Patent Number: 6644905
Docket Number: 22201
Serial Number: 10046850
Date Patented: 11/11/2003

Bin Filler for Fruit Crops Technology Description: This ARS invention features a unique conveyor that receives fruit and then carefully places it in a revolving bin. Placing fruit into a bulk container without damage is critical when harvesting fruits. The invention performs that operation efficiently, automatically, and without fruit damage. All bin filler components that contact the fruit are covered in foam or are elastic to prevent damage. The bin filler is compact and reliable, and has commercial potential in fruit packing operations and on mechanical harvesters. Commercially-available bin fillers damage fruit, take up too much space, or are too complex. The invention could replace bin fillers in fruit packing operations to improve fruit quality and reduce packing shed space requirements. The invention should be a critical component on mechanical harvesters for fresh market quality fruit crops. Companies engaged in agricultural equipment manufacturing and designer could use this technology. Tree fruit growers and packing plants will benefit from commercialization of this product. Reference: Please refer to USPN 6,644,905, "Bin Filler for Fruit Crops," which issued on November 11, 2003, and is a continuation in part of USPN 6,442,920, "Mechanical Harvester for Tree Fruits," which issued on September 3, 2002. Inventors: Donald Peterson Innovative Fruit Production   Improvement and Protection Kearneysville, West Virginia 25430-9425 (304) 725-3451 / Fax: (304) 728-2340 dpeterso@afrs.ars.usda.gov Scott Wolford (Same as first inventor) swolford@afrs.ars.usda.gov