Patent ID: 6073540
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: A23L

Abstract:
Apparatus for transferring heat between a heat transfer liquid and a plurality of product containers, the apparatus comprising:a perforated conveyor having a conveying surface for supporting and transferring the containers;a conveyor pan receiving the conveying surface of the perforated conveyor and including an open top portion and at least one drain, the conveyor pan being adapted to hold a continuously recirculating pool of the heat transfer liquid at a level disposed above the conveying surface of the perforated conveyor;a heat transfer liquid distributor spaced above the perforated conveyor and operative to shower the containers on the conveying surface with the heat transfer liquid by directing the heat transfer liquid through the open top portion of the conveyor pan; anda vibrator unit operatively connected with the conveyor pan and operating to vibrate the conveyor pan, the perforated conveyor, the pool of heat transfer liquid and the containers as the containers are moved by the perforated conveyor to thereby uniformly and efficiently transfer heat between the heat transfer liquid and the product in said containers.