A continuous flow sterilization system includes an inclined treatment chamber having a first end and a second end. An ozone generator generates a flow gas containing ozone; an input opening to receive a bulk material into the treatment chamber. An input port is provided for introducing the flow gas containing of ozone into the treatment chamber. A first sensor measures a level of ozone in the gas output of the treatment chamber. The other sensors measure ozone concentration and temperature within the treatment chamber. An output opening provides an exit for the bulk material. An output port provides an exit for the flow gas. An auger is disposed within the treatment chamber to move the bulk material through the treatment chamber.

A system for conserving oxygen and other gasses supplied to a recipient. A supply conduit supplies gas from a source to a reservoir, which retains a volume of gas at ambient pressure. A conduit supplies gas from the reservoir to the recipient, and an inflation detection system detects when the reservoir is below a state of inflation and when the reservoir is inflated to the state of inflation. A valve system prevents gas from flowing from the source and into the reservoir when the reservoir is at the predetermined state of inflation, and the valve system permits gas to flow from the source and into the reservoir when the reservoir is below the predetermined state of inflation whereby gas within the reservoir can be continually replenished without pressurization above ambient pressure. The inflation detection system can be an electro-mechanical system. Alternatively, the inflation detection system can be a contactless system.

A method for planning preparation of a plurality of dishes according to a plurality of corresponding recipes includes automatically identifying, by a processor, a plurality of candidate sub-recipes, wherein each candidate sub-recipe in the plurality of candidate sub-recipes comprises an intermediate component that is required by at least two of the plurality of corresponding recipes, and automatically selecting, by the processor, at least one candidate sub-recipe in the plurality of candidate sub-recipes for preparation, in accordance with at least one constraint on the preparation of the plurality of dishes.

A method for planning preparation of a plurality of dishes according to a plurality of corresponding recipes includes automatically identifying, by a processor, a plurality of candidate sub-recipes, wherein each candidate sub-recipe in the plurality of candidate sub-recipes comprises an intermediate component that is required by at least two of the plurality of corresponding recipes, and automatically selecting, by the processor, at least one candidate sub-recipe in the plurality of candidate sub-recipes for preparation, in accordance with at least one constraint on the preparation of the plurality of dishes.

The present invention provides systems and methods for treating agricultural particulates, such as seeds, beans, granular and powder agricultural products, and the like, with a treatment agent, such as steam, as the agricultural products move forward along a pathway created by an auger, in a chamber, enclosed by an aligned celling and floor, and oppositely disposed lateral walls.

Food preservation can include depositing dry ice and food within packaging. The packaging can include a flexible liner defining a wall aperture and an internal chamber. The internal chamber can receive the deposited dry ice and food and have an internal atmosphere. The packaging can include a check valve mounted to the flexible liner and covering the wall aperture. The check valve can be configured to occupy: (i) a closed state blocking fluid communication between the internal chamber and ambient via the wall aperture and (ii) an open state enabling fluid flow from the internal chamber, through the wall aperture, and into ambient.

A fresh drawer and a refrigerator using same. The fresh drawer comprises: a drawer body, wherein a storage chamber for storing food is provided inside the drawer body, and the storage chamber is of an openable sealed structure; a gas supplier, used for providing fresh-keeping gas for the storage chamber; and a pressure balancer, used for balancing air pressure inside the storage chamber. In the fresh drawer and the refrigerator using same, air in an inner storage chamber is replaced with fresh-keeping gas such as nitrogen and oxygen, to provide a modified atmosphere for a food storage space, such that the shelf life of food can be greatly extended.

A fresh drawer and a refrigerator using same. The fresh drawer comprises: a drawer body, wherein a storage chamber for storing food is provided inside the drawer body, and the storage chamber is of an openable sealed structure; a gas supplier, used for providing fresh-keeping gas for the storage chamber; and a pressure balancer, used for balancing air pressure inside the storage chamber. In the fresh drawer and the refrigerator using same, air in an inner storage chamber is replaced with fresh-keeping gas such as nitrogen and oxygen, to provide a modified atmosphere for a food storage space, such that the shelf life of food can be greatly extended.

An apparatus for treating the atmosphere of a storage space for vegetable products with a volume greater than 200 m.sup.3, includes a contacting device having a packing; an injector configured to inject a liquid flow into the contacting device; and a circulator configured to circulate the storage atmosphere in the contacting device. The contacting device is configured such that the storage atmosphere is brought into contact with the liquid flow by circulation in the packing.

An apparatus for treating the atmosphere of a storage space for vegetable products with a volume greater than 200 m.sup.3, includes a contacting device having a packing; an injector configured to inject a liquid flow into the contacting device; and a circulator configured to circulate the storage atmosphere in the contacting device. The contacting device is configured such that the storage atmosphere is brought into contact with the liquid flow by circulation in the packing.