APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PORTIONING AND DISPENSING A FROZEN PRODUCT
First Claim
1. An automated apparatus for portioning a frozen product, comprising:
- a portioning container for the frozen product;
a first surface connected with the portioning container; and
a second surface connected with the portioning container, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the frozen product in the portioning container is pressed between the first surface and second surface as the first surface and second surface are approximated within the portioning container to thereby form a dispensable portion of the frozen product.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for portioning and dispensing a frozen product, another viscous fluid, or the like, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a frozen food product is pressed between a first and second surface as the first and second surfaces are approximated in a portioning container, to thereby form a dispensable portion. The second surface may separate to allow the formed frozen product to be dispensed from the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a storage container for the frozen product, wherein a portion of the frozen product in the storage container is transferred to the portioning container as the frozen product in the storage container is rotated and advanced against a cutting blade.
44 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An automated apparatus for portioning a frozen product, comprising:
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a portioning container for the frozen product; a first surface connected with the portioning container; and a second surface connected with the portioning container, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the frozen product in the portioning container is pressed between the first surface and second surface as the first surface and second surface are approximated within the portioning container to thereby form a dispensable portion of the frozen product. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for portioning a frozen product, comprising:
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rotating a portioning container containing the frozen product; transferring a portion of the frozen product into a storage container responsive to the rotating; pressing the portion of the frozen product in the storage container between a first and a second surface to create a formed portion of the frozen product; and dispensing the formed portion of the frozen product. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An automated apparatus for portioning a frozen product, comprising:
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means for rotating the frozen product; means for slicing a portion of the frozen product; and means for forming the sliced frozen product. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. An apparatus for portioning and dispensing a frozen product, comprising:
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a portioning container for the frozen product; a hemispherically shaped first surface movably mounted in the portioning container; a hemispherically shaped second surface mounted in a lower portion of the portioning container, wherein the second surface is separable; a wiper blade configured to wipe the first surface and the second surface; a storage container for the frozen product, wherein the storage container is connected with the portioning container, and wherein the storage container is configured to rotate; a cutting blade positioned between the portioning container and the storage container; and a push plate configured to push the frozen product in the storage container in the direction of the cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade is configured to transfer a portion of the frozen product from the storage container to the portioning container responsive to rotation of the storage container and advancement of the push-plate in the direction of the cutting blade, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the frozen product in the storage container is pressed into a formed portion between the first surface and second surface as the first surface is approximated with the second surface, and wherein the second surface is configured to separate to dispense the formed portion.
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Specification