Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a stream of fluid around fresh produce, which produce is stored in containers provided with openings in the sides. A consecutive row of a multiplicity of such containers is arranged along a wall some distance from the latter, in such a way that an interspace is formed between the wall and the row. At least one bag which extends along at least one edge of the row is inflated in the interspace by feeding a fluid to the bag, in such a way that the bag produces a seal against the wall on one side and against the row on the other. The fluid fed to the bag flows via outflow openings made in the bag into the interspace and builds up an elevated pressure here. The fluid then flows from the interspace, via the openings in the sides of the container, around the fresh produce. The invention can be used in particular in storage rooms in which rows of containers containing fresh produce can be arranged along opposing side walls.

Abstract: A device for storing fruit, such as bananas, kept in containers placed on a pallet, under controlled conditions. The device comprises a cabinet having an intake and an outlet for air, and a feed and an atomizer for liquid. The air outlet is formed by an essentially open planar front of the cabinet, the dimensions of the outlet essentially corresponding to those of a side of the load of fruit, placed in containers on a pallet, which is to be placed against the cabinet. The air intake opens into a chamber in which the atomizer is mounted. An air-penetrable filter separates this chamber from the outlet. The atomizer preferably comprises a spray tube which extends through the cabinet and has spray nozzles, a splash board being arranged close to the spray tube. The air is forcibly supplied, for example by means of a fan. Buffers for a pallet and guides for guiding the pallet to the front of the cabinet are fitted at the bottom of the cabinet at the front.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ripening fruit, such as bananas, comprising a chamber containing a frame in which at least two rows of loaded pallets are placed one above the other, in such a way that there is a free space on either side of the rows of loaded pallets, and comprising cooling means for the cooling of fluid provided in the lengthwise direction along the frame, and circulation means for conveying the fluid from one longitudinal side of the frame to the other longitudinal side, in such a way that a pressure difference arises between the space at one longitudinal side and the other, as a result of which the fluid flows back essentially in the horizontal direction through the load on the pallets from one longitudinal side to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ripening fruit, such as bananas, and a device fop carrying out the method. According to the invention, a fluid is cooled and guided along the fruit by circulation means conveying said fluid through a load of fruit placed on a pallet, the load being sealed essentially in an airtight manner in the peripheral direction, and the load being placed above or below the circulation means, while the fluid is conveyed through the load essentially in the vertical direction by the circulation means. The circulation means preferably suck the fluid up through the load from the bottom or down through the load from the top, and then guide it along the cooling means, following which, as the result of a pressure difference caused by the circulation means, the fluid is conveyed again along the outside of the load to the bottom or top side, respectively, thereof.