Abstract: In method for freeze-crushing waste resources, freezing gas is first created by collecting freezing heat source of liquefied petroleum gas during a heat exchange process between the liquefied petroleum gas and cooling gas, and then the waste resources stored in a freezing tank is frozen to a temperature where the waste resources can be easily crushed by supplying the freezing gas to the freezing tank. Next, the frozen waste resources is crushed in an crushing apparatus, after which the freezing gas is separated from the crushed waste resources in a separate apparatus and the freezing gas for is collected the purpose of reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a microtome (2) and a cooling chamber (4) provided therefor is disclosed. Control is accomplished by way of a single control unit (12, 18) that integrates both operating elements (30) for the microtome (2) and operating elements (32) for the cooling chamber (4).

Abstract: An ice bucket assembly includes an ice bucket container and a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes a plurality of tabs configured to engage a plurality of openings disposed within the ice bucket container. The cover includes a plurality of tabs which permit a user to grasp the cover during removal or installation of the cover. When installed, the housing assembly is positioned above a dispensary opening at a front of the ice bucket container. As a result, crushed ice is immediately dispensed from the ice bucket container.

Abstract: Rubber chips are immersed in a coolant to cool the chips to a the temperature in the range of −90 degrees to −110 degrees Celsius. The coolant contains alcohol such as n-butyl alcohol, methanol, pentane and is cooled by nitrogen. The cooled chips are then comminuted to a powder in the range of 10 mesh to 100 mesh ASTM in size.

Abstract: System to produce and propel solid sublimable particles, the system comprises at least: a recipient for receiving solid sublimable material, a plate with an upper face with at least one line of teeth for contacting said material, a means for driving into rotation the plate, and a system for propelling the particles.

Abstract: An ice transporting assembly transports ice and includes a sleeve and a tapered auger. The sleeve defines a frusto-conically shaped channel with an inlet having an inlet diameter and an outlet having an outlet diameter less than the inlet diameter. The tapered auger is mounted for rotation within the sleeve and is sized and adapted for positional agreement with the frusto-conically shaped channel. Ice at the inlet is transported through the frusto-conically shaped channel and out of the outlet by rotating the tapered auger about a rotational axis. Another embodiment of the ice transporting assembly includes a reducing sleeve having an upstream conduit section with an upstream conduit diameter, a downstream conduit section with a downstream conduit diameter less than the upstream conduit diameter and a tapered conduit interposing the upstream conduit section and the downstream conduit section. The tapered conduit defines a tapered channel that receives the tapered auger in positional agreement.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick freezing tissue specimens has the advantage of precise predictable embedding orientation. The apparatus includes embedding wells, chucks and over-chuck cooling blocks. Additional components include a cooled cutting board, freezing plate griddle and elevated freezing block. Tools created to use with the system include a dislodging bar, a spatula/pry tool, a dispensing slide and a flattening tool. The combination of these elements function at −25 to −30 degrees C. to precisely prepare tissue specimens for frozen sectioning. The apparatus can be cooled and adapted by several methods: (1) as a stand-alone bench top cryoembedding station refrigerated by compressor and Peltier devices: (2) as modular portable units cooled in a separate refrigeration device such as a cryostat or freezer; and (3) built into cryostat work chambers as part of the internal embedding center.

Abstract: Rubber chips are immersed in a coolant to cool the chips to a the temperature in the range of −90 degrees to −110 degrees Celsius. The coolant contains alcohol such as n-butyl alcohol, methanol, pentane and is cooled by nitrogen. The cooled chips are then comminuted to a powder in the range of 10 mesh to 100 mesh ASTM in size.

Abstract: A cooling system to reduce damage resulting from panel singulation is provided. A panel may be formed by encapsulating a lead frame with mounted dice. The encapsulating material may be a composite, plastic, or ceramic. Singulation may be a cutting done by laser, water jet, or saw. A chiller system cools a fluid, such as water, to a temperature below 16° C. The cooled fluid is dispensed to a part of the panel being singulated. For example, if a circular saw is used to cut the panel, a plurality of nozzles may be used to direct the fluid to the part of the saw cutting the panel, which defines the part of the panel being singulated. The cooled fluid, cools the panel preventing burring, smearing, and melting of metal contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing a homogeneous analytical sample from a heterogenous feedstock by: providing the mixed feedstock, reducing the temperature of the feedstock to a temperature below a critical temperature, reducing the size of the feedstock components, blending the reduced size feedstock to form a homogeneous mixture; and obtaining a representative sample of the homogeneous mixture. The size reduction and blending steps are performed at temperatures below the critical temperature in order to retain organic compounds in the form of solvents, oils, or liquids that may be adsorbed onto or absorbed into the solid components of the mixture, while also improving the efficiency of the size reduction. Preferably, the critical temperature is less than 77 K (−196° C.). Further, with the process of this invention the representative sample may be maintained below the critical temperature until being analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing shavings of a solid volume of frozen beverage includes a hollow body, a blade assembly, and a drive mechanism. The hollow body defines a cavity having an axis and a substantially constant non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis. The body has a first end and a second end. The non-circular cross-section is configured to engage the solid volume and to prevent rotational movement of the solid volume about the axis while allowing for axial movement of the solid volume along the axis. The blade assembly is rotatably mounted in the cavity near the second end of the body. The drive mechanism is operably coupled to the blade assembly. A refreshment stand for dispensing snacks, drinks and snow cones using a solid volume of frozen beverage produced in a conventional home freezer includes a cart, an ice shaving apparatus, means for removably connecting the apparatus to the cart, and at least one mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous freezing of liquids and cutting of the resulting frozen material into discrete pieces. A freezing table is provided with a transfer film for transporting liquid to be frozen across the top surface thereof. Side dams are attached to the freezing table such that the lateral edge surfaces of the traveling film extend upwardly against the adjacent side dams forming a trough. A cutting apparatus receives the frozen slab and first cuts the frozen slab into strips, then cuts the strips into discrete pieces. A plurality of circular saw blades, preferably in two counter-rotating rows, are used to cut the slab into strips, and a guillotine cutter is preferably used to cut the strips into discrete pieces.

Abstract: Artificial snow making equipment includes an air-blowing pulverizer which prevents fluctuation in the size of ice pieces by eliminating fluctuation in the amount of ice blocks being supplied also eliminates blocking by the ice blocks, as a result utilizing air effectively such that the ice pieces are blown out as artificial snow the requisite distance. The artificial snow making equipment with constant forced blowing includes ice block supplier 1 to supply ice blocks at a constant rate and air-blowing pulverizer 11. The ice block supplier 1 has ice block supply opening 4 through which ice blocks 2 are supplied, casing 3 which has ice block supply opening 4; rotary blades 8 which supply ice blocks 2 at a constant rate while rotating in casing 3; and exit for ice blocks 5 which is positioned under casing 3.

Abstract: A system comprises a facility for which snow is used, a snow producing unit for producing snow from water, and a collection section for collecting meltwater and supplies the collected meltwater to the snow producing unit as water used for producing snow. According to such a system, since snow is again produced from meltwater and used, artificial snow can be supplied to a facility for which artificial snow is used without using a large amount of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an amorphous tissue specimen into a cooled block while preserving the anatomical orientation of the specimen includes a base assembly, a system of magnetic movable wall units and a cover which may be intercoupled to form an enclosed specimen cavity. The wall units each include a hinged panel at one end, so that the wall units may be adjustably intercoupled to form various planar surfaced shapes, such as a rhomboid or eccentric block form. Each wall unit also includes a reservoir for a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen for cooling the enclosed specimen to an optimal temperature for tissue cutting. The base is equipped with orientation indicia and temperature sensors. A synthetic resin may be applied to the specimen-contacting surfaces of the form in order to facilitate release of the cooled specimen.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperatures in a cooling chamber for a microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome, comprises at least two different temperature control circuits for controlling the temperatures of the specimen and of the cutter. The control circuit for the temperature of the specimen (8) and the control circuit for the temperature of the cutter (9), as well as, if appropriate, the control circuit for the temperature of the chamber gas, have a common setting element (17), such that the control circuit can be programmed to an identical temperature as the set value.

Abstract: This application relates to a novel method and apparatus for hydrating, freezing and cutting packaged hydration material. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for drawing unhydrated sandwich packaged hydration gel material from a roll of such material, hydrating the material in a hydration tank, freezing the hydrated material in a freezing chamber, and cutting the frozen hydrated material into pieces according to prescribed lengths. A process of continuously hydrating, freezing and cutting a hydratable polymer containing web of material which comprises: (a) passing the web into a water hydration vessel for sufficient time to hydrate the hydratable polymer; (b) withdrawing the web from the hydration vessel and passing the web through a freezer for sufficient time to enable the web to freeze; and (c) withdrawing the frozen web from the freezer and cutting the frozen web into prescribed lengths.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. One preferred manipulating apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, ridged rollers (24,25). The rollers (24,25) have a minimum clearance less than an initial thickness of the workpieces (23). A drive arrangement (30) drives the rollers (24,25) in counter-rotating fashion toward each other to pull workpieces (23) through the minimum clearance area. As the workpieces (23) pass between rollers (24,25), the workpiece material spreads out laterally and bends between opposing ridges (38). This lateral spreading and bending produces relative movement throughout the volume of the workpieces (23).

Abstract: An open flow helium cryostat system for cooling a sample crystal to be examined using X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, or a similar method. The cryostat system including a primary helium supply to provide a first stream of liquid helium onto the sample crystal and a secondary helium supply to provide a second stream of gaseous helium around at least a portion of the primary helium supply at a temperature warmer than the first stream of liquid helium to prevent the formation of ice on the sample crystal.

Abstract: The suction device according to the invention for cryostatic microtomes has a filter for the separation of cutting wastes from the suction air stream, and a device arranged following the filter for sterilization or disinfection of the suction air stream. For this purpose, the air stream is first heated and then exposed to a strong UV irradiation. In the subsequent two-stage cooling arrangement, the air stream is cooled down again to about the cryostat temperature and is conducted back into the cryostat. The filter for the separation of the cutting wastes from the air stream is preferably constructed outside the cryostat as a liquid container with a disinfecting liquid, so that the cutting wastes are disinfected in the disinfecting liquid. A contamination of the surroundings or of the internal space of the cryostat with disease germs is largely prevented.

Abstract: A cryostatic microtome has a cryostatic chamber, and a microtome arranged in the cryostatic chamber, and including a specimen holder and a knife holder. In order to maintain high dynamics with respect to temperature changes and thereby a rapid matching to changing specimen consistencies, a coolable specimen holder and a coolable knife holder are provided, so that both the temperature of the specimen holder and also the temperature of the knife holder are adjustable independently of each other. Sections of improved quality can be attained by the free and independent temperature adjustment of the knife and specimen.

Abstract: A refrigerator ice supplying apparatus having an ice storing box mounted for receiving ice dropping out of ice makers and a rotary shaft disposed in the storing box for being simultaneously rotated along with a motor, the apparatus comprising a volume reducing unit installed at a front portion of an ice supply container for being moved along with the rotary shaft and for securing a predetermined amount of ice to be supplied by reducing an ice inducing area even if the ice supply container is shortened in its length, whereby an area, where the supply container is to be occupied in the storing box, is reduced with an increase of ice storing capacity and whereby the number of the ice supply container is reduced to diminish its manufacturing materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of residue from the surface of a container where the method comprises adhering a bulk material to the residue, cooling the container and residue adhered to the container surface to a low temperature, substantially embrittling the residue and then impacting the container to fragment and separate the residue from the surface of the container. The cooling may be effected to multiple containers in a semi-continuous fashion placing the containers sequentially in one end of an enclosure, contacting cold cryogen to the residue and container, advancing the containers to the other end of the enclosure and withdrawing the containers sequentially.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing ice vessels. Ice masses produced by ice making machine 3 is crushed to pieces by ice crusher 1. Then, the ice pieces are fed from an outlet chute 2A of the ice crusher 1 to one of female dies 12, which are provided on an endless conveyor 11. A male die 15 provided adjacent the ice crusher 1 is lowered to be depressed to the female die 12, thus molding ice vessel A. The molded ice vessels A are then transported in sequence to a terminal side 11A, at which they are detached from the female die 12 by a collecting plate 21 and then transported. According to the invention, there can be provided an apparatus which can make ice in proper quantities and is suited for mass production of ice vessels.

Abstract: A housing for a microtome which is capable of being employed in a cryostat. The microtome housing includes a waterproof microtome chamber having an elongate slot formed in the wall thereof through which an object holding device extends. The elongate slot has a seal disposed about its periphery and the slot is covered by a coverplate which is provided adjacent to the seal. The coverplate is rotatable about the axis of a pin which is provided on the interior of the chamber wall. The chamber further includes magnets which are arranged on the wall of the chamber adjacent to the elongate slot such that the magnets retain the coverplate over the elongate slot. This arrangement allows the object holding device to be easily inserted into and removed from the chamber, while at the same time maintaining substantially moisture free conditions within the chamber.

Abstract: A method and machine are disclosed for using a cold dry abrasion step for separating segments of discarded carpet into pile material (usually nylon) and backing layers (usually polypropylene) for recycling. A preferred method of abrasion uses dry ice pellets (made of frozen carbon dioxide) which are ejected at high speed from a set of nozzles that shoot the pellets directly into an abrasion zone, as a segment of discarded carpet on a conveyor system is being stripped apart and disassembled. The dry ice pellets "freeze" the binder material (usually latex) by lowering it to a temperature that makes the binder brittle and easy to break apart. The pellets also serve as abrasive agents, in a manner comparable to sand-blasting; however, unlike sandblasting or liquid (steam or chemical) systems, the dry ice pellets evaporate (sublimate) directly into gas without going through a liquid phase, and without leaving any liquid or gritty residue.

Abstract: The device fills a hole in an ice rink surface and has a chamber to receive a slush mixture. An access allows the slush mixture to be deposited into the chamber. The chamber has a lower end and a valve is located at the lower end for dispensing the slush mixture from the chamber. The valve includes a housing with an aperture and a valve member is dimensioned to fit within the aperture and is movable from a closed position to an open position. A trigger opens the valve to dispense the slush mixture. The valve can then be used to press the slush mixture into the hole, thereby to restore the ice rink surface.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice crush apparatus enables to conveniently prepare food such as shaved ice with sugar syrup includes a motor and a section formed by plural links for transferring the motor in the axial direction. A clutch is installed between the motor and a freezing container which is formed with a clutch disc onto the bottom plane, and a rotating rod and brackets are installed for reversing the freezing container. A cutter is fixed to face the lower portion of the reversed to be rotated freezing container for crushing the ice within the freezing container. That is, the ice is crushed by the cutter while the freezing container is reversely rotated and transferred downward to be the food such as shaved ice with sugar syrup. Thus, the water is frozen to be crushed for preparing the shaved ice with sugar syrup simply and conveniently within the household refrigerator. Also, the shaved ice with sugar syrup can be prepared without taking out or relocating the ice to have an effect for sanitary reason.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises compression-forming prerefrigerated meat pieces into loaves, wherein the temperature of the loaves is brought, through successive stabilization operations, to a predetermined value. In this method, the meat pieces are individually subjected to a drying stage in a cold air stream (drying station) before undergoing an intense cooling stage (cooling station) followed by a stabilization stage. The invention is useful for instance for making flaky meat loaves.

Abstract: An ice crushing and feeding device located below an ice making apparatus including a V-shaped receiving means, an ice conveying mechanism, a speed control device, a crushing mechanism, an ice/chilled water mixing chamber and a feed pump for transferring solid/liquid mixtures. Ice produced by the ice making apparatus is guided by the receiving means into the conveying mechanism which by means of its rotational and pressing actions transfers the ice to the crushing mechanism to be crushed into fragments of a suitable size. The ice fragments are mixed with the chilled water in the mixing chamber at a predetermined proportion. The mixture is then transferred by the feed pump to each ice storage tank.

Abstract: A fluidized particle production system includes a solidifying unit having a forming surface for supporting a solidified layer of a medium, e.g. ice and a treatment apparatus for removing the solidified medium from the solidifying surface and sizing the removed solidified medium into particles of desired dimensions. The treatment apparatus comprising a sizing device co-operating and moving with the solidifying surface for effecting therebetween the sizing of the particles. A housing encloses the solidifying unit and the treatment apparatus and a sweep fluid outlet is positioned to discharge sweep fluid towards the sizing device for fluidizing the particles and transporting the fluidized particles through an outlet duct from the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for cryogenic separation of elastomeric products from metallic products and textile fibers combined as composite waste products having two cryogenic chambers capable of alternately receiving waste composite products to be directly contacted by a cryogenic fluid and for alternately discharging cryogenically frozen products therefrom. The chambers are in communication through a valved duct for transferring the cryogenic fluid from one chamber to the other alternately and there is a pressure equalizing valved duct to facilitate the fluid transfer in an equalized pressure environment. The chambers are rotatable through an angle sufficient to permit the cryogenic fluid transfer to be effected by gravity from one chamber to the other alternately, so that when one of the chambers is operating as a cryogenic chamber, the other can be discharged and reloaded and vice-versa.

Abstract: Cooked rice is continuously fed rice at the entrance (6) of conveyor system (4) where the rice (a) is cooled to a chosen temperature using cool air jets from above and below the conveyor. The cooled rice is then transferred to another mesh conveyor (22) where cold air jets blow sub-freezing air onto the rice surfaces, but not the cores (a'), of the grains of rice are frozen and are covered with ice crystals (b). The surface-frozen rice is then transferred onto a third mesh conveyor (33) where two sets of counter-rotating comb rollers (32) break up the surface-frozen rice grains into separate grains of surface-frozen rice. The separate grains of surface-frozen rice is then transferred to a fourth mesh conveyor (42) where the grains of rice are completely frozen to the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for freezing and cutting a tissue specimen for medical diagnostic purposes which comprises a specimen block holder for holding the tissue specimen; an embedding medium; a freezing plane for providing direct metal contact freezing of the specimen; a knife blade comprising a cutting edge which is substantially parallel to and may be displaced a preset distance from the freezing plane; a block holder for holding the specimen; and driving means for transporting the block holder towards the freezing plane for creating a flat frozen surface of the specimen having a thickness t and also for transporting the frozen specimen past the knife edge to provide a section having a desired thickness. The planar relationship and known distance between the freezing plane and the cutting edge together will be used as the basis for calculating frozen thickness t of the specimen. This allows for precise and automated movement of the block holder for trimming.

Abstract: Fugitive methane or natural gas vapors are recovered from a handling or delivery system and are blown through solid methane chips or a slush of solid and liquid methane. The solid methane melts and cools the vapors below the vaporization temperature to condense them. The condensed vapors and melted solid can be mixed with liquid methane for use therewith. The solid methane is produced by cooling liquid methane or natural gas in a liquid nitrogen heat exchanger or refrigerator. The liquid methane is solidified in a sheet on an endless belt, which breaks the sheet into pieces at a tail section.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus and process for producing predetermined size and density dry ice pellets used for blasting operations. Liquid carbon dioxide is compressed into solid dry ice within a computer controlled piston and cylinder extruder. The applied pressure by the piston is controlled to produce solid dry ice at a predetermined pressure while forward movement is controlled in an intermittent start-stop cycle where the "start" mode controls the length of the dry ice extrudate while the "stop" mode enables an exterior cutting device to cut the extrudate to the predetermined length. Preferred pellets exhibit uniform dimensions such as cylindrical or cubic pellets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flavored ice manufacturing method for manufacturing flavored ice with a taste and smell possessing a uniform color or is colorless, which comprises a block ice manufacturing process; a crushing process for crushing this manufactured block ice into ice particles; and a sorting process for sorting these crushed ice particles into flavored ice of a predetermined particle diameter. In the sorting process, the ice particles are sorted into flavored ice of a predetermined particle diameter while spraying a dry-cooling fluid of 0.degree. C. or less onto the ice particles. As a result, a dry-cooling liquid is sprayed around the periphery of these ice particles, and thus the surface temperature of these ice particles can be maintained at a low temperature, and the water component existing around the periphery can be blown away. In this manner, adhesion of water and minute particles to the surface of the ice particles, as well as adhesion of neighboring ice particles is prevented.

Abstract: An installation for the preparation of frozen vegetables, comprising from upstream in the downstream direction a device (10) for washing the fresh vegetables and a device (14) for the spin-drying of the washed vegetables; the freezing device (16) of the rapid individual type; at least one device (22) suitable for exerting on the frozen vegetables sufficient mechanical stresses to allow them to be broken into a plurality of fractions; at least one device (23) for sorting the frozen uniform fractions; a device (30) for packaging at least one of the frozen fractions; means for disposing of the fraction or fractions coming from the sorting device and intended not to be used; this installation being specially designed for the preparation of aromatic herbs or plants.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which has a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment and a refrigeration system for cooling the two compartments. Two evaporators operating at different temperatures, or a single evaporator operating at sequentially different temperatures is used in the refrigeration system to provide the cooling of the two compartments. An ice making device is provided in the fresh food compartment, thermally associated with the evaporator used to cool the fresh food compartment operating at a warmer temperature, such that ice is formed and stored in the fresh food compartment. Dispensing means extending through the door of the fresh food compartment are provided to allow for dispensing of ice through the fresh food compartment door.

Abstract: A process for producing an ice, comprising the steps of allowing a material solution containing a sweetener to flow downward from the upper part of and along the surface of a freezing plate provided substantially upright, to thereby cause the material solution to freeze on and stick to the surface of the freezing plate to form an ice plate; breaking the ice place into ice pieces having a diameter of about 20 mm at maximum; and filling a container with the ice pieces. The material solution is so controlled as to flow down in such a quantity that at least 30% of the solution freezes on and sticks to the freezing plate before the solution reaches the lower end thereof, and has a concentration so adjusted that the ice plate has a fragmentation resistance of 1,000 mm or less as measured by the dropping test method.

Abstract: A water distributor and an ice cutter for a tube-ice machine includes a water distributor having a cylindrical body, a multiangle head having two opposite spiraling water passageways and an air tube. Each of the water passageways are in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the multi-angle head to permit water to enter therethrough into one of a plurality of ice making tubes, to be frozen into a long bar of ice. Subsequently, the periphery of the bar of ice is melted to cause it to fall down from the ice making tube to an ice cutter. The ice cutter has ice cutting blades and sustain plates, held in a turning disc rotated by a motor, for cutting the long bar of ice into small pieces which are pushed out of an exit for use.

Abstract: A microtome, or an ultramicrotome having the specimen arm operating through an opening in the cryo chamber wall in a manner substantially free of the mechanical influence of a conventional seal is disclosed. An elongated slot permits movement of the specimen arm while minimizing the clearance between the sides of the arm and chamber wall reduces loss. Inner and outer baffles can be used to further reduce loss.

Abstract: histological tissue freezing process is provided. The process includes spraying a chemical, tetrafluoroethane, onto a portion of a histological tissue specimen before sectioning thereof. The use of tetrafluoroethane has the advantages of not causing ozone depletion, reduced global warming potential and producing a colder spray. A spray can for spraying the chemical is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum system for removal of debris in the form of shavings, particles, or the like has been developed for use inside of a cryostat to evacuate and collect such material as it is generated during specimen preparation using a microtome, also inside of the cryostat. The system includes a vacuum assembly unit containing a vacuum collection nozzle having a suction duct. The cold assembly unit is moveably positioned adjacent to the microtome knife so that debris is suctioned away and removed concurrent with or immediately after its production during cryotomy, and is captured in a cold primary filter. The frozen debris does not melt, but remains rigid while it freeze-dries and is trapped on the filter as cold air flows over and through it, thereby maintaining the collected waste material in a very porous state.

Abstract: An installation for the preparation of frozen vegetables, comprising from upstream in the downstream direction a device (10) for washing the fresh vegetables and a device (14) for the spin-drying of the washed vegetables; the freezing device (16) of the rapid individual type; at least one device (22) suitable for exerting on the frozen vegetables sufficient mechanical stresses to allow them to be broken into a plurality of fractions; at least one device (23) for sorting the frozen uniform fractions; a device (30) for packaging at least one of the frozen fractions; means for disposing of the fraction or fractions coming from the sorting device and intended not to be used; this installation being specially designed for the preparation of aromatic herbs or plants.

Abstract: A method and system for producing extruded edible ice products wherein an extruded string is conveyed unbroken through a continuous freezing zone, with only constrictions or notches being provided in the string by transversely movable tools while the ice substance is still formable. After a hard freezing of the extruded string, single bodies are separated from the extruded string by a simple successive breaking action on a front end of the string, and a desired distance between individual severed bodies can be produced by permitting the bodies to fall onto a conveyor moving at a speed which is higher than a conveying speed of the extruded string.

Abstract: An auger type ice making apparatus having a discharge section comprising a modified elbow portion and a discharge tube extending outwardly therefrom with pressure applying apparatus mounted on the upper end of the auger for rotation therewith and located in the modified elbow and having a generally cylindrical outer surface immediately adjacent to the upper end of the auger and a generally conical outer surface extending upwardly therefrom and wherein a portion of the inner surface of the modified elbow comprises an oval surface opposite to the generally conical outer surface and wherein a portion of a radially outwardly extended flange on the upper end of the generally conical outer surface is located in an arcuate recess in the oval surface and with at least one cutter extending radially outwardly from the generally cylindrical outer surface. Also, apparatus is provided for distributing the refrigerant for improved performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for slicing tissue sections from a frozen specimen for microscopic analysis or the like without allowing tissue debris or dust to become airborne and thereby transport bacteria or viruses from one specimen to other specimens or to an operator. This is achieved by slicing the specimen while submersed in a subzero dielectric liquid and passing a conveyor, such as a statically charged web or film, adjacent the point of sectioning so that the tissue sections and associated tissue debris generated therewith are attracted to the web and adhere thereto. The conveyor transports the tissue sections, and associated debris adhering thereto, through a sterilizer and staining tanks whereafter the tissue is transferred to a slide for microscopic examination.

Abstract: An ice dispensing and crushing apparatus is disclosed for dispensing and selectively crushing pieces of ice. The apparatus includes a supply bin for containing and supplying pieces of ice, a conveying trough formed at least partially within a lower portion of the supply bin and extending in an inclined manner toward a dispensing housing through which ice pieces can be dispensed. A helical conveyor is mounted for rotation in the conveying trough and is operable to convey individual pieces of ice one-by-one toward a dispensing opening formed in a lateral side of the dispensing housing. An ejection device, such as an ejection bar, is mounted adjacent the helical conveyor and acts to eject extra pieces of ice so as to assure the individual successive conveyance of the ice pieces.

Abstract: In an auger type ice making machine, an ice breaker mounted on an upper shaft portion of the auger includes a plurality of ice breaker elements adapted to be coaxially coupled as a unit, the breaker elements each having a circular body portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced blades which extend radially outwardly at a predetermined angle, and the blades of the respective breaker elements being formed to be aligned at their lower edges in a condition where the breaker elements have been coaxially coupled at their body portions. The body portions of the breaker elements are connected to each other in such a manner that the blades of the breaker elements are circumferentially equally spaced at a selected angle.