Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for preserving processed food.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, as time goes on after foods have been stored in a box, nutrients of the foods are gradually destroyed, and the freshness of the foods may be degraded. Deterioration due to mould attack occurs extensively particularly in so-called half-dry food articles and feeds such as bread, cheeses, smoked fish, dry sausages, air dried fruits, and air-dried fish, especially when they are stored in packaged condition. Industrial food processing plants incur, through mould attack, losses which are difficult to assess, both in the form of returned, deteriorated products and of impaired sales owing to the products' inferior quality. The consumers, too, are caused direct losses by such deterioration, but in addition they also run health risks because of the toxins formed by moulds, which may already be produced before the growth of mould is visually observable.
[0003] In order to solve the above problem, foods may be put into a food box and ultraviolet rays may be irradiated onto the foods, or the foods may be individually packaged, or may be kept refrigerated. As is known, in order to provide a long-lasting preservation of food products, refrigeration apparatuses are typically used which, by way of keeping the food products at low temperatures, allow to slow the natural process of deterioration. However, some food products can lose their organoleptic characteristics if they are kept in contact with oxygen and, in particular, with air.
[0004] There is also a growing demand for healthy and completely natural foods, which combine good taste with high quality. Food manufacturers need to protect the health and safety of the public while satisfying consumer demands by delivering products that are safe for consumption and have a guaranteed shelf life, whether at refrigerated storage temperature. 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.
[0005] In conventional food preservation methods, for example, the refrigeration and freezing functions of refrigerators, high-temperature sterilization, low-temperature sterilization or ultraviolet light sterilization is used to enhance the shelf life of foods. However, in the foregoing conventional food preservation methods, beneficial probiotics in foods may be killed or ingredients of nutritional value in foods may be denatured, resulting in a loss of original nutritional value of the foods.
[0006] Also, when the ultraviolet rays may be irradiated onto the foods or the foods are individually packaged, the freshness and the nutrients of the foods may be maintained only for a very short time, and the foods may be spoiled if a predetermined time elapses. However, when the foods are kept refrigerated, although the foods may be stored for a long time, most of nutrients may be destroyed.
[0007] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need of an apparatus for preserving processed food, and which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0009] Before the present subject matter relating to an apparatus for preserving processed 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.
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for preserving processed 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.
[0011] In an embodiment, an apparatus for preserving processed food, the apparatus includes a housing configured to enclose processed food, at least one electric field generation apparatus positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of electric field generation apparatuses is provided, the v includes at least one electric partition, the at least one electric partition is electrically connected to control unit configured to regulate the electric field generated by the at least one electric field generation apparatus, and divides the accommodating space into a plurality of subspaces, and one of the electric field generation apparatuses is respectively disposed in the plurality of subspaces. In this way, electric field preservation processing can be performed on a plurality of foods of the same type or different types simultaneously.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a food preservation system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] In an embodiment, an apparatus for preserving processed food, the apparatus includes a housing configured to enclose processed food, at least one electric field generation apparatus positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of electric field generation apparatuses is provided, the v includes at least one electric partition, the at least one electric partition is electrically connected to control unit configured to regulate the electric field generated by the at least one electric field generation apparatus, and divides the accommodating space into a plurality of subspaces, and one of the electric field generation apparatuses is respectively disposed in the plurality of subspaces. In this way, electric field preservation processing can be performed on a plurality of foods of the same type or different types simultaneously.
[0017] In another implementation, a power source providing electrical energy to at least one electric field generation apparatus is provided.
[0018] In another implementation, at least one electric field generation apparatus comprises one or more electrodes configured to generate an electric field within the housing.
[0019] In another implementation, one or more electrodes are spaced apart to create a uniform electric field across the processed food.
[0020] In another implementation, an apparatus further comprising a sensor system configured to monitor the condition of the processed food, wherein the control unit adjusts the electric field based on the monitored condition.
[0021] In another implementation, the sensor system comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and spoilage detection sensors.
[0022] In another implementation, the control unit is programmable to operate the electric field generation apparatus in predetermined time intervals or in response to detected changes in the condition of the processed food.
[0023] In another implementation, the housing is constructed from a material transparent to the electric field generated by the at least one electric field generation apparatus.
[0024] The apparatus comprises a housing designed to enclose processed food. The housing may be constructed from materials suitable for maintaining a controlled environment within, protecting the food from external influences, and allowing for efficient application of the electric field. Within the housing, at least one electric field generation apparatus is positioned. This apparatus includes components such as electrodes, which are configured to generate an electric field within the enclosed space. The electric field acts as a preservation mechanism for processed food. To regulate the electric field, the apparatus is equipped with a control unit. This control unit may be programmable, allowing for precise adjustment of the electric field intensity, frequency, and duration. It ensures optimal conditions for food preservation and can adapt based on monitoring data. A power source is integrated into the apparatus, supplying the necessary electrical energy to the electric field generation apparatus. This power source can be designed to be energy-efficient and may include backup or rechargeable features for sustained operation.
[0025] The electric field generation apparatus includes one or more electrodes. These electrodes are strategically positioned within the housing to create an electric field. The configuration is designed to ensure uniform coverage across processed food, promoting consistent preservation. The spacing of the electrodes is carefully determined to achieve a uniform electric field distribution across the processed food. This ensures that all portions of the food are subjected to the desired electric field strength, contributing to effective preservation.
[0026] The apparatus is equipped with a sensor system to monitor the condition of the processed food. This system may include various sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and spoilage detection sensors. The data collected by the sensors is processed by the control unit to make real-time adjustments to the electric field based on the food's condition. The sensors within the sensor system are integrated seamlessly into the apparatus, providing accurate and timely data to the control unit. Temperature and humidity sensors contribute to maintaining optimal environmental conditions, while spoilage detection sensors offer an additional layer of protection by identifying potential food spoilage.
[0027] In an embodiment, the control unit is programmable, allowing the user to set predetermined time intervals for the operation of the electric field generation apparatus. Additionally, the control unit can respond dynamically to changes in the condition of the processed food, adapting the electric field parameters for enhanced preservation. The housing is constructed from a material that is transparent to the electric field generated by the apparatus. This transparency ensures that the electric field can effectively penetrate the food, reaching all areas within the housing and contributing to uniform preservation.
[0028] In the present invention, at least one electric field generation apparatus is designed to be detachable, allowing for easy replacement or maintenance. This feature enhances the practicality and longevity of the apparatus, enabling users to conveniently replace or upgrade components. The apparatus includes a display unit providing information on the status of the electric field, processing time, or condition of the processed food. This user interface enhances the user experience by offering real-time feedback and control over the preservation process.
[0029] The electric field generation apparatus is configured to operate within a predetermined frequency range optimized for food preservation. This frequency range is carefully selected based on scientific principles to maximize the preservation efficacy while minimizing any potential adverse effects on the processed food.
[0030] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a food preservation system according to the present invention, including the foregoing food preservation apparatus. Apparatus 4 includes the housing (100) containing the processed food, the electric field generation apparatus (102), control unit (104), the sensor unit (106) and power source (108). The electric field generation apparatus (102) has electrodes with specific arrangement for uniform coverage. The sensor system is present within the housing, the different types of sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors are present.

, Claims:We claim:

1. An apparatus for preserving processed food, comprising:
a) a housing configured to enclose processed food;
b) at least one electric field generation apparatus positioned within the housing;
c) a control unit configured to regulate the electric field generated by the at least one electric field generation apparatus; and
d) a power source providing electrical energy to the at least one electric field generation apparatus.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electric field generation apparatus comprises one or more electrodes configured to generate an electric field within the housing.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more electrodes are spaced apart to create a uniform electric field across the processed food.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sensor system configured to monitor the condition of the processed food, wherein the control unit adjusts the electric field based on the monitored condition.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sensor system comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and spoilage detection sensors.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is programmable to operate the electric field generation apparatus in predetermined time intervals or in response to detected changes in the condition of the processed food.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed from a material transparent to the electric field generated by the at least one electric field generation apparatus.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electric field generation apparatus is detachable, allowing for easy replacement or maintenance.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a display unit providing information on the status of the electric field, processing time, or condition of the processed food.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electric field generation apparatus is configured to operate within a predetermined frequency range optimized for food preservation.