Fresh Express, Inc.

Other

Eugene D Rizzo

Richard S Brown

An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Apparatus and methods for washing the cored areas of lettuce heads during harvest

A closure system for attachment to and use in gas flushing a container of fresh produce includes a body portion, a closure connected to the body portion, and a pressure-sensitive mechanism connected to the body portion and to the closure that moves the closure to an open position or to a closed position, depending on the pressure exerted on said mechanism.

Methods and apparatus for vacuum/gas flush treatment of fresh produce

Methods for vacuum gas flush treatment of fresh produce

Apparatus for washing a cored head of lettuce includes a lettuce head guide that fits into the cored hole of a cored lettuce head; the guide is attached to a support that has an opening through which the guide projects, and, beneath the guide, a system that delivers a wash spray into the cored hole.

Apparatus and methods for washing cores of cored lettuce heads

A method for washing cored heads of lettuce includes placing such heads in a position with their cored holes facing downwardly toward an upwardly-directed spray of an aqueous solution, directing such a spray into, and washing the holes, then pushing the heads from that position onto a conveyor.

Methods for washing cores of cored lettuce heads

A method for washing a cored head of lettuce includes placing the head in a position such that the cored hole faces downwardly, spraying an aqueous solution upwardly into the cored hole for a time and at a pressure sufficient to wash the hole, and then propelling the cored washed lettuce head upwardly from the washing position onto a conveyor for the lettuce head with minimal damage to that head.

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Monterey, CA, United States of America

Eugene D Rizzo