Abstract: A capsule filling machine for filling capsules and a cleaning unit for use in a capsule filling machine are disclosed. The capsule filling machine includes at least two processing paths with a plurality of processing stations. One of the processing stations includes a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit has, for each of the at least two processing paths, a leadthrough path with a longitudinal axis for leading through capsules. At least one cleaning element for cleaning the capsules is arranged on each leadthrough path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (4) for cleaning and pretreating teats of an animal for milking, milking machine (2) provided therewith and method therefor. The cleaning device according to the invention comprises: a frame (52) provided with an arm (6); a cleaning head arranged on the arm and provided with a rotatable holder (12) on which one or more rotatable cleaning elements (14) are provided; and moving means (48, 50, 56) connected to the frame for displacing the cleaning head relative to the teats such that the teats are cleanable using the cleaning elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables, comprising a frame (2), a centrifugation basket (3), a container (tank) (4) within which said centrifugation basket (3) is provided, a basin (6), communicating with said container (4) for inlet and discharge of washing water, said centrifugation basket (3) being pivoted on said frame (2) so as to rotate of about 180° from a working position to a discharge position, and vice versa, and means (7) for collection and removal of washed and dried product, said means being provided raised with respect to said centrifugation basket (3), in a position corresponding to the discharge position of the same centrifugation basket (3), being further provided driving means for said centrifugation basket permitting driving said basket (3) at at least two rotation speeds, respectively a washing speed and a drying speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning frost-damaged artichokes is disclosed. Fluids, fluids under high pressure, mechanical devices, including but not limited to brushes, sponges, or any material that can apply a soft abrasion may, or a similar device may be applied to the damaged portions of an artichoke, thereby removing the damaged tissue and improving the appearance and/or life of the artichoke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrading the surface of objects are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an abrasive surface defining a wall of said chamber and drive means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the chamber. In use, the aforementioned relative movement promotes circulation of the objects within the chamber, wherein the chamber is shaped such that regions of flow stagnation of the objects within the chamber are avoided or minimized. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may be shaped to approximate the peripheral flow path of the objects within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing Japanese beetles and other insects from blueberries and other small produce without damaging or discarding any produce. The apparatus includes a produce conveyer formed by a plurality of elastic bands trained around four traverse rollers. A plurality of brushes are suspended above the top conveyer run and a plurality of rakes are supported between the top conveyer run. The brushes have soft, flexible bristles, which extend downward to contact the blueberries as it moves past the brushes carried atop the conveyer. The rakes have a plurality of spaced fingers that extend upward at an angle between adjacent conveyer bands. As the blueberries pass under the brushes, the bristles lightly contact the berries to gently turn the berries so that the beetles hang from the underside of the berries where they are knocked off the berries by the rake fingers.

Abstract: A golf ball cleaning machine is provided that is either a fixed mount or portable design and which includes a housing of two hinged halves that open and close. The upper housing includes a feeder tube with a ball inlet and the lower housing including a ball scrubbing material as well as an auger mechanism. Cleaning action results from an external hand cranking of the auger which moves the ball while it is engaged with the scrubbing material. A plurality of balls may be located within the feeder tube and which are sequentially cleaned in the lower housing. Cleaned balls are retains in a cleaning compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing eggs including a housing with a first feed conveyor for receiving them through the housing inlet for conveying same to a second conveyor which transports them through an intermediate egg washer with various brushes and including a dispenser to apply cleaning solution onto eggs therebelow. Eggs are then transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor and transported through a lower washing station for final cleaning. Eggs then exit through a housing outlet for sanitizing and/or drying as may be necessary. The three conveyors are vertically tiered with, optionally, the second conveyor moving oppositely relatively to the first and third conveyor. In this manner a three tiered arranging of conveyors is provided. A pre-washing station can also, optionally, be included.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for food handling, comprising a member for the support of a food item; and a covering for the member, wherein said covering is formed with an anti-microbial agent to retard the growth of microbes. In a particular embodiment, the covering comprises a foam padding.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for cleaning golf balls constructed of light weight, portable type material and operable via standard battery power. The apparatus utilizes a housing having a fluid reservoir in the lower portion for holding a cleaning fluid, and a screw-type driven auger along with a pair of driven brushes and a fluid spray nozzle in the upper portion. A driven pump transports the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle, which sprays the cleaning fluid on the golf ball as the auger and brushes engage the ball and remove the soil, respectively. Multiple sensing means are employed to energize and disable the apparatus upon the occurrence of predetermined events.