Patent US4224347A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4224347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and package for extending the life of cut vegetables
Assignee: Transfresh Corp
•
Filing: 1979-06-08
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Granted: 1980-09-23
•
Expires: 1999-06-08
Abstract
Abstract To extend their shelf life, certain vegetables are placed in enclosures that are at least as permeable to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxygen as low density polyethylene that is not more than two mils thick, the atmosphere within the packages is modified to comprise at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, and the packages are then sealed. The permeability should be sufficient to prevent the carbon dioxide concentration from rising much above 20% by volume, and to prevent the oxygen concentration from falling much below about 2% by volume.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard E. Woodruff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:27
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B7/00; A23B7/14; A23B7/144; A23B7/148; B; B65; B65D; B65D81/00; B65D81/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
Process comprising placing at least one vegetable into a sealable package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
Process comprising placing at least one vegetable into a sealable package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one vegetable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 6 wherein the temperature of said package and contents is maintained below about 35° F.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said at least one vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
70 words
Process comprising placing at least one cut vegetable into a sealable package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
Process comprising placing at least one cut vegetable into a sealable package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 11 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the cut vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one cut vegetable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 14 wherein the temperature of said package and contents is maintained below about 35° F.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said at least one cut vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
101 words
Process comprising placing at least one vegetable into a sealable package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mill of package thickness, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
101 words
Process comprising placing at least one vegetable into a sealable package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mill of package thickness, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 17 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 18 wherein said vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 19 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 17 wherein the vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 17 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one vegetable.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 22 wherein the temperature of said package and contents is maintained below about 35° F.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 17 wherein said at least one vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
102 words
Process comprising placing at least one cut vegetable into a sealable package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
102 words
Process comprising placing at least one cut vegetable into a sealable package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and then sealing within said package a modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 25 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 26 wherein said vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 27 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 25 wherein the cut vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 25 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one cut vegetable.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 30 wherein the temperature of said package and contents is maintained below about 35° F.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 25 wherein said at least one cut vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
64 words
A sealed package containing at least one vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, said package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
64 words
A sealed package containing at least one vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, said package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The package of claim 33 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
10 words
The package of claim 34 wherein said vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The package of claim 35 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
10 words
The package of claim 33 wherein the vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The package of claim 33 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one vegetable.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The package of claim 33 wherein said at least one vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
65 words
A sealed package containing at least one cut vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, said package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
65 words
A sealed package containing at least one cut vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, said package having permeabilities to oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at least as high as low density polyethylene having a thickness not greater than about 2 mils.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The package of claim 38 wherein said atmosphere comprises at least about 40% oxygen by volume.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
11 words
The package of claim 39 wherein said cut vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The package of claim 40 wherein said package is made of flexible sheet material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
11 words
The package of claim 38 wherein the cut vegetable is lettuce.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
The package of claim 38 wherein said package and its contents are maintained at a temperature below about 45° F. but above the freezing point of the moisture in said at least one cut vegetable.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The package of claim 38 wherein said at least one cut vegetable is selected from the group consisting of lettuce, celery, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley and cabbage.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sealed package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of sealable package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, said package containing at least one vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sealed package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to each of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of sealable package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, said package containing at least one vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
96 words
A sealed package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of sealable package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, said package containing at least one cut vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
96 words
A sealed package having a permeability to oxygen of at least about 500 cc per 100 square inches of sealable package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, and having permeabilities to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide of at least about 1,350 cc per 100 square inches of package surface per 24 hours per mil of package thickness, said package containing at least one cut vegetable and an initial modified atmosphere comprising at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-23 | 1984-03-24 | 1984-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-23 | 1988-03-24 | 1988-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-23 | 1992-03-24 | 1992-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |