Patent ID: 8839990
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: A23G

Abstract:
1. A chocolate cluster dispensing machine, comprising: a chocolate and aggregate mixture supply having an outlet; a dispensing apparatus having an inlet in communication with the outlet of the chocolate and aggregate mixture supply; the dispensing apparatus also having an outlet and an intermediate access port; a piston cylinder in communication with the intermediate access port; the piston cylinder movable between dispensed and loaded positions; the movement of the piston cylinder from the dispensed position to the loaded position adapted to apply a suction force to the dispensing apparatus; the dispensing apparatus including first and second flexible pinch valves; each of the first and second flexible pinch valves having a flexible inner sleeve that is movable between open and closed positions; the first flexible pinch valve being disposed intermediate the inlet and the intermediate access port; and the second flexible pinch valve being disposed intermediate the outlet of the dispensing apparatus and the intermediate access port; and means for selectively controlling the movement of the flexible inner sleeves of the flexible pinch valves between the open and closed positions independent of the piston cylinder and to minimize the crushing of the aggregate in the chocolate.