Modified wire mesh conveyor belt for air fluidization type food freezers

Claim 1

In apparatus for IQF freezing of food particles and the like massed in air-fluidized state on a moving conveyor belt, the combination comprising elongated flexible endless wire mesh conveyor belt means having a substantially horizontal belt stretch upon which the particles are deposited to a depth subject to variation of thickness or permeability to airflow over the area of said belt stretch for conveyance of the particles through the apparatus, enclosure means associated with said belt stretch and forming compartment spaces respectively above and below said belt stretch and associated air pressurization and freezer apparatus operable to create a pressure difference of air in said compartments that causes forceable upward flow of freezing air through the open mesh of said belt stretch and the mass of particles thereon over the area of said stretch at sufficiently depressed temperature and with sufficient flow velocity substantially to fluidize and freeze the mass of particles while in transit through the apparatus; the combination of a wire mesh conveyor belt means comprising a series of elongated substantially helical wire links individually disposed transversely to the length of the belt stretch in the plane thereof and successively interconnected, and a plurality of elongated rod elements inserted lengthwise through the successive helical links across the width of the belt, said rod elements having a flow obstructing cross section that materially reduces the open flow area through the belt mesh and confines the upward flow through the belt to the mesh openings between rods totalling a minor fraction of the total belt area.