Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling produce is disclosed. In an embodiment for the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a container having an interior volume and a cooler. The cooler is movable between a first position where the cooler is disposed within the interior volume and a second position where the cooler is at least partially retracted from the interior volume. The cooler is adapted to cool at least a portion of the interior volume when the cooler is in its second position. In an embodiment for a method in accordance with the present invention, the method includes the steps of retracting the cooler at least partially from the container, storing produce within the container, and cooling an interior volume of the container with the cooler.

Abstract: A transportable and size-adjustable ripening apparatus for controlled ripening of produce includes a chamber defined by a ceiling, a floor, and walls connecting the ceiling and the floor. The chamber is configured to receive a row of boxed produce that defines an interstitial volume with one of the walls to create a low-pressure plenum. The ripening apparatus also includes an air flow control system for transferring air between a high pressure plenum and the low pressure plenum, and which controls the temperature of the transferred air. The plena are generally enclosed to inhibit airflow therebetween except for airflow through the air control system and through openings in the produce boxes. The air control system includes one system for controlling the flow of air through a refrigeration unit, and another system for circulating air without refrigeration. The invention is preferably constructed from an existing ISO (International Standards Organization) container.

Abstract: A ripening room for controlled ripening of produce includes a chamber defined by a ceiling, a floor, and a plurality of walls connecting the ceiling and the floor. The chamber is configured to receive two rows of boxed produce that are spaced apart from each other to define an interstitial volume therebetween. Each row of produce is proximate and spaced apart from one of the walls to define a side airspace therebetween. The ripening room also includes an air control system for transferring air between the side airspaces and the interstitial volume and controlling the temperature of the transferred air. The side airspaces and the interstitial volume are generally enclosed to inhibit airflow therebetween except for airflow through the air control system and through openings in the produce boxes.