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.

Abstract: A freshness preserving agent comprising carbon black having a specific surface area of at most 1,000 m.sup.2 /g as measured by BET method and a palladium compound supported thereon.

Abstract: A method of killing insect larvae in larvae-infected fruit is disclosed, which comprises shrinkwrapping individual fruit from a geographical area infested with an insect known to infect the fruit for a time sufficient to kill larvae of the insect, wherein no treatment of the fruit to kill the insect or the insect larvae occurs between picking and shrinkwrapping the fruit. Shrinkwrapped fruit prepared by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining and controlling the proper modified or unmodified atmosphere packaging for cut or uncut respiring perishables such as cauliflower, lettuce and broccoli includes the steps of determining the respiration rate of the respiring perishable, preparing a plurality of packages containing the respiring perishable with each package having a different permeant factor, determining a value called atmosphere quotient for each of the packages according to this formula: atmosphere quotient equals permeant factor divided by respiration rate; subjecting each of the packages to known conditions of temperature and pressure over a known period of time and correlating the subjective and objective indicia of quality, appearance and marketability of the respiring perishable from each package to the atmosphere quotient values determined according to the foregoing formula, and then varying one or more of the values of the components that affect permeant factor to achieve and maintain the optimum value or range

Abstract: A method of transporting a quantity of a comestible which may be subject to degradation as a result of respiration during transportation, comprising the steps of: (a) sealing or substantially sealing said quantity of the respiring comestible within a container as hereinbefore described sufficiently to ensure that less oxygen of the ambient air can diffuse into the container than is required for full respiration by the respiring comestible, flushing the container with an oxygen low or oxygen free gas so as to provide a reduced oxygen level in the sealed or substantially sealed container, such flushing occurring before, during and/or after said sealing or substantial sealing, and (b) transporting the container with the respiring comestible therein while (i) monitoring the oxygen level within said container and automatically adjusting the oxygen level as necessary by a positive infusion of ambient air into the container in response to such monitoring towards an optimum or predetermined value or range of values a

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. The grain conditioner composition of the invention is an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant and a water soluble base. The grain conditioning composition of the present invention has a pH of at least 9 and preferably has a pH in the range of from about 9 to about 12.

Abstract: A method for devitalizing a seed product, using inert gas and heat without substantial loss of said product quality is provided. The method is especially useful for devitalizing corn seed used for popcorn, without loss of popping performance.

Abstract: A storing volume is formed within a box which also houses a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the gas within the storing volume, a cooling mechanism for cooling the interior of the storing volume, a nitrogen-rich gas supplying device, for supplying nitrogen-rich gas into the storing volume, and a controller which functions in such a manner that it activates the cooling mechanism in response to signals from the temperature detector in order to control the temperature of the interior of the storing volume, and also activates the nitrogen-rich gas supplying device in response to the variation of the gas contents of the storing volume in order to control the gas contents of the storing volume.

Abstract: A storage receptacle provided with a receptacle body opened on its upper side, a covering member for covering the opening portion of the receptacle body and a permeable film member having a permeability to gases and a moisture permeability from 1500 to 3500 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hr and formed at least on a portion of the receptacle body or covering member.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged cut product blends of vegetables salad mixtures for refrigerated storage which enjoy increased shelf life without the need for gas absorbents or anti-oxidants. The package includes a sealed imperforate container disposed within which are a quantity of perishable produce cut pieces with reduced respiratory rates in a bed having a bed depth of about 1 to 6 inches. The package includes an equilibrium headspace composition comprising by volume of 1.5 to 0.8% oxygen, 8 to 12% carbon dioxide and balance nitrogen which, surprisingly, is optimal for reduced aerobic respiration rates for substantially all cut produce blends. The package further includes a gas permeable portion such that about 18 to 32 cc. of oxygen is admittable to the package per 24 hr. per oz. of produce.

Abstract: A container comprising an uniaxially oriented, polyolefin film, which film is prepared by melt blending a mixture of a polyolefin, an inert filler, a processing aid such as calcium stearate, and optionally a stabilizer, maintaining the moisture level in the melt blend below 700 ppm, casting a film, and uniaxially stretching the film at least about 2 times its original casting dimensions in one direction until the film has a sufficient number of elongated, narrow shaped, microporous voids in order to create a CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 permeance in the range of 5,000 to 10,000,000 cc/100.sup.2 - atm - day. Such a film is used in a controlled atmosphere packaging container as a panel in a window for a controlled flow or flux of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 through its wall in an otherwise gas impermeable container.

Abstract: A container capable of creating within it preselected CO.sub.2, O.sub.2, and moisture concentrations in the presence of respiring fresh fruit, vegetables, or flowers is constructed of a substantially gas-impermeable material having a gas-permeable panel that is substantially impermeable to moisture in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 through its walls and a cellophane panel that is substantially impermeable to the flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of moisture through its walls. The gas-permeable panel is a uniaxially or biaxially oriented film where the size of the area it covers is a function of its permeance, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the desired steady-state oxygen concentration. The size of the cellophane panel is a function of its permeance to water vapor and the desired rate of removal of water vapor from the package.

Abstract: There are described new reactive adsorbents from sepiolite, as carrier, and an oxidant agent, particularly a permanganate salt, preferably potassium permanganate.There is also described the process for preparing said reactive adsorbents, and a process for preserving harvested vegetable products and fruit using said reactive adsorbents. Said preserving process involves oxidation to carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) of the ethylene generated by the vegetable products and fruit, by contact of the atmosphere surrounding the vegetable with the reactive adsorbents of the invention.

Abstract: A storage method in which fruits and/or vegetables immediately after harv are stored in a storage chamber which maintains controlled storage atmospheres having a total pressure of not lower than 400 Torr and below the atmospheric pressure (760 Torr), an oxygen partial pressure of about 15 to about 145 Torr, a carbon dioxide partial pressure of about 15 to about 115 Torr, a relative humidity of not lower than 90%, and a temperature ranging between 0.degree. and 15.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method of preparing and preserving fresh ripe fruit pieces so that the fruit may be stored for long periods of time without appreciable loss of natural flavour, colour and texture. A method of preparing and preserving fresh fruit for storage comprised of: (a) separating edible parenchyma tissue from inedible tissue of the fruit; (b) cutting and/or segmenting the edible parenchyma tissue of the fruit into pieces; (c) packing the fruit pieces in a high gas-barrier or gas impermeable container; (d) flushing the container with an oxygen-containing gas mixture; (e) sealing the container from ambient outer atmosphere; (f) regrigerating the container with the fruit pieces or segments at a temperature between about -1.degree. C. to about 6.degree. C. to cold shock the fruit pieces in the container; and (g) storing the fruit pieces in the container at a refrigerated temperature between -1.degree. and 10.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged cut produce such as fruit salad mixtures for refrigerated storage which enjoy increased shelf life without the need for gas absorbents. The package includes a sealed imperforate container disposed within which are a quantity of perishable produce cut fruit pieces in a bed having a bed depth of about 1 to 3 inches. The package includes an equilibrium headspace composition comprising by volume of 2 to 5% oxygen, 10 to 15% carbon dioxide and balance nitrogen which, surprisingly, is optimal for substantially all cut produce blends. The package further includes a gas permeable portion such that about 4 to 12 cc. of oxygen is admittable to the package per 24 hr. per oz. of produce. In its method aspect, the present invention provides a method for refrigerated packaging and storage of cut fruit produce in a package of specified oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A process for storing produce for extended periods of time prior to further processing by canning or the like, which comprises the steps of immersing the produce in a substantially isotonic aqueous storage solution, wherein the solutes content of the storage solution is adjusted such that the osmotic pressures of the produce and the storage solution are substantially equal. The storage solution preferably comprises an edible sugar, an edible organic acid, and an edible oxygen scavenger. The produce is than stored in the solution at a temperature below about 40.degree. F. and subsequently canned and sterilized.

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 temperatures of 32.degree. to 38.degree. F. 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. 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 relates to a preservation method and preservation apparatus which are suitable for preserving perishable goods for a long period of time. A method of the present invention is characterized by removing from the refrigerating chamber such harmful aging substances as ethylene or volatile base nitrogen triethylamine which are released from the perishable goods being preserved in a refrigerating chamber and which cause additional maturation and aging. In order to realize this method, an apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising adsorption materials which have adsorptivity to adsorb these harmful aging substances and are disposed in the refrigerating chamber for preserving the perishable goods.

Abstract: A container providing controlled atmospheric storage of fresh fruits and vegetables to improve retention of product freshness by adjusting the carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio, for the storage of said fruits or vegetable can be attained and maintained, thereby retarding premature maturation and spoilage. The environment is controlled by providing a microporous membrane panel of limited carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability on an otherwise substantially impermeable container. The size of this area is a function of its permeability, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried green vegetables, especially broccoli florets and pea-pods, characterized by superior color retention compared to conventionally dried vegetables of equivalent water activity stored at comparable temperatures. The present products also exhibit excellent rehydration rates and superior texture and appearance upon rehydration. In its method aspect, the invention resides in improved infusion techniques, including infusion of particularly defined alkaline buffer systems and tocopherol into the vegetable pieces. The instant dried vegetables find particular suitability for use in shelf stable packaged dry mixes for oriental or stir fry meals, dry mixes for cold pasta salads and casseroles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable refrigerating container in which the atmosphere is passed over a circulating device containing separating means for water and gases, in particular molecular sieves, and refrigerating and humidifying means.

Abstract: A package is disclosed for natural products and comprises a first wall region of thermoplastic material and a second wall region which comprises a porous substrate hermetically sealed at its edges to the thermoplastic material and covered with a gas-permeable layer of polymethylpentene. The area of the porous substrate and its outer covering of polymethylpentene is selected in relation to the total area of the package and in dependence upon the natural products to permit a desired atmosphere to be maintained within the package as a result of respiration of the natural products and gas transfer through the porous substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for controlling the ripening of fresh produce, particularly the ripening of fresh fruit such as bananas. The fresh produce is arranged into a palletized load which is inserted into a ripening chamber. The palletized load is arranged into two spaced rows, each of said rows including two vertically spaced tiers to maximize the total amount of produce to be processed for the given floor space of the ripening chamber. A low pressure plenum is formed between the two rows of palletized produce by sealing the space between the rows and the vertical space between the two tiers. A controlled fluid flow is introduced around the palletized produce load and fluid is exhausted from the low pressure plenum to create a pressure differential across the produce load such that the introduced fluid is forced to flow from the space around the produce load, uniformly through the produce load and into the low pressure plenum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere in an area. The method includes the intermittent removal of oxygen, carbon dioxide water vapor and ethylene from the area. An apparatus to practice the method is disclosed that includes a compressor to increase the pressure of the gases present which are then separated by diffusion across membranes.

Abstract: The compound ancymidol, a known potent plant growth retardant and weak fungicide, has now been found to inhibit biosynthesis of trichothecene toxins on substrates susceptible to growth of trichothecene-producing fungi. These fungi are known to contaminate cereal grains, forage crops, and potatoes. The effective level of ancymidol addition for toxin inbibition is substantially less than that required for control of fungal growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of fumigating agricultural products in storage or transportation facilities for controlling pests by means of hydrogen phosphide which is then bound and/or decomposed to a substantial extent; according to the invention, a fumigating composition releasing hydrogen phosphide is placed in a manner known per se among products stored in conventional storage facilities, whereupon the stored products are covered with a flexible film, foil or sheet to isolate them from the surrounding storage space, and the hydrogen phosphide diffusing from the gas containing space above and among the stored products during or after fumigation is bound by adsorption, physical or chemical absorption and/or decomposed by chemical or physical means. The invention also relates to a specific solid catalyst suitable for the decomposition of hydrogen phosphide.

Abstract: In a method for preserving foodstuffs including fruits and vegetables, especially geophytes and mushrooms, which are prepared and packaged ready for consumption, the foodstuff is sealed into a container into which pure oxygen is introduced in order to improve preservation of the foodstuffs' appearance and taste during storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fumigation and detoxification of plant seed and to an pneumatic apparatus having a positive pressure air source, seed feed, a vacuum wheel air lock, fumigant and detoxicant source, a spraying apparatus for introducing the fumigant and/or the detoxicant and an exit cyclone having an optional air return for returning fumigant and/or detoxicant saturated air to the apparatus. The inventive apparatus and method have been found effective for aflatoxin B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 suppression as well as for insect extermination in infested plant seed.

Abstract: A mixture and process for tempering feed grain by adding a natural surfactant in the form of a extract of the yucca plant to the grain. The yucca extract contains generally 10 to 11 percent sarsasaponin by weight which is diluted with water and sprayed on grain just prior to processing in rollers for flaking to increase water intake and gelatinization. The mixture also contains small amounts of copper sulfate and sodium benzoate as preservatives. Combinations of the mixture can also be used such as combinations with other known grain tempering compositions. The grain tempering yucca extract mixture is either sprayed on the grain as it is dumped into a steam cabinet or is sprayed on the grain which is then allowed to sit in a conditioning tank for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables is effected in a package at least part of which is made of a transparent film of a polymeric material. The film has a high rate of gas permeability and is impervious to the ingress of bacteria. As the fruit and vegetables continue to respire in the package an atmosphere is set up inside the package which serves to retard spoilage, mould growth and flavor deterioration, thereby providing the package with a longer shelf life than an open receptacle. The film is preferably polymethyl pentene and may form all the container or a lid to a rigid receptacle.

Abstract: A fruit ripening system wherein a continuous inflow of fresh air and ethylene gas is provided into a fruit ripening chamber in correct proportions to form a fruit ripening gas mixture that will predictably ripen fruit in a very short period of time, regardless of the previous state of ripening of the fruit. At the same time, the ripening chamber is continuously purged of carbon dioxide that is a byproduct of the ripening process so that during the ripening process a concentration of carbon dioxide sufficient to materially impede the ripening process is never allowed to build up. Critical parameters are defined for ripening temperature, the minimum ethylene gas concentration, time of exposure to the ethylene gas, and purging of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere storage system which is so arranged that a refrigerator and a carbon dioxide generator are connected to each other, and a purifying catalyst, an air preheater, a cooler, a circulating blower and a scrubber are disposed at the downstream side in that order, with the scrubber and the refrigerator being connected, whereby time required for stabilization of combustion may be reduced as compared with conventional systems, and combustion under a low oxygen concentration can be maintained, while flow-out of controlled atmosphere gas outside the refrigerator or entry of atmosphere into the refrigerator can be prevented. Moreover, by forming the carbon dioxide generator in a double wall construction to fill a space with air containing carbon dioxide, heat insulating property is improved for facilitation of combustion under a lower oxygen concentration than in the conventional systems.

Abstract: In a refrigerated fruit store 1, the atmosphere is controlled to low levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide using an activated carbon bed 2, by continuously repeating the following cycle of operations:(1) expose the carbon in the bed 2 to the atmosphere in the fruit store 1, until saturated with CO.sub.2 (12 minutes);(2) evacuate the bed 2, down to 7 kPa, to the gas reservoir 5, whereby the O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 (but not CO.sub.2) are released in "fruit store" proportions into the reservoir (2 minutes);(3) expose the bed 2 to air to purge it of the CO.sub.2 (18 minutes);(4) evacuate the bed 2 to waste (7 kPa is adequate) to remove O.sub.2 and N.sub.2, which would otherwise remain in the bed in substantially "air" proportions (i.e. excessive oxygen) (2 minutes);(5) expose the bed 2 to the gas put in the reservoir 5 at operation (2) above, so that the bed 2 now contains O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 in "fruit store" proportions (2 minutes);(1) expose the adsorptive medium to chamber atmosphere; and so forth indefinitely.

Abstract: The shelf life of vegetables such as raw celery can be substantially increased by subjecting the raw celery to a process including selecting a portion of the celery that has characteristic chemical and physiological properties found in petioles of market mature celery, (b) slicing the celery to minimize bruising and tissue damage caused by tearing and compression, (c) treating the cut celery with water, (d) drying the surface of the cut celery, and (e) placing the pieces of celery in a sealed container to prevent microbial recontamination and maintain the celery in a viable condition.

Abstract: In a controlled atmosphere storage system the activated charcoal scrubber chamber is partially evacuated before and/or after transfer from scrubbing to re-activation thus reducing the amount of ambient air introduced into the system.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method for preserving the green color of vegetables stored at refrigeration temperatures wherein vegetables are blanched with water or steam followed by a vacuum treatment for 30 minutes and an immersion treatment of the same while under vacuum in an alkaline solution having a pH of about 8.7 followed by vacuum release, packaging and storing the vegetables under refrigerated condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for bringing pregerminated seed n a sowable and for some time storable form. The invention further relates to pilled pregerminated seeds.According to the invention the pregerminated seed is pilled, whereas in the pilling mixture at least one compound which slows down the germinating process is included under formation of a moist pill in which a suitable micro-climate is secured until the time of sowing.This required micro-climate inside the moist pill is obtained by addition of compounds which have a retarding action to the germinating process, such as compounds having an osmotic effect, e.g. water soluble sugars and their derivatives, salts, or glycols and their polymers; or having a growth retarding action, e.g. absicine acid.

Abstract: A mixture and process for tempering feed grain by adding a natural surfactant in the form of a extract of the yucca plant to the grain. The yucca extract contains generally 10 to 11 percent sarsasaponin by weight which is diluted with water and sprayed on grain just prior to processing in rollers for flaking to increase water intake and gelatinization. The mixture also contains small amounts of copper sulfate and sodium benzoate as preservatives. Combinations of the mixture can also be used such as combinations with other known grain tempering compositions. The grain tempering yucca extract mixture is either sprayed on the grain as it is dumped into a steam cabinet or is sprayed on the grain which is then allowed to sit in a conditioning tank for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method and means for transporting a quantity of comestibles (preferably at lowered temperatures) where at least continual monitoring of at least the oxygen level of the atmosphere to which the comestible is subjected is carried out. Preferably the carbon dioxide level is also monitored. Automatic adjustment of the oxygen content and carbon dioxide content in response to the monitoring is carried out using a positive infusion of ambient air and the scrubbing of the gas atmosphere to which the comestibles are subjected respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving perishables fresh and long storage of corrosive material by filling the container with an inert gas and sealing the gas therein.

Abstract: A bag for receiving the apple is prepared. An ethylene absorbent and a deoxidant are placed in the bag, each of the absorbent and the deoxidant being in an amount such that ethylene biosynthesis is suppressed for keeping freshness of the apple when the apple is placed within the bag. The apple is placed within the bag and then an opening portion of the bag containing the apple, the ethylene absorbent and the deoxidant is sealed. The sealed bag allows air to permeate through it to a degree such that minimum amount of air necessary for the apple is suppled in the presence of the ethylene abosrbent and the deoxidant. The apple is stored in the sealed bag whereby mature of the apple is delayed for keeping freshness thereof.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive method of inerting transport containers, particularly for goods which easily spoil in the air, such as foodstuffs, plants and flowers, by a gas which contains nitrogen and a predetermined concentration of up to about 5 vol.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sorbent is disclosed which comprises calcium hydroxide at a level of from 70 to 95% by weight based upon the total dry weight of the sorbent, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or admixture thereof at a level of from 5 to 15% by weight, optionally calcium chloride at a level of from 5 to 15% by weight and less than 1.5% moisture. Also disclosed is a method for packaging coffee utilizing the carbon dioxide sorbent.

Abstract: A method of preserving fodder masses for animal feeding by applying an acid catalyzed coating liquid to the surfaces of the fodder masses. The coating liquid comprises a thermosetting monomer and a nutritive cross-linking agent, which is catalytically polymerized and cross-linked by a mineral acid to form a water insoluble solid barrier to the penetration of moisture, air, and other elements which can cause degradation of stored fodder. Suitable thermosetting monomers include: urea-formaldehyde resins, furfuryl alcohol, and their mixtures. Liquid carbohydrates derived from vegetable sources, particularly molasses, starch, and fermentation by-products, are effective cross-linking agents. Mineral acids found to be effective for the polymerization and cross-linking include: phosphoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids.

Abstract: A materials handling method includes the steps of closing and sealing a permanent reusable container to enclose a material in a fluid tight condition. The air in the container is then displaced with a substitute gas so that the material may be transported and stored in air free standard unit measures. The apparatus of the invention is directed to the generally rigid fluid tight container having at least one access opening and a door for closing and sealing the same. A valve mechanism on the container enables air to be removed from the container either by evacuation or substitution by another gas.

Abstract: A cushioning pad which may advantageously be used in connection with the packaging and storage of fruits is described. Such pad contains a chemical composition for interacting with the atmosphere. The chemical composition may include chemicals such as calcium hydroxide for removing carbon dioxide and/or ethylene from the atmosphere to retard ripening and prevent damage to the fruit. The pad may also contain a hygroscopic chemical such as calcium chloride which causes certain kinds of cushioning materials to expand to better immobilize the fruit or other articles.

Abstract: A package for preserving produce in a wholesome condition for an extended period of time is formed by a sealed container enveloping the produce and filled with a preservative gas which inhibits bacterial growth. The container is formed by a high barrier film which is so perforated as to provide a gas pressure within the container sufficient to inhibit air inflow into the container and to assure gas outflow from the container to prevent its distortion.

Abstract: An oxygen absorbent composition mounted on a suitable carrier and adapted to be mounted in a closeable container for removing oxygen from the space within the container. The composition comprises iron particles and yeast, mixed together with some moisture.

Abstract: A process for the freezing of organic tissue is disclosed, in which the atmospheric pressure in contact with the tissue is gradually lowered before or during the freezing process. The decompression is done at a rate and to a degree whereby a substantial portion of the gaseous matter dissolved in the cellular fluid is released to the atmosphere, without substantial vaporization of the fluid itself. The release of the dissolved gases permits freezing of the tissue without damage to the cellular structure, and thus permits a full return to the original appearance and consistency upon thawing.