Abstract: A container oxygen control system includes multiple containers to hold perishable goods in a controlled ripening atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen. A first atmosphere control system controls the container atmosphere during the first transportation leg, such as from the place of harvest to a distribution port. The first atmosphere control system has a centralized nitrogen generator and multiple oxygen controllers which are provided for corresponding containers. The nitrogen generator generates a nitrogen enriched stream which is supplied to each oxygen controller. Each oxygen controller has an oxygen sensor to determine the oxygen content of the ripening atmosphere within the container. If the oxygen content remains above a preset threshold level, the oxygen controller injects the nitrogen enriched stream into the container at a constant rate to purge the container in a continuous manner. The container has an exhaust port to exhaust part of the ripening atmosphere from the container.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving tissues and organs, in particular of tissues and organs for transplantation, in which the tissue or organ to be treated is temporarily stored in a well-cooled state, in particular at a temperature in the range from -3.degree. C. to 3.degree. C., for a predeterminable time in an oxygen atmosphere, in a space which can be closed off in air tight manner, wherein the oxygen atmosphere is built up in the space which can be sealed off in air tight manner with a pressure which lies above the atmospheric pressure, and wherein the pressure in the closed space is kept at a pressure lying above the atmospheric pressure for the whole or the further period of intermediate storage.

Abstract: An indoor air conditioner includes a body having an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in an air flow path between the air inlet and outlet, and a blower for drawing room air into the body through the air inlet, and discharging the air back into the room after the air has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger. A controller provides signals for starting up and shutting down the air conditioner. A deodorizer, such as an ozonizer or negative ion generator, is disposed in the body and is connected to the controller so as to be energized for a predetermined period during start-up, and to be energized for a predetermined period after shutdown. During start-up, the energizing of the deodorizer begins before the blower is actuated. After shutdown, the deodorizer continues to be energized after the blower is deactivated. The deodorizer is thus able to deodorize the inside of the body while the blower is inactive, to prevent unpleasant air from being emitted when the blower is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature in a building for human or animal occupancy comprises a source of liquid breathable, life-supporting gas consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, dispensing means for dispensing a vaporized mist of the gas within said building. The dispensed mist, being at significantly lower than ambient temperature, acts to cool the atmosphere within the building much more rapidly and effectively than conventional systems.

Abstract: A room air conditioner includes an evaporator and a fan which circulates air from the room through the evaporator and back into the room through an outlet. Water condensing on the evaporator is collected. Ultra-violet lamps are positioned within the air conditioner to sterilize the air passing therethrough and to sterilize the collected water.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere system comprising a plurality of open-ended chambers within an enclosure that may be refrigerated, each chamber provided with a detach-able closure either in the form of a flexible curtain or a solid lightweight partition wherein each chamber is supplied with its own controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere system comprising a plurality of open-ended chambers within an enclosure that may be refrigerated, each chamber provided with a detachable closure either in the form of a flexible curtain or a solid lightweight partition wherein each chamber is supplied with its own controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for cryopreservation of biological samples. A cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen is turned into a slush within a container such as a standard cryogenic storage vial by applying suction to create a partial vacuum above the liquid. The sample to be cooled is dropped into the slush and is subsequently stored in the container within which it was cooled.

Abstract: A method for extending the shelf life of harvested produce against decay and premature ripening includes initial cooling of the produce, and thereafter maintaining the produce at the reduced temperature and at high humidity during processing and storage and packaging to final shipment for consumption. Cooled water with preservative chemicals rinse the produce at initial processing to suppress the ripening process significantly. Subsequent temporary storage between processes and processing steps occur substantially at the reduced temperature and high humidity to maintain the produce in a state of reduced ripening activity. The harvested produce is cut up and sized for volume collection and temporary storage as infeed to combining and packaging processes as required. Prescribed amounts of selected produce are individually packaged and crated for shipment in cooled and humid cargo carriers to remote locations where shelf life against decay and premature ripening is significantly extended.

Abstract: A jacket (10) for keeping a transplant (46) cold during the time the transplant in surgical way is connected to a receiver comprises a wall (12, 14) with a cavity (22) containing a frozen liquid, which melts under absorption of heat from the transplant. Before the transplant is placed in the jacket (10), the liquid, e.g. water, is frozen by being subjected to vacuum, vapour released from the liquid being absorbed by a substance, e.g. zeolite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to a device for pellet-freezing pourable and flowable materials in a low-boiling liquefied gas (11) which is located in the interior of an insulated housing (1) having an aperture for introducing the material to be frozen. To generate a cascade-like flow (12), in which small drops can be frozen individually, coupled with a small surface area requirement of the immersion bath, there is, according to the invention, in the interior of the housing (1), a reaction tube (2) with an agitator (3) which is arranged at the lower end, the charging device (13) for the material to be frozen being arranged above the aperture (18) thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for ice seeding during cryopreservation of biological samples such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissue equivalents wherein ice seeding is performed by discharging a liquefied or chilled gas from a nozzle to the surface container containing said biological sample in cryopreservative. Inside a freezing chamber, containers are placed on racks that are located proximal to a sprayrail containing nozzles. Ice seeding is performed by discharge of liquefied or chilled gas from the nozzles to the container surface at the solid-liquid equilibrium temperature of the cryopreservative. Localized cooling of the container surface by the discharge results in ice seed formation within the container.

Abstract: A method for storing atmosphere sensitive product includes providing an atmosphere surrounding the product which contains at least about 5% heptafluoropropane, preferably at least about 20% heptafluoropropane. The stored products include food, pharmaceutical and chemical products, and mechanical and electrical equipment. In a particular aspect, the method includes storing the product in a closed container and providing in the headspace of the container an atmosphere containing heptafluoropropane.

Abstract: A dropper assembly for feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber comprises a tray having a plurality of feed elements that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The feed elements each comprise a projection that is downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, each orifice associated with a corresponding projection. The projection has an inlet opening associated with the corresponding orifice in the tray and an outlet opening where droplets are formed and released. The dimension of the inlet opening is greater than the dimension of the outlet opening. The narrowing taper of the flow channel that extends from the inlet opening to the outlet opening promotes regulated accumulation of liquid composition to facilitate regulated discharge and formation of uniformly sized droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment for vehicle air-conditioning apparatus used in a vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for taking in external air or internal air through an air-conditioning air intake route, for feeding cleaning, aromatic or other solvent to clean the heat exchanger (evaporator) and improving the compartment environments, in which at least one solvent flow injection means is provided at the upstream side of the heat exchanger in the air-conditioning air intake route, a solvent feed route for feeding first solvent or second solvent to the injection means is provided, and the heat exchanger cleaning effect, or aromatic, deodorizing, disinfecting, or anti-mold effect may be obtained by the first or second solvent injected from the injection means, so that the compartment environments may be substantially improved.

Abstract: The cylindrical chamber allows one to quickly package a test fixture with attached sample, cool it to liquid-nitrogen temperature in a few minutes, and warm it back up to room temperature in a few minutes in a dry, helium or nitrogen atmosphere, which prevents water or ice from condensing on the test fixture and sample.

Abstract: A controller for use in a system employing selective permeable membrane technology to maintain a controlled atmosphere within a refrigerated container. The controller is electrically interfaced to an oxygen and carbon dioxide sensing device which is disposed within the container and capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container. The controller maintains preset levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container and is adapted to calibrate the carbon dioxide and oxygen sensing devices as well as check for proper operation of the sensing devices and default to safety conditions when a failure is detected. The controller is further adapted to control the atmosphere maintenance system in a manner adapted not to increase the peak power requirements of the system.

Abstract: A self-contained cooler/freezer apparatus for carrying items in a frozen or refrigerated environment. The apparatus comprises a first insulated container which is divided into two portions: a first storage portion where items that are incompatible with a carbon dioxide environment are stored; and, a second portion for storing a solid coolant, namely, solid carbon dioxide or dry ice. The items are placed within a second nitrogen enriched container and this second container is placed within the first storage portion of the first insulated container. Within a short period of time, the dry ice starts to sublimate, thereby forming cold gaseous carbon dioxide which fills the volume of the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice makers water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.

Abstract: An organ storage device permits both static storage and perfusion of an organ without removing the organ from an organ container. The organ storage device includes a contoured organ container. The organ container is stored and transported in an insulated temperature controlled static storage module. The container module is equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring the organ during storage and transportation. The container module is also equipped with an assembly for connecting the organ container to a perfusion module.

Abstract: A deodorizing device for a refrigerator is disclosed. The deodorizing device includes a deodorizing unit which is detachably mounted to a cooling air return port of a cooling chamber and sucks the cooling air laden with odor and bacteria thereinto by the blowing force of a cooling air fan. The deodorizing unit includes a cooling air grille provided with a plurality of cooling air through holes, a deodorant container provided on each side of the top surface of the grille a guide cover detachably coupled to the grille for guiding the cooling air to the cooling: air return passage, and a fixing plate for fixing the guide cover to an inner case of the freezing chamber so as to mount the deodorizing unit to the second cooling air return port. The fixing plate is placed on the top of the guide cover.

Abstract: Interior surfaces of an air handler unit are coated with a dense, non-porous material, which discourages and prohibits growth of mold, spores, algae, bacteria, germs, viruses and other organisms and microorganisms and allergens. Air is drawn into the air handler unit through a return duct and one or more filters, through a heat exchanger and into a blower within the air handler unit. The blower draws and discharges air through highly reflective, interiorly coated chambers, where the air is bathed with direct and reflected ultraviolet light. The clean, conditioned air is then delivered through main distribution and supply ducts.

Abstract: A system for delivering a controlled stream of purified liquid cryogen from an outlet. The system includes a cryogen delivery flow path that is made up of a delivery conduit connecting a source of liquid cryogen to the outlet. A cryogen purifier positioned in a section of the conduit, is capable of purifying (sterilizing) liquid cryogen flowing therethrough, and a section of the delivery conduit downstream of the cryogen purifier is clean (sterile). The system also includes a cleansing flow path for cleansing (sterilizing) the cryogen purifier and the clean delivery conduit section. The cleansing flow path includes a cleansing conduit connecting a source of cleansing (sterilizing) medium to the delivery conduit and the cryogen purifier. The cryogen purifier and clean delivery conduit section are isolated from the cryogen source during conduit cleansing, and cleansing is accomplished without subjecting the cryogen source to the cleansing medium.

Abstract: A refrigerated container is provided which has a refrigeration system and a controlled atmosphere system. The refrigeration system and the controlled atmosphere system are both provided with electronic controllers. The refrigeration controller is programmed with certain acceptable conditions under which the controlled atmosphere system will be allowed to operate. When these conditions are satisfied the refrigeration controller will send an enabling signal to the controlled atmosphere systems controller allowing it to operate. If at any time during operation the refrigeration controller determines that the controlled atmosphere system should not operate, it removes the electrical enabling signal, causing the controlled atmosphere system to stop.

Abstract: Microorganism growth within water chambers of air conditioning systems is controlled by the periodic introduction of minute quantities of biocidal materials. A large volume reservoir holds a concentrated solution of biocidal material. A pump, fed from the reservoir, pumps the solution through a tube to the water chamber. The pump is actuated for very short duration periods so that only a very small volume of the solution is dispensed. The time interval between periods is very long so that the biocide concentration in the water chamber is renewed as required. The duration of the pumping periods and the time interval between periods are adjustable by controls in a timer. A normally closed check valve in the line keeps the line full between periods. An antisiphon mechanism is provided in the line when it branches. An alarm mechanism is optionally provided to warn when the reservoir solution is depleted.

Abstract: An indirectly cooled type cold storage unit adapted to effectively remove ethylene gas generated from storage products, and which can be easily handled during assembly, comprises a heat-insulating outer housing, an inner housing of high heat-conductive material located in the outer housing with a space therebetween and defining therein a storage chamber, and a cooling device for circulating cold air in the space between the outer and inner housings whereby the inner housing is cooled so as to indirectly cool the storage chamber and its contents. An adsorbing and decomposing sheet-like agent composed of ethylene decomposing catalyst and active carbon is provided in communication with the inside of the storage chamber in a manner such that the ethylene gas passes only through the box and not through the space between the two housings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing items includes a sterilizing chamber that is evacuated. A refrigerant in liquid form expands within the evacuated chamber and rapidly reduces the temperature on the surface of any of the items within the chamber. Thereafter the temperature may rapidly return to room temperature. The rapid temperature changes effectively kill any organisms at or near the surface of any of the items within the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber located beneath the freezing chamber and separated therefrom by a partition. An evaporator is disposed in the partition for cooling air received from the freezing and refrigerating chambers. A fan circulates that air to the evaporator and then back to the chambers. An air passage disposed in the partition communicates the refrigerating chamber with the evaporator. An air sterilizing and deodorizing mechanism is disposed at an upstream end of that passage for treating air leaving the refrigerating chamber and entering the passage.

Abstract: Applicant has found that by freezing spermatozoa, especially stallion spermatozoa, in an extender in a flat container having a thickness so that the frozen product does not exceed 4 mm thickness results in a significant increase in the number of spermatozoa surviving upon thawing.

Abstract: To vitrify a sample, for example a biological sample which has a high water content, without the formation of ice crystals, the sample (10) is placed in a closed test chamber (11) having a chamber outlet (35). The chamber (11), with the sample therein, is filled with a primary fluid without cooling the sample to freezing temperature. This primary fluid may be an alcohol. The sample is vitrified by applying a high-pressure cryogenic fluid against the sample at a substantial pressure. The step of maintaining the pressure is accomplished, in accordance with the invention, by maintaining the outlet (35) from the chamber (11) at least essentially closed by a closing element, typically a valve (41), until the pressure within the sample chamber (11) has reached a predetermined value. The primary fluid may be a portion of the cryogenic fluid itself, for example heated, or even cooled, to an appropriate temperature which, however, will not cause the sample to freeze.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ripening fruit, such as bananas, comprising a chamber containing a frame in which at least two rows of loaded pallets are placed one above the other, in such a way that there is a free space on either side of the rows of loaded pallets, and comprising cooling means for the cooling of fluid provided in the lengthwise direction along the frame, and circulation means for conveying the fluid from one longitudinal side of the frame to the other longitudinal side, in such a way that a pressure difference arises between the space at one longitudinal side and the other, as a result of which the fluid flows back essentially in the horizontal direction through the load on the pallets from one longitudinal side to the other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for industrially freezing (or cooling) food or the like under pressure. The method consists of isostatically exerting pressure on the material such as food (14) and the frozen body (15) composed mainly of water through the pressure medium (12) contained in the pressure vessel (1), thereby cooling the material (14). When the temperature of the material (14) decreases below 0.degree.C. at which freezing does not take place under pressure, the pressure is released rapidly so that fine ice crystals are formed in the material (14).

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: Disclosed is an improved method for freezing biological specimens, such as human tissues, animal tissues, and plant tissues. The specimens are frozen so that they may be presently examined with light microscopy, or first stored frozen at ultra low temperatures and then later examined with light microscopy. The specimens are prepared with a matrix gel and then frozen with a fluorinated carbon fluid that is non-toxic to humans and thus the method does not present adverse health effects to humans. Preferably, the fluid also is non-flammable. More preferably, the fluid also has an ozone depletion potential of 0, whereby the preferred procedure is free of detrimental effects on the protective ozone layer of the earth. A suitable fluorinated carbon fluid is one that stays in the liquid state at low temperatures, for instance -60.degree. C. or lower. A suitable material is the perfluorinated carbon fluid, C.sub.6 F.sub.14.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering high purity coolant gas from at least one fiber optic heat exchanger, characterized by controlling a flow of coolant gas into and out of the heat exchanger using a pressure, impurity and/or flow rate monitoring or transmitting means in conjunction with a flow adjusting or controlling device to limit air or other gas infiltration into at least one fiber optic passageway of the heat exchanger. A sealing means may also be used at at least one end of the fiber optic passageway to further reduce air or other gas infiltration into the passageway. The resulting high purity coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger is delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the resulting coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger may be cooled, filtered and/or purified before being delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of treating vehicular brake pads to increase the wearability of the pads by allowing them to absorb and dissipate more energy with each use. The method involves a controlled thermal cycling process which lowers the temperature of the pads to about -300.degree. F. and holding the pads at this temperature for a predetermined time. The pads are then gradually warmed to room temperature (72.degree. F.).

Abstract: Pre-trip operational methods and procedures for automatically checking predetermined functions and the operating performance of a controlled atmosphere system for a refrigerated container. The system includes an electronic control and electrically controlled components including an air compressor, a filter having a drain valve, a heater, a nonelectric membrane separator and two or more flow control valves for varying the purity and the flow from the membrane separator. Various pressure, temperature and safety control devices are provided in the system. The methods include display tests of the indicator lights and display segments on the controller, tests of the drain valves on the filters and of the flow control valves. Tests of the heater and its control and safety mechanisms are carried out. Automatic tests are conducted of the oxygen sensor and CO.sub.2 sensor including span tests and zero point value tests.

Abstract: A chamber system for cryosorption freeze-drying of biological specimens in a Dewar vessel, comprises a chamber having a cylindrical metal wall and fitted within the Dewar vessel, a lower outer edge of which chamber is connected in a vacuum-tight manner to a lower edge of a metallic rotational component, the metallic rotational component having a bottom contact surface, which bottom contact surface corresponds with a complementary top contact surface on top of a cylindrical body around which liquid nitrogen flows and cools the metallic rotational component, the rotational component having a chamber to receive a drying agent for conducting cryosorption, for example a molecular screen, as well as a connection to the drying chamber.The upper edge of the metal wall or a ring connected thereto in a vacuum-tight manner is situated outside the Dewar vessel and is therefore approximately at ambient temperature and has a vacuum connection for the connection of commercially available vacuum components.

Abstract: The apparatus and method includes the heating of an inert gas stream, such as nitrogen or inert gas with a low oxygen content, to remove volatile organic compounds from an adsorption bed. The inert gas is then cooled by an evaporator to precipitate or condense the volatile organic compounds into a sump. Gas sensors sense the various volatile organic compound gas concentrations at the inlet and discharge of the evaporator and send signals representative of the concentrations to a signal processor and control logic module. The signal processor and control logic module selectively opens and closes valves which lead from the sump to various containers thereby separating various volatile organic compounds into selected containers. Further, the signal processor and control logic module can generate process control signals to vary the operation of the heating of the gas stream, the cooling of the gas stream, and the circulation of the gas stream.

Abstract: A perfume generating device for preventing a reduction in the level of a consciousness by a supply of relaxing-type aromatic agent, and for preventing a reduction in concentration. Different containers for relaxing-type and refreshing-type aromatic agents and valves for selecting one of the agents are provided on a perfume supply conduit. Upon the selection of the relaxing-type aromatic agent, a repetition of cycles are executed such that, after each three cycles of a relaxing-type aromatic agent, a single supply of refreshing-type aromatic agent or stoppage of the supply of the relaxing-type aromatic agent is performed.

Abstract: A multi-functional room air conditioning unit that controls both heat and humidity as well as the concentration of airborne particulates. A control unit monitors temperature, humidity and air quality parameters and automatically programs the apparatus to take corrective action when one or more of the parameters is outside of the desired range.

Abstract: An element comprised of a cryoretentive material is adapted for insertion into and support within the inner vessel of a cryogenic dewar adjacent one or more sample holders. Such a cryoretentive element may be adapted for disposition within the canister of existing sample holders and for acceptance of one or more samples, thus permitting the convenient conversion of unprotected dewars for protection against upsets and for improved sample holding times. Such elements provide a convenient and inexpensive conversion of cryogenic dewars for shipping, an improved ability to maintain samples in a cold state for longer periods of time and an improved sample holder with protection against a loss of liquid cryogen.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice maker's water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.

Abstract: Quantities of liquid are distributed via a conduit (5) connected to a source (4) of the liquid, by periodically opening and closing a closure member (7) disposed in the conduit, and injecting, during a predetermined period, immediately after the 5 closing of the closure member (7), a quantity of gas into the conduit portion (6)immediately downstream of the closure member. The duration of the cycle between two successive openings of the closure member (7)is less than 0.1 second. The liquid is an inert liquefied gas, e.g. nitrogen or argon. The injected gas is the same as the liquefied gas and comes from a same cryogenic receptacle (1). The invention is useful for rendering inert or pressurizing containers of food products.

Abstract: A vacuum cooler for produce and the like includes a vacuum tube forming a vacuum chamber into which produce is placed. A vacuum pump lowers the atmospheric pressure while cold water is gently sprayed onto the produce. Water vapor from the produce is condensed, directed to a sump in the chamber without permitting such condensed water to impinge on the produce, and then directed through a water disinfecting chamber for reuse. The cooler includes a venting system that admits outside air into the vacuum chamber, gradually returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure, and permitting removal of produce from the chamber.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering high purity coolant gas from at least one fiber optic heat exchanger, characterized by controlling a flow of coolant gas into and out of the heat exchanger using a pressure, impurity and/or flow rate monitoring or transmitting means in conjunction with a flow adjusting or controlling device to limit air or other gas infiltration into at least one fiber optic passageway of the heat exchanger. A sealing means may also be used at at least one end of the fiber optic passageway to further reduce air or other gas infiltration into the passageway. The resulting high purity coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger is delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the resulting coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger may be cooled, filtered and/or purified before being delivered to the inlet of heat exchanger.

Abstract: A wheel marker disposed on a wheel cap so as to allow the present rotating state of wheels of a vehicle to be visually recognized from a remote location includes as essential components a light emitting section radially extending toward the center of the wheel cap, a brightness detecting sensor disposed at the central part of the wheel cap on and along the outer surface thereof, an inverter disposed on the inner surface of the wheel cap, and a battery disposed on the inner surface of the wheel cap to serve as a power source. The light emitting section includes a light emitting element which usually comprises an electroluminescence element or a light emitting diode. In response to an output from the brightness detecting photosensor, the inverter is activated to turn on or turn off the battery. To turn off the battery when there is no need of activating the light emitting section, e.g., in the daytime, a power switch is disposed in position on the outer surface of the wheel cap.

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 refrigerator has freezing and cooling compartments, and a cooling device disposed in a space between those compartments. The cooling device includes a refrigerant-conducting pipe arrangement. Attached to that pipe arrangement is a deodorizer comprised of an odor adsorbing element and a heater for heating the odor adsorbing element. The deodorizer is suspended from pipe sections of the pipe arrangement so as to extend transversely relative to a direction of air flow through the cooling device. The cooling device includes a defrosting heater actuated simultaneously with the deodorizer heater so that both heaters perform a defrosting function.

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.