Abstract: Non-uniformity of air fluidization freezing of food particles on a wire mesh conveyor belt caused by variations in food particle layer thickness or in layer permeability over the working area of the belt is minimized by the presence of uniformly spaced airflow masking rods placed in the transversely extending core spaces of the belt helices. Of selected material, such as polyethylene, the rods serve also to strengthen and stiffen the belt and to minimize uneven wear in the mesh.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing comestibles for frozen storage in which pressurized freezing air is utilized in conjunction with a substantially flat conveyance surface, both to aid in or contribute to the conveyance of the packages or containers as well as to effectuate the rapid freezing of the comestibles therein during the course of such conveyance through the system. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated conveyance deck is of space saving substantially helical form with successive descending turns underlying one another and with the space surrounded by the turns forming part of a plenum chamber into which pressurized freezing air is blown for admission into a laterally open plenum duct underlying the deck throughout its length. Such elongated plenum duct is tapered transversely beneath the deck for uniform distribution of pressurized freezing air to the discharge apertures in the deck by means of a transversely inclined duct-forming panel cooperating with the deck.

Abstract: An I.Q.F. system for deep freezing of food articles and the like employing a deep bed fluidization second stage freezer and an article conditioning first or input stage wherein the initially moist unrefrigerated articles massed in a relatively thin deposit are subjected to through-flow of subfreezing gas, preferably under fluidization conditions, for a predetermined period which removes substantially all of the sensible heat above freezing without removing the latent heat from the articles, whereupon, articles thus in condition compatible for deep bed fluidization freezing in the second stage are delivered from the first to the second stage.