20080245078 | Tray-based continuous throughput blast freezer - A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays. After the enclosure is completely filled with trays, for every tray entering the enclosure a tray exits carrying frozen comestibles, resulting in continuous production of frozen comestibles. The trays travel back and forth through the insulated enclosure on a passive tray guide in the form of rails, rollers or other device, preferably without requiring a conveyor or other active electro-mechanical tray transport system inside the enclosure. | 10-09-2008 |