Patent ID: 7832218
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: F25D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for the cooling of produce, said apparatus comprising: a first enclosure having an access opening to allow containers of produce to be placed therein in two rows with the rows spaced from each other to form a first central space and with the rows being spaced from the inner surface of the first enclosure to form two first outer spaces; a first plurality of air inflatable seals adapted to seal the inner surface of said first enclosure against the containers of produce to be placed therein, thus substantially sealing the first central space and the two first outer spaces; first forced air refrigeration equipment, said first forced air refrigeration equipment comprising a first blower, said first forced air refrigeration equipment adapted to force refrigerated air into said two first outer spaces and to remove air from said first inner space; a second enclosure, said second enclosure connected to said first enclosure along a continuous conveyor for containers of produce, said second enclosure comprising: a second plurality of air inflatable seals adapted to seal the inner surface of said second enclosure against the containers of produce to be placed therein, thus substantially sealing the second central space and the two second outer spaces; second forced air refrigeration equipment, said second forced air refrigeration equipment comprising a second blower, said second forced air refrigeration equipment adapted to force refrigerated air into said second inner air space and to remove air from said two second outer spaces; a first flapper valve; a first pressurized air inlet, said first pressurized air inlet fluidically coupled to the positive air pressure side of said first blower at one end and said first flapper valve at a second end; a first negative pressure air inlet, said first negative pressure air inlet fluidically coupled to the negative air pressure side of said first blower at one end and said first flapper valve at a second end; and a first ducting system, said first ducting system fluidically coupled to said first plurality of air inflatable seals, said first ducting system fluidically coupled to said first flapper valve.