HEATED SHELF FOR A FREEZE-DRYING SYSTEM HAVING A LEADING FOLDED EDGE THAT DOES NOT CATCH ON FOOD BEING REMOVED FROM THE SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A freeze-drying system comprising:
- a vented cart configured for operation in a pressure controlled chamber of the freeze-drying system; and
a plurality of heated shelves disposed in the vented cart, at least one heated shelf of the plurality of heated shelves including;
a planar sheet formed from a thermally conductive material, and folded so as to form a top portion configured to conduct heat to a tray when the tray is resting on the top portion of the planar sheet, and a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion;
a heating element secured between the top portion and the bottom portion, the heating element having a surface disposed in thermally conductive contact with the top portion; and
wherein the plurality of heated shelves is configured for control by a temperature controller of the freeze-drying system.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A freeze-drying system includes a vented cart for operation in a pressure-controlled chamber, and a plurality of heated shelves disposed in the vented cart. Each heated shelf includes a planar sheet made from a thermally conductive material. The planar sheet is folded to provide a top portion configured to conduct heat to a tray resting on the top portion, a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, and a folded leading edge. A heating element is secured between the top portion and the bottom portion so as to be disposed in thermally conductive contact with either the top portion or the bottom portion. The top portion is configured to conduct heat to a tray resting on the top portion. The leading folded edge permits food items to slide out of the freeze-drying system, even though pressing along the bottom portion of the heated shelf, without catching on the food.
17 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A freeze-drying system comprising:
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a vented cart configured for operation in a pressure controlled chamber of the freeze-drying system; and a plurality of heated shelves disposed in the vented cart, at least one heated shelf of the plurality of heated shelves including; a planar sheet formed from a thermally conductive material, and folded so as to form a top portion configured to conduct heat to a tray when the tray is resting on the top portion of the planar sheet, and a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion; a heating element secured between the top portion and the bottom portion, the heating element having a surface disposed in thermally conductive contact with the top portion; and wherein the plurality of heated shelves is configured for control by a temperature controller of the freeze-drying system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification