Raisin separating device

US4267930A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Douglas H. Melkonian · US
• Mark S. Melkonian · US
• Dennis J. Melkonian · US
• Suren Melkonian · US

Inventors

• Douglas H. Melkonian · Fresno, US
• Mark Melkonian · Twin Lakes, US
• Dennis J. Melkonian · Sanger, US
• Suren M. Melkonian · Fresno, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 1979
• Grant date: May 19, 1981
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 1999

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B07B13/10
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A batch of raisins in which moldy raisins are mixed with sound ones is immersed in a hot water bath, causing the moldy raisins to assume a mushy and sticky texture while leaving the texture of the sound raisins substantially unaffected. The batch of raisins is then dropped onto a laterally inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor belt moves the raisins over a framework which is rapidly moved up and down to slap the underside of the belt, causing the raisins to bounce up and down on the continuously moving conveyor. The sound raisins, which have retained their firm texture, are bounced substantially higher than the moldy raisins, and thus, bounce down off the side of the conveyor as they move along the length of the conveyor. Because of their mushy texture, the moldy raisins do not bounce as high as the sound ones and therefore do not as readily bounce downward off the conveyor. Instead, they are carried along and off the end of the conveyor. Moreover, when the mushy, moldy raisins land back on the conveyor, they stick to it, further preventing them from falling off the side. The moldy raisins are then washed off of the conveyor belt as the belt returns to receive more raisins.