Abstract: An apparatus is provided for substantially maintaining a position of a plurality of packages (30) between a pair of trays (102 and 104) inside the drum of an agitating retort when the agitation process is applied to the packages. When the first tray (102) is stacked on the second tray (104), a volume formed between the first and second trays. Within the volume, a first positioning system (106) for holding the packages (30) in a desired position is coupled to one of the trays. The packages (30) are positioned within the volume and retained in the desired position by the first positioning system. A second positioning system (114) may be employed to hold the packages at the opposite end of the packages from the first positioning system. The second positioning system (114) may include a resilient pad that grips the adjacent portion of the packages.

Abstract: A process fluid distribution system (67) of an agitating retort (50) directs process fluid at the sides (164, 166) of stacks (58) of containers (96) containing foodstuffs or other products for processing. The sides (164, 166) of the stacks (58) are designed to minimize obstruction to the flow of processing fluid directed toward the stacks by arrays of spray nozzles (68) located alongside the stacks.