Product storage apparatus

• US 4,078,480 A
• Filed: 04/16/1976
• Issued: 03/14/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harvey R. Luck
• Original Assignee: Harvey R. Luck
• Inventors: Luck, Harvey R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hornsby, Harvey C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pous, Robert
• Application Number:
  US05/677,641
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 99/646 S, 99/646 C, 99/473, 99/476-477, 99/516-517, 426/310, 426/312, 426/320-322, 426/331, 426/335, 426/419, 21/74 R, 21/121-126, 98/54-55, 98/119, 118/24, 118/25
• US Class Current: 99/476
• CPC Class Codes: A23B 7/148 in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O

Abstract

An improved storage apparatus for produce stored in an enclosed storage structure. The apparatus provides a cooled airstream having a relative humidity above 95% which is forced around the produce. Water is pressurized by a pump and sprayed into the airstream to create a mist which cools and humidifies the airstream. Chemicals to retard spoilage of the produce can also be included in the water. The water may also be sprayed directly on the produce. Savings are realized and water accumulation in the storage structure is minimized by recirculating condensate from the air distribution system through the spray apparatus. Prolonged equipment life is also obtained by locating the motor for the pump exteriorly of the water spray.

Claims

1. In combination with an enclosed storage structure for storing produce, an enclosed storage structure, an air distribution system for the storage structure and an air treating system for the air distribution system comprising in combination:

an air plenum chamber;

a plurality of air distribution conduits in fluid communication with the air plenum chamber for conducting air to produce in the storage structure, said conduits being placed on the floor of the enclosed storage structure and at an elevation above the floor of the air plenum chamber;

spray means for producing a mist in the air plenum chamber to increase the humidity of the air therein;

means for forcing air through the air plenum chamber and the air distribution conduits to distribute the air having an elevated humidity to the produce in the storage structure;

drainage means in the air distribution conduits and air plenum chamber, said drainage means comprising a sloped floor for directing condensate from the air distribution conduits and air plenum chamber to a condensate collection site; and

means for recirculating a portion of the condensate through the spray means.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the means for producing a fine spray comprises:

a plurality of spray nozzles inside the air plenum chamber;

a pump in fluid communication with the spray nozzles;

a motor for the pump, the motor being specifically positioned exteriorly of the air plenum chamber;

a water reservoir;

means for returning collected condensate to the reservoir;

water makeup means for maintaining the water level of the reservoir; and

means for conducting water from the reservoir to the pump, the pump pressurizing the water and directing the water to the spray means.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the pump includes means for amending the water with a chemical composition suitable for treating the produce in the storage structure.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the pump means further comprises a flexible hose and a spray apparatus at the end of the hose and means for selectively directing the pressurized water alternatively to the spray means and the spray apparatus for applying the liquid directly to the produce.

5. In combination with an enclosed storage structure for storing produce and providing an air flow to the produce, the air flow having an elevated humidity, comprising:

a forced air distribution system for conducting air to the produce, the air distribution system having a slanted bottom surface to accommodate collection of condensate at at least one selected location;

means for spraying water into the air in the air distribution system for increasing the humidity of the air in the air distribution system comprising;

a spray apparatus in the air distribution system;

a motor-driven pump for supplying water under pressure to the spray apparatus, the motor for the pump being placed externally of the air distribution system;

means for selectively delivering chemicals into the water before the water is discharged from the pump;

a secondary spray apparatus comprising a hose and a spray means on the end of the hose, the hose being connected to a valve in the pressurized water system;

valve means between the pump and the spray apparatus, the valve means accommodating selectively bypassing the spray apparatus for delivering pressurized water to the secondary spray apparatus; and

water reservoir means for supplying water to the pump comprising means for receiving the condensate collected by the air distribution system and water makeup means to supplement the condensate to maintain a preselected quantity of water in the reservoir; and

air delivery means for forcing air into the air distribution system comprising a fan means in the air distribution system and motor means for driving the fan means.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the air distribution system comprises an air plenum chamber with a plurality of air distribution conduits extending laterally from the air plenum chamber, the air distribution conduits having perforate lower side walls and being elevated above the floor of the air plenum chamber so as to permit condensate in the air distribution conduits to flow into the air plenum chamber, the air plenum chamber having a sloped floor to direct the condensate to the selected location.

7. The combination of claim 5 wherein the air plenum chamber comprises a sloped floor directing condensate to at least one condensate collecting basin and further comprises a condensate conduit beneath the floor of the air plenum chamber, the basis comprising a widened area in the floor of the air plenum chamber and having a hollow riser extending above the floor of the basin, the riser being covered with a screen to remove debris in the condensate, the riser serving as an overflow drain for the basin by communicating directly with the condensate conduit beneath the floor of the air plenum chamber, the condensate conduit directing the condensate to the reservoir.