Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame, at least one inner side panel that divides the interior into a product material area and a drive mechanism cavity. An orifice beam includes an end extending through a beam opening in the inner side panel. An orifice tube is carried by the orifice beam and received within a strainer tube, which is mounted to receive juice and pulp as extractor cups engage together. A drive mechanism is positioned within the drive mechanism cavity and reciprocates the orifice beam to move the orifice tube within the strainer tube. A seal at the orifice beam and the beam opening prevents juice and peel from entering the drive mechanism cavity during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a juice extraction assembly having a wall surface and fluid outlet thereon. At least one tapered spray nozzle is mounted flush on the wall surface at the fluid outlet for receiving and discharging fluid and configured for preventing build-up on the spray nozzle of product material during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame, at least one inner side panel that divides the interior into a product material area and a drive mechanism cavity. An orifice beam includes an end extending through a beam opening in the inner side panel. An orifice tube is carried by the orifice beam and received within a strainer tube, which is mounted to receive juice and pulp as extractor cups engage together. A drive mechanism is positioned within the drive mechanism cavity and reciprocates the orifice beam to move the orifice tube within the strainer tube. A seal at the orifice beam and the beam opening prevents juice and peel from entering the drive mechanism cavity during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes extractor cups relatively moveable within a product material area that compress fruit therebetween. A strainer tube is mounted to receive juice and pulp and discharge juice therefrom. A juice manifold is positioned to collect the juice discharged from the strainer tube when an orifice tube moves therein. The juice manifold has an outlet positioned at a side of the extractor frame removed from the product material area to prevent build-up of peel and related byproducts.

Abstract: A juice extractor may include a juice extraction assembly, and at least one pressure-actuated spray nozzle having an inlet to be connected to a controllable fluid pressure source and a spray outlet directed toward the juice extraction assembly and moving between a retracted off position and an extended spray position based upon fluid pressure. The extractor may also include at least one fluid delivery conduit having an inlet to be connected to a controllable source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet. The at least one pressure-actuated spray nozzle may be positioned adjacent extractor cups, such as on their mounting bridge, and have an inlet connected in fluid communication with the outlet of the at least one fluid delivery conduit. The pressure-actuated nozzles may be used for cleaning and/or recycle water. In the retracted position, the pressure-actuated spray nozzles are better able to shed peel and other debris.

Abstract: A fruit juice extractor may include a load sensitive coupler coupling a drive motor to a drive shaft during normal operation, and decoupling the drive motor from the drive shaft when the fruit feed members become jammed. The extractor may also include a decoupling detector for detecting decoupling of the load sensitive coupler. The load sensitive coupler may include a rotatable drive hub rotatably carried by a drive shaft and connected to a drive motor, a fixed hub fixed to the drive shaft adjacent the rotatable drive hub, and a shear pin extending between the rotatable drive hub and the fixed hub. The shear pin may couple the rotatable drive hub and the fixed hub together during normal operation and shear to decouple the rotatable drive hub from the fixed hub when the fruit feed members become jammed.

Abstract: A juice extractor and associated method includes an extractor frame, extractor cup mounted for movement within the extractor frame and a cup bridge mounted within the extractor frame. A juice manifold is integral with the cup bridge for receiving juice during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame, at least one pair of extractor cups relatively moveable to each other, a strainer tube that receives juice and pulp and discharges juice therefrom, and a juice manifold positioned to collect the juice discharged from the strainer tube. The strainer tube is bottom loaded on the juice manifold and includes a sealing assembly for sealing the strainer tube relative to the juice manifold. In one aspect of the present invention, the sealing assembly includes an annular beveled surface positioned on an inside surface of the juice manifold through which the strainer tube is received. A gasket is positioned between the annular beveled surface and strainer tube that is compressed and provides a seal therebetween.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention measures pulp dryness using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It also controls the discharge of pulp and juice from a juice finisher. The discharge from the juice finisher is measured using the sensor. Based on the results of the NMR measurement, one of at least the juice injection into the juice finisher, the speed of the juice finisher, or the discharge pressure from the juice finisher is regulated.