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 for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, an exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. Each module includes a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets provides an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. A pneumatically actuated ball valve is used to vibrate the impingers to remove snow and ice on the impingers.

Abstract: A tortilla cooling conveyor with distributed air diffusion (10) having a a housing (12) with chambers separated by a perforated top baffle plate (18T) and a perforated bottom baffle plate (18B). A plurality of perforated conveyors have curved guides at opposite distal ends to orientate the tortillas. Coils/fan are located in the bottom chamber to produce cool dry air which desiccates and reduces the temperature of the newly manufactured tortillas.

Abstract: A process and device is provided for cooling extruded hollow sections, especially pipes, that are made of plastic. Liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide is directed into the interior of the plastic hollow section through an extruder head and is depressurized in at least one depressurization nozzle, whereby carbon dioxide in gaseous and solid form is produced. The carbon dioxide that is in gaseous form is directed to the inner wall of the hollow section, while carbon dioxide snow is brought into heat exchange with the inner wall of hollow section only to the extent that the latter is not damaged.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: A counter flow, re-circulating, externally refrigerated auger type chiller. The chiller has a tank that is semi-cylindrical in shape so that the walls of the tank conform closely to the circular cross section of the auger. By minimizing the gap between the walls of the tank and the outer edges of the rotating auger, the counter flowing chilled water is forced to flow in the helical path determined by the auger. This assures a longer residence time for the chilled water in the auger, more thorough and more intimate contact between the poultry carcasses and the chilled water, and thus more efficient transfer of heat from the poultry carcasses to the chilled water.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous freezing of liquids and cutting of the resulting frozen material into discrete pieces. A freezing table is provided with a transfer film for transporting liquid to be frozen across the top surface thereof. Side dams are attached to the freezing table such that the lateral edge surfaces of the traveling film extend upwardly against the adjacent side dams forming a trough. A cutting apparatus receives the frozen slab and first cuts the frozen slab into strips, then cuts the strips into discrete pieces. A plurality of circular saw blades, preferably in two counter-rotating rows, are used to cut the slab into strips, and a guillotine cutter is preferably used to cut the strips into discrete pieces.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: A method of freezing a product, which method comprises the steps of vaporizing a cryogenic liquid and warming the vapor thus formed in indirect heat exchange with a product to be frozen, work expanding the warmed vapor, and using the work expanded vapor thus obtained to refrigerate the or another product.

Abstract: A fluid conveyor jet moves flexible containers or bags along a trough from one station to the next in the trough in a process which efficiently heats or cools the contents of the containers. Side fluid jets positioned along opposite sides of the trough direct heating or cooling fluid (water) on the flexible containers at the stations. They direct the fluid generally in spaced horizontal planes on the flexible containers therebetween causing (1) the central contents of the containers to move away from central areas of the container towards the sides to promote temperature transfer between the contents and cooling or heating fluid from the fluid jet conveyor and the fluid jets and (2) the containers to rotate generally about axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trough also helping in the cooling or heating process. The side fluid jets are operatively positioned below the waterline of the trough.

Abstract: Poultry is chilled by moving the birds with an auger in one direction and chilled water in the opposite direction. The auger that moves the birds has a segmented auger blade (23) formed with a series of blade segments (24) which overlap one another along the auger shaft (22) and define water passages (26) therebetween. A grill (36) is positioned in the passages. The water passages permit movement of chilled water through the tank, and the offset edges of adjacent auger blade segments, together with the water movement, causes a tumbling and reorientation of the birds as they are chilled and conveyed through the tank.

Abstract: A method and a system for cooling a steel strip are disclosed. A high water volume mist cooler and a low water volume mist cooler are disposed along a direction in which the steel strip travels. The high water volume mist cooler sprays high water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, and then the low water volume mist cooler sprays low water volume mists onto the surfaces of the steel strip to cool the steel strip, thereby cooling the steel strip while suppressing the influence of transition boiling, to prevent the steel strip from having a temperature-nonuniform portion.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel defining a housing with a cooling chamber therein with an entrance opening to allow eggs traveling upon a conveyor to enter the cooling chamber and an exit opening to allow the eggs to exit therefrom. A conveyor extends throughout the cooling chamber continuously from the entrance opening to the exit opening to convey eggs therethrough. A cooling device is defined within the housing for supplying air through a cooling air inlet conduit to the cooling chamber and a cooling air outlet conduit is provided for receiving air from the cooling chamber and providing this air to the cooling device to facilitate further cooling thereof.

Abstract: A system (1) for collecting garbage includes one or more openings (2e) for depositing garbage (10n, 10) into one or more containers (3′, 3″, 3′″, 31v), and a device (5) which can be actuated to deposit the waiting garbage (10, 10n) into a storage area or send it outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an insulation product. The apparatus includes an in-line series of cooling stations, transport means, and cooling fluids supply means. The in-line series of cooling stations includes a first cooling station for receiving the insulation product into the in-line series of cooling stations, and a last cooling station for discharging the cooled insulation product from the in-line series of cooling stations. Each cooling station in the series of cooling stations except for the first cooling station has an associated previous cooling station. Each cooling station in the series of cooling stations except for the last cooling station has an associated next cooling station. The transfer means is for moving the insulation product through each station in the series of stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, and exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. The modules may be connected in order to provide an optimal solution in a food freezing or chilling process. Each module includes at least a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The configuration of the impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets to provide an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. Baffles between modules enable the user to control the flow of cryogen and the pressure differential between modules.

Abstract: A device (1) for calibrating cooling of an extruded synthetic profile (P) exhibits a water tank (2) through which coolant flows by means of coolant inlet and outlet pipes (5, 6), which water tank (2) extending longitudinally in the direction of extrusion is subdivided into single cooling chambers (4) by means of calibrating apertures (3) for the synthetic profile (P) spaced at a mutual distance in series in the direction of extrusion. To ensure effective cooling a coolant inlet pipe (5) discharges into each cooling chamber (4) and the cooling chambers (4) are each attached to a coolant outlet (6) by means of an outlet opening (12, 13).

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, and exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. The modules may be connected in order to provide an optimal solution in a food freezing or chilling process. Each module includes at least a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The configuration of the impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets to provide an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. Baffles between modules enable the user to control the flow of cryogen and the pressure differential between modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling articles (4), especially articles being covered with a chocolate mass, includes a cooling channel (1) and a conveyer belt (2) for transporting the articles (4) through the cooling channel (1). The articles (4) in the cooling channel (1) are exposed to a temperature profile (31) extending approximately from the entrance (5) to the exit (6) of the cooling channel (1). A first cooling circuit through which a first cooling medium (14, 24) flows is connected to a first cooling stretch (12). The first cooling medium (14, 24) enters the first cooling stretch (12) in the middle region (11) of the cooling channel (1) at a first entering temperature (17, 30). A first temperature sensor (18, 25) is arranged in the region of the entrance (5) of the cooling channel (6) for sensing the temperature of the first cooling medium (14, 24).

Abstract: A device for cooling material chunks or grains, especially material consisting of multiple components, which are subsequently fed to a device for crushing said material, preferably on a selective basis. An example is electronic waste material intended for recycling. According to the invention, the material is placed into a cooling tank in a discontinuous manner and in separate portions. In at least part of the cooling tank, the material is cooled by means of a liquefied gas having a low boiling point and then removed from the cooling tank in a discontinuous manner. The invention notably allows for the targeted setting of the optimal temperature for the selective crushing of the material in question while at the same time optimizing the required quantities of cooling gas and energy and minimizing both manual labor and processing time.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a moulded soft confectionery item. The soft confectionary item is relatively soft at room temperature and therefore difficult to handle mechanically at room temperature. The confectionery item can be selected from the group consisting of at least one of caramels, fudges, fondant creams, toffees, and jellies, the confectionery item further based on at least one of starch, gelatine, pectin, agar-agar, gum Arabic, and soft fondant creams. The process and apparatus includes a method and apparatus for depositing a liquid form of the confectionery item into a mold, by the use of gravity, subjecting the mold, together with the liquid confectionery item deposited, to a low temperature environment between 0° C. and −196° C. so as to solidify at least the exterior of the deposited confectionery material, and demolding the resulting solidified item of confectionery.

Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency in the freezing of delicate items of food in freezing tunnels of the conventional type, including a freezing tunnel (8) having a device (6 and 7) for providing a strongly cooled flow of air to act as a freezing agent, at least two or more endless freezing conveyor belts (2, 3, 4) and (5) supported therein, a movable feeding conveyor (1) and a transfer conveyor (9), where the items of food do not tolerate being dropped from the upper freezing conveyors (2, 3, 4) onto the bottom freezing conveyor (5) until they have gained sufficient stiffness to preserve a nondeformable shape; the method including placing delicate items of food on the upper freezing conveyors (2, 3, 4), one at a time by a moveable feeding conveyor (1), where the upper freezing conveyors are stopped in a fixed sequence.

Abstract: In an arrangement for the controlled cooling of hot-briquetted direct-reduced sponge iron in the form of an apron conveyer consisting of individual plates and located in a tank, the individual plate is designed as conveyor trough (4), wherein at least one sliding plate each (5 and 6) is located on the two opposed longitudinal outsides and the conveyor troughs (4) are movable supported by means of sliding plates (5 and 6) on slideways (7) and connected by means of at least one chain (9). The invention allows to separate the drive and the bearing as the conveyor troughs (4) are supported by means of sliding plates (5 and 6) and the drive acts directly on the conveyor trough (4) by means of at least one chain (9). As the translation elements are designed as sliding plates (5, 6) and slideways (7), the surface pressure is reduced to less than one hundredth compared to wheels running on rails and the wear of the translation elements is thus reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cryogenic rheological modification of tree nuts and other shelled foodstuffs wherein brief cryogenic exposure facilitates further processing, particular shell removal. Nuts from a bin (12) of conditioned nuts are transported by a conveyor (14) to a cryogenic dip (16). The nuts are then conveyed by a conveyor (18) to a cracker feeder chain (20) to a cracker unit (22).

Abstract: A process of freezing sushi, boiled rice or processed food with boiled rice as the main component permits substantially the same quality offered before freezing to be obtained after natural thawing or thawing using an electric oven. When freezing nigiri-sushi at a normal temperature of about 20° C., the freezer temperature is first reduced from a preliminary cooling temperature of −10° C. to a temperature of −30° C. in about 20 min. with a temperature gradient of about 1 to 2° C./min. The freezer temperature is then reduced from −30 to −40° C. with a temperature gradient of 1° C./min. or below, preferably about 0.5° C./min., over a time of 15 to 25 min., and preferably 15 to 20 min., until a maximum ice generation temperature range of 0 to −10° C. for the rice part of the sushi, specifically −3 to −6° C., is passed.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the peel-plate dispensability of die-cut and matrix-stripped label constructions which do not generally have the required minimum stiffness to be successfully peel-plate dispensed, particularly at room temperature. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of improving the peel-plate dispensability of a die-cut and matrix-stripped polymer film label construction comprising a facestock, a release liner, and a substrate adhesive layer between the facestock and the liner, which method comprises maintaining the temperature of at least the leading edge of the label below about 20° C. as the leading edge of the label construction moves over a peel-plate and the label is separated from the release liner. Maintaining the temperature of the label, of at least the leading edge of the label at a reduced temperature such as from about −15 to about +15° or even 20° C.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting objects without causing harmful physical contact is disclosed. The method and system can be used in a manufacturing process for fabricating spherical shaped semiconductor devices. The method cools the spherical shaped device and applies moisture such as de-ionized water. The moisture forms a coat of ice on an outer surface of the cooled spherical shaped device. The spherical shaped device with the coat of ice can then be easily transported, the ice preventing any harmful physical contact to the device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for freeze granulation of a medium such as a biopharmeceutical product. The medium is put into a chamber and mixed using a pair of counter rotating agitators. The agitators have angled blades or paddles on them in order to induce motion in the medium parallel to the axis of the agitator shafts. A set of liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide nozzles are attached to the chamber. The liquid nitrogen nozzles spray a mist of liquid nitrogen into the medium. The liquid carbon dioxide nozzles spray carbon dioxide snow into the chamber. The liquid nitrogen and the carbon dioxide can be sprayed into the chamber at the same time or alternately.

Abstract: This application relates to a novel method and apparatus for hydrating, freezing and cutting packaged hydration material. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for drawing unhydrated sandwich packaged hydration gel material from a roll of such material, hydrating the material in a hydration tank, freezing the hydrated material in a freezing chamber, and cutting the frozen hydrated material into pieces according to prescribed lengths. A process of continuously hydrating, freezing and cutting a hydratable polymer containing web of material which comprises: (a) passing the web into a water hydration vessel for sufficient time to hydrate the hydratable polymer; (b) withdrawing the web from the hydration vessel and passing the web through a freezer for sufficient time to enable the web to freeze; and (c) withdrawing the frozen web from the freezer and cutting the frozen web into prescribed lengths.

Abstract: A process for in-line partial or complete freezing of products inside an enclosure comprising the steps of: introducing the products into the enclosure on a conveyor comprising an upper run and a lower run, the upper run including an upper face and a lower face; impregnating the conveyor with a cryogenic liquid by spraying the cryogenic liquid on the lower face of the upper run of the conveyor; bringing the product into contact with the conveyor and partially or completely freezing the product by heat transfer between the product and the cryogenic liquid retained in the structure of the conveyor; monitoring the impregnation of the conveyor; regulating the spraying of cryogenic liquid depending on the result of the monitoring. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for freezing a surface layer of food product (6), placed on a non-foraminous conveyor belt (7) wherein cold air in the form of jets is blown towards the underside of the non-foraminous conveyor belt. The apparatus for carrying out the method comprises, in addition to the non-foraminous conveyor belt (7), a plurality of stationary nozzles (14) for producing jets towards the underside of the non-foraminous conveyor belt in an area which extends over the width of the non-foraminous conveyor belt.

Abstract: Hot optical fiber being drawn from a preform is cooled in a helium cooled heat exchanger by a two-stage process. In the first stage, in which the rate of draw of fiber through the heat exchanger is increased to the design draw rate, the rate of flow of helium to the heat exchanger is increased as the rate of draw of fiber is increased. Helium is withdrawn from the heat exchanger by a variable speed blower, and during the first stage the rate of withdrawal of helium from the heat exchanger is controlled primarily by the rate of flow of helium into the heat exchanger, and during the second stage, the rate of flow of helium to the heat exchanger is maintained constant and the rate of withdrawal is determined primarily by the pressure in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for producing frozen cooked-rice in an appropriately individuated state without needing complicated and special apparatus constructions, and without breaking down the individual grains of rice, cooked rice is primary-frozen as an entire block by cold air blown from air blast supply devices into the state where the individual grains of rice are not frozen up to their cores. The cooked-rice thus partly primary-frozen is brought by compressed cold air blown by a compressed-cold-air intermittent supply tube and/or by a rotary disjointing device comprising a rotary comb and a stationary comb into the form of appropriate-size blocks or small lumps which are then secondary-frozen by cold air blown from air blast supply devices into a state where the individual grains of rice are frozen completely up to their cores.

Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.

Abstract: Process for controlling the rate of gas extraction of a gas extractor for an enclosure of a cryogenic apparatus comprising a cryogenic fluid feed and an internal atmosphere, the apparatus being in contact with an ambient medium, comprising the steps of:measuring the content (m.sub.02) of the internal atmosphere of the enclosure in terms of a gas of the ambient medium;defining a target content (u.sub.02) for the measured content;calculating the rate of gas extraction (r.sub.c) of the extractor as a function of the measured content (m.sub.02) so as to maintain this content substantially equal to the target content (u.sub.02); andoperating the extractor on the basis of the calculated rate of gas extraction (r.sub.c).

Abstract: In order to produce a frozen, composite food product including at least two components, a continuous flow of pieces of the first component is advanced along a mixing tank in which the pieces are simultaneously tossed and a continuous flow of at least one second component is spread on the first component as it advances through the mixing tank.

Abstract: A process for cooling a continuously inflowing liquid, in particular a dispersion, in vacuo which comprises subjecting the liquid to a flash evaporation in a separator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring heat between a heat transfer liquid and a plurality of moving containers of food product. The containers are conveyed by a perforated conveyor at least partially submerged in a pool of the heat transfer liquid and are showered at the same time with the heat transfer liquid. The pool of heat transfer liquid continuously drains and recirculates through either a heater or a chiller. A vibrator unit vibrates the pool of heat transfer liquid, the conveyor and the containers during the heat transfer operation.

Abstract: Method of sequentially spraying a cryogenic liquid comprising sequentially applying a dose of a propellant gas to a dose of the cryogenic liquid and sequentially spraying this liquid, the pressure of the propellant gas being greater than that of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for freezing products, such as food products, in which a breathable liquid cryogen is sprayed onto the products as they are conveyed into the insulated enclosure of a mechanical conveyor freezer. Some of the cryogen vaporized through contact with the products is ducted into the top of the enclosure, and means may be provided for spraying cryogen directly into the freezer enclosure.

Abstract: A quick-freeze thermal treating system for food products which comprises at one first zone of thermal treatment. The first zone provides a film contact conveyor comprised of a thermal surface, a traveling thin film, a drive for moving the thin film across the thermal surface, and a control for controlling and monitoring the drive. The first zone also provides a convection refrigeration assembly for refrigerating air for distribution on to the traveling thin film, and an air circulating assembly for directing refrigerated air from the refrigeration assembly onto the thin film from above so that food products are crust frozen simultaneously from above and below.

Abstract: A multi-pass thermal treating system for food products which comprises at least first and second zones of thermal treatment; a first zone providing a film contact conveyor comprised of a thermal surface, a traveling thin film, a drive for moving the thin film across the thermal surface, and a control for controlling and monitoring the drive; and a second zone underlaying the first zone providing a second conveyor comprised of a product conveyor, a second drive for the second conveyor and a second control for controlling and monitoring the second drive, the second conveyor being located such that food products may be cascaded from the traveling thin film downward onto the product conveyor. The second and subsequent conveyors may be film contact conveyors, like the first zone film contact conveyor, or they may be open-mesh endless loop conveyors. The first zone film contact conveyor may be maintained at ambient temperature, an elevated temperature, or a lowered temperature.

Abstract: A device for water cooling rolled steel sections, particularly for cooling the flanges of girders placed on a roller table, includes a plurality of spray nozzles arranged on both sides of the roller table and at a distance above the conveying plane of the roller table, wherein the spray nozzles are arranged spaced apart from each other and wherein the spraying direction of the spray nozzles is adjustable in a vertical plane. The spray nozzles may be arranged in such a way that the angles of the spraying directions of the spray nozzles can be adjusted concurrently in vertical planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extruded frozen pellets of sauce and a method for freezing pellets of sauce. This method includes dosing a layer of sauce onto a refrigerated surface, partially freezing the sauce on the surface to cause a generation of ice crystals and an increase in the viscosity of the unfrozen sauce, removing the partially frozen sauce from the surface, mixing the frozen and unfrozen sauce to form a shapeable sauce, forming the shapeable sauce into pellets, and freezing the pellets. The invention also relates to a method wherein the sauce is fully frozen in a thin layer and subsequently mixed with unfrozen sauce to form the shapeable sauce.

Abstract: A method and installation for the selective assembly of frozen items (19) for despatch on the basis of intended destinations. From a full pallet all items are transposed into storage tubs (1) which are stored in a frozen tub store (5, 6). From the tub store (5, 6) the storage tubs (1) are passed to a selective assembly zone (7) in which the items (19) can be removed outside the frozen area.

Abstract: A method of cooling coated foods, particularly confectionery and baked goods, wherein the goods are moved by a conveyor belt through a cooling duct, and wherein air is used as the cooling agent. Alternatively, the goods are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a cooling duct above base plates forming heat exchangers, wherein a liquid cooling agent flows through the heat exchangers. The method includes adjusting a delta-T (actual value) between cooling agent exit and cooling agent entry for a certain product to be coated by regulating the cooling agent flow speed, entering this delta-T as nominal value in a computer as the parameter for further cooling of this product, and regulating the cooling agent entry temperature, particularly in the case of production interruption or restart of production, by the difference determined in the computer between the delta-T determined as the nominal value and the actually measured value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to redirect airflow and enhance heat transfer using an oscillating baffle in a baking system. This apparatus and method allows for the improved efficiency of a cooling tunnel, while reducing the size of the tunnel. Several embodiments of the oscillating baffle have a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom which allows it to oscillate under the power of the airflow. The method employs the oscillating baffle to redirect and mix the airflow in order to enhance heat transfer in the cooling tunnel. The oscillating baffle is used for cooling, for heating, for enhancing the mixing of a multi-component air flow or redirecting an air flow in the baking system.

Abstract: The method of the invention is based on the comparison of local vapor concentrations at the inlet and outlet refrigeration ports and taking action based on that comparison. Control apparatus incorporating the invention is installed inside a refrigeration enclosure, adjacent to a port, preferably at the lowermost port. If the enclosure contains multiple ports at similar height, then each port has a form of the control apparatus attached to it. The control apparatus adjusts a flow of vapor leaving the interior of the enclosure. The control apparatus includes a duct assembly and a blower system. The bottom portion of the duct assembly is a tunnel enclosure through which a conveyor belt passes. Connected to an inside edge of the tunnel enclosure is a duct that extends upward from the conveyor belt. A blower for this duct either sucks vapor away from the conveyor belt or blows vapor from the enclosure interior toward the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precooling a mass to be cooled to a final low temperature by immersion in a cryogenic liquid, e.g. liquefied helium. The gaseous phase of the cryogenic liquid is cooled by heat exchange with a cryogenic liquid having a higher boiling point than the cryogenic liquid within which the mass is to be immersed. The cooled gaseous phase is circulated through a vessel containing the mass, recovered, recooled and recirculated until the mass and its containment vessel are at the desired precooling temperature. Thereafter cryogenic liquid can be introduced into the vessel to immerse the mass.