Abstract: A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.

Abstract: A system for automatically cleaning and washing an ice cream machines includes a liquid container for storing raw materials; a freezing cylinder connected with the liquid container through a cleaning pathway; a water tank for storing rinse water to rinse the freezing cylinder and the cleaning pathway; a detergent tank for storing detergents to clean and wash the freezing cylinder and the cleaning pathway; a pump arranged on the cleaning pathway to selectively pump the raw material, the rinse water or the detergent; and a control panel adapted to control an on/off and cleaning.

Abstract: A method of operating a multi-engine system of an aircraft having first and second engines includes accumulating compressed air in a pressure vessel external to the engines, and operating the first and second engines asymmetrically, by controlling the first engine to operate in an active operating condition providing sufficient power and/or rotor speed for demands of the aircraft, and controlling the second engine to operate in a standby operating condition wherein the second engine produces less power output than the first engine. In response to a power demand request, the second engine is accelerated out of the standby operating condition by introducing therein compressed air from the pressure vessel at a location upstream of a combustor of the second engine.

Abstract: An organ perfusion system comprises: a perfusion fluid circuit (16) arranged to circulate perfusion fluid through the organ; a surrogate organ (126) arranged to be connected into the circuit in place of the organ so that the circuit can circulate fluid through the surrogate organ; and organ sensing means arranged to distinguish between the presence of the organ in the circuit and the presence of the surrogate organ in the circuit. The sensing means may comprise one or more pressure sensors (136, 137, 138), or a flow meter (125). Further aspects relate to adjusting the content of at least one component, such as oxygen or a nutrient, in the perfusion fluid. Bubble detection means (113), and means (74) to measure the amount of fluid secreted by or leaked from the organ, may also be provided.

Abstract: A capped barrel system for aging liquids includes a barrel and a barrel cap removably coupled to the barrel. The barrel includes: a plurality of wooden staves suitable for aging liquids, hoops for holding the staves together, a head coupled to the staves, and a bunghole formed in the head. The barrel cap includes: a lid including a top portion and a rim extending downwardly from the top portion. The rim includes an inner surface and a seal that defines at least a portion of the inner surface. The barrel cap further includes an opening formed in the top portion of the lid that is generally aligned with the bunghole and a closure removably positioned in the opening. When the closure is positioned in the opening, a gas tight coupling between the closure and the lid and a gas tight fit between the seal and the barrel form a gas tight environment between the barrel and the barrel cap.

Abstract: A representative system includes: an exterior housing defining an interior compartment; a water tank disposed within the interior compartment; a filtration system configured to receive a flow of water from outside the exterior housing, filter the flow of water and provide filtered water to the water tank; an ice maker, disposed along a first flow path from the water tank, configured to produce ice from the filtered water provided from the first flow path; an ice bin configured to receive the ice from the ice maker; a user interface configured to receive a user input corresponding to a request for chilled water; a water control valve, disposed along a second flow path from the water tank, configured to receive the filtered water provided from the second flow path and provide a controlled flow of the filtered water to the ice bin in response to the user input such that the controlled flow of the filtered water is cooled by the ice in the ice bin to form chilled water; and a water dispenser fluidly communicating

Abstract: People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for dispensing a frozen confection is provided comprising: an insulated chamber (2) housing a container (3) of a frozen confection; a refrigeration system (8); a nozzle (4) having an inner end which is connected to the container (3); and an outer end which is located outside the insulated chamber (2); means for applying pressure to the frozen confection thereby to dispense it from the container (3); a cap (7) which can enclose the outer end of the nozzle (4) when closed and which allows external access to the outer end of the nozzle (4) when open; and one or more channels which allow cold air to flow from the chamber (2) into the region around the outer end of the nozzle (4).

Abstract: A wine degassing apparatus 20 is mounted to the neck opening of a wine bottle and includes a gas separator rod 22 formed of cordierite or other suitable inert material with an exterior shape that causes nucleation of carbon dioxide from the wine. The gas separator rod is supported by a rod holder 23 having a mounting socket 35 at the upper end of the rod, and the mounting socket is inserted into the pump adapter plug 24 with air passages 40 formed between the mounting socket 35 and the plug so that the vacuum pump can pull gas from the bottle neck 18 up through the mounting socket 35 and pump adapter plug 24.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a method and an apparatus for making an air-containing mixture 7, where air 8 is introduced into a viscous mass of raw mixture 5 for forming the air-containing mixture, and where the introduction of air is performed in connection with introducing the mixture in a treating unit 13. In the system, the raw mixture will be pumped under pressure through a nozzle 18 for forming least one jet 19 which is sprayed through an air space 17 against the surface 21 of the mixture, so that air is entrained in the mixture and that the air-containing mixture formed thereby is subsequently introduced in the treatment unit.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: A method for venting a gas into a closed space is disclosed. At the beginning of the venting process the flow rate of the venting gas starts from zero and then increases at a substantially differential incremental rate for at least a certain period of time. When a predefined saturation pressure inside the closed space is reached, the flow rate of the venting gas is maintained or increased to speed up the venting process.

Abstract: A machine for producing ice cream shop products comprises a whipping and freezing unit (2) with a horizontal axis (A) and a removable head (10) forming an end wall (11) of the whipping and freezing unit (2), there being in the wall (11) an inlet (12) for ingredients intended to constitute the ice cream shop products, and an outlet (13) for the ice cream shop product prepared.

Abstract: Applicants provide a portable, modular table top system for dispensing chilled carbonated water, chilled non-carbonated water, and ambient (non-chilled) non-carbonated water therefrom. The table top water dispenser includes a cold plate that is chilled by evaporation of a refrigerant, which is part of a cold plate cooling circuit, which includes a compressor and a condenser. A pump and a motor move non-carbonated water through the cold plate to a dispensing valve engaged therewith. The same motor and pump typically drive non-carbonated water through the cold plate, through the carbonator where it becomes carbonated, and through the cold plate again, and out a second dispensing valve. A third dispensing valve is engaged to the remote source of pressurized water and bypasses the cold plate and, also, typically the pump for dispensing from a third dispensing valve.

Abstract: A fan driven evaporator is one component for use in refrigeration applications such as an evaporative cooler which employs refrigeration. In one embodiment, a frosting evaporative cooler utilizes an evaporator in the shape of a squirrel cage blower that utilizes alternating and opposing flows of refrigerant in refrigerant tubing to allow for the dehumidifying and cooling of humid air without freezing over and losing air flow. A fan for use in coolers in humid conditions comprises a motor driving a centrifugal blower. At least two cooling coils that are parallel have cooling fins separating all the coils. The coils surround the blower wheel thereby matching the shape of the outside of the blower housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drink dispenser provided with a chamber with an opening for accommodating a container containing carbonated drink. The container is provided with an outlet closed by a shut-off valve and a tap head that during use is connected via a line to the outlet, which tap head has an operating member for opening and closing the line. The line has a relatively stiff line section with a first part and a second part that are in contact with one another in a contact plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the line and which can be taken apart to provide access to an interior surface of the line section. Rubber strips extend in the longitudinal direction of the line section and are arranged in or close to the contact plane to form a liquid barrier. The two line parts have a clamping member that is able to engage on a locking element for fixing the line parts in a position in contact with one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: A stroller with a misting system (1) which allows for quick and simple cooling of a child. The misting system is located on a conventional stroller having a child retaining area (2), a canopy (3), at least one handlebar (4) and a plurality of wheels (17). The misting system includes a nozzle (6) located on the stroller canopy (3) and a fluid reservoir (14) which is preferably located on the handlebar (4). The fluid reservoir (14) is pressurized and a misting system on/off switch (9) permits the misting of water (7) from the fluid reservoir (14) out through the nozzle (6). An optional fan (11) located in the canopy (3) may also be included so as to further assist in the cooling of the child.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a misting system for dispenses a fluid in the form of a mist to facilitate evaporative cooling of a localized area. The misting system comprises a pressurizable fluid container with a fluid control valve, and a first end of a hose member attached to the fluid control valve. A pump selectively pressurizes the container. A plurality of nozzle members is fluidly coupled together by a plurality of conduits. A first connector fluidly couples one of the conduits to a second end of the hose member. Actuating the pump pressurizes the container, forcing fluid within the container to flow out through the fluid control valve, through the hose member, into the conduits, and out of the nozzle members to produce a fine mist to facilitate the cooling of the localized area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A device and method are provided for maintaining donor organs at reduced temperatures ex vivo, in particular while the organ is being implanted in the recipient, and until reperfusion of the organ. By maintaining the organs at reduced temperatures, the potential for external warming of the organ and ischemic injury is reduced and graft performance and survival is improved.

Abstract: A golf cart cooling system includes a fluid reservoir, submersible fluid pump, distribution control valve, and misting nozzles. Fluid is pulled from the fluid reservoir through the submersible fluid pump and into the distribution control valve. The distribution control valve enables a golfer to control the misting to the right side, left side, or both sides of a golf cart. A golfer also has the ability to set the pressure of the mist by adjusting a pressure switch. The golf cart cooling system mounts on the rear end of the golf cart and has straps for two golf bags to be secured to the golf cart cooling system. The configuration of the golf cart cooling system provides enough fluid to cool the golfer for more than six hours without needing to be refilled.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A frozen beverage machine includes a mixing block having a plurality of inlets and an outlet coupled to a freezing chamber. The freezing chamber has a drain valve and a dispensing valve coupled thereto. Beverage ingredients are pumped into corresponding ingredient inlets of the mixing block such that the ingredients are mixed in the mixing block to form a product mixture, and the product mixture flows from the mixing block outlet into the freezing chamber. The freezing chamber and the mixing block are refrigerated. The product mixture is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve, and a cleaning solution is pumped into a cleaning solution inlet of the mixing block and into the freezing chamber. The cleaning solution is drained from the freezing chamber via the drain valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A portable air conditioner which has a container for holding an air cooling medium, a lid for the container and a plurality of outlets in the lid which permit flexible conduits to connected to the output from the lid. In addition, a cart is disclosed for transporting the air conditioner which will keep the top and bottom of the container parallel in order to keep any liquid from melting ice from spilling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for freezing supercooled water, which method includes the steps of (1-1) filling said supercooled water in a sealed container, reducing pressure of said supercooled water to generate bubbles from the supercooled water, mixing said generated bubbles in the supercooled water, or (1-2) filling said supercooled water in a sealed container with a bubble-mixing inlet, reducing pressure of the supercooled water to mix bubbles into the supercooled water from outside of the container through the bubble mixing inlet, or (1-3) filling said supercooled water in the sealed container with the bubble-mixing inlet, introducing bubbles into the supercooled water from outside the container through the bubble-mixing inlet under pressure, mixing the bubbles into the supercooled water, (2) simultaneously repeating expansion, compression, disruption, clustering and disappearance of the bubbles mixed into the supercooled water and (3) thereby freezing the supercooled water by vigorously oscillating gas-liquid

Abstract: A method for freezing a supercooled liquid, includes the steps of forming a liquid phase of a supercooled liquid and a gas phase adjacent to the liquid phase in a container, vibrating a gas-liquid interface formed by said liquid phase and the gas phase by applying vibration upon the gas-liquid interface and/or a vicinity thereof along the gas-liquid interface, forming splashed waves of the supercooled liquid, scattering liquid drops of the supercooled liquid, crashing the liquid drops upon a portion of an inner wall of the container where the gas phase is located, mixing resulting liquid drops and bubbles into the supercooled liquid through the gas-liquid interface, subjecting said bubbles mixed in the supercooled liquid to expansion, compression, disruption, clustering and disappearance, thereby vigorously oscillating the gas-liquid interface and freezing the supercooled liquid.

Abstract: A portable misting system is disclosed for producing mist atomization in remote locations without pressurized water supplies. The system is easily retrofitted to open vehicles such as golf carts and forklifts. The system may be pressurized during filling by a pressurized water supply source. In the absence of a pressurized water supply, the system may be pressurized manually. In a preferred embodiment, a manifold for a misting system is disclosed having internally threaded ends, and a centrally located internally threaded inlet. The manifold provides a streamlined design for reliable fluid distribution that is easily attached to vehicles such as golf carts and forklifts. The system can also be used on boats, campsites, parks, playgrounds, construction sites, and other locations.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump/engine system having a water/brine flash evaporator in fluid communication with a first air/brine heat exchanger, a brine condenser in fluid communication with a second air/brine heat exchanger, and a vapor compressor/turbine connected on a fluid conduit leading from the flash evaporator to the brine condenser. Heat/pump methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: Frozen aerated compositions are prepared by introducing an unfrozen composition suitable for being frozen for preparing a frozen aerated composition into the barrel of an extrusion apparatus containing a single screw and rotating the screw for transporting the composition through the apparatus to and then through an extrusion exit die and for during transport of the composition through the extrusion apparatus, mixing, shearing and compressing the composition. Additionally during the transport of the composition through the apparatus, the composition is cooled and air is injected into composition to obtain from the die a compressed, aerated, cooled composition which has a temperature of equal to or lower than −8° C.

Abstract: A misting system has a reservoir for containing water. Misting nozzles are in communication with the reservoir. Water is forced out of the reservoir and through the nozzles by compressed gas. The gas can be supplied in contact with the water by an external air cylinder. Alternatively, the gas can inflate a bladder or diaphragm located inside of the reservoir. The misting system is for use on vehicles of all types and can be located in the roof or ceiling of such vehicles. The misting nozzles can be located in the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing frozen aerated products includes the use of a device having two endless screws, identical and parallel, meshing with each other and turning in the same direction, located in a casing fitted at one of its ends with a nozzle and at the other with a device for feeding with composition to be frozen and, in an intermediate area, with a device for feeding with air, the casing being provided with a jacket in which refrigerating fluids circulate.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving tissues and organs, in particular of tissues and organs for transplantation, in which the tissue or organ to be treated is temporarily stored in a well-cooled state, in particular at a temperature in the range from -3.degree. C. to 3.degree. C., for a predeterminable time in an oxygen atmosphere, in a space which can be closed off in air tight manner, wherein the oxygen atmosphere is built up in the space which can be sealed off in air tight manner with a pressure which lies above the atmospheric pressure, and wherein the pressure in the closed space is kept at a pressure lying above the atmospheric pressure for the whole or the further period of intermediate storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the consistency and quality of a frozen carbonated beverage product made by mixing several ingredients including syrup, water and carbon dioxide in a mixing chamber of a frozen carbonated beverage machine. The apparatus includes a process flow block that controls the flow of the ingredients from ingredient supply sources to the mixing chamber. A pair of transducers are also provided for measuring the pressure of carbon dioxide being injected into the mixing chamber and the pressure of the product in the mixing chamber. A central processing unit communicates the measured pressures to an EPROM which employs an algorithm for determining a low set point pressure value and a high set point pressure value based upon the pressure of carbon dioxide being injected into the mixing chamber. A pair of solenoids are also provided which control the supply of the ingredients into the mixing chamber in response to command signals from the central processing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: An organ storage device permits both static storage and perfusion of an organ without removing the organ from an organ container. The organ storage device includes a contoured organ container. The organ container is stored and transported in an insulated temperature controlled static storage module. The container module is equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring the organ during storage and transportation. The container module is also equipped with an assembly for connecting the organ container to a perfusion module.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing a product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a liquid, a second inlet for receiving a fluid, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the serving of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: An in-line mixer for mixing gas and liquid.

Abstract: The frozen dessert machine of the present invention has an automated dispenser for controlling the portion size.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for moving a confectionery mixture having a predetermined ratio of air to fluid to a freezing cylinder comprises a multiple portion tube containing the confectionery mixture, an air meter for controlling the ratio of air to fluid in the mixture, and a peristaltic pump for pumping the confectionery mixture through the tube. The peristaltic pump is positioned between a reservoir and the freezing cylinder and the tube is routed through the pump to form a generally U-shaped trough. When the pump is idle, some of the confectionery mixture settles in the generally U-shaped tube to form a liquid which prevents air from back flowing from a pressure side to a suction side of the pump. Accordingly, the consistency of the confectionery product is maintained when the pump is idle. The peristaltic pump also includes a proximity switch which prevents the pump from operating until all of its movable parts are properly secured.

Abstract: A collection vessel and method of collecting gaseous and liquid phase collectible materials utilizes introduction of the collectible material directly into a liquid cryogenic material to provide complete condensation and a liquid-filled trap for collected gases within the liquid cryogenic material. This trap effectively eliminates escape of collected gases even though evaporated cryogenic materials may be vented and the collection vessel operated at atmospheric pressure. The performance of the vessel is thus improved and no freezing of the collected gases occurs at the inlet due to the warming of the inlet structure by the material being collected. Therefore, the collection of gases may be done at high speed and with simplified equipment. Completeness of condensation is assured by the use of a baffle of a preferably collapsible construction for retaining gases within the liquid cryogenic material until condensation is complete.

Abstract: A plant for preparing over-run ice-cream includes a freezing apparatus for freezing mix supplied to the freezing apparatus via a feeding pump, an air supply apparatus for adding air to the mix before the mix is fed to the freezing apparatus, a mix mass flow meter for determining the mass flow rate of mix prior to addition of air, a computer which controls the air supply apparatus dependent upon the mix mass flow measured. The air is intimately mixed with the mix by means of a mixing apparatus arranged immediately before the freezing apparatus. The product in completely or partly melted condition has a cream-like thick consistency and an increased percent over-run.

Abstract: An organ preservation apparatus including an organ-receiving chamber, a pulsatile pump in continuous uninterrupted liquid communication with the organ-receiving chamber, and a fluid delivery tube interconnected between the organ-receiving chamber and the pulsatile pump for passing the organ preservation fluid from the organ-receiving chamber to the pulsatile pump. The pulsatile pump is configured to pass an organ preservation fluid to the organ-receiving chamber in a dichrotic pulse pattern. The organ-receiving chamber has an outer box with an insulated interior area, an organ-receiving cassette removably contained within the insulated interior area, and a lid detachably fastened to the outer box. The pulsatile pump includes a bladder pump, a motor, and a cam connected to the motor. The cam is connected to an actuator so as to compress the bladder pump is a dichrotic pulse pattern.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, generally cylindrical, multi-compartmented device for disposition and support by the upper portions of a beer keg such that beer may be dispensed therefrom. The various compartments provide the space for the tapping, cooling and gas containment functions desirable in dispensing the like from a keg. In addition, the device can be used as a self-contained cooling container for picnics and the like.

Abstract: A counter with internal carbonated beverage dispenser is disclosed. A counter with a bottom platform, a refrigerating unit disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter, a mixing drum disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter, and a carbon dioxide cylinder disposed on the bottom platform and under the counter so that all of the unsightly components are hid under the counter.