Abstract: A system automatically loads a bin with a filled deformable container such as a sack of produce being conveyed along horizontal rollers. A movable support structure has a coupling end attachable to a robotic arm, and a lifting end supporting a plurality of parallel rods. By means of the robotic arm and a programmable logic controller, the plurality of parallel rods can be positioned between and parallel to the horizontal rollers, raised when the container is conveyed to a loading position above the parallel rods, moved to a predetermined position above the bin, and rotated to allow the container to slide downward along the parallel rods and into the bin under force of gravity. The loading sequence can be repeated a number of times, changing the predetermined position each time to stack a plurality of the containers in a desired configuration such as overlapping rows of offset sacks.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for the control of water flow within a hydraulic food cutter assembly having a pump, a pump discharge line, a cutter assembly a product supply tank, and a fluid transport medium and comprises a method for increasing the flow of fluid transport medium through the pump while maintaining a preselected velocity for the flow of the fluid transport medium in pump discharge line by using a frustoconical accelerator tube attached to the discharge line of the pump having a plurality of apertures through which the fluid transport medium may flow out of the accelerator tube into fluid tight housing encasing the accelerator and a throttling valve operatively attached to the fluid tight housing discharge line for regulating the pressure of the fluid medium being discharge from the pump so as to maximize fluid medium flow through the pump at a preselected pressure in the discharge line.

Abstract: An extrusion system for separating soil entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of soiled water, to allow soil to settle by gravity, and to allow clarified water collection at the top. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of soiled water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning the settled soil. A sensor detects the level of settled soil reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated soil from the bottom of the settling tank.