US 12,501,915 B2 · Fully automated frozen beverage and soft serve system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully automated frozen food dispensing system that combines precision ingredient blending with dynamic viscosity control and clean-in-place functionality. The system comprises a mixing cylinder containing a rotatable auger, a refrigeration system with a compressor in thermal communication with the cylinder, and a blending manifold having multiple ingredient inlets and a blending chamber. A controller includes motor sensor, and pressure sensors to regulate ingredient delivery, monitor auger torque and product temperature, and cycle the refrigeration system to maintain a target viscosity. The system further supports automated portion control, product-specific dispense timing, gas injection, and pasteurization. Cleaning cycles may be initiated without manual disassembly, involving thawing, purging, rinsing, and verification using sensor feedback. Optional connectivity enables cloud-based monitoring, diagnostics, and remote operation. The invention is suitable for commercial, unattended, or kiosk-based frozen food service environments, enabling hygienic, repeatable, and labor-free operation over extended durations.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A frozen food dispensing system comprising:

a mixing cylinder configured to receive a food portion and a gas portion;
an auger disposed within the mixing cylinder and rotatable by an auger motor;
a refrigeration system which includes a compressor and which is in thermal communication with the mixing cylinder and operable to chill a food product to a predetermined frozen malleable consistency;
a manifold comprising a blending chamber, a plurality of ingredient inlets, and at least one ingredient egress port;
a control system including a microcontroller, a memory, and a motor sensor operably coupled to the auger motor, the control system being configured to:
monitor a motor performance of at least one of amperage draw or torque of the auger motor;
receive temperature input from at least one thermal sensor disposed in or proximate to the mixing cylinder;
and
control the compressor based on a comparison between the motor performance being monitored and at least one predetermined motor performance setting;
wherein the control system uses both the auger motor resistance and the temperature readings to determine and maintain a target viscosity band and adjusts compressor duty cycle accordingly;
wherein the control system is configured to selectively switch between pressurized ingredient delivery and vacuum-based suction blending, depending on at least one ingredient, viscosity, or mode of operation.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fully automated frozen beverage and soft serve system

Life of this patent

Fully automated frozen beverage and soft serve system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21