Patent ID: 6644043
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A23B,A23L,F25D

Abstract:
A cooling system for cooling produce, the cooler comprising:a vacuum chamber; a support in the chamber for supporting produce; a vacuum pump to create a vacuum within the chamber; a vacuum release valve subject to the vacuum in the vacuum chamber to release a vacuum in the chamber that may be created by the vacuum pump; a pressure controller coupled to the vacuum pump and to the vacuum release valve, the pressure controller configured to control the pressure within the vacuum chamber; a water inlet receiving water from a water supply and carrying water into the chamber; at least one nozzle for applying water to produce located on the support, the at least one nozzle receiving water from the water inlet and being located within the chamber and above the produce; a water pump to supply water through the water inlet to the at least one nozzle; and a temperature controller coupled to the water pump to control the temperature of water being applied to produced via the at least one nozzle, such that produce located within the chamber may be cooled in a way that limits evaporation of interstitial water.