Abstract: Blueberry sorting, i.e. classifying, and apparatus therefor, to separate ripe berries from unripened berries and stems, by dynamically immersing all of the berries beneath the surface of a water bath, the unripened berries being controllably allowed to rise to float on the surface of the bath, the ripe berries being deposited on a submersed conveyor and conveyed out of the bath to a separate location. Berry immersion is achieved hydrodynamically by a downward stream of water which propels the berries down to cause release of gas bubbles on the ripe berry surfaces, carry them through a flow zone to the conveyor and then recirculate.

Abstract: Blueberry sorting, i.e. classifying, and apparatus therefor, to separate ripe berries from unripened berries and stems, by dynamically immersing all of the berries beneath the surface of a water bath, the unripened berries being controllably allowed to rise to float on the surface of the bath, the ripe berries being deposited on a submersed conveyor and conveyed out of the bath to a separate location. Berry immersion is achieved hydrodynamically by a downward stream of water which propels the berries down to cause release of gas bubbles on the ripe berry surfaces, carry them through a flow zone to the conveyor and then recirculate.

Abstract: A berry packaging apparatus including a denesting subassembly, a produce or berry dispenser, a cover pick-up and applicator subassembly, and a conveyor for transporting a plurality of corner-slotted containers. The denesting subassembly employs a plurality of opposed, shaped fingers to separate the lowermost container of a stack and deposit same onto the conveyor. The containers are filled with produce at the dispenser. The cover pick-up and applicator picks up a flexible film wrapper or cover and wipes the cover down around the container periphery.

Abstract: A berry packaging apparatus including a denesting subassembly, a produce or berry dispenser, a cover pick-up and applicator subassembly, and a conveyor for transporting a plurality of corner-slotted containers. The denesting subassembly employs a plurality of opposed, shaped fingers to separate the lowermost container of a stack and deposit same onto the conveyor. The containers are filled with produce at the dispenser. The cover pick-up and applicator picks up a flexible film wrapper or cover and wipes the cover down around the container periphery.