The invention relates to a device for grouping into batches at least semi-buoyant objects belonging to the group of fruit and vegetables, comprising a plurality of accumulation channels (11), a hydraulic supply device for each accumulation channel (11), a device for supplying objects to an upstream portion of each accumulation channel, a collecting channel downstream of each accumulation channel (11), a device (14) for holding/releasing the objects in each accumulation channel Each accumulation channel (11) comprises at least one bypass passage (30) for the hydraulic stream extending from at least one inlet of the bypass passage (30) located upstream of the holding/releasing device (14) to at least one outlet of the bypass passage (30) issuing downstream of the holding/releasing device (14). A bypass valve (32) allows adjustment of said part of the diverted flow.

Plastic container below 450 gr for horticulture products exports formed by a bottom, two large walls facing each other, two small walls facing each other and an upper closure system, the container has an optimized structure which allows to efficiently resist the forces to which it is subjected and to control deformation for the purpose of ensuring all the time and under any conditions the integrity and quality of the products contained inside.

A transfer apparatus includes a finger mechanism configured to grasp an outer circumferential face of an object, wherein the finger mechanism is equipped with a plurality of finger portions supported by a base portion, each of the finger portions includes a first bone member, a second bone member rotatably coupled to one end portion of the first bone member, and a pair of third bone members, each of which is rotatably coupled to the other end portion of the first bone member and the base portion, whereby a parallel link mechanism is formed between the first bone member and the base portion, and the finger mechanism transfers the grasped object to a containing box.

Described herein are sealable, breathable bags for packaging, storing, and transporting fresh fruit in boxes. The bags protects the fruit from outside contaminants while maintaining a modified atmosphere environment around the fruit to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Furthermore, the bags are constructed in such a way that they have a flattened closed configuration and an fully opened configuration that allows them to efficiently fit into a generally cuboid, open-topped packaging box to be filled with fresh fruit and then seal around the fruit in the box, such as by sliding a slider across an upper closure of the bag.

There is discussed a method of picking and placing bulbs, in which bulbs are supplied on a supply surface of a bulbs supply system; the bulbs being identified and picked from the supply surface with a pick-and-place head; wherein the bulbs are reoriented about a minor axis before being placed.

There is discussed a method of picking and placing bulbs, in which bulbs are supplied on a supply surface of a bulbs supply system; the bulbs being identified and picked from the supply surface with a pick-and-place head; wherein picked bulbs are transferred from the pick-and-place head, shoot-first and roots-last to a transfer-receptacle comprising at least one bulb-receptor, wherein the bulb-receptor temporarily clutches said bulb.

An apparatus for packing a plurality of filled produce trays into a transport container, such as a box or a carton, without bruising the produce in the process. The produce packing system includes an infeed belt, produce information sensors and a processing assembly. The processing assembly receives information from the produce information sensors to calculate a container packing position. Using this information, the produce packing system clamps onto a filled produce tray from an infeed belt and moves the filled produce tray downward into a transport container at a predetermined height to place the filled produce tray into the transport container.

This invention is, in general, related to the technological field of packaging of vegetable products, such as whole fresh fruits and vegetables that tend to have certain surface microbial load. Specifically, this invention relates to a new cardboard packaging which is characterised by having an antimicrobial active coating based on a polymeric compound in combination with essential oils forming inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. Vapours of essential oils are emitted from the cardboard as sufficiently high relative humidities are reached in the vicinity of this coating which is next to the packed product, and these vapours have an antimicrobial action against fungi, yeasts and bacteria, which both spoil product quality and are pathogenic for consumers. This new packaging significantly achieves increasing food safety and the shelf life of foods packed therein.

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.

This invention relates to packaging for the transportation and/or storage of plants or plant material such as nutritional items including fruit, berries or vegetables. It comprises an assembly for the transportation and/or storage of plants or plant material, comprising an upwardly open, rigid base member, and a retention net adapted to fit over the base member, and methods for its use.