Back to results
US 9,433,230 B1Granted
Device and method for dosing cryogenic liquid
AssigneeSmitten Ventures, Inc.
InventorsRobyn Sue Fisher, David M Fischer, Jonathan Fischer, Whitfield Fowler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods of producing a frozen food product include dosing ingredients with a liquefied gas while mixing the ingredients using self-cleaning interlocking beaters. The beaters are optionally also disposed to clean a container in which the ingredients are frozen. The rate and amount of cooling is controlled by measuring the quantity of liquid nitrogen, measuring viscosity of the frozen food product, measuring temperature, and/or the like.
Claims24
A system comprising:
- a container mount;
- a container configured to hold ingredients and to be attached to the container mount;
- a liquid nitrogen dosing system configured to provide a controlled amount of liquid nitrogen to the ingredients in the container such that the ingredients become frozen, the provision of the controlled amount of liquid nitrogen to the ingredients in the container being gravity fed, the liquid nitrogen dosing system including a valve configured to control flow of liquid nitrogen from a pressurized source into the dosing system and including a liquid level sensing mechanism configured to measure a level of liquid nitrogen within the dosing system;
- and
- one or more beaters configured to mix the ingredients in the container during delivery of the liquid nitrogen from the dosing system, the beaters being driven by a first motor.
2 more elements
A method of making ice cream, the method comprising:
- placing ingredients in a container;
- mixing the ingredients using one or more beaters disposed within the container;
- sensing a level of liquid nitrogen within a liquid nitrogen dosing system, using a level sensor;
- adding liquid nitrogen to the liquid nitrogen dosing system from a pressurized liquid nitrogen supply, the addition being controlled by a valve responsive to the level sensor within the liquid nitrogen dosing system;
- storing the added liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen dosing system, at atmospheric pressure;
- dispensing the added liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen dosing system into the container in a controlled amount, during the step of mixing the ingredients, so as to freeze the ingredients.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.