Rapid cooling through a thin flexible membrane
US5557943A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/30
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Rapid cooling or freezing of foodstuffs, perishables or blood products is accomplished by using a thin film membrane to totally envelope the foodstuffs or blood product only during the heat extraction period. This thin film encapsulation system closes around the item and is held tightly to the item by atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure. Once the item is encapsulated, low temperature heat transfer fluids are then circulated on the exterior surface of the membrane, thus extracting the heat within the item through the thickness of the membrane. Upon completion of the necessary chilling or freezing, the atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure is withdrawn and the chilled or frozen item is extracted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.