Haith Seeks to Patent New Method of Transferring Crops Between Conveyors

Haith aims to improve the transfer of delicate produce in pack houses and factories with the introduction of its patent-pending Pro-Flow Transfer Chute. The invention protects potatoes, sweet potatoes, as well as carrots and other sensitive produce from bruising and damage when moving from one conveyor to another.

Haith has been testing the Pro-Flow Transfer Cushion at several UK sites over the last few months. Following reports that the new feature was successful in reducing damage, Haith has put the chute on general sale.

Haith’s Pro-Flow Transfer Chute is completely different to existing methods of transferring crops between conveyors. The new product creates a trampoline effect by tensioning a loop of PVC material between two stainless steel tie rods. This creates an air pocket which cushions the crop as it is transferred.

The cushioning effect created by Haith eliminates the bruising that can occur with gravity transfer. Haith’s Pro-Flow Transfer Chute offers greater cushioning when compared to traditional steel chutes. While steel chutes can be padded, they are still subject to wear and when the soft landing detaches, foreign body contamination can occur.

Haith’s Transfer Chute can be fitted to conveyors and machines, such as even flows and box fillers, with Haith’s design engineers considering the belt speed, drive roll diameter, drop height and produce type to tailor each chute to precise needs of each application.

“The Haith Pro-Flow Transfer Chute is a response to our customers’ needs. In certain situations, the way traditional conveyor systems handle produce is too rough, and the crop can be damaged. The Pro Flow Transfer Chute is the solution to this problem,” says David Haith, engineering director of Haith Group. “Many packers are now employing optical graders with multiple outlets, up to 12 in some cases, to satisfy the increased demand for uniform sizing and appearance in the end pack. The Haith Pro-Flow Transfer Cushion ensures that the vast majority of the crop meets the end customer’s requirement in terms of appearance,” Haith continued.

Haith plans to incorporate the Pro-Flow Transfer Chute into all of its lines from now on. At the moment the company is looking at how they can retrofit it into existing systems.