Food product package chiller for dissipating packaging heat
US5992173A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/85
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A food product package chiller is disclosed that dissipates heat generated in the packaging process so that there is a reduction of heat imparted to the food product. In particular, when the present invention is applied to, e.g., heat shrink vacuum sealed packages of raw meat or fish, it is useful in: (a) reducing fluid buildup in the packages; (b) extending the shelf life of the enclosed food product; and (c) reducing the number of packages with leaks, wherein the reduction of heat from the packaging induces a stiffening of the packaging. In one embodiment, the chiller of the present invention cools package surfaces of meat products to just above freezing in a coolant dispensing chamber and subsequently removes any residual coolant from the package surfaces in a second chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.