Abstract: A banding device includes a frame. A feeding assembly is mounted on the frame for feeding elastic tubing into the frame. A transfer assembly disposed within the frame includes transfer arm and fingers. The fingers receive the rubber tubing as fed. A cutting assembly is disposed between the transfer assembly and the feeding assembly for cutting the tubing into bands. The fingers of the transfer assembly move between a first closed position for receiving the band and a second open position for opening the band. The transfer arm is moveable between a first position for receiving the band and a second position for transferring the band. A banding assembly disposed at the second position receives the band from the transfer assembly. The banding assembly stretches the band and receives an item to be bundled within the band. The banding assembly releases the band about the bundle.

Abstract: The illustrative method and apparatus provides a more efficient system for automated slicing and loading of food articles into containers. The apparatus includes at least one cutting assembly and at least two chutes and depositing assemblies. The apparatus may include a positioning receptacle that aligns the food articles with a knife set and a driving arm that advances the food article into engagement with the knife set. The chutes may include a movable chute portion, which moves from alignment with the knife set to alignment with the containers, and a chute extension. Openings for the sliced food sections, which extend through the movable chute portion and the chute extension, have a cross section that changes to rotate the orientation of the food sections passing therethrough. Once deposited into the containers, the food sections are oriented with at least some cut faces of the food article adjacent the container wall.

Abstract: In an automated method for handling and packaging agriculturally grown food items, at least a portion of the exterior of the food item is removed to expose its interior region. From the exposed interior region, a number of food segments are extruded. For example, cylinders of pineapple or watermelon may be extruded. The extruded food segments are then inserted into a number of packaging units, such as single-serving tubes. The extrusion process for forming the food segments may be continuous with the insertion process, such as when the packaging units are located in alignment with movement of a corresponding number of extrusion members. Thus, an automated system may include a mechanized trimmer, a mechanized extrusion unit, and a mechanized packager that provides hands-free insertion of the food segments into the packaging units.

Abstract: The assembly and method are disclosed for the mechanical automated loading of cut cucumbers into jars. The cucumbers are sized in length and delivered to one or more cutter and loader stations where they are cut into slices or the like, and the slices are divided between a pair of pivot chutes. The pivot chutes are pivoted away from each other and into alignment respectively with a pair of jar chutes, the latter of which extend into the openings of the jars to be loaded. The cut cucumbers are delivered through the jar chutes at a substantial angle to both the plane of the opening of the jar and the axis of the jar, and toward the outer wall of the jars against which they are deposited. As each load is deposited into a jar, the jar is rotationally indexed in readiness for the next load, and the previously deposited loads are held against the outer wall of the jar by a mandrel which extends into the jar during the loading operation.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes an indexing feeder for feeding the elongated food articles, a first slicing station and a second slicing station disposed along the indexing feeder for slicing the food articles into slabs, and a container conveyor system for delivering containers to receive the slabs. The articles are placed individually into winged troughs ("flights") carried by the indexing feeder and the feeder is advanced by two flight spacings in each slicing cycle. The second slicing station is displaced from the first slicing station by an odd number of flights. Each slicing station further includes an indexing turret with a number of self-centering chucks disposed around the periphery of the turret. The turret is rotated in such a way so as to allow a food article to be inserted into each chuck as the chuck rotates past the indexing feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and containing a material in an elastomeric net(26). The apparatus comprises a compression chamber(12), a material compressor(16), a holding chamber(18), a net expansion and placement mechanism (42), and a bale advance mechanism (20). The material compressor is coupled to the compression chamber to compress a selected amount of the fibrous material in a direction transverse to the general lay of the material within the compression chamber to form a compacted bale (10). The holding chamber has an outlet and an inlet coupled to the compression chamber. The holding chamber also has an axis defined by a line extending between the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet. The net expansion and placement mechanism is for receiving the net, stretching the net to obtain a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than that of the holding chamber, and placing the net over the holding chamber with one end of the net slightly extending beyond the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and containing a material in an elastomeric net (26). The apparatus comprises a compression chamber (12), a material compressor (16), a holding chamber (18), a net expansion and placement mechanism (42), and a bale advance mechanism (20). The material compressor is coupled to the compression chamber to compress a selected amount of the fibrous material in a direction transverse to the general lay of the material within the compression chamber to form a compacted bale (10). The holding chamber has an outlet and an inlet coupled to the compression chamber. The holding chamber also has an axis defined by a line extending between the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet. The net expansion and placement mechanism is for receiving the net, stretching the net to obtain a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than that of the holding chamber, and placing the net over the holding chamber with one end of the net slightly extending beyond the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and containing a material in an elastomeric net(26). The apparatus comprises a compression chamber(12), a material compressor(16), a holding chamber(18), a net expansion and placement mechanism (42), and a bale advance mechanism (20). The material compressor is coupled to the compression chamber to compress a selected amount of the fibrous material in a direction transverse to the general lay of the material within the compression chamber to form a compacted bale (10). The holding chamber has an outlet and an inlet coupled to the compression chamber. The holding chamber also has an axis defined by a line extending between the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet. The net expansion and placement mechanism is for receiving the net, stretching the net to obtain a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than that of the holding chamber, and placing the net over the holding chamber with one end of the net slightly extending beyond the outlet.

Abstract: A packing device for cut products is used for packing a number of products such as pickles, cucumbers, and the like into a cylindrical holder such as a glass jar. The device includes at least one cutting member for cutting each product into portions, a member for receiving the portions, a member for transporting the holders, and a member for guiding the portions into the holders in a predetermined pattern. The guiding member includes a number of prism-shaped carriers disposed in a circle so that each receives a portion, wherein each carrier is pivotable about an axis from a first position to a second position. Pivoting of the carriers allows for guiding of the portions into the holders according to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: At least one binder means (40,42) for tying together projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (p) each held in a retainer (30) and at least one cutter means (44,46) for shortening projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (P) are arranged beside a conveyor (12) which comprises retainers (30) for a plant (P) each. Each retainer (30) includes at least one upwardly open fork (26,28) into which a plant (P) can be put and at least one bow (64) to press down the plant (P). Each bow (64) is pivotable about a transverse axis, is biased by a spring (73) in the sense of an opening movement, and is adapted to be locked in various closing positions by a ratchet mechanism (66,68). In a starting range of the conveyor (12) there is an actuating member (74) which acts on a control member (72) at each bow (64) so as to pivot it in closing direction. In a final range of the conveyor (12) there is a control member (80) for release of the ratchet mechanism (66,68).

Abstract: A preserved forage crop, such as grass or lucerne, is cut and allowed to wilt to a given dry matter content, it is then conventionally baled and bales (1) are subsequently compacted in one direction only and sealed into airtight bags (31) before the compacted bale can fully re-expand; preferably the bale (1) is cut longitudinally (z) and each part-bale (8) is compacted longitudinally to produce flat-sided, oblong bagged bales of stackable proportions and forage crop sealed under compaction in the bag and layered in planes (y) or (z) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing into a jar elongated articles, such as cucumbers or pickles cut along their length into spears. The jar is positioned with a guide disposed within the interior of the jar. The guide directs a predetermined array of spaced spears into the jar and outwardly towards the wall of the jar. Thereafter, the jar is rotated. The guide, which is coupled to the bottom of the jar, is thereby rotated to position the guide to direct additional arrays of spears between the spears of the array previously placed in the jar.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching, trimming and banding vegetables and the like comprising a plurality of arms (20) each having fixed thereto an upstanding finger (32) means (22) supporting the arms for movement in a common plane toward and away from a common area, an actuator (28) for moving the arms in unison and a top plate (16) forming a center opening (18) centered about the common area whereby the arms can be moved to the center, an elastic band (34) placed over the upstanding fingers, the arms actuated away from the common area and a bunch of vegetables inserted so that movement of the arms back toward the common area will allow the elastic band to hold the bunch. A truncated cone shaped hollow guide (37) positioned beneath the arms will guide the vegetables together for bunching.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing an elastic band (22A) around a vegetable bunch (19) comprising a band stretcher assembly (26) for receiving the band, a plurality of fingers (46) for stretching the band, and means (37) for moving the band stretcher towards a top plate assembly 21 along a central axis. The band is placed on the band stretcher fingers and stretched, the vegetable bunch is placed through the openings (20) and (50) and the band relaxed therearound. The band stretcher is then moved from the top plate assembly to disengage said fingers from said band. Thereafter the plate sections (54) and (55) are pivoted to enlarge the opening (20) and allow the banded vegetable bunch to drop from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for bundling and tying a product. A plurality of spaced product carriers are sequentially moved along a conveyor flight. At a first station along said flight, a product tie is inserted into each spaced carrier. Each carrier is then advanced to a second station and a product is inserted therein. Each carrier, containing a product and a product tie, is then advanced along said conveyor flight to a third station where the tie is secured about the product. Thereafter, the tied product is discharged from the apparatus at a delivery station. Tie insertion, conveyor operation, product tying, and product delivery are automatic operations, one in coordination with the other and at a selected rate.

Abstract: This relates to an apparatus for forcing fill-goods into a container immediately before the lid is applied to the container. There is provided a tamper head which engages the product to force the solids into the container. Associated with the tamper head is a separately axially moved spring-loaded hood having a tapered lower surface which serves first to align a container with the tamper head, then squeeze off any fill-goods which overlies the rim of the container, and then forms a seal with the container rim to prevent liquid fill-goods from overflowing the container as the projecting fill-goods is pressed into the container. The tamper head has a liquid cavity which opens through the lower part of the tamper head and which is controllably opened to the exterior of the tamper head to receive excess liquid during the pressing in of the fill-goods.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning the flanges of cans. After fruit has been deposited in cans being carried by a conveyor, pistons that are slidably carried by a second conveyor are caused to enter each can. Each piston is so constructed that it severs fruit material on the can flange and compresses the fruit therein.

Abstract: Cucumber spears are rapidly and reliably packed into and around the inner periphery of a jar with the same cut side of each of the spears facing outwardly. The spears are formed by pushing a cucumber lengthwise through a set of knife blades, and the resultant spears are individually pushed through twisted channels by flexible rods which deliver them onto a horizontal platform with their cut sides down and all facing the same way. Two conveyor belts are recessed in the top of the platform, so that by lowering the platform the set of spears is deposited on the conveyor belts and conveyed downstream to a pair of adjacent platens each having grooves aligned with the conveyor belts. A fence across the conveyor arrests a first set of spears above the first platen, which is then raised to lift the first set of spears from the conveyor, whereupon a second set of spears accumulate above the second platen.

Abstract: A machine for filling jars with pieces of vegetables or fruits, in particular quartered pickles, is provided, in which a jar conveyor belt carries the jars incrementally past filling stations at which the pieces of the vegetables are fed into the jars. The pieces of vegetables or fruits are brought by a conveyor belt to cutting stations, where they are cut into the pieces, and are brought to the filling stations. The vegetables or fruits are fed from the cutting stations, in which they are cut into pieces, horizontally into magazines provided with a partition. These magazines are disposed on a revolving magazine belt, which is disposed obliquely relative to the jar conveyor belt, in such a manner that a plurality of filling stations is produced along the jar conveyor belt, in each of which a magazine is disposed in a different relative association in terms of its height with a jar.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching, trimming and banding vegetables and the like comprising a plurality of arms (20) each having fixed thereto an upstanding finger (32) means (22) supporting the arms for movement in a common plane toward and away from a common area, an actuator (28) for moving the arms in unison and a top plate (16) forming a center opening (18) centered about the common area whereby the arms can be moved to the center, an elastic band (34) placed over the upstanding fingers, the arms actuated away from the common area and a bunch of vegetables inserted so that movement of the arms back toward the common area will allow the elastic band to hold the bunch. A truncated cone shaped hollow guide (37) positioned beneath the arms will guide the vegetables together for bunching.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for packing cut pickle spears in a jar in predetermined positions and orientations by laying the spears side-by-side on a flexible resilient belt, rolling up the belt with the spears on it to form a cylinder, and pushing the cylindrical array of spears out of the rolled up belt into the jar.

Abstract: A machine and method which serves to introduce measured amounts of different items (e.g., pieces of different fruits) into containers such as cans or jars. Features of the machine and method include high filling speed, straight-line movement of means carrying separate measured amounts of the items, volumetric measuring pockets that are adjustable, and simplicity of construction and operation. Preferably the machine also incorporates means for orienting, slicing, and depositing a predetermined number of cherry halves into the containers.

Abstract: An automatic tying machine suitable for use in connection with an automatic broccoli bunching machine is illustrated. The tying machine comprises, in addition to the string carrying needle and knotter bill mechanism of the prior art machines, a placer foot that is separate from the needle, and a string retaining mechanism having two fingers, so that each string end of the loop may be independently held.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing slices of pitted cherries. It carries out successive orientation and slicing operations with direct introduction of a predetermined count of slices into containers (e.g., cans or jars). The desired count for each container can be adjusted to meet requirements.

Abstract: A versatile food preparing machine which includes various attachments for selectively processing many different kinds of foods. The machine is characterized by incorporating a bottomless hopper and a food support pad for restingly supporting the food at various levels as it protrudes downwardly from the hopper. An interchangeable reciprocatable food processable element, e.g., a knife or shredder/grater element, etc., workingly engages the food by cyclically moving between the hopper and the adjustable food support pad, e.g., whereby slices of various thicknesses may be made from certain kinds of foods. Ejector structure cyclically ejects particles of the processed food, e.g., slices of okra and the like, downwardly away from the food processable element. Particular structure is also included for collecting the ejected slices of food to facilitate subsequent storage thereof in a food freezer.

Abstract: A machine and method which serves to introduce measured amounts of different items (e.g., pieces of different fruits) into containers such as cans or jars. Features of the machine and method include high filing speed, straight-line movement of means carrying separate measured amounts of the items, volumetric measuring pockets that are adjustable, and simplicity of construction and operation. Preferably the machine also incorporates means for orienting, slicing, and depositing a predetermined number of cherry halves into the containers.