Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of article-diverting conveyor belt rollers. An underlying drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable rollers carriers, each having a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt rollers from below. An actuator engages an orientation device to pivot the carriers and change the orientation of the drive rollers. The drive rollers may also move into and out of engagement with the conveyor belt rollers as their orientation changes. The orientation device is sandwiched between three-dimensional support plates to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers. A top support plate includes corrugated vertical walls forming wearstrip holders. The orientation device may raise or lower the drive rollers during pivoting of the roller carriers. The drive roller assembly may be a modular assembly that can be customized for varying sizes, shapes and configurations.

Abstract: An article conveying system includes an alignment guide that allows larger packages to be spaced inwards from an aligning edge of a conveyor. The alignment guide provides at least two different registration points for packages, depending on the height of the packages. High profile packages, such as large boxes, are inset from an alignment edge of the conveyor, while low profile articles, such as envelopes, are registered against the alignment edge.

Abstract: An article conveying system includes an alignment guide that allows larger packages to be spaced inwards from an aligning edge of a conveyor. The alignment guide provides at least two different registration points for packages, depending on the height of the packages. High profile packages, such as large boxes, are inset from an alignment edge of the conveyor, while low profile articles, such as envelopes, are registered against the alignment edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bulk processing items on a conveyor belt using an angled axial fan that extends obliquely into a processing chamber that performs a pasteurization or other process on the conveyed items. The angled axial fan enhances air flow around a product being processed on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A flexible scraper for a grader or other solid object processing system. The flexible scraper is adjustably mounted to a frame and contacts a rotating roller to clean the rotating roller or prevent components from wrapping around the roller, as well as maintain products within designated lanes. Connectors allow insertion and release of the scraper into and from the frame. The flexible scraper is inserted into slots in the frame and held against the rotating roller by gravity.

Abstract: Method for pasteurizing almonds and other nuts with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of nuts is limited by pasteurizing the nuts in a heating chamber with a gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the nuts. The limited water uptake maintains the quality of the nuts. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt forces the steam mixture through the nuts. A preheater preheats the nuts so that they can be pasteurized in the steam cooker at a temperature of between 85° C. and 99° C. to reduce the dwell time and increase throughput.

Abstract: Method for pasteurizing almonds and other nuts with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of nuts is limited by pasteurizing the nuts in a heating chamber with a gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the nuts. The limited water uptake maintains the quality of the nuts. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt forces the steam mixture through the nuts. A preheater preheats the nuts so that they can be pasteurized in the steam cooker at a temperature of between 85° C. and 99° C. to reduce the dwell time and increase throughput.

Abstract: A counterflow chiller for cooling products on a conveyor employs a plurality of recirculating cooling modules in fluid communication with each other. Each recirculating cooling module sprays coolant over a portion of the conveyor to adjust the temperature of a product on the conveyor. An axial pump pumps coolant from a reservoir in a first recirculating coolant module to a sprayer, which sprays coolant over the product. Overflow coolant spills from one recirculating cooling module to another recirculating cooling module operating at a higher equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: A flexible scraper for a grader or other solid object processing system. The flexible scraper is adjustably mounted to a frame and contacts a rotating roller to clean the rotating roller or prevent components from wrapping around the roller, as well as maintain products within designated lanes. Connectors allow insertion and release of the scraper into and from the frame. The flexible scraper is inserted into slots in the frame and held against the rotating roller by gravity.

Abstract: A cooking system and a method for cooking food products. The cooking system comprises a forced-convection cooker having a conveyor continuously conveying stacks of product-laden trays through a cooking chamber. Fans in the cooking chamber establish a generally vertical convection path traversed by the conveyor. Foraminous bottoms in the trays allow cooking fluid in the convection path to be forced through the trays and products.

Abstract: A rigid, foraminous, ball-shaped container for housing products treated in a product-tumbling apparatus. The container allows selected products to be segregated from a mass flow of products and can protect a sensor mounted in the container from damage that can be caused by the tumbling action.