Abstract: An improved endless conveyer belt is provided which can carry minute particles of conveyed product such as are found in packed bed applications, without limiting the ability of the conveyor belt to articulate into a spiraling conveyor stack. The perforations in the foraminous bottom member of the conveyor belt can be dimensioned according to the size of conveyed products. The number and placement of the perforations can be chosen to alter gas flow characteristics of the belt.

Abstract: A spiral type freezer constructed and operated to introduce refrigerated atmosphere into the bottom of the insulated chamber and circulate the atmosphere in a circulation flow from the bottom of the chamber to an exit on top of the chamber, the refrigerated atmosphere producing a thermal gradient from the bottom to the top of the chamber so that the freezer is operated non-isothermally.

Abstract: A food freezer for continuous freezing of food products utilizing a helical conveyor for transporting the food products through an enclosure in which the food products are cooled. Mechanical refrigeration apparatus employs a refrigerant to cool an atmosphere gas which is circulated across the food products within the enclosure. The refrigerant is also employed to subcool a cryogen which also cools the same food products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for initially freezing a first exterior surface of a product such as a food product. The product is then supported on a perforated conveyor belt with the frozen first exterior surface in contact with the conveyor belt. The product is then further frozen and processed. Because the frozen surface of the product is hard, it does not conform to the surface contours of the belt and the unmarred visual appearance of the product is maintained. In addition, the frozen surface of the product is more easily removed from the belt after complete freezing and damage to the product is less likely to occur during removal of the belt.

Abstract: A water tank is divided into a heated compartment and a cooled compartment by an insulated baffle. A perforated cylinder is mounted within the tank and has a first segment which extends within the heated tank compartment and a second segment which extends within the cooled tank compartment. Portions of a helical auger extend within each cylinder segment. Heated water is supplied to the heated compartment by a heated water manifold, and cooled water is supplied to the cooled compartment by a cooled water manifold. Mixing of the heated and cooled water is prevented by the insulating baffle. Food product is caused to traverse the length of the heated compartment by the auger, and is transferred over the baffle into the cooled compartment by a lifting flight which elevates food product from the water into a chute which discharges into the cooled compartment. A single, self-contained apparatus thus blanches and cools food product in a continuous process.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus such as a cooler, blancher, or cooker, has a water tank with a perforated wall drum cylinder mounted to rotate within the tank. Loose or pouch-packaged food product is introduced into the rotating cylinder and is advanced by the generally helical auger to the discharge end of the tank. The auger has radially extending folds or depressions which project axially from the auger helical surface, such that food product conveyed by the rotating auger is engaged by the projecting portions and is thereby agitated in an axial direction as it is conveyed from the tank inlet to the tank outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are disposed at 90 degrees from one another along the entire length of the auger, alternately projecting toward the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device for quick chilling beverages. The device rotates the beverage in a hollow receptacle such as an ordinary commercially available ice chest while positioning it vertically and at an angle such that it can be used with receptacles having a wide range of sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for freezing drops of liquid reagent solution in a cryogenic liquid. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent and a rotatable carousel positioned below the dispensing means. The upper surface of the carousel has a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid, typically liquid nitrogen, for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a tank comprising a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. The tank has a heat source for slightly heating a portion of the cryogenic liquid such that a convection current in the cryogenic liquid is created. The convection currents in the cryogenic liquid provide mild agitation of the liquid and prevent aggregation of the frozen drops.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cooling a product in a vacuum chamber which utilizes a door mounted in an opening portion of a vacuum tumbler chamber, a mechanism mounted on the door for injecting a coolant fluid into the tumbler chamber, a mechanism for rotating the tumbler chamber relative to the door and a vacuum mechanism for exhausting the coolant fluid from the tumbler chamber. The process includes the method of cooling a product in a vacuum chamber and which includes the steps of depositing the products in the vacuum chamber, subjecting the chamber to a vacuum, rotating the chamber, applying a coolant fluid to the products in the chamber; and exhausting the coolant fluid from the chamber by vacuum.

Abstract: Chain conveyor (11) with a drive device (16) comprising a toothed wheel (39) designed to engage with a chain (18) of the chain belt in a conveyor system (10) and the toothed wheel (39) is arranged so as to be coplanar and between the lateral chains (18, 19) of the belt, underneath the plane defined by the cross bars (20) connecting the chains (18, 19).

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing dehydration during freezing of foodstuffs utilizing a combination of cryogenic freezing to lock in moisture followed by vaporized cryogen assisted mechanical freezing to through freeze other foodstuff.

Abstract: A method for chilling carcasses which comprises the steps of introducing a cryogenic fluid into a rotatable drum of a meat tumbler, the drum having inner walls which are cooled by the cryogenic fluid; placing carcasses to be chilled inside the drum; and rotating the drum so that the carcasses contact each other and the inner walls until they are chilled to a sufficient degree. The cryogenic fluid cools the drum to a temperature of approximately 32 .degree. F. A small quantity of water may be introduced into the drum of the tumbler either immediately before or immediately after the introduction of the cryogenic fluid. The water forms an ice layer on the inner walls to prevent the carcasses from sticking to the inner walls. The primary chilling of the carcasses takes place between the tumbling carcasses and the cold inner walls and/or ice layer. The carcasses may also be tumbled in the drum in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere to massage surface moisture back into the carcasses.

Abstract: A helical conveyor system in a freezing unit, wherein cold air from an evaporator (20) is fan-forced upwardly through the turns of the conveyor mesh, a primary cold air flow (26) is directed upwardly through the turns of the conveyor mesh, and a secondary flow (28) of cold air is incident on the top turn of the helix. This has the advantage that the coldest air impinges on the product while the latter is still at its warmest.

Abstract: A food freezer for continuous freezing of food products utilizing a helical conveyor for transporting the food products through an enclosure having a first cooling zone in which the food products are cooled sufficiently to freeze the exterior surface, and a second cooling zone in which the interior of the food products are frozen. Refrigeration apparatus cools an atmosphere gas within the enclosure and baffle means directs the coldest gas through the food products in the first cooling zone and the gas from the first cooling zone is circulated to the second cooling zone where it passes across the food products in a direction opposite to the direction of travel through the second cooling zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing of food products comprises an insulated housing, an endless, foraminous conveyor belt following a helical path for forming a belt pile having several tiers in the housing, and helical rail means for supporting the conveyor belt at one side thereof along the helical path. Cooled air is circulated through the belt pile. Nozzles for ejecting cooled, pressurized air are positioned between the tiers of the belt pile, such that a plurality of air jets are ejected from the nozzles for impinging upon both a top side and a bottom side of food products carried by the conveyor belt past the nozzles.

Abstract: A spiral drum freezer apparatus having a system for measuring and monitoring the "overdrive" of a rotated drum relative to a spiral belt helically wrapped around the drum in an ascending fashion. The system measures overdrive directly and continuously by obtaining a first speed measurement of the drum directly from the sprockets of a drive gear box drivingly engaging the drum. An alternative point of measurement for measuring rotational speed includes proximate the sprockets of a drum wheel driven by a belt, or sensing spaced-apart vertical outer structure members of the drum. Another point yet is on a disc-like plate. This plate is coaxially aligned and attached to the drum, and has precisionally spaced apart markings proximate a periphery where the rotational speed of the plate is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the drum. A second speed measurement is obtained by measuring the rotational speed of sprockets of a guide roller guiding the spiral belt.

Abstract: A freeze wheel is provided with an outer skin on which a food or other type product is placed to be frozen. A chamber is formed adjacent the outer skin and a plurality of nozzles project into the chamber for directing a refrigerant onto the inner surface of the skin. The refrigerant flow is controlled to provide a uniform flow pattern along the inner surface to strip away a boundary layer of fluid and maximize heat transfer across the outer skin. The nozzles are arranged in a series of concentric rings with the nozzles in alternate rows lying in common radial planes. An interior portion of the wheel is closed off by one or more doors which may be opened to allow cleaning of the wheel.

Abstract: A device to freeze free-flowing and pourable substances in a bath consists of a bath for a low-boiling liquified gas located inside an insulated housing having openings for the introduction of the substances to be frozen and the gas as well as for the removal of the frozen substances. The bath is located in a rotatable hollow cylinder having a rotational axis tilted with respect to the horizontal plane. The inner wall of the cylinder has a ribbon screw above whose lowest point there is a feed mechanism for the substances to be frozen.

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: Combined cryogenic and mechanical refrigeration freezer utilizing an open spiral conveyor for transporting food to be frozen through a first cryogenic zone enclosed by a secondary housing and then through a mechanically refrigerated zone subjected to circulating air cooled by mechanical refrigeration and cryogenic vapor from the first cryogenic zone.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing foodstuffs includes a drum 1 mounted for rotary movement at an angle to the horizontal such that individual compartments 12 in the drum 1 successively descend into and rise from a vessel 11 containing cryogenic fluid. Frozen products tumble under gravity towards a central outlet 5 in one surface 4 of the drum, guided by the curved partitions 14 defining individual compartments 12.

Abstract: A safe and non-toxic process is provided for treating hot, newly formed soft elastic gelatin capsules to avoid their sticking to one another and to remove matter in the form of oils, pastes, and solid particles from exterior surfaces of the capsules, comprising the steps of: 1) cooling the capsules to aid in preventing capsule deformation and to aid in removing aqueous moisture from exterior surfaces of the capsules, and 2) contacting the capsules with an absorbent material to remove the matter from the exterior surfaces of the capsules. Alternatively, for certain type capsules, the process of the present invention may comprise the single step of absorption of matter from the exterior surfaces of the capsules.

Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus for cooling or freezing products such as protein materials includes a drum through which heat transfer fluid is circulated. A belt is wrapped around part of the drum surface and the product to be refrigerated is applied to the drum surface, being pressed thereagainst by the belt. Either liquid or triple point carbon dioxide is circulated through the drum to cool the product in contact therewith. Other heat transfer fluids such as D-Limonene or DOWTHERM may also be circulated through the drum. A tank and related apparatus for cooling the heat transfer fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A food freezer having a mechanical refrigeration system comprising first and second closed-loop fluid circuits, wherein the first fluid circuit employs carbon dioxide as its refrigerant and transfers heat to the second fluid circuit, which in turn transfers heat to the environment or to another fluid circuit. In the first fluid circuit evaporator, carbon dioxide is maintained at pressures between 60.4 psig and 120 psig. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the freezer employs at least two separate blowers or fans for circulation of air or other gas in the freezer enclosure. One blower/fan operates continuously to maintain circulation of cold air or gas in the freezer. The other blower/fan operates intermittently or at variable speeds to vary air flow across the evaporator, and thereby increase or decrease heat transfer from the freezer interior to the first fluid circuit evaporator to maintain the freezer interior at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A freezer (1) which comprises a drum (2) is characterized in that a cylinder (12) is disposed in said drum (2), and a fan (14) is provided for circulating cryogen through the space (20) between the outer surface of the cylinder (12) and the inner surface of the drum (2). The outer surface of the drum (2) is provided with a plurality of grooves (4) of parabolic cross-section. In use, droplets (23) of liquid egg are dropped on to the grooves (4) where they freeze individually. The frozen particles fall away from the drum as they approach the lowermost point of travel of the drum (2) and form an attractive granular product.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises an endless conveyor belt (1) which along part of its length follows a path consisting of a number of helically extending turns laid upon each other, and a supporting installation (8, 9, 19) consisting of two endless chains (8, 9) which are carried by supports (19) and support the lowermost of the helically extending belt turns by supporting the belt edge portions along this turn. A second endless conveyor belt (1') is of substantially the same shape as the first-mentioned conveyor belt (1) and follows along part of its length a path consisting of a number of helically extending turns laid upon each other and alternating with the turns of the first-mentioned conveyor belt.

Abstract: A food freezer having a thermally insulated enclosure and an endless conveyor having a loading section, a food freezing section and an unloading section. Blowers circulate gas throughout the interior of the enclosure, and devices for injecting liquid CO.sub.2 to preferably cause CO.sub.2 snow particles to impinge upon the food products on the belt are located at selected positions about the belt and may be at various vertical levels, some of which are preferably at least slightly above the belt. By piping the liquid CO.sub.2 so that it flows only upward and/or horizontally toward the spray nozzles within the thermally insulated enclosure, any solid CO.sub.2 that may accumulate adjacent the upstream side of the spray nozzle orifices is melted by CO.sub.2 vapor which gravitates upward in the vertical piping.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the cooling of softly packaged food-stuffs, such as pouches with foods, said pouches are immersed inside a tank (52) into a cooling liquid with a density that is lower than that of the pouches. A floor is arranged inside the tank above the tank bottom so as to support the pouches, which floor comprises a grid (14). At least one jet (15) is arranged between the tank floor and the grid, said jet being adapted to eject liquid in a generally upward direction, and said jet during the ejection being moved so as to vary the flow pattern inside the tank. The motion of the jet provides an exceptionally good cooling effect, which is believed to be attributable to a combination of advantageous circumstances, viz. that no pouch is constantly stationary and that the pouches do not cover the surfaces of other pouches.The motion of the jets can be provided by a mechanically relatively simple arrangement, in which the jets are mounted on arms (16), which arms are rotated around a vertical axis (17).

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid chilling of bottled liquids, the apparatus being adapted to support and rotate the bottle in a low temperature medium contained in a bucket. The apparatus comprising a gear drive mechanism supported on a bridge over the bucket and a bottle neck gripping device coupled to the drive shaft of the gear drive mechanism beneath the bridge. The bottle neck gripping device supporting the bottle in the chilling medium and rotating the bottle in response to rotation of the gear drive shaft.

Abstract: A tunnel for freezing scrap is adapted to reduce consumption of volatile liquid cryogens. The tunnel is supported in an inclined orientation and rotated to move scrap from a scrap inlet to a scrap outlet. A liquid cryogen is injected into the tunnel. The scrap inlet may incorporate a screw drive or other mechanism to reduce loss of gaseous cryogenic material. An exhaust conduit permits discharge of spent gaseous cryogen. The temperature of the spent gas is sensed and indicated, and the rate at which spent cryogen is exhausted and fresh cryogen is introduced is varied with the temperature. A discharge end of the tunnel contains an annular plate which prevents free discharge of liquid cryogen. A longitudinal rib attached to the interior surface of the tunnel adjacent the plate lifts scrap from liquid cryogen accumulating at the plate and drops the scrap through the central opening.

Abstract: A tunnel freezer comprises an elongate tunnel which is inclined to the horizontal and which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The inside of the tunnel is provided with a weir which retains a pool of liquid nitorgen between the weir and the upper end of the tunnel. Particles to be frozen are introduced into the tunnel on a conveyor and drop into the pool where they freeze substantially without aggregation. Rotation of the tunnel carries the particles out of the liquid nitrogen and through the remainder of the tunnel to the outlet end of the tunnel. The frozen particles and the nitrogen vapour from the tunnel pass through a common outlet which is provided with a pivoting plate which restricts the flow through the common outlet so that the tunnel operates at or slightly above atmospheric pressure thereby inhibiting ingress of moist air into the tunnel. Movement of particles through the tunnel is facilitated by lifting bars which form part of a liner which can be readily removed and replaced as desired.

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: A food freezer having a thermally insulated enclosure wherein an endless conveyor having a lower loading section, a main helical section and an uppermost unloading section is primarily driven by engagement between its inner edge and the sidewall of a rotatable center cage, which includes a plurality of uniformly spaced apart vertical bars. The lower end of the center cage can be blocked, and a centrifugal blower is axially located at the upper end of the cage to suck gas from the interior of the cage and discharge it horizontally outward along the undersurface of the top wall so that it flows outward, then downward and, finally, radially inward in an overall generally toroidal pattern through the tiers of the helical belt section where it withdraws heat from the freezes the food products being carried therealong. Various arrangements, e.g.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer apparatus for food products includes a conveyor within a thermally insulated enclosure. A cryogen injecting unit is located in said enclosure adjacent the opening thereof, and responsive to a cryogen control signal for introducing liquid cryogen in said enclosure. A blower unit in said enclosure directs cryogen vapor away from said enclosure opening toward the interior of said enclosure. The output of said blower unit being controllable by a blower control signal. A sensing unit within said enclosure senses the cooling capacity of the cryogen vapor at the enclosure opening and generates a sensor output signal which is indicative of the amount of cryogen vapor escaping out of said opening. A control unit, coupled to said sensing unit, said injecting unit, and to said blower unit generates a cryogen control signal and a blower control signal in response to the sensor output signal.

Abstract: An ice dispensing bin has an inward and rearward sloped front wall and a downward and forward sloped semi-cylindrical bottom wall. The rear wall and side walls and an upper portion of the front wall are generally vertical. A paddle wheel is positioned in a recess in the sloping front wall. The paddle wheel has a circular plate lying along a central portion of the annular recess. A truncated conical plate converges axially about 10 degrees from the circular plate. Paddles extend radially from the conical plate. Turbine blade-like paddles curve circumferentially and then axially and stop short of the front wall to trap and move ice along the front wall of the recess as the paddle wheel is rotated. A shaft extends through the paddle wheel and rearwardly to a bearing in the rear wall. An angular arm on the shaft breaks ice bridges as the shaft rotates with the paddle wheel.

Abstract: A freezer (1) which comprises a drum (2) is characterized in that a cylinder (12) is disposed in said drum (2), and a fan (14) is provided for circulating cryogen through the space (20) between the outer surface of the cylinder (12) and the inner surface of the drum (2). The outer surface of the drum (2) is provided with a plurality of grooves (4) of parabolic cross-section. In use, droplets (23) of liquid egg are dropped on to the grooves (4) where they freeze individually. The frozen particles fall away from the drum as they approach the lowermost point of travel of the drum (2) and form an attractive granular product.

Abstract: A chiller has an insulated enclosure for maintaining the low ambient temperatures therewithin. A conveyor belt carries food products throughout the enclosure, passing through an entrance and an exit in the enclosure. The conveyor belt includes a straight-line path section and a helical path section, and is driven by a suitable drive, such as an internal rotating drum or an endless drive belt contacting a bottom tier of the conveyor helical path section. The belt includes inner and outer links interconnected by transverse rods. Upon entering a helical path section from a straight-line path section, the conveyor belt undergoes expansion only, with the inner ends of the rods undergoing only slight relative angular movement, while the outer ends of the rods are permitted an amount of relative longitudinal movement so as to allow the conveyor belt to assume a curved configuration having the desired radius of curvature for the helical path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a climate chamber, such as a refrigeration chamber, with a conveyor apparatus. The conveyor apparatus includes an endless, partially collapsible conveyor belt having a product-supporting bed with an upstanding sidewall along one edge of the belt. The belt is coiled in a generally helical configuration to form a plurality of helical tiers stacked one above the other, so that the sidewall portions form a substantially continuous wall-like surface, with the top portion of a wall of an underlying tier contacting an adjacent superior tier so as to form a generally self-supporting edge region of the conveyor belt. The other edge of the conveyor belt is supported by a generally helical guide rail, which maintains adjacent tiers of the helical stack spaced apart from one another. Air flow through the stack can be freely circulated between the spaced other edges of adjacent tiers and/or vertically through the perforated conveyor belt.

Abstract: A chiller which subjects a food product flow to a continuous controlled cooling treatment with water includes a tank with an inlet end and a discharge end, an auger having flights mounted rotatably within the tank, a perforate cylinder mounted within the tank around the auger to substantially contain the auger and food product while allowing water within the tank to pass in and out of the cylinder, and a plurality of baffles which each extend substantially radially inwardly from the perforate cylinder between two adjacent flights of the auger. When the auger and cylinder rotate, the baffles agitate the water and food product by carrying the food product sidewardly and upwardly out of the water, and then allow the food product to tumble back into the water. Additionally, the chiller preferably include two air manifolds mounted within the tank below the intended water level 42 outside the cylinder along its entire length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling movement of the refrigerated atmosphere (e.g. gaseous cryogen) contained inside the insulated chamber of a spiral type freezer out of, or ambient atmosphere into, the lower opening of the freezer by establishing a positive pressure of ambient atmosphere adjacent the inlet opening of the freezer.

Abstract: In spiral drum freezer apparatus having an insulated disclosure a spiral drum is mounted for rotation within the enclosure and includes a spiral belt to the spiral drum with the top of the spiral drum being supported by UHMW bearings and the bottom of the spiral drum being supported by a planetary wheel drive. A gear motor is connected to the planetary wheel drive for rotating the spiral drum at a specified speed. A take-up drive gear motor drives the spiral belt. A tachometer feedback speed control sense the speed of the drum gear motor and controls the speed thereof and the take-up drive gear motor in accordance with the preselectable speed.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a walled insulated enclosure is provided with a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft and drive motor are positioned along the ceiling of the walled enclosure. The drive shaft terminates at a coupling mechanism. A complimentary coupling mechanism is attached to the top of a well-known movable food rack. Thus, when the food rack is stored within the walled enclosure, the coupling mechanism on the food rack mates with and attaches to the complimentary coupling mechanism of the drive shaft. When the drive motor is actuated, the drive shaft will rotate the movable food rack. It will be appreciated that by rotating the movable food rack, the present invention will permit the food stored on the food rack to chill far more quickly than if the food rack were to remain stationary. In addition, by rotating the food rack, the present invention eliminates warm air pockets which allow bacterial growth.

Abstract: A cooling system for a food storage and merchandising machine having a rotatable drum mounted inside a cabinet, the drum having a plurality of axially spaced shelves divided by partitions into a plurality of food storage compartments, comprising a hollow center column extending axially through the drum and through the centers of the shelves, the column having a sidewall defining an air passageway, the sidewall having a plurality of vents therein communicating with each of the food storage compartments. The system further comprises a refrigeration system for cooling air, and a blower for introducing cooled air into one end of the air passageway. The other end of the air passageway is closed so that substantially all of the air provided to the passageway passes through the vents.

Abstract: A wine cooling apparatus comprises a bottle holder which holds a bottle within an ice and water mixture in a container which is rotatably mounted on a turntable. When the turntable is rotated, the container rotates and fins on the inside of the container stir the mixture and cause it to swirl around the surface of the bottle thereby cooling the wine.

Abstract: A beverage container cooling apparatus for use in combination with plastic insulated ice chests having a top and a base, the cooling apparatus comprising a tray designed to fit within the base and adapted to receive ice and beverage containers positioned on the ice whereby the containers have their highest parts substantially coplanar with the opening in the base. An endless belt drive mechanism is mounted in the top and has a crank operatively connected thereto which extends outwardly through the chest top. The endless belt is designed to engage the highest parts of the beverage containers when the top and bottom are in superposed position. Operation of the crank will cause the endless belt to rotate the beverage containers on the ice which will cause the contents of the containers to be cooled.

Abstract: A freezing apparatus comprises a cooling hollow body to receive food products to be frozen thereon and to be driven for rotation, a flexible container made of a flexible sheet material which is arranged on the upper surface of the cooling hollow body so as to cover said products placed on said upper surface, a cold brine circulating path including the hollow portion of the cooling hollow body and the interior of the flexible container which are mutually communicated to feed cold brine, a plurality of adapters attached to the outer periphery of the flexible container, and a guide rail provided around the outer periphery of the flexible container to slidably support the adapters. The flexible container is moved synchronously with the cooling hollow body due to a frictional force resulted between the flexible container and the cooling hollow body.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a walled insulated enclosure is provided with a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft and drive motor are positioned along the ceiling of the walled enclosure. The drive shaft terminates at a coupling mechanism. A complimentary coupling mechanism is attached to the top of a well-known movable food rack. Thus, when the food rack is stored within the walled enclosure, the coupling mechanism on the food rack mates with and attaches to the complimentary coupling mechanism of the drive shaft. When the drive motor is actuated, the drive shaft will rotate the movable food rack. It will be appreciated that by rotating the movable food rack, the present invention will permit the food stored on the food rack to chill far more quickly than if the food rack were to remain stationary. In addition, by rotating the food rack, the present invention eliminates warm air pockets which allow bacterial growth.