Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed in the form of a cabinet having doors and interior side walls with supports for receiving trays of food products to be rapidly rethermalized and held. The apparatus can also condition the rethermalized food product, as well as act as a cooking oven. A steam generator is provided for supplying steam to the cabinet interior where it is continuously mixed with air. Thermocouples control both the steam and air mixture temperature for rethermalizing cooking and holding the food products and an air heater for conditioning the food products prior to use.

Abstract: The invention allows cool rooms or sea containers designed for frozen goods to handle produce requiring more precisely controlled temperatures and conditions, e.g., vegetables and fruits requiring temperatures in the chilling range and often also needing control or modification of the atmosphere. Each load of produce (100) (e.g. of pallet size) is held in the sea container or cool room but is sealed from the air of the refrigerated environment by, for example, a plastics bag (56). The atmosphere within the bag is then circulated by a fan (12) (or by convection currents from a heating element) so as to pass through the load and around it via ducts (30) provided adjacent the bag (56). Heat exchange (50) between the circulating gas and the refrigerated environment, via the plastics film, serves to cool the load. However, if cooling is excessive a heating element can be used to raise the temperature of the circulating atmosphere. Gas composition of the atmosphere can be controlled by scrubbing, flushing, etc.

Abstract: A reaction vessel system includes a reaction vessel, a cooling unit functionally connected to the vessel to impart controlled cooling thereto; a heating unit functionally connected to the vessel to impart controlled heating thereto; and control means connected to the cooling unit and the heating unit for programmable automatic control of the cooling unit to control at least one of on/off flow and rate of flow, and to control at least one of on/off heating and rate of heating, including a programmable device. The cooling unit includes a cooling element in proximity to the vessel with at least one inlet port for injection of a phase change coolant, a heat absorbent area and at least one outlet port for removal of the phase change coolant. This is an injector for injecting the coolant in liquid form via the inlet port to the cooling element.

Abstract: A combined refrigerator-oven (20) includes an enclosed chamber (28) having a top wall (22), a bottom wall (24), and vertical side walls (26). The refrigerator-oven (20) further includes a heating unit (50) and a refrigeration unit (70). A controller (118) is in communication with the heating unit (50) and the refrigeration unit (70). When a cooling mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the refrigeration unit (70) to deliver cool air (62) into the enclosed chamber (28). When a heating mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the heating unit (50) to produce heat (66) in the enclosed chamber (28).

Abstract: A multiloop temperature-control system has a hydraulic bus connected to a plurality of loops for the temperature-control medium and respective hydraulic modules connected to the hydraulic bus, and through the hydraulic bus, to these loops. Plug connectors join each hydraulic module with an electrical supply and control module and the supply and control modules in turn are connected by plug and jack connectors to an electrical bus.

Abstract: A system for and method of controlling the temperature of a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are disclosed. The workpiece is mounted on a workpiece chuck which is mounted over a base between the chuck and a host machine such as a wafer prober used to test integrated circuits on a wafer. The chuck includes an upper portion on which the workpiece is mounted. The temperature of the upper portion of the chuck is controlled to control the temperature of the workpiece. The temperature of the base is controlled to reduce the amount of heat flow between the chuck and the host machine. A power and control system includes a switching power supply which provides power to system components including heaters in the chuck used to heat the workpiece. A series of filters removes electrical noise generated by the switching power supply such that low-noise operation is realized.

Abstract: A temperature control and process for adjusting the temperature of a workstation and a work medium at a workstation to a predetermined temperature. The temperature control comprises a cooling vehicle such as a heat exchanger, a coolant temperature sensor and control, a source of fluid coolant such as a manifold, a recirculating pump, a flow line to circulate the coolant to the workstation with the flow line containing a flow regulator and a heater, a bypass valve for bypassing the flow regulator and heater, and a workstation temperature sensor and control. The workstation temperature control controls the operation of the heater and bypass valve so that the temperature of the coolant is below the desired temperature for the workstation, thus achieving a rapid transient response while avoiding overcooling. The coolant temperature control and workstation temperature control may be in a temperature control computer, thus providing a large number of different operating sequences.

Abstract: A temperature control and process for adjusting the temperature of a workstation and a work medium at a workstation to a predetermined temperature. The temperature control comprises a cooling vehicle such as a heat exchanger, a coolant temperature sensor and control, a source of fluid coolant such as a manifold, a recirculating pump, a flow line to circulate the coolant to the workstation with the flow line containing a flow regulator and a heater, a bypass valve for bypassing the flow regulator and heater, and a workstation temperature sensor and control. The workstation temperature control controls the operation of the heater and bypass valve so that the temperature of the coolant is below the desired temperature for the workstation, thus achieving a rapid transient response while avoiding overcooling. The coolant temperature control and workstation temperature control may be in a temperature control computer, thus providing a large number of different operating sequences.

Abstract: An extruder cylinder is heated by resistance heaters surrounding cooling coils around respective segments of the extruder cylinder which is subdivided into heating and heating or cooling zones therealong. The rate of flow of the heat-carrier oil in the coil or the rate of flow of a cooling medium in heat exchange therewith can be regulated to control the cooling effect of the heat-carrier oil which can continue to flow through the coil even during purely heating phases for temperature equalization over the zone.

Abstract: Provided is a system for controlled vaporization of a liquid chemical. The system includes: (a) an evaporation vessel connected to receive a liquid chemical which is carrier gas free; (b) a mechanism for maintaining the liquid chemical in the evaporation vessel at a substantially constant level; and (c) a mechanism for controlling the temperature of the liquid chemical in the evaporation vessel to a desired value, the controlling mechanism including: (I) a system for cooling the liquid chemical, and (II) a heater inside the evaporation vessel for heating the liquid chemical. Also provided, are methods of controlled delivery of a vaporized liquid chemical. The above systems and methods are particularly applicable to the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Abstract: An air condition includes a suction grill for sucking the air in a room, a front panel including an inlet port for sucking the air from the suction grill inside and a blowout port for blowing the air out into the room, a heat exchanger for heat exchange of the air, and a blower for circulating the air, wherein a concave air passage for room temperature detection is formed on the front face of the front panel, and an air suction port for sucking air for room temperature detection is formed in suction grill at an opposite part to air passage.

Abstract: Supplemental heat mechanisms are employed to ensure that refrigerant in evaporative cold plates for electronic modules not only returns to the compressor in a vapor phase but also further operates to maintain electronic circuit junction temperatures at relatively constant temperature levels. Furthermore, the supplemental heating system responds within a time frame which is faster than other methods which may be employed to achieve the same or similar objectives. In particular, in preferred embodiments of the present invention pressure and temperature measurements of refrigerant exiting the evaporative cold plate are employed to control the turning on of supplemental electrical resistive heating elements to make up for thermal dissipation fluctuations occurring in the electronic module. The supplemental heat may be provided either with a single flat element or through the use of in-line heating elements.

Abstract: A temperature selectable water supply device for one of heating and cooling water provided by a water supply system to an outlet in a structure. The device includes a main water tank including an inlet conduit for receiving water from a water supply tank connected to the water supply system and an outlet conduit for supplying the water to the outlet connected thereto. The temperature selectable water supply device also includes a water refrigeration tank connected to receive water from the main water supply tank for cooling to a desired temperature. A heating device is connected to the main water supply tank for heating the water therein and a cooling device is connected to the water refrigeration tank for cooling the water received thereby. A return conduit is connected between the water refrigeration tank and the main water tank for returning the cooled water to the main water tank for mixing with the water therein and thereby cooling the water.

Abstract: A system for controlling the humidity with a residential air conditioning system without compressor or air flow control employs a simple control technique of matching inlet air temperature prior to the refrigeration coils of the air conditioning system to outlet temperature after the refrigeration coil and as raised by a reheat coil supplied with hot water from the residential hot water heater. The system permits heating and cooling cycles and may be retrofit into existing residential units.

Abstract: A food temperature maintenance cart transports meals of hot and cold food items prepared at a meal assembly area to a meal serving area where the meals are to be served, while keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold for extended periods of time. The cart includes a cabinet having tray storage compartments for storing meal serving trays containing refrigerated and heated food items. Thermal barriers subdivide each of the tray storage compartments into a refrigerated compartment for maintaining refrigerated foods in a refrigerated state and a heated compartment for maintaining heated foods in a heated state. A refrigerated air delivery compartment separates adjacent refrigerated compartments and produces laminar flows of refrigerated air across refrigerated food items contained on the trays.

Abstract: A tray for warming food has a tray body of double cup shape formed of a plastics material base structure with an aluminum top diffusion layer attached to the base structure in the part to receive a cloche. The cloche has a plastics material outer jacket fastened to an aluminum bottom diffusion layer in contact with an intermediate member made of a material that can be heated by magnetic induction. The top diffusion layer of the tray body comes into contact with the bottom diffusion layer of the cloche at the periphery of the interior space along peripheral contact rims. This provides a meal tray assuring fast heating of food placed in the interior space of the first part, the second part being intended to carry food that is to remain cold.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a single thermal cycling module for baking and chilling a substrate, such as a wafer, that is in thermal contact with a foil heater, a heat exchanger, and a radiation heater. The radiation heater thermally heats a fluid contained by the heat exchanger, which in turn, thermally bakes the substrate at a desired temperature. When the radiation heater is deactivated, a fluid circulates through the heat exchanger to chill the substrate. The foil heater assists the baking and chilling phases by elevating the temperature of the substrate when necessary to prevent or regulate temperature fluctuations of the substrate temperature. Both the radiation heater and the foil heater can provide several zones for varying the heat applied across the substrate, and a single fluid temperature is provided to the heat exchanger for both baking and chilling cycles.

Abstract: A kimchi storage device capable of fast fermenting kimchi, and once kimchi has been adequately fermented, of functioning as a cold storage therefor includes a main body provided with a refrigeration unit and a plurality of kimchi storage chambers, a heater and an evaporator installed on inner side walls in each of the kimchi storage chambers, at least one high and one low temperature sensors in each of the kimchi storage chambers and a control unit for controlling the evaporator and the heater in each of the kimchi storage chambers.

Abstract: Meals are placed on individual trays in an institutional kitchen. The individual trays have a first part carrying the meal portion intended to be eaten hot and covered with a thermally insulative cloche and a second part carrying the meal portion intended to be eaten cold. The individual trays are transported in a thermally insulated enclosure to the places where the meals are to be eaten, where they are distributed into local individual units having a thermally insulated enclosure. Each individual unit includes retractable contact terminals operated by an electromagnet and contacting external terminals on the cloche which are in turn electrically connected to an electrical heating element of the cloche. Accordingly, by supplying power to the contact terminals, the meal portions intended to be eaten hot and placed under the cloches are selectively heated. The device is relatively inexpensive and facilitates meal handlings in compliance with hygiene conditions.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.

Abstract: A bed pad has embedded in it a circuit of continuous tubing. Portable heating and refrigerating means are operatively connected to a second tubing circuit by quick disconnect couplings. Electrical control means are selectively operated to heat or cool the liquid in said second tubing circuit. Thermostatic controls may optionally be applied to both the heating and refrigerating means. This has particular use in surgical operating rooms for raising and lowering the temperature of the patient. It is also useful in the recovery room, hospital and or convalescent home.

Abstract: A tray for warming food has a tray body of double cup shape formed of a plastics material base structure with an aluminum top diffusion layer attached to the base structure in the part to receive a cloche. The cloche has a plastics material outer jacket fastened to an aluminum bottom diffusion layer in contact with an intermediate member made of a material that can be heated by magnetic induction. The top diffusion layer of the tray body comes into contact with the bottom diffusion layer of the cloche at the periphery of the interior space along peripheral contact rims This provides a meal tray assuring fast heating of food placed in the interior space of the first part, the second part being intended to carry food that is to remain cold.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meal at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed within racks in a rethermalization cart that is retained in a refrigerated area. Beneath the trays are located heater shelves containing one or more heating elements to heat selected food items located on the tray. The carts incorporate controllers which, upon receiving a start signal, provide power to the heater shelves of the cart in accordance with a rethermalization program. The controllers are specially adapted to enable a user to provide various heater shelves on the same cart with different programs to compensate for temperature stratification and warm and cool areas within the refrigerated environment.

Abstract: A food treatment system having a frame, a receptacle having a peripheral wall defining a space for storage of a food item and an opening through which a food item can be introduced to the storage space, and a conditioning source for changing the state of fluid in the food treatment space defined by the frame. The frame has a first wall against which the receptacle bears with the receptacle in an operative position with respect to the frame. The frame has a second wall which is spaced from the first wall so that the first and second walls cooperatively define the food treatment space. The second wall at least partially blocks the receptacle opening with the receptacle in the operative position. At least one of the first and second walls is movable relative to the other of the first and second walls to vary the spacing between the first and second walls.

Abstract: Independent control of multiple samples which are in close proximity. All the samples in a sample container designed for rapid heat transfer and can be independently regulated to a set point using a temperature feedback control with the temperature monitored by a temperature sensitive element. This is implemented by heating each sample independently and at the same time a cooling device produces a substantial and continuous heat flow from the sample in order to permit an adequate rate of cooling when required. The rate of heat flow through the cooling device is partly determined by a thermal resistance which is included to control the pattern and maximum rate of heat flow to designed levels. By keeping the thermal mass of the temperature controlled components to a minimum it is also possible to change the temperature of the samples very rapidly.

Abstract: An integrated refrigeration and rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meals at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed on trays, supported by heater shelves, in a refrigeration-rethermalization cart having onboard refrigeration. Critical cooling elements of the onboard refrigerator are located within the food storage area of the cart for improved cooling air flow and maximum cooling efficiency. The heater shelves contain one or more heating elements designed to heat only selected food items located on the trays in accordance with preset time-temperature curves, or rethermalization programs.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for heating refrigerated food on trays, maintaining the food in a refrigerated condition until heated, and heating some of the food to a desired temperature at a serving time while maintaining the rest of the food in a refrigerated condition. The system has a cart which docks inside a refrigerator. The cart has shelves on which trays of food reside. In the shelves there are heaters. The operator programs the system using an intricate series of commands at an operator interface. A first controller interprets the commands and sends the program to a second controller. The second controller controls the heating cycle of the heaters. A current sensor is provided to sense whether there is current to the heaters. The second controller polls the current sensor and compares the findings to what is called for in the program.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a compartment for fermenting foods such as kimchi. The food is disposed within a container that is slidable into the compartment. The container includes an electrical connector projecting from a container wall and which becomes plugged into a recessed electrical connector disposed in a wall of the compartment in response to insertion of the container into the compartment. The container carries a heater and a temperature sensor which are electrically connectable, via the electrical connectors, to a controller disposed in the refrigerator housing.

Abstract: A thermal cycling reaction apparatus comprises a reactor having a reactor body made of a thin heat-conductive plate having a cavity as a reaction chamber with an opening of the chamber sealed with a transparent heat-resistant sheet. The apparatus further includes, delivery rollers for delivering the reactor along a delivery path and stopping it at stopping positions in a predetermined order; plural temperature-controlling blocks having respectively a temperature-controlling surface to be brought into contact with a heat-transfer face of the reactor and being placed at the stopping positions separately so as not to thermally affect each other; and a temperature-controlling mechanism for keeping the fixed temperature-controlling surfaces respectively at prescribed temperatures.

Abstract: Air conditioning and refrigeration apparatus for controlling the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined temperature band adjacent to a predetermined set point temperature via cooling and heating cycles utilizing a supply of pressurized cryogen. A cryogen driven motor drives a fan and an alternator. The alternator provides control voltage for operating electrical control devices which select a heating cycle, or a cooling cycle, as required, and which control the flow of cryogen during the selected cycle. Electrical load on the alternator, and thus a load on the vapor driven motor, is minimized to maintain air delivered by the fan to the conditioned space at a level which provides a substantially uniform air flow and temperature throughout the conditioned space. A cryogen flow control valve is motor controlled and only requires electrical energy when a change in the cryogen flow rate is desired.

Abstract: A temperature control and process for adjusting the temperature of a workstation and a work medium at a workstation to a predetermined temperature. The temperature control comprises a cooling vehicle such as a heat exchanger, a coolant temperature sensor and control, a source of fluid coolant such as a manifold, a recirculating pump, a flow line to circulate the coolant to the workstation with the flow line containing a flow regulator and a heater, a bypass valve for bypassing the flow regulator and heater, and a workstation temperature sensor and control. The workstation temperature control controls the operation of the heater and bypass valve so that the temperature of the coolant is below the desired temperature for the workstation, thus achieving a rapid transient response while avoiding overcooling. The coolant temperature control and workstation temperature control may be in a temperature control computer, thus providing a large number of different operating sequences.

Abstract: Milli-Kelvin temperature control in an air chamber by use of coarse and fine temperature control systems, and through the use of structure for handling air flow within the chamber. The coarse control system provides enough heating or cooling power to hold the chamber temperature at a value near, but below, the desired operating temperature, thus leaving a small differential to be made up by the fine control loop. The coarse control has a fairly large thermal time constant (in the order of tens of seconds). The fine control loop has a very fast response time (in the order of fractional seconds). This fast response time is achieved by the use of a heater having minimal thermal mass, a fast response sensor, and a high precision controller. Air circulation within the chamber is forced by an in-line assembly of a number of high volume blowers, all having a common shaft, driven by a constant speed motor.

Abstract: A device for induction heating of meal trays includes an arrangement for supporting a series of trays one above the other. The foods to be heated are placed on a part of the tray that may include a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction and under an insulative dish-cover covered on the inside with a layer of material that can be heated by magnetic induction. Induction shelves are inserted between the trays and comprise groups of induction coils. The groups of induction coils are energized separately with high-frequency electrical energy by a multiplexed electrical generator. A detector detects the presence or the absence of the dish-covers. A control unit disables the energization of groups of induction coils near an area in which there is no dish-cover. The device adapts automatically to the presence or the absence of trays and/or dish-covers, optimizing efficiency and minimizing the generation of electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A laboratory refrigerator, in particular a refrigerated incubator, in which an inner basin surrounding the useful storage volume is surrounded by an outer basin. The air in the useful storage volume is circulated via a chamber formed between the inner basin and the outer basin and re-enters the useful storage volume via apertures in the side walls of the inner basin. Heating elements are provided in the chamber for controlling the temperature of the circulating air and labyrinthine plate evaporators are provided on the outside of the side walls of the outer basin.

Abstract: A batch thermal cycler for large numbers of biological or chemical samples uses n modules each in good thermal contact with the samples, but substantially isolated from one another, thermally and functionally. Each module carries samples on an upper sample plate. The module has a temperature sensor adjacent the samples, an electrical resistance heating element, and a circulating fluid heat exchanger for step cooling. Heating occurs at a point generally between the samples and the source of the cooling. The modules are individually replaceable. O-rings automatically seal fluid and electrical interfaces. An electrical controller has n simultaneous channels that provide closed loop control of the electrical power to each module. As a method, the invention includes at least one modular temperature zone where the temperature is sensed at a point adjacent the samples in that zone. The samples are heated adjacent the sample plate. Cooling is by a step change. The cooling overshoots a set lower temperature.

Abstract: A thermal control system for use with a burn-in system, the thermal control system capable of delivering a thermally preconditioned liquid to a plurality of semiconductor devices during burn-in. The thermal control system comprises a liquid reservoir containing a liquid, a pump, and a plurality of spray nozzle arrays. The liquid contained in the liquid reservoir is thermally preconditioned through the use of a heating element and a cooling element and the temperature of the liquid provided to each spray nozzle array is individually controlled through the use of a pipe heating element. The liquid is collected and returned to the liquid reservoir after being sprayed on the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Thermoregulated assembly for the distribution in collective catering of warm meals within isothermal containers having a tray which incorporates a thermoregulation system including at least one electrical heating resistor. The distribution assembly comprises a transport device including, for each isothermal container, a support, a multiple contact unit cooperating with electrical contact means of the isothermal container, and means for connecting the contact unit to an electrical supply source.

Abstract: A thermal control system for use with a burn-in system, the thermal control system capable of delivering a thermally preconditioned liquid to a plurality of semiconductor devices during burn-in. The thermal control system comprises a liquid reservoir containing a liquid, a pump, and a plurality of spray nozzle arrays. The liquid contained in the liquid reservoir is thermally preconditioned through the use of a heating element and a cooling element and the temperature of the liquid provided to each spray nozzle array is individually controlled through the use of a pipe heating element. The liquid is collected and returned to the liquid reservoir after being sprayed on the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a radiator for cooling the traction motor of the vehicle, arranged in an air circuit which also contains a blower for circulating air in the circuit, and air flow regulating valves. The apparatus disclosed includes an air conditioning apparatus which comprises an evaporator and an auxiliary electric heating radiator, both of which are controlled jointly by a control member movable along a linear path to regulate the cooling or heating of the cabin as necessary, at the same time as the cooling of the motor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system, which conditions the air of a conditioned space via heating and cooling cycles, includes a heat exchanger and, in a first embodiment, heat pipes. A cryogen is circulated through the heat exchanger during a cooling cycle. During a heating cycle the flow of cryogen is terminated and heat is transferred into the heat exchanger via the heat pipes. In another embodiment, the temperature of evaporation of a liquid cryogen in the heat exchanger is selected according to the desired temperature of the conditioned space, via selectable cryogen flow paths which provide different pressures and thus different evaporation temperatures. Vaporized cryogen drives a motor connected to a fan which circulates air between the conditioned space and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a kimchi seasoning and storing chamber separately mounted beneath a refrigerating chamber and adapted to season kimchi and maintain the freshness of kimchi and usable for purposes other than the kimchi seasoning and storing purpose.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for rethermalizing refrigerated foods in an institutional food service setting is disclosed. A rethermalization cart is provided with a plurality of trays for supporting food items to be served. The trays are supported on heater shelves including heating elements located under the portions of the trays corresponding to locations of food items to be heated. A loaded cart is placed in a refrigerator and is attached to a power supply and controller. A serving time is programmed into the system and the controller provides power to the cart a predetermined interval before the desired serving time. Heater microcontrollers are associated with the heater shelves and control power to the heating element on the shelves in accordance with at least one rethermalization program.

Abstract: An improved thermal curtain for separating a food service cart into hot and cold regions is disclosed. The thermal curtain is composed of composite foam structural elements which have enhanced insulating capability, toughness and the ability to provide structural support for food service trays placed thereon. The thermal curtain is composed of a plurality of vertically superposed tray support/thermal barrier sections which attach to a support bracket which further attaches to the back of the food service cart. The upper portion of the support/barrier is adapted to provide a tray support and conforms to the design of the food service tray to minimize migration of heated or cold air to the opposite compartment. The lower edge of the support/barrier section is composed of a blade seal floating in a retention channel which allows vertical movement of the seal.

Abstract: A longitudinal stream of cooling air is caused to flow around the cylinder (10) and over the length of each of one or more heating-and-cooling zones. This longitudinal flow is facilitated by specially designed cooling fins (22; 25). The performance of the extruder is improved in that the temperature over the cross-section of the cylinder is more uniform. Moreover, wear and tear on the extrusion screw and on the cylinder are greatly reduced.

Abstract: Method of thawing deep-frozen packed products in which a relatively dry heated airflow sweeps around the product for a period of time, the duration of which is determined by the temperature measured in the middle of the product. The heat flow rate imparted to the airflow is controlled in dependence on the surface temperature of the product at the place where the product is expected to reach the highest temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for effecting precise thermal cycling of articles by alternately employing electrical heating elements and circulating cooling water in conjunction with a controller to accurately regulate the temperature of a working surface. The apparatus includes a thermal tray in which articles are mounted in recesses formed in the working surface region thereof. The thermal tray is removable from the base of the apparatus which houses the heating elements and cooling water. Thus, thermal trays are interchangeable atop the base as desired. Also disclosed is a weight assembly for maintaining the articles in the recesses. This allows the thermal tray of the present invention to be transported to each of a plurality of processing stations, including the aforementioned thermal processing atop the base, while still maintaining precise positioning of the articles throughout each of the processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vertical cabinet having the dual function of heating or cooling food articles within the cabinet. The cabinet comprises a plurality of removable, vertically spaced-apart support shelves of a conductive material for supporting food articles. One aspect of the invention provides for heating and cooking of food articles by circulating a thermal liquid fluid through a heating channel having a serpentine configuration in each shelf. Each shelf has quick-disconnect couplings. Another aspect of the invention provides for cooling and refrigeration of food articles by circulating a chilled fluid transfer media from a cooling unit connected to the vertical cabinet to the shelves of the cabinet.

Abstract: A refrigeration system, which conditions the air of a conditioned space via heating and cooling cycles, includes a heat exchanger and, in a first embodiment, heat pipes. A cryogen is circulated through the heat exchanger during a cooling cycle. During a heating cycle the flow of cryogen is terminated and heat is transferred into the heat exchanger via the heat pipes. In another embodiment, the temperature of evaporation of a liquid cryogen in the heat exchanger is selected according to the desired temperature of the conditioned space, via selectable cryogen flow paths which provide different pressures and thus different evaporation temperatures. Vaporized cryogen drives a motor connected to a fan which circulates air between the conditioned space and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A refrigeration system associated with a conditioned space to be controlled to a predetermined set point temperature via heating and cooling cycles. The refrigeration system includes a fluid flow path through which a predetermined liquid is circulated. The fluid flow path includes a slush tank and first and second heat exchangers, with cryogen from a supply vessel being expanded into liquid disposed in the slush tank. The first heat exchanger is disposed to condition the air of the conditioned space, and the second heat exchanger is in heat exchange relation with heating apparatus. The first heat exchanger and slush tank are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a cooling cycle, and the first and second heat exchangers are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a heating cycle. Cryogen of the cryogenic cooling apparatus is thus not expended to heat the conditioned space, or for defrosting purposes.

Abstract: A refrigeration system associated with a conditioned space to be controlled to a predetermined set point temperature via heating and cooling cycles. The refrigeration system includes a fluid flow path through which a predetermined fluid is circulated. The fluid flow path includes first, second and third heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger is disposed to condition air of the conditioned space, the second heat exchanger is in heat exchange relation with cryogenic cooling apparatus, and the third heat exchanger is in heat exchange relation with heating apparatus. The first and second heat exchangers are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a cooling cycle, and the first and third heat exchangers are interconnected when the conditioned space requires a heating cycle. Cryogen of the cryogenic cooling apparatus is thus not expended to heat the conditioned space, nor used for defrosting purposes.