Abstract: Refrigeration management includes determining an optimal operational schedule to control a refrigeration system for a cold storage facility. Various approaches can be used to determine an operational schedule with an optimal operational outcome that satisfies constraints representative of a range of factors, such as thermal characteristics of a refrigeration management system, energy cost, and environmental factors external to the system, which can affect refrigeration management of a cold storage facility.

Abstract: An apparatus (102) for processing a metal ribbon (116) comprising a main portion (118) and a sacrificial portion (120) adjoining the main portion (118) of the metal ribbon (116), is disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling method of a thick-gauge steel plate by spraying water from a plurality of spray nozzles on the top and bottom surfaces of the thick-gauge steel plate conveyed between the adjoining pairs of constraining rolls, each comprising a top roll and bottom roll, constraining and conveying the steel plate so as to efficiently cool the top and bottom surfaces of thick-gauge steel plate to secure symmetry of temperatures of the top and bottom surfaces and uniformity of temperature in the plate width direction and achieve improvement of flatness of thick-gauge steel plate and uniformity of quality.

Abstract: A method of cooling a mixture, the mixture comprising a liquid having a gas dissolved therein, the method comprising the steps of providing the mixture along an input mixture line (3); splitting the mixture from the input mixture line into a plurality of heat exchange tubes (6); flowing a heat exchange fluid over the outside of the heat exchange tubes to cool the mixture; re-combining the mixture into an output mixture line (5); characterized in that the temperature of the heat exchange fluid is arranged such that the temperature of the mixture at the point of recombination in the output mixture line is at or below the solution temperature of the gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A freezer for a product includes a housing having a chamber therein with an atmosphere for reducing a temperature of the product; a cryogen refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a first cycle to pre-cool the atmosphere in the chamber; and a mechanical refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a second cycle to cool the atmosphere in the chamber when the first cycle is completed. A process is also provided.

Abstract: Method for cooling granular solid materials from a continuous curing facility having at least one area for burning a fuel to cure granular materials, wherein the curing of the granular materials, then the cooling of the cured granular materials is carried out in two consecutive steps, a first cooling step in a first cooler and a second cooling step in a second cooler, the method including: providing a cold air source for cooling the granular materials, the cold air source directly supplying air to the second cooler by blowing, and the air heated by the cured granular materials being used during the cooling as combustion gas for the burning area. All gases generated by the first and second coolers are routed to the burning area for use as a combustion gas, and the amount of cold air blown to the second cooler is adjusted to cover the air combustion needs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerating apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The method includes lowering a temperature in a storage chamber to a freezing point temperature zone by adjusting cold air supplied to the storage chamber, and lowering the temperature in the storage chamber to a temperature below a freezing point by increasing an amount of the cold air supplied to the storage chamber, when it is determined that a temperature of articles stored in the storage chamber is stabilized in the freezing point temperature zone by the cold air. When the surface temperature and the center temperature of the stored articles are cooled close to the freezing point and are then cooled again to the freezing temperature below the freezing point, super-cooling of the stored articles is carried out for a short time, the surfaces and the centers of the stored articles start to freeze simultaneously.

Abstract: An ion implantation system provides ions to a workpiece positioned in a process environment of a process chamber on a sub-ambient temperature chuck. An intermediate chamber having an intermediate environment is in fluid communication with an external environment and has a cooling station and heating station for cooling and heating the workpiece. A load lock chamber is provided between the process chamber and intermediate chamber to isolate the process environment from the intermediate environment. A positive pressure source provides a dry gas within the intermediate chamber at dew point that is less than a dew point of the external environment to the intermediate chamber. The positive pressure source isolates the intermediate environment from the external environment via a flow of the dry gas from the intermediate chamber to the external environment.

Abstract: A system for reducing the peak power consumption by a refrigeration system is provided. The system comprises a first electromechanical cold control calibrated to a first temperature setpoint, a second electromechanical cold control calibrated to a second temperature setpoint, said first and second cold controls each having a setpoint selector member operatively linked such that adjustment of one results in a corresponding adjustment of the other, a DSM module responsive to demand state signals from an associated utility indicative of at least a peak demand and an off peak demand state, and a DSM switching device responsive to the DSM module and operative to selectively render one or the other of the cold controls effectively operative to control the cooling system depending upon the demand state signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling cooling of a thermal load having different cooling requirements in different sections based on direct thermal exchange using a two-phase refrigerant employs the pressure/temperature characteristics of the refrigerant to particular benefit for this multi-level cooling system. The two-phase refrigerant is first adjusted to have temperature/enthalpy characteristics chosen as the starting level for different cooling demands at related temperatures. After appropriate generation of a mixture of two-phase refrigerant initial reference temperature and pressure are established. Thereafter, incremental changes in the comprising hot gas and expanded cooled liquid/vapor, an temperature cooling medium area made by lowering the pressure by predetermined amounts, or alternatively by bypassing the pressure drop and proceeding to the next stage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide cryogenic treatment processes for diamond abrasive tools. One process in accordance with an embodiment of this invention can include introducing an abrasive tool into a cycling chamber, wherein the tool has a temperature of about ambient temperature; and introducing at least one cryogenic material into the chamber, wherein the internal temperature of the chamber or tool can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the at least one cryogenic material. The process can result in a strengthened and toughened abrasive tool. The process can be repeated multiple times.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing a biological sample in a container while it moves along a cooling axis is provided. The apparatus has at least one set of two cooling plates with inner surfaces having a first plate dimension perpendicular to the axis, and a second plate dimension parallel to the axis. The inner surfaces define a passage therebetween with a width that corresponds to the container thickness and which is no larger than the first plate dimension. A method for cooling using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of freezing a body or a portion thereof. The method comprises exposing at least a part of the body to a coolant having a temperature below the freezing point of the body, and at the same time operating an electromagnetic heater, as to maintain the at least part of the body at a temperature above its freezing point; and reducing the electromagnetic heating to allow the at least a part of the body to freeze. The electromagnetic heater comprises a resonator, and the heated part of the body is heated inside the resonator.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for cooling at least one super-conducting magnet. According to the invention, the cooling of the super-conducting magnet(s) takes place exclusively by means of one or more helium flows which are at at least two temperature levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for freeze-storing baked foods allow the baked foods to retain excellent crust condition (surface layer of baked foods), avoiding any peeling, and retain excellent sensory condition, attaining long-term frozen storage. Baked foods, including baked bread and baked confectionery, are frozen in a humidified atmosphere, cooled to 30 to 35° C. in terms of core temperature, and subjected to a high-humidity cooling process conducted in an atmosphere, where even upon receiving high-temperature baked foods after baking, 20 to 28° C. and ?65% RH, high humidity condition can be maintained, and further subjected to a frozen storage process where the baked foods are freeze stored at low temperature of ?freezing temperature.

Abstract: A deep cryogenic tempering process for brake components such as rotors and drums is provided, wherein the unique processing profile is dependent on properties of the specific brake components. The process comprises the steps of placing a brake component at a temperature within a cryogenic processing chamber, cooling the brake component at a descent rate until the brake component temperature is approximately ?300° F., maintaining the brake component temperature at ?300° F. for a stay time, raising the temperature of the brake component to approximately ?300° F. at an ascent rate, maintaining the temperature of the brake component at 300° F. for a post temper time, and lowering the temperature of the brake component to room temperature at a cool down rate.

Abstract: A Dewar vessel (1) for automated cryosubstitution or low-temperature substitution is disclosed. The invention further discloses an apparatus (10) for automated liquid transfer for cryosubstitution or low-temperature substitution. The apparatus (10) encompasses a container (50) that encompasses at least one specimen holder (2) and at least one reservoir holder (20); and wherein a movable transfer container (35) for automated exchange of at least one liquid (42) between the at least one specimen holder (2) and the at least one reservoir holder (20) is provided.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen based blending system and method is provided. The disclosed embodiment of the system includes a liquid cryogen flow circuit, a heated fluid circuit, and a plurality of injectors or nozzles disposed adapted for injection of a liquid cryogen into or near a product to be cooled. The disclosed system and method also includes a controller adapted to operatively control the injection of liquid cryogen and concurrently control the flow warm fluid, such as nitrogen vapor, to and thru the plurality of injectors.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a cryogen is provided. In the disclosed embodiment a liquid cryogen is first vaporized and subsequently compressed prior to undergoing sterilization using biological filters. The compressed, sterilized cryogen vapor is then pre-cooled, preferably with the cryogen being vaporized, to produce a partially condensed, cool, sterile cryogen stream and then further condensed using the liquid cryogen to produce a sterilized liquid cryogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for cooling bulk products, especially pellets or feed cubes. In order to accelerate possible product replacement, the formed pellets are cooled in two steps, a precooler (3) directly following the forming device (2). A secondary cooling process is only carried out after sifting or breaking and sifting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for cooling bulk products, especially pellets or feed cubes. In order to accelerate possible product replacement, the formed pellets are cooled in two steps, a precooler (3) directly following the forming device (2). A secondary cooling process is only carried out after sifting or breaking and sifting.

Abstract: For sample picking on a cryosubstrate, on which multiple cryopreserved samples are each positioned at preselected sample positions, individual samples are selectively separated mechanically or thermally from the cryosubstrate and transferred to a target substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides food coolers the cooling, in particular deep freezing, of foods produced as moldings (3) comprising a refrigerating space (1) and a conveyor belt (2) for conveying the foods (3) through this refrigerating space (1). The conveyor belt (2) is assigned holding devices (6) for the defined positioning of the moldings (3) on the conveyor belt (2).

Abstract: Pre-trimmed, cryopreserved homografts and other stentless bioprosthetic heart valves having natural tissue sewing rings formed thereon. The sewing ring may be formed of strip of pericardium or other suitable tissue. Material may be captured between the natural tissue sewing ring and a sub-valvular lip formed on the valve to impart a desired size or shape to the sewing ring. In the case of cryopreserved embodiments of the invention (e.g., cryopreserved human homografts) the sewing ring is attached to the valve by way of a natural tissue suture, biological glue or other attachment component that is capable of undergoing cryopreservation without breaking, excessive weakening, or other changes that prevent it from performing its attachment function.

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

Abstract: A method for cooling metal components highly heated in a chamber includes effecting a uniform cooling of an entire metal component. The metal component has regions each with a given mass, some of the regions having a larger mass than others of the regions. Housings are provided around regions with the relatively larger masses. The regions are subjected to the inert cooling gas in a controlled manner to a differing extent based upon the mass size. The housings are individually subjected separately with the inert cooling gas. A treatment device for cooling metal components includes a reservoir for holding inert cooling gas and a chamber for receiving a metal component to be cooled. The chamber is connected to the reservoir and has a housing for each of the regions with the larger mass. Each of the housing has an inlet orifice separately connected to the reservoir.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of ice seeding a biological samples, such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissue equivalents. The method initiates the formation of ice that is controllable to allow for maximal viability of the sample to be cryopreserved after it has been subsequently thawed.

Abstract: A low temperature waste crushing system including a low temperature freezing section for cooling waste material below the cold shortness transition temperature by receiving a supply of refrigeration from a heat sink, and a crushing section for crushing the material cooled in the low temperature freezing section by taking advantage of cold shortness. The low temperature freezing section is configured in dual steps, the preceding step being supplied with the higher temperature refrigeration of the first refrigerating cycle and the succeeding step being supplied with the lower temperature refrigeration of the second refrigerating cycle.

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: 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: 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: This invention is directed to a method of ice seeding a biological samples, such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissue equivalents. The method initiates the formation of ice that is controllable to allow for maximal viability of the sample to be cryopreserved after it has been subsequently thawed.

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: This disclosure describes a cryogenic process for increasing the life of silicon nitride tool materials such as machining inserts used in the high-speed machining of cast irons and other materials. The process entails placing the tools in a cryogenic chamber where the temperature is lowered to about -320.degree. F. and held at that level for a period of time and then raised to ambient temperature. Both the lowering and raising of the temperature are at specifically controlled rates.

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: 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: 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: 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: An apparatus for bacteriologically decontaminating poultry carcasses and then chilling the carcasses to a preservation temperature includes a decontaminating tank and a chilling tank. The decontaminating tank holds a disinfectant solution, which is maintained at a temperature from about 45.degree.-75.degree. C. The poultry carcasses are immersed in the tank for a period of about 3-10 seconds, depending upon the temperature, higher temperatures requiring less time than lower temperatures. Sonic transducers are used to sonicate the poultry to dislodge bacteria, and spray curtains wash the bacteria off of the carcasses. The heated temperature increases the effect of the disinfectant solution. After removal of the carcasses from the decontaminating tank, they are transferred to a chilling tank, which contains a liquid maintained at a temperature from about 0.degree.-3.degree. C. The carcasses remain in the chilling tank for at least 45 minutes, to assure that the carcasses are thoroughly cooled.

Abstract: An arrangement for continuous cooling of food products which have been heat treated by heating to a high temperature in a heat treatment unit which is connected between a holding cell in this and a further treatment unit. The arrangement comprises two indirectly working cooling sections (1,6) through which the product is brought to pass. During a first period only the first cooling section (1) is active, i.e. the cooling medium passes in counter current through the cooling section. During a second consecutive period a further cooling section (6) is arranged to be activated in that cooling medium passes also this second cooling section. The second cooling section (6) is arranged after the first cooling section as seen in the direction of flow for the product.

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: 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: An apparatus (10) for cooling and tempering bacon slabs supported upon wheeled trucks (24) which can be rolled on the floor (14) inside a cooler (12) includes an evaporator (26) having multiple fans (34) for moving air through refrigerated coils (32) and in the cooler (12). Moisture collecting on the refrigerated coils (32) drops into a drain pan (30) and is drained through pipes (38) outside the cooler (12). The fans (34) are alternately rotated in opposite directions for equal time segments and baffles (40) are provided inside of the cooler (12) to assure uniform air chilling. A controller (46) operates the evaporator (26) so that the air inside of the cooler (12) is cooled to a temperature less than the internal product temperature which is greater than freezing and specifically in the preferred form at a desired temperature differential of 20.degree. F. (11.degree. C.) until an intermediate internal product temperature is reached.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises compression-forming prerefrigerated meat pieces into loaves, wherein the temperature of the loaves is brought, through successive stabilization operations, to a predetermined value. In this method, the meat pieces are individually subjected to a drying stage in a cold air stream (drying station) before undergoing an intense cooling stage (cooling station) followed by a stabilization stage. The invention is useful for instance for making flaky meat loaves.

Abstract: In a substrate cooling apparatus for cooling a substrate placed on or adjacent a cooling plate having Peltier elements, the substrate is cooled quickly by controlling the Peltier elements to cool the cooling plate to a second set temperature below a target temperature to which the substrate is to be cooled, and switching control of the Peltier elements at a predetermined time after the substrate is placed on or adjacent the cooling plate, to increase the temperature of the cooling plate to the target temperature.

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: Method and device for preserving the meat of a slaughtered bird or a part thereof, in which the bird or the part thereof is firstly cooled in a short time until the core temperature of the meat is lower than the temperature at which heat-shortening occurs at the prevailing acidity; and next the bird or the part thereof is cooled further, in the course of which the core temperature of the heat remains higher than the temperature at which cold-shortening occurs at the prevailing acidity. During the cooling steps the surface is cooled to such a temperature that the germ counts or decay-causing and pathogenic micro-organisms remain below a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention includes a tunnel-conveyor section designed to process large-scale quantities of such materials as automobile tires for frangiation and embrittlement to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels for separation of fibrous and metal portions and subsequent granulation into fine-mesh particles. The system is also designed to subject food products to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels prior to for long-term storage and shipping as well. The system can also be used for freeze drying at very low temperatures (-380.degree. F. and lower) when nonconveyor procedures are used. The unit can be adapted as a horizontal-cylinder as well as a spiral or circular system for large-scale conveyor operations. Smaller systems can also be fabricated for laboratory or smaller-scale procedures.

Abstract: A cooling system, a cooling method utilizing the inventive cooling system, and a chicken product formed using the inventive method. The inventive cooling system comprises: (a) a tunnel-type cooler housing; (b) a first treatment zone provided in the housing for treating articles by injecting carbon dioxide into the first treatment zone toward the articles and by circulating carbon dioxide in the first treatment zone; (c) a second treatment zone provided in the housing for further treating the articles by injecting carbon dioxide into the second treatment zone toward the articles and by circulating carbon dioxide in the second treatment zone; and (d) a conveyor assembly for conveying the articles through the first and second treatment zones. The carbon dioxide injected into the second treatment zone impinges on the articles to a greater degree than does the carbon dioxide injected into the first treatment zone.

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.