Air/liquid regulator used in frozen dessert dispensing machines

Abstract

An air/liquid mix regulator is disclosed for use in a frozen confectionary dessert dispensing machine. The mix regulator regulates the amount of liquid and air entering the freezing chamber of the frozen dessert machine. The regulator has a single aerator tube having both an air inlet passage and a liquid inlet passage which are least partially divided. The aerator tube has different liquid inlet openings at each end so that it is invertible and usable with differing liquid viscosities. The aerator tube is engageable with a base section of the regulator and has a check valve therein to prevent the backflow of aerated mix into the storage chamber to prevent frothing and foaming in the storage hopper. The single check valve is located in an area of the base section that takes advantage of the relatively warmer liquid in the storage hopper to prevent freezing and sticking of the check valve. The regulator has a twist-lock feature to prevent self-ejection when the check valve is closed and a pressure differential occurs between the freezing chamber and the storage hopper. The regulator provides self priming, prevents freeze-ups, disassembles easily for cleaning, is able to feed a wide viscosity range of mix, and maintains a stable desired overrun for producing a dispensed product with consistent, desired serveability, while increasing profits of the vendor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.