Abstract: A method for permanently coloring fruits (cherries) and vegetables using carmine and other anthraquinones, using mixtures of multivalent metal ions and acid. The cherries are infused with a mixture of calcium ions, other multivalent metal ions, and carmine dye, at a pH at which the carmine is in soluble form. The cherries are then infused with an acidification solution which results in the preciptation of an insoluble carmine-metal ion complex within the cherries. Unused dye is treated and recycled.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing the peel from a pineapple comprises a cylindrical body provided with a toothed cutting edge designed to cut through a pineapple and fixed guide means telescopically positioned within the cylindrical body and adapted to direct the toothed cutting edge of the cylindrical body towards a pineapple that is placed on a cutting pad positioned in opposing relationship to the toothed cutting edge. The apparatus is optionally provided with a core tube slidably disposed in a passageway extending through the guide means and designed to cut through the central core of a pineapple placed on the cutting pad. The apparatus is also provided with means for simultaneously or separately moving the cylindrical body and the core tube towards the pineapple and the cutting pad.

Abstract: A spacer assembly for half steam table trays includes a grid-like framework upon which are mounted a plurality of non-metallic support pads adapted to accept the corners of adjacent trays laid thereon in a rectangular pattern. The framework is fabricated of a light metal functioning structurally only to position the support pads. A spacer assembly is laid atop each succeeding layer of trays and the tray corners are compressed a predetermined amount until the pads in a vertical column are in contact, whereby the pads bear the load of the trays stacked thereabove.

Abstract: A method for supporting and heat processing a layered array of half steam table trays using a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly includes a grid-like framework upon which are mounted a plurality of non-metallic support pads adapted to accept the corners of adjacent trays laid thereon in a rectangular pattern. The framework is fabricated of a light metal functioning structurally only to position the support pads. A spacer assembly is laid atop each succeeding layer of trays and the tray corners are compressed a predetermined amount until the pads in a vertical column are in contact, whereby the pads bear the load of the trays stacked thereabove.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling pouches with measured quantities of a product, a product filling assembly is disclosed to have a pocket for receiving a measured quantity of the product, means for purging air from the product, means for registering the pouch with the product containing pocket, and means for discharging product from the pocket into the pouch. More than one pocket may be incorporated into a turret assembly, with each of the pockets having doors at the bottoms thereof which are opened to cause the product to gravitate into the pouch. The pouch-filling apparatus of the present invention may further include a magazine for supporting a plurality of empty pouches and pinch rollers for firmly squeezing a pouch and moving the pouch into a carrying means for carrying the pouch to the product filling assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for purging air from the headspace of filled flexible containers and from the interstices in the product when the containers are filled with particulates. The method includes the steps of moving the upper open end of the containers through a steam tunnel while directing a flow of low velocity steam within the range of about 0.5 to 5 feet per second into and around the open ends of the containers to purge air therefrom. When air is entrained in a particulate product in the container, the low velocity steam cooperates with a jet of high velocity steam, within the velocity range of about 5 to 20 ft./sec., that is directed into the product for purging both the interstitial air and the headspace air from the container or pouch. In one embodiment of the invention a baffle is disposed above the open end of each particulate filled container to direct the steam-air mixture transversely out of the container for entrainment and flushing to the atmosphere by the low velocity steam.

Abstract: A retort system for thin walled, generally flat containers filled with a food product or the like including a pressure vessel having one or more batches of flat containers therein disposed within a heat treatment tunnel. A heat transfer liquid is circulated through the tunnel parallel to the flat sidewalls of the containers at a rate sufficient to transfer heat between the fluid and the containers without incurring a large change in temperature of the liquid between the inlet and outlet of the tunnel for assuring uniform cooking of the contents of the containers. During a cooking cycle the liquid is reheated while being returned externally of the tunnel from the discharge end of the tunnel to the inlet end of the tunnel. The tunnel is partially defined by the side walls of nesting containers supporting trays, which trays may be rotated for an agitating cook or may be stationary for a still cook.