Automatic liquid ice system
US4249388A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1980 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The liquid ice system comprises an icing machine in the form of a compartment for receiving water and ice. Pulverizing means are provided for crushing the ice and uniquely oriented paddles stir the water and ice mixture to maintain a homogeneous mixture of liquid ice. A circulating conduit is provided in combination with a conveyor system and ice applicator devices connected to a portion of the conduit supported on an overhead structure of the conveyor. Boxes of vegetables or poultry are appropriately refrigerated for shipment by applying liquid ice to the boxes as they pass along the conveyor. Switches may be provided for automatically actuating the ice applicators when the box passes therebeneath. Important features of the invention include provision of stainless steel lining for the liquid ice compartment and associated valve, pipes and other equipment when the liquid ice is used for packing poultry and a unique probe constituting one of the liquid ice applicators suitable for re-icing as well as icing boxed or packaged items brought in from the field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.