Abstract: This invention relates to a machine which receives ballpoint pen barrel assemblies in bulk form, feeds these barrel assemblies in single-file order and orients them over a preassembled refill, spring and cap assembly which is carried along a predetermined path.

Abstract: Apparatus for color grading of products such as fruits, vegetables, et cetera, employing a light source for illuminating the product and means for detecting and comparing the reflectance to measure certain product properties. For calibration, a target of known color is moved in front of the light source and the resulting signal is compared with a reference signal to generate a modifying signal. For automatic calibration of the apparatus this modifying signal is stored and thereafter used to adjust all subsequent readout signals.

Abstract: A shuffle feed structure comprising first and second sets of shuffle feed mbers supported on their respective frames for reciprocating movement so as to advance articles lying thereon in single file order. The feed members are constructed with adjacent surfaces including offset portions so as to prevent articles being advanced from aligning with and falling through the space between the individual flights.

Abstract: A feed apparatus for conveying articles to a rotary cutter for cutting the articles lengthwise into segments. To obtain nearly equal sized segments while cutting randomly sized articles, the feed apparatus receives the articles one at a time between feed belts spaced radially about the cutter center line. These belts are supported to move radially outward in unison to accommodate each article thereby aligning the articles with the cutter center line prior to cutting.

Abstract: Apparatus for stemming or peeling produce such as cherries and tomatoes comprising a plurality of roll beds with adjacent rolls thereon being power rotated in opposite directions. The beds are positioned with the rolls in a horizontal plane such that the produce articles will proceed from one bed to the next in an upstream to downstream direction. The downstream beds are positioned slightly below those upstream thereof and the beds are oscillated back and forth in the direction of article travel so that the produce tumbles from one bed to the next to bring all surfaces thereof into contact with the rotating rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying and rotating articles 90.degree. while being conveyed along a predetermined path with rotation being achieved by contacting a forward corner of the article for pivoting it partially as the extending side will be grasped by a side-facing belt to complete rotation and propel the article forward.

Abstract: Apparatus for color grading of products, such as fruits, vegetables, et cetera, employing light sources for illuminating the products in the infrared and green or lower wavelengths, and means for detecting and comparing the reflectance in the two light regions to measure certain properties of the product. The light source used for the infrared radiation is an improved gas discharge lamp utilizing argon gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for bringing together a tray and separate lid to form a carton wherein the lid is moved into position above the tray and the lid side flaps are bent down along the tray side panels and fastened in place to form the carton.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of forming a tray which includes a bottom panel, four upstanding side panels and corner gussets for sealing and holding the bottom panel end flaps and side flaps in the formed position including means for receiving a stack of precut blanks from which the tray is formed, feeding one at a time, the blanks through a glue station for the deposition of a predetermined glue pattern on the corner gussets, and thereafter folding the blank into a tray in a die and mandrel wherein in successive steps the end flaps are folded, the corner gussets are influenced inward and the side flaps are folded to complete the tray. The die and mandrel assembly serves to hold the tray momentarily after formation to permit the glue to adhere and thereafter functions to strip the tray from the mandrel and hold it in a position satisfactory for removal from the assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for color grading of liquid or solid products, such as fruits, vegetables, etc., said apparatus employs an electronic device which measures the ratio of reflectance of the products at two separated parts of the light spectrum. The device views either a calibration surface or the product being tested so that between tests the operator can see whether or not the instrument is holding its calibration and adjust it if necessary.

Abstract: A peeling apparatus for fruit and vegetable articles, the skin of which has been treated to facilitate peeling. The apparatus comprises adjacent elongate rolls which are spaced from one another by a distance less than the diameter of the article to be peeled. One of the rolls has, extending therefrom, a plurality of studs of substantial length and the other has, extending therefrom, studs of relatively short length. The rolls are rotated as articles to be peeled are supported on and moved longitudinally of the rolls and, thus, the treated skin is abraded off by the studs. Because the studs are of different lengths, different amounts of force are applied to the skin and the relatively long studs reach otherwise inaccessible portions of the skin.

Abstract: A shuffle feed sizing structure wherein articles are progressed from valley to valley over a shuffle feed mechanism and as they progress the article advancing face of the shuffle feed member provides a sizing opening of a given width so that the articles small enough to fall through the opening are discharged downwardly beneath the shuffle feed at this point. Various widths of sizing opening are provided between the faces of the shuffle feed as required and the largest articles are discharged over the end. Means are also provided for ejecting articles from a sizing opening if they tend to become wedge or if they remain in front of the sizing opening but are too large to pass through the opening.