Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transferring heat to and from multiple objects. Such a method entails placing objects in a vessel that contains a heat transfer fluid so that the objects contact the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is at a temperature that is different from the temperature of the object, and is induced to circulate along a continuous flowpath. Each object is at least partially disposed in the flowpath of the heat transfer fluid, and each object is individually rotated about an axis of rotation thereof. The heat transfer fluid continues to circulate and the objects continue to rotate for a time sufficient to cause the temperatures of the objects to become closer to the heat transfer fluid temperature.

Abstract: A method for thawing frozen foods by recycling the water that is used to thaw the frozen foods. Food is first placed inside of a container and then water is pumped from the bottom of the container where the water is heated and by use of a pump and natural rise of heat allowed to flow around the food. When the water reaches the top of the container, it spills over the top and is pumped back into the bottom of the container as a continuous process until the food is thawed.

Abstract: A cold storage box 1 comprises a housing 2 internally having a storage space S for a cold storage object, and one or more heat exchanger tubes 3 provided in the storage space S; wherein the heat exchanger tubes 3 are each a multilayer tube comprising an outer tube with thermal conductivity having an outer surface facing the storage space S, and as inner tube provided inside the outer tube; a first brine solution that does not freeze at 0° C. is contained between the outer tube and the inner tube; and a refrigerant, or a second brine solution that does not freeze at 0° C. is contained inside the inner tube.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, temperature-controlled enclosure capable of maintaining a constant, user-specified temperature within the enclosure independent of the outside environment. The device is ideal for the transport of material that is highly temperature sensitive and requires a stable temperature environment. The portable enclosure includes capability of cellular and GPS location beacon identification, comprehensive internal status and operation monitoring, and wireless communication capability of the device status, temperature and humidity parameters, and location using BLUE TOOTH, WIFI and/or cellular technology. The system is powered by an onboard rechargeable battery, external DC power, or external AC power.

Abstract: The invention discloses instantaneous cooler/freezer using orbital shake method. The instantaneous cooler/freezer using orbital shake method includes a cooling liquid, a flow pump, a reserve tank, a plate heat exchanger, a liquid entrance hole, a cooling chamber, an exit hole, a cooling gas entrance, a gas exit hole, a plurality of cooling liquid distribution channels, an expandable envelope with pockets, a valve, a flat inner cover, a cooling chamber cover having led lights placed at sides for each bottle to inform a user in case of a problem, a rakor, a plurality of conical springs, a laser thermometer, a reduced motor, an eccentric bearing, is used to enables the cooling chamber to be in orbital shake motion, a plurality of roller ball bearings, a plurality of horizontal guide bearings. The instantaneous cooler/freezer using orbital shake method specifically build for packaged beverages, food, and similarly all packaged objects.

Abstract: A cooling system for containers holding chilled foods and beverages within chilled water, is defined by a thermally insulated cooler or other chilling vessel including a quantity of ice, water, food, and/or beverages, and a safely comestible liquid having a lower freezing point than water mixed in the water, the chilling vessel having an input conduit and an output conduit originating in the vicinity of the chilling vessel. In thermal communication with input and output conduits of the chilling vessel is an endothermic element for removal of heat from a defined ambient geometry about the endothermic element, the ambient geometry forming a part of a liquid loop including liquids within the chilling vessel and the endothermic element.

Abstract: A freezing detection device to be applied to a liquid cooling apparatus including a liquid tank for storing a liquid whose freezing is to be detected and a cooling unit located inside the liquid tank to cool the liquid, the freezing detection device comprises: a temperature detecting unit located at a predetermined distance from the cooling unit; and a determining unit configured to determine whether or not the liquid has frozen around the temperature detecting unit based on an output from the temperature detecting unit, the determining unit determining whether or not the liquid has frozen around the temperature detecting unit based on whether the output from the temperature detecting unit is fluctuating or not.

Abstract: The disclosure features various embodiments and aspects of a chest for quenching beverages. The chest can include a tank for holding a chilled mixture of ice and water, an ice maker adapted for making ice having an output for ejecting ice into a conduit in fluid communication with the tank, and a plurality of quench trays disposed above the tank for holding containers of beverages located in first and second positions. The trays can be filled with cold water by way of a conduit in fluid communication with the tank. The quench trays can include a compartment defined by a bottom and a plurality of walls, and defining therein a plurality of rows for aligning and containing a plurality of beverage containers. The drawers can further include at least one drain orifice configured to guide water out of the quench tray.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or devices are provided for producing a heat pump. In some embodiments, the heat pump may be driven by low temperature heat. The methods, systems, and devices may include tools and techniques for: precipitating a first material, where heat may be released from the precipitated first material; cooling the precipitated first material; dissolving the cooled precipitated first material into a second material to create a dissolved mixture, where heat may be absorbed into the mixture; and/or separating the first material and the second material from the dissolved mixture.

Abstract: Devices are described herein which may comprise an optic having a non-planar surface, the non-planar surface having an optically active portion; and a flow guide directing gas upon the non-planar surface to produce turbulent flow on at least a portion of the optically active portion of the non-planar surface to cool the optic.

Abstract: An ice pusher is provided. The ice pusher incorporates a cam and a linear actuation arrangement for removing ice from an evaporator plate of an ice-making machine. The cam provides a helix shaped ramp structure having a cam surface. The linear actuation arrangement has an input end and an output end. The input end is in slidable contact with the cam surface such that the linear actuation arrangement linearly moves relative to the housing upon rotation of the cam to effectuate the removal of ice from the evaporator plate.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a refrigerator body having a cooling chamber; a case provided in the cooling chamber; a drawer having a handle, and accommodated in the case in a withdrawable manner; a sealing member provided at a contact region between the case and the drawer; a sealed state maintaining device having a locking portion provided at the case, and having a fixed arm disposed in the drawer, the fixed arm rotatable to a sealing position for sealing the drawer by compressing the sealing member by being coupled to the locking portion when the drawer is accommodated in the case, and a releasing position for releasing the sealed state by being separated from the locking portion; and a manipulation switch provided at the drawer, and configured to manipulate the fixed arm to move between the sealing position and the releasing position. Under such configuration, components which can operate can be accommodated in the drawer.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having a storage chamber defined therein, a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage chamber, a coolant cooler, having a coolant channel for allowing a coolant to pass therethrough, for performing heat exchange between the coolant and a refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device to cool the coolant, a coolant supply channel for guiding the coolant cooled by the coolant cooler, a rapid cooling body, in which a beverage container receiving part is defined, having a plurality of spray holes for spraying the coolant supplied through the coolant supply channel to the outside of a beverage container, a coolant collection channel for guiding the coolant discharged from the rapid cooling body to the coolant cooler, and a circulation pump mounted on the coolant supply channel and/or the coolant collection channel for circulating the coolant.

Abstract: The cooling chest for rapidly quenching beverages includes a quench tray for holding containers of beverage. The quench tray is lowered into salt-water or other cooling liquid which is cooled by a refrigeration unit. A processing device determines the temperature of the beverages within the containers within the quench tray and further activates a mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the desired temperature is reached. The processing device can also activate the mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the upper lid or access doors are opened.

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 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: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating pumped, immersion-cooling of an electronic system having multiple different types of electronic components. The apparatus includes a container sized to receive the electronic system, a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port for facilitating ingress and egress of coolant through the container, and a manifold structure associated with the container. The manifold structure includes a coolant jet plenum with an inlet opening in fluid communication with the coolant inlet port, and one or more jet orifices in fluid communication with the coolant jet plenum. The jet orifices are positioned to facilitate cooling of at least one electronic component of the multiple different types of electronic components by jet impingement of coolant thereon when the electronic system is operatively positioned within the container for immersion-cooling thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for chilling beverage containers such as bottles or cans includes a fluid tank containing chilling liquid cooled by a refrigeration unit and a membrane of collapsible thermoplastic polyurethane includes an internal chamber for supporting the container in the liquid, the membrane in the form of a shaped sleeve that surrounds the container to prevent the container coming into direct contact with the chilling liquid but which permits the liquid to transfer heat from the container to cool the contents of the container.

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: A scalable and portable human remains cold storage system having a chiller unit providing a chilled fluid. A flow divider manifold is provided in fluid communication with said chiller unit dispersing said chilled fluid and channeling warmed fluid back to said chiller for re-chilling through a series of supply lines. At least one remains chilling bag is provided having an interior cooling pad in fluid communication with said flow divider manifold for circulating said chilled fluid through said cooling pad and returning warmed fluid to said flow divider manifold in a continuous cycle to maintain a desired temperature within said remains chilling bag.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided for dispensing hot water, cold water, and carbonated water, all of which is filtered. The dispenser includes a housing defining a front dispensing face, a rear face, opposite side walls and a bottom wall. A filter is mounted in the housing and has a rear end connectable to a source of water and a front end accessible at the front face of the housing to facilitate replacing the filter. A dispensing faucet is disposed at the front face of the housing. A hot water tank is located at one side of the housing and has an inlet for receiving filtered water from the filter and a hot water outlet near the dispensing faucet for delivering hot water thereto. An ice bank assembly is located at an opposite side of the housing and has an inlet for receiving filtered water from the filter and a cold water outlet near the dispensing faucet for delivering cold water thereto. A compressor is mounted on the bottom wall of the housing and is coupled to one end of the ice bank evaporator.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat.

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 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: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: The aspect of this invention is to provide a freshness maintaining apparatus designed to keep various items fresh for a lengthy period of time. The apparatus includes a water storage unit (10). A support unit (11) is installed in the water storage unit (10), and cooling water is contained in the water storage unit under the support unit. A filtering unit (30) is connected to the water storage unit (10) via a drain line (20) to remove impurities from water flowing to the filtering unit. A cooling unit (40) is connected to an end of a water supply branching pipe (32) of the filtering unit (30) to cool the filtered water fed from the filtering unit to a predetermined temperature. A humidifying unit (50) is connected to another end of the water supply branching pipe (32) to atomize the filtered water fed from the filtering unit (30).

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and −30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and −30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.

Abstract: A chiller comprises a vessel for coolant and an endless conveyor having transverse flights. The conveyor passes in a loop from one side to another of the vessel. An arrangement is provided to alter the path of the conveyor so as to shorten and lengthen the loop. In use, when the loop is lengthened articles are tumbled in the coolant by the flights, and when the loop is shortened articles are conveyed out of the vessel.

Abstract: A quick-chilling apparatus and method utilizes a continuous flow liquid reservoir located at a first region of a centralized kitchen facility. The reservoir includes insulated walls and a cooling liquid, such as water, that endlessly circulates about submersed evaporator coils. A heat transfer coolant evaporated in the evaporator coils is compressed at a second region of the facility separated from the first region to extract heat from the cooling liquid. A compressor maintains the temperature of the cooling liquid less than about +2° C. Pre-cooked food items, packed in nylon or plastic bags, are submersed at a region of the reservoir downstream of the submersed cooling tubes and removed when chilled to +5° C. or less. Preferably, the reservoir is inclined 3-5° to provide a debris trap at one end thereof. Additives, such as salt, may be mixed with the cooling liquid to improve its thermodynamic cooling capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in performing a process in a process medium by varying the parameters of said process medium over time in a laboratory scale, according to a predetermined scheme. The device comprises at least one reaction receptacle, a heat transfer plate, a peltiere element, a temper sensor, a magnetic stirrer and a data processing unit. The data processing unit is adapted to send out signals to the peltiere element in response to incoming signals from the temperature sensor. The invention further relates to a method for controlling the data processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a frozen food product comprising a mixer having no moving parts is disclosed. The apparatus further comprises heating means external to the mixer. The premix and refrigerant combine inside the mixer to produce a frozen food product. The heating of the mixer raises the temperature of the mixer sufficiently to prevent crystallization of the mixer contents at the mixer wall, thus preventing “over-freezing.” In this way, plugging of the mixer is minimized and the end product exits the mixer unassisted by mechanical means, yet is still in a frozen state. Thus, it is now possible to produce a quality frozen food product using cryogenic refrigerants, without causing the end product to be at cryogenic temperatures. The present invention has the further advantage of allowing adjustable quantities of refrigerant and premix to be used. The invention is simple in operation and can be operated in a portable and/or continuous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in performing a process in a process medium by varying the parameters of said process medium over time in a laboratory scale, according to a predetermined scheme. The device comprises at least one reaction receptacle, a heat transfer plate, a peltiere element, a temper sensor, a magnetic stirrer and a data processing unit. The data processing unit is adapted to send out signals to the peltiere element in response to incoming signals from the temperature sensor. The invention further relates to a method for controlling the data processing unit.

Abstract: Self-contained closed-loop cooling systems and related methods for rapidly cooling individual beverage containers of different sizes to a suitable target temperature, in the range of 35° F. to 50° F. Each system includes a chiller, a coolant circuit with a hyper-chilled supply reservoir, a refrigerant circuit for cooling the reservoir, and an electronic controller to operate the system upon operator command. The chiller is preferably formed like a barrel, with a cylindrical array of hollow chill elements arranged about a cylindrical area into which a beverage container, such as beverage bottle or can is placed. Then, very cold coolant from the coolant supply is pumped through the array of chill elements to rapidly cool the beverage container, which makes physical contact with the hyper-chilled elements, which are thus excellent heat absorbers. The chill elements are preferably separated from one another by keystone spacers, and are flexibly held in place with a plurality of coil springs.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly changing at least one of the temperature and the state of a liquid in a container is provided. The container is rapidly rotated about its longitudinal axis. A source of a thin film of a medium having a different temperature than the liquid in the container is provided to thermally affect the container while rotating the container. The container is positioned at an angle to the horizontal of less than 45°, and the position of the container with respect to the thin film source is controlled by angling the axis of the container skewed from the axis of the rotating mechanism. The device can be used to cool liquids such as beverages, warm liquids such as infant formula, and/or make ice cream.

Abstract: To improve the thermal transmission during freezing processes it is proposed that the goods to be cooled and a pre-cooled body of high thermal capacity be pressed against each other. Improved thermal transmission is also attained with a device comprising a holding device which during the cooling process holds the goods to be cooled essentially in a non-deformable way, allowing direct contact between the coolant and the goods to be cooled. Preferably, vertically aligned channels are arranged between the holding device and the goods to be cooled, with coolant flowing in said channels.

Abstract: A fluid conveyor jet moves flexible containers or bags along a trough from one station to the next in the trough in a process which efficiently heats or cools the contents of the containers. Side fluid jets positioned along opposite sides of the trough direct heating or cooling fluid (water) on the flexible containers at the stations. They direct the fluid generally in spaced horizontal planes on the flexible containers therebetween causing (1) the central contents of the containers to move away from central areas of the container towards the sides to promote temperature transfer between the contents and cooling or heating fluid from the fluid jet conveyor and the fluid jets and (2) the containers to rotate generally about axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trough also helping in the cooling or heating process. The side fluid jets are operatively positioned below the waterline of the trough.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a lubricating fluid tank, a lubricating fluid nozzle, a lubricating fluid regulating device, a cooling fluid tank, a cooling fluid nozzle and a cooling fluid regulating device. The cooling fluid nozzle supplies cooling fluid to the workpiece to enhance cooling effect of the cooling fluid. The lubricating fluid nozzle feeds lubricating fluid to the machining zone to prevent frictional heat generated in the machining zone from raising temperature of the workpiece. Since an appropriate amount of the lubricating fluid within the range helps the cooling effect of the cooling fluid, a quantity of the cooling fluid is reduced within the minimum range of the cooling fluid. A consumption of the lubricating fluid is much smaller than that of the cooling fluid. Therefore, a total amount of the fluids is extremely reduced. The range of flow rates of the lubricating fluid has an upper limit that is preferably approximately 100.0 cm3/h or smaller in 1.

Abstract: A trough construction including a trough along which water is propelled to convey bagged product therealong. A plurality of nozzles jet-spray cooling or heating water onto the product as it is conveyed along the trough. The nozzles are oriented in opposing first and second series so as to impart a rotation on the bagged product generally about a longitudinal axis of the trough. According to one embodiment, a first suction tube having openings through the trough wall is opposite to the first series of nozzles and with a first pump forms a first fluid circuit. Similarly, a second suction tube with suction openings, together with a second pump and the second series form a second fluid circuit. The two fluid circuits keep the bags centered in the trough, surrounded by cooling or heating water. According to a second embodiment, the trough is positioned in a sump and has trough openings so that the water in the trough communicates with that in the sump, and the suction tubes are not used.

Abstract: A portable liquid chilling system for chilling and disinfecting the liquid of each and every independent desired container, comprising: a refrigeration unit, a pipe having an intake liquid section, taking the liquid from a container, a liquid cooling section held to and passing trough said refrigeration unit, for chilling the liquid circulating through said liquid cooling section, and a liquid returning section, for returning the chilled liquid to said container; a liquid pump connected to the flexible pipe, for pumping the liquid from the container, through the pipe and returning it to the container; a bactericide dispenser connected to the pipe for dispensing a bactericide substance to the liquid, and a liquid filter connected to the pipe, for filtering and retiring any solid form the liquid.

Abstract: Various food processing methods and a food processing system minimize microbial growth while an animal, such as a chicken, is processed into food. During processing, temperature of an animal carcass and atmosphere surrounding the carcass are controlled by spraying gases and a mixture of ozone and water on the carcass, directing the gases through a passage in a wall to cool a processing area, and flowing the gases into atmosphere surrounding the carcass. Preferably, the gases include ozone and cryogenic gases recycled from a cryogenic freezer. The system uses a reduced amount of fresh water by recycling water used during food processing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rapidly changing the temperature of food products or the like. The apparatus includes a tank having side walls and a bottom wall defining a reservoir for rethermalizing liquid. A nozzle introduces a substantial stream of rethermalizing liquid into the reservoir at a high velocity to cause a substantial turbulence substantially throughout the reservoir. The nozzle introduces the stream of rethermalizing liquid at a point remote from the side walls of the tank and, thereby, effect continuous movement of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling systems for cryogenic power conversion electronics are provided. The invention includes systems having electronic power conversion apparatus comprising at least one cryogenically operated semiconductor switch and at least one cryogenically operated capacitor and cooling means for cryogenically cooling the at least one cryogenically operated semiconductor switch and the at least one cryogenically operated capacitor to a temperature between 90K to 236K. The systems can also include input/output means for supplying power to said power conversion apparatus and receiving power from said power conversion apparatus. In alternative embodiments, liquid cryogens can be used in heat exchange systems in conjunction with refrigeration cold heads or heat pipes. In these embodiments, the cryogen can be recondensed if boiled.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plate (10) having a first layer (12) and a second layer (14) opposed to the first layer (12). The second layer (14) includes a first substrate. A fluid distributing manifold (28) is disposed proximate the first layer (12). A nozzle housing (30) having an aperture (36) is disposed in the first fluid distributing manifold (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the granulation of granulatable and/or pelletizable substances in which the substance to be granulated is introduced in the form of a closed jet into a rapidly flowing refrigerant--preferably liquid nitrogen. This purpose is served by a vertically arranged reaction tube (2) into the upper part of which the jet enters and through which the refrigerant circulates by means of a transport element (7).

Abstract: A refrigeration plant having an associated but detachable receptacle for receiving chilled liquid. The refrigeration plant and receptacle are connected by manually detachable hoses to complete a recirculation system for the chilled liquid. The receptacle is insulated and portable. Beverage cans or other containers can be placed and chilled in the receptacle, and transported to another location. When additional containers are placed in the receptacle to replace those removed for consumption, the receptacle is reconnected to the refrigeration plant. The chilled liquid, which also chills the containers, is then renewed. An aqueous solution including a freeze point depressant, or plain water, is suitable for the chilled liquid. The refrigeration plant preferably includes a strainer and a flow control valve. The receptacle is preferably insulated and open at the top, and also may have a cover.

Abstract: Rapid cooling or freezing of foodstuffs, perishables or blood products is accomplished by using a thin film membrane to totally envelope the foodstuffs or blood product only during the heat extraction period. This thin film encapsulation system closes around the item and is held tightly to the item by atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure. Once the item is encapsulated, low temperature heat transfer fluids are then circulated on the exterior surface of the membrane, thus extracting the heat within the item through the thickness of the membrane. Upon completion of the necessary chilling or freezing, the atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure is withdrawn and the chilled or frozen item is extracted.