Abstract: The present invention relates to a melon cutting apparatus that cuts a melon portion or melon half. The apparatus cuts the melon pulp into sections, and removes the rind from the pulp. The apparatus includes a base having an opening; a cutting matrix that has a plurality of blades, wherein the cutting matrix communicates with the opening. The apparatus also includes a sweeping blade that is curved and positioned at or near the cutting matrix and is used to cut the rind from the melon pulp. The apparatus further includes an actuator that engages the sweeping blade. The apparatus embodies an arm attached to the apparatus, and a pressure cap that is mounted to the arm, opposite the cutting matrix. Additionally, the present invention pertains to systems and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melon cutting apparatus that cuts a melon portion or melon half. The apparatus cuts the melon pulp into sections, and removes the rind from the pulp. The apparatus includes a base having an opening; a cutting matrix that has a plurality of blades, wherein the cutting matrix communicates with the opening. The apparatus also includes a sweeping blade that is curved and positioned at or near the cutting matrix and is used to cut the rind from the melon pulp. The apparatus further includes an actuator that engages the sweeping blade. The apparatus embodies an arm attached to the apparatus, and a pressure cap that is mounted to the arm, opposite the cutting matrix. Additionally, the present invention pertains to systems and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sorting plant products based on damage to the plant products is disclosed. A beam emitter emits an illumination light toward the outer surface of a plant product. A beam detector detects substantially a single wavelength of a reflected light produced by the plant product responsive to the illumination light. A control unit determines at least one of a presence, an amount, and a severity of damage responsive to the reflected light. The control unit assigns a damage category to the plant product responsive to the determination of damage.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to ascertaining the condition (i.e. texture, maturity and extent of damage (if any)) of an agricultural commodity by: (a) inputting band-limited vibrations (i.e. limited to a specific frequency band); (b) sensing vibrational characteristics (e.g. energy, resonance, absorption frequency characteristics) resulting from the input vibrations, and; (c) analyzing the vibrational characteristics.

Abstract: Means to control imbalance of an eccentric mass connected to a rotating shaft in a shaker housing wherein the eccentric mass is adjacent to but is not fixedly connected to the shaft, wherein a first end of the mass is connected to a mass moving means which can move one end of the mass to a plurality of different distances from the rotating shaft, and is able to hold that end of the mass at each of these distances during rotation; wherein a second end of the mass is restrained from centrifugal movement during rotation of the shaft.