Abstract: In order to meter carbon dioxide snow, a storage container has an output unit, which comprises: an output opening, which is arranged laterally in the bottom region of the storage container; and a horizontally movable sliding element, which cooperates with the output opening. In order to fill the storage container with carbon dioxide snow, at least two snow horns are provided on the storage container, in which snow horns liquid carbon dioxide is converted into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and carbon dioxide gas. The mouth openings of the snow horns point toward each other at least in one direction component so that the material flows exiting therefrom are directed at least partially toward each other. This facilitates the separation of snow and gas and increase the efficiency of the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for shaping ingots of ice. Devices may include a support structure, a mold for shaping ice ingots, the mold being mounted to the support structure. The devices may also include a first upper platen assembly disposed above a first lower platen assembly, a first positioning means, and at least one liquid inlet valve for each of the first upper platen assembly and the first lower platen assembly.

Abstract: A medical contact shock freezer adapted for fast freezing a plurality of individual bags containing a medical liquid has the contact surface of its upper freezing plate arranged at an angle of at least 2° to the horizontal.

Abstract: A medical contact shock freezer (10) adapted for fast freezing a plurality of individual bags (41-43, 51-53) containing a medical liquid, the individual bags being arranged side by side, adjacent to each other, in which the contact shock freezer comprises a pair of freezing plates comprising an upper freezing plate (21) and a lower freezing plate (22), at least one of the upper and lower freezing plates of the pair being moveable to define i) a loading position in which sufficient separation is provided between the freezing plates to load or unload the individual bags between the freezing plates and ii) a freezing position in which each individual bag is in contact with and is clamped between a contact surface of the upper freezing plate and a contact surface of the lower freezing plate; and in which, in its freezing position, the contact surface of the upper freezing plate is arranged at an angle of at least 2° to the horizontal.

Abstract: A method for grasping a row of multiple separate blocks of frozen food originating from a plate freezer, the row extending in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the plate freezer, includes the steps of grasping the row of blocks along its opposing lateral edges by closing a clamp (1) having two grasping elements (2, 20) that extend along the opposing lateral edges of the row, wherein at least one of the grasping elements along its length includes multiple separate pinching elements (4, 40), each element for pinching one or more of the blocks, the pinching elements being individually movable with respect to the at least one grasping element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this grasping element, the method further including adjusting the lateral position of each pinching element when closing the clamp, by individually moving each pinching element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel kit, transportable apparatus and method for generating in-situ CO2 snow block within the apparatus. An item such as a biological sample can be stored and transported within the same apparatus that is employed for creating the CO2 snow block. The apparatus is capable of preserving the sample during transport. The invention also includes a specially designed CO2 snow charger system including a charger and meshed conduit. The charger system is operated in accordance with the methods of the present invention to create the in-situ CO2 snow block within a container that can be also used for transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate freezer comprising a stack of freezer plates (1), each freezer plate having a first and a second surface (2,3), surrounding a hollow interior through which a coolant may be circulated, where each freezer plate is provided with one or more apertures (10,11), where one or more continuous rods (12,13) is/are inserted through overlapping apertures in the stack of freezer plates, where each rod in a first end is provided with actuator means (20,21), and where engagement members (14) are arranged in communication with one or more rods, where said engagement members may be in a locked position with the rod such that the rod and engagement members move at the same time or an unlocked position where the rod moves relative to the engagement member.

Abstract: A method of separating solids from a slurry or suspension is disclosed. The method includes: providing a slurry or suspension containing solids and liquid to an input port of a first side of a filter, the filter providing a filtering size between 2 microns and 70 microns; providing a liquid discharge port on a second side of the filter which receives the liquid that passes through the filter; and separating the solids from the liquid by pressing the solids into a pressure regulating solids discharge port on the first side of the filter, thereby compacting solids on the first side of the filter, forcing at least some of the liquid of the slurry or suspension through the first side of the filter to the second side of the filter causing pressure regulated solids to be discharged through a pressure regulating solids discharge port into a pressurized chamber.

Abstract: A method of cooling foodstuff comprises immersing at least one perforated container containing foodstuff into an ice slurry bath for a period of time sufficient to allow ice slurry to enter the at least one perforated container and then subsequently removing the at least one perforated container from the ice slurry bath. Various apparatuses for cooling foodstuff are also provided.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid or semiliquid foodstuffs, includes a heat-adjustment system including a thermal circuit within which a thermal fluid circulates. The thermal circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, an evaporator, and a control unit configured for determining a main parameter (SH) representative of instantaneous overheating of the thermal fluid coming out of the evaporator. A reference parameter (SHset) is determined as a function of a predetermined value (SHmin), and of an auxiliary value (DT) depending on a variation in time of the temperature (Tout) of the fluid coming out of the evaporator, and of the saturation temperature (Tsat) of the fluid coming out of the evaporator. An electric command signal (S) for the valve is generated as a function of a comparison between the main parameter (SH) and reference parameter (SHset).

Abstract: Provided is an ice maker that includes a mold including a plurality of cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces, a driver operatively connected to the mold for adjusting a position of the mold to a plurality of different locations during an ice making cycle, and a controller. A limit switch is located at a plurality of different positions along a range of travel of the mold to be actuated and transmit a signal indicative of the mold's arrival at the different locations. The mold can travel along path including first portion having a first axis of rotation and a substantially vertical portion, and can be driven by a motor with a drive shaft rotatable about a single axis of rotation. The motor can drive both the mold and a bail arm, and the mold can be leveled upon reaching a predetermined location. The ice maker can perform a Dry Cycle in response to detecting an anomaly during ice making.

Abstract: Provided is an ice maker including a mold with two or more cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces. A bracket defines a track establishing a range of travel of the mold during an ice making cycle and a removable pin projects outwardly from the mold, extending into the track defined by the bracket to support the mold within the ice maker. The mold can be provided with a partition separating the cavities, the partition including an aperture for establishing a substantially-even water level in the cavities below the partitions.

Abstract: An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled.

Abstract: Various embodiments for an apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sample container for receiving an excised tissue sample and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A chuck with a generally planar surface can be placed on the sample container during the freezing process joining the chuck, tissue specimen, and sample container base in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container can be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of tissue flatness and freezing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice cube maker and with conveying means for conveying the ice cubes, wherein the conveying means are configured such that they are operable in different conveying directions.

Abstract: A method of packaging and freezing food substance comprising shaping of a plate of unfrozen food substance and subsequent packaging and freezing of the unfrozen plate of food substance, and wherein a carton packaging is used for packaging the unfrozen plate of the food substance that comprises a substantially rectangular bottom panel with two opposed, long side panels and two opposed, short end panels and a substantially rectangular cover panel, wherein the cover panel and the bottom panel are preferably connected to each other via one of the short end panels; wherein the unfrozen plate of food substance is arranged directly on the bottom face of the carton packaging, following which the cover panel of the carton package is closed over the bottom panel, such that the unfrozen plate of food substance is enclosed completely by the bottom panel, cover panel and side panels of the carton packaging, and following which the carton packaging containing the unfrozen plate of food substance is arranged in a freezer wi

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing of a biopharmaceutical material includes a cavity for receiving a container for holding the biopharmaceutical material. Further included are at least a pair of opposed surfaces facing the biopharmaceutical material holding container. At least one of the opposed surfaces includes a moveable contacting surface configured to contact the container to inhibit a clearance between the container and the movable contacting surface. Also included is at least one heat transfer surface which is thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical material holding container when the moveable contacting surface contacts the container. Also, the cavity may be configured to receive a frame for supporting the container holding the biopharmaceutical material. Further, the system may include a driver to move the frame holding the container inside the cavity.

Abstract: A method and device for forming slabs of dry ice is shown. A dry ice extruding machine has been modified with a die that has a slot for extruding a slab of dry ice therethrough. The slot is blocked until a puck is formed in an end of a forming chamber of the dry ice extruding machine. The block is then removed and dry ice extruded to a desired length and then broken to give a slab of dry ice. The last step is repeated over and over as the extruded portion reaches the desired length to give the number of slabs wanted.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the cooling of a product stream, wherein the product stream is a livestock feed product, is disclosed. The system has a reduction station and a conveyor system with a conveyor belt routed through the reduction station. The conveyor belt is used to transport the product stream through the reduction station. The reduction station increases the surface area to volume ratio of the product stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are each movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. Each platform includes a series of cryogenic discs equipped with a channel system having a series of radial channels communicating with a peripheral channel for circulation of a cryogenic fluid within the disc structure. The radial channels each include a series of circumferential fins for causing turbulent flow of the cryogen and further increasing heat transfer. The discs have a circumferential seal. The discs may include a radially extending peripheral flange, which serves to reduce disc thickness and thermal mass. The flange may extend selectively to alter the circular shape of the disc. The upper surfaces of the rotating platform discs may have a convex configuration.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making dry ice pellets having plural pressing chambers, each pressing chamber is provided with a movable piston for compressing carbon dioxide into solid state and for pressing the solid carbon dioxide through a perforated plate disposed at the end of the pressing chamber. Through connecting rods, the pistons in the pressing chambers are connected with a common crankshaft driven by a motor. The pressing chambers are provided with an inlet for supplying the carbon dioxide in fluid state and with outlet for carbon dioxide in gaseous state. In this way a very compact construction is achieved which is suited for mobile units, particularly dry ice blasting units.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick freezing tissue specimens has the advantage of precise predictable embedding orientation. The apparatus includes embedding wells, chucks and over-chuck cooling blocks. Additional components include a cooled cutting board, freezing plate griddle and elevated freezing block. Tools created to use with the system include a dislodging bar, a spatula/pry tool, a dispensing slide and a flattening tool. The combination of these elements function at −25 to −30 degrees C. to precisely prepare tissue specimens for frozen sectioning. The apparatus can be cooled and adapted by several methods: (1) as a stand-alone bench top cryoembedding station refrigerated by compressor and Peltier devices: (2) as modular portable units cooled in a separate refrigeration device such as a cryostat or freezer; and (3) built into cryostat work chambers as part of the internal embedding center.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of pH modified foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff . One preferred pH modifying arrangement includes a supply of NH3 gas (11) and a pump (9) for placing the comminuted foodstuffs to be processed and the NH3 gas together under an operating pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the pH of the foodstuffs.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an amorphous tissue specimen into a cooled block while preserving the anatomical orientation of the specimen includes a base assembly, a system of magnetic movable wall units and a cover which may be intercoupled to form an enclosed specimen cavity. The wall units each include a hinged panel at one end, so that the wall units may be adjustably intercoupled to form various planar surfaced shapes, such as a rhomboid or eccentric block form. Each wall unit also includes a reservoir for a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen for cooling the enclosed specimen to an optimal temperature for tissue cutting. The base is equipped with orientation indicia and temperature sensors. A synthetic resin may be applied to the specimen-contacting surfaces of the form in order to facilitate release of the cooled specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for producing carbon dioxide blocks is disclosed having a formation unit (14) which forms carbon dioxide blocks from carbon dioxide pellets conveyed to the formation unit (14). The formation unit includes a cylindrical hopper (17) having a floor (18) with a pair of openings (19) therein, a reciprocating sizing plate (23) positioned directly below the hopper (17) having a pair of sizing chambers (33) therein, a reciprocating forming plate (25) positioned below the sizing plate having a pair of forming chamber (38) therein, a flooring plate (26) positioned below the forming plate, and a conveying trough (27) positioned below the flooring plate. Furthermore, the unit also includes a hydraulic forming press (29) and a hydraulic ejection press (30).

Abstract: A container that may be closed all around is useful for deepfreezing suspensions of living cellular materials kept in elastic bags. The container has two plane-parallel thin-walled metallic plates (14, 16) secured in swivellingly interconnected frame halves (20, 22). When the frame halves (20, 22) are superimposed, the plates (14, 16) secured therein are arranged with parallel faces at a slight defined distance from each other and form an intermediate cavity (12) in which the bag is placed. When the container is closed, the plates (14, 16) press the bag arranged inside (12) the container and flatten it until it has a small defined thickness. A microporous layer (30) that considerably increases heat transfer to the coolant that surrounds the container is secured to the outer side of plates (14, 16) by an adhesive layer. Furthermore, since the homogeneously flattened bag has a high surface/volume ratio and is pressed until it has no folds or bulges, the cellular material may be quickly and controllably cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing ice vessels. Ice masses produced by ice making machine 3 is crushed to pieces by ice crusher 1. Then, the ice pieces are fed from an outlet chute 2A of the ice crusher 1 to one of female dies 12, which are provided on an endless conveyor 11. A plurality of male dies 15 are integrally provided around an outer periphery of a rotary plate 31. With the intermittent movement of the conveyor 11 and the rotation of the rotary plate associated therewith, the male dies 15 are sequnetially inserted into the female dies 12 to mold ice vessels A, which are then transported to a terminal side 11A, where they are detached from the female dies 12 by a collecting plate 21 and then transported thereon. According to the invention, there can be provided an apparatus which can make ice in proper quantities and is suited for mass production of ice vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing ice vessels. Ice masses produced by ice making machine 3 is crushed to pieces by ice crusher 1. Then, the ice pieces are fed from an outlet chute 2A of the ice crusher 1 to one of female dies 12, which are provided on an endless conveyor 11. A male die 15 provided adjacent the ice crusher 1 is lowered to be depressed to the female die 12, thus molding ice vessel A. The molded ice vessels A are then transported in sequence to a terminal side 11A, at which they are detached from the female die 12 by a collecting plate 21 and then transported. According to the invention, there can be provided an apparatus which can make ice in proper quantities and is suited for mass production of ice vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for automatically producing ice vessels. A male die 21 is provided opposite to a female die 11. A bottom surface of the female die 11 is formed with a through-hole 15, in which is provided a reciprocating body 17. The body 17 is capable of being raised or lowered by cylinder 18. Above one side of the female die 11 is provided a chute box 31 having an outlet port 32 facing the female die 11. Above the other side of the female die 11 is provided carrier arms 41 movable toward or away from the female die 11. An ice pieces equalizer 28 is provided above the female die 11. Ice pieces I are accommodated into the female die 11 with the body 17 protruding from the bottom surface thereof. Then, the body 17 is lowered to form a sinking. After that, an ice vessel is molded by depressing the male die 21. The body 17 is raised again for removal of the molded ice vessel A. Owing to the equalizer 28, surplus amount of ice pieces in the female die 11 are removed prior to molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick freezing tissue specimens includes a base supporting a linear motion platform and a rotational motion platform. Each of the platforms includes a plurality of discs for covering and receiving respectfully specimen to be frozen. Each of the discs includes a chambers positioned to very quickly and rapidly disperse cryogenic fluid therein and convey away evaporated gases therefrom. The discs are flow connect to a cryogenic fluid source such as a liquid nitrogen tank and a vacuum is drawn on the gaseous side system by a vacuum pump. The discharge of the vacuum pump is returned to the cryogenic tank such that the vacuum pump both draws the cryogenic fluid through the system and pressurizes the tank so as to motivate the fluid through the system. A rotational column with a cryogenic junction conveys the cryogenic fluid to and from the platform that rotates. The junction is constructed of axially connected and rotatable quartz tubing.

Abstract: An extruder and methods for converting pressurized liquid CO.sub.2 feed into dry ice pellets of predetermined shape and size, wherein the CO.sub.2 snow formation, CO.sub.2 snow compaction, and dry ice pellet extrusion phases occur simultaneously to achieve production rates on the order of 700-1000 lbs/hr. The increased production rates are achieved utilizing sintered plastic filter media to provide enhanced removal of CO.sub.2 gas from the CO.sub.2 snow formation chamber.

Abstract: A new METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING A SMALL BLOCK OF SOLID CARBON DIOXIDE is disclosed and described. The new method and apparatus is comprised of an electrical solenoid operated liquid fill valve, a dry ice block forming chamber having porous walls and/or lining attached to or forming its walls, a hydraulic cylinder and ram, a hydraulic pump assembly, a dry ice block forming chamber door, an electronic solenoid operated pneumatic valve, a pneumatic cylinder and ram, and a digital electronic microcontroller. A pressurized cryogenic Dewar-type tank containing liquefied carbon dioxide provides the cold carbon dioxide input fluid to this invention.In operation, liquid carbon dioxide is forced out of the pressurized Dewar-type tank to form carbon dioxide snow, with said snow being deposited into a dry ice block forming chamber having porous walls and/or lining attached to or forming its walls.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces on flexible freezer bags containing freezable materials so that upon freezing the packages are readily stackable one above another. The apparatus includes a rigid base plate having a planar top surface, a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced column members extending upwardly from the top surface of the base plate, and a plurality of rigid, intermediate plate members adapted to be slidably carried along the surfaces of the column members so that the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate plate members are substantially parallel with the planar top surface of the base plate. Bags having fluid or semi-solid, flexible contents to be frozen are positioned one above another between respective intermediate plate members for freezing. After freezing the bags have opposed, parallel upper and lower surfaces that facilitate stacking the bags on a horizontal freezer shelf.

Abstract: An extruder for converting pressurized liquid CO.sub.2 feed into dry ice pellets of predetermined shape and size, wherein the CO.sub.2 snow formation, CO.sub.2 snow compaction, and dry ice pellet extrusion phases occur simultaneously to achieve production rates on the order of 700-1000 lbs/hr. The compacted CO.sub.2 snow may be in the form of a solid cartridge or irregularly shaped solids, and such compacted particles may constitute an end product by themselves. The increased production rates are also achieved by enhanced removal of CO.sub.2 gas from the CO.sub.2 snow formation chamber, and use of a bidirectional internal regeneration cylinder to provide compactive force. The extruder is portable, since it only weighs approximately 1000 lbs., can be powered with a non-stationary energy source, and may be used to remanufacture partially sublimated dry ice solids into extruded dry ice pellets of a predetermined shape and size.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for quickly freezing the surface of certain loaf-shaped products prior to slicing. The apparatus of the invention includes a heat exchanger having a shaped contact surface thereon. The heat exchanger is positioned to hold and support a food loaf and refrigerant is circulated continuously therethrough to provide the contact surface at a fairly constant temperature. A retractable clamp applies pressure to the opposite side of the food loaf to compress the loaf against the refrigerated contact surface and thereby accelerate the crusting cycle. After a short cycle time of between about 30 and about 90 seconds, the clamp can be retracted and the loaf can be ejected onto a slicer feed for subsequent slicing thereof. In a second embodiment, the clamp is provided as a second heat exchanger to compress the food loaf against the contact surface of the first heat exchanger while simultaneously crusting at least one of the opposing sides of the loaf.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating food under isostatic high pressure applied by a liquid pressure medium which comprises a high-pressure vessel forming therein a treating chamber in which food is placed, a pressure medium tank adjacent to said high-pressure vessel, pipes to deliver a pressure medium from said pressure medium tank to said treating chamber, and a cooling device to hold therein the high-pressure vessel and the pressure medium tank and to cool the high-pressure vessel and the pressure medium tank simultaneously.

Abstract: A unique automated and comprehensive through-the-wall waste handling and storage system for treating organic and inorganic waste generated in a building of interest is disclosed in which waste to be discarded is loaded into a through-the-wall system from one side of a wall of the building of interest, stored in a container, and removed from the container on the other side of the wall of the building of interest. The container of the invention includes space conditioning refrigeration system and contemplates embodiments of an integrated waste handling and storage system which accommodate all types of waste and many levels of automation and which also eliminate many prior art sanitation and sorting problems associated with the handling and the storage of waste prior to disposal.

Abstract: A method and an automatic plate freezer for freezing food products in boxes or trays, or in containers of low mechanical strength and therefore being deformable, or of nonparallelepiped shape.Such boxes or containers are frozen in a plate freezer within which a moisture-free atmosphere is maintained together with dehumidified cold air circulation. Jets of dehumidified cold air are fed under the base of the containers in the container loading/discharge station to form an air cushion between the upper surface of the plate at rest in the station and the base of the containers, which can thus be easily thrust forward directly by other successively loaded containers insofar as the resistance to the movement of the containers along the plate is very low.

Abstract: A thermal transport device having a hollow within which a plasma storage freezer is deployed. The freezer acts as a cold "battery" by having a eutectic fluid contained therewithin. The freezer is placed in a commercial, powered refrigeration unit for chilling ("charging") the eutectic fluid of the plasma storage freezer to approximately -30.degree. C. The freezer is then deployed within the thermal transport device and sent to a remote locale for collecting blood plasma. Blood plasma is disposed between a central heat sink and lateral heat sinks of the freezer freezing the blood plasma quickly and maintaininig its initial high quality because of negligible time loss for freezing. Ultimately, the device is returned to a commercial powered refrigeration unit for ("recharging") rechilling the eutectic fluid for subsequent reuse.

Abstract: An unique automated and comprehensive through-the-wall trash handling and storage system and process which are disclosed in material to be discarded is loaded into a through-the-wall system from within and picked up by a hauler from outside an associated building. The invention contemplates embodiments of an integrated trash handling and storage system which accommodates all types of trash and many levels of automation and eliminates many of the prior art problems associated with sorting and sanitation in the handling and the storage of trash prior to disposal.

Abstract: An ice block press device (10). The press (10) includes a compression chamber (12) into which raw ice particles (20) are fed through an opening (82). A ram (16) is employed to urge ice particles (20) deposited through an input chute (18), through the opening (82) into the compression chamber (12). The ram (16) cyclically reciprocates to push the particles (20) into the chamber (12). As additional amounts of raw ice are urged into the chamber (12), a compacted volume of accumulated ice begins to extend through the opening (82) outside the chamber (12). When this occurs, the ram (16) is precluded from achieving its fully extended position. Upon sensing this condition, a knife (80) is driven to cut the block to a uniform length.

Abstract: A freezing plant consists of a row of plate freezers (1, 2, 3, and 4), a feeding conveyor (5) and a removing conveyor (6). Each of the plate freezers (1, 2, 3, and 4) has a stack of freezing plates and means for stepwise lifting the stack in such a way that interspaces may be provided between the plates for filling and emptying the interspaces. Supporting means serve to support the at any time lowermost plate of the upper part of the stack at the upper limit of the interspace and releasable support means serve to support the at any time uppermost plate of the lowermost part of the stack at the lower limit of the interspace. The disengageable and releasable supporting means are adapted to release the stack for lowering the stack after positioning of the product to be frozen upon each freezing plate.

Abstract: A freezer comprises an insulated housing with two opposite walls defining an interior chamber therebetween, the walls respectively defining a charging opening and a discharge opening for respectively charging products to be frozen into the interior chamber and discharging the frozen products from the interior chamber, and a stack of horizontal freezer plates arranged in the interior chamber. Vertical screw jacks vertically displace the stack of freezer plates whereby they are successively moved to the level of the openings.

Abstract: Automatic freezer with horizontal refrigerating plates that continuously apply pressure on a product being frozen, in which a series of plates held between a bottom and a top frame linked through rods: with lifting and lowering the above plates in order to position each of them, one after the other, in correspondence with an infeed opening where the product is loaded. The above plates are caught and kept due to double supports, in a proper position corresponding to such opening while maintaining the level of the plate being loaded, even while forces are applied on the plates below it for lowering them. Such forces are applied on the plate below the one being loaded in order to transfer their action on the remaining plates below and also, through the rods, on the plates above the one being loaded, thus obtaining pressure on all product positioned between the plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dividing parallelipipedic blocks 1 of deep frozen foodstuffs and feedstuffs into smaller parallelipipedic units (slabs). Disposed below a conveying path 8 for the blocks 13 to be divided is another conveying path 3 having a conveying direction T2 opposite to the conveying direction T5 of the first conveying path. Disposed above and below the first conveying path 8 are multi-blade circular saws 12, 16 which subdivide the supplied blocks 13 into slices. Associated with the top circular saw 12 is an interception and applicator unit 14, 15 for the material cut up by the circular saw 12. The material cut up by the circular saw 16 is intercepted by the blocks 12 conveyed under the circular saw 16. Associated with a deflecting unit 4 for the blocks 1 disposed between the bottom conveying path 3 and the top conveying path 8 is a dimensioning unit 11 preceded by a once-through freezing chamber 10.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) solid discs (dry ice) are produced from liquid carbon dioxide injected into an extrusion cylinder in which the extrusion piston compresses dry snow and extrudes it through a fixed die, thereby producing pellets of dry ice which are fed by gravity into a forming cylinder chamber in which is operated a hydraulic cylinder compresses the pellets into discs. The operation is controlled by switches and hydraulic system.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of compression-solidified snow comprises a pressure chamber with a rust preventive inner face, a pressure head for applying pressure to snow, a boost-typed pressure cylinder installed at one end of the pressure chamber and equipped with the pressure head, a hopper having an inner face which allows snow to slide thereon smoothly, and a pusher installed in a snow compression zone at the other end of the pressure chamber. A method of compressing snow into solidified snow lump is characterized in that snow having a temperature of 0.degree. to -30.degree. C. is compressed and formed with a pressure of 10 to 200 kg/cm.sup.2 at a head displacement velocity of 0.1 to 150 mm/sec for pressure holding time of 0.about.300 seconds into a solid having a density of 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of spherical portions of ice-cream. The apparatus includes means forintroducing an ice-cream mixture having a creamy consistency into a hemispherical lower mould in a sufficient quantity to fill the mould and form a protruding cap having the same volume as that of the mould;means for smoothing the protruding cap into the shape of a hemisphere being a smoothing tool comprising a portion of the generatrix of a hemisphere which describes on rotation a hemispherical shape;means for freezing the completed sphere of ice-cream; andmeans for removing the sphere of ice-cream from the mould.The smoothing tool has the shape of a hemisphere, onto the crown of which there is fastened an extension piece, its generatrix being perforated in between some remaining segments.

Abstract: A freezing apparatus capable of chilling articles to be chilled or frozen by chilling each article substantially from the entire surface thereof through contact freezing for quick chilling or freezing. The freezing apparatus comprises a rotary chilling plate disposed in a horizontal position for rotation about a vertical axis, an annular tube formed of a flexible sheet, placed over the rotary chilling plate so as to be in contact with the upper and lateral surfaces of each article placed on the rotary chilling plate, and adapted to be driven together with the rotary chilling plate about the same vertical axis, and a brine tank disposed under the rotary chilling plate so that chilly brine supplied therein flows along the lower surface of the rotary chilling plate as the same overflows the brine tank, and adapted to be rotated together with the rotary chilling plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ice comprising the steps of: supplying gas into a pressure-resistant vessel containing ice grains, the pressure of the supplied gas being kept increased; applying a press force to the ice grains to increase the density of the ice grains, contact portions of the ice grains being allowed to be melted; and cooling the ice grains, in the pressed state, to freeze the ice grains. Gas to be introduced into the vessel is at least one selected from those of air, oxygen and carbon dioxide. An apparatus used for the method is also provided.