Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for mixing a gas and a liquid to produce a gaseous vapor of the liquid that is substantially free of droplets. Gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is combined in an atomization zone with the liquid, e.g., acetic acid, to form an atomized mixture of the gas and liquid. This atomized mixture is then contacted with the second gas stream in a mixing zone within a mixing/separation chamber in which the second gas stream vaporizes substantially all of the atomized liquid, and the resulting mixture of gas, vaporized liquid and residual droplets moves to the separation zone of the mixing/separation chamber. In the separation zone, the residual droplets gravitationally separate from the vaporized mixture, and the vaporized mixture free of a substantial amount of residual droplets is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, an exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. Each module includes a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets provides an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. A pneumatically actuated ball valve is used to vibrate the impingers to remove snow and ice on the impingers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, and exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. The modules may be connected in order to provide an optimal solution in a food freezing or chilling process. Each module includes at least a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The configuration of the impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets to provide an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. Baffles between modules enable the user to control the flow of cryogen and the pressure differential between modules.

Abstract: A tote for transporting refrigerated or frozen goods, e.g., foodstuffs, comprises an insulated container and a coolant insert. The insulated container comprises a durable, impact-resistant shell, an insulation insert, an optional corrugated liner, and a cover. The coolant insert fits within the container such that it rests on the top edge of the insulation liner sidewalls, and it holds a coolant, e.g., carbon dioxide snow. The insert has a perforated bottom wall and an insulated top wall. When the tote holds frozen goods, the perforated bottom wall is opposite the interior of the container. When the tote holds refrigerated goods, the insulated top wall is opposite the interior of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, and exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. The modules may be connected in order to provide an optimal solution in a food freezing or chilling process. Each module includes at least a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The configuration of the impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets to provide an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. Baffles between modules enable the user to control the flow of cryogen and the pressure differential between modules.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for freezing food products including a first freezer section utilizing a liquid or solid cryogen and a second freezer section which utilizes cryogenic vapor from the first freezer section to complete the freezing operation, the first and second freezer sections being in a vertical arrangement to minimize floor space and improve cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A flat plate solar collector comprising a planar glazing and a rear housing formed into a number of semi-circular cells to receive fin-tube absorbers with minimal direct contact, the glazing being a low iron glass with an anti-reflective exterior coating and a low emissivity interior coating, the glazing being directly supported by the rear housing cells, the interior wall of the rear housing and the lower side of the fin-tube absorber having low emissivity surfaces. At least one radiation shield member having low emissivity upper and lower surfaces is positioned between the fin-tube absorber and the rear housing. The collector is evacuated by atmosphere control means also capable of reintroducing atmosphere into the collector to control internal temperature.

Abstract: A continuous narrow, elongated metal member bent to form a strap for holding down a truss, the strap having a saddle portion to fit over the truss and two arms diverging therefrom to lie flat against the plates upon which the truss is supported and adapted to be nailed or otherwise fastened to the plates.