Abstract: An apparatus, system, device, and the like, for a liquid nitrogen dispensing head that may be used in a system for cooling aggregate, such as may be found in a batch plant involved in producing concrete. The dispensing head is positioned over a conveyor belt that conveys aggregate to a mixing apparatus to produce concrete. The head dispenses liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate to cool the aggregate and may include interior chambers separated by one or more baffles. The chambers may reduce the pressure of the liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate in relation to the flow pressure of the liquid nitrogen entering the dispensing head. In another example, an assembly may include sidewalls that extend to the aggregate on either side of the head to form a cooling tunnel through which the aggregate is conveyed and is exposed to the liquid nitrogen being dispensed from the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of freezing an organic product using a freezing device. The process includes introducing an organic product inside a tank of the freezing device containing a freezing solvent set to a predefined temperature. The freezing solvent is an alcohol/aqueous based solution including at least one inhibitor. Nitrogen is passed in a form of bubbles into the freezing solvent through a gas permeable structure placed inside the tank. The freezing solvent is circulated from the tank, through a liquid transmission means and back into the tank using a pump to maintain the freezing solvent at the predefined temperature. The freezing solvent is agitated using at least one agitator placed within the tank. The steps of passing nitrogen, circulating and agitating the freezing solvent are performed until a core temperature of the organic product reaches the predefined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for autonomously cooking a food product and dispensing said food product into a container, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a plurality of cooling chambers, a plurality of cooking chambers, a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of primary dispensing chambers, and a plurality of secondary dispensing chambers disposed in a column arrangement within the apparatus; at least one food container disposed within at least one of the plurality of cooling chambers; a plurality of mixer augers disposed within the at least one food container; a series of induction plates adapted to be heated by a series of induction energizers, the series of induction plates and induction energizers being associated with each cooking chamber; and roller conveyor tables disposed throughout the pluralities of primary and secondary dispensing chambers, the roller conveyor tables being adapted to traverse the container such that to receive the cooked food product.

Abstract: A refrigerator or freezer device at a refrigerator or freezer (1) having, a house (3), fan devices (4), refrigeration or freezing aggregates (5), a perforated trough bottom assembly (2), an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) where the perforated trough bottom assembly (2) can include a first perforated trough bottom part (2b) and a second perforated trough bottom part (2a), where the first part and second part are subjected to the action of the fan devices (4) and the refrigeration or freezing aggregates (5) and the first part (2b) of said perforated trough bottom assembly (2) next to the inlet (6) is heated so that food materials are prevented from being stuck to the perforated trough bottom assembly (2).

Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes heat exchanger plates positioned between two end plates, a plurality of threaded tightening bolts each extending between one of the end plates and a drive unit, and through the other end plate, and a plurality of motors collectively defining the drive unit. The threaded tightening bolts each include a bolt head that bears directly/indirectly against the first or second end plate. A nut is in threaded engagement with each threaded tightening bolt and bears directly or indirectly against the second or first end plate so that the bolt head/nut associated with each threaded tightening bolt bear directly or indirectly against different ones of the first and second end plates. Each of the motors is operatively connected to a respective one of the threaded tightening bolts so that each of the threaded tightening bolts is rotatable independently of others of the threaded tightening bolts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a food slicing device for slicing food products which has a pre-cooling device for cooling the food product before the slicing and a cutting device with a cutting blade. A temperature registration device for measuring the temperature of the food product and a control unit are provided, wherein the control unit is designed to calculate, based on the temperature measured by the temperature registration device, an instruction for the operation of the pre-cooling device, wherein the pre-cooling device is controllable depending on this instruction. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for slicing a food product in which the food product is pre-cooled in a pre-cooling device, the temperature of the food product is measured after the pre-cooling and before or after the slicing of the food product, and the operation of the pre-cooling device is adjusted depending on the measured temperature level of the food product.

Abstract: A system for supercooling a product is provided, the system comprising: a chamber containing a supercooling medium; and disruptors that emit sound waves, ultrasound waves, and/or electromagnetic waves in the chamber; wherein during a cooling cycle the chamber reaches a cooling temperature below 0° C. and during a warming cycle the chamber reaches a warming temperature greater than the cooling temperature. The supercooling system may be used to supercool perishable products below freezing to extend shelf life and freshness of the products. Other embodiments of the supercooling system, and methods for its use, are described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for thawing or cooling food products includes a tank adapted to be at least partly filled with a liquid. A spiral shaped blade extends between a first end and a second end of the tank, where the spiral shaped blade is mounted to a rotation axis which operates rotational movement of the spiral shaped bladed and thus the conveying of the food products from the first end towards the second end. A temperature controlling system is provided and adapted to control the temperature of the liquid by arranging multiple heat supplying units along the tank for injecting heating or cooling agents into the liquid so as to provide a substantial temperature distribution into the thawing liquid during the thawing or cooling of the food products.

Abstract: A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution.

Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.

Abstract: A method and devices for rapid cooling of small biological samples by plunging them in a cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, or contacting them with a cryogenic metal surface, reduce or eliminate the cold gas layer that forms above the liquid cryogens or cryogenic surfaces, producing an abrupt transition from ambient (e.g., room) temperature to the cryogen temperature as the sample enters the liquid or contacts the surface. To reduce or eliminate the effects of the cold gas layer, a flow of warm dry gas can be directed along the plunge path, for example. By removing this cold gas layer, cooling times for a 10 micron sample (the size of single cells and the smallest protein crystals now used protein crystallography) will decrease to ˜0.001 s.

Abstract: A cooling system (1), especially for cryopreserving biological samples (2), comprises a cooling chamber (100) delimited by a bottom area (110), side walls (120), and a top area (130), and a cooling device (200) for cooling the cooling chamber (100) using liquid nitrogen (220). At least one of the side walls (120) includes at least one predetermined wall element (125) which is a portion of at least one of the side walls and can be moved relative to the associated side wall (120) in such a way that a wall opening can be formed in said side wall (120). Methods for operating the cooling system (1) in case of an emergency are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are a method, an apparatus, and a system for metal processing that improves one or more properties of a sintered metal part by controlling the process conditions of the cooling zone of a continuous furnace using one or more cryogenic fluids. In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising: providing a furnace wherein the metal part is passed therethough on a conveyor belt and comprises a hot zone and a cooling zone wherein the cooling zone has a first temperature; and introducing a cryogenic fluid into the cooling zone where the cryogenic fluid reduces the temperature of the cooling zone to a second temperature, wherein at least a portion of the cryogenic fluid provides a vapor within the cooling zone and cools the metal parts passing therethrough at an accelerated cooling rate.

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: A method for humanely killing animals (2), particularly birds, includes spraying liquid CO2 into a holding site (10) housing said animals so that said CO2 is evaporated and said animals (2) are exposed to an atmosphere (3) in their holding site (10) containing gaseous CO2, asphyxiating the animals (2) by exposing them to said atmosphere (3), and discharging a mixture of a purge gas (P) and at least one sterilizing agent (A) into the holding site. A related system (1) for humanely killing animals (2), particularly birds, is also provided.

Abstract: A reciprocating poultry chiller auger including a bearing, such as a simple cylindrical bearing, mounting the shaft of an auger-type poultry chiller for both rotation of the shaft and for linear reciprocating motion of the shaft along its axis. The shaft may be reciprocated backward and forward along the axis of the shaft by, for example, a hydraulic cylinder that alternately pushes and pulls the shaft so that it slides linearly in a reciprocating fashion within the bearing. The reciprocating motion of the auger provides agitation of the chilled water in the poultry chiller thus improving contact and heat transfer from poultry carcasses into the chilled water.

Abstract: A counterflow chiller for cooling products on a conveyor employs a plurality of recirculating cooling modules in fluid communication with each other. Each recirculating cooling module sprays coolant over a portion of the conveyor to adjust the temperature of a product on the conveyor. An axial pump pumps coolant from a reservoir in a first recirculating coolant module to a sprayer, which sprays coolant over the product. Overflow coolant spills from one recirculating cooling module to another recirculating cooling module operating at a higher equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: A method and device for chilling food products by jets blasted into a tunnel, said tunnel comprising/a conveyor for conveying products into a tunnel, at least one plate, located opposite the conveyor, and provided with through holes, the plate or plates being located above and/or below the conveyor; and at least one means of blowing a cold fluid through the through holes and towards the products, characterized in that, during all or part of the periods of operation of the tunnel and/or during all or part of the periods of stoppage of the tunnel, there takes place an operation to clear all or part of said through holes, using a network of channels allowing a blow gas to be distributed opposite all of said through holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic storage device and to a method for operating a cryogenic storage device, particularly for cryogenic storage of biological samples, comprising a sample carrying device that is set up to accommodate samples, a cryogenic container that is set up to accommodate the sample carrying device, a container cooling device with which the cryogenic container can be cooled, an intermediate storage container that is set up for intermediate storage of the sample carrying device, a transport device with which the sample carrying device can be moved between the cryogenic container and the intermediate storage container and a sensor device with which at least one operating parameter of the cryogenic storage device can be registered.

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: Ice maker comprising a mould (10, 110) forming at a number of mould cavities (11, 111a, 11b) for receiving water and forming a respective piece of ice (41, 42,141), which number of mould cavities are arranged in at least one column defining a longitudinal direction; a first (2, 102) and a second shaft (3, 103); an endless conveyor (100), which is arranged to convey the mould in the longitudinal direction around at least the first shaft; and drive means (8) connected to at least one of the first and second shafts for driving the conveyor. The mould (10, 110) is formed of an elastic material and arranged to be elastically deformed as the mould passes over the first shaft (2, 102). Longitudinal communication channels (13a, 113a) are arranged between consecutive mould cavities (11, 111a) arranged in one column, for allowing water to flow between mould cavities in one column. A method of fabricating pieces of ice is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated mobile apparatus pre-cools produce prior to shipment, for example, to purchasers or to a cold storage facility. The apparatus comprises a preparation chamber for receiving and arranging produce on a movable carrier, a cooling chamber for receiving the produce from the preparation chamber, and a shipping chamber for receiving the produce from the cooling chamber. The chambers are preferably housed in a single enclosure and are arranged linearly, with the cooling chamber interposed between the preparation chamber and the shipping chamber. A method for pre-cooling produce prior to shipment comprises (a) arranging the produce on a movable carrier located within the preparation chamber, (b) conveying the carrier from the preparation chamber to the cooling chamber, (c) cooling the produce in the cooling chamber, (d) conveying the cooled produce to the shipping chamber, and (e) unloading the produce from the shipping chamber on to a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus according to various embodiments can be configured to use a cryogen for cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions. The apparatus removes thermal energy from an article by conductive and convective heat transfer. The apparatus allows for heat transfer from an outer surface of an article, and from an inner surface of the article.

Abstract: Method for cooling soldered printed circuit board modules in a cooling zone of a soldering system, wherein at least one cooling gas comprising inert gas is introduced into the cooling zone, wherein the printed circuit boards are conveyed continuously from a soldering zone of the soldering system into the cooling zone, wherein the cooling gas is generated using liquid cooling gas. The method according to the invention and the device (1) according to the invention advantageously permit highly efficient cooling of printed circuit board modules after the soldering process. The cooling gas may advantageously be used for inerting the soldering system (2) after extraction from the cooling zone (15).

Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.

Abstract: A fluidized bed conveyor belt freezer system that includes at least one wire mesh conveyor belt in a freezer with a plurality of coil arrays and fans that produce a high volume of cold air directed upward into a plurality of air deflection vanes mounted under the belt. The vanes are equally spaced apart and longitudinally aligned under the conveyor belt to evenly distribute the cold air in the fan chamber through the belt to efficiently fluidize and freeze product transported on the belt with minimal waste. The volume of cold air in the fan chamber is produced by a plurality of fan assemblies that draw cold air from coils. The cold air in the fan chamber is uniformly mixed to a constant low temperature and moves at the same velocity. The vanes efficiently divide and distribute the cold air in the fan chamber through the belt, quickly freezing the product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treatment of a particulate material employs a conveyor belt for supporting the particulate material for transport and a source of gas for delivery through the conveyor belt to fluidize the particulate material. A gas distribution system is used for controlling the gas flow to create regions of greater and lesser fluidization. This approach avoids the use of mechanical agitation of the conveyor belt which improves efficiency and reliability. The apparatus and method fmd particular application in the handling of particulate foodstuffs in bulk when treatment such as freezing, heating, or blanching of individual food particles is required.

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 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 system, configured to be disposed in a information technology equipment rack for providing ice thermal storage, includes a tank configured to hold water, a heat exchanger disposed in water in the tank and configured to convey a two-phase liquid and vapor refrigerant and to transfer heat between the water and the refrigerant, a first valve connected to a liquid and a vapor refrigerant line and configured to selectively connect the liquid refrigerant line to a first port and the vapor refrigerant line to a second port in a first mode and to connect the liquid refrigerant line to the second port and the vapor refrigerant line to the first port in a second mode, a thermostatic expansion valve connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger, and a liquid/vapor pump connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and to the second port of the first valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.

Abstract: A cryogenic system for a superconducting magnet comprises a closed-loop cooling path. The closed-loop cooling path comprises a magnet cooling tube thermally coupled to the superconducting magnet. The magnet cooling tube comprises a cryogen flow passage. The closed-loop cooling tube further comprises a re-condenser is fluidly coupled to the magnet cooling tube through tube sections and a liquid cryogen container fluidly coupled between the magnet cooling tube and the re-condenser. At least one gas tank is fluidly coupled to the magnet cooling tube through a connection tube.

Abstract: An upwardly helical flow path of mechanically refrigerated air inside a spiral freezer may be used to chill or freeze products.

Abstract: Cryogranulation systems with improved dispenser assemblies are provided for use in manufacturing frozen pellets of pharmaceutical substances in a fluid medium. Methods of cryogranulating the pharmaceutical substance in the fluid medium are also provided. In particular embodiments, the dispenser assembly is used with suspensions or slurries of pharmaceutical compositions including biodegradable substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical substance can be adsorbed to any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier particles suitable for making pharmaceutical powders. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier can be, for example, diketopiperazine-based microparticles. The dispenser assembly improves the physical characteristics of the cryopellets formed and minimizes product loss during processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling apparatus, especially for cryogenically preserving biological samples, comprising a duct (5) for delivering a coolant (3) to a cooling chamber (1), a heater (6) that has an adjustable first heating performance (P2) for heating the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), a first temperature sensor (8-10) for measuring the temperature (T2-T4) in the cooling chamber (1), a second temperature sensor (7) for measuring the temperature (T1) of the coolant (3) delivered to the cooling chamber (1), and a regulator (11) for regulating the temperature. Said regulator (11) is embodied as a multiple regulator which detects several temperatures (T1-T4) as control variables and/or adjusts several heating performances (P1, P2) as manipulated variables. The invention further relates to a corresponding operating method.

Abstract: A device cooling an item having a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item, at least one cooling element which cools the cooling cavity during a cooling session, an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening, and a control unit which controls the elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after the cooling session, and a duration of the cooling session.

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: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

Abstract: Provided, is a fully integrated system to monitor and control carcass weight to minimize weight loss in carcasses during the chilling cycle. This will be accomplished by incorporating a load cell and a radio frequency identification device on the trolley operating on the elevated track system extending through the packing plant, including the carcass chilling rooms. This method and apparatus will provide the needed location and weight data to control a water spray system to maintain a constant carcass weight during the entire chilling cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cooling a metal strip traveling through a cooling section in a continuous heat treatment line. In accordance with the invention, the method consists in projecting a refrigerant medium into the cooling section (4) onto the surface of the strip (1) to be cooled, the medium being constituted for the most part by a phase-change substance that passes into the gaseous phase at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the strip (1) and without oxidizing said strip so that energy is exchanged within an endothermic process by a change in the phase of said phase-change substance.

Abstract: An upwardly helical flow path of cryogen-rich air inside a cryogenic spiral freezer may be used to chill or freeze products.

Abstract: An upwardly helical flow path of cryogen-rich air inside a cryogenic spiral freezer may be used to chill or freeze products.

Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method comprising, an airlock chamber; a cryogenic chamber; an equilibrator positioned between the airlock chamber and the cryogenic chamber that is configured to allow for the passage of a sample along to the cryogenic chamber; and a cooling unit that is thermally coupled to the equilibrator. Collectively, the airlock chamber, equilibrator, and the cryogenic chamber define a travel path. A machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which when executed by a controller causes a sample to be cooled, 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: A cooling apparatus includes a conveying means which conveys a resin composition formed into a sheet shape along a direction parallel to a surface of the sheet-shaped resin composition and a cooling means which cools the resin composition being conveyed by the conveying means. A temperature of the resin composition just before being cooled by the cooling means is in the range of 40 to 60° C. and the cooling means has a cooling ability to cool the resin composition such that a cooling rate of the resin composition is in the range of 0.2 to 5° C./min. Further, the cooling means includes a fan section having at least one outlet port which discharges cooling air of which temperature is in the range of ?40 to 0° C. to the resin composition.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for refrigeration and/or heating of products includes a housing having an internal chamber, a baffle, a spiral pathway around the baffle, a gas flow pathway and a blower to circulate gas along the gas flow pathway. The baffle separates the chamber into upper and lower portions. The spiral pathway includes an upper spiral pathway within the upper portion, and a lower spiral pathway within the lower portion. The gas flow pathway includes an upper gas flow pathway across the upper spiral pathway and a lower gas flow pathway across the lower spiral pathway in which gas flow in the upper and lower gas flow pathways defines a circulation loop. The width of the upper gas flow pathway and upper spiral pathway are similar, and the width of the lower gas flow pathway and lower spiral pathway are similar.

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.