Abstract: A lockable and removable barrier assembly (10) includes a post (32) which is removably mounted in a sleeve (12). The bottom end (32B) of the post is mounted in the top end (12A) of the sleeve such that a securing opening (14) of the sleeve is aligned with a securing opening (35) of the post. A securing mechanism (42) is located in the inner chamber (32C) of the post. The securing mechanism includes a securing lever (52) which is pivotably mounted at the bottom end (52B) to a mounting bracket (44). The lever includes a securing lug (58) which extends through a securing opening in the post and sleeve to secure the post in position in the sleeve. The top end (52A) of the lever is held in the secured position by a lock (60) which extends through a hole in the end of the lever and through a hole in the locking bracket (48) mounted on the sidewall of the post in the inner chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus applicable to solid-set fruit growth such as strawberries in which a single harvest applies to an entire solid-set field and the harvest does not destroy the plants but separates foliage and trash from the fruit in an aerodynamic sequence and subsequent singulation of the fruit occurs under conditions of aerodynamic levitation of the fruits and clusters at the point of cropping connective tendrils.

Abstract: A machine for detopping fruits and vegetables, specially suited for the decapping of strawberries by severing the top therefrom, comprises an endless upwardly-inclined loop type conveyor mounted on a sub-frame which is in turn mounted on a main frame for horizontal orbital motion relative thereto. The conveyor consists of a receiving station section inclined to the horizontal so that already decapped product discharges against the travel of the conveyor, and a severing station section at a higher level than the receiving station section, a downwardly-extending discharge section and a return section. The conveyor consists of parallel rollers alternate ones of which are positively driven by pinion gears engaging rack members at the side, so that co-operating pairs will grip the tops. Only product that has been so gripped can be conveyed upwards by the conveyor and presented to a transversly moving endless band severing knife at the severing station.

Abstract: An inner portion of a conveyor comprising a plurality of pivotably joined crossbars having an open bottom receiving cup to hold a piece of drupaceous fruit is driven at a synchronized speed below a fruit feeder device. After the feeder device deposits a piece of fruit in each cup, the inner conveyor portion travels a short distance where it is joined by an outer portion of the conveyor comprising a like plurality of pivotably joined crossbars having an inverted covering cup with a perforated diaphragm top. The conveyor portions mate to partially enclose the piece of fruit within the cups. The fruit is conveyed through a pitting station where a star-shaped pitting tool is driven at high speed through the opening in the bottom of the receiving cup, into the piece of fruit to contact a pit of the fruit and push the pit upward through the perforation of the diaphragm in the covering cup. As the tool is withdrawn from the fruit, the fruit and its now separated pit are conveyed separately for further processing.

Abstract: A high capacity device for reliably sorting pieces of fruit from a bulk supply into individual cups for processing. The fruit is received in bulk in a hopper, a side of which is open to a center hub of a connected pair of feed wheels revolving coaxially in spaced horizontal relation. Each feed wheel carries a plurality of radially-extending through passages about its periphery. Each passage carries at least two individual pieces of said fruit simultaneously. An outward, exit end of each passage is normally blocked by cammable gate fingers. The feed wheels are rotatably synchronized with a pair of chains engaged with sprockets attached to the feed wheels and carrying therebetween a conveyor carrying the fruit cups. The speed of revolution of the feed wheels is sufficient to keep an outermost one of the fruit pieces lodged adjacent the gate fingers.