System and method for dispensing a confectionery product using a peristaltic pump
US5349825A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23G9/20
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A dispensing system and method for moving a confectionery mixture having a predetermined ratio of air to fluid to a freezing cylinder comprises a multiple portion tube containing the confectionery mixture, an air meter for controlling the ratio of air to fluid in the mixture, and a peristaltic pump for pumping the confectionery mixture through the tube. The peristaltic pump is positioned between a reservoir and the freezing cylinder and the tube is routed through the pump to form a generally U-shaped trough. When the pump is idle, some of the confectionery mixture settles in the generally U-shaped tube to form a liquid which prevents air from back flowing from a pressure side to a suction side of the pump. Accordingly, the consistency of the confectionery product is maintained when the pump is idle. The peristaltic pump also includes a proximity switch which prevents the pump from operating until all of its movable parts are properly secured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.