Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-destructive detection of pits and pit fragments found in dried fruit has been developed. It utilizes a force transducer and a signal processor to determine whether or not pit or pit fragments are present in a fruit specimen, and is able to automatically separate specimens testing positive from the product stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns apparatus and methods useful in estimating crop yields of plants that are supported on a trellis. According to one aspect, a method for measuring the mass of trellised plant structures includes measuring the tension of a support wire of the trellis structure on which the plant structures are supported, such as with a load cell placed in-line with the support wire. The tension of the support wire is converted into the mass of new plant growth supported on the support wire, using, for example, an empirically derived algorithm specific to the trellis structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trap for insects, without killing them. It employs a housing, with an opening on one end, and at least one layer of parallel strings or line stretched across that opening. The distance between each string corresponds to the width of the body of the target insect. Some type of attractant is used to attract the target insect. Farmers, entomologists, and hobbyists will find this trap useful since it captures insects without killing them, thus permitting identification and further study.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method of treating agricultural commodities for pests. It is a portable, dismantleable box that can be erected around a stack or array of loaded shipping containers. An impermeably envelope is wrapped around the box and is used to create a controlled atmosphere for treatment of the contents of the shipping containers. This is achieved by creating hypobaric conditions inside the impermeable envelope, by introducing pesticide to the impermeable envelope, or by some combination of both vacuum and pesticide. Finally, the apparatus may be used for postharvest storage of materials that are susceptible to spoilage or pest damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, non-invasive means for measuring pressure of fluid in fluid-containing, resilient tubing by measuring the force to mechanically compress the tubing to a predetermined distance. In the apparatus of the invention, first and second opposed members are moved together to a predetermined distance to compress the fluid-containing, resilient tubing therebetween. Measuring means connected to at least one of the members is used to measure the force exerted by the fluid-containing, resilient tubing against the members when the members are at the predetermined distance from one another, wherein the measuring means has been pre-calibrated at the predetermined distance, to correspond to fluid pressure within the fluid-containing, resilient tubing. An important application of the invention is the provision of a convenient, non-intrusive, low-cost device for field measurement of pressure in drip irrigation systems, without installing special fittings or puncturing the tubing.