Abstract: Raw plums fed into a receiving tank and washer (1) are conveyed by a platform elevator (2) to a cord-type sizing device which enables their distribution toward two tray-carrying chains (5A and 5B). The trays are stacked on carts carried by platform elevators (8A and 8B). Once they have been filled, the carts can be transported to a cooking oven (9).

Abstract: The prunes are each supported by an annular trough (21A) of the tank (20A), on which trough abuts a sleeve (50A) mounted slidingly counter to an elastic return (52A) along a pitting rod (46A). The sleeves (50A) are juxtaposed one next to the other, while the rods (46A) are operated simultaneously by a jack (43A). The fall of the pits is checked by detection means (90A). These detection means (90A) are connected to a programmable automatic mechanism (95A), which controls the actuation of the means for removing the pitted prunes, and the unpitted prunes, if necessary, as a function of the values sensed by the detection means.

Abstract: An oven for converting raw plums into prunes by desiccation comprises an enclosure (1) with a double heat-insulated wall arranged as a tunnel and provided with air curtains (2 and 3) at its inlet and at its outlet. The air-agitation means recirculate a portion of the air within the enclosure, after filtration and condensation of water vapor on a cold wall. Electrical heating elements (65) are placed downstream of the device for condensing water vapor (60). The recovery duct (51) and blower duct (71) are placed laterally on opposite sides of the tunnel.