An item packing system (100) configured to sort and/or pack vine fruit such as bunches of grapes into containers is disclosed herein. The system comprises a first robotic arm (110) comprising at least one first end effector (120) for cutting vine fruit, a second robotic arm (114) comprising at least one second end effector (122) for holding and manipulating a vine fruit for packing into a container, at least one camera (155) for providing image data of the vine fruit, and a controller configured to receive the image data of the vine fruit and to make a determination of the weight of the vine fruit based on the received image data. The controller is configured to control the at least one first end effector of the first robotic arm to cut the vine fruit based on the determined weight of the vine fruit, and the controller is configured to control the at least one second end effector of the second robotic arm to hold and manipulate the cut vine fruit into a container (142).

A packaging and container system addresses the different needs for packaging bananas, transporting the bananas, and displaying the bananas for sale, all in the same container. The system uses a box or box frame, and at least one perimeter wall that is an independent piece. A film (e.g. plastic sheet) is used to suspend the bananas inside the box during transport to prevent or reduce friction or rubbing between bananas and between the bananas and the sides of the container. Once packed, the box can rotated to its transport position where the bananas are suspended within the film inside the container. Once at the retail location, the container can again be laid on a side and a perimeter wall removed to expose and display the bananas.

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for reliably inserting packing trays into packing crates. Thus, the present invention solves the problems of conventional packaging lines by providing a positioning device for depositing packing trays into packing crates. Particularly, the present invention can be incorporated into existing fruit and vegetable packing lines.

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.

An apparatus and method for filling a container with fragile fruit involving submerging the container in water to better distribute the fragile fruit within the container. The container may be filled with fragile fruit either before or after being submerged in water. The fragile fruit may be transported using a stream of water or other suitable fluid medium.

The invention relates to a method and a device for hydraulically filling cases with floating objects in which at least one case to be filled is immersed in a receiving tank, during a step of supplying the tank with floating objects, floating objects are transported to the tank by a hydraulic stream of a supply channel (13) communicating with the tank above an immersed case. During at least part of the supplying step, floating objects are forced to move downstream in the hydraulic stream of the supply channel at a speed greater than that of the hydraulic stream.

A system and method for transporting and storing post-harvest fruits, vegetables and other perishable commodities under controlled atmospheric conditions is provided. One or more transportable vacuum containers are packed with the perishable commodity. Thereafter, the controlled atmospheric condition is created within the container. The atmospheric condition is maintained while the container is transported from one location to another. Part of the controlled atmospheric condition includes the formation of a vacuum within the container. Internal structure is provided within the container to resist collapse of the container when the vacuum is formed therein. A plurality of containers can be provided. A central control, coupled to each of the containers can be provided to maintain the desired atmospheric condition within each of the containers.