Abstract:
A transport container for multiple stages of a distribution chain is provided. The transport container includes a power source providing electrical power to the transport container. An ethylene injection unit configured to store and inject ethylene into the transport container. A controller in operative communication with the power source and the ethylene injection unit. The controller is configured to command the ethylene injection unit to inject ethylene into the transport container along the multiple stages of the distribution chain.
Abstract:
A consumer-oriented method of processing and packaging single serving packages is provided that improves convenience and safety, reduces pathogens and spoilage, and promotes improved dietary intake, while extending refrigerated shelf life, wherein fruit is processed to create ready-to-eat single serving packages of preservative-free fruit pieces that may be readily consumed without utensils, and which may include a cold pasteurization processing step that significantly extends refrigerated shelf life beyond that attainable using conventional fruit processing methods.
Abstract:
A system for reducing oxygen in a package of produce product using a lance manifold. The lance manifold has a first end adapted to receive an input gas flow and a second end adapted for placement in a partially-enclosed cavity containing the produce product. The second end of the lance manifold includes a plurality of exit ports adapted to produce an output gas flow and a sampling port for taking an air sample from the partially-enclosed cavity. The system also includes an oxygen analyzer for detecting oxygen content of gas inside the partially-enclosed cavity using the sampling port. The system is configured to produce an output gas flow with the following properties: a substantially oxygen-free composition; a flow rate of at least 100 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH); and a flow direction substantially 90 degrees to a cavity opening of the partially-enclosed cavity.
Abstract:
An apparatus that allows a storage bin to be evenly loaded while providing an environment which prevents fruit from colliding into machinery and into each other.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for packaging perishable foods. A packaging method in accordance with several embodiments of the disclosure can include, for example, mating a tray with a product. The tray can include a compartment having a generally similar shape as the shape of the product. The method can further include gas flushing an internal atmosphere around a product, and sealing the product and the internal atmosphere between a lid and the tray. Additionally, the method can include pasteurizing the product with an application of substantially uniform high pressure to a surface area of the package (e.g., high pressure pasteurization).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process effective for reducing the number of spores, especially psychrotrophic spores, in compositions. More specifically, a method is provided for heating a composition at a temperature, pressure and for a time effective for reducing the number of psychrotrophic spores in the composition by at least about 3 logs. In one important aspect, the invention relates to producing vacuum packed or modified atmosphere packed chilled food products.
Abstract:
A water permeable sealed container for preservation of produce such as fruit, vegetables and flowers made out of three layer laminate corrugated to form, further three to five layer construct. The layers also include a layer of Kraft paper fluting and layer of polymer which is enclosed between two layers of Kraft paper. The container has a lid, which absorbs water vapor and transmits water vapor from the interior of the container to the exterior through micro perforations. The container can also regulate relative humidity within a range of 75% to 85% for some foods by removing moisture from the food generated from respiration and suppressing product decay due to microorganisms. The laminate may be die cut to be formed into a range of box designs for vertical profiles that provide ventilation spaces between containers in a vertical stack and to provide airflow channels within a stack.
Abstract:
A system and method for packing agricultural produce including functionality for: providing a container having at least one communications aperture formed in a wall thereof; providing at least one flexible controlled permeability bag within the container; providing at least one bag aperture in the at least one flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with the at least one communications aperture; sealing the produce inside the at least one flexible controlled permeability bag within the container, while leaving the at least one bag aperture and the at least one communications aperture open; providing atmosphere treatment within the at least one bag via the at least one bag aperture and the at least one communications aperture; and sealing at least one of the at least one bag aperture and the at least one communications aperture.
Abstract:
Packaging of bananas in containers having designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The containers preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. The containers enable storage and/or ripening of bananas under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the bags in which they have been transported. In addition, bananas can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a processing apparatus for products susceptible to oxidisation, the processing apparatus including at least one chamber in which processing of the product can occur. The chamber includes an entry through which the product can be introduced. An oxygen reduction means is included, for reducing the oxygen levels within the chamber so the oxygen levels in the chamber are kept low so oxygen levels are already low at the point of processing the product. The invention also relates to a number of variants thereon and methods of use.