Patent ID: 6202434
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A23B,B60P,F25D,Y02A

Abstract:
A method of cooling produce at the harvest site comprising the steps of:harvesting the produce and placing the produce inside a portable cooling unit, said cooling unit having the capability of cooling the produce by either forced air refrigeration means or hydro cooling means;where said step of cooling the produce by hydro cooling means comprises importing water into the portable cooling unit, chilling the water in a chilled water cascade, pumping the water onto the produce through nozzles positioned above the produce, capturing the water in a reservoir, and cycling the water back through the chilled water cascade, where the cycle is repeated until the produce has been cooled to a desired temperature;choosing one of the two said means for cooling the produce and cooling the produce using the chosen means; andremoving the cooled produce from the portable cooling unit.