A mounting assembly 10 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto an operating apparatus includes a mounting structure 14 configured to be mountable on the operating apparatus. The mounting structure has a through hole for receiving an idle shaft 16 that is sized to be engageable within a blind hole 42 formed in the adjacent end hub 32 of the brush 12. The idle shaft 16 is resiliently loaded in the direction toward the brush hub 12 by a loader assembly 18 which includes a compression spring 16 acting against retaining ring 48 engaged with the idle shaft 16.

Disclosed are various embodiments of either self-contained, separate or combinations thereof of modular units for the processing of comestible products. The modular unit is configured with sections to create hygienic zoning of food to be processed. The modular unit is can contain components to process food from a raw state, such as an animal carcass or freshly harvested produce, through primary and (optionally) secondary processing. The modular unit can be utilized to process various types of food, and, therefore, the modular unit is provided in various embodiments depending on the food to be processed therein, and the types of processing that are desired. The modular unit is constructed and the sections therein are configured such that as the food undergoes processing, it flows through the sections of the modular unit in an orderly manner, which helps to minimize or prevent food safety problems, such as cross contamination.

Disclosed are various embodiments of either self-contained, separate or combinations thereof of modular units for the processing of comestible products. The modular unit is configured with sections to create hygienic zoning of food to be processed. The modular unit is can contain components to process food from a raw state, such as an animal carcass or freshly harvested produce, through primary and (optionally) secondary processing. The modular unit can be utilized to process various types of food, and, therefore, the modular unit is provided in various embodiments depending on the food to be processed therein, and the types of processing that are desired. The modular unit is constructed and the sections therein are configured such that as the food undergoes processing, it flows through the sections of the modular unit in an orderly manner, which helps to minimize or prevent food safety problems, such as cross contamination.

A handheld, portable fruit or vegetable washer having washing fluid storage chamber, a washing chamber and a screened cap. Disk or other valves operate between the washing chamber and the fluid storage chamber and between the washing chamber and the screened cap. The fluid storage chamber is typically in the bottom of the washer and holds enough fluid for several washes. Items to be washed are entered into the washing chamber from the removable top while washing fluid is entered by partially opening one of the valves. After closing that valve, agitation is typically accomplished by shaking the unit. After washing, the other valve is opened, and the spent wash fluid can be drained through the screened top. The portable unit is particularly useful for picnics and the like where several different types of items may need different degrees of washing. A removable scrubbing liner can line the washing chamber.

Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.

A mounting assembly 10 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto an operating apparatus includes a mounting structure 14 configured to be mountable on the operating apparatus. The mounting structure has a through hole for receiving an idle shaft 16 that is sized to be engageable within a blind hole 42 formed in the adjacent end hub 32 of the brush 12. The idle shaft 16 is resiliently loaded in the direction toward the brush hub 12 by a loader assembly 18 which includes a compression spring 16 acting against retaining ring 48 engaged with the idle shaft 16.

A mounting assembly 100 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto a cleaning apparatus includes a mounting flange 102 and an end cap 104 interconnected together by extension springs 176 spanning therebetween. An idle shaft 106 is slidably mounted in the mounting flange 102 by a bearing interface 108. The distal end of the idle shaft 106 is fixed to the end cap 104 so that the springs 176 that urge the end cap 104 into engagement with the mounting flange 102 also bias the idle shaft to extend forwardly of the mounting flange while also permitting the idle shaft to retract to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the roller brush with the mounting assembly 100. The bearing interface 108 is designed to permit the projecting proximal end of the idle shaft to tilt upwardly to facilitate engagement with and disengagement from the roller brush 12.

A mounting assembly 10 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto a cleaning apparatus includes a mounting housing 14 configured to be mountable on the cleaning apparatus. The mounting housing has a through hole for receiving an idle shaft 16 that is sized to be engageable within a blind hole 42 formed in the adjacent end hub 32 of the brush 12. The idle shaft 16 is resiliently loaded in the direction toward the brush hub 12 by a loader assembly 18 which includes a compression spring 16 acting against retaining ring 48 engaged with the idle shaft 16.

A mounting assembly 10 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto a cleaning apparatus includes a mounting housing 14 configured to be mountable on the cleaning apparatus. The mounting housing has a through hole for receiving an idle shaft 16 that is sized to be engageable within a blind hole 42 formed in the adjacent end hub 32 of the brush 12. The idle shaft 16 is resiliently loaded in the direction toward the brush hub 12 by a loader assembly 18 which includes a compression spring 16 acting against retaining ring 48 engaged with the idle shaft 16.

Method for pasteurizing almonds and other nuts with steam at atmospheric pressure. The amount of condensation on and the consequent water uptake of nuts is limited by pasteurizing the nuts in a heating chamber with a gaseous atmosphere including a steam mixture and forming a forced-convection path through the nuts. The limited water uptake maintains the quality of the nuts. A forced-convection steam cooker conveying food products on a foraminous conveyor belt forces the steam mixture through the nuts. A preheater preheats the nuts so that they can be pasteurized in the steam cooker at a temperature of between 85 C. and 99 C. to reduce the dwell time and increase throughput.