Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for producing and dispensing aerated products

US5292030A · kind A · utility

64Cited by
53References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 6, 1991
Grant dateMar 8, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 6, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S261/75
  • WIPO fieldFood chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid to be atomized, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until that fluid is discharged from the passage other end. If the aerated product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.