Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.

Abstract: An extractor may include first and second cups being relatively moveable for compressing a fruit therebetween during extraction. A first cutter is associated with the first cup and includes a first cutter base having at least one base opening therein, and a first cutting blade extending outwardly from the first cutter base to define an interior passageway in communication with the at least one base opening. In other words, the extractor may include a windowed cutter. The extractor may also include a strainer tube coupled to the second cup and having longitudinally extending, slotted openings therein. The slotted openings may each have a width in a range of 0.03 to 0.05 inches, or more preferably, 0.035 to 0.045 inches. The strainer tube may be used without the windowed cutter.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable pulp processor includes a defect separator configured to separate defects from a fruit or vegetable pulp stream. The defect separator may have associated therewith at least one adjustable control parameter relating to an amount of defect separation from the fruit or vegetable pulp stream. At least one image sensor may be configured to sense defects in the fruit or vegetable pulp stream, and a controller may be configured to adjust the at least one adjustable control parameter of the defect separator based upon sensed defects. Accordingly, the amount or level of defects in the fruit or vegetable pulp stream may be controlled to provide a desired balance between yield and quality.

Abstract: A juice processing apparatus includes a concentrator for generating at least one concentrated pulp stream, and a pulp pasteurizer coupled downstream from the concentrator. A flow restrictor is coupled in the at least one concentrated pulp stream for generating a pressure drop therein. The pressure drop is indicative of a concentration of pulp in the at least one concentrated pulp stream. At least one pressure sensor is associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop. A controller is for controlling the concentrator based upon the sensed pressure drop.

Abstract: A juice processing system includes at least one fluid line for a concentrated pulp stream, and a flow restrictor coupled in fluid communication with the at least one fluid line for generating a pressure drop in the concentrated pulp stream indicative of a concentration of pulp therein. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop, and a controller coupled to the at least one pressure sensor for generating at least one control signal based upon the sensed pressure drop. The control signal may be for an upstream and/or a downstream control device.

Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.

Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.

Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product including sterilizing an intermodal container comprising a rigid shell with opposed closed ends and a discharge port in one of the closed end, and aseptically filling the intermodal container with the sterilized food product. The method further includes transporting the filled intermodal container while maintaining the sterilized food product in aseptic conditions. In addition, the method may include, at an emptying site, moving the intermodal container to an incline angle of at least 8 degrees from horizontal, and emptying the sterilized food product from the discharge port.

Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.

Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes sterilizing an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends and a discharge port in one of the closed ends. The intermodal container also includes at least one support frame assembly supporting the rigid shell and configured to permit rotation between a generally horizontal orientation and a generally upright orientation. The method may also include aseptically filling the intermodal container with the sterilized food product; and transporting the filled intermodal container in the generally horizontal orientation via at least one of rail, truck, and ship and while maintaining the sterilized food product in aseptic conditions. The method may also include rotating the intermodal container to the generally upright orientation, and emptying the sterilized food product from the discharge port.

Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.

Abstract: A juice processing apparatus includes a concentrator for generating at least one concentrated pulp stream, and a pulp pasteurizer coupled downstream from the concentrator. A flow restrictor is coupled in the at least one concentrated pulp stream for generating a pressure drop therein. The pressure drop is indicative of a concentration of pulp in the at least one concentrated pulp stream. At least one pressure sensor is associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop. A controller is for controlling the concentrator based upon the sensed pressure drop.

Abstract: A juice processing system includes at least one fluid line for a concentrated pulp stream, and a flow restrictor coupled in fluid communication with the at least one fluid line for generating a pressure drop in the concentrated pulp stream indicative of a concentration of pulp therein. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop, and a controller coupled to the at least one pressure sensor for generating at least one control signal based upon the sensed pressure drop. The control signal may be for an upstream and/or a downstream control device.

Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.

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 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 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 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 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.