Dessert product

Abstract

Edible product, comprehensive: a cut cone-shaped waffle (12), and a filling (14) inside the cut cone-shaped wafer, the cut, cone-shaped waffle is made from ingredients that include flour, wherein the cut conical waffle has a length of 38 to 117 millimeters and an open end with a diameter of 16 to 51 millimeters, and wherein the filling includes at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of custard, pudding, whipped cream, fudge, marshmallow, ganache, nuggets, icing, buttercream and / or other creams, dairy-free creams, meringues, flans, caramel, toffees, nuts, seeds, butter, fruits, jellies, jams, syrup, cheese, dulce de leche, liqueurs and sweets.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Food production lines allow food to be produced in larger quantities at lower costs.

[0002] However, for some foods, automated production presents a challenge.

[0003] Among the foods that prove particularly difficult to produce are dessert products in the form of waffle cones, due to their unstable three-dimensional shape. In retail, waffle cones are typically made by hand. This involves forming waffles and rolling them into cones before cooling, while the waffles are still pliable.

[0004] Wafer cones typically have uneven open ends, which poses limitations during production. These uneven ends can break or be damaged during manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and storage, making them less appealing to consumers. Uneven shapes also present a limitation for filling, as different bags have different maximum fill volumes, and variations inevitably lead to some cones being underfilled or overfilled, which in turn can cause production problems or result in less appealing products.

[0005] Previous methods for cutting the open ends of ice cream cones were limited to cutting cones with conventional blades. Blades such as knife blades, guillotine-style blades, and paired scissor blades fail to cut ice cream cones to smaller lengths, as they either break or crush the cones, thus resulting in uneven open ends.

[0006] Cone-shaped food products with uniformly open ends remain in demand. Filled cone-shaped food products with a filling also remain in demand. SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure relates to an edible product comprising a trimmed conical wafer and a filling inside the trimmed conical wafer, wherein the trimmed conical wafer is made from ingredients comprising a flour, wherein the trimmed conical wafer has a length of 38 to 117 millimeters and an open end with a diameter of 16 to 51 millimeters, and wherein the filling comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of custard, pudding, whipped cream, fudge, marshmallow, ganache, nuggets, icing, buttercream and / or other creams, non-dairy creams, meringues, flans, caramel, toffee, nuts, seeds, butters, fruits, jellies, jams, syrups, cheeses, dulce de leche, liqueurs, and candies.

[0008] Various aspects of this disclosure therefore relate to a conical food product having a uniform open end.

[0009] Also subject of the disclosure is a method for cutting a conical wafer to produce a conical food product having a uniform open end.

[0010] The cut conical wafer may be produced by a method comprising providing an edible wafer having the three-dimensional shape of a cone.

[0011] In some specific embodiments, the edible wafer is an ice cream cone. In some very specific embodiments, the edible wafer is a waffle cone. The edible wafer comprises a flour.

[0012] For example, the term "comprising" refers to an open quantity, so that a method comprising providing an edible wafer may also comprise dispensing a filling into the edible wafer.

[0013] The term "ice cream cone" includes any edible cone that is recognizable as an ice cream cone regardless of its filling. For example, the filling of an ice cream cone may include one or more other types of cream and fruit in addition to ice cream and still be an "ice cream cone" within the meaning of this disclosure, or it may be an ice cream cone without any filling.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cone has an initial length. For example, the initial length of the cone may be a performance-related variable because the length correlates with the risk of breakage in at least two different ways: (1) longer-length cones are more fragile because their open ends have larger voids, so they lack robust three-dimensional stability compared to comparable shorter-length cones; and (2) shorter-length cones are more difficult to cut because they have greater three-dimensional stability compared to longer-length cones, so the force required to cut a shorter-length cone may break or crush the shorter-length cone. Cutting cones no longer than 117 millimeters is new.

[0015] The cone has an open end with an initial diameter. In some specific embodiments, the cone has an open end that has both an initial diameter and a pointed end. In some very specific embodiments, the cone has an open end that has an initial diameter and a pointed end, with the pointed end and the open end located at opposite ends of the cone.

[0016] In some embodiments, the open end is open because the cone includes a cavity. In some specific embodiments, the open end is open because the cone includes a cavity filled with gas, such as air.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pointed end of the cone has no cavity.

[0018] The trimmed conical wafer may be produced by a process comprising trimming the open end of the cone. The process may comprise trimming the open end of the cone with an ultrasonic knife. The process may comprise trimming the open end of the cone with an ultrasonic knife, wherein the trimming removes a portion of the edible wafer from the open end of the cone to produce a trimmed cone.

[0019] The ultrasonic knife can operate at a frequency of at least 20 kilohertz and at most 100 kilohertz. The ultrasonic knife can operate at a frequency of at least 20 kilohertz and at most 35 kilohertz. The ultrasonic knife can operate at a frequency of approximately 20 kilohertz, approximately 30 kilohertz, or approximately 35 kilohertz.

[0020] The ultrasonic knife can be operated at a sub-ultrasonic frequency of at least 300 hertz and less than 20 kilohertz. The ultrasonic knife can be operated at a sub-ultrasonic frequency of at least 300 hertz and less than 20 kilohertz to create differences in cutting.

[0021] Operating the ultrasonic knife may include operating a sound generator to drive the ultrasonic knife.

[0022] The ultrasonic knife can have a cutting blade made of metal or a metal alloy. The ultrasonic knife can have a cutting blade made of aluminum, titanium, or steel. The ultrasonic knife can have a cutting blade made of aluminum alloy, titanium, or sintered steel.

[0023] The cutting blade can be configured according to a finite element model for cutting food.

[0024] Previous methods for cutting the open ends of ice cream cones were limited to cutting cones to lengths greater than 117 millimeters, for example, using conventional blades. Blades such as knife blades, guillotined blades, and paired scissor blades fail to cut ice cream cones to a length of 117 millimeters or less, as they either break or crush the cones, thus resulting in inconsistent open ends. Ultrasonic knives are capable of cutting ice cream cones to a minimum length of 38 millimeters and a maximum length of 117 millimeters, and ultrasonic knives can be easily adapted to cut ice cream cones. Other methods capable of cutting ice cream cones to a length of 117 millimeters or less include reciprocating saws and pipe cutters.

[0025] Cutting can be done with a reciprocating saw.

[0026] Cutting can be done with a pipe cutter.

[0027] The cut cone has a length of at least 38 millimeters and a maximum of 117 millimeters. In some very specific embodiments, the cut cone has a length of at least 41 millimeters and a maximum of 117 millimeters. In some very specific embodiments, the cut cone has a length of at least 41 millimeters and a maximum of 117 millimeters.

[0028] In some embodiments, the edible waffle is an ice cream cone. In some specific embodiments, the edible waffle is a waffle cone.

[0029] The edible waffle comprises a flour. In some specific embodiments, the edible waffle is made from ingredients including flour and eggs. In some specific embodiments, the edible waffle is made from ingredients including flour, water or milk, and optionally eggs. In some very specific embodiments, the edible waffle is made from a waffle batter containing ingredients including flour, water or milk, optionally eggs, and salt.

[0030] The cut cone has a cut open end with a cut diameter of at least 16 millimeters and at most 51 millimeters.

[0031] In some embodiments, the edible wafer has a minimum thickness of 9 millimeters or less. In some specific embodiments, the edible wafer has a minimum thickness of at least 1 millimeter and at most 9 millimeters.

[0032] In some embodiments, the trimmed cone has a mass of at most 21 grams. In some specific embodiments, the trimmed cone has a mass of at least 2 grams and at most 21 grams. In some very specific embodiments, the trimmed cone has a mass of at least 2.5 grams and at most 6 grams.

[0033] In some embodiments, the trimmed cone has an angle of at least 14 degrees and at most 29 degrees.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cut cone has a tensile strength of no more than 40 Newtons. In some specific embodiments, the cut cone has a tensile strength of at least 3 Newtons and no more than 40 Newtons.

[0035] Another aspect of this disclosure is a trimmed conical wafer based on an edible wafer having a three-dimensional shape of a cone, wherein the cone has an initial length and the cone has an open end having an initial diameter, and wherein a portion of the edible wafer is removed by trimming the open end of the cone with an ultrasonic knife.

[0036] The edible product comprises the cut cone-shaped wafer as described above and a filling filled into the cut cone.

[0037] The filling is selected from the group consisting of custard, pudding, whipped cream, fudge, marshmallow, ganache, nuggets, frosting, buttercream and / or other creams, dairy-free creams, meringues, flans, caramel, toffees, nuts, seeds, butter, fruits, jellies, jams, syrups, cheeses, dulce de leche, liqueurs, and candies. In some embodiments, the filling comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of butter, marshmallow, jelly, nuts, cream, ganache, caramel, and fruits. In some embodiments, the filling comprises marshmallow.

[0038] The cut cone can be filled by dispensing a filling into the cut cone to produce an edible product.

[0039] In some embodiments, the edible product is packaged. In some special embodiments, the packaging includes nutritional information. In some very special embodiments, the packaging includes nutritional information so that the edible product is suitable for retail sale.

[0040] A dispensing device may be provided which comprises a heat exchanger, wherein the dispensing is effected by the dispensing device.

[0041] The heat exchanger can be a jacketed heat exchanger, such as a tube-in-jacket heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat from a heated liquid. The heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat from heated water.

[0042] The filling can be heated using the dispenser's heat exchanger. For example, the filling can be heated to a temperature above its melting point before being filled into the pre-cut cone.

[0043] The edible product can be cooled, for example, by passive cooling. This can be achieved by allowing the edible product to cool at ambient temperature, such as room temperature. The edible product can also be actively cooled, for example, by freezing.

[0044] The filling has a melting point. In some special embodiments, the filling has a melting point above 21 degrees Celsius.

[0045] Heating the filling may include heating to a temperature above the melting point of the filling.

[0046] Cooling the edible product may include cooling to a temperature below the melting point of the filling.

[0047] In some embodiments, the filling is solid at 21 degrees Celsius.

[0048] Another aspect of this disclosure is a packaged product comprising edible products as described herein and a package containing the edible products.

[0049] Several aspects of this disclosure therefore relate to an edible product comprising a cut conical wafer and a filling produced by a method described herein, as well as packaged goods comprising such edible products and packaging. The cut conical wafer has a length of at least 38 millimeters and at most 117 millimeters. In some special embodiments, the cut conical wafer is a wafer cone with a cut length of at least 38 millimeters and at most 117 millimeters. In some very special embodiments, the cut conical wafer is a wafer cone with a cut length of at least 38 millimeters and at most 117 millimeters, wherein the cut length has been achieved by cutting with an ultrasonic knife. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a drawing showing the cutting of edible wafers to produce cut conical wafers in a production line. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing an edible product comprising a trimmed, cone-shaped wafer filled with a filling. Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for producing an edible product as in Fig. 2 described, shows. Fig. Figure 4 is a flow chart showing various steps for producing waffle cones, one or more of which may optionally also be part of a process for producing an edible waffle. Fig. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the filling of pre-cut conical wafers in a production line. Fig. 6 is a drawing of a conveyor of a production plant. Fig. Figure 7 is a drawing showing the rolling of waffle cones on a production line, which may optionally be part of a process for producing an edible waffle. Fig. Figure 8 is a drawing showing a side view of a production line. Fig. Figure 9 is a drawing showing a top view of a production line. Fig. Figure 10 is a drawing showing an end view of a production line. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram of a control system for the operation of a production line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Disclosed herein are methods for making a dessert product including wafer cones with a filling. For clarity, the cutting and filling methods are disclosed here. Various aspects of the disclosure relate to systems for making a dessert product including wafer cones with a filling, cone-shaped food products with a unitary open end, edible products, and packaged edible products.

[0051] The process for producing a dessert product may be suitable for implementation in a production line.

[0052] The method for producing a dessert product may be suitable for producing a shelf-stable product. In some embodiments, a method for producing a dessert product with a robust construction is provided.

[0053] The process for producing a dessert product may be suitable for producing a high-quality product.

[0054] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from this disclosure, the figures, and the following claims.

[0055] Such a method can be characterized by the following embodiments: In some embodiments, a plurality of waffle cones are provided. In some embodiments, each waffle cone of the plurality of waffle cones has an open end and a pointed end. In some embodiments, each waffle cone is placed in a series of holders on a conveyor. In some embodiments, an upper portion of each open end is trimmed to produce a plurality of trimmed waffle cones. In some embodiments, a filling is dispensed into each of the cut waffle cones to produce a variety of filled waffle cones. In some embodiments, the multitude of filled waffle cones is cooled so that the filling becomes firm. This disclosure also relates to a system for the production of a dessert product, which may be characterized by the following embodiments: In some embodiments, the system includes, among other components, a waffle cone dispensing device, a cutting machine and a filling injector. In some embodiments, the waffle cone dispensing device is configured to provide and place a large number of waffle cones in a series of holders on a conveyor.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cutting machine is configured to cut off an upper portion of the open end of the plurality of waffle cones to produce a plurality of trimmed waffle cones.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cutting machine is an ultrasonic knife.

[0058] In some embodiments, the filling injector is configured to dispense filling into the plurality of cut waffle cones to produce a plurality of filled waffle cones.

[0059] The drawings are incorporated in and constitute part of this disclosure and illustrate specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms shown in the description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practice of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. The disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and methods, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as possible to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and methods.Although aspects and features are shown or described in certain figures or embodiments, features of one figure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure or embodiment, even if the combination is not necessarily explicitly shown or described as such. In the embodiments shown, identical reference numbers refer to identical elements in the different drawings.

[0060] The contemplated embodiments are not limited by their advantages and should not be construed as being limited to embodiments that provide such advantages or improvements. Likewise, various embodiments may address less than all of the objects of the disclosure or invention described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not to be construed as being limited to those embodiments that address such objects of the disclosure and invention. Although some disclosed embodiments are described with respect to particular materials or methods, the embodiments are not limited to the particular materials or methods, but only to their specific properties and capabilities; other materials and methods may be used as will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

[0061] With reference to the figures, a novel method for producing a dessert product is presented. In one or more arrangements, the method is configured for producing a dessert product with waffle cones filled with a filling. As previously described, waffle cones have an unevenly shaped open end, which presents some challenges in producing the dessert product. In one or more arrangements, the unevenly shaped open ends of the waffle cones are removed to facilitate the production of a dessert product. Removing the uneven portion facilitates automated processing of the waffle cones to produce a dessert product with the desired filling-to-waffle cone ratio while maintaining the properties of the waffle cone.

[0062] Although by-products are generated when removing the irregularly shaped open end of the waffle cone, it has surprisingly been found that removing the irregular part can actually reduce the amount of by-products generated, as there are fewer losses than when processing untrimmed waffle cones, which can be damaged when the irregular part is machined during processing.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for making a dessert product 10 having a waffle cone 12 filled with a filling 14, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this exemplary arrangement, a plurality of waffle cones 12 are provided in process block 60. In one or more arrangements, the waffle cones have a pointed end 16 and an open end 18 with an uneven top edge 20. In process block 62, the waffle cones 12 are arranged in one or more rows of holders 124 on a conveyor 104. In process block 64, a top portion 22 of the open end 18 of the waffle cones 12 is removed (e.g., using an ultrasonic cutter). The remaining portion of the waffle cones 12 has a uniform top edge 24. In process block 66, the filling 14 is dispensed into the waffle cones 12. In process block 68, the waffle cones are cooled so that the filling 14 solidifies.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method for making a dessert product 10 having a waffle cone 12 filled with a filling 14, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this exemplary arrangement, a plurality of waffle cones 12 are produced in process blocks 80-84. In process block 80, a batch of waffle batter 30 is provided. In several different arrangements, the waffle batter 30 may be provided by measuring and mixing the ingredients in a mixer. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that the batch of waffle batter 30 may be a premixed batter in one or more arrangements. In process block 82, portions of the waffle batter 30 are dispensed and baked into waffles 32 using a waffle iron 196. In process block 84, the waffles 32 are rolled into waffle cones 12.In one or more arrangements, the waffle cones 12 have a pointed end 16 and an open end 18 with an uneven upper edge 20.

[0065] In process block 86, the waffle cones 12 are arranged in one or more rows of holders 124 on the conveyor 104. In process block 88, the upper portion 22 of the open end 18 of the waffle cones 12 is removed (e.g., using an ultrasonic cutter). The remaining portion of the waffle cones 12 has a uniform top edge 24. In process block 90, the filling 14 is dispensed into the waffle cones 12. In process block 68, the waffle cones 12 are cooled so that the filling 14 solidifies. System 100:

[0066] In one or more arrangements, a system for producing a dessert product with wafer cones 12 filled with a filling 14 is presented (system 100). In one or more arrangements, the system 100 includes, among other things, a conveyor 104 with a plurality of holders 124, a cone dispensing device 110, a cutting machine 112, and a filling dispensing device 114. Sponsor 104;

[0067] Conveyor 104 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to transport waffle cones 12 for processing between cone dispenser 110, cutting machine 112, filling dispenser 114, and / or other components of system 100 to facilitate the production of finished dessert products 10. In the arrangement shown, conveyor 104 is, by way of example, a modular belt conveyor having rollers 120, a belt 122 comprised of interconnected segments 126 supported on rollers 120, and a motor 128. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in various embodiments, conveyor 104 may be of various types, including, but not limited to, flat belt conveyors, modular belt conveyors, studded belt conveyors, sandwich conveyors, and / or any other type of conveyor.

[0068] For example, in the arrangement shown, the segments 126 of the belt 122 each have a series of holders 124. The holders 124 have any suitable size, shape, and configuration and are configured to hold the waffle cones 12. In the arrangement shown, the holders 124 have, for example, an inverted conical shape to receive the pointed end 16 of the waffle cones 12 and hold the waffle cones 12 with the open end 18 facing upward.

[0069] During operation, the motor 128 causes the belt 122 to rotate in a loop around the rollers 120 to facilitate the transport of the waffle cones 12 in the holder 124 on top of the belt 122. The motor 128 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to produce mechanical motion. In the arrangement shown, for example, the motor 128 is an electric motor (e.g., a DC or AC motor) that converts electrical energy into rotary motion. However, embodiments are not so limited. In some arrangements, the motor 128 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine, a fluid-powered engine (e.g., steam, water, and / or air-powered), or another type of engine or machine. Cone discharge device 110:

[0070] The cone dispenser 110 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to place the waffle cones 12 into the empty holders 124 of the segments 126 of the belt 122 as the belt 122 rotates during production. For example, in the arrangement shown, the cone dispenser 110 includes a plurality of hose feeders 134 and metering units 136. In this example arrangement, the cone dispenser 110 includes a corresponding hose feeder for each holder 124 of a segment 126. Hose feeds 134:

[0071] The tube feeds 134 have any suitable size, shape, and configuration and are configured to receive and hold a plurality of waffle cones 12 for dispensing from the dosing units 136 during operation. In the arrangement shown, the tube feeds 134 are in the form of an elongated cylindrical tube extending from an upper end 138 to a lower end 140. In this exemplary arrangement, the tube feeds have a hollow interior 142 with an inner diameter large enough to hold a stack of waffle cones 12 without breaking or otherwise damaging the waffle cones 12. Dosing units 136:

[0072] The dosing units 136 have any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to dispense a single waffle cone 12 from the lower end 140 of a hose feeder 134 into an empty holder 124 of the belt 122 of the conveyor 104 located below the dosing unit 136.

[0073] In one exemplary arrangement, the dispensing units 136 may include one or more actuated collars (not shown) operatively connected to the lower end 140 of the tube feeders 134. For example, such actuated collars may be configured to expand (e.g., in response to a control signal) to allow gravity to move the lowermost waffle cone 12 in the tube feeder 134 out through the lower end 140 of the tube feeder 134. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some different arrangements, the dispensing units 136 may utilize various means and / or methods to dispense the waffle cones 12 from the tube feeders 134, including, but not limited to, collars, wheels, augers, levers, latches, handles, claws, scoops, compressed air, suction, and / or other means or methods for dispensing articles. Cutting machine 112:

[0074] In one or more arrangements, the conveyor 104 is configured to transport the waffle cones 12 discharged by the cone dispensing device 110 into a series of holders 124 in a segment 126 of the belt 122 past the cutting machine 112. The cutting machine 112 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to remove the top part 22 of the waffle cone 12 and form a uniform edge 24 as the waffle cones are transported past the cutting machine.

[0075] In the arrangement shown, the cutting machine 112 is, for example, a reciprocating cutting blade, a saw, and / or other cutting tool configured to cut the top portion 22 of the waffle cones 12. In one or more arrangements, the cutting machine 112 is an ultrasonic cutting device configured to vibrate a blade, a saw, and / or other cutting tool at a high frequency (e.g., 20+ kHz) to facilitate cutting the waffle cones 12 to produce a clean, even edge 24.

[0076] However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that the cutting machine 112, in various configurations, may employ various cutting methods and / or means, including, but not limited to, pendulum cutters, belt cutters, rotary cutters, cross-cut saws, lathes, grinders, ultrasonic cutters, laser cutters, heating elements, water jets, air jets, and / or other cutting methods and / or means. filling dispensing device 114;

[0077] In one or more arrangements, conveyor 104 is configured to transport trimmed waffle cones 12 having a uniform edge 24 from cutting machine 112 to filling dispenser 114. Filling dispenser 114 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to dispense filling 14 into waffle cones 12. In the arrangement shown, filling dispenser 114 includes, for example, a container 148, a dispensing mechanism 150, and a set of nozzles 152. Container 148:

[0078] The container 148 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to receive the prepared filling 14 for dispensing by the filling dispenser 114. In one or more arrangements, the container 148 is constructed of a food-safe material and configured to be easily refilled with new batches of the filling 14 as needed to maintain operation of the system 100. In some arrangements, the container 148 may additionally or alternatively be configured to mix and / or process ingredients to prepare the filling 14 before it is dispensed by the filling dispenser 114. Delivery mechanism 150:

[0079] The dispensing mechanism 150 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to move the prepared filling 14 from the container 148 through the nozzles 152 and dispense the filling 14 into the waffle cones 12 below the nozzles 152. In various arrangements, the dispensing mechanism 150 may utilize various means or methods to move the prepared filling 14 from the container 148 through the nozzles 152, including, but not limited to, pistons, augers, pumps, valves, and / or other methods or means for moving the filling 14. Nozzles 152:

[0080] The nozzles 152 have any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to direct the filling 14 from the dispensing mechanism 150 through the open end 18 into the waffle cones 12. In the arrangement shown, for example, the nozzles 152 are simple funnel-shaped nozzles with a round opening 156. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is conceivable that the filling dispensing device 114 uses different types of nozzles in various arrangements, including, but not limited to, for example, round nozzles, multi-hole nozzles, basket nozzles, flower nozzles, closed star nozzles, open star nozzles, flower nozzles, leaf nozzles, needle- and / or injector-shaped nozzles, and / or any other type of nozzle.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the filling dispenser 114, in various configurations, can fill various types of fillings 14 into the waffle cones 12, including, but not limited to, custard, pudding, whipped cream, chocolate, fudge, marshmallow, ganache, nuggets, icing, buttercream and / or other creams, non-dairy creams, meringues, ice cream, Italian ice, tortes, caramel, toffees, nuts, seeds, butters, fruits, jellies, jams, syrups, cheeses, dulce de leche, liqueurs, candies, and / or any other type of edible filling. Output part 160:

[0082] In one or more arrangements, the system 100 includes an output section to facilitate cooling of the dessert 10 after the filling 14 has been dispensed into the wafer cones 12, allowing the filling 14 to solidify, to compact the prepared desserts before packaging, and / or to facilitate inspection of the prepared desserts 10. In the arrangement shown, for example, the output section 160 includes a second conveyor 162, onto which the desserts 10 are placed (e.g., for cooling and / or inspection), and a transport device 164. Sponsors 162;

[0083] The conveyor 162 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to receive and hold the produced desserts 10 at an output end of the conveyor 162 and to transport the dessert products to a destination end of the conveyor 162. The conveyor 162 is similar to the conveyor 104 in structure and operation, the essential difference being the type of belt used by the conveyor 162. In the arrangement shown, for example, the conveyor 162 is a belt conveyor with rollers 174, a belt 176 positioned on the rollers 174, and a motor 178, which are arranged and operate similarly to the rollers 120, belt 122, and motor 128 of the conveyor 104. In this exemplary arrangement, the belt 176 has channels 180 extending along the length of the conveyor 162. In this exemplary arrangement, the channels 180 are formed by walls 182 extending from a top surface of the belt 176.In this exemplary arrangement, the walls 182 are formed of a flexible, food-safe material (e.g., food-grade silicone) to facilitate the secure holding of the desserts 10 without damaging the waffle cones 12. Transport device 164:

[0084] The transport device 164 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to transport the finished desserts 10 from the conveyor 104, after the waffle cones 12 have been filled with the filling 14 by the filling dispenser 114, to the conveyor 162 of the exit section 160. In the arrangement shown, the transport device 164 is a pick-and-place transport device configured to receive the desserts 10 from the conveyor 104 and place them into the channels 180 of the belt 176 on the conveyor 162.

[0085] In this exemplary arrangement, the transport device 164 is configured to simultaneously pick up and transport the desserts 10 from the holders 124 of multiple row segments 126 of the belt 122 of the conveyor 104. In one or more arrangements, the transport device 164 and the conveyor 162 are configured to place the desserts 10 on the conveyor 162 such that the rows of desserts 10 are interleaved with the rows of desserts 10 previously placed on the conveyor 162, so that the desserts 10 are closer together than they were on the conveyor 104. Cooling / solidifying of the filling is not required:

[0086] Although some arrangements are described primarily with respect to cooling the desserts 10 after the filling 14 is poured into the waffle cones 12 to allow the filling 14 to solidify, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it should be understood that the filling 14 can be configured in various arrangements to solidify by means other than cooling. For example, in one or more arrangements, the desserts can be baked after the filling 14 is poured into the waffle cones 12 to allow the filling 14 to solidify. Furthermore, it should be understood that the filling 14 need not solidify after being poured into the cones. Waffle cone machine 190:

[0087] In one or more arrangements, the system 100 includes a waffle cone machine 190 configured to produce waffle cones 12 for use by the cone dispenser 110. The waffle cone machine 190 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to produce waffle cones 12 for use by the cone dispenser 110. In the arrangement shown, the waffle cone machine 190 includes, among other things, a conveyor 192, a batter dispenser 194, a waffle iron 196, and a cone roller 198. Sponsors 192;

[0088] Conveyor 192 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to serve as a movable baking surface for baking and transporting the waffles 32. Conveyor 192 is similar in construction and operation to conveyors 104 and 162, with the primary difference being the type of belt used by conveyor 192. In the arrangement shown, conveyor 192 is a modular belt conveyor having rollers 202, a belt 204 serving as a baking surface for waffle production resting on rollers 202, and a motor 206 arranged and functioning similarly to rollers 120, belt 122, and motor 128 of conveyor 104.

[0089] In this exemplary arrangement, the belt 204 is configured to transport portions of the waffle batter 30 from an output end of the conveyor 192, where the waffle batter 30 is dispensed from the batter dispenser 194, to the waffle iron 196 to bake the batter into waffles 32, and then to a destination end of the conveyor 192, where the waffles are provided to the cone roller 198 for forming into waffle cones 12. Dough dispensing device 194:

[0090] The batter dispenser 194 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to dispense uniform portions of the waffle batter 30 for the production of waffles 32. In the arrangement shown, for example, the batter dispenser 194 includes a container 210, a dispensing mechanism 212, and a set of nozzles 214. Container 210:

[0091] The container 210 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to receive the prepared waffle batter 30 for dispensing by the batter dispensing device 194. In one or more arrangements, the container 210 is made of a food-grade material and configured to be easily refilled with new batches of waffle batter 30 as needed to maintain the operation of the system 100. In some arrangements, the container 210 may additionally or alternatively be configured to mix and / or process the ingredients for preparing the waffle batter 30 before it is dispensed by the batter dispensing device 194. Delivery mechanism 212:

[0092] The dispensing mechanism 212 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to meter the prepared waffle batter 30 from the container 210 through the nozzles 214 and onto the belt 204 of the conveyor 192 for the production of waffles 32. Alternatively, in some arrangements, the batter dispensing device 194 may be configured to dispense the waffle batter 30 directly onto a waffle iron 196. In some different arrangements, the dispensing mechanism 212 may use various means or methods to meter the prepared waffle batter 30 from the container 210 through the nozzles 214, including, but not limited to, for example, pistons, screws, pumps, valves, and / or other methods or means for moving the waffle batter 30. Nozzles 214:

[0093] The nozzles 214 have any suitable size, shape, and configuration and are configured to dispense the waffle batter 30 from the dispensing mechanism 212 onto the belt 204 of the conveyor 192 or another baking surface (e.g., the waffle iron 196). In the arrangement shown, the nozzles 214 are simple funnel-shaped nozzles with a round opening 216. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that the filling dispenser 114 could include any type of nozzle in various arrangements. Waffle iron 196:

[0094] The waffle iron 196 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to bake metered portions of the waffle batter 30 and form waffles 32. In the arrangement shown, for example, the waffle iron 196 is configured to press and bake portions of the waffle batter 30 on the belt 204 of the conveyor 192. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is conceivable that the waffle cone machine 190 is configured in various embodiments to use any type of waffle machine. Tapered roller 198:

[0095] The tapered roller 198 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to cone baked waffles 32 and form waffle cones 12. In the arrangement shown, the tapered roller includes, by way of example, tapered fittings 220, shafts 222, and an actuator assembly 224.

[0096] The shafts 222 are configured to functionally connect the conical fittings 220 to the actuator assembly 224. In this exemplary arrangement, the actuator assembly 224 is functionally connected to the shafts 222 and configured to pivot the shafts 222 to move the conical fittings 220 between an upper position near the conveyor 192, to facilitate the rolling of the wafers 32, and a lower position to facilitate the removal of the formed wafer cones 12. In this exemplary arrangement, when the conical fittings 220 are in the upper position, the actuator assembly 224 is also configured to rotate the shafts 222 and the conical fittings 220 so that the freshly formed wafers 32 are rolled onto the conical fittings 220 to form the wafers into a conical shape.When the waffles 32 have cooled sufficiently to retain their shape, the actuator assembly 224 pivots the shafts 222 to move the conical fittings to the lower position and remove the waffle cones 12 from the conical fittings 220 by gravity. Tax system 240:

[0097] In one or more arrangements, the system 100 includes a control system 240. The control system 240 has any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to control the operation of the conveyor 104, the cone dispensing device 110, the cutting machine 112, the filling dispensing device 114, the conveyor 162 and / or the transport device 164 of the output part 160, the conveyor 192, the dough dispensing device 194, the waffle iron 196 and / or the cone roller 198 of the waffle cone machine 190, and / or other components of the system 100. In the arrangement shown, the control system 240 includes, among other components of the system 100, for example, a control circuit 242, a user interface 244, and / or sensors 246. Control circuit 242:

[0098] The control circuit 242 has any suitable size, shape, and configuration and is configured to control the operation of various components of the system 100 to facilitate the preparation of desserts 10 as described herein in response to signals from sensors 246 and / or inputs from the user interface 244. In the arrangement shown, the control circuit 242 includes, for example, a communication circuit 250, a processing circuit 252, and a memory 254 containing software code 256 or instructions that facilitate the operation of the system 100. Processing circuit 252:

[0099] Processing circuitry 252 may be any computing device that receives and processes information and issues instructions according to software code 256 stored in memory 254. For example, in some different arrangements, processing circuitry 252 may consist of discrete logic circuitry or programmable logic circuitry configured to implement these operations / activities, as shown in the figures and / or described in the specification. In certain arrangements, such programmable circuitry may include one or more programmable integrated circuits (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays and / or programmable ICs).

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, such a programmable circuit may include one or more processing circuits (e.g., a computer, microcontroller, system-on-chip, a smartphone, a server, and / or cloud computing resources). For example, the computer processing circuits may be programmed to execute a set (or multiple sets) of software code stored and accessible in memory 254. Memory 254:

[0101] Memory 254 may be any form of information storage, such as flash memory, RAM memory, DRAM memory, a hard disk, or any other form of memory. Processing circuitry 252 and memory 254 may consist of a single combined unit. Alternatively, processing circuitry 252 and memory 254 may consist of separate but electrically connected components. Alternatively, processing circuitry 252 and memory 254 may consist of multiple separate but communicatively connected components.

[0102] The software code 256 is any form of instructions or rules that direct the processing circuitry 252 to receive, interpret, and respond to information to operate as described herein. The software code 256 or instructions are stored in memory 254 and are accessible to the processing circuitry 252. By way of illustration, in one or more arrangements, the software code 256 or instructions may configure the processing circuitry 252 and the control circuitry 242 to monitor the sensors 246 to facilitate control of the various components of the system 100 and / or to communicate status messages to personnel (e.g., via automated calls, SMS messages, push notifications, emails, social media messages, or other messaging means or methods).In one or more arrangements, the operation of the control circuit 242 may be configured by a user via the user interface 244 to customize / adjust the operation of the system 100. Communication circuit 250:

[0103] The communication circuitry 250 has any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and arrangement and is configured to facilitate communication with devices to be controlled, monitored, and / or alerted by the control system 240. In one or more arrangements, the communication circuitry 250 includes, for example, a transmitter (for one-way communication) or a transceiver (for two-way communication).The Communication Circuit 250 can be configured in various arrangements to communicate with different components of the System 100 via various wired and / or wireless communication technologies and protocols over different networks and / or media, including, but not limited to, Serial Data Interface 12 (SDI-12), UART, Serial Peripheral Interface, PCI / PCIe, Serial ATA, ARM Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA), USB, Firewire, RFID, Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared and Optical Communication, 802.3 / Ethernet, 802.11 / WIFI, Wi-Fi Max, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, UltraWideband (UWB), 802.15.4 / ZigBee, Z-Wave, GSM / EDGE, UMTS / HSPA+ / HSDPA, CDMA, LTE, FM / VHF / UHF networks and / or other communication protocols, technologies or networks. Sensors 246:

[0104] The sensors 246 have any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and arrangement, and are configured to provide information relevant to the operation of the system 100. In various arrangements, the sensors 246 may be, for example, but are not limited to, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, humidity sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, timers, and / or any other type of sensor. In some arrangements, the sensors 246 may be integrated with the control circuit 242 as a single combined unit. Alternatively, in some arrangements, the sensors 246 and the control circuit 242 may be communicatively coupled via the communication circuit 250. User interface 244:

[0105] The user interface 244 has any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and arrangement and is configured to facilitate user control and / or adjustment of the various components of the system 100. For example, in one or more arrangements, the user interface 244 includes a series of inputs (not shown). The inputs have any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate user input of data and / or control commands. In various arrangements, the inputs may include various types of controls, including, but not limited to, buttons, switches, dials, knobs, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a joystick, a roller ball, or any other form of user input. Optionally, in one or more arrangements, the user interface 244 includes a display (not shown).The display has any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and arrangement and is configured to display information about settings, sensor readings, elapsed time, and / or other information about the production of dessert products 10. In one or more arrangements, the display may include, for example, LED lights, counters, meters, screens or monitors of computing devices, tablets, and / or smartphones. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, the inputs and / or display may be implemented on a separate device communicatively connected to the control circuit 242. For example, in one or more arrangements, operation of the control circuit 242 may be performed via a smartphone or other computing device communicatively connected to the control circuit 242 (e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or the Internet).

[0106] From the above, it will be apparent that one or more of the arrangements presented herein advance the prior art and provide a method and / or system for producing a dessert product comprising wafer cones with a filling. In particular, one or more arrangements provide a portable apparatus, system, and / or method for producing a dessert product comprising wafer cones with a filling that is streamlined, that can be used in a production line, that is easy to control, that is relatively inexpensive, that reduces waste of by-products, that is simple to operate, that has a long service life, that is durable, that has a robust construction, and / or that is of high quality, among countless other advantages and improvements.These and countless other objects, features, or advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description, figures, and claims. SELECTED REFERENCE NUMBERS 10 - Dessert 12 waffle cones (from dessert 10) 14 fillings (from dessert 10) 16 Pointed end (of waffle cone 12) 18 Open end (of waffle cone 12) 20 Uneven Edge (from Waffle Cone 12) 22 Upper part (of waffle cone 12) 24 Even edge (from waffle cone 12) 30 waffle batter 32 waffles 60 process block (from Fig. 1) 62 Process block (from Fig. 1) 64 Process block (from Fig. 1) 66 Process block (from Fig. 1) 68 Process block (from Fig. 1) 80 Process block (from Fig. 2) 82 Process block (from Fig. 2) 84 Process block (from Fig. 2) 86 Process block (from Fig. 2) 88 Process block (from Fig. 2) 90 Process block (from Fig. 2) 92 Process block (from Fig. 2) 100 systems 104 conveyors (from System 100) 110 Cone dispenser (from System 100) 112 Cutting machine (from System 100) 114 Filling dispenser (from System 100) 120 rolls (from conveyor 104) 122 Volume (from Sponsor 104) 124 holders (from conveyor 104) 126 segments (from conveyor 104) 128 Motor (from conveyor 104) 134 hose feeds (from cone dispenser 110) 136 dosing units (from cone dispenser 110) 138 Upper end (of hose feeds 134) 140 Lower end (of hose feeds 134) 142 Internal cavity (of hose feeds 134) 148 containers (from filling dispenser 114) 150 Dispensing mechanism (from filling dispenser 114) 152 nozzles (of filling dispensing device 114) 156 Opening (of nozzles 152) 160 Output part 162 conveyors (from output part 160) 164 Transport device (from output part 160) 174 rolls Volume 176 178 Engine 180 channels (from band 176) 182 walls (from volume 176) 190 waffle cone machine (from System 100) 192 conveyors (of waffle cone machine 190) 194 Dough dispenser (from waffle cone machine 190) 196 waffle irons (of waffle cone machine 190) 198 Conical roller (from waffle cone machine 190) 202 rolls Volume 204 206 engine 210 containers (of dough dispensing device 194) 212 Discharge mechanism (from dough discharge device 194) 214 nozzles (from dough dispenser 194) 216 Opening (of nozzle 214) 220 Tapered fittings (from taper roller 198) 222 shafts (from tapered roller 198) 224 Actuator assembly (from tapered roller 198) 240 tax system 242 control circuit 244 User Interface 246 sensors 250 communication circuit 252 processing circuit 254 memory 256 code

Claims

[1] Edible product comprising: a cut conical wafer (12), and a filling (14) inside the cut conical wafer, wherein the cut, conical wafer is made from ingredients comprising a flour, wherein the cut conical wafer has a length of 38 to 117 millimetres and an open end with a diameter of 16 to 51 millimetres, and wherein the filling comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of custard, pudding, whipped cream, fudge, marshmallow, ganache, nuggets, icing, buttercream and / or other creams, dairy-free creams, meringues, flans, caramel, toffees, nuts, seeds, butter, fruits, jellies, jams, syrups, cheeses, dulce de leche, liqueurs and candies. [2] The edible product of claim 1, wherein the cuttable conical wafter is made from ingredients further comprising egg. [3] An edible product according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cut conical wafer (12) has a length of 41 to 117 millimeters. [4] An edible product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut conical wafer (12) is formed from an edible wafer having a thickness of 1 to 9 millimeters. [5] An edible product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut conical wafer (12) has a weight of 2 to 21 grams. [6] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the trimmed conical wafer (12) has an angle of 14 to 29 degrees. [7] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the cut conical wafer (12) has a tensile strength of 3 to 40 Newtons. [8] An edible product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling (14) comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of butter, marshmallow, jelly, nuts, cream, ganache, caramel and fruits. [9] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the filling (14) comprises marshmallow. [10] An edible product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling (14) has a melting point of more than 21 degrees Celsius. [11] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the cut cone-shaped wafer is an ice cream cone. [12] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the cut conical wafer is a waffle cone. [13] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the trimmed conical wafer has a pointed end. [14] An edible product according to any preceding claim, wherein the trimmed conical wafer has a uniform open end. [15] Packaged goods, including: edible products, each of the edible products being an edible product according to any one of the preceding claims, and a package containing the edible products. [16] A packaged product according to claim 15, wherein the open end of each edible product is uniform.

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