Abstract: A semiconductor chip cooling system configured with thermal inkjet type sprayers controlled by a control system. The control system can operate groups of the sprayers at different rates to controllably cool separate regions of a chip at different rates. A detection system is configured to separately detect the cooling regime occurring on the different regions of the chip by reflecting an optical beam off the chip in the region that is being sprayed.

Abstract: Improved nozzle design that discharges more powerful, more focused fluid streams through a series of nozzle orifices distributed along a length of the nozzle. The present invention may be incorporated into a wide range of microelectronic device manufacturing processes and equipment types for which an array of more forceful, more focused process streams are desired for treating microelectronic workpieces. The present invention is particularly useful to cryogenically clean microelectronic workpieces, where the improvements allow the conventionally more troublesome smaller contaminant particles to be cleaningly removed with greater particle removal efficiency.

Abstract: An improved method of chilling carcasses is described which results in less shrinkage and higher quality meat.

Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roll bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly changing at least one of the temperature and the state of a liquid in a container is provided. The container is rapidly rotated about its longitudinal axis. A source of a thin film of a medium having a different temperature than the liquid in the container is provided to thermally affect the container while rotating the container. The container is positioned at an angle to the horizontal of less than 45°, and the position of the container with respect to the thin film source is controlled by angling the axis of the container skewed from the axis of the rotating mechanism. The device can be used to cool liquids such as beverages, warm liquids such as infant formula, and/or make ice cream.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling one or more components that produce heat. The cooling system includes sprayers configured to spray cooling fluid toward the components. A detection system includes a radiation source and a radiation sensor that pass radiant energy in the vicinity of the component such that the radiant energy is affected by passing through the vaporizing spray coolant. A controller controls the flow rates of the sprayers in response to levels of radiant energy detected by the radiation sensor, allowing the controller to more accurately control the wall temperature and cooling regime achieved by the spray cooling. The source and sensor are aimable or otherwise configured for gathering information for different thermal zones of the component, providing the controller with information that is helpful in separately controlling the wall temperature and/or cooling regime in each zone.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip cooling system configured with thermal inkjet type sprayers controlled by a control system. The control system can operate groups of the sprayers at different rates to controllably cool separate regions of a chip at different rates. A detection system is configured to separately detect the cooling regime occurring on the different regions of the chip by reflecting an optical beam off the chip in the region that is being sprayed.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

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: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and−30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.

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: To improve the thermal transmission during freezing processes it is proposed that the goods to be cooled and a pre-cooled body of high thermal capacity be pressed against each other. Improved thermal transmission is also attained with a device comprising a holding device which during the cooling process holds the goods to be cooled essentially in a non-deformable way, allowing direct contact between the coolant and the goods to be cooled. Preferably, vertically aligned channels are arranged between the holding device and the goods to be cooled, with coolant flowing in said channels.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling an electrostatically shielded radio frequency (ESRF) plasma source. The method and system utilize an electrostatic shield, having plural ribs, which vaporizes a coolant and sprays the vapor against a process tube or a bias shield. The vapor is either sprayed underneath the ribs or between adjacent ribs. This design avoids using baths of liquid coolants that can absorb gases which lead to arcing between induction coils.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for the hyper-rapid freezing of liquid samples. The samples are converted into droplets or vapor and rapidly driven directly onto the surface of a solid or slushed refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus has a brine tank that is subdivided into cooling cells each having a vertical carousel for submerging blocks of cheese. The cheese blocks are carried through an inlet flume by a flow of brine and then sequentially diverted into the cooling cells where the cheese blocks are loaded into the respective vertical carousel. After the cheese has cooled sufficiently, the brine flow carries the blocks of cheese out of the respective cooling cell. Movement of the cheese blocks and the carousels is controlled automatically, without human intervention. A unique fluid circulation system transfers chilled brine through the tank from a cooling cell containing the coldest cheese to cooling cells with successively warmer cheese blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing dry beads of a liquid reagent for use in various methods of analysis. The beads are formed by use of an x-y table that can be translated along both the x and the y axis. An insulated tray containing liquid cryogen is positioned atop the x-y table. A metal grid forms a plurality of cells in the tray so that the cryogen is free to enter the cells up to the level of the cryogen in the tray. The frozen drops form into beads and freely amass on the bottom of the tray. A drop forming device dispenses individual drops to fall by gravity into an individual, discrete cell. The table then translates to position another discrete cell for receiving the subsequent drop of reagent. The movement of the x-y table causes a agitation of the cryogen to enhance the freezing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process to extract heat and to solidify molten material particles. A flow of molten material is traversed by a high pressure dispersing/cooling flow to form particles of molten or semi-molten material. The particles impinge against a transporting device, which transport them to a collecting place. The transporting device is provided with a vibrator, which provides a vibrating movement to the transporting device to prevent the particles which are still cooling-off from being agglomerated again. A flow of a low pressure dispersing/cooling could be provided, which substantially transversely traverses said flow of particles of molten or semi-molten material which fall towards the transporting device, in order to enhance the dispersion and cooling-off effects of the particles. A hopper could be provided to collect the particles and to carry them to the transporting device.

Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roll bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly producing cryogenically frozen dessert particles is disclosed. The machine comprises a refrigerated mixer, a plurality of hoses connecting the refrigerated mixer to a filling head, a bath having a housing and a tank for liquid nitrogen, a bath belt rotatably engaged to the housing, a cluster cylinder rotatably engaged to the housing, and a delivery belt. The method of employing the apparatus comprises the steps of placing a mix into the refrigerated mixer, pumping the mix through the plurality of hoses into the filling head, allowing the mix to stream into liquid nitrogen in a tank in the bath, carrying the particles formed out of the liquid nitrogen by means of a conveyor belt, breaking up clumps of particles and transporting the particles to a channel guide for weighing and packaging.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a lubricating fluid tank, a lubricating fluid nozzle, a lubricating fluid regulating device, a cooling fluid tank, a cooling fluid nozzle and a cooling fluid regulating device. The cooling fluid nozzle supplies cooling fluid to the workpiece to enhance cooling effect of the cooling fluid. The lubricating fluid nozzle feeds lubricating fluid to the machining zone to prevent frictional heat generated in the machining zone from raising temperature of the workpiece. Since an appropriate amount of the lubricating fluid within the range helps the cooling effect of the cooling fluid, a quantity of the cooling fluid is reduced within the minimum range of the cooling fluid. A consumption of the lubricating fluid is much smaller than that of the cooling fluid. Therefore, a total amount of the fluids is extremely reduced. The range of flow rates of the lubricating fluid has an upper limit that is preferably approximately 100.0 cm3/h or smaller in 1.

Abstract: A trough construction including a trough along which water is propelled to convey bagged product therealong. A plurality of nozzles jet-spray cooling or heating water onto the product as it is conveyed along the trough. The nozzles are oriented in opposing first and second series so as to impart a rotation on the bagged product generally about a longitudinal axis of the trough. According to one embodiment, a first suction tube having openings through the trough wall is opposite to the first series of nozzles and with a first pump forms a first fluid circuit. Similarly, a second suction tube with suction openings, together with a second pump and the second series form a second fluid circuit. The two fluid circuits keep the bags centered in the trough, surrounded by cooling or heating water. According to a second embodiment, the trough is positioned in a sump and has trough openings so that the water in the trough communicates with that in the sump, and the suction tubes are not used.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of two shield elements for a liquid cooling medium and arranged above a metal strip having a strip plane and a strip central plane extending transverse to the strip plane and intersecting the same along the strip central axis, with the two shield elements being located opposite each other with respect to the strip central plane and having each an adjustable component identical to the adjustable component of another of the two shield elements and adjustable transverse to the strip central plane, and with the method including providing an adjusting element connectable with the two shield elements for adjusting the same, and adjusting the adjusting element in the strip central plane; and a device for effecting the method.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering aqueous ice slurry is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ice slurry delivery system includes a storage tank having an inlet to receive an aqueous ice slurry from an ice generating unit. A circulation loop is connected to the storage tank. Ice slurry held in the storage tank flows through the circulation loop generally continuously at a first rate. Valved discharge points are located along the circulation loop at spaced locations and are operable to re-direct some of the ice slurry flowing though the circulation loop to deliver ice slurry for end use upon demand. The rate of flow of ice slurry through the discharge points is less than the first rate even when all of the discharge points are re-directing ice slurry for end use.

Abstract: In a process for cooling and atomizing liquid or pasty substances or mixtures of substances, a liquid or pasty substance/mixture of substances is combined with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide and then the mixture of liquid or pasty substance/mixture of substances and liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide is expanded. An apparatus for cooling liquid or pasty substances or mixtures of substances has a storage vessel for the liquid or pasty substance/mixture of substances, to which is allocated a line in which a device for transporting the liquid or pasty substance/mixture of substances is disposed. The apparatus has a source of liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide, to which source is allocated a line, and it has a connection point via which the line allocated to the storage vessel for the liquid or pasty substance/mixture of substances is connected to the line allocated to the source of liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide, and which has an expansion apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of products in a rotating drum employs nozzles to deliver a heat transfer fluid in a more efficient manner. The heat transfer fluid nozzles which are positioned around the interior of the rotating drum deliver the heat transfer fluid to the product in the drum when the nozzles are positioned under the product and prevent delivery of the heat transfer fluid when the nozzles are not under the product. This improves the efficiency of the heat transfer system substantially over known systems in which the heat transfer fluid is delivered continuously and a large portion of the heat transfer fluid is exhausted from the rotating drum before contacting the product. The heat transfer system also provides a self cleaning system for the nozzles which deliver the heat transfer fluid to the drum.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

Abstract: A portable device for wearing by a user and removing deposits from a surface. The device includes a first portion for delivering a fluid that is a cryogen and a second portion for overlying and dispensing the fluid onto and removing the deposits from the surface. The first portion includes a pole for hand-holding, a fitting that fluidly engages in the pole, a first valve that fluidly engages the fitting, a hose that fluidly engages the first valve, a second valve that fluidly engages the hose, a portable tank that fluidly engages the second valve and which contains the fluid which flows through the second valve when opened, through the hose, to the first valve, which when opened, allows the fluid to flow into the fitting and into the pole, and a harness that is operatively connected to the portable tank for attaching the portable tank to the back of the user or to the pole during use.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

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: 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: Devices and methods for rapid chilling of products, articles and devices, including both perishable and non-perishable goods are provided. These devices and methods store thermal energy by ice and/or slush formation and employ the heat of the product to be chilled to help harvest the ice.

Abstract: The cryogenic processor comprises a tray or multiple trays that receives liquid feed composition from a delivery source. A plurality of orifices or combination of orifices and feed droppers, hereinafter feed assembly, associated with the tray are specifically arranged and adapted for discharging uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the tray. In a key aspect of the improvement, a regulated flow of ambient air is provided to the feed assembly by a venturi assembly or other source of partial vacuum. The vacuum assembly allows ambient air to be pulled into the cryogenic processor and across the feed assembly which prevents liquid composition from freezing and accumulating in the flow channels of the feed assembly, thus allowing continuous formation of uniformly sized beads. Adjustable door inlets are also adapted and arranged as a means to control the flow of incoming ambient air, as well as the flow of outgoing gaseous refrigerant.

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 provides methods and compositions for cryopreservation of cells or tissues encapsulated in a bioartificial organs, wherein the integrity and the viability of the encased cells are maintained, along with the integrity of the artificial capsule used to encase the cells. The method provides novel conditions for cryopreserving a bioartificial organ in a freezing container using a minimum volume of added cryopreservative solution necessary to maintain both the structural integrity of the jacket encasing the bioartificial organ, and the viability of the cells encased therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled cooling of hot-rolled sections, particularly beams, directly from rolling heat includes cooling sections or zones, wherein, seen with respect to the section to be cooled, a cooling section each is arranged above the section and on both sides of the section and below the section, and the cooling sections can be used individually or in combination, wherein each cooling section is composed of at least one nozzle or a group of interconnected nozzles, and wherein the nozzles can be controlled individually or together.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of residue from the surface of a container where the method comprises cooling the container and residue adhered to the container surface to a low temperature, substantially embrittling the residue, fragmenting the residue, separating the residue from the surface of the container and removing the residue from the container. The container is placed in an enclosure with an opening in the top of the enclosure to permit access to the interior of the container when a container lid is removed. The system includes a rotating base to turn the container to facilitate freezing and removal of the residue.

Abstract: A process and device for reducing the harmful affects of bacterial contamination in seafood products via freezing the seafood products and maintaining them in cold storage. The process and device features an ice glazing step in which the raw product is sealed in a thin layer of ice. This layer of ice serves to preserve the raw product's original taste during the cold storage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rapidly changing the temperature of food products or the like. The apparatus includes a tank having side walls and a bottom wall defining a reservoir for rethermalizing liquid. A nozzle introduces a substantial stream of rethermalizing liquid into the reservoir at a high velocity to cause a substantial turbulence substantially throughout the reservoir. The nozzle introduces the stream of rethermalizing liquid at a point remote from the side walls of the tank and, thereby, effect continuous movement of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A process for treating an article of metal containing material, the process in including subjecting the article to a deep cryogenic treatment at a temperature of -120.degree. F. or lower, subjecting the article to at most a partial tempering treatment, and then nitriding a surface of the article so as to form nitrides near a surface of the article.

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: The invention relates to an improved method for chucking and machining a workpiece using a freezing type chuck device. A macromolecular freezing agent whose freezing point is higher than that of water is interposed at least between a workpiece and a fixing surface, and the workpiece is fixed using this macromolecular freezing agent as an adhesive medium by cooling the fixing surface. The macromolecular freezing agent may be a liquid, a cream or a paste, and is typically silicone oil based. The workpiece may be directly fixed to the fixing surface of a freezing type chuck device by the macromolecular freezing agent or alternatively the workpiece may be fixed to a pallet by the macromolecular freezing agent and the pallet may be fixed to the fixing surface.

Abstract: Plastic articles made of ionomeric modified poly-ether-ester are stored in a cryogenic fluid containing receptacle. The articles may be tubing or bags or articles of surgical equipment or clothing.

Abstract: A method for chilling a plurality of layers of in-shell eggs includes immersing at least one stack of a plurality of layers of in-shell eggs in cooled liquid until the eggs are cooled to a predetermined temperature or below. A preferred apparatus for conducting the method includes a liquid bath container with chilling heat exchangers and a source of bubbles for vertically perturbating liquid in the container.

Abstract: Method and plant for cooling a food mass contained in a vessel are provided. The method includes, supplying a cryogenic liquid from a source and injecting the cryogenic liquid into the food mass through a bottom portion of the vessel. The pressure of the injected liquid is greater than 3 bar, and is preferably between 5 and 15 bar.

Abstract: Cryogenic sedimentation is effective to bring about the rapid separation of sub-micron particles from powder mixtures containing such particles without leading to significant agglomeration.

Abstract: Meat products are chilled to the extent that water present therein is frozen in order to facilitate slicing, subsequent processing, packaging or other handling of the meat products. The chilling is carried out in sequential steps. The first chilling step contacts the product with a brine of sodium chloride at a temperature below the freezing point of water. The resulting prechilled food product is subjected to a second chilling step with a calcium chloride brine which is at a lower temperature than the sodium chloride brine and which further reduces the core temperature of the food product to well below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

Abstract: Two solutions to the problem of cooling a high temperature, high heat flux surface using controlled spray cooling are presented for use on a mandrel. In the first embodiment, spray cooling is used to provide a varying isothermal boundary layer on the side portions of a mandrel by providing that the spray can be moved axially along the mandrel. In the second embodiment, a spray of coolant is directed to the lower temperature surface of the mandrel. By taking advantage of super-Leidenfrost cooling, the temperature of the high temperature surface of the mandrel can be controlled by varying the mass flux rate of coolant droplets. The invention has particular applicability to the field of diamond synthesis using chemical vapor deposition techniques.