Abstract: An apparatus for thawing of frozen food products is provided which includes a tank member having an open top which is provided with a specially constructed cover member which insures sanitary conditions during the thawing while at the same time minimizing the quantity of liquid utilized to thaw the frozen food. The cover member is constructed so as to define a reservoir chamber for the liquid used in thawing and is further provided with a plurality of inwardly facing openings so as to spray the liquid over the frozen food in the tank. Drain means are provided so that the food being thawed is never immersed in liquid but rather has a flowing thin film of liquid over its surface. Low temperatures are utilized thereby decreasing the rate of bacterial activity within the product being thawed.

Abstract: A freezing, defrosting and storage assembly for meat products and particularly turkeys is provided wherein a pallet having a plurality of vertically projecting spaced tubes supports the product during freezing and storage and operates during the defrosting period by passage of a defrosting fluid through the tubes and outwardly over the surface of the product to be thawed in a thin film.

Abstract: A combined ventilator and fluent material feeder for avian including air recirculating and conditioning means. The ventilating and feeder units include self-feeders for both loose food material and drinking water. Each typically includes a trough encircling a storage chamber as well as an air distributor for supplying ventilating air across the floor and outwardly from beneath the feeding troughs as used dirt-laden air is withdrawn from above the feeding troughs.