Boyd Shane Rose

US Patent:

43522491, Oct 5, 1982

Filed:

Oct 9, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/195466

Inventors:

Boyd W. Rose - Riverside CA

Assignee:

FMC Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F26B 1512

US Classification:

34212

Abstract:

A fruit dryer comprising a roller conveyor passing through an elongate drying chamber is disclosed. An air plenum having a plurality of transverse nozzle openings is disposed above the conveyor and directs a series of curtain-like air streams on the fruit below. The major portion of the air within the dryer is recycled by a fan while a smaller portion of said air is exhausted by a second fan. A heater heats both the recycled air and fresh air introduced as make-up for the exhausted air. A means is provided to rotate the individual rollers of the roller conveyor as the conveyor is advanced in order to expose all sides of the fruit to the air streams.

US Patent:

42548772, Mar 10, 1981

Filed:

Nov 5, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/091321

Inventors:

Boyd W. Rose - Riverside CA

Assignee:

FMC Corporation - San Jose CA

International Classification:

B07C 528

US Classification:

209594

Abstract:

A sorting apparatus classifies and discharges articles, such as items of agricultural produce, in accordance with their individual weights. A multichannel conveyor cooperates with a front end singulator which receives the produce from a source of supply and which provides the items in single file to a continuous line of spaced carrying cups moved by the conveyor along each channel. The cups are disposed for movement between an upright article carrying position and a depending discharge position, and they are supported by a rail in each channel. The rail has openings therein at each of a plurality of discharge stations spaced therealong. The cups each pass over a weighing scale aligned with the supporting rail near the front end of each conveyor channel which scale comprises a pivotally mounted bar upon which the cups ride. The bar provides a weight signal when it pivots with the signal determining the position of the cup on the bar when pivoting occurs and thereby being proportional to the weight of the cup and article supported thereby. A fast acting gate is located in each channel at each discharge station.