Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080199576 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TREATMENT TO A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF FOOD PRODUCT USING A VACUUM - An apparatus and method for providing treatment to a continuous supply of food product using a vacuum process includes compartments for receiving, treating and expelling food products that are delivered to the apparatus on a continuous basis. The compartments have different pressures therein and in a preferred embodiment are separated from each other within the apparatus to treat the food product on a continual basis, as opposed to a batch-by-batch basis. | 08-21-2008 |
20100162727 | FREEZER WITH PULSE FLOW GENERATOR - An apparatus and process for reducing temperature of food products on a conveyor disposed within a chamber including transporting the food products on the conveyor moving in a direction within the chamber; introducing a mixture of a gas and solid or liquid cryogen into the chamber; and pulsing a turbulent flow of the mixture of gas and solid or liquid cryogen alternately back and forth across the conveyor in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor. | 07-01-2010 |
20100162729 | Liquid CO2 Passive Subcooler - A refrigeration process including supplying chilled CO | 07-01-2010 |
20100162732 | Cooling or Freezing Apparatus Using High Heat Transfer Nozzle - An apparatus for reducing temperature of items includes an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet for the items within the enclosure; a conveyor for conveying the items within the enclosure from the inlet to the outlet; one or more delivery nozzles positioned to deliver gaseous cryogen and liquid or solid cryogen at supersonic velocity to the items on the conveyor. The apparatus delivers supersonic gaseous cryogen and fine liquid cryogen droplets onto the surface of food items to cool or freeze the food items. | 07-01-2010 |
20100162734 | Self-Chilling Container - A self-chilling container, including an outer wall and an inner wall defining at least one adsorption chamber in a space provided between the outer wall and the inner wall, the adsorption chamber adapted to contain adsorbent material in heat transfer contact with at least the inner wall; the inner wall further defining at least one cooling chamber adjacent to the adsorption chamber, the cooling chamber being in heat transfer contact with the inner wall; at least one inlet disposed at the outer wall for introduction of a gas subliming solid material into the adsorption chamber for adsorption of sublimed gas onto the adsorbent material; and a valve in communication with the adsorption chamber for controlled release of the gas from the adsorption chamber. | 07-01-2010 |
20100223934 | Thermoacoustic Refrigerator For Cryogenic Freezing - A refrigeration system includes a cooler or freezer enclosure; a heat exchanger within the enclosure; a bulk storage tank in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; a sound generator in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; a thermoacoustic refrigerator in acoustic communication with the sound generator; and an indirect heat exchange loop in heat transfer contact with the thermoacoustic refrigerator. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the bulk storage tank, and to provide pressurized gas to the sound generator. | 09-09-2010 |
20100319365 | CROSS FLOW TUNNEL FREEZER SYSTEM - A system processes a food product with a cooling gas and includes a housing with a chamber; a blower in communication with the chamber for circulating the cooling gas; a baffle disposed in the chamber for dividing the chamber into a first region for exposing the food product to the cooling gas and a second region in which the cooling gas is moved by the blower for recirculation to the first region of the chamber; an arcuate member disposed in the chamber in spaced relationship with the baffle for providing a flow path between the first and second regions, the arcuate member coacting with the baffle to guide the cooling gas into the flow path; and conveyor means disposed for movement through at least one of the first and second regions for supporting and delivering the food product through the cooling gas. | 12-23-2010 |
20110106462 | Two-Phase Fluid Flow Measuring Apparatus and Process - An apparatus is provided for measuring a flow rate of a two-phase fluid flowing within a conduit including a chamber having at least one transparent wall in fluid communication with the conduit; a high-speed imaging system in visual communication with the at least one transparent wall; means for obtaining a temperature value and a pressure value of the two-phase fluid flowing within the conduit; and means for determining the flow rate of the two-phase fluid by analyzing the images obtained by the high-speed imaging system, and from the temperature value and the pressure value for the two-phase fluid flowing within the conduit. Processes for determining the flow rate of a two-phase fluid flowing within a conduit are also provided. | 05-05-2011 |
20110107774 | Self-Powered Refrigeration Apparatus - A fan for refrigerant fluid, including at least one blade having an internal space through which a refrigerant fluid passes; at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the internal space of each blade, wherein the at least one nozzle discharges the refrigerant fluid at a velocity sufficient to rotate the blade(s); and an electrical generator operationally engaged with the blade(s). Also, a snow injection device for a CO | 05-12-2011 |
20110126583 | LIQUID CO2 PASSIVE SUBCOOLER - A heat exchanger associated with a duct for a first fluid including: a central duct portion in fluid communication with the duct having an interior space and an exterior surface; a valve having opened and closed positions engageable within the interior space of the central duct portion; at least one coiled conduit for a second fluid positioned about at least a portion of the exterior surface of the central duct portion; upper and lower duct portions in fluid communication with the central duct portion including stationary upper and lower duct portions and movable upper and lower duct portions having opened and closed positions; and an at least partially movable and/or removable shell engaged with the stationary upper duct portion and the stationary lower duct portion and enclosing the coiled conduit; and, a refrigeration apparatus and process including the same. | 06-02-2011 |
20110132005 | Refrigeration Process and Apparatus with Subcooled Refrigerant - A mechanical refrigeration process in which a refrigerant undergoes a cyclical process of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion in order to provide a cooling effect, characterized by the condensation of the refrigerant including: supplying the refrigerant to a first side of a heat exchanger; and supplying an exhaust cryogen fluid from a cryogenic process to a second side of the heat exchanger; wherein the exhaust cryogen fluid is capable of subcooling the refrigerant within the heat exchanger. A mechanical refrigeration apparatus is also included capable of subcooling the refrigerant prior to expansion via the use of a cryogen fluid. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132083 | Low Temperature Gas Flow Sensor - A method, and apparatus therefor, for detecting the presence of a target amount of gas flowing within a conduit, including: providing a heating element in operational contact with the conduit; heating at least one of the conduit or the gas; measuring the temperature of at least one of the heating element, the conduit or the gas; comparing the measured temperature of at least one of the heating element, the conduit or the gas to data relating to a target temperature; controlling and measuring the amount of energy consumed by the heating element in order to maintain the target temperature; correlating the amount of energy consumed by the heating element in order to maintain the target temperature with an amount of gas flowing within the conduit; and determining whether the amount of gas flowing within the conduit is at least the target amount of gas flowing within the conduit. | 06-09-2011 |
20110146302 | CRYOGENIC HEAT EXCHANGER FOR THERMOACOUSTIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A heat exchanger and related method for a thermoacoustic refrigeration system are provided, which includes a warm end of the heat exchanger, a cryogen passing through the warm end to remove heat generated by a thermoacoustic wave generator, and a cool end through which a cooling medium passes to be cooled by the heat transfer at the warm end, wherein cryogenic gas is exhausted from the warm end, and a cooling gas is exhausted from the cool end at a lower temperature than a temperature of the warm end. | 06-23-2011 |
20110151088 | HEAT FLUX FREEZER CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus and method embodiments for reducing the temperature of a product include a housing having a chamber therein, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber; a plurality of zones in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet and arranged in descending order of heat transfer rate atmospheres for the product from the inlet to the outlet; and a conveyor assembly for transferring the product from the inlet through the plurality of zones to the outlet. | 06-23-2011 |
20110247355 | CROSSFLOW SPIRAL HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM WITH SELF-STACKING SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT - A refrigeration system includes a housing having a top, a bottom, first and second opposed sides, and containing an atmosphere; a conveyor apparatus including a self-stacking, self-supported, spiral conveyor belt and a drive mechanism, wherein the conveyor belt includes a plurality of tiers and is at least partially disposed within the housing such that the conveyor belt can travel within the housing from the bottom towards the top of the housing or from the top towards the bottom of the housing; and an atmosphere circulation apparatus having at least one blower in communication with the atmosphere for circulating at least a portion of the atmosphere within the housing from proximate the first opposed side to the second opposed side and back towards the first opposed side, wherein the portion of the atmosphere circulated passes over the conveyor belt in a crossflow manner at least once. | 10-13-2011 |
20110265492 | FREEZER WITH CRYOGEN INJECTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A freezer for reducing the temperature of product is provided which includes a controller in communication with and for receiving signals from the cryogen delivery assembly, the cryogen flow assembly, the conveyor, the product measurement assembly and the first heat sensor, the controller responsive to the signals for controlling the cryogen flow assembly to provide an amount of the cryogen to the cryogen delivery assembly for application to the product. | 11-03-2011 |
20110283716 | REFRIGERATION SYSTEM AND PROCESS UTILIZING A HEAT PIPE HEAT EXCHANGER - A refrigeration system includes a cryogenic freezer and a mechanical refrigerator, wherein the mechanical refrigerator includes an enclosure containing an atmosphere, the cryogenic freezer includes a cryogen exhaust conduit, and a heat pipe heat exchanger including a warm end and a cold end, wherein the heat pipe heat exchanger is in heat transfer relationship with the mechanical refrigerator and the cryogenic freezer such that the warm end of the heat pipe heat exchanger contacts the atmosphere within the mechanical refrigerator enclosure, and the cold end of the heat pipe heat exchanger is disposed within the cryogen exhaust conduit of the cryogenic freezer. A refrigeration process includes cooling an atmosphere within a mechanical refrigerator by exposing the atmosphere to a warm end of a heat pipe heat exchanger, wherein a cold end of the heat pipe heat exchanger is disposed within an exhaust duct of a cryogenic freezer. | 11-24-2011 |
20120011862 | AUTOMATIC COMPENSATING FREEZING AND HEATING RECIPES - A method of adjusting a base recipe for a product introduced into a processor, includes providing a base recipe used by the processor on the product, identifying at least one parameter of the base recipe to be altered to compensate for at least one corresponding physical parameter of the product discharged from the processor, automatically changing the base recipe in response to the at least one altered parameter to compensate for the at least one physical parameter of the product discharged, and processing new product introduced into the processor with the changed base recipe. | 01-19-2012 |
20120018281 | CONVEYOR BELT WITH ARTICULATING TRANSPORT SURFACE - A product support surface for a conveyor belt includes a pair of side links spaced apart by a rod connected therebetween; and a longitudinal member attached to the rod between the pair of side links, the longitudinal member having a surface to support a product thereon during a conveying mode and to be pivoted with respect to the pair of side links during a cleaning mode. | 01-26-2012 |
20120081066 | THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING EXHAUST SYSTEM - An exhaust system for generating power includes a conduit in communication with a first atmosphere having a first temperature and through which said first atmosphere can flow, the conduit having an inner surface exposed to said first atmosphere and an exterior surface exposed to a second atmosphere having a second temperature external to the conduit; a thermoelectric power generating assembly mounted to the exterior surface of the conduit, said power generating assembly responsive to a temperature difference between the first and second atmospheres for providing electrical power. | 04-05-2012 |
20120102979 | NITROGEN FOG GENERATOR - A cryogenic fog generator is provided which includes a container having an interior in which liquid cryogen is disposed; an opening in the container from which the liquid cryogen can flow from the interior out of the container; a surface area upon which the flow of liquid cryogen is received; an ultrasonic transducer disposed proximate the opening for coacting with the surface area to transmit ultrasonic energy to the surface area and the liquid cryogen for providing a cryogenic fog. A method of producing a cryogenic fog is also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
20120272664 | ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED CRYOGEN FOG - An apparatus for providing electrostatically charged cryogen fog to a product includes an injection tube having a chamber therein for receiving a cryogenic substance introduced into the chamber and to be provided to the product, a first inlet in communication with the chamber for providing the cryogenic substance to the chamber, an electrostatic device in communication with the chamber for charging the cryogenic substance with a charge opposite to a charge of the product, and an outlet in communication with the chamber and through which the charged cryogenic substance is exhausted to be attracted to the product for adhesion thereto. A method of providing an electrostatically charged nitrogen fog to a product is also provided. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273165 | CROSS-FLOW SPIRAL HEAT TRANSFER APPARATUS WITH SOLID BELT - A heat transfer apparatus for a product includes a housing having an internal chamber; a solid conveyor belt disposed within the internal chamber and arranged in a spiral configuration having upper and lower portions, the spiral configuration including an upper pathway within the upper portion, a lower pathway within the lower portion; a gas flow having an upper gas flow across the upper pathway, a lower gas flow across the lower pathway and in counter-flow to the upper gas flow, wherein the upper gas flow and the lower gas flow define a circulation loop; and a gas circulation device to induce the upper and lower gas flows along the circulation loop. | 11-01-2012 |
20120318884 | ELECTROSTATIC IMPINGEMENT PLATE ATOMIZER APPARATUS AND METHOD - An impingement plate atomizer apparatus includes an electrostatically charged longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen into an electrostatically charged cryogen fog. A method is also provided for providing an electrostatically charged cryogen fog. | 12-20-2012 |
20120324939 | CRYOGENIC EXHAUST GAS AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner apparatus includes an exhaust pipe having a first end in communication with exhaust gas from an exhaust generating device disposed in a first atmosphere with a first temperature, and a second end discharging the exhaust gas to a second atmosphere with a second temperature; an inlet pipe substantially surrounding the exhaust pipe, the inlet pipe spaced apart from the exhaust pipe for providing a space therebetween and having a first end in communication with the first atmosphere and a second end in communication with the second atmosphere and through which the second atmosphere is introduced into the space; and a guide assembly disposed in the space for guiding the second atmosphere through the space for heat transfer with the exhaust gas moving through the exhaust pipe. | 12-27-2012 |
20120325455 | IN TRANSIT REFRIGERATION HEAT TRANSFER APPARATUS - An apparatus for providing heat transfer to a compartment includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving dry ice and a first surface area exposable to a first space in the compartment for heat transfer; and a first assembly moveable with respect to the first surface area for covering a select portion of the first surface area to control heat transfer at the first space. The first assembly includes at least one pivotable louver. | 12-27-2012 |
20130008185 | CRYOGEN CYLINDER - A cryogen cylinder includes a tank having a side wall defining a chamber for containing a cryogenic substance in the tank; and a plate assembly mounted in the chamber, the plate assembly constructed and arranged to provide a passageway for vapor from the cryogenic substance to be introduced into the passageway. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008186 | CRYOGEN HEAT PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER - A heat exchanger includes a first housing disposed in a first atmosphere and having an upstream end, a downstream end and an internal space for a cryogenic substance; and a heat plate assembly mounted to the first housing and being exposed to the first atmosphere for providing heat transfer at an interface of the first atmosphere and the heat plate assembly. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008188 | CRYOGEN HEAT PIPE HEAT EXCHANGER - A cryogen heat exchanger includes a container having a sidewall defining a chamber in the container for containing a cryogen, and at least one heat exchange assembly having a first portion disposed in the chamber and extending through the sidewall to a second portion disposed in an atmosphere of a space external to the chamber and at an opposite side of the sidewall for providing heat transfer to the atmosphere. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008631 | LNG (LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS) AND LIN (LIQUID NITROGEN) IN TRANSIT REFRIGERATION HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM - A heat exchanger includes a housing disposed in a first atmosphere and having an upstream end, a downstream end and a chamber within the housing; a metallic block disposed in the chamber and having a passageway therethrough and through which a cryogen can flow; and a heat pipe assembly in contact with the metallic block and extending to a second atmosphere which is separate from the first atmosphere for providing heat transfer at the second atmosphere. | 01-10-2013 |
20130042603 | POWER GENERATION APPARATUS FOR CRYOGEN IN TRANSIT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A power generation apparatus for a heat exchanger exhausting pressurized gas includes an air circulation device for moving an air flow at a first atmosphere to contact the heat exchanger; a battery connected to the an air circulation device for providing electrical energy to power the air circulation device; a generator electrically connected to the battery to charge the battery with the electrical energy; a gas motor mechanically connected to the generator to drive the generator to provide the electrical energy; and a pipe connected to the heat exchanger for receiving the pressurized gas from the heat exchanger and directing said pressurized gas to the gas motor. | 02-21-2013 |
20130098070 | PRESSURE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR CRYOGENIC STORAGE TANKS - A pressure control apparatus for a cryogenic storage tank includes a heat pipe extending into the storage tank and having a first end in contact with liquid cryogen in the storage tank, and a second end exposed to an atmosphere external to the storage tank such that heat flux occurs in the liquid cryogen proximate the first end of the heat pipe for providing a cryogenic gas and pressure to the liquid cryogen in the storage tank. Another embodiment includes a sleeve for the second end to control the heat flux in the liquid cryogen. | 04-25-2013 |
20130118202 | CO2 FREEZING APPARATUS - A freezer apparatus for a product includes a chamber; a mechanical refrigeration assembly having a portion thereof disposed within the chamber for reducing a temperature of the product; and a cryogen injection assembly disposed within the chamber for reducing the temperature of the product and operatively associated with the mechanical refrigeration assembly to provide power to move a flow of cryogen refrigerant through the mechanical refrigeration assembly. | 05-16-2013 |
20130125562 | ULTRASONIC IMPINGEMENT PLATE ATOMIZER APPARATUS - An impingement plate atomizer apparatus includes a longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; and an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen at the upper surface into a cryogen fog. | 05-23-2013 |
20130125576 | FREEZER APPARATUS - A freezer for a product includes a housing having a space therein, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the space; a conveyor having a first side for conveying the product through the space, and a second side opposite to the first side; an agitating apparatus disposed proximate the conveyor for contacting the conveyor at select intervals to agitate the conveyor and displace the product at the first side; a first longitudinal member disposed proximate the first side of the conveyor and having at least one hole extending therethrough; and at least one circulation device disposed in the space proximate the longitudinal member for directing a cryogenic substance through the at least one hole onto the product. | 05-23-2013 |
20130180265 | METHOD FOR REFUELING AND OPERATING NATURAL GAS FUELED TRUCK - A method for operating a vehicle that provides refrigeration and is powered by an engine for burning liquefied natural gas. The vehicle contains on-board storage tanks for liquefied natural gas and liquid nitrogen. These two tanks are in thermal communication with each other and natural gas from the liquefied natural gas storage tank will periodically contact the liquid nitrogen and return as liquefied natural gas. | 07-18-2013 |
20130255295 | SPIRAL FREEZER WITH PRECOOLER - A freezer includes a housing having a space therein for receiving a cryogenic gas, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the space; a conveyor belt having an outer edge and being arranged for movement through the space for transferring a product from the inlet through to the outlet; a solid longitudinal member disposed in the space adjacent the outer edge for segregating the space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; and a transfer duct operatively associated with the housing and having a first opening in communication with the upper chamber for receiving the cryogenic gas from the upper chamber and a second opening in communication with the lower chamber for expelling the cryogenic gas into the lower chamber. | 10-03-2013 |
20130263615 | OSCILLATING FLOW FREEZER - A freezer for a product includes a housing having a sidewall defining a chamber in the housing, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber; and a pair of pistons operatively associated with the housing and in communication with the chamber, the pair of pistons operable out of phase with each other for oscillating a gas flow within the chamber. A method is also provided for reducing a temperature of a product in a freezer. | 10-10-2013 |
20140130525 | BAFFLE CONTROLLED OSCILLATING FLOW FREEZER - A freezer includes a housing having a sidewall defining a chamber, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber; a pair of baffle assemblies spaced apart and disposed in the chamber, a first one of the pair movable 90° degrees out of phase from a second one of the pair; a plate disposed in the chamber and extending between the first and second baffle assemblies for dividing a portion of the chamber into an intake zone and an outflow zone; a fan disposed in the chamber between the first and second baffle assemblies and in communication with the intake and outflow zones for providing a gas flow from the intake zone to the outflow zone; and a delivery apparatus in communication with the chamber for delivering a chilling substance to the chamber for reducing a temperature of a product. A method is also provided. | 05-15-2014 |
20140157804 | TRANSIT REFRIGERATION CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A refrigeration control apparatus for a space includes a heat exchanger mounted in the space and having an inlet and an outlet for a cooling medium to be introduced into and exhausted from the heat exchanger; at least one fan assembly mounted in the space and operatively associated with the heat exchanger for moving an airflow over the heat exchanger; a sensor assembly mounted in the space for sensing a temperature of at least the space; and a controller having an electrical connection to the at least one fan and the sensor assembly to control operation of the fan responsive to the temperature of at least the space. A method is also provided for controlling the temperature of the space. | 06-12-2014 |
20140174107 | SELF-POWERED ENERGY CONVERSION REFRIGERATION APPARATUS - An energy conversion apparatus for a freezer includes a housing having a first region therein for receiving liquid CO | 06-26-2014 |
20150027141 | BATCH FREEZER WITH CRYOGENIC PRECOOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A freezer for a product includes a housing having a chamber therein with an atmosphere for reducing a temperature of the product; a cryogen refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a first cycle to pre-cool the atmosphere in the chamber; and a mechanical refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a second cycle to cool the atmosphere in the chamber when the first cycle is completed. A process is also provided. | 01-29-2015 |
20150059365 | BAFFLE CONTROLLED OSCILLATING FLOW FREEZER - A method for reducing a temperature of a product in a freezer includes providing a product to a chamber of the freezer; dividing a portion of the chamber disposed between a pair of baffle assemblies in the freezer into an intake zone and an outflow zone; moving each baffle assembly of the pair of baffle assemblies in the chamber 90° degrees out of phase with each other for directing a gas flow in the chamber; oscillating the gas flow within the chamber between the intake zone and the outflow zone during the moving the pair of baffle assemblies; injecting a cryogen substance into the chamber for cooling the gas flow; and contacting the product with the cooling gas flow. | 03-05-2015 |