Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a material to be cooled, comprising an inlet for a cooling medium conducted into a first, upper chamber of the cooling device. First conduits are provided which conduct the cooling medium from the upper chamber into a second, lower chamber of the cooling device. The upper chamber is separated from the lower chamber by a wall. Second conduits are provided which conduct the cooling medium from the lower chamber to at least one outlet opening for cooling medium, via which the cooling medium is discharged onto the material to be cooled.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing dry sausage including preparing a dry sausage meat mixture, stuffing the moisture into a casing or mould, or extruding into a mould, fermenting the mixture, hat treating the sausage log, optionally removing the outer casing from the sausage log, cooling tire sausage log to a temperature sufficiently low to permit cutting, cutting the sausage, placing the sausage pieces onto a conveyor, optionally a multi-tier or spiral conveyor assembly, and passing the conveyor and sausage pieces through a chamber. The process also includes introducing a supply of conditioned, air into the chamber, the air having a relative humidity below about 60% and a temperature in the range, of at least about 40° F. to 130° F., and introducing a supply of microwaves into the chamber. The air supply and microwaves are selected to reduce the moisture content of the sausage pieces to a predetermined moisture to protein ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic immersion ice-coating machine, including a frame, an ice-coating working pool, a feed port, a conveying device, a control system and a driving system. A first side of the ice-coating working pool communicates with a buffer tank. A bottom of the ice-coating working pool is stepped or inclined, and a drain valve is provided at a bottom of the ice-coating working pool. The conveying device includes a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. The first conveyor belt is located under the feed port, and a lower portion of the first conveyor belt is lower than the liquid level, and the second conveyor belt communicates with the discharge port. The first and second conveyor belts are made of stainless steel mesh belts, and surfaces of the stainless steel mesh belts are provided with separators in a spaced manner.

Abstract: A method for processing or manufacturing a meat product is disclosed. Frozen meat is provided into a meat grinder having a grinder plate having a first surface and a second surface defining apertures of different sizes and shapes extending between the first surface and the second surface. The meat is urged through the apertures by a coolant and chopped or broken into frozen pieces by a blade rotating a spaced distance from the second surface of the plate. The frozen pieces are then provided into and conveyed by an auger conveyor as more coolant is provided into the conveyor to further cool the meat pieces. The meat pieces are then sifted to more optimally obtain desired pieces sizes or range of sizes and/or sublimate the coolant.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling products includes a cooling chamber with a conveyor for conveying the products through the chamber, at least one circulator for circulating a cooling gas within at least a part of the chamber, a first guiding element for guiding the cooling gas on a first conveyor side, and a second guiding element for guiding the cooling gas on a second conveyor side, wherein the first and second guiding elements are arranged within the chamber such that the cooling gas can impinge the first side, and the first and second guiding elements are oriented obliquely compared to the conveyor.

Abstract: An impingement apparatus associated with a conveyor includes: (a) a shell supporting an impinger; and (b) a coolant delivery apparatus enclosed by the shell, the coolant delivery apparatus including a gas circulation device for directing a coolant to the impinger; the impinger including: (i) an impingement plate including openings for directing impingement jets toward the conveyor; (ii) at least one non-circular cam in mechanical communication with the at least one conveyor and rotatable when the conveyor is in motion; and (iii) at least one connector in mechanical communication with the at least one cam and the impingement plate, the connector displaceable during rotation of the at least one cam to elevate and lower the impingement plate.

Abstract: A method of reducing moisture content of a cooling compartment includes increasing a temperature of the cooling compartment to a minimum temperature level, decreasing the temperature of the cooling compartment to a maximum temperature level, and draining any condensed moisture from the cooling compartment. A system for reducing moisture content of a cooling compartment includes a coil assembly configured to increase a temperature of the cooling compartment to a minimum temperature level and decrease the temperature of the cooling compartment to a maximum temperature level, and a drain for draining any condensed moisture from the cooling compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auger dip apparatus for the application of antimicrobial solution to raw food. Embodiments of the present disclosure may use an auger as a single moving part to move the food work pieces through the application area for antimicrobial solution. Embodiments of the present disclosure are simple with only one moving auger part to move the food pieces, and the bearing for the moving part, supporting the shaft of the auger, may be configured to be outside of the cabinet with the reservoir of the antimicrobial solution, so that the bearing is not in contact with the antimicrobial solution. This provides for less maintenance and downtime, particularly unscheduled downtime, than a system using more complicated exposed parts. The present disclosure also permits a more compact and lighter configuration for an assembled application unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a temperature of products includes a housing having a chamber within, wherein the chamber has upper and lower regions; a conveyor for transporting the products through the chamber, the conveyor constructed for substantial gas flow to pass through the conveyor without substantially reducing the ability of the conveyor to transport the products; an agitator associated with the conveyor for selective, intermittent contact with the conveyor to displace the conveyor from a plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to substantially prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; a gas circulation device disposed within the chamber to generate circulating gas flow within the chamber; and a shroud disposed within the chamber for coacting with the conveyor to provide an interface between the upper and lower regions, the shroud constructed and arranged to guide the circulating gas flow from the lower region through the conveyor to the upper

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a plated steel sheet according to the present invention comprises: an injection means for injecting a cooling fluid while facing a steel sheet in progress; and an injection width varying means for varying the injection width of the cooling fluid so as to correspond to the width of the steel sheet, installed at the outside of the injection means so as to not interfere with the injection flow path of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of freezing a liquid substance contained in at least one receptacle, comprising the steps of: providing the liquid substance in at least one receptacle, providing a cooling chamber and a cooling device having a cooling surface; setting the temperature of the cooling surface, starting a freezing procedure by placing the receptacle with the liquid substance therein on the cooling surface to form a seed or initial zone of nucleation; and continuing the freezing procedure to completely freeze the substance.

Abstract: A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for freezing foods includes a first conveyor having one end thereof located on the feed portion and that conveys the articles to be frozen in a first direction and a second conveyor extending directly beneath the first conveyor along thereof and conveying foods fallen from the other end of the first conveyor in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a coolant tank disposed beneath the second conveyor and storing coolant that freezes foods fallen from the second conveyor, a third conveyor having at least one portion thereof submerged in the coolant in the coolant tank and conveying the foods fallen from the second conveyor while immersing them in the coolant, and a coolant spraying means disposed above the first conveyor and spraying coolant toward the first conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for rapidly stress relieving laminated RFID cards sheets (1) or individually cut cards (2) so that the effect of card wrap, bending and distortion is reduced. A freezer tunnel (5) is located down-stream of a laminator machine. The freezer tunnel (5) uses nozzles (8) to supply a cryogenic liquid in vaporized form. Laminated RFID card sheets (1) are transported through the freezer tunnel (5), where they are exposed to an ambient temperature between ?40° C. to ?100° C. during two minutes or less.

Abstract: A cryogenic cooling apparatus for high average power laser oscillator or amplifier, wherein the oscillator or amplifier material is in direct contact with a flowing cryogenic liquid cooled to below its boiling point is described. This method of cooling overcomes the limit in heat flux due to the onset of film boiling, thereby allowing for increased laser average power.

Abstract: A method of cooling foodstuff comprises immersing at least one perforated container containing foodstuff into an ice slurry bath for a period of time sufficient to allow ice slurry to enter the at least one perforated container and then subsequently removing the at least one perforated container from the ice slurry bath. Various apparatuses for cooling foodstuff are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sample for a charged-particle microscope includes: Providing a substantially plate-like sample holder having opposed first and second major surfaces substantially parallel to one another, comprising at least one aperture connecting said major surfaces and across which a membrane has been spanned upon said first major surface, which membrane comprises at least one perforation; Spanning a film of liquid across said perforation, which liquid comprises at least one study specimen suspended therein; Plunging the sample holder onto a bath of cryogen, whereby the sample holder is held with said first major surface pointing toward the cryogen and arranged substantially parallel to an exposed surface of the cryogen; and Applying a blast of cryogenic fluid to said film from a nozzle pointing toward said second major surface, immediately prior to the film making contact with said cryogen. A corresponding apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for the cooling of articles, comprising at least one channel which can be connected to a first coolant source such that a first stream of a first coolant can flow through the channel, the articles to be cooled being introducible into the stream, is distinguished in that at least one cross-sectional stabilizer for stabilizing the cross section of the at least one channel is formed. The device according to the invention advantageously allows the defined cooling of articles, in particular the freezing of drops of a liquid or pasty material, in particular of liquid or pasty foods. In particular, a deformation, such as warping, of the channels on account of pronounced temperature gradients and/or temperature transients is effectively reduced. Thus, even after cooling-down operations, uniform cooling conditions can be ensured.

Abstract: A frozen condiment is described, chosen among the group consisting of sauces, pastes, pates, creams and pizza toppings, having hygienic and organoleptic features comparable with those of a corresponding fresh condiment, which is in the form of granules having a porous surface, having an average weight of 6.0 g or less and essentially homogeneous in size having a diameter comprised between 1 mm and 20 mm, and apt to determine a rapid and uniform thawing of the deep-frozen condiment; a process for the deep-freezing of a substantially fluid condiment is also described, which involves dividing a substantially fluid condiment into a plurality of drops, which, in a first deep-freezing step, are dosed within a liquid bath at a temperature lower than ?150° C., obtaining a plurality of partially frozen granules having a hard and deep-frozen external surface and a soft not completely deep-frozen core, and a second deep-freezing step at a temperature comprised between ?30° C. and ?90° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing frozen products using a liquid cooling freezing method, enabling the number of times for replenishing a freezing solvent to be reduced and completely preventing alcoholic odor from occurring. The apparatus 1 for producing frozen products according to the invention includes, in a freezing chamber 2, a freezing tank 3 having a freezing solvent 30 stored therein for immersing therein products and freezing them, gas jetting units 4 for jetting a gas having a temperature of 0° C. or below against the products frozen in the freezing tank 3 to remove the freezing solvent adhering to the products, and a transferring device 5 for transferring the products to be frozen in the freezing chamber 2 in a manner that the products to be frozen are immersed in the freezing solvent 30 in the freezing tank 3 and then lifted from the freezing tank 3 and further the freezing solvent adhering to the products is removed by the gas jetting units 4.

Abstract: A cryogenic tunnel freezer (10) having modular design and construction including a lower section (16) that can be raised and lowered relative to an upper section (14), the upper and lower sections (14, 16) defining a tunnel (12) when the lower section (16) is in a closed (raised) position. Product is moved through the tunnel (12) via a belt (22) formed of arrays of plastic modules (76) that are reinforced by metal chains (140) and rods (150). The lower run (23) of the belt (22) rides on the floor (48) of the lower section (16) and the upper run (21) rides on the lower run (23) when the belt (22) is operated. The flow of cryogenic fluid through the tunnel (12) is aided by vaporization of a cryogenic fluid and baffles (98), but no air-moving devices located within the tunnel (12).

Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.

Abstract: A tempering treatment method whereby the temperature of meat, which involves a carcass prepared by slaughtering cattle or poultry and sterilizing and washing, is lowered as close to the ice storage temperature as possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by the actions of enzymes contained within the meat before transporting the meat to a refrigerated storage, which comprises surface-freezing the meat by blowing a cold air stream at about ?20 to about ?40° C. to the meat before conducting the tempering treatment, thus allowing the generation of freezing latent heat in the subcutaneous part owing to the surface-freezing (freezing the subcutaneous tissue), and then rapidly lowering the core temperature inside the meat due to the latent heat released at the melting of the freezing latent heat to thereby conduct the tempering treatment at a temperature of 0 to +15° C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contact freezing a food product. A conveyor belt or other support may have an active region that supports materials on an outer surface. Liquid cryogen may be provided in bulk contact with an inner surface of the active region via splashing, agitation, pumping, gravity feed, and the like.

Abstract: A cooling gas discharge nozzle 7 is arranged above an initial position P(Rin) distant from a rotation center P(0) of a substrate W toward the outer edge of the substrate W and supplies a cooling gas to the initial position P(0) of the rotating substrate W to solidify DIW adhering to an initial region including the initial position P(Rin) and the rotation center P(0). Following formation of an initial solidified region FR0, a range to be solidified is spread toward the outer edge of the substrate W and all the DIW (liquid to be solidified) adhering to a substrate surface Wf is solidified to entirely freeze a liquid film LF.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing a biological sample in a container while it moves along a cooling axis is provided. The apparatus has at least one set of two cooling plates with inner surfaces having a first plate dimension perpendicular to the axis, and a second plate dimension parallel to the axis. The inner surfaces define a passage therebetween with a width that corresponds to the container thickness and which is no larger than the first plate dimension. A method for cooling using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and a method for freezing the foods at a high quality without reducing the freezing process efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for chilling a food product in or proximate to a food processing device adapted to dice, slice, shred, chop, or cut the food product is disclosed. The disclosed system and method involves a two or three stage application of a liquid cryogen or carbon dioxide snow to cool the food product. The cooling stages include a first stage of cryogen application upstream of the entrance of the food processing device, a second stage of cryogen application or delivery into one or more zones within the food processing device, and a third stage of cryogen application to the region proximate to and downstream of the exit to the food processing device.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.

Abstract: A cryogenic tunnel freezer (10) having modular design and construction including a lower section (16) that can be raised and lowered relative to an upper section (14), the upper and lower sections (14, 16) defining a tunnel (12) when the lower section (16) is in a closed (raised) position. Product is moved through the tunnel (12) via a belt (22) formed of arrays of plastic modules (76) that are reinforced by metal chains (140) and rods (150). The lower run (23) of the belt (22) rides on the floor (48) of the lower section (16) and the upper run (21) rides on the lower run (23) when the belt (22) is operated. The flow of cryogenic fluid through the tunnel (12) is aided by vaporization of a cryogenic fluid and baffles (98), but no air-moving devices located within the tunnel (12).

Abstract: A material to be frozen is fed to an immersion bath having a recirculating flow of liquid nitrogen thereinside and at least partially frozen material is withdrawn from the bath downstream of where it is fed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing frozen products using a liquid cooling freezing method, enabling the number of times for replenishing a freezing solvent to be reduced and completely preventing alcoholic odor from occurring. The apparatus 1 for producing frozen products according to the invention includes, in a freezing chamber 2, a freezing tank 3 having a freezing solvent 30 stored therein for immersing therein products and freezing them, gas jetting units 4 for jetting a gas having a temperature of 0° C. or below against the products frozen in the freezing tank 3 to remove the freezing solvent adhering to the products, and a transferring device 5 for transferring the products to be frozen in the freezing chamber 2 in a manner that the products to be frozen are immersed in the freezing solvent 30 in the freezing tank 3 and then lifted from the freezing tank 3 and further the freezing solvent adhering to the products is removed by the gas jetting units 4.

Abstract: In a method of chilling slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, the poultry is conveyed through a chilling room, or at least through a part of said chilling room, and in the process is exposed to a stream of chilling air. During the chilling of the poultry the skin of the poultry is moistened. The skin of the poultry is moistened by spraying it with water in a spray area that is separated from the stream of chilling air.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a temperature of a product includes a housing in which cryogenic fluid is provided for being exposed to the product, and at least one ultrasonic transducer assembly disposed in the housing for generating ultrasonic energy to contact the cryogenic fluid and a surface of the product to facilitate heat transfer at the surface of the product. The cryogenic fluid can be selected from nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling slaughtered poultry, including the steps of: positioning the poultry with spread legs, with the abdominal cavity upward and oriented in the transporting direction of the poultry; and transporting the positioned poultry through cooled flowing water, wherein the transporting direction of the poultry is opposed to the flow direction of the water such that water flows around and through the poultry from the abdominal cavity toward the neck cavity. The present invention also relates to an installation including: a positioner for receiving the slaughtered poultry with the abdominal cavity oriented upward in the transporting direction; a transporter for transporting the positioned poultry; and a cooler including a container for cooled and flowing water, wherein the flow direction is opposed to the transporting direction, and to the treated poultry.

Abstract: A cryopreservation vessel of the present invention includes a vessel body which holds a low-temperature liquefied gas, a cap which closes an opening section of the vessel body and has a plurality of through holes that are formed so as to pass through in a vertical direction, and ampoule storing tools which are housed so as to be able to pass through the through holes of the cap, and the ampoule storing tools are each comprised of a support pillar and a plurality of ampoule storing sections which are equipped with the support pillar so as to be arrayed in a vertical direction of the support pillar.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for freezing a product. The product is frozen in a treatment container which contains a vibrating support. The vibrating support is capable of receiving a film of a cryogenic liquid. A heated temperature probe, located just before the outlet of the treatment container, measures the temperature at that location. The supply system for the cryogenic liquid has a proportional valve. A data acquisition and processing unit receives the temperature information and controls the opening of the proportional valve.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling a powder in a tunnel with a vibrating support with at least two independently controllable cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. It includes the following steps. A thermal mass of powder entering the tunnel is determined. The arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet is detected. The thermal mass measurement previously obtained is synchronized with the detection of the arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet, according to a known or predefined response time of the means for controlling the said cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. The synchronization data is transmitted to a data acquisition and processing unit, which is able to retroact, if necessary, on the basis of this data, on all or part of the parameters governing the operation of the tunnel. The method is especially applicable to the cooling or deep-freezing treatments of food products or chemicals.

Abstract: The invention is related to an ultrafast freezing equipment for food contained in a packing with multiple cavities, for public sale, by applying a liquid nitrogen trickle, in an amount enough to produce an ultrafast freezing of food. Liquid nitrogen is dispensed from a container at atmospheric pressure, vacuum isolated, through a plurality of nozzles, by gravity, into the center of the upper surface for each cavity, producing short-time immersion in the individual cavity. Nitrogen gas produced is used to make a practically oxygen-free atmosphere, cold enough to maintain the freezing process after dispensing. The process diminish the amount of liquid nitrogen required as compared to other freezing processes, as well as personnel, facilities and physical space needed for install and operate it, reducing the associated costs.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

Abstract: The method for cooling a liquid (2) in which a coolant comprising a refrigeration-liquefied gas is introduced into the liquid (2) and the corresponding device (1) make possible, in an advantageously simple manner, the production of cooled liquids (2), which, for example, can be used as process water in the production of freshly mixed concrete. In this case the enthalpy content of the coolant, preferably of liquid nitrogen, is utilized in a good manner, by firstly using the vaporization enthalpy, and secondly the heating of the nitrogen after vaporization up to ice temperature, for cooling the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the rapid freezing of the surface or for the complete freezing of starting substances, in particular of food or pharmaceuticals, said device comprising a treatment zone (B), through which a cryogenic liquefied gas flows as a coolant, said gas thereby freezing at least the surfaces of the starting substances and thereby causing relative movements between the starting substances, which are immersed in the coolant. The treatment zone (B) is made up of modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) and the length thereof can be changed by adding or removing one or a plurality of modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the refrigerating and/or the freezing of starting substances, in particular of food, comprising two treatment zones, which are enclosed by a housing and which abut directly on one another, wherein heat can be extracted from the starting substances in at least one of the treatment zones in direct or indirect contact with cryogenic liquefied gas, while the second treatment zone encompasses a conveyor belt for conveying the starting substances through the second treatment zone. The device comprises a gas suction device, by means of which a drop of pressure can be generated within the housing and due to which the cold gas, which is generated in the first treatment zone by means of evaporation of cryogenic liquefied gas, discharges from the first treatment zone and subsequently flows through the second treatment zone and also contributes there to the cooling of the product.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the rapid cooling and atomization of liquid or pasty substances, in particular even relatively small amounts of liquid or pasty substances being able to be cooled and atomized economically. Both process and apparatus are particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry for preparing injectable microparticles of polymer or lipid matrices suitable for the incorporation of active ingredients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation and management process of cryogen such that it controls both the fluid body movement as well as internal currents within the cryogen. Small volumes of a desired substance introduced into this managed cryogen for the production of frozen or solidified pellets or granules are better managed as to shape, size, deformation, frozen satellites, fines and agglomeration and overall desired quality. These benefits result from the dispersion of the gas produced, as well as the heat transferred, resulting from the introduction of the relatively hot substance to the cryogen. The fluid body movement assists in maintaining a distance between the individual solidifying pellets or granules thereby minimizing deformation as a result of physical contact. The output characteristics and desired quality of the pellets can be more effectively controlled and managed, as desired.

Abstract: An underwater-cooling water-temperature maintaining apparatus of a food includes: a water tank where a cooled stuff and cooling treated water of which a freezing point is not more than zero Celsius degree; a treated water cooler configured to cool the cooling treated water; a water temperature detection sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the cooling treated water; an agitator pump configured to equalize the water temperature of the cooling treated water in the water tank; ultrasonic vibrators configured to oscillate ultrasound toward an inside of the water tank in order to prevent the cooled stuff from being frozen; and a controller configured to control the ultrasonic vibrators, the water temperature detection sensor, the treated water cooler, and the agitator pump so as to maintain the water temperature of the cooling treated water at a temperature at which the cooled stuff is not frozen.

Abstract: An apparatus for shell freezing a liquid content in a container, comprising an endless loop conveyor having a conveying length adapted to convey plural containers such as pharmaceutical vials, incorporating plural rollers to spin the containers as they are conveyed by the conveyor, and a return length, along at least part of the return length the rollers are immersed in a cooling liquid at a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid content of the containers, and along the conveying length the rollers are entirely above the surface of the cooling liquid. A preferred cooling liquid is liquid nitrogen, the evaporating vapour of which can be used to shield vials on the conveying length.