An improved method and means for washing relatively light vegetables and fruits

摘要

425,490. Washing fruit and vegetables. BOMFORD, D. R., and BOMFORD, E. R., Pitchill, Evesham, Worcestershire. Oct. 27, 1933, Nos. 29817 and 31188. [Class 28 (ii)] In the washing of light vegetables and fruits, e.g. Brussel sprouts, the vegetables are charged into a container into which are directed a plurality of jets of water at a relatively high pressure, e.g. 40 lbs. to the square inch, the vegetables being lifted and spun in the jets to expose the whole of their surfaces to the cleansing action of the water. As shown in Fig. 1, the vegetables are placed in crates 6, the sides ends and bottoms of which are filled in with wire mesh. Lateral parts 6a of the crates rest on tracks 7, one end of the track being the charging point, and the other end, the discharging point. In passing along the track, the crates are positioned over transversely disposed jets 8. A shield 9 protects the operator from the jets. A pair of crates are used, the contents of one being cleaned whilst the other crate is being emptied and refilled. In Fig. 5, the container is of triangular shape, the sides 11 being of glass. The jets 14a are directed upwardly through an open space between the lower ends of the sides 11. The container is open ended, the vegetables being moved along the container from a charging shoot to a discharging shoot, either gravitationally, by arranging the container at an incline, or otherwise. The shield 12 overhangs the discharge shoot and has a depending flap which co-operates with the discharge shoot to direct the emerging vegetables.