Patent · US Expired

Lettuce processing apparatus

US4168597A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
2References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 27, 1978
Grant dateSep 25, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 27, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S426/809
  • WIPO fieldFood chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for harvesting and processing head lettuce wherein the lettuce is shredded immediately upon harvesting and before deterioration occurs. The shredded lettuce is retained in an insulated or refrigerated enclosure and then promptly transported to a mobile processing trailer where it is further cleaned and chilled and finally packaged for shipment. The practice of the method and apparatus permits the lettuce to be on its way to the consumer on the same day that it is harvested from the field. A method and apparatus for simultaneously chilling, washing and adding preservatives to the chilled lettuce in a continuous fashion. A mobile enclosure embodying the apparatus and adapted to perform the method wherein the lettuce is maintained at a reduced temperature throughout all stages of processing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.