Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A dual bowl ice cream maker and method for selectively driving one or two mixing bowls, each mixing bowl in a separate mixing compartment, without requiring manipulation of either mixing bowl.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for making soft cheese or fresh paste cheese comprising at least a first set of perforated cheese-moulds and at least a second set of perforated cheese-moulds arranged in a chamber. The invention is characterized in that said first and second sets of cheese-moulds are designed to be fitted one into the other.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing hot, dairy-based beverages has a self-contained refrigerated unit located above a venturi-type emulsification foaming head. The dispensing unit has particular applicability to the dispensation of foamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as cappuccino and nonfoamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as coffee latte, hot chocolate, and other hot dairy-based beverages. The refrigeration unit accommodates a “bag in box” cold milk storage container of the type widely used in food service establishments. The dispensing unit employs a pinch valve that avoids direct contact between the milk and the valve components. The refrigerated milk is stored above the level of the foamer head so that the flow of milk results partially from gravitational force on the milk, and is not totally dependent upon venturi suction created in the foamer head.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A device for heating and emulsifying liquids, in particular drinks, which is unusually capable of generating a dense and creamy foam, comprises a steam-emitting member with which a hollow body can be associated. The steam-emitting member comprises a spout positioned along the hollow body at a height such as to be above the level of the liquid to be emulsified. Inserted coaxially inside the hollow body is a duct which defines a first passage and a second passage. A region for communication between the first passage, the second passage and a third passage for air, which is placed in communication with a groove formed in the inner surface of the hollow body, is provided between the steam-emitting member and the duct. The steam-emitting member comprises two annular projections provided with sectors which have different transverse dimensions and which are offset relative to one another and define a labyrinthine path.

Abstract: A delivery head for delivering a milk portion is connected via a connection line to a milk container in a refrigerator. A rinsing agent source is connected via a first line to a connection part in the connection line. A first on-off valve is inserted in the first line. The connection part is also connected via a second line and a second valve to a fresh air source. The container, the valves, and the connection part are installed in a refrigerator. Through this implementation, complete emptying of the connection line and the delivery head of rinse water after the rinsing procedure, as well as efficient rinsing during the rinsing procedure, are achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable steam injector of the type which has an injector housing (1) with an inlet (2) for the product which is to be heated and an outlet (3) for the heated product. The injector housing (1) also has an inlet (4) for steam. The injector also includes a thick-walled pipe (5) enclosed in the injector housing (1). The thick-walled pipe (5) is provided with a large number of throughgoing holes which form radial ducts (9). Further, there is a product pipe (11) within the thick-walled pipe (5) and which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the pipe (5).

Abstract: An efficient manufacturing and distribution system for food products that are normally served at temperatures well below ambient uses a two stage manufacturing process. In the first stage, a neutral base product is prepared in bulk and is shipped to point of sale at ambient temperatures by common carrier, private trucking, parcel express, mail, etc. At the point of sale, a user selected quantity of it is finished to the specification of the user by aerating it, adding flavorings, mix-ins, etc. as desired, chilling it, and delivering it to the consumer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for making edible articles out of a chocolate or chocolate-like mass that is tempered and deposited directly on a conveyor web. The apparatus includes a holding and cooling device carrying plungers with pressing surfaces arranged above the conveyor web. The plungers with pressing surfaces are configured to be moved up and down relative to the conveyor web. The holding device carries a closure plate which is configured to move relative to the plungers. The closure plate surrounds a periphery of each plunger and is adapted to rest on the conveyor web during pressing of the chocolate or chocolate-like mass, and includes forming surfaces that are adapted to overlap at least part of a rim of the edible articles.

Abstract: A device for heating and working up milk, in particular for preparing cappuccinos on a coffee machine, having a conveyor pipe with an open end which can be submerged in a vessel containing milk, a first pipe for supplying steam connected to the conveyor pipe, a valve, a pressurised air source, a second pipe for supplying pressurised air connected to the conveyor pipe, a temperature transducer associated with the submergible end of the conveyor to detect the temperature of the milk, a control unit connected to the valve, to the pressurised air source, as well as to the temperature transducer, said control unit being programmable to command the open and close of said valve and to actuate said pressurised air source, one independently from the other according to the desired temperature and/or working up of the milk.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a method of using and machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention.

Abstract: An espresso machine steam docking unit which can be connected to a milk steaming pitcher (1). The steam unit includes a steam inlet (10), a steam outlet (7) which can be pressed, by means of an activation lever (19) that can be swung out of a rest position into an operating position, against a steam inlet opening (2) of a milk steaming pitcher (1), a valve (12) which is connected to the steam inlet (10) and the steam outlet (7) and which can be activated by the activation lever (19). In addition, a switching contact (21), which is activated by the activation lever (19) to activate a steam generator in the espresso machine when the activation lever is in operating position, is provided. In addition, a steam release line (18) is provided and is connected by means of the activation lever (19) through the valve (12) to the steam inlet (10) and the steam outlet (7).

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for pressing an edible article. The apparatus includes a holding device including a channel for circulating a cooling liquid and also including independently suspended plungers. Each independently suspended plunger includes a lower part having a non-circular cross-section and at least two upper parts each having a circular cross-section. The lower part includes a pressing surface configured to be pressed into contact with an edible mass. The at least two upper parts each include a sliding surface supported by an opposing sliding surface that defines an opening of the holding device. The lower part and the at least two upper parts are separate parts that are joined together.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for pressing an edible article. The apparatus includes a holding device including a channel for circulating a cooling liquid and also including an independently suspended plunger. The independently suspended plunger includes a lower part with a pressing surface configured to be pressed into contact with an edible mass. The independently suspended plunger also includes an upper part with a sliding surface supported by an opposing sliding surface that defines an opening of the holding device. The upper part has a circular cross-section and the lower part has a non-circular cross-section. The upper part and the lower part are separate parts that are joined together.

Abstract: An automatic device for heating and frothing a liquid, in particular milk, comprises a container (1) for the liquid, inside which a first tube (6) for introducing pressurised steam into the liquid is removably mounted. The first tube (6) has an inlet in correspondence of the bottom of the container (1), for receiving steam from a duct located within a support base (3) of the container (1), and is secured, for at least part of its length, to a second tube (7) for introducing air into the liquid.

Abstract: A device for heating and emulsifying liquids, in particular drinks, which is unusually capable of generating a dense and creamy foam, comprises a steam-emitting member with which a hollow body can be associated. The steam-emitting member comprises a spout positioned along the hollow body at a height such as to be above the level of the liquid to be emulsified. Inserted coaxially inside the hollow body is a duct which defines a first passage and a second passage. A region for communication between the first passage, the second passage and a third passage for air, which is placed in communication with a groove formed in the inner surface of the hollow body, is provided between the steam-emitting member and the duct. The steam-emitting member comprises two annular projections provided with sectors which have different transverse dimensions and which are offset relative to one another and define a labyrinthine path.

Abstract: A milk foam delivery pipe for an espresso coffee maker includes a steam delivery pipe, a milk delivery pipe, a mixing joint and a milk foam delivery pipe. Both the steam and the milk delivery pipes are connected to the mixing joint. A mixture outlet is disposed in the mixing joint to connect through the milk foam delivery pipe. The milk foam delivery pipe is continuous curving pipe including a first curving section and a second curving section. A milk foam outlet is provided to a free end of the second curving section to produce delicate and well-mixed milk foams.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a coffee extract with a fine-bubble froth layer, provided with at least one inlet (2) to which coffee extract is supplied, at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2) for dispensing the coffee extract with the fine-bubble froth layer and at least one liquid flow path (6) extending from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet (2) and along which, in use, the coffee extract flows from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2), while in the at least one liquid flow path a buffer reservoir is included with an upright sidewall and a bottom, the at least one inlet being provided with at least one spout opening for generating at least one coffee extract is supplied to the at least one inlet. According to the invention, in the buffer reservoir, a liquid flow decelerating barrier located at a distance from the upright sidewalls is included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food product portioning apparatus comprising: a rotary-to-linear movement device; a support device, such as a platform, connected to the rotary-to-linear movement for receiving the food product thereon and moveable to position the food product at a predetermined height; and a cutting apparatus to portion the food product at the predetermined height. Also disclosed is a method of portioning food product at a predetermined size. Applicable food products can include, but are not limited to, cheese and various other soft, malleable, portionable food products.

Abstract: An automatic bean curd manufacturing apparatus includes a main body provided with a bean grinding chamber and a bean juice heating chamber, a driving motor installed in the main body, a rotational container removably and rotatably installed in the grinding chamber of the main body and provided at an inner bottom with a grinding blade, a rotation suppressing member for selectively suppressing a rotation of the rotational container, a clutch installed on a bottom of the rotational container to rotatably support the grinding blade, a rotational container cover for closing an opened top of the rotational container, a grinding container removably installed in the rotational container to grind the beans, a rotational container fixing member for preventing the rotational container from moving, a heating container removably installed in the heating chamber to heat the bean juice dispensed from the rotational container through a bean juice guide, and a heating container cover for closing an opened top of the heating c

Abstract: A cheese vat for at least preparing curd for soft fresh cheese, comprising at least one cutting frame provided with a cutting wire system, which has a frame which has at least two opposite frame parts between which cutting wire sections extend, which frame parts are provided with openings form receiving a cutting wire, wherein the ends of a cutting wire are each fastened via pull relief means.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for making edible articles but of a chocolate mass that is tempered and deposited directly on a conveyor web The apparatus includes a holding a holding and cooling device carrying plungers with pressing surfaces arranged above the conveyor web. The plungers with pressing surfaces are configured to be moved up and down relative to the conveyor web. The holding device with plungers as well as an underlying part of the conveyor web is arranged in a housing connected to an air dryer adapted to supply dry air into the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a coffee extract with a fine-bubble froth layer, provided with at least one inlet (2) to which coffee extract is supplied, at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2) for dispensing the coffee extract with the fine-bubble froth layer and at least one liquid flow path extending from the at least one inlet (2) to the at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2) and along which, in use, the coffee extract flows from the at least one inlet (2) to the at least one outlet (4.1; 4.2) while in the liquid flow path a liquid impact surface (12) is included and the at least one inlet is provided with at least one spout opening for generating at least one coffee extract jet which, in use, squirts to the liquid impact surface when the coffee extract is supplied to the at least one inlet. According to the invention, the impact surface (12) is provided with a roughened surface structure.

Abstract: A cheese extruding machine and process for producing pieces of cheese of an exact weight directly from unaged or semi-aged cheese curds of semi-hard and hard cheeses. The cheese extruding machine includes a standard screw-type vacuum filler which receives large blocks of compressed curds, grinds the blocks into pieces, and compresses the curds into an airless, homogenous cheese flow without significantly damaging the curds. The cheese flow is forced through an elongate cheese forming tube of a desired cross-sectional shape for the cheese. A water jacket disposed about a second half of the cheese forming tube chills the periphery of the cheese flow to increase the firmness and maintain the shape of the cheese flow upon extrusion from the cheese forming tube. Frictional engagement between the cheese flow and the cheese forming tube produces back-pressure against the vacuum filler to maintain the cheese flow at a predetermined extrusion pressure and consistent density.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing articles (24) of chocolate mass comprising a holding device (9) with at least one channel (10) for circulation of cooling liquid and carrying independently suspended plungers (11). The plungers have a lower part (12) with pressing surfaces (13) to be pressed into contact with the chocolate mass (14) as well as an upper part (16) with sliding surfaces (17) supported by opposite sliding surfaces (18) of openings (19) in the holding device (9). The upper part (16) has a circular cross-section and the lower part (12) has a non-circular cross-section, and the parts are separate parts, which are joined together. The holding device (9) with the plungers (11) are simple and fast to make. The lower plunger parts (12) may be changed with others having the desired shape of the articles to be pressed without changing the hole holding device (9). Plungers having different shapes may also be arranged at the same holding device.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A soy milk coagulating device includes: a coagulation vessel with an internal volume of 1,000 cc or less; two electrode plates facing each other to form a pair in the vessel; and a power feed controlling mechanism for controlling electricity fed to the electrode plates, and in the soy milk coagulating device, the power feed controlling mechanism is composed of: a tofu control system which is provided to heat soy milk to a set temperature at an average heating rate of equal to or less than 8° C. per minute, or at an average heating rate of more than 8° C. per minute and equal to or less than 15° C. per minute, and to keep the soy milk at the temperature for at least 5 minutes; a yuba control system; and switching unit which is provided to switch between the two control systems.

Abstract: An automatic device for heating and frothing a liquid, in particular milk, comprises a container (1) for the liquid, inside which a first tube (6) for introducing pressurised steam into the liquid is removably mounted. The first tube (6) has an inlet in correspondence of the bottom of the container (1), for receiving steam from a duct located within a support base (3) of the container (1), and is secured, for at least part of its length, to a second tube (7) for introducing air into the liquid.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ice cream freezer comprising a system (1) including a freezer pipe (8) and a cooling system (9), a pipe system I is used for introducing ingredients by means of an introducing pump (1). A pipe system (U) is used for removing finished ice cream by means of a motor (10). There are provided indicators (4, 6) for recording parameters such as pressure temperature flow. In order to provide a situation where condensate dripping which may damage sensitive parts, and which at the same time is service and cleaning friendly, the freezer pipe (8) is placed under the other elements. The cooling system is placed in immediate vicinity of the freezer pipe (8). By this disposition dripping due to condensate on freezer pipe/cooling system may only drip down on the floor and not onto sensitive components.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing articles (24) of chocolate mass comprising a holding device (10) with at least one channel (11) for circulation of cooling liquid and carrying independently suspended plungers (12). The plungers have a lower part (13) with pressing surfaces (14) and non-circular cross-section to be pressed into contact with the chocolate mass (15) as well as at least two upper parts (16) with circular cross-section and sliding surfaces (17) supported by opposite sliding surfaces (18) of openings (19) in the holding device. The necessary cooling is then obtained in the plungers and yet may the individual plungers be arranged closely at the holding device, so that a high pressing capacity is achieved. The holding device (10) with the plungers (12) are simple and fast to make and the lower plunger parts (13) may be changed with others having the desired shape of the articles to be pressed without changing the hole holding device (10).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a sterile milk product from raw milk is disclosed. After separation, the skim milk portion is conducted to a primary filter assembly having a plurality of microfiltration units arranged in series. Bacteria having a size larger than the pores in the microfilters are retained in the retentate. The retentate is discharged from the primary filter assembly and flows to a secondary filter assembly having a plurality of microfiltration units. The permeate from the units in the primary filter assembly are combined and subjected to heat treatment.

Abstract: An assembly for generating milk foam and for heating milk comprises a milk supply container, a steam generator and a mixing element. The mixing element includes a first steam inlet channel, a necking located downstream of the first steam inlet channel, an air inlet channel opening into the necking and a milk inlet channel. The milk is fed to the milk inlet channel of the mixing element by means of a pump. Moreover, the mixing element is provided with a main channel whose inlet communicates with the necking, whereby the milk inlet channel opens into the main channel downstream of its inlet. Between the necking and the opening of the milk inlet channel, a second steam inlet channel opens into the main channel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of regulating a steam injector. The injector is of the type which has an inlet for steam and an inlet for the product which is to be heat-treated, as well as an outlet for the ready-treated product. The injector further has a centrally placed regulator spindle around which are disposed concentric gaps for product and steam, respectively. The aperture in the gaps may be regulated in that the regulator spindle is protracted or retracted reciprocally. The regulator spindle is regulated by means of a switching device which is controlled via a regulator. The regulator registers the values from a pressure indicator in the product inlet and a pressure indicator in the product outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components from milk, and the apparatus used therefor. The invention also relates to compositions prepared from the separated components. The present invention relates to nutritional milk compositions and products which are designed to include per serving size a specified percentage range of one or more components separated from milk. The compositions of the present invention can optionally include non-essential but nutritionally functional components. The complete nutritional milk compositions of the present invention can be provided as unflavored milks, flavored milks, ice creams and yogurts.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A holding and cooling device (11) carrying plungers (12) with pressing surfaces (15) is arranged above the conveyor web (2) and is movable up- and down in relation thereto. The holding device (11) carries a closure plate (17), which is movable in relation to the plungers (12), surrounds the periphery of each plunger (12) and is adapted to rest on the conveyor web (2) during pressing of the mass (8). Forming surfaces (18) of the closure plate (17) are adapted to overlap at least part of the rim (35) of the pressed articles (31) so that they are kept on the conveyor (2) when the plungers (12) are retracted.

Abstract: A holding and cooling device (11) carrying plungers (12) with pressing surfaces (15) is arranged above the conveyor web (2) and is movable up- and down in relation thereto. The holding device (11) with plungers as well as the underlying part of the conveyer web (2) are arranged in a housing (10) connected to air drying means (32) adapted to supply dry air into the housing (10).

Abstract: A device for producing milk froth for cappuccino, comprising: a nozzle arrangement disposed downstream of a steam supply line, and containing mixing vacuum chamber into which a steam-nozzle opening opens, and in which an air-milk-mixture supply line, leading from a pre-mixing chamber, terminates, and with the pre-mixing chamber being connected to an air conduit and a milk supply line. The nozzle arrangement further includes a calming portion disposed at an exit of the vacuum-chamber, with one end of the calming portion forming at least one discharge opening for releasing a steam-air-milk mixture from the mixing vacuum-chamber to the outside. The calming portion comprises a plurality of calming conduits that have a parallel flow direction, and that each form a respective discharge opening at one open end for discharging a steam-air-milk-mixture partial flow to the outside.

Abstract: A mixer/sifter combination includes a counter-stand type mixer together with a sifter attachment that is designed to be coupled to the mixer via the mixer's aperture that rotates a typical beater so that the mixer can be used to perform sifting functions. The sifter attachment includes a coupler rod that connects to the mixer, various gears that reduce the rate of rotation of a sifter beater attached to the gears and disposed within a sifter cup of the sifter attachment. The sifter attachment may include a second coupler rod that also connects to the mixer.

Abstract: A mixer/sifter combination includes an electric, hand mixer together with a sifter attachment that is designed to be coupled to the mixer via the mixer's aperture that rotates a typical beater so that the mixer can be used to perform sifting functions. The sifter attachment includes a coupler rod that connects to the mixer, various gears that reduce the rate of rotation of a sifter beater attached to the gears and disposed within a sifter cup of the sifter attachment.

Abstract: A method and a plant for producing sterile milk which includes separating the raw milk into skim and cream portions, filtering the skim portion to form a first permeate and a first retentate, heat treating the first permeate, filtering the first retentate to form a second permeate and combining the second permeate with one or more of the raw milk, the milk portion or the cream portion. A second filter can have an effective pore size the same as or greater than that of a first filter. The cream portion can be standardized and heat treated, then remixed with the first permeate either before or after heat treatment of the first permeate to form a standardized milk product, which can be homogenized and packaged in aseptic containers. The process can yield at least 95 percent (e.g., 99.8% or more) of the skim milk portion into a usable milk product.

Abstract: A milk foaming structure adapted to a coffee maker includes a steam tube, an outer sleeve, and a leak-proof gasket, wherein, a first steam outlet at the lower end of the steam tube, a base plate to the outer sleeve, a second steam outlet on the base plate, a milk suction on the wall of the outer sleeve above the base plate and a cool air suction on the upper wall of the outer sleeve, and a leak-proof gasket in the steam tube to be inserted into the outer sleeve above the cool air suction characterized by providing a plurality of disturbance ribs on the base plate and the wall of the outer sleeve close to the milk suction to faster produce more foamed milk.

Abstract: A cup holder (10) for nonrotatable holding a beverage container during mixing of the pre-frozen beverage ingredients therein is described. The cup holder is removably supported in a cup holder support structure while the ingredients inside the beverage cup are processed, such as by mixing by a rotating blade. The cup holder (10) has anti-rotational features (18) on its sidewall and/or bottom wall structures, so that the cup holder is restrained against rotation which would otherwise be caused by the action of the rotating blade or other processing tool within the beverage cup. In a preferred embodiment, a spirally radiating anti-rotation pattern is formed on the cup holder bottom for mating with a corresponding pattern on the cup holder support structure.

Abstract: A cheese cooker and mixer includes a tank containing heated water. The tank has an outer cylindrical housing with an concentric inner cylindrical screen. An inlet proximate to a top of the tank provides an opening by which cheese curds are introduced within the cylindrical screen. The heated water is fed into the tank tangentially to the curvature of the cylindrical screen to create a vortex therein which aids in directing the cheese downward in the tank. After melting and forming a large mass, the cheese is extracted through an outlet proximate to a bottom of the tank. A conveyor with counter rotating augers mixes the cheese exiting the tank.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the generation of smell by sterilization and to improve the taste in carrying out the sterilization of milk or the like, and the method of the present invention is a method where sterilization is carried out after the dissolved oxygen in milk or the like is substituted with nitrogen gas, and the method is characterized in that a means in which nitrogen gas is directly mixed with and dispersed in milk or the like and a means in which milk or the like with which nitrogen gas is not mixed is sprayed from a nozzle(s) to the top of milk or the like, with and in which nitrogen gas has been mixed and dispersed, stored in a nitrogen gas substituting tank under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, are jointly used whereby the dissolved oxygen amount in the milk or the like is reduced by means of substitution of the dissolved oxygen with nitrogen gas, followed by subjecting to sterilization.

Abstract: A machine for the processing of foods while refrigerating the same at least at times, in particular an ice cream machine, comprising a container (11) to receive the starting substances and a refrigerating device, including a refrigerating circuit (21) with a compressor (23) and an evaporator (19), in particular in the form of a refrigerating coil wound around the container 11, coming into thermal contact with the foods at least indirectly, wherein to reduce the energy requirement and to improve the quality of the processed foods at least one second refrigerating circuit (22) with an evaporator (20) coming into thermal contact with the foods present in the container is provided and optionally both or all refrigerating circuits can be used or only one or fewer than all refrigerating circuits can be used.

Abstract: A device for heating and frothing a beverage, the device including an elongate frothing wand includes a generally tubular external sleeve, an inner core within the external sleeve, wherein the inner core defines a steam conduit configured to pass steam from a supply end of the frothing wand to an expulsion end of the frothing wand, a steam-discharge ring in fluid communication with the steam conduit and configured to eject steam into the beverage, an annular airway defined by the external sleeve and the inner core, wherein the airway is configured to draw air from the supply end to the expulsion end of the frothing wand, and an air-discharge ring in fluid communication with the airway and concentrically aligned with the steam-discharge ring, wherein the air-discharge ring is configured to direct air into the beverage upon ejection of steam from the steam-discharge ring.