Abstract: A system that includes a plurality of banana containers is provided. Each banana container has a first container end to receive an unpeeled banana and a second container end. The system includes a gas dispensing regulator connected to a plurality of banana containers. The gas dispensing regulator includes a plurality of gas meters having a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of banana containers. A corresponding meter is connected to the second container end of a corresponding banana container to dispense a corresponding amount of ripening gas into the corresponding banana container. The system can limit the pressure of the ripening gas in the banana container using the closing device to vary the ripening rate of the bananas. This can avoid spoiling the taste of the bananas.

Abstract: A gas-selection device for a sealed storage container with modified or controlled atmosphere, remarkable in that it includes a hollow body and at least one first orifice, a second orifice and a first membrane, said first and second orifices connecting the inside of said body to the outside, said first membrane being disposed inside said body between said first and second orifices so that the gases flowing from the first orifice to the second orifice, or vice versa, necessarily and solely pass through said first membrane, and in that the device is arranged so as to be secured sealingly to one of the walls of the container, so as to allow a flow of gas from its second orifice through the wall, or vice versa.

Abstract: A storage silo apparatus having a storage silo including a shell wall, a secondary wall spaced radially outwards from the shell wall, and a space having a first width formed between an outer surface of the shell wall and an inner surface of the secondary wall. An insulation layer located in the space is narrower than the space such that an air gap is formed within the space. The air gap is formed radially adjacent the insulation layer and is configured to resist heat transfer between the shell wall and the secondary wall.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device for fresh products and/or perishable produce and a method for storing fresh products, comprising: a cabinet provided with an access door and/or flap; one or more substantially gastight compartments arranged in the cabinet and provided with at least one gas inlet and one gas outlet; and conditioning means suitable for conditioning the climate in the compartment, wherein the conditioning comprises of providing desired gas conditions, including oxygen content.

Abstract: A method and system for deriving animal feed from waste food is provided. The method and system involves dehydrating the waste food. The dehydrated waste food is grinded and mixed with one or more nutrients based on requirements of an animal. Thereafter, a mixture of the waste food and the one or more nutrients is extruded to obtain a plurality of grain pellets with a predetermined consistency. The plurality of grain pellets obtained after extrusion are cut to obtain a required shape and size for a grain pellet. Thereafter, the plurality of grain pellets are conditioned by adding one or more of fat, minerals and vitamins to the plurality of grain pellets. The plurality of pellets thus obtained are packaged and supplied as animal feed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating spoilage detection in bulk grain storage bins via dust-free or substantially dust-free air sampling. Dust particles are passively removed from sampled air without the use of barrier filters or electrostatic screens, but instead through the use of a non-linear pathway that is open at one end and closed at the other end. A system is disclosed that incorporates a coiled pathway as an air inlet element combined with a carbon dioxide or other gas detector element to provide an integrated detector module suitable for permanent installation in a dusty bulk grain storage bin environment to provide spoilage gas measurements over time. The system may communicate data to a central data storage system via cellular telephone or long range radio frequency data transmission. Alerts and alarms are generated and transmitted electronically to users via email, SMS text, automated phone messages and other means.

Abstract: The vent port employs a pair of mated housing parts that define a space for two criss-crossed flap valves. Each flap valve is formed of an aluminum bracket with an aperture for the passage of air and a silicone flap that closes over the aperture. The flap valves are oriented so that gravity enhances the closing of the flaps. Resistors are mounted on the brackets to heat the brackets at a low wattage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilation system for a perishable goods store and a method of operating a ventilation system for a perishable goods store. The system of the present invention may monitor and control the temperature and humidity of the goods within the store and comprises a controller for automatically operating the system, a duct through which air is propelled into the store, pressure control means for controlling the pressure within the duct and a pressure monitoring means for measuring the pressure within the duct. The controller monitors the pressure within the duct and controls the pressure control means ensure the air pressure within the duct is maintained within a defined pressure range. The pressure control means may comprise at least one variable speed fan. The present invention is advantageous in that it optimises the back-pressure within the duct, against which the at least fan must act, thereby providing a more efficient ventilation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of ventilating a compost heap.

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

Abstract: The control system includes a sealed chamber for storing products such as food products in a desired condition until scheduled for delivery. The conditions may be cooling, freezing, heating, dehydrating, rehydrating, etc., of fruit, bakery products, meat, or other products requiring rapid and controlled changes in temperature, humidity, or gases to preserve them. Alignment structure within the chamber floor spaces rows of product such as supported pallets apart from the sidewalls to define high and low pressure plenums. A sealing member extends from the chamber ceiling to one side of each row to form a seal therewith. The sealing member and palletized product, along with other seals within the chamber, divide the chamber into multiple volumes. One or more movable sealing baffles may be constructed for selectively forming a seal between a sidewall and the palletized product for a partially filled chamber.

Abstract: A container to receive an infuser of the kind formed from a wall structure of plastic material incorporating a mesh, and a lid for covering the container when the infuser is contained therein, said container having side walling incorporating support means which is arranged to support the infuser while spaced from said side walling so as to enable air to flow round the infuser and the lid having at least one opening to permit air to flow within the container to promote drying.