Abstract: A turbulence inducing fan blows cold gaseous nitrogen through ducts disposed to either side of a conveyor carrying product to be frozen through a freezing tunnel. The cold gaseous nitrogen is deflected downwardly onto product on the conveyor by a baffle having, in cross section, the form of a cusp. The cold gaseous nitrogen forms two counter-rotating vortex. The cold gaseous nitrogen travels across the product and then passes into an intake cowl primarily via inlets disposed adjacent both edges of the conveyor. The intake cowl collects the cold gaseous nitrogen which is sucked into the intake of the turbulence inducing fan. This arrangement provides excellent heat transfer to the product being frozen.

Abstract: The invention includes a tunnel-conveyor section designed to process large-scale quantities of such materials as automobile tires for frangiation and embrittlement to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels for separation of fibrous and metal portions and subsequent granulation into fine-mesh particles. The system is also designed to subject food products to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels prior to for long-term storage and shipping as well. The system can also be used for freeze drying at very low temperatures (-380.degree. F. and lower) when nonconveyor procedures are used. The unit can be adapted as a horizontal-cylinder as well as a spiral or circular system for large-scale conveyor operations. Smaller systems can also be fabricated for laboratory or smaller-scale procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination immersion/impingement tunnel freezer. A solid conveyor belt moves the items to be frozen through an initial immersion section wherein the conveyor belt is immersed in a bath of liquid refrigerant. Subsequently, the conveyor belt moves the items to be frozen through an impingement section wherein the evaporated refrigerant from the immersion section is directed toward the solid conveyor belt at a high velocity and at an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention is a tunnel freezer which employs two distinct chambers for crust freezing the bottom surfaces of items to be processed without substantially refrigerating the remainder of the items. In this manner, the product is made ready for transfer to downstream operations without worry of sticking to belt surfaces. The present invention has application in setting the bottom surface of food items such as cookies, bakery items, caramel coated candies, taffy and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling plastic profiles, comprising: a trough for receiving a cooling medium through which the profile can be guided; at least one inflow opening for delivering cooling water into said trough; at least one outflow opening for leeding cooling water out of said trough; a device arranged as a self-sucking water pump for producing a pressure below atmospheric in said trough whose suction nozzle is in connection with the outflow opening for cooling water.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezing tunnel having a conveyer belt, insulated panels, each panel comprised of an inner metal surface layer, a wooden layer, a foam insulation layer, an outer metal surface layer, and tie pins connecting the outer and inner metal surface layers together, thereby, preventing void spaces between the inner metal layers and the wooden layers of the panels, which leads to ice build-up and bulging of the inner metal surface which forces collection pans and conveyer belt supports mounted on top the inner metal surfaces upward into the conveyer belt and consequently causes damage to the collection pans, conveyer belt supports, and conveyer belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling plastic profiles, comprising: a trough for receiving a cooling medium through which the profile can be guided; at least one inflow opening for delivering cooling water into said trough; at least one outflow opening for leading cooling water out of said trough; several guiding means arranged in said trough as separating walls which subdivide the trough into several sections in the longitudinal direction of the profile with first openings for calibrating the profile, and with further openings for producing a turbulent flow of the cooling water circulating between said inflow opening and said outflow opening.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a heating or cooling medium to a moving substrate which includes at least one continuous channel traversing at least a major portion of the width of the moving substrate for converting a multidirectional flow of the heating or cooling medium into a unidirectional flow, a device for removing and/or preventing the presence of foreign matter within the channel, and ovens and freezers employing the same.

Abstract: A cooling system, a cooling method utilizing the inventive cooling system, and a chicken product formed using the inventive method. The inventive cooling system comprises: (a) a tunnel-type cooler housing; (b) a first treatment zone provided in the housing for treating articles by injecting carbon dioxide into the first treatment zone toward the articles and by circulating carbon dioxide in the first treatment zone; (c) a second treatment zone provided in the housing for further treating the articles by injecting carbon dioxide into the second treatment zone toward the articles and by circulating carbon dioxide in the second treatment zone; and (d) a conveyor assembly for conveying the articles through the first and second treatment zones. The carbon dioxide injected into the second treatment zone impinges on the articles to a greater degree than does the carbon dioxide injected into the first treatment zone.

Abstract: Web cooling device where liquid is applied to both sides of a hot web to enhance cooling via evaporation of the liquid from the web.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for chilling a food product which includes a food distribution device having a pair of circular members including at least one spaced-apart partition defining a food receiving area; the circular members rotating to cause food delivered to the food product receiving area to fall into a food storage compartment in a uniform manner; and a cryogen releasing device connected to one of the circular members which uniformly distributes a cryogenic substance to the food product within the food storage compartment.

Abstract: According to the present invention, apparatus for freezing fragile food products is provided. The apparatus includes a first freezing section which includes a solid conveyor belt which is guided to provide an upper product receiving section and a lower section, which passes through a bath of cryogen so as to chill the surface of the belt. The first freezing section includes means to admit product onto the upper belt section and also includes means to move the product to an exit end of the upper belt section. A second freezing section is provided which is a spiral mechanical or cryogenic freezer. The first freezer has an entry end and an exit end. The entry end of the second freezing section is mated to the exit end of the first freezing section so as to receive product having a bottom frozen surface crust from the first freezing section.

Abstract: A freezer includes a conveyor belt within an enclosure. The conveyor belt is formed in an endless loop with top and bottom runs. Coolant is sprayed underneath the top run, and overspray is accumulated in a coolant bath through which the lower run passes to provide additional cooling.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary cooler with three regions. The regions are separated by baffles with holes, which provide a slowed laminar air flow. Each region has its own recirculation system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for freezing an article, such as a food according to which said article is contacted with the surface of a porous support which is impregnated with a cryogenic liquid. The invention also concerns a device for freezing an article including a conveyor of porous material, which is insulated by means of an enclosure as well as means for impregnating said conveyor with a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for distribution of cryogen across the width of a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving cryogen from a distribution manifold mounted axially within the housing. The distribution manifold is in fluid communication with a source of cryogen. The distribution manifold has a plurality of apertures for releasing cryogen into the interior of the housing. The housing has a slot extending across the length of the housing for distribution of a curtain of cryogen onto articles to be frozen.

Abstract: A tunnel freezer uses carbon dioxide snow to directly contact product carried on a conveyor belt passing through the freezer. Fans are provided above and below the upper conveyor belt run carrying the product, with the fans above and below having downwardly directed exhaust. Trough-shaped deflector plates are provided adjacent the lower fans to circulate a flow adjacent the underneath surface of the upper conveyor belt run. Preferably, circulation adjacent the upper conveyor belt run is generally parallel to the upper conveyor belt run, and turning vanes are provided to deflect the flow upwardly through the upper conveyor belt run. Freezers may be provided with one or more cooling zones arranged in series along the path of conveyor belt travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing particulate bodies, comprising a rotary member having a generally horizontal freezing surface, means for dispensing said bodies onto said surface, means for cooling the surface to a freezing temperature and means for collecting said bodies in at least peripherally frozen state from said surface. The particulate bodies may comprise food stuffs, such as prawns or cream, a pharmaceutical, a microbiological culture, or a puree. Liquified carbon dioxide and nitrogen are preferred for cooling.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for cooling harvested edible and non-edible plants and plant products with a cryogenic fluid wherein the plants and plant products are delivered to an on-site freezer which receives the cryogenic fluid and the cooled plants and plant products and at least a portion of the cryogenic fluid is sent to a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: Device for freezing products, comprising a vibrating trough (2) comprising a bottom wall (3) on which the products (9) to be frozen move in contact with a layer of liquefied gas (7). The bottom wall (3) has a pattern of alternating projecting and hollow parts. The projecting parts are distributed in a regular pattern and are in continuous registry with the hollow parts. The height (h) of the projecting parts does not exceed half the thickness (e) of the layer of liquefied gas. The projecting parts have a constant height (h). The bottom wall (3) is an embossed metal sheet, preferably of stainless steel.

Abstract: Process and device for freezing substances contained in a receptacle, in which the receptacle (4) is placed on a support (7) and is moved along the support in a path. The support is a conveyor, preferably a vibratory conveyor, and is maintained partially immersed in a liquefied gas (13). The level of the liquefied gas (13) does not exceed the height of the substance in the receptacle (4). The vibratory conveyor comprises a vibrating trough (1) having two opposed walls (9) defining between them a guide channel (3) for the receptacles (4) and, on opposite sides, a chamber (10) for distribution of liquefied gas. A device (11) provides liquefied gas to each chamber (10). The bottom (7) of the vibrating trough (1) is of embossed sheet metal.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus comprises a cooling chamber such as a freezing tunnel having a pipeline for introducing liquid nitrogen into it and an exhaust passage for cold nitrogen vapor. The exhaust passage extends through a rotary regenerative heat exchanger. Downstream of the heat exchanger is a fan operable to draw the exhaust gas through the heat exchanger. A second passage extends through the heat exchanger and is arranged for the flow therethrough of relatively warm air, whereby, in operation, the air is able to transfer heat to the exhaust gas in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A freezer system which partially freezes food products through conductive heat transfer with rotating contact freezers prior to complete freezing of the food products in an enclosed convection freezer. Food products sequentially contact outer surfaces of two rotating contact freezers, which partially freezes the food products to first and second predetermined depths. The partially frozen food products then enter an enclosed convection freezer for complete freezing. Partial freezing of the food products prior to a complete freeze of the food products provides for a greatly increased rate of production of high quality frozen food products.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rapidly crust or through freezing a particle by simultaneously moving the particle through a bath of cryogenic liquid and exposing the particle or portions of the particle not submerged in the liquid to a spray of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the refrigeration capacity a cooling operation that includes a mechanical refrigeration system is disclosed wherein the mechanical refrigeration system operates continuously and a cryogen is introduced into a mechanically refrigerated space only in the presence of heat load conditions that exceed the refrigeration capacity of the mechanical refrigeration system.

Abstract: An automatic in-feed conveyor system for use with an ice injector, having three sections of roller conveyors, a pallet shuttle, and sensors for detecting stacks of cartons and providing signals to a controller. The first conveyor section is a powered conveyor for receiving pallets loaded with cartons of produce. The second conveyor section positions a loaded pallet for insertion into the ice injector and supports the shuttle for inserting and retrieving the pallet into and out of the ice injector. The third conveyor is a discharge conveyor for moving the loaded pallet away from the ice injector. The second and third conveyors have catch basins for collecting the ice melt water from the loaded cartons and returning it to the ice injector.

Abstract: During conveying of frozen meat, the frozen meat is immersed in a first treating liquid, e.g. salt water, to thaw and wash the meat surface, and then the frozen meat is immersed in a second treating liquid, e.g. alkali, to provide a quality maintaining treatment.

Abstract: A canister for specimen holders, includes a receptacle (1) having an upper opening (50) and a rod (3) for supporting the receptacle. A cover (5), supported on a support (8) mounted on the rod (3), is displaceable between a first position, over the opening (50) and a second position freeing the opening. The support (8) is mounted by hooking (10, 11) on the rod (3). A manually releasable lock (18) releasably locks the cover (5) in its first position. The cover (5) is pivotally mounted on the support (8) about a pivot (14) whose axis is parallel to the rod (3).

Abstract: Food product chilling apparatus is afforded herein comprising an elongated water tank and a modular movable belt conveyer unit that carries warm food products through water for chilling. A superstructure and hoist system lifts the conveyor unit out of the water for servicing. Cooling water is recirculated and rechilled in a cooling method that controls the temperature of the efflux water from the cooling tank. The influx chilling water is distributed in a plurality of parallel flow paths incrementally chilling the product at various stations along the conveyor belt path to reduce the average cooling time for the processed products. By standardizing the efflux water temperature at the various stations at a few degrees Fahrenheit above the influx water, a thermally efficient cooling system is provided. Each of the cooling stations is provided with weir height control means to optimize the cooling rate along the length of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A freezing tunnel includes a longitudinally extending housing defining a cooling cavity containing a cooling atmosphere which progresses from one end of the tunnel to the other end. An endless mesh belt extends through the housing for carrying articles to be frozen. A shroud is located within the housing and extends transversely across the belt and terminating in edges which define an opening. The shroud defines an inner region and an outer region between the inner region and the housing and includes first and second longitudinally spaced shroud portions, each having respective apertures for allowing fluid communication between the inner and outer regions. Electrically driven fans direct the cooling atmosphere through the respective apertures and the opening and past the articles to be frozen.

Abstract: A method for fixing pieces by freezing which consists in fixing the pieces o be machined on an auxiliary support having good thermal conductivity, for example made of aluminium, by freezing onto an freeze vice on the copper plate of which there has previously been deposited a film of antifreeze liquid. The auxiliary support is fixed to the freeze vice by vacuum, by magnetism, or by any mechanical clamping. This method makes it possible to eliminate the operation and the time for thawing which, up until now, was required for removing the pieces to be machined from the freeze vice. The auxiliary support may be used as a transfer pallet on which the pieces are held by freezing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for freezing an article, such as a food according to which said article is contacted with the surface of a porous support which is impregnated with a cryogenic liquid. The invention also concerns a device for freezing an article including a conveyor of porous material, which is insulated by means of an enclosure as well as means for impregnating said conveyor with a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A freezer having a freezing compartment and a porous conveyor belt for conveying articles through the freezing compartment. A vaporizer is provided to vaporize a stream of liquid cryogen. Vaporized cryogen is directed against the belt as a plurality of jets to blow accumulated ice off the belt. The vaporizer is located within the freezing compartment so that the cooling potential of the cryogen is not wasted and the vaporizer can serve as a preferential condensation site for the moisture.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a heating or cooling medium to a moving substrate which includes at least one continuous channel traversing at least a major portion of the width of the moving substrate for converting a multidirectional flow of the heating or cooling medium into a unidirectional flow, a device for removing and/or preventing the presence of foreign matter within the channel, and ovens and freezers employing the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a workpiece, especially a continuous rolled non-flat workpiece includes a cooling passage having an inlet for receiving the workpiece and an outlet for discharging the workpiece, the cooling passage having a central axis and further including an inlet for introducing a cooling medium to the cooling passage, and an outlet for removing the cooling medium from the cooling passage, the cooling medium inlet being arranged relative to the central axis of the cooling passage so as to induce a substantially helical flow of cooling medium around the central axis from the cooling medium inlet to the cooling medium outlet, the cooling medium outlet including a chamber having an expanded flow area, whereby pressure and velocity of the cooling medium in the cooling passage are controlled so as to provide accelerated cooling of the workpiece.

Abstract: A conveying system for food processing such as cooling pouches of food discharged in a single line from a pouch filler including apparatus for rearranging the pouches in order to shorten the line. One apparatus is a right angle transfer device in which the pouches are discharged in a single line onto a belt array which is then dropped to allow an array of rollers to support the pouch and transfer its direction of motion. Another apparatus includes an array of rollers which move the pouch into a position forming a row of pouches which is then picked up by rollers and moved in a direction as a line of rows of pouches. Another apparatus is a belt system for supporting the row of pouches as it is being transferred from a downstream end of an upper conveyor to an upstream end of a lower conveyor thereby reversing the direction of motion of the pouches and allowing them to pass back through the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An automatic in-feed conveyor system for use with an ice injector, having three sections of roller conveyors, a pallet shuttle, and sensors for detecting stacks of cartons and providing signals to a controller. The first conveyor section is a powered conveyor for receiving pallets loaded with cartons of produce. The second conveyor section positions a loaded pallet for insertion into the ice injector and supports the shuttle for inserting and retrieving the pallet into and out of the ice injector. The third conveyor is a discharge conveyor for moving the loaded pallet away from the ice injector. The second and third conveyors have catch basins for collecting the ice melt water from the loaded cartons and returning it to the ice injector.

Abstract: Process for freezing a product in which said product is contacted with a film made of a liquefied gas of which the boiling point is below -30.degree. C., disposed at the surface of a vibrating support, and the frozen product is at least in part separated from said film of liquefied gas.Device for freezing a product including a vibration generator (7) connected to a support (2) at the surface of which there is disposed a film of liquefied gas (3) of which the boiling point is below -30.degree. C.

Abstract: A refrigeration immersion vessel primarily designed for direct immersion of comestibles into liquid chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) at approximate minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit is described wherein said vessel employs pairs of rotary vane valves with internal vacuum in communication with a closed system to recycle CFC vapors into said vessel while preventing atmospheric air from entering it, said vessel further utilizing different CFC from a source external of the vessel and of lower boiling point to maintain temperature of vessel reservoir refrigerant, said vessel also having condensers using the external CFC refrigerant for recondensing internal CFC vapors, controlling vessel reservoir temperature and temperature of vessel refrigerant storage outside said vessel, said vessel further comprising an inclined internal conveyor means and bottom for drainage by gravity of excess refrigerant into its reservoir.

Abstract: A belt travels forwardly upon the upper faces of a pair of laterally spaced, stationary sealing strips. Heat exchange liquid is sprayed against a bottom surface of the belt between the sealing strips to exchange heat with material traveling on the top surface of the belt. The upper faces of the sealing strips are provided with grooves which are inclined obliquely forwardly and inwardly so that moisture tending to migrate laterally outwardly along the belt bottom surface is returned inwardly by the grooves. Hold-down elements press downwardly against the top surface of the belt to press the belt bottom surface against the sealing strips. The hold-down elements contain obliquely inclined grooves for displacing moisture outwardly away from the center of the belt.

Abstract: Sampling device removably mounted proximate the discharge opening in an immersion freezer to collect samples of frozen product as they exit the immersion freezer conveyor and are deposited into a second freezing or equilibrating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling a laminar material, more particularly a metal strip 2, by liquid nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b disposed on both sides. The liquid nozzles 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b take the form of full-jet nozzles and so act upon the surface of the material 2 to be cooled by rebounding jets that zones of shooting flow SS are formed around the point of impingement of the individual rebounding jets.

Abstract: A trap or seal system for effecting an air impervious seal for a food freezer, such as a cryogenic or mechanical freezer. The seal system includes a barrier forming a vapor-impervious partition and which has its bottom extending into a cryogenic bath. A conveyor system is used to transport articles through the cryogenic bath to a downstream cryogenic freezer. The combination of the barrier extending into the cryogenic bath forms an effective seal to prevent air infiltration into the cryogenic freezer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cooling a coated wire including: preparing a water storage tank disposed between an extruder for coating a core wire with an insulating material and for feeding the coated wire forwardly, and a winder for winding the coated wire; and passing the coated wire before being wound through still water in the water storage tank thereby rapidly cooling the coated wire, the improvement comprising: preparing trough members disposed between the water storage tank and the extruder along the advance direction of the coated wire in such a manner as to cover the coated wire from the underside; and cooling the coated wire by water which is discharged to the trough members and is made to flow therein and thereafter passing the coated wire through the water storage tank. Using the above method, even in manufacture of an insulated wire having a coated outside diameter of 1 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the surface roughness of the coated wire in the degree of at least 1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A conveyor freezer employing a self-supporting conveyor arranged in a helical stack for carrying discrete food items into the freezer, through the helical stack for a predetermined period of time, and out of the freezer. A major portion of the weight of the helical belt stack is supported by a rotatable turntable A portion of the lowermost tier of the stack is elevated and supported by a ramp structure which preferably comprises a pair of runners engaging lower surfaces of outwardly extending flange portion of side links of the belt. The belt is preferably driven by a single drive unit at a location outside of the freezer enclosure, remote from the stack, by a single pair of sprockets. A timing sprocket is preferably employed to control belt pitch along the infeed section of the belt.

Abstract: Installation permitting the rapid chilling of products stored, in particular, inside a bottle (5), consisting of a tank (1) arranged within an insulating chamber, and which contains a liquid (3) maintained at very low temperature by means of a chilling circuit (2), the products (5) to be cooled being held in the chilling medium by means of pockets (4) which descend into the chilling fluid and inside which are arranged the products to be cooled. It is defined in that the pocket or pockets (4) is or are in the form of an envelope open at its upper part (6) with a base consisting of a flexible, leaktight plastic film, and retained along their open zone at the upper part (7) of the chamber (1), and the closed base (8) of which is associated with means enabling it to be displaced from the open upper part (6) to a position near the bottom (9) of the chamber, and vice versa.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quick freezing particles with surface moisture by immersion in liquid cryogen to produce a frozen crust or layer on the particles followed by agitation in content with the vaporized cryogen to complete freezing and prevent clumping of the particles.

Abstract: An automatic in-feed conveyor system for use with an ice injector, having three sections of roller conveyors, a pallet shuttle, and sensors for detecting stacks of cartons and providing signals to a controller. The first conveyor section is a powered conveyor for receiving pallets loaded with cartons of produce. The second conveyor section positions a loaded pallet for insertion into the ice injector and supports the shuttle for inserting and retrieving the pallet into and out of the ice injector. The third conveyor is a discharge conveyor for moving the loaded pallet away from the ice injector. The second and third conveyors have catch basins for collecting the ice melt water from the loaded cartons and returning it to the ice injector.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a metal strip moving horizontally along a roller conveyor has a plurality of water boxes (4) arranged between the rollers (1,2,3) of the roller conveyor and each having upwardly directed outlet ducts (6) from which cooling water is projected onto the underside of the metal strip. The ducts (6) are parallel to each other and uniformly spaced across the width of the strip. To improve cooling, particularly its uniformity, the outlet ducts (6) are all shaped and oriented so as to project the cooling water with a component of motion opposite to the direction of movement of the metal strip, and each water box (4) is shaped and located relative to the next preceding roller (1,2,3) in the direction of movement of the metal strip so that during operation the water projected from each water box also cools said next preceding roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryogenic freezer and method using a freezing chamber within which articles are cooled under the direct application of a cryogen, causing the cryogen to vaporize into a cryogenic vapor. The freezing chamber has inlet and outlet plenums through which articles to be frozen are passed into and from the freezing chamber, respectively. The liquid cryogen is introduced from a make-up tank into the freezing chamber and into direct contact with the articles to be frozen. Conduits connect the inlet and outlet plenums to a blower that draws air from outside the freezing chamber and the cryogenic vapor from inside the freezing chamber to prevent air from entering the freezing chamber. The cryogenic vapor is drawn from an outlet in the freezing chamber to a recovery unit to be compressed, purified and liquefied. The resulting liquid cryogen is then fed back to the make-up tank.