A device is provided for preparing a frozen food product from a liquid mixture. The device includes a first sub-unit, a second sub-unit, and a cooling unit. The first cup holder has a cavity configured for releasably receiving a cup in which the frozen food product is to be prepared from the liquid mixture, and a first stirring unit associated with the first cup holder. The second sub-unit has a second cup holder with a cavity configured for releasably receiving a cup in which the frozen food product is to be prepared from the liquid mixture, and a second stirring unit associated with the second cup holder. The cooling unit is configured for cooling the cavity of the first and/or second cup holder during an operational phase of respectively the first and/or second sub-unit.

A device is provided for preparing a frozen food product from a liquid mixture. The device includes a first sub-unit, a second sub-unit, and a cooling unit. The first cup holder has a cavity configured for releasably receiving a cup in which the frozen food product is to be prepared from the liquid mixture, and a first stirring unit associated with the first cup holder. The second sub-unit has a second cup holder with a cavity configured for releasably receiving a cup in which the frozen food product is to be prepared from the liquid mixture, and a second stirring unit associated with the second cup holder. The cooling unit is configured for cooling the cavity of the first and/or second cup holder during an operational phase of respectively the first and/or second sub-unit.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Systems and methods of producing a frozen food product include dosing ingredients with a liquefied gas while mixing the ingredients using self-cleaning interlocking beaters. The beaters are optionally also disposed to clean a container in which the ingredients are frozen. The rate and amount of cooling is controlled by measuring the quantity of liquid nitrogen, measuring viscosity of the frozen food product, measuring temperature, and/or the like.

Systems and methods of producing a frozen food product include dosing ingredients with a liquefied gas while mixing the ingredients using self-cleaning interlocking beaters. The beaters are optionally also disposed to clean a container in which the ingredients are frozen. The rate and amount of cooling is controlled by measuring the quantity of liquid nitrogen, measuring viscosity of the frozen food product, measuring temperature, and/or the like.

A unit for receiving and treating capsules containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product includes a retaining unit and an expulsion device. The retaining unit is provided with a retaining housing configured to receive a capsule containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product. The expulsion device comprises a nozzle which is connectable to a compressed air source and which is configured to emit a jet of air in the direction of the retaining unit and adapted to strike the capsule when the latter is inside the retaining housing in such a way as to expel the capsule along an expulsion direction.

A unit for receiving and treating capsules containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product includes a retaining unit and an expulsion device. The retaining unit is provided with a retaining housing configured to receive a capsule containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product. The expulsion device comprises a nozzle which is connectable to a compressed air source and which is configured to emit a jet of air in the direction of the retaining unit and adapted to strike the capsule when the latter is inside the retaining housing in such a way as to expel the capsule along an expulsion direction.

A device is provided for preparing a frozen food product from a liquid mixture wherein the failure to correctly mix the liquid mixture is alleviated. The device includes a cup holder, a cooling unit, and a stirring unit having a stirring element, a motor, and a coupling element configured for releasably coupling the stirring element to the motor. The coupling element includes a fixed part and a translating part, wherein the fixed part includes a proximity sensor arranged to detect the distance of the translating part relative to the fixed part to generate an activation signal when the distance is below a predetermined proximity threshold.

A device is provided for preparing a frozen food product from a liquid mixture wherein the failure to correctly mix the liquid mixture is alleviated. The device includes a cup holder, a cooling unit, and a stirring unit having a stirring element, a motor, and a coupling element configured for releasably coupling the stirring element to the motor. The coupling element includes a fixed part and a translating part, wherein the fixed part includes a proximity sensor arranged to detect the distance of the translating part relative to the fixed part to generate an activation signal when the distance is below a predetermined proximity threshold.

A micro puree machine has a drive motor positioned within a lower portion of a housing extending along a vertical axis. A mixing shaft positioned within an upper portion of the housing extends at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis. The bowl of ingredients is installed to an angled surface of the upper portion of the housing along the mixing shaft axis, allowing for easier viewing of the bowl installation.