Patent Publication Number: US-2021178717-A1

Title: Hydraulic Press for Food Items

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Devices for extracting fresh juice from food matter such as fruits and vegetables have been developed over the years for both home and commercial markets. In commercial applications, a press needs to be robust and cleanable. A press may also need to be able to have a high capacity in order to meet demand of a cafeteria, restaurant, or juice bar. 
     It would be an advancement in the art to provide an improved press for use in commercial applications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is front view of a produce pack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the produce pack of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2C  are isometric views of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of a hydraulic drive of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic drive of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a housing of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a lid for a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a sidewall for a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross sectional view of a produce pack and hook in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a process flow diagram of electronic components of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a isometric view of a press including a drive-side cover incorporating a user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A to 10C  illustrate inner spout guides for a lid of a press in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of a multi-use produce pack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a rear view of the multi-use produce pack of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12  is rear view of the multi-use produce pack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a closure mechanism for the produce pack of  FIG. 11A  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross sectional view of the produce pack of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of a filter pouch for use with the produce pack of  FIG. 11A ; 
       and 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a filter sheet for use with the produce pack of  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the press as described below may be used using the illustrated produce pack  10 . The produce pack  10  may be formed of a front layer  12   a  and a back layer  12   b  defining a compartment  12  between them. In some embodiments, the front layer and back layer  12   a ,  12   b  are separate layers fused together. In others, the front layer and back layer  12   a ,  12   b  are formed monolithically, such as by co-molding to form the compartment  12 . 
     In some embodiments, a filter pouch  14  is positioned within the compartment  12 . For example, a sheet of filter material may be positioned in the compartment  12  with one side  14   a  interfacing with the front layer  12   a  and one side  14   b  interfacing with the back layer  12   b  with a fold  16  in the layer  12   a  between the sides  14   a ,  14   b . Note that sides  14   a ,  14   b  may be formed of separate pieces such that the sides  14   a ,  14   b  are fused to one another at their bottom edges in place of the fold  16 . 
     The produce pack  10  may further define a spout  18  that is in fluid communication with the compartment  12  such that contents of the filter pouch  14  forced through the filter pouch  14  may exit the compartment  12  through the spout  18 . 
     The produce pack  10  may further define a hanger  20  for suspending the produce pack  10  within a press, such as a press as described herein below. For example, the hanger  20  may be an opening passing through portions of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  defining a perimeter of the compartment  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  have edges  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  defining a quadrilateral shape, such as a rectangle or square. As is apparent in  FIG. 8 , there may be curved, angled, or other-shaped transitions between edges  22   a - 22   d . In the illustrated embodiment, the spout protrudes from a region intersected by bottom edge  22   a  and a right edge  22   c  (not that bottom, top, left, and right are relative to the figure and do not indicate actual orientation during use). In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger  20  is formed in a region intersected by the same bottom edge  22   a  and a left edge  22   b . As shown in the figures below, using this orientation the spout  18  is elevated when the produce pack is suspended by the hanger  20 . 
     In some embodiments, prior to filling and sealing, there are extensions  24  of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b , and possibly the sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the filter pouch. Prior to filing, the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  are fused along the bottom, left, and right edges  22   a - 22   c  and the top edge  22   d  is not fused such that the extensions  24  defines an opening for placing of food items within the compartment  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  are separate layers of impermeable material fused to one another along their perimeters in region  26  in order to define the compartment  12 . Note also that the edges of sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the filter pouch  14  may also extend into this region  26  and may likewise be fused in order to form the filter pouch  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , prior to filling, the compartment  12  and filter pouch  14  are open at the top of the extension  24  to define an opening  28  for inserting food items. The hanger  10  may be formed in a widened portion of the fused region  26  that is located at the intersection of the right edge  22   b  and the bottom edge  22   a    
     In some embodiments, the extension  24  includes holes  30  for suspending the produce pack  10  during filling. For example, there may be tabs  32  that are part of the fused region  26  that protrude outwardly. In use, these holes  30  may be suspended on hooks, posts, or some other structure to support the produce pack  10 . 
     In some embodiments, upper edges of the sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the filter pouch  14  may be fused in regions  34  to the extensions  24  of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b , respectively such that edges of the sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the filter pouch  14  do not interfere with filling of the compartment  12  and filter pouch. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the extension  24  is narrower than the compartment  12 . For example, a separation between sides  42  of the extension along a dimension parallel to the bottom  22   a  may be smaller than a separation between the left edge  22   b  and right edge  22   c  along the same dimension. 
     Following filling, a region  44  extending between portions of the fused region  26  on either side of the compartment  12  may be fused to define the upper edge  22   d  of the compartment  12 . The extension  24  above this fused region  34  may then be trimmed off. As is apparent, fusing region  44  will fuse all of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  and the sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the filter pouch, thereby also closing the filter pouch and the chamber  12  at the top. 
     In some embodiments, there may be additional fused regions (fusing of the layers  12   a ,  12   b  and sides  14   a ,  14   b ) to improve functioning of the produce pack  10 . For example, in some applications, the pressure applied to the produce pack may be very high. As discussed below, a burstable seal may be used such that this pressure may be released suddenly. To avoid bursting of the filter pouch, a row of fused regions  46  may be defined along the bottom edge  22   a , e.g. offset from the bottom edge  22   a  such that they are closer to the bottom edge  22   a  than to the top edge  22   b  but such that the fold  16  of the filter pouch  14  is located between the fused regions  46  and the bottom edge  22   a . For example, the top of the fused regions in  FIG. 1A  may be less than 10 percent of the separation between edges  22   a ,  22   b  from the edge  22   a  along a vertical direction  148   a.    
     As is apparent, the fused regions  46  may be distributed in row. For example, the vertical dimension  48   a  may be defined as substantially parallel to the left and right edges  22   a ,  22   b  of the compartment  12 . For purposes of this disclosure the term “substantially” used with reference to an angle shall be understood to mean within 5 degrees of that angle. A horizontal dimension  48   b  may be defined that is perpendicular to the vertical dimension  48   a  and substantially parallel to the bottom and top edges  22   a ,  22   d.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fused regions  46  are distributed along a line parallel to the horizontal dimension  48   b  and are separated by gaps  50  along the horizontal dimension  48   a . As is apparent, the fused regions  46  have a length in the vertical direction  48   b  that is greater (between 2 and 5 times) than the width of the regions  46  in the horizontal direction  48   a . Note also that the gap  50  between adjacent fused regions  46  may have a width in the horizontal direction  48  that is greater (between 2 and 4 times) than the width of the individual regions  46 . 
     The fused regions  46  may reduce stress on the fold  16  of the filter pouch  14 . For example, the fused regions  46  may limit the flow of material toward the fold  16  upon bursting of the burstable seal and may reduce the amount of bulging outwardly of the filter pouch  14  in the region of the fold  16 . 
     In some embodiments, an additional fused region  52  (fusing of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b ) may be defined in the compartment  12  below the fold  16  of the filter pouch  14 , such as between the fold  16  and the lower edge  22   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the fused region  52  is an elongate fused region with the long dimension thereof substantially parallel to the bottom edge  22   a  and the horizontal direction  48   b.    
     Fluid flow around the fused region  52  to the spout  18  may be facilitated by gaps  54  between the ends of the fused region  52  and the perimeter of the chamber  12 , i.e. the fused region  26 . As shown, the length of the fused region  52  in the horizontal dimension  48   b  is much larger (between 5 and 10 times) than the combined width of the gaps  54  in the horizontal dimension  48   b.    
     As is apparent, the fused regions  46  and the elongate fused region  52  divide the compartment  12  into three regions  56   a ,  56   b , and  56   c . In operation, food items are located within region  56   a . Upon pressing, juice and/or other material may be forced past the fused regions  46  and out of the filter pouch  14 . This juice and/or other material may then be force around the elongate fused region  52  into the region  54   c . As is apparent, the region  54   c  is connected to the spout  18 . 
     The fused region  26  may define a channel  60  connected to region  56   c  that is blocked by a burstable seal  62 . For example, the burstable seal  62  may be a fused region of the front and back layers  12   a ,  12   b  that is weakly fused as compared to the fused region  26  and therefore burstable at pressures lower than that required to burst the fused region  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seal  62  is a sideways “v” with the point of the v pointing toward the region  56   c . In this manner, the point of the V will tend to be pried apart by pressure in order to burst the seal  62 . An example approach for implementing a burstable seal is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/447,358 filed Mar. 2, 2017, and entitled JUICER CARTRIDGE WITH BURSTABLE SEAL, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Upon bursting of the seal  62 , fluid in the region  54   c  is allowed to flow out of the channel  60  and exit the chamber  12 . Presence of the elongated fused region  52  limits the rate of flow from regions  56   a  and  56   b  into the region  56   c  and therefore moderates the outflow of liquid, thereby reducing instances of splattering or rupturing of the spout  16  or portion of the region  26  defining the bottom edge  22 A. Note that the elongated fused region  52  may be omitted in some applications and is not required for normal function of the produce pack  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the spout  16  may include a removable closure  64 , which may be embodied as a portion of the fused region  26  having notches  66  on either side of the channel  60  that facilitate manual tearing off of the closure  64 . 
       FIG. 1A  further illustrates other features of the spout  18 . In particular, note that the channel  16  may be curved or bent such that the edges at the end of the channel  60  (furthest from the chamber  12 ) are not parallel to the lower edge  22   a  but rather is bent away from the bottom edge  22   a . In particular, the angle  66  of the end portions of the channel  60  may be substantially 45 degrees relative to edge  22   a  such that the end portion points substantially vertically downward when the produce pack  10  is suspended by the hanger  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a protuberance  70  extends inwardly from the edge  22   c  along the channel  62  and the burstable seal extends between this protuberance  70  and the bottom edge  22   a . The protuberance  70  may be embodied as a fused portion of the layers  12   a ,  12   b . As is apparent, an inner portion of the channel  60  may therefore be defined by an edge of the protuberance  70  and the bottom edge  22   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the channel in the vertical direction is the same as a height of the portion  56   c  between the bottom edge and the elongated member  52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C , the illustrated press  100  may be used to press food items contained within a produce pack, such as the produce pack  10  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The operation and structure of the press  100  may be understood with respect to a vertical direction  102   a , horizontal direction  102   b , and a longitudinal direction  102   c  that are all perpendicular to one another with the vertical direction  102   a  being substantially parallel to the direction of gravity during use. 
     The press  100  may include a base  104  for supporting the press  100  on a supporting surface and being substantially parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b  and the longitudinal direction  102   c . In the illustrated embodiment, the base  104  is supported by feet located at its corners, but these may be omitted or substituted in other embodiments. 
     A wall  106  extends vertically upward from the base  104  and has a pressing side  108   a  and a drive side  108   b  that are oriented substantially parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c . As described in greater detail below, the pressing side may function as a non-moving platen for pressing the produce pack  10 . As also described in greater detail below, the drive side  108   b  may form part of a hydraulic drive system for actuating a movable platen. 
     The pressing side  108   a  may cooperate with a front wall  110 , sidewall  112 , rear wall  114 , and the base  104  to define a pressing chamber. The front wall  110  and rear wall  114  may be substantially parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b , the sidewall  112  may be substantially parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c.    
     A lid  116  covers the pressing chamber during use and may be attached by a hinge to the rear wall  114 . In particular, the rear wall  114  may include a curved top portion  118  that curves inwardly toward the lid  116  and the lid  116  may attach to this curved top portion  118  by means of a hinge. As is apparent, the lid  116  includes a top portion  120  that is parallel to the horizontal and longitudinal directions  102   b ,  102   c  during use and a front portion  122  that is parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b . The lid  116  may include a curved transition  124  between the top portion  120  and front portion  122  that may have a radius of curvature matching that of the curved top portion  118 . The curved top portion  118  and curved transition  124  may be curved about an axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b . A handle  126  may be secured to the lid, such as to the front portion  122  to facilitate opening. 
     In operation, the produce pack  100  is placed in the pressing chamber with the hanger  20  engaging either the wall  106  or side wall  112  and the lid  116  is closed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a hook  128  is secured to the wall  106  and the hanger  20  is placed over the hook  128 . In this orientation, the vertical dimension  48   a  of the produce pack  10  is oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction  102   a  and the spout  18  of the produce pack  10  protrudes outwardly with the opening of the spout protruding outwardly from the front wall  110  and from the front portion  122  of the lid  116  when the lid  116  is closed. 
     The lid  116  and front wall  110  may define an opening through which the spout may protrude. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes a slot  130  extending upwardly from a lower edge of the front portion  122  of the lid  116  and a slot  132  extending downwardly from an upper edge of the front wall  110  such that sides of the slots  130 ,  132  are substantially (e.g., within 3 mm) aligned when the lid  116  is closed. The width of the slots  130 ,  132  in the horizontal direction  102   b  may be such that the spout  18  may pass therethrough without interference and may be sufficient to receive the spouts  18  of multiple produce packs  10  simultaneously (e.g. from 2 to 10) such that juice and/or other material may be extracted from multiple produce packs  10  at the same time, provided they and their contents fit within the pressing chamber. For example, the slots  130 ,  132  may have widths of between 4 and 15 mm. The combined heights (distance from bottom of slot  132  to the top of slot  130  when the lid  116  is closed) of the slots  130 ,  132  may be equal to a tolerance plus the extent of the spout  18  in the vertical direction  102   a  when in the illustrated orientation with its vertical dimension  48   a  oriented 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction  102   a . For example, the tolerance may be between 2 and 10 mm. The heights of the slots  130 ,  132  may be equal or unequal. In some embodiments, only one slot is used. For example, a slot  132  may be used whereas slot  130  is omitted. In such embodiments, the slot  132  may have a height equal to the combined height of the slots  130 ,  132  as defined above. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion  122  of the lid  116  overlaps the front wall  110  along the vertical direction  102   a  such that the slots  130 ,  132  likewise overlap one another. 
     As is also apparent, the spout  18  protrudes from the pressing chamber at a position along the vertical direction  102   a  that is substantially centered between the top and bottom of the movable platen  138 , e.g., the bottom of the slot  132  and the top of the slot  130  when the lid is closed may be vertically located within a region that is within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent of the vertical height of the movable platen  138  from the vertical center of the movable platen. 
     A cup holder  134  may secure to the front wall  110  in order to support a cup receiving juice and/or other material emitted from the spout  118 . Alternatively, a cup or pitcher may be placed on the same support surface on which the press  100  rests in order to receive the juice and/or other material. For example, the cup holder  134  may be removable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C  a drive  136 , such as a hydraulic drive  136 , is positioned on the drive side  108   b  of the wall  106 . The drive  136  engages a movable platen  138  that is positioned within or near the side wall  112  during loading. The drive  136  may engage the movable platen  138  by means of one or more shafts  140  passing through the wall  106  and engaging both the drive  136  and the movable platen  138 . The drive  136  may draw the shafts  140  toward itself in order to move the movable platen  138  toward the wall  106 , thereby pressing a produce pack  10  positioned between the wall  106  and movable platen  138 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the drive  136  may include a cylinder  150  mounted to the wall  106  and protruding outwardly from the drive side  108   b  of the wall  106 . The axis of symmetry of the bore of the cylinder  150  may be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder  150  includes a rim  152  that is secured to the wall  106  by fasteners  154 . 
     In some embodiments, a chamber  156  is formed in the wall  106  that extends partially through the wall  106  from the drive side  108   b . The chamber  156  may be cylindrical with an inner diameter and position matching (e.g., within 3 mm) the inner diameter and position of the cylinder  150  when secured to the wall  106 . The axis of symmetry of the chamber  156  may be substantially parallel to that of the cylinder  150 . The chamber  156  may be coupled to a hydraulic pump  158  such that hydraulic fluid may be pumped into and out of the chamber  156 . 
     A piston  160  is slidably positioned within the cylinder  150  and may also move into the chamber  156  during operation. The piston  160  may be cylindrical with its axis of rotational substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the cylinder  150 . The diameter of the piston  160  is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder  150  and chamber  156  and may provide clearance for a folding diaphragm  162 . In particular, the diaphragm  162  may be hat-shaped with the brim  164  of the hat captured between the cylinder  160  and the wall  106  (see cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B ). The crown  166  of the hat extends from the brim of the hat away from the wall  106 . Accordingly, when the piston is at its right-most position in the orientation of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the crown  166  will be collapsed and folded over itself as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When the piston  160  is at its left-most position (forced away from the wall  106  by hydraulic pressure), the crown  166  will unfold partially or completely from its collapsed position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, an opening  168  in the crown  166  of the hat-shaped diaphragm  162  receives a fastener  170  that secures the crown  166  to the piston  160  thereby maintaining the position of the diaphragm and hindering misalignment during use. In the illustrated embodiment, a spacer  172  is positioned between the diaphragm and the piston  160 . The piston  160  may be hollow to reduce its weight such that the spacer  172  is a round metal plate that extends across the open regions of the piston  160  in order to distribute hydraulic pressure to the outer diameter of the piston  160  and any reinforcing webs within the piston  160 . 
     The piston  160  may be secured to a distributor plate  174  that extends outwardly from the piston  160  in a plane parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c . The shafts  140  secured to the movable platen  138  may secure to the distributor plate  174 . For example, the shafts  140  may slidably pass through openings  176  in the wall  106  and through openings  178  in the distributor plate  174 . The shafts  140  may resist removal by means of nuts  180  engaging threaded end portions of the shafts  140 . In particular, force exerted on the piston  160  by hydraulic fluid within the cylinder  150  and chamber  156  is transferred to the distributor plate  174 . The distributor plate  174  pushes against the nuts  180 , thereby pulling the shafts  140  to the left and drawing the movable platen  138  toward the pressing side  108   a  of the wall  106 . 
     In order to isolate the pressing chamber from the drive  136 , one or more O-rings may be positioned within each opening  178 , such as within circumferential groves formed therein, with the shafts  140  passing through the O-rings and elastically deforming them in order to provide a sliding seal. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there are three shafts  140 . In the illustrated distribution, no shaft  140  is positioned adjacent at the top of the front wall  110  and therefore no shaft  140  interferes with positioning of the spout  18  of a produce pack  10  in the manner described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A to 2C . The three shafts  140  may be distributed in the vertical-longitudinal plane (parallel to directions  102   a ,  102   c ) in corners of the wall  106  such that when the produce pack  10  is oriented diagonally as described above the shafts  140  will not interfere with the produce pack  10  since the corners of the produce pack  10  are positioned between adjacent shafts  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the distributor plate  174  is secured to piston  160  by means of a fastener  182  to ensure that the distributor plate  174  slides to left and right in tandem with the piston  160 . In some embodiments, the distributor plate  174  defines a cylindrical groove  184  (see  FIG. 3B ). When the movable platen is moved to the right, the groove  184  provides clearance for the cylinder  150  that inserts within the groove  184 . Accordingly, the axis of symmetry of the groove  184  may be substantially parallel to that of the cylinder  150 . 
     In some embodiments, a biasing system provides a restoring force that urges the distributor plate  174  and piston  160  toward the wall  106  when hydraulic pressure is not applied to the piston  160 . For example, a plurality of bolts  186  may pass through the distributor plate  174  and secure to the wall  106 . Springs  188  encircle the bolts  186  and are positioned between the distributor plate  174  and the heads of the bolts  186 . In this manner, the springs  188  tend to urge the distributor plate toward the wall  106 . In some embodiments, washers  190  distribute force from the springs  188  to the heads of the bolts. In some embodiments, cylindrical sheaths  192  are positioned around the shafts of the bolts  186  and are positioned between the bolts  186  and the springs  188  in order to provide a smooth surface engaging the springs  188 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there are four bolts  186  and corresponding springs  188 . The bolts  186  may be positioned in pairs with each pair being positioned around one of the shafts  140  and corresponding openings  178 . 
     In some embodiments, a reservoir  194  for hydraulic fluid is positioned on the base  104  on the drive side  108   b  of the wall  106  and is coupled by hydraulic lines to the hydraulic pump  158 . The height of the reservoir  194  may be such that it does not interfere with movement of the piston  160  and distributor plate  174 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , a portion of the base  104  adjacent the right side may be raised thereby defining a shoulder or stop surface  196  that is parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c  and extends along the right edge of the base  104  set inwardly from the right edge. In some embodiments, a magnet  198  may be embedded in the base adjacent this stop surface  196  in order to detain a cover positioned on the right side of the press  100  as described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments the housing of the press  100 , particularly those components surrounding the pressing chamber on the pressing side  108   a  of the wall  106 , may be removable in order to facilitate cleaning. In particular, these components may be removable without the use of tools. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 4  while also referring to  FIG. 5 , in the illustrated embodiment, a hinge pin  200  protrudes from the wall  106  in the horizontal direction  102   b , i.e. a cylinder with its axis of symmetry substantially parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b . The lid  106  may define a corresponding hole  202  sized to slide over the hinge pin  200  while still permitting rotation about the hinge pin  200 . In the illustrated embodiment the hole  202  is defined in a curved flange  204  that extends downwardly from the top portion  120  of the lid  116 . In particular, the curved flange  204  enables the lid  106  to connect to the hinge pint  200  that is located rearwardly of the front edge of the curved portion  118  of the rear wall. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the curved flange  204  includes a straight portion that extends downwardly (substantially perpendicular to vertical direction  102   a  when the lid  116  is closed) from the top portion with a distal end of the straight portion transitioning to a curved portion that curves backwardly and upwardly thereby enabling the front edge of the curved portion  118 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  further illustrate other features that may be included in the lid  116 . For example, the slot  130  may include a rim  206  that extends around the slot  130  and protrudes outwardly therefrom, such as from 3 to 5 mm, to further maintain the orientation of the spout  18  of the produce pack  10  when protruding through the slot  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the front portion  122  includes a rib  208  that protrudes inwardly from the front portion  122  and is oriented substantially parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b . The movable platen  138  may further include a notch  210 . In operation, as the movable platen  138  is drawn toward the wall  106 , the notch  210  slides over the rib  208  thereby preventing opening of the lid  116 . In an alternative embodiment, the rib  208  is formed on the movable platen  138  and a corresponding notch  210  is formed on the lid  116  and engages the rib  208  to prevent opening of the lid  116 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lid  116  further includes pins  212  or other structures extending downwardly at the right edge of the top portion  120 . These may engage corresponding structures on the sidewall  112 . For example, brackets  214  may be secured to the sidewall  112  and define openings into which the pins  212  insert when the sidewall  112  is engaged and the lid  116  is closed thereby hindering removal of the sidewall  112  when the lid  116  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the sidewall  116  defines a recessed region  216  that extends around its inner top edge and inner front edge (and a curved transition between them). The lid  116  (top portion  120  and front portion  122 ) may seat within this recessed region  216 . The brackets  214  may be secured within further recessed regions extending below the recessed region  216 . The wall  106  may further define a recessed region  218  around its top and front edges (and a curved transition between them) on the pressing side  108  and into which the lid  116  (top portion  120  and front portion  122 ) seats when closed. The recessed region  218  may define a further recessed region  220  extending below the recessed region  218 . The hook  128  may be located on this recessed region  220  such that the hook  128  does not interfere with closing of the lid  116 . 
     The sidewall  112  may further define a recess  222  extending across a major portion of the extent of the sidewall in the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c . The recess  222  may have a depth in the horizontal direction  102   b  when the sidewall  112  is installed on the base  104  that is equal to or greater than a thickness of the movable platen  138  in the horizontal direction  102   b . When hydraulic pressure is not applied to the piston  160 , the springs  188  may urge the movable platen  138  into this recess  222 . The amount of travel of the movable platen  138  may be limited by the length of the shafts  140  and may be configured such that the movable platen  138  is not pressed against the sidewall  112 , which would tend to dislodge it. 
     A rear edge  224 , such as an inner rear edge  224 , of the sidewall  112  may have arms  226  protruding therefrom and having pins  228  secured thereto and extending downwardly therefrom in the vertical direction  102   a , such as cylindrical pins  228  with the axes of symmetry thereof oriented substantially parallel to the vertical direction  102   a  when the sidewall  112  is secured to the press  100 . 
     The rear wall  114  may define corresponding protrusions  232  defining holes  232  sized to receive the pins  228  while still permitting rotation of the pins  228  within the holes  232 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall  114  defines a vertical recessed region  234  extending inwardly from its left edge. The protrusions  232  may protrude into this recessed region  234 . 
     A lower edge  236  of the side wall  116  may be sized to seat against the raised surface  196  and may further include a magnet or ferromagnetic material for retaining the lower edge  236  in engagement with the raised surface  196  by means of interaction with the magnet  198 . 
     In some embodiments, a tray  238  is secured to the front wall  110  and the tray  238  and front wall  110  are likewise removable. In particular, the tray  238  extends rearwardly from the front wall  110  in the longitudinal direction  102   c . The tray  238  defines a basin or receptacle  240  positioned at the bottom of the pressing chamber and that can collect material that is released from a produce pack  10  in the event of a rupture. 
     The base  104  may define a receptacle for receiving the tray  138 , such as by means of surfaces  242  that protrude vertically from the base  104  and extend in the longitudinal direction  102   c . The tray  138  may therefore insert between these surfaces  242 . The base  104  may define a further receptacle or basin  244  between the surfaces  242  that may collect material that is not collected by the basin  240  of the tray  138 , such as due to overflow or splashing. In some embodiments, a portion of the front wall  110  extends below the tray  138 . The base  104  may define a notch  248  sized to receive this portion. The front wall  110  may also seat within the recesses  216 ,  218  in the sidewall  116  and wall  106 , respectively, when installed on the press  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the front wall  110  defines a recessed portion  250  for receiving the cup holder  134 . For example, the cup holder may include a narrowed portion  252  sized to insert within the recessed portion  250 . The inner wall  254  of the recessed portion  250  may be oriented substantially parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b  and may have one or more hangers  256  secured thereto. Where there are multiple hangers  256 , they may be distributed along the vertical direction  102   a  and provide multiple securement points for the cup holder  134  in order to accommodate cups of different sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the hangers  256  are planar members secured to the inner wall  254  at an offset therefrom such as at least top, and possibly top and side, edges thereof are offset from the inner wall  254 . The cup holder  134  may define a slot that receives the top and possibly side edges of the hangers  256  in order to suspend the cup holder  134 . The cup holder  134  may be removed completely in order to provide clearance for a pitcher that can rest on the same support surface as the press  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the front wall  110  may define a flared region  258  at the opening of the slot  1323  such that the slot  132  narrows with distance from the top of the front wall. The flared region  258  may facilitate insertion of the spout  18  into the slot  132 . In some embodiments, flanges  260  may secure to the front wall  110  on either side of the slot  132  and protrude outwardly therefrom. Inward facing surfaces of the flanges  260  may be flush with sides of the slot  132 . The flanges  260  may facilitate alignment of the spout  118  of the produce pack  10  during use. The flanges  260  may be positioned below the flared region  258 . 
     Removal of the front wall  110  and tray  238  during use may be hindered by the lid  116 . For example, the front portion  122  of the lid  116  may overlap the front wall  110  as mentioned above. Accordingly, sliding out of the front wall  110  and tray  238  is prevented while the lid  116  is closed. 
     In order to ensure that the removable portions of the housing are in place during use, magnets maybe embedded in the components and the presence of these magnets may be sensed. For example, magnets  262   a  may be embedded at a rear side of the tray  238  and be detected by corresponding sensors  264   a  on the rear wall  114  or base  104  and positioned to sense the magnets  262   a  when the tray  238  is fully inserted, i.e. pushed within 5 mm of its closest possible position to the rear wall  114 . 
     Magnets  262   b  may be mounted to a lower edge of the sidewall  112  and be sensed by sensors  264   b  on the base  104  when the cover is in place with its lower edge within 5 mm of its closest possible position to the base  104 . 
     Magnets  262   c  may be mounted on the front portion  122  of the lid  116  and be sensed by sensors  264   c  mounted on the wall  264 . In particular, a portion  266  of the wall  106  may protrude inwardly into the pressing chamber from the pressing side  106   a  to provide space within the wall  106  to define the chamber  156 . The sensors  264   c  may be embedded in or mounted on this portion  266 . The sensors  264   c  sense the magnets  262   c  when the lid  116  is closed, such as when the magnets  262   c  are within 5 mm of their closest possible proximity to the sensors  264   c  according to geometry of the lid  116  and portion  266 . 
     The sensors  264   a - 264   c  may be embodied as Hall effect sensors, inductive coil sensors, or other sensors capable of detected presence of a magnetic field. Note that in the illustrated embodiment pairs of magnets  262   a - 262   c  and pairs of sensors  264   a - 264   c  are used at each location for redundancy and added safety. In other embodiments, a single magnet  262   a - 262   c  and single sensor  264   a - 264   c  is used at each location. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of the hook  128 . For example, the hook  128  may be a protrusion that extends from a plug  270  that inserts within an opening  272  defined in the wall  106 . As is apparent in  FIG. 7 , the plug  270  includes a narrowed region that inserts within the opening  272  and a widened top portion that is wider than the opening  272  and sits on surface  220 . The plug  270  may define an opening  274  that receives a fastener  276  that passes through a portion of the wall  106  and engages the opening  274  within the opening  272  in order to secure the plug  270  within the opening  272 . 
     As is apparent in  FIG. 7 , the hook  128  is a protuberance defining an angle  278  with respect to the vertical direction  102   a . This angle  278  may be between 30 and 60 degrees, preferably between 40 and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the hook  128  and plug  270  have a constant cross section along the longitudinal direction  102   c  except for the opening  274  due to co-molding by an extrusion process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , operation of the press  108  may be controlled by a controller  280  that may be embodied as a general purpose computer, circuit board including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other electronic device that is programmed or configured to perform the actions ascribed to the controller  280  as described below. 
     The controller  280  may receive outputs of the sensors  264   a - 264   c  and may further control power have supplied to the hydraulic pump  158 . The controller  280  may also be coupled to a pressure sensor  282  that senses pressure at the output of the hydraulic pump  158  or within the chamber  156 . The controller  280  may further be coupled to a user interface  284  that may be as simple as one or more buttons and may also include a screen for displaying information or a touch screen for both displaying information and receiving user inputs. 
     The controller  280  may be programmed to receive the outputs of the sensors  264   a - 264   c  and suspend operation of the pump  158  in response to detecting that any of the sensors  264   a - 264   c  is not sensing a magnet within a threshold proximity. This may occur prior to initiating pressing or at any time after pressing has commenced. Where a magnet ceases to be detected by one of the sensors  264   a - 264   c  the controller  280  may further invoke closing a valve that prevents exit of hydraulic fluid from the chamber  156  and cylinder  150  in order to prevent the springs  188  from translating the movable platen  138  and potentially causing injury. 
     If all of the sensors  264   a - 264   c  sense a magnet within threshold proximity and an input is received from the user interface  284  to initiate pressing, the controller  280  invokes the pump  158  to increase pressure of hydraulic fluid within the camber  156  and cylinder  150 , thereby forcing the piston  160  to the left and causing the movable platen  138  to move toward the wall  106 . In some embodiments, no displacement sensor is used. Accordingly, the controller  280  controls the pump  158  in accordance with the sensed pressure according to the output the pressure sensor  282 . For example, the controller  280  may cause the pump to increase the sensed pressure to a predefined pressure possibly at a predefined rate of increase, hold the predefined pressure for a predefined hold time, and then release the pressure at a predefined rate or without regard to rate. In some embodiments, release of pressure may be accomplished by deactivating the pump  158  and controlling opening of the valve  286  in order to achieve a desired rate of reduction in the pressure. 
     Note that there may be multiple pressing profiles that each define a predefined pressure and hold times. The multiple pressing profiles may define a rate of increase in pressure to the predefined pressure and may define a rat of decrease in pressure upon expiration of the hold time. These different pressing profiles may correspond to different types of food items that are within the produce pack  10  being pressed. For example, fresh produce may have a different pressing profile than frozen produce. Nuts may be pressed using the press  100  to make nut butters and may have a corresponding pressing profile. A pressing profile may be defined for a particular number or range of numbers of produce packs positioned within the pressing chamber. 
     The user interface  284  may define different buttons for invoking a particular pressing profile. Alternatively, a touch screen interface or a screen in combination with input buttons may be used to guide a user to select a desired pressing profile. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the user interface  284  is incorporated into a drive side housing  290  positioned on the drive side  108   b  of the wall  106   b . For example, the housing  290  may include a sidewall  292  substantially parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions  102   a ,  102   c ; a front wall substantially parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b ; a top wall  298  substantially parallel to the horizontal and longitudinal directions  102   b ,  102   c ; and a rear wall  300  substantially parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b.    
     As is apparent in  FIG. 9 , there may be a curved transition between the front wall  294  and the top wall  298  that may match (e.g., within 3 to 5 mm) the radius of curvature of the curved transition region  124  and other curved transition between top and front sides of the wall  106  and sidewall  114 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the curved transition between the top wall  298  and the rear wall  300  extends inwardly from the top wall  298  and extends over or under the curved portion  118  of the rear wall  118 . Another extension  304  of the rear wall  300  may extend along the base  104  on the pressing side  108   a  of the wall  106 . 
     The side wall  292  and rear wall  300 , such as the extension  304 , may fasten to the base  104 . For example, the base may define a groove or recess along its front, left side, and rear side into which the front wall  294 , side wall  292 , and rear wall  300  seat and to which these are fastened by means of screws or other fasteners. In some embodiments, the extension  302  and extension  304  also secure to the rear wall  114  and/or wall  106  by means of screws or other fasteners. 
     Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall  300  is only partial and a portion of the drive side of the press  100  is exposed at the back when the drive side housing  290  is in place. This opening may be present to provide air flow over the pump  158  or other components of the drive  136 . The opening may be left open or may be covered with a screen, louvered plate, or other covering that permits airflow. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A to 10C , in some embodiments, the front portion  122  may include inwardly projecting spout guides  310  on either side of the slot  130  and that may be mirror images of one another about a vertical-longitudinal plane parallel to the vertical direction  102   a  and the longitudinal direction  102   c . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 10B  the projections  310  may be positioned one either side of the slot  130  at the bottom edge of the front portion  122 . The spout guides  310  may facilitate guiding of the spout  18  of a produce pack  10  into the slot  130  of the front portion  122  and into the slot  132  of the front wall  110 . 
     In particular note that as the lid is lowered over the produce pack  10 , the front portion  122  is not oriented perpendicularly, i.e. parallel to the horizontal direction  102   b  and vertical direction  102   a . Accordingly, the spout guides  310  may be provided with various facets A, B, C that provide a flared opening that guides the spout  18  into the slot  130  notwithstanding some misalignment of the spout  18 . 
     As is apparent in  FIGS. 10A to 10C  there are two facets A and B that are angled (neither perpendicular nor parallel) to any of the directions  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c . For example, facet B provides a flare that widens with movement toward the lower edge of the front portion  122  in both a vertical-horizontal plane parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions  102   a ,  102   b  and a horizontal-longitudinal plane parallel to the horizontal and longitudinal directions  102   b ,  102   c.    
     As is apparent in  FIG. 10C , facet B shares one edge with facet C, which may be flush with or a continuation of a side of the slot  130 . Facet B further shares an edge with facet A that is located between facet B and the lower edge of the front portion  122 . As is apparent, facet A is likewise angled with respect to all of the directions  102   a - 102   c . As is also apparent, facets A and B are triangles. A may have its base parallel to the inner surface of the front portion  122  on which it is formed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12, and 13 , a produce pack  10  may also be embodied as a multi-use or reusable produce pack  10 . Accordingly, the opening  28  may include a selective closure mechanism rather than being permanently sealed. Likewise, the layers  12   a ,  12   b  defining the front and back of the produce pack and the compartment  12  may be formed of a material that is stronger and more wear resistant relative to the material used for the single-use produce pack of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In particular, the multi-use produce pack  10  may be formed of a natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, or some other flexible and resilient polymer. The layers  12   a ,  12   b  may be formed monolithically (e.g., co-molded) in the shape of the multi-use produce pack  10  or may be formed separately with the features described below and then fused together to form the produce pack  10 . 
     As is apparent in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the edges of the layers  12   a ,  12   b  of the produce pack  10  parallel to the vertical direction  48   a  may extend above the top edge  22   d  of the compartment  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right edges are straight all the way to the top of the produce pack  10 . However, in other embodiments, the edges may flare inward or outward above the top edge  22   d . The portions of the layers  12   a ,  12   b  extending above the top edge  22   d  may define a neck  320  through which items are inserted into the compartment  12 , with the opening  28  being defined at the top edge of the neck  320 . For example, the layers  12   a ,  12   b  are not fused to one another along the top edge  22   d  of the compartment  12  in some embodiments. The bonded region  26  may extend upward along the right and left sides of the layers  12   a ,  12   b , including along the right and let sides of the neck  320  with substantially all (e.g., greater than 90%) of the top edge of the layers  12   a ,  12   b  between the regions  26  being disconnected and defining the opening to the compartment  12 . 
     Tabs  322   a ,  322   b  may protrude from the top edge of each layer  12   a ,  12   b , respectively, and be offset from one another along the horizontal dimension  48   b . The tabs  322   a ,  322   b  facilitate gripping by a user when widening the opening  28  in order to insert items into the compartment  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, sealing of the compartment  12  is performed using a magnetic sealing system. For example, a first magnet array  324   a  may be secured along the top edge of layer  12   a  and a second magnet array  324   b  may be secured along the top edge of layer  12   b . The arrays  324   a ,  324   b  may be arrays of cuboid magnets distributed along the horizontal dimension  48   b . Alternatively, the arrays  324   a ,  324   b  may also be embodied as flexible strips of magnetic material extending along the horizontal dimension  48   b . As is apparent in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the arrays  324   a ,  324   b  are aligned with one another along the vertical direction  48   a  such that attraction between the magnets of the arrays  324   a ,  324   b  will induce closure of the opening  28 . 
     In some embodiments, leakage during pressing may be further reduced by providing a third magnet array  326  between the arrays  324   a ,  324   b  and the top edge  22   d  of the chamber  12 . For example, the third magnet array  326  may be secured to the back layer  12   b  in the illustrated embodiment, though the front layer  12   a  is suitable as well. Accordingly, the neck  320  may be folded and the array  324   b  positioned opposite the layers  12   a ,  12   b  from the magnet array  326  and aligned with the magnet array  326  along the vertical direction  48   a  such that attraction between the arrays  324   b ,  326  provides a further degree of sealing and resistance to opening. This arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 13 , the magnetic arrays  324   a ,  324   b ,  326  may be embedded in pads  328   a ,  328   b ,  330 , respectively. The pad  328   a  being secured along the top edge of layer  12   a , the pad  328   b  being secured along the top edge of the layer  12   b , and the pad  330  being secured to layer  12   a  between the top edge of the compartment  22   d  and the pad  328   a.    
     Each pad  328   a ,  328   b ,  330  may be formed of a top layer  332  and one or more middle layers  334 . The middle layer  334  secures to the layer  12   a ,  12   b  to which the pad  328   a ,  328   b ,  330  is secured and the top layer  332  secures to the middle layer  334 . The middle layer  334  defines openings  336  for receiving the magnets of the array  324   a ,  324   b ,  326  that are secured within the pad. Accordingly, the magnets are captured between the layer  12   a ,  12   b  and the top layer  332 . 
     Note that in some embodiments, the pad  328   a ,  328   b ,  330  may be a monolithic piece of material with magnets embedded in it such that discrete layers are not defined. Note also that the material used to form the pads  328   a ,  328   b ,  330  may be the same as or different from the material used to form the layers  12   a ,  12   b.    
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, the chamber  12  may be enlarged by forming bulges or recesses in the layer  12   a ,  12   b . For example inward from the perimeter  26  of the pack  10 , including the edges  22   a - 22   d  of the compartment  12 , each layer may include a transition region  338  that projects outwardly from the perimeter  26  to a central portion  340  surrounded by the transition region  338 , which is planar in the illustrated embodiment. The central portion  340  may be spherical, elliptical, or have some other contour when undeformed in other embodiments. 
     Absent force deforming the layer  12   a ,  12   b , the portion inward from the edges  22   a - 22   d  of the compartment  12  and inward the transitions at the corners between the edges  22   a ,  22   d  will protrude outwardly from the perimeter  26  and may also protrude outwardly from the neck  320  in order to define a volume for receiving food matter. The distance  342  by which the central portion  340  projects outwardly from the perimeter  26  absent a deforming force may be limited by the size of the pressing chamber used. For example, the distance  342  may be between 0.5 and 3 cm in some implementations. Note that portions of the layers  12   a ,  12   b  defining the channel  60  of the spout  18  may likewise bulge outwardly in the absence of a deforming force by the same amount or a lesser or greater amount. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , As for the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the multi-use produce pack  10  may also be used with an internal filter pouch  14 . The filter pouch  14  may itself be reusable.  FIG. 15  shows a filter pouch  350  that is separate from the produce pack  10  and defines an opening at its top for receiving items to be pressed. The pouch  350  is formed of a mesh or other permeable material that performs a desired degree of filtration. In use the top of the filter pouch  350  is subject to a fold  352  along fold line  354  and the folded pouch  350  is inserted within the chamber  12  of the produce pack  10  for pressing. The produce pack  10  may then be closed as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  and pressed using the press disclosed hereinabove in the same manner as for the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative approach, in which a sheet  356  of permeable material, such as a mesh or other material providing a desired degree of filtration. The sheet  356  includes a central portion  358  on which items to be pressed may be placed. the sheet  356  is subject to folds  360   a - 360   d  along lines  362   a - 362   d , respectively, in order to form a packet that may then be placed within the chamber  12  for pressing. The produce pack  10  may then be closed as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  and pressed using the press disclosed hereinabove in the same manner as for the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Following pressing, the produce pack may be opened by disengaging magnet array  324   b  from magnet array  326  and disengaging the magnet arrays  324   a ,  324   b  from one another. The filter pouch may then be removed and the filer pouch and produce pack  10  may be cleaned for subsequent use. 
     While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.