Modular mobile treatment and precooling apparatus, methods, and systems

An apparatus for treating and cooling a perishable product to an intended temperature, the apparatus comprising:

• a first container that is modified to provide refrigeration and airflow to the perishable product, the first container including at least one refrigeration source that is configured to supply a cooled airflow to the first container that is directed across the perishable product contained within the first container;
• and
• a second container that is modified to include a packaging line that is configured to package the perishable product received from the first container into final consumer packages,
• wherein the first container and the second container are one of a mobile container, a semi-trailer, or a prefabricated container.

A method comprising:

• treating a perishable product using a plurality of independent containers,
• wherein each independent container of the plurality of independent containers is modified to provide at least one of refrigeration and airflow, one or more sanitizing treatments, a conditioning or ripeness management process, a treatment line, or a packaging line,
• wherein each independent container of the plurality of independent containers is used for at least one of cooling, sanitizing, controlling a conditioning or ripeness management process of the perishable product, sorting and functionally treating the perishable product, or packaging the perishable product into final consumer packages,
• wherein each independent container of the plurality of independent containers is one of a modified container, a prefabricated container, or a semi-trailer, and
• wherein the plurality of independent containers includes at least a first container that is configured to provide refrigeration and airflow to the perishable product and a second container that is configured to receive the perishable product from the first container, the second container being configured to sort and functionally treat the perishable product or package the perishable product into final consumer packages.

A system comprising:

• at least one sanitization apparatus configured to sanitize perishable products via a sanitizer process;
• at least one cooling apparatus configured to cool the perishable products via a cooling process;
• at least one process line configured to at least one of sort or functionally treat the perishable products received from the at least one cooling apparatus;
• and
• at least one packaging line configured to package the perishable products into final consumer packages,
• wherein an airflow capacity and a cooling capacity are established to achieve a selected sanitizer recirculation and cooling rate, and
• wherein the sanitizer process and the cooling process are controlled for designed purposes and cycles.

An overall system for automated postharvest handling, treatment, precooling, and packaging for distribution of perishable products, the system comprising:

• one or more containers that are mobile, portable modified, or prefabricated;
• and
• one or more conveyors, pallet shuttle apparatus, or robotic pallets interconnecting the one or more containers,
• wherein the system uses prescribed methods and programmed apparatus to provide product sanitizing, precooling, treating, handling, and packaging of the perishable products from receiving to loading and shipping.

A method comprising:

• treating a perishable product using a plurality of independent modified or prefabricated containers or semi-trailers by:
• directly applying a first substance using a first carrier to a surface of the perishable product after harvesting and after wet or dry washing of the perishable product;
• and
• directly applying a second substance using a second carrier to the surface of the perishable product at asynchronous points prior to final packaging of the perishable product, the second substance being different than the first substance and configured to enhance an efficacy of the first substance,
• wherein a predetermined amount of the first substance is applied to the surface of the perishable product to substantially coat, contact, or cover the surface of the perishable product, and
• wherein the first substance is applied to the surface of the perishable product before cooling of the perishable product, during cooling of the perishable product, or after cooling of the perishable product.

A system comprising:

• a plurality of independent modified or prefabricated containers or semi-trailers for treating a perishable product, the plurality of independent modified or prefabricated containers or semi-trailers being configured to:
• directly apply a first substance using a first carrier to a surface of the perishable product after harvesting and after wet or dry washing of the perishable product, a predetermined amount of the first substance being applied to the surface of the perishable product to substantially coat, contact, or cover the surface of the perishable product, the first substance being applied to the surface of the perishable product before cooling of the perishable product, during cooling of the perishable product, or after cooling of the perishable product;
• and
• directly apply a second substance using a second carrier to the surface of the perishable product at asynchronous points prior to final packaging of the perishable product, the second substance being different than the first substance and configured to enhance an efficacy of the first substance.