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US 5,156,009 AGranted
Method for storing produce
AssigneeTransphere Systems Limited
InventorRichard E. Woodruff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Method for storing and maintaining produce under controlled conditions in a transport container (5) during transportation. Nitrogen-rich gas and carbon dioxide gas are supplied to the container when required by a compact and efficient system wherein the nitrogen gas is generated from the ambient air surrounding the container using an air splitter (35) and the carbon-dioxide is generated from a store of dry-ice (40).
Claims8
A method of storing produce, comprising:
- positioning produce in the interior of a substantially sealable container;
- substantially sealing the interior of said container from the outside atmosphere;
- monitoring the oxygen level in said container to determine the level of oxygen relative to a predetermined level;
- generating a nitrogen-rich gas from the ambient air surrounding said container;
- controlling a flow of said nitrogen-rich gas into said container in response to said monitoring of the oxygen level to establish and maintain said oxygen level substantially equal to said predetermined level;
- monitoring the carbon dioxide level within said container to determine the level of said carbon dioxide relative to a predetermined level;
- providing a store of dry ice associated with said container;
- and
- controlling a flow of carbon dioxide from said store of dry ice into the interior of said container to establish and maintain a level of carbon dioxide within said container substantially equal to said predetermined level of carbon dioxide in response to said monitoring of said carbon dioxide.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.