Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for extruding, cut into strands, cooling, and chopping a ground food product. The system comprises a cooling unit, a conveyor belt urging the pieces through the unit, and a chopper for cutting the pieces exiting the unit. A cryogen source provides cryogen to the cooling unit. A feeder feeds the ground food product onto the conveyor belt adjacent an inlet of the unit. The feeder also extrudes the ground food product through a nozzle to place the stranded pieces onto the conveyor belt. A shear plate cuts the stranded pieces, while being extruded. A hydraulic system moves the shearing plate. The system is adapted to dispense cryogen to the cooling region at a rate sufficient to lower the temperature of the cut stranded pieces to a desired temperature when they exit the unit. A chopper cuts the extruded and stranded pieces immediately after freezing.

Abstract: A device for cooling products (12) contained in a transport system, comprises at least one lead-down duct with an upper and a lower portion, where the upper portion is arranged to be supplied with products from a feeder device (21), and where the lower portion comprises a product outlet (33). The device is characterized in that at least one lead-down duct (31) is connected at or near its upper portion with a supply channel (41) for air provided from an external air cooling device (61). The lead-down duct (31) is preferably terminated at the lower portion by a termination piece (34) with at least one discharge opening, connected with a ventilation duct (35), and the ventilation duct (35) is preferably directly or indirectly connected to the intake (62) for the cooling device (61). The invention also relates to a method for cooling products contained in a transport system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of reducing the temperature and increasing the moisture content of carcasses includes progressively introducing the carcasses into a body of heat-exchanging fluid in a tank having a curved bottom surface, oscillating a paddle in the tank along the curved bottom surface to upwardly and laterally urge the carcasses through the body of fluid, and axially propelling jets of heat-exchanging fluid through the body of fluid to axially urge the carcasses along the length of the tank toward an outlet end of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling or heating product by passing it through a tunnel in which gaseous heat transfer medium such as cryogen vapor or steam is impinged toward the product and then drawn away from the product in a manner that minimizes intersection with impinging medium.

Abstract: The chiller includes a semi-cylindrical tank (36) that conforms to the perimeter of its auger (38) so that the water can be raised to a water level (68) high above the auger shaft (44). Streams of water (84) are directed from the pulling side (80) across the lower portion of the tank beneath the auger shaft (44) to the dead side 82 of the tank at intervals along the tank so as to disperse the lower portion of the masses (23) of buoyant birds (22) from the more crowded pulling side (80) of the tank, beneath the auger shaft (44) toward the more vacant dead side (82) of the tank, thereby distributing the products more evenly throughout the tank and causing more water turbulence in the tank, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer from the birds and avoiding having the birds cross over the auger shaft moving backward in chiller into a following flight of the auger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling products to be cooled, said device comprising a carrier for products to be cooled, a housing, a coolant supply for supplying coolant into the housing, and at least one opening of the housing for supplying and extracting the product to be cooled. At least one channel is provided in the region of the opening for receiving the coolant, said channel being actively connected to a suction-side connection of a fan and comprising an inlet which is arranged outside the housing, adjacent to the opening thereof. Preferably, two channels are provided, said channels being arranged opposite each other, adjacent to the opening, and being embodied in such a way that essentially only heated, gaseous coolant, i.e. which has already fulfilled its cooling purpose, is carried off, while removal by suction of the coolant which has not yet received the heat quantity is prevented from the inside of the housing.

Abstract: An evaporator assembly and method of making the assembly wherein a refrigerant flow path is created that covers a large area of the back of either one or two evaporator pans. The refrigerant conduit includes a plurality of elongated sections that are non-circular, for example, rectangular, in cross-section. The sections are sized and spaced so as that refrigerant flow therethrough covers substantially all of the backs of the evaporator pans. The sections are formed with either tubes or ridges. The evaporator assembly is made by using bonding processes and/or die casting processes.

Abstract: A system for irradiating mail, comprising a device for conveying mail along a predetermined path and a device for irradiating the mail moving along the path with a beam of electrons. An apparatus for chilling the mail is provided along the path. The apparatus exposes the mail to a low-temperature, gaseous fluid created using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for maintaining perishable produce in a controlled environment has a novel air vent and damper system to provide optimal airflow within the apparatus to maintain and ripen perishable produce. An arrangement of seals within insulated compartments cooperate with the physical dimensions of palletized produce inserted therein to direct air flow therethrough to achieve optimal air flow characteristics. The air vent and damper system of the invention allows the apparatus to operate at peak efficiency regardless of the number of pallets present in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a horizontal push back cart system which does not interfere with the seal arrangement by using an elastic biasing means instead of prior art gravity feed methods. The self-contained apparatus can be used as a modular unit, and encompasses all the equipment necessary for installation while offering temperature stability, simplified maintenance requirements, and ultimately, precise control of ripening.

Abstract: Food products are frozen or cooled within a housing chamber defined by side walls between an ceiling and floor and having a cryogen supply, a food products conveyor extending into the chamber disposed between the ceiling and floor, by transporting the food products on the conveyor; the chamber containing at least one impingement hood disposed above the conveyor; the impingement hood including a shell including a top, opposed edges and opposed side walls supporting an impinger containing openings. Gas and solid or liquid cryogen are mixed within the impingement hood, the mixture of gas and cryogen are directed to the impinger, and impingement jets of the mixture are directed through an impingement plate onto the food products transported on the conveyor.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: In a method of cooling a tank molded from thermoplastic plastic material, a molded tank is received from a metallic die assembly at a temperature somewhat lower than a melting point of the plastic material, the molded tank is retained in a jig frame, and cooling water is sprayed onto an external surface of the molded tank. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of blowing cooling air into the tank substantially at the same time as spraying cooling liquid onto an external surface of the molded tank. Thus, the molded plastic tank can be removed from the metallic die assembly at a relatively high temperature, and the use efficiency of the metallic die assembly can be improved. Also, because the tank is not subjected to any pressure or buoyant force, it is prevented from undesirably distorting. In particular, by blowing cooling air into the tank, the tank can be cooled even more quickly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cooling a mass of a, for example, meat-, tissue-, vegetable- and/or fruit-containing substance in a container (2), in particular a mixer, blender or mill (3, 4), using liquefied nitrogen (N2) which is supplied in the lower region of the container (2) at a constant working pressure via at least one nozzle. The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are distinguished in that, during the cooling process and/or in stoppage times, the nitrogen is briefly supplied to the nozzle (7) or, via the latter, into the container (2) by means of at least one pressure pulse which is increased in relation to the working pressure. The pulsed supply of pressurized nitrogen blows blocked and/or iced-up nozzles (7) free again and thus advantageously ensures a more reliable operation of cooling a mass of a substance. The present invention is suitable, in particular, for use in foodstuff technology.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: Food products are frozen or cooled within a housing chamber defined by side walls between an ceiling and floor and having a cryogen supply, a food products conveyor extending into the chamber disposed between the ceiling and floor, by transporting the food products on the conveyor; the chamber containing at least one impingement hood disposed above the conveyor; the impingement hood including a shell including a top, opposed edges and opposed side walls supporting an impinger containing openings. Gas and solid or liquid cryogen are mixed within the impingement hood, the mixture of gas and cryogen are directed to the impinger, and impingement jets of the mixture are directed through an impingement plate onto the food products transported on the conveyor.

Abstract: A device and a method for cooling material exposes a material to a certain supply of cryogenic coolant using a conveying device. The configuration of the conveying device permits airtight packaging of the material and is designed according to a principle that is very similar to the paternoster conveying principle. The temperature in the device for cooling material can be set by metering devices for the cryogenic coolant. The airtight packaging of the material and the adjustable temperature setting provide an energy-efficient freezing unit with a small floor space requirement.

Abstract: A tunnel freezer having a metal belt for carrying product therethrough, wherein the weight of said belt is from 1 kg per square meter of surface area to 6 kg per square meter of surface area.

Abstract: A chiller comprises a vessel for coolant and an endless conveyor having transverse flights. The conveyor passes in a loop from one side to another of the vessel. An arrangement is provided to alter the path of the conveyor so as to shorten and lengthen the loop. In use, when the loop is lengthened articles are tumbled in the coolant by the flights, and when the loop is shortened articles are conveyed out of the vessel.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides food coolers the cooling, in particular deep freezing, of foods produced as moldings (3) comprising a refrigerating space (1) and a conveyor belt (2) for conveying the foods (3) through this refrigerating space (1). The conveyor belt (2) is assigned holding devices (6) for the defined positioning of the moldings (3) on the conveyor belt (2).

Abstract: A chiller comprises a vessel for coolant and an endless conveyor having transverse flights. The conveyor passes in a loop from one side to another of the vessel. An arrangement is provided to alter the path of the conveyor so as to shorten and lengthen the loop. In use, when the loop is lengthened articles are tumbled in the coolant by the flights, and when the loop is shortened articles are conveyed out of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly producing cryogenically frozen dessert particles is disclosed. The machine comprises a refrigerated mixer, a plurality of hoses connecting the refrigerated mixer to a filling head, a bath having a housing and a tank for liquid nitrogen, a bath belt rotatably engaged to the housing, a cluster cylinder rotatably engaged to the housing, and a delivery belt. The method of employing the apparatus comprises the steps of placing a mix into the refrigerated mixer, pumping the mix through the plurality of hoses into the filling head, allowing the mix to stream into liquid nitrogen in a tank in the bath, carrying the particles formed out of the liquid nitrogen by means of a conveyor belt, breaking up clumps of particles and transporting the particles to a channel guide for weighing and packaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for chilling food product, employing (A) cooling means comprising (1) a rotatable drum, (2) means in said drum for urging pieces through said drum, (3) cryogen dispensing means, and (4) means for rotating said drum; (B) feeding means which includes means for automatically sensing the mass flow rate at which said pieces are being fed into said inlet and for generating electrical signals corresponding to said rate; (C) electronic control means responsive to said signals and temperature inputs for preventing premature flow of cryogen and for automatically controlling the rate at which cryogen is fed so as to lower the temperature of said pieces to the desired exit temperature.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

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

Abstract: A device for making pellets of a material that can be made to solidify by changing its temperature having an endless belt (6) on which the material is placed at a feeding location and is conveyed along a processing path (7) to a guide roller (4) at a discharging location, and a member (2) for changing the temperature of the material on the belt (6) along the processing path (7). The endless belt (6) having a plurality of lamellae (9) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the belt, which are articulately juxtaposed and have at least one duct (11) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the belt without interruption between adjacent lamella and has, between the longitudinal edges of each lamella a ridge (13) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the belt of a height smaller than the depth of the duct (11).

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: A device (1) for calibrating cooling of an extruded synthetic profile (P) exhibits a water tank (2) through which coolant flows by means of coolant inlet and outlet pipes (5, 6), which water tank (2) extending longitudinally in the direction of extrusion is subdivided into single cooling chambers (4) by means of calibrating apertures (3) for the synthetic profile (P) spaced at a mutual distance in series in the direction of extrusion. To ensure effective cooling a coolant inlet pipe (5) discharges into each cooling chamber (4) and the cooling chambers (4) are each attached to a coolant outlet (6) by means of an outlet opening (12, 13).

Abstract: An apparatus has a brine tank that is subdivided into cooling cells each having a vertical carousel for submerging blocks of cheese. The cheese blocks are carried through an inlet flume by a flow of brine and then sequentially diverted into the cooling cells where the cheese blocks are loaded into the respective vertical carousel. After the cheese has cooled sufficiently, the brine flow carries the blocks of cheese out of the respective cooling cell. Movement of the cheese blocks and the carousels is controlled automatically, without human intervention. A unique fluid circulation system transfers chilled brine through the tank from a cooling cell containing the coldest cheese to cooling cells with successively warmer cheese blocks.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel system that includes a conveyor for carrying objects through a tunnel chamber. The conveyor enables a cooling fluid to pass therethrouqh and about the objects. A plurality of slot means feeds the cooling fluid to the conveyor means. Each slot means includes at least one aperture for enabling vapor flow onto and about the objects. A plenum adjacent the plurality of slot means distributes the cooling fluid. And at least one fan in the tunnel chamber causes a flow of the cooling fluid into the plenum and through the slot means with sufficient velocity to impinge upon and cool the objects and to recirculate the cooling fluid within the tunnel chamber.

Abstract: A method and a system for cooling a steel strip are disclosed. A high water volume mist cooler and a low water volume mist cooler are disposed along a direction in which the steel strip travels. The high water volume mist cooler sprays high water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, and then the low water volume mist cooler sprays low water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, thereby cooling the steel strip while suppressing the influence of transition boiling, to prevent the steel strip from having a temperature-nonuniform portion.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of two shield elements for a liquid cooling medium and arranged above a metal strip having a strip plane and a strip central plane extending transverse to the strip plane and intersecting the same along the strip central axis, with the two shield elements being located opposite each other with respect to the strip central plane and having each an adjustable component identical to the adjustable component of another of the two shield elements and adjustable transverse to the strip central plane, and with the method including providing an adjusting element connectable with the two shield elements for adjusting the same, and adjusting the adjusting element in the strip central plane; and a device for effecting the method.

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

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of products in a rotating drum employs nozzles to deliver a heat transfer fluid in a more efficient manner. The heat transfer fluid nozzles which are positioned around the interior of the rotating drum deliver the heat transfer fluid to the product in the drum when the nozzles are positioned under the product and prevent delivery of the heat transfer fluid when the nozzles are not under the product. This improves the efficiency of the heat transfer system substantially over known systems in which the heat transfer fluid is delivered continuously and a large portion of the heat transfer fluid is exhausted from the rotating drum before contacting the product. The heat transfer system also provides a self cleaning system for the nozzles which deliver the heat transfer fluid to the drum.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel system that includes a conveyor for carrying objects through a tunnel chamber. The conveyor enables a cooling fluid to pass therethrouqh and about the objects. A plurality of slot means feeds the cooling fluid to the conveyor means. Each slot means includes at least one aperture for enabling vapor flow onto and about the objects. A plenum adjacent the plurality of slot means distributes the cooling fluid. And at least one fan in the tunnel chamber causes a flow of the cooling fluid into the plenum and through the slot means with sufficient velocity to impinge upon and cool the objects and to recirculate the cooling fluid within the tunnel chamber.

Abstract: A device (1) for calibrating cooling of an extruded synthetic profile (P) exhibits a water tank (2) through which coolant flows by means of coolant inlet and outlet pipes (5, 6), which water tank (2) extending longitudinally in the direction of extrusion is subdivided into single cooling chambers (4) by means of calibrating apertures (3) for the synthetic profile (P) spaced at a mutual distance in series in the direction of extrusion. To ensure effective cooling a coolant inlet pipe (5) discharges into each cooling chamber (4) and the cooling chambers (4) are each attached to a coolant outlet (6) by means of an outlet opening (12, 13).

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling articles (4), especially articles being covered with a chocolate mass, includes a cooling channel (1) and a conveyer belt (2) for transporting the articles (4) through the cooling channel (1). The articles (4) in the cooling channel (1) are exposed to a temperature profile (31) extending approximately from the entrance (5) to the exit (6) of the cooling channel (1). A first cooling circuit through which a first cooling medium (14, 24) flows is connected to a first cooling stretch (12). The first cooling medium (14, 24) enters the first cooling stretch (12) in the middle region (11) of the cooling channel (1) at a first entering temperature (17, 30). A first temperature sensor (18, 25) is arranged in the region of the entrance (5) of the cooling channel (6) for sensing the temperature of the first cooling medium (14, 24).

Abstract: A device for cooling material chunks or grains, especially material consisting of multiple components, which are subsequently fed to a device for crushing said material, preferably on a selective basis. An example is electronic waste material intended for recycling. According to the invention, the material is placed into a cooling tank in a discontinuous manner and in separate portions. In at least part of the cooling tank, the material is cooled by means of a liquefied gas having a low boiling point and then removed from the cooling tank in a discontinuous manner. The invention notably allows for the targeted setting of the optimal temperature for the selective crushing of the material in question while at the same time optimizing the required quantities of cooling gas and energy and minimizing both manual labor and processing time.

Abstract: A plant for the treatment of food product. The plant comprises an apparatus for cooling food products by bringing the products into contact with a cryogenic fluid, a conveyor for introducing the products into the apparatus and for extracting the products from the apparatus, and a detector which determines at least one of (i) a value representative of the quality and (ii) the quantity of products treated by the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency in the freezing of delicate items of food in freezing tunnels of the conventional type, including a freezing tunnel (8) having a device (6 and 7) for providing a strongly cooled flow of air to act as a freezing agent, at least two or more endless freezing conveyor belts (2, 3, 4) and (5) supported therein, a movable feeding conveyor (1) and a transfer conveyor (9), where the items of food do not tolerate being dropped from the upper freezing conveyors (2, 3, 4) onto the bottom freezing conveyor (5) until they have gained sufficient stiffness to preserve a nondeformable shape; the method including placing delicate items of food on the upper freezing conveyors (2, 3, 4), one at a time by a moveable feeding conveyor (1), where the upper freezing conveyors are stopped in a fixed sequence.

Abstract: In cooler used for coating a product such as food with a uniform layer of a liquid coating material, the mass of the product is measured either in the cooling chamber or just before it is introduced into the cooling chamber; the mass of a liquid cryogen which will suffice, when introduced into the cooling chamber and into contact with the product, to reduce the temperature of the mass of product to a first predetermined temperature below the melting point temperature of the coating material is calculated; the introduction of the calculated mass of liquid cryogen into the cooling chamber is controlled and the product is thereby cooled to the first predetermined temperature prior to application of a predetermined mass of coating material onto the cooled product to provide a coating thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cryogenic rheological modification of tree nuts and other shelled foodstuffs wherein brief cryogenic exposure facilitates further processing, particular shell removal. Nuts from a bin (12) of conditioned nuts are transported by a conveyor (14) to a cryogenic dip (16). The nuts are then conveyed by a conveyor (18) to a cracker feeder chain (20) to a cracker unit (22).

Abstract: A method and a system for cooling a steel strip are disclosed. A high water volume mist cooler and a low water volume mist cooler are disposed along a direction in which the steel strip travels. The high water volume mist cooler sprays high water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, and then the low water volume mist cooler sprays low water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, thereby cooling the steel strip while suppressing the influence of transition boiling, to prevent the steel strip from having a temperature-nonuniform portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling extruded profiles (2) comprising slotted air nozzles (6U, 6O) arranged above and below the extruded profile moving on an exit runway (1) and oriented transversely to the direction of movement of the profile, and water impingement nozzles (12) for impinging the extruded profile with water, wherein the water impingement nozzles are arranged separately from the slotted air nozzles (6U, 6O) in tubes (12) oriented in the direction of movement of the profile such that the impingement portions of the individual water impingement nozzles (12) supplement to achieve a homogenous impingement of the extruded profile (2).

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a hot, moving metal strip by means of laminar coolant jets consists of at least one water box (3) located across the direction of strip travel, into which at least one coolant supply line (4) leads and from which a plurality of coolant discharge lines (5) arranged at a distance from one another depart. In order to ensure that uniform flow conditions occur in the coolant jets during operation, particularly also during the starting and stopping phases of the cooling device, and to reliably prevent uncontrolled continued coolant flow, a shut-off device (6) is allocated to each coolant discharge line (5).

Abstract: A process for in-line partial or complete freezing of products inside an enclosure comprising the steps of: introducing the products into the enclosure on a conveyor comprising an upper run and a lower run, the upper run including an upper face and a lower face; impregnating the conveyor with a cryogenic liquid by spraying the cryogenic liquid on the lower face of the upper run of the conveyor; bringing the product into contact with the conveyor and partially or completely freezing the product by heat transfer between the product and the cryogenic liquid retained in the structure of the conveyor; monitoring the impregnation of the conveyor; regulating the spraying of cryogenic liquid depending on the result of the monitoring. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for freezing a surface layer of food product (6), placed on a non-foraminous conveyor belt (7) wherein cold air in the form of jets is blown towards the underside of the non-foraminous conveyor belt. The apparatus for carrying out the method comprises, in addition to the non-foraminous conveyor belt (7), a plurality of stationary nozzles (14) for producing jets towards the underside of the non-foraminous conveyor belt in an area which extends over the width of the non-foraminous conveyor belt.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: Process for controlling the rate of gas extraction of a gas extractor for an enclosure of a cryogenic apparatus comprising a cryogenic fluid feed and an internal atmosphere, the apparatus being in contact with an ambient medium, comprising the steps of:measuring the content (m.sub.02) of the internal atmosphere of the enclosure in terms of a gas of the ambient medium;defining a target content (u.sub.02) for the measured content;calculating the rate of gas extraction (r.sub.c) of the extractor as a function of the measured content (m.sub.02) so as to maintain this content substantially equal to the target content (u.sub.02); andoperating the extractor on the basis of the calculated rate of gas extraction (r.sub.c).