Abstract: A method for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. Air is pulled through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. In addition, the air may be forced through the plenum, along the length of the space formed between the two rows and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity positioned in the boxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A cover is provided for sealing the space along the two rows of boxes. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. At least one air handler is positioned to pull air through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. The air may be forced through the at least one air handler, along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity.

Abstract: A method for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. Air is pulled through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. In addition, the air may be forced through the plenum, along the length of the space formed between the two rows and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity positioned in the boxes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thawing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a cover for sealing the space between the two rows. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. In addition, the air may be forced along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly thawing a commodity positioned in the boxes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A cover is provided for sealing the two rows of boxes at least along the top surface. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. At least one air handler is positioned to pull air through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned between adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. An even flow of air is achieved between adjacent boxes, through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned between adjacent boxes and along the two rows of pallets for evenly treating a commodity positioned on the pallets.