Diverse Blades Patents (Class 62/343)
  • Patent number: 11946683
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a cabinet having a freezing compartment defined therein, an ice-maker mounted in the freezing compartment, wherein the ice-maker makes spherical ice and removes the made spherical ice downwards, an ice bin disposed below the ice-maker, and retractable and extendable in a front and rear direction, wherein the removed ice is stored in the ice bin, and a cover plate extending downward from a rear face of the ice-maker, wherein the cover plate shields a space between the ice bin and the ice-maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yonghyun Kim, Jinil Hong, Hyunji Park
  • Patent number: 11898938
    Abstract: Integrity of a flexible bag already filled with a biopharmaceutical fluid is verified by a receiving and controlling device. The first wall and a second wall, forming two opposite walls on both sides of a longitudinal axis of the bag, are in contact with the fluid and with two parallel restraining plates of the device, while test pressure is controlled. Additionally, an integrity/non-integrity indicator device that comprises a pair of covering walls is provided to be interposed between the bag walls and the restraining plates. A leak through the bag walls can be detected by a color change of at least one continuous colorimetric detection layer, integral with or included in the pair of covering walls. Such continuous colorimetric detection layer is included in a permeable or impregnable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventors: Marc Hogreve, Martin Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 11856966
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage apparatus includes a freezing cylinder for receiving a mixture, and a stirring pusher disposed inside the freezing cylinder for pushing and mixing the mixture from an inlet of the freezing cylinder to an outlet thereof in a spiral manner, wherein the mixture is removed from the inner wall of the freezing cylinder radially back into a center portion of the freezing cylinder by the stirring pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Lingyu Dong, Chundong Dong
  • Patent number: 11771108
    Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products, includes, in combination: a container for containing liquid or semi-liquid products; a thermal treatment cylinder contained inside the container and having an axis that is inclined relative to the vertical; a stirrer mounted to the outside of the thermal treatment cylinder; a thermal system including a heat exchanger associated with the thermal treatment cylinder, wherein the container for containing liquid or semi-liquid products is defined by a first, inside wall and a second, outside wall, the first, inside wall and the second, outside wall forming between them a gap that is not affected by the liquid or semi-liquid products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Roberto Lazzarini, Federico Tassi
  • Patent number: 11751582
    Abstract: A stirrer of a machine for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products, rotating about an axis, comprises: a first end element and a second end element; longitudinal elements extending along the axis between the first end element and second end element; scraping elements which are removably couplable to the longitudinal elements, the scraping elements having a portion that is partly helical in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Roberto Lazzarini, Federico Tassi
  • Patent number: 11439157
    Abstract: An ice cream maker fitting for a stand mixer provided with a bowl includes a double wall vessel having an outer wall and an inner wall, which are coupled so as to define between the outer wall and the inner wall a sealed space. A refrigerant fluid is arranged. The double wall vessel is sized so as to be arranged, in use, inside the bowl of the stand mixer. A fixing system is configured to fix the double wall vessel to the bowl of the stand mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SMEG S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Crema, Leopoldo Bazzicalupo, Raffaella Mangiarotti
  • Patent number: 11370602
    Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: ColdSnap, Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew Fonte, Robert Devaney, John Heymans, Nicholas Fonte, Ian McGinty
  • Patent number: 10588328
    Abstract: A frozen confection dispenser including a reservoir for receiving and holding a product to be dispensed, an evaporator with cylindrical cooling element, a movement device including a helical element arranged to rotate concentrically externally of a cooling element in such a way as to advance the product along the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, a driver engaged with the movement device for the rotation thereof, and a dispenser for dispensing of the product, wherein the helical element has an angle of attack of less than 60° relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A helical element and a method for dispensing frozen confection with a dispenser are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Alina Maria Barniol Gutierrez, Dominique Baccus, Lars Lykke Espersen, Rafal Koperek, Adrien Gourmaud
  • Patent number: 9180425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the separation of material included in composite raw material, which reactor comprises at least one reaction chamber and at least one rotor, said reaction chamber comprising at least one housing that is sealed in relation to the surroundings and has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, and said rotor comprising at least one shaft. At least a first part of said rotor is situated in said housing, and said shaft extends in only one direction from said first part through and out of said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cassandra Oil Technology AB
    Inventor: Anders Olsson
  • Patent number: 8869550
    Abstract: An ice and cold water dispensing assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes a reservoir holding water having a water level and an ice maker for making ice cubes to be held within the water within the reservoir. A structure is provided on the reservoir allowing the reservoir to be removably attached to the refrigeration appliance. A handle and a spout are attached to the reservoir and are configured for allowing manual dispensing of ice cubes or water from the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the refrigeration appliance. An ice dispenser and a water dispenser are provided in the refrigeration appliance for dispensing ice cubes or water respectively from the reservoir when the reservoir is attached to the refrigeration appliance. Related refrigeration devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Edward Philip Strauss
  • Patent number: 8746004
    Abstract: A machine including: a housing; a cylindrical-shaped processing tub that extends into the housing; cooling means adapted to cool the processing tub; a mixing member rotatably mounted within the processing tub, with the mixing member being structured so as to mix ingredients in the processing tub and so as to scrape at least the inner side surface of the processing tub to prevent the ingredients from adhering to the side wall of the tub; and a containing collar which is dimensioned so as to be fitted in a releasable manner in the processing tub above the mixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Valmar Global VSE ZA Sladoled D.O.O.
    Inventor: Valter Jejcic
  • Patent number: 8505315
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for the preparation of sterile medical ice slurry, for example having ice loadings of greater than approximately 50%. An integrated-operation ice slurry blender-based production and delivery system methods for monitoring cooling capacity of the produced and delivered slurry. All individual medical ice slurry production and delivery steps are integrated into one tightly coupled precisely sequenced and timed system. The novel procedure and equipment is simple to use and makes sterile slurry, which is ready to deliver to patients, for example, in less than 2 minutes after adding predetermined thermally preconditioned ingredient modules to a blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Kasza, Farah J. Shareef, Brandon L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8425108
    Abstract: A mixing paddle for use in a conventional ice cream maker includes two vertical arms that have outer contact edges that exceed the inner diameter of the freezer bowl in which they are positioned during use. This enables the contact edges to effectively scrape ice cream ingredients from the inner wall of the bowl during use and direct the ingredients toward the center of the bowl. The mixing paddle also comprises two cross-members that have pin-wheel style shapes that move ice cream ingredients vertically during use. The combined effect of the vertical arms and the cross-members optimally and uniformly mixes the ice cream ingredients during use and ensures efficient cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 8375737
    Abstract: An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Hausmann, Peter Nalbach
  • Patent number: 7762097
    Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator includes a first shaft rotatably fastened to an inside of an ice bank, a second shaft fastened to an end of the first shaft and rotated by a driving motor, and a plurality of blades formed along a longitudinal direction of the second shaft. The blades are spaced apart a predetermined distance along the second shaft and have a spiral surface which acts to push ice as the second shaft rotates. The first shaft may be formed of a material such as steel, which has good torsional elasticity. The second shaft and the blades may be formed as one molded piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Han Jeong, In Chul Jeong, Myung Ryul Lee
  • Patent number: 7596963
    Abstract: A conveyor screw for conveyance of high viscose masses and an apparatus with such a conveyor screw, preferably for production of an ice cream. Said crew having a plurality of screw flights, where at least two screw flights extend from an inlet end part of the conveyor screw and wherein the outer edges of the two screw flights extend in different radial distance from longitudinal axis. Whereby the radially shorter screw flight assists with the conveyance of a part of the mass without affecting the whole mass and especially without affecting the ice layer, which by use of the conveyor screw in a through-flow freezer is created on the inner wall of the freezing cylinder. Cooling the mass to a temperature of ?15° C. or lower as preparation for extrusion of the mass for formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holding & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Henrik Guldmann Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7451613
    Abstract: A frozen food appliance for making and dispensing frozen food products comprising a base, a removable container adapted to be chilled in a conventional freezer and then replaced into the base, a dispensing nozzle and associated control lever, an automatic scraper, auger and paddle for delivering frozen food product from the container and out of the dispensing spout, and a toppings dispenser for automatically delivering toppings to the frozen food product while or after the frozen food product is being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: James R Barraclough, Chi Wah Leung, Zhi He Hu
  • Patent number: 7412845
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making ice cream or other dessert through the use of a canister assembly containing a freezable material. The canister assembly includes at least two separable canister subassemblies. The subassemblies may be nestable so as to minimize storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Boulos, Roger J. Babineau
  • Publication number: 20080011009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining particulate and soft-serve ice cream is disclosed. The soft serve ice cream is manufactured using N2 vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Timmons
  • Patent number: 7278276
    Abstract: A frozen carbonated beverage apparatus includes a freezing cylinder that stores and freezes a low Brix frozen carbonated beverage. A beater including a helical member is moveable about an axis, and a stationary baffle is received within the beater. As the beater rotates, a scraper blade scrapes against the wall of the freezing cylinder to remove any frozen product from the wall. The helical member moves the frozen product within the freezing cylinder. The baffle prevents the mass of the product from collecting in the center of the helical beater and just rotating with the beater, assisting the blending of the frozen carbonated beverage and increasing the quality of the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: George Charles Boyer, Martin Anthony Pateros
  • Patent number: 7100392
    Abstract: A granita production machine includes a bowl (2) designed to receive a water solution to be transformed into granita. The bowl (2), which is provided with a cover (3) and a granita dispensing tap (4), surrounds a cooling drum (11), being arranged orthogonally to the bottom (9) of the bowl (2) and crossed by a rotating shaft (13), which is driven around an axis (y) by a first geared motor (41). The shaft (13) carries removing structure to remove crystals of iced solution from the external surface of the cooling drum (11), including a scraping element (15) and a conveying element (16) connected together. A granita stirring vane (22), being rotated around an axis (y?) by a second geared motor (23) housed in the same cover (3) is dependent inside the bowl (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: ELCOR S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Cortese
  • Publication number: 20040226305
    Abstract: A machine for dispensing icy beverages such as slushes, sorbets and the like, particularly coffee-flavored ones, comprising at least one tank for containing an icy beverage, provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, elements for agitating the beverage, which are arranged inside the tank, and at least one refrigeration system provided with an evaporation unit associated with the tank, and elements for sensing and controlling the temperature of the beverage contained in the tank, which are functionally associated with the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: SPM DRINK SYSTEMS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enrico Grampassi
  • Patent number: 6622511
    Abstract: A frozen confectionery maker includes a container having a cavity in its walls and base for receiving freezable solution. There is a lid for closing the container and a mixer rotatably engagable with the lid to locate within the container. A drive means receivable on the lid rotates the mixer. A fluid passage in juxtaposition the lid has at least a first opening proximate the mixer and a second opening at a dispensing spout. A valve is located within the fluid passage and has an operable position to close the passage. The mixer is adapted to deliver confectionery mixture in the container to the passage via the first opening. If the valve is in the operable position the mixture is returned to the container. If the valve is not in the operative position the mixture is dispensed at the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Main Power Electrical Factory Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven Wallace Ashworth, Harjeet Singh
  • Publication number: 20030150235
    Abstract: A frozen confectionery maker includes a container having a cavity in its walls and base for receiving freezable solution. There is a lid for closing the container and a mixer rotatably engagable with the lid to locate within the container. A drive means receivable on the lid rotates the mixer. A fluid passage in juxtaposition the lid has at least a first opening proximate the mixer and a second opening at a dispensing spout. A valve is located within the fluid passage and has an operable position to close the passage. The mixer is adapted to deliver confectionery mixture in the container to the passage via the first opening. If the valve is in the operable position the mixture is returned to the container. If the valve is not in the operative position the mixture is dispensed at the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Wallace Ashworth, Harjeet Singh
  • Publication number: 20030079482
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Maxime N. Lok, Leonidas Cartwright Leonard, Timothy Gerard Hughes, Richard Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6514555
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Gilles Fayard, Martine Fiaux
  • Patent number: 6438987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Charles Pahl
  • Patent number: 6228412
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Michel John A. Groux, Gilles Fayard
  • Patent number: 6205806
    Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus and an agitator for the same. The agitator includes top and bottom ends, and a shaft defining an axis through top and bottom ends thereof. A pair of first left and right arms are mounted on the shaft adjacent to the top end. A pair of second left and right arms are mounted on the shaft adjacent to the bottom end. A first left wing extends downwardly from a bottom side of the second left arm in a direction substantially parallel to the axis, and a first right wing extends downwardly from a bottom side of the second right arm, and is inclined at an angle relative to the axis. Diametrically opposed third left and right arms interconnect the first and second left arms and the first and second right arms, respectively. A pair of second left and right wings extend inclinedly from the third left and right arms, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Patent number: 6176090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Rich Coast Corporation
    Inventor: Lance W. Ufema
  • Patent number: 6158331
    Abstract: Feed Machine, preferably for use in machines for processing ice-cream mixtures or the like, having an element that swings (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) about a given axis between two positions and works in conjunction with a suitable housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) located at an opening made in one wall (1) of the machine (10). One of the two positions of the swing element (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) allows communication between the processing chamber and the outside environment and the other position prevents such communication. The housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) presents on its surface a funnel-shaped cavity (112; 113; 114; 115; 116) open at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 6093312
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Entre Pure, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Phillip Boulter
  • Patent number: 6079215
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for freeze granulation of a medium such as a biopharmeceutical product. The medium is put into a chamber and mixed using a pair of counter rotating agitators. The agitators have angled blades or paddles on them in order to induce motion in the medium parallel to the axis of the agitator shafts. A set of liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide nozzles are attached to the chamber. The liquid nitrogen nozzles spray a mist of liquid nitrogen into the medium. The liquid carbon dioxide nozzles spray carbon dioxide snow into the chamber. The liquid nitrogen and the carbon dioxide can be sprayed into the chamber at the same time or alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6047558
    Abstract: A refrigerated agitator assembly is provided including a rotatable agitator shaft, first and second split hub assemblies, and a plurality of agitator tubes. The rotatable agitator shaft defines a fluid supply passage, a fluid supply port, and a fluid return port. The first split hub assembly is secured proximate a first end of the agitator shaft so as to be rotatable with the agitator shaft. The first split hub assembly defines a supply hub duct coupled to the fluid supply port and a return hub duct coupled to the fluid return port. The second split hub assembly is secured proximate a second end of the agitator shaft so as to be rotatable with the agitator shaft and defines a transfer hub duct. A first agitator tube is secured to the first and second split hub assemblies and extends from the supply hub duct of the first split hub assembly to the transfer hub duct of the second split hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Peerless Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Hall
  • Patent number: 5979166
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5919510
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Gilles Fayard, Michel John Arthur Groux
  • Patent number: 5845512
    Abstract: A device for mixing or otherwise processing compositions at preselected temperatures, comprising a container for receiving the composition ingredients; a jacket member disposed about the container at a spaced distance therefrom so as to form a substantially sealed area therebetween; a unit for introducing fluid flow through the area defined by the relationship between the jacket member and the container; and wherein the jacket member includes a plurality of inlet ports disposed substantially evenly about an end portion of the jacket member for receiving the fluid which is introduced into the defined area, so as to maintain the container at a substantially uniform temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas W. Chase, Richard C. Pahl, Greg Walsh
  • Patent number: 5788370
    Abstract: A machine for making crushed-ice drinks comprising: a crushed-ice drink containment tank, which is provided at the front with a pouring tap adapted to control an outlet for the crushed-ice drink which is located proximate to the bottom of the tank; a hollow cylinder, which lies inside the tank and is cooled by a refrigeration unit; and a screw feeder, which is arranged concentrically outside the hollow cylinder and is connected to motor elements in order to activate, by rotating, the heat exchange between the crushed-ice drink and the outer surface of the cylinder, a mixing element being rotatably supported above the hollow cylinder, inside the tank, and being adapted to be rotated in order to maintain a uniform density of the crushed-ice drink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: S.P.M. Catering S.r.l.
    Inventor: William Pedrazzi
  • Patent number: 5713209
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for at least partially freezing a food product which is at least partly liquid in a batch mode is disclosed including a double screw extruder (12) including first and second, substantially intermeshing, self-wiping screws (14, 16) rotatably received in a figure 8-shaped barrel (30) with minimal clearance. In the preferred form, the freezing block (20) includes multiple refrigerant channels (36) spaced closely and in the most preferred form spaced approximately 0.32 centimeters from the barrel (30) and from each other. Thus, the refrigeration system can change the barrel surface temperature rapidly and specifically in approximately one second when the food product is introduced into the barrel (30). A ratio between the radius of the flight (40) at the crest (42) to the radius at the root (38) of the screws (14, 16) is in the order of 1.04 to reduce the total amount of product in the barrel (30) at any given time and decreasing the product residence time in the extruder (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Hunchar, Terry G. Reishus, Bernhard Van Lengerich, Jose Tadeo V. de Castro, Kenneth A. Focht, Chaitanya Kanojia, Clifford S. Lansil, Christopher T. Zirps
  • Patent number: 5617734
    Abstract: A device for mixing or otherwise processing compositions at preselected temperatures, comprising a container for receiving the composition ingredients; a jacket member disposed about the container at a spaced distance therefrom so as to form a substantially sealed area therebetween; a unit for introducing fluid flow through the area defined by the relationship between the jacket member and the container; a unit for selecting the temperature of the fluid introduced into the area; and wherein the jacket member includes a plurality of inlet ports disposed substantially evenly about an end portion of the jacket member for receiving the fluid which is introduced into the defined area, so as to maintain the container at a substantially uniform temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Island Delite, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Chase, Richard C. Pahl, Gregory J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5603229
    Abstract: Machine for making crushed ice drinks comprising a tank with horizontal axis provided at one end with means for dispensing the iced product, and internally housing a refrigerating element consisting of a hollow metal cylinder with double-walled shell housing the evaporator of a refrigerator unit in the gap between the two walls, a transporter screw being housed in the axial cavity of the said cylinder. The outer shell of the said cylinder is surrounded by a stirrer element consisting of one or more radial ribs or fins parallel to the directrices of the cylinder which are made to rotate right around the said cylinder, a series of blades able to exert a positive axial thrust on the product to be delivered towards the said dispensing means also being provided at that end of the said stirrer device facing the dispensing means of the said tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Carpigiani Group-Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 5345781
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the cooling of edible foams, where a cooling or freezing system for pre-freezing of the foam is directly outlet-connected to an aeration system, a motor driven extruder device designed as combined deep freezing and transport device is outlet-connected to the cooling and freezing system, in which the pre-frozen foam can be cooled down to storage temperature, and the aeration device, the cooling or freezing system and the extruder device are connected together by means of pipes. The device of the present invention is characterized in that the extruder device has at least one double screw system with two screws positioned parallel to each other with their rotational axes. The lands of the screws of the double screw system scrape against the inner cylinder mantle surface of the housing surrounding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventors: Ulrich Fels, Erich Windhab, Ralf Hoffmann, Peter von Holdt, Lutz Hahn
  • Patent number: 5312184
    Abstract: Stirring device for machines for the manufacture of ice-cream, of the type with a whipping cylinder (1) with a horizontal axis, provided with a device for extraction of the ice-cream at one head side. The stirrer consists of two stirring blades (7) of helical shape which are arranged diametrically opposite one another and extend over the entire length of the whipping cylinder at a slight distance from the internal wall of same. The stirring blades (7) are supported on a hub (8) which is integral with the operating shaft (9), while there is provided between the two stirring blades (7) a plurality of scraping vanes (11) which are capable of interacting with the internal wall of the whipping cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Carpigiani S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Patent number: 5199278
    Abstract: A combined machine for processing products for ice cream and confectionery comprising a processing cylinder associated to refrigeration means and heating means which can be operated alternately according to the phases of processing, as well as stirring means which are easily interchangeable so as to permit the processing for pasteurization of various liquid mixtures and for production of ice creams, grated-ice drinks and confectioner's creams in general. Advantageously the machine is provided with an electronic device for controlling and selecting the different processing cycles desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Carpigiani S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Patent number: 4900158
    Abstract: A machine for the production of granita and in particular of the type called Sicilian granita comprising a container with a predominately horizontal development in which rotate motorized means for stirring the mixture contained therein in contact with a wall chilled by a refrigerating circuit and means of delivery of said mixture from said container. Said chilled wall is cylindrical in form and said means of stirring the mixture comprise a first rotating cylindrical screw propeller placed inside and axially with said cylinder and a second rotating cylindrical screw propeller placed axially with and wound externally around said cylinder, said screw propellers being rotated by a motor to impart opposed thrusts to the mixture so as to bring about circulation of the liquid in one direction inside the cylinder and the opposite direction outside thereof.The mixture container is accomplished in a single piece preferably of transparent material and completely removable from the machine to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Ugolini S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Ugolini
  • Patent number: 4885917
    Abstract: An appliance for making ice cream as well as other frozen or chilled food and beverage products, motive power for the appliance being supplied thereto by the existing electric power base unit of a standard household blender. This standard unit includes a motor whose shaft extends upwardly through a platform having a cage or socket thereon to accommodate a blender bowl, the shaft terminating in a drive coupler. The appliance is constituted by a bowl assembly whose bottom section is embraced by a ring adapted to be received in the socket of the power base unit. Above the bottom section is a double-walled jacket whose cavity contains a freezable agent. Supported for rotation in the bottom wall of the assembly and extending therethrough is a short axle whose lower end terminates in a driven coupler that is engaged by the drive coupler of the power base unit when the ring of the assembly is nested in the cage, the upper end of the axle being coupled to a dasher rotatable within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 4796440
    Abstract: An ice cream preparation apparatus having a cold storage container with a hole through its bottom in which a supporting member is disposed. A rotating screw in the hole through the supporting member moves material through that hole and out the bottom of the container. A covering plate is selectively openable and closable over the hole. A first rotatable blade is inclined downwardly along the inner surface of the cold storage container moves material off the wall. A second blade rotates around the bottom of the container. A second screw type rotary member extends along the radial direction parallel to the second blade and is rotated for moving material toward the supporting member. A third blade is upstanding in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Sanyei Corp.
    Inventors: Tadahiko Shiotani, Hideo Matsuura
  • Patent number: 4733607
    Abstract: A mixer for food products and the like in commercial quantities comprises a horizontally elongated body with a trough bottom in which rotates one or more horizontal drive shafts carrying an agitator in the form of a helical ribbon or worm of a radius matching that of the trough bottom. The ribbon supports a number of scraper units on it, each scraper unit including a scraper body having a broad face facing toward the trough bottom, the broad face terminating in two opposed relatively sharp edges. The scraper bodies are mounted for rocking movement so that the leading edge will be forced into scraping engagement with the trough bottom and will remain in engagement with the trough bottom even though the trough is wavy or uneven. Either of the edges of the scraper body can be the leading edge, depending on the direction of rotation of the agitator drive shaft. The vessel preferably is formed with a pair of arcuate troughs which have a circumferential arc of 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventors: Leonard J. Star, Jesse J. Tapscott
  • Patent number: RE36390
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the cooling of edible foams, where a cooling or freezing system for pre-freezing of the foam is directly outlet-connected to an aeration system, a motor driven extruder device designed as combined deep freezing and transport device is outlet-connected to the cooling and freezing system, in which the pre-frozen foam can be cooled down to storage temperature, and the aeration device, the cooling or freezing system and the extruder device are connected together by means of pipes. The device of the present invention is characterized in that the extruder device has at least one double screw system with two screws positioned parallel to each other with their rotational axes. The lands of the screws of the double screw system scrape against the inner cylinder mantle surface of the housing surrounding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Ulrich Fels, deceased, by Elisabeth Fels, legal representative, Erich Windhab, Ralf Hoffmann, Peter von Holdt, Lutz Hahn
  • Patent number: RE49350
    Abstract: A frozen confection dispenser including a reservoir for receiving and holding a product to be dispensed, an evaporator with cylindrical cooling element, a movement device including a helical element arranged to rotate concentrically externally of a cooling element in such a way as to advance the product along the longitudinal axis of the cooling element, a driver engaged with the movement device for the rotation thereof, and a dispenser for dispensing of the product, wherein the helical element has an angle of attack of less than 60° relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A helical element and a method for dispensing frozen confection with a dispenser are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Alina Maria Barniol Gutierrez, Dominique Baccus, Lars Lykke Espersen, Rafal Koperek, Adrien Gourmaud, Thierry Kowalski