36 MODERN FRUIT MARKETING 



Most of the mechanical graders work on practically 

 the same principle. They have a series of cups or open- 

 ings into which the apples are fed from the hopper. 

 As these cups advance they gradually increase in size 

 until the apple contained in them falls through. The 

 cups are the smallest at the intake. As the fruit ad- 

 vances, it falls through at different places, and is caught 

 in receptacles or compartments according to the sizes 



Fig. 25. A MECHANICAL GRADER HAVING A MOVEABLE WEB 



desired for packing. From these compartments it is 

 packed into boxes or barrels as the case may be. There 

 are several different types on the market, but these cups 

 constitute the main principle. Some of them have long 

 webs, and the cups pass around these webs like a belt. 

 Others work in horizontal circles and still others are on 

 a vertical wheel resembling somewhat the principle of 

 the old-fashioned water-wheel. 



In Figure. 26 is shown a method of grading. The 

 sizing is accomplished by 28 wooden flights mounted on 



