Device for the storage of shellfish

Abstract

Abstract 969,030. Cooling fish. LOBSTER (BRIDLINGTON) Ltd. May 29, 1962 [May 30, 1961], No. 19395/61. Heading F4H. [Also in Divisions A1, A2 and F1] A unit for storing live shellfish such as lobsters, crawfish and mussels, comprises a plurality of trays disposed one above the other, each tray having at least one perforation, the uppermost tray being provided with a sea-water feeding means, the unit also having temperature controlling means, and means for aerating the water to simulate natural environmental conditions. The unit comprises a cabinet, Fig. 1, having two portions divided by insulated wall 26 (of expanded polystyrene) and having plywood side walls 22 and base 23. Trays 25, Fig. 2, having perforations 33 and overflow 32, are stacked in one portion, whilst the other portion houses a refrigerating system 35 having an aluminium or stainless steel evaporating system 36 disposed in sea water reservoir 29, and a water pump 28 which pumps sea water from reservoir 29 to outlet 31 below the level of the water above shelf 24. The sea-water then proceeds under gravity through perforations 24a through the trays 25, the level in each tray being determined by the dimensions of the perforations 33 and overflow 32. Also disposed beneath shelf 34 are thermostatic control 38 and heating element 39. Transparent lid 43 covers the cabinet and levelling screws 44 are fitted on the base. The pump, preferably fabricated from synthetic resinous material, which allows a high degree of aeration to the sea-water comprises a rigid casing 53, Fig. 5, having a knuckle 54 on the internal surface against which flexible vanes 55 of impeller 56 impinge when rotating. Air enters through inlet 57 and water through inlet 58, both entries being on the suction side of the pump. The water saturated with air is expelled through outlet 59. Aeration may also take place by cutting out the pump (by a controlled time clock) and allowing the water to drain out of the trays which causes displacement of air. Other embodiments of the storage unit are described comprising walled units having disposed externally of the walls either an air refrigeration unit or an immersion refrigeration unit. A larger unit constructed of timber and aluminium has an air cooling system as well as the water cooler. In conditions too cold for live shellfish storage the sea water in the reservoir may be heated by a heating element and a thermostat may be dipped in the reservoir. If natural sea-water is not available, artificial sea water may be made by adding suitable salts to distilled water (example given). A display cabinet may be connected to the storage unit by polythene tubing.

Inventors

• 👤 Lucey John Desmond
• 👤 Johnson Henry Neil

Bibliographic Details