Abstract

Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• A23B 7/157 - Inorganic compounds
• A23B 7/158 - Apparatus for preserving using liquids
• A23L 1/00 - Foods or foodstuffs; Their preparation or treatment (preservation thereof in general A23L 3/00)
• A23N 12/06 - Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for washing or blanching, combined with subsequent drying
• B65G 27/34 - Jigging conveyors comprising a series of co-operating units
• B65G 15/24 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising a series of co-operating units in tandem
• B65G 45/22 - Cleaning devices comprising fluid applying means
• B65G 11/02 - Chutes of straight form
• B26D 7/08 - Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting

Goods & Services

pre-cut fresh vegetables

Goods & Services

pre-cut and pre-cleaned greens, namely, kale, collard, mustard greens, turnip greens, chard, beet greens, curly spinach to be eaten raw or used for cooking

Goods & Services

Pre-cut vegetable salad; Salad, consisting of whole and cut fresh vegetables, namely, lettuce, escarole, endive, radicchio, carrots, celery, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, jicama, bell peppers, onions, cauliflower, romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce; Salads consisting of specialty lettuce, namely, romaine and iceberg lettuce, and fresh vegetables; Pre-mixed salad consisting primarily of cut vegetables; Cut vegetables for slow cooking; Cut vegetables for saute cooking

Goods & Services

food processing services, namely, using a sanitizing wash and water conservation system for processing fruits and vegetables

Abstract

Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• A23N 12/00 - Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
• A23B 7/157 - Inorganic compounds
• A23B 7/158 - Apparatus for preserving using liquids
• A23L 1/00 - Foods or foodstuffs; Their preparation or treatment (preservation thereof in general A23L 3/00)
• A23N 12/02 - Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for washing or blanching
• A23N 12/06 - Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for washing or blanching, combined with subsequent drying
• A23N 15/00 - Machines or apparatus for other treatment of fruits or vegetables for human purposesMachines or apparatus for topping or skinning flower bulbs

Goods & Services

prepared kits composed of cut vegetables and including seasonings and sauces, ready for cooking

Goods & Services

fresh vegetables