A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

A method and system for moving killed fish in a pipe or pipeline, comprising water and supply of pressurized air or water pressure or both to create zones having different properties in the pipe or pipeline to form a controllable water flow for propulsion of and controlled retention time of fish in the pipe or pipeline.

A method and system for moving killed fish in a pipe or pipeline, comprising water and supply of pressurized air or water pressure or both to create zones having different properties in the pipe or pipeline to form a controllable water flow for propulsion of and controlled retention time of fish in the pipe or pipeline.

A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Connector assembly (100), system and method for converting a batch wise supply of insects (102) to a continuous supply of insects (102). A container unit is present (105) having an internal volume, a water inlet unit (106-109, 117), and a suspension outlet unit (110-113). A receiving unit (101) has a top opening (101a) arranged for receiving batch wise quantities of insects (102) and a bottom opening (114). A conveyor unit (104) has a receiving part (104b) arranged near the bottom opening (114) of the receiving unit (101), and an outlet end (119) extending into the container unit (105). By suspending the insects (102) in water it is possible to transport the suspension of insects (102) in water, e.g. to a buffer container (300).

Connector assembly (100), system and method for converting a batch wise supply of insects (102) to a continuous supply of insects (102). A container unit is present (105) having an internal volume, a water inlet unit (106-109, 117), and a suspension outlet unit (110-113). A receiving unit (101) has a top opening (101a) arranged for receiving batch wise quantities of insects (102) and a bottom opening (114). A conveyor unit (104) has a receiving part (104b) arranged near the bottom opening (114) of the receiving unit (101), and an outlet end (119) extending into the container unit (105). By suspending the insects (102) in water it is possible to transport the suspension of insects (102) in water, e.g. to a buffer container (300).

A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

This invention relates to improvements in and relating to apparatus for singularising clustered fruit and to the methods of manufacturing and using the apparatus. In particular, the apparatus and the methods of manufacturing and using the apparatus are directed to singularise fruit from a cluster by separation at the stem knuckle or join of the cluster, to effect single fruit retaining a quality stem and having desired qualities and presentation properties, without damaging the fruit, as required for and/or dictated by the target market, where the market is comprised of the local consuming public and/or broader commercial and/or business enterprises whether domestic and/or overseas. The invention will be applicable to fruits which demonstrate the propensity for clustering, such as cherries, although the invention can be and may be adapted for use in singularising other clustered fruits, such as tomatoes, beans, peas, plums, and so forth.

This invention relates to improvements in and relating to apparatus for singularising clustered fruit and to the methods of manufacturing and using the apparatus. In particular, the apparatus and the methods of manufacturing and using the apparatus are directed to singularise fruit from a cluster by separation at the stem knuckle or join of the cluster, to effect single fruit retaining a quality stem and having desired qualities and presentation properties, without damaging the fruit, as required for and/or dictated by the target market, where the market is comprised of the local consuming public and/or broader commercial and/or business enterprises whether domestic and/or overseas. The invention will be applicable to fruits which demonstrate the propensity for clustering, such as cherries, although the invention can be and may be adapted for use in singularising other clustered fruits, such as tomatoes, beans, peas, plums, and so forth.