Patent ID: 7874245

Claim:
A device used to preserve perishable food items, comprising: a container having a first cavity for the placement of the food items therein, said container provided with a perimeter; a generator provided within a second cavity in communication with said first cavity for producing ozone during a treatment period used to extend shelf life of the food items, said ozone flowing from said second cavity into said first cavity, said ozone adhering to a surface of an organism detrimental to preservation of the food items for a period of time during said treatment period, said organism itself adhering to the surface of the food items; a fan for directing said ozone into said first cavity; a first conduit having a plurality of apertures therein, said first conduit extending around at least a portion of the interior surface of said first cavity, allowing said ozone to flow from said generator provided in said second cavity through said first conduit and into said first cavity with said fan operating in a first mode; and a neutralizing catalyst provided within said second cavity for converting said ozone to an oxygen molecule during a portion of said treatment period, and further wherein said ozone flows from said first cavity into and through said first conduit entering said second cavity, wherein said ozone is neutralized by said neutralizing catalyst.