Perishable food storage locker

Abstract

A storage container includes a frame body with insulated walls at least partially enclosing a cavity, a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body to maintain a temperature in the cavity at or below a first temperature threshold, and a heating system connected to the frame body to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or above a second, lower temperature threshold. A method includes monitoring a temperature in the cavity, and in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold, controlling the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This disclosure relates to storage containers for perishable foods.BACKGROUND[0002]Several recent rules and regulations intended to improve food safety through heightened regulation of the storage and transport of food for human and pet consumption have created new challenges for farmers, growers and others involved in the agriculture, food processing or food transportation industries. For example, poultry farms that produce chicken eggs have conventionally stored and transported those eggs based on the intended end use for the eggs. Eggs meant for human consumption in their whole form (table egg market) were stored and processed differently than those that were intended to be used in products containing eggs (e.g., cake mixes or powdered eggs). The latter were previously stored and transported at room temperature to egg product facilities (“egg breakers”), where the eggs are broken and the yokes and whites are processed for human consumption. Under one of the n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a storage container designed to maintain the temperature of sensitive goods, such as perishable foods, within a specific range, even in outdoor or unconditioned indoor environments. The container includes a frame body with insulated walls, a door, a cooling system, a heating system, and a temperature control system. The cooling system maintains the temperature in the cavity below a higher threshold, while the heating system maintains the temperature in the cavity above a lower threshold. The container can also include a drain aperture and support passageways for forklift forks. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a reliable solution for maintaining the temperature of sensitive goods in storage containers, regardless of external conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Several recent rules and regulations intended to improve food safety through heightened regulation of the storage and transport of food for human and pet consumption have created new challenges for farmers, growers and others involved in the agriculture, food processing or food transportation industries.

But few farms are equipped to meet this requirement.

Thus, a great number of valuable eggs (including the large number of culled eggs at breeder farms) are being thrown away or disposed of in less profitable ways.

Images