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APPLE BOX DUIiPIMG AIDS 



Considerable apple bruising occvirs when the fruit is dumped onto the receiv- 

 ing belt or the feed table of the grader. In many instances, when apples are 

 dvimped onto the grader, the boxes are held in such a way that the fruit falls 

 from a height of several inches, A study of this operation made by Michigan 

 State University showed that, on the average, each apple when dumped in this 

 manner, received at Isast one bruise, a quarter of an inch or more in diameter. 



How can the grower minimize the bruising that occurs when apples are 

 dumped onto the gradsrt One of the first answers might be to use a reliable 

 worker in this operation. However, when one stops to consider that hand 

 lifting and dumping of apples onto the grader is one of. the hardest and 

 most tiring jobs in the entire apple packing procedure, it will be realized 

 that even the most conscientious workers tend to tire and become careless, 

 it is known that by placing one's hand and arm on the apples whenthey are 

 being dumped, will reduce bruising considerably but as previously mentioned, 

 fatigue leads to carelessness. Therefore, to answer the question on how 

 the grower can minimiae apple bruisingj it can be best done by the use of some 

 kind of a dumpiiig aid. 



The use of a pad placed over the top of an .apple box when the worker 

 tips the box can reduce bruising. After tipping the box, the worker should 

 gradually raise the pad to allow the apples to roll gently onto the receiving 

 belt or the feed table of the grader. Counter - balancing the pad makes it 

 more ccBvenient to use. 



Another inexpensive dumping aid is a canvas bag, "The operator places 

 a canvas bag, Td.th one end tacked to the gi'ader, over the top of the box of 

 fruit while he tips the box over. Then he releases the bag and lifts the 

 box gently to allow the apples to flow out," 



Hand operated mechanical dumpers are available, being sold by various 

 manuf actxirers . On the other hand, such a device may be constructed by 

 growers viho have access to a well-equipped farm shop. It is doubtful that 

 the bruising is less with these mechanical dumpers than with careful hand 

 dumping vdth a padded board but they do make it easier for the worker to do 

 a better job with less exertion. 



One type of dumping mechanism consists of a pivoted box holder, supported 

 by a rigid frame in such a Y.'ay that a filled box placed on the holder can 

 be easily raised into dujnping position and held, A strong coil spring assists 

 in elevating and tipping of the box. An adjustable padded box lid holds the 

 apples in the crate while the box is being positioned for dumping. During 

 the dumping operation this hinged cover swings open allowing the apples to 

 flow onto- the receiving belt or feed table of the grader in a single layer. 



Completely automatic box dumpers are available, also. These have been 

 found to be satisfactory both from the standpoint of less bruising and 

 economy of operation but are relatively expensive. 



