US20150245635A1 - Apparatus and method for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product Download PDFInfo
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- US20150245635A1 US20150245635A1 US14/430,306 US201314430306A US2015245635A1 US 20150245635 A1 US20150245635 A1 US 20150245635A1 US 201314430306 A US201314430306 A US 201314430306A US 2015245635 A1 US2015245635 A1 US 2015245635A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- agitator
- mix
- confectionary
- frozen
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Classifications
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- 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
- A23G9/08—Batch production
- A23G9/10—Batch production using containers which are rotated or otherwise moved in a cooling medium
- A23G9/103—Batch production using containers which are rotated or otherwise moved in a cooling medium the container rotating about its own axis
- A23G9/106—Batch production using containers which are rotated or otherwise moved in a cooling medium the container rotating about its own axis provided with agitating means
-
- 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
- A23G9/06—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream characterised by using carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide snow or other cryogenic agents as cooling medium
-
- 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
- A23G9/20—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream the products being mixed with gas, e.g. soft-ice
-
- 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
- A23G9/224—Agitators or scrapers
-
- 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
- A23G9/44—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor characterised by shape, structure or physical form
- A23G9/46—Aerated, foamed, cellular or porous products
Definitions
- the present invention relates to apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,754,266 describes a method of making ice cream in which liquid nitrogen is added to an unfrozen ice cream mix whilst being churned. The ice cream is made in situ within a paper cup.
- Liquid gas cannot be added into the bulk of the ice cream mix as the resulting rapid expansion of gas causes the ice cream mix to be projected out of the cup. Consequently, liquid gas is poured on top of the ice cream mix, freezing its upper surface only. A centrifugal action from the rotation of the vessel forces the liquid-gas outwardly. This causes a build up of hard frozen ice-cream around the inside wall of the cup.
- the ice cream tends to freeze preferentially onto the mixing instrument. This clogging results in the frozen mix being moved around the cup on the mixing instrument rather than being mixed.
- the epicyclic motion of the mixing instrument tends to splash liquid nitrogen sitting on the surface of the ice cream mix. A significant proportion of the splashed liquid gas is wasted as it evaporates away from the ice cream mix without contributing to the freezing process.
- a method of making a frozen confectionary product in which an unfrozen confectionary mix, agitated within a vessel, is cooled and frozen by a liquid gas; wherein an agitator agitating the mix has a motion which comprises repeatedly drawing the agitator substantially against an inside wall of the vessel.
- the invention is particularly beneficial in the manufacture of personal sized portions of confectionary mixture as it significantly reduces the amount of splashing of both liquid gas and confectionary mix. Additionally, the contact between the agitator and the vessel removes build up of frozen mix on both parts thereby allowing: unfrozen mix to move to the edges of the vessel and be preferentially frozen, and reducing the likelihood of mix clogging onto the agitator.
- the motion comprises repeatedly drawing the agitator substantially against a side wall of the vessel.
- the agitator is moved relative to the vessel in order to contact the vessel wall, however it may be possible to move the vessel to the agitator, or both the agitator and vessel in order to achieve the same effect.
- the vessel is rotated in order that a subsequent motion causes the agitator to draw against a different portion of the inside wall of the vessel.
- substantially all of the circumference of the inside wall is scraped by the agitator.
- the agitator is drawn downwardly against the side wall of the vessel towards the base of the vessel.
- contact of the agitator and the vessel's inside wall starts above or substantially near the surface of the confectionary mix, and the agitator then drawn downwardly through the confectionary mix.
- the motion comprises an opposing movement in which the agitator moves away from the inside wall of the vessel.
- this is combined with an upward movement in order to bring the agitator out from the confectionary mix.
- the supply of liquid gas in the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,754,266 comprises a dewar vessel 6 having an outlet at its bottom and a valve 10 , having a relatively large thermal mass, for controlling the flow of liquid gas through the outlet under gravity.
- a valve 10 having a relatively large thermal mass, for controlling the flow of liquid gas through the outlet under gravity.
- valve 10 Each time valve 10 is opened, the liquid gas the first portion of fluid will cool the valve 10 down to temperature. A portion of the liquid is wasted as it evaporates during cooling of the valve 10 . This also creates a delay in the supply of liquid gas to the vessel until the valve has cooled sufficiently.
- a reservoir for holding a liquid gas having:
- valve body Because the valve body is located within the reservoir, in contact with the liquid gas, the valve body is cooled down substantially to the temperature of the liquid gas. When it is required to dispense an amount of liquid gas from the reservoir, none of the dispensed liquid is wasted through cooling of the valve body. As well as reducing waste of liquid gas, it also reduces the delay between opening the valve and liquid gas being dispensed to the confectionary mix.
- valve body is arranged to be at least partly submerged in the liquid gas.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mixer and vessel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the mixer and vessel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4A-4H are side elevations of a mixer and vessel illustrating the motion of the agitator during mixing.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic of apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product which includes multiple mixers.
- the apparatus comprises a paper cup 26 (or other vessel) for holding a single portion of confection mix 26 A and a mixer 20 having a mixing element 24 for mixing the confection mix within the cup 26 and means to supply a liquid gas into the cup 26 to freeze the confectionary mix.
- a dewer 1 holding a supply of liquid gas, commonly liquid nitrogen, a pump 2 for pressurizing the liquid gas within the dewer 1 , a thermally insulated conduit 3 for carrying liquid gas under pressure from the dewer 1 to a reservoir 4 .
- the reservoir 4 comprises a thermally insulated container.
- the reservoir 4 comprises nested walls 4 A, 4 B, the cavity 4 C therebetween between being partially evacuated.
- the reservoir 4 comprise an inlet 5 for receiving liquid gas from dewar 1 , and a thermally insulated conduit 6 passing through walls 4 A, 4 B forming an outlet.
- Conduit 6 guides flow of the liquid gas from the reservoir 4 to mixing cup 26 .
- the conduit 6 passes through lower portion of walls 4 A, 4 B, though in alternative embodiments it may pass through an upper portion.
- valve 7 comprising an inlet conduit 7 A, valve casing 7 B and valve element 7 C operated by a solenoid mechanism 8 .
- a further opening is formed in upper portions of walls 4 A, 4 B which provides an air vent 9 .
- the vent may be opened or closed by a float valve 10 .
- liquid gas pressurised within dewar 1 flows along conduit 3 into and fills reservoir 4 .
- the vent 9 which is open during the filling process, allows evaporated liquid gas to escape from the reservoir cavity 4 . This is particularly important at the start of the filling process because a substantial volume of gas will be generated as the inner wall 4 B and the valve 7 are cooled to the temperate of the liquid gas. Filling of the reservoir 4 continues until the pressure within the reservoir substantially equals that of the liquid gas flowing from dewar 1 .
- solenoid mechanism 8 which lies at least partly outside of the reservoir cavity, is activated moving valve element 7 C to allow a flow of liquid gas under pressure through outlet 6 . Because the liquid gas flows under a pressure greater than gravity, it is possible to have the outlet of the reservoir 4 formed in an upper part of the reservoir 4 , or/and for the outlet of conduit 6 to be located above reservoir 4 . This may be particularly advantageous where it is required that the reservoir 4 be held below the vessel 26 .
- Valve 10 may also be periodically opened (manually or otherwise) to allow venting of gas, such as may be required if liquid gas is held within the reservoir 4 for a time.
- Mixer 20 comprises stand 21 which carries a cantilevered arm 22 .
- Arm 22 is carried by stand 21 via a linking mechanism 23 allowing arm 22 to rotate relative to stand 21 .
- Mounted onto the free end 22 A of arm 22 is an agitating assembly comprising an agitation element 24 and motor assembly 25 .
- arm head 22 A sits above vessel 26 so that the agitation element 24 extends into the vessel 26 .
- the vessel 26 is supported on a motorised support 27 that in operation causes the vessel 26 to rotate about a vertical axis as viewed in FIG. 1 passing substantially through the centre of the cup 26 .
- the agitating assembly is mounted onto arm head 22 A about pivot 28 which allows the agitating assembly to rotate relative to arm 22 about an axis X-X.
- the extent of rotation is restricted by a stop 29 provided on the agitating assembly that passes through a slot 30 of the arm.
- a spring 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 4A ) is attached between stop 29 and an anchor 32 on the arm 22 .
- the spring 31 acts to bias the agitating element 24 towards a substantially vertical orientation.
- the end of the agitating element 24 comprises an elongate portion 24 A terminating with an enlarged head 24 B having a serrated outer edge 24 C to assist removal of frozen confection product from the walls of the vessel 26 .
- the motor 25 when in operation, causes the agitation element 24 to rotate about an axis running substantially through the length of the elongate portion 24 A
- movement of the arm is effected by a motor 230 mounted onto supporter 21 .
- a gearing mechanism 231 operation of the motor 230 turns radial arms 232 , 233 in like directions about pivot points 234 , 235 located towards at one end of each radial arm 232 , 233 .
- Pins 236 , 237 located towards the other end of the radial arms 232 , 233 provide pivotal mountings for arm 22 .
- the linking mechanism 23 provides a motion to the agitating element 24 described below and illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H .
- the agitating element 24 moves away from the wall towards the centre of the cup 26 and simultaneous upwards thereby dragging with it, with the aid of the flange of broaden head 24 B, unfrozen confectionary mix 26 A to the surface ( FIG. 4E , 4 F).
- spring 31 causes the agitation assembly to assume its original orientation.
- the agitation element 24 is lifted out of the confectionary mix to it original position shown in FIG. 4A .
- the above movements all occur in a single vertical plane.
- the cup 26 In order that ice cream is scraped from substantially all surfaces of the cup 26 , the cup 26 is caused to rotate about axis Y-Y (see FIG. 3 ). Scraping of the ice cream from the surface of the vessel is assisted through the rotation of agitating element 24 about it primary axis.
- the upstanding wall of a paper cup 26 is commonly formed from a single sheet of paper product which is curved with one edge overlapping and joined (usually glued) to an opposite edge. To ensure that this rotation does not cause damage to this join, the rotational direction of the agitating element 24 is selected to ensure that the edge of the agitation would first contact the upper (furthest inward) edge forming the join.
- unfrozen ice-cream mix 26 A is placed into a paper cup 26 and mounted onto motorised support 27 .
- Valve 7 is opened to allow a portion of liquid gas to be poured into the cup 26 onto the ice cream mix.
- Motors 230 , 25 and 27 which are linked to (and controlled by) a control unit (not shown) are switched on so as to cause arm 22 , agitation element 24 and cup 26 to rotate.
- the cup 26 may be provided with a removable splash ring 28 (see FIG. 1 ) shaped to sit against an upper part of the inside wall of vessel 26 and extend above the lip of vessel 26 .
- Splash ring 28 reduces the incidence of spillage of confectionary mix or liquid gas out from the cup 26 during mixing, it also reduces/prevents said spillage onto the upper portion of the vessel. This is beneficial where the ice cream mix is consumed directed from the cup 26 as it provides a clean inner rim which makes the cup (with product) look more aesthetically pleasing.
- the vessel 26 is a paper cup or other disposable or once time item, it may take other forms, e.g. comprised from plastic or metal and may be washed and reused.
- the agitating element may be formed, in part or whole, from a resiliently flexible material arranged to resiliently flex when the agitating element contacts the vessel wall.
- the agitating element could take other forms, e.g. such as any of the mixing element commonly used with food mixers. Further it could take the form of a spoon like element and be replaceable/disposable, e.g. used as a one time piece which is then used to consume the product.
- the liquid gas is poured into the vessel, in other embodiments, the liquid gas may poured or otherwise directed around the outside of the vessel wall.
- the agitation element can still function as before, scraping frozen mix from the inside wall of the vessel and mixing it in with the reset of the unfrozen product.
- liquid nitrogen Any other suitable liquid gas may be used instead of liquid nitrogen.
- the agitating element is caused to move relative to the vessel
- the vessel may be caused instead to move relative to the agitator.
- the relative movement may be achieved through movement of both agitator and vessel.
- the reservoir 4 may be omitted such that liquid gas flows directly from the dewar 1 via a conduit to the vessel 26 under control of a valve.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an ice cream cart incorporating the above described apparatus.
- the cart may be motorised or otherwise.
- Dewer 4 feeds liquid gas via conduit 3 to two reservoirs 4 serving two mixers 20 and corresponding vessels 26 which sit on a work surface on top of the cart. In order to allow multiple servings confectionary product serving to made simultaneously.
- Dewer 4 which is carried in the cart is sized to supply sufficient volume of liquid gas as is expected for a days trading. It can be refilled at the beginning/end of the day by larger commercial vessels 40 A 40 B.
- a pipe 51 carries pumped mix from the keg 50 for dispensing into cups 26 .
- Control of the flow of mix through pipe 51 is provided by a valve, in the form of a hand held trigger tap at the free end of the pipe 51 .
- Keg 51 is held within a refrigerated chamber 60 .
- the chilling of chamber 60 is provided by piping cold vented gas which has evaporated in reservoirs 4 and passed out of vents 9 , via conduit 61 into chamber 60 .
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Abstract
The invention relates to apparatus and method of making a frozen confectionary product such as ice cream or sorbet in which a confectionary mix is churned in a vessel whilst a liquid gas such as liquid nitrogen is added. Existing churning apparatus moves a stirrer through the ice cream mix in an epicyclical motion. This tends to splash liquid nitrogen so that it evaporates without contributing to the freezing of the ice cream. In the improved mixing method, the stirrer is repeatedly drawn against the inside wall(s) of the vessel. This reduces splashing of the liquid nitrogen. The drawing action also removes build up of frozen confectionary product on both the stirrer and the vessel walls and allows unfrozen confectionary mix to move to the edges of the vessel and be preferentially frozen.
Description
- The present invention relates to apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,754,266 describes a method of making ice cream in which liquid nitrogen is added to an unfrozen ice cream mix whilst being churned. The ice cream is made in situ within a paper cup.
- Liquid gas cannot be added into the bulk of the ice cream mix as the resulting rapid expansion of gas causes the ice cream mix to be projected out of the cup. Consequently, liquid gas is poured on top of the ice cream mix, freezing its upper surface only. A centrifugal action from the rotation of the vessel forces the liquid-gas outwardly. This causes a build up of hard frozen ice-cream around the inside wall of the cup.
- The ice cream tends to freeze preferentially onto the mixing instrument. This clogging results in the frozen mix being moved around the cup on the mixing instrument rather than being mixed.
- The epicyclic motion of the mixing instrument tends to splash liquid nitrogen sitting on the surface of the ice cream mix. A significant proportion of the splashed liquid gas is wasted as it evaporates away from the ice cream mix without contributing to the freezing process.
- According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a frozen confectionary product in which an unfrozen confectionary mix, agitated within a vessel, is cooled and frozen by a liquid gas; wherein an agitator agitating the mix has a motion which comprises repeatedly drawing the agitator substantially against an inside wall of the vessel.
- The invention is particularly beneficial in the manufacture of personal sized portions of confectionary mixture as it significantly reduces the amount of splashing of both liquid gas and confectionary mix. Additionally, the contact between the agitator and the vessel removes build up of frozen mix on both parts thereby allowing: unfrozen mix to move to the edges of the vessel and be preferentially frozen, and reducing the likelihood of mix clogging onto the agitator.
- It is preferred that the motion comprises repeatedly drawing the agitator substantially against a side wall of the vessel.
- It is preferred that the agitator is moved relative to the vessel in order to contact the vessel wall, however it may be possible to move the vessel to the agitator, or both the agitator and vessel in order to achieve the same effect.
- Preferably the vessel is rotated in order that a subsequent motion causes the agitator to draw against a different portion of the inside wall of the vessel. In this preferred method, substantially all of the circumference of the inside wall is scraped by the agitator.
- It is preferred that the agitator is drawn downwardly against the side wall of the vessel towards the base of the vessel. Preferably contact of the agitator and the vessel's inside wall starts above or substantially near the surface of the confectionary mix, and the agitator then drawn downwardly through the confectionary mix.
- In order to increase the amount of mixing, it is preferred that the motion comprises an opposing movement in which the agitator moves away from the inside wall of the vessel. Preferably this is combined with an upward movement in order to bring the agitator out from the confectionary mix.
- The supply of liquid gas in the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,754,266 comprises a dewar vessel 6 having an outlet at its bottom and a valve 10, having a relatively large thermal mass, for controlling the flow of liquid gas through the outlet under gravity. Each time valve 10 is opened, the liquid gas the first portion of fluid will cool the valve 10 down to temperature. A portion of the liquid is wasted as it evaporates during cooling of the valve 10. This also creates a delay in the supply of liquid gas to the vessel until the valve has cooled sufficiently.
- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a reservoir for holding a liquid gas the reservoir having:
-
- an outlet for allowing liquid gas to flow out from the reservoir;
- a valve, having a valve body, to control the flow of fluid through the outlet, the valve body being located within the reservoir so that when the reservoir is filled at least one outer surface in contact with liquid gas within the reservoir.
- Because the valve body is located within the reservoir, in contact with the liquid gas, the valve body is cooled down substantially to the temperature of the liquid gas. When it is required to dispense an amount of liquid gas from the reservoir, none of the dispensed liquid is wasted through cooling of the valve body. As well as reducing waste of liquid gas, it also reduces the delay between opening the valve and liquid gas being dispensed to the confectionary mix.
- It is preferred that the valve body is arranged to be at least partly submerged in the liquid gas.
- The invention will now be described by example with reference to the following figures in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic of apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mixer and vessel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the mixer and vessel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4A-4H are side elevations of a mixer and vessel illustrating the motion of the agitator during mixing; and -
FIG. 5 is a schematic of apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionary product which includes multiple mixers. - Referring to
FIG. 1 there is illustrated schematically, apparatus for making a frozen confectionary product, such as ice cream. In overview, the apparatus comprises a paper cup 26 (or other vessel) for holding a single portion of confection mix 26A and amixer 20 having amixing element 24 for mixing the confection mix within thecup 26 and means to supply a liquid gas into thecup 26 to freeze the confectionary mix. In detail, there is shown adewer 1 holding a supply of liquid gas, commonly liquid nitrogen, a pump 2 for pressurizing the liquid gas within thedewer 1, a thermally insulated conduit 3 for carrying liquid gas under pressure from thedewer 1 to areservoir 4. Thereservoir 4 comprises a thermally insulated container. In this instance thereservoir 4 comprises nested walls 4A, 4B, the cavity 4C therebetween between being partially evacuated. Thereservoir 4 comprise aninlet 5 for receiving liquid gas fromdewar 1, and a thermally insulated conduit 6 passing through walls 4A, 4B forming an outlet. Conduit 6 guides flow of the liquid gas from thereservoir 4 to mixingcup 26. In this example the conduit 6 passes through lower portion of walls 4A, 4B, though in alternative embodiments it may pass through an upper portion. - Within the reservoir cavity formed within wall 4B sits a
valve 7 comprising an inlet conduit 7A, valve casing 7B and valve element 7C operated by a solenoid mechanism 8. A further opening is formed in upper portions of walls 4A, 4B which provides an air vent 9. The vent may be opened or closed by a float valve 10. - In operation liquid gas pressurised within
dewar 1 flows along conduit 3 into and fillsreservoir 4. The vent 9, which is open during the filling process, allows evaporated liquid gas to escape from thereservoir cavity 4. This is particularly important at the start of the filling process because a substantial volume of gas will be generated as the inner wall 4B and thevalve 7 are cooled to the temperate of the liquid gas. Filling of thereservoir 4 continues until the pressure within the reservoir substantially equals that of the liquid gas flowing fromdewar 1. - When it is wished to dispense liquid gas from the
reservoir 4, solenoid mechanism 8, which lies at least partly outside of the reservoir cavity, is activated moving valve element 7C to allow a flow of liquid gas under pressure through outlet 6. Because the liquid gas flows under a pressure greater than gravity, it is possible to have the outlet of thereservoir 4 formed in an upper part of thereservoir 4, or/and for the outlet of conduit 6 to be located abovereservoir 4. This may be particularly advantageous where it is required that thereservoir 4 be held below thevessel 26. - Valve 10 may also be periodically opened (manually or otherwise) to allow venting of gas, such as may be required if liquid gas is held within the
reservoir 4 for a time. -
Mixer 20 comprises stand 21 which carries a cantilevered arm 22. Arm 22 is carried by stand 21 via a linkingmechanism 23 allowing arm 22 to rotate relative to stand 21. Mounted onto the free end 22A of arm 22 is an agitating assembly comprising anagitation element 24 and motor assembly 25. - In an operating position, arm head 22A sits above
vessel 26 so that theagitation element 24 extends into thevessel 26. Thevessel 26 is supported on amotorised support 27 that in operation causes thevessel 26 to rotate about a vertical axis as viewed inFIG. 1 passing substantially through the centre of thecup 26. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the agitating assembly is mounted onto arm head 22A about pivot 28 which allows the agitating assembly to rotate relative to arm 22 about an axis X-X. The extent of rotation is restricted by astop 29 provided on the agitating assembly that passes through a slot 30 of the arm. A spring 31 (seeFIGS. 1 and 4A ) is attached betweenstop 29 and ananchor 32 on the arm 22. The spring 31 acts to bias the agitatingelement 24 towards a substantially vertical orientation. - As seen best in
FIG. 3 , the end of the agitatingelement 24 comprises an elongate portion 24A terminating with an enlarged head 24B having a serratedouter edge 24C to assist removal of frozen confection product from the walls of thevessel 26. The motor 25, when in operation, causes theagitation element 24 to rotate about an axis running substantially through the length of the elongate portion 24A - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 movement of the arm is effected by amotor 230 mounted onto supporter 21. Through a gearing mechanism 231 operation of themotor 230 turnsradial arms 232, 233 in like directions about pivot points 234, 235 located towards at one end of eachradial arm 232, 233.Pins radial arms 232, 233 provide pivotal mountings for arm 22. - When
motor 230 operates, the linkingmechanism 23 provides a motion to the agitatingelement 24 described below and illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4H . - From the initial position illustrated in
FIG. 4A , rotation of the two radial arms of the linking mechanism causes the agitatingelement 24 to move downwards and towards the right hand side of thecup 26 as viewed inFIG. 4B until it makes contact with the inside wall ofcup 26. Further movement of arm 22 to the right causes the agitating element assembly to rotate about pivot 28 so that agitatingelement 24 maintains contact with inner wallFIGS. 4C , 4D as the agitator moves downwards towards the base of thevessel 26. This scrapes solidified (frozen) confectionary mix 26A which preferentially forms on the edges of thecup 26, and the upper surface of thevessel 26 and pushes it down towards the bottom of thevessel 26. Once at or towards the base of thecup 26, the agitatingelement 24 moves away from the wall towards the centre of thecup 26 and simultaneous upwards thereby dragging with it, with the aid of the flange of broaden head 24B, unfrozen confectionary mix 26A to the surface (FIG. 4E , 4F). Once theagitation element 24 loses contact with the wall ofcup 26, spring 31 causes the agitation assembly to assume its original orientation. Theagitation element 24 is lifted out of the confectionary mix to it original position shown inFIG. 4A . The above movements all occur in a single vertical plane. - In order that ice cream is scraped from substantially all surfaces of the
cup 26, thecup 26 is caused to rotate about axis Y-Y (seeFIG. 3 ). Scraping of the ice cream from the surface of the vessel is assisted through the rotation of agitatingelement 24 about it primary axis. - The upstanding wall of a
paper cup 26 is commonly formed from a single sheet of paper product which is curved with one edge overlapping and joined (usually glued) to an opposite edge. To ensure that this rotation does not cause damage to this join, the rotational direction of the agitatingelement 24 is selected to ensure that the edge of the agitation would first contact the upper (furthest inward) edge forming the join. - To make an ice cream product, unfrozen ice-cream mix 26A is placed into a
paper cup 26 and mounted ontomotorised support 27.Valve 7 is opened to allow a portion of liquid gas to be poured into thecup 26 onto the ice cream mix. -
Motors agitation element 24 andcup 26 to rotate. - The
cup 26 may be provided with a removable splash ring 28 (seeFIG. 1 ) shaped to sit against an upper part of the inside wall ofvessel 26 and extend above the lip ofvessel 26. Splash ring 28 reduces the incidence of spillage of confectionary mix or liquid gas out from thecup 26 during mixing, it also reduces/prevents said spillage onto the upper portion of the vessel. This is beneficial where the ice cream mix is consumed directed from thecup 26 as it provides a clean inner rim which makes the cup (with product) look more aesthetically pleasing. - Although it is preferred that the
vessel 26 is a paper cup or other disposable or once time item, it may take other forms, e.g. comprised from plastic or metal and may be washed and reused. - Rather than using spring 31 other forms of biasing means may be used, for example, the agitating element may be formed, in part or whole, from a resiliently flexible material arranged to resiliently flex when the agitating element contacts the vessel wall.
- The agitating element could take other forms, e.g. such as any of the mixing element commonly used with food mixers. Further it could take the form of a spoon like element and be replaceable/disposable, e.g. used as a one time piece which is then used to consume the product.
- Although it is generally expected that the liquid gas is poured into the vessel, in other embodiments, the liquid gas may poured or otherwise directed around the outside of the vessel wall. The agitation element can still function as before, scraping frozen mix from the inside wall of the vessel and mixing it in with the reset of the unfrozen product.
- Any other suitable liquid gas may be used instead of liquid nitrogen.
- Although in the above example the agitating element is caused to move relative to the vessel, in an alternative embodiment the vessel may be caused instead to move relative to the agitator. Further alternatively, the relative movement may be achieved through movement of both agitator and vessel.
- In alternative embodiments, the
reservoir 4 may be omitted such that liquid gas flows directly from thedewar 1 via a conduit to thevessel 26 under control of a valve. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an ice cream cart incorporating the above described apparatus. Like parts will be given like numbers. The cart may be motorised or otherwise.Dewer 4 feeds liquid gas via conduit 3 to tworeservoirs 4 serving twomixers 20 and correspondingvessels 26 which sit on a work surface on top of the cart. In order to allow multiple servings confectionary product serving to made simultaneously.Dewer 4, which is carried in the cart is sized to supply sufficient volume of liquid gas as is expected for a days trading. It can be refilled at the beginning/end of the day by larger commercial vessels 40A 40B. - Also held within the cart is a refrigerated keg storing unfrozen confectionary mix. A pipe 51 carries pumped mix from the
keg 50 for dispensing intocups 26. Control of the flow of mix through pipe 51 is provided by a valve, in the form of a hand held trigger tap at the free end of the pipe 51. Keg 51 is held within a refrigerated chamber 60. The chilling of chamber 60 is provided by piping cold vented gas which has evaporated inreservoirs 4 and passed out of vents 9, via conduit 61 into chamber 60.
Claims (15)
1. A method of making a frozen confectionary product in which an unfrozen confectionary mix, agitated within a vessel, is cooled and frozen by a liquid gas; wherein an agitator agitating the unfrozen confectionary mix has a motion which comprises repeatedly drawing the agitator against an inside wall of the vessel.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the vessel is rotated in order that a subsequent motion causes the agitator to draw against a different portion of the inside wall of the vessel.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the agitator is drawn downwardly towards the base of the vessel.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the motion comprises an opposing movement in which the agitator moves away from the inside wall of the vessel.
5. A method according to claim 3 wherein the motion comprises an opposing upward movement in which the agitator moves away from the inside wall of the vessel.
6. A method according claim 1 wherein in addition to the motion, the agitator is caused to rotate about its primary axis.
7-14. (canceled)
15. A method according to claim 1 wherein the liquid gas is delivered into the vessel.
16. A method of making a frozen confectionary product in which an unfrozen confectionary mix, agitated within a vessel, is cooled and frozen by a liquid gas:
characterised in that an agitator agitates the mix with a cyclic motion comprising:
a downward movement through the confectionary mix towards the base of the vessel which moves frozen confectionary mix from an inner surface of the vessel towards the base of the vessel; and
an upward movement which moves unfrozen confectionary mix towards the surface of the confectionary mix; there further being a transversal movement such that the upward and downward movements do not occur within the same part within the vessel.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the cyclic motion comprises:
a downward movement running proximate to an inside wall of the vessel; and
that during the upward movement the agitator runs nearer the centre of the vessel as compared with the downward movement.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein in the downward movement the agitator contacts the inside wall of the vessel.
19. A method according to claim 16 wherein the agitator also rotates about its primary axis.
20. A method according to claim 16 wherein the vessel rotates.
21. Apparatus for making a frozen confectionary product comprising:
an agitator driven to agitate a confectionary mix within a vessel; and
means to supply a liquid-gas to cool and freeze the confectionary mix within the vessel, wherein the agitator is driven to be repeatedly drawn against an inner wall of the vessel.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 for making a single portion of a frozen confectionary product.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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GB1216945.4 | 2012-09-21 | ||
GB1216945.4A GB2506155A (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2012-09-21 | Making ice cream with liquid gas |
PCT/GB2013/052478 WO2014045060A1 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2013-09-23 | Apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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PCT/GB2013/052478 A-371-Of-International WO2014045060A1 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2013-09-23 | Apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product |
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US15/917,141 Division US10743561B2 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2018-03-09 | Apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product |
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US20150245635A1 true US20150245635A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
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US15/917,141 Active 2033-11-10 US10743561B2 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2018-03-09 | Apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product |
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US15/917,141 Active 2033-11-10 US10743561B2 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2018-03-09 | Apparatus and method for making a frozen confectionary product |
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US (2) | US20150245635A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2897469B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104735997A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013319938A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2506155A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014045060A1 (en) |
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US20170360062A1 (en) * | 2014-12-04 | 2017-12-21 | Bioenergy Italia S.R.L. | Equipment and process for processing food creams |
CN108342520A (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2018-07-31 | 福建省农业科学院亚热带农业研究所(福建省农业科学院蔗麻研究中心) | A kind of method brown sugar syrup sanding equipment modelled after an antique and its working method |
JP2019198323A (en) * | 2018-05-14 | 2019-11-21 | エイエルアイ グループ ソチエタ ア レスポンサビリタ リミタータ カルピジャーニALI GROUP S.r.l.CARPIGIANI | Machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food product |
US20220330603A1 (en) * | 2021-04-16 | 2022-10-20 | Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. | Device and method for producing foamed food product |
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IT201600090540A1 (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2018-03-07 | Noitre S R L | KEEPER FOR FROZEN PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN CONTAINERS. |
IT201700003918A1 (en) * | 2017-01-16 | 2018-07-16 | Pierluigi Carlan | APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ICE CREAMS |
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- 2013-09-23 CN CN201380053134.3A patent/CN104735997A/en active Pending
- 2013-09-23 US US14/430,306 patent/US20150245635A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2897469B1 (en) | 2016-11-09 |
WO2014045060A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 |
GB2506155A (en) | 2014-03-26 |
GB201216945D0 (en) | 2012-11-07 |
US10743561B2 (en) | 2020-08-18 |
CN104735997A (en) | 2015-06-24 |
EP2897469A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 |
AU2013319938A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
US20180325140A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
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