초록 ▼

The present invention is a device for maintaining a controlled atmosphere within a sealed container. The device is utilized to control the oxygen and the carbon dioxide levels within the container and utilizes permeable membrane technology to control such levels. An oilless compressor is used in con

The present invention is a device for maintaining a controlled atmosphere within a sealed container. The device is utilized to control the oxygen and the carbon dioxide levels within the container and utilizes permeable membrane technology to control such levels. An oilless compressor is used in conjunction with the device so as to not subject the permeable membranes to the derogatory effects associated with the presence of oil within an airstream that circulates through the permeable membranes. Additionally, the compressor is preferably mounted within the sealed container so as to not subject the compressor to the effects of temperature variation and corrosive marine environments. The present device further includes an air sampling system which is used to periodically measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the container. Control logic is included with the system which is operable to adjust the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in accordance with the particular readings obtained by the sampling system.

대표청구항 ▼

A controlled atmosphere system, comprising: a sealed transport container; a first inlet line having a first end in fluid communication with ambient air from outside said container and a second end disposed within said container; a compressor having an intake port fluidly coupled to the second end of

A controlled atmosphere system, comprising: a sealed transport container; a first inlet line having a first end in fluid communication with ambient air from outside said container and a second end disposed within said container; a compressor having an intake port fluidly coupled to the second end of said first inlet line and an exhaust port; an exhaust line having first and second ends, said first end fluidly coupled to said exhaust port; a gas separation means having an entrance port fluidly coupled to the second end of said exhaust line and having an exit port; a first outlet line having a first end fluidly coupled to said exit port and a second end fluidly coupled to said container for placing said exit port into fluid communication with gas inside said container; a second outlet line having a first end fluidly coupled to said container for receiving gas samples from within said container and a second end disposed outside of said container; a gas analyzing means fluidly coupled to the second end of said second outlet line for determining the oxygen level of gas within said container; and a programmable control means electrically interfaced to said compressor, said gas separation means and said gas analyzing means, said control means being programmed to increase the oxygen level of gas inside said container in response to an electrical signal generated by said gas analyzing means indicating that the oxygen level of the gas within the container as determined from the gas samples is below a predetermined oxygen range, and decrease the oxygen level of the gas inside said container in response to an electrical signal generated by the gas analyzing means indicating that the oxygen level within said container as determined from the gas samples is above the predetermined oxygen range; said compressor being operable to introduce gas into the container in quantities sufficient to internally pressurize the container.