Abstract: A cryogenic freezing system having a cooling tunnel with an inlet end, an outlet end and a floor therebetween, a tank for a liquid cryogenic material and with an inlet end, an outlet end, and a floor therebetween, a first conveyor for moving crumb material along the tunnel floor for depositing crumb material into the tank, and a second conveyor for moving crumb material along the tank. The tank floor includes a ramp, with the second conveyor positioned to move the crumb material along the floor of the tank upward along the ramp out of the liquid cryogenic material prior to reaching the tank outlet end. The conveyors are endless belts of open material, with openings of a size to pass the crumb material so that the crumb material will fall through the conveyor onto the floors. Scraper blades are carried on the belts projecting outward from the conveyors to move along and in contact with the floors.

Abstract: A freezing system combining a cryogenic freezer and a mechanical refrigeration freezer, with the cryogenic vapor from the cryogenic freezer being used to lower the temperature of the air in the refrigeration freezer. The cryogenic vapor from the cryogenic freezer is passed through a heat exchanger in the refrigeration freezer with the heat exchanger positioned downstream of the evaporator coil of the refrigeration freezer and upstream of the product conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for quick freezing of food products and the like including an insulating tank with a liquid nitrogen bath, an adjacent chamber, a conveyor system for moving product through the bath and the chamber, and an exhaust system for drawing vapor from the tank into and out of the chamber. A process for quick freezing of food products and the like wherein at least the surface of an item is frozen by immersing the item in a liquid nitrogen bath, after which the item is moved through a chamber and further cooled by vapor from the liquid bath drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: A system (10) for chilling warm animal carcasses (30) more quickly and without substantial tissue shrinkage from dehydration includes an enclosure (12) defining a first subchamber (24) and a second subchamber (26). The carcasses (30) are conveyed into the first subchamber (24) for liquid immersion into a tank (52) of cryogenic fluid to crust-freeze the exterior carcass portions. Following immersion, the semi-chilled carcasses (30) are held in the second chamber (26) while cryogenically refrigerated, sub-freezing gas is circulated around the carcasses to complete the chilling process.

Abstract: Apparatus for breaking foam on the surface of a liquid, such as in a sewage aeration tank is disclosed. A rotating cylindrical brush is mounted in a housing at the water surface with the brush rotation bringing foam under an edge of the housing into contact with the brush and with the brush fingers splitting the bubbles and compressing the resultant liquid into the water. The apparatus includes floats for supporting the housing and brush and a pivoting frame for supporting the housing and brush in position in the tank.