US4320995A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuum-operated produce handling systems
Assignee: United States Department of Agriculture
•
Filing: 1980-03-21
•
Granted: 1982-03-23
•
Expires: 2000-03-21
Abstract
Abstract A novel flume hopper is employed in combination with a vacuum-operated hydraulic conveyor in a field or storage handling system for efficiently transferring produce to a holding tank without inflicting damage.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard R. Tennes
- 👤 Richard J. Wolthuis
- 👤 Clyde L. Burton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:49
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G53/00; B65G53/30; A; A23; A23N; A23N12/00; A23N12/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
An apparatus for handling freshly harvested produce comprising: a. a flume hopper having an opening in the top for receiving said produce, a liquid stream inlet, a baffle means for dividing said liquid stream into countercurrent portions and for causing aeration of said liquid, an outlet for said liquid and said produce, and at least one downwardly sloping bottom portion for directing said produce suspended in said liquid into said outlet; b. a sealable holding tank for said liquid and said produce; c. a suction line for conveying said suspended produce into said holding tank; d. means for recirculating said liquid from said holding tank to said flume hopper; and e. means for applying a sufficient vacuum to said holding tank for drawing said suspended produce from said flume hopper outlet through said suction line and into said holding tank.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
140 words
An apparatus for handling freshly harvested produce comprising: a. a flume hopper having an opening in the top for receiving said produce, a liquid stream inlet, a baffle means for dividing said liquid stream into countercurrent portions and for causing aeration of said liquid, an outlet for said liquid and said produce, and at least one downwardly sloping bottom portion for directing said produce suspended in said liquid into said outlet; b. a sealable holding tank for said liquid and said produce; c. a suction line for conveying said suspended produce into said holding tank; d. means for recirculating said liquid from said holding tank to said flume hopper; and e. means for applying a sufficient vacuum to said holding tank for drawing said suspended produce from said flume hopper outlet through said suction line and into said holding tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the opening in the top of said flume hopper is surrounded by an inwardly protruding lip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said downwardly sloping bottom portion of said flume hopper is funnel-shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 and further comprising means for mobilizing said apparatus in a field.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-03-22 | 1985-09-21 | 1986-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-03-22 | 1989-09-21 | 1990-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-03-22 | 1993-09-21 | 1994-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |