Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading packing trays filled with fruit or vegetables into a packing carton. The apparatus can include a frame, a carton loading station to support the packing carton, and a tray engaging member configured to engage the selected tray and move the selected tray into the carton. In one embodiment, the tray engaging member is coupled to a tray head that is movable relative to the frame to place the tray into the packing carton. A pad inserter, movably coupled to the frame, inserts a cushioning pad above each tray after the tray is loaded into the carton.

Abstract: A denesting apparatus for removing a single packing tray from a stack of trays. The tray has a plurality of cups for containing the fruit. The tray has a plurality of pick receiving areas for receiving picks on the denesting apparatus which engage the tray and remove the tray from the stack. The pick receiving areas are located in a sidewall of the tray, such that the locations of the pick receiving areas are independent of the locations of the cups. The pick receiving areas are shaped to permit substantially unimpeded movement of the picks into the pick receiving areas and clamping of the tray between the picks and adjacent alignment members. The alignment members are located to support the stack of trays while the picks engage a single fruit packing tray.

Abstract: The specification discloses a loose-fill packing material comprising a plurality of individual packing elements, and a method of making such packing elements. Each packing element comprises at least two paper rings which are connected to each other at their outer surfaces. Each ring comprises a strip of paper which is rolled lengthwise upon itself. The rolls are fabricated by rolling sheets of paper to form elongated paper rolls having cylindrical outer surfaces and by then attaching pairs of elongated paper rolls together at their outer surfaces along their lengths. Individual packing elements are then cut from the pairs of elongated paper rolls.

Abstract: A cushioning pad which may advantageously be used in connection with the packaging and storage of fruits is described. Such pad contains a chemical composition for interacting with the atmosphere. The chemical composition may include chemicals such as calcium hydroxide for removing carbon dioxide and/or ethylene from the atmosphere to retard ripening and prevent damage to the fruit. The pad may also contain a hygroscopic chemical such as calcium chloride which causes certain kinds of cushioning materials to expand to better immobilize the fruit or other articles.