Patent US5127233A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5127233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Humidity control system for a controlled atmosphere container
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co Inc
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Filing: 1990-12-03
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Granted: 1992-07-07
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Expires: 2010-12-03
Abstract
Abstract Moisture is removed from the compressed feed air to a separator and collected in liquid form in a reservoir. The humidity in a controlled atmosphere container is monitored and moisture is taken from the reservoir and added to the container in order to provide an ideal environment for the preservation of foodstuffs.
Inventors
- 👤 Kelly Coffield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:48
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B7/00; A23B7/14; A23B7/144; A23B7/148; A23B2/00; A23B2/70; A23B2/704; A23B2/708
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: filter means for removing moisture from compressed air; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture in liquid form; means for using the liquid in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a humidity sensor in the container; an atomizer in the container for atomizing liquid drawn from the reservoir; a valve for delivering liquid from the reservoir to the atomizer; means for controlling said valve in accordance with the humidity level in the container as sensed by the humidity sensor; a liquid level sensor in the reservoir coupled to the means for controlling; and an overflow valve between the filter means and the reservoir to dump excess water from the reservoir.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: filter means for removing moisture from compressed air; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture in liquid form; means for using the liquid in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a humidity sensor in the container; an atomizer in the container for atomizing liquid drawn from the reservoir; a valve for delivering liquid from the reservoir to the atomizer; means for controlling said valve in accordance with the humidity level in the container as sensed by the humidity sensor; a liquid level sensor in the reservoir coupled to the means for controlling; and an overflow valve between the filter means and the reservoir to dump excess water from the reservoir.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
131 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a regenerative heat exchanger comprising the means for cooling, wherein the gas stream is cooled before delivery to the filter means and the gas steam is heated before delivery to the separator; and a cooling heat exchanger exposed to the ambient temperature in the container, wherein the cooling heat exchanger further cools the compressed air stream from the regenerative heat exchanger before delivery to the filter means.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
131 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a regenerative heat exchanger comprising the means for cooling, wherein the gas stream is cooled before delivery to the filter means and the gas steam is heated before delivery to the separator; and a cooling heat exchanger exposed to the ambient temperature in the container, wherein the cooling heat exchanger further cools the compressed air stream from the regenerative heat exchanger before delivery to the filter means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
132 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a regenerative heat exchanger comprising the means for cooling, wherein the gas stream is cooled before delivery to the filter means and the gas stream is heated before delivery to the separator; means for sensing the presence of liquid in the reservoir; and means for preventing the introduction of the contents of the reservoir to the interior of the container when there is no liquid in the reservoir.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
132 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; a regenerative heat exchanger comprising the means for cooling, wherein the gas stream is cooled before delivery to the filter means and the gas stream is heated before delivery to the separator; means for sensing the presence of liquid in the reservoir; and means for preventing the introduction of the contents of the reservoir to the interior of the container when there is no liquid in the reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 3 further comprising: a liquid level sensor and a buoyant valve in the reservoir comprising the means for preventing.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
74 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; and overflow means for venting excess moisture from the reservoir.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
74 words
A system having a source of compressed air for providing a controlled atmosphere to a container using an air separator and a rehumidifier comprising: means for cooling the compressed air stream; filter means for removing moisture from the cooled compressed air stream; a reservoir for storing the removed moisture; means for using the moisture in the reservoir to increase the humidity in the container; and overflow means for venting excess moisture from the reservoir.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-07-07 | 1996-01-06 | 1996-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-07 | 2000-01-06 | 2000-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-07 | 2004-01-06 | 2004-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |