Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for storing food fresh for long duration.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Certain solids and liquids need to be preserved, protected, or enhanced on a continual basis. Unpreserved, unprotected, or unenhanced items such as solids and liquids can be damaged, can be subject to degradation, can deteriorate, can spoil, and can even explode in some instances due to a variety of reasons such as exposure to undesired or unwanted conditions such as sunlight, a spark, electrical current, improper humidity, improper temperatures, improper air components such as oxygen, and other environmental conditions. Conventionally, many storage device were developed where combustion is used and therefore it is inconvenient to use in homes and stores, because there is the possibility of fire and toxic effects due to the existence of carbon monoxide, thereby making the device undesirable in view of safety.
[0003] In another example, when an airplane, automobile, boat or other vehicle or vessel is in a significant accident, there is usually extensive damage to or destruction of the vehicle as well as its contents and often times the passengers. The extent of the damage depends upon many factors such as the weather, the speed at impact, the cause of the accident, where and how the impact played out and so forth. Many times, the most significant factor contributing to the damage or destruction is the fuel and associated fumes the vehicle or vessel is carrying at the time of the accident. The fumes from the fuel often ignite or explode. Additionally, even when there is not an accident, for other reasons the fuel or fumes can sometimes ignite.
[0004] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need for an apparatus for storing food fresh for long hours, 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 storing food fresh for long duration, 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 storing food fresh for a long duration. 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 storing food fresh for long duration is disclosed, the apparatus includes a housing, a nitrogen-rich gas supplier, oxygen level adjuster, a temperature detector and an air exhaust device. The housing including an item storing compartment configured to enclose a storage space for food items. The nitrogen-rich gas supplying means for introducing nitrogen-rich gas into said storage space. The oxygen level adjusting means controlling and maintaining a desired oxygen level within said storage space. The temperature detection means for monitoring and regulating the temperature within said storage space. The air exhaust device for facilitating the removal of excess air from said storage space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0009] 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.
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an enlarged schematic front elevational view of the apparatus.
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart showing the main routine operated by the apparatus for storing food.
[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the nitrogen gas manifold of the apparatus of FIG. 1, which distributes the nitrogen rich gas from the nitrogen storage tank to the bottles.
[0013] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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 method and process 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.
[0017] In an embodiment, an apparatus for storing food fresh for long duration is disclosed, the apparatus includes a housing, a nitrogen-rich gas supplier, oxygen level adjuster, a temperature detector and an air exhaust device. The housing including an item storing compartment configured to enclose a storage space for food items. The nitrogen-rich gas supplying means for introducing nitrogen-rich gas into said storage space. The oxygen level adjusting means controlling and maintaining a desired oxygen level within said storage space. The temperature detection means for monitoring and regulating the temperature within said storage space. The air exhaust device for facilitating the removal of excess air from said storage space.
[0018] In another implementation, the housing comprises an insulated structure to enhance temperature control and prevent external temperature fluctuations.
[0019] In another implementation, the nitrogen-rich gas supplying means includes a nitrogen gas source, a pressure regulation system, and distribution channels for evenly dispersing nitrogen-rich gas within said storage space.
[0020] In another implementation, the oxygen level adjusting means comprises an oxygen sensor configured to measure the oxygen concentration within said storage space, and a control unit for adjusting the nitrogen-rich gas supply based on the measured oxygen concentration.
[0021] In another implementation, the temperature detecting means comprises one or more temperature sensors strategically positioned within said storage space, and a control system for adjusting the temperature based on the sensed temperature values.
[0022] In another implementation, the air exhaust device comprises a fan or a pump for expelling excess air from said storage space, thereby maintaining optimal atmospheric conditions for food preservation.
[0023] In another implementation, a user interface panel for allowing a user to set and monitor desired storage conditions, including temperature, oxygen level, and nitrogen supply.
[0024] In another implementation, the housing includes a transparent or translucent portion, enabling visual inspection of the stored food items without the need to open the storage space.
[0025] In another implementation, the apparatus is designed for household or commercial use, with varying sizes and capacities to accommodate different storage requirements.
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an enlarged schematic front elevational view of the apparatus.
[0027] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having a frame with a bezel panel, a door that is rotatably attached to the frame, and dispensers that are connected to the front of the bezel panel. The apparatus includes a container or bottle support mounted inside of the frame of the housing to support the stored food. The nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas generator draws in air, separates the nitrogen and other inert gases in the air from the oxygen and then supplies the nitrogen rich gas to a nitrogen storage container or storage tank and then to the containers or bottles in the housing to provide optimal preservation of the stored food. In an embodiment, a flow meter 36 is provided on the delivery side of the air splitter 35. An adjustable valve 41, which is typically a needle valve, is provided in conjunction with the flow meter to alter the flow characteristics through the air splitter 35. A consequence of this is that the rate of permeation, and thus the oxygen content of the nitrogen-rich gas stream, may be varied. Typically, the oxygen content of the nitrogen-rich gas may vary substantially between 0% and 21%. This range covers the oxygen requirements for most produce applications.
[0028] The compressor 37 may also be operatively connected to the carbon dioxide level monitor 31 in a manner such that if the carbon dioxide level rises above a predetermined maximum, nitrogen-rich gas is directed into the container to dilute the carbon dioxide content. The compressor 37 is preferably located within refrigerated space 15 for a number of reasons. Firstly, the cool air within the space 15 helps to cool the compressor. Further, by locating the compressor within the container it is protected from corrosive elements often present in the ambient air.
[0029] In the same embodiment, the storage area 12 and the sealing curtain 50 are located in position. The doors 10 are then closed. In order to establish the atmosphere within the storage area level the predetermined oxygen and carbon dioxide control levels are set by operation of external controllers on display panel 25. The compressor 37 then operates to direct ambient air through the air splitter 35 whereupon the nitrogen-rich gas stream is directed into the container to fill the load space with a nitrogen-rich gas containing the exact predetermined quantity of oxygen. The oxygen rich gas stream is directed back to the atmosphere. At the same time the carbon dioxide monitors 31 operates and, in turn, brings the carbon dioxide level within the storage area 12 up to the predetermined level by directing carbon dioxide obtained from the degradation of the dry ice block within box 40 into the interior of the container. The gases within the container space are circulated by blower 20 and may be subjected to heating or cooling by use of the refrigeration system. The apparatus is continuously monitored and bought back to the predetermined levels by appropriate operation of the splitter 35, and of the control valve 43.
[0030] Further in the fresh food storing device of the present invention, a separating wall having a first opening and a second opening is installed within the storing volume, and the evaporation mechanism of the cooling unit is disposed in the space between the separating wall and the partitioning walls. Therefore, in the case where a circulating device is installed in the first opening of the separating wall, the nitrogen rich gas blown in through the nitrogen-rich gas outlet of the nitrogen-rich gas supplying device can be efficiently cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the storing volume can be effectively maintained at a low level.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart showing the main routine operated by the apparatus for storing food.
[0032] In an embodiment, an initial state is set up by connecting the power source at the step S1. Then the internal timer of the CPU is started at the step S2 for determining the length of one routine; input signals from the different sensors are received at the step S3; the temperature regulating subroutine is operated at the step S4; the nitrogen supply regulating subroutine is operated at the step S5; the temperature regulation subroutine is operated in step S6; the ethylene regulating subroutine is operated at the step S7; the other subroutines are sequentially operated at the step S8; a controlling signal is outputted at the step S9; and at the step S10, the operation returns to the step S2 after waiting for the termination of the internal timer.
[0033] If the motor is activated to drive the pump the gas within the storing volume is sucked into the bypass path through the inlet in order to flow through the ethylene removing member, thereby removing the ethylene contained in the nitrogen-rich gas. The nitrogen-rich gas after removal of the ethylene returns through the outlet into the storing volume.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the nitrogen gas manifold of the apparatus of FIG. 1, which distributes the nitrogen rich gas from the nitrogen storage tank to the bottles.
[0035] In an embodiment, the manifold disperses the nitrogen rich gas to each of the four stoppers in each bottle as discussed in greater detail below. The manifold preferably includes suitable tubing or fluid communication lines 116 and nylon tees 118. The tubing 116 fits over or overlaps the barbed ends of each tee. The barbed ends of the nylon tees fit securely into the tubing so that the tubing is prevented from slipping off of the tees. The nitrogen rich gas enters the interior space defined by the outer wall of the tubing 116 at point B and passes through each of the tubing lines 120 a, 120 b, 120 c and 120 d that extend from the tees 118. The tubing or fluid communication lines transport the nitrogen rich gas to the stoppers 84. It should be appreciated that while nitrogen is preferred due to the volume of nitrogen in the air, other suitable inert gases may be generated to preserve the stored food. The nitrogen rich gas enters the stopper assembly at 5 psi to provide a steady stream of wine through the dispensers to a user, to provide positive pressure and to prevent carbonation of the wine or champagne. The nitrogen rich gas travels through the gas probe into a chamber inside the upper body. The upper body is separated into two chambers by a wall thereby preventing the mixing of the nitrogen rich gas and the liquid inside the upper body.
[0036] In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a circulating fan that circulates cooled air around the interior chamber of housing, and thereby cools or chills the wine or champagne bottles to a specific temperature desired by the user. The temperature of the cooled air is less than room or ambient temperature. In one embodiment, the cooling system turns on automatically when the apparatus is plugged into a conventional outlet. In one embodiment, a control device is employed to turn on the cooling system.
[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 storing food fresh for long duration, comprising:
a housing including an item storing compartment configured to enclose a storage space for food items;
a nitrogen-rich gas supplying means for introducing nitrogen-rich gas into said storage space;
an oxygen level adjusting means for controlling and maintaining a desired oxygen level within said storage space;
a temperature detecting means for monitoring and regulating the temperature within said storage space; and
an air exhaust device for facilitating the removal of excess air from said storage space.
2. The apparatus for storing food fresh as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an insulated structure to enhance temperature control and prevent external temperature fluctuations.
3. The apparatus for storing food fresh as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nitrogen-rich gas supplying means includes a nitrogen gas source, a pressure regulation system, and distribution channels for evenly dispersing nitrogen-rich gas within said storage space.
4. The apparatus for storing food fresh as claimed in claim 1, wherein said oxygen level adjusting means comprises an oxygen sensor configured to measure the oxygen concentration within said storage space, and a control unit for adjusting the nitrogen-rich gas supply based on the measured oxygen concentration.
5. The apparatus for storing food fresh as claimed in claim 1, wherein said temperature detecting means comprises one or more temperature sensors strategically positioned within said storage space, and a control system for adjusting the temperature based on the sensed temperature values.
6. The apparatus for storing food as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air exhaust device comprises a fan or a pump for expelling excess air from said storage space, thereby maintaining optimal atmospheric conditions for food preservation.
7. The apparatus for storing food as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface panel for allowing a user to set and monitor desired storage conditions, including temperature, oxygen level, and nitrogen supply.
8. The apparatus for storing food as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing includes a transparent or translucent portion, enabling visual inspection of the stored food items without the need to open the storage space.
9. The apparatus for storing food as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is designed for household or commercial use, with varying sizes and capacities to accommodate different storage requirements.