Cryogenic tunnel freezer
US8573000B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04G23/0288
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A cryogenic tunnel freezer (10) having modular design and construction including a lower section (16) that can be raised and lowered relative to an upper section (14), the upper and lower sections (14, 16) defining a tunnel (12) when the lower section (16) is in a closed (raised) position. Product is moved through the tunnel (12) via a belt (22) formed of arrays of plastic modules (76) that are reinforced by metal chains (140) and rods (150). The lower run (23) of the belt (22) rides on the floor (48) of the lower section (16) and the upper run (21) rides on the lower run (23) when the belt (22) is operated. The flow of cryogenic fluid through the tunnel (12) is aided by vaporization of a cryogenic fluid and baffles (98), but no air-moving devices located within the tunnel (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.