Abstract: A drape including a sensing device is disposed over a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may either heat or congeal the sterile medium. The sensing device is typically disposed through the drape to provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device may be affixed to a plural basin drape utilized for a multiple basin thermal treatment system. The drape forms a drape receptacle within each basin, while a sensing device is typically disposed within each drape receptacle to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle to facilitate control of system operation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a controller selectively manipulable by a user during system operation. The system facilitates entry of a desired temperature range for thermally treating the sterile medium and includes an alarm to notify the user of a status of the measured temperature relative to the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A method of operating an auger ice-making machine having a refrigeration casing, an auger screw rotatably disposed inside the casing and feeding, while scraping, the ice frozen on an inner wall surface of the casing, a stocker for storing/retaining the ice fed, the stocker being formed with an ice discharge port of the stocker in order to discharge the ice to an exterior of the machine by being opened, and a stored-ice detector for detecting a high level, and a low level, of a quantity of ice stored within the stocker, wherein: when the stored-ice detector detects the high level, a controller is activated to stop ice-making operation, and when the quantity of ice stored decreases below the low level by a required quantity, the controller restarts the ice-making operation; and when the controller judges, during a stopped state of the ice-making operation, that a block of ice has occurred in the stocker, the controller restarts the ice-making operation, provided that the stored-ice detector has detected the low

Abstract: Method and apparatus used for the molding and dispensing of frozen beverages are provided. The apparatus includes a body cavity having an inner surface for molding a frozen beverage, an open end for dispensing the frozen beverage, and a bottom end. The apparatus further includes a rotatable threaded rod axially arranged within the body cavity, a rotatable base in fixed connection with the threaded rod to facilitate rotation of the threaded rod. Additionally the apparatus includes a moveable support in contact with the threaded rod such that the support moves within the body cavity upon rotation of the threaded rod, and an attachable cap. The method involves filling a body cavity with an unfrozen beverage, freezing the unfrozen beverage within the body cavity to mold the frozen beverage; and twisting a threaded rod in a first direction to dispense the frozen beverage from the body cavity.

Abstract: The ice making system by supercooling release comprises an ice thermal storage tank, a residual supercooled water generating section, and a complete releasing section. The complete releasing section and ice thermal storage tank are connected with an ice water line. Further, the ice thermal storage tank and residual supercooled water generating section are connected with a water line. The residual supercooled water generating section is supplied with water from the ice thermal storage tank to generate supercooled water, which is released from the supercooled state, ice and residual supercooled water being produced thereby. The residual supercooled water is completely released from supercooled state in the complete releasing section.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device is disposed over a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may either heat or congeal the sterile medium. The sensing device is typically disposed through the drape to provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device may be affixed to a plural basin drape utilized for a multiple basin thermal treatment system. The drape forms a drape receptacle within each basin, while a sensing device is typically disposed within each drape receptacle to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle to facilitate control of system operation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A flash freezer and process is described in which a freezer cabinet is configured to be positioned within the refrigerated air compartment of a primary freezer. An internal flash freeze compartment is located within the cabinet next to a plenum which is separated from the flash freeze compartment by a bulkhead. A plurality of first air passage apertures is formed through the bulkhead to permit passage of air between the flash freeze compartment and the plenum. A plurality of second air passage apertures is formed through a cabinet wall opposite to the bulkhead. The air passage apertures are arranged to control passage of refrigerated air under pressure from the refrigerated air compartment to direct a uniform pressurized airflow through the flash freeze compartment and over the articles placed therein.

Abstract: A method for reducing the drag on an aqueous solution in a pipe or hose system such as a snow making system includes the introduction of drag reducing polymers into the aqueous solution prior to circulating the solution in a pipe or hose. In a preferred embodiment, the drag reducing polymers are a mixture of polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution. The introduction of the polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution reduces the overall frictional drag and therefore increases the snow making efficiency by reducing the power needed to pump the water. As a result, it is easier for greater quantities of snow to be made using existing equipment due to the increased flow rate as a result of the lower drag friction. In a preferred embodiment, the polyethylene oxide is approximately 20-30% by weight and is introduced into the water pipe so resulting concentrations are approximately 30-100 weight parts per million (WPPM).

Abstract: Mix and air combine in a mixing chamber of a housing of a frozen product system to form a mixture. A cap received in one end of the housing includes an air inlet, a mix inlet, and two mixture outlets. An integral orifice received in the air inlet regulates the amount of air that flows into the mixing chamber. A gasket positioned adjacent the cap provides a liquid tight seal that prevents air and mix from entering the mixing chamber when the mixture is dispensed from the mixing chamber and to prevent the mixture from exiting the freezing cylinder while air and mix are drawn into the mixing chamber. The gasket includes an air valve, a mix valve, and two mixture valves. An adapter draws air into the pump through an air hole and draws mix into the pump through a mix hole. A piston slides in the mixing chamber to dispense the mixture through mixture holes. The cap includes a plurality of protrusions that engage holes in the adapter to ensure proper alignment of the cap and the adapter.

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

Abstract: A drinking vessel 38 in which a beverage, for example a draught beer, is to be served is cooled by formation thereon of ice formed of frozen potable liquid for example a small volume of the same beer. The potable liquid can be sprayed at 40 onto the inside 42 of the vessel 38 and/or onto the outside 44 of the vessel, and the liquid is then frozen on the vessel wall by the effect of a cooling coil 28 surrounding the vessel which can be rotated by a rotatably driven platform 30. The cooled vessel 38 will in turn cool beverage dispensed into it for drinking.

Abstract: A portable ice storage and dispensing device has a portable container for housing the ice to be dispensed. An opening is formed on the portable insulated container. The opening is used for dispensing the ice out of the portable insulated container. An ice dispenser is located internal to the portable insulated container and extends partially out of the portable insulated container. The ice dispenser is used for moving and directing the ice out of the opening.

Abstract: A specimen holder for a hydrous specimen comprising: (a) an inner hollow cylinder of a heat conductive material, (b) an inner hollow cylinder of a material which can be cut, (c) a cylindrical interior space within the inner hollow cylinder for receiving the specimen, and (d) the space between the inner hollow cylinder and an inside wall of the outer hollow cylinder being filled by a layer which is liquid at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling and effecting a change of state of a liquid mixture, wherein the liquid mixture is atomized to form an atomized liquid mixture, which is cooled to change its physical state, the cooling being performed using substantially gaseous coolant.

Abstract: An ice sculpture is formed using a temporary mold that has been formed of plastic or rubber like material. Liquid, such as water, is poured into the temporary mold and the liquid-containing temporary mold is then frozen to form the desired shape. The temporary mold is then broken away from the desired shape and is discarded. An area which accommodates an electric light can be included in the desired shape.

Abstract: An ice candle mold apparatus and method for forming an ice candle holder is disclosed wherein the ice candle holder includes a frozen container hereto. The ice candle holder includes integral frozen sidewalls and bottom. The ice candle holder to be formed with a one-piece ice candle mold with multiple feet and optional C-shaped handle with the ends embedded in the mold's exterior sidewalls.

Abstract: Method for the control of the flow rate of refrigerating fluid in ice cream making machines comprising a vapour-compression refrigerating circuit provided as a minimum with a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a main valve for injecting refrigerating fluid into the said evaporator, the method comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical cryopreservation system includes a container having an outer surface area with the container being adapted to contain a biopharmaceutical material for freezing and thawing therein. The container may be received in a cryocooling enclosure having an interior cavity configured to receive it. The cryocooling enclosure includes at least one heat transfer surface configured to contact the outer surface area of the container when the cryocooling enclosure interior cavity receives the container. Also, a cryocooler is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure and is configured to flow a fluid to the at least one heat transfer surface to control the temperature of the heat transfer surface and the biopharmaceutical material within the container. The fluid is isolated from contacting the container. Further, a temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure, the at least one heat transfer surface, the fluid and/or the cryocooler.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for producing a subassembly for devices designed to receive particulate matter in a compartment of predetermined shape.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a controller selectively manipulable by a user during system operation. The system facilitates entry of a desired temperature range for thermally treating the sterile medium and includes an alarm to notify the user of a status of the measured temperature relative to the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

Abstract: A coherent body (B) of wet crushed ice is pumped along a pipe (5). The crushed ice body can be used as a means of cleaning the pipe wall, as a means of driving a product liquid out of the pipe for recovery, or as a barrier for preventing mixing of two different bodies of liquid (1,2) in the pipe to either side of it. Being coherent but flowable and non-tensile, the mass of crushed ice can negotiate internal constrictions, obstructions and junctions of the pipe readily, unlike conventional solid or gelled pigs.

Abstract: An ice machine and method for control thereof. The method has various features including control of upload/download of software and data, control of ice cube detection of falling pieces as well as a bin full condition, logging of machine cycle counts, electrical load run times, error codes linked to accumulated run time of the ice machine, of program style and display of error codes and verification of program styles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a flexible container, a conduit, and a temperature control unit. The flexible container is adapted to receive a biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, and storing. The container is formed of a first substantially flat sheet of flexible material joined together by a seam with a second substantially flat sheet of flexible material so as to lie substantially flat when empty. The container fully encloses an interior portion for receiving the biopharmaceutical material. Also, the container is configured to form a three dimensional shape when filled with the biopharmaceutical material, wherein the three dimensional shape has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The conduit is connected to the flexible container with the outside of the container being in fluid communication with the interior portion via the conduit.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical cryopreservation system includes a container having an outer surface area with the container being adapted to contain a biopharmaceutical material for freezing and thawing therein. The container may be received in a cryocooling enclosure having an interior cavity configured to receive it. The cryocooling enclosure includes at least one heat transfer surface configured to contact the outer surface area of the container when the cryocooling enclosure interior cavity receives the container. Also, a cryocooler is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure and is configured to flow a fluid to the at least one heat transfer surface to control the temperature of the heat transfer surface and the biopharmaceutical material within the container. The fluid is isolated from contacting the container. Further, a temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure, the at least one heat transfer surface, the fluid and/or the cryocooler.

Abstract: A method of maximizing ice production in a refrigeration. The method includes monitoring a fill level of an ice storage bin and when the fill level is below a predetermined full level, energizing a water valve to dispense water into a mold, an alternate cooling routine is initiated comprising energizing an evaporator fan for a predetermined time period being equal to a time period necessary to freeze the water in the mold, controlling a temperature in a fresh food compartment by opening and closing an air door positioned in the air flow between the evaporator and the fresh food compartment, dispensing the ice from the mold to the storage bin upon a completion of the predetermined time period, and determining whether the storage bin is filled and if so, terminating the alternate cooling routine and if not, reenergizing the water valve and continuing the alternate cooling routine.

Abstract: A system for producing color water and colored ice cubes in various shapes, having a control unit with front panel buttons which allow a user to select a color. Dye reservoirs are provided which are selectively dispensed into a mixing chamber to provide the selected color, where they are combined with water and chilled. The colored water is provided to a dispensing unit which selectively dispenses the colored water, or creates colored ice cubes for subsequent dispensing. Ice trays are removably secured within the dispensing unit to allow various shaped ice cubes to be produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial snowmaking and specifically to the discovery that by introducing an effective amount of organo-modified polysiloxane material to the water being supplied to the snow guns, the quality of the snow thus made is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for producing a subassembly for devices designed to receive particulate matter in a compartment of predetermined shape.

Abstract: A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine (1) having numerous novel features to make the machine and the operation thereof more efficient; a novel supply method and apparatus provides raw product mix and gaseous matter at the proper ratios to the freezing cylinder (17) of the machine. Additionally, and also in conjunction with a novel door and product dispensing apparatus (40, 40a), the special design features enable the maintenance of a dispenser (60), beater (110), freezing chamber and other parts of the machine capable of easy flushing with a cleaning and/or sanitizing solution via the supply method and apparatus without requiring machine disassembly with no retention of the food stuffs and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical material cryopreservation system that includes a flexible sterile container comprising a biocompatible polymeric material, and the flexible sterile container containing biopharmaceuticals materials, and a freezing system thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical materials via the flexible sterile container, and the freezing system comprising a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of the biopharmaceutical materials wherein the freezing system comprises a feedback loop constructed to control a dendritic freezing front velocity, within the biopharmaceutical materials, in a range from approximately 5 millimeters per hour to approximately 250 millimeters per hour based on feedback information from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially continuously producing a stream of ice particulates P for use in performing ice blasting work on a work object W. The present invention includes an extruder assembly, a blast nozzle, and an ice-receiving line. The extruder assembly includes a pressure vessel within which the ice particulates are formed under elevated pressure. The extruder assembly further includes an ice discharge opening. The ice-receiving line has a first end adapted to receive a fluidizing gas from the pressurized air supply source and a second end connected to the blast nozzle. The ice-receiving line is in communication with the extruder assembly ice discharge opening. The pressurized ice particulates P are passed from the pressure vessel discharge opening to the pressurized ice-receiving line. The fluidized ice particulates move via pressure flow towards a blast nozzle to be expelled from the nozzle towards a work object.

Abstract: An ice producing machine that has a cylindrical evaporator, a compressor that circulates refrigerant supplied to the evaporator, an auger that removes ice from the evaporator and an ice bin for holding the ice. Potential damage to the machine that might result from abnormal loading of the motor that drive the auger is prevented by monitoring the motor current and turning off the motor and compressor before abnormal loading can cause damage. False ice bin not full interpretations are avoided by setting the threshold of a light detector that senses whether the ice bin is full or not full to slightly less than the voltage developed by the light detector when subjected to ambient light only.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming an ice coating on the outer surface of blown glass tube-shaped glass pieces (30) of an art work. The blown glass tubes are attached to a support surface (36) such that opposing ends of each glass tube are positioned over apertures in the surface. Liquid coolant contained in a thermally insulated tank (10) is cooled by a compressor (12) and then forced through an inlet manifold subassembly (20, 24) into the glass tubes, and then returned through a return manifold subassembly (40,44) to the tank for re-circulation. The continuous flow of liquid coolant results in the formation of an ice coating on the outer surface of the blown glass tubes.

Abstract: A freezer head for pipe freezing devices has a casing having a first exterior side with one or more first exterior depressions for receiving a pipe section to be frozen. The casing has a second exterior side with one or more second exterior depressions. The casing has a hollow interior. The casing has at least one connector configured to supply a cooling medium into the hollow interior. The first depression has a bottom having at least a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, wherein each one of the first and second bottom portions has a different radius of curvature. The second depression has a bottom having at least a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, wherein each one of the first and second bottom portions has a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preserving snow. A cooling mat device (2) is laid out on predetermined areas of a subbase (1) on which snow should be preserved. A coolant is fed to said cooling mat device via a coolant supply line (21), and the coolant is removed via a coolant return line (22).

Abstract: A phase change particulate saline slurry and methods and apparatus are provided for producing phase change particulate saline slurries. One method for producing phase change particulate saline slurries includes the steps of providing a liquid with a set percentage freezing point depressant, such as, a set percentage saline solution; subcooling the saline solution to a freezing point to produce ice particles; and increasing an ice particle concentration under controlled temperature for a period of time to provide a set ice particle concentration for the phase change particulate saline slurry. In another method for producing phase change particulate saline slurries, water and a first set amount of sodium chloride are provided to produce a saline solution. The saline solution is cooled to a set temperature. A selected percentage of chunk ice is added to the saline solution and the chunk ice is broken into ice particles. The ice particles have a small size.

Abstract: A portable pipe freezer apparatus includes a condenser/compressor unit and a pair of flexible coaxial hoses each connected to an evaporator head with a set of interchangeable adapters configured with one or more nearly semicircular channels conforming to a standard pipe diameter. The adapters hold the evaporation chamber in a position such that the length axis of the chamber is aligned parallel to the axis of the pipe and the hose coupling is oriented perpendicular to the length axis of the chamber. Inside the chamber, a baffle placed between the outlet of the inner tube of the hose and the return to the outer tube forces refrigerant sprayed out of the inner tube to migrate from essentially the midway point of the chamber to an end wall and then back toward the midway point before entering the outer tube.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a foot actuated switch to thermally treat the sterile medium to a desired temperature and/or form (e.g., slush). The thermal treatment system includes a basin recessed in a system top surface, while a surgical sterile drape is placed over the system and within the basin to form a drape container for containing the sterile medium. The basin may be configured to cool the sterile medium and form sterile surgical slush, or heat the sterile medium to provide warm sterile liquid. A dislodgment mechanism may be employed within a cooling basin to manipulate the drape and dislodge frozen pieces of sterile medium adhered to the drape. Information pertaining to the sterile medium and system operation may be displayed on a system display that has dimensions sufficient to provide visibility of the information to users located within extended ranges from time system.

Abstract: A refrigerator is described, specially for beverage bottles, in particular beer bottles, a humidity production system for a refrigerator and a method for generating a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on the bottle. The objective of the invention is to provide an equipment for producing a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on a beverage bottle, in particular beer bottles, which produces a covering of ice crystals regardless of the weather conditions of the place and without causing the freezing of the beverage. This objective is achieved with a refrigerator comprising a humidity production system (4) to produce humidity in the internal compartment (3), the humidity production system (4) having a water feed.

Abstract: An ice tray includes mold cells each having an open top and closed bottom. The bottom is air permeable for venting released air during formation of ice cubes therein. And, external sides of the ice tray may be thermally insulated for enhancing directional solidification of the ice cubes.

Abstract: A device for supplying water to a refrigerator icemaker for supplying bottled water to the icemaker in a refrigerator. The device for supplying water to a refrigerator icemaker includes a container having water therein. The container has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall coupled thereto and extending between the top and bottom walls. The housing has a lumen therein. The top wall has an opening therein for access to the lumen. A peripheral lip is coupled to and extends away from an edge of the opening. A cover member for selectively coupling to the peripheral lip and cover member the opening has a first hole and a second hole extending therethrough. A first tubular member for supplying water to the refrigerator is elongate and has a first end fluidly coupled to the first hole and a second end fluidly coupled to an inlet of the refrigerator. A second tubular member for supplying air to the container is elongate and has a first end and a second end.

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

Abstract: A kit having: a border assembly with a plurality of elongate elements that are capable of being placed against a subjacent surface to define a border around a predetermined area within which a frozen surface is to be formed; and a flexible liner that is selectively reconfigurable between a) a collapsed state and b) an operative state. The elongate elements each have an inside surface, a top edge, and an outside surface. The flexible liner has a shape and size preselected to cover a subjacent surface in the predetermined area and to be placed against the elongate elements in a predetermined manner so as to define a receptacle for a liquid that can be cooled to form a frozen surface over the predetermined area.

Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a first portion of a mixture of spring water and distilled water into a first chamber; and freezing the first portion of the mixture inside the first chamber to form a first ice cube. The mixture may comprise about ninety percent distilled water and ten percent pure spring water. The method may include placing a second portion of the mixture into a second chamber and freezing the second portion of the mixture inside the second chamber to form a second ice cube. The first and second chambers may be attached together by a backing. The method may also include sealing the first chamber after placing the first portion of the mixture into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion. The first chamber may be sealed by placing a foil over the first chamber. The method may include removing bacteria from the first portion after placing the first portion into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion.