the fluid and an outlet permits the egress of ice from the body. A cylindrical sleeve lines the internal surface and is formed from generally non-corrodable material. At least one blade is in contact with the sleeve and is movable about an axis to move across the sleeve and remove cooled fluid therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus to produce ice-cream or similar cold products, comprising a cooling container, a cooling device arranged around the cooling chamber and an ice-cream making receptacle, inside the receptacle there being included a rotating whisk associated with a driven shaft, the cooling device comprising a vertical aperture, the cooling device being able to selectively assume a first widened position, or a second closed position, there being included an opening device to cooperate with the cooling device to take them selectively from the second to the first positions.

Abstract: An agitator for an ice cream making apparatus includes a shaft defining a vertical axis, left and right arms, a primary blade member, diametrically opposed left and right limbs, an extruding screw member, and an auxiliary blade member disposed above the primary blade member. The primary blade member is rotatable relative to the auxiliary blade member, which is held fast when the shaft rotates.

Abstract: Frozen aerated compositions are prepared by introducing an unfrozen composition suitable for being frozen for preparing a frozen aerated composition into the barrel of an extrusion apparatus containing a single screw and rotating the screw for transporting the composition through the apparatus to and then through an extrusion exit die and for during transport of the composition through the extrusion apparatus, mixing, shearing and compressing the composition. Additionally during the transport of the composition through the apparatus, the composition is cooled and air is injected into composition to obtain from the die a compressed, aerated, cooled composition which has a temperature of equal to or lower than −8° C.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dual purpose carbonator/blending bottle connected to a source of beverage syrup, a source of potable water and to a source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas. The dual purpose bottle is retained within an ice bank water bath tank. A pair of ratio valves provide for metering the water and syrup at a desired ratio. The mixed beverage first flows through a serpentine coil, also located in water bath, and then flow into the dual purpose bottle. A refrigeration system provides for cooling an evaporator located in the water tank for forming the ice bank thereon. The carbonated beverage then flows from the bottle into a freeze cylinder. The freeze cylinder also includes a further evaporator coiled around an exterior perimeter thereof. The freeze cylinder evaporator is connected to and cooled by the same refrigeration system that cools the evaporator in the water bath tank.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming a frozen confection having a coarse texture into a confection having a smooth texture and lighter appearance. The apparatus is comprised of a maceration assembly used in conduction with a frozen confection machine. The apparatus includes a motor, an electrical connection between the motor and a power supply and a mounting bracket for mounting the motor to the confection machine. Extending from the motor is at least one rotatable motor shaft. The shaft extends through a mount having an integral mount cylinder with a seal seat. A sealing device such as an o-ring, is positioned within the seal seat. A whipping device is attached to the rotatable shaft which extends into a maceration chamber. The maceration chamber has an inlet for receiving frozen confection and an outlet for discharging a semi-frozen confection slurry and is hollow and open at one end, the open end sliding over the whipping device and mount, while forming a seal with the sealing device.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having an automatic expansion valve, a temperature control circuit, and an accumulator/heat exchanger. An auxiliary tank or section of the evaporator can ensure that a cooling chamber is surrounded by liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank, the expansion valve, the temperature control circuit, and the accumulator/heat exchanger provide more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing, a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank, or a portion of the cylindrical cooling tank.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having a cylindrical cooling tank and an auxiliary tank or section. The auxiliary tank or section ensures that a cooling chamber is surrounded by liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank provides more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing, a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank, or a portion of the cylindrical cooling tank.

Abstract: A combination water-purification and ice-dispensing system features an air cooler on the ice bin to prevent the congealing of ice. Four slanted agitator blades also break up chunks of ice back into ice cubes. Excess water from the ice maker is recycled into the ice maker. Double shutters prevent the dispensing of contaminated ice. An ice-bag dispenser and taper are included. A single kiosk can have both a purified water and an ice dispenser.

Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus includes an inner container having a first bottom formed with a first bottom opening, and an outer container surrounding the inner container to confine a coolant storing space therebetween. The outer container has a second bottom formed with a second bottom opening, and an outer rim extending along and upwardly from the second bottom opening. The outer rim has a shoulder extending radially and inwardly therefrom adjacent to the first bottom opening and confronting the first bottom of the inner container. A sealing ring is disposed between the shoulder and the first bottom of the inner container. A hollow tightening member extends through the first and second bottom openings, and abuts against the first bottom of the inner container and the outer rim so as to press the shoulder and the first bottom of the inner container to abut tightly against the sealing ring for preventing coolant from leaking out from the coolant storing space.

Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus includes a container having a bottom opening for passage of ice cream, and a discharging mechanism mounted on the container below the bottom opening and adapted to discharge ice cream out of the container. The discharging mechanism has a hollow guide which is mounted on the container and which defines a passageway therein for communication with the bottom opening, a gate member disposed underneath the passageway and mounted slidably on the hollow guide for moving in a transverse direction across the passageway to seal the passageway, and a linkage mechanism pivotally mounted on the hollow guide for rotating about an axis to manipulate movement of the gate member in the transverse direction.

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: The invention relates to a process, a control unit, and a device for continuously deep freezing foams, e.g., edible foams, in particular ice cream and whipped cream, to the storage temperature, without using deep freezing tunnels.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing material, such as a beverage, in at least a partially frozen state. The apparatus includes a tank in which the material is stored under pressure and a manually operable valve for controlling the dispensing of material from the tank. The valve includes a generally cylindrical stem and seat. A distal end portion of the stem is tapered at an angle of about 15 degrees. When the valve is first opened, the tapered end portion gradually relieves the pressure buildup in the valve bore so that a sudden surge of material under pressure does not occur in the dispensing passageway to which the valve is connected. An upper edge of the seat acts as a scraper to remove particulate matter from the stem as the stem is moved into engagement with the seat when the valve is closed, thereby enhancing the fluid-tight seal between the stem and seat.

Abstract: A source fluid from which solid material forms when it is cooled is passed through apparatus which defines a continuous reentrant lumen. The lumen has a thermally conductive processing wall from which heat is extracted from the outside as the source fluid flows through the lumen, resulting in formation of solid material on the inner surface of the lumen wall. A runner circulates around the lumen and dislodges material deposited on the inner surface of the lumen wall. This material is then carried as solids of a slurry out of the apparatus with the fluid stream.

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: An ice-making machine includes a housing having a brine solution inlet to receive brine solution from which ice is to be made and having an ice-brine slurry outlet to permit the egress of an ice-brine slurry from the housing. A heat exchanger within the housing has a heat exchange surface. The heat exchanger further includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet and at least one refrigerant circuit interconnecting the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet to permit a flow of refrigerant through the heat exchanger to extract heat from the brine solution contacting the heat exchange surface. The at least one refrigerant circuit is constituted by refrigerant passages integrally formed in a body portion of the housing. A blade assembly within the housing carries a plurality of blades each of which is in contact with the heat exchange surface.

Abstract: An ice-cream maker comprises: a material vessel into which ice cream materials are to be put; a stirring blade for stirring the materials received in said material vessel; a motor connecting to said stirring blade; a temperature sensor making contact with said material vessel; a cooking chamber into which said material vessel is attached so as to come into close contact with said cooking chamber; a freezing cycle for freezing said material vessel; and a heater for heating said material vessel.

Abstract: A combined baker and ice cream maker includes a base plate, a barrel-receiving container, and a bread baking unit and an ice cream making unit which are to be selectively received in the container. Each of the bread baking unit and the ice cream making unit has a bottom mounting portion. A heater is disposed inside the container. A barrel seat is mounted on the base plate for selectively seating the bread baking unit and the ice cream making unit thereon. A shaft extends through the base plate into the barrel seat. A driving unit is mounted on the base plate, and is connected to the shaft. A switch is mounted on the base plate, and is connected to the heater. A lever is pivotally mounted on the base plate and has opposite first and second ends. The first end extends to the switch, while the second end extends to the barrel seat.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.

Abstract: An improved granulator-dispenser apparatus including: an evaporator having a hollow, semicylindrical shell with a casing for an expanding refrigerating gas; a rear bracket fastened to the casing for housing a motor having a spin axle coupled to a transmission shaft provided with an arch-shaped blade for scraping an inside wall of the evaporator and pushing forward granulated product; a spiral scraper for scraping an outside wall of the evaporator and for mixing and conveying granulated product toward a discharge orifice, wherein the spiral scraper includes turns and spacers between the turns, and the spacers include a rear spacer having a blade for removing granulated product from a rear section of the at least one reservoir, and preventing an accumulation of granulated product and wherein the spiral scraper includes a front blade for conveying granulated product to a discharge orifice of the nozzle; preferably wherein the apparatus includes at least one reservoir comprising a front end with a nozzle, wherein

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in a thermal treatment system congealing a sterile medium within a basin and automatically dislodging the congealed sterile medium adhered to the drape adjacent basin walls is accomplished by a drape having a drape portion covering the system housing with part of the drape portion disposed in the basin. The drape may further include a pre-formed container portion fitted to match the contour of, and being disposed within, the basin. The container portion may accommodate various shaped basins and include individual fluted sections, drape deformities, or an inflatable bladder surrounded by the fluted sections for facilitating dislodgement of the congealed medium. Further, the drape or pre-formed container portion may include a substantially annular bladder, or a bladder having a plurality of individually inflatable sections for manipulation of the drape relative to the basin to dislodge the congealed sterile medium.

Abstract: A slush machine which is capable of selectively providing a slush state or hot drink.

Abstract: A household ice-cream machine comprises a mixing blade driven and rotated by a motor for mixing material for ice-cream in a cylindrical container. A pair of holding members are disposed to be in contact with an outer surface of the cylindrical container. Each of the pair of holding members is formed in an arch shape. Each of the pair of holding members has projections formed on and bent from one end of each of the pair of holding members. The fastened projections are oppositely disposed and connected to each other by a pair of fastening members. Each of a pair of cooling members is formed in an arch shape and has an evaporating pipe integrally formed therein. Each of the pair of cooling members is disposed to be in contact with an outer surface of each of the pair of holding members.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing frozen aerated products includes the use of a device having two endless screws, identical and parallel, meshing with each other and turning in the same direction, located in a casing fitted at one of its ends with a nozzle and at the other with a device for feeding with composition to be frozen and, in an intermediate area, with a device for feeding with air, the casing being provided with a jacket in which refrigerating fluids circulate.