Patent Description:
It is known that, in the kitchens of restaurants, liquid nitrogen is normally used for rapidly cooling food, highlighting the aromas.

In this situation, the liquid nitrogen is contained inside so-called Dewar containers and is drawn as necessary for cooling the dish using spoons or receptacles.

However, handling the liquid nitrogen in the above-mentioned way has drawbacks linked mainly to the health of the cook and the exact use of the nitrogen which is not correctly dosed. Document <CIT>discloses a device for the production of ice-cooled liquid i.e. ice-cream, in a disposable plastic container.

It is also known that large industrial machines are usually used to obtain products of the ice cream and pastry sectors and the like which require relatively long processing times to obtain the finished food product.

Moreover, at the end of the processing operations performed by the above-mentioned machines, the food product must be transported and stored whilst maintaining the so-called "cold chain". During these operations, there is the risk of the product being affected in terms of flavour and/or consistency (for example, numerous ice crystals may be created inside the package).

The technical purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen which is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen which allows safe use of the liquid nitrogen.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen which is versatile and easy to use.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen which has small dimensions and which is therefore suitable for household use.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen which maximises the flavour and the properties of the liquid food product.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen comprising the technical features according to appended claim <NUM>.

The dependent claims correspond to preferred embodiments of the invention.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are achieved by a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen comprising a first containment chamber configured to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid nitrogen and a second containment chamber configured to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid food product. The machine also comprises a movement cylinder connected to the first and second containment chambers and extending along a vertical processing axis and a dispensing device movable in a slidable fashion inside the movement cylinder between a dispensing position and a rest position. In the dispensing position, the dispensing device is at least partly extracted from the movement cylinder for releasing the liquid nitrogen together with the liquid food product in a container. In the rest position, the dispensing device is withdrawn into the movement cylinder. The machine according to the invention also comprises a mixing spiral extending outside the movement cylinder. The mixing spiral is movable by rotation about the processing axis and is also movable by translation between the dispensing position and the rest position.

Advantageously, the machine makes the use of liquid nitrogen safe and versatile even in a domestic kitchen.

Advantageously, the machine is able to render at various stages of cooling (cold, granita, cremolato, ice cream) any liquid food product such as, for example, juice, extract, centrifuged drinks, fruit or vegetable smoothies, wine and alcoholic drinks.

Advantageously, the machine is able to generate, as required at the time, ice creams, cremolato and the like of any flavour with personalised ingredients.

Advantageously, the machine allows a large saving of energy and water because there is no need to control the cold chain or to use a chiller cabinet, a mixer and/or a pasteuriser since the product is created as required at the time by mixing the liquid food product with the liquid nitrogen.

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the nonlimiting description which follows of an embodiment of a machine for the production and dispensing of liquid or semi-liquid food products.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference label "M" denotes a machine for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen. The term "liquid food product" includes juice, extract, centrifuged drinks, fruit or vegetable smoothies, wine, alcoholic drinks and the like.

The machine "M", according to the invention is configured to release liquid nitrogen together with a liquid food product in such a way as to obtain a food product at various cooling stages such as, for example, ice lollies, granitas, cremolato, cold custards, ice creams and cold juices.

In other words, depending on the quantity of liquid nitrogen which is released and mixed with the liquid food product, it is possible to obtain different cooled products.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the machine "M" comprises a first containment chamber 1a configured to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid nitrogen and a second containment chamber 1b configured to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid food product.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the second containment chamber 1b is inserted in the first containment chamber 1a.

According to a further possible embodiment, not illustrated, the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b are made starting from a same container divided in such a way as to create two compartments and thus define the respective mixing chambers 1a, 1b.

According to the preferred embodiment, the first and second mixing chambers 1a, 1b are made in the form of cups.

Advantageously, this shape facilitates the dispensing of the liquid food product and the liquid nitrogen towards the outside of the chambers 1a, 1b, as described in detail below.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the machine "M" also comprises a main body <NUM> having a loading portion 6a defining a housing space for the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b. The loading portion 6a is open at the top to allow a filling of the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b.

Preferably, the loading portion 6a is made of metallic material or plastic material. The main body <NUM> also has a closing element <NUM> which can be removably engaged with the loading portion 6a to close the housing space.

In this situation, once the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b have been filled, the closing element <NUM> is applied in such a way that no extraneous body can enter the containment chambers 1a, 1b and/or that part of the liquid food product or of the liquid nitrogen can escape from the machine "M" during its operation. The main body <NUM> also comprises a dispensing portion 6b positioned below the loading portion 6a and configured for receiving a container "C" in which the liquid nitrogen and the liquid food product are dispensed to form the desired cooled product.

Preferably, the dispensing portion 6b is made of transparent material such as, for example, plastic or glass.

Preferably, the dispensing portion 6b has at least one opening for inserting or removing the container "C".

Even more preferably, the dispensing portion 6b has a bottom wall having a guide 6b' for the container "C" in such a way that, during a dispensing of the liquid food product and the liquid nitrogen, the container "C" is correctly positioned and there is no risk that part of the products is dispensed outside the container "C" with consequent waste of the products.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in <FIG>, the main body <NUM> has, at the front, a substantially hourglass shape which is harmonious and visually pleasing.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, on the other hand, the main body <NUM> has, in cross section, a shape substantially representing a quarter of a circle.

Advantageously, this shape allows the machine "M" to be also positioned in corners of the kitchen in such a way as not to occupy an excessive space inside the kitchen.

Advantageously, this shape also allows a plurality of machines "M" to be positioned close to each other along a circumference. This aspect is particularly advantageous if the machines "M" are positioned in a bar or in public premises since it allows different food products to be dispensed simultaneously whilst maintaining a good aesthetic and visual effect.

The machine "M" also comprises a movement cylinder <NUM> connected to the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b and extending along a vertical processing axis X.

According to the preferred embodiment, the movement cylinder <NUM> is applied below the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b (<FIG>) and is hollow inside.

The machine "M" also comprises a dispensing device <NUM> configured for dispensing the liquid food product and the liquid nitrogen contained in the respective containment chambers 1a, 1b.

Preferably, the dispensing device <NUM> is made in the form of a straw and is slidably inserted in the movement cylinder <NUM>.

The dispensing device <NUM> is movable in a sliding fashion in the movement cylinder <NUM> between a dispensing position (<FIG>) and a rest position (<FIG>).

In particular, in the dispensing position, the dispensing device <NUM> is at least partly extracted from the movement cylinder <NUM> for releasing the liquid nitrogen together with the liquid food product in a container "C".

In the rest position, the dispensing device <NUM> is withdrawn into the movement cylinder <NUM>. In this position, the container "C" may be extracted for picking up the cooled product obtained at the end of dispensing or it may be inserted in the machine "M" for filling with the above-mentioned cooled product. Advantageously, the presence of the dispensing device <NUM> prevents contact between an operator (for example a cook) and the nitrogen. Once the liquid nitrogen has been inserted in the first containment chamber 1a, the dispensing device <NUM> dispenses the correct quantity of liquid nitrogen for the cooled product to be obtained without the need for an operator to pick it up using ladles or the like from the containers of the Dewar type.

The machine "M" also comprises a mixing spiral <NUM> extending outside the movement cylinder <NUM>. The mixing spiral <NUM> is configured to be inserted in the container "C" and to mix the liquid nitrogen with the liquid food product until obtaining the desired cooled product.

Preferably, the mixing spiral <NUM> has a substantially drip-shaped extension section. This shape is advantageous since it prevents a large quantity of cooled product (in particular ice cream) from sticking to the mixing spiral <NUM> whilst the mixing spiral <NUM> is extracted from the container "C" with consequent reduced waste of cooled product.

Even more preferably, the mixing spiral <NUM> extends about the processing axis "X" with a tapered trend (<FIG>). According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the mixing spiral <NUM> is of the conical type. Advantageously, this aspect makes the mixing spiral <NUM> easy to insert inside the container "C" since it follows the shape tapered towards the bottom of the container "C".

Preferably, the mixing spiral <NUM> comprises at least one portion 4a made of an elastic material, such as, for example, silicone.

More in detail, according to the embodiment of <FIG>, the mixing spiral <NUM> comprises a plurality of fins positioned at the points of maximum curvature of the mixing spiral <NUM>. The fins are able to bend according to the size of the container "C" in which the mixing spiral <NUM> must be inserted and are also able to slide along the side wall of the container "C" in such a way as to perform a better mixing of the liquid nitrogen with the liquid food product.

According to the embodiment of <FIG>, on the other hand, the mixing spiral <NUM> comprises a strip made of elastic material which follows the profile of extension of the mixing spiral <NUM>.

The mixing spiral <NUM> is movable by rotation about the processing axis "X" and is also movable by translation between the dispensing position and the rest position. According to a possible embodiment, the mixing spiral <NUM> is movable from the rest position (<FIG>) to the dispensing position (<FIG>) after the dispensing device <NUM>.

In other words, in this situation, the dispensing device <NUM> passes from the rest position to the dispensing position, releases the liquid food product and the liquid nitrogen and, subsequently, the mixing spiral <NUM> passes from the rest position to the dispensing position for mixing together the liquid nitrogen and the liquid food product.

Alternatively, the mixing spiral <NUM> passes from the rest position to the dispensing position and vice versa together with the dispensing device <NUM>.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in <FIG>, the machine "M" also comprises sliding means <NUM> interposed between the mixing spiral <NUM> and the movement cylinder <NUM>. The sliding means <NUM> are configured to allow the translational motion of the mixing spiral <NUM> along an outer side surface of the movement cylinder <NUM>.

Preferably, the sliding means <NUM> comprise gear wheels 5a made on the mixing spiral <NUM> and a plurality of guides 5b angularly distributed at least on an outer surface of the movement cylinder <NUM> and configured to engage with a respective gear wheel 5a (<FIG>).

In use, a machine "M", as described above, is set up, the first and second mixing chambers 1a, 1b are filled respectively with liquid nitrogen and with the desired liquid food product (for example a syrup) and a container "C" is inserted in the dispensing portion 6b (<FIG>).

Depending on how much the first and second containment chambers 1a, 1b are filled a different cooled product is obtained. In particular, the greater the quantity of nitrogen dispensed, the more the cooled products such as granitas and ice lollies will be obtained. On the other hand, the smaller the quantity of nitrogen dispensed, the more the products such as cold fruit juices and cremolata will be obtained.

The machine "M" is then operated and the dispensing device <NUM> is made to slide in the movement cylinder <NUM> from the rest position to the dispensing position. In this position, the dispensing device <NUM> dispenses the liquid nitrogen and the liquid food product into the container "C" (<FIG>).

Subsequently, the mixing spiral <NUM> is moved in a translational fashion from the rest position to the dispensing position (<FIG>). In the dispensing position, the mixing spiral <NUM> performs a rotary motion in such a way as to perform the actual mixing. At the end of this operation, the dispensing device <NUM> and the mixing spiral <NUM> are returned to the rest position and the container "C" is extracted from the machine "M".

Advantageously, the machine "M" makes it possible to quickly and easily produce cooled products of any consistency (granitas, ice creams, etc.) and flavour. Advantageously, the machine "M" allows a dosing of the liquid nitrogen which is precise and weighted depending on the cooled product to be obtained. Advantageously, the machine "M" reduces the energy resources used for transporting and storing cooled products since there is no need to use mixing machines, pasteurizers and the like.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine "M" also comprises a container <NUM> for making ice lollies "G". The container <NUM> comprises a container 8a configured to receive at least partly the dispensing element <NUM> and the mixing spiral <NUM> in the dispensing position.

Preferably, the container 8a is made of transparent material such as, for example, plastic suitable for contact with food.

Even more preferably, the container 8a has a substantially triangular shape in cross section.

Alternatively, the container 8a may be made of any material suitable for contact with the food products and may have a plan cross-section of any shape.

The container <NUM> also comprises a first and a second containing elements 8b, 8c which can be coupled to define a recess <NUM> for inserting the container 8a. The insertion recess <NUM> is shaped to match the container 8a.

In this situation, as required at the time of creating the ice lolly "G", the first and second containing elements 8b, 8c are coupled to each other in such a way that the container 8a is positioned inside the insertion recess <NUM> (<FIG>).

Subsequently, the container <NUM> is inserted in the dispensing portion 6b of the machine "M". In this situation, the dispensing device <NUM> passes from the rest position to the dispensing position in such a way as to be at least partly inserted in the container 8a.

Subsequently, the dispensing device <NUM> dispenses a predetermined quantity of liquid nitrogen, contained in the first containment chamber 1a, and a predetermined quantity of liquid food product, contained in the second containment chamber 1b. In this situation, the mixing spiral <NUM> also passes from the rest position to the dispensing position for mixing the liquid nitrogen with the liquid food product until obtaining micro-crystals of ice forming the ice lolly "G". At the end of this operation, the dispensing device <NUM> and the mixing spiral <NUM> are returned to the rest position and the first and second containment elements 8b, 8c are uncoupled for freeing the container 8a (<FIG>).

In this situation, the ice lolly "G" is inserted in the container 8a and has a hole "G1" at the centre in which the dispensing element <NUM> and the mixing spiral <NUM> have operated to make the ice lolly "G".

A juice or, in general, a liquid to be drunk, can be inserted into the hole "G1" in the ice lolly "G".

Advantageously, the use of the liquid nitrogen allows the flavour and organoleptic properties of the liquid food product not to be affected, giving the final cooled product a higher quality.

The invention achieves the preset aims eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the machine "M" is compact and easy to use as well as having an attractive design.

The machine "M" makes it possible to avoid a contact between a user and the liquid nitrogen, also guaranteeing an accurate metering of the latter.

The machine "M" allows different cooled products to be created as required at the time without there being waste of any food product.

The machine "M" has a minimum energy and water consumption.

Claim 1:
A machine (M) for dispensing and mixing a liquid food product with liquid nitrogen, comprising:
- a first containment chamber (1a) designed to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid nitrogen;
- a second containment chamber (1b) designed to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid food product;
- a movement cylinder (<NUM>) connected to said first and second containment chambers (1a, 1b) and extending along a vertical processing axis (X);
- a dispensing device (<NUM>) movable in sliding fashion in said movement cylinder (<NUM>) between a dispensing position, wherein it is at least partly extracted from said movement cylinder (<NUM>) for releasing the liquid nitrogen together with the liquid food product in a container (C), and a rest position, wherein said dispensing device (<NUM>) is retracted into said movement cylinder (<NUM>);
- a mixing spiral (<NUM>) extending outside said movement cylinder (<NUM>), said mixing spiral (<NUM>) being movable in rotation about said processing axis (X) and also being movable in translation between the dispensing position and the rest position.