Jmc Enterprises, Inc.

Storage Systems Northwest, Inc.

Pin/nip, Inc.

Jmc Ventilation/refrigeration, LLC

Joel Micka

Robert Terry

John M Forsythe

Darol Forsythe

Mark Decker

Carlos Arias

Systems and methods for treating large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a crop storage facility configured in accordance with the present technology includes a treatment system configured to distribute a treatment agent configured to inhibit spoilage of the crops. The treatment system can include a combination of two or more chemical compositions configured to release different concentrations of the treatment agent to produce a desired level of the treatment agent in the storage facility.

Systems and methods for inhibiting spoilage of stored crops

Systems and methods for refrigerating crops and other goods and for defrosting a refrigeration system. A refrigerant is circulated between a condenser and a refrigerator to cool air in the refrigerator. Heat is removed from the refrigerant at the condenser. Periodically the cycle of refrigerant and air can be reversed to melt frost in the refrigerator. Frost can be detected by a sensing mechanism and the refrigerant and air cycles can be reversed in response to detecting the frost. The frost can be removed quickly without removing the goods from the refrigerant.

Reverse cycle defrost method and apparatus

Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes.

Environmentally controlled storage facility for potatoes and other crops

Methods and systems for applying CIPC and/or other sprout-inhibiting substances to post-harvest potatoes and/or other vegetables are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of applying sprout inhibitor includes directing a first portion of an aerosol of the sprout inhibitor toward a top portion of a pile of potatoes, and then directing a second portion of the aerosol toward a bottom portion of the pile. In one aspect of this embodiment, directing the aerosol toward a top portion of the pile can include operating a facility fan at a flow rate of 6 SCFM or more in a first direction, and directing the aerosol toward a bottom portion of the pile can include operating the fan at a flow rate of 6 SCFM or more in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In another aspect of this embodiment, the sprout inhibitor aerosol can include a mixture of CIPC and solvent (e.g., clove oil) that remains liquid at temperatures less than 105&#xb0; F.

Methods and systems for applying sprout inhibitors and/or other substances to harvested potatoes and/or other vegetables in storage facilities

An improved combustion-type fogging apparatus and process for applying herbicides, insecticides and the like, as an aerosol is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes an improved combustion chamber with counter-current flow of combustion and supplemental air along with a stator at the downstream portion of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber also has a hydrocarbon fuel burner to produce hot gases which along with the combustion air and supplemental air forms a hot gas flow into an aerosol chamber wherein a liquid or molten material is introduced for the purpose of being converted into a stable aerosol or fog for introduction into a storage facility or for other purposes of applying an aerosol of an insecticide, herbicide or other liquid or molten material.

Growing community of inventors

Kennewick, WA, United States of America

Joel Micka