PCT
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 7 :
`A23G 9/28
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`W0 00I36925
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`29 June 2000 (2906.00)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`17 December 1999 (17.l2.99)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`19986005
`
`18 December 1998 (l8.l2.98)
`
`NO
`
`US):
`except
`States
`designated
`all
`(for
`(71) Applicant
`P.O. Box
`MARIENLYST EIENDOM AS [NO/NO];
`2030 Stromsra, N—3003 Drammen (NO).
`
`(72) Inventor; and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only): HANSEN Sr., Asbjrzsm
`[NO/NO]; Bonneviesgate 4, N—3016 Drammen (NO).
`
`(74) Agent: ONSAGERS AS; PO. Box 265 Sentrum, N—-0103 Oslo
`(NO).
`
`(81) Designated States: AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG,
`BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE,
`ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP,
`KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA,
`MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU,
`SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG,
`US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW, ARIPO patent (GH, GM, KE,
`LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patent (AM,
`AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT,
`BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU,
`MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM,
`GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published
`
`With international search report.
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`(54) Title: AN ICE CREAM DISPENSER WITH MIXING, FLAVOURING AND WASHING DEVICES
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`An ice cream mixing apparatus comprises
`a funnel (2) for holding ice cream (1) and flavour
`additives, an auger (3) and a linear actuator (6)
`for moving the auger (3) into the funnel (2), in
`which position a rotation of the auger (3) will
`mix the ice cream (1) and the flavour additives.
`The funnel (2) forms part of an enclosure (8)
`with at least one spray nozzle (10) for pointing
`a water spray (11) at the auger (3) for washing
`purposes. The auger (3) has at least one vane
`(13) in an area which is hit by the water spray
`(1 1) during the relative movement of the funnel
`(2) and auger (3), causing a deflection of the
`water spray (12).
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 001
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 001
`
`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`
`Albania
`Armenia
`Austria
`Australia
`Azerbaijan
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`Cote d’lvoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Cuba
`Czech Republic
`Germany
`Denmark
`Estonia
`
`ES
`FI
`FR
`GA
`GB
`GE
`GH
`GN
`GR
`HU
`IE
`IL
`IS
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Ghana
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Israel
`Iceland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgyzstan
`Democratic People’s
`Republic of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakstan
`Saint Lucia
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Liberia
`
`LS
`LT
`LU
`LV
`MC
`MD
`MG
`MK
`
`ML
`MN
`MR
`MW
`MX
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`SD
`SE
`SG
`
`Lesotho
`Lithuania
`Luxembourg
`Latvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Madagascar
`The former Yugoslav
`Republic of Macedonia
`Mali
`Mongolia
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Mexico
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New Zealand
`Poland
`Portugal
`Romania
`Russian Federation
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Singapore
`
`SI
`SK
`SN
`sz
`TD
`TG
`TJ
`TM
`TR
`TT
`UA
`UG
`US
`UZ
`VN
`YU
`zw
`
`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Turkmenistan
`Turkey
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`Uganda
`United States of America
`Uzbekistan
`Viet Nam
`Yugoslavia
`Zimbabwe
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 002
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 002
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`AN ICE CREAM DISPENSER WITH MIXING, FLAVOURING AND WASHING DEVICES
`
`The invention relates to an ice cream mixing apparatus for mixing ice cream
`
`with one or more flavour additives, comprising a funnel for holding the ice
`
`cream and the flavour additives, an auger with a spindle for creating a mixing
`
`action, an auger driver for rotating the auger spindle, and a linear actuator for
`
`relative movement ofthe funnel and auger into a position in which the auger
`
`is telescoped into the funnel, in which position a rotation ofthe auger will
`
`mix the ice cream and the flavour additives.
`
`The ice cream will normally be in hard form, while the flavour additives may
`
`be fruits or nuts. The result of such a mixing is a semiliquid ice cream in
`
`which the flavour additives are more or less distributed, which may be sold
`
`to consumers.
`
`Such apparatuses are known from a number of patents. US 4 548 054,
`
`US 4 637 221, US 4 708 489 and US 4 974 965 all describe machines or
`
`apparatuses comprising an auger or agitator with a helical thread or cutter
`
`extending into a funnel or container for holding the ice cream and additives.
`
`The auger and funnel is relatively rotatable. and after some rotation the ice
`
`cream and additives have obtained a semiliquid condition which is attractive
`
`IO consumers.
`
`All these apparatuses are however encumbered with the drawback that after
`
`some use bacteriological growth will take place, which may constitute a
`
`health risk to the consumer. To prevent this bacteriological growth manual
`
`washing is required, which is time consuming and encumbered with the
`
`drawback that the result depend very much of the care ofthe operator.
`
`US 4 637 221 describes a rinsing process in which the operator by activating
`
`a switch can initiate a rinsing of the auger and funnel by tap water. The
`
`purpose of the rinsing is to remove residues of ice cream to prevent
`
`intermixing of flavours. The activating is manual, and thus the intervals
`
`between each rinsing is dependent upon the operator.
`
`Modern health regulations require the bacteriological level to be below
`
`certain maximum values, which cannot be assured with prior art ice cream
`mixing apparatuses. Prior art ice cream mixing apparatuses are thus
`
`unsuitable in areas where such regulations apply.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 003
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 003
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`The object of the invention is to provide an ice cream mixing apparatus for
`
`mixing ice cream with one or more flavour additives, in which the
`
`bacteriological level can be kept below a certain maximum value. The object
`
`is further that the bacteriological level shall be kept below the certain
`
`maximum value independent of the operator. The object is further that the ice
`
`cream mixing apparatus shall also comprise means for preventing
`
`intermixing of different flavour additives without having to initiate a
`
`thorough and time consuming complete washing.
`
`The objects are achieved by an ice cream mixing apparatus as mentioned in
`
`the introduction, characterized by the features of the claims.
`
`The invention thus consists of an ice cream mixing apparatus for mixing ice
`
`cream with one or more flavour additives, comprising a funnel for holding
`
`the ice cream and the flavour additives, an auger with a spindle for creating a
`
`mixing action, an auger driver for rotating the auger spindle, and a linear
`
`actuator for relative movement ofthe funnel and auger into a position in
`
`which the auger is telescoped into the funnel, in which position a rotation of
`
`the auger will mix the ice cream and the flavour additives. The funnel forms
`
`part of an enclosure with a closable inlet for the ice cream and at least one
`
`spray nozzle for pointing a water spray at the auger for washing purposes.
`
`Further the auger or the auger spindle has at least one vane in an area which
`
`will be hit by the water spray during the relative movement ofthe funnel and
`
`auger, causing a deflection ofthe water spray. This spraying may take place
`
`during a period when the mixing apparatus is not used for mixing ice cream.
`
`Preferably the at least one vane is located in or adjacent to a transition area
`
`between the auger and the auger spindle. The vane or vanes have surfaces
`
`which direct the water spray towards the auger spindle and the ice cream
`
`inlet, and in order to enable a thorough spraying ofinternal parts of the
`
`funnel, there should preferably be more than one vane. The vanes may be
`
`formed by a vane wheel, which may be mounted on the auger spindle.
`
`Preferably the water supply to the spray nozzle includes a heated water
`
`supply, with temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C
`
`and 70°C and most preferred between 60°C and 65°C, as this has been found
`
`to be most beneficial for removing ice cream residues without causing the ice
`
`cream residues to coagulate. The heated water spraying removes residue ice
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 004
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 004
`
`

`
`wo 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`cream from the funnel and provides a thorough washing in which bacteria
`
`and the basis for bacteriological growth is removed, thereby keeping the
`bacteriological level below a certain maximum value. The heated water
`
`supply may be achieved by a connection to a hot water tap, or a separate
`heater which heats cold water.
`
`A cold water supply, as well as a liquid detergent supply may also be
`
`included in the supply to the spray nozzle. The liquid detergent may be
`
`sprayed on the auger and funnel prior to, together with or in between the
`
`heated water spraying, which enhances the washing and further reduces the
`
`bacteriological level.
`
`Electric circuitry comprising switches and control valves may be used for
`
`manually or automatically controlling the supply to the at least one spray
`
`nozzle. This electric circuitry preferably form part ofa control system
`
`comprising an electronic control unit, a power supply and a control panel
`
`with control buttons and control lights, for controlling electrical equipment.
`
`The control system may initiate a heated water spraying on a regular timer
`
`basis by a timer in the electronic control unit. Preferably a complete washing
`
`sequence as a minimum comprising a cold water spraying, a liquid detergent
`
`spraying and a heated water spraying is initiated on a regular timer basis.
`
`Thereby the washing function is independent of the operator.
`
`A cold water spraying, i.e. a rinsing of the funnel, may be initiated manually
`
`between mixing of ice cream with different flavour additives. The cold water
`
`spraying may be of a shorter duration than the complete washing, yet the cold
`
`water spraying will be sufficient to remove enough residues in the funnel to
`
`prevent intermixing of ice cream with different flavours.
`
`The auger driver may be adapted to rotate the auger spindle at variable
`
`speeds, e.g. two different speeds, enabling a fast rotation of the auger when
`
`there are no or little resistance to the rotation, and a slow rotation ofthe
`
`auger when there is a resistance to the rotation caused by the ice cream.
`
`The invention will now be explained by a description of a preferred
`
`embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
`
`Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an ice cream mixing apparatus according to
`the invention.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 005
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 005
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/0039]
`
`Fig. 2 and 3 are side views of the ice cream mixing apparatus, illustrating
`
`washing.
`
`Fig. 4 is a plan View ofa vane wheel.
`
`Fig. 1 is a schematic side View of an ice cream mixing apparatus for mixing
`
`ice cream with one or more flavour additives according to the invention,
`
`illustrating the principal parts. The ice cream mixing apparatus comprises a
`
`frame 25 with a foot 26 for placing on a not illustrated support, e.g. a table.
`
`A funnel 2 for holding the ice cream and flavour additives is supported by an
`
`auger bearing box 34, which is supported by the frame 25. An essentially
`
`vertical auger 3 with its spindle 4 is rotatably supported by journal bearings
`
`in the auger bearing box 34, and axially supported by a driver bracket 24.
`
`The driver bracket 24 also supports an auger driver 5, which consists of an
`
`auger motor 23 and a sheave/belt transmission 22 for transferring rotational
`
`movement to the auger spindle 4.
`
`The funnel 2 forms part of an enclosure 8 with a closable inlet 9 which is
`
`slanting upwards, and which can be closed by a lid 35 which is hinged to the
`
`inlet 9 in a hinge 36. A funnel outlet 20 witl1 an ice cream nozzle 38 points at
`
`a cup 32 which is placed in a cup holder 56. The cup holder is perforated to
`
`allow wash water and spilt ice cream to flow to a sink 33 and further to a
`
`drain conduit 57.
`
`A linear actuator 6, which may be a pneumatic cylinder, or preferably an
`
`electrically operated linear actuator, is attached to the apparatus frame 25 via
`
`an actuator bracket 37. An actuator rod 27 extends vertically from the linear
`
`actuator 6, and is connected to a spring means 39 in a lower spring
`
`attachment 41. The spring means 39 is attached to the driver bracket 24 in an
`
`upper spring attachment 40, and thus the spring means 39 is arranged
`
`between the linear actuator 6 and the driver bracket 24. The driver bracket 24
`
`is attached to a slide bracket 31 which via a rail 30 which is fixed to the
`
`frame 25 is slidingly guided in a vertical direction, illustrated by an arrow
`42.
`
`In fig. 1 the spring means 39 is illustrated in its retracted position.
`
`Corresponding stopper elements formed by a stopper bar 28 on the actuator
`
`rod 27 and stopper bolts 29 on the driver bracket 24 are in engagement and
`
`prevents a retraction of the spring means 39 beyond its retracted position. In
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 006
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 006
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`this position the spring means 39 is somewhat pretensioned, in order to
`
`prevent play during initial extension of the spring means.
`
`In fig.
`
`1 the linear actuator 6, i.e. the actuator rod 27, is illustrated in an
`
`upper position, and the auger 3 is illustrated in a corresponding position
`
`outside the funnel 2. An activating ofthe linear actuator 6 causes the actuator
`
`rod 27 to move down, in the direction illustrated by arrow 42. The movement
`
`ofthe actuator rod 27 is via the spring means 39 transferred to the driver
`
`bracket 24, causing the driver bracket with the sheave/belt transmission 22,
`
`the motor 23 and the auger spindle 4 to move down, in the direction of the
`
`arrow 42. The auger 3 thus moves down as illustrated by arrow 7, and hits a
`
`block ofice cream 1 which is located in the funnel 2. If the ice cream is hard,
`
`which it normally will be to a certain extent, a further movement of the auger
`
`3 will be prevented, causing an extension ofthe spring means 39. A further
`
`movement of the actuator rod 27 in direction 42 will further extend the spring
`
`means 39, which exerts a tension force which tries to force the auger 3 into
`the ice cream 1.
`
`The auger 3 is simultaneously rotated, which softens the ice cream l. The
`
`spring means retracts and forces the auger 3 into the ice cream 1, and after
`
`some time the auger 3 is telescoped into the funnel 2. When the end 21 ofthe
`
`auger 3 reaches the bottom ofthe funnel, the spring means 39 will again be
`
`in the retracted position, and the stopper bar 28 and the stopper bolts 29 will
`
`again be in engagement. A reversing of the linear actuator 6, i.e. a movement
`
`ofthe actuator rod 27 in the direction opposite the arrow 42, will withdraw
`
`the auger 3 from the funnel 2.
`
`Fig.
`
`1 also illustrates a spray nozzle 10 for pointing a water spray at the
`
`auger 3 for washing purposes. A vane wheel 14 is located in a transition area
`
`between the auger 3 and the auger spindle 4, causing a deflection ofthe water
`
`spray during a movement of the auger 3 past the spray nozzle 10. A heated
`
`water supply 16, a cold water supply 17 and a liquid detergent supply 18, in
`
`which liquid detergent is supplied from a liquid detergent container 53 via a
`
`pump 54, and corresponding not illustrated control valves, allow various
`
`spraying concepts to be used for washing or rinsing the enclosure 8 and the
`
`auger 3 between the ice cream mixing.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 007
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 007
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`The ice cream mixing apparatus also includes electric circuitry with a
`programmable electronic control unit, a power supply, switches, pushbuttons
`and lamps. In order not to overload figure 1, these items are left out. The
`
`electronic control unit may include microelectronics for both manual and
`
`automatic activation of the linear actuator, switches, lamps, motors and
`
`control valves. The automatic activation can be based on input from sensors
`or a timer and include sequencing of functions. These items as well as their
`
`functioning and physical arrangement are conventional, and do not form a
`
`part of the invention.
`
`In use the operator puts a charge ofice cream I, typically hard ice cream, and
`
`a charge of flavour additive, typically fruit, berries or nuts (not illustrated),
`into the inlet 9. He then pushes a button which activates the auger motor 23
`and the linear actuator 6, and the auger 3 enters the funnel 2, as explained
`above. The rotation of the auger 3 causes a mixing ofthe ice cream 1 and the
`
`flavour additives into a semiliquid mixture which after a certain time, e.g. 5
`seconds, is poured out through the outlet 20 and into the cup 32 for
`
`consumption. The nozzle 38, which may have the shape of e.g. a star, gives
`
`the ice cream mixture the desired shape.
`
`The auger driver 5 may be adapted to rotate the auger spindle 4 at variable
`
`speeds or two or more fixed different speeds. This can be achieved by a
`multispeed motor, or a shifting in the sheave/belt transmission 22. Preferably
`the mixing of the ice cream 1
`is carried out by operating the auger 3 at a low
`
`speed during a fast movement of the linear actuator 6 during a first phase of
`the ice cream mixing, and operating the auger 3 at a high speed during a slow
`
`movement of the linear actuator 6 during a second phase of the ice cream
`
`mixing, as this ensures a quick mixing without overloading the auger driver.
`
`Fig. 2 and 3 illustrates spraying of the auger and the funnel and items
`
`associated with the spraying.
`
`The spray nozzle 10 is connected to the heated water supply 16 via a control
`
`valve 60, the cold water supply 17 via a control valve 61 and the liquid
`detergent supply 18 via a check valve 62. The cold and heated water supplies
`may be connected to external water taps, or containers in the apparatus. The
`
`water and the liquid detergent may be supplied by any kind of conduit, e.g.
`plastic hoses or tubing. The control valves 60 and 61 are solenoid valves
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 008
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 008
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`which can be electrically activated by electric circuitry 51 from the control
`
`unit 19. The electric circuitry 51 can also activate the pump 54 to supply
`
`liquid detergent from the liquid detergent container 53. The liquid detergent
`
`container 53 is filled manually when necessary.
`
`In fig. 2 the auger is identified with 3 in a position outside the funnel 2, and
`
`with 3' in a position within the funnel. In both these positions ofthe auger, a
`
`water spray 11 from the spray nozzle 10 hits the funnel essentially opposite
`the nozzle.
`
`In fig. 3 the auger 3 is in an intermediate position, on its way to one ofthe
`
`positions illustrated in fig. 2. In this intermediate position the vane wheel 14
`
`is hit by the water spray from the nozzle 10, and a deflected, distributed
`
`water spray l2 directed towards the auger spindle 4 and the ice cream inlet 9
`
`is formed. In this way areas ofthe funnel and the auger which is not hit by
`
`the direct spray 11 is also washed. Preferably the auger is rotated during the
`
`spraying, causing the spray to be directed at different points of the funnel and
`
`auger.
`
`The at least one vane must be located in an area which will be hit by the
`
`water spray 11 during the relative movement of the funnel 2 and auger 3. A
`
`location in or adjacent to a transition area between the auger 3 and the auger
`
`spindle 4 is preferred.
`
`The auger 3 or the auger spindle 4 should have at least one vane. Fig. 4
`
`illustrate a vane wheel 14, including eight vanes 13. The vanes 13 have
`
`surfaces 15 pointing in different directions, for directing the water spray in
`
`different directions. The vane or vanes may be designed as straight, angled or
`
`curved blades or surfaces ofa base portion. In the illustrated example the
`
`base portion ofthe vanes is the vane wheel itself. It should be understood,
`
`however, that several vane arrangements are possible, and that the vane or
`
`vanes may e.g. be formed integral with the auger or the auger spindle.
`
`Fig. 1-3 illustrate only one spray nozzle 10. More than one nozzle is however
`
`conceivable, to improve the washing efficiency. The illustrated nozzle 10 is
`
`located besides the auger 3. Alternatively or additionally one or more nozzles
`
`may be located above the auger 3, to point a water spray down.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 009
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 009
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`Cold water washing or rinsing may be initiated by the operator between
`
`mixing of ice cream with different flavour additives, in order to prevent
`
`intermixing of the additives. The control unit 19 then energises the cold
`
`water control Valve 61 and starts the auger 3, thereby spraying the funnel 2
`
`and auger 3 with cold water while the auger is rotating. A timer function in
`
`the control unit ensures that the cold water washing is maintained for a
`
`predetermined period, typically 20 seconds. The wash water is discharged to
`
`the sink 33 and further to the drain conduit 57.
`
`At predetermined intervals, typically 1 hour, a heated water wash is initiated
`
`by a timer in the control unit. As a minimum the heated water wash
`
`comprises a heated water spraying. Preferably the heated water wash includes
`
`a washing sequence comprising a cold water spraying, a liquid detergent
`
`spraying and a heated water spraying. The washing may also include rotating
`
`the auger, which as mentioned above, may be rotated at variable or different
`
`fixed speeds.
`
`At least the heated water wash, but also the cold water rinsing, may be
`
`accompanied by a linear movement of the auger 3, causing the vane to pass
`
`the nozzle 10 and deflect the water spray.
`
`In a preferred embodiment the end 21 at the apex ofthe auger 3 is adapted to
`
`close the funnel outlet 20 when the auger is telescoped completely into the
`
`funnel 2. This allows filling the funnel with heated or cold water, and
`
`rotating the auger. Such a rotation will create a water swirl which due to the
`
`centrifugal action will wash the funnel thoroughly. The central portion of the
`
`auger will, however, be better washed by a rotation ofthe auger during the
`
`spraying. The washing sequence may include both spraying the auger while it
`
`is rotating and filling the funnel with water and rotating the auger. in order to
`
`wash all parts thoroughly.
`
`A heated water wash, or a sequence including a heated water wash, may also
`
`be manually initiated by a push button.
`
`Thus a number of different washing sequences is possible. The steps ofthe
`
`washing sequence as well as their lengths are controlled by the control unit,
`
`and different washing sequences may be realised by different programming
`ofthe control unit.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 010
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 010
`
`

`
`wo 00/35925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`The heated water should preferably have a temperature between 40°C and
`75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and most preferred between 60°C
`and 65°C, as this have been found to ensure proper washing without causing
`the substances in the ice cream to coagulate. This temperature can be
`achieved by a heater which heats cold water and is controlled by a thermostat
`that ensures the correct temperature, or a mixing element which mixes hot
`
`tap water with cold tap water to the correct temperature.
`
`A number of additional functions may be included in the control unit, e.g.
`pulsing of liquid detergent with predetermined intervals during the heated
`water wash, and logical checks to ensure that neither ice cream mixing, cold
`water wash nor heated water wash may be initiated while one of these
`
`processes are ongoing.
`
`The invention has in the above been described with reference to an ice cream
`
`mixing apparatus in which the funnel is stationary, and the auger is
`essentially vertical and telescoped into the funnel from above by a linear
`
`actuator. It should however be understood that the invention will be equally
`applicable for an ice cream mixing apparatus with an auger with a different
`orientation, e. g. horizontal, and a different principle for creating the relative
`
`movement for telescoping the auger into the funnel, e.g. by moving the
`funnel.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 011
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 011
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`CLAIMS
`
`1.
`
`An ice cream mixing apparatus for mixing ice cream (1) with one or
`
`more flavour additives, comprising a funnel (2) for holding the ice cream (1)
`and the flavour additives, an auger (3) with a spindle (4) for creating a
`mixing action, an auger driver (5) for rotating the auger spindle (4), and a
`linear actuator (6) for relative movement of the funnel (2) and auger (3) into
`a position in which the auger (3) is telescoped into the funnel (2), in which
`
`position a rotation ofthe auger (3') will mix the ice cream (1) and the flavour
`
`additives, characterized in that the funnel (2) forms part of an enclosure (8)
`
`with a closable inlet (9) for the ice cream (1) and at least one spray nozzle
`
`(10) for pointing a water spray (11) at the auger (3) for washing purposes,
`
`and that the auger (3) or the auger spindle (4) has at least one vane (13) in an
`
`area which will be hit by the water spray (11) during the relative movement
`
`of the funnel (2) and auger (3), causing a deflection ofthe water spray (12).
`
`2.
`
`An apparatus according claim 1,
`
`characterized in that the at least one vane (13) is located in or adjacent to a
`
`transition area between the auger (3) and the auger spindle (4).
`
`3.
`
`An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
`
`characterized in that the at least one vane (13) is formed by a vane wheel
`
`(14).
`
`4.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the at least one vane (13) has a surface (15) which direct
`
`the water spray (11) towards the auger spindle (4) and the ice cream inlet (9).
`
`5.
`
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the at least one vane surface (15) is a straight, angled or
`curved surface of a blade or base portion.
`
`6.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in a heated water supply (16) to the spray nozzle (10).
`
`7.
`
`An apparatus according to claim 6,
`
`characterized in comprising a temperature regulator for the heated water for
`
`keeping the water temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between
`
`50°C and 70°C and most preferred between 60°C and 65°C.
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 012
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 012
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`1 1
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`8.
`characterized in a cold water supply (17) to the spray nozzle (10).
`
`9.
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`characterized in a liquid detergent supply (18) to the spray nozzle (10).
`
`10.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in electric circuitry (51) comprising switches and control
`
`valves (60, 61) for manually controlling the supply to the at least one spray
`nozzle (10).
`
`l 1.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in electric circuitry (51) comprising a control unit (19),
`switches and control valves (60, 61) for automatically controlling the supply
`to the at least one spray nozzle (10).
`
`12.
`
`An apparatus according to claim 11,
`
`characterized by the control unit (19) initiating a heated water spraying on a
`regular timer basis.
`
`13.
`
`An apparatus according to claim 11,
`
`characterized by the control unit (19) initiating a washing sequence
`
`comprising a cold water rinsing, a liquid detergent spraying and a heated
`
`water washing on a regular timer basis.
`
`14.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the auger driver (5) is adapted to rotate the auger
`spindle (4) at a variable speed or fixed different speeds.
`
`15.
`
`An apparatus according to claim 14 and any ofthe claims 11-13,
`
`characterized in that the control unit (19) controls the speed of the auger (3)
`and the linear actuator (6) during the mixing ofthe ice cream (1), the control
`
`comprising operating the auger (3) at a low speed during a fast movement of
`
`the linear actuator (6) during a first phase ofthe ice cream mixing, and
`
`operating the auger (3) at a high speed during a slow movement ofthe linear
`
`actuator (6) during a second phase ofthe ice cream mixing.
`
`16.
`
`An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the auger spindle (4) is essentially vertical, the funnel
`
`(2) has a lower outlet (20) for the mixed ice cream (1), and that the end (21)
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 013
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 013
`
`

`
`wo 0055925
`
`12
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`ofthe auger (3) opposite the spindle (4) is adapted to close the funnel outlet
`
`(20) when telescoped completely into the funnel (2).
`
`17.
`
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the auger spindle (4) is essentially vertical, and that the
`
`ice cream inlet (9) is slanting upwards.
`
`18.
`
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (10) is located besides the
`
`auger (3).
`
`19.
`
`An apparatus according to one ofthe preceding claims,
`
`characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (10) is located above the
`
`auger (3).
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 014
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 014
`
`

`
`W0 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`34 IiilH"
`14 ::
`
`_-IIII
`
`suasnrure sneer (RULE 25)
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 015
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 015
`
`

`
`WO 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE '26)
`
`aeBn0HmH
`
`ETm,
`
`610D4,001
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 016
`
`

`
`W0 00/36925
`
`PCT/N099/00391
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 017
`
`Hamilton Beach, Exh. 1004, p. 017
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Int:
`
`lonal Application No
`
`PCT/NO 99/00391
`
`A.CUSSFwAflDNOF uamcIMArmn
`IPC 7
`A2§09 28
`
`According to lntemational Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Mlnimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`IPC 7
`A230
`
`4
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included"In the fields searched
`
`Eledronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and. where practical, search tenns used)
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`- Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate. ofthe relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`W0 91 06221 A (PETERSEN TORBEN PETER)
`16 May 1991 (1991-05-16)
`
`page 6,
`2,10
`page 11,
`
`line 27 -page 7,
`
`line 12; figures
`
`line 1 - line 5; claim 6
`
`US 5 799 832 A (MAYO COLIN H)
`1 September 1998 (1998-09-01)
`column 2,
`line 24 - line 50
`column 9,
`line 30 - line 47
`
`US 4 637 221 A (LEVIME_MORRIS M)
`20 January 1987 (1987-01-20)
`
`column 4,
`column 6,
`
`line 11 -column 5,
`line 68 -column 7,
`___
`
`line 12
`line 17
`_/_-
`
`IE Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
`° Special categories of cited documents :
`
`'A' document defining the general state of the art which is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`'E' earlier document but published on or alter the intemational
`filing date
`'L' document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or
`which is cited to establish the publication date of another
`citation or other special reason (as specified)
`'0' document referring to an oral disclosure, use. exhibition or
`other means
`
`'P' document published prior to the intemallonal filing date but
`later than the priority date claimed
`
`Date of the adual completion of the international search
`
`3 May 2000
`
`Name and mailing address of the ISA
`European Patent Otfice, PB. 5818 Patentlaan 2
`NL — 2250 HV Flijswijk
`Tel. (+31 -70) 340-2040, Tx. 31 651 epo nl.
`Fax: (+51—70) 340-3016
`
`Form PCT/|SAl210 (second sheet) (July 1992)
`
`E Patent family members are listed in annex.
`_
`_
`_
`'T' later document published after the rntematronai filing date
`gs;
`gg
`Invonuon
`‘X’ document of particular relevance; the claimed invention
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive ste