Abstract: Apparatus for automatically, rapidly, and simultaneously packing multiple layers of fruit, such as cantaloupes, for example, into packing boxes wherein the layers of fruit are packed in a predetermined staggered or complementary pattern. A pair of packing heads, i.e., a first packing head and a second packing head, in near side-by-side relationship, are automatically simultaneously tilted, in response to like mechanisms or actuators, to deposit the fruit which are automatically prearranged thereon in a predetermined pattern into indexed packing boxes. The second packing head which packs the top layer of fruit is set back slightly from the first packing head which packs the first or bottom layer of fruit thus allowing the second packing head to place its fruit onto the bottom layer. The container is then automatically moved forward in order that the next cycle can take place. Structure providing this unique arrangement is described.

Abstract: Articles of fruit are fed to a receiving head, positioned in a predetermined pattern for packing, transferred in that pattern to a transfer rack which advances toward and pivots into a container to be loaded, and deposits the fruit in the same pattern. Apparatus for pivoting the transfer rack as it advances toward the container includes rotational members connected by a chain. Additional articles of fruit in a different pattern are deposited as a second layer by means of adjacent duplicate apparatus.