Abstract: The present application discloses an end barrier box for blocking ambient gases from entering a hearth of a reflow oven, including: a box body, wherein the box body includes a bottom and a top, the bottom has a mounting bottom plate, the top has an opening, the box body further includes a pair of side walls, and the side walls are oppositely disposed; and a plurality of deflectors, wherein each of the plurality of deflectors is mounted between the pair of side walls, each of the plurality of deflectors includes at least three fins, and the at least three fins are mounted on the mounting bottom plate and extend upward from the mounting bottom plate. According to the end barrier box of the present application, the deflector is set to include at least three fins, so that the deflector can be easily disassembled without disassembling the rails, which is convenient for cleaning and maintenance of the end barrier box.

Abstract: A system for blast-freezing items includes a plurality of cells arranged side-by-side, each cell including a housing with a bay space, a plenum, a front air passage, a rear air passage, and a fan. The fan is positioned in the plenum and configured to circulate air through the bay space. Each cell also includes a plurality of channels to separate pathways of air to segments of the bay space. The system also includes a plurality of crane rails extending between rows of cells and at least one crane capable of traveling along the plurality of crane rails to load or unload each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrate energy-storage temperature-control material and a preparation method therefor. The material includes a refrigerant hydrate and a cross-linked polymer. The preparation method comprises the following steps: first, preparing a refrigerant hydrate by using a high-pressure reactor, and conducting grinding, crushing and sieving to obtain hydrate particles; then, uniformly spraying polytetrafluoroethylene suspended ultrafine powder onto the surface of the hydrate particles by using an electrostatic spraying device, and putting the hydrate particles into a plasma instrument to modify polytetrafluoroethylene so as to allow free radicals to be formed on the polytetrafluoroethylene powder surface; finally, subjecting monomers to graft polymerization with the free radicals on the polytetrafluoroethylene surface under the irradiation of a high-pressure mercury lamp of UV lighting system to stabilize the structure of the material, preparing a final product.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space, a main door that opens and closes the storage space while defining an opening part that is in communication with the storage space, a sub-door mounted to the main door and configured to open and close the opening part, the sub-door including a panel assembly for allowing selective viewing of an inside of the opening part, the injection port is provided at a lower side of the sub-door to direct an insulating foaming solution to a space in the sub-door, a detection device for detecting an operation of a user, a lighting unit inside the refrigerator that turns on based on user operation to allow selective viewing of the inner side of the opening part, and a display unit inside the refrigerator at a position corresponding to the panel.

Abstract: This cryogenic preservation or vitrification device (1) comprises: an accumulator (2) including a first volume of pressurised hydraulic oil; a control system controlling a valve (20) capable of releasing a second volume of hydraulic oil from the accumulator toward a cylinder (55) by means of a pipe (4); a cylinder (55) including a piston (6) configured to be driven by the second volume of hydraulic oil and to displace a first volume of cryogenic fluid to a cryogenic vessel (7) intended to receive a sample (8) to be cryogenically preserved.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having a refrigerating chamber therein, a cold air passage duct disposed within the refrigerator main body and provided with a cold air passage therein to discharge the cold air into the refrigerating chamber, a control case coupled to one surface of the cold air discharge duct and having a cold air discharge opening through which the cold air is discharged, and a shutter disposed between the cold air passage duct and the control case, and reciprocally movable in one direction to open and close at least part of the cold air discharge opening, and a knob link rotatably connected to the cold air passage duct to press the shutter such that the shutter is reciprocally movable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic-cooking-and-processing vending system for frozen-food, comprising the low-temperature chamber, the object-moving system, the product shelves, the low-temperature chamber equipment, the food container; the said low-temperature chamber equipment is inside the low-temperature chamber, or connected to the casing of the low-temperature chamber; the low-temperature chamber equipment contains hot-air source and the humid-air source; the product shelves is inside the low-temperature chamber with disposable food containers placed on; the object-moving system is inside the low-temperature chamber. This system has the air-circulating system, which can force the outer hot-and-humid air to come inside in one-way from a cold chamber, so as to isolate the hot-and-humid air.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment provided therein; a first door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; a second door rotatably coupled to the first door and comprising a stopper; a locking device configured to selectively allow the rotation of the second door with respect to the first door, wherein the locking device includes a moving member having different displacements according to an opening/closing state of the first door; and a hooking member having different displacements according to the displacements of the moving member and selectively hooking the stopper thereto.

Abstract: A process for producing frozen untapped young coconut water inside its carved young tender meat. The packaged frozen young untapped coconut water inside its very own carved young tender coconut meat comprises two freezing steps wherein the prepackaged product is frozen before packaging and sealing in a packaging cup and frozen again in a standard freezer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a kit of coolers that offers a number of improvements over the prior art. The coolers are modified to specifically accommodate frozen gel ice packs instead of ice cubes. Because there is no spill water, the coolers open with front-facing pull-out drawers. The coolers stack atop one another with interlocking parts. Easy transport is provided by a handle and wheels, which may be attached to the bottom (main) bin or alternatively on a separate dolly. Internally, the cooler bins are compartmentalized horizontally or vertically with dividers. Hollow spaces within the walls and dividers of the bins accommodate frozen gel ice packs. Overall, the coolers are easier to pack and unpack, stack, load into a car, and transport on the ground than conventional ice chest coolers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigerator; a lighting device provided in the storage chamber, a first door rotatably coupled to the case to open and close the storage chamber, an auxiliary storage chamber provided in the first door, a second door, a front panel formed of a transparent material, an evaporation treatment unit evaporated on an overall back surface of the front panel to transmit lights partially, a variable transparency film attached to a back surface of the evaporation treatment unit provided in the front panel to get transparent when the power is supplied, a frame unit with an opening having a corresponding size to an opening provided in the first door, an insulation panel distant from the front panel, a power supply unit for supplying an electric power to the variable transparency film and the lighting device, a proximity sensor provided in the second door to sense a user's approaching.

Abstract: A configurable cryogenic storage device has a freezer and a rack carrier positioned inside of the freezer. The freezer includes a bearing and a drive shaft though the freezer, the drive shaft being coupled to the rack carrier inside the freezer and adapted to be coupled to a motor assembly. The rack carrier rests on the bearing in a manual rotation configuration and hangs from the drive shaft when the motor is connected. Coupling the drive shaft to the motor assembly lifts the rack carrier and decouples the bearing and enables automated rotation of the rack carrier by the motor. The rack carrier includes rack-mounting features holding a plurality of sample storage racks. The sample storage racks hang from the rack carrier and the rack-mounting features precisely position the end of each sample storage rack.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having a refrigerating chamber therein, a cold air passage duct disposed within the refrigerator main body and provided with a cold air passage therein to discharge the cold air into the refrigerating chamber, a control case coupled to one surface of the cold air discharge duct and having a cold air discharge opening through which the cold air is discharged, and a shutter disposed between the cold air passage duct and the control case, and reciprocally movable in one direction to open and close at least part of the cold air discharge opening, and a knob link rotatably connected to the cold air passage duct to press the shutter such that the shutter is reciprocally movable.

Abstract: A process and system for lyophilizing a product. The product is first cooled in a cooling chamber (12) and then passed through a liquid nitrogen bath (14) where it is frozen. It is then freeze dried in a lyophilization chamber (26) during which the water or non-aqueous media is sublimated using a combination of gaseous nitrogen and vaporized nitrogen from liquid nitrogen supplied to the lyophilization chamber. Water and non-aqueous media removed from the product during sublimation is purged from the chamber. The system of the present invention provides more energy efficient operation, eliminates the use of hot oils and oil leaks, operates more reliably, and the liquid nitrogen can be used both as a refrigeration source, for heating shelves instead of hot oil and also can maintain the lyophilization temperature in case of power failure with minimum electric power supply in case of a power outage.

Abstract: A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure (20) of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, at least one remotely operated vehicle (27) arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure (20) and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure (20), where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure (20) and the remotely operated vehicle (27), and said section of the grid structure (20) has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle (27).

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating device having a cooled goods compartment and a door. The cooled goods compartment is provided with a front frame that is made of a low heat-conducting material such as plastic or similar and is backed by a first magnet. A door seal that is fitted with a second magnet seals against the front frame in the closed position of the door. Opposite first poles of the two poles of each magnet face the contact area between the seal and the front frame while second poles face away from the contact area.

Abstract: A refrigerator in which an opening having a size corresponding to the size of a refrigerator compartment is provided in a refrigerator compartment door and an outer door to open/close the opening is rotatably coupled to the refrigerator compartment door so that a plurality of door guards provided in a space corresponding to the size of the refrigerator compartment may be used by only opening/closing the outer door, and the refrigerator compartment door and the outer door may be rotated on one hinge shaft and the outer door has an auto closing structure so that the outer door may be automatically closed when a predetermined portion of the outer door is opened.

Abstract: A system for easy organizing and storing of food items within a refrigerator or cooling unit comprising one or more stackable modular assemblies each having a housing unit and one or more slidably insertable drawers having flexible substantially transparent or translucent drawer covers and are configured for containing a variety of rearrangeable and removeable food storage trays. Each housing is vented to increase air circulation at drawer bottom, sides and back. Each drawer is easily removeable from the housing and may be used as a serving tray. Each drawer cover is may be positioned on the peripheral support edge of the drawer to seal the drawer as well as the open trays positioned therein without inhibiting movement of the drawer within the housing. A user can easily identify food within the drawer, partially slide the drawer from the container, and lift the drawer cover to access food items quickly.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a main door, an auxiliary storage compartment provided to a rear surface of the main door, and a sub-door. The main door is rotatably connected to the cabinet, and the sub-door is rotatably connected to the main door. An access opening is provided in the main door to allow access to the auxiliary storage compartment. The refrigerator also includes a button exposed at a front surface of the sub-door to receive input provided by a user, a hook member having a pivot shaft mounted to its rear end, and a locking protrusion provided in a groove located on a front surface of the main door that can selectively couple to the hook member. The hook member protrudes backward from a rear surface of the sub-door and can rotate within the sub-door about the pivot shaft in response to receipt of user input at the button.

Abstract: A tube picking mechanism is designed for use in an automated, ultra-low temperature (e.g. ?80° C. or ?135° C.) or cryogenic (e.g., about ?140° C. to ?196° C.) storage and retrieval system that stores biological or chemical samples. The samples are contained in storage tubes held in SBS footprint storage racks that are normally stored within an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer compartment. The tube picking mechanism includes a tube picking chamber that is maintained at about ?80° C., about ?135° C. or at cryogenic temperatures in cryogenic applications. Active electrical and mechanical components are maintained in a compartment above and separate from the refrigerated, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment.

Abstract: An ice making, transferring and storing system includes an icemaker located in the fresh food compartment and an ice storage bin, located in one of the fresh food and freezer compartments, for receiving ice from the icemaker. A first ice transfer mechanism delivers ice from the icemaker to the ice storage bin. An ice dispenser is located in one of the fresh food and freezer doors. A second ice transfer mechanism selectively delivers ice from the ice storage bin to the ice dispenser.

Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling channel (100) for cooling goods to be chilled, in particular food or pharmaceutical products, comprising a cooling tower (10) having an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (14), a driven conveyor belt (32), on which the goods to be chilled are arranged such that they can be conveyed through the cooling tower (10) from the inlet end (12) to the outlet end (14), a housing (18), which surrounds the conveyor belt (32) and forms a cooling zone in the region of the conveyor belt, a filter unit (62) for filtering air, a cooling unit (42) for cooling the cooling zone, and at least one fan (74), which interacts thermodynamically with the cooling unit (42) and which is designed to convey cooled air from the cooling unit (42) to the cooling zone, wherein the cooling unit (42) and the fan (74) are arranged in a housing region (40) that is separate from the cooling zone and sealed off from is the cooling zone, wherein only a fluid connection is provided for conveying the cooled air between

Abstract: A climatic cabinet and storage cabinet that includes an upper zone, a lower zone, storage positions for storing objects in one of the upper and lower zone, and at least one temperature control unit structured and arranged to maintain a temperature in the one of the upper and lower zone different from the other of the upper and lower zone. The cabinet further includes a lock, a horizontal transport mechanism arranged at least in part in the other of the upper and lower zone to move the objects to and from the lock in a direction having a horizontal component, and a vertical transport mechanism structured and arranged to move the objects between the lower zone and the upper zone.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A unique device for facilitating insertion and retrieval of biological specimens into and from a liquid nitrogen storage tank and a method of using the device is disclosed. The device basically has one U-shaped mainframe body, two handles, one semi-circular switch, four hooks, one rack rod locker, and one cross-shaped sample box holder.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and beverage dispenser on both the front and the back of the refrigerator improves efficiency and utilization of the refrigerator. Home floor plans include passageways through interior walls whereby a user can access a second dispenser of the kitchen refrigerator from an adjacent room, thus increasing access to the refrigerator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method and apparatus for protecting temperature sensitive products during air, ground, or sea transportation. Specific embodiments of the invention relate to a chamber built inside a trailer or sea container where temperature sensitive products are placed to have additional protection against the environmental conditions encountered during the transportation and distribution periods. The dimensions and modularity of the chamber can vary depending on the trailer or sea container the chamber is designed to be used with. This chamber can be preassembled and inserted into the desired trailer or sea container or can be assembled inside the trailer or sea container. The chamber system can include insulated and or non-insulated walls, conveyor system, ventilation system, temperature and asset (trailer or sea container) location tracking. The location tracking can utilize, for example, cellular (GSM) and/or satellite communication, with or without GPS tracking.

Abstract: A unique device for facilitating insertion and retrieval of biological specimens into and from a liquid nitrogen storage tank and a method of using the device is disclosed. The device basically has one U-shaped mainframe body, two handles, one semi-circular switch, four hooks, one rack rod locker, and one cross-shaped sample box holder.

Abstract: An automatic system (100) for conserving samples at a controlled temperature comprising at least one controlled-temperature thermo-insulated conservation chamber (1) with temperature control means (3) containing a set of disks (9) for storing samples (19) and a Cartesian robotic system (4) equipped with pick-up device (18), contained in an upper chamber (2) separated from the chamber (1) by means of an insulating shelf (6), where said Cartesian system (4) through the controlled-access opening (7) moves the samples (19) between the I/O drawer (20) and the above-mentioned set of disks (9). The combined and synchronized movement of the robotic device (4) and of every single disk of the set enables each storage location to be reached. The management of the devices of the automatic system (100) is controlled by an N/C system driven by dedicated management SW.

Abstract: A work enclosure, and in particular a system for low temperature storage that includes a chest provided with a refrigerator unit. The chest has a top plate provided with a plurality of openings each suitable for allowing a support for at least one container of an article for storage to be passed therethrough, the support presenting a working storage height no greater than the height of the chest, and the top of the support is provided with an element of shape matching the shape of the opening so as to close it once the support has been fully inserted through the opening. In some embodiments, automation elements are provided above the top plate of the chest for moving the supports at least in vertical translation so as to enable supports to be inserted and withdrawn via the openings of the chest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling an object using a heat transfer fluid are presented. One of the methods comprises the steps of contacting the object with a heat transfer fluid comprising helium as a major component, the object traversing through a heat exchange unit having an object inlet end and an object outlet end; preventing ingress of contaminants into the heat exchange unit inlet end and outlet end using a seal gas, the seal gas exiting with the heat transfer fluid to form an exit gas; compressing the exit gas to form a compressed recycle gas; routing the compressed recycle gas to a gas-liquid separator, thus forming a helium enriched gas which function as the heat transfer fluid and an enriched liquid; and heating the enriched liquid to form the seal gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work enclosure, and in particular to a system for low temperature storage comprising a chest provided with a refrigerator unit. The device of the invention is particularly remarkable in that the chest has a top plate provided with a plurality of openings each suitable for allowing a support for at least one container of an article for storage to be passed therethrough, the support presenting a working storage height no greater than the height of said chest, and the top of said support is provided with an element of shape matching the shape of the opening so as to close it once the support has been fully inserted through said opening. In some embodiments, automatic means are provided above the top plate of the chest for moving the supports at least in vertical translation so as to enable supports to be inserted and withdrawn via the openings of the chest.

Abstract: Disclosed is combination structure of a guide rail member for a kimchi storage device which includes guide grooves for guiding guide rail members formed at both lower sides of a drawer-type inner case for storage of vegetables, a hooking protrusion elongated from one side of the guide groove, and a fixing member for screwing an upper end of the hooking protrusion to maintain a certain space between a lower end of the hooking protrusion and the guide groove, in which one side of a lower end of the fixing member is integrated to one side of the guide rail member so that the inner case integrated to the guide rail member may be smoothly opened and closed though the inner case is partially deformed due to the pressure of insulating materials put outside the inner case.

Abstract: A food processing system circulates a processing medium along a circulation path having first and second segments perpendicular to food product travel along a horizontal conveyor. In another aspect, desired sequencing is provided including reversal of orientation order of return and supply path segments of the circulating processing medium.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a refrigerator includes an ice reservoir mounted inside the refrigerator, an ice supplier disposed within the ice reservoir, a cavity mounted in a refrigerator door, an ice supply tube communicating the ice reservoir with the cavity, a damper door for opening and closing the ice supply tube, and an elastic member biasing the damper door toward the ice supply tube closing position. A mounting lever pivotally fixed on the cavity, a damper door opening lever extending from an extreme end of the mounting lever to one side of the damper door, a switch operating lever extending from the extreme end of the mounting lever, and a switch operated by a pivotal movement of the switch operating lever are provided. A retardation means for retarding the return of the damper door to the closed position for a predetermined time after pieces of ice are dispensed out of the cavity and the switch is turned OFF is also provided.

Abstract: The method of the invention is based on the comparison of local vapor concentrations at the inlet and outlet refrigeration ports and taking action based on that comparison. Control apparatus incorporating the invention is installed inside a refrigeration enclosure, adjacent to a port, preferably at the lowermost port. If the enclosure contains multiple ports at similar height, then each port has a form of the control apparatus attached to it. The control apparatus adjusts a flow of vapor leaving the interior of the enclosure. The control apparatus includes a duct assembly and a blower system. The bottom portion of the duct assembly is a tunnel enclosure through which a conveyor belt passes. Connected to an inside edge of the tunnel enclosure is a duct that extends upward from the conveyor belt. A blower for this duct either sucks vapor away from the conveyor belt or blows vapor from the enclosure interior toward the belt.

Abstract: A storage unit includes a housing with a storage chamber, a carrier disposed inside the chamber for supporting a plurality of specimens in a predetermined array, and an access port on the housing for enabling access to the chamber for insertion and retrieval of specimens from the carrier. The access port includes an opening in the housing and a plug member removably located in the opening. The carrier is provided with a seat for receiving the plug member during an access operation, so that the plug member is located in the chamber during the access operation. A drive is operatively connected to the carrier for moving the carrier in the chamber to juxtapose different specimens to the access port. An insertion and removal mechanism is coupled to the housing for alternately inserting and removing specimens from the chamber via the access port during the access operation.

Abstract: An air treatment apparatus comprises a housing (1) which has a casing made up of three elements (2-4), which are pivotable in relation to each other about shafts (9, 15) parallel to a longitudinal direction of an elongate trough provided in the housing. A lower element (2) supports the elongate trough, a heat-exchanging battery and a fan assembly. A rear element (3) forms a first side wall and is pivotable about an upper edge, so as to provide access to the heat-exchanging battery and the fan assembly from outside. An upper element (4) forms at least part of a second side wall and is pivotable in relation to the lower element, so as to provide access to the elongate trough from outside.

Abstract: A horizontal cooler/dryer having a continuous traveling conveyor, the conveyor being a chain conveyor formed of a plurality of links adjoined in end-to-end relationship, each of the links being pivotally pinned at its ends to adjacent links; a housing about the conveyor, the housing having a cooling gas inlet, a gas exhaust, a product inlet through which material to be cooled may be deposited on the conveyor and a product outlet through which cooled material can be discharged; and a plurality of non-perforate material pans mounted to the conveyor in juxtaposed overlapping relationship to form a substantially continuous surface about the conveyor. The product bed is leveled by dragging the lower edge of a hollow pivoting quarter drum across the product. The leveling is produced by the weight of the quarter drum pivoting down against the product. Counter weights can be used to control the leveling pressure against the product to avoid crushing or other product damage.

Abstract: A vortex tube cooling system is presented. The cooling system contains one or more vortex tubes connected to a supply of compressed gas, the vortex tubes providing a stream of cold gas which cools product as it emerges from a furnace. The cooling system is particularly useful for cooling circuit boards emerging from a solder reflow convection furnace.

Abstract: The invention includes a tunnel-conveyor section designed to process large-scale quantities of such materials as automobile tires for frangiation and embrittlement to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels for separation of fibrous and metal portions and subsequent granulation into fine-mesh particles. The system is also designed to subject food products to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels prior to for long-term storage and shipping as well. The system can also be used for freeze drying at very low temperatures (-380.degree. F. and lower) when nonconveyor procedures are used. The unit can be adapted as a horizontal-cylinder as well as a spiral or circular system for large-scale conveyor operations. Smaller systems can also be fabricated for laboratory or smaller-scale procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is a tunnel freezer which incorporates a "dual flow" design whereby the refrigerant is introduced at each end of the tunnel and withdrawn from the middle of the tunnel. A key to the present invention is that the dual flow design allows one to confine the pressure gradient for leaks between the ends of the tunnel where it will not be a concern since the item entrance and exit ports (which ports provide a ready access for leaks) are located at the ends of the tunnel.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an apparatus for frosting drinking glasses. The apparatus is a self contained flash freezer designed for placement on a countertop wherein a miniaturized refrigeration system is mounted directly above a flash freezing chamber. Drinking glasses are placed upon a sloped roller bed used for transferring of the drinking glasses which are subjected to temperatures of about -30 degrees Fahrenheit causing frosting of the drinking glasses in less than one minute. The frosted glasses can be removed from a second opening of the chamber disposed at the lower end of the sloping roller bed. During normal operation, the apparatus is sized to handle a number of glasses and the sloped roller bed permits insertion of untreated drinking glasses which in turn forces the exit of frosted drinking glasses.

Abstract: A freezing tunnel includes a longitudinally extending housing defining a cooling cavity containing a cooling atmosphere which progresses from one end of the tunnel to the other end. An endless mesh belt extends through the housing for carrying articles to be frozen. A shroud is located within the housing and extends transversely across the belt and terminating in edges which define an opening. The shroud defines an inner region and an outer region between the inner region and the housing and includes first and second longitudinally spaced shroud portions, each having respective apertures for allowing fluid communication between the inner and outer regions. Electrically driven fans direct the cooling atmosphere through the respective apertures and the opening and past the articles to be frozen.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A refrigeration immersion vessel primarily designed for direct immersion of comestibles into liquid chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) at approximate minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit is described wherein said vessel employs pairs of rotary vane valves with internal vacuum in communication with a closed system to recycle CFC vapors into said vessel while preventing atmospheric air from entering it, said vessel further utilizing different CFC from a source external of the vessel and of lower boiling point to maintain temperature of vessel reservoir refrigerant, said vessel also having condensers using the external CFC refrigerant for recondensing internal CFC vapors, controlling vessel reservoir temperature and temperature of vessel refrigerant storage outside said vessel, said vessel further comprising an inclined internal conveyor means and bottom for drainage by gravity of excess refrigerant into its reservoir.

Abstract: A belt travels forwardly upon the upper faces of a pair of laterally spaced, stationary sealing strips. Heat exchange liquid is sprayed against a bottom surface of the belt between the sealing strips to exchange heat with material traveling on the top surface of the belt. The upper faces of the sealing strips are provided with grooves which are inclined obliquely forwardly and inwardly so that moisture tending to migrate laterally outwardly along the belt bottom surface is returned inwardly by the grooves. Hold-down elements press downwardly against the top surface of the belt to press the belt bottom surface against the sealing strips. The hold-down elements contain obliquely inclined grooves for displacing moisture outwardly away from the center of the belt.

Abstract: A trap or seal system for effecting an air impervious seal for a food freezer, such as a cryogenic or mechanical freezer. The seal system includes a barrier forming a vapor-impervious partition and which has its bottom extending into a cryogenic bath. A conveyor system is used to transport articles through the cryogenic bath to a downstream cryogenic freezer. The combination of the barrier extending into the cryogenic bath forms an effective seal to prevent air infiltration into the cryogenic freezer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cooling a product in a vacuum chamber which utilizes a door mounted in an opening portion of a vacuum tumbler chamber, a mechanism mounted on the door for injecting a coolant fluid into the tumbler chamber, a mechanism for rotating the tumbler chamber relative to the door and a vacuum mechanism for exhausting the coolant fluid from the tumbler chamber. The process includes the method of cooling a product in a vacuum chamber and which includes the steps of depositing the products in the vacuum chamber, subjecting the chamber to a vacuum, rotating the chamber, applying a coolant fluid to the products in the chamber; and exhausting the coolant fluid from the chamber by vacuum.