Abstract: Improvements to a juice extraction machine, particularly a commercial-scale fruit juice extraction machine that is extremely light and compact for very easy handling and transportation, which is noteworthy for its unusual construction configuration that includes, among other items, a swing lidded waste-bin on its front whose walls are close to the peeler cups when closed, allowing easy removal of wastes such as pith, pulp and peel when open.

Abstract: A resealable spigot for a coconut that provides easy access by consumers to the sterile coconut water within a coconut includes a valve seat positioned within a coconut aperture and a plunger sleeve positioned within the valve seat. The plunger sleeve has a based positioned membrane that seals the coconut aperture, A plunger-stopper is tethered to the plunger sleeve for shipping and storage and is used by the consumer to pierce the plunger sleeve membrane to gain access to the coconut water. The plunger sleeve is also used to reseal the coconut aperture to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption. Further provided is an additional embodiment for a spigot comprising a conduit having a spike-tip on one end and a spout on the other with a through bore therebetween.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises: inserting a device into a skin of a fruit to collect juice, said device comprising a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the juice extractor having an edge that is inserted into said skin, the juice extractor containing a cavity, said edge enclosing a substantially closed external surface having openings through which some solids do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion and a spray pump, the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a spray outlet connected to a tube; directing said spray outlet in a desired direction; and activating said spray pump to cause juice collected within said cavity to flow within the tube through the spray outlet to spray the juice in the desired direction.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a device for spraying liquid, comprising: a liquid extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor adapted to be inserted into a liquid source, the liquid extractor comprising a portion defining a cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion, and comprising a spray pump partially disposed within and extending from the top portion of the spray dispenser, the bottom portion of the spray dispenser configured to be coupled with the top portion of the liquid extractor, the spray pump comprising a tube having a lower end disposed within the cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor comprises a lower end having a concave surface defining a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A juicer arrangement comprises a motor-driven appliance (1), capable of extracting juice from fruit, and a vessel (10) for receiving the juice. The appliance has a tubular outlet duct (9) through which juice can flow; the duct consisting of an inner portion (12) that is fixed to the appliance (1) and an outer portion (13) which can be rotated, relative to the inner portion (12), about the longitudinal axis (12a) of the tubular outlet duct (9). Near the outlet end of the outer portion (13) of the outlet duct there is provided a chordally-extending internal wall (15), configured such that, in one rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is positioned to act as an anti-dripping dam member to resist liquid flow through the outlet duct (9). In another rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is inverted, leaving a gap through which juice can be dispensed.

Abstract: A juice extractor may include a juice extraction assembly and a drive assembly connected thereto. The drive assembly may include a shaft, at least one cam having a hub, and a shaft-hub coupler frictionally securing the shaft and the hub of the at least one cam together. For example, the at least one cam may include at least one cup-drive cam. Each of the shaft and the hub of the at least one cup-drive cam may be cylindrically shaped and devoid of keying. Accordingly, the cup-drive, shaft-hub coupler permits ready attachment of the cup-drive cam to the drive shaft. One or more orifice tube-drive cams may be similarly secured to the shaft with a frictional shaft-hub coupler.

Abstract: A greeting card display has frame-supported rails and card shelves with laterally adjustable dividers which form multiple adjustable card pockets for display and storage of greeting cards and envelopes. The number of card shelves and pockets can be easily set-up and altered by any desired arrangement of the card shelves and dividers. The card shelves can be use in combination with other types of product displays on the same supporting frame.

Abstract: A rotary-to-reciprocating linear drive conversion device is linked to drive moveable elements of a multi-unit fruit juice extraction machine. At least two co-rotating members drive a reciprocating transverse member by means of respective protruding force-transfer posts of the co-rotating members rotating while disposed to slidingly engage in the groove, so that the rotation of the co-rotating members results in reciprocal movement of the transverse member, and of elements of the multi-unit fruit extraction machine linked thereto. The elements of the multi-unit fruit extraction machine include opposing sets of a plurality of matched peeler cups, forming matched pairs of opposing peeler cups, each peeler cup comprising a plurality of outwardly extending blades cooperatively intermeshing with a corresponding plurality of outwardly extending blades of an opposing peeler cup of the matched pair, one of said cups additionally comprising a filter device.

Abstract: A juicing apparatus is provided in which a single actuating element (2) drives a multiple number, such as three, of movable peeler cups (4), against their respective paired or matched fixed peeler cups (3), in a manner such to simultaneously provide for the extraction of juice from a number of fruit (19), one in each of the matched pairs of fixed and movable peeler cups (3, 4), said matched pairs of peeler cups being subjected to substantially the same force and reciprocating action as the other. Blades (38, 39) of the fixed and movable peeler cups (3, 4) engage the peel of the fruit (19) and provide for its removal. In certain embodiments, within each fixed peeler cup (3) is a filtering device (7) comprising a sharpened end (43) that meets the fruit (19), and a plurality of slits in the wall(s) of the filtering device for passage of juice compressed from the fruit.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes first and second opposing cups relatively movable to compress a fruit therebetween, a strainer tube associated with the first cup, and an orifice tube being movable within the strainer tube and having a pressure-applying end surface for urging juice through the strainer tube. The pressure-applying end surface may have a first surface portion with an angle greater than about 130°, and more preferably about 145° to 160°, such as about 150°, for example. The orifice tube may carry a restrictor tube within an internal bore of the orifice tube in some embodiments. The restrictor tube may have a pressure-applying end surface with a similar angle.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the filter pipes used to extract fruit juice, consisting of a cylindrically shaped tube (1) that runs telescopically through the inside of the filter pipe (2), and some circumferential openings (3) have been made at one end of this interior tube (1) through which previously injected pressurized air is expelled along its entire length. The interior tube (1) includes an air inlet (5) that has been provided at one end, and this air inlet (5) is connected to a surrounding chamber (6) with the same configuration as the interior tube (1) and in turn is connected to the openings (3) that this tube has at its other end for cleaning the filter pipe (2).

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 an extractor frame and extractor cups relatively moveable for compressing fruit therebetween. A camshaft is mounted for rotation within the extractor frame. A drive cam is mounted on the camshaft and operatively engages an extractor cup for driving the extractor cup into engagement with the respective other extractor cup during extractor operation. A counterweight is operatively engaged with the camshaft and provides balance to the juice extractor 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 fruit guide assembly may include a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruit feeder, a vibrator connected to the frame, and a fruit guide body having a series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes. Each pair of adjacent ridges may extend outwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder. This defines integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting the fruit. In other embodiments, the fruit guide body may be used without a vibrator, for example. The fruit guide body may include an upper wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body. For example, the fruit guide body may include rotationally molded polyethylene.

Abstract: Embodiments of subcombination and the fruit extraction device of the present invention provide for fruit juice extraction where synchronized and concentric elements press a fruit, such as an orange, without crushing the peel, by this avoiding the dispersion of acids from the peel, favoring the retention of juice having lower acid levels. Embodiments of the subcombination and the fruit extraction device of which it is a portion shear the peel in multiple slivers, at the same time compressing the fruit. In an exemplary embodiment, a subcombination comprises a fixed and a mobile peeler, each having radially extending blades that form a space within which a fruit may be positioned for juice extraction, and a perforating filtering tube within the fixed peeler, and a piston adapted to pass through the lumen of the perforating filtering tube to cyclically clean it of the residues of a compressed fruit prior to extraction of the next fruit.

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: A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising: a chassis having mounted thereon a juice extractor which has a container for storing the fruit, the container having an aperture therein for allowing articles of fruit to be deposited between two concave hemispheres; drive motor for actuator for forcing the first concave hemispheres against the second concave hemispheres, thereby pressing an article of fruit deposited between said hemispheres; the first concave hemisphere having a central pin and the second concave hemisphere a perforating tube for the extraction of juice from said article of fruit, whereby the solid residue is deposited in a receptacle and the liquid is passed through a filter and then falls into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein, the perforating tube having multiple transverse slits of increasing diameter from inside to outside.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes pairs of opposing cups being relatively movable for squeezing fruit therebetween. The juice extractor may also include a pair of drive members extending along opposite sides of the pairs of opposing cups, a plurality of strainer tubes associated with respective pairs of opposing cups, and an orifice tube beam having opposing ends slidable along medial portions of respective drive members. A plurality of orifice tubes may extend from the orifice tube beam for reciprocal movement within respective strainer tubes. The juice extractor may also include a pair of orifice tube beam locks for selectively locking the orifice tube beam to the medial portions of the respective drive members, and a lift assist for moving the orifice tube beam between a lower maintenance position and an upper operating position.

Abstract: A method to handle operation exceptions in an automated manufacturing system is achieved. The method comprises providing an automated manufacturing system comprising a means to track progress of work in process against standard process flows and a means to select product lots for processing from the work in process and to select equipment for processing the product lots based on next step information from the standard process flows. The automated manufacturing system is monitored for operation exception events. The product lots must deviate from the standard process flows. A floating process flow is selected corresponding to the operation exception event and the product lots from a floating process flow database. The floating process flow is linked to the standard process flow such that the next step is derived from the floating process flow. Manufacturing is continued using the floating process flow.

Abstract: Modular fruit juice extraction apparatuses and systems are provided that comprise, for example, a linear actuator (2) effective to drive, by back and forth motion, a moveable peeler cup (4) in communication with each of two ends of the extraction apparatus. In such embodiment, each moveable peeler cup (4), comprising concave and radially cut hemispheres, moves against a respective fixed peeler cup (3), and thereby compresses a fruit (19) contained therein to obtain its juice, which passes through a filtering device (7) disposed in each respective fixed peeler cup (3). A plunger (8) is variously driven through the filtering device (7) to remove the fruit core (13). Other embodiments include an embodiment in which a linear actuator (202) drives both external moveable peeler cups (203) and internal moveable peeler cups (204).

Abstract: A juice extractor includes first and second cups being relatively movable along a reciprocal path of travel to compress fruit therebetween during juice extraction. The extractor also includes a first cylindrical cutting blade within a first cup bore in spaced relation from adjacent portions of a first plurality of fingers of the first cup to define a peel clearance for ejecting portions of a fruit peel therethrough. The extractor also includes a second cylindrical cutting blade within a second cup bore, and being received within the first cylindrical cutting blade during juice extraction. The first cylindrical cutting blade preferably has an inner diameter in a range of about 0.990 to 1.010 inches, and a wall thickness in a range of about 0.068 to 0.088 inches. The second cylindrical cutting blade preferably has an outer diameter to be received within the inner diameter of the first cylindrical cutting blade to thereby produce a desired relatively high yield and juice quality.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes relatively moveable first and second cups for compressing a fruit therebetween during juice extraction. A first cutter is associated with the first cup and includes a first cutter base having at least one base opening therein. The first cutter may also include a first cutting blade that extends outwardly from the base to define an interior passageway in communication with the at least one base opening so that debris may be released therethrough. A second cutter associated with the second cup may have a second cutting blade that is sized to be received within the interior passageway of the first cutter. A flange may extend outwardly from the second cutting blade and mount the second cutter in a bore of the second cup so that the flange is at a level flush with or above adjacent portions of a ring base of the second cup.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a strainer tube mounted to receive juice and pulp of fruit. An orifice tube is moveable within the strainer tube and includes a first tube portion and opposing second tube portion threaded within the first tube portion. A drive mechanism engages the orifice tube for reciprocating the orifice tube within the strainer tube and separating juice and pulp within the strainer tube.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a strainer tube mounted to receive juice and pulp of fruit. An orifice tube is moveable within the strainer tube and includes a first tube portion and opposing second tube portion threaded within the first tube portion. A drive mechanism engages the orifice tube for reciprocating the orifice tube within the strainer tube and separating juice and pulp within the strainer tube.

Abstract: An extractor for separating the juice and juice sacs from a citrus fruit that includes a lower cup for supporting a single piece of citrus fruit and an upper cup disposed vertically above the lower cup with the upper and lower cups moveable relative to each other in a vertical direction so as to cooperate to squeeze the piece of citrus fruit placed therebetween. An upper cutter is provided for cutting a plug in the citrus to permit the separation of the peel from the juice and the juice sacs, while a lower cutter is provided for cutting the plug to allow the juice and juice sacs to exit therethrough when the fruit is squeezed between the upper and lower cups. A strainer tube is vertically oriented beneath the lower cup and lower cutter, with the strainer tube having a plurality of circumferential slots along its working length.

Abstract: A squeezing cycle with a relatively short first stage in which the fruit is loaded, and a longer second squeezing stage involving a relatively slow chamber volume reduction movement is disclosed. The machine possesses for the movable cup an operating mechanism including two wheels of equal diameter, of which the first wheel is fixed and the other wheel is driven and is engaged with the first wheel in such a manner as to roll along its pitch circle. The machine also includes a motor-driven member for gyrating the axis of the driven wheel by causing this to roll about the fixed wheel, and a crank mechanism connecting the driven wheel to the movable cup and having a crankpin which is carried by the driven wheel and has its center at a distance from the axis of the driven wheel which is less than or equal to the radius of the pitch circle of the driven wheel.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes upper and lower cups for supporting the exterior of a fruit and separating the peel therefrom. A strainer tube is mounted to receive the juice and pulp of the fruit. An orifice tube is moveable within the strainer tube. A mounting assembly is positioned on the orifice tube. A drive mechanism engages the mounting assembly for reciprocating the orifice tube within the strainer tube. An alignment bearing is interposed between the mounting assembly and the orifice tube and allows pivotal movement of the orifice tube relative to the mounting assembly to account for any mechanical misalignment. At least one mounting ring is interposed between the alignment bearing and the mounting assembly. The mounting ring is preferably formed from a glass impregnated polyester.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a mechanism for supporting the exterior of a fruit and separating the peel therefrom, such as upper and lower cups having cutters to cut plugs. A strainer tube is mounted to receive juice and pulp of the fruit. An orifice tube has upper and lower ends and the upper end is moveable within the strainer tube. A reciprocating drive mechanism engages the orifice tube and reciprocates the orifice tube within the strainer tube for generating pressure within the strainer tube to separate juice and pulp within the strainer tube, collect the core material and discharge core out of the lower end of the orifice tube. A valve assembly is positioned at the lower end of the orifice tube. The valve assembly includes a piston having a shaft moveable into an extended position within the orifice tube, and a retracted position where core can be discharged from the lower end of the orifice tube.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a mechanism such as upper and lower cups for supporting the exterior of a fruit and separating the peel therefrom. A strainer tube is mounted to receive juice and pulp of the fruit. An orifice tube is movable within the strainer tube. A mounting assembly is positioned on the orifice tube. A reciprocating drive mechanism engages the mounting assembly for reciprocating the orifice tube into and out of the strainer tube. A release member cooperates with the orifice tube and the mounting assembly to permit release and relative movement of the mounting assembly relative to the orifice tube responsive to the orifice tube becoming lodged within the strainer tube to prevent damage to other portions of the juice extractor. A release member comprises a ring received on the orifice tube and formed of a material that shears when excessive pressure is applied as when the orifice tube becomes lodged within the strainer tube.

Abstract: A fruit juice extraction apparatus for processing citrus fruit in general, without manual contact, comprising a tubular chassis having mounted thereon an extraction box affixed to a gearmotor for actuating an crank and rod assembly which dislocates one concave hemisphere against another concave hemisphere, thereby pressing fruit released by a trigger positioned on an opening in a tray in which one of the concave hemispheres has a central pin and on the other a perforating tube for the extraction of the juice, the solid residues of the fruit being released into a receptacle and the liquid passing through a filter, then falling into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein.

Abstract: A fruit juice extraction apparatus for processing citrus fruit in general, without manual contact, comprising a tubular chassis having mounted thereon an extraction box affixed to a gearmotor for actuating an crank and rod assembly which dislocates one concave hemisphere against another concave hemisphere, thereby pressing fruit released by a trigger positioned on an opening in a tray in which one of the concave hemispheres has a central pin and on the other a perforating tube for the extraction of the juice, the solid residues of the fruit being released into a receptacle and the liquid passing through a filter, then falling into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein, each of the concave hemispheres having its concave surface defined by a plurality of spaced-apart radial blades of at least two different lengths and depending from a base mounted to the chassis.

Abstract: A fruit juice extraction apparatus for processing citrus fruit in general, without manual contact, comprising a tubular chassis having mounted thereon an extraction box affixed to a gearmotor for actuating a sliding assembly which dislocates one concave hemisphere against another concave hemisphere, thereby pressing fruit released by a trigger positioned on an opening in a tray in which one of the concave hemispheres has a fruit peeler and on the other a perforating tube for the extraction of the juice, the solid residues of the fruit being released into a receptacle and the liquid passing through a filter, then falling into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein.

Abstract: A fruit juice extraction apparatus for processing citrus fruit in general, without manual contact, comprising a tubular chassis having mounted thereon an extraction box affixed to a gearmotor for actuating an crank and rod assembly which dislocates one concave hemisphere against another concave hemisphere, thereby pressing fruit released by a trigger positioned on an opening in a tray in which one of the concave hemispheres has a central pin and on the other a perforating tube for the extraction of the juice, the solid residues of the fruit being released into a receptacle and the liquid passing through a filter, then falling into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein.

Abstract: Latching elements are positioned to interface with removable components of a single head juice extractor. The latching elements are spring clips for holding an upper cup, a lower cup and an orifice tube in place during machine operation. The latching elements are designed to restrain the orifice tube of the juice extractor in situations where initial installation of the parts are imprecise.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting the juice from whole fruit having a rind comprising axially aligned, spaced-apart piston and pressing head arranged to move reciprocally toward and away from each other, for loading a fruit therebetween, at least one perforated coring knife slidingly received in the pressing head for advancing into the fruit in preparation of collecting the extracted juice separate from the rind, and including an elastomeric head positioned over the front portion of the piston, defined by a circular concave portion centered over the piston and extending forward about its circumferencial edge an upstanding rim, and a skirt portion extending from the rim rearward along the outside of the piston to a terminal edge, wherein a ram, slidingly carried in the piston is hydraulically driven to advance beyond the piston to avert the center portion of the elastomeric head against the fruit during compression of the fruit between the ram and the pressing head, the improvement comprising at least one groove for

Abstract: A pressing apparatus for citrus fruit including upright blades extending radially outwardly from a vertical axis to define V-shaped segments therebetween, the upper edges of the blades being sloped downwardly toward the axis to centrally support a piece of fruit. A press is vertically reciprocated between an upper feed position allowing fruit to be located on the blades and a lower pressing position a selected spacing above the peel ejectors. Peel ejectors within each of the V-shaped segments are pivotally supported for movement between (1) a horizontal ready position when the press is moved to the pressing position and (2) an ejecting position sloped downwardly away from the axis when the press is moved toward the feed position. A feed assembly cyclically feeds fruit to the blades through a chute, and includes a cylindrical enclosure open on one side to the chute and a feed drum supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within the enclosure.

Abstract: An automatic compactor-crusher for processing spent aerosol spray cans safely depressurizes, evacuates, and crushes cans for subsequent environmentally sound disposal and/or recycling. Fluid residue is safely captured within a reservoir. A vertically upright, supporting frame secured to a floor in the work area supports a telescoping can receiver assembly. The receiver assembly matingly receives cans for processing. A hydraulic crusher assembly located on top of the frame compresses cans against the receiver assembly with an extensible ram. The receiver assembly comprises a tubular sleeve which coaxially receives a displaceable cylinder. A rigid union at the bottom of the sleeve limits travel of the cylinder, and establishes a fluid flow path into a holding tank. A rigid valve guide projecting from the union mounts a fluid control valve for selectively blocking fluid escape from the receiver, and a rigid, canpiercing lance which punctures cans after sufficient ram displacement.

Abstract: In juice extractor apparatus there is usually provided an orifice tube inside a strainer tube. The orifice tube would have a central aperture through its length for the transport of fruit pulp. The orifice tube of conventional structure is replaced by a fluted column that allows transport of the fruit pulp on the outside of the fluted column and inside the strainer tube.

Abstract: Citrus juice extraction equipment is provided with an annular cutter head provided with a plurality of apertures or window means which allow peel oil that is pressed out of plug of citrus fuit rind cut by annular cutter head to pass therethrough and join the rind of citrus fruit which passes adjacent the windows in the annular cutter head when the citrus fruit is being processed to extract citrus juice.

Abstract: A juice extractor uses two commonly driven crank arm drive systems to provide a low profile juice extractor.

Abstract: A low-cost strainer tube which can be quickly replaced in a citrus fruit juice extractor. The tube includes a hollow perforated sleeve which can be quickly inserted into a hollow body member and can be quickly removed. The sleeve has a plurality of groups of radial perforations which align with corresponding radial holes in the body member to allow juice to flow from an inside of the sleeve to an outside of the body member. To the amount of pulp which flows through the perforations it is necessary to remove only the sleeve and substitute another sleeve with different size perforations.

Abstract: A juicing apparatus includes a conveyor for delivering citrus fruit to the top of a truncated cone. The top of the cone defines a circular knife with a tube extending concentrically from the circular knife and through the convex cone. The fruit is centered on the convex cone by deflectable centering supports. A plurality of radially aligned knives are directed toward the upper portion of the convex cone. A concave cone is movably disposed over the fruit and over the convex cone. Downward movement of the concave cone causes a central cylindrical plug to be cut from each fruit and gently juiced in the tube extending from the circular knife. Further downward movement of the concave cone urges the fruit into the radially aligned knives and cuts the fruit into sections that can be squeezed and wiped against the outer surface of the convex cone.

Abstract: A juice extractor uses two commonly driven crank arm drive systems to provide a low profile juice extractor.

Abstract: A device for extracting juice from oranges and other citrus fruits of various dimensions. The device is capable of capturing most of the juice within the fruit without juice leaking from the device onto the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a citrus fruit extractor of the type wherein a whole fruit is positioned in one of opposed interfitting cup halves which are provided with means for cutting the skin or rind at diametrically opposed areas. Concurrent movement of one or both cups toward each other compresses the fruit and produces the diametrically opposed cuts. Cutting and compressing ruptures the juice sacks and the juice flows through one of the cut areas of the skin, through a screen and to a collecting trough. In its path to the trough, the juice makes little or no contact with the freshly cut surfaces of the skin.

Abstract: An improved citrus fruit juice extractor of the type that includes interdigitating fruit cups which progressively compress a fruit as they are brought together to force juice-bearing material out of the peel of the fruit incorporates a strainer tube that has apertures of differing sizes. The apertures that are spaced from the cups are larger than those apertures that are closest to the cups. The larger apertures in the strainer tube permit substantially whole, ruptured juice sacs to be exuded therethrough at the outset of a juicing cycle without substantially comminuting the juice sacs, and the smaller apertures prevent undesirable material, such as membranes or embryonic seeds, from being forced therethrough under the higher pressures induced at the end of a juicing cycle.

Abstract: A sequential feeder for rapidly feeding fruit to a sequential citrus fruit extractor includes a plurality of chain conveyors, each conveyor being mounted in a vertical plane extending between a lane of a fruit hopper and a lower extractor cup of the extractor. Each chain conveyor includes a plurality of fingers mounted in uniform intervals thereon. A guide plate assembly is provided for each chain for having a contour which causes the chain to move upwardly from the fruit support through a broad curvature adapted to assure that the fingers maintain positive control of the fruit. The guide plate assembly has a sharply curved upper end which causes the fingers of the chain conveyor to pivot rapidly forward after a fruit has been elevated to a height above the associated lower extractor cup such rapid pivoting causes the fruit to be propelled at a high speed into the associated cup.

Abstract: A citrus fruit juice extractor capable of processing at least 900 fruit per minute includes a set of lower extractor cups rigidly mounted in a linear arrangement to the extractor frame and a set of movable upper extractor cups adapted to interdigitate with the lower cups to extract juice from fruit received in the lower cups. The upper cups are mounted upon separate drive rods that are respectively clamped to cam follower arms, and the follower arms are sequentially driven by cams affixed in a balanced arrangement upon a camshaft to drive the upper extractor cups in a preselected sequence. The juice extractor further includes perforated strainer tubes extending downwardly of the lower extractor cups and hollow orifice tubes slidably received within the strainer tubes. The orifice tubes are sequentially driven by hydraulic slave cylinders that, in turn, are respectively controlled by master cylinders.