A method including transporting fragile fruit into a hopper. The method also includes transferring the fragile fruit from the hopper into a container that is at least partially submerged in a fluid. The method additionally includes raising the container out of the fluid while the fragile fruit are within the container. Other embodiments are described.

There is provided a method and apparatus for filling at least one but typically a plurality of containers simultaneously with a predetermined quantity of flowable particulate or powder material. The method and apparatus allow the movement of the flowable particulate or powder material from a hopper into a filling assembly including channels located intermediate the containers and the hopper such that the exit ends of the channels are aligned with a respective container. Movement means cause relative movement between the said channels and the containers from a first position to a second position in which a second, exit, opening in the channels is located in a respective container cavity and moving flowable material from the hopper into a first, entrance opening of the channels so as to allow the predetermined quantity of the flowable material to pass through the channel under the influence of gravity and into the container cavity and then moving the channels and containers apart once the predetermined amount of flowable material has been entered into the containers. The size and shape and/or relative movement of the channels can be defined in order to accurately determine the said predetermined quantity of the flowable particulate or powder material which enters each of the containers even when the weight of the flowable particulate or powder material is relative light.

An automated batch filling apparatus comprising a first base comprising a first plurality of metering holes, a trough slidably disposed on an upper surface of the first base, one or more guides configured to constrain a motion of the trough, a gate disposed on a bottom surface of the first base, wherein the gate comprises a second plurality of metering holes, a second base disposed below the gate, wherein the second base comprise a third plurality of metering hole, and one or more vibration devices, wherein the one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.

An automated batch filling apparatus comprising a first base comprising a first plurality of metering holes, a trough slidably disposed on an upper surface of the first base, one or more guides configured to constrain a motion of the trough, a gate disposed on a bottom surface of the first base, wherein the gate comprises a second plurality of metering holes, a second base disposed below the gate, wherein the second base comprise a third plurality of metering hole, and one or more vibration devices, wherein the one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.

An apparatus for flushing a plurality of randomly spaced packages with an inert gas includes a linear conveyor for conveying the packages, a linear servo motor, comprising a closed loop, positioned generally above the linear conveyor. The arrangement includes a plurality of gas-flushing nozzles which are mounted on the linear servo motor for movement in concert with the packages on the conveyor. Each nozzle can be selectively angularly positioned and articulated with respect to the linear servo motor to facilitate insertion into, and withdrawal from, each package to effect flushing of the contents of each package with an inert gas.

A method for filling a particulate water absorbing agent includes a filling step of filling a particulate water absorbing agent into a filling container and a vibrating step of vibrating the filling container at the outside of the filling container, the vibrating step being conducted at least one time between the start and the end of the filling step, in which a vibration condition in the vibrating step satisfies the following conditions (a) and (b):(a) vibration by a vibrating body in contact with the filling container has a vertical directional component and a vibrational angle is within 9030; and (b) total amplitude at no load and a vibration frequency at no load of the vibrating body are set so as to satisfy Equation 1-1 and Equation 2 or Equation 1-2 and Equation 2.

A method for filling a particulate water absorbing agent includes a filling step of filling a particulate water absorbing agent into a filling container and a vibrating step of vibrating the filling container at the outside of the filling container, the vibrating step being conducted at least one time between the start and the end of the filling step, in which a vibration condition in the vibrating step satisfies the following conditions (a) and (b):(a) vibration by a vibrating body in contact with the filling container has a vertical directional component and a vibrational angle is within 9030; and (b) total amplitude at no load and a vibration frequency at no load of the vibrating body are set so as to satisfy Equation 1-1 and Equation 2 or Equation 1-2 and Equation 2.

A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing (settling) of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.

A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing (settling) of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.

Devices and methods for compaction of an asymmetric load are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a movable upper structure is connected to a stationary base structure through front end pivot linkages and rear end pivot linkages. One or more actuators impart motion to the upper structure. The motion of the upper structure is controlled by adjusting the length and position of the pivot linkages. In other embodiments, the pivot linkages are attached to a pull arm that is attached to an actuator, and the pull arm imparts motion to the upper structure.