Atomization of food preservation solution

Abstract

Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. Certain embodiments provide an atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The atomization unit comprises an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator, a water supply for providing water to the atomizer, the water supply providing water along a fluid supply path to the atomizer, a food preservation solute dispenser located along the fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser. The atomizer is provided with a solution including the food preservative and dispenses the solution to the at least a portion of the refrigerator.

1 . An atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator, the atomization unit comprising
 an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator;   a water supply for providing water to the atomizer, the water supply providing water along a fluid supply path to the atomizer;   a food preservation solute dispenser located along the fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser, the food preservation solute dispenser providing a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser;   wherein the atomizer is provided with a solution including the food preservative and dispenses the solution to the at least a portion of the refrigerator.   
     
     
         2 . The atomization unit of  claim 1  wherein the atomizer comprises a piezo element comprising openings sized to allow controlled passage of the solution. 
     
     
         3 . The atomization unit of  claim 1  wherein the food preservation solute dispenser comprises a removable cartridge. 
     
     
         4 . The atomization unit of  claim 1  further comprising a primary tank and a secondary reservoir located along the fluid path, the primary tank providing fluid to the secondary reservoir, the secondary reservoir providing fluid to the atomizer, and wherein the food preservation solute dispenser is located along the fluid path interposed between the primary tank and the secondary reservoir. 
     
     
         5 . The atomization unit of  claim 4  further comprising a tank cap assembly interposed between the primary tank and the secondary reservoir, and wherein the tank cap assembly receives the food preservation solute dispenser. 
     
     
         6 . The atomization unit of  claim 5  wherein the food preservation solute dispenser comprises a substantially ring-shaped, water permeable consumable cartridge accepted by the tank cap. 
     
     
         7 . The atomization unit of  claim 5  wherein the tank cap assembly comprises a sealing mechanism that can prevent the flow of fluid from the primary tank to the secondary reservoir. 
     
     
         8 . The atomization unit of  claim 1  wherein the food preservative is selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-oxidants, flavor enhancers and scent enhancers. 
     
     
         9 . The atomization unit of  claim 8  wherein the food preservative comprises an anti-microbial agent. 
     
     
         10 . The atomization unit of  claim 9  wherein the anti-microbial agent is a citrus essential oil. 
     
     
         11 . The atomization unit of  claim 10  wherein the citrus essential oil is selected from the group consisting of orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         12 . An atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator, the atomization unit comprising
 an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator;   at least one fluid container, the at least one fluid container operably connected to the atomizer for providing fluid thereto;   a food preservation solute dispenser located proximate to at least a portion of the at least one fluid container, the food preservation solute dispenser providing a food preservative to be dissolved in water inside the at least one fluid container; and   wherein the atomizer is provided with a solution including the food preservative and dispenses the solution to the at least a portion of the refrigerator.   
     
     
         13 . The atomization unit of  claim 12  wherein the atomizer comprises a piezo element comprising openings sized to allow controlled passage of the solution. 
     
     
         14 . The atomization unit of  claim 12  wherein the food preservation solute dispenser comprises a removable cartridge adapted for removable placement in the at least one fluid container. 
     
     
         15 . The atomization unit of  claim 12  wherein the food preservation solute dispenser comprises a pouch adapted for removable placement in the at least one fluid container. 
     
     
         16 . The atomization unit of  claim 15  wherein the at least one fluid container comprises a piercing element for piercing the pouch. 
     
     
         17 . The atomization unit of  claim 12  wherein the food preservation solute dispenser comprises a soluble tablet that can be placed in the at least one fluid container. 
     
     
         18 . The atomization unit of  claim 12  wherein the at least one fluid container comprises a primary tank and a secondary reservoir, the primary tank providing fluid to the secondary reservoir, the secondary reservoir providing fluid to the atomizer, and wherein the food preservation solute dispenser is located in at least one of the primary tank and the secondary reservoir.