Abstract: An apparatus for cooling fish on board a ship is provided. This apparatus includes an ice-making machine for producing fine particles of ice in a brine solution. Coupled to this ice-making machine are means for directing ice from the machine to either a vessel containing brine solution or to a catch of fish. A method of cooling fish comprising producing a slurry of fine particles in brine solution in an ice-making zone and directing the fine ice particles onto either a catch of fish or into a vessel containing brine solution is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical slush system for producing a sterile, semi-frozen slush from a sterile liquid. The system includes a slush generating unit having a cabinet with a plurality of louvres for air circulation, a basin at the top of the cabinet, a refrigeration means inside the cabinet for cooling the basin to a temperature below the freezing point of the sterile liquid, and a heating means for heating the basin to a temperature above the freezing point of the sterile liquid. A sterilized drape covers the basin. The drape is impervious to the sterile liquid and is sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the interior shape of the basin with the sterile liquid being directly contained by the drape within the basin. An air filter in the form of a thin flexible sterilized sheet is fixed to and extends outwardly from the margin of the drape and is sized to extend over the louvres.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ice containing carbon dioxide comprises a process wherein ice grains or water as material used for ice containing carbon dioxide is charged into a pressure vessel, a process wherein the material is enveloped in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide and a process wherein a temperature and a pressure of the material is adjusted so that the temperature and the pressure can be values in the range enclosed with straight lines connecting the following points and A point in this order:A: 0.degree. C.: 2 kg/cm.sup.2B: 0.degree. C.: 2 kg/cm.sup.2C: -7.degree. C.: 1000 kg/cm.sup.2D: -21.degree. C.: 1900 kg/cm.sup.2E: -50.degree. C.: 440 kg/cm.sup.2F: -57.degree. C.: 100 kg/cm.sup.2G: -57.degree. C.: 2 kg/cm.sup.2Another method for manufacturing ice containing carbon dioxide comprises a process wherein a temperature and a pressure inside the pressure vessel are adjusted to the range and a process wherein carbonic acid water containing carbon dioxide is injeced in an antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: A method of detecting water unsupplied condition of an ice tray of a refrigerator ice maker includes steps of measuring the temperature of the ice tray after the water supply operation of water supply means to the ice tray is executed and determining that the water has not been supplied to the ice tray, where the measured temperature is below a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and a method for making slush ice. A liquid is directed to flow over a hot exchanger to cool the liquid and form slush. By selecting the constituents of the liquid such that the adhesion and cohesion forces are controlled to permit harvesting the slush while substantially all of the energy required by conventional harvesting cycles is saved.

Abstract: Ice is formed by allowing water to partially evaporate in a vacuum. The ice can then be removed and be collected for subsequent use. For the creation of the vacuum, means for reduction of the pressure are required. A vapor compressor may be used for suction and compression of the water vapor to a pressure which enables condensing on a cold surface without freezing occurring. To be able to manufacture ice in a vacuum without using an expensive water vapor compressor, a method and a device for the manufacture of an ice slurry include which several cooperating vacuum chambers (1, 2, 3) with cold surfaces (6, 7, 8) used in a plant without a water vapor compressor. In this plant fresh water is supplied to one of the vacuum chambers for defrosting thereof, the thermal energy of the fresh water being utilized for that purpose. The precooled water thus formed is supplied to the other vacuum chambers, in which they will then form ice.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing free-floating, buoyant crystals to a predetermined size. Crystals having a positive buoyancy such as water crystals (ice) grow due to immersion in a stream of supercooled feed water that flows downward in a tapered incubation duct with a velocity that decreases as the cross-sectional area of the duct increases with increased depth. As the crystals grow, their terminal buoyant velocity increases until it exceeds the peak stream velocity. At this time the crystals float upward and out of the apparatus. A plurality of interconnected incubation ducts may be stacked vertically one above the other. The apparatus may be combined with apparatus to grow free-floating crystals having a negative buoyancy from a supersaturated salt solution that is discharged from the bottom of the apparatus for growing crystals having a positive buoyancy.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of compression-solidified snow comprises a pressure chamber with a rust preventive inner face, a pressure head for applying pressure to snow, a boost-typed pressure cylinder installed at one end of the pressure chamber and equipped with the pressure head, a hopper having an inner face which allows snow to slide thereon smoothly, and a pusher installed in a snow compression zone at the other end of the pressure chamber. A method of compressing snow into solidified snow lump is characterized in that snow having a temperature of 0.degree. to -30.degree. C. is compressed and formed with a pressure of 10 to 200 kg/cm.sup.2 at a head displacement velocity of 0.1 to 150 mm/sec for pressure holding time of 0.about.300 seconds into a solid having a density of 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: The invention describes portable cooling and heating devices and their process of operation in accordance with the adsorption principle utilizing the adsorption substance pair of zeolite-water. The devices operate without substance and heat exchange from the environment, in that the evaporation heat originates from the solidifying heat of a non-evaporating amount of water and that the released adsorption heat is stored in the form of tangible heat of the zeolite filler. The ice which had been generated during the adsorption process is suitable for human consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of compression-solidified snow comprises a pressure chamber with a rust preventive inner face, a pressure head for applying pressure to snow, a boost-typed pressure cylinder installed at one end of the pressure chamber and equipped with the pressure head, a hopper having an inner face which allows snow to slide thereon smoothly, and a pusher installed in a snow compression zone at the other end of the pressure chamber. A method of compressing snow into solidified snow lump is characterized in that snow having a temperature of 0.degree. to -30.degree. C. is compressed and formed with a pressure of 10 to 200 kg/cm.sup.2 at a head displacement velocity of 0.1 to 150 mm/sec for pressure holding time of 0-300 seconds into a solid having a density of 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: A heat pump system comprising a lower temperature heat exchanger and a higher temperature heat exchanger. The lower temperature heat exchanger is connected to a water supply circuit having a reservoir, the improvement in the system comprising the water flowing through the low temperature heat exchanger capable of being cooled to a quasi-stable supercooled liquid state at temperatures below 0.degree. C. Part of the supercooled liquid water flowing from the lower temperature heat exchanger is transformed to ice upon contact with the water in the reservoir. That phase change can be utilized as the source of energy for the heat pump. The heat pump can be used for heating. The cold water/ice mixture can be used for space cooling. The ice obtained by this process is in the form of small ice crystals and can be utilized for separate applications of the system.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easily utilized apparatus is provided for producing molded ice structures of improved clarity. The apparatus is comprised of at least two contoured sidewalls adapted to be releasibly joined at flat peripheral flanges to define a supported enclosure having an upwardly opening extremity bordered by a horizontally disposed flat rim. A thin flexible water-impermeable envelope contoured to match the interior configuration of the enclosure is adapted to be inserted into said enclosure in a manner such that the mouth opening of the envelope is draped across said rim. A thermally insulative cover is adapted to rest upon the sidewalls whereby the mouth of the envelope is held in sandwiched engagement between the cover and rim. In a method of producing ice structures from said apparatus, the assembled apparatus filled with water is placed in a freezing environment. The sidewalls are then separated and the envelope is peeled off the ice structure.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly and method of assembling the same wherein the electrical connections between electrical structure carried by the mold and an intermediate support, and contacts carried by a control means also mounted to the support are made solely as an incident of the assembly of the mold, support and control means. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly is effected along a single axle. Illustratively, the electrical components so connected include a heater carried by the mold, a thermostat carried by the support for thermal transfer association with the mold in the assembled arrangment of the structure, and a grounding pin carried by the mold. The support is provided with suitable openings for passing the electrical connection components therethrough to have automatic electrical connection with complementary contact elements carried by the control means.

Abstract: Fragmentary water ice is produced in an enclosure by metering water into a flowing body of liquid refrigerant having a greater density than the water or ice, lifting the ice out of the refrigerant and through a zone of further cooling in which the adhering liquid refrigerant, itself, is cooled and drained from the ice, and discharging the ice through an opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the home freezing of water in relatively large blocks for subsequent use in insulated portable ice chests for maintaining the contents cool over a period of days is disclosed and includes a plurality of support racks of truncated pyramidal configuration having open rectangular tops and bottoms and trapezoidal side walls of an open mesh configuration along with a like plurality of relatively flat floor panels each having a groove for receiving an upper edge of a subadjacent rack and a groove for receiving an edge of a superior rack so that a plurality of flexible open-topped containers may be stacked in a column in a freezer on successive floor panels with each floor panel supported by a corresponding rack to allow free air circulation around the containers to faciliate cooling as well as supporting and storing the water and the subsequent blocks of ice.

Abstract: A method of air conditioning a building having a substantially lesser nighttime than daytime cooling load which comprises (a) around the clock operation of a chiller powered by heat from a fuel-fired engine which drives an electric generator, (b) during the nighttime freezing ice by the heat-operated chiller in combination optionally with an electric chiller powered by the generator, and (c) in the daytime cooling the building by the melting of the ice in combination with the heat-operated chiller and optionally in further combination with the electric chiller.

Abstract: The strength of ice is reduced by dissolving in water prior to freezing a composition of (A) a water-soluble polyhydroxy compound or monoalkylether thereof and (B) a water-soluble organic nonvolatile compound having a hydrophilic group such as amine, carboxyl or carboxylate groups in an amount to provide an effective amount, e.g., on the order of about 0.25-5 weight percent, of (A) plus (B) based on the weight of water. The method is especially useful for application to particulate solids, such as coal and mineral ores, which are shipped and stored in masses exposed to freezing temperatures. Any ice that is formed is physically weak and will not deter the unloading of the thusly conditioned particulate solids.

Abstract: Temporary plugs are formed in fluid transmission lines by circulating cryogenic fluid through a housing disposed on the exterior of the line to freeze a slug of liquid within the interior of the line. Flow of cryogenic fluid is controlled by sensing the temperature on the surface of the line and sensing the temperature in a housing vent line to indicate a predetermined maximum level of liquid. A temperature sensing and control apparatus is provided which includes dual temperature signal receiving and comparator circuits for operating control valves to open and close at minimum and maximum temperature set points. The control circuitry is operable to open and close the cryogenic fluid control valve in response to variation of the sensed temperature above or below the limit temperatures and in response to a change in temperature indicating an excess level of liquid cryogenic fluid in the chamber formed around the transmission line.

Abstract: A slush ice maker includes a fluid chiller having water circulation tubes in which water flowing therethrough is deeply cooled to about 32.degree. F., a water conduit system coupled with the chiller and including a high pressure pump for pumping water through the tubes at a pressure of about 2 to 4 atmospheres and at a velocity in excess of 9 ft. per second to effect the formation of ice crystals in the water so as to define the slush ice. The ice and water mixture is discharged into an ice accumulation tank maintained at atmospheric pressure so that the formation of ice crystals are enhanced when the pressure of the slush ice is reduced to atmospheric at the tank.

Abstract: A method and refrigeration apparatus for producing a sterile slush ice from a sterile liquid for use in surgical procedures. The refrigeration apparatus includes a cabinet having a heat transfer basin at the top and refrigeration mechanism in the cabinet for cooling the heat transfer basin. A separate sterile product basin is positioned in the heat transfer basin and cooled through a heat transfer medium in the product basin. A sterile liquid is deposited in the product basin and ice is scraped off the walls of the product basin with a sterile scraper. A sterile cover including a liquid impervious cover sheet is provided for covering the heat transfer basin and the heat exchange medium therein and the upper portion of the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Method for freezing a slug of water to form an ice plug in a section of a pipeline for hydrostatic testing purposes. The ice plug is formed by transferring thermal energy from the slug of water through the walls of the pipeline to a cryogenic cooling fluid such as liquid nitrogen. A section of the pipeline is filled with water and is enclosed by an insulated chamber. The chamber is filled with liquid nitrogen to form a pool around the pipeline. The liquid nitrogen is agitated by discharging a stream of nitrogen vapor through the pool. Heat exchange occurs as a result of heat transfer directly from the surface of the pipeline to the liquid nitrogen by the action of convection currents produced by the vigorous agitation of the liquid associated with the motion of the nitrogen vapor. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid nitrogen is diffused over the surface of the pipeline by means of a permeable layer of material which is easily wetted by the liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: At least two incompatible solutions are simultaneously charged into a container maintained at a temperature substantially below the freezing temperature of each solution in such predetermined amounts that the separate charges of solution freeze on the walls and are then lyophilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming ice scupltures or the like, comprising a housing, a sleeve member of predetermined shape, having an outer, ice-forming surface fully exposed to the ambient atmosphere, disposed on said housing; and, means for refrigerating the sleeve member, having a portion thereof disposed in the housing, evaporator means disposed in the sleeve member and a circulating refrigerating fluid which flows upwardly through the evaporator means, whereby a substantial layer of ice, formed only from moisture available in the ambient atmosphere is formed on the outer surface of the sleeve member in the predetermined shape. In place of a sleeve member, a helix of stacked coils may provide an ice-forming surface. The apparatus may be further provided with timing means for automatically controlling the refrigerating means, means for controlling the temperature and light means disposed atop the sleeve member. The sleeve member may also be coated with a color, providing a background hue for the layer of ice.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a process and apparatus for in-line slush making, for use in, for example, concrete cooling. The improvement comprises connecting the inlet used to convey liquid such as water to the manifold section of the lance so that its longitudinal axis forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inlet for introducing a cryogen into the lance. This improvement substantially eliminates failure to properly make slush due to a build-up of ice within the means used to control the flow of cryogen to the system. Additional improvements to the apparatus comprise substantially aligning the sealed head of the manifold with the longitudinal axis of the inlet for conveying the liquid to the lance to eliminate and to prevent freeze-up of the liquid in the dead space found in the "T" lance design of the prior art.

Abstract: Flexible pipes unwound from a supply drum are placed adjacent a wall to be supported, and water is applied to the outside of the pipes while passing through them a cooling medium at a temperature below the melting point of ice, thereby freezing a first ice layer against the wall. Cooling medium at a temperature above the ice melting point is then passed through the pipes to loosen them from the ice; and at least some of the pipes are rewound on the drum to remove them from the first ice layer and are then replaced outside but adjacent thereto, after which the procedure is repeated until enough ice layers are formed to provide a block of desired thickness.

Abstract: A self contained freezing device for forming a plug of ice within a pipe section. A refrigeration unit supplies refrigerant to a cradle like freezer unit within which the section of pipe to be frozen is held in spaced relation to the inner face of the freezer. The space between the underside of the pipe and the inner face of the freezer is filled with water, for example by spraying. As the water freezes, in contact with the cradle like freezer unit, it covers the outer surface of the pipe section with an ice jacket. Alternatively, a bag of freezable jel may be substituted for the water spray and placed over the inside face of the freezer; and then the pipe section is placed within the fold of the bag. In the case of either alternative, the refrigerant is maintained inside the freezer, and out of contact with the pipe.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a flowable liquid-solid mixture comprising a continuous liquid phase and a discontinuous solid phase comprised of discrete, frozen particles of the liquid, which process flowing a stream of the liquid through a closed conduit, introducing a cryogen into the closed conduit and into the flowing liquid stream so as to flow concurrently therewith, whereby the liquid-solid mixture is formed, and discharging the mixture from the conduit.

Abstract: A process for producing a flowable liquid-solid mixture by freezing a portion of a flowing liquid stream through direct contacting with a cryogen to form a "slush" comprised of discrete particles of frozen solid in the liquid stream.

Abstract: In a process for refrigerating protein materials, the material is prepared as a viscous paste at a relatively hot temperature and applied to a refrigerated heat transfer surface on a rotating drum, the temperatures of the protein material and the drum surface having a predetermined differential to cause congealed or frozen liquid at the interface between the protein material and drum surface to initially melt and immediately thereafter congeal or freeze in order to cause adhesion of the protein material to the surface. The protein material is compressed against the drum surface to improve heat transfer characteristics and subsequently removed in a suitably refrigerated or frozen condition. Initial heating may be extended to render excessive fat or to reduce bacterial content. Opposite surfaces of the sheet of material may also be contacted by first and second refrigerated heat transfer surfaces either simultaneously or in successive order.

Abstract: A power system is provided that uses the latent heat of fusion of water to raise the potential energy of a working fluid to a level that upon release generates power, preferably electrical power. The system is self-sustaining except for the energy that is supplied in water entering the system. The inlet water can be at any temperature within its liquid range under atmospheric or super atmospheric pressure, can advantageously contain the sensible waste heat typical of effluent from fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, can be relatively pure or be contaminated as with sewage or be the medium of a colloidal suspension, or consist of marine or other saline waters. In every case, purification of the water by freezing, for example, desalination, is accomplished without additional power consumption.

Abstract: A method of separating certain components of a gas mixture in which the gas mixture is cooled and certain components are separated in a liquid or solid state characterized by introducing the gas mixture into a separator tank, adding a cooling agent such as a liquid or cold inert gas so as to cool the gas mixture and separating component in a solid state and subsequently fusing the separated solid into a liquid in a collecting tank. The concentrated gas mixture to be separated is directly removed from its place of use and directly supplied to the separator tank without allowing any further admixture of secondary air. The device for carrying out the method comprises an insulated tank to which air having entrained sulfer dioxide is introduced. The air flow is controlled so that it is oriented in a particular direction and it is passed beyond nozzles for injecting an inert gas such as liquid nitrogen into the interior of the insulated tank.

Abstract: Cold gas is used to freeze liquid in a pipe without directly encountering the pipe wall, which is surrounded and reinforced by a clamp assembly within a housing through which the gas flows. Gas temperature at an outlet from the housing is monitored for control of the rate of gas to provide a uniform cool down rate, avoiding thermal shock to the pipe.

Abstract: A batch type automatic icemaker adapted for installation in the freezing compartment of a refrigerator is provided with a thermal member having first and second ends. The first end of the thermal member is in communication with at least one of the ice-forming cavities and positioned below the water level. The second end projects into the cold air within the freezer. The second end is of a substantially larger mass than the first end. Since the first end is of a small mass relative to the second end and is thermally isolated from the mold, the cold freezer air cools it at a much faster rate than the water in the mold or the mold itself. The cooler surface of the first end chills the water in contact with it with a minimum of supercooling.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: A control system for an ice dispenser maintains an icemaker thereof continuously operative whenever an ice storage hopper is less than completely full. This is accomplished by continuing to operate the icemaker while momentarily agitating and leveling the mass of ice in the hopper whenever ice builds up around a thermostat therein, and thereafter sensing whether the ice has dropped away from the thermostat. If it has, the icemaker is maintained in operation and the cycle is repeated. If, however, it has not, then the icemaker is turned off until sufficient ice is dispensed from the hopper to again drop the ice level to below the thermostat. In this manner, the number of on-off cycles of the compressor and other components of the icemaker are minimized in maintaining the hopper completely full, which greatly increases their operating life and reliability.

Abstract: An ice top meat cutting apparatus and method for forming the same, the apparatus including a frame having an upper support member extending substantially above floor level, side walls preferably made of an elastomeric material and connected to the support member and being movable between an upright position defining an enclosure having an open top, and a down position, and cooling apparatus associated with the enclosure for freezing liquid contained within the enclosure to provide an ice top having an upper cutting surface suitable for cutting meat thereon. A preferred method for forming and maintaining the ice top meat cutting apparatus includes the steps of moving the side walls to the upright position defining the enclosure, filling the enclosure with liquid, freezing the liquid contained within the enclosure to provide the ice top, and moving the side walls to the down position to provide an unobstructed upper cutting surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed herein for cryogenically cleaning and restoring sandy beaches which have become contaminated by oil spills. In the method, a mixture of particulate, pulverized and recycled rubber and wood fines is applied to the contaminated area for absorbing the oil prior to cryogenic treatment. The absorption of the oil by the particulate rubber and wood enhances the solidification during the cryogenic treatment. In the apparatus, a hopper is mounted to a beach cleaning vehicle forwardly of a liquid cryogen spray head. The hopper is constructed to receive and discharge particulate absorbent before the contaminated area is contacted by the liquid cryogen.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to method and apparatus for controlling or manipulating a body of crude, refined, or used petroleum as, for example: in the herding and recovery of an oil spill in a body of water; in temporarily stopping a leak in an oil tanker caused by a cracked hull; in recovering oil inadvertantly spilled on a beach front; in plugging an oil casing pipe to control an oil fire at sea on a drilling platform; in effecting preliminary refinement of oil at the oil rig site; in transporting oil from the Arctic or Antarctic region without resorting to complicated and costly apparatus; and in many other applications. The method basically comprises exposing a body of crude, refined, or used petroleum mass either to a transient atmosphere or environment of a freezing, sub-freezing, or cryogenics temperature, or contacting the petroleum with a substance or mechanism exhibiting freezing, sub-freezing, or cryogenics temperatures.

Abstract: A process for the repair and restoration of ice tracks, preferably for a skating rink, in which an admixture of cold water containing a tensio-active agent miscible in the water is spread on the ice. An antifoam agent is added thereto to prevent the formation of foam in the admixture during mixing and spreading thereof.

Abstract: The strength of ice is reduced by dissolving in water prior to freezing a composition of (A) a water-soluble polyhydroxy compound or monoalkylether thereof and (B) a water-soluble organic nonvolatile compound having a hydrophilic group such as amine, carboxyl or carboxylate groups in an amount to provide an effective amount, e.g., on the order of about 0.25-5 weight percent, of (A) plug (B) based on the weight of water. The method is especially useful for application to particulate solids, such as coal and mineral ores, which are shipped and stored in masses exposed to freezing temperatures. Any ice that is formed is physically weak and will not deter the unloading of the thusly conditioned particulate solids.

Abstract: It has been the practice to (a) withdraw hot, liquid UF.sub.6 from various systems, (b) direct the UF.sub.6 into storage cylinders, and (c) transport the filled cylinders to another area where the UF.sub.6 is permitted to solidify by natural cooling. However, some hazard attends the movement of cylinders containing liquid UF.sub.6, which is dense, toxic, and corrosive.As illustrated in terms of one of its applications, the invention is directed to withdrawing hot liquid UF.sub.6 from a system including (a) a compressor for increasing the pressure and temperature of a stream of gaseous UF.sub.6 to above its triple point and (b) a condenser for liquefying the compressed gas. A network containing block valves and at least first and second portable storage cylinders is connected between the outlet of the condenser and the suction inlet of the compressor. After an increment of liquid UF.sub.

Abstract: An arctic drilling barge to perform offshore activities in the shallow water, fast ice regions of the arctic seas. Optimal ice interaction is obtained by shaping the hull of the barge in the form of an upright frustum. Ice which does adhere to the barge is detached and melted by circulating fluid through a plurality of interior hull compartments next to the hull sidewalls of the barge.

Abstract: A batch type automatic icemaker adapted for installation in the freezing compartment of a refrigerator is provided with a water-carrying member having first and second ends. The first end of the water-carrying member is in fluid communication with at least one of the ice-forming cavities and positioned to be wetted by water therein. The second end projects into cold air within the freezer. A small quantity of water is thereby carried out of the ice-forming cavity to the second end of the member and exposed to cold air within the freezing compartment. Because the small quantity of water is of small mass and is thermally isolated from the mold, it is rapidly lowered to a temperature sufficiently low to reliably form a seed ice crystal. The seed ice crystal initiates freezing of the bulk of the water in the ice-forming cavities with a minimum of supercooling.

Abstract: A batch type automatic icemaker adapted for installation in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator includes a means for retaining a piece of ice throughout an entire icemaker operating cycle. The retained ice piece is in communication with at least one of the icemaker mold ice-forming cavities and reliably provides a seed ice crystal to initiate freezing of the water in the ice-forming cavities with a minimum of supercooling.

Abstract: A method and machine are disclosed herein for cleaning and restoring sand beaches which have become contaminated by oil spills. The machine travels on the beach and sprays liquid nitrogen onto the contaminated area, thereby solidifying the oil and sand mixture so that the mixture can be separated from the underlying uncontaminated sand and be efficiently removed from the beach and transported to a remote site for disposal or further treatment.

Abstract: A method for producing frozen confections such as ice cream, or the like, wherein liquid mix is delivered from a storage tank through a freezing chamber to a draw-off valve from which the frozen mix is dispensed to cones or cups. The method is characterized by a mix tank arrangement which utilizes disposable flexible bags removably confined within a rigid container which arrangement eliminates the necessity of returning mix tanks to the dairy for sterilization and refill. The method is further characterized by a mix tank arrangement which utilizes a gaseous propellant to agitate the mix as well as to propel the mix through the machine thereby achieving homeogeneity of mix without the need for special shaking machines.

Abstract: An inflatable, cone shaped plug for an ice fishing hole composed of flexible material and made in two concentric, elongated compartments, the inner compartment having a cylindrical shape is inflated first to give rigidity for inserting in the hole, the outer compartment having a flared top and a cone shaped main body extending beyond the bottom of the hole to provide a wide view when the ice increases in thickness, is deflated before the plug is removed.

Abstract: With the great increase in the game of ice hockey there is demand for large numbers of lower cost portable ice rinks that can make dual use of recreational land. Heretofore, the hockey "dasher" boards around the perimeter of the ice rink have had to be fastened by embedding into concrete or other special solid base in order to withstand the battering and collisions of players, resurfacing machines and hockey equipment as well as the expanding pressure of the ice as it is constantly melted and refrozen at its edges. This has meant special preparations and difficulty in dual use of recreational areas as playing field, tennis courts, lawn area, parking lot, etc. A method of securing the dasher boards into the refrigerated ice slab is disclosed so that no attachment is required into the ground below and no damage is done to it.

Abstract: Heretofore it has been completely impractical to try to create and hold ice for the purposes of ice skating, curling or sliding during summer weather unless the area were completely enclosed. This invention presents a method for doing this which is practical not only by keeping refrigeration requirements low but also by eliminating dripping, fogging and surface melting. This method also has the advantage of reducing energy requirements for holding an ice slab under indoor or outdoor conditions.