Abstract: A method for silaging harvested crops includes distributing and compacting silage consisting of shredded foliage plants in a silo. The silo is then sealed and then fermented in the silo. At least one part of the silage is flushed with an inert gas after an aerobic phase of the fermentation is detected with a first sensor. The inert gas may also be introduced into the silage if a penetration of atmospheric oxygen is detected in the silage with a second sensor.

Abstract: A panel for skirting of a mobile home comprises an extrusion of a polymer material having a thickness of between 0.040 inches and 0.048 inches. The panel has an exterior face comprising a plurality of panel portions separated by grooves formed in the face. Each of the grooves is defined by spaced apart sidewalls arranged generally perpendicular to adjoining panel portions and a groove base extending between the spaced apart side walls. The groove base has vents. On the exterior face, the side wall transitions to the adjoining panel portion with a radius of between about 5/32 inches and about 7/32 inches. On the exterior face, the distance between the groove sidewalls is between about ¼ inches and about 9/32 inches. The exterior face has an embossed stucco finish. The panel is resistant to damage from grass cutting string trimmers having string diameter of less than 0.105 inches.

Abstract: Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes.

Abstract: A produce chamber (1) is provided to subject produce in a crate (7) to a controlled atmosphere. The chamber (1) has at least one inflatable/deflatable balloon seal structure (15) for sealingly engaging with a side wall of a produce crate (7) which has at least one opening (13) in a side wall (11) thereof. The balloon seal structure (15) has at least one discharge opening (19) that aligns with the at least one crate opening (13). Crates (7) with produce therein can be loaded in the chamber (1) with the balloon seal structure (15) deflated. The balloon seal structure (15) can then be inflated and controlled atmosphere allowed to circulate through the balloon seal structure (15) and discharged from the opening (19) and through the crate opening (13) to expose the produce to a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A grain bin assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. The plurality of roof panels have rib junctions which form a gap. A vent assembly is positioned between the corrugated cylindrical wall and the roof structure. The vent assembly has a plurality of louvers positioned within the vent assembly. The vent assembly provides improved venting of the grain bin assembly.

Abstract: Integrated aerator for storage and drying silos installed directly over the silo's grains unloading tunnel (1), which is used for the air captation and using the same for drying and conservation of agricultural products stored in the mentioned silo, this aerator being made-up by a modular structure (2) provided of an inferior opening for air captation (3), over which is positioned a rotor (4) associated to a rotation shaft (5) with rotation bearings (6), a set that is driven by a motor (7), in a form to capture air through the opening (3), and blowing the same through a perimeter structure of shutters (8) and exits (9), which direct the blown air directly inside the silo.

Abstract: Aeration drying and disinfecting grain crops in bulk and pretreating seeds includes passing through a bulk of grain crops and seeds disinfecting and drying agents including an ozone and air mixture and surrounding air, subdividing the disinfecting and drying agents into a plurality of streams spaced from one another in a vertical direction, and passing the streams at different heights through levels located at corresponding heights of the bulk of grain crops and seeds transversely in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ripening and/or storage room for produce, including fruit and/or vegetables, more particularly for bananas, and a method for storing and ripening such produce. The invention relates to the construction of said ripening and/or storage room to achieve substantially symmetrical distribution of the heat across the load stacked in room space during ripening/store periods using reversible air flow through the room.

Abstract: Integrated aerator for storage and drying silos installed directly over the silo's grains unloading tunnel (1), which is used for the air captation and using the same for drying and conservation of agricultural products stored in the mentioned silo, this aerator being made-up by a modular structure (2) provided of an inferior opening for air captation (3), over which is positioned a rotor (4) associated to a rotation shaft (5) with rotation bearings (6), a set that is driven by a motor (7), in a form to capture air through the opening (3), and blowing the same through a perimeter structure of shutters (8) and exits (9), which direct the blown air directly inside the silo.

Abstract: A grain bin assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. The plurality of roof panels have rib junctions which form a gap. A vent assembly is positioned between the corrugated cylindrical wall and the roof structure. The vent assembly has a plurality of louvers positioned within the vent assembly. The vent assembly provides improved venting of the grain bin assembly.

Abstract: An improved and cost effective stored grain cooling system that comprises at least one device that draws air attached to an outside area of a bin and also comprises a perforated pipe that faces in the direction of the device that draws air. The perforated pipe leads to an outlet that eventually leads to the device that draws air, which allows for heat produced by stored grain to effectively cool. The perforated pipe is suspended in the bin and tightly fits into the outlet leading to the device that draws air. The pipe is suspended by a system of rope-like and chain-like elements that are attached to the pipe and extend outwards and attach to respective areas of the bin.

Abstract: Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A storage floor air vent may comprise at least two vent walls positioned in substantially parallel relation to thereby define a channel; a plurality of angular baffle members, each angular baffle member composed of two segments forming an apex therebetween; the plurality of angular baffle members positioned in between the at least two vent walls in a linear arrangement, with each apex facing upward proximal the top end of each of the at least two vent walls, and each angular baffle member is positioned a distance apart from the adjacent angular baffle member to thereby define an orifice between the segment ends of adjacent angular baffle members.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to atmospheric control in commodity storage buildings and in particular to the air flow floor vents installed during construction of concrete floors and employed in the control of flow and or circulation of air or atmosphere from under-floor plenums via vents around fruits and or vegetables, including in particular fresh potatoes, stored on concrete or other floors following harvest and until sale and or processing.

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 food storage building (10) having exterior wall surface (55) and exterior ceiling surfaces (65) held in spaced relationship with interior wall surfaces (64) and interior ceiling surfaces (64) to form interconnecting between wall and between wall cavities. Ventilation duct (41) is positioned within the between wall cavities around the base perimeter of wall systems (11). The ventilation duct (41) has a plurality of vent holes (42) for supplying heated or cooled forced air from heat source (40) to the between wall cavities for purposes of holding interior wall surfaces (54) and interior ceiling surfaces (64) above the drew point for the interior atmospheric conditions of food storage building (10).

Abstract: A tarpaulin covering system for protecting a pile of material having an array of folded tubular vents connected to a tarpaulin to assist a weighting system on the tarpaulin in the prevention of aerodynamic lift. The vents remain in a folded state when the air pressure between the tarpaulin and the pile of material is minimal. During a period of increased air pressure, the vents in the area of increased air pressure open allowing for the escape of the entrapped air. The venting system prevents a protective tarpaulin from being lifted off the surface of the material pile which may cause damage to the tarpaulin resulting in an decrease in the overall integrity of the protective tarpaulin system.

Abstract: A storage vessel for storing grain or other natural products comprises a gas-impermeable enclosure having a water-vapour-permeable membrane to allow the grain to breath and dry, and to prevent condensation and mould growth. The membrane is impermeable to oxygen gas to allow a reduced oxygen atmosphere (e.g. 3 to 7%) to be established as oxygen is used up by insect pests within the grain. The insects are unable to survive at such low levels of oxygen. Thus the grain is protected against pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing grain in a conical pile that is aerated by means of a centrally located aeration tower. The apparatus is broken down for shipment into components which are readily erected in a site area without construction equipment which include a loading conveyor supported by a mast mounted in the site area and which is removable after filling of in site area with grain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shutter which is capable of ventilating air in a building. There is provided a slat, which has a through-hole covered with a net, in the upper section of the shutter; there is provided a slat, which is capable of adjusting the amount of ventilating air, in the lower section of the shutter. With this combination, fresh air is able to enter the building from the lower slat and air inside is able to flow out from the upper slat when the lower slat makes possible to ventilate.

Abstract: In order to dry or ripen foodstuffs giving off humidity, a processing room (1) with air inlets (7) on its lower side is disclosed. The air inlets are formed by the peripheral openings of textile hoses (6) suspended above the surface of the floor (2). Aisles and/or traffic lanes (10, 11) are provided between the hoses (6).

Abstract: A heated ventilation door for a potato storage facility or the like is described comprising a door pivotally mounted in a support mounted in an opening formed in one wall of the storage facility. The door includes a hollow peripheral frame having heating fluid contained therein which is heated by an electrical heating element in communication therewith. The heating element is controlled by a thermostat to conserve energy and is also controlled by a mercury switch which deactivates the heating element when the door is in its open position. When the door is in its closed position, the heating element heats the heating fluid in the peripheral frame at the location of the heating element in the peripheral frame causing the heating fluid to circulate around the peripheral frame.