A vacuum cooling device for the cooling of foodstuff, in particular hot bakery products comprises a vacuum chamber (2) containing a product chamber (7) for receiving the foodstuff for its cooling and a separation chamber (28), a vacuum source (3), such as a vacuum pump which is connected to the separation chamber (28) and a vapor condenser (4) for condensation of vapor generated during the cooling process in the product chamber. The vapor condenser comprises a cooling medium in a sump (11) and comprises a vapor introduction element (8, 9, 10) for introducing the vapor into the cooling medium.

A mass of divisible food in a sealed bag is placed between a first part of a frame having a plurality of walls depending from a common plane and forming a plurality of cavities and a second part of the frame having cavities that correspond with and confront the cavities of the first part. The second part is forced toward the first part to pressurize the divisible food in the bag and force the bag to occupy the cavities. Then, the frame, bag and contents are placed in a freezer.

A method of using a fluid-immersion storage and cooking device having a thermal container that defines a first volume and a second volume includes disposing a first food item in the first volume. A second food item and a third food item are disposed in the second volume in a first position and a second position, respectively. A volume of fluid having a first temperature is circulated through the first volume to transfer thermal energy to the first food item. After a predetermined time, at least a portion of the volume of fluid is heated to a second temperature. A portion of the volume of fluid is conveyed to the second volume such that (1) the second food item is substantially submerged in the portion of the volume of fluid and (2) the third food item is disposed substantially outside of the portion of the volume of fluid.

A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bays. An air seal is formed at the periphery of each opening by resiliently flexible side seals and a top seal to form a highly airtight interface between the pallet assembly and the adjacent airflow opening. When a pressure differential is developed between the chamber and the pallet bay, air is efficiently drawn substantially exclusively through the pallet assemblies with minimal leakage. The flexible sealing arrangement accommodates pallet assemblies with unevenly stacked rows of cases without significant loss of system efficiency.

A mass of divisible food in a sealed bag is placed between a first part of a frame having a plurality of walls depending from a common plane and forming a plurality of cavities and a second part of the frame having cavities that correspond with and confront the cavities of the first part. The second part is forced toward the first part to pressurize the divisible food in the bag and force the bag to occupy the cavities. Then, the frame, bag and contents are placed in a freezer.

Food preservation can include depositing dry ice and food within packaging. The packaging can include a flexible liner defining a wall aperture and an internal chamber. The internal chamber can receive the deposited dry ice and food and have an internal atmosphere. The packaging can include a check valve mounted to the flexible liner and covering the wall aperture. The check valve can be configured to occupy: (i) a closed state blocking fluid communication between the internal chamber and ambient via the wall aperture and (ii) an open state enabling fluid flow from the internal chamber, through the wall aperture, and into ambient.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a food thawing apparatus. An example food thawing apparatus includes a thawing chamber configured to receive a plurality of frozen products; at least one refrigeration element configure to cool air within the thawing chamber; at least one heating element configured to heat air within the thawing chamber; a plurality of fans spaced vertically apart from one another and in alignment with a vertical axis, wherein: at least one fan is configured to generate an airflow of heated air within the thawing chamber, the airflow configured to thaw the frozen products; and at least one rotational element configured to rotate the at least one fan about the vertical axis between a first orientation and a second orientation to adjust the direction of the airflow within the thawing chamber, wherein the fan is configured to continue to generate the airflow as the frame is rotated.

An apparatus for preserving consumable products comprising an inner housing arranged within an outer insulated housing, wherein walls of the inner housing define a compartment for receiving consumable products, said walls comprising an inlet wall for inflow of a heat exchange fluid into the compartment, an opposed outlet wall for outflow of a heat exchange fluid out of the compartment, side walls and a base, the side walls and base adjoining the inlet wall to the outlet wall, wherein the inlet wall and outlet wall each include a series of apertures to accommodate a continuous heat exchange fluid flow through the apparatus such that, in operation, consumable products received in the compartment of the inner housing are immersed in the heat exchange fluid to exchange heat with the heat exchange fluid.

Products, containers and methods for storing food that is sensitive to low temperatures in freezers are provided. The products comprise a food and a storage unit, and the storage unit comprises a first container that contains the food and a second container that holds the first container and the food and which provides a space between the first container and the second container. The storage unit is used in methods to freeze and thaw the food that result in the food having its desired or original consistency after the food is thawed.

The present invention relates to an olive oil cooling preservation device designed to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of olive oil. The device features a thermally conductive aluminum body with an insulating layer and an aesthetically pleasing wood casing. It utilizes a Peltier element controlled by a microcontroller for precise temperature maintenance between 55 F. and 65 F. The device is equipped with a UV-blocking acrylic top closure and is designed to accommodate various container sizes. Advanced features include pulse width modulation for energy efficiency and systems to prevent condensation and protect against light, ensuring optimal preservation conditions for olive oil.