Abstract: An equipment body of an ultrasonic rapid freezing equipment is provided with a placement cavity, and the placement cavity is provided with a first electric telescopic rod. The bottom end of the first electric telescopic rod is provided with a receiving plate connected to a movable plate, and the movable plate is driven by a motor to rotate. The equipment body is provided with a first conveyor belt, and the inner end of the first conveyor belt is equipped with a second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is located on a mounting frame, and the bottom of the mounting frame is connected to a second electric telescopic rod. The bottom end of the second electric telescopic rod is connected to a moving block, the roller at the bottom of the moving block is located in the track on the top surface of the supporting block.

Abstract: Methods of heating compositions comprising at least 20% (w/w) individually distinguishable edible inclusions are provided herein. The method of heating as disclosed herein comprises applying a first ohmic heating treatment to the composition, wherein the composition has at the end of the first ohmic heating treatment a temperature from 60° C. to 95° C.; applying a first holding step to the composition, wherein the temperature of the composition is at most 5° C. lower than the temperature of the composition after the first ohmic heating treatment; applying a second ohmic heating treatment to the composition, wherein the composition has at the end of the second ohmic heating treatment a temperature ranging from 75° C. to 110° C.; and applying a second holding step to the composition, wherein the temperature of the composition is at most 5° C.

Abstract: A conveying system (1) for conveying a material along a conveying path. The system (1) includes a system housing (3) having a conveying chamber (5), in which the conveying path is arranged, and having at least one secondary chamber (6 to 8), which is connected to the conveying chamber (5) by at least one passage opening and has a fluid atmosphere that is physically and/or chemically different from the fluid atmosphere in the conveying chamber (5). The at least one passage opening (9, 10) and the fluid atmospheres in the conveying chamber (5) and the at least one secondary chamber (6 to 8) set a defined fluid flow in the system housing (3).

Abstract: A multi-organ repairing and transferring device without interrupting a blood flow includes a first perfusion bin, a second perfusion bin and a third perfusion bin which are configured for storing respective organs. A first pump is arranged on a first pipeline, two ends of the first pipeline are connected with the first perfusion bin and the second perfusion bin respectively, a second pump is arranged on a second pipeline, two ends of the second pipeline are connected with the first perfusion bin and the second perfusion bin respectively, a third pump is arranged on a third pipeline, two ends of the third pipeline are connected with the first perfusion bin and the third perfusion bin respectively, and a fourth pump is arranged on a fourth pipeline, two ends of the fourth pipeline are connected with the first perfusion bin and the third perfusion bin respectively.

Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus is provided in which items to be cooled may be vertically stacked on each other in a state in which the items to be cooled are laid out or laid on their sides. When the items to be cooled are vertically stacked in the cooling apparatus, a problem in that an upper space of the cooling apparatus is not utilized may be solved to efficiently utilize an inside of a refrigerator or a back surface of a door. Also, a problem in that capacity within the refrigerator is reduced when the items to be cooled are horizontally received may be solved.

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

Abstract: A facility that is especially suited for the freezing of juices and similar products, which includes a cooling tank that supplies the product by means of an impelling pump to a freezing chamber that receives a supply of a liquefied gas at a temperature of around ?140° C., preferably nitrogen, and pressurized air through an electro-valve to transform the juice into micro-drops or pellets and to freeze the droplets or the pellets inside the freezing chamber, which then exit the chamber through one or more dispensing valves, said freezing not affecting the original characteristics of the juice, in terms of its vitamin, protein and enzyme content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transporting and/or washing and/or pasteurization thermal treatment of foodstuffs, particularly leaf products comprising at least a treatment section. The treatment section can be comprised of one or more sections of rectilinear tubes and one or more corresponding curved tube sections, wherein products within the treatment section being conveyed by a fluid, such as water, flowing along the tubes.

Abstract: The rocker chiller 10 includes a semi-cylindrical tank 12 filled with heat exchanging liquid and a baffle assembly 18 that rocks back and forth across the bottom wall of the tank. The baffle 26 of the baffle assembly 18 defines baffle openings 29 that are sized and shaped to pass the heat exchanging liquid through the openings in response to the rocking of the baffle, but small enough so that the baffle engages and retards the movement of at least some of the carcasses from moving through the baffle, thereby massaging the carcasses and increasing the moisture retained in the carcasses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for pasteurization thermal treatment of foodstuffs, particularly leaf products, comprised of means for loading the product to be subjected to treatment and means for discharging the treated product. The system is comprised of a first treatment section in which the product to be subjected to treatment is conveyed by the loading means and wherein the first treatment section heats the product by a treatment fluid, so as to reduce starting concentration of thermo sensitive bacterial flora present in the same. A second treatment section is provided in cascade with the first treatment section. The second treatment section cools the product by the treatment fluid, so as to stop growing of residual bacterial flora present.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

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

Abstract: An auger chiller (10) includes a carcass delivery end (18) that is sloped upwardly with a reduced radius. The auger (32) includes a progressively reduced radius auger segment (38) that matches the configuration of the angled section of the chiller tank, with the pitch of the auger blade being greater in this section of the tank for advancing the birds more reliably in a first-in first-out delivery to a sloped bird unloader (46). An arcuate basin (50) is formed at the lower arc of the peripheral rim wall (48) of the bird unloader, assuring that the heavier birds tend to sink into the basin, tending not to return to the chiller tank.

Abstract: A tumble chiller has a rotary drum with a perforated side wall. The drum is enclosed by a cooling jacket through which coolant such as ethylene glycol may be passed. Cooling liquid such as water or brine fills the drum. The drum has scoop-like projections which cause the cooling liquid to flow across the cooling jacket as the drum rotates. The cooling liquid may follow a path around the inner side of the jacket and then follow a path around its outer side. The drum is drivable in rotation by sprocket meshing with a roller chain fast with a flange at the rear end of the drum.

Abstract: Birds are moved through chilled water by bird moving means such as an auger or by a series of paddles. The birds tend to accumulate in a predetermined path in the water. Streams of water that include an antibacterial additive are directed toward the predetermined path and engage and disperse the birds, and wash the birds with the streams of water and the antibacterial additive, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer from the birds and increasing the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of the agents in the chilled water.

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: 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: A process of cooling animal carcasses from a kill temperature to a temperature at which deterioration is substantially prevented comprises circulation of refrigerated air over the carcass to freeze an outer of the carcass, followed by application of water to the carcass to form a sufficiently continuous layer of ice on the carcass. Preferably, the carcass is chilled by a multi-stage quick chill process in which the carcass is exposed to super-cooled, high velocity air. Immediately before or immediately after formation of the ice layer, the carcass is transferred to a refrigerated chamber to allow the interior and exterior of the carcass to equilibrate to the temperature at which deterioration is substantially prevented. The inventors have found that this process provides reduced moisture loss and reduced bacterial loading over prior art processes in which water is applied to the carcass during the quick chill process.

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: A method for chilling an animal carcass comprises spraying the outer surface of the carcass with a liquid, preferably water, which will freeze on the outer surface of the carcass to form a solid shell to prevent moisture loss from the carcass. Preferably, the liquid is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of the carcass at a critical point in the chilling process at which the outer surface of the carcass reaches a temperature close to the freezing point of the liquid. The liquid is preferably sprayed onto the carcass within a spray cabinet which is preferably positioned along a conveyor line in a refrigeration chamber through which the carcass is conveyed. The spray cabinet comprises heated side walls which maintain a temperature inside the cabinet greater than the freezing point of the liquid, which is sprayed onto the carcass by a plurality of nozzles located within the spray cabinet.

Abstract: A method for chilling an animal carcass comprises spraying the outer surface of the carcass with a liquid, preferably water, which will freeze on the outer surface of the carcass to form a solid shell to prevent moisture loss from the carcass. Preferably, the liquid is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of the carcass at a critical point in the chilling process at which the outer surface of the carcass reaches a temperature close to the freezing point of the liquid. The liquid is preferably sprayed onto the carcass within a spray cabinet which is preferably positioned along a conveyor line in a refrigeration chamber through which the carcass is conveyed. The spray cabinet comprises heated side walls which maintain a temperature inside the cabinet greater than the freezing point of the liquid, which is sprayed onto the carcass by a plurality of nozzles located within the spray cabinet.

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 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: The apparatus for pelleting or granulating a liquid or pasty substance with a liquid cooling medium contains a pump (2) for the liquid cooling medium, a channel (5), open at the top and arranged horizontally or at an angle, for the liquid cooling medium, a feed device (4) for the substance to be pelleted, a return device (6) for the liquid cooling medium, and a heat-insulated conveying device (7). The apparatus is used in a method in which, by means of a gaseous cooling medium such as cold exhaust air, the pellets are not frozen through until in the region of the conveying device.

Abstract: Various food processing methods and a food processing system minimize microbial growth while an animal, such as a chicken, is processed into food. During processing, temperature of an animal carcass and atmosphere surrounding the carcass are controlled by spraying gases and a mixture of ozone and water on the carcass, directing the gases through a passage in a wall to cool a processing area, and flowing the gases into atmosphere surrounding the carcass. Preferably, the gases include ozone and cryogenic gases recycled from a cryogenic freezer. The system uses a reduced amount of fresh water by recycling water used during food processing.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly including a nozzle unit, first and second sleeves and a clamp. The nozzle unit has an aft collar and a tapered inner fluid contact surface, tapering to gradually increase the velocity of fluid passing therethrough. The inner surface is formed of an elastomer material that deforms by eddies in the fluid and thereby does not build turbulent flow. The clamp encircles a rearward fitting of the first sleeve and a forward fitting of the second sleeve, holding them together with the collar sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A mobile system for quick-freezing seafood is provided. The mobile system includes a vehicle having a tank for containing a liquid coolant, with a seafood inlet in fluid communication with the tank. A liquid coolant distribution header is located in the tank and adapted for connection to a mobile chilled liquid coolant source. A liquid coolant outlet port is provided in fluid communication with the tank. A frozen seafood removal device is located in the tank and is adapted to remove quick-frozen seafood from the liquid coolant in the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the granulation of granulatable and/or pelletizable substances in which the substance to be granulated is introduced in the form of a closed jet into a rapidly flowing refrigerant--preferably liquid nitrogen. This purpose is served by a vertically arranged reaction tube (2) into the upper part of which the jet enters and through which the refrigerant circulates by means of a transport element (7).

Abstract: A method of freezing a product, a frozen product produced thereby, and a freezing apparatus useful for performing the inventive method. The inventive method comprises the step of compressing a product to be frozen between a cooled first contacting surface and a cooled second contacting surface for a time effective for at least partially freezing the product. The inventive freezing apparatus preferably comprises: a first plate belt comprising a series of first belt freezing plates, each first belt plate having a contacting surface; a second plate belt comprising a series of second belt freezing plates, each second belt plate having a contacting surface; and a driving system for driving the plate belts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously freezing a food product in which the food product is contacted on a conveyor with a liquid refrigerant under conditions of turbulent flow to thereby freeze at least the outer surface of the food product. The frozen food product and the liquid refrigerant are thereafter separated.

Abstract: A method and device for the extremely rapid but safe cooling of beverages, including carbonated beverages, in cans or bottles (collectively "containers"). One or more beverage containers are rapidly rotated along their respective longitudinal axes while being downwardly vertically sprayed with a cooling water spray, with the water being in a 0.degree. C. temperature equilibrium with ice. The volumetric rate of the water in the water spray is sufficient to form a continuous coating on the rotating container. Rotation of the containers is effected in a horizontal direction, with the containers being nested between adjacent rotating rollers and rotated with a rotational speed of between 200-500 rpm. Standard 12 oz. beverage cans can be cooled thereby from room temperature to a drinking temperature of 5.degree. C. in under one minute.

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: A cylindrical drum is rotatably mounted within a water tank. A water manifold is mounted to the exterior of the water tank and discharges chilled water through multiple axially spaced nozzles into the rotating drum within the tank to agitate the food product contained therein. The drum has a perforate skin which allows water to pass through but retains food product within. A helical auger is fixed to the drum and rotates with the drum to advance food product from the tank inlet to the tank outlet. The manifold discharges water on one side of the tank only, to impact food product as it is being lifted upwardly as the drum rotates. The drum may be provided with lifting baffles which further agitate the food product and cooperate with the agitating water injection to improve heat transfer from the food product.

Abstract: A device for recycling a cryogenic liquid in a circuit (1) comprising at least one section (2) substantially at ambient pressure, the device comprising: a) a first cryogenic reservoir (4) to recover the liquid at the outlet of the section, this reservoir being provided with structure (4.sub.3, 6.sub.1, 7.sub.1, 8.sub.1) to pressurize the recovered liquid, b) a second cryogenic reservoir (5) continuously pressurized in operation and connected to the circuit (1) upstream of the section (2) open to the air to supply it with pressurized cryogenic liquid, the second reservoir being in selective fluid communication (16) with the first reservoir, and c) a device (12) responsive to a predetermined relationship of the levels of filling of the two reservoirs selectively to actuate the pressurization structure (4.sub.3, 6.sub.1, 7.sub.1, 8.sub.1) of the first reservoir (4) so as to transfer into the second reservoir (5) cryogenic liquid contained in the first reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a metal strip, the apparatus having a header that receives and directs a curtain of water across the strip, a water collector on one side of the curtain of water and a source of air on the opposite side of the curtain of water arranged to direct a flow of air across the curtain of water and divert water into the water collector. A deflector is arranged to interrupt at least a portion of the flow of air such that at least a portion of the wall of water contacts and cools the strip of metal. The flow of air is provided at a pressure of about 50 to 100 psi and, with the flow of air completely blocked by a deflector, the strip of metal is cooled completely across the width of the strip.

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 method and apparatus for the conduct of a continuous process in which commodities packed in light weight containers receive thermal treatment, such as sterilization or cooking, and are thereafter cooled in a hydrostatic cooling tower. The cooling tower is divided into a plurality of sections in each of which apparatus is provided for the independent control of fluid pressure and fluid temperature therein. The containers are conducted through the system by means of a conveyor that is arranged in each cooling tower section for the vertical displacement of the conveyor course through the sections, whereby the cooling ramp of the respective containers can be effectively regulated.

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 food products chiller and method of using the same as provided. The chiller includes a container for receiving and holding the food product, a cooling station for cooling liquid coolant, an ultraviolet radiation station for reducing the microbial contaminants in the coolant, and a circulation system for circulating the coolant from the cooling station to the container, from the container to the ultraviolet radiation station, and from the ultraviolet radiation station to the cooling station for reintroduction into the container for cooling additional food products. In the chilling method, the food products are chilled by exposure to the coolant liquid as the drum rotates. The liquid is drained from the drum, filtered and subjected to ultraviolet radiation so as to kill the microbial contaminants in the coolant. The coolant is then recirculated to the cooling station for re-cooling and re-introduction into the drum for chilling additional food products.

Abstract: The apparatus for making cooled concrete of this invention produces cooled fresh concrete by cooling the aggregate (or gravel). The aggregate is cooled by immersion in a cooling water bath accommodated in a cooling water tank. The cooling water in the tank is cooled by a heat exchanger, which in turn is cooled by a forced cooling device. The aggregate is immersed into the cooling water bath by a supply and ejection apparatus, which also removes the cooled aggregate from the cooling water bath. The cooled aggregate is supplied to a cement mixer where it is mixed to become cooled fresh concrete.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel for baked tortillas and the like, the tunnel having a housing defining a cooling space, an aperatured product conveyor for moving the product to be cooled through the cooling space, means for moving cooling gas over the tortillas in the cooling space, closed loop flexible hold down chains, supports for positioning the hold down chains in the cooling space for resting on the conveyor, and a drive for moving the hold down chains through the cooling space along with the conveyor with the tortillas between the hold down chains and the conveyor.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a channel defined by a bottom and side walls having an inlet end and an outlet end for the flow of a refrigerant. Underneath the bottom there is provided transversely between the side walls an elongate first space. Substantially underneath the bottom and in association with the inlet end of the channel, an elongate second space is provided parallel to the first space. Between the first and the second space, at least one opening is so provided that a component of a flow rotating in the first space is guided substantially tangentially out of the first space and into the second space. The refrigerant therein is caused to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the second space, the second space being so connected to the inlet end of the channel that a component of the flow rotating in the second space is guided substantially tangentially out of the second space and in over the bottom so as to form a homogeneous flow of refrigerant in the channel.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus for quickly freezing droplets of liquid product is disclosed. This apparatus employs cryogenic liquid, typically liquid nitrogen, flowing along a ramp or sluiceway to freeze a product. The product is kept in the cryogenic liquid for a relatively constant dwell time. The ramp or sluiceway is contained within an insulated vessel to preclude the cryogenic liquid from evaporating and to retain any spillage. The ramp or sluiceway is preferably spiral shape so as to allow for a maximum length run with the insulated vessel.

Abstract: Frozen solid particles are obtained from liquids such as dairy produce, liquid egg, microbiological cultures and pharmaceuticals, by direct contact with liquid nitrogen in an enclosed insulated vessel which includes nozzles for injection of liquids into conduits with contact channels additionally cooled by countercurrent flow of liquid nitrogen in cooling channels. A separation auger removes partially frozen product from the liquid nitrogen and completes its freezing by contact with cold nitrogen gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing and chilling animal carcasses is provided comprising a tank for holding water, a means for cooling water in the tank, piping for carrying contaminated water out of the tank, a means for injecting ozone into the water of the apparatus, a means for purifying contaminated water in the piping, piping for returning purified water back to the tank and a means for decomposing gaseous ozone which escapes from the water in the tank before the gas is liberated into the atmosphere. The ozone destroys all forms of harmful microorganisms in the carcasses and the water. Because the water of the system is sterilized it can be disposed of easily.

Abstract: A fruit refrigerating device includes a cylindrical hopper receiving fruits and provided with an axially disposed rotatable worm which moves the fruits through the hopper and a cooling unit for cooling a liquid which fills the hopper and cools the fruits. An automatic depitting machine is connected to the cylindrical hopper for receiving chilled fruits therefrom and depitting the fruits. The fruit receiving hopper has two spaced-apart nozzles, through one of which fruits are fed into the hopper, and the other of which serves to discharge the fruits from the hopper and is connected to a hopper of the automatic depitting machine. Control elements are provided in the fruit refrigerating device to control the level of fruits in the fruit feeding nozzle to prevent feeding of fruits into the cylindrical hopper when the fruit level in the feeding nozzle attains its maximal value.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits and discrete transistors are mounted on cards and the cards are installed on raised racks extending up from the bottom of a tank forming a burn-in chamber. The racks are individually lowered to immerse the cards and operating devices in a bath of liquid heat exchange medium at an elevated temperature. The racks are individually accessible through aligned segments of a segmented cover to reduce the intrusion of room water vapor into the burn-in chamber. The elevated temperature of the medium is maintained during the procedure by pumping the medium over mechanical cooling coils to remove excess heat produced by the operating devices. A lead screw and lever mechanical combination provide variable speed pumping, to accommodate changes in medium viscosity, from a fixed speed motor. The pumping also mixes the medium around the cards and devices to produce uniformity in the medium temperature.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for freezing food rapidly by immersing the same in the brine. According to the present invention, food is wrapped in a film which is non-permeable to water, and the resultant food is immersed in the fluidized brine of different temperatures in sequence. The food is frozen with little difference between the temperature of its outer circumferential portion and that of its core portion as the food is immersed in the fluidized brine of different temperatures in sequence. Accordingly, no cracks occur in the food while it is frozen, and no change occurs in the quality of protein in the core portion of the food.