Soft ice cream machine

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention and forming a primary objective thereof, a soft ice cream machine is provided having a novel arrangement of sensing means which provides a further improved structure for sensing the temperature of the ice cream in the freezing and mixing chamber whereby a quality of ice cream consistency can be maintained which is even better than that accomplished in prior machines.
A further object of the invention is to provide novel temperature sensing means which for one thing projects a substantial distance into the freezing and mixing barrel whereby to be embedded in the ice cream for accurate sensing.
Another object is to provide such projecting sensing means in an arrangement that forms a pivot for one end of a mixing blade.
Further objects of the invention are to provide temperature setting means including a hand dial with individual temperature degree settings so that a specific degree temperature operation of the freezing and mixing barrel can be maintained; to provide specific temperature degree readout means controlled by temperature sensing means for designating the specific degree of temperature of the ice cream; to provide sensing means and a signal for indicating when mix is to be added to a reservoir for the ice cream machine; to provide a novel front cover for the machine for incorporating the temperature sensing means and circuitry therefor; and to provide a novel outlet valve in said front cover for dispensing ice cream.
A further object is to provide a soft ice cream machine having a structural arrangement that makes it compact in size, inexpensive to manufacture, and efficient in operation.
For carrying out these objectives, the machine includes a freezing and mixing barrel having a rear inlet for admitting mix and an outlet valve at the front for dispensing ice cream.
Temperature sensing means comprises a hollow rod-like projection leading from the rear or inwardly directed surface of the front cover into the freezing chamber so as to be embedded in the ice cream in the barrel for direct influence