US20180064133A1 - Preparing and Storing a Free Flowing Frozen Supplementary Product - Google Patents
Preparing and Storing a Free Flowing Frozen Supplementary Product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180064133A1 US20180064133A1 US15/258,648 US201615258648A US2018064133A1 US 20180064133 A1 US20180064133 A1 US 20180064133A1 US 201615258648 A US201615258648 A US 201615258648A US 2018064133 A1 US2018064133 A1 US 2018064133A1
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- Prior art keywords
- conveyor belt
- beads
- elongated housing
- frozen
- intake
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/06—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream characterised by using carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide snow or other cryogenic agents as cooling medium
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/14—Continuous production
- A23G9/16—Continuous production the products being within a cooled chamber, e.g. drum
- A23G9/166—Feeding arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/30—Cleaning; Keeping clean; Sterilisation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/36—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
- A23L3/37—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling with addition of or treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/375—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling with addition of or treatment with chemicals with direct contact between the food and the chemical, e.g. liquid nitrogen, at cryogenic temperature
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
- A61K9/16—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction
- A61K9/1682—Processes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2/00—Processes or devices for granulating materials, e.g. fertilisers in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic
- B01J2/02—Processes or devices for granulating materials, e.g. fertilisers in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic by dividing the liquid material into drops, e.g. by spraying, and solidifying the drops
- B01J2/04—Processes or devices for granulating materials, e.g. fertilisers in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic by dividing the liquid material into drops, e.g. by spraying, and solidifying the drops in a gaseous medium
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2/00—Processes or devices for granulating materials, e.g. fertilisers in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic
- B01J2/26—Processes or devices for granulating materials, e.g. fertilisers in general; Rendering particulate materials free flowing in general, e.g. making them hydrophobic on endless conveyor belts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B19/00—Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour
- F25B19/005—Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour the refrigerant being a liquefied gas
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/04—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by conveyors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
- F25D3/11—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of frozen supplementary products and, more particularly, to a unique method of preparing a free-flowing frozen supplementary product, such as confections, ice cream, yogurt, bacteria cultures, such as probiotics, pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Frozen ice cream and yogurt sales have grown dramatically over recent years. This growth has been achieved primarily through extensive advertising and mass marketing efforts. In particular, dairy cooperatives have been promoting ice cream and yogurt as health foods. In addition, a number of new and developing ice cream parlor franchises have conducted aggressive advertising campaigns in order to firmly establish themselves in the marketplace.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of preparing and storing a free-flowing frozen supplementary product, including preparing a supplementary composition for freezing, dripping the alimentary composition into a freezing chamber, freezing the dripped alimentary composition into beads, and transporting the frozen beads by conveyor belt out of the freezing chamber.
- FIG. 1 For embodiments of the present invention, include an apparatus for manufacturing cryogenically frozen supplementary beads, including a freezing chamber containing a cryogenic liquid, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below to form frozen beads, a conveyor belt assembly comprising a conveyor belt positing at the bottom of the freezing chamber.
- Additional embodiments of the present invention include a transport assembly for a cryogenic processor, including an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a chute at a discharge end, the elongated hosing configured to receive the frozen product from the cryogenic processor, a conveyor belt disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end, a drive motor assembly configured to rotate the conveyor belt, and an openable cleaning drain line disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing.
- FIG. 1 depicts a diagram cross-sectional view of an apparatus for preparing the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with greater detail of a conveyor belt of the apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view diagram of a mesh conveyor belt for use with the apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A depicts a cutaway side-view diagram of the conveyor belt of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 4B depicts a side-view diagram of the conveyor belt of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a side view of an alternative conveyor belt for use with the apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 depicts a view of the intake end of the conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the intake end of the conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 depicts the apparatus of FIG. 1 comprising a self-cleaning extension.
- FIG. 10 depicts a diagram of an example interaction of a roller and a housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Previous methods and apparatuses for manufacturing cryogenically frozen beads contain an auger to transport the beads from a cryogenic liquid refrigerant in a bottom of a chamber to a shaker and from the shaker to a container for packaging.
- transportation of the beads by an auger grinds some of the beads against the outer wall of the surrounding tube.
- the ground beads may become smaller than desired for the end product, and therefore must be separated using a shaker before packaging.
- transporting the beads without grinding the beads may be desirable, such that separating the beads using a shaker may no longer be necessary.
- “About,” as used in this application, means within plus or minus one at the last reported digit. For example, about 1.00 means 1.00 ⁇ 0.01 unit.
- “Around,” when used to describe a unit or percentage, means within plus or minus one unit or plus or minus one percentage point.
- Proximate when used to describe position of an element relative to one object of a set of multiple objects, conveys that the element is positioned closer to the one object than any other object of the set.
- substantially as used in this application with reference to an angle, means within one degree.
- substantially planar means within one degree counterclockwise and within one degree clockwise of planar orientation.
- substantially as used in this application with reference to a shape, means within manufacturing tolerance of manufacturing the referenced shape as well as any other shape falling within the doctrine of equivalents for the referenced shape.
- “Substantially similar,” as used in this application, means having at least each of the properties of the referenced structure plus the additional structure disclosed. If the additional structure conflicts, the additional structure supersedes the structure incorporated by reference.
- Free-flowing is a broad term which includes the ability of the product to flow as individual beads, with little or no clumping or sticking to each other, during such pouring. There may be slight sticking after a period of storage, but a light tap on the container may unstick the beads and allow them to be free-flowing.
- the generally spherical shape helps contribute to the free-flowing, pourable product. It may be desired that the beaded product is in a free-flowing format so that it is readily pourable.
- “Supplementary,” as used in this application, means at least one of alimentary, comestible, pharmaceutical, and probiotic.
- shielded sanitary roller means either a shielded roller or an open roller.
- Shielded sanitary rollers may comprise a mechanism to prevent and/or restrict the entry of fluid into the roller.
- shielded sanitary rollers may comprise one or more reciprocating, rotary, or oscillating seals.
- Example seals include an O-ring, a double O-ring, an X-ring, a square-ring, and/or a U-cup.
- each seal may be situated in a corresponding groove such that the seal maintains contact with the roller and/or housing.
- Open sanitary rollers may comprise openings that allow fluid to pass through the roller. Open rollers may allow for easy cleaning by passing fluid through the roller.
- FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 10 for preparing the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product in accordance with the principles of the present invention. It should be recognized that this apparatus 10 is merely being described as an example of one type of apparatus designed for this purpose. Other designs may, of course, be utilized in accordance with the present method to produce the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product.
- the apparatus 10 can include a freezing chamber 12 having an inner wall 14 and outer wall 16 .
- both the walls 14 and 16 may be constructed of stainless steel to provide both strength and corrosion resistance.
- the walls 14 and 16 may comprise any material sufficient to withstand cryogenic temperatures while retaining the structural integrity of the freezing chamber 12 .
- a thick layer of thermal insulating construction 18 may be provided between the walls 14 , 16 to improve the efficiency of the freezing chamber by reducing the thermal transfer through the walls 14 , 16 between the interior of the chamber 12 and the ambient environment.
- the thermal insulating construction 18 may include an insulating material, such as fiberglass.
- Other embodiments include a thermal insulating construction 18 comprising a vacuum between the walls 14 , 16 .
- the chamber 12 may be chilled by the direct addition of refrigerant from a refrigerant source 20 through the delivery line 22 .
- refrigerant from a refrigerant source 20 through the delivery line 22 .
- a number of different refrigerants can be utilized, including liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is readily available, relatively inexpensive and relatively inert to food products. It is also sufficiently cold to provide for relatively rapid freezing of the product. As such, it is particularly adapted for utilization in the processing of free-flowing, supplementary products in accordance with the present invention.
- the temperature of the freezing chamber as well as the level of liquid refrigerant may be maintained within a specified range through the utilization of a temperature control means 24 such as a thermostat as is known in the art. More specifically, the temperature control means 24 may be connected to a thermocouple 26 .
- the thermocouple 26 may be positioned to extend into the freezing chamber 12 at a selected height between, for example, 4 to 18 inches above the bottom of the chamber to sense the temperature within the chamber.
- the thermostat may be set to maintain the temperature within the chamber 12 at a thermocouple 26 between approximately ⁇ 184° C. ( ⁇ 300° F.) to approximately ⁇ 195° C. ( ⁇ 320° F.).
- thermocouple 26 some 4 to 18 inches above the bottom of the chamber 12 may provide the necessary reservoir of refrigerant to quick freeze the droplets of the supplementary composition.
- the ultra-low temperature of the refrigerant can limit the formation of ice crystals in the product as it is frozen.
- the resulting frozen product may have a richer, creamier texture and exhibit a better overall flavor.
- thermocouple 26 when the temperature within the chamber 12 at the thermocouple 26 rises above the set range of operation (i.e. ⁇ 300° to ⁇ 320° F.), this can be an indication that the level of liquid refrigerant has fallen below the thermocouple.
- a valve 27 may then be opened to allow delivery of liquid nitrogen from the source 20 through the line 22 to the chamber 12 . Once the liquid refrigerant level within the chamber 12 reaches and contacts the thermocouple 26 , the desired level of liquid refrigerant for freezing the composition is restored and the valve 27 may be closed.
- thermocouples 26 may be positioned at various heights within the chamber 12 .
- the thermocouple 26 at the desired liquid refrigerant level to be maintained can then be selected and utilized as described above.
- a liquid nitrogen level controller such as manufactured and marketed by Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. under the trademark CRYO-MED (Model LL-450) may be utilized.
- Vents 29 may be provided in the walls 14 , 16 near the top of the freezing chamber 12 . These vents 29 may serve to release rising nitrogen vapor from the chamber 12 and may prevent any build-up in pressure in the chamber or any excess lowering of temperature near the top such that the dropper system is frozen over time.
- This exhaust can be controlled manually by venting through an exit pipe which may be controlled by a damper. Alternatively, the exhaust gas can be collected under vacuum by the use of an exhaust fan. This cold vapor can be routed to other parts of the process where cold vapors can be utilized such as in storage spaces or with packaging machines.
- the first step of a method of the present invention may be to prepare a supplementary composition for freezing.
- the composition may be dairy based and can include such ingredients as cream, milk, butter and/or eggs. Additional ingredients could include sugar, fruit extracts or some other flavoring component, such as vanilla extract.
- embodiments include probiotic formulations, pharmaceutical formulations, non-dairy based formulations for forming frozen confectionary beads, etc.
- the composition C may be pumped from a supply container 30 into a dropper system including a tray 32 positioned across the upper end of the freezing chamber 12 . More specifically, the composition may be pumped by pump 31 through the tube 33 so as to be delivered through an inlet 35 in the top of the tray that closes the tray to prevent any residual dirt or dust in the air from falling into the composition.
- the bottom of the tray 32 can include a series of apertures 34 through which the composition drips into the freezing chamber 12 .
- the apertures may have a diameter of between about 0.3175 cm (0.125 inches) and 0.794 cm (0.3125 inches) so as to provide the desired size droplets of composition for freezing into beads.
- the size of the droplets and rate of flow may be determined not only by the size of the holes, but the thickness of the composition and in some cases the thickness of the tray.
- the small beads B that are produced might contain only relatively small ice crystals.
- the beads B may have a smooth, spherical appearance.
- a conveyor belt assembly 50 for collecting the beads B may extend into the bottom of the chamber 12 at an intake end of an elongated housing 36 .
- the conveyor belt assembly 50 may comprise a conveyor belt 38 within the housing 36 .
- the conveyor belt 38 may extend from the intake end of the housing 36 to a discharge end comprising a chute 40 .
- the conveyor belt 38 may be positioned at a conveying angle 102 ranging from approximately 55° to approximately 60° with respect to the horizontal plane.
- the conveyor belt 38 may be substantially parallel to the housing 36 .
- the horizontal plane refers to the plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise plane of the apparatus 10 .
- the horizontal plane may be parallel to the ground when the apparatus 10 is in upright position upon the ground.
- Embodiments of the present invention also include an angle of approximately 50° from the horizontal plan, and 45° from the horizontal plane.
- the conveyor belt 38 can include transport structures (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) that move the beads B against gravity out of the bottom of chamber 12 through the chute 40 .
- the beads B may be drawn upwardly in the direction of action arrow E on the conveyor belt 38 and/or transport structures. Liquid refrigerant, however, may not necessarily be withdrawn from the freezing chamber 12 as the liquid nitrogen may drain back to the pool P.
- Conveyor belt 38 may be comprised of any material that is resilient while bending under cryogenic conditions.
- Example materials include rubber and linked metal constructions. In embodiments having linked metal constructions. Small holes between the metal links may be used to strain the cryogenic liquid from the beads B back to chamber 12 .
- the beads B may be deposited by means of a chute 40 onto a sieve 42 .
- the sieve 42 may be connected to a shaking apparatus 44 as is known in the art. This shaking apparatus 44 can vibrate the beads B on the sieve 42 .
- This shaking apparatus 44 can vibrate the beads B on the sieve 42 .
- sifting of the beads B may occur with the relatively large beads having a diameter of, for example, approximately 2 mm or larger remaining on the surface of the sieve while the smaller beads and fragmented portions of broken beads may fall through the sieve into the collecting pan 46 . That material collected in the pan 46 may be melted and reprocessed by mixing back in with the composition C that is added to the tray 32 as described above.
- the appropriately-sized beads may flow over the sieve to a discharge chute 48 where they may be deposited into a container (not shown).
- This container may be maintained open for substantially 1-10 minutes in order to allow any residual nitrogen refrigerant retained in or on the surface of the beads to vaporize. Then, the container may be sealed and placed in a freezer for storage.
- the beads B In order to prevent the beads B from sticking together during storage and thereby maintain their free-flowing character, they can be maintained at a relatively low temperature. More specifically, if the beads B are to be stored for greater than a period of approximately 30 hours, they should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of at least as low as ⁇ 28.9 C.° ( ⁇ 20° F.). More preferably, the beads are stored at a temperature between ⁇ 1.1° C. ( ⁇ 30° F.) and ⁇ 40° C. ( ⁇ 40° F.).
- the beads B are to be consumed within a 30-hour period (or shorter period of 10-12 hours for certain compositions), they can be stored in the freezer at a temperature of ⁇ 28.9° C. ( ⁇ 20° F.) or above. However, the beads B can be brought to a temperature between about ⁇ 23.3° C. ( ⁇ 10° F.) and ⁇ 28.9° C. ( ⁇ 20° F.), with ⁇ 26.1° C. ( ⁇ 15° F.) providing good results. Warmer temperatures may result in the beads sticking together and the product losing its unique free-flowing property, thus reducing its consumer appeal. When served at a colder temperature, many individuals may find that the product is too cold to be fully enjoyed.
- FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with greater detail of a conveyor belt 38 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- conveyor belt 38 may comprise a belt 207 frictionally fit around one or more rollers, 205 a and 205 b .
- the rotation of either roller 205 a or 205 b may drive the rotation of the belt 207 .
- 205 b may be a drive roller and 205 a may be a support roller.
- the rotation of the belt 38 may drive beads B from the bottom of chamber 12 to the chute 40 .
- a retaining wall 201 may be spaced a straining distance 203 from the outside of the belt 207 .
- the straining distance 203 may be sized at less than 2 mm, such that frozen beads 2 mm in diameter or larger are corralled onto the belt 207 .
- the smaller beads are not carried by the belt 207 to chute 40 .
- some embodiments of the conveyor belt 38 do not grind the beads B into smaller beads, such as by preventing grinding the beads B between an auger flight and the outer tubing 209 of housing 36 .
- some embodiments implementing the conveyor belt do not necessarily require a sieve 42 and shaker 44 for separating beads having greater than or equal to 2 mm diameter from those with a smaller diameter.
- guide rails 211 may be provided along both sides of the conveyor belt to guide the transport of the frozen beads B to the chute 40 .
- Guide rails 211 may comprise any material of sufficient rigidity to guide the frozen beads B with a tolerance of cryogenic temperatures. Examples include composites, certain rubbers, certain polymers, metals, etc.
- the conveyor belt 38 , 207 may be configured at a conveying angle 102 .
- the conveying angle 102 may aid in transportation of appropriately sized beads, draining cryogenic liquid, and/or removal of inappropriately sized beads.
- the conveying angle 102 may be approximately 55° to approximately 60° degrees from horizontal.
- FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view diagram of a mesh conveyor belt 300 for use with the apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the mesh conveyor belt 300 may comprise metal, such as steel, plastics, composites, rubber, cloth, etc.
- the conveyor belt 300 may comprise links 302 .
- the links 302 may comprise crossbars 310 connected by wing hinges 308 .
- crossbars 310 may extend through respective holes of wing hinges 308 .
- Crossbars 310 may be pivotally connected with the respective wing hinges 308 .
- rods 312 may extend between two respective crossbars 310 .
- Rods 312 may be in pivotal relationship with both respective crossbars 310 .
- the rods 312 may also be spaced apart by a rod gap 314 .
- the rod gap 314 may be sized to retain beads B on the conveyor belt 300 during transport.
- the rod gap 314 may allow fluids to pass through.
- rod gap 314 may allow inappropriately small beads to pass through. Therefore, rod gap 314 may be less than 2 mm between respective rods 312 , such that appropriately-sized beads are transported from chamber 12 to chute 40 .
- each crossbar 310 may extend orthogonally from the outer surface of the conveyor belt 300 .
- rod gaps 314 may be a transport structure for pushing the beads as the surface of conveyor belt 300 moves from chamber 12 to chute 40 .
- the number, size, and surface area population density of the rod gaps 314 on the conveyor belt 300 may be selected to control the size and rate of transport of beads B.
- the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 300 may be altered to manipulate the uptake of beads B.
- the mesh 307 of the conveyor belt 300 may comprise the area of the intersections of the rods 312 and the crossbars 310 .
- the guide rails 211 may be substantially parallel with the belt 300 and may be positioned relative to the belt 300 .
- the guide rails 211 may be positioned to retain the frozen beads B on the conveyor belt 300 .
- the guide rails 211 may be positioned slightly above the conveyor belt 300 .
- the guide rails 211 may be set apart slightly wider than the width of the conveyor belt 300 . Therefore, a guide span 304 may describe the distance from an outer edge of the conveyor belt 300 to the nearest surface of the nearest guide rail 211 . Because the guide rails 211 may be configured to retain beads B on the conveyor belt 300 as the beads B travel to the chute 40 , the guide span 304 may be sized such that beads B of a predetermined size may be retained on the conveyor belt 300 .
- the guide span 304 may be 2 mm or less, in order to allow very small beads to fall off. In some embodiments, the guide span 304 may be 4 mm or less. Guide span 304 may also be negative when the wing hinges 308 are sized such that appropriately-sized beads B may fall through the wing hinges 308 .
- the guide rails may be positioned above the mesh 307 . Therefore, mesh guide span 305 , describing the distance from the outside of the mesh 207 to the outside of the respective guide rail 211 may be less than 2 mm, or even negative when the guide rails 211 are positioned within the outer bounds of the mesh 307 .
- the guide rails 211 may be attached to supports 306 that may be attached to the inside surface of the surrounding housing 36 .
- the attachment of the guide rails 211 to the supports 306 may be removable such as by pins, clips, or other attachment mechanism.
- This attachment mechanism of the supports 306 can include a permanent anchor rail that runs down the interior of the housing 36 .
- the anchor rail may be parallel beside the side of the conveyor belt 300 and may run the length of the conveyor belt 300 .
- the anchor rail may contain a lengthwise female grove in which a male groove of the removable guide rail 211 may be inserted to position the guide rail 211 for operation of guiding the beads B along the conveyor belt 300 .
- Alternative embodiments include a female anchor rail running a portion of the length of the housing and attached to the supports 306 for receiving the guide rail 211 .
- Rod gaps 314 may comprise recesses in the conveyor belt 300 .
- rod gaps 214 may comprise holes through the conveyor belt 300 such that the beads B are strained from the cryogenic liquid. Furthermore, cleaning fluids may pass through rod gaps 214 .
- FIG. 4A depicts a cutaway side-view diagram of the conveyor belt 300 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Retaining wall 401 may be similar in all respects to retaining wall 201 .
- retaining wall 401 may be spaced similarly to retaining wall 201 .
- straining distance 403 may be similar to straining distance 203 .
- gap 407 may be a distance between the top of respective crossbars 310 , as they pass under retaining wall. Gap 407 may be sized to allow fluid to pass through. Furthermore, gap 407 may allow very small beads to pass through.
- beads B may occur by the size and shape of the rod gaps 314 .
- beads B having a diameter of about 10.0 mm or larger may be selected by rod gaps 314 sized 10.0 mm or larger.
- beads B having a diameter of about 4.0 mm or larger may be selected by rod gaps 314 of 4.0 mm or less.
- beads B having a diameter of about 2.0 mm or larger may be selected by rod gaps 314 of 2.0 mm. Smaller diameter beads B may pass through rod gaps 314 larger than the diameter of the smaller diameter beads.
- Link span 409 may represent the distance between respective crossbars 310 .
- Link span 409 may be sized to regulate the uptake density of beads B.
- an oversized link span 409 may not maximize uptake density due to beads B crowding and falling over the lower crossbar 310 .
- an undersized link span 409 may reduce the transporting surface area of the mesh 307 by including unnecessary crossbars 310 (if crossbars 310 are configured such that beads B don't rest directly on the crossbars 301 , thereby reducing available surface area of the conveyor belt 300 for transport).
- Link span 409 may be predetermined according to the diameter of crossbars 310 .
- Crossbars 310 may extend orthogonally from the surface of belt 300 at a crossbar height 411 .
- the crossbar height may be predetermined to allow for pushing the beads B as the conveyor belt 300 moves.
- crossbar height 411 may be larger than the diameter of the corresponding beads B.
- crossbar height 411 may be as small as one eighth of the diameter of corresponding beads B, depending on the conveyor belt angle 102 . Using a smaller crossbar height 411 may increase transport surface area of the conveyor belt 300 .
- beads B of a predetermined size may be sifted from the frozen beads B.
- beads of a 2.0 mm diameter may be sifted.
- beads having a diameter of about 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm may be sifted from the remaining beads.
- FIG. 4B depicts a side-view diagram of the conveyor belt 300 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Specifically, the interaction of three links 302 is depicted. Respective crossbars 310 extend through each respective wing hinge 308 . Furthermore, wing hinges 308 may extend orthogonally from the surface of the conveyor belt 300 at a guide height 405 . This guide height 405 may be sufficient to retain appropriately-sized beads B on the conveyor belt mesh 307 . For example, guide height 405 may be at least one-eighth of the diameter of the corresponding beads B. Guide height 408 may be larger than the diameter of the corresponding beads B.
- FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a side view of an alternative conveyor belt 500 for use with the apparatus 10 of FIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Conveyor belt 500 may comprise transport structures, such as cleats 505 .
- Cleats 505 may aid the rods 312 and crossbars 310 in transporting the beads B on the conveyor belt 500 . Therefore, cleats 500 may be any transport structure for transporting beads B from chamber 12 to chute 40 .
- cleats 505 may span the width of the conveyor belt 500 .
- Cleats 505 may extend orthogonally from crossbars 301 or from rods 312 .
- Cleats 505 may span a width of the conveyor belt 500 and may extend orthogonally from an outer surface of the conveyor belt 500 . Furthermore, the cleats 505 may be set apart along the conveyor belt 500 at a predetermined spacing 511 .
- the cleats 505 may have a height 509 , and a thickness 507 .
- the height 509 and spacing 511 in conjunction with the belt speed, may be correlated with the rate of formation of the beads B or the desired transportation rate of the beads B. In some embodiments, selection of the beads B may occur by the size of the cleats 505 in conjunction with the size of spacing 511 .
- retaining wall 501 may be placed such that the beads B are guided by the operation of gravity onto the conveyor belt 500 and between the cleats 505 .
- Retaining wall 501 may be positioned within a retention distance 503 of the tops of the respective cleats 505 when the cleats 505 pass under retaining wall 501 .
- the retention distance may be less than the diameter of the smallest beads that are desired (e.g. less than 2 mm diameter).
- the cleats 505 may be constructed of solid materials that are resilient under cryogenic conditions, such as rubber, metals, and/or composites.
- other embodiments of the cleats 505 include mesh constructions, such that the cleats 505 strain the beads B from the cryogenic liquid.
- the cleats 505 may extend orthogonally from the conveyor belt 500 and between the guide rails 211 such that the beads B on the conveyor belt 500 are confined to the space between two cleats 500 and the two guide rails 211 .
- beads B of a predetermined size may be sifted from the frozen beads B.
- beads of a 2.0 mm diameter may be sifted.
- beads having a diameter of about 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm may be sifted from the remaining beads.
- FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a conveyor belt assembly 600 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the conveyor belt assembly 600 may be substantially similar to the conveyor belt assembly 50 .
- Conveyor belt assembly 600 may comprise a motor 602 that is in rotatable communication with roller 205 b , such as via a rotary assembly 612 .
- roller 205 b may be rotatably driven by motor 602 .
- motor 602 may cause rotation of belt 604 about roller 205 b .
- Roller 205 b may share common axle 608 with motor 602 .
- rotation of belt 38 may drive rotation of support rollers 205 , such as roller 205 a .
- Roller 205 b and support rollers 205 , 205 a may be rotatably connected via frictional fit with belt 38 .
- Support rollers 205 may be substantially similar to support roller 205 a.
- conveyor belt assembly 600 may comprise intake 616 .
- Intake 616 may receive the beads B such that belt 38 may transport the beads to chute 40 .
- the intake 616 may receive material, such as frozen beads B, which may be fed from the chamber 12 to intake 616 by the operation of gravity.
- Conveyor belt assembly 600 may further comprise bell hub 604 .
- Bell hub 604 may comprise a connector for receiving cleaning fluids, such as water, detergent, and/or disinfectant.
- conveyor belt assembly 600 may be a clean-in-place assembly.
- a “clean-in-place assembly” and a “clean-in-place configuration” mean that the conveyor belt assembly 600 can be cleaned by pumping cleaning fluids, such as water, soap, detergents, disinfectants, etc., through the clean-in-place conveyor belt assembly 600 without removing the conveyor belt assembly 600 from the apparatus 10 .
- cleaning fluids may clean each of the structures within the housing 636 .
- fluids may flow to the intake end 618 .
- the fluids may be released from the intake end 618 via a drain line (explained with respect to FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 7 depicts a view of the intake end 618 of the conveyor belt assembly 600 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- an axle 706 is depicted at a vertical angle relative to a drain 708 rather than the alternative horizontal angle depicted in FIG. 6 .
- axle 706 may rotatably engage roller 205 a such that belt 38 is turned when axle 706 is turned.
- Intake end 618 may be joined to cover 712 .
- intake end 618 and cover 712 may be frictionally fit, joined with a bolt 704 , etc.
- cover 712 may comprise dome 702 , such that incorrectly sized particles and/or other debris may be contained.
- drain line 708 may be used to remove the incorrectly sized particles, debris, cleaning fluids, and/or other waste.
- cap 710 may be place over drain line 708 such that any contained liquid nitrogen, beads, etc. does not drain during operation. However, operation may be temporarily ceased for cleaning.
- Drain line 708 may be connected to a hose for rinsing intake end 618 with water, soap, rinse solutions, and/or disinfectants. Alternatively, water, soap, rinse solutions, and/or disinfectants may be passed into the conveyor belt assembly 600 through the chute 40 and/or bell hub 604 .
- the drain line 708 may remain closed, for example by securely but removably attaching the drain cap 710 to the drain line 708 .
- the drain cap 710 may be removably attached to the drain line 708 with sanitary Tri-Clamp fittings.
- Tri-Clamp ferrule P/N L14AM7 may be used for the drain line 708 .
- the drain cap 710 is Tri-Clamp solid end cap P/N 16AMP.
- a Tri-Clamp gasket P/N 40MP-UW is inserted between the drain line 708 and the drain cap 710 , and Tri-Clamp single pin heavy duty clamp P/N 13MHHM removably secures the drain cap 710 to the drain 708 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the intake end 618 of the conveyor belt assembly 600 .
- This embodiment includes a sanitary roller 205 a that comprises a solid material.
- all the rollers 205 , 205 a , and 205 b comprise sanitary rollers.
- Sanitary roller 205 a may extend from one side of the housing 636 to the opposite side. The axle is not depicted and is further explained with respect to FIG. 10 .
- Sanitary roller 205 a may be protected by one or more O-rings 801 at the intersection of the housing 636 and the roller 205 a .
- support rollers 205 may comprise sanitary support rollers 205 a.
- some embodiments include solid construction of the roller 205 a and the axle 706 comprising composite materials, such as Teflon.
- gaskets 801 may be situated on the axles 706 and on both sides of the rollers 205 , 205 a , 205 b .
- the gaskets 801 may seal the bearings, or other rotation mechanism, of the rollers 205 , 205 a , 205 b such that debris is prevented from entering the bearings.
- Example gaskets include O-rings or other gaskets and may comprise composites, Teflon, rubber, silicone, metal, etc.
- Teflon axles 706 with an O-ring gasket positioned on the outside of the rollers, such as rollers 205 a , 205 b , the unmarked support rollers, and any undepicted rollers, may keep the rollers clean, operable, and easy-to-clean.
- the conveyor belt assembly 600 may be readily cleaned without dismantling.
- the drain line 710 may be opened, and wash and rinse solutions and disinfectants may be passed into the housing 636 through the chute 40 and/or the intake 616 .
- a nozzle may be provided at the outlet end of the conveyor belt assembly 600 for accepting wash and rinse solutions.
- the wash and rinse solutions and disinfectants may flow downward against the belt 38 and rollers 205 , 205 a , 205 b , passing freely between the axle 706 of the roller 205 b , and exiting from the drain line 708 .
- the currents or fluid flow forces created by the cleaners and disinfectants may effectively remove debris from the intake end 618 , allowing the conveyor belt assembly 600 to be cleaned without dismantling.
- the axle 706 can be advantageously attached to the housing 636 , allowing removal of the cover 712 without destabilizing the conveyor belt 38 .
- FIG. 9 depicts the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 comprising a cleaning extension 905 .
- the cleaning extension 905 may extend into chamber 12 of apparatus 10 .
- apparatus 10 may comprise a clean-in-place configuration, wherein cleaning fluids can be pumped through apparatus 10 without disassembly of apparatus 10 .
- Cleaning extension 905 may comprise one or more spray balls 903 a and 903 b .
- each spray ball 903 a and 903 b may comprise respective sets of holes 909 .
- Each respective hole 909 may be in fluid communication with intake 901 through the cleaning extension 905 .
- cleaning solution comprising may be pumped into the cleaning extension 905 , through the respective holes 909 of the spray balls 903 a and 903 b in order to clean the interior of apparatus 10 .
- the cleaning solution may comprise water.
- the cleaning solutions may comprise one or more detergents.
- a first spray ball 903 a may be positioned over the drip tray 32 such that water and/or detergents may be sprayed onto drip tray 32 and through apertures 34 during cleaning.
- Top 907 may enclose spray ball 903 a such that water and/or detergent are contained when sprayed from the spray ball 903 a .
- a second spray ball 903 b may extend into chamber 12 .
- water and/or detergents may be sprayed onto the underside of the drip tray 32 as well as the walls 14 of the chamber 12 .
- the interior (e.g. the chamber 12 ) of the apparatus may be warmed above cryogenic temperatures for cleaning.
- inlet 35 may be repositioned, inlet 35 may allow the composition to enter the apparatus 10 to be dripped through tray 32 . Therefore, cleaning extension 905 may clean composition out of the apparatus 10 . For example, routine cleanings and/or cleanings between flavoring changes may be performed.
- FIG. 10 depicts a diagram of a partially exploded diagram of an example interaction of a roller and a housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- An a-ring recess 1003 may be formed in the interior of the housing 36 such that o-ring 1001 may fit inside. In some embodiments, this fit prevents fluids from entering the o-ring recess and prevents fluid from reaching the axle 706 .
- the axle 706 may be a smaller diameter than the roller 205 a such that the axle 706 fits within o-ring 1001 . Thus, a side of roller 205 a may be frictionally fit against the o-ring 1001 such that the axle 706 is protected.
- a method of the present invention allows the preparation, storing and serving of a unique, free-flowing, frozen supplementary product. Because the product is quick frozen, it can be smoother and creamier and provide a full-bodied flavor. Advantageously, the resulting product may have a certain sophistication that appeals to today's discriminating consumers who want something special.
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Abstract
A method of preparing and storing a free-flowing frozen supplementary product, including preparing a supplementary composition for freezing, dripping the supplementary composition into a freezing chamber, freezing the dripped supplementary composition into beads, and transporting the frozen beads by conveyor belt out of the freezing chamber.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of frozen supplementary products and, more particularly, to a unique method of preparing a free-flowing frozen supplementary product, such as confections, ice cream, yogurt, bacteria cultures, such as probiotics, pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Frozen ice cream and yogurt sales have grown dramatically over recent years. This growth has been achieved primarily through extensive advertising and mass marketing efforts. In particular, dairy cooperatives have been promoting ice cream and yogurt as health foods. In addition, a number of new and developing ice cream parlor franchises have conducted aggressive advertising campaigns in order to firmly establish themselves in the marketplace.
- If the rising trend in sales is to continue in today's competitive marketplace, however, it is clear that a more sophisticated product must be developed to attract discriminating consumers. A need is therefore identified for such a product.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of preparing and storing a free-flowing frozen supplementary product, including preparing a supplementary composition for freezing, dripping the alimentary composition into a freezing chamber, freezing the dripped alimentary composition into beads, and transporting the frozen beads by conveyor belt out of the freezing chamber.
- Further embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus for manufacturing cryogenically frozen supplementary beads, including a freezing chamber containing a cryogenic liquid, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below to form frozen beads, a conveyor belt assembly comprising a conveyor belt positing at the bottom of the freezing chamber.
- Additional embodiments of the present invention include a transport assembly for a cryogenic processor, including an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a chute at a discharge end, the elongated hosing configured to receive the frozen product from the cryogenic processor, a conveyor belt disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end, a drive motor assembly configured to rotate the conveyor belt, and an openable cleaning drain line disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing.
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FIG. 1 depicts a diagram cross-sectional view of an apparatus for preparing the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 with greater detail of a conveyor belt of the apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view diagram of a mesh conveyor belt for use with the apparatus ofFIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 4A depicts a cutaway side-view diagram of the conveyor belt ofFIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 4B depicts a side-view diagram of the conveyor belt ofFIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a side view of an alternative conveyor belt for use with the apparatus ofFIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 depicts a view of the intake end of the conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the intake end of the conveyor belt assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 depicts the apparatus ofFIG. 1 comprising a self-cleaning extension. -
FIG. 10 depicts a diagram of an example interaction of a roller and a housing of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. - Previous methods and apparatuses for manufacturing cryogenically frozen beads contain an auger to transport the beads from a cryogenic liquid refrigerant in a bottom of a chamber to a shaker and from the shaker to a container for packaging. However, transportation of the beads by an auger grinds some of the beads against the outer wall of the surrounding tube. The ground beads may become smaller than desired for the end product, and therefore must be separated using a shaker before packaging. Thus, transporting the beads without grinding the beads may be desirable, such that separating the beads using a shaker may no longer be necessary.
- “About,” as used in this application, means within plus or minus one at the last reported digit. For example, about 1.00 means 1.00±0.01 unit.
- “Around,” when used to describe a unit or percentage, means within plus or minus one unit or plus or minus one percentage point.
- “Proximate,” when used to describe position of an element relative to one object of a set of multiple objects, conveys that the element is positioned closer to the one object than any other object of the set.
- “Substantially,” as used in this application with reference to an angle, means within one degree. For example, substantially planar means within one degree counterclockwise and within one degree clockwise of planar orientation.
- “Substantially,” as used in this application with reference to a shape, means within manufacturing tolerance of manufacturing the referenced shape as well as any other shape falling within the doctrine of equivalents for the referenced shape.
- “Substantially similar,” as used in this application, means having at least each of the properties of the referenced structure plus the additional structure disclosed. If the additional structure conflicts, the additional structure supersedes the structure incorporated by reference.
- “Free-flowing,” as used herein, is a broad term which includes the ability of the product to flow as individual beads, with little or no clumping or sticking to each other, during such pouring. There may be slight sticking after a period of storage, but a light tap on the container may unstick the beads and allow them to be free-flowing. The generally spherical shape helps contribute to the free-flowing, pourable product. It may be desired that the beaded product is in a free-flowing format so that it is readily pourable.
- “Supplementary,” as used in this application, means at least one of alimentary, comestible, pharmaceutical, and probiotic.
- “Sanitary roller,” as used in this application, means either a shielded roller or an open roller. Shielded sanitary rollers may comprise a mechanism to prevent and/or restrict the entry of fluid into the roller. For example, shielded sanitary rollers may comprise one or more reciprocating, rotary, or oscillating seals. Example seals include an O-ring, a double O-ring, an X-ring, a square-ring, and/or a U-cup. Furthermore, each seal may be situated in a corresponding groove such that the seal maintains contact with the roller and/or housing. Open sanitary rollers may comprise openings that allow fluid to pass through the roller. Open rollers may allow for easy cleaning by passing fluid through the roller.
- For the purposes of this disclosure, “and” and “or” shall be construed as conjunctively or disjunctively, whichever provides the broadest disclosure in each instance of use of “and” and “or.”
- For the purposes of this disclosure, structures disclosed in singular form are not limited to a single structure, but can include multiple instances of the disclosed structure, unless specifically stated otherwise.
- The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.
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FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of anapparatus 10 for preparing the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product in accordance with the principles of the present invention. It should be recognized that thisapparatus 10 is merely being described as an example of one type of apparatus designed for this purpose. Other designs may, of course, be utilized in accordance with the present method to produce the free-flowing, frozen supplementary product. - As shown, the
apparatus 10 can include afreezing chamber 12 having aninner wall 14 andouter wall 16. In some embodiments, both thewalls walls freezing chamber 12. A thick layer of thermal insulatingconstruction 18 may be provided between thewalls walls chamber 12 and the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the thermal insulatingconstruction 18 may include an insulating material, such as fiberglass. Other embodiments include a thermal insulatingconstruction 18 comprising a vacuum between thewalls - The
chamber 12 may be chilled by the direct addition of refrigerant from arefrigerant source 20 through thedelivery line 22. A number of different refrigerants can be utilized, including liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is readily available, relatively inexpensive and relatively inert to food products. It is also sufficiently cold to provide for relatively rapid freezing of the product. As such, it is particularly adapted for utilization in the processing of free-flowing, supplementary products in accordance with the present invention. - The temperature of the freezing chamber as well as the level of liquid refrigerant may be maintained within a specified range through the utilization of a temperature control means 24 such as a thermostat as is known in the art. More specifically, the temperature control means 24 may be connected to a
thermocouple 26. Thethermocouple 26 may be positioned to extend into the freezingchamber 12 at a selected height between, for example, 4 to 18 inches above the bottom of the chamber to sense the temperature within the chamber. Where, for example, liquid nitrogen is utilized as the refrigerant, the thermostat may be set to maintain the temperature within thechamber 12 at athermocouple 26 between approximately −184° C. (−300° F.) to approximately −195° C. (−320° F.). The positioning of thethermocouple 26 some 4 to 18 inches above the bottom of thechamber 12 may provide the necessary reservoir of refrigerant to quick freeze the droplets of the supplementary composition. The ultra-low temperature of the refrigerant can limit the formation of ice crystals in the product as it is frozen. Advantageously, by reducing the overall size of the ice crystals being formed, the resulting frozen product may have a richer, creamier texture and exhibit a better overall flavor. - For example, when the temperature within the
chamber 12 at thethermocouple 26 rises above the set range of operation (i.e. −300° to −320° F.), this can be an indication that the level of liquid refrigerant has fallen below the thermocouple. As a result of the operation of the temperature control means 24, avalve 27 may then be opened to allow delivery of liquid nitrogen from thesource 20 through theline 22 to thechamber 12. Once the liquid refrigerant level within thechamber 12 reaches and contacts thethermocouple 26, the desired level of liquid refrigerant for freezing the composition is restored and thevalve 27 may be closed. - Of course, alternative temperature or level control systems may be utilized. For example, a number of
thermocouples 26 may be positioned at various heights within thechamber 12. Thethermocouple 26 at the desired liquid refrigerant level to be maintained can then be selected and utilized as described above. In another alternative, a liquid nitrogen level controller such as manufactured and marketed by Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. under the trademark CRYO-MED (Model LL-450) may be utilized. -
Vents 29 may be provided in thewalls chamber 12. Thesevents 29 may serve to release rising nitrogen vapor from thechamber 12 and may prevent any build-up in pressure in the chamber or any excess lowering of temperature near the top such that the dropper system is frozen over time. This exhaust can be controlled manually by venting through an exit pipe which may be controlled by a damper. Alternatively, the exhaust gas can be collected under vacuum by the use of an exhaust fan. This cold vapor can be routed to other parts of the process where cold vapors can be utilized such as in storage spaces or with packaging machines. - The first step of a method of the present invention may be to prepare a supplementary composition for freezing. In some embodiments, the composition may be dairy based and can include such ingredients as cream, milk, butter and/or eggs. Additional ingredients could include sugar, fruit extracts or some other flavoring component, such as vanilla extract. However, embodiments include probiotic formulations, pharmaceutical formulations, non-dairy based formulations for forming frozen confectionary beads, etc.
- After preparing the composition comes the step of slowly dripping the composition into the freezing
chamber 12. This may be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, as shown inFIG. 1 , the composition C may be pumped from asupply container 30 into a dropper system including atray 32 positioned across the upper end of the freezingchamber 12. More specifically, the composition may be pumped bypump 31 through thetube 33 so as to be delivered through aninlet 35 in the top of the tray that closes the tray to prevent any residual dirt or dust in the air from falling into the composition. The bottom of thetray 32 can include a series ofapertures 34 through which the composition drips into the freezingchamber 12. The apertures may have a diameter of between about 0.3175 cm (0.125 inches) and 0.794 cm (0.3125 inches) so as to provide the desired size droplets of composition for freezing into beads. Of course, the size of the droplets and rate of flow may be determined not only by the size of the holes, but the thickness of the composition and in some cases the thickness of the tray. - As the droplets D of composition fall downwardly in the freezing chamber, they contact cold nitrogen gas rapidly vaporizing from the pool of liquid nitrogen P at the bottom of the
chamber 12. As a result of the temperature within the range of −162° C. (−260° F.) to −195° C. (−320° F.) (for liquid N2), rapid freezing of the droplets of composition occurs. The small beads B that are produced might contain only relatively small ice crystals. The beads B may have a smooth, spherical appearance. - A
conveyor belt assembly 50 for collecting the beads B may extend into the bottom of thechamber 12 at an intake end of anelongated housing 36. Theconveyor belt assembly 50 may comprise aconveyor belt 38 within thehousing 36. Furthermore, theconveyor belt 38 may extend from the intake end of thehousing 36 to a discharge end comprising achute 40. As shown, theconveyor belt 38 may be positioned at a conveyingangle 102 ranging from approximately 55° to approximately 60° with respect to the horizontal plane. As depicted, theconveyor belt 38 may be substantially parallel to thehousing 36. The horizontal plane refers to the plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise plane of theapparatus 10. Furthermore, the horizontal plane may be parallel to the ground when theapparatus 10 is in upright position upon the ground. Embodiments of the present invention also include an angle of approximately 50° from the horizontal plan, and 45° from the horizontal plane. Theconveyor belt 38 can include transport structures (not illustrated inFIG. 1 ) that move the beads B against gravity out of the bottom ofchamber 12 through thechute 40. - As the
conveyor belt 38 is rotated, the beads B may be drawn upwardly in the direction of action arrow E on theconveyor belt 38 and/or transport structures. Liquid refrigerant, however, may not necessarily be withdrawn from the freezingchamber 12 as the liquid nitrogen may drain back to the pool P. -
Conveyor belt 38 may be comprised of any material that is resilient while bending under cryogenic conditions. Example materials include rubber and linked metal constructions. In embodiments having linked metal constructions. Small holes between the metal links may be used to strain the cryogenic liquid from the beads B back tochamber 12. - Once the beads B reach the top of the
conveyor belt 38, they may be deposited by means of achute 40 onto asieve 42. Thesieve 42 may be connected to a shakingapparatus 44 as is known in the art. This shakingapparatus 44 can vibrate the beads B on thesieve 42. Thus, sifting of the beads B may occur with the relatively large beads having a diameter of, for example, approximately 2 mm or larger remaining on the surface of the sieve while the smaller beads and fragmented portions of broken beads may fall through the sieve into the collectingpan 46. That material collected in thepan 46 may be melted and reprocessed by mixing back in with the composition C that is added to thetray 32 as described above. - The appropriately-sized beads (e.g. diameter of greater than 2 mm) may flow over the sieve to a
discharge chute 48 where they may be deposited into a container (not shown). This container may be maintained open for substantially 1-10 minutes in order to allow any residual nitrogen refrigerant retained in or on the surface of the beads to vaporize. Then, the container may be sealed and placed in a freezer for storage. - In order to prevent the beads B from sticking together during storage and thereby maintain their free-flowing character, they can be maintained at a relatively low temperature. More specifically, if the beads B are to be stored for greater than a period of approximately 30 hours, they should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of at least as low as −28.9 C.° (−20° F.). More preferably, the beads are stored at a temperature between −1.1° C. (−30° F.) and −40° C. (−40° F.).
- Alternatively, if the beads B are to be consumed within a 30-hour period (or shorter period of 10-12 hours for certain compositions), they can be stored in the freezer at a temperature of −28.9° C. (−20° F.) or above. However, the beads B can be brought to a temperature between about −23.3° C. (−10° F.) and −28.9° C. (−20° F.), with −26.1° C. (−15° F.) providing good results. Warmer temperatures may result in the beads sticking together and the product losing its unique free-flowing property, thus reducing its consumer appeal. When served at a colder temperature, many individuals may find that the product is too cold to be fully enjoyed.
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FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 with greater detail of aconveyor belt 38 of theapparatus 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example,conveyor belt 38 may comprise abelt 207 frictionally fit around one or more rollers, 205 a and 205 b. The rotation of eitherroller belt 207. By way of example, 205 b may be a drive roller and 205 a may be a support roller. Furthermore, the rotation of thebelt 38 may drive beads B from the bottom ofchamber 12 to thechute 40. In some embodiments, aretaining wall 201 may be spaced astraining distance 203 from the outside of thebelt 207. Thestraining distance 203 may be sized at less than 2 mm, such that frozen beads 2 mm in diameter or larger are corralled onto thebelt 207. In some embodiments, the smaller beads are not carried by thebelt 207 tochute 40. Furthermore, some embodiments of theconveyor belt 38 do not grind the beads B into smaller beads, such as by preventing grinding the beads B between an auger flight and theouter tubing 209 ofhousing 36. Thus, some embodiments implementing the conveyor belt do not necessarily require asieve 42 andshaker 44 for separating beads having greater than or equal to 2 mm diameter from those with a smaller diameter. - As can be seen,
guide rails 211 may be provided along both sides of the conveyor belt to guide the transport of the frozen beads B to thechute 40.Guide rails 211 may comprise any material of sufficient rigidity to guide the frozen beads B with a tolerance of cryogenic temperatures. Examples include composites, certain rubbers, certain polymers, metals, etc. - In addition, the
conveyor belt angle 102. The conveyingangle 102 may aid in transportation of appropriately sized beads, draining cryogenic liquid, and/or removal of inappropriately sized beads. For example, the conveyingangle 102 may be approximately 55° to approximately 60° degrees from horizontal. -
FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view diagram of amesh conveyor belt 300 for use with the apparatus ofFIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Themesh conveyor belt 300 may comprise metal, such as steel, plastics, composites, rubber, cloth, etc. As can be seen inFIG. 3 , theconveyor belt 300 may compriselinks 302. Thelinks 302 may comprisecrossbars 310 connected by wing hinges 308. In fact,crossbars 310 may extend through respective holes of wing hinges 308.Crossbars 310 may be pivotally connected with the respective wing hinges 308. - Furthermore,
rods 312 may extend between tworespective crossbars 310.Rods 312 may be in pivotal relationship with bothrespective crossbars 310. Therods 312 may also be spaced apart by arod gap 314. Therod gap 314 may be sized to retain beads B on theconveyor belt 300 during transport. Furthermore, therod gap 314 may allow fluids to pass through. In some embodiments,rod gap 314 may allow inappropriately small beads to pass through. Therefore,rod gap 314 may be less than 2 mm betweenrespective rods 312, such that appropriately-sized beads are transported fromchamber 12 tochute 40. - The diameter of each
crossbar 310 may extend orthogonally from the outer surface of theconveyor belt 300. For example,rod gaps 314 may be a transport structure for pushing the beads as the surface ofconveyor belt 300 moves fromchamber 12 tochute 40. The number, size, and surface area population density of therod gaps 314 on theconveyor belt 300 may be selected to control the size and rate of transport of beads B. Furthermore, the rotation speed of theconveyor belt 300 may be altered to manipulate the uptake of beads B. - The
mesh 307 of theconveyor belt 300 may comprise the area of the intersections of therods 312 and thecrossbars 310. - The guide rails 211 may be substantially parallel with the
belt 300 and may be positioned relative to thebelt 300. For example, theguide rails 211 may be positioned to retain the frozen beads B on theconveyor belt 300. Thus, theguide rails 211 may be positioned slightly above theconveyor belt 300. Furthermore theguide rails 211 may be set apart slightly wider than the width of theconveyor belt 300. Therefore, aguide span 304 may describe the distance from an outer edge of theconveyor belt 300 to the nearest surface of thenearest guide rail 211. Because theguide rails 211 may be configured to retain beads B on theconveyor belt 300 as the beads B travel to thechute 40, theguide span 304 may be sized such that beads B of a predetermined size may be retained on theconveyor belt 300. Thus, theguide span 304 may be 2 mm or less, in order to allow very small beads to fall off. In some embodiments, theguide span 304 may be 4 mm or less.Guide span 304 may also be negative when the wing hinges 308 are sized such that appropriately-sized beads B may fall through the wing hinges 308. - In some embodiments, the guide rails may be positioned above the
mesh 307. Therefore,mesh guide span 305, describing the distance from the outside of themesh 207 to the outside of therespective guide rail 211 may be less than 2 mm, or even negative when theguide rails 211 are positioned within the outer bounds of themesh 307. - The guide rails 211 may be attached to
supports 306 that may be attached to the inside surface of the surroundinghousing 36. In additional embodiments, the attachment of theguide rails 211 to thesupports 306 may be removable such as by pins, clips, or other attachment mechanism. This attachment mechanism of thesupports 306 can include a permanent anchor rail that runs down the interior of thehousing 36. The anchor rail may be parallel beside the side of theconveyor belt 300 and may run the length of theconveyor belt 300. The anchor rail may contain a lengthwise female grove in which a male groove of theremovable guide rail 211 may be inserted to position theguide rail 211 for operation of guiding the beads B along theconveyor belt 300. Alternative embodiments include a female anchor rail running a portion of the length of the housing and attached to thesupports 306 for receiving theguide rail 211. -
Rod gaps 314 may comprise recesses in theconveyor belt 300. In some embodiments, rod gaps 214 may comprise holes through theconveyor belt 300 such that the beads B are strained from the cryogenic liquid. Furthermore, cleaning fluids may pass through rod gaps 214. -
FIG. 4A depicts a cutaway side-view diagram of theconveyor belt 300 ofFIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Retainingwall 401 may be similar in all respects to retainingwall 201. Furthermore, retainingwall 401 may be spaced similarly to retainingwall 201. Thus, strainingdistance 403 may be similar tostraining distance 203. In addition,gap 407 may be a distance between the top ofrespective crossbars 310, as they pass under retaining wall.Gap 407 may be sized to allow fluid to pass through. Furthermore,gap 407 may allow very small beads to pass through. - Selection of the beads B may occur by the size and shape of the
rod gaps 314. For example, beads B having a diameter of about 10.0 mm or larger may be selected byrod gaps 314 sized 10.0 mm or larger. Additionally, beads B having a diameter of about 4.0 mm or larger may be selected byrod gaps 314 of 4.0 mm or less. Furthermore, beads B having a diameter of about 2.0 mm or larger may be selected byrod gaps 314 of 2.0 mm. Smaller diameter beads B may pass throughrod gaps 314 larger than the diameter of the smaller diameter beads. -
Link span 409 may represent the distance betweenrespective crossbars 310.Link span 409 may be sized to regulate the uptake density of beads B. For example, anoversized link span 409 may not maximize uptake density due to beads B crowding and falling over thelower crossbar 310. However, anundersized link span 409 may reduce the transporting surface area of themesh 307 by including unnecessary crossbars 310 (ifcrossbars 310 are configured such that beads B don't rest directly on the crossbars 301, thereby reducing available surface area of theconveyor belt 300 for transport).Link span 409 may be predetermined according to the diameter ofcrossbars 310. -
Crossbars 310 may extend orthogonally from the surface ofbelt 300 at acrossbar height 411. The crossbar height may be predetermined to allow for pushing the beads B as theconveyor belt 300 moves. For example,crossbar height 411 may be larger than the diameter of the corresponding beads B. However,crossbar height 411 may be as small as one eighth of the diameter of corresponding beads B, depending on theconveyor belt angle 102. Using asmaller crossbar height 411 may increase transport surface area of theconveyor belt 300. - Based on the configuration of the
conveyor belt mesh 307, therod gaps 314, thestraining distance 403, thegap 407, the retainingwall 401, and/or thecrossbar height 411, beads B of a predetermined size may be sifted from the frozen beads B. For example, beads of a 2.0 mm diameter may be sifted. In some embodiments, beads having a diameter of about 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm may be sifted from the remaining beads. -
FIG. 4B depicts a side-view diagram of theconveyor belt 300 ofFIG. 3 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Specifically, the interaction of threelinks 302 is depicted.Respective crossbars 310 extend through eachrespective wing hinge 308. Furthermore, wing hinges 308 may extend orthogonally from the surface of theconveyor belt 300 at aguide height 405. Thisguide height 405 may be sufficient to retain appropriately-sized beads B on theconveyor belt mesh 307. For example, guideheight 405 may be at least one-eighth of the diameter of the corresponding beads B. Guide height 408 may be larger than the diameter of the corresponding beads B. -
FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a side view of analternative conveyor belt 500 for use with theapparatus 10 ofFIG. 2 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Conveyor belt 500 may comprise transport structures, such ascleats 505.Cleats 505 may aid therods 312 andcrossbars 310 in transporting the beads B on theconveyor belt 500. Therefore,cleats 500 may be any transport structure for transporting beads B fromchamber 12 tochute 40. For example,cleats 505 may span the width of theconveyor belt 500.Cleats 505 may extend orthogonally from crossbars 301 or fromrods 312.Cleats 505 may span a width of theconveyor belt 500 and may extend orthogonally from an outer surface of theconveyor belt 500. Furthermore, thecleats 505 may be set apart along theconveyor belt 500 at apredetermined spacing 511. Thecleats 505 may have aheight 509, and athickness 507. Theheight 509 andspacing 511, in conjunction with the belt speed, may be correlated with the rate of formation of the beads B or the desired transportation rate of the beads B. In some embodiments, selection of the beads B may occur by the size of thecleats 505 in conjunction with the size ofspacing 511. - Furthermore, retaining
wall 501 may be placed such that the beads B are guided by the operation of gravity onto theconveyor belt 500 and between thecleats 505. Retainingwall 501 may be positioned within aretention distance 503 of the tops of therespective cleats 505 when thecleats 505 pass under retainingwall 501. The retention distance may be less than the diameter of the smallest beads that are desired (e.g. less than 2 mm diameter). - In some embodiments, the
cleats 505 may be constructed of solid materials that are resilient under cryogenic conditions, such as rubber, metals, and/or composites. However, other embodiments of thecleats 505 include mesh constructions, such that thecleats 505 strain the beads B from the cryogenic liquid. Thecleats 505 may extend orthogonally from theconveyor belt 500 and between theguide rails 211 such that the beads B on theconveyor belt 500 are confined to the space between twocleats 500 and the twoguide rails 211. - Based on the configuration of the conveyor belt mesh of
conveyor belt 500, the corresponding rod gaps, theretention distance 503, the retainingwall 501, and/or the configuration of thecleats 505, such ascleat height 509, beads B of a predetermined size may be sifted from the frozen beads B. For example, beads of a 2.0 mm diameter may be sifted. In some embodiments, beads having a diameter of about 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm may be sifted from the remaining beads. -
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of aconveyor belt assembly 600 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In some embodiments, theconveyor belt assembly 600 may be substantially similar to theconveyor belt assembly 50. -
Conveyor belt assembly 600 may comprise a motor 602 that is in rotatable communication withroller 205 b, such as via a rotary assembly 612. Thus,roller 205 b may be rotatably driven by motor 602. For example, motor 602 may cause rotation ofbelt 604 aboutroller 205 b.Roller 205 b may sharecommon axle 608 with motor 602. Thus, rotation ofbelt 38 may drive rotation ofsupport rollers 205, such asroller 205 a.Roller 205 b andsupport rollers belt 38.Support rollers 205 may be substantially similar to supportroller 205 a. - Furthermore,
conveyor belt assembly 600 may compriseintake 616.Intake 616 may receive the beads B such thatbelt 38 may transport the beads tochute 40. Theintake 616 may receive material, such as frozen beads B, which may be fed from thechamber 12 tointake 616 by the operation of gravity. -
Conveyor belt assembly 600 may further comprisebell hub 604.Bell hub 604 may comprise a connector for receiving cleaning fluids, such as water, detergent, and/or disinfectant. Thus,conveyor belt assembly 600 may be a clean-in-place assembly. A “clean-in-place assembly” and a “clean-in-place configuration” mean that theconveyor belt assembly 600 can be cleaned by pumping cleaning fluids, such as water, soap, detergents, disinfectants, etc., through the clean-in-placeconveyor belt assembly 600 without removing theconveyor belt assembly 600 from theapparatus 10. Furthermore, cleaning fluids may clean each of the structures within thehousing 636. As theassembly 600 is cleaned, fluids may flow to theintake end 618. The fluids may be released from theintake end 618 via a drain line (explained with respect toFIG. 7 ). -
FIG. 7 depicts a view of theintake end 618 of theconveyor belt assembly 600 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. By way of illustration, anaxle 706 is depicted at a vertical angle relative to adrain 708 rather than the alternative horizontal angle depicted inFIG. 6 . Thus,axle 706 may rotatably engageroller 205 a such thatbelt 38 is turned whenaxle 706 is turned. -
Intake end 618 may be joined to cover 712. For example,intake end 618 and cover 712 may be frictionally fit, joined with abolt 704, etc. For example, cover 712 may comprisedome 702, such that incorrectly sized particles and/or other debris may be contained. Thus,drain line 708 may be used to remove the incorrectly sized particles, debris, cleaning fluids, and/or other waste. For example,cap 710 may be place overdrain line 708 such that any contained liquid nitrogen, beads, etc. does not drain during operation. However, operation may be temporarily ceased for cleaning.Drain line 708 may be connected to a hose for rinsingintake end 618 with water, soap, rinse solutions, and/or disinfectants. Alternatively, water, soap, rinse solutions, and/or disinfectants may be passed into theconveyor belt assembly 600 through thechute 40 and/orbell hub 604. - While the
conveyor belt assembly 600 is in operation conveying material, thedrain line 708 may remain closed, for example by securely but removably attaching thedrain cap 710 to thedrain line 708. In one embodiment, thedrain cap 710 may be removably attached to thedrain line 708 with sanitary Tri-Clamp fittings. For example, Tri-Clamp ferrule P/N L14AM7 may be used for thedrain line 708. In this embodiment, thedrain cap 710 is Tri-Clamp solid end cap P/N 16AMP. A Tri-Clamp gasket P/N 40MP-UW is inserted between thedrain line 708 and thedrain cap 710, and Tri-Clamp single pin heavy duty clamp P/N 13MHHM removably secures thedrain cap 710 to thedrain 708. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another view of theintake end 618 of theconveyor belt assembly 600. This embodiment includes asanitary roller 205 a that comprises a solid material. In some embodiments, all therollers Sanitary roller 205 a may extend from one side of thehousing 636 to the opposite side. The axle is not depicted and is further explained with respect toFIG. 10 .Sanitary roller 205 a may be protected by one or more O-rings 801 at the intersection of thehousing 636 and theroller 205 a. Furthermore,support rollers 205 may comprisesanitary support rollers 205 a. - Debris could fall from material conveyed by the
conveyor belt assembly 600, accumulating around theaxle 706 androller 205 a. Therefore, some embodiments include solid construction of theroller 205 a and theaxle 706 comprising composite materials, such as Teflon. Furthermore,gaskets 801 may be situated on theaxles 706 and on both sides of therollers gaskets 801 may seal the bearings, or other rotation mechanism, of therollers Teflon axles 706 with an O-ring gasket positioned on the outside of the rollers, such asrollers - In some embodiments, the
conveyor belt assembly 600 may be readily cleaned without dismantling. To clean the conveyor belt assembly, thedrain line 710 may be opened, and wash and rinse solutions and disinfectants may be passed into thehousing 636 through thechute 40 and/or theintake 616. Alternatively, a nozzle may be provided at the outlet end of theconveyor belt assembly 600 for accepting wash and rinse solutions. The wash and rinse solutions and disinfectants may flow downward against thebelt 38 androllers axle 706 of theroller 205 b, and exiting from thedrain line 708. The currents or fluid flow forces created by the cleaners and disinfectants may effectively remove debris from theintake end 618, allowing theconveyor belt assembly 600 to be cleaned without dismantling. When removal of thecover 712 is required to allow inspection of the interior of theintake end 618, theaxle 706 can be advantageously attached to thehousing 636, allowing removal of thecover 712 without destabilizing theconveyor belt 38. -
FIG. 9 depicts theapparatus 10 ofFIG. 1 comprising acleaning extension 905. As can be seen, thecleaning extension 905 may extend intochamber 12 ofapparatus 10. Thus,apparatus 10 may comprise a clean-in-place configuration, wherein cleaning fluids can be pumped throughapparatus 10 without disassembly ofapparatus 10.Cleaning extension 905 may comprise one ormore spray balls spray ball holes 909. Eachrespective hole 909 may be in fluid communication withintake 901 through thecleaning extension 905. In this manner, cleaning solution comprising may be pumped into thecleaning extension 905, through therespective holes 909 of thespray balls apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution may comprise water. In addition, the cleaning solutions may comprise one or more detergents. - In some embodiments, a
first spray ball 903 a may be positioned over thedrip tray 32 such that water and/or detergents may be sprayed ontodrip tray 32 and throughapertures 34 during cleaning. Top 907 may enclosespray ball 903 a such that water and/or detergent are contained when sprayed from thespray ball 903 a. Additionally, asecond spray ball 903 b may extend intochamber 12. In these embodiments, water and/or detergents may be sprayed onto the underside of thedrip tray 32 as well as thewalls 14 of thechamber 12. Of course, the interior (e.g. the chamber 12) of the apparatus may be warmed above cryogenic temperatures for cleaning. - Although
inlet 35 may be repositioned,inlet 35 may allow the composition to enter theapparatus 10 to be dripped throughtray 32. Therefore, cleaningextension 905 may clean composition out of theapparatus 10. For example, routine cleanings and/or cleanings between flavoring changes may be performed. -
FIG. 10 depicts a diagram of a partially exploded diagram of an example interaction of a roller and a housing of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Ana-ring recess 1003 may be formed in the interior of thehousing 36 such that o-ring 1001 may fit inside. In some embodiments, this fit prevents fluids from entering the o-ring recess and prevents fluid from reaching theaxle 706. In some embodiments, theaxle 706 may be a smaller diameter than theroller 205 a such that theaxle 706 fits within o-ring 1001. Thus, a side ofroller 205 a may be frictionally fit against the o-ring 1001 such that theaxle 706 is protected. - The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
- In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts of the present invention. In particular, a method of the present invention allows the preparation, storing and serving of a unique, free-flowing, frozen supplementary product. Because the product is quick frozen, it can be smoother and creamier and provide a full-bodied flavor. Advantageously, the resulting product may have a certain sophistication that appeals to today's discriminating consumers who want something special.
- The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.
Claims (15)
1.-20. (canceled)
21. An apparatus for manufacturing cryogenically frozen supplementary beads, comprising:
an elongated housing comprising an intake end and a discharge end comprising a chute, the elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen bead from the intake end to the chute,
wherein the intake end of the elongated housing comprises an intake configured to extend to a bottom of a cryogenic chamber when the apparatus is positioned to receive a frozen bead from the cryogenic chamber;
a conveyor belt disposed within the channel of the elongated housing from the intake end to the discharge end; and
a drive motor assembly in rotary communication with the conveyor belt, the drive motor assembly configured to rotate the conveyor belt toward the discharge end.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 , further comprising:
an openable cleaning drain line disposed proximate the intake end of the elongated housing.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the conveyor belt comprises rod gaps through the conveyor belt.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein each respective rod gap is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the frozen bead comprising a predetermined size.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein each rod gap is sized and shaped for the predetermined size comprising a diameter of about 2.0 mm to about 10.0 mm.
26. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein each rod gap is sized and shaped for the predetermined size comprising a diameter of about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm.
27. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the conveyor belt further comprises one or more cleats extending orthogonally from an outer surface of the conveyor belt.
28. The apparatus of claim 21 , further comprising:
a retaining wall spaced from an edge of an outer surface of the conveyor belt at a diameter of a predetermined size.
29. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the conveyor belt comprises a clean-in-place configuration, the clean-in-place configuration comprising:
the conveyor belt looped around and frictionally engaged with at least one sanitary roller,
wherein the elongated housing comprises a receiver configured to receive water into the elongated housing and a drain line configured to control the release of water from the elongated housing.
30. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the receiver is positioned proximate the output end of the elongated housing and the drain line is positioned proximate a lowest portion of the intake end of the elongated housing.
31. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the conveyor belt is disposed at a conveying angle relative to a plane that is perpendicular to a cross-sectional plane of the intake.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the conveying angle is acute relative to the plane.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the conveying angle is approximately 55 degrees to approximately 60 degrees relative to the plane.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the conveying angle is approximately 45 degrees to 50 degrees relative to the plane.
Priority Applications (14)
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US15/258,648 US20180064133A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2016-09-07 | Preparing and Storing a Free Flowing Frozen Supplementary Product |
CA3027320A CA3027320A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
KR1020197004362A KR102608525B1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Manufacturing and storage of free-flowing refrigerated secondary products |
JP2018569082A JP2019528679A (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Preparation and storage of free-flowing frozen supplement products |
PCT/US2017/037365 WO2018048491A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
AU2017239528A AU2017239528A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
BR112018076407-8A BR112018076407A2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | preparation and storage of free flowing frozen supplemental product |
CN201780001118.8A CN108064134A (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | Prepare and store the freezing supplementary flowed freely |
RU2017132976A RU2017132976A (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-06-14 | PREPARATION AND PRESERVATION OF EASY-FILLING FROZEN ADDITIONAL PRODUCT |
US15/640,985 US11382339B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2017-07-03 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
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US15/959,559 US20190307148A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2018-04-23 | Preparing and Storing a Free Flowing Frozen Supplementary Product |
HK18108245.6A HK1249367A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2018-06-27 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
PH12019500291A PH12019500291A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2019-02-12 | Preparing and storing a free flowing frozen supplementary product |
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CN112342136A (en) * | 2020-10-19 | 2021-02-09 | 南京聚亿源精细化工有限公司 | Preparation process of composite probiotics |
US11116239B2 (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2021-09-14 | Maing Chau Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Assembled material tube of hot and cold foods supplying machine |
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CN111054264B (en) * | 2019-11-28 | 2021-03-23 | 湖州讯腾电缆材料科技有限公司 | Antistatic color master efficient granulation equipment and technology thereof |
CN112934654A (en) * | 2020-04-10 | 2021-06-11 | 杭州富阳新远新能源有限公司 | Particle screening device used in biomass fuel production process |
PL437238A1 (en) * | 2021-03-08 | 2022-09-12 | Małgorzata Anna Osiecka-Ciuhak | Frozen food product, stabilizer, frozen food production method and sieve system |
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-
2016
- 2016-09-07 US US15/258,648 patent/US20180064133A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-06-14 WO PCT/US2017/037365 patent/WO2018048491A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-06-14 BR BR112018076407-8A patent/BR112018076407A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2017-06-14 AU AU2017239528A patent/AU2017239528A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-06-14 RU RU2017132976A patent/RU2017132976A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2017-06-14 CN CN201780001118.8A patent/CN108064134A/en active Pending
- 2017-06-14 KR KR1020197004362A patent/KR102608525B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2017-06-14 CA CA3027320A patent/CA3027320A1/en active Pending
- 2017-06-14 JP JP2018569082A patent/JP2019528679A/en active Pending
- 2017-07-03 US US15/640,985 patent/US11382339B2/en active Active
- 2017-09-07 NL NL2019499A patent/NL2019499B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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2018
- 2018-04-23 US US15/959,559 patent/US20190307148A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-06-27 HK HK18108245.6A patent/HK1249367A1/en unknown
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2019
- 2019-02-12 PH PH12019500291A patent/PH12019500291A1/en unknown
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GB2193119A (en) * | 1986-07-29 | 1988-02-03 | E W Downs & Sons Limited | Grader |
US5126156A (en) * | 1989-03-06 | 1992-06-30 | Jones Curt D | Method of preparing and storing a free flowing, frozen alimentary dairy product |
US4944162A (en) * | 1989-11-07 | 1990-07-31 | Liquid Carbonic Corporation | Helical conveyor food freezer |
US6539743B2 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2003-04-01 | Dippin′ Dots, Inc. | Transport assembly for transporting free flowing frozen product away from a cryogenic processor |
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Cited By (2)
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US11116239B2 (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2021-09-14 | Maing Chau Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Assembled material tube of hot and cold foods supplying machine |
CN112342136A (en) * | 2020-10-19 | 2021-02-09 | 南京聚亿源精细化工有限公司 | Preparation process of composite probiotics |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN108064134A (en) | 2018-05-22 |
US20180064134A1 (en) | 2018-03-08 |
JP2019528679A (en) | 2019-10-17 |
WO2018048491A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 |
PH12019500291A1 (en) | 2019-05-15 |
BR112018076407A2 (en) | 2019-04-09 |
AU2017239528A1 (en) | 2018-03-22 |
HK1249367A1 (en) | 2018-11-02 |
WO2018048491A8 (en) | 2019-02-14 |
US20190307148A1 (en) | 2019-10-10 |
KR20190050967A (en) | 2019-05-14 |
CA3027320A1 (en) | 2018-03-15 |
NL2019499A (en) | 2018-03-09 |
NL2019499B1 (en) | 2018-09-11 |
KR102608525B1 (en) | 2023-12-01 |
RU2017132976A (en) | 2019-03-21 |
US11382339B2 (en) | 2022-07-12 |
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