Improved produce containers, systems and method for packing and shipping the same, utilize containers that are smaller and have a lower Box Declared Weight than industry-standard banana boxes. The improved system comprises improved containers and an industry-standard sized banana pallet, which allows for a relatively higher weight of bananas to be shipped, while providing effective means to vary ventilation and temperature of the bananas, particularly those that are near the center of the pallet load. The method allows for reduced handling, and as a result, reduced bruising and scarring of bananas, while improving working conditions for those handling the containers.
B65D 5/42 - Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
B65D 85/34 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
2.
VACUUM DRIED FRUIT OR VEGETABLE PRODUCT AND PROCESS FOR MAKING IT
The present invention defines a process for vacuum drying fruit or vegetables, particularly tropical fruit, such as bananas, mangos and pineapples, so as to provide an exceptionally sweet and flavorful fruit chip snack product which is substantially free of any additives such as frying oil, preservatives, added sugar and artificial sweeteners. The process is a vacuum drying process and utilizes a drying apparatus in the form of an autoclave which contains within it a stacked platen heat exchanger wherein trays of the fruit to be dried are placed between heated platens in the heat exchanger. The platens are heated using hot water or a hot water/steam mixture and the drying is done in the autoclave under pressure.
A23L 3/015 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with pressure variation, shock, acceleration or shear stress
A scrubber configuration for controlling carbon dioxide levels in a shipping container containing respiring produce is disclosed. The scrubber is made up of a curtain which includes a gas-selective membrane having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1 : 1, said curtain being positioned close to and parallel with the rear wall of said container which includes a door, said curtain forming an air-tight seal dividing the interior of the container into a plenum chamber between said membrane and the (rear wall) door, and the remainder of the container in which the produce is placed. The structure also includes an air intake means for conveying fresh air from outside the container into the plenum chamber; and an air output means for conveying air from the plenum chamber to the outside of the container. In contrast to current methods for controlling CO2 levels in shipping containers, such as the use of hydrated lime, the scrubber configuration of the present invention is efficient, relatively inexpensive, does not take up shipping space within the container, does not present handling or disposal issues, and is not permanently attached to the container. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container containing respiring produce, utilizing the defined carbon dioxide scrubber configuration, is also disclosed.
A23B 7/14 - Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by group or
A23L 3/34 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
4.
CARBON DIOXIDE SCRUBBER FOR CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE SEA VAN CONTAINERS AND METHOD THEREWITH
A scrubber (10) for controlling carbon dioxide level in a shipping container (11) containing respiring produce (12) is disclosed. The scrubber (10) is relatively small, utilizes a gas - selective membrane (2) having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1:1, and fits inside the shipping container (such as a sea van container (11) ). In contrast to current methods of controlling C02 levels in shipping containers, such as the use of hydrated lime, the scrubbers (10) of the present invention arc efficient, relatively inexpensive, do not take up shipping space within the container, and do not present handling or disposal issues. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container (11) containing respiring produce (12), utilizing the carbon dioxide scrubbers (10) defined, is also disclosed.
patents
