Apparatus and method for thawing a product

a technology of apparatus and products, applied in the field of apparatus and methods for thawing a frozen commodity, can solve the problems of discoloration of food products, determining which food products are properly thawed, and growth of bacteria in food products that may be transmitted to contaminate adjacent food products and other areas of the warehous
US20120231139A1Inactive Publication Date: 2012-09-13VINCENT P TIPPMANN SR FAMILY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
VINCENT P TIPPMANN SR FAMILY
Publication Date
2012-09-13
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for thawing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a cover for sealing the space between the two rows. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. In addition, the air may be forced along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and / or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly thawing a commodity positioned in the boxes.
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 336,900, filed on Jan. 23, 2006, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 645,027, filed on Jan. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for thawing a frozen commodity such as a food product.

[0004] 2. Description of Background Art

[0005] A problem occurs in the food industry when it is desired to thaw a food product. For example, the food products may be positioned on a loading dock and subjected to ambient air to thaw the food products. Normally, a plurality of pallets of food products are arranged on the loading dock or in a warehouse and ambient air is blown or pushed towards the pallets. If the ambient air is at 72° Fahrenheit (22.22° Celsius), the first pallet of food produ...

Claims

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