초록 ▼

The invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously delivering ice particulates at high velocity onto a substrate for treating the surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes a refrigerated curved surface that is brought into contact with water to form a thin, substantially uniform,

The invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously delivering ice particulates at high velocity onto a substrate for treating the surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes a refrigerated curved surface that is brought into contact with water to form a thin, substantially uniform, ice sheet on the surface. This ice sheet is of such thickness as to contain stresses so that the sheet is predisposed to fracture into particulates. A doctor-knife is mounted to intercept a leading edge of the ice sheet and to fragment the ice sheet to produce ice particulates. These iceparticulates enter into at least one ice-receiving tube that extends substantially along the length of the doctor-knife. Once in the tube, the ice particulates are fluidized by a constant flow of air and are carried into a hose for delivery through an ice-blasting nozzle under pressure. The flow path for the ice particulates in the tube and the delivery hose has a substantially constant cross-sectional area, and flow surfaces are smooth to minimize the likelihood of blockages. Advantageously, the apparatus is able to function for extended periods of time without ice blockages occurring.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.]1. A method of continuously producing a stream of ice particulates, comprising:(a) continuously freezing water into a thin sheet of ice onto a surface of a rotating refrigerated ele

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.]1. A method of continuously producing a stream of ice particulates, comprising:(a) continuously freezing water into a thin sheet of ice onto a surface of a rotating refrigerated element while controlling a thickness of the sheet, a rate of rotation of the refrigerated element and a contour defined by the sheet so that the sheet self fragments into particles upon removal from the surface;(b) continuously harvesting the self fragmenting sheet from the surface of the refrigerated element with a knife blade to form particles;(c) directly entraining the harvested particles into a stream of air with sufficient velocity to fluidize the particles; and(d) continuously ejecting the particles from the nozzle.