Integrated and compartmentalized system and method for food storage and processing

Abstract

A system is provided that offers climate control, and optionally other processing, in separated compartments that hold items in removable and/or lockable containers that may be individually climate-controlled. In addition to these basic functions, the system can integrate functions for notifying users of important events. Examples include, but are not limited to, sensor readings that indicate spoiled food, temperature changes outside a desired range, containers not opened or removed within a predetermined time period, etc. Different processing options for items stored in the compartments may be integrated into the system. Examples of advanced processing include, but are not limited to, heating (thawing, cooking), pressurizing or depressurizing containers, physical movement of items (vibrating, turning content in the container), etc.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for storing and/or processing perishable or non-perishable items, comprising:
 a housing;   at least two compartments contained within the housing, wherein each compartment is adapted to contain perishable or non-perishable items;   a climate control system associated with each compartment;   an induction heating element positioned on a top portion of the housing;   a processor contained within the housing in communication with the climate control system and the induction heating element wherein the processor is adapted to individually control the climate control system associated with each compartment and to control the induction heating element.