Abstract: A decelerator device for apples or the like is disclosed. The apples are delivered to the decelerator device by a tube which can be provided with either a positive pressure upstream of the transported objects or a downstream of the transporter device. In one embodiment of the invention, the decelerator is provided with an area of reduced pressure in communication with the distal end of the transport tube. A receiving device such as a plurality of inter-engaged wheels receives the apples of other objects in the area of reduced pressure. The wheels or conveyors receive objects between opposed sealing surfaces, reduce the traveling speed of the object, and transport the object to an area of ambient pressure. The sealing surfaces are disengaged from the transported objects in the area of ambient pressure, and the objects are delivered to a transport path, dry bin, or other desired structure. In another embodiment of the invention, a counter flow of air reduces the speed of the object traveling along the tube.

Abstract: A decelerator comprising a deceleration tank and an extraction conveyor is disclosed. The decelerator is adapted for use with apples or similar objects. These objects are delivered to the tank from a pneumatic tube transport system. The tank contains a quantity of liquid such as water. In one embodiment, the objects splash into the water and are extracted from the water by an extraction conveyor. In a second embodiment, a baffle gate divides the tank between a forward section and a rear section. The delivered objects splash into the water in the forward section, travel under the baffle gate, and are extracted from the water by an extraction conveyor in communication with the rear tank section. In another embodiment, the tank is divided into first, second and third sections by selectively appeasable gate which provides an air lock arrangement. The extraction conveyor can comprise a plurality of side belts and a plurality of foraminous, flexible cradles hung between the belts.

Abstract: A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.

Abstract: A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.

Abstract: A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.