By Lowering Temperature Patents (Class 99/455)
  • Publication number: 20100139500
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing so-called soft ice cream comprising a refrigerated feeding tank (12) for a liquid mixture (11) suitable for the preparation of soft ice cream, a group for pasteurising the mixture and a whipping cylinder (50). According to the invention, said group for pasteurising the mixture comprises a heating device (20) for an amount of mixture equal to at least one portion of product, a pre-cooling device (30, 30?) for said amount of heated mixture and a storage tank (40, 40?) for storing the pasteurised mixture at a constant temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: G.S.G. S.r.l.
    Inventors: Genesio Bravo, Stefano Bravo
  • Publication number: 20100075013
    Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing frozen aerated products includes a rotating horizontal freeze plate with an upper surface for receiving a chilled aerated mix. The chilled aerated mix includes, in one embodiment, ice cream base that has been sufficiently aerated, and flavor. The horizontal freeze plate rotates about its central axis. The apparatus also includes a spreader body for distributing the chilled aerated mix on the rotating freeze plate. The spreader body extends radially across at least a portion of the upper surface of the freeze plate. The apparatus further includes a scraper for scraping frozen aerated mix off of the rotating freeze plate. The scraper includes a scraper blade with a leading edge that extends radially across the portion of the freeze plate and that engages the upper surface of the freeze plate. The scraper blade is directed opposite the direction of rotation of the freeze plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Takata, Brian R. Hill, Christopher K. Khoo, Timothy P. Hogan, John J. Hsing, Sam J. Ford, Tim J. DeGroot, William A. Miller, James Martin, Christopher E. Peters
  • Patent number: 7669517
    Abstract: Appliance for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Alfred Yoakim, Francesco Chiarella
  • Patent number: 7665398
    Abstract: A soft-serve confection freezer incorporates a set of modules in a circular array and separately replaceable in a magazine. Each module supports a container storing a dry food ingredient in solid particulate form, and has a motor driven product impeller for controlled discharge of particulates from the container to a blender assembly. The blender assembly has a housing and screw-type auger of cooperating configurations and which cooperate with a central passageway for frozen confection flowing from the freezer, to blend particulates from one or more containers into the confection and discharge into a customer's cup for immediate consumption. A further version incorporates a magazine for injection and blending of one or more flavored liquids into the frozen confection. Control panel selection of ingredients and flavors and dispensing by the operator according to the customer's order, or selection and dispensing by the customer himself/herself, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co., L.L.P.
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20100028501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MooBella, LLC
    Inventors: James R. Baxter, Steven A. Lowe, Paul R. Kateman, Charles S. Brunner, John M. DeCarlo, Roderick H. Beaulieu, Christopher T. Zirps, Jennie Kwo
  • Patent number: 7650834
    Abstract: A machine for the production of ice-cream in portions is equipped with a feeding device for a preparation comprising a whisking cylinder (15), cooled by a cooling circuit and equipped with a propeller mixer (16) and means for discharging the ice-cream produced. Said machine further comprises a feeding device (11, 11?) for feeding a dose of preparation for ice-cream into said cylinder (15) which includes a series of containers (30, 30?) containing a preparation or composition, for the production of a number of doses of ice-cream, supply means (40) of a quantity of preparation, a collection and mixing tank (35) and an interception device (41) of a feeding channel (36) of the preparation towards said whisking cylinder (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Francesco Bravo
  • Patent number: 7637207
    Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a continuous emulsification process and equipment therefor in which exact viscosity is measured inline and production conditions are controlled automatically, and a continuous production method for process cheese type and equipment therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Shidara, Junichi Otsuji, Kiyotaka Takahashi, Takeshi Goto
  • Publication number: 20090223386
    Abstract: An apparatus for making, storing, and transporting frozen confections includes a first housing member. A second housing member fits within such first housing member. A mixing member is engageable within such second housing member for mixing predetermined ingredients. A first lid member having an aperture disposed therethrough for receiving a first predetermined end of such mixing member releasably covers such second housing. A motor, connectable to at least one of such first housing member, such second housing member, such first lid member, such mixing member, and a combination thereof, enables at least one of such second housing member and such mixing member to rotate such that such predetermined ingredients are mixed. A securing mechanism secures such motor member to such apparatus. A power source is operably connected to such motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Debra Edwards, Paul M. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20090217825
    Abstract: A machine for producing ice cream shop products comprises a whipping and freezing unit (2) with a horizontal axis (A) and a removable head (10) forming an end wall (11) of the whipping and freezing unit (2), there being in the wall (11) an inlet (12) for ingredients intended to constitute the ice cream shop products, and an outlet (13) for the ice cream shop product prepared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20090047401
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a method and an apparatus for making an air-containing mixture 7, where air 8 is introduced into a viscous mass of raw mixture 5 for forming the air-containing mixture, and where the introduction of air is performed in connection with introducing the mixture in a treating unit 13. In the system, the raw mixture will be pumped under pressure through a nozzle 18 for forming least one jet 19 which is sprayed through an air space 17 against the surface 21 of the mixture, so that air is entrained in the mixture and that the air-containing mixture formed thereby is subsequently introduced in the treatment unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Tage Petersen
  • Patent number: 7464564
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining beaded ice cream and cookie dough is disclosed. The ice cream is dripped, beaded, frozen, and then combined with precut shapes of cookie dough. The resulting combination is packaged for subsequent storage at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Whiteside, Geoffrey Hannan, Glen Thompson, John Lipert, Tiffany Reagor, Jamie Ehling, Dana Knudsen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080257173
    Abstract: A dessert and ice cream making apparatus for use within or outside refrigerators or freezers, comprising a receptacle, a stirrer with at least one horizontal and one vertical blade to stir the contents of the receptacle, an electric motor for driving the stirrer, a housing for enclosing the electric motor, a locking means to engage and lock the housing on top of the receptacle, a means to shut off the electric motor after the receptacle contents reach a required density and a control panel. The stirrer is designed to scrap the inner surfaces of the receptacle. The apparatus also comprises a container with a securing member to receive and secure the receptacle, to form ice surrounding the receptacle. The container with ice can act as an ice box for the receptacle to allow the apparatus function outside the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Radi
  • Patent number: 7401546
    Abstract: Batch pasteurizers are disclosed for processing milk, colostrum and other dairy products. The pasteurizers comprise inner drums to contain the processed liquid, an outer drum surrounding same and providing an annular space for retaining a heating fluid (heated by an electrical heater), a helical coil to carry cooling fluid through the heating fluid, a motorized pump or impeller to agitate the treated liquid to optimize heat transfer, and a control system to switch the heater on and off, actuate cooling liquid flow and optionally, at least partially drain the heating fluid to provide a temperature/time profile and close temperature tolerance, all of which produce pasteurized products with adequate levels of immunoglobulins to provide newborn animals with sufficient immune function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dairy Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Dumm
  • Publication number: 20080148965
    Abstract: A machine (10) for the preparation and distribution of cold food products, used in particular but not exclusively for the production of soft ice-cream, comprises a cylindrical chamber (12) equipped at one end with an inlet mouth (14) for a liquid food mixture and at an opposite end with an extraction tap (18) for the distribution of the cold food product through at least one distribution nozzle (36), wherein said cylindrical chamber (12) is externally enveloped by an evaporation chamber (20) for the cooling of said liquid food mixture and contains in its interior a mixer (24), and wherein underneath said distribution nozzle (36) there is a protection door (62) for said nozzle (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Genesio Bravo, Stefano Bravo
  • Publication number: 20080128455
    Abstract: A dispensing device (1) for a dispensing machine to supply liquid food products that have a high degree of viscosity such as dairy products in which the product is stored in a container that has an outlet tube in order to be connected to the dispensing device (1), that is fitted with geared motor (3) on the inside from which a motor shaft (4) protrudes and which is fitted to a rotating roller (5) that has a multitude of “idler roller” (6) separated from each other but connected to said roller (5), and a space between the “idler roller” and the external body (2) having been provided, in such a way that the outlet pipe (13) passes through the space between the “idler roller” and the external body (2), in such a way that in its working position the roller (5) turns supplying the product by means of impulses, whilst in its rest position the outlet tube (13) is held tightly by applying pressure of the idler rollers (6) against it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Vicente Escriva Estruch
  • Publication number: 20080041239
    Abstract: Mixing assembly for providing a cold work surface for mixing ice cream and toppings includes a base including a material capable of forming a cold reservoir after placement in a freezer and a mixing stone having a flat upper surface and retained on the base. The cold reservoir maintains the mixing stone at a low temperature and allows ice cream and toppings to be mixed thereon without the ice cream melting. The base includes a frame defining an interior compartment which includes or is receivable of the material and a depression into which the mixing stone is placed. The material in the compartment may be water which freezes when placed into a freezer for a sufficient amount of time, or any type of known freeze gel contained in a gel pack which, when placed into a freezer for a sufficient amount of time, is able to form a cold reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mark HOORWITZ, Kenneth BERGMAN
  • Patent number: 7318324
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining particulate and traditional conventional ice cream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Connie D. Ulrich, Tom Timmons
  • Publication number: 20070281067
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming frozen ice cream pellets includes supplying an ice cream premix into a loading vessel; loading a loading cylinder with the ice cream premix from the loading vessel, the loading cylinder being connected to the loading vessel; applying a machine-controllable force to expel the ice cream premix from the loading cylinder as ice cream premix pellets; and exposing the ice cream premix pellets to a cryogenic fluid, thereby at least partially freezing the ice cream premix pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: David C. Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 7231872
    Abstract: A chocolate tempering machine is digitally programmable for controlling the heating, cooling and rotation within the machine. The machine may be programmed to enable agitated, liquid chocolate to retain its proper viscosity for extended periods of time as well as minimizing the amount of porosity in the final product and by controlling bowl rotation length of time, as well as automatically increasing heat at given timed intervals. The machine includes a menu program, whereby a user can adjust and save up to twenty-six different temperature menus or more. This menu program can also be accessed to set and save desired cool down temperatures. Sensors are located such that ambient air and relative humidity can be sensed and audio/visual warnings are provided to the user when these conditions must be altered. A wear-resistant ring for leveling purposes for the machine's bowl also serves to prevent contamination of the interior of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Choco Vision Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Babicz
  • Patent number: 7081265
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 7033632
    Abstract: A device and process for adjustably controlling the dimensions of an extruded food product cast into a sheet using, for example, a pressure manifold mounted on a casting belt, or a chill roll/gauge roller combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Franco Milani, Shawn Owens
  • Patent number: 6959642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: EGRO AG
    Inventor: Markus Landolt
  • Patent number: 6960014
    Abstract: Tempering apparatus having disc-free stirring tool (8) with plate-shaped arms (12, 13). The upper side (14) of each arm (12) has a different geometrical configuration than the lower side (19) thereof. Each neighbouring arm (13) has the opposite configuration of the upper and lower sides (23 and 24). The mass is thereby given an intermittent up- and downwards movement in the mass treatment chamber (2) and the tempering capacity of the apparatus is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk APS
    Inventor: Anders Conradsen Kongstad
  • Patent number: 6942888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Minerva Dairy, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam P. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6941858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Moobella, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Kateman
  • Patent number: 6938539
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk APS
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Patent number: 6907663
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising an outer casing defining an outer appearance thereof, and an inner casing accommodated in the outer casing, forming a storage chamber, further comprising a heat pipe unit having an evaporator pipe disposed to surround at least one portion of the inner casing, forming a refrigerant path, a heater pipe disposed in parallel with the evaporator pipe, and a connection part connecting the evaporator pipe and the heater pipe, enabling a heat transfer therebetween. With this configuration, there is provided a refrigerator enhancing cooling, ripeness and defrost performances and the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kwon-cheol Yoon, Sak-hang Park
  • Patent number: 6863916
    Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen food products having a horizontal mixing spindle with a continuous, closed-loop, recessed, crisscrossed track around its outer lengthwise surface. A paddle wheel encircles the spindle and has a plug or guide skate that extends into the crisscrossed track and guides the paddle wheel back and forth along the length of the spindle as well as around the circumference of the spindle. A horizontal, cylindrical, cooling canister encloses the spindle and paddle wheel and is coupled to a refrigeration unit for keeping the canister and its contents cold. One end of the canister is provided with a push-type dispensing block for dispensing the frozen food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Zippy Freeze
    Inventors: Wade W. Henriksen, Craig A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6848356
    Abstract: An improved ice cream blending apparatus has a hopper support system that incorporates a hopper guidance mechanical linkage that supports the linear motion of the hopper and translates non-linear circular motion of the operating handle into the linear motion of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 6845708
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk ApS
    Inventors: Jacob Christian Refer, Per Fejer
  • Patent number: 6843168
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk ApS
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Patent number: 6824303
    Abstract: An apparatus for blending and for making ice cream includes drive, blending, and stirring units. The drive unit includes a high-speed output gear unit driven rotatably by a drive shaft and formed with a first engaging hole that extends along a rotary axis, a speed-reduction gear unit driven rotatably by the drive shaft, and a low-speed output gear unit driven rotatably by the speed-reduction gear unit and formed with a second engaging hole that is coaxial with the first engaging hole. The blending unit engages removably the first engaging hole and is driven by the drive unit to rotate about the rotary axis at a higher speed. The stirring unit engages removably the second engaging hole and is driven by the drive unit to rotate about the rotary axis at a lower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Publication number: 20040187708
    Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for forming and filling a predetermined amount of ice cream having a high viscosity to a carrier element for the ice cream, where a bar of ice cream is extruded out of a supply tube and is formed in correspondence with the carrier element in a forming equipment by a pressing between at least two form parts and simultaneously providing a breakage point in the ice cream bar at the inlet to the forming equipment, whereafter the forming equipment is opened and the ice portion, which is formed thereby at the end of the ice cream bar is transferred directly to the carrier element, whereafter the ice cream bar is broken at the breakage point. Hereby, a process for forming and filling a predetermined amount of rigid ice cream to a carrier is achieved with the possibility of reducing or even eliminating a subsequent cooling before the ice products are transported to a cool storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ejvind Waldstrom
  • Patent number: 6772679
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aasted Mikroverk APS
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Publication number: 20040144262
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Adam P. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040129149
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Harold F. Ross
    Inventor: Harold F. Ross
  • Publication number: 20040107844
    Abstract: Ice cream products are made quickly by mixing ingredients with a liquefied gas in an open container from which clouds of vapor emanate. A deflector close above the open container keeps the vapor from rising away from the container and directs it laterally and downwardly around the container. A source of colored light is visible through openings in a powered mixer used to produce the ice cream products, and a heater prevents the products from freezing to the container. The ice cream products are made in a place where customers can see and feel the vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Rob Kennedy, John Beckmyer
  • Patent number: 6701830
    Abstract: Above-ground tanks form brining cells into which cheese blocks are conveyed by common inlet and outlet flumes. Each cell has a removable conveyor assembly having a looped link belt driven around a frame by a motor. Perpendicular, tubular, or hinged segmented flights project from the belt to engage infed cheese blocks, and submerge a series of rows of blocks. An infeed flume delivers a stream of cheese blocks to a cell. Once a level below a flight is filled, the conveyor is actuated to submerge that level, and the next level is then filled until the tank is filled. After brining, the conveyor is incremented to discharge the cheeses flight by flight into an outlet flume. The flume may have a lower segment narrower than an upper segment, such that by draining the tank smaller cheese blocks may be better controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Scott J. Rose, James L. Karpinsky
  • Publication number: 20040016350
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Publication number: 20040016351
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Christian Refer
  • Publication number: 20030183090
    Abstract: Individual portions of a frozen aerated product with particulate inclusions are produced by allowing a portion of frozen aerated product to flow from a source of frozen aerated product through a mixing chamber, introducing a serving of particulate inclusions into said portion of frozen aerated product in the mixing chamber, and dispensing said portion with its particulate inclusions into a container
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Norman Binley, Terence Richard Cockings, Wei Wang-Nolan
  • Patent number: 6598516
    Abstract: In the production of ice-cream products which are continuously extruded after passage of a flowthrough freezer, it would be ideal if the ice-cream could hereby be brought down to a discharge temperature of −12 to −25 degrees centigrade, as the products could then be brought directly to final storing. So far, however, this has not been practically possible, since the use of conventional production technique with associated. throughflow freezers creates fatal problems with respect to an unacceptable compaction of the air filled ice-cream and the heat development by the conveying and scraping effect of the conveyor worm in the throughflow freezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holding & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Gonon
  • Publication number: 20030131736
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 6571690
    Abstract: A home yogurt making machine includes: a housing, an inner incubator thermally insulatively mounted in the housing, and a heating device having a positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductor heating element mounted on a bottom of the inner incubator for smoothly heating the incubator, with the inner incubator having an internal chamber for directly storing a milk bottle or a soybean milk bottle in the incubator for conveniently forming yogurt at home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030096045
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating a fluid product (4) such as a dairy product, with heat (6), the product (8) being transported with steam through a product conduit for treating the product with heat coming from the steam, the product treated with heat being subsequently supplied to an expansion tank (10) for cooling the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Peter de Jong, Rudolph Eduardus Maria Verdurmen, Albertus Egbert Steenbergen
  • Publication number: 20030089244
    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 downsteam 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 down-stream of its inlet. Between the necking and the opening of the milk inlet channel, a second steam inlet channel opens into the main channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: David Imboden, Markus Anliker
  • Publication number: 20030070562
    Abstract: A series of narrow and tall above-ground stainless steel tanks define independent brining cells into which cheese blocks are conveyed by common inlet and outlet flumes. Each cell has a removable conveyor assembly having a looped plastic link belt driven around a frame by an electric motor. Projecting plastic flights on the belt engage infed cheese blocks, and submerge a series of rows of blocks. An infeed flume delivers a stream of cheese blocks to a cell. Once a level below a flight is filled, the conveyor is actuated to submerge that level, and the next level is then filled until the tank is filled. After brining, the conveyor is incremented to discharge the cheeses flight by flight into an outlet flume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Scott J. Rose, James L. Karpinsky
  • Publication number: 20030024401
    Abstract: This invention is a hand held motor driven scooper intended to facilitate handling of frozen ice cream and at the same time form attractive spheres of same. The device is equipped with a half circle shaped arc at the end of a tube in which tube a rod is inserted and which rod can rotate with or separate from the tube. The half circle arc is equipped with extendable and retractable claws one on each side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Karl Elof Zetterlund
  • Patent number: 6513422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the evaporative cooling, or flash cooling, of a liquiform product. The apparatus includes a vacuum vessel (1) which is divided into a first (6) and a second (7) space. The two spaces (6, 7) are concentrically disposed in the vessel (1). In the first space (6) an inlet (9) is disposed for steam-charged product, as well as an outlet (10) for the product. In the second space (7), there is provided a spillway overflow (14) for the condensed steam and uncondensable gases. The apparatus also includes a circulation cycle for coolant liquid, comprising an outlet (18) for the coolant liquid, a centrifugal pump (20), a cooler (22) and conduits (19, 21, 24) as well as means for distributing the coolant liquid (25, 29) in the second space (7) in the vacuum vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Bengt Palm