Patent ID: 6405644
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: A23B,A23L

Abstract:
An apparatus useful for maintaining perishable product in a controlled environment, comprising:an insulated chamber defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a plurality of perimeter walls connecting said uppermost wall and said lowermost wall, said chamber having at least one segment, each said segment sealed and baffled from each other and having at least one tier, wherein each said tier is configured to receive two rows deep and two rows across of produce, said two rows deep and two rows across of produce being in a spaced apart relationship thereby defining an interstitial airspace therebetween, and each row of produce being proximate and spaced apart from a respective of said perimeter walls to define a side airspace therebetween; airflow means constructed and arranged to provide airflow in an up-flow direction into each said segment, thereby causing air to flow between said interstitial and said side airspaces; a base, positioned juxtaposed and below said lowermost insulated chamber wall of each said segment, said base including an integral air control system adapted to control air temperature and to transfer air between said interstitial and said side airspaces; whereby said airflow means is in fluid communication with said integral air control system; at least one hatch constructed and arranged to provide access within said base; a plurality of integral structural support locating means adapted to particularly position each structural support whereby said interstitial and said side airspaces are maintained; an air venting means; and, sealable access means for providing ingress and egress to each of said segments.