US4309449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for preserving live hard-shell crabs by freezing
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-04-21
•
Granted: 1982-01-05
•
Expires: 2000-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A method for preserving live hard-shell crabs by immersion in a constantly agitated brine solution to freeze the crabs. The brine solution contains a chemical defoamer and is maintained at a temperature of from about -7° to 10° F. to rapidly freeze the crabs, the time of immersion being preferably from about 30 to 50 minutes.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne O'Roark
- 👤 Csaba Magassy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:13
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B4/00; A23B4/06; A23B4/066; A22; A22C; A22C29/00; A22C29/02; A23B4/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of preserving live hard-shell crabs by freezing comprising the steps of: (a) washing and chilling at least one live hard-shell crab; (b) immobilizing the pincer claws and the carapace of the crab; (c) immersing the crab in a brine solution including a chemical defoamer, the solution being maintained at a temperature of from about -7° to 10° F., to rapidly freeze the crab; (d) constantly agitating the brine solution to provide complete circulation of the brine solution over, around and through the crab; (e) removing the frozen crab from solution; and then (f) dipping the frozen crab in cold water to form a thin coating of ice thereon.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of preserving live hard-shell crabs by freezing comprising the steps of: (a) washing and chilling at least one live hard-shell crab; (b) immobilizing the pincer claws and the carapace of the crab; (c) immersing the crab in a brine solution including a chemical defoamer, the solution being maintained at a temperature of from about -7° to 10° F., to rapidly freeze the crab; (d) constantly agitating the brine solution to provide complete circulation of the brine solution over, around and through the crab; (e) removing the frozen crab from solution; and then (f) dipping the frozen crab in cold water to form a thin coating of ice thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the defoamer is a composition comprising dimethylpolysiloxane stearate, xanthan gum and methylparaben.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the defoamer is a silicone based defoamer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the defoamer is a vegetable based defoamer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the brine solution has a specific gravity of from about 1.10 to 1.14.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the cold water of step (f) is maintained at a temperature of from about 30°-33° F.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-01-04 | 1985-07-06 | 1986-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-04 | 1989-07-06 | 1990-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-04 | 1993-07-06 | 1994-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |