Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for biologicals has plural temperature-controlled compartments, each compartment having specially arranged shelves and sample trays or carousel bins. The device also has door-ajar annunciators and a built-in self-contained rechargeable power supply. Portability is enhanced by an optional free-standing roller base.

Abstract: A control device for an auger type ice making machine according to the present invention includes a driver circuit that drives a geared motor for rotating an auger; a voltage detector that detects an input voltage applied to the geared motor; a current detector that detects a motor current flowing in the geared motor; and a control circuit in which a plurality of current threshold values that differ according to the input voltage are set in advance, the control circuit controlling the driver circuit so as to stop the geared motor when a value of the motor current detected by the current detector exceeds a current threshold value that corresponds to the value of the input voltage detected by the voltage detector.

Abstract: An under the counter ice making machine having a top opposite a bottom, a front opposite a back, and two sides that collectively define an interior. A casing defines exterior-most surfaces of the ice machine. An ice bin is mounted inside the casing of the device, wherein a compressor is mounted inside the ice machine and below the ice bin and an evaporator assembly is mounted inside the casing and above the ice bin. A gear motor is operably connected to the evaporator assembly and is also mounted above the ice bin.

Abstract: An icemaker including an icemaker control module comprises components including an insert molded circuit board assembly, a motor assembly, an ice level sensing system using a bail arm or a paddle, and a water fill system. Lance features in the circuit board connect switch and motor leads. The thermostat, ground member, and heater of the icemaker electrically couple to the insert molded circuit board when the icemaker control module is joined to the ice maker. Energy may be conserved by pausing rotation and turning off the heater.

Abstract: An auger chiller (10) includes a carcass delivery end (18) that is sloped upwardly with a reduced radius. The auger (32) includes a progressively reduced radius auger segment (38) that matches the configuration of the angled section of the chiller tank, with the pitch of the auger blade being greater in this section of the tank for advancing the birds more reliably in a first-in first-out delivery to a sloped bird unloader (46). An arcuate basin (50) is formed at the lower arc of the peripheral rim wall (48) of the bird unloader, assuring that the heavier birds tend to sink into the basin, tending not to return to the chiller tank.

Abstract: An auger type ice making machine is provided with a freezing cylinder into which water for making ice is supplied, an ice-scraping auger for scraping ice formed on the inner surface of the freezing cylinder, and an auger motor for driving the ice-scraping auger. A freezing apparatus has a compressor driven by a motor, circulating refrigerant discharged from the compressor through a condenser, a dryer, a constant pressure expansion valve, and an evaporator provided on the outer peripheral surface of the freezing cylinder. At the outlet of the evaporator there is provided a temperature sensor for sensing refrigerant temperature. A controller controls the rotational speed of the motor through an inverter circuit such that the sensed refrigerant temperature is equal to a specified refrigerant temperature, allowing the freezing apparatus to keep ice-making performance thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice cube maker and with conveying means for conveying the ice cubes, wherein the conveying means are configured such that they are operable in different conveying directions.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezing chamber assembly provided with improved stress resistance caused by thermal expansion and contraction, improved cryogenic fluid utilization, better means for viewing activity therein and easy assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A refrigerator with an icemaker (100) is disclosed, having an improved structure for supplying ice to a user of the outside through a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25), which includes a dispenser (30) provided in a door (25); an icemaker (100) for making ice by using a cool air of a freezer; a container (200) for receiving and storing the ice discharged from the icemaker; and a lifter (300) provided between the dispenser and the container, for lifting the ice stored in the container to the dispenser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having an ice bank. The refrigerator having an ice bank comprises: a rotation shaft to which a transfer unit for transferring ice pieces in the ice bank is connected, and having a coupling groove on an outer circumferential surface of the end thereof; a joint penetrated by the rotation shaft; a driving shaft connected to the joint, and transmitting a driving force of a motor to the joint; and a coupling ring coupled to the coupling groove of the rotation shaft penetrating the joint. Since the coupling ring is locked by the joint, the rotation shaft is prevented from being arbitrarily separated from the joint. The rotation shaft can be rotated in forward and backward directions. Furthermore, since the rotation shaft has a length shorter than a rotation shaft having screw threads and nuts, the motor can have a compact configuration.

Abstract: A liquid cooler is disclosed that includes a housing and at least two heatsinks attached with the housing. The heatsinks each include a top wall with an inwardly facing wall, a bottom wall with an inner surface, interior sidewalls and an interior lower wall. The inner surface is formed to surround and contact a portion of an outer surface of a container. The inwardly facing wall, the interior sidewalls, and the interior lower wall define a cavity. The interior lower wall of the cavity includes at least one heat fin. An outer covering is included and surrounds the heatsink. A method of rotation is provided to rotate the heatsink and the outer covering.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a process for cooling articles such as food, in particular meat, seafood, fruit or vegetables comprising a rotatable cylinder having an inner space for receiving and cooling the articles, wherein the rotatable cylinder comprises a wall made of a flexible material and the articles are enclosed in the inner space at least partially, wherein the flexible material is at least one of fabric, tissue and canvas, in particular woven, preferably made from polyester, polyamide, in particular nylon, polyurethane and/or polyolefin; as well as articles cooled with the process respectively the device according to the invention. The use of the flexible material allows for simple cleaning of the cooling device even if large rotatable cylinder are involved that comprise an Archimedian screw in their inner space, thus allowing for homogeneous, clean and efficient cooling of the articles.

Abstract: A tumble chiller has a rotary drum with a perforated side wall. The drum is enclosed by a cooling jacket through which coolant such as ethylene glycol may be passed. Cooling liquid such as water or brine fills the drum. The drum has scoop-like projections which cause the cooling liquid to flow across the cooling jacket as the drum rotates. The cooling liquid may follow a path around the inner side of the jacket and then follow a path around its outer side. The drum is drivable in rotation by sprocket meshing with a roller chain fast with a flange at the rear end of the drum.

Abstract: A system of rapidly cooling hot bulk liquids includes a chilling station having a reservoir for holding a cooling medium. The reservoir includes an outlet for removing excess of the cooling medium. A container bay disposed substantially above the reservoir is adapted to receive at least one container of hot bulk liquid to be cooled. At least one rotator is adapted to rotate the container placed in the container bay substantially around the container's longitudinal axis. A spray jet outlet is disposed substantially above the container bay and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The spray jet outlet is adapted to spray the container with the cooling medium while the roller is rotating the container. The container includes a void volume, preferably at least 5%. The rotator rotates the container at a rate that depends on the size of the container and/or the viscosity of the contents of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for chilling a beverage container includes a motor housing having an electric motor. A receiving member is coupled to the motor and is rotated when the motor is actuated. A beverage container may be removably coupled to the receiving member such that the beverage container may be rotated/spun when the motor is actuated. The apparatus may also include a base unit that defines a reservoir configured to receive the beverage container and ice. The base unit includes a lid that is spring biased toward a closed configuration. The motor housing with beverage container coupled thereto may be situated such that the beverage container is received in the base unit reservoir. Ice may be poured over the container and the lid moved to apply pressure therebetween. Activating the motor causes a thermal transfer that melts the ice as the container spins and the beverage within the container is chilled.

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: Prevent invention is a storage mechanism, which allows storing the stuff, especially food stuff without mixing the smell, humidity and etc. of the food, and it comprises a preserving compartment (1), a compartment positioning base (7), which can rotate around the centre (10) where the said compartment is placed. Thus, various type of food stuff can be easily presented to the consumers by compartments or mechanisms that can rotate around their axis.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage container having a tank with an interior and an open top. At least two and preferably three trays are independently rotatably mounted within the interior of the housing so that an upper tray is positioned above one or more lower trays. Each tray has a plurality of compartments and each compartment is adapted to receive a source unit container. At least one cold working area is formed on the upper tray while an extraction tool selectively engages and moves stored unit containers from any of the trays and to the cold working area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. The rotary motion platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each identified for receiving a plurality of tissue samples. The center platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each having a plurality of bores for receiving object holders thereon, each object holder for receiving a frozen specimen thereon. The center platform cryogenic discs each have a channel system with intersecting peripheral, chordal and radial channels. A moistening tray includes structure having a closed, object holder wetting position and an open, object holder elevating position. Further disclosed is the use of a tissue orientation map, usable on temporary tattoos and tissue receiving sheets for specimen orientation and mapping of tumor roots.

Abstract: The chiller includes a semi-cylindrical tank (36) that conforms to the perimeter of its auger (38) so that the water can be raised to a water level (68) high above the auger shaft (44). Streams of water (84) are directed from the pulling side (80) across the lower portion of the tank beneath the auger shaft (44) to the dead side 82 of the tank at intervals along the tank so as to disperse the lower portion of the masses (23) of buoyant birds (22) from the more crowded pulling side (80) of the tank, beneath the auger shaft (44) toward the more vacant dead side (82) of the tank, thereby distributing the products more evenly throughout the tank and causing more water turbulence in the tank, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer from the birds and avoiding having the birds cross over the auger shaft moving backward in chiller into a following flight of the auger.

Abstract: A liquid cooler is disclosed that includes a housing and at least two heatsinks attached with the housing. The heatsinks each include a top wall with an inwardly facing wall, a bottom wall with an inner surface, interior sidewalls and an interior lower wall. The inner surface is formed to surround and contact a portion of an outer surface of a container. The inwardly facing wall, the interior sidewalls, and the interior lower wall define a cavity. The interior lower wall of the cavity includes at least one heat fin. An outer covering is included and surrounds the heatsink. A method of rotation is provided to rotate the heatsink and the outer covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a main body having a storage compartment to store a container; a lift provided on a lower part of the storage compartment; a rotator of a pipe shape and having a pair of threaded parts with opposite threads facing to each other along a longitudinal direction; a driver to rotate the rotator; and a pair of rotation links that has a first end formed with a female screw engaged with each of the threaded parts, approaches to or separates from each other according to a rotation of the rotator, and comprises hinge connectors hingedly connected to the lifting part to be separately rotated. Thus, the present invention provides the refrigerator in which the container may be lifted as the necessary of the user with ease.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser providing access to beverage containers in a refrigerator. Containers may be accessed through the door and may be obtained without opening the door of the refrigerator. Multiple beverage container types may be supplied.

Abstract: A pallet construction for an annular cooler forms a gas permeable surface for supporting and transporting material during processing thereof. The pallet construction includes a pallet deck having a series of substantially parallel rows of spaced apart elongated slots. Each of the rows of slots are staggered with respect to the slots in an adjacent row in the series. The slots define apertures through the pallet construction. The pallet construction also includes a support frame supporting the pallet deck and having at least one angular brace oriented at an acute angle with respect to the series of rows of slots.

Abstract: A machine for vending floral arrangements is described including stack of generally circular carousels each for supporting a plurality of floral arrangements; and a generally cylindrical exterior housing surrounding the carousels.

Abstract: An automated grill automatically transfers frozen food from a freezer component to grilling component by an automatic loading device in response to a signal. Frozen food is loaded in a loading side in the freezer component. When the signal is received indicating that the food is to be grilled, food in a feeding side is raised and delivered to the loading device. When a sensor detects that food is positioned in the loading device, the loading device removes the food from the freezer component and into the grilling component. The food is then grilled as it travels between two substantially vertical grilling structures each surrounded by a conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-stick coated Invar. A lateral sensor detects and compensates for lateral movement of the conveyor belts. After the food exits the grilling component, the food slides onto a heated holding area for serving.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a cool air generating part supplying cool air to a storage compartment; upper and lower cabinets having first and second storage compartments; and a shaft rotatably supporting the upper and lower cabinets, respectively. With this configuration, the refrigerator is useable in all directions by a rotatable structure, is easily carried by wheels, and is useable as a table by a table member provided in an upper part of an upper cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of portions of a precooked food wherein the food is initially cooked at temperatures above 80° C. and prepared, the food is then cooled in a cooling phase within a maximum time of 120 min passing through the temperature range of 55° C. to 8° C. to a final temperature in the range of 8° C. to 0° C., and stored for a few days at the final temperature. The food is poured into an agitator vessel (22) during the cooling phase wherein the food is simultaneously thoroughly mixed and cooled during the cooling phase by an agitator (01, 26) constructed as a heat exchanger according to the invention.

Abstract: A unit for cooling or heating objects on a helical belt includes between adjacent tiers of the belt a distributor having a plurality of slots through which air or other gaseous heat transfer medium can be impelled onto product passing on the belt below the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface crust freezing of a food product utilizes a refrigeration shell enclosing a freezing chamber, the freezing chamber having a cavity shaped to substantially accommodate the shape of the exterior surface of the food product; the cavity communicating with the refrigeration shell; a transport substrate to carry the food product into the freezing chamber; a cryogen supply; and a gas circulation device in the refrigeration shell in communication with the cryogen supply to introduce a cooling flow of gas containing cryogen into the cavity so as to contact the food product along its exterior surface.

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 unit for cooling or heating objects on a helical belt includes between adjacent tiers of the belt a distributor having a plurality of slots through which air or other gaseous heat transfer medium can be impelled onto product passing on the belt below the slots.

Abstract: A storage device in a kimchi refrigerator is disclosed. A prior art kimchi refrigerator is provided that uses the cover type together the drawer type. However, it also has inconvenience in storing and taking out the kimchi from the refrigerator. In other words, it has inconvenience in that the above mentioned prior art kimchi refrigerator as well as the prior art drawer type refrigerator should have a plurality of doors in storing many kinds of kimchi so that the users should open or close each door when taking in or out the kimchi therefrom. Furthermore, although the prior art kimchi refrigerator has an advantage of storing a large-sized kimchi, a small-sized kimchi, which is stored in a container to be directly eaten by the users, should be stored in an ordinary refrigerator, not in the kimchi refrigerator.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a home bar door is smoothly and automatically opened and includes an automatic opening unit, a hook unit, a latch unit, and a damping unit. The automatic opening unit pushes the home bar door to a predetermined angle, so that the home bar door is automatically opened by gravity. The hook unit cooperates with the latch unit to lock or unlock the home bar door. The damping unit includes a casing and is connected to at least one hinge shaft. The automatic opening unit is provided with a push rod and an elastic member to open by a rotation thereof. The home bar door is rotated to be opened. A rotary member is rotatably installed in the casing, with oil contained therein to reduce rotating speed of the rotary member. An associated hinge shaft engages with the rotary member to rotate along with the rotary member.

Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.

Abstract: An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system—a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation—is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism.

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 freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.

Abstract: An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system—a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation—is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.

Abstract: Flexible conveyor belt of the type which can be assembled to form an endless loop, a part of which forms a number of layers stacked one on another. The belt (3) is constructed from mutually articulatable links which each comprise at least two transverse rods (13) which, at each side edge of the belt, bear support members (12) projecting upwardly from the plane of the belt, which are intended to support a belt layer lying above. The links are interconnected so that they can be displaced relative to one another along at least one side edge of the belt. The support members (12) are connected to the ends of the transverse rods (13) in the belt (3) or constitute extensions of these rods and comprise a stirrup-shaped support portion which projects upwardly from the plane of the belt and interconnects the rods (13) in an associated link of the belt. The invention also relates to a climate chamber comprising a belt according to the above, and a method for treating products in such a climate chamber.

Abstract: An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system—a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation—is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.

Abstract: An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system—a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation—is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile table for batter dipping and breading food products such as chicken pieces, shrimp, fish pieces and other food products prior to cooking such as by deep frying. The table includes a batter pan and a breading pan oriented adjacent to each other and supported in a table top. A self-contained refrigeration system is provided in a cabinet underneath the table top to cool the batter pan, the breading pan and to chill water in a refrigerated water reservoir to supply prechilled water to the batter pan. The refrigeration system maintains the batter material in the batter pan and breading material in the breading pan at a temperature to retard or substantially reduce bacteria growth.

Abstract: A food service conveyor system for providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food. The system includes a base for resting on a surface, and a plurality of rotatable levels mounted on the base. The plurality of rotatable levels comprises a first one of the rotatable levels being positioned adjacent to the base, a second one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the first rotatable level, and a third one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the second rotatable level. The first rotatable level has a first rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a first annular support located below the first rotatable panel. The first annular support includes cooling means for cooling the upper surface of the first rotatable panel. The second rotatable level has a second rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a second annular support located below the second rotatable panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for chilling food product, employing (A) cooling means comprising (1) a rotatable drum, (2) means in said drum for urging pieces through said drum, (3) cryogen dispensing means, and (4) means for rotating said drum; (B) feeding means which includes means for automatically sensing the mass flow rate at which said pieces are being fed into said inlet and for generating electrical signals corresponding to said rate; (C) electronic control means responsive to said signals and temperature inputs for preventing premature flow of cryogen and for automatically controlling the rate at which cryogen is fed so as to lower the temperature of said pieces to the desired exit temperature.