US2315285A - Food treatment and/or storage apparatus - Google Patents

Description

l-,;Marchso`,1943., A. RBEmNeToN I 3145285 1 FOODv TREATMENT AND/OR* STORAGE APPARATUS Filedqan. 26, 1940 v ATTORNEY JYatcnted Mar. 30, 1943 S PATEN r ori-"Ici:

Arthur R. Bennington, East Orange, N. J., assignor,to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation y of Pennsylvania Application January 26,1940, semi No. 315x107v I A 20 Claims. This invention relates to the storage of foods (ci. sz-ss) l and, more particularly, to improved apparatus.

for preserving, tenderizing and/ or storing f ood or the like.

^ A principal object` of my invention, generally 5 considered, is' the provisin of refrigerating apparatus for efficiently maintaining food, and par-J ticularly meat, at a. desired tenderizing and/or .storage temperature while surrounded by an attrol the flow of air therein, means for humiditying said air, and ultra-'violet generators for minimizing the development of bacteria and mold,

- said generators being preferably disposed-in a position to beswept over slowly by the circulating air. Other struction of the various parts, will become apmosphere ofV high humidity, preferably at the parent as the description proceeds. same time, avoiding thegrowth of mold and bacl teria on such material during tenderizing or stor age. i .Another olject v3f my invention is the provision ofbafiles, preferably extending longitudinally In commercial refrigerators, of what is' designated as the walkintype, for the storage of perishable foods such as meats and vegetables, it is essential to keep the relative humidity of the air containedtherein high, `in order to prevent ofthe cooling pipes or coils and disposed between f the top portionthereof and the ceiling or top air circulation, and provide for eillcient cooling,

- while maintaining `a desired high humidity.

J A further object of my invention is theI providrying and withering of the stored materials.

I Such an effect may be accomplished in new refrigerators by the proper design of the'cooling coils, the application of the correct size of consion ,of'a refrigerator having bailies between the f ceiling and top edge of the cooling means, and4 deectors projecting down from' the ceiling and disposed at the proper angle to control the distribution of air through the cooling means.

' Another object of-my invention is the provision of 'deflectors in deep cooling coils todirect.the air flow through the ns. f@

A stillfurther object o f my invention is. the provision of a refrigerator withdeflectors and/or thefrefrigerating 'coils or pipes, is notenough of baiiies for bontrolling the 110W of air over and through the cooling pipes, and fans for increasing the\rate of flow of such airrsaid fans being desirably directed toward the baliles, preferably heat from the air to-the cooling coils by rapid densing unit, and the use of an eiilcient humidi- Refrigerators which have been completed and are tte-Lwith overhead cooling coils, or pipes having cooling exte ding therefrom, usually have insuflicient cooling area to permit relative humidityofmore than to 75% which is too A low for optimum conditions in the tenderiation -and/or' preservation of meat and other food.

Raising the temperature at which the refrigerator is operated by increasing the Atemperature of a change to give relative humidities of to`95%. which are required.

u Also asthe temperature of the cooling coils I lapproaches the 'temperature of the surrounding air, which is a necessary condition for high humidity, the air circulation due to gravity decreases, thus tending to produce stagnation. It is. therefore, essential to force rapid movement of the air over the cooling coils, if the moisture deposited on thecoils is to be re-evaporated intoA the air andthe relative humidity maintained ai movementHof air therethrough,'while maintaining gentle air movement over the food products.

Another object 'is theprovision of /a refrigerator which maintains a nearly constant temperature and high relative humidity under working conditions, even wh'en the door isL opened freqliently. v y v An .additional object of my invention is'4 the provision of a. refrigerator having baiiies toconabout or more. Other changes therefore, are required, and

these which .comprise my invention and give a new and desired result, will now be described.

In order to securehigh relative humidity, it'is necessary to operate the cooling coils or pipes at temperatures which are not much below the freezing point at any time, and'which are above the freezing point long fenough during the o" cycle,

or the period when the condensing vunit is'not operating, to completely melt olf any frost or ice which hay have formed while the machine was objects and advantages'of the inventionf` relating tothe particular arrangement and' con- With the ordinary arrangement-of the cooling coils and bunkers, the convection currents through the coils are not sufiiciently rapid, nor does all the circulating air pass through or between the coils or pipes in order to cool it to the requiredl These difficulties have been overcome.-

degree. in accordance with my invention, by placing baffles between the inner top edge of the cooling coils or pipes and the ceiling or top wall of the refrigerator, supplemented, in some cases, by deilectors projecting down from the ceiling to distribute the air from fans placed inthe warm air flue above f the coils, and direct it toward the baffles, preferably in a nearly horizontal direction.

Referring to the drawing illustrating improved apparatus embodying my invention:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a re- .frigerator or meat-treating lcompartment employing my invention.

Figure`2 is aA vertical sectional view of apparatus similar to that of Figure '1, but slightly modified.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view pf appa-I' ratus similar to that of Figure l, but involving another modication.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of apparatus,

' such as shown in Figure 2, but modified to inator or meat-treating andstoring box I I, comprising a room or compartment I2,v provided with shelves, racks or other means I3, for supporting rand storing meat I4, or other food. Hooks I 5 may be provided for suspending large pieces or carcasses of meat.

As in the JamesPatent No. 2,169,081 of August 8, 1939, refrigerating coils or pipes Ilare shown disposed directlyI in the compartment I 2. In the present embodiment. these pipes have fins I1, ex.- tending therefrom for increasing the heat-absorbing capacity, in order to thereby augment the re- -frigerating eii'ect obtained by their use. Any suitable means may be provided for circulating refrigerating fluid in said pi es.

In order. to provide the des red humidity in the compartment I2, means are provided for circulating air over the cooling coils, which provide a greater area of moist surface than do the food products stored in the refrigerator. The cooling coils condense moisture from warm air entering the refrigerator and form a desirable source of moisture to keep the relative humidity so high that there is little loss of moisture from the'food products. It airmovement over the moist cooling surfaces is slow, the moisture on the pipes and fins accumulates in drops which fall into the drain and pass out of the box.- Increasing the air now through and around the cooling coils results in an increase in the amount of moisture returned to the air and retained byV it, thus maintaining high relative humidity.

The relatively slower movement of air in the.

n food compartment-coupled with the fact that it has passed over the large moist surfaces of the cooling coils and is'nearly saturated, results in minimum drying of the food product. As the forced circulation of the air is in the me .11169- tion as the natural convection currents, there is less tendency, than with a system in which forced air circulation is opposite to the direction of Anatural convection currents, for stagnation 'of air in parts of the refrigerator. The ideal conditions for the preservation of food are approached more nearly than heretofore, and by methods.

In refrigerators carrying small amounts of meat, supplementary moist surfaces, designated simplified Aby the reference characters I8 and I9, may be provided. Such supplemental moisture-supplying means, may, for the sake of simplicity, comprise pans of water from which project vabsorbent devices 2I, which may be viscose sponges or other similar material for increasing the moisture distributing area. These supplementary humidifying devices are disposed so as to give oif moisture to the air as kit circulates. However, it will be understood that the principal source of moisture,

for the cooled air is the. cooling surface itself and that any other humidifying means, or stored material, contributesonly a small amount when my invention is utilized.

Bunker or drip pans, coil decks, or partitioning walls, 22'and 23, are shown disposed under thexrefrigerating pipes I6, and in thepresent embodiment slope down and toward one another, with outer baiiling extensions 24 disposed vertically along Athe outer sides of the pipes, and deiinethe bunker space. In order to cause the circulating air to pass directly between the coils or pipes I6, rather than completely thereabove, or eddying in top of the refrigerator, I provide bailles 25 and 26, desirably disposed diagonally, and extending from the ceiling. 2l inwardly and 4downward to approximately the top of the refrigerating means Iii-I1. These baffles 25 and 26 may be augmented Vby the employment of one or 'more deiiectors 2Q and 29,.. extending from the lceilnig 2 1 part way towardjohe refrigerating coils,

or placed along the coils to separate. thick froml thin sections (Fig. 4), to aid in distributing the air uniformly therethrough.A They may extend parallel to the yadjacent baiiie, as 'illustrated in Figure 1 or, in someA instances, itmay be desirable to turn some or all of them at an angle y thereto, as indicated in Figure 3 by the reference character 29.

Although it may be suillcient to relay on a gravity circulation of air, as indicated by the arrows 3I,\yet I prefer to employ electric fans 32 and 33,- desirably controlled by a switch 34, for augmenting the circulation of the air up Aat the sides of -the box, and down through or between the cooling pipes I6, in order to get the maximum cooling and humidifying effects.

High relative humidity in a food storage compartment not only provides the advantages of reduced drying and discoloration of the food prodvucts and their maintenance in fresh condition,

but also furnishes moisture conditions favorable `toV the development of bacteria and mold.

rThese undesirable factors may be reduced or eliminated by'me'ans of sterilizing or sanitizing ultra-violet radiations in the region of 2500 Angstrom units,w hich radiations may be generated by apparatus which will now be disclosed'.

Beneath the bunker space, or 4otherwise suitably disposed, 4are desirably positioned means 35. 36,31 and 38 generating ultra-violet light having the major part of its radiations near 2500 A. U., or between `2500 and 3000 A. U., with a large proportionof the radiations between 2500 and 2800 A, U. with very little visible and'infra-red radiations, and hardly any radiations of wavelengths below 2500 A. U., thereby avoiding harmful effects and the generation of any substantial pan 22, means )'35 and 26. generating ultranear 2500 A. U., or between 2500 and 3000 U.,

amount of ozone.` This means desirably. takes late, not only by thenatural gravitational tendency but also by power means, such as the fans 32 and/33, which force the air up at the sides of the compartment I2, over and between the cooling and humidifying pipes or coils I 6, when the cooled and moistened air passes over the bunker pans 22 and 23, and is discharged diagonally downward and inward at the center of the box from whence it drops toward the floor and then repeats its circuit. I Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 2, there is shown a refrigerator or meat'treating and storing-device Il, comprising` a' roomv or compartment I2 provided with means I3 for supporting and storing meat I 4, or other food. Hooks I5a may be provided for suspending large pieces of meat, as

. illustrated.

Refrigerating and humidifying coils or pipes I6n are shown disposed directly in the compartment |28. In the present embodiment, these bunker pan and associated cooling means I6 are violet light having a maior part ofits radiations with a large proportion of the radiations' between 2500 and 2800 A. U., very little visible' and infrared radiations, and hardly any radiations of wave lengths below 2500 A. U., thereby avoiding harmful effects and the generation of any substantial amount of ozone. Ultra-violet radiations in this region extend the time that food products mayl be kept in good condition in storage. I-f the close to the meat racks I3 or, in any event, in order to have the circulating air pass freely and gently over and aroundsaid generating means,v

the same may be disposed adjacent the side walls ',of rthe compartment I2, as illustrated, so that, for example, the generator 36* lies in the upward streamv of circulating air while the generator 35 lies in the downward st ream thereof.

The sterilizing action of the generators 35fand 26IL may be supplemented by that of similar generators 31 and 38a disposed along the side walls,

all of said generators being desirably controlledv by a switch 38a. 'Ihese generators are desirably in the vform of lamps, preferably constructed in accordance'with the James application, Serial No. 734,620, previously referred to.

pipes are arranged as one group rather than two,

and have ns -IIil 'extending therefrom for increasing the heat-absorbing capacity.

Supplementary humidifying means may be provided, like those designated 2| in the preceding embodiment, if desired, especially if 'there is only a small amount of meat or other foods in storage.

`A bunker `pan or partitioning wall 22*a is shown disposed under the' pipes I6 and in the present 'embodiment it'extends diagonally from near one side toward the other, with a baffling extension 24a disposed vertically from the higher side of the bunker and along one outer side of the pipes IBB. In order to cause the circulating air to pass directly between the coils or pipes I6, rather than completely thereabove, I provide a baille 25B desirably disposed diagonally and extending from the ceiling 2'I downwardly and toward one side wall, to approximately thetop of the refrigerating and humidifying means IBP'I'I. The action of this banle may be augmented by the employment of one or more defiectors 28B' and 29 extending from the ceiling 21 part way toward the refrigerating coils to aid inA air .distribution. As in the previous embodiment', the

deilecting means may extend parallel to the wardly at the left side of the box, thereby getting maximum cooling. humidifying, and clrcu latins 'eilecta 1. may dispose, directly beneaththe bunker ent embodiment the ultra-violetgenerators 35,

. last two beneaththose designated 4d, '45 and 46,-

In' operation, airis caused to circulate substantially as described'in connection with the preceding vembodiment and as indicated by thearrows.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 3I there is lshown a refrigerator or meat treating vand storing device IIb, whichmay be identical with the deviceil oi' Figure 1, except that the bunker pans 221 'and 23b'are in the form of individual drip pans 4I, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, rather than a single one extending completely beneath the bank, or leach bank, of cooling means or pipes IBD. In the'pres- 36", 31b and 38b may bedisposed with the rst two beneath the 'drip pans 4I. 42 and 43, and the or the generators 35'a and 38", may be placed on the side walls just-below the drip pans, and the generators 36, and 3'Ib on the ceiling, as illustrated, or only one pair may be employed, if found sufficient.

A further distinction, as compared with" the embodiment of Figure 1, is that the deflector 29c is shown disposed at an angle to the adjacent baille 28h, while the deflector 28b is shown disposed parallel to the baille 25h, -so that while the air from the fan 32h is deflected transverselyand diagonally downward with respect to the compartment I2b, some of the air from the fan 33| is deflected diagonally downward and diagonally transverse to the compartment |25. It will, however, be understood that the defiectors in any of the compartments maybe disposed at angles where they are found by trial to get the best resuits, or may be placed along the coil so as to deiiect the air through the thicker parts thereof. The ultra-violet generators may also be arranged in any compartment, either as shown in Figure 1,

or as shown in Figure 2. It will also be understood that the bunker pan means may be formed as separate flash or evaporator pans or louvers,

the invention.

Referring now to the embodiment of my inor as continuous partition devices, in any form o i vention illustrated in Figure 4, there is shown a fragmentary portion of a refrigerator, or meat treating and storingl device II, comprising a room or compartment I2, provided with means, as in the preceding embodiments, for supporting and storing meat or other food (not shown).

As in the preceding lembodiments, refrigerating and humidifying coils or pipes l8 are shown disposed directly in the compartment |2. In the present embodiment, however, these pipes are arranged in two banks, that is, an additional layer of pipes iid is provided, making a group thicker vertically than the groups shown in the pre- ;cedlng embodiments.

Supplementary humidifying means may be provided like those designated 2| in the first embodiment, if desired, especially if it is found that4 the system requires more humidiiication. A bunker pan or partitioning wall may be disposed under the pipes, as in Figure 1 or separate louvers or drip pans 44. 45 and,46 provided, as in the embodiment of Figure 3. These slope downwardly, as illustrated, anda bailiing portion 24 is desirably provided, extending vertically from the higher side of the pan 46 IIn order to cause the circulating air to pass directly between the coils iSd and |6, rather than 25, desirably extending from the ceiling 215 downwardly andtoward one side wall to approxlmately the top of the refrigerating and humidify'ing means i5. The -action of this baille may be supplemented by that of a deector 29d, desirably disposed vertically between `the baiile 25 and the adjacent end of the short o'r upper layer of coils IGd. This baille equalizes f the flow of air throughthe layers of coils I6o the natural tendency of and iSd, and overcomes an excess of air to pass through thecoils at the end where there is only a single layer.

Ceiling deflectors, corresponding with those designated 28 and, 29 in Figure 1, may also be employed, if desired, and some or all of the said A de'ectors may b'e disposed at an angle, as indicated in Figure 3 by the reference character 29. I

In the present embodiment, I'prov'ide arr electric fan 32, as in the preceding embodiments, for augmenting the circulation of' air up'the right-side of the box and down through or be'` tween cooling pipes, from whence it is discharged downwardly at the left, or center of the box if used in' a box of the type shown in Figures 1 and 3, thereby 'getting a maximum cooling and humidifying effect.

Supplemental humidifying means, not shown, corresponding with those of the preceding embodiments, may be provided if found desirable, and ultra-violet generating means and 38, in the present instance, desirably disposed on the walls, as illustrated, may be provided as in the preceding embodiment.

Referring now toFlgure 5, we find a chart 41 wich shows the operation' of the device in completely thereabove, I provide a baille f indicated by the dotted line 48 in Figure 5, There was also difficulty in obtaining consistent temperature "as the coils would accumulate ice which interfered with the air circulation.

After the installationA of fans and baffles, as

` previously described, it was possible to increase the back pressure of the refrigeration compressor and thus operate the coils or pipes of and along the outer side of the pipes I6 and IGd.

lthe cooling means at somewhat higher temperatures and maintain a more even temperature in the refrigerator. The relative' humidity was increased to that indicated by the line 49 of Figure 5, while the variation was reduced.

In a larger walk-in refrigerator there were two cooling coils placed above the usual bunker or drip pan. In operating this refrigerator at F., with the usual gravity circulation, the relative" humidity couldv not be maintained at more than '78%, as indicated by the line 48 in Figure 5. Fans and baffles were installed in accordance with the preceding disclosure and.

without making any adjustment of the refrigerating equipment, the temperature dropped line 5I, to that of the full line 52, and the relaabout 3 F., from thatI indicated by the dotted tive humidity increased to an average of, about '90% as approximately indicated by the line 49 of Figure 5. After increasing the back pressure of the compressor to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the box temperature was more uniform and slightly higher and the relative humidity was maintained at a nearly constant value above 90%.

fio,

The positive circulation of ialr in a manner to aid natural circulation gives more accurate temperature control regardless of whether the service door'is being opened frequently. There is no necessity for condensation of moisture in any part of a box operating in accordance with Vmy invention. While tests show that the air in all parts of the box is in motion, there are no strong blasts over the meat or other food products.' The practical beneficial results are indicated by a shrinkage during a storage period of one week ofonly 1.35% in a 5 ft. x 7 ft.

box, and 1.05% in an 8 ft. x 10 ft. box.

It is impractical to maintain a, relative humidity as high as 90% by mere gravity circulation of -air, because of the necessity for excessively large cooling coils, so that the proposed arrangement of fansand baffles is ofgreat commercial value. By the use of my invention, the

accordance withmy invention, as compared with meat retains more of its natural juices and value and is, therefore, more palatable. Vegetables retain their crisp freshness for longer periods of time.

It will, therefore be seen, that I have improved the action of refrigerators, whether for tenderizing or' storing purposes, by applying fans 'and/or baffles to make the air circulate positively in a desired manner, that is, in accordance with natural ,convection currents, prevent wasteful eddy currents, and desirably increase natural circulation, thereby producing extremely high relative humidity while employing cooling coils or pipes of moderate size and degree of refrigeration. I am, therefore, able to convert present low humidity refrigerators into highhumidity devices at small expense and with a general improvement in the condition for keeping food products. The advantages obtained by my novel arrangement of fans and/or baiiles are:

1. The cooling coils are used more efficiently,

`midifying means andthe top thus reducing the difference between coil te perature and air temperature.

2. Any given oil temperature produces a cool-V er refrigerator than can be obtained without the fans'and bailles.

3. Relatively humidity of the air is increased about ten points above that obtainablev without the fans and bailles. 4. The cooling coil temperature may be increased without increasing the box temperature. 5. Reduction iri power required to operate compressor is more than enough to operate the fans. thus making amore eicient refrigerator. 6. Meat retains bright color longer vbecause of high relative humidity.

7. Vegetables do not wither when stoned at high humidity.

ment and projectiiigfrom the latter for causing the air insaid :compartment to circulate through f said refrigerating and humidifying means.'v

2. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food, the combination of a compartment, means for supporting meat therein, re-

frigerating pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the top of said compartment, humidifying-'means in said compartment, a bunker panbeneath said pipes, and baiiie means, the upper edge ofwhch engages the top of -said compartment, disposed above said refrigerating pipes, for causing air-to circulate bevtween said pipes for efiicient air chilling..

8. Loss of Weight of meat is reduced and surface drying minimized.

9. The equipment can be applied to all 'existing refrigerators having overhead coilsv and independent control of coil temperature. 'v

10. Temperaturefof refrigerator is made more.

the air uniformly-through' large coils.

14.V Where coils are long, more than one fan may be used over each coil, or an oscillating fan may be used.

15. Prevention of eddy currents in. the top of the refrigerator and the possibility of warm -3. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food, the combination of a compartment, means for supporting meat therein, refrigerating pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the top of said compartment, humidifying means insaid compartment, Ia bunker pan beneath said pipes, and baffles extending longitudinally of the pipes between the same and top of said compartment and engaging the latter, ,and causing air to circulate vbetween said pipes to effect eilicient chilling of the air. 4. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food, the combination of a comv partment, means for supportingmeat therein,

air passing above or around the cooling coils to the lower part of the refrigerator.

16. Thefbaiiles prevent the air from passing in'any direction except down through the cool.- ing coils, the air thus being thoroughly cooled l with a minimum of refrigeration.

17. There is no restriction to, or interference ,Y

with, .the natural convection currents in the refrigerator.

18. Because of the moving air passing through the cooling coils instea'd of around them, the

temperature of the refrigerat'oris brought more nearly to the temperature of the cooling coils and the emciency of 'the system is increased.

1 9. Frosting of coils is reducedor eliminated because of a,`more the c'oils.

positive flow of air through A' pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the ceiling of saidi'compartment, hui midifying. means in said compartment, a bunker pan under said pipes, baille means between said refrigerating pipes and the top of said compart ment, and a deiiector projecting down from the ceiling towards said the same.

o. In apparatusfor tenderizing and/or storing Ameat or other food, the combination of a compartment. means for supporting meat therein, re- 1 frigerating pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the top of said compartment, humidifying means in said compartment, a bunker pan under said pipes, baille means between said refrigerating pipes and the top of vsaid compartment and projecting from the latter, and means for positively circulating air between said pipes to effect eiiicient air humidifying and chill- 2o. High humidity may heimainiamed in the l refrigerator because of the more elcient use of the coils,l which is equivalent to increasing the .cooling surface.

Although preferred' embodiments of my'inven- .tion have been disclosed, it )will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope oi the appended claims, and that fea# tures of any embodiment may be modified in accordance with the showing 'in any other embodiment. v

I- claim: 1. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food; the combination of a compartment, refrigerating and humidifying means disposed near the top of said compartment, and baille means between said refrigerating and h uof said compart- 6. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food, the combination of a compartinenty..- means for Asupporting meat therein, refrigerating pipes disposed above said supporting meansv and spaced fromthe top of said compartment,l humidifying means in said compartment, a bunker pan below said pipes, baiile means between said refrigerating pipes and the top of said compartment, and fan means placed in the warm air ue above said pipes and directed toward the baille means in a substantially hori,

zontal direction, for causing air to circulate over and between said pipes for eiicient moistening and chilling.

7. In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing lmeat or other/food, .the combination of a compartlent, means for supporting meat in said compartment, refrigerating means disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the top of said compartment, humidifying means in said compartment, ultra-violet generating means, and means -for causing the air in said compartment circulate `gently over said generating means and more rapidly through said refrigerating and hmidifying means.. l` I 8.y In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storv ing meat or other food, the combination of a pipes to direct air between ment, a bunkerpan compartment, means for supporting meat therein, refrigerating pipes disposed abovsaid supportf ing means and spaced from the top of said compartment, humidifying means in said compartbeneath saidl pipes, ultra- `violet generators beneath said bunker man. and baiile 'means between said refrigerating pipes and the top of said compartment, for causing air to space between said wall and chilling, andultra-violet ray generators disv posed to directly irradiate the meat.

13. In a wal k-in refrigerator with overhead cooling surfaces, the combination of moisture condensing areas, forced air movement directed by baies and/or deflectors, projecting from the top wall of said refrigerator and restricting the l inenting thermal convection over said areas, for 10 increasing the moisture content of the air. 14. In a walk-in refrigerator with overhead cooling surfaces, means for rapidly sweeping the Scooling surfaces with air moving in the same direction as the natural thermal convection currents and including baiiies projecting directly from the top wall of said refrigerator.

' 15. In a walk-in refrigerator with overhead -v'cooling surfaces, means for moistening the cirtending longitudinally of the pipes `between the.

same and thetop of said compartment, and cans-,-

f i g air to circulate between said pipes to effect chilling of the air. ,i

10. In apparatus fortenderizling and/ or storing meat or other food, the combination of a compartment, means for supporting meattlierein,

culating air by rapidly sweeping-it in the same directionas the thermal currents over surfaces cooled below the dew point and including simple iiat bailies projecting diagonally downward from the top wall of 16. In a walk-in refrigerator with overheadl said refrigerator. l

- cooling surfaces, means for preventing wasteful pipes disposed above said supporting means andv spaced from the ceiling of said compartment,

humidifying means in said compartment, a bunker pan under said pipes, baiiiemeans between said refrigeratixig'pipes and the top of said compartment, 7ultra-violet generators disposed" above said meat-supporting means, and a deflector projectingdown from the ceiling towards said pipes to direct air between thefsame.

11. In apparatus for tenderizing and/ or storing meat or other food, the combination of a compartment, means'for supportingmeat therein,v

refrigerating' pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced from the top of said com# partment, humdifying means in vsaid compartment, a' bunker pan under said pipes, bailiemeans y between said refrigerating pipes and the top of said compartment, means for`positively circulating air between said pipes to effect efficient air humidifying and chilling, and ultra-violet generators disposedadjac'ent said bunker pan for f sanitizingvthe mea't and circulating air.

12.' In apparatus for tenderizing and/or storing meat or other food, the-combination ofa conr-l partment, means for supporting meat therein, re-

frigerating pipes disposed above said supporting means and spaced fromthe top of said compartment, humidifying means' in said compartment, a bunkery pan means; below said pipes, baffle means between said refrigerating pipes andthe top of said compartment, fan means placed y in the warm air flue above said pipes and directed tpw'ardthe baiii'emeans in a substantially horiziontal direction for causing air to circulate over and between said pipes for emcientmoistening eddy currents rectly from the tween said. ceiling and the cold air discharge of the cooling surfaces.

comprising` baiiles extending di-v ceiling and closing the space beside I'.` In cooling` apparatus of the walk-in type for storing meat or other food, the combination of moisture con densing means, means for suppleinenting the 'convection currents, and means for directing said supplemented air currents through the moisture condensing means including baiiies sloping diagonally downward directly from the ceiling in the direction of natural convection cur- -l rents labove said condensing means.

18, In a walk-in refrigerator with overhead cooling coils, the combination of moisture condensing means, diagonal air deiiecting meansr thereabove, and means projecting directly from the ceiling for rapidly passing air over the cool-J in'g coils and moisture condensing means 19. In "a walk-in refrigerator with overhead of a fan and diagonallyldisposed baffles projecting directly from ceiling to coils and providing means lto increase thel speed of Ithrough Isaid coils.

convection air fiow 20.` In apparatus for tenderizing nd/or storing meat or other ,partment, refrigerating means food, the combina on of a comdisposed ne`ar the top of said compartment, ultra-violetl generat-` means, and

means forcausing the air in said compartment Ito circulate gently over said generating means and more rapidly through said refrigerating meansf v' ARTHUR R. pENNrNGTQN.

and areas, and supple-V cooling and humidifying'coils, the combination

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