Patent ID: 6494049
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A23C,A23G,A23L,F25C

Abstract:
A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product comprising:a freezing chamber having a substantially conical shape; at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below; at least one sensor associated with the feed tray for determining a depth of liquid composition in the feed tray; at least one valve associated with a liquid composition delivery line, the valve being configured to control the rate at which liquid composition is delivered from the delivery source to the feed tray; and control means responsive to the at least one sensor for controlling a position of the valve, and therefore the rate at which liquid composition is delivered from the delivery source to the feed tray.