Agitating Patents (Class 62/68)
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Patent number: 6766650Abstract: A method of controlling semi-frozen liquid beverage in a dispensing machine having a bowl to contain the beverage, a motor to turn a helical auger blade within the bowl to scrape the semi-frozen beverage, and a compressor to cool the beverage. The method includes the steps of actuating the compressor to the bowl until the temperature of the beverage is cool to reach an initial set point. The compressor is deactivated after temperature of the beverage is cooled at or below a set point. Torque on the motor caused by resistance to the auger blade is sensed after a defined time period following switching off of the compressor. The compressor is activated if the torque on the motor is below a certain level and the temperature set point is lowered from the initial set point to a lower set point in order to cool the product.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Kan-Pak, L.L.C.Inventors: James P. Cunha, Dennis J. Cohlmia, James A. Steinbacher, Joel D. Hockenbury
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Patent number: 6688130Abstract: An ice making machine comprises a housing, an evaporator connected to a freezing system, a base frame having a plurality of freezing cells for being filled with water to be frozen, a freezing base plate provided with the evaporator and freezing fingers formed on the lower surface of the freezing base plate to be dipped into the water supplied to the freezing cells, and an air removing means for pumping the water into the freezing cells to remove air bubbles inside the water, thereby forming clear pieces of ice. The air removing means comprises a water path disposed at the base frame to be connected to the freezing cells, a water pocket connected to the water path and being replenished with water form an external water supply, and a pressing means for repeatedly pressing the water pocket to pump the water of the water pocket into each freezing cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Oh-bok Kim
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Patent number: 6672079Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having a cylindrical cooling tank and an auxiliary tank. The auxiliary tank ensures that the cylindrical cooling tank is flooded with liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank provides more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing or a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Harold F. Ross
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Patent number: 6651448Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator system with a secondary evaporator. The evaporator system includes a cooling chamber having an ice cream input and an ice cream output. A valve can be placed at the ice cream input to achieve dry freeze operation. The valve can prevent the cooling chamber from being completely filled.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventors: Harold F. Ross, Daniel L. Dorn
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Patent number: 6637214Abstract: A method and machine for making frozen custard or similar products includes a freezing barrel, a pump for providing liquid mix to the freezing barrel, a dasher positioned in the freezing barrel for driving product through and dispensing the product from the freezing barrel, and a refrigeration system for chilling the freezing barrel. A user interface allows an operator to select from among a plurality of production rates. A system controller automatically controls the pumping rate, dasher motor speed, and chilling level to produce a product in the freezing barrel at the desired production rate and having the desired product quality and consistency. An ultrasonic sensor may be employed to monitor a level of liquid mix in a liquid mix container. A warning signal may be provided to the operator when the level of mix in the container runs low.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: V & L Tool, Inc.Inventors: Daniel W. Leitzke, Patrick J. Martello
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Patent number: 6625993Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a mixing block having a plurality of inlets and an outlet coupled to a freezing chamber. The freezing chamber has a drain valve and a dispensing valve coupled thereto. Beverage ingredients are pumped into corresponding ingredient inlets of the mixing block such that the ingredients are mixed in the mixing block to form a product mixture, and the product mixture flows from the mixing block outlet into the freezing chamber. The freezing chamber and the mixing block are refrigerated. The product mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber. The cleaning solution is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Lancer FBDInventors: Jimmy I. Frank, Thomas L. Guy, III
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Patent number: 6609384Abstract: It is intended to provide a dynamic type ice cold storage method and system capable of efficiently suppressing, by an appropriate replenishment of water, an increase in concentration of an aqueous solution with the progress of freezing of the aqueous solution, thereby preventing a lowering in the coefficient of performance of a refrigerator, and hence diminishing power required for the formation of ice crystals. The temperature of an aqueous solution contained in a freezer which includes a heat exchanger for cooling is measured with a thermometer, and as the liquid temperature drops with the progress of freezing, melted water is replenished into the freezer from a melted water tank by means of a pump to keep almost constant the temperature of freezing performed by the heat exchanger for cooling.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventor: Isao Satoh
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Patent number: 6564559Abstract: A method for freezing a supercooled liquid, includes the steps of forming a liquid phase of a supercooled liquid and a gas phase adjacent to the liquid phase in a container, vibrating a gas-liquid interface formed by said liquid phase and the gas phase by applying vibration upon the gas-liquid interface and/or a vicinity thereof along the gas-liquid interface, forming splashed waves of the supercooled liquid, scattering liquid drops of the supercooled liquid, crashing the liquid drops upon a portion of an inner wall of the container where the gas phase is located, mixing resulting liquid drops and bubbles into the supercooled liquid through the gas-liquid interface, subjecting said bubbles mixed in the supercooled liquid to expansion, compression, disruption, clustering and disappearance, thereby vigorously oscillating the gas-liquid interface and freezing the supercooled liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Tsutomu Hozumi, Akio Saito, Seiji Ohkawa, Hiroyuki Kumano
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Publication number: 20020083730Abstract: A method of freezing and dispensing a beer product comprises providing beer in a sealed, refrigerated storage container under pressure; feeding beer from the storage container to a sealed freezing chamber through a sealed delivery system; freezing the beer in the chamber; and dispensing frozen beer from the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Mark S. Giroux, Joseph M. Trewhella, Darryl Alan Goodson
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Patent number: 6413444Abstract: A phase change particulate saline slurry and methods and apparatus are provided for producing phase change particulate saline slurries. One method for producing phase change particulate saline slurries includes the steps of providing a liquid with a set percentage freezing point depressant, such as, a set percentage saline solution; subcooling the saline solution to a freezing point to produce ice particles; and increasing an ice particle concentration under controlled temperature for a period of time to provide a set ice particle concentration for the phase change particulate saline slurry. In another method for producing phase change particulate saline slurries, water and a first set amount of sodium chloride are provided to produce a saline solution. The saline solution is cooled to a set temperature. A selected percentage of chunk ice is added to the saline solution and the chunk ice is broken into ice particles. The ice particles have a small size.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventor: Kenneth E. Kasza
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Publication number: 20020043071Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a process control block having a plurality of inlets for receiving ingredients and a plurality of outlets. A mixing block has a plurality of inlets connected to the process control block outlets such that ingredients flowing through the mixing block are mixed together therein. At least one freezing chamber is connected to the mixing block outlet to receive the mixed ingredients therefrom, and a refrigeration system is arranged to refrigerate the freezing chamber. A dispensing valve and a drain valve are connected to the freezing chamber. A controller is connected to the process control block to control operation of the frozen beverage machine. The beverage machine includes an automated sanitizing system operated by the controller, in which the beverage mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber to sanitize the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Jimmy I. Frank, Thomas L. Guy
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Publication number: 20020043070Abstract: A juice dispensing apparatus particularly designed for dispensing a “not from concentrate juice” packaged in a bag in a box format, the apparatus having a compartment in which the bag in a box is mounted, a thermoelectric device for cooling the compartment and a piezoelectric device for agitating the juice in the bag to thereby maintain the juice in a suspension. The apparatus requires minimal maintenance while permitting the dispensing of fruit juices or vegetable juices which are not reconstituted from a concentrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Marc Bedard
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Publication number: 20020033021Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
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Patent number: 6289683Abstract: An ice sculpture mold, forming assembly and process is described in which a mold body is releasably received within an immersion tank having an open top end defined by a peripheral rim, and a closed bottom. The mold includes an internal cavity shaped as a negative of a selected ice sculpture form, and includes a top section positionable adjacent the open top end of the immersion tank and a bottom section positionable adjacent the closed bottom of the immersion tank. The mold body also includes at least one water intake and discharge openings formed in the upper section mold body, openly communicating with the internal cavity. A water circulating pump and water delivery tube are connected to each intake opening. The water discharge and intake openings are positioned on the mold to enable circulation of water within the assembled mold cavity to facilitate freezing of water in the assembled mold cavity to form an ice sculpture that is visually clear and devoid of clouding and air bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Ice Cast Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Mark Daukas, Dennis D. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6176090Abstract: An apparatus for transforming a frozen confection having a coarse texture into a confection having a smooth texture and lighter appearance. The apparatus is comprised of a maceration assembly used in conduction with a frozen confection machine. The apparatus includes a motor, an electrical connection between the motor and a power supply and a mounting bracket for mounting the motor to the confection machine. Extending from the motor is at least one rotatable motor shaft. The shaft extends through a mount having an integral mount cylinder with a seal seat. A sealing device such as an o-ring, is positioned within the seal seat. A whipping device is attached to the rotatable shaft which extends into a maceration chamber. The maceration chamber has an inlet for receiving frozen confection and an outlet for discharging a semi-frozen confection slurry and is hollow and open at one end, the open end sliding over the whipping device and mount, while forming a seal with the sealing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Rich Coast CorporationInventor: Lance W. Ufema
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Patent number: 6082120Abstract: The invention relates to a process, a control unit, and a device for continuously deep freezing foams, e.g., edible foams, in particular ice cream and whipped cream, to the storage temperature, without using deep freezing tunnels.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1992Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventors: Ralf Hoffmann, Erich Windhab, Carl Hoyer, Friedrich H. F. Rogge
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Patent number: 6079215Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for freeze granulation of a medium such as a biopharmeceutical product. The medium is put into a chamber and mixed using a pair of counter rotating agitators. The agitators have angled blades or paddles on them in order to induce motion in the medium parallel to the axis of the agitator shafts. A set of liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide nozzles are attached to the chamber. The liquid nitrogen nozzles spray a mist of liquid nitrogen into the medium. The liquid carbon dioxide nozzles spray carbon dioxide snow into the chamber. The liquid nitrogen and the carbon dioxide can be sprayed into the chamber at the same time or alternately.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.Inventor: Richard Wisniewski
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Patent number: 6077447Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Terry L. Wolf, Curtis D. Mau, Jeffery D. Arnett, Richard F. Huyser
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Patent number: 5916248Abstract: A method for feeding a liquid mixture (11) to the beating cylinder (12, 30) of a soft ice-cream production machine, is characterised in that only a single measure of liquid mixture, withdrawn from a feed vessel (10), is firstly subjected to rapid heating to a temperature of around +85.degree. C., then immediately afterwards to rapid pre-cooling, and is finally fed to a beating chamber (20) of said beating cylinder (12, 30) in which said mixture is beaten. This ensures that the measure is free from bacterial load.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Bravo S.p. A.Inventor: Genesio Bravo
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Patent number: 5862672Abstract: Sterile surgical fluid is maintained in one or more temperature controlled basins provided at the top of a cabinet. One or more insulated temperature controlled compartments are formed in the cabinet for storing supplemental supplies of the surgical fluid at the temperatures close to the temperatures of the basins to facilitate replenishing and/or replacing the fluid in the basins. The storage compartments can be used for long-term temperature controlled fluid storage when basin temperature is not being controlled (i.e., between surgical procedures).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Mark Licata
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Patent number: 5845513Abstract: There is described a device that proceeds to operate the stirrer and the cup for containing the water in a machine for the production of ice cubes. The device comprises a single motor that gives motion to a first rotating shaft operated in a continuous manner and to a second rotating shaft operated in a discontinuous manner. The first rotating shaft is connected to the stirrer by first motion transmission means suitable for converting the rotation of said first shaft into an alternating oscillatory movement of the stirrer. The second rotating shaft is in turn connected to the bowl of water by second motion transmission means suitable for converting the rotation of said second shaft into a corresponding motion of tipping the bowl over.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Castel Mac S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Fornasari
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Patent number: 5743097Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant to a refrigeration device is provided. The system includes a mixing chamber that retains and produces the product, a compressor, and an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber for providing freezing of the product being produced within it. The system further includes a expansion valve coupled to the evaporator that regulates the flow of the refrigerant through the evaporator. A scraper rotatably mounted within the mixing chamber is provided for scraping the frozen product from the interior surface of the mixing chamber. A beater motor rotates the scraper. An electronic control is provided for controlling the refrigeration cycle. The electronic control employs a microprocessor which is operated in accordance with an algorithm for controlling the operation of the expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
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Patent number: 5732559Abstract: A cryogenic control system measures rotational resistance in a cryogenic food mixing machine such as a vacuum tumbler or agitator blender to determine by test the length of time it takes from the start of chilling to reach the maximum energy level T.sub.me, and the length of time it takes to chill the product to the desired forming point stiffness T.sub.f, to establish a ratio T.sub.f /T.sub.me for that product and batch size. This ratio can then be used for subsequent cycles, regardless of cryogenic flow rate, to determine the optimum product chilling point.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Blentech CorporationInventors: Darrell Horn, John M. Lennox, III, Greg Tapscott
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Patent number: 5728417Abstract: A cryogenic control system measures product temperature in a cryogenic food mixing machine such as a vacuum tumbler or agitator blender to determine the time it takes for the product to be chilled down to the point where the first cells of product start to freeze, and then stop the addition of cryogenic after a number of seconds beyond this point. By measuring the length of time it takes to chill the product down to the freezing point temperature, the proper forming point can be programmed as a multiple of this time.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Blentech CorporationInventors: Darrell Horn, John M. Lennox, III, Greg Tapscott
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Patent number: 5713209Abstract: An apparatus (10) for at least partially freezing a food product which is at least partly liquid in a batch mode is disclosed including a double screw extruder (12) including first and second, substantially intermeshing, self-wiping screws (14, 16) rotatably received in a figure 8-shaped barrel (30) with minimal clearance. In the preferred form, the freezing block (20) includes multiple refrigerant channels (36) spaced closely and in the most preferred form spaced approximately 0.32 centimeters from the barrel (30) and from each other. Thus, the refrigeration system can change the barrel surface temperature rapidly and specifically in approximately one second when the food product is introduced into the barrel (30). A ratio between the radius of the flight (40) at the crest (42) to the radius at the root (38) of the screws (14, 16) is in the order of 1.04 to reduce the total amount of product in the barrel (30) at any given time and decreasing the product residence time in the extruder (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Hunchar, Terry G. Reishus, Bernhard Van Lengerich, Jose Tadeo V. de Castro, Kenneth A. Focht, Chaitanya Kanojia, Clifford S. Lansil, Christopher T. Zirps
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Patent number: 5687582Abstract: A refrigeration system uses a refrigerant which contains, as a main component, hydrocarbon or HFC-152a. A fluid tube, such as, a gas charge port tube is hermetically connected to a refrigerant flow passage in the refrigeration system for filling at least the refrigerant into the refrigerant flow passage. The fluid tube is sealed against leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow passage by means of a pinched portion and a squashed portion of a flat-plate shape which extends from the pinched portion to a distal end thereof. The squashed portion may be folded at a plurality of portions for enhancing the sealing effect. Further, instead of the squashed portion, an adhesive may be used for reinforcing the sealing effect provided by the pinched portion. Alternatively or with the use of the adhesive, an elastomer may be used for reinforcing the sealing effect provided by the pinched portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration CompanyInventors: Masao Mangyo, Takao Kawashima, Yuji Mori
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Patent number: 5680769Abstract: A system for commercially making and dispensing individual portions of freshly perpared frozen yogurt or ice cream comprising providing a battery of miniature batch type ice cream making machines having containers with capacities of up to 800 ml., refrigeration means for cooling the containers to desired temperatures for making frozen yogurt or ice cream, yogurt or ice cream mix, and flavor concentrates, whereby separate individual portions of freshly prepared frozen yogurt or ice cream can be prepared simultaneously for serving to a number of customers by introducing separate individual portions of frozen yogurt or ice cream mix and flavor concentrates into the containers, activating the ice cream making machines for the required time and scooping up the individual portions of frozen yogurt or ice cream for serving to customers.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Avraham Katz
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Patent number: 5661981Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the granulation of granulatable and/or pelletizable substances in which the substance to be granulated is introduced in the form of a closed jet into a rapidly flowing refrigerant--preferably liquid nitrogen. This purpose is served by a vertically arranged reaction tube (2) into the upper part of which the jet enters and through which the refrigerant circulates by means of a transport element (7).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Buse Gese GmbH & Co.Inventors: Peter Laux, Stefan Kosock
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Patent number: 5615559Abstract: A freezing system for processing frozen edible product includes a freezing section, an inlet section, a product discharge section, and a recirculation section that selectively recycles processed product through at least a portion of the outlet section back to the freezing section.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: APV Crepaco Inc.Inventors: John E. Kress, James W. Griffin
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Patent number: 5457962Abstract: A sterile drape assembly includes a sheet of sterile drape material bonded to a disk-like member. The drape establishes a sterile field atop a surgical slush machine and is conformable to a cooling basin to provide a drape container impervious to the sterile slush medium. The disk-like member is preferably bonded to the bottom of the drape container and is engageable by a movable member projecting into the basin. The movable member (e.g., a longitudinally reciprocable vertical shaft) moves the member and the drape to dislodge frozen pieces of the sterile medium that attach to the sides of the drape container.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Mark Licata
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Patent number: 5331820Abstract: Frozen pieces o sterile medium, such as saline, are dislodged from a sterile drape container in a surgical slush producing machine by manipulating the drape relative to the cooled basin to which the drape container conforms. Manipulation of the drape is achieved by pushing, twisting, pulling, lifting, etc. on the drape to displace it from the basin. Such movement of the drape may be effected on a continuous and automatic basis, or by manual means using a member or implement to facilitate drape movement. The system cabinet includes a refrigerated compartment for pre-chilling sterile liquid to be used in forming the surgical slush.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Mark Licata
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Patent number: 5280710Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of slush hydrogen. The process comprises substantially continuously injecting liquid hydrogen at a temperature slightly above its triple point temperature into a slush hydrogen generator; forming solid hydrogen by removing hydrogen vapor from the slush hydrogen generator; fracturing and dispersing surface solid as it is formed into the slush; concentrating the crystalline solid particles in the slush to a level of at least 30%, and preferably from 45 to 60%, by weight; and substantially continuously removing the slush hydrogen from said slush hydrogen generator at a rate such that a substantially constant level of slush is maintained in said slush hydrogen generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1991Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Lee S. Gaumer, Jr., Robert B. Moore, Glenn E. Kinard
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Patent number: 5275006Abstract: Rotary vacuum evaporation of a primary refrigerant cools a secondary refrigerant mixed with it. The secondary refrigerant does not change state and meanders through a low pressure cooling circuit for refrigeration applications. The primary refrigerant changes state and remains in a short and secure circuit. Evaporation is produced at a surface around the axis of rotation and within the mixture by opposed centrifugal and centripetal forces acting through a narrow afferent mesial passage between rotating disks mounted on a hollow shaft. Vapor is stripped from the surface, scrubbed by cyclonic flow through the afferent mesial passage, and condensed by a centrifugal compressor, which is a centrifugal pump having its inlet communicating with the bore of the hollow shaft and the afferent mesial passage. Latent heat is drawn off by water, making this a water heater, and the water is produced by de-humidification. The primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant are cheap and environmentally harmless, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
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Patent number: 5261255Abstract: A method and device for fractionating pouches of cryoprecipitable material including a membrane which provides a barrier within an interior of the device with the membrane receiving the pouches of cryoprecipitable material therewithin. The interior of the device includes a sump having a heat transfer fluid stored therein and maintained at a temperature which is to be achieved by the cryoprecipitable material as it cycles between freezing and thawing. The pouch of material, after placement within the membrane, is exposed (through the membrane) to hydrostatic forces associated with the heat transfer fluid in the sump collapsing the membrane on the pouch while pulsating jets impinge indirectly upon the pouch through the membrane. In this way, as the contents within the pouch change temperature, circulation of the fluid within the pouch occurs for more rapid realization of the cycling target temperatures for the cryoprecipitable material within the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1991Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: Instacool Inc. of North AmericaInventors: Philip H. Coelho, Terry Wolf
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Patent number: 5205129Abstract: An apparatus for freezing and dispensing semi-frozen food products having two freezing chambers, one compressor for supplying refrigerant to both freezing chambers, one beater drive motor for driving the beaters in both chambers, two solenoid valves control flow of refrigerant from the single compressor to the evaporators for the freezing chambers and periodic pulse width modulated signals are applied to operate the two solenoid valves alternately during each period and signals are modulated to have substantially equal duty cycles in an initial freeze mode and to have unequal duty cycles when product is dispensed from only one freeze chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1992Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Wright, Peter F. McNamee
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Patent number: 5177980Abstract: In an automatic ice maker of a refrigerator, water is supplied into an ice tray disposed in an ice making compartment of the refrigerator. The water in the ice tray is frozen and then, the ice tray is turned with a twisting motion by a drive mechanism including a motor so that ice cubes are removed from the ice tray. Vibration is applied to the ice tray by an electromagnet excited by a pulse current during a water freezing step so that escape of air bubbles out of the water is promoted. A cover covers an upper open end of the ice tray during the water freezing step so that freezing is retarded at the water surface side as compared with the ice tray bottom side. Alternatively, a heater is employed for the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Akira Kawamoto, Hiroshi Oike, Akihiki Ichii
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Patent number: 5172556Abstract: An automatic ice maker includes an ice tray supplied with water, which water is made into ice. After the water in the ice tray is made into ice, the ice tray is inverted so that ice cubes are removed from the ice tray. During the ice making stage, a vibrator vibrates the ice tray so that the ice making at the water surface side in the ice tray is retarded, which causes air bubbles contained in the water in the ice tray to escape therefrom, thereby providing transparent ice cubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1990Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Hiroshi Oike
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Patent number: 5154062Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of slush hydrogen by the freeze-thaw technique. The process comprises substantially continuously injecting liquid hydrogen at or near its triple point temperature into a slush hydrogen generator; forming solid hydrogen by removing hydrogen vapor from the slush hydrogen generator; alternately adjusting the pressure in the slush hydrogen generator to a pressure below the triple point of hydrogen and then to a pressure slightly above the pressure at the triple point thereby effecting formation and dispersion of solids in said slush; concentrating the crystalline solid particles in the slush to a level of at least 30%, and preferably from 45 to 60%, by weight; and substantially continuously removing the slush hydrogen from said slush hydrogen generator at a rate such that a substantially constant level of slush is maintained in said slush hydrogen generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Lee S. Gaumer, Jr., Robert B. Moore, Glenn E. Kinard
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Patent number: 5136849Abstract: A snow composition is here provided which comprises ofabout 100 parts by weight of snow selected from the group comprising of natural snow, artificial snow made by a snow machine, and icy snow made by shattering ice blocks to fragments andabout 0.1 to about 10.0 parts by weight of a super absorbent polymer in granule form having an average particle size of about 20 to about 500 .mu.m before water absorption.A method for making artificial snow is also provided here.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignees: Miura Dolphins Co., Ltd., Tonen Corporation, Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Tonen Chemical Corp., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichiro Miura, Kazuo Hirano, Takayuki Nate, Taiji Kambayashi, Masahisa Ohtsuka, Toshitake Nagai
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Patent number: 5104232Abstract: An improved vacuum tumble mixer (10) is provided, the mixer having a horizontal drum (11) with a cylindrical mid-section (12), frusto-conical or dished entry and discharge ends (13, 14), and entry and discharge openings (16, 17) axially into the ends, the drum (11) being rotatable in one direction to tumble products therein and rotatable in the other direction to discharge the contents from the dischage opening. A plurality of primary vanes (26) are secured helically to the interior of the mid-section (12) of the drum, the primary vanes having radial tumbling surfaces (27) to tumble the product and to move the product gently towards the entry end of the drum, the vanes (26) having opposed channel-shaped discharge surfaces (28) which progressively increase in height to convey the products in the drum to discharge chutes (31) that extend helically along the discharge end (14) of the drum to the discharge opening (17). A chilling system (50) can be provided with one or more CO.sub.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Blentech CorporationInventor: John M. Lennox, III
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Patent number: 5100239Abstract: Method for manufacturing concrete by mixing concrete materials including a cement, aggregate, admixture and at least one of water and ice. The aggregate is moved prior the mixing and a low-temperature liquid is sprayed on the aggregate for cooling while the aggregate is being moved.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadamu Ono, Sadao Goto, Koji Minegishi, Kenichi Oshita, Daisuke Ishikura, Yoshiaki Negami, Kazuya Kamezaki, Katsuhiko Kimura, Takashi Kuwahara, Yasuo Kajioka
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Patent number: 5095710Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in the electronic control of frozen carbonated beverage machines and improvements in electric defrost heaters used therein. A control scheme is shown that provides for accurately determining the viscosity of a semi-frozen beverage as a function of the torque of a drive motor used in the harvesting and mixing thereof. The torque is first calculated based upon the current and voltage to the motor and the phase difference there between. The torque is adjusted to compensate for motor efficiency after which the net torque value is converted to a viscosity scale. The viscosity scale has a zero value relating to the net torque experienced by the motor when the beverage is known to be completely liquid. Viscosity is maintained within a narrow range based upon pre-defined three level low, medium and high viscosity sets, and wherein compressor short-cycling is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventors: William J. Black, Joseph W. Kieffer, Darrell D. Brown, Tom D. Tagliapietra
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Patent number: 5038572Abstract: Apparatus for chilling and working fat-containing compositions, comprising:(a) means for chilling a composition passed therethrough,(b) a crystallizer-unit, comprising a rotor, suitable for working the fat-containing composition, placed downstream of said chilling means,(c) means for measuring the rotation speed of the rotor of the crystallizer-unit, and/or means for measuring the residence time of the fat-containing composition in the crystallizer-unit, which means are able to generate a signal responsive to the rotation speed of or residence time in the crystallizer-unit,(d) computing means which, on the basis of the signals generated by means (c), are able to calculate target values for the residence time and/or rotation speed, and(e) controlling means which may adjust the residence time and/or rotation speed of the crystallizer-unit in accordance with the target values calculated by (d) for the residence time and/or rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Van den Bergh Foods Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Pleun De Bruijne, Jacobus Van Eendenburg, Hendrik J. Human
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Patent number: 4852359Abstract: An ice-maker for use in a freezer compartment and a process of making clear ice cubes are disclosed. The ice-maker includes an ice-forming tray supported on a carrier body. The carrier body has a housing with an air-circulating fan directing a flow of air toward the tray during the ice-making process. The apparatus also includes means for moving the ice-forming tray during the ice-making process, to allow gases to escape so that substantially clear ice cubes are formed. In the process of the invention, the ice-maker is placed in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. An ice-forming tray is placed on the carrier body. Cold air from the freezer compartment is blown across the tray during the ice-making process. The ice-forming tray is moved during the ice-making process to allow entrapped gases in the water to escape. With or without the air-circulating fan, the apparatus and process may cause the carrier body to move in at least two different axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1988Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Inventor: Ermanno J. Manzotti
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Patent number: 4803847Abstract: A control system for an icemaker and ice dispenser operates the icemaker to periodically harvest ice for introduction into a hopper of the ice dispenser whenever the hopper is less than full. During and in response to initiation of each harvest cycle, and independent of the level of ice in the hopper, the ice in the hopper is briefly agitated twice, once shortly after harvesting begins and again toward completion of the harvest cycle, such that the second agitation and the cycle end at about the same time. A thermostat senses the level of ice in the hopper, and when ice reaches the level of the thermostat, the icemaker is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1988Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: Remcor Products CompanyInventors: Robert M. Koeneman, Benjamin D. Miller, Thaddeus M. Jablonski
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Patent number: 4773233Abstract: A freezer machine wherein ice cream or ice cubes can be selectively prepared by replacement of a removable ice cream-forming container and its associated first stirring element with a removable annular multicell frame assembly and its associated second stirring element. The ice cream-forming container is coupled within a freezing vessel mounted in a box-type cabinet, and the first stirring element is settled in the container to whip the ingredients to be frozen into ice cream. The frame assembly is coupled within the freezing vessel, and the second stirring element is settled in the freezing vessel to stir the water to be frozen into ice cubes within the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sakichi Kawasumi, Tomio Suyama
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Patent number: 4761962Abstract: In a process for freezing liquid or semiliquid food products in the form of essentially uniform pellets, the nonfrozen food product is introduced into a container. The product is agitated within the container, while a liquid cooling gas is sprayed over the product. The partially frozen food product is then removed from the container before it is completely frozen and after formability has been achieved, and is formed into essentially uniform pellets which are completely frozen outside the container. An apparatus for carrying the process into effect comprises a container, an agitator mounted within said container, spray nozzles opening into the upper part of the said container for spraying the underlying food product in the container with a liquid cooling gas, a forming device for forming the partially frozen food product removed from said container into essentially uniform pellets, and a freezer for completely freezing the pellets thus formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1987Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: Frigoscandia Contracting ABInventor: Alvar Andersson
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Patent number: 4704873Abstract: A method of producing microfine frozen particles from water, liquid drugs, juices, etc. comprises the steps of atomizing a mixture of a liquid with a gas and directing the mixture toward a body of a refrigerant liquid whose surface is stirred by application of kinetic energy to form ripples. The refrigerant liquid being liquid nitrogen, liquid air, a cooled organic solvent or the like, so that the atomized liquid undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant liquid to form fine frozen particles. An apparatus for practicing the method, comprises a vessel for containing the refrigerant liquid, apparatus for forming ripples at the surface of the refrigerant liquid by injecting a gas, or by applying vibrations to the vessel or the refrigerant liquid, an atomizer functioning as a mixer and atomizer for a liquid and a gas, and an apparatus for collecting the microfine frozen particles from the refrigerant liquid.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1986Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Taiyo Sanso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sekiji Imaike, Takeki Hata, Norio Yamazaki
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Patent number: 4697428Abstract: The invention relates to a device for concentrating solutions by partly freezing-out solvent, consisting of a vessel surrounded laterally by an insulated cooling jacket, the vessel comprising a stirring means and a draining aperture at the bottom. The cooling jacket does not extend down to the lowermost portion of the vessel. The lowermost portion of the vessel in which the stirring means and the draining aperture are accommodated, externally comprises, preferably is surrounded by, a heating medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1986Date of Patent: October 6, 1987Assignee: Duphar International Research B.V.Inventors: Henri M. Ruijten, Hans De Bree, Peter H. Van Amsterdam
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Patent number: RE36390Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the cooling of edible foams, where a cooling or freezing system for pre-freezing of the foam is directly outlet-connected to an aeration system, a motor driven extruder device designed as combined deep freezing and transport device is outlet-connected to the cooling and freezing system, in which the pre-frozen foam can be cooled down to storage temperature, and the aeration device, the cooling or freezing system and the extruder device are connected together by means of pipes. The device of the present invention is characterized in that the extruder device has at least one double screw system with two screws positioned parallel to each other with their rotational axes. The lands of the screws of the double screw system scrape against the inner cylinder mantle surface of the housing surrounding it.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventors: Ulrich Fels, deceased, by Elisabeth Fels, legal representative, Erich Windhab, Ralf Hoffmann, Peter von Holdt, Lutz Hahn