초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to an improved frozen drink and dessert dispenser and method therefor. The improved frozen drink and dessert dispenser and method permits the simultaneous or alternate dispensing of two products. Further, through a dispensing valve system controlled by a controller,

The present invention is directed to an improved frozen drink and dessert dispenser and method therefor. The improved frozen drink and dessert dispenser and method permits the simultaneous or alternate dispensing of two products. Further, through a dispensing valve system controlled by a controller, residue of dispensed product is purged from the product dispenser prior to the dispensing of the next serving of product and product may be dispensed in predetermined amounts. The improved frozen drink and desert dispenser and method also permits the automated cleaning of substantially all of the dispenser without any significant disassembly of the dispenser.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A machine for dispensing two kinds of frozen food. comprisinga first dispenser for one kind of frozen food, said first dispenser comprising:a reservoir for receiving liquid mix to be frozen;a mixing container comprising refrigeration means and mixing means for receiving a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A machine for dispensing two kinds of frozen food. comprisinga first dispenser for one kind of frozen food, said first dispenser comprising:a reservoir for receiving liquid mix to be frozen;a mixing container comprising refrigeration means and mixing means for receiving and freezing said liquid mix to form a viscous frozen food product;a first cylinder and piston ram valve assembly, said first assembly comprising:a first cylinder having proximal and distal ends said first cylinder being in fluid communication with the mixing container for receiving food therefrom; anda first piston having proximal and distal ends reciprocally movable in the first cylinder from an open position wherein frozen food flows through into the first cylinder and out the distal end thereof to be dispensed and a closed position wherein the first piston prevents food from flowing into the first cylinder and substantially fully occupies the first cylinder for thereby forcing substantially all of the food out of the first cylinder;a second dispenser for another kind of frozen food, said second dispenser comprising:a reservoir for receiving liquid mix to be frozen;a second mixing container comprising refrigeration means and mixing means for receiving and freezing said liquid mix to form a viscous frozen food product;a second cylinder and piston ram valve assembly, said second assembly comprising:a second cylinder having proximal and distal ends, said second cylinder being in fluid communication with the second mixing container for receiving food therefrom; anda second piston having proximal and distal ends reciprocally movable in the second cylinder from an open position wherein frozen food flows through into the second cylinder and out the distal end thereof to be dispensed and a closed Position wherein the second piston Prevents food from flowing into the second cylinder and substantially fully occupies the second cylinder for thereby forcing substantially all of the food out of the second cylinder; anda third piston and cylinder ram valve assembly comprising:a third cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a product dispensing nozzle, said third cylinder being so constructed as to define first and second passages through the wall thereof, and wherein each said first and second cylinder of said first and second cylinder and piston ram valve assemblies is secured, respectively, in fluid communication with the first and second passages of the third cylinder, said third cylinder being constructed, secured and configured for receiving food from either or both said first and second cylinders of said first and second cylinder and piston ram valve assemblies; anda third piston having proximal and distal ends and being reciprocally movable in the third cylinder from an open position wherein food flows into the third cylinder through said passages and a closed position wherein the respective piston closes said passages and substantially fully occupies the third cylinder for thereby forcing substantially all of the food out of the nozzle of the third cylinder; anda control system for controlling the operation of the machine, said control system comprising:first, second and third position signaling means for producing an OPEN electrical signal indicating the open position of each of the first, second and third ram valves respectively and a CLOSED electrical signal indicating the closed position of the first, second, and third ram valves, respectively; andmeans for selectively opening, at the same time, only the first and third ram valves, or only the second and third ram valves, or all of the first, second and third ram valves to thereby dispense, selectively, food product from the first mixing container, or from the second mixing container, or from both the first and second containers.