Abstract: A flexible film and flexible food storage bag for packaging produce such as vegetables and fruits wherein the film or bag has plurality of microholes specifically designed to allow the produce to breath in a controlled rate such that localized condensation and weight loss is minimized, which in turn reduces microbial (bacteria and mold) growth and reduces produce mushiness (softness) respectively.

Abstract: A microbe propagation preventing apparatus and a microbe propagation preventing method are provided to prevent anion from decreasing at a time of decomposing ozone generated by gaseous discharge or ionization so as to sufficiently generate air ion, and to sufficiently prevent propagation of microbes adhering to an object by using the air ion without secondary pollution. Further, in the apparatus and the method, a gas containing the ion is supplied into water so as to prevent the microbe propagation in the water. In the apparatus, an ozone decomposing chamber is mounted to be electrically insulated from an air duct. An electrode to remove a positive ion is mounted to obtain only a negative ion, and extend a lifetime of the obtained ion. An ion supplying portion is mounted to supply an ionized gas into a space housing the object in which microbes can be propagated, and return the ionized gas to an ionization chamber.

Abstract: A method for uniformly controlling the ripening of bananas and other perishable products from harvest to delivery, wherein a combination shipping and ripening container having an internal volume capable of receiving and maintaining a controlled atmosphere is provided. Freshly harvested, unripened perishable products are loaded into the container and cooled to a holding temperature in a range of from about 57.degree. to about 70.degree. F. Once the products are stabilized at the desired holding temperature, a controlled atmosphere including ethylene is preferably substantially immediately provided to the internal volume to uniformly initiate ripening of all of the loaded products. Once ripening has been initiated, the ethylene is reduced within the internal volume by displacement with a low oxygen controlled atmosphere, which is maintained within the container during storage, transportation, and delivery procedures.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a system for controlling the atmosphere within a confined space. The system has an electrical control having a display and electrically controlled components. The components include an air compressor, a filter, an air heater, a separator for dividing air into streams of oxygen and nitrogen, and flow control valves for varying the purity of the nitrogen stream. The system also includes sensors for indicating the temperature leaving the heater and the temperature within the confined space. A sensor indicates the pressure upstream of the control valves. An oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor are included.

Abstract: An improved method is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle.

Abstract: A synthetic double-layered permanganate material including a synthetic double-layered hydroxide material modified such that permanganate anion is included to a level greater than approximately 20% of the theoretical anion exchange capacity of the hydroxide material within its interstices.

Abstract: A system for controlling the atmosphere of a container for use in the storage and/or transportation of perishable goods which includes adsorption apparatus for the selective adsorption in whole or in part and in a predeterminded order of any water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or ethylene contained within the atmosphere, a blower for urging the atmosphere to the adsorption apparatus, and a conduiting for returning the controlled atmosphere to the container.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus and method, for use in controlled atmosphere packaging of horticultural produce in controlled permeability film. A valve apparatus mounted on or in a packaging film including a temperature sensitive sensor formed from a bimetallic or shape-memory material (2), or a chemical sensitive sensor formed from a swellable polymer, to actuate the valve member (pin or plug) (1) on, or in communication with the sensor. In use, after sealing the produce within the packaging film, the valve apparatus opens the packaging film in response to a temperature change of predetermined magnitude to allow oxygen flow for extension of storage life or fumigation of the produce.

Abstract: Food products, especially fresh food products such as retail-cut red meat, vegetables and fruits, are packaged with a film having at least one film layer comprising a substantially linear ethylene polymer, preferably a polymer comprising ethylene and at least one .alpha.-olefin comonomer, e.g. 1-octene. The ethylene polymers used in the construction of the film structures used in this invention are prepared by constrained geometry catalyst technology. The film structures can be either mono- or multilayered, oriented or nonoriented, oxygen permeable or impermeable, and prepared by any conventional technique. The food products can be packaged by any conventional method, e.g. stretch overwrap, shrink, vacuum skin, on vacuum forming.

Abstract: A method for preserving and displaying fresh mushrooms is provided which minimizes air flow, moisture penetration and mushroom shrink. The container method includes disposing fresh mushrooms in a container which has a plurality of ventilation openings and a cover. The container is transparent to provide an upscale and attractive display and to allow a consumer to see the container's contents.

Abstract: A wrapping material comprising a sheet of material such as paper, cellophane, foil, or man-made organic polymer film and a cling material such as polyethylene secured to a portion of the sheet of material. The cling material connects to the sheet of material and/or itself as the wrapping material is wrapped about an item thereby securing the sheet of material about the item. A method of wrapping an item such as a floral arrangement, Easter basket or a gift container by wrapping the item with the wrapping material.

Abstract: In a banana ripening room, pallets of boxes of fruit are stacked in individual locations defined by a support structure, in two spaced apart rows separated by an aisle, and in two superimposed tires. The aisle defines a volume into which air is introduced under pressure by fans in an overhead space separated from the room by a false ceiling. All the gaps between adjacent pallets and structural members are sealed by rubber flaps, an efficient seal being obtained when boxes are used which are designed for use in pressurised ripening systems. The flaps are attached along one edge to structural members and free at their other edges to conform to the contours of the pallet loads, thereby ensuring that air can be cycled only through the pallet loads to lower pressure zones beyond the rows of pallets.

Abstract: Process and generator for generating a pesticidal gas mixture of phosphine gas and air for fumigating an enclosed environment, e.g. a grain silo with phosphine. Air, moisture content adjusted by drying or humidifying, is passed through a porous bed of aluminum phosphide or magnesium phosphide, preferably in a throw-a-way cartridge. The resulting mixture of air and phosphine gas is passed into the space. Typical humidities (which determines the phosphine concentration) are 4 g/m.sup.3 for "flow through" conditions or 12 g/m.sup.3 for "one shot" conditions of fumigation. The cartridge is fitted directly in sealing relationship between inlet and outlet adaptors to serve as the gas generator vessel of the apparatus. The cartridge, completely filled with metal phosphide in powder or granulate form, has cylindrical gas-tight side walls, flexible and stretchable to allow for expansion of the metal phosphide during hydrolysis, and porous end walls.

Abstract: An article for storing fruits and vegetables (10) is formed from a sheet of mesh material (20) which has two edges (22) placed next to one another to form a tubular bag. The ends of elastic strips (24) parallely affixed along the length of the sheet (20) are joined to form rings creating pockets (26) in the bag.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for maintaining a controlled oxygen atmosphere within a transport container vessel, such as a bulk rail car through the use of permeable membrane technology. An oilless compressor is used in conjunction with the system so as not to subject the permeable membranes to the derogatory effects associated with the presence of oil within an air stream that circulates through the permeable membranes. The present system further includes an air-sampling system which is used to continuously measure the oxygen levels within the rail car so as to provide verification that the oxygen levels are maintained at 5% or less to kill insects, larvae, or eggs which may be within the bulk materials transported by the rail car.

Abstract: A container system which is environmentally controlled for the packaging and shipment of vegetables, and particularly of lettuce, such as iceberg lettuce. The packaging relies upon a reusable paperboard container which is of a polygonal shape, such as an octagonal shape, providing a large number of corner margins which afford strength in stacking of like containers on pallets. A plastic liner is disposed within the paperboard container and receives the vegetables such as the heads of lettuce. This liner is evacuated through a small incision made in the liner and the liner is sealed, or the former air atmosphere is replaced with a modified atmosphere, such as a high carbon monoxide concentration or nitrogen atmosphere, and thereafter, the opening is sealed. The modified atmosphere precludes the oxidation and deterioration of the lettuce or other vegetable product. In a more preferred embodiment, a pair of plastic liners, comprising inner and outer liners, are employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning the atmosphere in a storage chamber for organic harvested produce, characterized in that the storage chamber is allowed to form part of a system composed of the relevant storage chamber (1), at least two, and preferably three, gas separation modules (2), (3) and (4), which are located downstream of one another and are provided with N.sub.2 /O.sub.2 separation membranes, at least one compressor (5) and at least one control valve (6),the compressor drawing in three streams (F1), (F2) and (F3),the first separation module yielding a permeate, which is removed from the system as stream (F4), and a retentate, which is fed to the second separation module,the second separation module yielding a retentate, which is fed to the third separation module, and a permeate, which is fed together with the permeate from the third separation module as stream to the compressor, andthe retentate from the third separation module is fed via the control valve to the storage cheer.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a controlled atmosphere within a sealed container. The device is utilized to control the oxygen and the carbon dioxide levels within the container and utilizes permeable membrane technology to control such levels. An oilless compressor is used in conjunction with the device so as to not subject the permeable membranes to the derogatory effects associated with the presence of oil within an airstream that circulates through the permeable membranes. Additionally, the compressor is preferably mounted within the sealed container so as to not subject the compressor to the effects of temperature variation and corrosive marine environments. The present device further includes an air sampling system which is used to periodically measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the container. Control logic is included with the system which is operable to adjust the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in accordance with the particular readings obtained by the sampling system.

Abstract: The apoptosis of CD4 cells in a person infected with the human immunodeficiency virus may be impeded by enterally feeding to the infected person a nutritional product which contains soy protein hydrolysate having a degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 14 to 17 and a molecular weight partition, as determined by size exclusion chromatography, wherein 30%-60% of the particles have a molecular weight in the range of 1500-5000 Daltons. The nutritional product also contains a source of intact protein. The nutritional product has a ratio, by weight, of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids of about 1.3:1 to 2.5:1. The nutritional product also contains a source of dietary fiber.

Abstract: A method for fumigating a produce commodity comprising packing the commodity in a vented fumigation container (10, 18, 30) that is constructed from a solid-wall material that is substantially free of contaminants that would bind fumigant gas, fumigating the container and commodity contained therein in a fumigation chamber (40), and shipping the fumigated commodity in the containers.

Abstract: Three generic methods for selectively fumigating fruit. The methods include: (a) open-box selective fumigation; (b) closed-box selective fumigation; and (c) open-top selective fumigation using an existing picking lug. Also included are three embodiments of a solid-wall, wood fiber fumigation box (10, 18, 30) used to practice the first two methods, and a fumigation facility (32) having an improved fumigation chamber (40) useful in practicing all three methods.

Abstract: Products are placed in proximity to a liquid holding cooling element containing a volatile liquid and are subjected to a vacuum. The evaporation of the liquid from the cooling element enhances cooling while reducing the evaporation of liquid from the product.

Abstract: A method for preserving fruits characterized by juice sacs and rag. The fruits are placed in a holding tank and submerged in a liquid having a freezing point higher than that of the fruits. The liquid may either be maintained just above its freezing point or frozen such that the temperature of the liquid is maintained above the freezing point of the fruits.

Abstract: Process and generator for generating a pesticidal gas mixture of phosphine gas and air for fumigating an enclosed environment, e.g. a grain silo, with phosphine. Air, moisture content adjusted by drying or humidifying, is passed through a porous bed of aluminum phosphide or magnesium phosphide, preferably in a throw-a-way cartridge. The resulting mixture of air and phosphine gas is passed into the space. Typical humidities (which determines the phosphine concentration) are 4 g/m.sup.3 for "flow through" conditions or 12 g/m.sup.3 for "one shot" conditions of fumigation. The cartridge is fitted directly in sealing relationship between inlet and outlet adaptors to serve as the gas generator vessel of the apparatus. The cartridge, completely filled with metal phosphide in powder or granulate form, has cylindrical gas-tight side walls, flexible and stretchable to allow for expansion of the metal phosphide during hydrolysis, and porous end walls.

Abstract: Food may be packaged and preserved for extended periods using intelligent polymers formed into food containers which have specific and variable gas permeabilities. The polymers used in forming the food packages are intelligent in that they have permeabilities which may be radically and reversibly changed by relatively small changes in temperature. By using different types and formulations of polymers and various temperatures, it is possible to create an environment within the food package which adjusts to the respiration of the food so as to best preserve the color, quality and/or shelf life of the food. The polymers are side-chain crystallizable polymers designed and formulated so as to provide a material which is substantially impermeable to a gas such as oxygen, carbon dioxide or water vapor at a temperature below a given phase transition point and permeable to the same gas at a temperature above that point.

Abstract: The different compartments of the preserving vessel are sequentially supplied with a controlled atmosphere by means of a first permeator providing a controlled atmosphere with an oxygen content of about 2% for the step of loading the compartment, then by means of an another separator providing a controlled atmosphere with an oxygen content which does not exceed 1% for a phase of extended conservation. The separators are typically of the type with a membrane and are supplied through a group of common compression, and the oxygen contents of the gases which are provided are controlled by means of flow limiters located downstream.

Abstract: Green plant leaves (herbs) are blanched with an aqueous medium having a pH of 6.5 to 11 and heated at a temperature of 80.degree. to 102.degree. C. The reverse surfaces of the blanched herbs and/or the upper surfaces of dough sheet units are coated with an aqueous coating medium such as an aqueous solution of pullulan or gelatin, followed by attachment of the herbs to the dough sheet units. The dough sheet units-cum-herb(s) are baked to produce baked confectionery products with a bright green herb(s) free from the grassy smell and hardly liable to be discolored. The dough sheet units may be either of a single-layer structure or of a multi-layer structure including a vegetable-containing layer(s). According to the foregoing process, biscuits, pies, crackers, bread, etc. with a healthy touch can be produced.

Abstract: A devitalized popcorn seed product, exhibiting substantially the same popping performance as nondevitalized seed, which has a moisture content from about 12% to about 16%, and which is essentially free of non-inert treatment gases, and is essentially unaltered at the cellular level is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of treating nuts with a compressed carbon dioxide gas so as to make them oxidation-resistant. For carrying out the method, a device is used, which can contain a compressed carbon dioxide gas and which is equipped with (i) (a) door(s) or (a) gate(s) to put nuts into and take them out of itself, (ii) (a) heater(s) to heat nuts in itself, (iii) (a) chiller(s) to chill nuts in itself, and (iv) (a) valve(s) to introduce a carbon dioxide gas into itself and release the gas out of itself. Nuts as treated by the novel method with the illustrated device are to be satisfactorily oxidation-resistant when they are stored.

Abstract: Sliced potato products are prepared for refrigerated storage and distribution while retaining the characteristics of wholesome, freshly sliced potatoes for a minimum of 45 days. The potatoes may be peeled, or unpeeled, and cut into any sliced configuration, such as French fries, crinkle cuts, or homefries. The potato pieces are then washed, dewatered, and sterilized in a hot oil blanch. The cut potatoes are then mechanically chilled and packaged in an inert atmosphere which utilizes CO.sub.2 as a component. The packaged potatoes are stored and distributed under refrigeration until ready for use.

Abstract: Fresh green beans in a plastic container that have an extended shelf life, the green beans being treated to slow down the normal deterioration of the beans by immersing the green beans in water at a temperature and for a time sufficient to cool the interior of the beans to that temperature, to sanitize the beans by removing spores and bacteria, and to replace some of the water lost by the beans after harvesting. After the immersion step, the moisture is removed from the surface of the green beans at a temperature of 40.degree. F. to 44.degree. F., and thereafter the beans are graded and packed into the plastic container, keeping the bean temperature below 48.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a grain conditioner composition for treating grain prior to rolling the grain into flakes so as to cause increased water uptake and gelatinization, wherein the grain conditioner composition of the invention is an aqueous solution of a propylene glycol nonionic surfactant and a water soluble base where the composition has a pH of at least 9.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a tray of produce or other articles requiring ventilation is provided. A ventilated package produced in accordance with the method is also provided. In accordance with the method, a sheet of flexible plastic film is applied to an open ended tray. The sheet includes a perforated portion which is bounded by non-perforated lateral edge portions. The sheet is positioned with respect to the tray such that the perforated portion is located over the open end of the tray while the non-perforated lateral edge portions extend over opposing portions of the rim of the tray and down the side walls thereof. The sheet is stretched in such a manner that the non-perforated lateral edge portions are subject to more severe stretching than the perforated portion of the sheet. The sheet accordingly will not tend to tear despite the presence of perforations.

Abstract: A disinfestation system for agricultural products, for example recovered tobacco, comprises a disinfestation unit which is releasably connected to plural containers. The disinfestation unit supplies a disinfestation gas (CO.sub.2) through the conduit means to the container, and periodically withdraws sample gas from said container. A thermal conductivity detector produces an electrical signal representation of the level of CO.sub.2 in the container, which is supplied, along with a temperature dependent signal, to a computer. The processor controls the introduction of additional CO.sub.2 throughout the process. Preferably, the system also includes heater elements, and the processor generates control signals for controlling temperature in the container. The computer controls the disinfestation process of multiple containers such multiple disinfestation processes can be carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controlled atmosphere package suitable for delivery of red-ripe tomatoes to the consumer. The package maintains the tomato in a substantially fixed position relative to the package regardless of the orientation of the package, and further maintains a substantially uniform relative humidity inside the package. Further disclosed is a process for packaging a tomato comprising providing a package which maintains the tomato in a substantially fixed position relative to the package regardless of the orientation of the package, and further maintains a substantially uniform relative humidity inside the package.

Abstract: A container providing controlled atmospheric storage of produce (i.e., fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers) to improve retention of product freshness by adjusting the carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio, for the storage of said produce, can be attained and maintained, thereby retarding premature maturation and spoilage. The environment is controlled by providing a microporous membrane panel of a uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous polyolefin coated with a cured silicone elastomer, said panel being of limited carbon dioxide and oxygen permeance on an otherwise substantially impermeable container. The size of the area of the panel is a function of its permeance, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen desired.

Abstract: Method for storing and maintaining produce under controlled conditions in a transport container (5) during transportation. Nitrogen-rich gas and carbon dioxide gas are supplied to the container when required by a compact and efficient system wherein the nitrogen gas is generated from the ambient air surrounding the container using an air splitter (35) and the carbon-dioxide is generated from a store of dry-ice (40).

Abstract: A fresh produce packing assembly and method for storing and transporting fresh produce. The produce packing assembly includes a hollow container having a liquid collection volume therein defined by a liquid impervious device and a passageway providing for liquid communication between the interior and exterior of the container. Produce pieces are positioned in the container and liquid, usually water, is added to the container for retention in contact with a portion of the produce positioned in the collection volume. The produce packing method includes the steps of placing produce pieces within a package having a liquid collection volume, closing the package to secure the pieces inside, introducing a liquid into the package for accumulation within the collection volume, and draining any liquid exceeding the amount retained by the collection volume from the interior of the container through the passageway.

Abstract: Moisture is removed from the compressed feed air to a separator and collected in liquid form in a reservoir. The humidity in a controlled atmosphere container is monitored and moisture is taken from the reservoir and added to the container in order to provide an ideal environment for the preservation of foodstuffs.

Abstract: Fresh fruit and vegetables are preserved under refrigerated temperatures generally between 0.degree. C. and 20.degree. C. by placing the fruits and vegetables in a gaseous atmosphere initially containing an effective amount of nitrogen monoxide or argon in the range of 10-100%, with optionally up to 50% oxygen, any remainder being composed of an inert gas. The fruits and vegetables may be maintained continuously in such atmosphere or in stages interspersed by placing the vegetable products in a different atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for providing a controlled atmosphere in a food storage facility, which comprises:a) feeding a portion of an atmosphere from a food storage facility, containing carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen, to a feed side of a membrane having a higher permeability to carbon dioxide than to nitrogen,b) recycling the carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen not permeating the membrane back to the storage facility, and venting the carbon dioxide-enriched gas permeating the membrane to the atmosphere, andc) using a membrane-based system to maintain the required atmospheric composition and pressure in the food storage facility.

Abstract: A preservation process and apparatus which serves to preserve respiratory agricultural produces, such as plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, cereal grain and the like, without necessitating the use of chemical coatings, chemical preservatives, fumigants, or the like. The invention is predicated on the concept of imposing a small positive pressure gradient on the product from the outside to the inside. The selected positive pressure gradient may be of the order of 1-5 psi, which is sufficient to insure positive partial vapor pressure gradients from ambient partial vapor pressure to the internal partial vapor pressure of the product. Such a positive pressure sufficient to ensure a positive partial pressure gradient neutralizes the outward diffusion of moisture and nutrients from the product, and it also retards the respiration rate and thus retards its rated maturity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an equipment for the preservation of vegetables, meat or other organic substances. The essential feature of the method proposed by the invention consists of placing the goods to be preserved into a hermetically sealed chamber (I, II), then varying the composition of the gases bound by the cell material of products. The essential feature of the equipment complying with the invention consists of placing the goods to be preserved into a hermetically sealed chamber (I, II), where the chamber (I, II) is connected with some means, advantageously with a gas pump, for varying the pressure within said chamber, or providing said chamber (I, II) with at least one hermetically sealed, movable wall for varying the volume of said chamber, further connecting the latter with a cooling circuit for providing the cooling of the chamber (I, II).

Abstract: Apparatus for storing produce under controlled conditions embodied in a transport container (5) for maintaining produce under controlled conditions during transportation. Nitrogen-rich gas and carbon dioxide gas are supplied to the container when required by a compact and efficient system wherein the nitrogen gas is generated from the ambient air surrounding the container using an air splitter (35) and the carbon-dioxide is generated from a store of dry-ice (40).

Abstract: Method of fumigating bulk cereal grains while in storage, comprising the steps of providing a closed empty compartment having internal and external walls in which compartment said cereal grain is to be stored; initially exposing the internal walls of said empty compartment and the space within said compartment to a first fumigant to disinfect the compartment; said first fumigant being providing in sufficient volume to leave a residue film deposit of fumigant on said internal walls; inspecting the external walls of said compartment to ascertain the degree of air-tightness of said empty compartment during said initial fumigation by seeking to detect leaks; repairing any leaks detected during said initial fumigation and inspection; thereafter loading said compartment with bulk cereal grain; and closing said compartment and exposing said grain to a second fumigant to disinfect said bulk cereal grain with said second fumigant as well as with said residue of said first fumigant.

Abstract: A first activating material with pores having alkali-ionization promoting function and a process for the preparation thereof, the material comprises animal bone material which is calcined so that the water content is below several wt. percent and is pulverized or powdered into a chipped, granular or powdery state. A second activating material and a process for the preparation thereof, the second activating material comprises the first activating material as well as a magnetic clay powder, both being kneaded, solidified and calcined. A first flocculating agent comprises a solution of the first activating material in sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. A second flocculating agent and a process for the preparation of the second flocculating agent which comprises a homogeneous composition comprising the second flocculating agent and a metal solution of a mixture of copper with iron or zinc in sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A container for storage of fruits or vegetables wherein the optimum environment, i.e., the optimum carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio, for the storage of said fruits or vegetable can be attained and maintained, thereby retarding maturation and spoilage thereof. The environment is controlled by providing a resin-coated nonwoven panel of limited carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability on an otherwise substantially impermeable container. The size of this panel is a function of its permeability, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the ratio of carbon dioxide of oxygen desired.

Abstract: A chamber and a method for subjecting produce such as bananas to a controlled atmosphere is disclosed. The chamber has an end wall and produce is loaded into the chamber in two rows. A lower tier stack of produce rests on the floor of the chamber while an upper tier stack is supported above the lower tier stack by a frame structure. An atmosphere circulating space is provided at each side of the chamber between the stacks, and the spacing of the rows provides an upper intersitial volume and a lower intersitial volume. Sealing device seals the upper and lower intersitial volumes from each other while further sealing device in the form of two blinds seals the upper and lower intersitial volumes from the atmosphereic circulating space. A controlled atmosphere is caused to flow across the produce from the atmosphere circulating space into the intersitial volumes or in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A process for removing sterols and specifically cholesterol from fats or oils such as anhydrous milk fat by passing liquid fat or oil over an absorbent or adsorbent material, where the ratio of fat or oil to absorbent or adsorbent is from preferably about 0.8:1 to 0.3:1.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the ripening of fresh fruit, a stack of fruit boxes is spiral wound with a transparent synthetic resin strip around the four vertically oriented faces of the box stack. The boxes within the stack have openings on their upper and lower faces which register with corresponding openings in vertically adjacent boxes to permit a vertical movement of an air-ethylene mixture through the stack. A plastic cap or lid is disposed on top of the stack of boxes and is provided with a blower for drawing air vertically through the stack from the bottom thereof. An air-conditioning unit and an ethylene containing bottle may be disposed in a unit on which a pallet supporting the stack of boxes rests. Effluent air or a mixture of air and ethylene is fed back to the air-conditioning unit via a conduit on the outside of the wrapped stack of boxes.