GB550487A - Improvements in or relating to refrigerating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

550,487. Freezing food products. FROSTED FOODS, Ltd. (General Foods Corporation). July 2, 1941, No. 8374. [Class 29] Apparatus comprising a number of superposed flat freezing plates between which material to be frozen is held under pressure, as described in Specifications 366,373 and 345,618 is modified to permit articles of different thickness to be accommodated between the plates without necessitating removal of any of the plates. The plates P .. P<3>, Figs. 6 and 7 are supported by sets of short or long lugs or pins N<1>.. N<12> provided on the edges of the plates at which the refrigerant connections are made, resting on long or short lugs F<2> .. F<12> on upright bars 44. In the example illustrated provision is made for four different thicknesses, and the lugs on the uprights are in sets of four at four different vertical positions, the uprights being rotatable in base sockets 46 to bring the appropriate bar lugs F<2> .. into alignment with the plate lugs. When a change of spacing between plates is to be made spacing elements S<1> .. S<12> are inserted temporarily between the plates in an order determined by the desired spacing, and the plates are raised by the ram engaging the bottom plate and held raised while the bars 44 are free to be turned to bring the appropriate set of lugs into supporting position. The ram is then lowered to allow the plates to rest on the lugs in the new position and the spacers removed. After reloading the pile of plates and the goods are raised by the ram to apply the pressure during freezing. The upright bars are positioned by cross pins 59, Fig. 6, riding into notches in the base sockets. At the top the bars are provided with rectractible spring bolts 47 to permit the bars to be removed The plates are guided at the corners by angle bars 23, Fig. 3, and two opposite sides of the plates are unobstructed by pipe &c. connections, whereby loading is facilitated.