Method and Apparatus For Testing Consistency of Frozen Beverages
AssigneeIMI Cornelius Inc.
InventorsNicholas M. Giardino, Derek Choi, Lawrence Oetjens, Andrew J. Tobler, Scott E. Sevcik
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Abstract
A method and apparatus using sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.
Claims5
A method for determining the stiffness of a beverage, comprising the steps of:
- drawing a standard sample of beverage into a standard test sample container;
- striking the sample to a constant level in said test container;
- mounting a penetrator a fixed distance above the test container;
- dropping the penetrator into the sample;
- detecting a measurement indicative of the penetrator onto the sample;
- and
- using the detected penetration, if need be, to make or not make adjustments to achieve a consistent beverage stiffness.
A method for determining the stiffness of a beverage, comprising the steps of:
- placing a penetrator holder on a standard test container;
- placing a clean penetrator in said penetrator holder;
- setting a penetrator release to hold the penetrator on said penetrator holder;
- setting off the penetrator release to drop said penetrator in said penetrator holder into a sample in a standard test container;
- noting the depth of penetration of the penetrator into the sample;
- adjusting one or more of refrigeration and/or gas or air inclusion, if need be, to achieve a desired consistency;
- cleaning the penetrator;
- and
- repeating the above steps to check the consistency after any adjusting until the desired consistency is achieved.
A method for determining the stiffness of a beverage, comprising the steps of:
- providing a penetrator with one of a slot and rib;
- providing a penetrator holder with the other of the slot and rib and with a turning tab;
- placing the penetrator on said standard test container;
- placing a clean penetrator in said penetrator holder;
- setting the penetrator release with said slot and rib misaligned to hold the penetrator on said penetrator holder;
- turning said turning tab to align said rib in said slot;
- and
- dropping said penetrator in said penetrator holder into said sample in said standard test container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.