Abstract: A vacuum-assisted product-handling system is described that includes a carrier to move an unpackaged product into a contact position. The system also includes an actuation unit to move the unpackaged product from the contact position of the carrier to a receiving container. The actuation unit may include a mechanical arm to lift the unpackaged product from the carrier and deposit the unpackaged product in the receiving container, and a vacuum tool connected to an end of the mechanical arm. The vacuum tool may be operable to hold the unpackaged product as the unpackaged product is moved by the actuation unit from the carrier to the receiving container. The vacuum tool may include one or more arrays of suction devices, where each array of suction devices is connected to a single vacuum source.

Abstract: A freezer structure (12) includes a floor structure (20), side walls (22) and a ceiling (24), each of which includes a substantially hollow inner or upper layer or zone (30) behind or beneath which is disposed an intermediate layer or zone (32) substantially filled with insulating filler material and a bottom or outer layer or zone (34) that is substantially hollow. A monitoring system (16) monitors the temperature, moisture level and pressure of a substantially dry gas circulating through the first layer or zone to maintain the first layer or zone in substantially dry condition.

Abstract: A freezer structure (12) includes a floor structure (20), side walls (22) and a ceiling (24), each of which includes a substantially hollow inner or upper layer or zone (30) behind or beneath which is disposed an intermediate layer or zone (32) substantially filled with insulating filler material and a bottom or outer layer or zone (34) that is substantially hollow. A monitoring system (16) monitors the temperature, moisture level and pressure of a substantially dry gas circulating through the first layer or zone to maintain the first layer or zone in substantially dry condition.

Abstract: A freezer structure (12) includes a floor structure (20), side walls (22) and a ceiling (24), each of which includes a substantially hollow inner or upper layer or zone (30) behind or beneath which is disposed an intermediate layer or zone (32) substantially filled with insulating filler material and a bottom or outer layer or zone (34) that is substantially hollow. A monitoring system (16) monitors the temperature, moisture level and pressure of a substantially dry gas circulating through the first layer or zone to maintain the first layer or zone in substantially dry condition.

Abstract: A freezer structure (12) includes a floor structure (20), side walls (22) and a ceiling (24), each of which includes a substantially hollow inner or upper layer or zone (30) behind or beneath which is disposed an intermediate layer or zone (32) substantially filled with insulating filler material and a bottom or outer layer or zone (34) that is substantially hollow. A monitoring system (16) monitors the temperature, moisture level and pressure of a substantially dry gas circulating through the first layer or zone to maintain the first layer or zone in substantially dry condition.