CA2347814A1

CA2347814A1 - Improvements in a modular fruit juice extraction system and configuration for a self-cleaning filter for the extraction of fruit juice

Info

Publication number: CA2347814A1
Application number: CA002347814A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Carlos Neto Mendes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-08-20
Filing date: 2000-08-18
Publication date: 2001-02-20

Abstract

"IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION
SYSTEM," an invention for the purpose of extracting high quality fruit juice from citrus and other round or oval shaped fruit, based on a basic module configured by a structural chassis (1) and composed of two fixed peeler cups (3) attached to a structural chassis (1) and two matching moveable peeler cups (4), one pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), each located at opposite ends of the machine, where the moveable peelers cups (4) are each attached at an opposite end of a linear actuator (2), which can employ various drive technologies, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, geared, screw and/or any combination of known linear drive systems that, in a back and forth cycle, drives both movable peeler cups (4). The system is composed of a moveable peeler cup (4) at each of the extreme ends of the linear actuator (2), driven in a manner that maximizes the productivity of the drive motion, since when one peeler cup (4) is opening to allow a fruit (19) to fall within its concave and radially cut chamber, formed in conjunction with its matching pair fixed peeler cup (3), at the same time, the moveable peeler cup (4) at the opposite end is closing upon the fruit (19) inside the chamber and shearing the fruit's skin (12) as it initiates the peeling process and as it continues on to complete the juicing cycle by pumping the fruit's core (13) into the filtering device (7) and, since this filtering device has a circular sharp cutting point at its forward opening, it permits the fruit's core (13) to enter completely into the filter (7), which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (11) to flow through and be collected in the space formed by the inside of the fixed peeler cup (3) and the juice collector (10), followed by the motion of plunger (8) which travels through the filter and pushes directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter and, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of these by-products being produced: juice (11), peel (12) and core (13), can now be directed separately to other stages of processing. Three possible versions can be deployed for actuating the plunger (8), but in all cases, the objective is to drive said plunger (8) to travel through the filter and to push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter and, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of these byproducts being produced: juice (17), peel (12) and core (13), can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. In all versions, clean-in-place spray nozzles (21) are mounted at different positions on structural chassis (1), in a manner such that, liquid and/or vaporized sprays can be utilized automatically, controlled by computer or other methods, for automatic cleaning of the machine at predetermined time periods as deemed necessary. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Since the configuration is symmetrical as shown in Figures 1 through 5, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.

"IMPROVED CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING FILTER
WITH REMOVABLE PERFORATING POINT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF
FRUIT JUICE," consisting of a cylindrical filter (50) having a body (51) constructed of stainless steel or other food grade, nontoxic materials, where at one extreme end a removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge (52) is attached, by threads or other methods, and is constructed so as to terminate in a sharp knife edged circular point (53), which functions by first perforating the fruit's peel in a manner such that permits the pumping action of a moveable peeler cup (4) (a concave and radially cut hemisphere) to force a core section of fruit (C) to enter completely into said filter (7 or F) , and since the main body (51) of the filter is of a tubular cylindrical shape and is configured to have a multitude of transverse radial slits (54) with conical, or V-shaped, format, positioned parallel with respect to each other (55), and which can be spaced and sized variably, dependent on the juice (J) can produce many juice products with varying desired characteristics. The nature and numbers of the multitude of transverse radial slits (54) with conical, or V-shaped, generate greater efficiency and yield in juice extraction, due to a pressure differential between the inside and outside portions of the filter, in fact, inducing a "Venturi Effect" which accelerates juice flow from the inside to the outside of the filter, thus promoting greater juice (J) yield and greater productivity by helping to maintain the passageway clear of obstructions and reducing clogging and cleaning frequency. The proposed invention functions by first perforating the fruit's peel in a manner such that permits the pumping action of a moveable peeler cup (4) against a fixed peeler cup (3) forces a core section of fruit (C) to enter completely into said filter (F), where simultaneously, due to the high pressure generated by the action, the juice (J) is forced to flow through the multitude of conically shaped transverse radial slits that are positioned parallel with respect to each other, thus separating and filtering the liquid juice (J) from solid components of the fruit's core (C). The removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge (52) simplifies replacement and permits for interchangeability with differently shaped cutting edges which can vary as desired in order to obtain greater juice (J) extraction performance, or higher juice quality, from the many varieties of citrus and other fruit.

Description

"IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION
SYSTEM and CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING FILTER FOR
THE EXTRACTION OF FRUIT JUICE"
This application is a continuation-in-part application of previous applications by the same inventor bearing:
1) U.S. Serial No. 08/647,066 filed May 9, 1996, (which claims priority, under 35 U. S . Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Applicat:.ian No. PI-9502244-9 filed June 19, 1995), now U.S. Patent No, 5,655,441 issued August 12, 1997;

2) U.S. Serial No. 08/681,627 filed July 29, 1996, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Application No. MI-5501198-5 filed August 1, 1995) now U.S. Patent No, 5,720,218 issued February 24, 1998;

3) U.S. Serial No. 08/681,626 filed July 29, 1996, (which c=Laims pricarity, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Applicat~_on No. MU-7501779-2 filed August 1, 1995) ;

4) U.S. Se:rial No. 08/759, 723 filed December 6, 1996, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Application No. MU-7502784-4 filed December 8, 1995);

5) U.S. Serial No. 08/759,722 filed December 6, 1996, (which cla~.ms priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Application No. MU-7502785-2 filed December 8, 1995) now U.S. Patent No, 5,720,219 issued February 24, 1998;

6) U.S. Serial No. 08/759,727 filed December 6, 1996, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Application No. MU-7502786-0 filed December 8, 1995);

7) U.S. Serial No. 08/763,679 filed December 11, 1996, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Application No. MU-7502994-4 filed December 15, 1995);

8) U.S. Seria7_ No. 08/884,529 filed June 27, 1997, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Applications No. PI-9502218-0 filed June 12, 1995; No. PI-950244-9 filed June 19, 1995; No. MI-5501197-'7 filed August l, 1995; No. MI-5501198-5 filed August 1, 1995; No. MI-5501199-3 filed August 1, 1995;
No. MU-7501779-2 filed August l, 1995; No. MU-7501780-6 filed August 1, 1995; No. MU-7501781-4 filed August 1, 1995; No. PI-9503518-4 filed August 1, 1995; No. MU-7501563-3 filed August 7, 1995; No. PI-9503109-0 filed August 7, 1995; No. MI-5501053-9 filed August 7, 1995;
No. MI-5501976-5 filed December 8, 1995; No. MU-7502784-4 filed December 8, 1995; No. MU-7502785-2 filed December 8, 1995; No. MU-75(72786-0 filed December 8, 1995; and, No. MU-7502994-4 filed December 15, 1995);

9) U.S. Serial No. 09/028,187 filed February 23, 1998, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on Brazilian Applications No. PI-9502218-0 filed June 12, :1995; No. PI-9502244-9 filed June 19, 1995; No.
MI-5501197-7 filed August 1, 1995; No. MI-5501198-5 filed August l, 1995; No. MI-5501199-3 filed August 1, 1995;
No. MU-7501779-2 fi7_ed August 1, 1995; No. MU-7501780-6 filed August 1, 1995; No. MU-7501781-4 filed August l, 1995; No. PI-950351.8-4 filed August 1, 1995; No. MU-7501563-3 filed August 7, 1995; No. PI-9503109-0 filed August 7, 1995; No. MI:-5501053-9 filed August 7, 1995;
No. MI-5501976-5 filed December 8, 1995; No. MU-7502784-4 filed December 8, 1995; No. MLJ-7502785-2 filed December 8, 1995; No. MU-7502786-0 filed December 8, 1995; and, No. MU-7502994-4 filed December 15, 1995);

10) U.S. Serial No. 09/377,936 filed August 20, 1999, (w.hich claim: priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on all of the applications in Items 1 - 9 above);
and, 11) U.S. Seria:l No. 09/377,937 filed August 20, 1999, (which claims priority, under 35 U.S. Code ~ 119 based on. all of the applications in Items 1 - 9 above).
The entirety of these previous applications are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full below.
The present patent of invention refers to both "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION SYSTEM
and CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING FILTER FOR THE
EXTRACT:CON OF FRUIT JUICE." For "IMPROVEMENTS IN A
MODULAR FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION SYSTEM" or be it, as the nomenclature imp~.ies, a system developed with the purpose of obtaining juice from citrus fruit such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, :Lime, tangerine, mekan, pokan, etc., and other round or near-round non-citrus fruit. The important.characteristics of the present system includes:
compactness, modul.a:rity, durability, simplicity and the highest quality of the juice obtained form extraction.
For "CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING FILTER FOR THE
EXTRACTION OF FRi:JIT' JUICE" or more fully, "IMPROVED
CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING FILTER WITH REMOVABLE
PERFORAT:LNG POINT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF FRUIT JUICE," or be it, a:~ the nomenc:Lature implies, a cylindrical filter constructed of stainless steel or other food grade, nontoxic material:> developed with the purpose of obtaining juice from citrus fruit such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, mekan, pokan, etc., and other round or near-round non-citrus fruit. The important charact.e:ristics of the present configuration includes: better filtration efficiency, greater juice yield as well as increased self-cleaning.and sanitization characte~ri.stics obtained due to it.s design, compactness and simplicity thus contributing further to increase juice quality and juice yield as obtained in fruit juice extract_on processes.
THE STATE OF THE ART
The state of ~~he art is known from previous patents by the same inventor, including US Patent 5,655,441, Patent 5,720,218, Patent 5,720,219 and Patent 5,802,964, which revolutionized the market by introducing a method of juice extraction which eliminated the traditionally bitter tastes in citrus juices, by eliminating the contact cf peel with the juice being extracted.
This equipment primarily based its advantages in the process of peeling the fruit before juice extraction, by means of a fixed peeler cup (concave and radially cut hemisphere) and by meshing with an identical movable peeler cup (concave and radially cut hemisphere), which in their relative motion act together to shear the peel in longi~~udinal strips . Immediately after, the core of the fruit: enters a filtering device which allows juice to pass through its radially cut slits, and is collected into a juice collector which has an lower side opening on one of its ends, so that it allows the juice to, by gravity, flow into a collecting juice tank. The dried fruit core is then pushed, by a plunger, back in the direction of the filter's opening, in a manner that expels t:he core completely, allowing the core to drop vertically through t:he peeler cups and into the peel and core re~;ervoir or transport devices.
In the above described fruit juice extraction process, cylindrical filters with radial slits are used.
These filters include at their front end a sharp knife-edged cylindrical cutting point that perforates the fruit at. a point i~.z the compression stage of said fruit, permitting that :hearing of the fruit peel can be achieved while simultaneously transforming the fruit from its hemispherical shape into peelings, and permitting that a cylindrically shaped fruit core can be separated from other parts of t:he fruit and that said fruit core can ultimately be pumped completely into the cylindrical filter with radial slits. Since the cylindrical filter has a multitude of radial slits along its body, this allows the juice to flow through said slits and gravitate into a space around the filter defined as the juice collector chamber. Since the juice collector chamber has an opening at one of its ends, the juice is able to flow through t:he opening and fall into a juice reservoir, which is placed directly underneath said juice collector.
In the juice extraction systems described above, the cylindrical filter: are subject to continuous duty operation where the perforating cutting edged points are subject i.o wear and damage while the remainder of the filter i~> protected from such possible break downs. Also the parallel shaped slits, while permitting juice to flow through, will occasionally clog and cause higher pressures in the chamber to occur, thus decreasing filtration perform<~nce. The filter must therefore be taken out for cle;~ning and sanitization in order to return to its optimal performance capabilities.
Other advance~~ have been introduced in this system and havE: been the object of other patents and patent applications, nevertheless, always encompassing the original scope of t:he basic invention.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CNVENTION
They present invention in "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR

FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION SYSTEM" maintains the primary characteristics of 'she original patents, nevertheless, its objective is to propose a unique modular configura-tion where the movement of the movable peeler cups, within the scope of a modular system, is configured in a manner that fruit juice can be extracted at both ends of this basic module <~nd the linear drive motion of the moveable peeler cups is configured such that both movable peeler cups can be driven by a single linear actuator.
This solution not only generates a large cost/benefit advantage since the productivity of each complete extraction cycle is doubled, it also generates a singular and innovative basic module that can be aligned in parallel with other basic modules, or any other geometrical configurations, in manners that large numbers of these modules ca.m be placed and arranged to multiply greatly th.e total productivity of small, medium or large fruit juice production plants.
The quality <:~n.d organoleptic characteristics of the juice extracted is maintained as described in the original. patents, and greatly improved in relation to older technologies, be it those of small, medium or large scale machinery. The high degree of modularity, and therefore scaleability, is an important benefit of the invention here proposed, as it facilitates and permits growth of productivity on a modular basis, allowing for an init~_al single module to be used and permitting that, over time, many, perhaps 100 or more, modules can be installed in juice production facilities, permitting flexible and econom_Lc growth of one' s j uice product ion plant. This is an important feature of this invention because t=his permits smaller scale juice production facilities to grow to extremely large, multi-million-gallon per year juice plants, and, independently of size or production capabilities, to gain the advantages of the quality and organoleptic improve-ments in the juice extracted.
In general terms, the objective of this invention is a concept. of a machine composed of two pairs of peeler cups where for each fixed peeler cup, attached to the basic structure of the machine, and an equivalent and matching moveable peeler cup is fixed to opposite ends of a single linear actuator that drives, in a back and forth cycle, both movable peeler cups. In this configuration, the system is compo:~ed of a single moveable peeler cup at each of the extremE~ ends of the linear actuator, driven in a manner that one maximizes the utilization and productivity of r_h.e drive motion, since as one moveable peeler cup is opening to allow a fruit to fall within its concave and radial:Ly cut chamber, formed in conjunction with its: matching :Fixed peeler cup, the moveable peeler cup at the opposite' end is closing upon the fruit inside the chamber and shearing the fruit' s skin as it initiates the peeling proce:~s and continues on to complete the juicing cycle by pumping the fruit's core into the filtering device. This configuration therefore permits significant economies of space, complexity, weight, energy and costs, and assures a simple basic modular unit for use in multiple numbers, limited only by the desired juice production capacity, which varies greatly from customer to customer.
By utilizing a. simple linear actuator concept for driving t:he moveable peeler cups, one can employ various drive technologies, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, geared, screw and/or any combination of known linear drive systems. Since the drive movement is restricted to a svmple linear back and forth action, one can assure greater simplicity of construction and therefore greater z:~eliability, less energy consumption, lower weight and lower manufacturing costs with this invention, as compared to older nonlinear actuation systems that employ, cams, cam followers, gearboxes, electrical motor:a, levers, springs, and other compli-Gated, more numerous and less reliable and more costly devices and systems.
The present:. invention in "CONFIGURATION FOR A
SELF-CLEANING FILTER FOR THE EXTRACTION OF FRUIT JUICE"
maintains the primary characteristics of the original patents, nevertheless, its objective is to propose a simple and unique ~~onfiguration that improves filtration performance and adds to operational flexibility, increases filter life and contributes significantly to improving the ccast/benefit and economic performance of this important component in the fruit juice extraction process. The quality and organoleptic characteristics of the juice extracted is maintained as described in the original patents, arid greatly improved in relation to older technologies, be it those of small, medium or large scale macninery.
To generate the improvements describe above, the present invention proposes a configuration that consists of a removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge which is attached, by t.h:reads or other methods, to a main cylindrical body of the filter which has a multitude of transverse radial slits with conical, or V-shaped, formats. These conical.ly shaped transverse radial slits are positioned parallel with respect to each other and, can be spaced and sized variably, dependent on the juice product desired to be produced. The proposed invention function: by first perforating the fruit's peel in a manner such that pel-mits the pumping action of a moveable peeler cup (a concave and radially cut hemisphere) to force a core section of fruit to enter completely into said fi:Lter, where simultaneously, due to the high pressure generated by the action, the juice is forced to flow through the mu:Ltitude of sonically shaped transverse radial slits that are positioned parallel with respect to each other, thus separating and filtering the liquid juice from solid components of the fruit. The removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge simplifies replacement and permits for interchangeability with differently shaped cutting edges which can vary as desired :in order t:o obtain better juice extraction performance on the many varieties of citrus and other f ruit .
Other important. improvements obtained from this invention. are greater efficiency and yield in juice extraction, as a function of the conical, or V-shaped, profile of the multiple transverse radial slits, since this shape generates a greater pressure differential between the inside a.nd outside portions of the filter, in fact, inducing a "Ven.turi Effect" which accelerates fluid flow from the inside to the outside of the filter, thus promoting greater juice yield and greater productivity and helping great:l.y to maintain these passageways clear of obst;=uctions a:nd reducing clogging and cleaning frequency.
ADDITIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
The present invention in "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR.
FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION SYSTEM" contemplates various interchangeable versions or embodiment s of detailed configurations, differences mostly are related to the peeler cups, expulsion of the fruit's core through one of the peeler cups, actuation of the plunger and its function to expel the fruit' s dried core, after the juice has been extracted and filtered. A first version or the preferred embodiment is configured in a manner such that the plunger is driven by two linear actuators mounted paralle:L to the maven peeler cup actuator, so that when driven, these two linear actuators will pull on in-line rods that are attached to a cross member which is fixed to the plunger so that the plunger will move linearly inside the filtering device, pushing the fruit's core until it has reached the opening of the filter and overshooting until the core is totally expelled and permitted to fall vertically within, and through the peeler cu»s, and fi.n<~lly dropping into the core receiving duct.
In a second embodiment or version, the machine is conf igure:d in a manner such that the plunger is driven by the returning motion of the moveable peeler cup itself, since thc~ in-line pull rods are attached to the cross members i~hat hold the moveable peeler cups, and as the machine is cycled normally through its back and forth motion, the in-line: rods, that are attached to a cross member which is fixed to the plunger, will drive the plunger to move linearly inside the filtering device, pushing the fruit' s core until it has reached the opening of the filter and overshooting until the core is totally expelled. and permitted to fall vertically within and through the peeler cups and, finally dropping into the core receiving duct= .
In another embodiment or version, the plunger is driven _i.n same manner as twice described before above, but the drive is provided by direct force being applied to the plunger by independent linear actuators mounted directl~~r on the machine' s basic structure, one at each of the opposite extr_-eme ends of said machine.

In a third embodiment or version, the expulsion of the fruit's core is l.hrough the back side of the movable peeler cup.
In a fourth embodiment or version, the expulsion of the fruit' s core through the back side of an internal movable peeler cup.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION O~_ THE DRAWING
The invention will be described in the following attached drawing figures, which will illustrate details including:
FIGURE 1.: A side cross-sectional view of the invention, as described before, in its first or preferred embodiment or version, showing, on the left side, a moveable peeler cup in the full open position, as well as the expu:Lsion of the fruit's core and its falling into the fruit core col=Lector duct, as well as the vertical falling ~f the shea~ned peeled skins. On the right side, one can observe the closed position of the moveable peeler cup, fully Engaged with the fixed peeler cup, as well as the juice being filtered through the filtering device while the fruit's core remains inside the filter itself a.t This point in the extraction cycle. Also shown is the juice being collected in the juice collection chamber, sheared peel skin strips falling vertically down and, finally, dr::.ed fruit cores falling further through the f ru:it core receiving duct , in a manner that all of the byproducts being produced can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing;

FIGURE 2: A top view of the embodiment of the invention of FIGURE 7_ taken along the LINE A-A (or "VISTA
A-A") of :FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3: A front view of the invention of FIGURE 1 ;
FIGURE 4: A side cross-sectional view of the invention, as described before, in its second embodiment or version, showing, on the left side, a moveable peeler cup in the full open position, as well as the expulsion of the fruit's core and its falling into the fruit core collector duct, as well as the vertical falling of the sheared peeled skin:. On the right side, one can observe the closed position. of the moveable peeler cup, fully engaged v~ith the fi:Ked peeler cup, as well as the juice being filtered through the filtering device while the fruit's core remains inside the filter itself at this point in the extraca:ion cycle. Also shown is the juice being collected in 1=he juice collection chamber, sheared peel skin strips falling vertically down and, finally, dried fruit cores falling further through the fruit core receiving duct, in a manner that all of the byproducts being produced cane now be directed respectively to other stages of process:inc~;
FIGURE 5: A top view of the invention, in its second embodiment or version of FIGURE 4 taken along the LINE A-A. (or "VISTA A-A") of FIGURE 4. The third embodiment or version is NOT SHOWN in the drawing;
FIGURE 6: A partial perspective view of the main body the filter showing the conical section transverse' radial s:Lits and the removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge as attached to the main body of said filter;
FIGURE 7: ~~ side view of the filter showing the conical section tran:werse radial slits and the removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge as attached to the main body of said filter;
FIGURE 8: A typical cross sectional view of the main body of the fi=Lter;
FIGURE 9: A longitudinal cross sectional segment view of the main body of the filter showing the conical, or V-shape: d, nature of the transverse radial slits though which the juice flow through;
FIGURE 10: A side cross-sectional view of the invention, as described before, in its third embodiment or version, showing, on the left side, a moveable peeler cup in the full open position, as well as the expulsion of the fruit's core through the back side of the movable peeler cup and its falling into the fruit core collector duct, as well as the vertical falling of the sheared peeled :skins. On the right side, one can observe the closed position of the moveable peeler cup, fully engaged with ths~ fixed peeler cup, as well as the juice being filtered through the filtering device while the fruit's core remains inside the filter itself at this point in the extraction cycle. Also shown is the juice being collected in the juice collection chamber, sheared peel skin strips falling vertically down and, finally, dried fruit cores falling further through the fruit core receiving duct, in a manner that all of the byproducts being produced can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing ;
FIGURE 1:1: A top view of the embodiment of the invention. of FIGURE 10 taken along the LINE 11 - 11 of FIGURE 1C;
FIGURE 1_2: A side cross-sectional view of the invention, as descr~_bed before, in its fourth embodiment or version, showing, on the left side, external and internal moveable peeler cups in the full open position, as well as the expu:Lsion of the fruit's core through the back side of the internal movable peeler cups and its falling into the fruit core collector duct, as well as the vertical falling of the sheared peeled skins. On the right side, one can observe the closed position of the moveable peeler cup, fully engaged with the fixed peeler cup, as wall as the juice being filtered through the filtering device while the fruit's core remains inside the filter itself at this point in the extraction cycle.
Also shown is the juice being collected in the juice collect=_on chambez~,. sheared peel skin strips falling vertica:Lly down and., finally, dried fruit cores falling further through the fruit core receiving duct, in a manner i:hat all of the byproducts being produced can now be directed respecaively to other stages of processing;
and, FIGURE 13: A top view of the embodiment of the invention of FIGURE 12 taken along the LINE 13 - 13 of FIGURE 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The "IMPROVEMi~NTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM, " object of this application for patent of invention, consists essentially of a modular system shown in four optional and functionally interchangeable embodiments or versions, which vary in the drive configuration of they plunger, its function being to expel the dried fruit core and, in so doing, clear the way for receiving a new f ru:it to be j uiced; and the means for expelling the fruit.' s core through the back side of a movable peeler cup.
In the fiist or preferred embodiment or version, best seem in FIGURES 1 - 3, a linear actuator (2) drives moveable peeler cups (4) (concave and radially cut hemispheres), be it by hydraulic, pneumatic, screw, electrical or other linear motion drive device, in a manner such that the moveable peeler cup (4) at one end of the machine is closing in relation to the fixed peeler cup (3) at the same end, while the other peeler cup (4), at the opposite end of the first, is opening with respect to its matching f i}:ed peeler cup ( 3 ) . In so doing, and by the nature of the back and forth motion of the linear drive device, there is a doubling of the productivity of the machine cycle. The machine cycle encompasses the linear movement of the two moveable peeler cups (4) , each attached to one of.. the two extreme ends of the linear actuator (2) and guided linearly by the guide rails (17) which slide on bearing seats (18) mounted transversely and coincidentally with each other, being that the moveable peeler cups (4) move in the direction of the fixed peeler cups (3) which in turn are firmly attached to a str,actural chassis (1), while the motion of said moveable peeler r_u.ps (4) is solidly transmitted to vertical rods (6), in a synchronized manner such that these vertical rod; will touch and initiate a linear dislodging of the feeder mechanism's spring (5), thus al lowing one of the f ruit ( 19 ) to drop through the feeder duct and into the cr.~amber formed by the intermeshing of the moveable peeler cup (4) and its matched pair fixed peeler cup ( 3 ) .
In continuation of the extraction cycle, the fruit (19) now held in the chamber formed by the intermeshing of the m~weable peeler cup (4) and its matched pair fixed peeler c:up (3), ~.s then pressed by the moveable peeler cup (4) into the fixed peeler cup (3), since both have multiple radially c:ut openings, the action causes the skin of the fruit to be sheared in multiple strips (12) which pass through the peeler cups' radial openings and fall vertically, while the fruit's core (13) is taken inside t:he filtering device (7 or F) since this filtering device has a circular sharp cutting point at its forward opening, permit;~ing the fruit's core (13) to enter completely.- into the filter (7), which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (11) to flow through a.nd be collected in the space formed by the inside of the fixE=_d peeler cup (3) and the juice collector (10).
In the final stages of the extraction cycle, as the moveable peeler cups (4) move back and away from the fixed peeler cups (3), linear actuators (16) drive the pull rods ( 15 ) which in turn are attached to a transverse cross member (9) to which the plunger (8) is firmly fixed, thus driving said plunger (8) to travel through the filter and to push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of t:he filter and, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4:) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall throi.~gh. the f ruit core receiving duct ( 14 ) , in a manner so that all of the by-products being produced: juice (11 or J), peel (12 or P) and core (13 or C), can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. With tYie moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open po~~ition, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Given that the geometry and configuration is as shown, one can see that the pair of peeler cups ( 3 ) anc~ (4 ) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degree; out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical and fully described above.
In the second embodiment or_ version of this invention, there is an alternate way of driving the plunger (8), but the fruit juice extraction cycle is the same as in the first version described above. As shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, a linear actuator (2) drives two moveable .peeler cups (4) , each attached to one of the two extreme ends of t:.he linear actuator (2) and guided linearly by the guide rails (17) which slide on bearing seats (1~~) mounted i~ransversely and coincidentally with each other, being that the moveable peeler cups (4) move in the direct ion of the f fixed peeler cups ( 3 ) which in turn are firmly attached to a structural chassis (1) , while the motion of said moveable peeler cups (4) is solidly transmitted to vertical rods (6), in a synchro-nized manner such that these vertical rods will touch and initiate a linear dislodging the feeder mechanisms spring (5), thus allowing one of the fruit (19) to drop though the feeder duct and into the chamber formed by the intermeshing of the moveable peeler cup (4) and its matched pair f fixed peeler cup ( 3 ) . In continuation of the extraction cycle, t:he fruit (19) now held in the chamber formed by the intermeshing of the moveable peeler cup (4) and its matched pai.x~ fixed peeler cup (3) , is the pressed by the moveable peeler cup (4) into the fixed peeler cup (3), since both ria~ae multiple radially cut openings, the action causes the skin of the fruit to be sheared in multiple strips (12) which pass through the peeler cups radial openings and fall vertically, while the fruit's core (13) is taken inside the filtering device (7) since this filtE=_ring device has a circular sharp cutting point at its forward opening, permitting the fruit's core to enter completely into the filter (7), which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (11) to flow through and be ~~ollected in the space formed by the inside of the fixed peeler cup (3) and the juice collector (10). In the final stages of the extraction Cycle, CiY'1'iT~I'1 ~.',J 't.'iv> c3_nLlnrt CG~. .~'~lil'~-aclT.' ;W
::'~.1:'Ltu.'.G~' (2 % , '.-~~''~-'-;~cveable pe~:l ~e l' c:~~? (~ ~ ;~C~: es r~.c~ ~;.id a~a~~ y~:am the:
fined pec~~ler cua:; t3) , and sizic:~ it i:.~ sc;li~l°,,' vixc:~ to c'3. f:~c:.iS'J'c''_ s~ CZO~.G'. ;T.i:°CR::'t1 ( ~~ ~ ) , Cvt3:3E::3 t~':~ ~.i l'alli ~c3.i_e'.:i'~;31 i.' driviri:~ ni ~4.wd ~;;~~.~~s mc~nb~:x~ ~,20;a~iicr~ i:. t~.r=? is attach~:d thrn~ag~i t~ o p~l~. ~~c~ds 15) t~ ari~t ~:w tram:,e'rs~:
cross member ' ~f :~ ~~~ the oppo:: it~~ e.id; ~c:, ~~'ti~': plunger ,, ~ ? is f:~.rial;; y-.1.~~~~d., th:a drT , ::.Ti~~ wail pl~.~zi~~:~-~ ( 8 ) to travel through the filter and push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward f=roi of the filter (7) and, finally, the dried fruit core (7_3) falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed. (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct i14), in a manner so that all of the byproducts being produced : j uice ( 11 ) , peel ( 12 ) and core (13) , cam now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, t:he machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Given that the geometry and configurat=ion is as shown, one can see that the pair of peeler cups ( 3 ) and 14 ) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical and fully described above.
It can be understood that there is yet another manner of driving the plunger (8) (although NOT shown in FIGURES :L - S) , t.hat is by placing a linear actuator fixed dix-ectly to structural chassis (1) and attaching the driving end of raid actuator to plunger (8), one can drive said plunger:' (8) to travel through the filter (7) and push directly «n the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter a:nd, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, anal is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of t:he byproducts being produced: juice (11), peel (12) and core (1?.), can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in i_he full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Given that the geometry and configuration is as shown, one can see that the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair c>f peeler cups at the opposite end of said mach:Lne. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical an;d fully described above.
The invention also includes, in all configurations and versions, clean-in-place spray nozzles (21) mounted at different positions on structural chassis (1), in a manner such that liquid and/or vaporized sprays can be utilized automatica_~:ly, controlled by computer or other methods, for automatic cleaning of the machine at predetermined time periods as deemed necessary.
The "IMPROVED CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING
FILTER Ii~ITH REMOVABLE PERFORATTNG POINT FOR THE
EXTRACTION OF FRUIT' JUICE," object of this application for util_Lty patent, consists of a cylindrical filtering device such as device 7 or F of the invention in "IMPROVEMENTS IN A NfODULAR FRUIT JUICE EXTRACTION SYSTEM"
illustrated in FIGI1RES 1 - 5 . Device 7 , best seen in FIGURES 6 - 9, has a filter body (51) constructed of stainless steel or at:her food grade, nontoxic materials developed with the purpose of obtaining high quality and large quantities of juice from citrus fruit and other round or near-round non-citrus fruit.
The main body ( 51 ) of the f filter is in a tubular cylindrical shape 'where at one extreme end a removable cylindrical perforaiting cutting edge (52) is attached, by threads or other methods, and is constructed so as to terminate in a sharp knife edged circular point (53), which functions by :First perforating the fruit' s peel in a manner such that: permits the pumping action of a moveable peeler cup (6) (a concave and radially cut hemisphere) to force a core section (13 or C) of fruit to enter completely into said filter (7 or F), where simultaneously, due to the high pressure generated by the action, t:he juice (7_1 or J) is forced to flow through the multitude of coni.cally shaped transverse radial slits that are positioned parallel with respect to each other, thus separating and. filtering the liquid juice (J) from solid covmponents of the fruit' s core (C) .
The filter's main body (51) is of constant cylindrical shape with a removable cylindrical perforat-ing cutting edge ( 52 ) attached at one extreme end of said main body (51), which in turn is configured to have a multitude of transverse radial slits (54) with conical, or V-shaped, format:,. positioned parallel with respect to each other (55), and which can be spaced and sized variably, dependent on the juice-(J) product desired to be produced. The nature and numbers of the multitude of transverse radial slits (54) with conical, or V-shaped, generatE=_ greater efficiency and yield in juice extrac-tion, since this shape generates a greater pressure differential between the inside and outside portions of the filter, in fact, inducing a "Venturi Effect" which accelerates juice flow from the inside to the outside of the filter, thus promoting greater juice (J) yield and greater productivity by helping to maintain these passageways clear of obstructions and reducing clogging and cleaning frequency.
FIGUkE 1 shows,, as an example, a juice extraction machine, where one can observe the positioning of the self-cleaning filters (7 or F), object of this applica-tion for "IMPROVED CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING
FILTER WITH REMOVABLE PERFORATING POINT FOR THE
EXTRACTION OF FRUIT JUICE," where all byproducts of extraction, such as juice (J) , extracted from the fruit' s core (C) and peel sl~.ln strips (P) were obtained from the fruit (1~~ or R) . Also shown in FIGURE 1, is the layout of the fruit bin placement as well as the fixed peeler cups (3) and moveable peeler cups (4) and the linear actuator (2) which drives the moveable peeler cups (4) against the fixed peeler cups (3) while simultaneously actuating the feeder spring (5) which permits the continuous and synchronized feeding of fruit (R) for juice (J) extraction.
In the third embodiment or version 100 (the 100 series i.s used to identify identical components to the first and second embodiments unless a specific descrip-tion is given, i . a . , f filtering device 107 is identical to filtering device 7), as best seen in FIGURES 10 - 11, a linear ~ictuator ;102) drives moveable peeler cups (104) (concave and radially cut hemispheres), be it by hydraulic, pneumatics screw, electrical or other linear motion drive device, in a manner such that the moveable peeler coup (104) at one end of the machine is closing in relation i.o the fixed peeler cup (103) at the same end, while the other peeler cup (104), at the opposite end of the first, is opening with respect to its matching fixed peeler cup (103). Tn so doing, and by the nature of the back and forth motion of the linear drive device, there is a doubling of the' productivity of the machine cycle.
The machine cycle encompasses the linear movement of the two moveable peeler cups (104), each attached to one of the two Extreme encL~s of the linear actuator ( 102 ) and guided linearly by the guide rails (117) which slide on bearing ~>eats (118) mounted transversely and coinciden-tally wi'~h each other, being that the moveable peeler cups (109:) move in the direction of the fixed peeler cups (103) which in turn are firmly attached to a structural chassis (101), while the motion of said moveable peeler cups (106) is solid7_y transmitted to vertical rods (106) , in a synchronized. manner such that these vertical rods will touch arid initiate a linear dislodging of the feeder mechanism's spring f105), thus allowing one of the fruit (119) to drop through the feeder duct and into the chamber formed by the intermeshing of the moveable peeler cup (104) and its matched pair fixed peeler cup (103).
In continuation of the Extraction cycle, the fruit (119) now held in t:he chamber formed by the intermeshing of the moveable pE=_eler cup (104) and its matched pair fixed peeler cup (103), is then pressed by the moveable peeler cup (104) into the fixed peeler cup (103), since both have multiple radially cut openings, the action causes the skin of the fruit to be sheared in multiple strips (112) which pass through the peeler cups' radial openings and fall vertically, while the fruit's core (113) is taken inside the filtering device (107) since this filtering device has a circular sharp cutting point (such as point 53 of. filtering device 7) at its forward opening, permittir.~g the fruit's core (113) to enter completely into the f filter ( 107 ) , which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (111) to flow through .end be collected in the space formed by the inside of the fixed peeler cup (103) and the juice collector (110).
In t:he f final sl:ages of the extraction cycle, as the moveable peeler cups (104) move back and away from the f fixed peeler cups ( 7_03 ) , linear actuators ( 116 ) drive the pull rods (115, 169) which in turn are attached to a transverse cross member (109) to which the plunger (108) is firm=_y fixed, thus driving said plunger (108) to travel through the filter and to push directly on the fruit' s core ( 113 ) until said core is expelled completely from they forward end of the filter and, finally, the dried fruit core i~~ forced (by a fallowing core) through the chamber (145) positioned at the inner or back end of moveable peelez cup (104), and is directed to further pass through the fruit core receiving duct (114) which is integra=L with core chamber ( 145 ) and angulated downwardly so that the fruit's core (113) can actually fall under the force of gravity through the duct (114), in a manner so that all of the by-products being produced: juice ( 111) , peel ( 112 ) and core ( 113 ) , can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (104) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Given that the geometry and configura-tion is as shown, one can see that the pair of peeler cups (103) and (104) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler. cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical and fully described above.
Embodiment 100 also includes clean-in-place spray nozzles (121) mounted at different positions on structural chassis (101), in a manner such that liquid and/or vaporized sprays can be utilized automatically, controlled by computer or other methods, for automatic cleaning of the machine at predetermined time periods as deemed necessary.
In the fourth embodiment or version 200 (the 200 series is used to identify identical components to the first through t.h:ird embodiments unless a specific description is given, i.e., filtering device 207 is identical to filtering devices 7 and 107), as best seen in FIGURES 12 - a_3, a linear actuator (202) drives both externa:L moveable peeler cups ( 2 03 ) and internal moveable peeler cups ( 204 ) ( concave and radially cut hemispheres ) , be it by hydraulic, pneumatic, screw, electrical or other linear motion drive device, in a manner such that the internal moveable peeler cup (204) at one end of the machine is closing :in relation to the external movable peeler cup (203) at the same end, while the other internal movable peeler cup (204), at the opposite end of the first, is fully closed with respect to its matching external movable peeler cup (203). In so doing, and by the nature of the back and forth motion of the linear drive device, there is enhanced productivity of the machine cycle. The machine cycle encompasses the linear movement of the two internal moveable peeler cups (204), each attached to on.e of the two extreme ends of the linear ac~t.uator ( 202 ) and guided linearly by the guide rails (2:L7) which ~;l.ide on bearing seats (218) mounted transver:~ely and cc>incidentally with each other, being that the internal moveable peeler cups (204) move in the direction of the external moveable peeler cups (203) which in turn have :Linear movement as each attached to one of the two extreme ends of the linear actuator (202) and guided linearly by the secondary guide rails (224) which slide on secondary bearing mounts (225) mounted transversely and coincidentally with each other and are firmly attached to a structural chassis (201), while the motion of said moveable peeler cups (203, 204) is solidly transmitted to vertical rods (206), in a synchronized manner :such that these vertical rods will touch and initiate: a 7_inear dislodging of the feeder mechanism's spring (205), thus <~llowing one of the fruit (219) to drop through the feeder duct and into the chamber formed by the intermeshing Gf the internal moveable peeler cup (204) and its matched pair external moveable peeler cup (203) .
In continuation of the extraction cycle, the fruit (219) now held in the chamber formed by the intermeshing of the internal moveable peeler cup (204) and its matched pair external movea~>1_e peeler cup ( 203 ) , is then pressed by the internal moveable peeler cup (204) into the external moveable peeler cup (203), since both have multiple radially cut openings, the action causes the skin of the fruit to be sheared in multiple strips (212) which pa:~s through the peeler cups' radial openings and fall vertically, while the fruit' s core (213 ) is taken inside the filtering device (207) since this filtering device has a circular sharp cutting point (such as point 53 of filtering device 7) at i.ts forward opening, permitting the fruit's core (213) to enter completely into the: filter (<'07) , which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (211) to flow through and be collected s.n the space formed by the inside of the external moveable peeler cup (203) and the juice collector ( 210 ) .
In the final ~~t:ages of the extraction cycle, as the internal. moveable peE=ler cups ( 204 ) move back and away from the external moveable peeler cups (203), linear actuator. (202) dri~,res the peeler cup supports (222, 223) which in turn are attached to a transverse cross member (209) to which the plunger (208) is firmly fixed, thus driving said plunger (208) to travel through the filter (207) and to push directly on the fruit's core (213) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of th.e filter and, finally, the dried fruit core is forced (by a following core) through the chamber (245) positioned at the :inner or back end of internal moveable peeler cup (204) , and is directed to further pass through the fruii~ core receiving duct (214) which is integral with core: chamber (a?45) and angulated downwardly so that the fruit's core (2:13) can actually fall under the force of gravivy through the duct (214), in a manner so that all of the by-products being produced: juice (211) , peel ( 212 ) an<i core ( 213 ) , can now be directed respectively to other stages of prc>cessing. With the internal moveable peeler cup (204) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Given that the geometry and configuration is as shown, one can see that the pair of moveable peeler cups (203) anal (204) at one end of the machine will be out of phase (but not by :180 degrees) with respect to the pair of peeler cups at 'the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the 'machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical and fully described above.
Embodiment 200 also includes clean-in-place spray nozzles (221) mounted at different positions on structural chassis (201), in a manner such that liquid and/or vaporized sprays can be utilized automatically, controlled by computer or other methods, for automatic cleaning of the machine at predetermined time periods as deemed necessary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 33

1. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention composed of two fixed peeler cups (3) attached to a structural chassis (1) and two matching moveable peeler cups (4), one pair of fixed and moveable peeler cups (3) and (4), each pair located at opposite ends of the machine, where the moveable peelers cups (4) are each attached to opposite ends of a single linear actuator (2), which can employ various drive technologies, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, geared, screw and/or any combination of known linear drive systems that, in a back and forth cycle, drives both movable peeler cups (4). The system is composed of a moveable peeler cup (4) at each of the extreme ends of the linear actuator (2), driven in a manner that maximizes the productivity of the drive motion, since when one peeler cup (4) is opening to allow a fruit (19) to fall within its concave and radially cut chamber, formed in conjunction with its matching pair fixed peeler cup (3), at the same time the moveable peeler cup (4) at the opposite end of linear actuator (2) is closing upon the fruit (19) inside the chamber formed by the intermeshing of peeler cups (3) and (4), and shearing the fruit's skin (12) as it initiates the peeling process and continues on to complete the juicing cycle by pumping the fruit's core (13) into the filtering device (7) and, since this filtering device has a circular sharp cutting point at its forward opening, it permits the fruit's core (13) to enter completely into the filter (7), which has radially cuts slits which allow for the extracted juice (11) to flow through and be collected in the space formed by the inside of the fixed peeler cup (3) and the juice collector (10), followed by the motion of plunger (8) which travels through the filter and pushes directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter and, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of these byproducts being produced: juice (11), peel (12) and core (13), can now be separately directed to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.
Since tree configuration is symmetrical as shown in Figures 1 through 5, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.

2. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention configured as described in CLAIM 1, characterized by a first version in which in the final stages of the extraction cycle, as the moveable peeler cups (4) move back and away from the fixed peeler cups (3),linear actuators (16) drive the pull rods (15) , which in turn are attached to a transverse cross member (9) to which the plunger (8) is firmly fixed, thus drive said plunger (8) to travel through the filter and push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter and,finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of the byproducts being produced: juice (11), peel (12) and core (13), can now be directed separately to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Since the geometry and configuration is symmetrical as shown, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.
With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Since the configuration is symmetrical as shown in Figures 1 through 5, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.

3. "IMPROVEMENT IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention configured as described in CLAIM 1, characterized by a second version in which in the final stages of the extraction cycle, driven by the action of linear actuator (2), the moveable peeler cup (4) moves back and away from the fixed peeler cup (3), and since it is solidly fixed to a transverse cross member (20), caused the simultaneously driving of said cross member (20), which in turn is attached through the pull rods (15) to another transverse cross member (9) at the opposite end, to which plunger (8) is firmly fixed, thus driving said plunger (8) to travel through the filter and push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter (7) and, finally, the dried fruit core (13) falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of the byproducts being produced:
juice (11), peel (12) and core (13), can now be directed separately to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Since the geometry and configuration is symmetrical as shown, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups, the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.
Since the configuration is symmetrical as shown in Figures 1 through 5, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.

4. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention configured as described in CLAIM 1, characterized by a third version (NOT SHOWN) comprehended by yet another manner of driving the plunger (8). By placing a linear actuator fixed directly to structural chassis (1) and attaching the driving end of said actuator to plunger (8), actuation will drive said plunger (8) to travel through the filter and push directly on the fruit's core (13) until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of the filter and, finally, the dried fruit core falls into and through the chamber formed by the fixed (3) and moveable (4) peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through the fruit core receiving duct (14), in a manner so that all of the byproducts being produced: juice (11), peel (12) and core (13), can now be directed respectively to other stages of processing. With the moveable peeler cup (4) in the full open position, the machine is ready to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle. Since the configuration is symmetrical as shown in Figures 1 through 5, the pair of peeler cups (3) and (4) at one end of the machine will be exactly 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the pair of peeler cups at the opposite end of said machine. At either end of the machine, or, at either pair of peeler cups (3) and (4), the juice extraction cycle is exactly identical.

5. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention configured as described in CLAIM 1, characterized by including, in all configura-tions and versions, clean-in-place spray nozzles (21) mounted at different positions on structural chassis (1) , in a manner such that , liquid and/or vaporized sprays can be utilized automatically, controlled by computer or other methods, for automatic cleaning of the machine at predetermined time periods as deemed necessary.

6. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A MODULAR FRUIT JUICE
EXTRACTION SYSTEM," an invention configured as described in CLAIM 1, characterized by a basic module which contains two pairs of peeler cups (3) and (4), each pair located at opposite and symmetrical ends of the machine as shown in FIGURES 1 through 5, and thus as a basic module, can be arranged on a multiple basis, in a parallel or other manner, allowing for an initial single module to be used and permitting that, over time, many more modules can be installed in juice production facilities, permitting flexible and economic growth of one's juice production plant and assuring the advantages of quality and organoleptic benefits of the juice extracted by this technology, independently of the size of the production capabilities.

7. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
two fixed peeler cups and two moveable peeler cups attached to a chassis in mating pairs of fixed and moveable peeler cups, said cups being concave hemi-spheres, each pair being located at opposing ends of said chassis, where said moveable peeler cups are each attached to opposing ends of a single linear drive actuator for driving both movable peeler cups in a back and forth cycle, said moveable peeler cup at each of the ends of said linear actuator being driven in a manner such that when one of said peeler cups is opening to allow an article of fruit to fall within its concave chamber formed in conjunction with its mating fixed peeler cup, said moveable peeler cup at the opposing end of said linear actuator is closing upon said fruit inside said chamber formed by the intermeshing of said moveable and fixed peeler cups, and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by pumping said fruit's core through a filtering means mounted in said mating fixed peeler cup, said filtering means having a cutting point at its forward opening and radially cut slits to permit said fruit's core to enter completely into said filtering means which allows for the extracted juice to flow through and be collected in juice collection means connected to said fixed peeler cup, followed by the motion of a plunger which travels through said filtering means and pushes directly on said fruit' s core until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and, whereby, the dried fruit core of said fruit falls into and through the chamber formed by said fixed and moveable peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through a fruit core receiving means, whereby when said moveable peeler cup is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.

8. The apparatus of CLAIM 7, wherein said pair of peeler caps positioned at one end of said apparatus are 180 degrees out of phase with respect to said pair of peeler cups at the opposing end of said apparatus.

9. The apparatus of CLAIM 7, wherein when said moveable peeler cups move back and away from said fixed peeler cups, said linear drive actuator drives said plunger through said filtering means, whereby said fruit's core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and the dried fruit core falls into and through said chamber formed by said fixed and moveable peeler cups.

10. The apparatus of CLAIM 7, further comprising spray nozzles mounted at selected positions on said chassis.

11. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
a chassis having mounted thereon juice extraction means;
said juice extraction means having means for storing said fruit, said storing means having a plurality of apertures therein for allowing articles of said fruit to be deposited between at least two pairs of mating concave hemispheres, each of said pairs having one movable and one fixed hemisphere;
drive means for actuating means for forcing each of the movable of said concave hemispheres against its mating fixed concave hemisphere, thereby pressing an article of said fruit deposited between said hemispheres;
each of said movable concave hemispheres having a central pin and each of said fixed concave hemispheres having a perforating tube for the extraction of juice from said article of fruit, whereby the solid residue is deposited in a receptacle and the liquid is passed through a filter and then falls into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein.

12. The apparatus of CLAIM 11, wherein said perforating tube has multiple transverse slits of increasing diameter from inside to outside.

13. The apparatus of CLAIM 11, wherein each of said concave hemispheres having its concave surface defined by a plurality of spaced-apart radial blades.

14. The apparatus of CLAIM 13, wherein said radial blades of each of said hemispheres are of at least two different lengths.

15. The apparatus of CLAIM 14, wherein when said movable hemisphere is forced against its mating fixed hemisphere, said radial blades of said movable hemisphere are positioned intermediate said radial blades of said fixed hemisphere.

16. The apparatus of CLAIM 11, wherein said movable hemispheres are attached to opposing ends of said forcing means fore driving both movable hemispheres in a back and forth cycle, said moveable hemispheres at each of the ends of said forcing means being driven in a manner such that when one of said movable hemispheres is opening to allow said article of fruit to fall between it and its mating fixed hemisphere, said moveable hemisphere at the opposing end of said forcing means is closing upon said fruit between it and said other of said fixed hemispheres and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by forcing said fruit's core through its said perforating tube, whereby extracted juice flows to said reservoir.

17. The apparatus of CLAIM 16, further comprising a plunger which moves through each of said tubes and expels said fruit's core from the forward end of said tubes and, whereby when one of said moveable hemispheres is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.

18. "IMPROVED CONFIGURATION FOR A SELF-CLEANING
FILTER WITH REMOVABLE PERFORATING POINT FOR THE
EXTRACTION OF FRUIT JUICE," consisting of a cylindrical filter body (1) constructed of stainless steel or other food grade, nontoxic materials, where at one extreme end a removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge (2) is attached, by threads or other methods, and is constructed so as to terminate in a sharp knife edged circular point (3) , which functions by first perforating the fruit's peel in a manner such that permits the pumping action of a moveable peeler cup (6) (a concave and radially cut hemisphere) to force a core section of fruit (C) to enter completely into said filter (F) , and since the main body (1) of the filter is of a tubular cylindrical shape and is configured to have a multitude of transverse radial slits (4) with conical, or V-shaped, format, positioned parallel with respect to each other (5) , and which can be spaced and sized variably, dependent on the juice (J) can produce many juice products with varying desired characteristics. The nature and numbers of the multitude of transverse radial slits (4) with conical, or V-shaped, generate greater efficiency and yield in juice extrac-tion, due to a pressure differential between the inside and outside portions of the filter, inducing a "Venturi Effect" which accelerates juice flow from the inside to the outside of the filter, thus promoting greater juice (J) yield and greater productivity by helping to maintain these passageways clear of obstructions and reducing clogging and cleaning frequency.

19. A filter for use in an apparatus for the extraction of fruit juice comprising:
a cylindrical filter body having connected at one end thereof a removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge terminating in a circular point, for perforating the peel of an article of fruit, whereby a moveable concave and radially cut hemisphere of said apparatus forces a core section of said fruit to enter said filter body, said filter body having a plurality of spaced-apart parallel transverse radial slits therein.

20. The filter of CLAIM 19 wherein said filter body is of nontoxic materials.

21. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
a chassis having mounted thereon juice extraction means;
said juice extraction means having means for storing said fruit, said storing means having a plurality of apertures therein for allowing articles of said fruit to be deposited between at least two pairs of mating radially cut and concave hemispheres, each of said pairs having one movable and one fixed hemisphere;
drive means for actuating means for forcing each of the movable of said concave hemispheres against its mating fixed concave hemisphere, thereby pressing an article of said fruit deposited between said hemispheres;
each of said movable concave hemispheres having a central pin and each of said fixed concave hemispheres having a perforating tube for the extraction of juice from said article of fruit, whereby the solid residue is deposited in a receptacle and the liquid is passed through a filter and then falls into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein;
said filter comprising a cylindrical filter body of nontoxic materials, having connected at one end thereof a removable cylindrical perforating cutting edge terminating in a circular point, for perforating the peel of said article of fruit, whereby said moveable concave and radially cut hemisphere forces a core section of said fruit to enter said filter body, said filter body having a plurality of spaced-apart parallel transverse radial slits.

22. The apparatus of CLAIM 21, wherein said transverse slits are of increasing diameter from inside to outside.

23. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
two fixed peeler cups and two moveable peeler cups attached to a chassis in mating pairs of fixed and moveable peeler cups, said cups being concave hemi-spheres, each pair being located at opposing ends of said chassis, where said moveable peeler cups are each attached to opposing ends of a single linear drive actuator for driving both movable peeler cups in a back and forth cycle, said moveable peeler cup at each of the ends of said linear actuator being driven in a manner such that when one of said peeler cups is opening to allow an article of fruit to fall within its concave chamber formed in conjunction with its mating fixed peeler cusp, said moveable peeler cup at the opposing end of said linear actuator is closing upon said fruit inside said chamber formed by the intermeshing of said moveable and fixed peeler cups, and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by pumping said fruit's core through a filtering means mounted in said mating fixed peeler cup, said filtering means having a cutting point at its forward opening and radially cut slits to permit said fruit's core to enter completely into said filtering means which allows for the extracted juice to flow through and be collected in juice collection means connected to said fixed peeler cup, followed by the motion of a plunger which travels through said filtering means and pushes directly on said fruit' s core until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and, whereby, the dried fruit core of said fruit is forced through said moveable peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through a fruit core receiving means, whereby when said moveable peeler cup is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.

24 . The apparatus of CLAIM 23 , wherein said pair of peeler cups positioned at one end of said apparatus are 180 degrees out of phase with respect to said pair of peeler cups at the opposing end of said apparatus.

25. The apparatus of CLAIM 23, wherein when said moveable peeler cups move back and away from said fixed peeler cups, said linear drive actuator drives said plunger through raid filtering means, whereby said fruit's core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and the dried fruit core falls into and through said chamber formed by said fixed and moveable peeler cups.

26. The apparatus of CLAIM 23, further comprising spray nozzles mounted at selected positions on said chassis.

27. The apparatus of CLAIM 23, channel means is positioned in said moveable peeler cups to direct said fruit forced through said moveable peeler cups to further fall through a fruity core receiving means, said receiving means be angulated downwardly with respect to the said moveable peeler cup within which it is positioned.

28. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
a chassis having mounted thereon juice extraction means;
said juice extraction means having means for storing said fruit, said storing means having a plurality of apertures therein for allowing articles of said fruit to be deposited between at least two pairs of mating concave hemispheres, each of said pairs having one movable and one fixed hemisphere;
drive means for actuating means for forcing each of the movable of said concave hemispheres against its mating fixed concave hemisphere, thereby pressing an article of said fruit deposited between said hemispheres;
each of said movable concave hemispheres having a central pin and each of said fixed concave hemispheres having a perforating tube for the extraction of juice from said article of fruit, whereby the solid residue is deposited in a receptacle and the liquid is passed through a filter and then falls into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein and the dried fruit core of said fruit is forced through said moveable peeler cups.

29. The apparatus of CLAIM 28, wherein said perforating tube has multiple transverse slits of increasing diameter from inside to outside.

30. The apparatus of CLAIM 28, wherein each of said concave hemispheres having its concave surface defined by a plurality of spaced-apart radial blades.

31. The apparatus of CLAIM 30, wherein said radial blades of each of said hemispheres are of at least two different lengths.

32. The apparatus of CLAIM 31, wherein when said movable hemisphere is forced against its mating fixed hemisphere, said radial blades of said movable hemisphere are positioned intermediate said radial blades of said fixed hemisphere.

33. The apparatus of CLAIM 28, wherein said movable hemispheres are attached to opposing ends of said forcing means for driving both movable hemispheres in a back and forth cycle, said moveable hemispheres at each of the ends of said forcing means being driven in a manner such that when one of said movable hemispheres is opening to allow said article of fruit to fall between it and its mating fixed hemisphere, said moveable hemisphere at the opposing end of said forcing means is closing upon said fruit between it and said other of said fixed hemispheres and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by forcing raid fruit's core through its said perforating tube, whereby extracted juice flows to said reservoir.

34. The apparatus of CLAIM 33, further comprising a plunger which moves through each of said tubes and expels said fruit's core from the forward end of said tubes and, whereby when one of said moveable hemispheres is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.

35. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
two sets of moveable peeler cups attached to a chassis in mating pairs of internal and external moveable peeler cups, said cups being concave hemispheres, each pair being located at opposing ends of said chassis, where said internal moveable peeler cups are each attached to opposing ends of a linear drive actuator for driving both sets of movable peeler cups in a back and forth cycle, said internal moveable peeler cups at each of the ends of said linear actuator being driven in a manner such that when one of said internal peeler cups is opening to allow an article of fruit to fall within its concave chamber formed in conjunction with its mating external peeler cup, said internal moveable peeler cup at the opposing end of said linear actuator is closing upon said fruit inside said chamber formed by the intermeshing of said internal and external moveable peeler cups, and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by pumping said fruit's core through a filtering means mounted in said mating fixed peeler cup, said filtering means having a cutting point at its forward opening and radially cut slits to permit said fruit's core to enter completely into said filtering means which allows for the extracted juice to flow through and be collected in juice collection means connected to said fixed peeler cup, followed by the motion of a plunger which travels through said filtering means and pushes directly on said fruit's core until said core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and, whereby, the dried fruit core of said fruit is forced through said internal moveable peeler cups, and is directed to further fall through a fruit core receiving means, whereby when said moveable peeler cup is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.

36. The apparatus of CLAIM 35, wherein said pair of peeler cups positioned at one end of said apparatus are 180 degrees out of phase with respect to said pair of peeler cups at the opposing end of said apparatus.

37. The apparatus of CLAIM 35, wherein when said internal moveable peeler cups move back and away from said eternal peeler cups, said linear drive actuator drives said plunger through said filtering means, whereby said fruit's core is expelled completely from the forward end of said filtering means and the dried fruit core falls into and through said chamber formed by said internal and external moveable peeler cups.

38. The apparatus of CLAIM 35, further comprising spray nozzles mounted at selected positions on said chassis.

39. The apparatus of CLAIM 35, channel means is positioned in said internal moveable peeler cups to direct said fruit forced through said internal moveable peeler cups to further fall through a fruit core receiving means, said receiving means be angulated downwardly with respect to the said internal moveable peeler cup within which it is positioned.

40. A fruit juice extraction apparatus comprising:
a chassis having mounted thereon juice extraction means;
said juice extraction means having means for storing said fruit, said storing means having a plurality of apertures therein for allowing articles of said fruit to be deposited between at least two pairs of mating concave hemispheres, each of said pairs having one internal movable and one external moveable hemisphere;
drive means for actuating means for forcing each of the internal movable of said concave hemispheres against its mating external moveable concave hemisphere, thereby pressing an article of said fruit deposited between said hemispheres;
each of said external movable concave hemispheres having a central pin and each of said internal moveable concave hemispheres having a perforat-ing tube for the extraction of juice from said article of fruit, whereby the solid residue is deposited in a receptacle and the liquid is passed through a filter and then falls into a reservoir which has outlet ports therein and the dried fruit core of said fruit is forced through said internal moveable peeler cups.

41. The apparatus of CLAIM 40, wherein said perforating tube has multiple transverse slits of increasing diameter from inside to outside.

42. The apparatus of CLAIM 41, wherein each of said concave hemispheres. having its concave surface defined by a plurality of spaced-apart radial blades.

43. The apparatus of CLAIM 42, wherein said radial blades of each of said hemispheres are of at least two different lengths.

44. The apparatus of CLAIM 43, wherein when said internal movable hemisphere is forced against its mating external moveable hemisphere, said radial blades of said internal movable hemisphere are positioned intermediate said radial blades of said fixed hemisphere.

45. The apparatus of CLAIM 41, wherein said internal movable hemispheres are attached to opposing ends of said forcing means for driving both internal movable hemispheres in a back and forth cycle, said internal moveable hemispheres at each of the ends of said forcing means being driven in a manner such that when one of said internal movable hemispheres is opening to allow said article of fruit to fall between it and its mating external moveable hemisphere, said internal moveable hemisphere at the opposing end of said forcing means is closing upon said fruit between it and said other of said external hemispheres and shearing said fruit's skin as it initiates the peeling process and continues to complete the juicing cycle by forcing said fruit's core through its said perforating tube, whereby extracted juice flows to said reservoir.

46. The apparatus of CLAIM 45, further comprising a plunger which moves through each of said tubes and expels said fruit's core from the forward end of said tubes and, whereby when one of said internal moveable hemispheres is in the full open position, said apparatus is positioned to commence another fruit juice extraction cycle.