Transportable and size-adjustable apparatus with multiple air flow control units for ripening of fresh produce
US5965185A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23B7/148
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A transportable and size-adjustable ripening apparatus for controlled ripening of produce includes a chamber defined by a ceiling, a floor, and walls connecting the ceiling and the floor. The chamber is configured to receive a row of boxed produce that defines an interstitial volume with one of the walls to create a low-pressure plenum. The ripening apparatus also includes an air flow control system for transferring air between a high pressure plenum and the low pressure plenum, and which controls the temperature of the transferred air. The plena are generally enclosed to inhibit airflow therebetween except for airflow through the air control system and through openings in the produce boxes. The air control system includes one system for controlling the flow of air through a refrigeration unit, and another system for circulating air without refrigeration. The invention is preferably constructed from an existing ISO (International Standards Organization) container. The container may be mounted on a chassis with wheels, to thereby be transportable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.