Ultrasonic impingement plate atomizer apparatus

Abstract

An impingement plate atomizer apparatus includes a longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; and an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen at the upper surface into a cryogen fog.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An impingement plate atomizer apparatus, comprising:
 a longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; and   an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen at the upper surface into a cryogen fog.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member further comprises:
 an elevated edge extending from the upper surface for retaining the liquid cryogen at the upper surface.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member further comprises a raised surface area extending upward from the upper surface and surrounding the at least one hole to prevent the liquid cryogen from passing through the at least one hole. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member further comprises a raised surface area extending downward from the upper surface and surrounding the at least one hole, and a lip extending upward from the upper surface of the plate and around the at least one hole. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer is in contact with the upper surface of the longitudinal member. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising another ultrasonic transducer in contact with the lower surface of the longitudinal member. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid cryogen comprises liquid nitrogen. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a conveyor disposed for movement beneath the lower surface of the longitudinal member for transporting a product beneath the at least one hole for contact with the cryogen fog. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pipe having a first end connected to a source of the liquid cryogen, and a second end having an outlet proximate the upper surface of the longitudinal member for providing the liquid cryogen to the upper surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the product comprises a food product. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member comprises a plate. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. 
     
     
         13 . A method of providing a cryogen fog, comprising:
 providing liquid cryogen to a longitudinal member;   providing ultrasonic energy to the longitudinal member for atomizing the liquid cryogen into cryogen droplets; and   entraining the cryogen droplets in a cryogen gas flow for providing a cryogen fog.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising retaining the liquid cryogen at a surface of the longitudinal member. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing the cryogen fog to a product to reduce a temperature of said product. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the liquid cryogen comprises liquid nitrogen.