Abstract: An ice generating system including an ice generating assembly (160) including a plurality of plates (28) having internal coolant passages (28A) with the plates clamped together by tension bolts (51) with spacers (54) between adjacent plates to space the plates and allow the formation of ice therebetween. Water is pumped into weirs (37) positioned above each plate and permitted to flow over both plate surfaces for forming ice. The spacers serve to prevent the flow of water over the plate edges so the ice will not mechanically lock on the plates. The ice is released from the plates by pumping warm gases through the coolant passages and transporting the released ice by screw conveyors (55) positioned beneath each plate bay.
Abstract: A system for injecting liquid ice into a stack of individual produce holding cartons (12) having openings (14) therein, comprising a plurality of side walls (20, 25, 27) positioned to enclose the carton stack in a position over a holding tank (18). The side walls include channels (31) into which liquid ice is pumped by a pump (36) through hoses (35) to a pair of manifolds (34) connecting with the channels. The carton stack on a pallet (11) is placed on a pallet tray (15) and shifted to a position between the side walls, the side walls are moved into close contact with the carton stack and liquid ice is pumped into the cartons to ice the produce.
Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of produce in shipping containers for shipment to the market. Perishable produce must be chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit for shipment and for this purpose ice is injected into the shipping cartons to chill and maintain chilled the produce. This invention relates to a method and apparatus for injecting a water-ice mixture into the cartons prior to shipment.