Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a combination of objects having an optimum weight as close as possible to a predetermined weight and greater than a minimum weight includes a plurality of lanes into which the objects are dispensed. The objects are counted as they are dispensed into the lanes such that several of the lanes have different numbers of objects. Each of the lanes is weighed, and the weights from the various lanes are combined in accordance with prescribed combinations to provide a plurality of weights. The plurality of weights are then compared with the minimum weight and with each other to determine the smallest weight above the minimum. The lanes having those objects are then opened such that the objects are dispensed into a bag.The lanes are exposed from above to allow an operator to view the object and cull out undesired objects. Gates are provided between pre-lanes and lanes to effect the counting, and these gates extend from the bottom of the apparatus upward into the pre-lanes.

Abstract: A conveyer for moving elements along a pan is disclosed. The conveyer uses a pivotally-mounted scoop carried by a trolley which rides on a track running beside the pan. When moving in the forward direction, the scoop is pivotally rotated to engage the bottom of the pan and move the articles along the pan. When moving in the reverse direction, the scoop is rotated so that it does not engage the bottom of the pan to allow it to move rearwardly whereupon another forward motion occurs. At the upper end of the pan, the track moves at an increased angle to cause the scoop to pivot into a position whereby the articles are more efficiently pushed over the edge of the pan.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining a sample of objects is provided. The objects are carried by a first conveyor belt and are sampled by striking a lower surface of the conveyor belt to cause some of the objects to be thrown upwardly over a barrier into a receptacle. The objects from the receptacle are carried by a second conveyor which has cleats for separating and carrying objects to a detector one-by-one. The detector operates a deflecting plate to obtain a second sample for inspection. Objects which are not deflected by the plate are returned to the first conveyor belt, while those which are deflected enter a chute for collection. The apparatus for delivering an impact to the conveyor belt preferably comprises a bell crank which strikes the conveyor belt in response to a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently loading articles. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is useful for processing fruit and loading individual pieces of fruit into bags to contain a predetermined weight of the fruit. The apparatus includes a conveyor having cleats which are angled with respect to the direction of movement of the conveyor. This causes the fruit, or other articles, to be aligned along each cleat. As the cleat passes over an upper end of the conveyor, the fruit is individually discharged into a collecting device, such as a bag. The bag is preferably resting on a scale for indicating the weight of added fruit. In accordance with the disclosed method, a conveyor is operated for a predetermined period of time which automatically loads fruit into the bag to a total weight equal to or less than the desired weight for the bag.

Abstract: A fruit sizer employs an in-feed chute which divides fruit among a plurality of sizing runs evenly. This is accomplished by locating the apices of the dividers with respect to a grade table, or other feed mechanism, so that the fruit is divided evenly. A conveyor system uses slanted rollers which are arranged with respect to a drive roller so that each side of the conveyor belt is placed in tension equal to that of the other side of the conveyor belt. This arrangement prevents undue stress on the conveyor belt and prevents the tendency to walk off the rollers. The sizing rollers are driven by a drive train which employs a single flexible belt and may be raised or lowered with the sizing rollers, without affecting the driving belt.

Abstract: A fruit sizer employs an in-feed chute which divides fruit among a plurality of sizing runs evenly. This is accomplished by locating the apices of the dividers with respect to a grade table, or other feed mechanism, so that the fruit is divided evenly. A conveyor system uses slanted rollers which are arranged with respect to a drive roller so that each side of the conveyor belt is placed in tension equal to that of the other side of the conveyor belt. This arrangement prevents undue stress on the conveyor belt and prevents the tendency to walk off the rollers. The sizing rollers are driven by a drive train which employs a single flexible belt and may be raised or lowered with the sizing rollers, without affecting the driving belt. Several embodiments of the drive train are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining a sample of objects is provided. The objects are carried by a first conveyor belt and are sampled by striking a lower surface of the conveyor belt to cause some of the objects to be thrown upwardly over a barrier into a receptacle. The objects from the receptacle are carried by a second conveyor which has cleats for carrying objects to a detector one-by-one. The detector operates a deflecting plate to obtain a second sample for inspection. Objects which are not deflected by the plate are returned to the first conveyor belt, while those which are deflected enter a chute for collection. The apparatus for delivering an impact to the conveyor belt preferably comprises a bell crank which strikes the conveyor belt 4 in response to a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A curved cup juice extractor wherein the cup is composed of two matching sections of curved interdigitating fingers which move together arcuately to enclose and squeeze the whole fruit, during which the movement and release of the cup sections is controlled by a cam and a torsional spring, and a rapid fruit feeder system works on a principle of throwing the fruit into the curved cup as the cup opens.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for carbonated beverages including a filling valve connected to a beverage source under pressure and including a measuring cylinder movable into and out of a container to be filled. The measuring cylinder has a foot valve on its lower end and is telescopically associated with an inlet valve. The measuring cylinder defines a chamber between the foot valve and the inlet valve. The measuring cylinder is filled with a predetermined amount of beverage at superatmospheric pressure by moving the cylinder down into an empty container when the foot valve is closed and the inlet valve is open. The inlet valve is then closed. The cylinder and foot valve can then be moved down a slight amount or the foot valve can be moved down a slight amount relative to the cylinder while retaining sealing contact with the cylinder to increase the volume in the chamber thus reducing the pressure of the measured volume of beverage to atmospheric pressure.