초록 ▼

A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short "burst" heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predeter

A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short "burst" heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of operating a frozen beverage machine, comprising: monitoring a beverage mixture within a freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine; flowing uncondensed refrigerant through a coil surrounding the freezing chamber in response to the beverage mixture reaching a predetermined sta

1. A method of operating a frozen beverage machine, comprising: monitoring a beverage mixture within a freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine; flowing uncondensed refrigerant through a coil surrounding the freezing chamber in response to the beverage mixture reaching a predetermined state; and flowing the refrigerant through a condenser and an expansion valve and through the coil. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein flowing the uncondensed refrigerant includes flowing the uncondensed refrigerant through the coil for a predetermined time period. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein flowing the uncondensed refrigerant includes opening a bypass valve so that the refrigerant bypasses the condenser and the expansion valve. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is flowed through the condenser and the expansion valve and through the coil until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring the beverage mixture includes monitoring the torque required to turn a shaft situated in the freezing chamber. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring the beverage mixture includes monitoring the temperature of the beverage mixture. 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined time period is less than 15 seconds. 8. A control system for a frozen beverage machine having a freezing chamber, the control system comprising: a processor connected to receive a signal indicating the state of a beverage mixture in the freezing chamber; a memory device connected to the processor, the memory device storing program code that when executed by the processor implements a method including: flowing uncondensed refrigerant through a coil surrounding the freezing chamber in response to the beverage mixture reaching a predetermined state; and flowing the refrigerant through a condenser and an expansion valve and through the coil.