Fmc Technologies, Inc.

John Bean Technologies Corporation

Mark R Jackson

Gregory W Schrader

Michael L Suter

Kevin G Socha

Jose Daniel Milla

Garland Mathews

Jose Marcelo Carvalho

David S Jackson

A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.

Citrus juice apparatus with undesired material release detector and related methods

A juice extractor may include a juice extraction assembly, and at least one pressure-actuated spray nozzle having an inlet to be connected to a controllable fluid pressure source and a spray outlet directed toward the juice extraction assembly and moving between a retracted off position and an extended spray position based upon fluid pressure. The extractor may also include at least one fluid delivery conduit having an inlet to be connected to a controllable source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet. The at least one pressure-actuated spray nozzle may be positioned adjacent extractor cups, such as on their mounting bridge, and have an inlet connected in fluid communication with the outlet of the at least one fluid delivery conduit. The pressure-actuated nozzles may be used for cleaning and/or recycle water. In the retracted position, the pressure-actuated spray nozzles are better able to shed peel and other debris.

Juice extractor including pressure-actuated nozzle and associated methods

A juice extractor includes a juice extraction assembly having a wall surface and fluid outlet thereon. At least one tapered spray nozzle is mounted flush on the wall surface at the fluid outlet for receiving and discharging fluid and configured for preventing build-up on the spray nozzle of product material during extractor operation.

Juice extractor with tapered clean up nozzle

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.

Juice extractor with orifice tube beam movable between operating and maintenance positions and associated methods

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.

Growing community of inventors

Auburndale, FL, United States of America

Mark R Jackson