Abstract: An exemplary walk-in refrigeration system comprises an insulated compartment. A supply plenum is disposed between a roof insulation wall and a ceiling panel. A pair of opposing wall plenums are respectively defined between a corresponding lateral insulation wall and a corresponding interface wall. Each wall plenum is in airflow communication between the supply plenum and a respective shelf refrigeration zone. A walk-in zone is disposed between the shelf refrigeration zones. The interface walls each include a plurality of flow discharge ports which direct airflow from the respective wall plenum to the respective shelf refrigeration zone. Each interface wall may comprise an array of removable and replaceable interface panels. The interface panels may each include a vent segment with one or more capture inlet ports. An actuatable metering element on the vent segment may allow a user to selectably restrict airflow through the capture inlet ports independently for each interface panel.

Abstract: A cooler for storing beverage containers. The cooler includes a housing defining an interior volume for storing a first beverage container at a first predetermined temperature and a compartment within the interior volume of the housing for storing a second beverage container at a second predetermined temperature that is at or below a freezing point of the beverage. The cooler further includes a user interface for receiving a user input to dispense the second beverage container, and a delivery portal for providing access to the second beverage container. A chute is configured to communicate the second beverage container from the compartment to the delivery portal and to cause nucleation of the beverage and form a slush beverage. A cooling unit is configured to maintain the interior volume of the housing at the first predetermined temperature and the compartment at the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a liquid nitrogen storage system configured to cool a supply of liquid nitrogen to a temperature below the vapor point of liquid nitrogen; coupling a piping system with the liquid nitrogen storage system to convey a portion of the supply of liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage system; coupling the piping system with a liquid nitrogen control valve configured to control a flow of liquid nitrogen to at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head; disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head above a conveyance device operable to convey an aggregate stream of a concrete batching plant during use; and disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head in a position to dispense an output flow of liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate stream of the concrete batching plant during use.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device for mobilities and an air-conditioning control system for mobilities using the same, which are capable of performing independent air-conditioning control for each seat when a mobility is heated and cooled, thereby preventing wastage of heating and cooling energy by performing individual air conditioning for each seat depending on whether a passenger is seated, and ensuring comfort of all passengers by providing conditioned air to each seat.

Abstract: A system comprises a gate driver that is configured to couple to a transistor disposed in a transistor module via a first pin. The gate driver comprises a duty cycle measurement circuit having a first input terminal and a first output terminal, the first input terminal coupled to a second pin via an isolator. The duty cycle measurement circuit comprises a flip-flop, a counter, a shift register, and a comparator. The system comprises an analog to digital converter circuit having a second input terminal, a second output terminal, and a reference terminal, the second input terminal coupled to a third pin configured to couple to a temperature-sensitive device disposed in the transistor module, the second output terminal coupled to a fourth pin via the isolator, and the reference terminal coupled to the first output terminal.

Abstract: In an plant for producing foodstuff, in particular a chocolate article, in at least one mould (1) which can be tempered in at least one processing station (3, 8, 9) before and/or after the foodstuff is filled in, wherein the mould (1) being taken over in or at the processing station (3, 8, 9) by a robot (4) and being deposited for tempering, individual, separate trays (5) for the moulds (1) are provided in the processing station (3, 8, 9).

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser for dispensing a number of products. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with a number of ambient product columns with a number of ambient products therein, an X-Y drive device positioned beneath the ambient compartment, and a temperature controlled compartment positioned beneath the X-Y drive device, the temperature controlled compartment including a number of temperature controlled product columns with a number of temperature controlled products therein. The X-Y drive device receives an ambient product from one of the ambient product columns of the ambient compartment and delivers the ambient product to one of the temperature controlled product columns of the temperature controlled compartment.

Abstract: A movable platen cooling apparatus includes: a compressor; a cold head that includes a cooling part; a refrigerator gas supply line that supplies a refrigerant gas from the compressor to the cold head; a refrigerator gas exhaust line that exhausts the refrigerant gas from the cold head to the compressor; a first gas inflow line that is connected to a first movable platen flow path and includes a heat exchange part thermally coupled to the cooling part; a first gas outflow line connected to the first movable platen flow path and merged with the refrigerator gas exhaust line; a second gas inflow line connected to a second movable platen flow path and disposed to be thermally non-coupled with the cooling part; and a second gas outflow line connected to the second movable platen flow path and merged with the refrigerator gas exhaust line.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser for dispensing a number of products. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with a number of ambient product columns with a number of ambient products therein, an X-Y drive device positioned beneath the ambient compartment, and a temperature controlled compartment positioned beneath the X-Y drive device, the temperature controlled compartment including a number of temperature controlled product columns with a number of temperature controlled products therein. The X-Y drive device receives an ambient product from one of the ambient product columns of the ambient compartment and delivers the ambient product to one of the temperature controlled product columns of the temperature controlled compartment.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for treating or processing containers (2) that are used for storing substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications or contain the same, cylindrical containers open at least at one end are automatically led past or pass through processing stations for treatment or processing by means of a conveying device, while said containers are jointly held by a carrier (25; 134) in a regular two-dimensional arrangement. The carrier comprises a plurality of openings or receptacles (32; 39; 87; 120), which determine the regular arrangement. According to the invention, the treatment or processing of the containers is performed on or in at least one of the processing stations while the containers are supported by the carrier. This opens up new possibilities for treating or processing the containers, for example when crimping metal lids or during freeze-drying.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor for positively driving a conveyor belt (20) along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower (10) with parallel drive members (14) extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge (28) that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower. In another version, a conveyor belt has teeth (62) with guide surfaces (78, 79) at the inside edge of the belt. The teeth guide the drive members between belt rows into driving engagement with drive faces at the inside edge of the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment device for treating food products using conditioned treatment fluid, comprising a housing (10), which defines a treatment space (18) and is provided with an inlet (12) for introducing products to be treated into the treatment space, and an outlet (14) for discharging treated products from the treatment space, with the treatment space (18) being in open communication with the environment, a conveying means (16, 20) for conveying the food products from the inlet through the treatment space to the outlet, with the conveying means (16; 20) between the inlet and outlet following a helical conveying path (26) comprising several turns one above the other, circulation means (40) for circulating treatment fluid through the treatment space, conditioning means (56; 57) for conditioning the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method for adjusting pressure at an inlet of a blast freezer. The method includes positioning an airfoil proximate to the inlet, the inlet having a perimeter. The airfoil includes a strip of material having a length and being attached to the freezer along at least one side of the inlet, the strip of material being spaced from the perimeter of the inlet by an offset distance. The offset distance at any location along the length of the strip of material is the closest distance between the strip of material and the perimeter at that location. The offset distance varies substantially along at least a portion of the strip of material. Cold air is flowed in the blast freezer past the inlet and over the airfoil so that the flow of air past the inlet is disrupted and creates a resultant adjustment to the air pressure at the inlet.

Abstract: A sheet conveyor includes a first conveyance belt, a second conveyance belt, a first driving roller, a second driving roller, a first gear, and a second gear. In switching between sandwich and separation states, an axial center of a rotation shaft of the first or second gear moves on a movement plane substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first conveyance belt and the second conveyance belt convey a sheet. Where L represents diameter of a tooth edge circle of the second gear in unit of millimeter and T1 represents a chordal tooth thickness of the second gear, an acute-side angle ? in unit of degree (°) formed by the movement plane and an interaxial-center plane including the axial center of the rotation shaft of each of the first gear and the second gear in the sandwich state is within a range represented by the following Formula 1: Tan?1(2×T1/L)<|?|<45°.

Abstract: A counterflow chiller for cooling products on a conveyor employs a plurality of recirculating cooling modules in fluid communication with each other. Each recirculating cooling module sprays coolant over a portion of the conveyor to adjust the temperature of a product on the conveyor. An axial pump pumps coolant from a reservoir in a first recirculating coolant module to a sprayer, which sprays coolant over the product. Overflow coolant spills from one recirculating cooling module to another recirculating cooling module operating at a higher equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling channel (100) for cooling goods to be chilled, in particular food or pharmaceutical products, comprising a cooling tower (10) having an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (14), a driven conveyor belt (32), on which the goods to be chilled are arranged such that they can be conveyed through the cooling tower (10) from the inlet end (12) to the outlet end (14), a housing (18), which surrounds the conveyor belt (32) and forms a cooling zone in the region of the conveyor belt, a filter unit (62) for filtering air, a cooling unit (42) for cooling the cooling zone, and at least one fan (74), which interacts thermodynamically with the cooling unit (42) and which is designed to convey cooled air from the cooling unit (42) to the cooling zone, wherein the cooling unit (42) and the fan (74) are arranged in a housing region (40) that is separate from the cooling zone and sealed off from is the cooling zone, wherein only a fluid connection is provided for conveying the cooled air between

Abstract: A method and device for chilling food products by jets blasted into a tunnel, said tunnel comprising/a conveyor for conveying products into a tunnel, at least one plate, located opposite the conveyor, and provided with through holes, the plate or plates being located above and/or below the conveyor; and at least one means of blowing a cold fluid through the through holes and towards the products, characterized in that, during all or part of the periods of operation of the tunnel and/or during all or part of the periods of stoppage of the tunnel, there takes place an operation to clear all or part of said through holes, using a network of channels allowing a blow gas to be distributed opposite all of said through holes.

Abstract: Ice maker comprising a mould (10, 110) forming at a number of mould cavities (11, 111a, 11b) for receiving water and forming a respective piece of ice (41, 42,141), which number of mould cavities are arranged in at least one column defining a longitudinal direction; a first (2, 102) and a second shaft (3, 103); an endless conveyor (100), which is arranged to convey the mould in the longitudinal direction around at least the first shaft; and drive means (8) connected to at least one of the first and second shafts for driving the conveyor. The mould (10, 110) is formed of an elastic material and arranged to be elastically deformed as the mould passes over the first shaft (2, 102). Longitudinal communication channels (13a, 113a) are arranged between consecutive mould cavities (11, 111a) arranged in one column, for allowing water to flow between mould cavities in one column. A method of fabricating pieces of ice is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated mobile apparatus pre-cools produce prior to shipment, for example, to purchasers or to a cold storage facility. The apparatus comprises a preparation chamber for receiving and arranging produce on a movable carrier, a cooling chamber for receiving the produce from the preparation chamber, and a shipping chamber for receiving the produce from the cooling chamber. The chambers are preferably housed in a single enclosure and are arranged linearly, with the cooling chamber interposed between the preparation chamber and the shipping chamber. A method for pre-cooling produce prior to shipment comprises (a) arranging the produce on a movable carrier located within the preparation chamber, (b) conveying the carrier from the preparation chamber to the cooling chamber, (c) cooling the produce in the cooling chamber, (d) conveying the cooled produce to the shipping chamber, and (e) unloading the produce from the shipping chamber on to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for conditioning meat wherein further processing is optimized wherein the meat with a first temperature between ?35 to ?18° C. is introduced into a conditioner. Inside the conditioner a gas is circulated and by means of said gas the temperature is raised in the meat to a second temperature between ?8 and ?1.5° C., more preferred ?5 and ?1.5° C., with the meat being conveyed by the conveyor arranged inside the conditioner. At the second temperature the meat is transported out of the conditioner, wherein the meat is portioned, sliced, formed and/or cut at said second temperature, after which the processed meat is brought to a third temperature different from said second temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus according to various embodiments can be configured to use a cryogen for cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions. The apparatus removes thermal energy from an article by conductive and convective heat transfer. The apparatus allows for heat transfer from an outer surface of an article, and from an inner surface of the article.

Abstract: Method for cooling soldered printed circuit board modules in a cooling zone of a soldering system, wherein at least one cooling gas comprising inert gas is introduced into the cooling zone, wherein the printed circuit boards are conveyed continuously from a soldering zone of the soldering system into the cooling zone, wherein the cooling gas is generated using liquid cooling gas. The method according to the invention and the device (1) according to the invention advantageously permit highly efficient cooling of printed circuit board modules after the soldering process. The cooling gas may advantageously be used for inerting the soldering system (2) after extraction from the cooling zone (15).

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.

Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.

Abstract: A fluidized bed conveyor belt freezer system that includes at least one wire mesh conveyor belt in a freezer with a plurality of coil arrays and fans that produce a high volume of cold air directed upward into a plurality of air deflection vanes mounted under the belt. The vanes are equally spaced apart and longitudinally aligned under the conveyor belt to evenly distribute the cold air in the fan chamber through the belt to efficiently fluidize and freeze product transported on the belt with minimal waste. The volume of cold air in the fan chamber is produced by a plurality of fan assemblies that draw cold air from coils. The cold air in the fan chamber is uniformly mixed to a constant low temperature and moves at the same velocity. The vanes efficiently divide and distribute the cold air in the fan chamber through the belt, quickly freezing the product.

Abstract: A process for metering the disposition of a food product into cavities forming a pellet. The cavities are defined in a conveyor as individual cavities. Each cavity defines a specific volume. The process includes supplying a quantity of food product in a supply chamber which includes a plurality of nozzles aligned above the conveyor. The nozzles are aligned with a predetermined portion of the cavities. A predefined supply of food product is dispensed and metered through each nozzle. The food product is dispensed through the nozzles into the cavities without exceeding the specific volume of the cavity. The food product is frozen into an individual quick frozen pellet starting immediately upon disposition in one of the cavities. The step of metering the predefined amount of food product includes metering a predetermined weight of the food product.

Abstract: A cryogenic tunnel freezer (10) having modular design and construction including a lower section (16) that can be raised and lowered relative to an upper section (14), the upper and lower sections (14, 16) defining a tunnel (12) when the lower section (16) is in a closed (raised) position. Product is moved through the tunnel (12) via a belt (22) formed of arrays of plastic modules (76) that are reinforced by metal chains (140) and rods (150). The lower run (23) of the belt (22) rides on the floor (48) of the lower section (16) and the upper run (21) rides on the lower run (23) when the belt (22) is operated. The flow of cryogenic fluid through the tunnel (12) is aided by vaporization of a cryogenic fluid and baffles (98), but no air-moving devices located within the tunnel (12).

Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.

Abstract: A freezer includes a housing having a space therein for receiving a cryogenic gas, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the space; a conveyor belt having an outer edge and being arranged for movement through the space for transferring a product from the inlet through to the outlet; a solid longitudinal member disposed in the space adjacent the outer edge for segregating the space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; and a transfer duct operatively associated with the housing and having a first opening in communication with the upper chamber for receiving the cryogenic gas from the upper chamber and a second opening in communication with the lower chamber for expelling the cryogenic gas into the lower chamber.

Abstract: An upwardly helical flow path of cryogen-rich air inside a cryogenic spiral freezer may be used to chill or freeze products.

Abstract: A freezer for a product includes a housing having a space therein, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the space; a conveyor having a first side for conveying the product through the space, and a second side opposite to the first side; an agitating apparatus disposed proximate the conveyor for contacting the conveyor at select intervals to agitate the conveyor and displace the product at the first side; a first longitudinal member disposed proximate the first side of the conveyor and having at least one hole extending therethrough; and at least one circulation device disposed in the space proximate the longitudinal member for directing a cryogenic substance through the at least one hole onto the product.

Abstract: A freezer apparatus for a product includes a chamber; a mechanical refrigeration assembly having a portion thereof disposed within the chamber for reducing a temperature of the product; and a cryogen injection assembly disposed within the chamber for reducing the temperature of the product and operatively associated with the mechanical refrigeration assembly to provide power to move a flow of cryogen refrigerant through the mechanical refrigeration assembly.

Abstract: A process for metering the disposition of a food product into cavities forming a pellet. The cavities are defined in a conveyor as individual cavities. Each cavity defines a specific volume. The process includes supplying a quantity of food product in a supply chamber which includes a plurality of nozzles aligned above the conveyor. The nozzles are aligned with a predetermined portion of the cavities. A predefined supply of food product is dispensed and metered through each nozzle. The food product is dispensed through the nozzles into the cavities without exceeding the specific volume of the cavity. The food product is frozen into an individual quick frozen pellet starting immediately upon disposition in one of the cavities. The step of metering the predefined amount of food product includes metering a predetermined weight of the food product.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a conveying means which conveys a resin composition formed into a sheet shape along a direction parallel to a surface of the sheet-shaped resin composition and a cooling means which cools the resin composition being conveyed by the conveying means. A temperature of the resin composition just before being cooled by the cooling means is in the range of 40 to 60° C. and the cooling means has a cooling ability to cool the resin composition such that a cooling rate of the resin composition is in the range of 0.2 to 5° C./min. Further, the cooling means includes a fan section having at least one outlet port which discharges cooling air of which temperature is in the range of ?40 to 0° C. to the resin composition.

Abstract: A freeze tunnel can have a conveyor configured to move food product from a first end to a second end. At least one first cooling unit and at least one first fan can be positioned on the first side of the conveyor, and at least one second cooling unit and at least one second fan can be positioned on the second side of the conveyor. The fans can cooperate to circulate air inside the freeze tunnel in two opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for freezers includes at least one support member having an upper surface upon which product is supported for being conveyed, a lower surface opposed to said upper surface and at least one hole extending through the support member between the upper and lower surfaces for permitting fluid at the lower surface to pass through the at least one hole to the upper surface and contact the product thereon.

Abstract: The following paragraph is to replace the previous version of the abstract, and includes markings to show all the changes made relative to the previous version: An apparatus and method for chilling or freezing a product includes a freezer having a freezing chamber therein in which a cryogenic substance is provided, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the freezing chamber; and a plastic film belt constructed and arranged to transport the product from the inlet through the freezing chamber for exposure to the cryogenic substance to the outlet for removal of the product for further processing. The plastic film belt may be formed with one or a plurality of pockets to transport a corresponding amount of product.

Abstract: A tempering channel (1) for tempering confectioneries (4) includes a tempering tunnel (2) and a conveyor belt (5) having an upper part (11) and a lower part (12). A transfer location (8) is located at the conveyor belt (5). The confectioneries (4) arrive at the transfer location (8) to be placed on the upper part (11) of the conveyor belt (5). The conveyor belt (5) transports the confectioneries (4) through the tempering tunnel (2). A first tempering apparatus (6) tempers the confectioneries (4) while they are transported through the tempering tunnel (2). The tempering channel (1) includes a control unit (16) and at least one sensor (15) sensing the temperature of the lower part (12) of the conveyor belt (5). The sensor (15) is connected to the control unit (16) to transmit a signal to the control unit (16) depending on the sensed temperature. A second tempering apparatus (14) is connected to the control unit (16).

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.

Abstract: An ammonia/CO2 refrigeration system is provided in which the ammonia cycle and CO2 brine cycle can be combined without problems even when refrigeration load such as refrigerating showcase, etc. is located at any place in accordance with circumstances of customer's convenience. The system comprises apparatuses working on an ammonia refrigerating cycle, a brine cooler for cooling and condensing CO2 by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization of the ammonia, and a liquid pump provided in a supply line for supplying the cooled and liquefied CO2 to a refrigeration load side cooler, wherein said liquid pump is a variable-discharge pump for allowing CO2 to be circulated forcibly, and the forced circulation flow is determined so that CO2 is recovered from the outlet of the cooler of the refrigeration load side in a liquid or liquid/gas mixed state.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing temperature of items includes an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet for the items within the enclosure; a conveyor for conveying the items within the enclosure from the inlet to the outlet; one or more delivery nozzles positioned to deliver gaseous cryogen and liquid or solid cryogen at supersonic velocity to the items on the conveyor. The apparatus delivers supersonic gaseous cryogen and fine liquid cryogen droplets onto the surface of food items to cool or freeze the food items.

Abstract: A portable, automated, cold-chain maintaining, cooling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus comprises one or more portable cooling modules in communication with one or more portable transition modules. The cooling modules have cooling module conveyor apparatus to move containers of product through the module and a product cooling apparatus to provide cooling air to the product. The portable transition module is in communication with each of said one or more portable cooling modules in such a manner to maintain the cold temperature of said cooled product. A transition module conveyor apparatus within the transition module is in communication with the cooling module conveyor apparatus and automatically transfer the product from the cooling modules into the portable transition module.

Abstract: An ice making conveyer producing ice cubes in any size and form designed to be utilized in household or commercial units. This conveyer having three possible shapes: triangle shape of the ice making conveyer, square shape of ice making conveyer and oval or circular shape of the ice making conveyer. Conveyer might be utilized in three types of the refrigerators: where freezer is located on the top of food section of the refrigerator, where freezer is located side by side, no matter on the right or left side of the food section of the refrigerator, where freezer is located underneath the food section of the refrigerator. Present conveyer includes a plastic frame and conveyer device that traverse between freezer and food section of the refrigerator or inside of the freezer. This conveyer allows easy, inexpensive, safe, clean, and compact way of producing ice cubes in any size and form.

Abstract: In a method of chilling slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, the poultry is conveyed through a chilling room, or at least through a part of said chilling room, and in the process is exposed to a stream of chilling air. During the chilling of the poultry the skin of the poultry is moistened. The skin of the poultry is moistened by spraying it with water in a spray area that is separated from the stream of chilling air.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling slaughtered poultry, including the steps of: positioning the poultry with spread legs, with the abdominal cavity upward and oriented in the transporting direction of the poultry; and transporting the positioned poultry through cooled flowing water, wherein the transporting direction of the poultry is opposed to the flow direction of the water such that water flows around and through the poultry from the abdominal cavity toward the neck cavity. The present invention also relates to an installation including: a positioner for receiving the slaughtered poultry with the abdominal cavity oriented upward in the transporting direction; a transporter for transporting the positioned poultry; and a cooler including a container for cooled and flowing water, wherein the flow direction is opposed to the transporting direction, and to the treated poultry.

Abstract: A system processes a food product with a cooling gas and includes a housing with a chamber; a blower in communication with the chamber for circulating the cooling gas; a baffle disposed in the chamber for dividing the chamber into a first region for exposing the food product to the cooling gas and a second region in which the cooling gas is moved by the blower for recirculation to the first region of the chamber; an arcuate member disposed in the chamber in spaced relationship with the baffle for providing a flow path between the first and second regions, the arcuate member coacting with the baffle to guide the cooling gas into the flow path; and conveyor means disposed for movement through at least one of the first and second regions for supporting and delivering the food product through the cooling gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means.

Abstract: A freezer housing for a freezer for cooling and/or freezing of products lying on a conveyor belt, and which are conveyed through a freezing zone for the freezing, where upper ejector plates are provided above the conveyor belt and lower ejector plates are provided below the conveyor belt for inflow of air into the freezing zone while applying an impingement principle, where the ejector plates are provided with transverse air return ducts.