US3774409A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Deep-freezing apparatus
Assignee: John Bean Technologies AB
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Filing: 1971-10-04
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Granted: 1973-11-27
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Expires: 1991-10-04
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for deep-freezing semi-fluid foodstuffs comprises a freezing device and two co-operating endless tracks which are coextensive over part of their length so as to form between them a fixed space for the foodstuff, the foodstuff in said space being frozen to a continuous cake. The apparatus also has means for detaching the continuous cake from the tracks and for breaking it into pieces.
Inventors
- 👤 P Persson
- 👤 P Astrom
- 👤 L Emgard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 07:30
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B7/00; A23B7/04; A23B7/0408; A23B7/0416; A23G; A23G9/00; A23G9/04; A23G9/14; A23G9/18; F; F25; F25C; F25C1/00; F25C1/12; F25C1/125; F25D; F25D13/00; F25D13/06; F25D13/062; F28; F28C; F28C3/00; F28C3/005; F28D; F28D11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for deep-freezing semi-fluid foodstuffs comprising two cooperating endless tracks which are coextensive over part of their length so as to form between them a fixed space for the foodstuff, a freezing device through which said endless tracks pass for deep-freezing the foodstuff in the space between said two tracks, transversely extending ridges on one of said endless tracks directed towards the other of said tracks, means to space said tracks apart a greater distance than the height of said ridges within that portion of their length on which they shall be coextensive so that foodstuff in the space is frozen to a continuous cake, means to deflect said two tracks from the feeding direction of the cake in order to detach the frozen cake from said tracks after said tracks have passed said freezing device, and means for breaking the cake which is detached from said tracks at least along transverse grooves formed in the cake by said ridges.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for deep-freezing semi-fluid foodstuffs comprising two cooperating endless tracks which are coextensive over part of their length so as to form between them a fixed space for the foodstuff, a freezing device through which said endless tracks pass for deep-freezing the foodstuff in the space between said two tracks, transversely extending ridges on one of said endless tracks directed towards the other of said tracks, means to space said tracks apart a greater distance than the height of said ridges within that portion of their length on which they shall be coextensive so that foodstuff in the space is frozen to a continuous cake, means to deflect said two tracks from the feeding direction of the cake in order to detach the frozen cake from said tracks after said tracks have passed said freezing device, and means for breaking the cake which is detached from said tracks at least along transverse grooves formed in the cake by said ridges.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized by means for breaking the cake into short regular pieces located in the path of the frozen cake.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized by said means to space said tracks apart being plastic strips along the longitudinal edges of at least one of said tracks.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized by said means to deflect said two tracks causing said track having said ridges to deviate from the feeding direction of the cake before said other track is caused to deviate from the feeding direction of the cake.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized by said freezing device including coolant spraying devices, said tracks being of stainless sheet-metal whose sides which face away from each other cooperate with said coolant spraying devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further characterized by those of said coolant spraying devices cooperating with said track having said ridges terminating ahead of the point where said track is deflected from the feeding direction of the cake, those of said coolant spraying devices cooperating with said other track extending at least up to said point.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |