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WO2017015409A1 - Système compartimenté de stockage et de traitement pour articles périssables et non périssables - Google Patents

Système compartimenté de stockage et de traitement pour articles périssables et non périssables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017015409A1
WO2017015409A1 PCT/US2016/043215 US2016043215W WO2017015409A1 WO 2017015409 A1 WO2017015409 A1 WO 2017015409A1 US 2016043215 W US2016043215 W US 2016043215W WO 2017015409 A1 WO2017015409 A1 WO 2017015409A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
compartment
compartments
unit
items
food
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2016/043215
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Hofleitner
Martin Tross
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pahmet LLC
Original Assignee
Pahmet LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pahmet LLC filed Critical Pahmet LLC
Priority to US15/777,663 priority Critical patent/US20180352612A1/en
Publication of WO2017015409A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017015409A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to US17/340,792 priority patent/US20210345458A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J39/00—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
    • A47J39/006—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils for either storing and preparing or for preparing food on serving trays, e.g. heating, thawing, preserving
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/18—Arrangement of compartments additional to cooking compartments, e.g. for warming or for storing utensils or fuel containers; Arrangement of additional heating or cooking apparatus, e.g. grills
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
    • F25D13/02—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems
    • F25D13/04—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems the compartments being at different temperatures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/009—User recognition or proximity detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
    • G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/06—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/12—Cooking devices
    • H05B6/1209—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them
    • H05B6/1245—Cooking devices induction cooking plates or the like and devices to be used in combination with them with special coil arrangements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the storage and processing of perishable and non-perishable items.
  • An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a system with individual compartments for storing and/ or processing perishable and non-perishable items, in which at least one parameter in each compartment can be individually controlled.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a system with individual climate-controlled compartments for storing and/or processing perishable and non- perishable items that also include sensors for detecting one or more parameters of items located in the compartments.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a system with individual climate-controlled compartments for refrigerating items in the compartment.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a system with individual climate-controlled compartments for refrigerating, free2ing, thawing, cooking, pressuri2ing and/ or physically moving items in each compartment.
  • a system for storing and/ or processing perishable or non-perishable items comprising at least two compartments, wherein each compartment is adapted to contain perishable or non- perishable items, a climate control system associated with each compartment, and a processor adapted to individually control the climate control system associated with each compartment.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the compartments and removable containers of a unit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the conversion of an existing refrigerator model to allow for separate compartments, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigerator design with compartments of different si2es, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of a frame in which cold air flowing above the frame is directed by air guards down the air shafts of the frame into individual compartments, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a compartment with fittings for cold air, a pressuri2ed/ vacuum line, and a humidifier/de-humidifier line, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a container for compartments with matching connectors, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a compartment made of a glass or ceramic plate (or other suitable material) with metal wires underneath that can generate an alternating magnetic field, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit with containers having integrated displays or touchscreens, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a mobile device running an application that provides information regarding the status of a container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit with small and large compartments, and with doors for each compartment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit with small and large compartments, with doors for each compartment and with a mechanical or electronic input pad for access control, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a bill changer and credit card reader that may be incorporated into a unit to allow the unit to function as a vending machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention addresses at least the above-described issues with a system that offers climate control, and optionally other processing, in separated compartments that hold items in removable and/or lockable containers that may be individually climate-controlled.
  • the system can integrate functions for notifying users of important events. Examples include, but are not limited to, sensor readings that indicate spoiled food, temperature changes outside a desired range, containers not opened or removed within a predetermined time period, etc.
  • different processing options for items stored in the compartments are integrated into the system. Examples of advanced processing include, but are not limited to, heating (thawing, cooking), pressurizing or depressurizing containers, physical movement of items (vibrating, turning content in the container), etc.
  • the present invention is preferably an integrated unit that can store and process perishable and non-perishable items in a variety of ways.
  • the unit preferably integrates functions in addition to refrigeration, such as a freezer, an ice unit and/ or an oven, and has multiple separate compartments that can be individually controlled for temperature, humidity, pressure, and/ or other conditions.
  • the unit may freeze, refrigerate, thaw, warm, heat, cook, pressurize, depressurize, and/or otherwise process items in each compartment separately.
  • the unit could also have hot and cold water and other beverage dispensing compartment.
  • the unit may also incorporate various forms of robotics for further automation of the system. Items are preferably inserted and stored in the unit by use of removable containers, which may be locked into the compartments to prevent unauthorized access.
  • the present invention is not limited to processing of food items in offices or residences.
  • Other applications for the present invention include, but are not limited to: (1) use in laboratory environments, where probes can be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions; (2) storage solutions and/ or vending units for delicate items that require climate control; and (3) commercial use in restaurants, school cafeterias and others.
  • one embodiment of the present invention could incorporate the functions of a microwave, toaster oven, ice unit and dishwasher;
  • a refrigerator/ free2er with lockable compartments and with food preparation functionality (e.g., thawing, warming, heating, cooking), for use by individuals in offices, dormitories or similar settings;
  • a storage unit for delicate beverages e.g., wines, cognacs, etc.
  • Temperature and humidity in each compartment can be individually.
  • Each compartment may optionally have a mechanism that allows slow rotation of a bottle in the compartment;
  • a storage unit for cigars which allows for the storage of various types of cigars under different conditions (in separate compartments), and also allows access control (e.g., for shared humidors); • A multifunctional unit that may integrate compartments with different features, thereby allowing for the storage of wines, cigars, and/ or other items within one unit;
  • a unit for a laboratory setting that allows probes to be exposed to different environmental conditions, such as, for example, physical movement (e.g., shaking, vibrating, stirring etc.) .
  • the environmental conditions in each compartment can be individually programmed and monitored through use of sensors, actuators, and controllers integrated into each compartment or container;
  • a vending unit for prepared food items can keep food items refrigerated and quickly warm or heat items before dispensing them;
  • Restaurants can use the present invention for individual special food entrees and storage of those entrees, beverages, cigars and vending units;
  • Restaurants/bars and/ or clubs could also incorporate an embodiment of the present invention on a larger scale that could robotize the commercial restaurant and bar industry by allowing the customer to order their food through an application on their smartphone prior to arrival.
  • the system would find and cook their meal to order and could even deliver said food and beverage via robotics to the table without ever needing a waiter, thereby eliminating a substantial cost burden to the restaurant owner. It would automate the order, preparation, delivery and cleanup of plates and food items. Behind the scenes, the restaurant cooks and/ or robots could prepare the food in the specialized trays and place them into the oven;
  • Schools, ski lodges, arenas and cafeterias could incorporate the present invention both as a unit used behind the kitchen line, and a unit that is used in the main area of the restaurant for customers to use with their own food or purchased products.
  • a school cafeteria whereby students could place their food into a locked compartment and set a precise time for cooking/ chilling the food items (such as their lunch hour) so that it is ready when the school bell rings.
  • Another example behind the kitchen lines is utilizing the invention as a multi-stacked grouping of robotic line cooks able to handle a high volume of students for lunch service. All of the meals could be timed to be cooked to perfection at a predetermined time. Once the unit is unloaded, another load could be placed into the unit for the next group of people;
  • Coffee houses can keep bulk coffee beans vacuum packed and under correct temperatures for better preservation of the beans
  • the present invention can be used to create and store/ maintain dry ice.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the compartments 10 and removable containers 20 of a unit 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the unit 100 can be as simple as a standard refrigeration unit that has been compartmentalized for targeted use in offices, dormitories, roommate scenarios, home use, etc. Such a unit 100 could either be created by converting existing refrigerator models to allow installation of separate compartments or through a new refrigerator design.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the conversion of an existing refrigerator model to allow for separate compartments 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigerator design with compartments 10 of different sizes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the installation of a frame in conventional refrigerators may impede the flow of cold air. As a result the temperature may differ between compartments 10.
  • One way to address this issue is to design the frame such that it incorporates ventilation shafts, ventilation openings, and air guards as required to direct the flow of cold air to each compartment.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of such a frame where cold air flowing above the frame is directed by air guards down the air shafts of the frame into individual compartments, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • One advantage of the present invention is that it can be implemented using conventional refrigerator designs.
  • a disadvantage of implementing the present invention using conventional refrigerator designs is that it does not allow for individual climate control and full separation of compartments. As a result, rotting food in one compartment may affect items in other compartments.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention addresses these shortcomings.
  • Additional embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise one or more of the following:
  • pipes for climate control of individual compartments e.g., cooling circuits, air pipes, etc.
  • the locks are suitably key locks, magnetic locks, electromagnetic locks or any other type of lock.
  • each compartment can be individually controlled for environmental conditions.
  • environmental conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, humidity, and lighting.
  • each compartment preferably connects with the unit's aggregates (e.g. cooling system, vacuum pump, etc.), the unit's electrical systems, and the unit's central processor.
  • Compartments preferably do not share piping, i.e., each compartment preferably has its own pipes to the aggregates. This eliminates cross-contamination between apartments (e.g., rotten food).
  • Connectors for piping, electric, and electronic components are preferably positioned in the back wall (backplane) of each compartment.
  • Compartments are preferably designed to accept containers with matching fittings at the (container) backplane. Seals provide proper insulation and air-tight connections for piping when a container is inserted into a compartment.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a compartment 10 with fittings for cold air 110 and 112, pressurized/ vacuum line 120, and humidifier/de- humidifier line 130, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a container 20 for the compartments 10 with matching connectors 140, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the humidifier/ de-humidifier line 130 is preferably used in conjunction with cooling and vacuum to control the humidity level in the compartment. Thawing, heating, and cooking within a compartment 10 may be accomplished through induction heating or other heating methods, such as those described below.
  • each compartment 10 is preferably made of a glass or ceramic plate 141 (or other suitable material) with metal wires 142 underneath that can generate an alternating magnetic field, as shown in Figure 7.
  • the wires are connected to the unit's electrical system through the backplane 140 and the flow of electricity is preferably controlled by the unit's central processor 150 or by a local processor 160 within the compartment (e.g., for direct loop-back with sensors to avoid overheating in case central processor crashes).
  • the central processor 150 or local processor 160 is preferably a special purpose computer, programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, ASICs or other integrated circuits, hardwired electronic or logic circuits such as discrete element circuits, programmable logic devices such as FPGA, PLD, PLA or PAL or the like.
  • the central processor 150 or local processor 160 may also be implemented with a small embedded computer system with integrated sensors, such as a smartphone running the iOS or Android operating system.
  • the central processor 150 or local processor 160 may also be implemented with a modular electronic platform, such as the Raspberry Pi platform, or a proprietary embedded system with integrated sensors and actuators.
  • Induction heating allows for both cooling and heating of items within a single container 20 (e.g., food items stored in stainless steel lunch boxes within a container 20 could be heated through induction heating, whereas items in plastic or glass boxes (or bottles) within that same container are not heated and remain cold).
  • Containers 20 can be subdivided into cold and hot storage areas to ensure proper separation of cold and hot items (e.g., to keep plastic bottles away from the hot surfaces of the stainless steel boxes). This can be achieved through removable inserts that divide the available space in a container 20.
  • containers 20 may be made of silicon-based materials to withstand extreme temperatures (e.g., during heating).
  • extreme temperatures e.g., during heating.
  • Other applications e.g., laboratory settings
  • Compartments 10 are preferably insulated from each other sufficiently to allow cooking of food under pressure in one compartment 10, while refrigerating items under low pressure in an adjoining compartment 10.
  • the frame's thickness and material composition is preferably chosen according to the specific requirements (min/max temperature, min/max pressure, etc.).
  • Sensors within each compartment 10 or container 20 are preferably used to measure the environmental conditions of the compartment and the status of the content.
  • Sensors may include, but are not limited to, ambient air temperature sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, laser temperature sensors (e.g., for measuring temperature of content), pH sensors for measuring the pH level of content, and/ or gas-detecting sensors that can identify rotting food. Any currently available or future sensor technology may be integrated.
  • the unit's central processor 150 preferably controls the environmental conditions of each compartment 10 based on sensor data it receives from each compartment 10 and user defined configuration parameters (e.g., set values such as desired temperature, pressure, humidity, etc). These set values may also be derived from programs or algorithms and may change over time. For example, food can be kept refrigerated until noon and then warmed or cooked. Special food items (e.g., prepared food for purchase) may come with programs and/ or algorithms for storage and preparation. Such programs and/ or algorithms may automatically be loaded into the central processor 150 by means of RFID tags or other technologies and methods as soon as a food container is inserted into the compartment.
  • set values e.g., set values such as desired temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.
  • Compartments 10 preferably have a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized users from accessing containers 20. Under certain circumstances the central processor 150 may unlock a specific compartment 10 automatically, giving all users physical access to the container in that compartment 10. This may happen, for example, when sensors detect rotting food in a compartment 10 or when the maximum storage time for a compartment 10 has expired.
  • the central processor 150 preferably controls access to compartments 10 by requiring identification and authentication of users. Suitable methods for identification and authentication include, but are not limited to, badges, biometrics (e.g. fingerprint), number combination (e.g., pin), passwords, RFID tags (e.g., RFID bracelets) or any other existing or future devices /methods. Preferably, only authorized users (compartment owners or system administrators) can program, electronically monitor, and/ or physically access compartments 10.
  • Authorized users preferably have access to one or more of the following functions:
  • Users preferably interact with the unit's central processor 150 by any means that currently exists or may exist in the future. Examples include, but are not limited to, keyboard & monitor, touch-screen, card readers, keypads, or other devices mounted on the unit or connected to the unit. Connected devices may include, but are not limited to, enterprise components (HW, SW) or personal devices like tablets, smartwatches and eyewear, such as Google Glass ® or smart phones.
  • HW enterprise components
  • SW personal devices like tablets, smartwatches and eyewear, such as Google Glass ® or smart phones.
  • the central processor 150 can preferably send real-time alerts to users through these interfaces.
  • a user may, for instance, receive an SMS, e-mail, and/or social media notification when the temperature or humidity in their compartment 10 is outside a set target range.
  • Some alerts may be sent to all users of the unit, not just the compartment owner.
  • Such events may include, but are not limited to, notifications about bad or expired food items in a compartment 10 or alerts related to the whole unit, such as power outages or aggregate failures. A more detailed list of alerts that may be implemented is provided below.
  • the unit's central processor 150 may be connected to enterprise systems to allow integration into enterprise databases and applications via enterprise services buses or other technologies.
  • Special compartments 10 are optional compartments that a unit 100 may or may not have depending on the unit's configuration. Special compartments 10 may offer additional functionality such as, for example:
  • any of these special purpose compartments 10 could be combined with an optional vending or payment apparatus to allow for payment via various forms including cash, credit card, online payment processors (e.g., through mobile devices), or any other form of payment.
  • the compartment is preferably locked and a treatment program automatically starts.
  • the program is finished the compartment 10 is unlocked.
  • the food compartment 10 is preferably automatically unlocked and all owners of other compartments 10 in that unit, as well as unit administrators and operators, are preferably notified. Any of these individuals can remove the container 20 with the bad food item, empty the contents out, and then insert the container into the sanitation compartment. Once inserted, a cleaning program preferably starts automatically. When the cleaning program is finished, the compartment 10 is unlocked and the container 20 can be removed and reused.
  • the cleaning compartment 10 may allow users to place an empty but dirty container upside down into the cleaning compartment.
  • the cleaning compartment 20 may use pressurized heated water or a sanitizer mixer to blast out the contents and clean the container 20.
  • the movement of containers to and from the cleaning compartment may be a manual process (i.e., a user places the dirty container in the machine and removes it when it is clean).
  • the container movement may be implemented through an automated, robotic process.
  • a food preparation compartment 10 may suitably be:
  • Beverage dispensing compartments dispense hot or cold beverages like sodas, water, coffee, milk, alcohol, etc. They can be used in a variety of environments, from workplaces (typically coffee, milk, hot & cold water) to bars (e.g., self-service beer dispenser with payment module).
  • An ice maker may be implemented as a special compartment 10.
  • Containers 20 may be provided independent from the unit 100 for personal use. This allows people to prepare and package lunch boxes ahead of time and keep them refrigerated at home until they go to work next morning. Once at work, the container 20 is put back into the unit with the proper programming. Special container bags may be provided to allow for the safe transport of containers 20 while maintaining temperature and other environmental conditions.
  • Businesses may offer prepared food items (e.g., breakfast, snacks, lunches, dinners, desserts, etc.) in standardi2ed containers 20.
  • Food providers may attach RFID chips (or similar technology) to containers 20 that store the food storage and preparation program for each individual package.
  • the processor 150 reads the RFID information and preferably automatically executes the correct food storage program (e.g., keep it at a certain temperature).
  • the unit automatically thaws, warms, heats, or otherwise prepares the food in their compartment as directed by the program.
  • Possible user alerts include, but are not limited to:
  • Methods of heating compartments 10 include, but are not limited to:
  • Methods of refrigeration of compartments 10 include, but are not limited to:
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit 100 with containers 20 having integrated displays or touchscreens 160, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The status of each container 20 is shown on the container's display.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a mobile device 170 running an application that provides information regarding the status of a container 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the unit 100 can be configured for offices, dormitories, laboratories, pharmacies, residential uses and other uses depending on user requirements.
  • the present invention may be designed in any si2e with any combination of compartments and any shape to accommodate different requirements and users.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit 100 with 40 small and 20 large compartments 10, and with doors 180 for each compartment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a unit 100 with 40 small and 20 large compartments 10, with doors 180 for each compartment and with a mechanical or electronic input pad 190 for access control (shown between the large and small compartments).
  • This control can be located anywhere including, but not limited to, on the unit, in between one or more units or on a wall near the unit or units.
  • FIG 12 is a schematic diagram of a bill changer and credit card reader 200 that may be incorporated into a unit 100 to allow the unit 100 to function as a vending machine. Like the unit 100 shown in Figure 11, the bill changer and card reader 200 may be positioned on the unit or units, in between one or more units or on a wall near the unit or units. The letters and numbers in the bill changer and card reader have been exaggerated for ease of illustration.
  • the compartments 10 are preferably able to accept containers and/or inserts that come with a lid or bag for soups and/ or liquids.
  • the lid of the insert/ container and the bag may optionally include a vacuum suction nipple which will allow for the contents to be vacuum packed, by either using the machines attachment or at home with a home use vacuum sealer hose.
  • Lids may also come with a release valve (for pressuri2ed items to be cooked).
  • These inserts/containers may be disposable or reusable based on the needs of the users.
  • the inserts/containers with lids may be sold separately or through the vending machine depending on the build of the unit 100. This allows for a cleaner and more sanitary refrigerator, as spills will be less likely as the food in held in an "insert" or “container” rather than in the compartment 10 directly.
  • Each of these compartments 10 preferably has a separate door and allows for specific atmospheric conditions, whether it is a hot cooking area, cooling area or combination of the two. This provides for a more efficient method of heating and cooling or both at the same time.
  • a refrigeration unit 100 may also be incorporated with a microwave or convection oven unit with compartmentali2ed access as well.
  • This may be a separate unit or an all-in-one unit depending on the si2e a buyer wishes to purchase.
  • This unit 100 would allow multiple people to heat and cook food items at the same time.
  • the present invention may also incorporate moving robotic abilities to move items from one compartment 10 to another. For example, a dirty box alerts the machine, and a robotic arm or belt could move the container to a dumping area and rinsing compartment to clean and saniti2e the container 20.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système offrant la régulation de l'ambiance, et éventuellement d'autres traitements, dans des compartiments séparés contenant des articles dans des récipients amovibles et/ou verrouillables pouvant être à régulation d'ambiance individuelle. En plus des fonctions de base, le système peut incorporer des fonctions de notification d'événements importants aux utilisateurs. Quelques exemples comprennent, sans caractère limitatif, des lectures de capteur indiquant des aliments abîmés, des changements de température en dehors d'une plage souhaitée, des récipients non ouverts ou retirés dans une période de temps prédéfinie, etc. Des options de traitement différentes pour les articles stockés dans les compartiments peuvent être intégrées au système. Quelques exemples de traitement avancé comprennent, sans caractère limitatif, le chauffage (décongélation, cuisson), la pressurisation ou dépressurisation des récipients, le mouvement physique des articles (vibration, rotation de contenu dans le récipient), etc.
PCT/US2016/043215 2015-07-20 2016-07-20 Système compartimenté de stockage et de traitement pour articles périssables et non périssables Ceased WO2017015409A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

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US15/777,663 US20180352612A1 (en) 2015-07-20 2016-11-21 Integrated and compartmentalized system and method for food storage and processing
US17/340,792 US20210345458A1 (en) 2015-07-20 2021-06-07 Integrated and Compartmentalized System and Method for Food Storage and Processing

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562194315P 2015-07-20 2015-07-20
US62/194,315 2015-07-20
US201562257337P 2015-11-19 2015-11-19
US62/257,337 2015-11-19

Related Child Applications (2)

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PCT/US2016/063201 Continuation-In-Part WO2017087983A1 (fr) 2015-07-20 2016-11-21 Système intégré et compartimenté pour le stockage et le traitement d'aliments
US15/777,663 Continuation-In-Part US20180352612A1 (en) 2015-07-20 2016-11-21 Integrated and compartmentalized system and method for food storage and processing

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WO2017015409A1 true WO2017015409A1 (fr) 2017-01-26

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