Apparatus and methods for cryogenic treatment of materials
OwnerRobert H. Jones, IIIinventor
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Abstract
A device and method for freezing or cooling of food or other items using cryogenic and low temperature coolants is provided. The device includes a coolant container which contains the cryogenic or low temperature coolant. The device will also include a freezing compartment with a lower surface which is immediately adjacent to the coolant container. The coolant container includes a valve for controlling the pressure within the coolant container, and thereby control the temperature of the coolant. When the materials to be cooled are placed in the freezing compartment the coolant will absorb heat from the materials via the lower surface and some of the coolant will vaporize. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a system for collecting the vapors thus created.
Claims27
An apparatus for cooling or freezing materials using low or cryogenic temperature coolants, comprising:
- a) a vessel having a coolant containment space, said coolant containment space containing said coolant;
- b) a cooling chamber in which materials to be cooled may be placed, said cooling chamber having a lower surface which is immediately adjacent to said coolant containment space, said cooling chamber being separated from said coolant containment space such that a pressure differential may be established between said cooling chamber and said coolant containment space;
- c) a means for controlling the pressure within said coolant containment space;
- d) a vapor collection means for collecting vapors created in said coolant containment space as heat is absorbed by the coolant.
An apparatus for cooling or freezing materials using low or cryogenic temperature coolants, comprising:
- a) a vessel having a coolant containment space, said coolant containment space containing said coolant;
- b) a cooling chamber in which said materials to be cooled may be placed, said cooling chamber having a at least one shelf compartment, each said shelf compartment comprising a lower surface which is immediately adjacent to said coolant containment space, said cooling chamber being separated from said coolant containment space such that a pressure differential may be established between said cooling chamber and said coolant containment space;
- c) a means for controlling the pressure within said coolant containment space;
- d) a vapor collection means for collecting vapors created in said coolant containment space as heat is absorbed by the coolant;
- and
- e) at least one entry/exit port providing access to said shelf compartments.
A method for cooling or freezing materials using low or cryogenic temperature coolants, comprising:
- (1) providing an apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a vessel having a coolant containment space;
- (b) a cooling chamber in which materials to be cooled may be placed, said cooling chamber having a lower surface which is immediately adjacent to said coolant containment space, said cooling chamber being separated from said coolant containment space such that a pressure differential may be maintained in said cooling chamber and said coolant containment space;
- (c) a means for controlling the pressure within said coolant containment space;
- (d) at least one entry/exit port for placing materials into, and removing materials from, said cooling chamber;
- and
- (e) a vapor collection means for collecting vapors created in said coolant containment space;
- (2) introducing a quantity of said coolant into said coolant containment space;
- and
- (3) placing said materials into said cooling chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.