Patent Publication Number: US-7222567-B2

Title: Juice extractor with tapered clean up nozzle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of juice extractors, and more particularly, this invention relates to juice extractors with moveable extractor cups. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In a whole fruit juice extractor such as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,970,861; 5,992,311; 5,996,485; and 6,568,319, the disclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, the motion of the extractor cups and the orifice tube received within the strainer tube are each controlled by mechanical cams. Although the motions are separate, the cams and extractor cups and movement of the orifice beam are synchronized. Typically a single camshaft supports at least a drive cam (or cup cam), which engages cam followers located on a cup support member, i.e., a cup beam. The cup beam cam followers are held in contact with the cams through the use of springs and rotation of the camshaft rotates the drive cams and moves the moveable extractor cups into fixed extractor cups located on a cup bridge. 
     The orifice beam is mounted for movement within a product material area and supports orifice tubes that are each received within a respective strainer tube that is mounted on the juice manifold. An orifice cam is mounted on the camshaft and engages a drive mechanism that also connects to the orifice beam such that as the orifice cam rotates, the drive mechanism reciprocates the orifice beam during extractor operation, thus, driving the orifice tube in and out of the strainer tube. 
     The orifice beam, a drive mechanism that engages the orifice beam and the extractor cups require periodic cleaning, which typically occurs by a spray nozzle that extends outward from a pipe within the juice extractor. This pipe and attached nozzle collects debris, which can accumulate and cause operational problems during the juice extraction process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a juice extractor with a spray nozzle that can be used with the juice extractor that will prevent build-up on the spray nozzle of product material during extractor operation. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a juice extractor includes a juice extraction assembly having a wall surface and fluid outlet thereon. At least one tapered spray nozzle is mounted flush on the wall surface at the fluid outlet for receiving and discharging fluid and configured for preventing build-up on the spray nozzle of product material during extractor operation. 
     The spray nozzle includes a spray nozzle head having at least one fluid spray orifice and a spray disc inserted within the fluid spray orifice. The spray disc has a fluid outlet opening that is configured for forming a predetermined fluid spray pattern of fluid used for cleaning. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the spray nozzle head and spray disc are each rotatable for selecting a desired fluid spray direction. The spray nozzle head can include at least two fluid spray orifices. A nozzle fastening body can be secured on the wall surface at a fluid outlet and receive the spray nozzle head. A fluid channel is formed in the nozzle fastening body and communicates with the fluid spray orifice on the spray nozzle head and the fluid outlet. The fluid outlet opening in the spray disc is typically geometrically configured. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, opposing inner side panels can extend vertically within the extractor frame and divide the interior of the extractor frame into a medial product material area and opposing drive mechanism cavities extending between each side panel and an outer surface covering the extractor frame. The nozzle fastening body can be secured against the inner side panel and receive the spray nozzle head and can be positioned to discharge fluid against extractor cups, the orifice beam and other components within the juice extractor. For example, the juice extractor typically may include an orifice beam that supports the orifice tubes and opposing ends that extend through the inner side panels and a drive linkage contained within each drive mechanism cavity and inner connecting the end of the orifice beam and the drive mechanism such that the orifice tubes are reciprocated within the strainer tubes during extractor operation. The spray nozzle can be positioned on the wall to spray fluid on the orifice beam and against inner side panels and the orifice tubes for cleaning. 
     A method of the present invention is also set forth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows, when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the juice extractor of the present invention and showing in detail the integral electrical panels. 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are overall schematic, perspective views of a juice extraction process, showing three juice extractors in  FIG. 3 , each having five individual juice extractor positions defined by juice extractor units, each comprising a moveable and a fixed extractor cup, a strainer tube, extractor cup, and an orifice tube that is reciprocated within each strainer tube. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective and fragmentary view of a portion of a juice extractor unit showing a moveable and a fixed extractor cup, a strainer tube, an orifice tube received within the strainer tube, a cup bridge, and a juice manifold. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a juice extractor of the present invention showing an improved exterior design with integral electrical panels, ribbed covers, and the improved multi-lane feeder table formed as a hollow fruit guide body. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the juice extractor similar to  FIG. 1 , but looking from a different angle toward the rear of the extractor. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 6 , but having the outer covers of the juice extractor removed and showing in detail the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold supporting the fixed extractor cups, the moveable extractor cups mounted on a moveable cup beam, inner wall members that define a drive mechanism cavity, and the orifice beam with its ends extending through a window opening into the drive mechanism cavity. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded, perspective view of the fruit guide assembly of the present invention and showing an insertable hollow fruit guide body forming a feeder table and a top loading vibrator. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the hollow fruit guide body of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the fruit guide body showing fastener supports. 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the fruit guide body shown in  FIG. 9  and showing structural supports as stiffening features. 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation and partial fragmentary view of the multi-position fruit feeder of the present invention showing a drive shaft, a plurality of fruit feed members, the load sensitive coupler, and decoupling detector. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the fruit feeder and showing the use of a proximity switch in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary, partial perspective view of the camshaft for the juice extractor and showing in detail the cup drive cams for the moveable extractor cups, the return cams, orifice beam drive cams, and counterweights mounted on the camshaft. 
         FIG. 15  is another isometric and partial fragmentary view of the camshaft of the present invention and showing the upper main and cam follower train used for the return cam. 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary, perspective view of a counterweight mounted on the drive gear contained within the gearbox. 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are sectional views showing a shaft-hub coupler frictionally securing together the camshaft and hub of the cams, with  FIG. 17  showing a countersunk flange, and  FIG. 18  showing a flange outside the hub bore. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold and showing juice outlets positioned at the side, and fluid outlets formed on the top of the cup bridge for receiving pressure-actuated spray nozzles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold shown in  FIG. 19 , including a strainer tube support cone mounted to aid in supporting strainer tubes. 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold shown in  FIG. 19 , but with the added strainer tube support cones. 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold of the present invention and showing the bottom loaded strainer tube and sealing assembly for sealing the strainer tube to the juice manifold. 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged, sectional view of the lower end of the strainer tube shown in  FIG. 24  and showing greater details of the sealing assembly between the strainer tube and juice manifold. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the orifice beam used in the present invention with ends adapted to extend through beam openings within inner side panels of the juice extractor. 
         FIG. 27  is a fragmentary, front elevation view of a portion of the juice extractor showing basic components of the juice extractor, including the orifice beam mounted for movement with the extractor frame and tapered spray nozzles on the inner side panels, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 28 and 29  are perspective views of the pressure actuated spray nozzle used in the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a fragmentary, sectional and perspective view of the spray nozzle shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a top plan view of the spray nozzle shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 . 
         FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the spray nozzle taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold showing two pressure actuated spray nozzles of the present invention mounted thereon. 
         FIGS. 34 and 35  are perspective views of the nozzle body, i.e., the spray nozzle head shown in  FIGS. 30 and 32 . 
         FIGS. 36 and 37  are respective side and front elevation views of the nozzle body shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . 
         FIGS. 38 and 39  are perspective views of the lower portions of the nozzle body, i.e., the nozzle lower pintle shown in  FIGS. 30 and 32 . 
         FIG. 40  is a top plan view of the lower nozzle body section shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . 
         FIG. 41  is an elevation view of the lower nozzle body section shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . 
         FIGS. 42 and 43  are perspective views of the tubular housing that receives the nozzle body as shown in  FIGS. 30 and 32 . 
         FIG. 44  is a side elevation view of the tubular housing shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 . 
         FIG. 45  is a sectional view taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 46  is a partial sectional and perspective view of the tapered spray nozzle of the present invention adapted to be mounted flush on a wall at a fluid outlet within the juice extractor. 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the spray nozzle head shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the tapered spray nozzle of the present invention. 
         FIG. 49  is a sectional view of the tapered spray nozzle of the present invention showing basic components. 
         FIG. 50  is a top plan view of the spray nozzle head. 
         FIG. 51  is a sectional view of the nozzle fastening body shown in  FIGS. 46 and 49 . 
         FIG. 52  is a front perspective view of the nozzle fastening body. 
         FIG. 53  is a perspective view of the nozzle retaining ring of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 46 and 49  that secures the spray nozzle head to the nozzle fastening body. 
         FIG. 54  is a sectional view of the nozzle retaining ring shown in  FIG. 53 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     The present invention provides many advantages over prior art juice extractors, such as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,649,730; 2,780,988; 3,717,084; 3,736,865; 4,300,449; 4,309,943; 4,309,944; 4,376,409; 4,700,620; 4,905,586; 4,922,813; 5,339,729; 5,483,870; 5,970,861; 5,992,311; 5,996,485; and 6,568,319, the disclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     The present invention includes a new exterior design of the juice extractor, including the exterior outer cover over the extractor frame. The enhanced design includes integrated electrical panels and ribbed outer covers as shown in  FIG. 1  and explained in greater detail below. The overall juice extractor design has a slope formed by the outer covers on the extractor frame columns. The present invention also provides a fruit guide assembly including a hollow fruit guide body forming a multi-lane feeder table, also known as a feed hopper, which receives fruit from the feed belt adjacent the extractor line and delivers fruit to a multi-position fruit feeder. The present invention facilitates faster changing of the fruit guide body forming a feeder table, a feed hopper, and eliminates the requirement to remove the vibrator with the feeder table. In the present invention, the fruit guide body bolts to a separate support frame and is easily removable. The vibrator can be removable from the top as an additional service and safety feature. The present invention also eliminates the deadhead previously used with a feeder table. 
     A multi-position fruit feeder of the present invention uses a proximity switch to detect movement of a load sensitive coupler that incorporates a shear pin. If the shear pin breaks, the load sensitive coupler no longer rotates and the proximity sensor detects this change. This is advantageous over other prior art juice extractors, which continued running when foreign material jammed the fruit feeder, breaking the shear pin. The proximity sensor can be attached to a timer. When the juice extractor is in operation, the sensor detects movement and produces respective ON/OFF pulses. If, after a predetermined period of time, the pulses are no longer detected, for example, when the shear pin is broken, the juice extractor will automatically shut down. 
     The juice extractor of the present invention also advantageously incorporates a return cam, typically formed as a mathematical conjugate of the extractor cup drive cam to hold the cam followers to the cam and lift the cup support member, i.e., cup beam, during the juice extraction cycle. A counterweight can be mounted to the main drive gear located within the gearbox, or mounted on the camshaft that supports the drive cam and return cam. The counterweight provides balance to the machine during extractor operation. 
     The juice extractor of the present invention also has inner side panels that define a medial product material area, i.e., a juice and peel area, where the fixed and moveable extractor cups are located, and opposing drive mechanism cavities located between the inner side panels and outer covers of the extractor frame. Peel, of course, includes pulp, seeds, membranes, and core materials. Drive linkages such as a pull-rod assembly, are positioned in each drive mechanism cavity and operatively connect the orifice beam with the orifice beam drive cam mounted on the camshaft. A tapered water spray nozzle of the present invention can be mounted flush on the inner side panels to spray cleaning fluid to aid in cleaning. To enhance cleaning of the juice extractor, the present invention includes a cup bridge formed integral with the juice manifold. Juice piping extends from the juice outlet at the side and exit through the side of the juice extractor, thus eliminating a current piping arrangement where “bullhorn” pipes extend out the front or rear and allow debris build-up. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold typically has juice outlets at the side juxtaposed to the inner wall panels, which allows the juice piping to exit the sides. 
     The strainer tube is preferably bottom loaded, and includes an improved sealing assembly between the juice manifold and strainer tube. The camshafts are now preferably held by friction on the camshaft through an appropriate cup-drive, shaft-coupler frictionally securing the camshaft in the cam hub. Alignment of the cams can be arranged by positioning an alignment rod through holes placed in the cams during assembly. 
     The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold includes a number of pressure actuated spray nozzles, i.e., also referred to as pop-up nozzles, mounted on the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold ( FIGS. 28-45 ). These pop-up nozzles can be used for both oil recovery and cleaning. In the present invention, the ends of the orifice beam extend through each inner wall or “side” panel into the drive mechanism cavity where the orifice beam drive mechanism is located. This penetration through the inner wall panels is protected by a moving “window” between the ends of the orifice beam and the side wall panel and formed as a preferred labyrinth seal. 
     It is clear that the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art juice extractors as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     For purposes of facilitating operation of the juice extractor of the present invention, a general description of the overall juice extraction process from fruit unloading to final processing and waste handling is described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 4  is an environmental, partial isometric and sectional view of a portion of a single juice extractor unit, which would be positioned in a respective juice extractor machine  40  shows in  FIG. 3  and forming respective juice extractor positions where fruit is compressed and juice extracted. The description will proceed by first describing an overall flow of citrus fruit, followed by an explanation of various component parts of a juice extractor unit relative to the overall juice extractor machine, thus giving a general working background of juice extractor principles used in the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , fruit F can be unloaded by manual, hydraulic, or truck unloading. For example, fruit can be unloaded manually by workers handling many field boxes or cartons, which can be set on a dump ledge  20  for unloading into a hopper  22 . Additionally, citrus fruit could be dumped into the hopper  22  by means of an automatic hydraulic dump  23 . A large load carrying citrus fruit F, such as oranges, could also arrive by truck, which would dump the fruit into the hopper  22 , which includes a vertical conveyor belt  24  that carries fruit F on the necessary conveyors to a brush washer  26 . Typically, the conveyor belt  24  has about three inch cleats to elevate fruit to the brush washer  26 , as known to those skilled in the art. As the fruit is unloaded, the fruit enters a washer and passes under spray nozzles  28 , where fruit cleaners can be applied. 
     The fruit, as it is washed, passes over a series of brushes in the brush washer  26 , where the fruit is gently scrubbed to remove field oils, soil, mold and dust. The brush washer  26  discharges the fruit onto a roller grader  30  where workers can easily select the fruit. Typically, the roller grader  30  is formed such that workers can stand on either side and remove any broken pieces, leaves and other undesirable materials from the flow of fruit supply. It is at this point that some foreign material can still pass through the roller grader. Foreign material, such as milkweed pods, is one example that workers often miss. These milkweed pods are indigenous to citrus growing areas and can cause problems during the juice extraction process. The juice extractor is preferably designed to shut down when the orifice tube becomes lodged within the strainer tube, such as by foreign material, and it allows the juice extractor to shut down operation if a milkweed pod or other similar foreign material becomes stuck in the orifice tube. 
     The fruit discharges from the roller grader into a cleated belt conveyor  32  that elevates the fruit typically by three inch cleats to the tilted feed belt conveyor  34 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . If two or more juice extractors are placed in tandem as illustrated, a sizing roller  36  provides a single, continuously rotating roller on the tilted feed belt conveyor  34  to separate the fruit into sizes equivalent to the size range of the moveable and fixed extractor cups to ensure maximum yield and quality. For example, as illustrated with the three juice extractors  40 , one juice extractor can be used for one range of fruit size, and the other two juice extractors can be used for respective two other ranges of fruit sizes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each juice extractor  40  includes individual juice extractor units  50  (illustrated as five units) that are ganged together in a common extractor frame  52  forming a juice extractor machine  40 . The juice extractor unit  50  defines respective juice extractor positions where an individual fruit is received on a fixed extractor cup and compressed or squeezed by a respective moveable extractor cup. The fixed and moveable extractor cups can be horizontally aligned or aligned vertically as explained with reference to the drawings. With vertically aligned extractor cups as illustrated, the fixed extractor cup is typically a lower extractor cup and the moveable extractor cup is typically an upper extractor cup. 
     The fruit is moved to the feed hoppers  46 , i.e., multi-lane feeder table  46  of the juice extractors  40  by a feed belt conveyor  34  that is designed at an angle of about 18° with the low side adjacent to the feeder table  46 . The feeder table  46  is formed as a fruit guide assembly that guides fruit from the fruit conveyor to a multi-position fruit feeder as will be explained in detail below. Any fruit that passes by the feeder table is recirculated through a fruit handling system by a return fruit conveyor  48 . This fruit could be transferred back to the fruit handling system prior to washing. 
     The fruit enters the juice extractor feed table  46  and is fed into the fixed, e.g., lower extractor cup  54  by fruit flipper fingers (not shown) operable as part of the multi-position fruit feeder. As will be explained later in detail, the fruit is separated into three primary product streams, a pulpy juice, the peel, and the fruit material that enters an orifice tube  56  ( FIG. 4 ). The waste peel is directed onto a peel screw  58  located under the juice extractor platform  60  and is discharged into a discharge hopper  62  or other waste disposal container, or it can be conveyed through an exterior wall to a truck or trailer, or to further processing. 
     Typically, the juice extractors  40  are supported on an elevated platform  60  not only to provide support for the juice extractors, but also to provide access for mechanical operation and maintenance. The juice from the various juice extractors  40  enters a stainless steel discharge header  64  extending from each juice extractor and is gravity fed into a surge tank  66  that is designed to maintain a constant flow of juice, preferably to an optional finisher  68 . The finisher further removes pulp from the juice by using stainless steel screens with small perforations. A finisher  68  typically is used when a number of juice extractors are placed in tandem, as illustrated. 
     The juice can be pumped from the surge tank  66  or finisher  68 . The juice extraction process shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  is illustrative of a small juice extraction facility. Larger juice extraction facilities are similar in process, but are larger in scale and may include additional equipment known to those skilled in the art. Additional equipment (not shown) may include bucket elevators for lifting and conveying fruit; fruit storage bins for temporary storage of unloaded fruit; sizing equipment for sorting fruit based on size; byproduct recovery systems such as pulpwash systems, and oil recovery systems; feedmills for drying of peel waste; and pasteurizers and evaporators for the processing of juice. These and other equipment are known to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a portion of a basic juice extractor unit  50  defining a juice extracting position of a juice extractor is illustrated. A moveable extractor cup  80  is mounted on a common cross bar, i.e., a cup support member, also referred to as the cup beam  82  in the illustrated embodiment. The cup beam  82  interconnects other moveable extractor cups as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cup beam  82  reciprocates by a cam drive (not shown) contained in an upper portion of a juice extractor in this non-limiting embodiment. The fixed extractor cups  54 , e.g., lower extractor cups in the illustrated embodiment, are rigidly positioned relative to the extractor frame  52  and mounted on a cup bridge  57 . The moveable and fixed extractor cups  80 , 54  are formed as interdigitated extractor cups that have fingers  84  that intermesh together when the moveable extractor cup  80  engages fixed extractor cup  54 . 
     The moveable and fixed extractor cups  80 , 54  and their associated components, such as the prefinisher strainer tube  86 , the orifice tube  56 , and associated cup bridge  57 , form one juice extractor unit  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a number of juice extractor units are ganged together in one juice extractor machine  40  to increase production. The illustrated juice extractor machine  40  includes five juice extractor units  50  positioned at respective juice extracting positions. The fruit feeder, which will be explained in greater detail below, also can work as a cam-operated device, and includes feeding fingers (not shown in this figure), which deposit a single fruit in the fixed extractor cup  54 , such as by tossing the fruit into the extractor cup after receiving the fruit from the feeder table formed as a fruit guide assembly. 
     The cam-operated drive system in the upper part of the juice extractor forces the moveable extractor cup  80  into the fixed extractor cup and as this occurs, the fruit F is pressed against a circular cutter  90  located at the top of the prefinishing strainer tube  86 . This cutter  90  cuts a plug in the bottom of the fruit to allow the internal portions of the fruit access to the strainer tube  86 . Another cutter  92  also cuts a plug in the top of the fruit to permit separation of the peel from the internal portions of the fruit, such as the pulp. As the fingers  84  of the extractor cups  54 , 80  interdigitate or mesh together, the inner portion of the fruit, such as the pulpy juice, is forced down into the strainer tube  86  contained within the juice manifold  94 . The peel surfaces do not contact the juice and any contamination by the extractives in the peel is minimized. The peel falls away outside the juice manifold  94  and can be collected by the peel screw conveyor  58  under the extractor platform  60  and discharged into the hopper  62  or other waste disposal container and conveyed through an exterior wall to a truck or trailer or to further processing. 
     The continuing stroke of the moveable extractor cup  80  and the presence of a restrictor, for example, in the form of blockages, force the juice-bearing portion of the fruit through the perforated wall of the strainer tube. This perforated wall is formed by small strainer tube holes  98 , which allow discharge of juice into the juice manifold  94 . 
     Back pressure is preferably applied into the orifice tube, for example, by a hydraulic device as described in the incorporated by reference U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,311 or by limiting the size of the size of the restrictor. The orifice tube reciprocates within the strainer tube to compress any entrapped fruit particles and force any remaining juice through the perforated wall of the strainer tube. Core material, such as section membrane and seeds, are ejected typically from the lower portion of the orifice tube during reciprocating movement of that tube. This cycle of extraction is then complete. 
     Additionally, the amount of juice yield and the type of juice can be varied by using different strainer tubes with different size holes  98 . Additionally, the back pressure can be changed to vary the juice yield and type of juice. Peel oil, such as liberated by the shredding action of the moveable and fixed cups&#39; fingers, typically can be washed by water sprays around the extraction cups. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , there are illustrated different views of the juice extractor  100  of the present invention, including a respective front perspective view ( FIG. 5 ), a rear perspective view from a first angle ( FIG. 1 ), an enlarged rear perspective view from a second angle ( FIG. 6 ), and a rear perspective view with outer covers removed ( FIG. 7 ). The juice extractor  100  has an outer wall surface formed by outer covers  101 , which are secured over the extractor frame  102  ( FIG. 7 ). The outer covers  101  are configured to form a new shape of the juice extractor in the side areas and include integrated electrical panels  104  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . Ribbed covers  106  and a top slope  108  formed by the outer covers make an aesthetic and ornamental design. 
     The front perspective view of  FIG. 5  shows a fruit guide assembly of the present invention forming a multi-lane feeder table  110  with an integrated deadhead. This fruit guide assembly  110  as a feeder table is formed as a hollow fruit guide body and is explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 8-11 . The feeder table  110  feeds fruit into a fruit feeder (not shown in detail) having fruit flipper fingers that convey fruit into the fixed extractor cups  54  shown in the non-limiting example as lower extractor cups. Details of the fruit feeder are described below relative to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The fruit feeder is driven by a feeder drive mechanism, indicated generally at  112 , which extends from a camshaft located in the upper portion of the juice extractor  100  and connects to the drive (or finger) shaft as will be explained in greater detail below. The improved design of this illustrated juice extractor  100  no longer has an external electrical box, air hose and protruding housing members. 
     As illustrated, only a few inlet and outlet fluid pipes are required for fluid intake and discharge, such as water or a cleaning fluid or juice exiting the juice manifold. A cycle of cleaning water can be flushed through the juice extractor, and its timing controlled by the control circuitry  114  shown in  FIG. 2 . The sloped discharge surface  116  shown in  FIG. 5  and positioned under the feeder table  110  extends from an integrated cup bridge and juice manifold (not shown in detail in this figure) and allows misfed fruit to return. Greater details of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold of the present invention are explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 19-24 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an electrical drive motor  118  supported by the extractor frame  102  and outside the outer cover  101 . The drive motor  118  is enclosed within a protective steel mesh enclosure frame  120 . The drive motor output shaft (not shown) connects to a large drive gear  122 , which is connected by a gear train to an extractor frame mounted camshaft to be explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 14-16 . 
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the juice extractor  100  of the present invention with outer covers  101  removed and showing many of the improvements of the present invention, including the drive mechanism  128  for driving moveable extractor cups  80 . The drive mechanism  128  is mounted in a top section of the extractor and includes a camshaft  130  that supports orifice beam drive cams  132  on the outer ends of the camshaft, but within the confines of the extractor frame  102 . The fixed extractor cups  54  are supported on an integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  and receive the moveable extractor cups  80  supported on the cup beam or other moveable cup support member  82  and reciprocated into engagement with the fixed extractor cups. Two drive cams  136  each engage a cam follower (not shown) for driving the cup beam  82 , allowing the moveable, e.g., upper extractor cups  80 , to engage the fixed, e.g., lower extractor cups  54  supported by the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  of the present invention. A return cam is not shown in this figure, but is explained relative to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and is used for returning the cup beam into a disengaged (e.g., raised) position, thus disengaging the moveable extractor cups  80  from the fixed extractor cups  59 . It should be understood, however, that the extractor cups can be arranged horizontally or in another orientation besides a vertically opposed relationship. 
     An orifice beam  140  supports the orifice tubes  56 , which are received within respective strainer tubes  86 . The orifice beam  140  reciprocates, moving the orifice tubes  56  within the strainer tubes  86 , which are supported by the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , at least one outer end  140   a  of the orifice beam  140  extends through an inner side panel  142  into a drive mechanism cavity  144  formed between the inner side panel  142  and an outer cover  101  over the extractor frame  102  of the juice extractor  100 . In a preferred embodiment, two opposing inner side panels  142  define a medial product material area  143 , i.e., a “juice and peel” area where extractor cups are located. Opposing drive mechanism cavities are defined at either side of the juice extractor. 
     An appropriate drive mechanism, for example, a pull rod assembly or other drive assembly, is positioned within each drive mechanism cavity  144  and connected between the orifice beam end  144   a  and a cam follower mechanism that engages the orifice beam drive cam  132 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 14 ,  16  and  27 . As the driven camshaft  130  rotates, the orifice beam drive cam  132  rotates, presses against a cam follower mechanism and associated pull-rod assembly or other drive assembly, and forces downward the orifice beam  140 . A return spring mechanism (not shown) pulls upward on the orifice beam  140  through its pull-rod assembly, returning the orifice beam  140  to its initial position and forcing the orifice tube into the strainer tube for the juice extraction process. 
     To aid in cleanability of the juice extractor of the present invention, the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  has its juice outlets juxtaposed at the inner side panels  142 . Juice piping  150  connects to the juice outlets and extends out the side of the juice extractor as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 27 . The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  are explained in greater detail relative to  FIGS. 19-23 . 
     The ends  140   a  of the orifice beam  140  are moveable within an access window  152  formed as window openings, i.e., a slot, in the inner side panels  142 . A seal, and preferably a labyrinth seal  154 , is positioned at the orifice beam end  140   a  and inner side panel  142  to form a moving “window.” The seal  154  prevents debris from passing from the product material, i.e., “juice and peel” area  143  within the juice extractor  100  and into the drive mechanism cavity  144 . 
     Any small amount of debris that passes through this seal  154  can be washed from the drive mechanism cavity  144  by one or more spray nozzles of the present invention that are positioned in the juice extractor, on side walls, including the inner side panel, and even in the drive mechanism cavity, which is explained in greater detail relative to  FIG. 27  and  FIGS. 46-54 . Fluid that is sprayed into the juice extractor product material area  143  and even the drive mechanism cavity  144  can drain back toward the interior sections of the juice extractor machine, which is self-draining. Cleaning fluid and recycle fluid used for oil recovery can be discharged through appropriate fluid delivery conduits. 
       FIG. 8  shows an exploded isometric view of the insertable multi-lane feeder table  110 , or fruit guide assembly as it is also referred, and the top loading vibrator of the present invention. Throughout this description, the term feeder table can be used interchangeably for fruit guide assembly when describing the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11 , the fruit guide assembly  110  of the present invention forms a feeder table and guides fruit from the fruit conveyor  34 , such as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , to a multi-position fruit feeder explained in greater detail relative to the description of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The fruit guide assembly  110  includes a frame  158  that is positioned between the fruit conveyor  34  and the multi-positioned fruit feeder. A vibrator  160  is connected to the frame  150 . The fruit guide assembly includes a hollow fruit guide body  162  that includes a bottom wall  164  and an upper wall  166  spaced therefrom. The upper wall  166  has a series of alternating ridges  168  and valleys  170  that define a plurality of fruit lanes  172 . Each pair of adjacent ridges  168  extend outwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley  170  to define an opening  174  to permit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-positioned fruit feeder and to define integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends  176  for supporting the fruit. Thus, it is evident that the present invention eliminates the deadhead that had been a separate part of a feeder table of prior art juice extractors in which a vibrator or other assembly vibrated a table, while the deadhead remained “static” or “dead” to slow vibration and enhance fruit feeding into fixed extractor cups  54 . 
     This hollow fruit guide body  162  has a plurality of fastener receiving passageways  178  at both side and medial positions. A respective fastener  180  extends through each fastener receiving passageway  178  and fastens the hollow fruit guide body  162  to the frame  158  at the side and medial portions of the body  162 . The fruit guide body  162  is removably fastened to the frame  158  and removable therefrom in an upward direction. The vibrator  160  is removably fastened to the frame to be removable in an upward direction. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the frame  158  includes a base plate  182  and having an opening  184  in a medial portion. The vibrator extends at least partially through the opening  184  in the base plate  182  and is secured to a vibrator mounting plate  186  that secures to the base plate  182  over the opening  184 . A pair of mounting ears  188  are formed at opposite sides of the base plate  182 . A pair of brackets  190  are mounted to the frame  52  of the fruit juice extractor  100 . A plurality of vibration dampeners  192  and associated fasteners  194  connect the pair of brackets  190  to the pair of mounting ears  188 . The mounting plate  186  acts as a flange and is connected between the vibrator  160  and the base plate  182 . 
     The hollow fruit guide body  162  preferably is formed from a polymer, such as rotationally molded polyethylene, but other plastic materials can be used as suggested by those skilled in the art. The bottom wall, as shown in  FIG. 11 , has stiffening features  196  adding strength to the structure, which can be formed during the molding process. 
     It is evident that the present invention now provides a feeder table, i.e., formed as a fruit guide assembly  110 , which not only includes an easily removable fruit guide body, but also includes an easily removable vibrator  160 , which saves on maintenance time and costs throughout the operational life of the juice extractor. 
     The present invention also provides a multi-position fruit feeder that uses a proximity switch, in one non-limiting example, to detect movement of a load sensitive coupler having a shear pin that is broken when the fruit feeder is jammed or a similar problem occurs. If the shear pin breaks, the load sensitive coupler no longer rotates, and a proximity sensor, for example, detects this change. A processor, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or other mechanism, can automatically stop the juice extractor when the lack of rotation is detected. This is advantageous over prior art juice extractors, which continued running when foreign material jammed a fruit feeder, breaking the shear pin. In one aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor can be attached to a timer. When the juice extractor is in operation, the proximity sensor detects movement and produces respective on/off pulses. If, after a predetermined period of time, the pulses are no longer detected, for example, when a shear pin is broken and rotation stopped, the juice extractor automatically shuts-down. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the improved fruit feeder  200  for feeding fruit into the juice extracting positions defined by each juice extractor unit  50  and defined by the fixed and moveable extractor cups  54 , 80 . The fruit feeder  200  includes a proximity drive shaft  202  and a plurality of fruit feed members  204 , for example, formed as fruit feed fingers for feeding fruit to the juice extracting positions  50  based upon rotation of the drive shaft  202 . A load sensitive coupler  206  couples a drive motor, for example, the electric drive motor  118  via the feeder mechanism drive  112 , to the drive shaft  202  during normal operation, and decouples the drive motor from the drive shaft  202  when the fruit feed members  204  become jammed. A decoupling detector  208  detects decoupling of the load sensitive coupler  206 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the drive motor could be the primary juice extractor drive motor  118  with a transmission linkage or other drive mechanism  112  that interconnects the drive shaft  202  and the electric motor  118  supported by extractor frame  52  and outside the juice extractor outer covers as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A drive hub  210  is rotatably carried by the drive shaft  202  and operatively connected to the drive motor  118 . A fixed hub  212  is secured to the drive shaft adjacent the rotatable drive hub  210 . A shear pin  214  extends between the rotatable drive hub  210  and the fixed hub  212  to couple the rotatable drive hub  210  and the fixed hub  212  together during normal operation, and to shear and decouple the rotatable drive hub  210  from the fixed hub  212  when the fruit feed members  204  become jammed. This decoupling detector  208 , in one aspect of the present invention, is preferably a proximity sensor. Also, at least one proximity sensor trigger  216  is rotatably carried by the drive shaft  202 . When the proximity sensor is positioned adjacent a path of the at least one proximity sensor trigger  216 , a pulse is preferably generated. For example, the proximity sensor trigger could be at least one ferrous fastener, for example, screws that act as the trigger. These screws could be carried by the rotatable drive hub  210 . The proximity sensor can also be connected to a timer. When the juice extractor is running, the proximity sensor detects the movement of the trigger and produces on/off pulses. If, after a predefined period of time, the pulses are no longer detected, the juice extractor will automatically shut down via the controller. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a fruit feed member  204  includes at least one finger shaft  220  and a plurality of fruit flipper fingers  222  carried by the finger shaft. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, three equally spaced finger shafts  220  are used. The central drive shaft  202  is driven, turning a cam assembly (not shown) inside the hub, which rotates, and the three shafts  220  rotate around the center drive shaft  202 , moving the fruit flipper fingers  222  for lifting the fruit and feeding or “tossing” the fruit into a fixed extractor cup  54 . 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a decoupling detector operates an indicator based upon the detection of decoupling. In one aspect of the present invention, it could include at least one magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an electrical field sensor, an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor, as non-limiting examples. 
     The juice extractor of the present invention also advantageously uses a return cam, typically formed as a mathematical conjugate of the extractor cup drive cam, i.e., cup cam, to hold cam followers to the cams and lift the cup support member, i.e., cup beam, during the juice extraction cycle. This overcomes the disadvantage of having to increase the spring force necessary to hold cam followers tightly to the drive cam or use higher air pressure to prevent “knocking” of the cams corresponding to the separation of any cam from its follower. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are isometric views of the drive mechanism  128  that engages the moveable extractor cups  80 , such as through the moveable cup beam or other moveable cup support member  230 , and drives the moveable extractor cups  80  into engagement with the fixed extractor cups  54 . This drive mechanism  128  includes the camshaft  130  supporting the drive cam  136  for driving the moveable extractor cup  80  into engagement with the fixed extractor cup  54  and a return cam  232  for disengaging the moveable extractor cup  80  using a cam follower train  234  operatively connected to the return cam  232  for raising the cup beam  230  and disengaging the moveable extractor cup  80  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     As illustrated, the camshaft  130  supports two drive cams  136  and two return cams  232  that are spaced from each other, and imparts a driving force onto the respective cup beam  230  and cam follower train  234 , which operate at appropriate timed intervals as the camshaft is rotated. The cam follower train  234  includes appropriate support frame members  236  that are secured to the extractor frame  52  and guide rods  238 . A cam follower mechanism  240  is slidable on the guide rods  238  and secured to the cup beam  230  or other cup support member. The return cam drives upward the cam follower mechanism  240  on the guide rods  238 , thus pulling upward the cup beam  230 . 
     As illustrated, two orifice beam drive cams  132  are located on outer ends of the camshaft  130  within the extractor frame and each connect to a cam follower and drive linkage that extends into the drive mechanism cavity  144  and attach to an end  140   a  of the orifice beam  140 . The orifice beam drive cams  132  push the orifice beam downward via the cam follower and drive linkage, which is, in turn, pulled upward by a spring mechanism (not shown), allowing reciprocating movement of the orifice beam and the orifice tube within the strainer tube. 
     In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the return cam  232  is formed as a mathematical conjugate of the drive cam  136 . The drive cam  136  and return cam  232 , however, can be formed integral as two cam surfaces on a single body, or each can be formed as a single cam body as shown in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 14 . 
     To provide balance to the juice extractor machine during extractor operations, a counterweight is added to balance the offset nature of the camshaft. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , two counterweights  250  are secured to the central portion of the camshaft  130  and offset the concentric rotation of the cams, which causes vibration of the juice extractor during extractor operation. In another embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 16 , a counterweight  252  is added to the main drive gear  122 , which could be positioned in a gearbox.  FIG. 16  shows the main drive gear  122  that is connected to the camshaft  130 , and also the orifice beam drive cam  132  and a portion of the cam follower and drive linkage  254  that connects to a return spring and a drive linkage mechanism contained in the drive mechanism cavity  144  for reciprocating the orifice beam as the camshaft is rotated. It is evident, then, in accordance with the present invention, the counterweight can be mounted directly on the camshaft, for example, as the illustrated two counterweight members  250  mounted on a medial section of the camshaft, or mounted as a separate counterweight  252  on the large gear in the gearbox. Alternatively, both counterweights  250 ,  252  could be used depending on the particular design choice of one skilled in the art. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the various cams  132 ,  136  and  232  can be mounted to the camshaft  130  using a cup-drive, shaft-hub coupler  260  that frictionally secures the camshaft  130  with the cam hub  262  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Non-limiting examples of the coupler  260  that can be used in the present invention include locking assemblies sold under the designation Ringfeder®, RfN 7013.1, which could be hub mounted with a countersunk flange as shown in  FIG. 17 , or with a locking assembly flange outside the hub bore, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     As illustrated, the camshaft  130  and the cam hub  262  of either the drive cam  136 , return cam  232  or orifice beam drive cam  132 , are cylindrically shaped and devoid of keying. The coupler  260  preferably includes inner and outer rings  264 ,  266  having respective tapered overlapping surfaces  268 ,  270  and at least one fastener  272  such as the illustrated bolt for urging the inner and outer rings  264 ,  266  axially together. A flange can be connected to the inner ring to aid in preventing lateral movement of different members. 
     Each cam preferably includes at least one alignment feature  278  for facilitating relative alignment. This alignment feature could be an opening formed in each of the cams to permit an alignment rod to be inserted through the openings when the cams are relatively aligned properly to each other. 
     The juice extractor of the present invention also includes the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  as shown in  FIGS. 19-24 . Juice piping extends from the opposing juice outlets positioned at the inner side panels and exits through the side of the juice extractor at the outer covers, thus eliminating the prior art piping arrangement where “bullhorn” pipes extended out the front and were prone to build-up of debris. As will also be explained below in greater detail, the strainer tube  86  is preferably bottom loaded, and includes an improved sealing assembly between the juice manifold and strainer tube. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  also includes a number of pressure actuated spray nozzles, i.e., pop-up nozzles, positioned on the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134 . These pop-up nozzles can be used for both oil recovery and extractor cleaning as will be explained in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-24 , greater details of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  of the present invention are illustrated. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  includes a front sloped wall  280  to permit product material to flow away from the structure during extractor operation. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  is preferably formed as a fabricated assembly that includes a weldment and associated construction forming an integrated juice manifold  281  within the assembly, as shown in greater details in  FIGS. 20 ,  23  and  24 . The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  includes a rear wall  282 , the front sloped wall  280 , side end walls  284 , and the bottom wall as a weldment  286 . Fixed extractor cup positions  288  are defined by extractor cup mounts  290  that are substantially cylindrically formed and include a top flange  292  and mounting ridge  294  on which strainer tube support cones  296  are received. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7  and described before, the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  is mounted within the extractor frame between the inner side panels  142 , and includes juice outlets  298  juxtaposed to the inner side panels, such that the juice outlets are removed from the product material  143 , i.e., “juice and peel” area, to prevent build-up of peel and related byproducts. Build-up of byproducts was typical when juice outlets and the associated piping exited the juice extractor, for example out the front or rear, as “bullhorn” piping. As illustrated, the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  extends transversely across the extractor frame  52  between the opposing inner side panels  142 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19-21 ,  23  and  24 , the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  includes at least one fluid delivery conduit extending along an upper portion of the structure where the rear wall  282  and front sloped wall  280  intersect. In the illustrated preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19-20 , and  23 - 24 , first and second fluid delivery conduits  300 ,  302 , are formed by a L-bracket  304  and a medial insert wall  306  to define the first and second fluid delivery conduits  300 ,  302 . Each conduit  300 ,  302  has a first fluid inlet  308  in a side end wall  284  to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid and at least a first fluid outlet  310  positioned on an outer surface of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134 , and more particularly, on the front sloped wall  280  for discharging fluid such as recycle fluid, for oil recovery during extractor operation. The second fluid delivery conduit  302  has a second fluid inlet  312  to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid, and at least a second fluid outlet  314  positioned on an outer surface of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134 , and preferably on the front sloped wall  280  for discharging fluid for cleaning. 
     It should be understood, however, that the cleaning fluid and the oil recovery fluid can be switched to the other respective conduit. At each fluid outlet  310 ,  314 , a pressure-actuated spray nozzle, formed as a pop-up spray nozzle, is positioned. This nozzle is explained later with reference to  FIGS. 28-49 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , a fluid outlet  310 ,  314  is positioned adjacent each of the fixed extractor cup positions  288 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are five fixed extractor cup positions  288 , and six fluid outlets  310 ,  314  for each of the first and second fluid outlets for allowing adequate fluid spray during recovery or cleaning. At each fixed extractor cup position  288 , opposed extractor cup fastener supports  320  are secured and permit the fixed extractor cups to be mounted and secured on the cup bridge by appropriate fasteners, as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the strainer tube  86  mounts through the bottom of the juice manifold  281 . A sealing assembly  320  seals the strainer tube  86  relative to the juice manifold  281 . In the illustrated and non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the sealing assembly  220  includes a threaded collar  322  positioned on an inside surface of the juice manifold through which the strainer tube  86  is received. A threaded insert  324  is received over an end of the strainer tube and received within the threaded collar  322  on an outside surface of the juice manifold  281 . A gasket  326  is positioned between the threaded collar  322  and strainer tube  86  and is compressed as the threaded insert  324  is tightened within the threaded collar  322 . The gasket  326  and inside surface of the threaded collar  322  include a beveled surface. A shoulder  328  is also formed on the strainer tube in which the gasket  326  and threaded insert  324  engage. A snap ring  330  can be positioned at an end of the strainer tube and maintain the threaded insert  324  on the strainer tube. A ring gasket  332  is preferably positioned between the threaded collar  322  and an inside surface of the juice manifold  281  and is compressed as the threaded insert  324  tightened within the threaded collar  322 . 
     It should be understood that the threaded collar  322  could potentially be part of the juice manifold. A beveled surface and an internal thread could be machined directly into the juice manifold, eliminating the need for a threaded collar. The threaded insert could potentially be part of the strainer tube and could be machined directly onto the surface of the strainer tube, eliminating the requirements for a threaded insert. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , greater details of the orifice beam  140  ( FIG. 26 ). The inner side panels  142 , and position of components ( FIG. 27 ) are illustrated. As explained before, the orifice beam  140  supports the orifice tubes  56 . The orifice beam  140  includes ends  140   a  that extend through the window openings  152  to engage the drive mechanism positioned within the drive mechanism cavity  144  as explained before. The drive mechanism, in one preferred aspect of the present invention, is a pull-rod assembly that interconnects a cam follower and drive linkage  254 , which includes a return spring mechanism in the upper part of the juice extractor  100 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . A seal  154 , as explained before, is formed at the juncture of orifice beam and the beam opening forming the window, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 27 , to prevent product material from entering the drive mechanism cavity during juice extractor operation. This seal preferably comprises a labyrinth seal and includes a seal and seal strip member  154 a that is moveable within the seal. The seal could be a plastic seal and the seal strip members could be sheet metal pieces moveable within the seal. Other seals can be used as suggested by those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 27  also illustrates how at least one tapered spray nozzle, and preferably a plurality of tapered spray nozzles, are mounted flush on a wall surface, and preferably on the inner side panel at a fluid outlet for discharging fluid and cleaning product material during extractor operation. It is possible to place a nozzle in the drive mechanism cavity also. Each tapered spray nozzle is mounted flush on a wall surface. Fluid conduits  340  permit fluid flow to the nozzles, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 27 . The configuration of a tapered spray nozzle of the present invention is explained below relative to  FIGS. 46-54 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28-45 , details of a pressure-actuated spray nozzle  350  formed as a pop-up nozzle and positioned adjacent fixed extractor cups on the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold  134  are explained. The pressure-actuated spray nozzle  350  includes a tubular housing  352  and a nozzle body  354  received within the tubular housing and moveable between a retracted OFF position and an extended ON or spray position. A spring  356  is used for urging the nozzle body  354  toward the retracted OFF position and is shown in detail in  FIGS. 30 and 32 . The nozzle body includes a lower tubular member and upper spray directing member that are screwed together in one non-limiting example. 
     A flange  358  is connected to a lower end of the nozzle body to engage adjacent lower portions of the tubular housing  352  when in the extended spray position. A mushroom head  360  is connected to an upper end of the nozzle body  354  to engage adjacent upper portions of the tubular housing when in the retracted OFF position. The nozzle body  354  also includes a lower tubular member  362  and an upper spray directing member  364  connected thereto. This lower tubular member  362  is rotatably captured within the housing  352 . The upper spray directing members  364  are rotatably settable with respect to the lower tubular member to permit adjustment of the spray direction. The tubular housing preferably is formed as an externally threaded tubular body and a flange  366  is connected to an upper end. The angled interior and exterior surfaces  368   a ,  368   b  prevent rotation, but allow axial movement and the “pop-up” function. The pressure-actuated spray nozzle  350  is typically screwed into a fluid outlet  310 ,  314  and a threadlock composition or other thread locking mechanism used to set the desired angle or position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 46-54 , details are illustrated of the tapered spray nozzle  370  that is mounted flush on a wall surface at a fluid outlet, such as a fluid outlet  372  on the inner side panels ( FIG. 27 ). Naturally, the tapered spray nozzle can be positioned at other locations in the extractor. The tapered spray nozzle  370  is configured for preventing build-up on the spray nozzle of any product material during extractor operation. The term “tapered” as used for this nozzle encompasses many different configurations, including a spray nozzle that is conical, semi-hemispherical, rounded, or other shapes as suggested by those skilled in the art. 
     The tapered spray nozzle  370  includes a spray nozzle head  374  having at least one fluid spray orifice  376  and a spray disc  378  inserted within the fluid spray orifice. The spray disc  378  has a fluid outlet opening  380  configured for forming a predetermined fluid spray pattern of fluid used for cleaning. The opening  380  is preferably geometrically configured and can be rhomboid, curved, elliptical, circular or other shapes as suggested by those skilled in the art. In one aspect of the present invention, the spray nozzle head  374  and spray disc  378  are each rotatable for selecting a desired fluid spray direction. In another aspect of the present invention as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 49 , the spray nozzle head  374  includes at least two fluid spray orifices  376 . A nozzle fastening body  382  is secured on the wall surface at a fluid outlet and receives the spray nozzle head  374 . It includes a fluid channel  384  formed in the nozzle fastening body  382  and communicates with the fluid spray orifice  376  to the fluid outlet. 
     The tapered spray nozzle  370  of the present invention is typically threaded within a fluid outlet and a threadlock composition or other thread locking mechanism used for tightening the spray nozzle relative to a desired water spray direction. The spray disc is also rotated to a desired location. The nozzle fastening body is threaded on an exterior surface and receives a nozzle retaining ring  386  having internal threads as shown in  FIGS. 53 and 54  for retaining the nozzle head thereon when the nozzle retaining ring is secured. 
     This application is related to copending patent applications entitled, MULTI-LANE FRUIT GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR A JUICE EXTRACTOR AND RELATED METHODS; MULTI-LANE FRUIT GUIDE ASSEMBLY HAVING INTEGRAL RIDGE ENDS FOR A JUICE EXTRACTOR AND RELATED METHODS; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH DRIVE AND RETURN CAMS FOR EXTRACTOR CUP MOVEMENT; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH COUNTERWEIGHT OPERATIVELY ENGAGED WITH CAMSHAFT; JUICE EXTRACTOR INCLUDING FRICTIONAL SHAFT-HUB COUPLINGS FOR DRIVE CAMS AND RELATED METHODS; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH INTEGRAL JUICE MANIFOLD AND CUP BRIDGE; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH BOTTOM LOADING STRAINER TUBE; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH JUICE MANIFOLD HAVING SIDE OUTLET FOR JUICE; JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH ORIFICE TUBE BEAM DRIVE EXTENDING INTO SIDE PANELS; JUICE EXTRACTOR INCLUDING PRESSURE-ACTUATED NOZZLE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS; JUICE EXTRACTOR DESIGN; and JUICE EXTRACTOR INCLUDING FRUIT FEEDER DECOUPLING DETECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS; which are filed on the same date and by the same assignee and inventors, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.