US20070082098A1 - Blender for ingredients into soft-serve freezer products - Google Patents
Blender for ingredients into soft-serve freezer products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070082098A1 US20070082098A1 US11/609,533 US60953306A US2007082098A1 US 20070082098 A1 US20070082098 A1 US 20070082098A1 US 60953306 A US60953306 A US 60953306A US 2007082098 A1 US2007082098 A1 US 2007082098A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- solids
- auger
- base product
- frozen
- flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000010006 flight Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010408 sweeping Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000012041 food component Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000005417 food ingredient Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000013479 data entry Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 3
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- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000014787 Vitis vinifera Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006365 Vitis vinifera Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/228—Arrangement and mounting of control or safety devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
- A23G9/282—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers for dispensing multi-flavour ice-creams
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
- A23G9/283—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers for filling containers with material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/50—Mixing liquids with solids
- B01F23/53—Mixing liquids with solids using driven stirrers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/05—Stirrers
- B01F27/09—Stirrers characterised by the mounting of the stirrers with respect to the receptacle
- B01F27/092—Stirrers characterised by the mounting of the stirrers with respect to the receptacle occupying substantially the whole interior space of the receptacle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/05—Stirrers
- B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
- B01F27/114—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections
- B01F27/1142—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections of the corkscrew type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/21—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders characterised by their rotating shafts
- B01F27/2122—Hollow shafts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
- B01F27/92—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws
- B01F27/923—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws the material flowing continuously through the receptacle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/84—Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
- B01F33/841—Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins with component receptacles fixed in a circular configuration on a horizontal table, e.g. the table being able to be indexed about a vertical axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
- B01F35/716—Feed mechanisms characterised by the relative arrangement of the containers for feeding or mixing the components
- B01F35/7164—Feed mechanisms characterised by the relative arrangement of the containers for feeding or mixing the components the containers being placed in parallel before contacting the contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
- B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
- B01F35/7173—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using gravity, e.g. from a hopper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
- B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
- B01F35/7173—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using gravity, e.g. from a hopper
- B01F35/71731—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using gravity, e.g. from a hopper using a hopper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
- B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
- B01F35/71805—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using valves, gates, orifices or openings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/75—Discharge mechanisms
- B01F35/754—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer
- B01F35/7547—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer using valves, gates, orifices or openings
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to apparatus for dispensing flavored, flow-able frozen foods to a customer for soft-serve ice cream, ice milk, ices, smoothies, slushes, shakes or the like.
- a typical embodiment of the invention comprises method and apparatus readily adaptable to use with conventional, commercially available freezer dispensers for semi-frozen foods, and enabling selection and blending various different food ingredients in solid form into a food product dispensed as a fluid (hereinafter referred to as frozen base product) from the freezer dispenser at a temperature below 0 degrees Celsius, and dispensing selected blends of solids in frozen base product in fluid form to a customer's container on demand.
- frozen base product dispensed as a fluid
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional soft-serve ice cream freezer machine with a blender dispenser mounted to it according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged front view in section of an ingredient storage and transfer assembly.
- FIG. 2B is a front view in section on the same scale as FIG. 2A and showing a blender assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of an ingredient container module.
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an array of eight ingredient containers on a scale intermediate FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mounting base for the ingredient storage assembly.
- FIG. 6 is a face view of an upper support plate for the ingredient storage assembly.
- FIG. 7 is a face view of a lower support plate for the ingredient storage assembly.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispensing module.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view of a blending auger.
- FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the blending auger.
- FIG. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken at line 11 - 11 in FIG. 10 , viewed in the direction of the arrows and showing the blending auger in a blender hopper which is shown in full section.
- FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the auger in the hopper shown in section and viewed in the direction of arrows 12 - 12 in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of part of the blending auger and blender hopper taken at line 13 - 13 in FIG. 10 and showing the shape of the lower end portion of the auger core at a position about 60 degrees of rotational index about axis 93 from the FIG. 11 position.
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but taken at line 14 - 14 in FIG. 10 and showing the shape of the auger core and flights at a slightly further rotational index position where portions of the core are cut-out to admit ingredient solids into a downward flowing frozen confection base product.
- FIG. 15 is a top view of the blender hopper, showing one possible outlet shape, and showing mounting flanges.
- FIG. 16A is a top plan view of a transfer impeller.
- FIG. 16B is a section taken at line B-B in FIG. 16A and viewed in the direction of the arrows.
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of an agitator.
- FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a blender housing, with bottom coverings removed.
- FIG. 19 is a front view of a data entry panel.
- a soft-serve ice cream freezer assembly 11 is supported on wheels 12 and has a discharge spigot 13 on a front plate 14 removable from the freezer, usually by loosening four knobs.
- the spigot has an operating handle 16 .
- a frozen, usually unflavored, base product is discharged from the freezer through the spigot in the direction of arrow 17 .
- Examples of such soft serve freezers are Taylor Model 754,338, 339, 741, H84, 8754, C706, C707, and C708.
- Other brands of freezers may be used also. Some older Taylor models and other brands are identified in my above-mentioned patent.
- Apparatus incorporating an embodiment of the present invention includes an ingredient storage assembly, a blender assembly, means for transfer of selected ingredients from the storage assembly to the blender assembly, and related mounting, selection and control devices.
- the ingredient storage and transfer assembly 18 is attached to the top of the freezer by use of a mounting plate 19 ( FIG. 1 );
- This plate uses a double-faced bonding tape that bonds the plate to the top of the freezer cabinet.
- Other or additional fasteners may be used, if desired.
- Mounting base 21 is a molded plastic part FIG. 5 having a flange 21 F with slots 21 S in its rear-edge receiving upstanding studs (not shown) on the mounting plate 19 . It is attached to the mounting plate by use of two clamping knobs 22 screwed onto the studs and securing the mounting base to the mounting plate.
- the upper end of the mounting base 21 supports and centers the top flange of funnel 23 .
- An upper support plate 24 ( FIGS. 2A and 6 ) rests on the top flange of the funnel. This plate supports eight removable modules 25 in a circular array about an axis 26 through the center of the plate 24 .
- a lower support plate 27 ( FIGS. 2A and 7 ) rests on the ledge 21 L of the mounting base. It is connected to upper support plate 24 by an array of eight circularly spaced vertical support plates 28 , preferably made of molded plastic and having bosses 28 B at upper and lower edges receiving screws through the holes 24 H and 27 H in the upper and lower support plates 24 and 27 , respectively.
- This assembly of plates 24 , 27 and 28 provides a receiver frame in the ingredient storage assembly 18 for the eight removable dispensing modules 25 mentioned above.
- These modules have motor housings 29 supporting container bases 31 receiving eight ingredient containers 32 .
- Each of these containers contains a different type of solids capable of being blended into the base product flowing from the freezer to the spigot outlet when the handle 16 is pulled down.
- a “solid” for such purposes may be defined as a discrete tangible edible item appearing dry to touch at 72° F., elastic or inelastic, porous or non-porous, hollow or not hollow, and having a maximum overall dimension in any direction less than or equal to about 0.300 inches.
- Some types of solids include, but are not limited to, nuts of different types and flavors, raisins, M & M's, chocolate chips, different flavors of fruit bits, different flavors of candy bits and sprinkles, to name a few. Others may be used too. Also, if it is found that customers have a greater preference for one type than some of the other types, more than one of the containers can be filled with the preferred type.
- each motor housing 29 usefully made of molded plastic, has a mounting portion 29 M which is shaped like a sector of a circle, and is received on upper support plate 24 .
- the housing has a cylindrical wall 29 W projecting up from portion 29 M and forming an upwardly opening cylindrical chamber 29 C ( FIG. 2A ).
- the bottom 29 B of chamber 29 C is the top of an area of mounting portion 29 M and has a hole 29 H which is in registry with one of the eight holes 24 P in the support plate 24 .
- Container base 31 (also usefully made of molded plastic) sits atop the motor housing 29 and has three hooks received on posts 29 P of housing 29 and engaging and hooked to screws 33 in posts 29 P by a counterclockwise twist of the base 31 relative to the housing 29 .
- the bottom 31 B of the container base 31 has a hole 31 P ( FIG. 8 ) which is in a sector diametrically opposite (relative to axis 41 ) the sector in which hole 24 P in the upper support plate 24 , and hole 29 H in the housing 29 are located, the latter holes 24 P and 29 H being open to the funnel 23 .
- the gear motor assembly 34 with motor portion 36 and reduction gear portion 37 is fastened by screws (not shown) to the bottom of the mounting portion 29 M of the motor housing.
- the output drive shaft 37 S of the gear portion projects up through a small hole in the center of chamber bottom 29 B, and through the hub 38 H of ingredient transfer impeller 38 ( FIGS. 15A, 15B ) which has four blades 38 B circularly spaced about the shaft axis 41 .
- the blades are about half the height of the chamber 29 C.
- the upper portion of the leading (when the impeller is driven in the direction of arrow 42 ) edge of each blade is sloped up toward the trailing edge. This feature helps avoid jamming of certain types of ingredients between the impeller blades and the roof of the chamber 29 C.
- the shaft 37 S also projects through a small hole in the center of bottom 31 B of the container base 31 and through the hub of the four-arm agitator 43 ( FIG. 16 ).
- the shaft receiving holes in the center of the transfer impeller hub and in the center of the agitator hub have a flat which matches the flat on drive shaft 37 S to drive the impeller and agitator when the motor is energized.
- a rubber cap 44 holds the agitator on the shaft.
- the agitator arms are slightly offset ahead of radii from the rotational axis 41 of the agitator. Accordingly the leading edges of the agitator arms are about one-half arm's width ahead of the leading edge of the transfer impeller blades. This is shown in FIG. 16 where the impeller arms are shown in dotted lines. This feature assists in the transfer of ingredients from a container 32 to chamber 29 C.
- the container base 31 provides an upwardly opening cylindrical chamber which friction fits and receives the neck portion 32 N at the open end of container 32 .
- the fit is close enough that there is no leakage of the dry ingredients up and out of the base 31 around the container neck.
- the first way involves a motor housing retainer plate 46 fastened to upper support plate 24 by four screws 47 equally spaced circularly, about axis 26 , with spacers 48 between plates 24 and 46 .
- the spacing thereby provided admits the tongue 29 T ( FIG. 8 ) of the motor housing and prevents it from tipping up.
- a second way the module is retained is by a clamping knob 51 fixed to a screw 52 which is freely receivable into a slot in leg 53 L of bracket 53 which is fixed to the inside wall of motor housing 29 .
- the slot is forked with its open end facing toward axis 26 .
- the screw is threaded into lower support plate 27 so that, when a module is properly inserted as in the direction of arrow 56 ( FIG. 2A ) toward axis 26 , the screw is received in the fork slot and the knob 51 can be turned to clamp the module to the lower support plate 27 . So it is clamped to the receiver frame of plates 24 , 27 , 28 .
- Each of the modules has two electrical contactors 58 on the inner face of the motor housing and which, when the module is installed, engage contactors such as 59 mounted on the vertical supports 28 , to enable electric power feed from an electronic controller 61 ( FIG. 1 ) to the motors 36 .
- An eight pair connector socket 62 fixed in the mounting base receives mating plug 63 fixed in the lower support plate 27 .
- the two contactors 59 from all of the eight stations are wired to plug 63 .
- a pair of leads from the socket at 62 extend in wire 64 to the plug 66 received in socket 67 at the end of wiring 68 which enters the wiring harness 69 , which extends to the controller 61 .
- the wiring harness also contains cables 71 , 72 and 73 , each of which has an electrical socket at the end for connection to some component of the apparatus.
- Cable 71 connects to a plug 74 for communication with the data entry panel 76 .
- Cable 72 connects to a plug 77 for cable 78 to an auger drive motor 79 .
- the plug on cable 73 is connected to socket 81 for the dispenser start switch 82 .
- the data entry panel (DEP) 76 is received in a downwardly opening slot 84 ( FIGS. 2A, 2B and 5 ) by sliding it upward into the slot 84 and into chamber 85 in the mounting base. It is retained in place by the mounting base cover panel 83 which is screwed into the bottom of the mounting base.
- the face of the keypad has legends for programming the equipment, as will be described hereinafter.
- the output from the keypad is fed through connector 74 and cable 71 in harness 69 to the controller 61 .
- a blender assembly 90 has a housing 91 ( FIG. 2B and FIG. 18 bottom view) mounted to and supported on the freezer by a mounting bracket (not shown) to secure the blender assembly to the freezer.
- the blender assembly is coupled to spigot 13 by adapter 92 having upper end 92 U received on and sealed by an o-ring to the spout.
- the adapter has flange 92 F receiving a collar 92 C connected to the upper. end portion 90 U of the blender assembly by a split ring retainer 92 R in a circular groove in the upper end portion of the blender assembly.
- the adapter is sealed by an o-ring to the inside surface of the upper end portion 90 U of the blender assembly. Varieties of mounting brackets and adapters are available to accommodate different freezer configurations.
- an axis 93 is established by the housing 91 for the blender assembly.
- a blender hopper 94 is mounted to housing 91 .
- the housing 91 Since the blender hopper is to receive solid ingredients from selected ones of containers 32 , the housing 91 has two upwardly-opening circular ports 91 P to which tubing 96 can be connected to deliver ingredients from hopper 23 through the housing 91 to the blender hopper 94 .
- these ports are shown, but need not be, located on diametrically opposite sides of the cylindrical wall 91 W of the housing and which is centered on axis 93 . It is adequate to use only one of these ports for connection to the tubing, but two of them are provided to facilitate alternate entry locations for adaptation to freezers of different designs.
- the illustrated transfer tubing 96 comprises lengths of transparent PVC plastic with assorted shapes assembled to adapt to the particular freezer configuration.
- the tubing has a conical upper end portion 96 U receiving the tapered lower end portion 23 L of hopper 23 .
- the lower end portion of the dispensing hopper 23 , and the upper end portion 96 U of the tubing 96 are conical in shape to fit well together and avoid entry of dirt into the tubing 96 , they are not wedged together. Being a slip-fit, the dispensing hopper and assembly above it can be separated easily from the apparatus below it if, and when desired.
- the lower end of tubing 96 has the elbow 96 E received in one of the ports 91 P of the housing 91 .
- the unused port (or ports, if provided) 91 P can be closed by a cap or caps such as 91 T in FIG. 11 .
- the blender hopper 94 ( FIGS. 12 and 15 ), usefully made of molded plastic, is shown in the form of a stepped conical device having two diametrically opposite outwardly-extending top flanges 94 F, each extending approximately 60 degrees about axis 93 .
- the blender hopper is mounted to the bottom of the housing 91 by placing the top edge of the hopper against the bottom face of the housing. Then the hopper is turned clockwise (as viewed from above) to move the hopper flanges 94 F into position in grooves formed between arcuate retainer clips 91 R ( FIG. 2B ) and flanges 91 B ( FIG. 18 ) on the bottom of the housing.
- the retainer clips are of the same shape as the flanges 91 B and are screwed into the bottom of housing 91 at flanges 91 B ( FIG. 18 ).
- the hopper has an inner wall surface which is stepped.
- the wall surface includes an upper cylindrical portion 94 U with flanges 94 F at the top, the upper portion extending downward to a first circle.
- An upper conical portion 94 H extends downward from the first circle to a second circle.
- a second cylindrical portion 94 C extends downward from the second circle to a third circle.
- a second conical portion 94 L extends downward from the third circle to a fourth circle at the bottom of the hopper.
- a blending chamber 94 M is surrounded by the lower portion 94 L of the hopper.
- the blender hopper surrounds a blending auger 97 of the screw type and which is centered on axis 93 .
- the blending auger has a gear 98 integral with it or affixed to it and driven by a gear set 99 in a drive housing portion 91 G of housing 91 .
- FIG. 1 shows tubing 96 entering housing 91 at a port location offset from and forward of axis 93
- FIG. 2B shows tubing 96 entering the housing at 91 P to the right of axis 93 .
- the two ports are available for the use of whichever one or both are convenient, depending on the configuration of the freezer.
- locations of the ports relative to each other and to the drive housing portion 91 G can be different from shown.
- the gear set is driven by a pinion 102 on the output shaft of blender motor 79 mounted to the distal end of the drive housing portion 91 G.
- the housing ports 91 P open downward into a space 91 C ( FIG. 11 ) under the cylindrical inner wall 91 W of the housing 91 and open to the upper ends of the screw flights of auger 97 .
- the blending auger 97 ( FIGS. 9-14 ), which may usefully made of molded plastic, has a central, axially extending hollow core 97 C ( FIG. 10 ) on which there are two helical flights 97 A and 97 B, each of which is centered relative to axis 93 . Each of the flights has a leading edge which is beveled downward and rearward as shown at 97 L ( FIG. 12 ).
- Each flight is contoured to have a profile which fits the profile of the stepped conical inside wall surface 94 H, 94 C and 94 L of the blender hopper 94 .
- the auger flights have a profile contoured to sweep the inside space of the blender hopper outboard of the auger core as the auger is rotated on axis 93 .
- the perimeter of each flight has an edge which is cylindrical or beveled to conform to where it is axially along the auger relative to the inside wall surface of the hopper.
- a spindle tube 103 is a stationary tube having a longitudinal axis co-linear with axis 93 , and is fixed to the housing 91 .
- the tube delivers the flow of the frozen base product from the freezer to the blending chamber 94 M.
- the tube also serves as an axle spindle for rotational bearing of the auger.
- the lower end 103 B of the tube 103 is spaced above the base 94 B of the blender hopper. The resulting space between the end of the tube 103 and the base 94 B of the blender hopper allows the solids delivered by the auger to enter into the flow path of the frozen base product.
- the auger 97 rotates clockwise (viewed from above) on the tube 103 and delivers the selected solids into the blending chamber 94 M.
- the inside diameter d 1 ( FIG. 14 ) of the tube 103 is less than the overall maximum diametrical dimension d 2 ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) of the fluted hopper outlet opening 94 D. This allows unrestricted flow from the tube 103 through the blending chamber 94 M and then through the hopper outlet opening 94 D ( FIG. 14 ).
- This size differential allows for the inclusion of the solids into the frozen base product in the blending chamber 94 M for delivery of the blended product out through the blended product outlet opening 94 D.
- the outlet opening can be circular or other shapes.
- Two diametrically opposite cutouts 97 P ( FIGS. 9 and 11 ) in the auger core 97 C near the bottom of the auger 97 , allow the solids to be introduced into the flow path of the frozen base product while the auger 97 is rotating.
- the rotation of the auger 97 at approximately 400 rpm, inhibits the frozen base product from entering the outer circumference of the blending chamber 94 M and working upward along hopper wall surface 94 L.
- the rapid rotation of the auger 97 tends to confine flow of the base product to a flow path directly downward from the opening of the tube 103 and through the opening 94 D.
- the two helical flights 97 A and 97 B of the auger 97 are each provided with a two-step diminishing radius (with respect to the rotational axis 93 ).
- This diminishing radius provides a swept volume profile by the rotating auger and which fits the above-mentioned contour profile of the stepped inside wall surface ( 94 H, 94 C and 94 L) of the blender hopper 94 .
- the diminishing radius of the contoured wall of the blending chamber 94 M causes the solids to be forced inward toward the flow path of the frozen base product.
- the diminishing radius also counters the tendency for the base product to flow to the outer perimeters of the blending chamber 94 M.
- the diametrically opposite cutouts 97 P in the core wall of the auger enable the solids to be forced inwardly into the frozen base product as it flows from the lower end 103 L of the spindle tube to the outlet opening 94 D.
- cutouts 97 P through the core wall under flights 97 A and 97 B at the bottom faces such as 97 U may be formed in or cut in or otherwise provided in a material. Therefore the term “cutout” should not be construed as limited to an opening that is cut into the material.
- FIG. 13 shows the core wall portions at section 13 - 13 in FIG. 10 , immediately uphill of the beginning of the cutouts 97 .
- FIG. 14 shows where the inner surface of the core flares outward in curves at section 14 - 14 to blend into the bottom faces of flights 97 A and 97 B immediately below where the cutouts begin downward toward the lower ends of the flights.
- the auger axis could be offset from the tube axis.
- the tube can serve directly as the bearing for the auger, as shown, it could simply serve as a mounting for separate bearings.
- the data entry panel (DEP) 76 has numerals 1 - 8 , each designating a “key” by which the dispenser operator can select a different one of the eight ingredient containers. It also has several other “key” identifying legends on it, including a “cancel entry” legend, a “+”, a “ ⁇ ”, and an “alt time adj” legend. It also has an “output level” indicator light emitting diode set with eight enumerated levels, and an “overload” indicator light.
- a typical embodiment of the invention is intended to be attached to a freezer capable of delivering an icy base product, to blend or mix various ingredient solids into the base product as it flows from the freezer toward a customer's serving cup.
- the system example described above accommodates eight different ingredients. The operator can select a single ingredient or up to as many as eight different ingredients to be blended into a single serving of the frozen base product.
- the operator determines the output level (the duration of time of operation of each of the selected ingredients) per cycle of dispensing ingredients requested by the customer. Then the operator touches those of the selector “keys” needed for the ingredients requested by the customer. This sets up the program for the controller 61 to activate, in sequence, the dispenser motors 36 for those of the eight containers holding the ingredients requested by the customer. Then the operator pulls the draw handle 16 down, enabling the frozen base product to flow down through the auger axis passageway in spindle tube 103 .
- the draw switch 82 When the operator pulls the draw handle down, the draw switch 82 is closed which activates the dispensing motor 36 in the dispensing module that represents the lowest numbered choice in the operator's selection 1 - 8 . As the motor activates, it rotates the transfer impeller 38 that takes the ingredient solids from the selected container 32 and transfers them to the registering openings 29 H, 24 P dropping the solids into the dispensing hopper 23 .
- the transfer impeller serves both as a valve and a device to transfer the ingredients toward the dispenser hopper 23 .
- the solids flow down through the transfer tubing 96 into the blender hopper 94 and down through the hopper under control of the auger 97 , into the blender chamber 94 M where the solids are integrated into the frozen base product as the base product flows out of the lower end of spindle tube 103 .
- the blender motor 79 is activated, rotating the blending auger 97 in a clockwise direction (viewed from above) to force the ingredient solids into the frozen base product while it flows from the spindle tube through the hopper outlet opening 94 D into a cone or dish for the customer. If the operator has selected a multiple of possible choices of ingredients, the system dispenses each choice singularly and in the ascending sequence of the numbers of the choices selected on the DEP (data entry panel) 76 . The operating time is equal for each dispensing module during a sequence through the operator's selection.
- the operating time for each module can be changed to increase or decrease the cycle time for each serving, by touching the “alt time adj” “key” and the “+” or “ ⁇ ” key.
- the “output level” lights are illuminated accordingly to indicate the output of the solids into the frozen base product. For example, if the adjustment is such that light 9 is on, it indicates that each module in a selection following the “alt time adj” adjustment will dispense solids longer in a cycle than if the adjustment were such that light 6 was on.
- the average typical cycle time is 1 second.
- the preferred minimum cycle time is 0.2 seconds.
- the preferred maximum cycle time is 2.0 seconds.
- Other cycle characteristics can be specified, if desired.
- the draw duration is typically between 5 and 10 seconds. This depends primarily upon the size of serving to be delivered to the customer, and the delivery speed of which the freezer is capable. In any case, the controller 61 will repeat the cycling through the choices as long as the draw switch 82 remains closed. It should be understood that some freezers have switch keys, rather than handles to operate a switch to draw the frozen base product from the freezer. In such cases, such switch can be used instead of switch 82 to operate the apparatus of the present invention. Therefore the term “switch” where used in the claims which follow herein, should not be construed as limited to a separate, handle operated switch, except where required by claim context.
- the module is removed by loosening the retaining knob 51 , and pulling the module radially outward. Then it is inverted, so that the container 32 is upright. Then the module is pulled upward off the container. Then the container can be refilled with the same ingredient, or cleaned and refilled with some other ingredient.
- the apparatus can be powered conveniently by any suitable electric source, an example being a power supply portion of controller 61 and operable on either 110 or 220 volts at 50 or 60 hertz.
- a draw handle to initiate delivery of base product from the freezer, and delivery through a spigot, and a switch associated with the draw handle to initiate operation of the dispenser motors and the auger. It should be noted that the invention is useful on a variety of freezers. Therefore, initiation of flow of the base product and controller functions can be triggered by some initiator other than a draw handle. Examples include but are not limited to a switch key or a sound or voice-activated switch. The use of the term “key” should be understood to mean some activator spot or device responsive to the operator's command, however delivered. Wiring, electronics and software for the selector and controller to produce the functions described herein are well within the skill of the art, and description herein would be superfluous.
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Abstract
An assembly is mounted to a soft serve confection freezer. It includes 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 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 solids into the confection and discharge into a customer's container for immediate consumption. Control panel selection of ingredients by the operator according to the customer's order, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.
Description
- This invention relates generally to apparatus for dispensing flavored, flow-able frozen foods to a customer for soft-serve ice cream, ice milk, ices, smoothies, slushes, shakes or the like.
- My U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,520 issued Dec. 27, 1988 and certain patents cited therein, disclose various approaches to mixing several different flavoring liquids to a base mix of ice cream. U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,770 issued to Mueller on Sep. 26, 1961 shows a machine for mixing different flavoring liquids with ice cream and has a device for injecting nuts into the mixture. To the best of my knowledge, there is no apparatus available which can be connected to a conventional freezer machine for soft-serve ice cream or some other semi-frozen edible product, and which is useful to select and blend one or more different ingredients into the food product of the freezer machine for dispensing into a cone or cup to a customer immediately upon demand. The present invention is addressed to this need.
- Described briefly, a typical embodiment of the invention comprises method and apparatus readily adaptable to use with conventional, commercially available freezer dispensers for semi-frozen foods, and enabling selection and blending various different food ingredients in solid form into a food product dispensed as a fluid (hereinafter referred to as frozen base product) from the freezer dispenser at a temperature below 0 degrees Celsius, and dispensing selected blends of solids in frozen base product in fluid form to a customer's container on demand.
-
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional soft-serve ice cream freezer machine with a blender dispenser mounted to it according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged front view in section of an ingredient storage and transfer assembly. -
FIG. 2B is a front view in section on the same scale asFIG. 2A and showing a blender assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of an ingredient container module. -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an array of eight ingredient containers on a scale intermediateFIGS. 1 and 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mounting base for the ingredient storage assembly. -
FIG. 6 is a face view of an upper support plate for the ingredient storage assembly. -
FIG. 7 is a face view of a lower support plate for the ingredient storage assembly. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispensing module. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view of a blending auger. -
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the blending auger. -
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken at line 11-11 inFIG. 10 , viewed in the direction of the arrows and showing the blending auger in a blender hopper which is shown in full section. -
FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the auger in the hopper shown in section and viewed in the direction of arrows 12-12 inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of part of the blending auger and blender hopper taken at line 13-13 inFIG. 10 and showing the shape of the lower end portion of the auger core at a position about 60 degrees of rotational index aboutaxis 93 from theFIG. 11 position. -
FIG. 14 is a view similar toFIG. 13 but taken at line 14-14 inFIG. 10 and showing the shape of the auger core and flights at a slightly further rotational index position where portions of the core are cut-out to admit ingredient solids into a downward flowing frozen confection base product. -
FIG. 15 is a top view of the blender hopper, showing one possible outlet shape, and showing mounting flanges. -
FIG. 16A is a top plan view of a transfer impeller. -
FIG. 16B is a section taken at line B-B inFIG. 16A and viewed in the direction of the arrows. -
FIG. 17 is a top plan view of an agitator. -
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a blender housing, with bottom coverings removed. -
FIG. 19 is a front view of a data entry panel. - Referring now to the drawings in detail, a soft-serve ice
cream freezer assembly 11 is supported onwheels 12 and has adischarge spigot 13 on afront plate 14 removable from the freezer, usually by loosening four knobs. The spigot has anoperating handle 16. Upon pulling the handle down, a frozen, usually unflavored, base product is discharged from the freezer through the spigot in the direction ofarrow 17. Examples of such soft serve freezers are Taylor Model 754,338, 339, 741, H84, 8754, C706, C707, and C708. Other brands of freezers may be used also. Some older Taylor models and other brands are identified in my above-mentioned patent. - Apparatus incorporating an embodiment of the present invention includes an ingredient storage assembly, a blender assembly, means for transfer of selected ingredients from the storage assembly to the blender assembly, and related mounting, selection and control devices.
- The ingredient storage and
transfer assembly 18 is attached to the top of the freezer by use of a mounting plate 19 (FIG. 1 ); This plate uses a double-faced bonding tape that bonds the plate to the top of the freezer cabinet. Other or additional fasteners may be used, if desired.Mounting base 21 is a molded plastic partFIG. 5 having aflange 21F withslots 21S in its rear-edge receiving upstanding studs (not shown) on themounting plate 19. It is attached to the mounting plate by use of twoclamping knobs 22 screwed onto the studs and securing the mounting base to the mounting plate. - The upper end of the
mounting base 21 supports and centers the top flange offunnel 23. An upper support plate 24 (FIGS. 2A and 6 ) rests on the top flange of the funnel. This plate supports eightremovable modules 25 in a circular array about anaxis 26 through the center of theplate 24. A lower support plate 27 (FIGS. 2A and 7 ) rests on the ledge 21L of the mounting base. It is connected toupper support plate 24 by an array of eight circularly spacedvertical support plates 28, preferably made of molded plastic and havingbosses 28B at upper and lower edges receiving screws through theholes 24H and 27H in the upper andlower support plates plates ingredient storage assembly 18 for the eightremovable dispensing modules 25 mentioned above. These modules havemotor housings 29 supportingcontainer bases 31 receiving eightingredient containers 32. Each of these containers contains a different type of solids capable of being blended into the base product flowing from the freezer to the spigot outlet when thehandle 16 is pulled down. A “solid” for such purposes may be defined as a discrete tangible edible item appearing dry to touch at 72° F., elastic or inelastic, porous or non-porous, hollow or not hollow, and having a maximum overall dimension in any direction less than or equal to about 0.300 inches. Some types of solids include, but are not limited to, nuts of different types and flavors, raisins, M & M's, chocolate chips, different flavors of fruit bits, different flavors of candy bits and sprinkles, to name a few. Others may be used too. Also, if it is found that customers have a greater preference for one type than some of the other types, more than one of the containers can be filled with the preferred type. - All of the eight modules can be identical, so a description of one will suffice. Referring to
FIG. 2A , note that the module shown to the left of theaxis 26 shows motorhousing 29 with agear motor assembly 34 inside, but a gear motor assembly for the module to the right side ofaxis 26 is omitted from the drawing to show other details of the module. Referring specifically toFIGS. 2A and 8 , eachmotor housing 29, usefully made of molded plastic, has a mountingportion 29 M which is shaped like a sector of a circle, and is received onupper support plate 24. The housing has acylindrical wall 29W projecting up fromportion 29M and forming an upwardly openingcylindrical chamber 29C (FIG. 2A ). The bottom 29B ofchamber 29C is the top of an area of mountingportion 29M and has ahole 29H which is in registry with one of the eightholes 24P in thesupport plate 24. - Container base 31 (also usefully made of molded plastic) sits atop the
motor housing 29 and has three hooks received onposts 29P ofhousing 29 and engaging and hooked toscrews 33 inposts 29P by a counterclockwise twist of the base 31 relative to thehousing 29. The bottom 31B of thecontainer base 31 has ahole 31P (FIG. 8 ) which is in a sector diametrically opposite (relative to axis 41) the sector in whichhole 24P in theupper support plate 24, andhole 29H in thehousing 29 are located, thelatter holes funnel 23. - The
gear motor assembly 34 withmotor portion 36 andreduction gear portion 37 is fastened by screws (not shown) to the bottom of the mountingportion 29M of the motor housing. Theoutput drive shaft 37S of the gear portion projects up through a small hole in the center ofchamber bottom 29B, and through thehub 38H of ingredient transfer impeller 38 (FIGS. 15A, 15B ) which has fourblades 38B circularly spaced about theshaft axis 41. The blades are about half the height of thechamber 29C. The upper portion of the leading (when the impeller is driven in the direction of arrow 42) edge of each blade is sloped up toward the trailing edge. This feature helps avoid jamming of certain types of ingredients between the impeller blades and the roof of thechamber 29C. Theshaft 37S also projects through a small hole in the center of bottom 31 B of thecontainer base 31 and through the hub of the four-arm agitator 43 (FIG. 16 ). The shaft receiving holes in the center of the transfer impeller hub and in the center of the agitator hub have a flat which matches the flat ondrive shaft 37S to drive the impeller and agitator when the motor is energized. Arubber cap 44 holds the agitator on the shaft. As shown inFIG. 16 , the agitator arms are slightly offset ahead of radii from therotational axis 41 of the agitator. Accordingly the leading edges of the agitator arms are about one-half arm's width ahead of the leading edge of the transfer impeller blades. This is shown inFIG. 16 where the impeller arms are shown in dotted lines. This feature assists in the transfer of ingredients from acontainer 32 tochamber 29C. - The
container base 31 provides an upwardly opening cylindrical chamber which friction fits and receives theneck portion 32N at the open end ofcontainer 32. The fit is close enough that there is no leakage of the dry ingredients up and out of thebase 31 around the container neck. - Each module is retained in place in at least two ways. The first way involves a motor
housing retainer plate 46 fastened toupper support plate 24 by fourscrews 47 equally spaced circularly, aboutaxis 26, withspacers 48 betweenplates tongue 29T (FIG. 8 ) of the motor housing and prevents it from tipping up. - A second way the module is retained is by a clamping
knob 51 fixed to ascrew 52 which is freely receivable into a slot inleg 53L ofbracket 53 which is fixed to the inside wall ofmotor housing 29. The slot is forked with its open end facing towardaxis 26. The screw is threaded intolower support plate 27 so that, when a module is properly inserted as in the direction of arrow 56 (FIG. 2A ) towardaxis 26, the screw is received in the fork slot and theknob 51 can be turned to clamp the module to thelower support plate 27. So it is clamped to the receiver frame ofplates - Each of the modules has two
electrical contactors 58 on the inner face of the motor housing and which, when the module is installed, engage contactors such as 59 mounted on thevertical supports 28, to enable electric power feed from an electronic controller 61 (FIG. 1 ) to themotors 36. An eightpair connector socket 62 fixed in the mounting base receivesmating plug 63 fixed in thelower support plate 27. The twocontactors 59 from all of the eight stations are wired to plug 63. A pair of leads from the socket at 62 extend inwire 64 to theplug 66 received insocket 67 at the end ofwiring 68 which enters thewiring harness 69, which extends to thecontroller 61. The wiring harness also containscables Cable 71 connects to a plug 74 for communication with thedata entry panel 76.Cable 72 connects to aplug 77 forcable 78 to anauger drive motor 79. The plug oncable 73 is connected tosocket 81 for the dispenser startswitch 82. This arrangement makes it easy to disconnect the electrical components by simply removing the mountingbase cover panel 83 from the bottom of the. mounting base and unplugging the electrical connectors. - The data entry panel (DEP) 76 is received in a downwardly opening slot 84 (
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 5) by sliding it upward into theslot 84 and intochamber 85 in the mounting base. It is retained in place by the mountingbase cover panel 83 which is screwed into the bottom of the mounting base. The face of the keypad has legends for programming the equipment, as will be described hereinafter. The output from the keypad is fed through connector 74 andcable 71 inharness 69 to thecontroller 61. - A
blender assembly 90 has a housing 91 (FIG. 2B andFIG. 18 bottom view) mounted to and supported on the freezer by a mounting bracket (not shown) to secure the blender assembly to the freezer. The blender assembly is coupled tospigot 13 byadapter 92 having upper end 92U received on and sealed by an o-ring to the spout. The adapter has flange 92F receiving acollar 92C connected to the upper.end portion 90U of the blender assembly by asplit ring retainer 92R in a circular groove in the upper end portion of the blender assembly. The adapter is sealed by an o-ring to the inside surface of theupper end portion 90 U of the blender assembly. Varieties of mounting brackets and adapters are available to accommodate different freezer configurations. Since a freezer typically dispenses in some axial direction, it can be convenient but is not necessary to adopt such axis in implementing the present invention. In the present example, anaxis 93 is established by thehousing 91 for the blender assembly. Ablender hopper 94 is mounted tohousing 91. - Since the blender hopper is to receive solid ingredients from selected ones of
containers 32, thehousing 91 has two upwardly-opening circular ports 91P to whichtubing 96 can be connected to deliver ingredients fromhopper 23 through thehousing 91 to theblender hopper 94. InFIG. 18 , these ports are shown, but need not be, located on diametrically opposite sides of thecylindrical wall 91W of the housing and which is centered onaxis 93. It is adequate to use only one of these ports for connection to the tubing, but two of them are provided to facilitate alternate entry locations for adaptation to freezers of different designs. - The illustrated
transfer tubing 96 comprises lengths of transparent PVC plastic with assorted shapes assembled to adapt to the particular freezer configuration. The tubing has a conicalupper end portion 96U receiving the taperedlower end portion 23L ofhopper 23. As can be seen inFIG. 2B , while the lower end portion of thedispensing hopper 23, and theupper end portion 96U of thetubing 96 are conical in shape to fit well together and avoid entry of dirt into thetubing 96, they are not wedged together. Being a slip-fit, the dispensing hopper and assembly above it can be separated easily from the apparatus below it if, and when desired. The lower end oftubing 96 has theelbow 96E received in one of theports 91P of thehousing 91. The unused port (or ports, if provided) 91P can be closed by a cap or caps such as 91T inFIG. 11 . - In the illustrated example, the blender hopper 94 (
FIGS. 12 and 15 ), usefully made of molded plastic, is shown in the form of a stepped conical device having two diametrically opposite outwardly-extendingtop flanges 94F, each extending approximately 60 degrees aboutaxis 93. The blender hopper is mounted to the bottom of thehousing 91 by placing the top edge of the hopper against the bottom face of the housing. Then the hopper is turned clockwise (as viewed from above) to move thehopper flanges 94F into position in grooves formed betweenarcuate retainer clips 91R (FIG. 2B ) andflanges 91B (FIG. 18 ) on the bottom of the housing. The retainer clips are of the same shape as theflanges 91B and are screwed into the bottom ofhousing 91 atflanges 91B (FIG. 18 ). - The hopper has an inner wall surface which is stepped. In the illustrated example, the wall surface includes an upper
cylindrical portion 94U withflanges 94F at the top, the upper portion extending downward to a first circle. An upperconical portion 94H extends downward from the first circle to a second circle. A secondcylindrical portion 94C extends downward from the second circle to a third circle. A secondconical portion 94L extends downward from the third circle to a fourth circle at the bottom of the hopper. A blendingchamber 94M is surrounded by thelower portion 94L of the hopper. - The blender hopper surrounds a blending
auger 97 of the screw type and which is centered onaxis 93. The blending auger has agear 98 integral with it or affixed to it and driven by a gear set 99 in adrive housing portion 91G ofhousing 91. At this point it should be mentioned that, whileFIG. 1 showstubing 96 enteringhousing 91 at a port location offset from and forward ofaxis 93,FIG. 2B showstubing 96 entering the housing at 91P to the right ofaxis 93. As mentioned above, the two ports are available for the use of whichever one or both are convenient, depending on the configuration of the freezer. Also, if desired, locations of the ports relative to each other and to thedrive housing portion 91G can be different from shown. There is anopening 91 H (FIG. 18 ) throughwall 91W in the proximal end ofdrive housing portion 91G where one of the gears in the gear set 99 engagesgear 98 on the auger, as shown inFIG. 2B . The gear set is driven by apinion 102 on the output shaft ofblender motor 79 mounted to the distal end of thedrive housing portion 91G. - The
housing ports 91P open downward into aspace 91C (FIG. 11 ) under the cylindricalinner wall 91W of thehousing 91 and open to the upper ends of the screw flights ofauger 97. The blending auger 97 (FIGS. 9-14 ), which may usefully made of molded plastic, has a central, axially extendinghollow core 97C (FIG. 10 ) on which there are twohelical flights axis 93. Each of the flights has a leading edge which is beveled downward and rearward as shown at 97L (FIG. 12 ). Each flight is contoured to have a profile which fits the profile of the stepped conicalinside wall surface blender hopper 94. Thus, it is seen that the auger flights have a profile contoured to sweep the inside space of the blender hopper outboard of the auger core as the auger is rotated onaxis 93. To improve the efficiency of the auger, the perimeter of each flight has an edge which is cylindrical or beveled to conform to where it is axially along the auger relative to the inside wall surface of the hopper. - A
spindle tube 103 is a stationary tube having a longitudinal axis co-linear withaxis 93, and is fixed to thehousing 91. The tube delivers the flow of the frozen base product from the freezer to the blendingchamber 94M. The tube also serves as an axle spindle for rotational bearing of the auger. The lower end 103B of thetube 103 is spaced above the base 94B of the blender hopper. The resulting space between the end of thetube 103 and the base 94B of the blender hopper allows the solids delivered by the auger to enter into the flow path of the frozen base product. - While the frozen base product flows, the
auger 97 rotates clockwise (viewed from above) on thetube 103 and delivers the selected solids into the blendingchamber 94M. The inside diameter d1 (FIG. 14 ) of thetube 103 is less than the overall maximum diametrical dimension d2 (FIGS. 14 and 15 ) of the flutedhopper outlet opening 94D. This allows unrestricted flow from thetube 103 through the blendingchamber 94M and then through thehopper outlet opening 94D (FIG. 14 ). This size differential allows for the inclusion of the solids into the frozen base product in the blendingchamber 94M for delivery of the blended product out through the blendedproduct outlet opening 94D. It should be understood that the outlet opening can be circular or other shapes. - Two diametrically
opposite cutouts 97P (FIGS. 9 and 11 ) in theauger core 97C near the bottom of theauger 97, allow the solids to be introduced into the flow path of the frozen base product while theauger 97 is rotating. The rotation of theauger 97, at approximately 400 rpm, inhibits the frozen base product from entering the outer circumference of the blendingchamber 94M and working upward alonghopper wall surface 94L. The rapid rotation of theauger 97 tends to confine flow of the base product to a flow path directly downward from the opening of thetube 103 and through theopening 94D. - The two
helical flights auger 97 are each provided with a two-step diminishing radius (with respect to the rotational axis 93). This diminishing radius provides a swept volume profile by the rotating auger and which fits the above-mentioned contour profile of the stepped inside wall surface (94H, 94C and 94L) of theblender hopper 94. The diminishing radius of the contoured wall of the blendingchamber 94M causes the solids to be forced inward toward the flow path of the frozen base product. The diminishing radius also counters the tendency for the base product to flow to the outer perimeters of the blendingchamber 94M. The diametricallyopposite cutouts 97P in the core wall of the auger, enable the solids to be forced inwardly into the frozen base product as it flows from thelower end 103L of the spindle tube to theoutlet opening 94D. - The
cutouts 97P through the core wall underflights FIGS. 9 -14 ) may be formed in or cut in or otherwise provided in a material. Therefore the term “cutout” should not be construed as limited to an opening that is cut into the material. -
FIG. 13 shows the core wall portions at section 13-13 inFIG. 10 , immediately uphill of the beginning of thecutouts 97.FIG. 14 shows where the inner surface of the core flares outward in curves at section 14-14 to blend into the bottom faces offlights - This provides easy entrance of solids into the frozen base product stream under the
lower end 103L ofspindle tube 103 flowing tooutlet 94D as the auger rotates in the direction of arrow 104 (FIG. 10 ), which is clockwise when viewed from the top of the auger. Portions of the inside wall of thecore 97C continues down as shown inFIGS. 11 and 14 supporting thetips 97T of the flights in cantilever fashion at the bottom ends of the flights. - It should be noted that while it is very convenient, and preferred to have the auger axis in line with the axis direction of discharge of base product from the freezer, it is not absolutely necessary. Also, while it is preferred to have the passageway from the spigot through the blender provided by a tube which also serves as the bearing axle for the auger, the auger axis could be offset from the tube axis. Also, while the tube can serve directly as the bearing for the auger, as shown, it could simply serve as a mounting for separate bearings.
- Referring to
FIG. 18 , the data entry panel (DEP) 76 has numerals 1-8, each designating a “key” by which the dispenser operator can select a different one of the eight ingredient containers. It also has several other “key” identifying legends on it, including a “cancel entry” legend, a “+”, a “−”, and an “alt time adj” legend. It also has an “output level” indicator light emitting diode set with eight enumerated levels, and an “overload” indicator light. - As indicated above, a typical embodiment of the invention is intended to be attached to a freezer capable of delivering an icy base product, to blend or mix various ingredient solids into the base product as it flows from the freezer toward a customer's serving cup. The system example described above accommodates eight different ingredients. The operator can select a single ingredient or up to as many as eight different ingredients to be blended into a single serving of the frozen base product.
- To dispense a serving to a customer, the operator determines the output level (the duration of time of operation of each of the selected ingredients) per cycle of dispensing ingredients requested by the customer. Then the operator touches those of the selector “keys” needed for the ingredients requested by the customer. This sets up the program for the
controller 61 to activate, in sequence, thedispenser motors 36 for those of the eight containers holding the ingredients requested by the customer. Then the operator pulls the draw handle 16 down, enabling the frozen base product to flow down through the auger axis passageway inspindle tube 103. When the operator pulls the draw handle down, thedraw switch 82 is closed which activates the dispensingmotor 36 in the dispensing module that represents the lowest numbered choice in the operator's selection 1-8. As the motor activates, it rotates thetransfer impeller 38 that takes the ingredient solids from the selectedcontainer 32 and transfers them to the registeringopenings dispensing hopper 23. The transfer impeller serves both as a valve and a device to transfer the ingredients toward thedispenser hopper 23. The solids flow down through thetransfer tubing 96 into theblender hopper 94 and down through the hopper under control of theauger 97, into theblender chamber 94M where the solids are integrated into the frozen base product as the base product flows out of the lower end ofspindle tube 103. - At the same time that the draw switch is closed to start the dispensing process, the
blender motor 79 is activated, rotating the blendingauger 97 in a clockwise direction (viewed from above) to force the ingredient solids into the frozen base product while it flows from the spindle tube through the hopper outlet opening 94D into a cone or dish for the customer. If the operator has selected a multiple of possible choices of ingredients, the system dispenses each choice singularly and in the ascending sequence of the numbers of the choices selected on the DEP (data entry panel) 76. The operating time is equal for each dispensing module during a sequence through the operator's selection. When the system has sequenced through all of the choices (completed a cycle), it returns to the initial choice and continues the rotation through the selected choices until the operator chooses to discontinue the process by closing the spigot draw handle. The operating time for each module can be changed to increase or decrease the cycle time for each serving, by touching the “alt time adj” “key” and the “+” or “−” key. As the operator changes the cycle time, the “output level” lights are illuminated accordingly to indicate the output of the solids into the frozen base product. For example, if the adjustment is such thatlight 9 is on, it indicates that each module in a selection following the “alt time adj” adjustment will dispense solids longer in a cycle than if the adjustment were such thatlight 6 was on. The average typical cycle time is 1 second. The preferred minimum cycle time is 0.2 seconds. The preferred maximum cycle time is 2.0 seconds. Other cycle characteristics can be specified, if desired. The draw duration is typically between 5 and 10 seconds. This depends primarily upon the size of serving to be delivered to the customer, and the delivery speed of which the freezer is capable. In any case, thecontroller 61 will repeat the cycling through the choices as long as thedraw switch 82 remains closed. It should be understood that some freezers have switch keys, rather than handles to operate a switch to draw the frozen base product from the freezer. In such cases, such switch can be used instead ofswitch 82 to operate the apparatus of the present invention. Therefore the term “switch” where used in the claims which follow herein, should not be construed as limited to a separate, handle operated switch, except where required by claim context. - To refill a container, the module is removed by loosening the retaining
knob 51, and pulling the module radially outward. Then it is inverted, so that thecontainer 32 is upright. Then the module is pulled upward off the container. Then the container can be refilled with the same ingredient, or cleaned and refilled with some other ingredient. - From the above description, it can be recognized that all of the disclosed apparatus can be easily disassembled for cleaning, and then re-assembled.
- The apparatus can be powered conveniently by any suitable electric source, an example being a power supply portion of
controller 61 and operable on either 110 or 220 volts at 50 or 60 hertz. - The above description refers to the use of a draw handle to initiate delivery of base product from the freezer, and delivery through a spigot, and a switch associated with the draw handle to initiate operation of the dispenser motors and the auger. It should be noted that the invention is useful on a variety of freezers. Therefore, initiation of flow of the base product and controller functions can be triggered by some initiator other than a draw handle. Examples include but are not limited to a switch key or a sound or voice-activated switch. The use of the term “key” should be understood to mean some activator spot or device responsive to the operator's command, however delivered. Wiring, electronics and software for the selector and controller to produce the functions described herein are well within the skill of the art, and description herein would be superfluous.
- Therefore, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only a preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.
Claims (11)
1. A method for blending dry edible solid ingredients with a frozen base product comprising:
starting a flow of the frozen base product from a freezer outlet to a blending chamber to flow through the chamber to a blended product outlet;
selecting a plurality of types of edible ingredient solids and entering solids of the selected types into said blending chamber;
augering said selected types solids into flow of said base product when flowing through said chamber and thereby producing a blend of said solids in said frozen base product; and
delivering said blend out of said blending chamber through said blended product outlet.
2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:
storing in containers, a plurality of solids of different types of edible ingredients, each different type in a different container;
selecting certain ones of said different types for blending;
releasing the solids of the selected types from those of said containers storing said selected types, into the flow of said frozen-base product; and
blending the solids of the selected types into the flow of said frozen-base product.
3. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:
rotating transfer impellers by motor drivers for releasing said solids.
4. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:
releasing said solids of said selected types in sequence of one type following another type.
5. The method of claim 4 and further comprising:
predetermining the said sequence prior to starting the flow of said frozen base product;
releasing each of said selected types for a certain period, and releasing all selected types in a release sequence cycle; and
repeating said sequence cycles while said frozen base product continues to flow to the blending chamber.
6. The method of claim 5 and further comprising:
actuating a device for starting the flow of said frozen base product from the freezer outlet; and
responding to the actuation of the device to initiate the releasing and augering of said solids into said blending chamber.
7. The method of claim 6 and further comprising:
using actuation of said device to initiate operation of both a blender motor and the said sequence cycle.
8. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:
using a rotary auger with spiral flights formed around a hollow core with a longitudinal axis; and
flowing said frozen base product from said freezer outlet downward through said core toward said blended product outlet.
9. The method of claim 8 and further comprising:
providing a wall having an inside surface circular around said axis and surrounding said auger;
providing matching profiles of said auger and said inside surface thereby fitting said auger to said inside surface;
sweeping downward on said surface with said auger flights while rotating said auger relative to said wall, on said axis;
using a conical portion of said interior surface to guide said solids inward as they are swept downward by said rotating auger, into said frozen base product flowing downward from said core through said chamber to said blended product outlet.
10. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:
admitting solids swept downward, into said flowing frozen base product, through cutouts between flights in said core.
11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising:
enabling solids guided inward into said cutouts as said auger is rotated, to move upward relative to the bottom of the flight above the cutout at the location of entry of the solid into the cutout, and move inwardly along a curved surface of said auger toward said axis and into said flowing frozen base product.
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- 2005-03-07 DE DE602005024937T patent/DE602005024937D1/en active Active
- 2005-03-07 CA CA2557674A patent/CA2557674C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-07 EP EP05724774A patent/EP1729875B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-03-07 CN CN2005800144327A patent/CN1968738B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-07 RU RU2006136359/13A patent/RU2006136359A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-03-07 JP JP2007502889A patent/JP2007528225A/en active Pending
- 2005-03-07 BR BRPI0508599-3A patent/BRPI0508599A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2006
- 2006-12-12 US US11/609,533 patent/US20070082098A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1729875A4 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
CN1968738B (en) | 2011-09-14 |
WO2005086749A2 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
EP1729875B1 (en) | 2010-11-24 |
ATE489162T1 (en) | 2010-12-15 |
CN1968738A (en) | 2007-05-23 |
JP2007528225A (en) | 2007-10-11 |
BRPI0508599A (en) | 2007-08-21 |
US7178976B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 |
DE602005024937D1 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
CA2557674A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
WO2005086749A3 (en) | 2006-03-16 |
CA2557674C (en) | 2012-02-21 |
EP1729875A2 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
US20050201196A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
RU2006136359A (en) | 2008-04-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FLAVOR BURST CO., INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GERBER, ERNEST C.;REEL/FRAME:018620/0287 Effective date: 20040309 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |