Abstract: An automated processing freezer system is described that provides a plurality of cooling units to chill the air within a freezing enclosure, whereby the coils of each cooling unit may be defrosted independently, without louvers or other moving mechanisms, while the cooling output of the freezer system is maintained 24 hours a day. Baffles in the freezing enclosure isolate each cooling unit from the airflow associated with the other cooling units, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and less efficient louvers surrounding the coils of each cooling unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyor belt for traveling along both straight and laterally curved paths. A plurality of rods extend across the belt and are pivotally connected together by tractive links which are at least longitudinally expandable. The orientation of one edge link is reversed such that the terminal end thereof leads in the direction of travel of the belt in order to prevent damage to the links and/or the cage drive system when the belt is driven by the cage drive in a spiral system.