Abstract: Many import and export regulations require fumigation of goods, such as products or commodities, to ensure that non-native pests are not introduced. The fumigating process can involve placing the goods in a sealed containment system, and introducing the sealed good to a fumigant, such as methyl bromide gas, for a predetermined amount of time. After fumigation, regulations may require how to dispense the fumigant. The fumigant can be exhausted through fans, baffles, dampers, filters, and a chimney, as part of an emission system, in a controlled manner. The controlled manner can include combining the fumigant with ambient air and releasing or exhausting the combination over an amount of time, which mitigates pollution by the fumigant. The time-period is not specific, and instead is the time needed to meet regulatory requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method, apparatus and system for cooling goods, such as, for example, agricultural products, in a substantially sealed chamber. A method of the invention includes placing goods on a surface; forming a chamber over the goods on the surface; positioning a cooling apparatus having a first portion and a second portion proximate to the goods; enclosing the first portion of the cooling apparatus in the chamber; substantially sealing the chamber; and cooling the goods. A cooling system of the invention comprises a first support having a carrier; an evaporation coil mounted to the first support; a second support having a carrier; a compressor mounted to the second support, the compressor coupled to the evaporation coil; and a substantially sealed enclosure positioned over the evaporation coil and such that the compressor is positioned without the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method, apparatus and system for cooling goods, such as, for example, agricultural products, in a substantially sealed chamber. A method of the invention includes placing goods on a surface; forming a chamber over the goods on the surface; positioning a cooling apparatus having a first portion and a second portion proximate to the goods; enclosing the first portion of the cooling apparatus in the chamber; substantially sealing the chamber; and cooling the goods. A cooling system of the invention comprises a first support having a carrier; an evaporation coil mounted to the first support; a second support having a carrier; a compressor mounted to the second support, the compressor coupled to the evaporation coil; and a substantially sealed enclosure positioned over the evaporation coil and such that the compressor is positioned without the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.