SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING THE FRESH LIFE OF PERISHABLES IN THE RETAIL AND VENDING SETTING

摘要

The present disclosure relates to mechanically refrigerated retail and vending display systems and methods or use for extending the shelf-life of perishable products in the retail or vending setting. This is accomplished by maintaining an appropriate modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) environment for the perishable product in a retail or vending display unit. The systems and methods of the invention maintain the MA/CA environment for a time period of 10 days or longer, wherein the marketable shelf-life of a perishable product is at least doubled. The systems may also operate in a power generation/power production mode, such that the fuel cells maintain the MA/CA environment while providing both primary and/or back-up power.

主权项

1. A method for extending the fresh shelf-life of perishable products in a refrigerated retail or vending display system, comprising:
(a) obtaining one or more perishable products; (b) providing a sealable, mechanically refrigerated retail or vending display unit having at least one refrigeration component, at least one sealable gas port and an oxygen reduction means; and (c) transferring the one or more perishable products to the retail or vending display unit, wherein operation of said mechanical refrigeration unit generates a recirculating, gaseous forced air stream that can be directed across the oxygen reduction means creating and maintaining a low oxygen modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) environment in said retail or vending display unit wherein the fresh shelf-life of one or more perishable products is at least twice as long as that of the same perishable products not maintained in an MA/CA environment.