Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of freezing a liquid substance contained in at least one receptacle, comprising the steps of: providing the liquid substance in at least one receptacle, providing a cooling chamber and a cooling device having a cooling surface; setting the temperature of the cooling surface, starting a freezing procedure by placing the receptacle with the liquid substance therein on the cooling surface to form a seed or initial zone of nucleation; and continuing the freezing procedure to completely freeze the substance.

Abstract: An ice display device includes a chill tube and a piston that slides within the chill tube providing a fluidtight seal against the interior. The tube is filled with water and cooled to form an ice column. A shutter may selectively close the upper end of the chill tube with a fluidtight seal while the ice column is formed. The tube is warmed and the piston is lifted to an upper end of the tube to display the ice column. A plurality of water nozzles may selectively discharge streams of high pressure water inwardly to sculpt the ice column. An armature may extend upwardly from the piston to support and cool an interior of the ice column. The tube and armature may be cooled and warmed by a thermal transfer fluid. A device may be provided to induce turbulence in the thermal transfer fluid.

Abstract: A unitary clear ice sheet is formed from a plurality of individual clear ice sheets which are fused together to give the unitary ice sheet a predetermined thickness. The fused unitary ice sheet is a clear unitary ice sheet due to the formation of the plurality of individual clear ice sheets by running water over a cold plate apparatus or evaporator mechanism to form the ice sheets in a gradual layer-by-layer process. The fused unitary clear ice sheet is used to mold or shape clear ice structure therefrom, such as clear ice spheres in a mold apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling method and a supercooling apparatus which can maintain an object in a supercooled state. According to the present invention, a supercooling method includes a first cooling step of cooling a stored object toward a cooling temperature below a phase transition temperature thereof, a step of judging whether the stored object is released from a supercooled state in the first cooling step, a step of thawing the stored object when the stored object is released from the supercooled state, and a second cooling step of cooling the stored object toward a cooling temperature below zero that is higher than the lowest temperature of the stored object before the release of the supercooled state, wherein the first cooling step is continuously performed when the object is maintained in the supercooled state.

Abstract: A method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a wrist of a patient comprises wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around the wrist of the patient, wherein the hemostatic device also includes a curved plate, a balloon and a marker used to position the balloon at the puncture site, and wherein the flexible band, the curved plate and the balloon are substantially transparent. The wrapping of the flexible band around the wrist of the patient involves wrapping the flexible band around the wrist of the patient while the balloon is in an uninflated state. The wrapping can also take place while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The method also involves using the marker to position balloon relative to the puncture site such that the balloon overlies the puncture site, introducing a fluid into the balloon and inflating the balloon, and maintaining inflation of the balloon and compression against the puncture site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling recognition method and a supercooling apparatus which can rapidly and precisely judge whether a stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof. A supercooling recognition method according to the present invention includes the steps of: cooling a stored object to below a temperature of a maximum ice crystal formation zone thereof; and judging whether the stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof during the cooling step.

Abstract: The temperature of a biological material is changed from a first temperature to a second temperature within a time period, one of the said first or second temperature being above freezing temperature and the other being below freezing temperature, by placing the biological material in tight contact with at least one, preferably between two heat exchangers, and controlling the temperature in at least one of said heat exchangers such that a freezing temperature front propagates in said material away from at least one of the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling recognition method and a supercooling apparatus which can rapidly and precisely judge whether a stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof. A supercooling recognition method according to the present invention includes the steps of: cooling a stored object to below a temperature of a maximum ice crystal formation zone thereof; and judging whether the stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof during the cooling step.

Abstract: A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.

Abstract: A central control system and method for controlling air conditioners. The central control system performs central control operations for the air conditioners according to an operation schedule or control command inputted from a central controller coupled to the air conditioners through an internal network or a remote controller accessible to an external Internet network. When the air conditioners are simultaneously operated, control signals based on the control command are adjusted to prevent electric power consumption from abruptly increasing and hence the stability and reliability of control can be improved. The central controller includes a touch screen-based monitor. A control program included in the central controller provides a timetable corresponding to a specified period. An operator can conveniently input/edit the operation schedule through a dragging operation performed on the monitor, and confirm the inputted/edited operation schedule.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of the ice cups in which a condensation plate able to receive water spray for the formation of the ice elements is cooled for a predetermined period of time such as to cause freezing of the water and the subsequent formation of ice elements. When cooling is interrupted the plate is heated for a predetermined interval of time to permit detachment of the ice elements. Between the interruption of cooling and the start of heating the plate is subjected to a plurality of heating stages of increasing duration alternating with a plurality of cooling stage of decreasing duration.

Abstract: The process and equipment, according to this invention, for manufacturing clear, solid ice of spherical and other shapes are capable of making clear ice balls and block ice of other shapes in the mold quickly, efficiently, and with effective energy utilization.

Abstract: Forming a novelty (such as a sticked ice cream product) from a mouldable material which involves extruding the materials into a cavity temporarily provided with a bottom. Relative movement is thereafter caused so as to shear the cavity contained quantity of material from any such material remaining in the cavity filling nozzle prior to subsequent discharge of the moulded quantity from the cavity at a time when it no longer has a bottom.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical material cryopreservation system, including a flexible sterile container comprising a biocompatible polymeric material, and the flexible sterile container containing biopharmaceuticals materials, and a freezing system removably coupled to the flexible sterile container via a tapered slot and the freezing system thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical materials via the flexible sterile container and the tapered slot; wherein the freezing system comprises a feedback loop constructed to control a dendritc 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. Also disclosed are methods of cryopreservation of biopharmaceutical materials, and methods of linearly scaling processes for cryopreservation of biopharmaceutical materials.

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: Forming a novelty (such as a sticked ice cream product) from a mouldable material which involves extruding the materials into a cavity temporarily provided with a bottom. Relative movement is thereafter caused so as to shear the cavity contained quantity of material from any such material remaining in the cavity filling nozzle prior to subsequent discharge of the moulded quantity from the cavity at a time when it no longer has a bottom.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold having at least one cavity configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the at least one mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the at least one mold cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold for sensing a temperature of the mold. A heat transfer member is metallurgically coupled with the auger and extends downwardly from the mold.

Abstract: An ice sculpture mold, forming assembly and process is described in which a mold body is releasably received within an immersion tank having an open top end defined by a peripheral rim, and a closed bottom. The mold includes an internal cavity shaped as a negative of a selected ice sculpture form, and includes a top section positionable adjacent the open top end of the immersion tank and a bottom section positionable adjacent the closed bottom of the immersion tank. The mold body also includes at least one water intake and discharge openings formed in the upper section mold body, openly communicating with the internal cavity. A water circulating pump and water delivery tube are connected to each intake opening. The water discharge and intake openings are positioned on the mold to enable circulation of water within the assembled mold cavity to facilitate freezing of water in the assembled mold cavity to form an ice sculpture that is visually clear and devoid of clouding and air bubbles.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. Each cavity has a plurality of side walls. An ice removal device is positioned at least partly within the at least one mold cavity. A fill tube is positioned in association with the at least one mold cavity. The fill tube includes an outlet from which water is expelled at an impingement angle against at least one side wall of at least one mold cavity. The impingement angle is between about 10° and 60° relative to a horizontal reference.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold and an auger. The mold has at least one cavity with a bottom surface, and is configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. The auger has a shaft with at least one flight attached thereto, the shaft including a top end and a base end with the base end being rotatably mounted in the bottom surface of the at least one mold cavity. The shaft extends substantially vertically through the mold cavity and is configured to rotate and thereby push the ice out of the mold cavity. The shaft and/or at least one flight has an inward taper in a direction heading from the base end to the top end of the shaft.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a mold having a cavity with a bottom surface. The mold cavity is configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the mold cavity. The auger includes a rotatable surface at least partially defining the bottom surface of the mold cavity. The rotatable surface includes at least one ramp configured for lifting the ice off of the bottom surface of the mold cavity.

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: The invention relates to a device for producing ice cubes. It has a freezer unit (6) with a plurality of freezing regions (7) accessible from the outside of said unit (6) for one ice cube (1) each, a device (9) for supplying the freezing regions (7) with an excess of water to produce clear ice and a dispensing region (1)) for ice cubes (1) released from the freezer unit (6). Between the freezer unit (6) and the dispensing region (19) there is a device (18) for putting two ice cubes (1) together to form a composite cube (1(A+B)). Said device (18) has adjacent storage devices for the ice cubes (1) to be put together which can be moved together in order to place the ice cubes (1) with plane damp surfaces together, where the path between the combining device (18) and the dispensing region (19), and the dispensing region (19) itself, are cooled to a temperature below 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making novelty ice cubes that change color which includes the steps of: pouring water into a first ice cube tray to form a poured first solution; freezing the poured first solution to form a frozen first solution; removing the frozen first solution from the first ice cube tray to form clear ice cubes; adding a food dye to citric acid to form a second solution; mixing the second solution to form a mixed second solution; pouring an amount of the mixed second solution into a second ice cube tray to form a poured layer; freezing the poured layer to form a frozen thin layer; wetting the frozen layer to form a wetted thin layer; placing a clear ice cube of the clear ice cubes onto each wetted layer to form a combination; pouring an additional amount of the mixed second solution onto the combination, until a layer of the mixed second solution covers the exposed portion of the clear ice cubes to form together with the frozen layer a layer encasement that completely encases the clear ice cubes and forms wi

Abstract: An apparatus or method for automatically producing ice vessels. A male die 21 is provided opposite to a female die 11. A bottom surface of the female die 11 is formed with a through-hole 15, in which is provided a reciprocating body 17. The body 17 is capable of being raised or lowered by cylinder 18. Above one side of the female die 11 is provided a chute box 31 having an outlet port 32 facing the female die 11. Above the other side of the female die 11 is provided carrier arms 41 movable toward or away from the female die 11. An ice pieces equalizer 28 is provided above the female die 11. Ice pieces I are accommodated into the female die 11 with the body 17 protruding from the bottom surface thereof. Then, the body 17 is lowered to form a sinking. After that, an ice vessel is molded by depressing the male die 21. The body 17 is raised again for removal of the molded ice vessel A. Owing to the equalizer 28, surplus amount of ice pieces in the female die 11 are removed prior to molding.

Abstract: A system and method for making a frozen confection having a plurality of differently flavored or colored sections are provided. After creating in a mold a frozen outer layer comprising the ingredients for a first flavor or color, a carving means, such as a heated tool or a nozzle ejecting high-pressure gas, removes a portion of the frozen outer layer in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The ingredients for a second flavor or color then are added, and the mold is subjected to freezing to form the final product. Alternatively, a tool having protrusions contacting portions of the inner surface of the mold is inserted into the mold, before or after insertion of the first ingredients, the first ingredients are frozen, the tool is removed, and the second ingredients then are added and frozen. In another embodiment, a first flavor or color is sprayed onto the inner wall of the mold in a pattern and frozen.

Abstract: A machine and method for making unit confections of shaped complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having groups of complementary molds, in which a group of first molds produces physical shapes which displace at least a portion of the product in a group of second molds to produce complementarily joined shaped confections produced in the group of second molds.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling water quality in a water phase changing device, such as an ice maker, having a water inlet, a water outlet, a reservoir configured for retaining a supply of water and being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a flow controller for controlling the flow of water into the device, such as an ice maker, includes the steps of monitoring TDS concentration of water retained in said reservoir, and actuating at least one of a water input controller and a water dump controller to adjust the composition of the water in the reservoir when the monitored TDS concentration exceeds a preset TDS target concentration.

Abstract: A multilayered food product, which has an upper component which has a density which is at least 0.2 kg/dm.sup.3 greater than a density of a lower component, is prepared by introducing a first food component into a container and within 30 seconds after introduction of the first food component applying a CO.sub.2 snow to a top surface of the first food component in the container for frosting the surface and removing residual CO.sub.2 snow from the surface and introducing a second food component into the container onto the frosted surface of the first food component.

Abstract: A rotary machine and method for making unit confections of complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having paired groups of complementary molds arranged radially, adjacent to each other in or on sectors of a rotating table, in which a group of first molds radially arranged in a first sector produces physical shapes which fit within and complementarily join all or part of the physical shapes produced in a group of second molds radially arranged in a second sector.

Abstract: A rotary machine and method for making unit confections of complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having concentric groups of complementary molds essentially radially aligned in or on annular sections of a rotating table, in which a group of first molds in a first annular section produces physical shapes which fit within and complementarily join all or part of the physical shapes produced in a group of second molds in a second annular section that is concentric with the first annular section.

Abstract: A pair of ice bodies each have a planar surface which are warmed to melt the surface. Then at least one of the surfaces is provided with a cavity engendered by the application of a dimension controlled heat source, suitably by engraving with a heated relief formed die-like tool having a metal engraving element of a given design. The engraving element is warmed above the ice melting temperature and brought into contact with a planar surface of the surface of the ice body so that the element melts away portions of the ice body in the area of the element and the melt water is simultaneously removed by gravity, a vacuum or by a blast of cold air. When the desired engraving depth has been attained, the planar surfaces of the ice bodies to be mated are wetted by warming and are pressed together and if needed, cooled to freeze the interface producing an assembled ice body with an internal engraving and a transparent seam.

Abstract: A system and method for making a frozen confection having a plurality of differently flavored or colored sections are provided. After partially freezing in a mold the ingredients for a first flavor or color to form a frozen outer layer and a liquid inner core, the liquid inner core is vacuumed from the mold. A carving tool, such as a laser, then is inserted into the area of the mold previously occupied by the liquid inner core. The carving tool removes a portion of the frozen outer layer in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The ingredients for a second flavor or color then are inserted into the mold to fill the inner core and the areas of the outer layer removed with the carving tool. The mold then is subjected to freezing to form the final product.

Abstract: A method for easily making an ice slab serving as the foundation of an artificial snow skiing field and artificial snow whose upper layer is powdery by flooding aqueous slurry made by adding water to granular wet water absorbent polymer on a slope of a natural skiing field or a slant or horizontal surface of a natural skiing field or indoor artificial snow skiing field equipped with a cooling system, obtaining the deposit layer of the granular wet water absorbent polymer in which water is separated from the slurry and freezing the deposit layer.

Abstract: A pelletizer for making pellets from a liquid or semi-liquid food product has two molding rolls between which the food product is formed into pellets. The rolls have teeth of complementary shape, and the teeth of at least one roll have axially spaced apart recesses. The rolls are cooled with a refrigerant during the molding operation. By the means of the pelletizer, frozen pellets are made from a liquid or semi-liquid food product which, prior to molding, is refrigerated into moldable consistency before being supplied to the nip between the two cooperating molding rolls which are cooled during the molding operation so as to form surface-frozen pellets which are thereafter subjected to final freezing.

Abstract: An ice product bearing a clearly discernable pattern or design caused by the controlled formation of cloudy ice within an otherwise clear ice cube, and a machine or apparatus for producing such cubes comprising a flexible membrane (56) which is urged into and out of thermal contact with a refrigerated surface (51) upon which raised conductive areas (52) define discrete freezing sites which determine where on the flexible membrane the ice cubes are formed and then removing the ice cubes by flexing the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A machine for making two-flavor ices, in particular ice lollies, comprising a freezing tank (2) through which parallel rows of molds (A, B) whose cross-sections are inscribable into one another are caused to advance intermittently at two-step rate, a metering-filling unit (6) for filling molds (A), a stick-inserting unit (7), an intermediate withdrawing station (10) in which ices are removed from molds (A) and then released into molds (B), a second metering-filling unit (11) for completing filling of molds (B), and a final withdrawing unit (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming ice cubes without a hot gas defrost cycle comprises a flexible sheet (55) which is urged into and out of thermal contact with a refrigerated plate (51) through openings in an insulative spacer (52) defining the freezing sites where the ice cubes are built up to the desired thickness by lamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of compression-solidified snow comprises a pressure chamber with a rust preventive inner face, a pressure head for applying pressure to snow, a boost-typed pressure cylinder installed at one end of the pressure chamber and equipped with the pressure head, a hopper having an inner face which allows snow to slide thereon smoothly, and a pusher installed in a snow compression zone at the other end of the pressure chamber. A method of compressing snow into solidified snow lump is characterized in that snow having a temperature of 0.degree. to -30.degree. C. is compressed and formed with a pressure of 10 to 200 kg/cm.sup.2 at a head displacement velocity of 0.1 to 150 mm/sec for pressure holding time of 0-300 seconds into a solid having a density of 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly chilling a cool pack associated with a refrigeration system wherein slush-like medium is introduced into the pack in a first step and frozen to a substantially solid state in a second step.

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.