Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and deodorizing a unit having an enclosed space not otherwise easily accessible for cleaning and deodorizing.

Abstract: A manufactured dry ice product containing ozone entrapped or absorbed on said dry ice. The dry ice product can be used to chill and preserve food products and provides the added benefit of ozonation of the food product to kill bacteria. Novel processes for ozonating liquid and solid CO2 are provided.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed to supply a room with oxygen as well as control temperature and humidity of the air. The present invention includes an outdoor module 10, an indoor module 20, a refrigerant tube 30, and an oxygen generating module. The oxygen generating module includes an oxygen generator 100 installed at the outdoor module 10 so as to generate oxygen by in-taking outdoor air, an oxygen exhauster 200 installed in the indoor module 20 so as to exhaust the oxygen, and an oxygen transport tube 300 transporting the oxygen generated from the oxygen generator 100 to the oxygen exhauster 200.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the environment of storage facilities, including produce and livestock storage facilities, and the like, is described. Movement of air within the facility is accomplished by air-handling units or fans. The speed of each fan is controlled by a variable-speed drive, allowing the fans to run at speeds below full capacity. Environmental parameters, such as temperature or humidity, are monitored to determine the existing state of the environment which is then compared to a desired state. The speed of the fans or air-handling units is adjusted to alter the existing environmental state, bringing it in alignment with the desired state. The fans or air-handling units are operated continuously, typically at reduced capacity. Other various facets are included with the system and method, including the control of the admittance of external air into the storage facility.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically providing a fresh air exchange to a cargo unit is disclosed. The system includes a single gas sensor, preferably a carbon dioxide sensor, for providing an input to a controller which derives the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the unit. The controller then compares such derived values to preselected levels and selectively opens or closes air flow into the cargo unit in order to bring and maintain the desired oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the unit.

Abstract: A method and system for venting accumulations of leakage from a vehicle cryo fuel tank system, whereby elements of the tank system like lines, valves and/or a storage container for the fuel are enveloped at least partially by a capsule, the interior of the capsule is vented regularly as a function of at least one boundary condition by a pressure differential, and the exhausted gas from the capsule is treated to reduce its environmental impact. The venting may be performed using an inert gas as the rinsing medium. The gas can be burned or oxidized catalytically, and may be disposed of by a separate burner or by an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. A blower, arranged outside the capsule may generate the pressure differential. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be generated within the capsule by convective forces or a stagnation pressure generated by movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An indoor air-conditioning unit 10 which can effectively deactivate allergens includes an intake grill 11 for drawing in indoor air. Indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, and 15 exchange heat between air drawn in from the intake grill 11 and a refrigerant to thereby cool or heat the air. A diffuser 16 returns the air which has been heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, 15, back into the room. A cross-flow fan 17 blows air which has been drawn in from the inlet and heat exchanged from the diffuser 16 into the room. An allergen deactivation filter 18 is arranged in an internal space 5 through which the air flows and supports an allergen deactivation enzyme. An enzyme activation device maintains the internal space S in an atmosphere for activating the allergen deactivation enzyme.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a deodorizer disposed in a cold air circulation path for deodorizing an atmosphere in the refrigerator. The deodorizer includes discharging means for producing ozone and ultraviolet rays by means of high-voltage discharge and a photocatalyst module for decomposing an odor component and injurious matter contained in the atmosphere by means of photocatalyst.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus incorporates an ion generating device that generates positive and negative ions by applying an alternating-current voltage between electrodes. The generated positive and negative ions coexist in the air and, when they attach to the surfaces of airborne bacteria, they react chemically with each other and generate radical hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide, which extract hydrogen atoms from the cells of the bacteria and thereby kill them. This sterilizing effect is combined with the temperature-conditioning, dehumidifying, humidifying, air-purifying, and other functions of the air conditioning apparatus to bring about a comfortable and healthful indoor environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating water in an ice machine or a beverage-dispensing machine comprising an ultraviolet radiation source, an ozone source and a controller. As potable water enters the apparatus via a conduit, the potable water is decontaminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which irradiates the potable water, and by an ozone generation system that provides ozone to be injected into the potable water to oxidize contaminants. Because water is often circulated within ice machines, the circulating water conduits and reservoir are also treated with ozone and UV radiation. The present invention also provides a controller for optimizing the decontamination process by providing UV light and ozone production only when required for decontamination. Typically, ozone generation and UV radiation are required whenever makeup potable water is brought into the apparatus or when the refrigeration compressor is running.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to comprise an apparatus for high efficiency gas temperature and humidity adjustment and an adjustment method allowing to elevate the heat exchange efficiency of a cooling coil, reduce the cooling water quantity, lower also the pipe arrangement diameter and water supply pump power, making possible to cut the initial cost and running cost of the air-conditioning system. The apparatus for high efficiency gas temperature and humidity adjustment is characterized by that means for removing condensate water deposited on the cooling coil.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating cycle unit for refrigerating an atmosphere in the refrigerator by means of heat absorption due to change of a flammable refrigerant from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase, and a deodorizer having first and second electrodes discharging electricity upon application of high voltage to them, producing ozone, a burning chamber provided so as to surround the first and second electrodes, and a fire-spread preventing unit provided in the burning chamber to prevent burning of the flammable refrigerant in the burning chamber from spreading outside the burning chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food stirring fan assembly arranged within a fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly functions to recirculate air in order to minimize temperature stratification in the fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly preferably incorporates a filter to remove airborne debris and absorb odors. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fresh food stirring fan is operated whenever a damper controlling an inlet flow of cooling air to the fresh food compartment is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method of producing chlorine dioxide gas in an enclosed space including the steps of electrochemically generating chlorine dioxide gas in an electrochemical cell and transporting the chlorine dioxide gas to the enclosed space.

Abstract: The cool air inside a refrigerator compartment 2 is introduced through a return opening 10 into an ion generation chamber 45 provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2. A voltage is applied to a needle-like electrode 11a arranged in an upper portion of the ion generation chamber 45 so that, by corona discharge, positive and negative ions are discharged substantially parallel to the cool air circulating in the direction indicated by arrow B2. This helps alleviate the loss of ions resulting from collision with a wall surface, and permits the ions to reach a wide area. This prolongs the period for which the cool air is kept in contact with the ions, and thus helps enhance the sterilizing effect.

Abstract: A high thermal change rate of test apparatus aims to realize test equipment requirement of highly accelerated life test(HALT) and highly accelerated stress screening(HASS). Structurally, the apparatus is provided with a cabinet body with an interior for placing test specimen. The cabinet body is provided with elements of fans, electric heating tubes and liquid nitrogen nozzles therein. The positions of the cabinet body and the control system are separate. Several groups (normally 2 or 3 groups, depends on the size of cabinet) of liquid nitrogen pipes connecting the cabinet body are flexible stainless steel pipes for enclosing and insulating sleeve tubes. During full-speed temperature cooling, all groups of the pipes simultaneously eject liquid nitrogen. When temperature is constant, only one group of liquid nitrogen pipe with cryogenic valve and nozzles is used and micro-adjusted to achieve good temperature stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

Abstract: A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials is provided. The storage device includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space where oxidizable materials may be placed and a differentially permeable membrane. The differentially permeable membrane allows at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The differentially permeable membrane is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas is allowed to pass through the differentially permeable membrane flows into the storage chamber. An air mover, preferably a compressor, feeds gases to the differentially permeable membrane. A cooling element is provided for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature. The level of oxygen within the storage chamber is thus reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating cycle unit for refrigerating an atmosphere in the refrigerator by means of heat absorption due to change of a flammable refrigerant from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase, and a deodorizer having first and second electrodes discharging electricity upon application of high voltage to them, producing ozone, a burning chamber provided so as to surround the first and second electrodes, and a fire-spread preventing unit provided in the burning chamber to prevent burning of the flammable refrigerant in the burning chamber from spreading outside the burning chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner enabling to supply a room with oxygen as well as control temperature and humidity of air therein. The present invention includes an outdoor module 10, an indoor module 20, a refrigerant tube 30, and an oxygen generating module. The outdoor module 10 includes a condenser 11, an outdoor fan 12, and a compressor 13 so as to compress and condense a refrigerant. The indoor module 20 includes an evaporator 21, an indoor fan 22, an inlet 23, and an outlet 24 so as to cool the air in the room. The refrigerant tube 30 connects the evaporator 21 of the indoor module 20 to the condenser 11 of the outdoor module 10 so as to circulate the refrigerant.

Abstract: A device for storage of an opened food container such as a wine container. The device includes a housing for receiving the opened food container in a substantially vertical orientation. A poppet valve assembly is provided for insertion in an opening in the opened food container and biased to enable it to accommodate opened food containers of varying sizes. The device includes a pressurized source of heaver-than-air inert gas located within the housing, a regulator for reducing the pressure of the inert gas from a first pressure at the pressurized source of the heavier-than-air inert gas to second pressure at the poppet valve assembly.

Abstract: A ventilation and deodorization system includes a door lock switching unit for performing a locking and an unlocking of a vehicle door, an air conditioner which introduces outside air of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and blows the introduced outside air into the passenger compartment in a ventilation operation, and a control device for controlling its operation. When a door unlocking request signal is received as a remote operation signal by a receiving unit, the door lock switching unit performs the unlocking of the vehicle door, and the air conditioner performs the ventilation operation. Alternatively, an air cleaning operation is performed instead of the ventilation operation, while inside air of the passenger compartment is cleaned and circulated by an air cleaning device. Thus, the ventilation operation or the air cleaning operation can be performed while a battery consumption amount can be reduced.

Abstract: The presence of sufficient condensate flow for odor-free operation of an air conditioning system is detected based on the surface temperature of a thermistor disposed in a condensate drainpipe of the evaporator and the power supplied to the thermistor. The surface temperature is used to calculate the temperatures of stagnant circumambient air and water. If the temperature for stagnant air is approximately equal to the evaporator temperature, the evaporator is too dry and the operating point of the air conditioning system is lowered to reduce the surface temperature of the evaporator. If the temperature for stagnant water is approximately equal to the evaporator temperature, the drainpipe is plugged. Alternately, a constant power is supplied to the thermistor, and its surface temperature is compared to a set of experimentally determined reference temperatures to deduce the evaporator state.

Abstract: An indoor air-conditioning unit 10 which can effectively deactivate allergens includes: an intake grill 11 for drawing in indoor air; indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, 15 for exchanging heat between air drawn in from the intake grill 11 and a refrigerant to thereby cool or heat the air; a diffuser 16 for returning the air which has been heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, 15, back into the room; a cross-flow fan 17 for blowing air which has been drawn in from the inlet and heat exchanged, from the diffuser 16 into the room; an allergen deactivation filter 18 arranged in an internal space S through which the air flows, and which supports an allergen deactivation enzyme; and an enzyme activation device which maintains the internal space S in an atmosphere for activating the allergen deactivation enzyme.

Abstract: For deodorizing and sterilizing indoor air to make the residence space a comfortable environment, a lamp box (300) having an air inlet (320) and an air outlet (330) between the upper ends of a front heat exchanger (210) and a rear heat exchanger (230), and containing an ultraviolet lamp (310) is placed, ultraviolet light with the waveband of 250 to 260 nm and ultraviolet light with the waveband of 100 to 220 nm are emitted from the ultraviolet lamp (310), and a part of the ultraviolet light is applied to at least the rear heat exchanger (230) through the air outlet (330).

Abstract: A device for storage of an opened food container such as a wine container. The device includes a housing for receiving the opened food container in a substantially vertical orientation. A poppet valve assembly is provided for insertion in an opening in the opened food container and biased to enable it to accommodate opened food containers of varying sizes. The device includes a pressurized source of heaver-than-air inert gas located within the housing, a regulator for reducing the pressure of the inert gas from a first pressure at the pressurized source of the heavier-than-air inert gas to second pressure at the poppet valve assembly. The poppet valve assembly also includes a spring-loaded check ball, low-pass port, shuttle and orifice to control pressure and flow path of the heavier-than-air inert gas and to direct the heavier-than-air inert gas to the opened food container thus displacing any air that may have been present therein through an exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention provides a combined building air-conditioning unit and NBC protection system, containing an enclosed space housing a building air-conditioning unit and further including a plurality of chambers, a first chamber having an ambient air inlet port, one prefilter and a blower for sucking air through the prefilter, a second chamber having valve means including an open and closed state, receiving air from the blower and accommodating a C-detector and a valve means actuator, responsive, at least indirectly to, and operable by, the C-detector, and a third chamber housing at least one C-filter and a blower for sucking air from the second chamber via the C-filter into the building when the valve means is in its closed state. A method for economically controlling air purity within a protected space is also provided.

Abstract: A user-programmable monitoring and dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of water vapor and various other media into an HVAC air stream in residential or commercial structures. The various media to be dispensed are preferably water-soluble, and mixed with the system water supply to be dispensed with the water vapor added to the HVAC air stream. These materials may be fragrances or aromas, intended to produce an aesthetic effect, or they can be agents capable of pesticidal, bacteriacidal, fungicidal or sporacidal effect for use as acute or prophylactic treatment for infestation. The dispensing system central processor is pre-programmed with a default concentration algorithm for each media to be dispensed. The concentration of media in aqueous solution is initially controlled by this default algorithm at each of several concentration levels, from lowest to highest.

Abstract: A manufactured dry ice product containing ozone entrapped or absorbed on said dry ice. The dry ice product can be used to chill and preserve food products and provides the added benefit of ozonation of the food product to kill bacteria. Novel processes for ozonating liquid and solid CO2 are provided.

Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with self-production oxygen capability comprises an oxygen machine in a space close to where a radiation fan is. The oxygen machine comprises an air compressor, a revolving valve and two oxygen filter units. This design provides air to the compressor for the process of compressing and flows through the revolving valve into the two oxygen filter units in different time scheme, the oxygen filter units filter oxygen from the air to be blown to an exhale of the air conditioner through pipelines, while dirty air flows through the inhale back to the revolving valve and is expelled out. The revolving valve arranges oxygen to be blown out through the oxygen filter units in sequence so as to maintain a constant oxygen output.

Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with self-production oxygen capability comprises an oxygen machine in a space close to where a radiation fan is. The oxygen machine comprises an air compressor, a revolving valve and two oxygen filter units. This design provides air to the compressor for the process of compressing and flows through the revolving valve into the two oxygen filter units in different time scheme, the oxygen filter units filter oxygen from the air to be blown to an exhale of the air conditioner through pipelines, while dirty air flows through the inhale back to the revolving valve and is expelled out. The revolving valve arranges oxygen to be blown out through the oxygen filter units in sequence so as to maintain a constant oxygen output.

Abstract: The cool air inside a refrigerator compartment 2 is introduced through a return opening 10 into an ion generation chamber 45 provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2. A voltage is applied to a needle-like electrode 11a arranged in an upper portion of the ion generation chamber 45 so that, by corona discharge, positive and negative ions are discharged substantially parallel to the cool air circulating in the direction indicated by arrow B2. This helps alleviate the loss of ions resulting from collision with a wall surface, and permits the ions to reach a wide area. This prolongs the period for which the cool air is kept in contact with the ions, and thus helps enhance the sterilizing effect.

Abstract: An arrangement for improved thermal and/or electrical coupling between parts disposed in electronic device processing equipment is provided. In an illustrated embodiment, an improved coupling between a chamber liner and a chamber wall is provided which can be utilized in semiconductor processing equipment. The arrangement includes a compressible coupling or gasket which is compressed between a wedge ring and the chamber wall. The chamber liner is coupled to the wedge ring, so that the chamber liner is coupled to the chamber wall by way of the wedge ring and compressible coupling.

Abstract: A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. The storage device also includes a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, the zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The zeolite chamber is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber flows into the storage chamber. An air mover feeds gases to the zeolite chamber, and the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for an improved ultraviolet lamp assembly using an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with a sleeve having improved UV lamp temperature characteristics for improved UV lamp intensity output and germicidal affect. The ultraviolet lamp assembly comprises a UV lamp housed in a vented open end quartz sleeve in a portable air conditioning (AC) unit. The quartz sleeve comprises a distal sleeve open end and a proximal base open end through which a UV lamp is secured to the sleeve and AC unit. The proximal open end of the quartz sleeve comprises a plurality of venting slots that allow ambient air to travel into and out of the space between the UV lamp and the sleeve wall. Operation of the AC unit fan results in air flow into the sleeve at a proximal sleeve base end and out through the distal open end of the sleeve to thereby maintain the UV lamp at a desired temperature for improved germicidal affect.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus incorporates an ion generating device that generates positive and negative ions by applying an alternating-current voltage between electrodes. The generated positive and negative ions coexist in the air and, when they attach to the surfaces of airborne bacteria, they react chemically with each other and generate radical hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide, which extract hydrogen atoms from the cells of the bacteria and thereby kill them. This sterilizing effect is combined with the temperature-conditioning, dehumidifying, humidifying, air-purifying, and other functions of the air conditioning apparatus to bring about a comfortable and healthful indoor environment.

Abstract: The present invention is an air treatment system for airplanes. It includes: (a.) an environmental conditioning system located within an airplane to provide at least one of heating, cooling, and compressing air, and has ingress ductwork to remove air from an airplane cabin into the system, and an air movement mechanism, e.g. blowers, or equivalent devices, to cycle the air from the cabin and into the environmental conditioning system via the ingress ductwork. It also has egress ductwork for return of treated air into the cabin; and, (b.) an ionic oxygen generator connected to one or both of the ingress ductwork and the egress ductwork. The ionic oxygen generator may be one or more, and should be of sufficient capacity to generate at least 200 ions of ionic oxygen per cubic centimeter of incoming air for removal of airborne contaminants and odor from exiting air before it is returned to the cabin.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, air extracted from engine is fed through a main air flow path into cabin after being cooled by a cooling device. This extracted air is fed into the cabin through an auxiliary air flow path. The air within the cabin flows out through an outflow air flow path. A plurality of adsorption sections are constituted by an adsorption agent that adsorbs molecules contained in the air and releases adsorbed molecules by being raised in temperature to more than the temperature thereof on adsorption. By control of an air flow changeover mechanism by a controller, each of the adsorption sections is changed over between a condition connected with the auxiliary air flow path and a condition connected with the outflow air flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling at least one wine or champagne container in a wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus. The cooling system includes a housing; a container support mounted in the housing; a cool air generating unit mounted in the housing; and a circulator mounted in the housing. In one embodiment, the cool air generating unit generates cooled air. The cooled air is circulated in the housing by the circulator to cool the wine or champagne container on the container support. In another embodiment, the container support includes a removable divider which separates the container support into two areas where at least one wine or champagne container is included in each of the areas and at least one of the areas is adjacent to the circulator. The divider includes at least one air baffle to control the amount of generated cooled air circulated in each of the areas by the circulator.

Abstract: A refrigerator is divided into a storage compartment and an air duct in a thermal insulating housing. The cold air for use of the thermal exchange with a cooler in the duct circulates in the storage compartment by a fan. The refrigerator has an ultraviolet ray irradiating device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet ray irradiating device is installed at the inflow side of cooler, but separated from the cooler, so that the ultraviolet rays irradiate the duct by the ultraviolet ray irradiating device. Therefore, various germs such as bacteria or molds in the refrigerator can be prevented from growth, and the refrigerator can be deodorized.

Abstract: A wet package precooler is operated inside a flower cooler room and includes a closed cabinet with a slotted opening in the top into which the flower packages slide. A conveyor on which the packages ride is provided inside the cabinet, a motor/blower assembly provides cooling air flow. By incorporating vertical cooling air flow, the machine cools the packaged flowers as they slide through the slot. The machine directs the cooling air into the top of the package, down through the flowers, and exhausts the air through hand holes and vents in the water container part of the package.

Abstract: For deodorizing and sterilizing indoor air to make the residence space a comfortable environment, a lamp box (300) having an air inlet (320) and an air outlet (330) between the upper ends of a front heat exchanger (210) and a rear heat exchanger (230), and containing an ultraviolet lamp (310) is placed, ultraviolet light with the waveband of 250 to 260 nm and ultraviolet light with the waveband of 100 to 220 nm are emitted from the ultraviolet lamp (310), and a part of the ultraviolet light is applied to at least the rear heat exchanger (230) through the air outlet (330).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for recovering helium. The process includes a) passing a first gas containing helium to an eductor to produce a second gas; b) passing the second gas through a heat exchanger to produce a third gas; and c) recovering the third gas into the eductor to combine with the first gas.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and deodorizing a unit having an enclosed space not otherwise easily accessible for cleaning and deodorizing.

Abstract: A method is provided, in which directly generated and/or indirectly formed and storable heat energy is stored in a mobile container-like latent-heat storage unit capable of being warehoused and of being delivered, the latent-heat storage unit being transported by means of a transport unit to at least one heat-energy reception unit and being arranged there in suitable form on or in the heat-energy reception unit. The possibility is thus afforded, for the first time, of transporting and utilizing heat energy over relatively long distances flexibly and on demand, but also extremely profitably.

Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods wherein ultraviolet light kills and/or degrades and vaporizes microorganisms and organic material which naturally form over time on a heat exchanger. As this matter is eliminated, the pressure drop is decreased (i.e., airflow is increased) and the heat exchange efficiency (capacity) is increased. Less energy per Btu removed is used by the cooling system, and less energy is used by the HVAC system to move air.

Abstract: A deliming and sanitizing process which includes injecting a liquid delimer composition into a pre-mix reservoir, and substantially simultaneously injecting a second liquid sanitizing composition into a pre-mix reservoir wherein the liquid delimer composition and the liquid sanitizing composition form a mixture which is then transported from the pre-mix reservoir into a water circulation system such as in an automatic ice machine for cleaning and sanitizing the system.

Abstract: The invention allows cool rooms or sea containers designed for frozen goods to handle produce requiring more precisely controlled temperatures and conditions, e.g., vegetables and fruits requiring temperatures in the chilling range and often also needing control or modification of the atmosphere. Each load of produce (100) (e.g. of pallet size) is held in the sea container or cool room but is sealed from the air of the refrigerated environment by, for example, a plastics bag (56). The atmosphere within the bag is then circulated by a fan (12) (or by convection currents from a heating element) so as to pass through the load and around it via ducts (30) provided adjacent the bag (56). Heat exchange (50) between the circulating gas and the refrigerated environment, via the plastics film, serves to cool the load. However, if cooling is excessive a heating element can be used to raise the temperature of the circulating atmosphere. Gas composition of the atmosphere can be controlled by scrubbing, flushing, etc.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises an ultraviolet discharging lamp, for irradiating ultraviolet rays to an air duct inside the refrigerator, and irradiating a visible light to a cold storage compartment of the refrigerator; a light catalyst filter, installed in the air duct and activated by the ultraviolet rays; a fan for forming an air curtain when a door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp when the door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened. In addition, the refrigerator can further comprise an operating device for setting or disabling an antimicrobial mode of the refrigerator; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp for a preset interval, and turning off the ultraviolet discharging lamp when a door of the refrigerator is opened, when the antimicrobial mode is disabled.