Water conserving showering system

Abstract

A system for cooling cooked product by means of a shower achieves particularly efficient cooling through intermittent operation of the shower and is provided with a showering cabinet having separation of contaminated and uncontamined shower coolant. The floor of the cabinet is provided with a perforated upper surface which has imperforate troughs for receiving the wheels of a product-containing rack. In addition, at least one walkway extends along the floor and is adapted to be covered entirely by a removeable, vaulted walkway cover. Coolant passing through the perforated upper surface is accumulated and recirculated for use by the shower. However, contaminated coolant which accumulates in the troughs, is routed to a drain for disposal. The vaulted cover shields the contaminated walkway, prevents coolant from being contaminated by the walkway and directs the coolant to the perforated upper surface for recirculation. Consistent results and greatest conservation of coolant are obtained by sensing the surface temperature of a random sample of the product and controlling repetitive on and off times of the shower to achieve a specific reduction in temperature. Showering of the product is terminated when its core achieves a predetermined temperature.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.