Abstract: A cryogenic storage device is disclosed having a lower housing part adapted to contain a cryogenic storage tank. An upper housing part is detachably secured to the upper end of the lower housing part so that the upper housing part covers and overlies the cryogenic storage tank. A lid in the upper housing part provides access to the top of the cryogenic storage tank. An electronic circuit arrangement which controls both a fill solenoid for the storage tank as well as an exhaust fan is contained wholly within the upper housing part. Consequently, upon detachment of a single fluid connection between the valve means and the upper housing part and a fill line from the cryogenic storage tank, the upper housing part can be detached from the lower housing part and the storage tank for shipment and/or servicing.

Abstract: A photocatalystic decomposing apparatus comprises absorbent including honeycomb form active carbon and titanium oxide acting as photocatalyst applied to a surface of the active carbon, and a light source for generating ultraviolet rays exciting the photocatalyst. Stink ingredient is absorbed to the active carbon by passing air flow through openings in the honeycomb, and the absorbed stink ingredient is decomposed by exciting the photocatalyst due to application of the ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A deodorizer for refrigerators or the like includes a deodorizing element composed of an adsorbent adsorbing odor components contained in the air in a storage compartment containing foodstuffs and a catalyzer oxidizing and decomposing the odor components adsorbed by the adsorbent, and a heater energized and deenergized for applying heat to the deodorizing element. The odor components contained in the air in the storage compartment are adsorbed by the adsorbent of the deodorizing element during the heater deenergization period. When the heater is energized to apply heat to the deodorizing element, the odor components adsorbed by the adsorbent are drawn out from the adsorbent and brought into contact with the catalyzer. The odor components are oxidized and decomposed by the catalyzer.

Abstract: The equipment of the present invention has a plurality of storing cases in which the blood is stored and which is refrigerated by respectively provided Stirling refrigerator, in a keeping-cool room kept at a low temperature. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a very low temperature condition less than the recrystallization temperature of the ice in each of the storing cases, refrigerating each storing case wherein the blood is stored by each Stirling refrigerator with high performance coefficient in a very low temperature. A very low temperature condition is realized at a low cost and a high recovery is obtained, which results in that a great deal of blood is stored stably. Furthermore, taking blood in and out is carried out automatically and without the necessity of the operator's entering the keeping-cool room, by providing means for putting the blood in each storing case and taking it out from each storing case and performing the remote control of this means.

Abstract: The atmosphere control apparatus of the present invention employs first and second chambers located for example, adjacent the ceiling and adjacent the floor of the audience seating section of the movie theater, respectively. Both chambers have a large storage capacity. Cool air and warm air, supplied from an air conditioner, are stored in the first and second chambers, respectively. In order to create an atmosphere similar to that in, for example, a movie scene, the cool air in the first chamber and the warm air in the second chamber are selectively blown outward, in the direction of the audience seating section, in accordance with a control signal.

Abstract: An automatic refrigerator includes a sterilized storage compartment, normally kept at a food storage temperature, in which a blower provides forced ventilation. A germicide lamp, capable of generating ultraviolet radiations, is located in the flow path of the forced ventilation and is associated with a shielding device protecting the storage compartment from the radiations.

Abstract: A deodorizing apparatus includes a case having an air inlet and an air outlet, an ozone generator of the discharge type disposed in an air flow channel between the air inlet and the air outlet, an acceleration device disposed in the air flow channel at the air outlet side thereof for accelerating the decomposition of odors and ozone, a fan provided within the case, an electric motor provided within the case for driving the fan, and device disposed in the air flow channel at the air inlet side thereof for preventing an excess of ozone from flowing out. As a result, odors can be efficiently removed by a decomposition with ozone, while the leakage of residual ozone is minimized.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved heat sink composition and a method for preparing said composition to protect thermolabile goods from degradation or destruction from high temperatures. A representative composition includes sodium sulfate, sodium sulfate decahydrate (also known as Glauber's salt) and fumed silcon dioxide, a hydrophilic suspension agent which maintains the excess anhydrous sodium sulfate in uniform suspension when the composition is in a liquid state. In a preferred embodiment, the salt prior to use is dissolved in water, and driven to saturation, the hydrophilic agent is added, and the suspension driven to an over saturated state by the additional of from 1 to 30% anhydrous salt. The composition is then sealed in a plastic container of the desired shape to form an improved heat sink. The goods to be protected are packaged with the heat sink, whose salt hydrate has a melting point about 3.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes an air-conditioner and an oxygen ratio increasing device. The air-conditioner has an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and arranged in a room to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger and arranged outdoors. These units are connected to each other through a coolant pipe. The increasing device has an oxygen ratio increasing mechanism for producing oxygen-ratio increased air having a high oxygen concentration, and an air supply pipe for supplying the produced oxygen-ratio increased air into the room. The mechanism is arranged in the outdoor unit, and includes an adsorbing material for adsorbing nitrogen in air to produce the oxygen-ratio increased air and an air compressor for supplying air to the air supply pipe through the adsorbing material.

Abstract: A storage method in which fruits and/or vegetables immediately after harv are stored in a storage chamber which maintains controlled storage atmospheres having a total pressure of not lower than 400 Torr and below the atmospheric pressure (760 Torr), an oxygen partial pressure of about 15 to about 145 Torr, a carbon dioxide partial pressure of about 15 to about 115 Torr, a relative humidity of not lower than 90%, and a temperature ranging between 0.degree. and 15.degree. C.

Abstract: Refrigeration unit for produce and, in particular for fresh vegetables, characterized in that it consists of at least two boxes (22) which receive the produce to be processed and are provided with means (32, 33, 41) conveying water and/or air, which for at least one of the boxes is refrigerated, onto this produce, these boxes being in alignment and being provided with opposing lateral openings (23, 24) permitting, by means of a horizontal displacement in a single direction, the introduction of the produce to be processed into the first box, its transfer from the first box towards the second and the removal of the processed produce from the second box, the openings in these boxes being provided with closure doors (25) sliding in the plane of these openings.

Abstract: Biological freezing apparatus for use on unmodified laboratory liquid cryogen storage container including a specimen holder for holding biological specimens to be frozen and a motor for lowering the specimen holder into the interior of the laboratory liquid cryogen storage containers. An electronic circuit controls the motor so that the specimen holder moves into the interior of the laboratory liquid cryogen storage container at a predetermined desired rate. The specimen holder is constructed of a non-thermally conductive material and this plus its configuration along with the movement of the specimen holder downward at a predetermined rate allows freezing of live biological specimens without doing substantial damage to the specimens.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples. The method comprises treating a biological tissue sample with a cryoprotectant which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample followed by vitrification under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a sample holder. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal nonequilibrium.

Abstract: A vegetable crisper has a container adapted to contain a body of water in a lower portion beneath a support (14). The crisper also has a spray head (24) and an electric pump (18) for pumping water from the container lower portion to the spray head through a filter (19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the generation of essentially spherical frozen droplets of a liquid biological or organic-comprising composition. The liquid composition if fed under positive pressure through a nozzle in a manner which provides a continuous stream of the liquid composition exiting the nozzle; the continuous stream travels through a gas or vapor for a distance sufficient to cause the continuous stream to break apart, forming droplets ranging in size from about 0.6 mm to about 5 mm; the liquid composition droplets are then contacted with a cryogenic liquid capable of freezing the droplets into a solid phase; the frozen droplets are concentrated into a portion of the contacting cryogenic liquid from which they are subsequently separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preservation method and preservation apparatus which are suitable for preserving perishable goods for a long period of time. A method of the present invention is characterized by removing from the refrigerating chamber such harmful aging substances as ethylene or volatile base nitrogen triethylamine which are released from the perishable goods being preserved in a refrigerating chamber and which cause additional maturation and aging. In order to realize this method, an apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising adsorption materials which have adsorptivity to adsorb these harmful aging substances and are disposed in the refrigerating chamber for preserving the perishable goods.

Abstract: A method of freezing vital body fluids for storage and later use is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a brine including a cruciferous oil, cooling the brine, providing a heat transfer container having a vital body fluid therein and subjecting the heat transfer container to a heat transfer relationship with the cooled brine for a period of time sufficient to freeze the vital body fluid in the heat transfer container.

Abstract: A method of freezing tissue samples for cytological or histological examination is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a brine including cruciferous oil, cooling the brine, providing a tissue sample, and subjecting the tissue sample to the cooled brine for a period of time sufficient to freeze the tissue sample.

Abstract: The atmosphere control apparatus of the present invention employs first and second chambers located for example, above the ceiling and below the floor of the audience seating section of the movie theater, respectively. Both chambers have a large storage capacity. Cool air and warm air, supplied from an air conditioner, are stored in the first and second chambers, respectively. In order to create an atmosphere similar to that in, for example, a movie scene, the cool air in the first chamber and the warm air in the second chamber are selectively blown outward, in the direction of the audience seating section, in accordance with a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the adjustment of maintenance of a refrigerated atmosphere, in particular an atmosphere adjusted to goods stored in a refrigerating tank, in particular a refrigerating container, with the refrigerating requirement exclusively covered by the introduction of cold nitrogen from a supply of liquid nitrogen.According to the invention, the normally immobile atmosphere is forcibly circulated in arbitrarily selected time intervals or in time intervals determined by measured operating parameters (T, CO.sub.2 content, O.sub.2 content, humidity) during time intervals which are predetermined or determined by measured operating parameters.The temporary circulation of the atmosphere is effected by means of a blower actuated by a control means.

Abstract: A device for the controlled deep freezing of viscous liquids by means of a low boiling liquified gas is used for producing drops from the liquid, which are frozen to pellets in a liquid nitrogen bath. The device includes a container arranged above the bath to hold the liquid to be frozen. The bottom of the container consists of two drip plates which can be moved in relation to each other and are provided with bores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable refrigerating container in which the atmosphere is passed over a circulating device containing separating means for water and gases, in particular molecular sieves, and refrigerating and humidifying means.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system for cooling specimen, wherein an expander having one or more heat stations and a cooler at a main refrigeration circuit, which has a specimen mounting unit and is cooled at a temperature lower than the heat station, are housed in first and second vacuum chambers separate from each other, and at the second vacuum chamber is provided an open-close lid which is open to enable a specimen to be taken in or out, whereby the second vacuum chamber only is broken of its vacuum so as to enable the specimen to be exchanged.

Abstract: A cold reserving apparatus having a specimen accommodation chamber capable of being closed and inserted and disposed in a vacuum vessel. A cooling stage of the refrigerator is inserted into this vacuum vessel, and a cooling stage provided on the specimen accommodation chamber in the vacuum vessel and the cooling stage of the refrigerator are connected by a solid heat-conductive material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing and chilling animal carcasses is provided comprising a tank for holding water, a means for cooling water in the tank, piping for carrying contaminated water out of the tank, a means for injecting ozone into the water of the apparatus, a means for purifying contaminated water in the piping, piping for returning purified water back to the tank and a means for decomposing gaseous ozone which escapes from the water in the tank before the gas is liberated into the atmosphere. The ozone destroys all forms of harmful microorganisms in the carcasses and the water. Because the water of the system is sterilized it can be disposed of easily.

Abstract: The device comprises a heat-insulated tank containing a refrigerant. The tank accommodates a vessel made of a high heat-conductivity material and filled with a high thermal-conductivity powdered material, wherein a container with biological objects is immersed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere in an area. The method includes the intermittent removal of oxygen, carbon dioxide water vapor and ethylene from the area. An apparatus to practice the method is disclosed that includes a compressor to increase the pressure of the gases present which are then separated by diffusion across membranes.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis. The use of apparatus comprises vitrifying a biological tissue sample under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a sample holder at a temperature of less than -140.degree. C. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal equilibrium. After reaching equilibrium the tissue sample is optionally infiltrated with a degassed resin followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample.

Abstract: Quick cryogenic freezing of blood plasma is accomplished by providing a conductive cylinder mounted in a nitrogen container, the cylinder loosely fitting a standard plasma bottle to provide for heat transfer from the bottle by conduction and space for passage of vapor, the cylinder walls having longitudinally extending ducts connected at their upper ends to the head space above the liquid nitrogen and discharging through injection ports spaced along the ducts and directed inwardly against the bottle, the vapor being drawn along the sides of the bottle and discharged outwardly of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thermally insulated enclosure (1) containing a bath (20) of liquid nitrogen. The enclosure contains a case (3) of flat shape provided with a thermal insulation (4) whose performance is lower than that (2) of the enclosure (1) and comprising, on one hand, supports (17) for supporting straws in a horizontal plane, and, on the other hand, a heater (8) for heating the lower wall (7) and/or the cover (6) of the case. Application in the freezing of animal or human embryos.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating an air-contacted surface of an air conditioning system comprising the steps of:(A) introducing to the air passage and air-borne biocide in a biocidally effective amount; and(B) subsequently introducing into the air passage an air-borne biostat adapted to coat the surface with an air-driable, substantially water insoluble biostat coating, the biostat being introduced in an amount sufficient to coat the surface with a biostatically effective coating. According to another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided of interrelated parts for carrying out such treatment method.

Abstract: An embryo freezer is disclosed in which the freezing chamber is mounted in the neck of a liquid nitrogen tank. The rate of cooling of the freezing chamber is regulated by adjusting the height of the freezing chamber within the neck of the liquid nitrogen tank. The embryo is stored in a straw which is in turn suspended in liquid methyl hydrate within the freezing chamber. Air is bubbled through the liquid in the freezing chamber to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the freezing chamber.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere storage system which is so arranged that a refrigerator and a carbon dioxide generator are connected to each other, and a purifying catalyst, an air preheater, a cooler, a circulating blower and a scrubber are disposed at the downstream side in that order, with the scrubber and the refrigerator being connected, whereby time required for stabilization of combustion may be reduced as compared with conventional systems, and combustion under a low oxygen concentration can be maintained, while flow-out of controlled atmosphere gas outside the refrigerator or entry of atmosphere into the refrigerator can be prevented. Moreover, by forming the carbon dioxide generator in a double wall construction to fill a space with air containing carbon dioxide, heat insulating property is improved for facilitation of combustion under a lower oxygen concentration than in the conventional systems.

Abstract: A freezing apparatus for bringing samples of biological tissue in contact with a block of sapphire that is chilled to 15.degree. K. has a toggle linkage that controls movement of a plunger carrying a biological tissue sample into contact with a cold surface of sapphire, and minimizes rebound by slowing the rate of approach of the tissue sample toward the cold surface to a velocity of substantially zero at contact. An outer box of plexiglass is used to limit the formation of condensates on the surface of the sapphire, and the specimen carrier includes a miniature moist chamber that protects the specimen from drying before moving it toward the surface. The moist chamber is removed just before operation of the freezing apparatus. The toggle linkage provides repeatability of results with minimum setup time between insertion of samples, and substantially reduces rebounding and vibration that retards the rate of freezing of the specimen.

Abstract: A method for metal-mirror cryofixation of bio-medical or similar technical specimens in which a specimen is brought into contact with a highly polished, cooled metal mirror in order to cool at least a marginal zone of the specimen suddenly to a low temperature. In order to avoid deformation of the specimen caused by freezing, provision is made, immediately after the first contact between the specimen and the metal mirror, to press the latter against one another by an additional independent force until the specimen is completely frozen. A cryofixation device for this purpose comprises a force generating device, for example, a separate power storage device (135) which, under control, functions after contact between the specimen (106) and metal mirror (102), in other words exerts the additional force between the specimen and the metal mirror (FIG. 7).

Abstract: In a refrigerated fruit store 1, the atmosphere is controlled to low levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide using an activated carbon bed 2, by continuously repeating the following cycle of operations:(1) expose the carbon in the bed 2 to the atmosphere in the fruit store 1, until saturated with CO.sub.2 (12 minutes);(2) evacuate the bed 2, down to 7 kPa, to the gas reservoir 5, whereby the O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 (but not CO.sub.2) are released in "fruit store" proportions into the reservoir (2 minutes);(3) expose the bed 2 to air to purge it of the CO.sub.2 (18 minutes);(4) evacuate the bed 2 to waste (7 kPa is adequate) to remove O.sub.2 and N.sub.2, which would otherwise remain in the bed in substantially "air" proportions (i.e. excessive oxygen) (2 minutes);(5) expose the bed 2 to the gas put in the reservoir 5 at operation (2) above, so that the bed 2 now contains O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 in "fruit store" proportions (2 minutes);(1) expose the adsorptive medium to chamber atmosphere; and so forth indefinitely.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for the ultralow temperature processing of metallic, carbide, ceramic and plastic parts and items to materially increase their wear, abrasion, erosion and corrosion resistivity, stabilize their strength characteristics, improve their machinability and provide stress relief. The cryogenic treatment processing is carried out in an insulated box-like treatment chamber which includes a perforated platform extending parallel to and spaced above the bottom of the chamber. Parts and items to be treated are supported on the platform and cryogenic liquid is introduced to the chamber below the platform in accordance with a time-temperature program which reduces the temperature of the parts and items in stages to -320.degree. F. by initial cooling of the parts and items by evaporating vapors from the cryogenic liquid pool in the space below the platform and thereafter by partial or substantial submersion of the parts and items in the cryogenic liquid. After a soak period at the -320.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and means for transporting a quantity of comestibles (preferably at lowered temperatures) where at least continual monitoring of at least the oxygen level of the atmosphere to which the comestible is subjected is carried out. Preferably the carbon dioxide level is also monitored. Automatic adjustment of the oxygen content and carbon dioxide content in response to the monitoring is carried out using a positive infusion of ambient air and the scrubbing of the gas atmosphere to which the comestibles are subjected respectively.

Abstract: A method of producing microfine frozen particles from water, liquid drugs, juices, etc. comprises the steps of atomizing a mixture of a liquid with a gas and directing the mixture toward a body of a refrigerant liquid whose surface is stirred by application of kinetic energy to form ripples. The refrigerant liquid being liquid nitrogen, liquid air, a cooled organic solvent or the like, so that the atomized liquid undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant liquid to form fine frozen particles. An apparatus for practicing the method, comprises a vessel for containing the refrigerant liquid, apparatus for forming ripples at the surface of the refrigerant liquid by injecting a gas, or by applying vibrations to the vessel or the refrigerant liquid, an atomizer functioning as a mixer and atomizer for a liquid and a gas, and an apparatus for collecting the microfine frozen particles from the refrigerant liquid.

Abstract: A method for preserving biological material is disclosed in which the biological material is stored at cryogenic temperatures for long periods of time without incurring fatal damage to cells, tissues or organs. The process comprises freezing the biological material under conditions of temperature and pressure to avoid the formation of crystalline ice I at all times during the freezing process. Rather, metastable phases of ice are exploited to reduce damage to the biological material upon freezing, storage or subsequent thawing.

Abstract: The hypobaric preservation of respiring plant matter without the step of humidifying the storage atmosphere by contacting it with a supplementary body of heated water is hereby disclosed, characterized by storage at controlled and correlated conditions of temperature, subatmospheric pressure, evacuation rate, air recirculation rate and air intake rate, and by the dependence of each set of correlated conditions upon the weight, respiration rate and type of plant matter. Expanded relatively dry atmospheric air is passed into and humid rarified air is withdrawn from the storage chamber at rates which maintain an optimal steady-state oxygen partial pressure for each type of respiring, oxygen-consuming plant matter, and a nearly saturated relative humidity sufficient to keep the temperature of the respiring, heat producing plant matter equal to or slightly higher than the temperature of the chamber walls and rarified air.

Abstract: A cooling chamber has an interspace between the structure defining the work chamber and coolant vessel on the one hand, and the outer insulating vessel on the other hand to provide better thermal insulation. The work chamber is disposed above the coolant vessel and has apertures formed in the base wall thereof so that the vaporized coolant flows directly into the work chamber. The consumption of coolant is minimal and the cooling chamber is of simple configuration is that it can be manufactured economically.

Abstract: When a power switch of a blower and a second mode switch are both turned on, a door at the exit of a deodorizer containing a volatile deodorant is opened to allow the deodorant to volatilize and diffuse into an air blast duct through a passage extending between the deodorizer and the duct, whereby the deodorant deodorizes the air to be blown into the passenger compartment. The second mode switch is any one of the power switch for the air conditioning system, the power switch for a driving device to open and close the door, and the mode switch to select a upward blower outlet.

Abstract: A method of drying rock wool, used to insulate cryogenic equipment such as a cold box, comprising evaporation with a CO.sub.2 purge during the defrost cycle.

Abstract: The hypobaric preservation of non-respiring animal matter without the step of adding fresh air to the storage chamber, and without humidifying the storage atmosphere by contacting it with a supplementary body of heated water, is hereby disclosed, characterized by storage at a controlled temperature correlated to the type of animal matter, by a hypobaric pressure slightly less than the vapor pressure of water at said storage temperature, and by evacuation at a controlled rate correlated to the storage temperature and the weight of stored animal matter. The evacuation rate preferably is set to pump nearly saturated steam from the vacuum tank at a rate which exhausts an amount of water equal to about 1% of the initial weight of the animal matter each month.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a plurality of modular containers (2) each receiving a charge of products. Liquid CO.sub.2 is injected into each container under the control of a thermostat (28). The excess gases are collected in a single manifold (5), heated in a vessel (3) and then discharged through calibrated discharging means (7). The invention is particularly suitable for the cooling of food products.

Abstract: A method and means for transporting a quantity of comestibles (preferably at lowered temperatures) where at least continual monitoring of at least the oxygen level of the atmosphere to which the comestible is subjected is carried out. Preferably the carbon dioxide level is also monitored. Automatic adjustment of the oxygen content and carbon dioxide content in response to the monitoring is carried out using a positive infusion of ambient air and the scrubbing of the gas atmosphere to which the comestibles are subjected respectively.

Abstract: A device for use in transferring a specimen from an apparatus containing a cryogenic coolant, comprises a specimen holder and coolant transfer means. The coolant transfer means permits coolant from within the apparatus to be introduced into the specimen holder in order to immerse a specimen within the specimen holder in the coolant. This enables the specimen holder to be transferred to another apparatus, while the specimen is kept cool by the coolant.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing a sterilized cryogenic liquid. A cryogenic liquid is vaporized, and the resulting gas is sterilized. The sterilized gas is then reliquefied and subcooled. The liquid is vaporized by passing the liquid through a heat exchanger, heat being transferred from the previously sterilized gas to the incoming liquid. Sterilization is accomplished either by passing the gas through a microporous filter, or by subjecting the gas to ultraviolet radiation. The sterilized gas, after passing through the heat exchanger, is directed into a pressurized container, wherein the gas is reliquefied and subcooled. The subcooled liquid is then withdrawn from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is disclosed for rapidly cooling and simultaneously maintaining a high moisture content in freshly slaughtered meat products and the like placed in a controlled environment chamber through which preconditioned air is circulated. This is achieved by limiting the air temperature rise by utilizing air flow rates past the product at a level such as to cause the air to increase in temperature from entry into the chamber to exit from the chamber by no more than approximately two degrees F. and by providing a cooling apparatus which reduces the temperature of the air while removing free water from it yet is capable of maintaining the relative humidity of the air at no less than ninety percent.