Mark S Melkonian

US Patent:

RE318175, Jan 29, 1985

Filed:

Apr 13, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/484547

Inventors:

Douglas H. Melkonian - Fresno CA
Mark S. Melkonian - Fresno CA
Dennis J. Melkonian - Sanger CA
Suren M. Melkonian - Fresno CA

International Classification:

B07C 502

US Classification:

209 31

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.

US Patent:

42679303, May 19, 1981

Filed:

Feb 28, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/015936

Inventors:

Douglas H. Melkonian - Fresno CA
Mark S. Melkonian - Fresno CA
Dennis J. Melkonian - Sanger CA
Suren M. Melkonian - Fresno CA

International Classification:

B07C 502

US Classification:

209 31

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.