Methods are provided for storing and preserving zucchini spirals, preferably so as to extend shelf life of the same. In one optional method, zucchini spirals are placed in a product containing space of a storage container atop a platform of a support structure. The storage container includes an internal compartment having the product containing space. The support structure defines the platform for supporting the zucchini spirals. The internal compartment further includes a reservoir, configured to retain liquid, below the platform. The platform and/or support structure are configured to direct liquid exuded from the zucchini spirals to the reservoir. Optionally, the reservoir comprises an absorbent material for absorbing liquid in the reservoir.

Apparatuses and methods are provided for storing and preserving product, such as to extend shelf life of the same. In one optional method, liquid-exuding product is placed in a product containing space of a container atop a platform of a support structure. The container can include an internal compartment having the product containing space. The structure can define the platform for supporting the product. The internal compartment can further include a reservoir, configured to retain liquid, below the platform. At least one of the platform or the support structure can be configured to direct liquid exuded from the product to the reservoir. Optionally, the reservoir comprises or contains an absorbent material for absorbing liquid in the reservoir.

A harvesting vehicle including harvesters configured to pick crops. The harvesting vehicle also can include a crop fluid transporter configured to float and transport the crops in a fluid on the harvesting vehicle. Other embodiments are described.

A system including one or more inspectors each configured to automatically inspect crops individually to classify the crops into a classification including two or more classes. The system also can include one or more respective separators associated with each of the one or more inspectors. The one or more respective separators can be configured to automatically physically separate the crops into two or more areas based on the classification. Other embodiments are described.

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.

The present invention relates to a packaging device and sorting system (82) for directional packaging of products (P), such as vegetables and fruit, and a method therefore. The packaging device according to the invention comprises: a sensor system (54) configured to detect a collection of suitable pick-up points; at least one directing unit (16) configured to direct a product and provided with at least one degree of freedom for rotation of the product around a substantially horizontal rotation axis; and a manipulator (28) comprising: a pick-up element (44); and a moving device (30) comprising at least four degrees of freedom for translation of the product and rotation around a substantially horizontal axis, wherein a rotation of the product around a substantially vertical rotation axis is possibly by means of providing the moving device and/or directing unit with an additional degree of freedom.

The sealing device for packages that includes a control unit, a sealing station, an unwinder for a film web, a cutting device provided upstream of the sealing station and used for producing film sections of the film web, a film feed device for feeding the film sections to the sealing station, a conveying device for conveying packages into the sealing station. Preferrably, the packages include food packed in a gas-tight manner. Further, the sealing station may comprise upper and lower sealing elements that are configured for clamping the package and the film section in common between the lower and upper sealing elements and for sealing the film section onto the package. The sealing device may also include the sealing elements being adapted to be synchronously moved along with the continuously moving package during the sealing process.

The present invention discloses a new method of packing and preserving fruits in liquid (fruit juice, syrup, water, etc). The method comprises packaging fruits, where the fruit is filled into a specifically formulated plastic container, topped with liquid, dosed with inert gases to enforce can integrity, seamed with metal can ends, and thermally processed to eliminate viable microorganisms. The process is unique in that by adjusting thermal processing parameters and manipulating the seam specifications, replacing the metal cans by a flexible and sustainable plastic can, becomes a practical alternative.

Provided are a new concept vegetable binding packing material having an air column, suitable for protecting vegetables, a new concept vegetable binding packing device for binding vegetables using the same, and a packaging method therefor. A vegetable binding packing material including an air column includes: at least one air column disposed in a row to surround a certain amount of vegetables in a direction crossing a lengthwise direction of the vegetables; and a bonding portion configured to bond both ends from the at least one air column to the outside of the vegetables. A vegetable binding packing device according to the present disclosure includes: a packing material supply unit configured to feed a packing material; a clamp injection module including a clamping unit configured to clamp a front portion of the packing material and an injection unit configured to inject air into an air column pattern; a vegetable supply unit configured to supply vegetables; and a sealing module configured to seal a portion of the air column pattern across the air column pattern injected with air.

A produce packing device comprising: a robot positioning apparatus with an end effector, wherein the robot positioning apparatus provides at least three degrees of freedom to move the end effector in three axial (x, y and z) directions or combination of at least two of these directions with respect to items of produce to be packaged, wherein the end effector is adapted in use for individually picking up an item of produce; a sensor to determine a size of each item of produce in a plurality of items of produce presented to the robot positioning apparatus and end effector; and a controller configured to receive one or more outputs from the sensor and: determine a selection of items of produce to be picked from the plurality of items of produce based on the one or more outputs from the sensor to achieve an acceptable stack height of items of produce within a package; and cause the robot positioning apparatus and end effector to move and pick up the selection of items of produce and place within said package.