Abstract: Method and apparatus for vacuum cooling field harvested produce such as lettuce includes a vacuum chamber, a partial vacuum-forming mechanism in the chamber, a water discharging mechanism in the chamber for spraying water onto the produce to cool the produce, and a mechanism in the chamber for detecting and adjusting the temperature and pressure, dynamically, to minimize undesired removal of water from the surface and interstitial tissues of the produce.

Abstract: A process for the discharge of melted liquid material, heated to a high temperature, which occurs during the thermal treatment of waste by direct melting or the melting down of residues. The liquid melted phases are sprayed into a jet of cooling agent with a high rate of flow and cooled until they solidify and are then passed into a water bath as a granulate. The temperature of the water bath is stabilized by the circulation of liquid, the residual heat given off, the result of further cooling of the granulate, being recovered.

Abstract: An ice keeps the temperature of foodstuff at the freezing point, inhibits the propagation of bacteria or germ, and suppresses the number of bacteria or germs as low as possible. The ice of the present invention comprises a frozen mixture of water and finely divided particles of metal element or metal oxide having sterilizing power.

Abstract: An isothermal equilibrium system takes point sources of heat generated by the operation of heat generating components and spreads the heat throughout the system where the heat may be dissipated. An atomizer for atomizing a liquid coolant, is positioned inside a sealed housing. The atomized liquid coolant is distributed as a thin film over the surface of the heat generating components and the wall of the sealed housing. Heat is transferred from the surface of the heat generating components by vaporization of at least a portion of the thin film of liquid coolant. The coolant vapor condenses on the housing and other cool surfaces and returns to the liquid state. The system heat is then removed from the outer surfaces of the housing using conventional heat transfer mechanisms including free or forced air convection and/or circulation of liquid coolant over the exterior of the housing. If additional cooling is desired, heat exchanger tubes may be included inside the sealed housing.

Abstract: A container that may be closed all around is useful for deepfreezing suspensions of living cellular materials kept in elastic bags. The container has two plane-parallel thin-walled metallic plates (14, 16) secured in swivellingly interconnected frame halves (20, 22). When the frame halves (20, 22) are superimposed, the plates (14, 16) secured therein are arranged with parallel faces at a slight defined distance from each other and form an intermediate cavity (12) in which the bag is placed. When the container is closed, the plates (14, 16) press the bag arranged inside (12) the container and flatten it until it has a small defined thickness. A microporous layer (30) that considerably increases heat transfer to the coolant that surrounds the container is secured to the outer side of plates (14, 16) by an adhesive layer. Furthermore, since the homogeneously flattened bag has a high surface/volume ratio and is pressed until it has no folds or bulges, the cellular material may be quickly and controllably cooled.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezing method uses a mixture of liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen in amounts approximating the composition of atmospheric air to freeze food products. The mixture preferably includes 18% to 25% oxygen and the balance nitrogen, with small amounts of residuals which are commonly found in air. The present invention involves replacing a liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen cooling medium which is used in known cryogenic freezers with a liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen mixture. The liquid nitrogen and oxygen mixture can be used according the present invention in many of the known freezers using liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen as a cooling medium, including tunnel freezers, spiral freezers, and immersion freezers. The use of a liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen mixture improves the efficiency of a freezer because the cold vapors are not exhausted from the freezer. In addition, the leakage of vapors from the freezer into the room air will not create unsafe conditions for workers.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling plastic particles includes a casing having a hub extended upward from an inner and lower portion for forming an annular chamber between the casing and the hub. A water is supplied into the annular chamber for moving the plastic particles upward and out through the hub, such that the plastic particles may be cooled by the water. A housing is secured on top of the casing and a pipe is coupled to the housing for supplying the plastic particles into the housing and for cooling the plastic particles in the housing by the air flowing into the housing.

Abstract: A sleeve structure and method are provided for use with a cryogenic specimen container which is maintained at a cryogenic temperature below -80.degree. C. to allow for labeling of the specimen container. The sleeve structure includes sidewalls defining a cylindrically shaped interior chamber sized for telescopically receiving a lower portion of a cryogenic specimen container in nested engagement. The sleeve structure has a locking mechanism for holding the sleeve structure in removably secured engagement with specimen container when the specimen container is in nested engagement with the sleeve structure. Identification markings are secured to an exterior side of the sleeve structure.

Abstract: Li batteries are cryogenically cooled, comminuted and reacted with water having its pH adjusted with the addition of LiOH. The resulting salts are substantially dewatered and optionally further purified in an electrolytic cell to yield substantially uncontaminated LiOH for reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for freezing food products including a first freezer section utilizing a liquid or solid cryogen and a second freezer section which utilizes cryogenic vapor from the first freezer section to complete the freezing operation, the first and second freezer sections being in a vertical arrangement to minimize floor space and improve cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A spray cooled circuit card cage includes opposed card guides separated by opposed card cage side panels. Each card guide carries a top rail and lower manifold. The manifold provides coolant fluid to a plurality of spray plate assemblies, which direct a spray of coolant over the top surface of the electronic cards carried between the card guides. A VME or other type of electronic back plane is typically attached to the manifolds and a back plane support, and is in electronic communication with the circuit cards.

Abstract: A process for treating an article of metal containing material having a minimum cross-sectional dimension. The process includes providing the article at ambient temperature or below and completely immersing the article in a cryogenic fluid over a time period at least equal to 10 minutes times a value of the minimum cross-sectional dimension in inches. The process further includes withdrawing the article from contact with the cryogenic fluid, and immediately subjecting the article to a flow of gaseous fluid sufficient to raise the temperature of the article until the article reaches ambient temperature.

Abstract: A device for controlled freezing and warming of a biological sample, and freezing and thawing protocols for which the device is well suited. The device establishes a laterally varying thermal gradient and provides a mechanism for moving the sample along the thermal gradient at a controlled rate of speed. The sample is moved along the thermal gradient at a rate of speed that provides a variable cooling rate or a variable warming rate in accordance with the appropriate protocol. The device also allows continuous seeding of the sample through the freezing process at the exact freezing point of the solution. Real time monitoring and video imaging of the freezing process enable fine tuning of the thermodynamic parameters for improved control.

Abstract: In an auger-type product chiller having an auger including a series of successive flights that form a generally helical structure that, when rotated, moves product through cold water for chilling the product, control elements extending from faces of the flights at a non-zero angle. The control structures prevent "clumping" and packing of poultry product, break up any "clumps" and packs of the product that may develop, and improve product uniformity. In this manner, the advantages of proper agitation, as well as rapid, predictable and even product cooling and moisture introduction, are achieved. Implementations of the control elements include sets of rods extending from the flights at 30.degree. angles from radial lines of affixation to the flights, flat plates extending from the flights at 30.degree. angles from radial lines of affixation to the flights, and sets of rods extending between successive flights near peripheries of the flights.

Abstract: A method for treating firearm barrels and components to achieve an end result of increased accuracy and extended barrel life. The method involves placing the firearm barrels and components into cryogenic processing and heat treating equipment. The processing temperature is then significantly lowered to about -300 F. and maintained for a predetermined time. The processing temperature is then raised back to ambient temperature. After achieving ambient temperature the processing temperature is then raised to about +300 F. and maintained for a predetermined time. Finally the processing temperature is lowered back to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process of freezing a belt of encapsulated ice substitute is provided. The process for freezing the ice substitute belt generally includes the steps of preparing a capsule belt with a plurality of capsules, each capsule containing a thermal controlling agent which is a liquid in a predetermined temperature range; preparing a brine including a cruciferous oil, salts and a glycol and cooling the brine; feeding the belt into an apparatus which contains the cooled brine and passing the belt through the brine; adjusting the speed to the extent sufficient for the thermal controlling agent to become solidified. The travelling speed of the ice substitute belt is adjusted depending on the composition of the thermal controlling agent.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has an inner pipe inside of which a product travels, the inner pipe having a perforated lateral wall, an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe and formed as a jacket, a plurality of flanges extending between the inner pipe and the outer pipe to form a plurality of segments, a plurality of supply passages each communicating with a segment of first group of segments for supplying a cooling liquid into a space between the outer pipe and the inner pipe, a plurality of discharge passage each communicating with one segment of a second group of the segments for discharging the cooling liquid from a space between the outer pipe and the inner pipe, each of the segments of the first group with which one of the supply passages is connected being located between two segments of the second group with which the discharge passages are connected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying a cryogen in which a heat load is sprayed with a cryogen from one or more spray nozzles within a spray zone. A heat conductive element is positioned below the article and is provided with a surface sized to catch the liquid content of the cryogen that has been oversprayed, thereby to vaporize the overspray through direct heat transfer with the conductive element. In another aspect the present invention provides an apparatus and method in which a flow network a flow of a liquid cryogen is divided into first and second subsidiary streams. The second subsidiary stream is vaporized within a branch of the network and then mixed back into the first subsidiary stream to produce a two phase flow of the cryogen. The cryogen is then sprayed as the two phase flow. The flow rate of the second subsidiary stream can be controlled with a proportional valve to adjust the quality of the cryogen being sprayed so that pooling of overspray on said heat conductive element is inhibited.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting meat from trims of fish, poultry, pork, beef or the like. The method includes the steps of freezing the trims, defrosting the trims, configuring the defrosted trims and then refreezing the configured trims using a cooled brine. The cooled brine is cooled to a temperature between about -22.degree. and -46.degree. F., and includes at least 0.005% by weight of cruciferous oil, such as rapeseed oil. The method does not require the use of any artificial binding agent for holding the reconstituted meat together, even during normal cooking conditions.

Abstract: A rejuvenator chill device that tempers (thaws) frozen food products to a state that very nearly approximates fresh. The device includes a sealable chamber that circulates water chilled to 3840.degree. F. around the subject frozen food product, particularly meat. The device tempers frozen meats in approximately 11-35 minutes.

Abstract: A mobile system for quick-freezing seafood is provided. The mobile system includes a vehicle having a tank for containing a liquid coolant, with a seafood inlet in fluid communication with the tank. A liquid coolant distribution header is located in the tank and adapted for connection to a mobile chilled liquid coolant source. A liquid coolant outlet port is provided in fluid communication with the tank. A frozen seafood removal device is located in the tank and is adapted to remove quick-frozen seafood from the liquid coolant in the tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling hot-rolled structural shapes in which the hot-rolled structural shape is subjected to at least one energy-rich stream of an aerosol of a liquid in air to cool down the structural shape significantly most rapidly than can be achieved with forced air or a static air cooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved control of ice-crystal formation in solid and semi-solid organic materials during freezing in a bath containing a cruciferous-oil slush is disclosed. Ribbon racks are used both to separate the items being frozen from each other and to efficiently distribute the items across the bath. This separation and distribution of the items in a ribbon improves control of the rate of freezing by preventing brine shock when the items are immersed in the brine and preventing cumulative localized thermal exhaustion during the freezing process. The ribbon rack freezing apparatus is adjustable to accommodate the variations in dwell times and flow rates required by different materials.

Abstract: A container (10) for the storage of perishable foodstuffs is chilled by means of a liquefied gas comprising a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen which when totally vaporised has an oxygen concentration of between 15 and 22%, the remaining concentration being substantially of nitrogen. Such an atmosphere is breathable, and hence avoids the problems associated with non breathable chilling atmospheres.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plate (10) having a first layer (12) and a second layer (14) opposed to the first layer (12). A first fluid distributing conduit (28) is disposed in the first layer (12) and a second fluid distributing conduit (28) is disposed in the second layer (14). A first nozzle housing (30) having a first aperture (36) is disposed in the first fluid distributing conduit (28) and a second nozzle housing (30) having a second aperture (36) is disposed in the second fluid distributing conduit (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to a device for pellet-freezing pourable and flowable materials in a low-boiling liquefied gas (11) which is located in the interior of an insulated housing (1) having an aperture for introducing the material to be frozen. To generate a cascade-like flow (12), in which small drops can be frozen individually, coupled with a small surface area requirement of the immersion bath, there is, according to the invention, in the interior of the housing (1), a reaction tube (2) with an agitator (3) which is arranged at the lower end, the charging device (13) for the material to be frozen being arranged above the aperture (18) thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plate (10) having a first layer (12) and a second layer (14) opposed to the first layer (12). The second layer (14) includes a first substrate. A fluid distributing manifold (28) is disposed proximate the first layer (12). A nozzle housing (30) having an aperture (36) is disposed in the first fluid distributing manifold (28).

Abstract: A dropper assembly for feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber comprises a tray having a plurality of feed elements that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The feed elements each comprise a projection that is downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, each orifice associated with a corresponding projection. The projection has an inlet opening associated with the corresponding orifice in the tray and an outlet opening where droplets are formed and released. The dimension of the inlet opening is greater than the dimension of the outlet opening. The narrowing taper of the flow channel that extends from the inlet opening to the outlet opening promotes regulated accumulation of liquid composition to facilitate regulated discharge and formation of uniformly sized droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the granulation of granulatable and/or pelletizable substances in which the substance to be granulated is introduced in the form of a closed jet into a rapidly flowing refrigerant--preferably liquid nitrogen. This purpose is served by a vertically arranged reaction tube (2) into the upper part of which the jet enters and through which the refrigerant circulates by means of a transport element (7).

Abstract: A dewar assembly has a wall contacting a liquefied gas within the interior of the dewar assembly. The dewar assembly is processed so as to remove the stable gaseous film boiling layer that is normally present between the liquefied gas and the wall. The processing is preferably accomplished by reducing the pressure on the liquefied gas to reduce its temperature and the temperature of the wall, and then returning the pressure over the liquefied gas to ambient to produce a temperature in the liquefied gas which is temporarily greater than that of the wall. The existing gaseous film boiling layer is removed, so that thermal and acoustic variations present in the system due to the presence of the film boiling layer are eliminated, and the liquefied gas attains a more direct contact with the wall.

Abstract: The refrigeration system according to the invention includes a vacuum jacketed pressure vessel which contains both a spray heat exchanger and a shell and tube heat exchanger. The spray heat exchanger includes one or more nozzles for directing a first refrigerant at a heat exchanger element conveying a second refrigerant. The first refrigerant is sprayed in a fine mist from the nozzles onto the heat exchanger element conveying the second refrigerant. The first refrigerant then evaporates and cools the second refrigerant within the heat exchanger element. The shell and tube heat exchanger is a counter current heat exchanger which includes an inner tube for conveying the second refrigerant to the spray heat exchanger, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube for conveying the first refrigerant recovered from the interior of the vacuum jacketed pressure vessel out of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A device for cryoprotecting thermolabile products. A container (20) receives an annular rack (40) which is sealed by an enclosure (60). The enclosure (60) includes an outer stationary toroid (70) and a rotatable core (90). A robotic arm (160) is adapted to move and is supported by the core (90). The robotic arm (160) accesses an interior of the enclosure (60). An access portal (80) allows removal and placement of thermolabile products constrained by a holder (150). The robotic arm (160) accesses product and holder (150) and embarks upon controlled freezing of the product and its location in the rack (40) until subsequent retrieval. A computer controls the rate of freezing and stores in memory the location of all of the stored products. The robotic arm (160) reads the product in storage to assure the correct product is being accessed.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers and microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder. The ceramic composite is particularly useful for transporting cryogenic fluids.

Abstract: A tunnel freezer is cooled by selectively supplying liquid nitrogen to banks of spray nozzles. The banks are switched on and off as required so that at any given time the pressure upstream of each operational spray nozzle will be substantially constant at a level which closely approximates the maximum heat transfer coefficient associated with the spray nozzle or the maximum effectiveness of the spray nozzle or a balance therebetween. The invention is in contrast to the prior art where the flow of liquid nitrogen to the spray nozzles is continuously varied in response to the thermal load.

Abstract: Cooling chamber which is of the type installed in a rolling line downstream of the last finishing stand and/or between the finishing stands and comprises a casing (11) containing a cavity (18) for circulation of a cooling fluid cooperating with a lateral opening (17) permitting immission of a cooling fluid and positioned on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing (11), the casing (11) including a seating (12) for the axial sliding of a slider (14) able to move longitudinally through the fluid circulation cavity (18), the slider (14) containing an axial through bore (15) for the feeding of the rolled product, the fluid circulation cavity (18) being defined by a flange (13) containing an axial through bore (16) which is coaxial with the axial sliding seating (12) and is conformed with a taper cooperating with the slider (14), the flange (13) being complete in itself or extending with a tube (19) to contain the rolled product and cooling fluid, the slider (14) having its downstream portion p

Abstract: A method and means for soft cooling a moving heated metal strip comprises forming a descending waterwall extending across the metal strip in a direction perpendicularly to the line of travel of the strip. Air jets, variable in angle to the vertical direction of the descending waterwall, impact the waterwall, converting it to a descending curtain of air-water mist which impinges upon an upper surface of the metal strip to effect soft cooling of the strip.

Abstract: A freezing bag (10) for the storage of blood cells is formed from two sheets (11) of material joined together with welds (15, 18) defining a containment zone (19). A pocket (20) leads from the containment area (19) and in the weld (18) defining this pocket is an access port (17). An access tube (23) is secured to the port (17) and normally lies within the bounds of a pouch (21) formed by extensions of the sheets (11) beyond the containment zone (19).

Abstract: Rapid cooling or freezing of foodstuffs, perishables or blood products is accomplished by using a thin film membrane to totally envelope the foodstuffs or blood product only during the heat extraction period. This thin film encapsulation system closes around the item and is held tightly to the item by atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure. Once the item is encapsulated, low temperature heat transfer fluids are then circulated on the exterior surface of the membrane, thus extracting the heat within the item through the thickness of the membrane. Upon completion of the necessary chilling or freezing, the atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure is withdrawn and the chilled or frozen item is extracted.

Abstract: Modular roll apparatus particularly suitable for conveying hot material such as a sheet of steel being processed. Each roll has its own individual water bath and drive mechanism. A water trough isolates the bath from the bearings and drive mechanism for the roll and bathes the underside of the roll to cool it. The entire modular unit can be removed from its operating position and replaced by a similar such unit. A conveyor containing a multiplicity of such units is suitable for conveying hot sheet steel or other hot material in a processing mill.

Abstract: A method of freezing a product, a frozen product produced thereby, and a freezing apparatus useful for performing the inventive method. The inventive method comprises the step of compressing a product to be frozen between a cooled first contacting surface and a cooled second contacting surface for a time effective for at least partially freezing the product. The inventive freezing apparatus preferably comprises: a first plate belt comprising a series of first belt freezing plates, each first belt plate having a contacting surface; a second plate belt comprising a series of second belt freezing plates, each second belt plate having a contacting surface; and a driving system for driving the plate belts.

Abstract: A method for rapidly cooling a product rolled in a rolling mill, for example wire rod fed along a roller conveyor, consists of blasting said product with an air stream in which atomized water is dispersed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously freezing a food product in which the food product is contacted on a conveyor with a liquid refrigerant under conditions of turbulent flow to thereby freeze at least the outer surface of the food product. The frozen food product and the liquid refrigerant are thereafter separated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing items includes a sterilizing chamber that is evacuated. A refrigerant in liquid form expands within the evacuated chamber and rapidly reduces the temperature on the surface of any of the items within the chamber. Thereafter the temperature may rapidly return to room temperature. The rapid temperature changes effectively kill any organisms at or near the surface of any of the items within the chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for the extremely rapid but safe cooling of beverages, including carbonated beverages, in cans or bottles (collectively "containers"). One or more beverage containers are rapidly rotated along their respective longitudinal axes while being downwardly vertically sprayed with a cooling water spray, with the water being in a 0.degree. C. temperature equilibrium with ice. The volumetric rate of the water in the water spray is sufficient to form a continuous coating on the rotating container. Rotation of the containers is effected in a horizontal direction, with the containers being nested between adjacent rotating rollers and rotated with a rotational speed of between 200-500 rpm. Standard 12 oz. beverage cans can be cooled thereby from room temperature to a drinking temperature of 5.degree. C. in under one minute.

Abstract: Applicant has found that by freezing spermatozoa, especially stallion spermatozoa, in an extender in a flat container having a thickness so that the frozen product does not exceed 4 mm thickness results in a significant increase in the number of spermatozoa surviving upon thawing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for producing frozen particles of a liquid product having a liquid product nozzle for introducing liquid product droplets to be frozen and a plurality of cryogenic nozzles for introducing a cryogenic liquid directed away from the liquid product droplets.

Abstract: Web cooling device where liquid is applied to both sides of a hot web to enhance cooling via evaporation of the liquid from the web.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for chilling a food product which includes a food distribution device having a pair of circular members including at least one spaced-apart partition defining a food receiving area; the circular members rotating to cause food delivered to the food product receiving area to fall into a food storage compartment in a uniform manner; and a cryogen releasing device connected to one of the circular members which uniformly distributes a cryogenic substance to the food product within the food storage compartment.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus used to store semiconductor devices with a coolant without contaminating the semiconductor devices. The apparatus has an enclosure which is evacuated at room temperature and then cooled in an atmosphere of coolant gas until the gas condenses and the enclosure is partially filled with liquid. The enclosure is then heated to allow the liquid to evaporate and a thermally activated mechanism to trap pure cold gas inside the enclosure. The trapped gas increases internal pressure which maintains a tight seal of the trapping mechanism against a gasket.

Abstract: A device and method for cryogenic cooling of electronic components. A mixture of a first non-condensible gas and a second condensible gas is provided within an insulative housing. The non-condensible gas mixture has a partial pressure equal to the desired saturation pressure of the condensible gas. The insulative housing also includes an immersion chamber for housing electronic components. The immersion chamber preferably comprises two retainer parts and provides an module retainer top and a lower coldplate retainer bottom. The module retainer top allows gas to pass through the module retainer portion freely. The condensible gas is then turned into liquid form by a provided condensing means. The condensed liquid thus forms and collects inside the immersion chamber against the coldplate retainer bottom to cool the electronic components placed within. The non-condensible gas permits the condensed liquid to be subcooled.