Apparatus, system, and method for modified atmosphere packaging

Abstract

The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus and method for the modification of atmosphere in the packaging of perishable items, such as food items, for increased longevity. Embodiments include apparatus and methods which provide a customizable mix of gasses dependent upon the food being stored, and process for the monitoring of estimated pressurized gas canisters remaining within a vessel providing pressurized gasses.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for modified atmosphere packaging comprising:
 a container;   a lid adapted for creating a seal to prevent the exchange of air between the sealed container and a surrounding environment;   the lid further comprises an aperture extending from a top surface of the container lid, and through a bottom surface of the container lid;   an umbrella seal extending through the wherein the top aspect of the umbrella seal is adapted to create a ring seal with the top surface of the container lid; and   a bottom aspect of the umbrella seal comprising a flange configured to disrupt the follow of gases into and out of the container, and induce turbulent flow.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture through the container lid comprises an eased edge. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the aperture further comprises a first radial channel and a second radial channel, wherein the radial channels extend radially outward from the aperture, and are adapted to allow the flow of gases therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the radial channels are 180-degrees opposed from each other. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the flange comprises at least a first break wherethrough gases are permitted to flow. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the flange comprises a plurality of breaks spaced at angular increments around the flange. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the flange of the umbrella valve comprises a cruciform shape. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the umbrella valve further comprises a hollow cavity extending from the bottom aspect of the umbrella valve toward the top aspect of the umbrella valve. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower gasket interconnected with the container lid which is configured to interface with an inner sidewall of the container to create a seal between the container lid and the container. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the container lid further comprises an upper gasket which extends through to the top surface of the container lid. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the upper gasket is adapted to provide a non-slip surface to allow the stable stacking of a plurality of sealed containers. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the upper gasket and the lower gasket are interconnected. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein a plurality of stanchions interconnect the upper gasket to the lower gasket. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the upper gasket and the lower gasket comprise a contiguous gasket. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the upper gasket is configured to prevent the displacement of the lower gasket when interconnecting and disconnecting the container lid from the container.