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US 2003/0118474 A1Published application
Fumigation apparatus
AssigneeAsiaworld Shipping Services Pty Ltd
InventorKenneth George Brash
Life of this patent
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AssigneeAsiaworld Shipping Services Pty Ltd
InventorKenneth George Brash
Estimating the term…
As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10). Extraction means for evacuation of the fumigation chamber gases includes a pipe (28) attached to an orifice (30) located in the lower region of the panel (10), the pipe (28) in turn connected to a contra-rotating fan (34) and an actuated butterfly valve (32) and thence to a pipe exhaust stack (36). Absorption means are operatively coupled to the extraction means on the module (8) to absorb at least part of the fumigant extracted from the fumigation chamber. The absorption means is in the form of a removable absorption bed cartridge (40) and includes activated carbon to which the fumigant attaches or is absorbed and is thus stripped from the gas/fumigant extracted from the fumigation chamber.
A fumigation apparatus for fumigation of a fumigation chamber adapted to contain produce, the apparatus including:
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is adapted to be attached to a source of the fumigant which is directly associated with a heating source, the latter used to convert the fumigant into a gaseous form.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fumigant inlet means includes a dispersion pipe system in use located above the contents of the fumigation chamber.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module when positioned in use is secure against the passage of fumigant and is fitted with external locking cam devices.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is provided with a plurality of mixing fans adapted to circulate fumigant and gases within the fumigation chamber.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the extraction means includes a pipe attached to an orifice located in a lower region of the module, the pipe being connected in turn to an actuated butterfly valve further connected in turn to a contra-rotating fan adapted to provide suction for the extraction of the fumigant.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is fitted with a plurality of small diameter pipes independently connected via an appropriate system of taps and connectors to a fumigant sampling and detection meter unit located at the module.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module includes a fumigant sampling and detection meter unit and power supply switches for mixing fans, exhaust fan and valve actuators.
A fumigation apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the module is provided in two portions adapted to be operatively coupled together.
A method of fumigating produce including the steps of:
A method of fumigating produce including the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.