AP552A

AP552A - A method of transporting or storing perishable produce.

Info

Publication number: AP552A
Application number: APAP/P/1995/000759A
Authority: AP
Inventors: Paul Raymond Bosher; Robert Barnes
Original assignee: Transphere Systems Ltd
Priority date: 1994-02-17
Filing date: 1995-08-17
Publication date: 1996-11-04
Also published as: FI963138A; BR9506814A; US6615908B1; BG63056B1; CN1161582C; RU2145406C1; US20040035553A1; HUT75360A; DE69534752D1; CA2183318A1; AU1720595A; AU705058B2; KR970701334A; JPH09510288A; PL187692B1; KR100354935B1; BG100844A; EP0742887A1; EP0742887A4; PL315937A1

Abstract

Methods relating to transporting, storing or

Description

TECHNICAL HELD

The ftfseni insention relates to imp;o\ements in and/or relating to a method of ir^perting (or readying fot tmmporti or Readying tor storing) stoting perishable produee it cEo relates to apparatus, containers and palletised loads.

BACKGROUND ART

Perishable produce is transported by road, sea. rail and air using a variety of different techniques. With high value perishable produce it has been usual to rely not only upon refrigeration but also or instead the use of a controlled atmosphere that best suits the preservation of the produce.

By controlled atmosphere is meant any infusion, scrubbing or the like of a sealed or controllable atmosphere about the produce and usually involves the control of one or more of the gases; nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene.

By perishable produce is meant any produce the value of which can be maintained or enhanced by slowing senescence (ageing) thereof while being stored, readied for transport and/or being transported. The produce can be a respiring comestible such as a fruit or vegetable, a non-respiring produce such as meat or fish as well as any mixture or combination of produce made using any of the foregoing with or without other additives. Perishable produce could include within its ambit live fish, shell fish of any form, crustaceans in any form etc.

Perishable produce could also include, flowers, drugs, body organs or other items requiring a controlled temperature such as computer parts, artefacts, drinks or the like.

Transportable container could include pallet based transportable items such as plastics wrapped stacks of produce or cartons of produce. The need to return or on ship, often empty containers, for refilling adds substantially to costs.

Λ feature of current technology is the trend towards the use of refrigerator containers of standard sizes capable of being handled by container handling equipment onto and off of truck's, railway trucks, ships, etc. The present invention however recognises the possibility of some advantage by customising such containers to provide some enhanced control in so thr as the atmosphere and/or temperature is concerned which if desired can lend ibelf to the use of existing refrigerated shipping, cool stores.

refrigerated hansportatien comam or the like thus reducing the level of ?5 commitment that might be required to capital expenditure.

It is therefore an object of the present im cation to provide a method of storing, transporting _or readying for transport of perishable produce including apparatus applicable thereto which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

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Exa-nplcs cf the prior art include CS Patent Specification 5125237. This relates to a «•olid sided insulated pallet sized container which inccipoiates spaces for foil lift, it •>u lilies faro for ..< c.uculat:·'·’!. I low ever. ills system utih'-es s.'hd CO; for coding, it does net utilise heat transfer ae;oss -he walls of the container to possibly cool the interior. No form cf sealing die container is disclosed.

US Patent Specification 3633381 discloses an open cycle portable refrigerator which uses a compress gas cooling system. It provides an insulateJ box and the air is circulated by convection means and not forced. There is no use of heat transfer across the walls of the container to provide for maintenance or alteration of the internal temperature.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the insention consists in a method of transporting. storing y?r readying for transport or storing) perishable produce which comprises;

(i) Loading and sealing the produce into a sealable transportable flexible walled container or onto a pallet (hereinafter “container”) to substantially isolate gas associated with said produce from the surround environment, said container or pallet having means electrically energiseable or otherwise actuable and powered to circulate said gas associated with said produce amongst the produce and in seme heat exchange relationship with or through at least part of a sealing periphery of said sealed pitxluce and its associated gas; and (ii) holding the temperature of the sealed produce/gas environment or lowering the temperature of and then holding the temperature of the sealed produce/gas environment at a refrigerating temperature by ensuring a controlled refrigerating environment outside of said container which is in a heat exchange relationship with >aid at least part of a sealing j. ciphers and hence said produce/gas environment, ’while the gas within said container being continuously or continually circulated therein.

In a further aspect the invention consists in a sealable transportable container suitable for use in any method in accordance with the piesent invention.

In a still further aspect the invention consists in a transportable container comprising:

means providing a flexible widled bag having a sealable oj.\-n;ng thereto to idh'W the loading and unloading of produce thereinto;

means electrically energiseable or otherwise forcing disposed within tire bag to draw a gas environment therewithin through any produce stacked in the bag and to direct the vf-./Oini s ' <W

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AP.0 0 5 5 2 gas environment aiound said produce so as to he in a heat exchange (preferably in use losing) re iatio nship with any re frige rated e;w ironmew outside of satd bag.

In a still further aspect the invention consists in a transportable item c >mp.-ising: a fork'll ft carry-able pallet;

flexible walled sealing means;

produce, said produce being sealed within said sealing means and on said pallet;

said container having associated therewith means electrically energiseable or otherwise forcing to circulate the gas en'ironment within said transportable container when said sealing means is substantially sealed;

the tempeiature of the environment within said container being capable of being effected by heat exchange fiom said circulating gas environment through at least part of at least one wall cf said transportable container;

means to control the temperature within said transportable container such that said temperature is held or lowered and then held.

The invention consists in tire foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gixes examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a conventional 40 foot refrigerated sea container 101 with a transportable container 100 in accordance with the present invention positioned internally thereof so as to take advantage of the refrigerated environment thereof, the airows showing how there is provision below, about and above the tinnspcrtable container within the refrigerated sea container for the air of die refrigerated environment to be ducted from and back to a standaid refrigerated sea container refrigeration unit;

Figure 2 shews a similar arrangement as shown in figure I but showing this time two transportable containers 100 in accordance Ph the present invention positioned tlwrewithin. it being possible in some embodiments of the present invention to provide the gas environment tuhuever n might be· within each transportable container 100 in the refrigerated sea container 101 with a temperature at or above the air temperature about the transportable containers:

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Figure 3 is a perspective view showing as a transparent item a refrigerated sea cent.tiner 101 having positioned therewi»hin as in figure 2 two transportable containers 100 in accoidam.e with the present ir'Aeiii'wn. (here being shown the refrigeration unit of the sea container at the ’eft hand end. rollers earned by the transportable containers yr.d/or the sea container to lacfitate loading and avoid excessive movement during transit, there being shown the movement of the refrigerated air of the sea coritainer 101 by the arrows, and show ing at the right hand end of the right hand transportable container an access opening into the transportable container 100 which preferably seals without reliance upon a sealing curtain as well as the carried control unit(.s) and atmosphere control sysram of the transportable container;

Figure 4 is' an end view of a transportable container '00 in UvL'i'j'Jul.CC Ά 1 th the picsent invention positioned within a sea container as in figm.e 3;

Figure 5 is a cross section of a transportable container 100 in accordance to a 15 preferred form of the present invention showing the gas circulation therewithin under the action of preferably a single or a series of centrifugal fans positioned at the top of the box form of the transportable container and showing the ducting of that gas environment downwardly through ducts making a heat exchange contact with the outer skin of the transportable container 100 before infusing upwardly through the floor or a raised floor through the produce ( whether cartoned, shelved, basketed or the like);

Figure 6 is a plan view of a transportable container 100 show ing a disposition of two centrifugal fans below the top skin of the box form which has been removed for the purpose of explanation;

Figure 7 is a similar view io that of figure 6 but this tune showing a preferred floor which facilitates the infusion of downwardly ducted gas in the atmosphere of the transportable container 100 evenly upward!) through the produce slacked thereon:

Figure 7a shows a possible airtight seal system for the access door or opening of the container as depicted in figure 7 :

Figure $ is the design of one preferred foim of the present invention shown how a control unit associahle within the box form of a transportable container in accordance with the picsenl invention can be provi-Fd to include co elec’?teal connection to power all of the electrically energiseabie cemponc-niiy to be carried w ith the ttansportable container, to locate an air or gas treating unit with an air compressor in a direct heat exchange outside of the sealed gas atmosphere of the transportable **·-' tSV·· ·?)5-'CV. ,·</ i

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container and showing hew the unit can carry a closeable storage area for a carbon dioxide socice such as either di v ice or carbon dioxide cylinders;

Figure 9 shows an die it. at ive aria'gement of transportable containers 100 within a shipping container '01. in this case the transportable containers abut one another and an air gap is provided between the outer walls of transportable container and the int er walls of the shipping container;

Figure 10 shows another alternative arrangement of transportable containers within a shipping container, in this case the transportable containers substantially abut the inner walls of the ‘•hipping container and air gaps or ducts, are provided between the transpoitable containers or rows of containers;

Figure 11 shows yet another alternative arrangement of transportable containers within a skipping container wherein air gaps are prov ided both between the individual transportable containers and the inner walls of the shipping container; and

Figure 12 shows the most preferred form of the present invention wherein a pallet is prov ided upon which is stacked produce, the product being fully encased in a. for example, plastics bag, a fan is provided as is a fan cap to provide for the sealing of •aid plastics bag. the air is circulated such that it flows down through an gap provided between the produce and the plastics bag, through said produce and up an air gap provided on the opposite side between said produce and said plastics bag. Heat exchange occurs through the walls of the plastics bag.

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While in the preferred form, specific embodiments are depicted, obviously the scope of the invention is as defined in the claims.

The present invention realises the difficulty that the provision of purpose built refrigerated sea containers pose if a controlled atmosphere system is to be utilised in conjunction with the normal refrigeration of such sea containers. These difficulties arise because: it it is generally difficult to control the cargo temperature accurately enough within such refrigerated sea containers for fresh perishable produce since many of the existing stock of refrigerv.ed sea containers are designed to transport frozen rather than chilled produce; iit exisitng refrigerated sea containers are not generally able to create or maintain the desired normal high level of humidity which is required for the majority of perishable produce; iii) gas and/or air circulation in such existing stock of refrigerated sea containers is normally below the standard required for adequate maintenance of perishable produce; iv) the existing stock of refrigerated sea containers are not generally sufficiently gas tight for the purpose and lend to allow th.e o’-wr-q-heie ’·? !??.k ?». a gem rally unmanageable rate.

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bad original hack down under me tt.;.usport.:n:c container, i re warm ar w -raw: inlet 2 and the cooled air emerges through the outlet labelled 3. invention is described with £..spe^t to a sea container 101 it will be the jvfr; cci cted outer couid oe a re ί liVcruteJ toad vehicle, cool st-.:e.

Γο mar.uiacture a purpose built retrigerated sea container that would overcome the .licm mr :.hc>!.<.-»j c>!I v.uhes would be <xpensive and rei;<dcj's obsolete much of the curing o.vk cf : eft ice: awd ir.m 'p.via'mn containers. The present invention, therefore, has applicability to ex;s’ing refrigeraied ship.-, coo! rooms as well as existing refriget ate J transportation comamers.

Figure 1 shows a circulation of air around the transportable container 100 which is contained within a forty foot refrigerate J sea container 101. The ait flows up the sides and over the top of the tram portable container ar.d is drawn into the sea container's refrigeration unit labelled 1. The said refrigeration unit cools the air and pumps it ’ ’ ’ -.. -. . · -. - · ·. , _η j_n (h_rcnigh the

Although the appreciated that freezing work's or ether cont:oiled refricera’cd environment.

Referring to figure 2, the situation is similar, however, the forte foot refrigerated sea container 101 contains two transportable containers 100 internally. Again, the air flows up the sides and over the top of the transportable containers and it is draw n into the sea container’s refrigeration unit through inlet 2 and the cooled air is driven out the outlet labelled 3,

Referring to figure 3. The air circulation pattern is shown nteimd die six sides ot the internal transportable containers. The air flows through the ducts which are provided by the gap or space between the inside walls of the sea container ar.d the outside walls of the internal transportable container.

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Referring to figure 4, an end view of the transportable container positioned inside the sea container is shown. The transportable container 100 is shown with rollers 5 which provide the gap between the internal wall of the sea container and the external wall of the ttansportable container. The transportable container has a do-.-r 6 which enables produce to be placed inside ihe transportable container, this door is shown closed in the figure.

The control system ⁷ of the trantp'.-flable container is show of the door.

A dry ice bunker $. which is preferably ins'.th’ed. is shown, hi fisure to the richt nen'icr preferred embodiment of the invention this bunker is a cavity for gas pressure cylinders.

The computer panel for monitoring of gas .iml'or tcnspeiJ.are levels and/or lire 35 changing of set gas and/or tempe-vure levels is shown 9. A compressor, which is v . γ.,.·,·ν·,Λ 0-p.··.,. »\p“ :< shew τ, below the computer pane! labelled 10.

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Referring to figure 5, air is drawn up the sides and through the stacked cartons of produce or produce itself 11 through the air gaps 30 around the sides and in the base and top of the ctator.s. The air is drawn up by a fan 12 and the air passes a temperature probe 13 which monitors inside and outside temperatures. This probe is connected to the computer system.

Although in the preferred embodiment, a fan 12 is used to provide the circulation means, other circulation means could be used or, in use, convection currents set up by the heating means fanning part of this invention within the transport container may provide sufficient circulation, particularly for some types of produce.

Referring to figure 6, the top of the transportable container is illustrated. Shown are the variable speed fans 13. Shown also are the bracings for the roof 15 in between the outer and inner roof. These direct the flow of air away from the fans. The air flows down the duct 30 provided by the gap between the produce and the transportable container. This gap is maintained by Ϊ rail braces and/or cotrugafions.

In an alternative form of the invention, there are two row's of fans. An air gap is maintained between the cartons of produce and the inner side of the outer wall of the transportable container by raised T sections. Air is draw n up through the cargo by the fans and directed between the outer and interior roof and outer and interior walls of the transportable container. The air mixture is vented in several directions flowing inbetween the said gap across the top of the roof, it is then drawn up again through the produce, therefore, completing one revolution of the air circulation cycle.

A Ten the product is at the correct temperature as measured by the temperature probe 13 the fans may be slowed down which would have the effect of reducing moisture loss of the product.

In another form of the invention, the outer sides of the transportable container are not flat surfaces but have corrugated sides. This larger surface area would speed up the rate of heat transfer.

Il is preferred that the transportable container's control systems are connected to the sea container's refrigeration control system. This provides the ability for the transportable container to have some control over the sea container's refrigeration system. When the sea container's refrigeration system goes into defrost normally its fans stop. The transportable container's control system would ensure that the fans would be kept running during defrost. The system would stay in defrost mode until the outer metal sides of the transportable container are raised above OC. At this temperature, any ice built up on the inside of the six outer metal surfaces would melt. ητ-.’e tb·..-. process is in action, the transportable container’s fans would be turned off.

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Tt is anticipated that the t:	um-i ι	able container 100 will be in:	•iitufuctuied in a number
of different dimensions.	for ex :	n'ple, there is significant <.	► m me rc i al a J x	urge in
being able to transport n:	we t’rm	mm p.fe of fled) f:· d m! m	me mm/mm.	Tw o or
nt ore transportable eo.tr	liners 1	00 rou!d fit ink) one <ea	w winner 101.	These
transportable containers	iOO w.	.w'j cor.'.uin different prw.i	Vets kept at c	lifferent

temperatures.

In one form of the invention the sea container's 101 tempciature is set to the lowest storage temperature of the p,odm.'ts. The transportable container’s heating mechanism is then used to keep the temperature in the transportable containers with other products at higher temperatures.

Preferably, the transportable container will draw its refrigeration from an external source. However, in certain shaatiims it max be that some models will contain or have attached their own lefrigeration equipment. In this case, an insulated cover would be placed around any ι-r all oi its net.;! Vdes.

It is prefeiable that the transportable container be fitted with its own controlled atmosphere generation equipment similar to the described in Transphere’s VS Patent # 5063753 the full content of which is herein incorporated hy way of reference. However, this equipment could he mounted into or attached to the outside of the sea container itself. Connecting pipes will be required to allow gas to flow betxxeen the transportable containers gas ,ttir?;wphere and control system.

Although the following description relates to a preferred method .wheiein the gas environment is also controlled, in the case of some produce such as carrots and, particularly for brief storage or transport, there is no necessity to control the composition of the gas environment but merely the temperature. However, for longer storage'or transport of piod-.ce end. in particular, pwducc v.Inch is more <·:<;eptible to high ru'es of senescence, the gas eavhenment composition must also be contr«?lled.

Preferably, the system will supply nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide on demand and xx'ith certain products it will also supply ethylene gas on demand. Preferably, the system will also consist of a method of scrubbing carbon dioxide and/or ethylene gas from the transport able cmwamer cargo a-ca.

There are a number of optic: flushing system which d.-.x for the u'mosphere control sysflans. One of these is a r.lr in ’hiough a me ir.br.me and pa raps :: i-.to the transportable container's cargo area under pressure. This has the effect of flushing out the atmosphere inside xia pressure outlets until desired levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide are reached.

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- .0 A recirculatory system recycles the cargo atmosphere through the membrane which is Used to remove oxygen, carbcn dioxide and ethylene. Removal of some of these gases requires (hat others take their place. Tire membrane would either replace with enriched nitrogen gas or air or a mixture of both would be added.

Chemicals and/or plastics or other types of fibres could be used to remove oxygen and/or carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. R would require a system of controls that cycled the transportable container air mixture so that is was in contact with the chemicals or fibres.

A gas purge system could be provided whereby gas is purged into the transportable container cargo area at mixtures and levels determined by the control system.

If the oxygen level in the cargo area goes below· its set point then the system will cither draw in outside or process outside air through the membrane which instead of directing a nitrogen enriched stream into the cargo area may direct an oxygen enriched stream.

The proposed controlled atmosphere system may use any combination of any one. or more of the above techniques to control its cargo atmosphere.

Another possibility is the use of active films, for example, there are films available which provide for the absorption of carbon dioxide or ethylene. The use of an ethylene film to seal fruit will to a certain extent slow down its ripening and thus maintain its value.

In the event that power is cut off to the transportable container the· controlled atmosphere system would automatically open the air vents or inlet valves. This is required to stop the atmosphere going anaerobic or the CO? level becoming too high.

The transportable container may contain a battery back up unit to provide back up 25 power to the transportable container.

Means are provided to maintain or control the humidity of said gas environment.

These means may utilise a water trap io collect some or al! condensation within the transportable container in a tray, the collected condensation can then be heated so as to raise the humidity within said transportable container.

The atmosphere in the transportable container 100 can be sealed gas tight to a level much better than if a controlled atmosphere system was fitted into the sea container without the transportable container. therefore, the requirement for large amounts of gas to compensate for high leakage is not thought to be required. This means that the tr-n.xportable container controlled atmosphere system can be downsized which results , ‘.V''¹ and reduced power consumption.

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- 11 \s -ir is cooled it shrinks producing a negative pressure Kidd up inside the trunsponable container and as the air tcmperafcte rises the air o par,.is producing a p.?si;ive pressure build up indde the transportable container. This pressure may be controlled by a pressure sensitive device which is designed to keep tire transportable container under optimum positive pressure. Preferably. the device will be connected into the transportable container and exhaust its internal atmosphere, or let external air to the transportable container’s cargo area in compensation for changing environmental pressure.

In other forms of the invention, there is fitted an alarm system which will provide an alert about security breaches vr certain adverse conditions, eg a power off or oxygen level too tow or too high.

In another form cf the invention environments can be created where it is possible to grow plants in transit or better preserve them. One aid to this is an infusion of light at programmed intervals.

It is anticipated that at least two different atmosphere systems Type I and Type Π will be alternatively offered as a source of gas supply to the transportable container. Preferably one of these is fitted to a transportable container although both may be fitted to provide a backup.

Type I consists of a nitrogen generator, preferably, a hollow fibre membrane or a PSA system, a CO: supply source cither dried ice or a pressure cylinder, oxygen carbon dioxide gas analyses, a PLC controller or similar computer control system, solenoid valves, flow valve, an oilless compressor and. optionally, data recorders for temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide gases.

An alternative system, Type It. would consist of a liquid nitrogen pressure vessel, pressme vessels containing CO;, an optional dry ice sys'em for CO; supply, oxygen and carbon dioxide gas analysers. PLC controllers or a similar computer control svstem and solenoid valves.

Although the majority of this description relates to the provision of transportable or portable containers, the technology described could equally be used in the provision of fixed containers for coolrooms and the like and provide an alternative to upgrading the coolroom itself and/or provide better control over temperature and gas _t nvironment for pm-L’ce in the ceolroom. The system also Clows a variety of different temperatures and/or gas environments to be maintained in different containers within a single refrigerated coolroom.

Π n rn-wt preferred foun of the pioetrt invention :> as illmtrated in ficure 1 2. A p diet Γ · 4 onto which cartons 11 ot produce is 1 calcd 'urroundinv the produce is ^Bador,g,_nal a

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J a flexible sealing means, preferably a plastics bag 56, the plastics bag 56 is spaced apart from the produce cations 11 thus providing a duct 30. Spacers (not shown) can be inserted in the bag to hold ;h? b_g from the produce if required. Where the produce is not gas permeable, such as meat, a grille or the like through which gas may circulate may be provided between the pallet and the produce. Present in at least llutd communication with said plasties bag 56 is an electrically energiseable means to circulate the gas environment preferably a fan 12. This fan may be of variable speed tvpe or may simply consist of a single speed fan. Surrounding said fan 12 and provided for the sealing of said bag is a fan cap 54. The fan is desirably attached to the inside of the cap. In forms cf the invention contained within said bag 56 are atmospheric scrubbing devices or means 53. These means may consist of desiccating elements or devices or devices which absorb specific gn>es such as ethvlene.

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The flow of air fotced by said fan 12 is as shown in the figures, the air Hows down the duct 30 provided between 'he plastics bag 56 and the produce 11 through the canons of produce 11 and up the duct on the opposite side formed between the plastics bag 56 and the cartons of produce 11. A heat exchange relationship 50 exists through the side walls of the transportable container 100. Especially preferred forms of the invention a service line 64 is provided in the most basic forms of the invention, this service line may simply provide for power of the fan 12, in other forms the service line may provide for monitoring and/or control of the atmosphere contained within said transportable container. Aspects of the invention described for the embodiments previously described such as humidity and gas control are able to be used in this embodiment.

In forms of the present invention the plastics bag 56 may comprise a, for example, gas semi-permeable plashes, this plastics materia] may. for example, allow for the exit of ethylene but substantially prevent the exit of other gases. In other forms of the invention an insulated outer container may be provided over said plastics bag. Cardboard wrap can be used for this purpose. The thickness of this insulated material may be selected so as to provide for the best internal environment, eg temperature, within said transportable container. In forms of the invention, if desired, temperature raising means 120 such as a resistance heater are provided t > raise tire temperature of the internal environment within the said transportable container if required. The heater may be attached to the of the cap 5-4. Usually a heat sensor is provided w ithin the container 100 and a suitable responsive means is provided to maintain the desired heat. A similar sensing system may be used if the shipping container refrigeration equipment is used to maintain temperature control of the container i00.

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The temperature within the container 100, where a heater is provided, may be raised to a temperature above, the temperature in the shipping container.

J; will be apparent that the fu.i and hewer eh! be pb cd in the prl'et rather than in the fan cap if desired.

In its preferred forms the invention allows flexibility of use of the cooled space. Also the plastic bag. and any insulation provided such as cuidbeard v,rap, may be destroyed on delivery leaving only the fan cap (if provided) and possibly the pallet to be shipped if no produce is available.

Claims

1. Λ method of tr:'·.Kpcritng. storing _Kor readying for transport or storing) pi educe which comp rises:

(i) loading and sealing the produce into a sealable transportable flexible 5 walled container or onto a pallet (hereinafter “container) to substantially isolate gas associated with said produce from the surrounding environment, said container or pallet basing means electrically energiseable or otherwise aetuable and powered to circulate said gas associated with said produce amongst the produce and in some heat exchange

10 relationship with or through at least part of a sealing periphery of said sealed produce and its associated gas: and (ii) holding the temperature of the sealed produce/gas environment or lowering the temperature of and then holding the temperature of the sealed produce/gas environment at a refrigerating temperature by ensuring a controlled

15 refrigerating environment outside of said container which is in a heat exchange relationship with said at least part of a sealing periphery and hence said produce/gas environment, while the ga< within said container is being continuously or continually citeula'cd therein.

2.

A method of tr.vη-η· >·<iί<· .a ..,r ··· ' · * e · ' & «Λ ι ‘ ‘ · Ί- - ¹ ' . produce as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is transported, if needed, while ά itliin s ,;d coutnlled rcfr;--:< rutins environment.

3. A method of trot sporting. storing (or readying for transport or storing) produce as claimed in churn 1 or 2 wherein said method also utilises means to control the armor p-here or to provide a displacing gas for the purpose of controlling the gas environment wihhin said container.

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4. A method of transpe, ting, storing (or readying for transport or storing! produce as claimed in claim 3 wherein said control of said gas environment involves the control of at least one or more of the nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene content of the gas environment within the container.

5 upper part of said item w hen in use.

39. A transportable item as claimed in claim 37 or 38 wherein said means electrically energiseable or otherwise forcing is a fan preferably variable in speed.

40. A transportable item as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39 wherein said flexible w ailed seeling means comprising a plastics bag or similar sheeting.

5 the bag and upwardly through any produce stacked on the bottom of the bag or some raised floor or skeletal floor associated thctewith and is directed downwardly through r

said ducting space.

37. A transportable item comprising:

a forklift carry-able pallet;

10 flexible w alled sealing means;

θ produce, said produce being sealed within said sealing means and on said pallet;

© said item having associated therewith means electrically energiseable or otherwise forcing to circulate the gas environment within said transportable container when said sealing means is substantially sealed;

15 the temperature of the environment within said container being capable of being effected by heat exchange from -'aid circulating gas environment through at least part of at least one wall of said transportable container;

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means to control the temperature within said transportable contam-t temperature is held or lowered and the held.

38. A transportable item as claimed in claim 37 wherein said means electrically energiseable or otherwise forcing to circulate the gas environment is housed within an

5 mouth of the flexible walled bag.

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30. A transportable container as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29 including ducts around said produce.

31. A transportable container as claimed in cktim 29 wherein said cap is sized to extend outwardly beyond said produce to allow a gap between said pioduee and said

10 bag to form said ducts.

32. A transportable container as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 31 wherein a

C^: layer of insulating materia! is provided in associated with said sealing means, preferably © said insulating material is sized so as to ensure the content of said transportable container are maintained at a suitable temperature.

15

33. A transportable container as claimed in any one of claims 25 io 32 wherein said electrically energises!?·? or otherwise heating means is a resistance heater.

34. A transportable c>>r.:mner as claimed in anv one of claims 25 to 33 wherein said atmosphere control unit is directly associated with each said transportable container.

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35.

A transportable container as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 34 wherein .,_tm,sphere control unit is remote from said transportable container.

36. A transportable container as claimed in claim 35 or in either one of claims 34 to 35 where said gas environment parses downwardly through said ducting space against

5 produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 io 21 wherein said sealing periphery comprises at least pmt of a wall at least of the transportable eont-iner in a heat losing rdati· m.shlp with the left ire ated environment, the indie I dual said transportable containers each having gas environment and/or produce temperature sensing means and gas environment tempeiature raising means individually responsive to the

10 temperature sensing means should the temperature be below or drop below a predetermined level, the overall arrangement being such that if desired individual refrigerating temperatures above that of the refrigerated enviionment can be provided for the individual transportable containers.

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23. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing )

15 produce as claimed m claim 22 wherein said step of providing individual refrigerating tempmatures above that of the refrigerated environment comprises the step of causing the temperature raising means to raise the temperature of the selected individual trarspv rt able container.

2d. Λ method of ir-..nsp*rime. storing. (or readvinc for tra: sport or storing) as 20 claimed in anv ene of claims 1 to 23 wherein a laser of insulating materia) is provided b739rS2.SO5/C\\',G(j

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- y.· in association with said waling means, said insulating means being of a sufficient thickness to ensure the produce is maintained at a required temperature.

25. A sealable transportable container suitable for use in any method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 in accordance with the present invention.

5

26. A transportable container comprising:

Γ means providing a flexible vailed bag having a sealable opening thereto to allow the loading and unloading of produce thereinto;

means electrically energiseable cr otherw ise forcing disposed within the bag to draw a gas environment iherewithin through any produce stacked in the bag and to direct the

10 gas environment around said produce so as to be in a heat exchange (preferably in use losing) relationship with anv refrigerated environment outside of said bag.

Q θ

27. A transportable container as claimed in claim 26 further includes an electrically operable atmosphere control unit responsive to the atmosphere within the box form capable of controlling at least one of the gases nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and

15 ethylene in said atmosphere.

AP/P/ 9 5 / 0 0 7 5 9

28. A transportable container as claimed in cither claim 26 or claim 27 further including electrically energiseable or otherwise heating means disposed in the locus of the in use gas movement under the action of said means electrically energiseable or otherwise heating capable of raising the temperature of the circulating gas environment

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- dt ‘honld the temperature within the transportable box form drop below a , · - a ^r “ Γ¹ - - Γ.η, . 4 or preset minimum.

29. A transportable container as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 further includes a cap pi actable in use over said produce and sea’ingly engageable with the

5 environment is that of a refrigerated slipping container or refrigerated vehicle, such as, is currently used for refrigerated cargoes.

r

5. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for tiansport or storing) produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein there Is provided means to control or maintain the humidity of said gas environment.

6. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing) produ.ee as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means to maintain or control the humidity of said gas environment utilises a water trap to collect some or all condensation within the transportable container in a tray.

7. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) ' ⁴ ' ’ ·' * '-'•’•..-iin ^v ν.· t;r g means is provided to substantially heat J?, ^ORIGINAL A

ΑΡ.00552 •»aid collected condeesa'-oo so as to u;:.c hi.rr.idity > .n ?.»4 ;_s container.

8. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) produce as claimed in any one of chums 1 to 7 wherein said controlled refrigerating

9. A method of transporting. storing (or readying for transport or storing ) produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said transportable container includes means internally thereof to raise (preferably under temperature sensor control)

10 the temperature of the circulating gas environment therein (eg. an electrical heater) to a desired temperature or temperature range above the temperature of said controlled refrigerating environment.

o.

produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said means electrically

15 energiseable within the container is a fan.

11. A method of transporting, storing for readying for transport or storing ) produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the locus cr urged circulation of the gas environment is up the walls of the container, over the top of produce stack back down the walls of the container.

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12.

produce as claimed in any «.'ne of claims 1 to 10 wherein the locus of urged circulation is up the wails cf said cont.iinvi across and through the produce at various levels and back down the walls of the container.

5

13. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for tiar.sport or storing ) produce as claimed in any one ot chums 1 to 12 wheresn '•m J containers are formed by Γ placing a plastics ίwInch may be gas permeable with respect to certain gases) bag over said product to fonn said flexible wall, said bag then being braced so as to provide air gaps or ducts around said produce.

10

14. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) produce as claimed in claim 13 wherein said means to control the atmosphere or to provide a displacing gas preferably includes a compressor.

c θ 15. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) produce claimed in claim 14 wherein said compressor is in a direct heat exchange

15 relationship with the refiigerateJ environment rather than the interior of the transportable container.

16. A method of transporting, storing tor readying for transport or itoring ) produce as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means to control the atmosphere or to provide a displacing gas includes a duct into the container fiorn a centralised controlled

20 atmosphere generating unit not itself carried by the transportable container.

original Λ

AP.00552

17.

A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or srorin^ ) produce as alarmed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein each said container carries its own controlled atmosphere generating unit.

18. Λ method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) 5 produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said container includes heat sensors and means to sense the gas environment and the container has means r

lesponsixe thereto tor the control ol die temperature therewithin and the atmosphere therein.

19. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) 10 produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein a centralised control system is provided whereby said container includes heat sensors and means to sense the gas environment and a central unit has means responsive thereto for the control of the

C tempeiature therewithin and the atmosphere therein.

c

20. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) 15 produce as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein in the event of a failure of the refrigeration system and/or the atmosphere controlling means, there is provided means whereby controlled quantities of ambient air can enter the sealed transportable container.

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BAD ORIGINAL

21. A method of transporting, storing (or readying for transport or storing ) produce as claimed in claim 20 wherein said ambient air enteis via the opening of an air inlet

A method of transporting, storing (or teadying for transport or storing )

10 41. A transportable item as claimed in claim 40 wherein said plasties bag is at least gas semipermeable with respect to certain g&>es, for example, ethylene.