A method for making ice cream including the following steps, performed in the following order: heating the side walls of the processing container to a preset preheating temperature; placing a basic ice cream mixture in the processing chamber after the step of heating the side walls of the processing container to a preset preheating temperature; deactivating any infectious agents which may be present in the basic mixture by activating the thermal treatment system in heating mode for a predetermined time in order to pasteurize the basic mixture inside the processing chamber; keeping the basic mixture, previously subjected to the thermal treatment inside the processing chamber, for a predetermined hold time.

A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.

A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.

Ingredient dispensing systems and methods in a fluid mixture system using a monitored chamber pressure are disclosed. One system includes a chamber, an inlet to the chamber, a set of ingredient reservoirs, in the chamber, storing a respective set of ingredients and sealed by a respective set of valve, a pressure source, and a controller. The system is programmed to set a pressure of the chamber using the pressure source and the inlet to the chamber. The system is also programmed to dispense, using the pressure, at least two ingredients from the respective set of ingredients by actuating at least two valves from the respective set of valves.

A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products comprises: a first container adapted to contain a first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a first stirrer, mounted inside the first container; a second container connected to the first container to receive therefrom the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a pipe connecting the first container to the second container; a second stirrer, mounted inside the second container; a pump, having a first inlet duct, connected to the first container in order to draw the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product, a second, air inlet duct, and an outlet connected to the connecting pipe, the pump being also configured to mix the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product with air by compression.

A plurality of bypass lines are configured to selectively engage a corresponding plurality of food flow paths in a food processor. Each bypass line fluidly communicates with an inlet of a pressure regulating valve such that a common pressure occurs at a spaced position in each food flow path providing an equal pressure at the pressure regulating valve.

A plurality of bypass lines are configured to selectively engage a corresponding plurality of food flow paths in a food processor. Each bypass line fluidly communicates with an inlet of a pressure regulating valve such that a common pressure occurs at a spaced position in each food flow path providing an equal pressure at the pressure regulating valve.

A hopper cover for a dispensing machine includes an exterior side having an exterior surface and an interior side having an interior surface that defines a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses are configured to receive a plurality of components of the dispensing machine. Each recess of the plurality of recesses corresponds with a specific component of the plurality of components. The hopper cover is configured to cover a hopper cavity of the dispensing machine when in a first orientation and facilitate organized disassembly and reassembly of the dispensing machine when in a second orientation.

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

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