Abstract: A pivotally-leveraged manual centrifugal drive according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for use with a bowl and a basket formed to nest within the bowl, comprising: a) a housing formed to mate with the bowl; b) a rotation wheel rotatably connected to the housing, formed to mate with the basket, and having a plane of rotation; c) a handle pivotally attached to the housing and oriented to move in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the rotation wheel; and d) gears connecting the handle to the rotation wheel. Also disclosed are an automatic clutch that engages the rotation wheel only when the handle is moved in one direction, and a braking mechanism that includes a disk having a diameter substantially smaller than the rotation wheel.

Abstract: A press cover for a cheese mold, in particular for a cheese mold of metal, having a round or polygonal cross section. The shape and dimensions of the press cover correspond to the inner cross section of the cheese mold. The press cover is to be designed in a simple manner, to withstand a press power, and also to satisfy high hygiene demands. This is achieved in that the press cover includes a perforated plate, the shape and dimensions of which corresponds to the inner cross section of the cheese mold, on which a reinforcing rib structure is arranged.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes a cooktop part on which a grill module for grill cooking is detachably disposed, a collection device for sucking an exhaust gas generated in the grill module, an exhaust device forcibly sucking the exhaust gas collected into the collection device to exhaust the exhaust gas to the outside, and a guide device for guiding the exhaust gas collected into the collection device to the exhaust device. The cooking appliance enables different types of food to be simultaneously cooked according to different cooking methods, and thus cooking time for food may be reduced and various demands of users may be met.

Abstract: Press machine for producing mozzarellas having a substantially two-dimensional geometry, comprising a station for sorting preformed balls of mozzarella and obtained with a milk-based paste and a press station for shaping said preformed mozzarella balls in pieces of mozzarella having a substantially two-dimensional geometry, said press station comprising an alveolar plane defining at least one alveolar seat suitable for at least one of said preformed balls of mozzarella and coming from said sorting station, also comprising at least one pressing element that is mobile between a resting position, wherein said pressing element is located distant from said alveolar plane for arranging said preformed ball of mozzarella in said alveolar seat, and a pressing position, wherein said pressing element is located above said alveolar seat for pressing said preformed ball of mozzarella. Furthermore, a production process using the above press machine for producing mozzarella having a substantially two-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising an apparatus for frothing or heating milk, which apparatus is connected via a milk suction hose to a milk container, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the milk suction hose and the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a flushing fluid. The milk can be sucked from the milk container into the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a vacuum which can be generated in the apparatus for frothing or heating milk.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: A seal guard (1) for incorporation in a whisk type milk frother (20), including: a hub bushing (2) defining an elongate drive shaft passage (4) that has a central axis (A) which extends in an axial direction (L) pointing from a first end (2a) of the hub bushing to a second end (2b) of the hub bushing; an annular rim (10) that, seen in the axial direction (L), is disposed downstream of the second end (2b) of the hub bushing (2); and a plurality of spokes (8) interconnecting the second end (2b) of the hub bushing (2) and the annular rim (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a device (100, 200, 300, 600) for agitating a liquid, e.g. a milk frother, comprising: a main body (110) comprising an opening (116) adapted to releasably receive an inner container (120), which inner container is suitable for receiving the liquid; an agitation element (136) for agitating the liquid when the liquid is received in the inner container and the inner container is received in the opening of the main body; a driving element (132) for driving the agitation element; and an electrical connection (154, 152, 111) for providing electrical energy to the driving element. By providing an opening for releasably receiving an inner container, a separate container can be used in conjunction with the device. This container is releasable, so it can be put in a dishwashing machine or a sink with water without any risk of damaging the electrical components of the device. In this way, the container can be easily, hygienically and conveniently be cleaned.

Abstract: A machine (10) for the preparation and distribution of cold food products that is used in the production of soft ice-cream, that has 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 enveloped by an evaporation chamber (20) for the cooling of said liquid food mixture and contains in its interior a mixer (24) wherein underneath said distribution nozzle (36) there is a protection door (62) for said nozzle (36). The machine includes at least one ultraviolet-ray lamp (48) positioned on the math body of the machine (10) in correspondence with a distribution nozzle (36) where the ultraviolet-ray lamp (48) functions to sterilize the distribution nozzle (36).

Abstract: A milk froth machine includes a base and a top cover. A heating element is electrically connected to a controller mounted in the base. First and second electric connectors are respectively mounted to the base and top cover and electrically connected to the controller. The first and second electric connectors are coupled together when an agitator on the top cover is aligned with a supporting top face of the base. A motor is mounted in the top cover and electrically connected to the second electric connector. A container can be placed on the supporting top face with the agitator extending into the container and with the first and second electric connectors electrically coupled together. The controller controls the motor to drive the agitator to agitate milk in the container to form milk froth or controls the heating element to heat the milk.

Abstract: A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.

Abstract: A milk frothing apparatus comprising a drive unit which drives a shaft. An elongate, flexible, bent frothing element that has an adjustable shape which preferably adjusts to the surface of the liquid to be frothed during operation is connected to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, the frothing element is designed as a flexible helical coil. In addition, another frothing element can be provided at the lower end of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cheese or a cheese preparation. The invention furthermore relates to a cheese or a cheese preparation. The invention furthermore relates to a device for producing a cheese or a cheese preparation. The method according to the invention uses an initial material, preferably a curd, a matured cheese or a preparation of fresh or matured cheese and a milk and/or whey retentate and comprises the following steps: a) reduction of the initial material such that the initial material has a homogenous, firm, finely granulated structure having grain sizes of ?10 mm, or addition of a reduced initial material; b) impinging the material with a vacuum during step a); c) shaping of the material; and d) portioning of the material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Use of the apparatus can be accomplished with one hand. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to fermented dairy products with reduced caloric values, in particular to low-fat, milkshakes and smoothies having reduced amounts in sugar. The dairy products of the invention comprise gelatine. They have high foaming rates and are stable over time. Further, the present invention also relates to processes and kits-of-parts for obtaining said dairy products.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing fermented milk products, in which the milk product passes through processing equipment executed with a plurality of openings from a retentate side toward a permeate side, in which the milk product is forced through the processing equipment with an insert feature preferably moved in a rotating arrangement along a retentate-side boundary surface of the processing equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system for molding cheese having a pressboard for compressing cheese in a cheese mold. The pressboard includes spring alignment features to align a set of leaf springs that help ensure even compression of the cheese.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressurization device, in particular of the type used for high hydrostatic pressure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pressurization device (1) comprising a casing (4) provided with a closure (3) and housing a pressurization chamber (15), the device (1) being provided with pressurization means for putting the pressurization chamber (15) under pressure, characterized in that the pressurization chamber (15) is sealed by means of a plurality of annular seals (19a, 19b, 19c) arranged in series on the lateral surface of the pressurization chamber (15) at predetermined relative distances (D1, D2) which are correlated with the coefficient of compressibility of the liquid filling the pressurization chamber (15).

Abstract: A milk froth maker comprising a housing, a container, a heating unit and a control circuit unit mounted in said housing, and a stirring unit set at the top of the housing, said control circuit unit connected to the heating unit and the stirring unit respectively, a bracket unit for supporting the container arranged on the vertical board of the housing, and a temperature sensing unit set on the housing which temperature unit may or may not be in contact with the body of the container, wherein said temperature sensing unit can detect the temperature of the container and output the temperature signal to the control circuit unit for cutting off the power to said heating unit when the sensing signal of the temperature unit reaches a pre-set value.

Abstract: A cheese making appliance with a cooking vessel, a curd stirring assembly in the cooking vessel, and a controller for the cooking vessel and stirring assembly. The controller controls the temperature of the cooking vessel over a period of time, and turns the stirring assembly on and off and controls its speed, depending on the programmed cycle for a particular type of curd product that is to be made.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

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).

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: 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 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.

Abstract: A stainless steel structural member for a blockformer apparatus has at least one surface along which in operation curd slides. The at least the at least one surface coming into contact with curd is at least partly a substantially sloping undulating surface, viewed on a microscopic scale, which has been obtained through a micropeening treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.

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 apparatus for obtaining cheese material from milk has an elongate trough (11) which is provided at its one end with a filling zone (16) and, at its other end, a discharge zone (19). The trough has an inner wall (12) which is transportable at least substantially continuously between the filling zone (16) and the discharge zone (19). The volume of the trough can be subdivided by a number of partition walls (31, 31') which are matched to the trough cross-section, which can be coupled to the inner wall (12), and which are movable jointly with the Latter into cells (32, 32') which follow one another in the longitudinal direction. A clamping device (41) is associated with each partition wall (31, 31') and permits the inner wall (12) of the trough, which consists of a flexible material, to be clamped with slight deformation about the region (34) of the periphery of the partition wall confronting it.

Abstract: In injection of steam, gas, liquid or a powdered or granulate product into a fluid in an injection apparatus having a substantially disc-shaped rotor (53), a product inlet (50) and a central product outlet (57), the injection is carried out in an annular injection zone above the disc-shaped rotor (53) at a distance from both the circumference and the center of the rotor (53). The fluid product which may be a liquid with considerable variation of dry solids content and viscosity is exposed to a radial displacement effect as well as a tangential dispersion effect.

Abstract: An enclosed food processing device is provided having one or more conveyor belts and vertical agitators positioned above the belt. The agitators have forward and backward prongs that stir the food being processed without causing physical damage to it. The food enters the device through an inlet and is evenly distributed across a draining screen by an inlet deflector plate, which is adjustable to account for the different rates at which the food may flow into the device. Ramps are positioned under the device to collect liquid drained from the food, and the ramps have independent segments that separate the liquid based on the stage of the process at which it is drained from the food. A salting apparatus is provided for conveying salt to the food to be processed. The salt is dispensed in proportion to the amount of food to be salted. Salt is moved from a salt hopper into a chamber by a rotating dispensing wheel.

Abstract: A complete self-containing multipurpose dairy processor unit in which a liquid is treated including a hot-water or steam generator and a heat exchanger immersible in the liquid to be treated and selectively feedable when immersed in the liquid being treated with hot water, steam or cold water depending on whether heat is to be transferred to the liquid to be treated or removed from the liquid to be treated, the hot water or steam being produced by the generator device. A generator including a turbine produces a flow within the liquid to be treated to cause the liquid to pass over the heat exchanger. The turbine is a variable-speed turbine which forces the liquid from a location below the heat exchanger upward into and through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A molder/chiller for pasta filata cheeses uses segmented water jackets each holding a plurality of mold tubes. The jackets may be separately filled with chilled water for chilling and heated water for releasing the cheese blocks as a wheel rotates made up of the jackets rotates. A central water distribution valve and manifold with radiating source and sink pipes allows simple closed loop cooling and heating fluid circulation reducing contamination and providing improved energy efficiency and elimination of the need for Teflon coatings. Rotation of the distribution manifold may provide the needed valving action without separate controllers.

Abstract: A plant and method for coagulating, pasteurizing and cooking food having a liquid or pasty base including a plurality of stations, devices for implementing a processing step on the food in each station, at least one container into which the food to be processed is initially placed, and devices for enabling the container(s) to be successively positioned in the stations to thereby subject the food in the container(s) to processing by the processing devices in the stations. The processing device in at least one station includes a variable-speed dynamic radial heat exchanger for affecting the temperature of the food.

Abstract: An air/liquid mix regulator is disclosed for use in a frozen confectionary dessert dispensing machine. The mix regulator regulates the amount of liquid and air entering the freezing chamber of the frozen dessert machine. The regulator has a single aerator tube having both an air inlet passage and a liquid inlet passage which are least partially divided. The aerator tube has different liquid inlet openings at each end so that it is invertible and usable with differing liquid viscosities. The aerator tube is engageable with a base section of the regulator and has a check valve therein to prevent the backflow of aerated mix into the storage chamber to prevent frothing and foaming in the storage hopper. The single check valve is located in an area of the base section that takes advantage of the relatively warmer liquid in the storage hopper to prevent freezing and sticking of the check valve.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous ribbon of cheese from precheese is described. A conveyor belt system is used, modified to retain and transport the liquid precheese which, over the course of conveyance, solidifies to form the continuous cheese product discharged at the end of the conveyor.

Abstract: Pasteurizer for food products comprising a tank provided with agitator means connected to actuating means, characterized in that said tank has on the bottom a chamber cavity in which said agitator means are accommodated, said chamber being provided on the bottom with a hole which faces, towards the inside of the chamber, the internal cavity of a cylindrical sleeve projecting inside the chamber and fixed thereto, and, towards the outside, the actuating means, said agitator means being provided with a movement transmission shaft which, inserted in the cavity of the sleeve and through the hole on the bottom of the chamber, is coupled to the actuating means, said internal cavity of the sleeve being provided with fluid sealing means.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating whey from a slurry-like material such as bean and dairy products, includes a screen, a jacket mantling the screen with a first space outside the screen and a second space inside the screen, wherein the first space provides a whey chamber of a size which allows the screen to be submerged in the whey staying therein after the whey is squeezed through the screen, a spiral screw rotatively housed in the screen, the blades of the screw being kept in contact with the wall surface of the screen such that the whey is prevented from reversely flowing; and a take-out port provided in the jacket so as to allow the whey in the first chamber to overflow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of two piece wear buttons that insert into the blade of a guillotine and protect the surface of the guillotine as it slide in U-shaped channels within a cheese block forming unit. Each wear button comprises a male portion and a female portion, each portion configured to fit into opposite sides of a through bore drilled in the surface of the guillotine blade. The male portion is provided with an outwardly tapered extension or neck which snaps into an inwardly tapered recess defined within a cylindrical member on the female portion of the button. Each portion is also provided with a lip such that when the male portion and the female portion are joined together within the through bore, the lips overlay the through bore and inhibits product from seeping into the through bore.

Abstract: A device for detecting, in the early stages of infection, the presence of mastitis, as well as other impurities, in an individual cow or other milk producing animal, using a filter, preferably made of polyester and being disposable, which filters all milk being extracted from the cow, the filter being held in a container placed in the individual vacuum line of a milking machine being used to extract milk from the cow, the claws of the milking machine placed on the cow dropping from the cow upon the presence of mastitis, without contamination of the milk held in the bulk storage facility, while permitting healthy milk to pass through the filter without interruption of the milking process.

Abstract: Multiple columns of cheese curd are simultaneously compressed and cut into blocks of cheese by feeding curd into the top perforated tubular linings hanging freely within hollow towers, all towers positioned on a single, enclosed sanitary housing. A negative pressure is maintained in each tower to draw curd into the tower. Each pillar of curd is supported by a single guillotine blade closing off the bottom of all the towers and located within the sanitary housing. Each perforated, freely hanging lining is spaced apart from the wall of its tower to form a drainage passage for whey pressed out from the curd by the weight of the superimposed pillar. The guillotine blade is then withdrawn and each pillar of curd is lowered by an elevator into a cheese form positioned below each tower and within the housing. The guillotine blade is then returned to its closed position, so as to cut off a block of curd from each pillar.

Abstract: A cheese formation tower wherein cheese curds and attendant whey are introduced into the upper portion of a vertical, low friction material lined, tower and the whey is extracted through gravitational, differential pressure/relative vacuum and vibration techniques. As the material reaches the lower portion of the tower the whey has been substantially extracted to provide the formed cheese product. A guillotine or cutting arrangement is provided to cut the formed cheese to suitable lengths which are then extracted from the tower. The invention is particularly directed to cheese units of various shapes and sizes but preferably smaller than the standard, 11".times.14", 40# block. The unit includes cleaning means for cleansing of the entire unit following complete batch formation. The tower ensures satisfactory whey removal and the delivery of properly formed cheeses.