Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for preventing rotting of food.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Since the earliest recorded times mankind has sought ways to preserve and store food so that it may be eaten at a later date. Various basic methods for preserving food have been discovered and developed over the course of human history. Some of the basic methods include cooling or freezing of food, dehydrating food, storing food in an air-evacuated environment, using various gasses to retard ripening and the use of ozone or ultraviolet light to kill mold and bacteria. Today, most people in the United States own a refrigerator for the storage and preservation of food. However, refrigerators, although prolonging the life of most foods, do not extend their useful life for more than about one week. Some foods spoil even faster than that.
[0003] When a food is frozen for a long-time preservation, the quality after the thawing process seriously deteriorates in comparison with the quality before the freezing process, resulting in degradation of the taste. The reason for this is because the oxygen dissolved in the moisture inside each cell of the food (dissolved oxygen) oxidizes the food during the freezing preservation process.
[0004] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need for a food preservation system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0006] Before the present subject matter relating to an apparatus for preventing rotting of food, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for preventing rotting of food. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0008] In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing rotting of food, including a cabinet and a door. The cabinet is defined as an open storage space. The door associated with said cabinet is the door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method preventing rotting of food using a preservation apparatus, the method includes the step of placing the food in a holding tray inside a cabinet. The method includes the step of providing a substantially purging flow of gas into the enclosure. The method includes the step of sensing the gas pressure in the cabinet and sensing the rate of flow of gas from the interior of the cabinet through the exit orifice. The method includes the step of monitoring the temperature inside the cabinet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the food storage and preservation system of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a front elevational view of the food preservation system with the component door in the closed position.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an electric circuit diagram illustrating the control system of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.
[0014] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0016] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0017] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the system of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0018] In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing rotting of food, including a cabinet and a door. The cabinet is defined as an open storage space. The door associated with said cabinet is the door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component.
[0019] In another implementation, a central air treatment module housed within said cabinet.
[0020] In another implementation, an electric control circuit configured to pass and control the rate of flow of gas from the enclosure through an exit orifice.
[0021] In another implementation, a central air treatment module is operatively connected to said electric control circuit for regulating the treatment of air within said cabinet.
[0022] In another implementation, a exit orifice is adjustable to control the flow rate of gas expelled from said cabinet.
[0023] In another implementation, a modular component comprises at least one of an ethylene absorption module, a humidity control module, and an antimicrobial module.
[0024] In another implementation, a fastening system disposed on one of the component door and the base of said cabinet. A fasteners disposed on the other of the component door and the base of said cabinet. The fastening system adapted to engage with the fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base.
[0025] In another embodiment, a method preventing rotting of food using a preservation apparatus, the method includes the step of placing the food in a holding tray inside a cabinet. The method includes the step of providing a substantially purging flow of gas into the enclosure. The method includes the step of sensing the gas pressure in the cabinet and sensing the rate of flow of gas from the interior of the cabinet through the exit orifice. The method includes the step of monitoring the temperature inside the cabinet.
[0026] In another implementation, the exit chamber communicates with ambient atmosphere through an exit orifice equipped with spark arresting means.
[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the food storage and preservation system of the present invention.
[0028] In an embodiment, a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side adapted to receive a food preservation system in the form of a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected to the interior side of the door. A component door has a viewing area and is hingedly connected to the base. The device is comprised of a plurality of food storage containers or modules 6, 8, 10, 12 connected to a central air treatment module 2. Each food storage module 6, 8, 10, 12 is essentially a rectilinear enclosure that is gained access to by a hinged 30 front door 14. Within each module is a slide out tray 22 that is capable of retaining a variety of foods 32, be they fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread or the like. Each front door 14 includes a vacuum release button 28 that can be pressed to release the vacuum that is built up in each container and a release-secure latch 16 that also doubles as a label area. A pair of voltage indicator lights 8, 82 tells the user when to change the battery. Other indicating means such as an audio tone can be used as well. When the user is finished adding or removing food from tray 22, he or she then pushes tray 22 back into food storage module 10 and closes door 27 thereby forcing gasket material 26 against the protruding front edge 33 of food storage module 10.
[0029] An air outflow opening 42 allows air out of the storage module 10. Tray 22 has a molded ledge 412 that slidably rests on ledge 410 that is integrally molded into the inside wall of storage module 10. In this way, the tray 22, which is made of polyethylene plastic or the like, can slide on a controlled bearing surface other than the bottom surface. The voltage control device is initially controlled to deliver to the control circuit of the sensor/valve unit a low level voltage, say about volts, insufficient to actuate the solenoid coil of valve. Until the switch closes, therefore, the first current level, which is sensed by the device, is determined by the resistance values of the resistors RL, Rp and R1 and the solenoid coil. When switch closes, resistor Rp is short circuited, and a second current level determined by resistors RL and R1 and the coil flows in the circuit.
[0030] Additional modules can be plugged in a daisy chain fashion so that a plurality of food storage modules can be connected to one central air processing unit. Because of the flexibility of the hose-wire assemblies, the food storage modules can be positioned either next to each other or on top of each other. Because each food storage module has its own solenoid, the vacuum can be maintained in food storage modules while one food storage module is opened for use.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a front elevational view of the food preservation system with the component door in the closed position.
[0032] In an embodiment, a fastening system 53 is disposed on one of the component door 38 and the base 32 and is adapted to seal the component door 38 against the base 32. A heat sealer 58 is disposed on one of the base 32 and the component door 38. The component door 38 includes a viewing area 40 that may be translucent or transparent. The power port 66 of the modular component 30 is designed to interface with a power relay 94 that extends from the interior side 28 of the door 26. The power port 66 engages when the modular component 30 is secured to the interior side 28 of the door 26. A housing panel 96 is disposed below the power port 66 and allows access to the interior of the modular component 30 if the modular component 30 needs to be inspected internally or repaired. The modular component 30 includes a receptacle 100 adapted to receive and interface with a removable modular sub-assembly 102. The receptacle 100 includes a power relay system 104 and an air coupling 106 such that the modular sub-assembly 102 can attach to an air coupling 107 on the modular sub-assembly 102 and influence the air pressure in both the sealed compartment 46 and the external hose 48 extending from the modular component 30. Fastener apertures 108 are designed to engage with fastener receivers 110 in the modular component 30 and receive mechanical fasteners 112 to secure the removable modular sub-assembly 102 during insertion into the modular component 30.
[0033] The viewing area generally includes a translucent or transparent pane of material that allows a user to view the open end of the sealable bag. It is contemplated that the window could be constructed from glass, plastic, fiberglass, or any other material that allows adequate light to pass through the window and allows a user to see into the sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First and second fasteners of the fastening system are moveable into and out of secure engagement with the base. A gasket is disposed between the component door and the base. It is also contemplated that the fasteners can be magnetic fasteners. In this instance, the magnetic fasteners have opposite magnetic fields and are therefore attracted to one another thereby keeping the component door in the closed position. Alternatively, the fastener may be magnetized, and the other fastener may be a metal attracted to the magnetized fastener. Similarly, fastener may be magnetized and attracted to metallic fastener.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an electric circuit diagram illustrating the control system of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.
[0035] In an embodiment, the control unit 1 includes a limiting resistor RL connected in series with the cable conductor 3B to limit the maximum current through the circuit of the sensor/valve unit 2 in the event of a fault occurring in the unit 2 or in the interconnecting wiring. To safeguard further against excessively high current levels in the circuit a barrier device (10), such as a D.C. current transformer, is shown included in the exemplary embodiment. The input side of the barrier device 10 is connected by conductors 11, 12 to a voltage control device 13 which is connected to a D.C. supply. A current level sensing device 15 is connected to sense the current flowing in the conductor 12, and hence the current flowing through the cable conductors 3A, 3B and in the circuit of the sensor/valve unit. The device 15 discriminates between current levels and provides signals at a series of outputs 16A, 16B, 16C when certain current levels are detected. These outputs are connected to respective inputs 17A, 17B, 17C of a timing/logic device 18 having an output 19 connected to an input 20. The voltage control device 13 and to a control input 21 of the current level sensing device 15, and having several outputs connected to indicators 24 for indicating the condition of the pressurizing and purging apparatus.
[0036] As a result of the increase gas flow, the pressure rises further and forces open the valve 34 so that gas starts to leave the enclosure via the interior space (A) of the casing 1, the chamber (B)1 and the exit chamber 32. The rate at which gas flows into the chamber (B) is detected by the flow switch 7 and when the minimum purge flow rate is established this switch closes. As a consequence, the current in the control circuit is modified and assumes a fourth level determined by the resistances of the resistors R, R1 and R2 and the coil 8. This new current level is detected by the device 15 which produces a signal at its output 16B. The timing/logic responds to this signal by emitting a signal to energize a "purge in progress" indicator 24B, and to commence timing.
[0037] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus for preventing rotting of food, comprising:
a cabinet defining an open storage space;
a door associated with said cabinet, said door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component.
2. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a central air treatment module housed within said cabinet.
3. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an electric control circuit configured to pass and control the rate of flow of gas from the enclosure through an exit orifice.
4. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 3, wherein said central air treatment module is operatively connected to said electric control circuit for regulating the treatment of air within said cabinet.
5. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 3, wherein said exit orifice is adjustable to control the flow rate of gas expelled from said cabinet.
6. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 1, wherein said modular component comprises at least one of an ethylene absorption module, a humidity control module, and an antimicrobial module.
7. The apparatus for preventing rotting of food as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a fastening system disposed on one of the component door and the base of said cabinet;
b. fasteners disposed on the other of the component door and the base of said cabinet;
c. said fastening system adapted to engage with the fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base.
8. A method preventing rotting of food using a preservation apparatus, comprising:
placing the food in a holding tray inside a cabinet;
providing a substantially purging flow of gas into the enclosure;
sensing the gas pressure in the cabinet and sensing the rate of flow of gas from the interior of the cabinet through the exit orifice;
monitoring the temperature inside the cabinet.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the exit chamber communicates with ambient atmosphere through an exit orifice equipped with spark arresting means.