Abstract: An automatic loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes an interior space enclosed by a heat-insulating housing and a carrier for refrigerated goods that can be vertically displaced inside the interior space by means of a drive device. The refrigeration device includes a force sensor that detects a change in force acting upon the carrier for refrigerated goods in the direction of displacement and a control which is adapted to stop the carrier for refrigerated goods when a change in force is detected.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system stores containers, typically containing biological or chemical samples, at ultra-low temperatures, i.e., from about ?50° C. to about ?90° C., preferably about ?80° C. under normal operating conditions. Dry gas air flows are used to reduce moisture and the consequential frost within the freezer compartment. A custom insulated door is provided with an access module and a tube picking compartment as well as servo motors for controlling a robot within the ultra-low temperature freezer compartment. The robot automatically places sample storage containers in stationary storage racks within the freezer compartment. Magnetic couplings are used to transmit mechanical power from outside of the freezer compartment to the robot inside of the freezer compartment. The robot has a simplified mechanical configuration. The custom door can be readily attached to standard freezer bodies.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, an ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.

Abstract: A machine for the production and distribution of ice particles, having a frame comprising a refrigerator group evaporator and forming means for forming the ice particles, the machine further having a distributing device for distributing the ice particles and comprising a closed housing for storing the ice particles, wherein the distributing device is located outside of the frame.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage container having a tank with an interior and an open top. At least two and preferably three trays are independently rotatably mounted within the interior of the housing so that an upper tray is positioned above one or more lower trays. Each tray has a plurality of compartments and each compartment is adapted to receive a source unit container. At least one cold working area is formed on the upper tray while an extraction tool selectively engages and moves stored unit containers from any of the trays and to the cold working area.

Abstract: Keg refrigerator with an insulated refrigerator housing where the major portion of the housing is rectangular in shape but the front hinged door portion of the housing is curved to match the shape of a standard cylindrical keg which can snuggly reside within the refrigerator housing. A standard refrigerator mechanism including compressor and refrigeration coils keeps the keg within the housing cool. A standard fluid connection connects the contents of the keg to a spigot located above the top surface of the refrigerator housing. A set of castor wheels mounted to the underside of the refrigerator housing allows the refrigerator to be easily rolled from one location to another. A preferred embodiment includes the refrigerator housing is sized to snuggly retain a keg that is approximately twenty three and one quarter inches tall and seventeen inches in diameter.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a through-the-door beverage can dispenser that includes a chute disposed within a refrigerated interior space that is adapted to receive and hold a plurality of beverage cans in a side-by-side relationship for sequential discharge from a bottom end of the chute. The beverage dispenser includes a rotatable drum that in a loading position has a trough portion adapted to receive a beverage can discharged from the bottom end of the chute and a barrel portion adapted to sealingly fill a passage through a door of the refrigerator. The drum is rotatable by hand from the loading position to a dispensing position where the trough portion of the drum is adjacent to the passage through the door to permit removal of a beverage can from the trough without opening the door.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage container having a tank with an interior and an open top. At least two and preferably three trays are independently rotatably mounted within the interior of the housing so that an upper tray is positioned above one or more lower trays. Each tray has a plurality of compartments and each compartment is adapted to receive a source unit container. At least one cold working area is formed on the upper tray while an extraction tool selectively engages and moves stored unit containers from any of the trays and to the cold working area.

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: A device for refrigerating and/or freezing products in which the products are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a treatment zone equipped with refrigeration equipment. The conveyor belt passes over sliding rails which are mounted on a supporting frame. To prevent excessive sticking of products on the conveyor belt, the sliding rails are arranged with a convex and/or concave curvature in at least in some sections, so that the conveyor belt slides on predetermined curvatures. Shearing forces are therefore created at the contact faces of the conveyor belt and product, resulting in release of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for cryogenic cooling of an object mounted on gimbals. A transfer line made up of one or more flexible small diameter transfer tubes is used to connect the compressor, which is located separately from the gimbals, and the cryocooler, which is mounted on the gimbals in thermal contact with the object to be cooled. The transfer line of the system of the invention has a total gas transfer capacity equal to that of the large diameter lines used in conventional systems but allows essentially unhindered rotation of the gimbals yoke and platform about the gimbals' axes, under the influence of gravity or with the help of motors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for using an installation for delivering a frozen product comprising a feed line connected to a storage container or to an installation producing said frozen product. Prior to introducing said product into said feed line or during an interruption in the operation of said installation, a cold fluid is circulated in said feed line bringing the feed line to a temperature capable of maintaining said product frozen during its stay in said feed line or of maintaining said channel at said temperature. The invention also concerns an installation for delivering a frozen product and a delivery feed line. It comprises means for circulating a cold fluid in said feed line from a point located proximate to one of its ends. The invention is applicable to the food industry.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus (32) comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage area (76) positioned inside the cavity. The article storage area (76) has a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage area (76). A thermal barrier (12) is disposed within the housing and positioned between an outer perimeter of the article storage area (76) and the remainder of the internal cavity so as to substantially divide the internal cavity into first and second thermally separated sections (17a–b), with the cooling unit being located in the first section (17a). An opening in a portion of the housing is located in at least one of the first or second sections (17a–b), and a first air moving device is positioned in one of the first or second sections (17a–b) for causing an air flow path which removes heat developed by the cooling unit, from the first section inside the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a main body having a storage compartment to store a container; a lift provided on a lower part of the storage compartment; a rotator of a pipe shape and having a pair of threaded parts with opposite threads facing to each other along a longitudinal direction; a driver to rotate the rotator; and a pair of rotation links that has a first end formed with a female screw engaged with each of the threaded parts, approaches to or separates from each other according to a rotation of the rotator, and comprises hinge connectors hingedly connected to the lifting part to be separately rotated. Thus, the present invention provides the refrigerator in which the container may be lifted as the necessary of the user with ease.

Abstract: A method and robot-based automation system are provided for cryogenic crystal sample mounting, for example, for use for cryogenic crystal sample mounting in the x-ray crystallography station at an x-ray source. The system includes a robot arm carrying a handset. The handset includes a pair of elongated fingers for sample mounting, and each finger carrying a set of strain gauge arrays for providing force sensing. A slim finger design allows a sample mounting process with no interference with the beam stop, cryostreem and x-ray detectors. The handset can detect the contact force intensity and direction; provide a precise gripping action; and feel the results of the gripping. The finger design incorporates a mechanism to maintain the sample temperature well below the cryogenic safety margin for the crystal viability. A Dewar container is provided with an ice control system and liquid nitrogen flow control. A triangular sample magazine maximizes the Dewar space usage.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage compartment positioned inside the cavity. The article storage compartment has a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage compartment. The article storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of article storage sub-compartments, each sub-compartment having an opening at a dispensing end thereof for passage therethrough during a dispensing operation of articles stored therein.

Abstract: A pallet construction for an annular cooler forms a gas permeable surface for supporting and transporting material during processing thereof. The pallet construction includes a pallet deck having a series of substantially parallel rows of spaced apart elongated slots. Each of the rows of slots are staggered with respect to the slots in an adjacent row in the series. The slots define apertures through the pallet construction. The pallet construction also includes a support frame supporting the pallet deck and having at least one angular brace oriented at an acute angle with respect to the series of rows of slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.

Abstract: A spiral freezer for continuous duty in continuous food process lines has a freezer compartment enclosing a double-helix arrangement, of which there is a helical run of a food-carrying conveyor in combination with a helical ramp or slideway for the food-carrying conveyor's helical run to ascend or descend on. The helical ramp is an assembly of numerous heat exchanger tubes, each wound helically and positioned in set lanes in the overall assembly of the ramp. An external refrigerant-circulating system is connected to circulate refrigerant through the heat exchanger tubes in order that hot components like compressors and condensers be kept outside of the freezer compartment for better energy efficiency. The foregoing conveyor and heat exchanger arrangement provides close proximity between the source(s) of heat in the food product on the conveyor and the sink of that heat to the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A quick cooling device quickly cools a canned or bottled drink from room temperature. The quick cooling device has a case with an inside space divided into a cavity and a device chamber, and a door is provided on a front part of the case for opening or closing the cavity. Within the cavity, a cold accumulation pack contacts a bottled drink container, and the cold accumulation pack and bottled drink container are shaken together to cool the drink in the bottled drink container. A refrigerating system is provided in the case for cooling the cold accumulation pack.

Abstract: An automated cold storage apparatus, and related method thereof, provides a sample process management system that is a revolutionary approach to the storage and retrieval regarding critical samples. The system—a significant technological breakthrough in laboratory automation—is the first ultra low temperature robotic system capable of being validated. Samples in containers are stored and retrieved robotically through an airlock climate-control chamber that is automatically dehumidified by a dry gas purge, such as a carbon dioxide or nitrogen purge or the like. This purge rapidly reduces ambient humidity to a desirable relative humidity (RH), e.g., less than about 15% RH, virtually eliminating the accumulation of frost. Microplates are systematically identified using barcode technology, for example. Once through the climate-controlled chamber, the containers (i.e., samples) are robotically transferred to the rotary mechanism.

Abstract: A unit for cooling or heating objects on a helical belt includes between adjacent tiers of the belt a distributor having a plurality of slots through which air or other gaseous heat transfer medium can be impelled onto product passing on the belt below the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface crust freezing of a food product utilizes a refrigeration shell enclosing a freezing chamber, the freezing chamber having a cavity shaped to substantially accommodate the shape of the exterior surface of the food product; the cavity communicating with the refrigeration shell; a transport substrate to carry the food product into the freezing chamber; a cryogen supply; and a gas circulation device in the refrigeration shell in communication with the cryogen supply to introduce a cooling flow of gas containing cryogen into the cavity so as to contact the food product along its exterior surface.

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 unit for cooling or heating objects on a helical belt includes between adjacent tiers of the belt a distributor having a plurality of slots through which air or other gaseous heat transfer medium can be impelled onto product passing on the belt below the slots.

Abstract: The invention concerns a climatic cabinet, in particular, a climatic cooling cabinet, whose interior is loaded or unloaded with specimen slides, with the aid of a transporting device. The loading and unloading take place through a loading opening which can be closed with a door, which opening is adapted, in its size, to the dimensions of the specimen slides and is located in a sidewall of the climatic cabinet. The climatic cabinet also has a gas supply device, whose at least one gas exhaust opening is situated in such a way that the cross-section of the loading opening is covered by a gas curtain, in the area of the gas exhaust openings when gas is supplied.

Abstract: A method and robot-based automation system are provided for cryogenic crystal sample mounting, for example, for use for cryogenic crystal sample mounting in the x-ray crystallography station at an x-ray source. The system includes a robot arm carrying a handset. The handset includes a pair of elongated fingers for sample mounting, and each finger carrying a set of strain gauge arrays for providing force sensing. A slim finger design allows a sample mounting process with no interference with the beam stop, cryostreem and x-ray detectors. The handset can detect the contact force intensity and direction; provide a precise gripping action; and feel the results of the gripping. The finger design incorporates a mechanism to maintain the sample temperature well below the cryogenic safety margin for the crystal viability. A Dewar container is provided with an ice control system and liquid nitrogen flow control. A triangular sample magazine maximizes the Dewar space usage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooler and to a method for cooling hot bulk material. The hot bulk material is fed on a stationary aerating base through which cooling gas can flow and is transported by means of reciprocating conveyor elements disposed above the aerating base. In the cooler and cooling method, at least two groups of conveyor elements are used which are actuated jointly in the transport direction and separately from one another against the transport direction.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

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: Quick cooling device is disclosed for quick cooling of canned or bottled drink from a room temperature, quickly. A case has an inside space divided into a cavity and a device chamber, a door is provided on a front part of the case for opening/closing the cavity. Means for bringing a cold accumulation pack into contact with a drink container, and shaking the cold accumulation pack and the drink container together, to cool down drink in the container quickly is provided in the cavity. A refrigerating system is provided in the case for cooling the cold accumulation pack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.

Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid cooling apparatus for rapidly cooling objects at room temperature via conductive heat transfer and convective heat transfer as well. The rapid cooling apparatus comprises: means having a storage space disposed inside a first storage housing for storing the objects to be cooled and cold material bags disposed around the received objects to be cooled; means for driving the storage means in a direction; and means for spacing the storage and driving means from a second storage housing. The invention provides a user with convenience via rapid cooling and also can enhance cooling efficiency.

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

Abstract: For bartending, in order to avoid batch chilling of beer glasses and the like in which the last glasses put into a refrigerator are the first pulled out and are thus not properly chilled, a last in, last out glass chilling system provides a supply of properly chilled beer glasses even when newly washed warm glasses are to be chilled. In one embodiment, the last in, last out glass chilling system includes a series of trays on a conveyor in the cabinet, with each tray loaded with glasses. The conveyor moves the trays upwardly in the chill cabinet, with the chilling occurring during the time that the tray of glasses moves from a bottom position to a top position. This assures that, unlike batch chilling, properly chilled glasses are always available. In one embodiment, a tray of glasses is in inserted at the base of the chill cabinet, with the conveyor being motorized to move the trays within the chill cabinet in an upward direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid cooling apparatus for rapidly cooling objects at room temperature via conductive heat transfer and convective heat transfer as well. The rapid cooling apparatus comprises: means having a storage space disposed inside a first storage housing for storing the objects to be cooled and cold material bags disposed around the received objects to be cooled; means for driving the storage means in a direction; and means for spacing the storage and driving means from a second storage housing. The invention provides a user with convenience via rapid cooling and also can enhance cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.

Abstract: For bartending, in order to avoid batch chilling of beer glasses and the like in which the last glasses put into a refrigerator are the first pulled out and are thus not properly chilled, a last in, last out glass chilling system provides a supply of properly chilled beer glasses even when newly washed warm glasses are to be chilled. In one embodiment, the last in, last out glass chilling system includes a series of trays on a conveyor in the cabinet, with each tray loaded with glasses. The conveyor moves the trays upwardly in the chill cabinet, with the chilling occurring during the time that the tray of glasses moves from a bottom position to a top position. This assures that, unlike batch chilling, properly chilled glasses are always available. In one embodiment, a tray of glasses is in inserted at the base of the chill cabinet, with the conveyor being motorized to move the trays within the chill cabinet in an upward direction.

Abstract: A plant for continuous flow freezing of edible ice products is built up in a freezing section (100) with a tray conveyor (8), the drive chain of which leads trays carrying the items to be frozen from an entrance to the freezing section (100) and around a conveyor support frame (10), and where by means of at least one fan or blower (26), a flow of freezing air from at least one freezing aggregate (24) is brought to pass across the items to be frozen during passage along the conveyor support frame (10). With the view to achieving a maximum speed of the flow of freezing air in relation tot he average speed of the air flow across the items, and compact construction while still providing easy access for maintenance and cleaning, there is disclosed an embodiment comprising at least two conveyor support frames (10) placed at the side of each other, and where the frames (10) in all comprise at least one freezing aggregate (24) and at least one fan or blower (26) for driving the flow of freezing air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooler and to a method for cooling hot bulk material (2), wherein the hot bulk material is fed on a stationary aerating base through which cooling gas can flow and is transported by means of reciprocating conveyor elements disposed above the aerating base. In this case at least two groups of conveyor elements are used which are actuated jointly in the transport direction and separately from one another against the transport direction.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

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: The present invention relates to a system and a method for cooling extruded and molded materials. The present invention is especially useful to thoroughly cool an extrudate by releasing a cooling fluid in a hollow portion of the extrudate. Hollows may be created in order to reduce material, weight, and/or processing time. A fluid below about 80 degrees Fahrenheit is released into the hollow so as to cool the material and to assist in solidification. Increases in production line throughput may result by rapidly cooling the molded material. Other uses for the present invention include injection molding, compression molding, gas assist molding, and co-extrusion.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous treatment and transportation of a material (7), consisting of piece goods or granules of solid material, in an at least partly fluidized bed, which apparatus comprises a perforated trough bottom (5) for the material and means (3) for creating an upwardly directed air or gas flow through said trough bottom (5) and said material (7). The trough bottom (5) is disposed to move, from a starting position, in the conveying direction of the material (7) and opposite to the conveying direction of the material, the trough bottom in motion opposite to the conveying direction being disposed, relative to the material (7), to exhibit greater acceleration (a2) than a maximum acceleration (a1) relative to the surroundings in motion in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing substrates is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one substrate carrier for transporting a substrate within a processing environment. At least one temperature controlled plate positioned in the processing environment is selectively in communication with the at least one substrate carrier and is used to both transfer substrates from an external substrate shuttle to the substrate carrier in the processing environment and to regulate the temperature of the processing environment. At least one deposition device configured to deposit a selected film on the substrate and an annealing device are positioned proximate the at least one substrate carrier within the processing environment.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the selection and automatic dispensing of products, such as food products. The products are stored in a storage cabinet, where a detachment device cuts them into a dispensable form for dispensing. An operating panel enables the consumer to make selections simple and quickly.

Abstract: There is provided a vertical heat treatment system capable of simplifying the structure of various mechanisms in the vicinity of an opening which is formed in a partition wall separating a housing-box transfer area from a treating-object transfer area (a wafer transfer area), and of contributing to space saving, when an object to be treated is carried in the vertical heat treatment system through the opening to carry out a predetermined treatment.