Assessment of the condition of fruit and vegetables

摘要

Apparatus for assessing the condition of fruit or vegetables comprises a transducer ( 22 ) which is brought into contact with the surface of fruit or vegetable ( 12 ) in a tapping motion. The transducer ( 22 ), where it contacts the fruit or vegetable's surface is generally curved in shape to ensure accuracy of measurement over a relatively wide range of angles of impact with the fruit or vegetable ( 12 ). The transducer ( 22 ) can be delivered to and away from the fruit or vegetable surface by an air controlled bellows arrangement.