System and method for extracting arils from pomegranates

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING ARILS FROM POMEGRANATES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of large-scale processing of fruit for providing readily available and freshly cut fruit products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for processing pomegranates in a continuous and highly-efficient manner that yields clean, whole and undamaged arils from the pomegranates. The present invention also relates to a method for the continuous processing of pomegranates that utilizes said system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pomegranates contain several hundreds juice-enclosed seeds, or arils, that have, over the passed decade, become recognized and appreciated for the significant health benefits and superior anti-oxidant effects that they can bestow. Thus, the market for pomegranates, and specifically for readily available pomegranate juice and pomegranate arils, has risen dramatically. The consumer market for whole pomegranate fruit is generally not high, since pomegranates themselves can be very messy to open and to eat. Also, since pomegranates contain many hundreds of arils, manual processing of pomegranates tends to be very inefficient and highly labor intensive.

To date, there is no system for enabling the large-scale processing of pomegranates and the extraction of the pomegranate arils. A system such as this would have to be fast and efficient, with the ability to process hundreds of pomegranates in an hour. Also, since the arils of the pomegranates are the desired end-product, the system would have to preserve all of the arils, safeguarding against damage or cutting through of the arils during the process (when pomegranates are cut open, damage to about 20% of the arils often occurs, unless manual opening is carried out in a very gentle and precise manner). Ideally, the product of the system should be whole arils, clean from all other materials found inside the fruit with the arils.

It is thus the goal of the present invention to provide a system for the rapid and efficient processing of pomegranate fruit, on a large-scale level, that provides clean, whole and undamaged pomegranate arils as a product. It is also a goal of the present invention to provide a pomegranate processing system in which substantially all of the pomegranate arils are preserved. It will be appreciated that in the present invention, 1

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human hands never come in contact with the pomegranate interior, thus preventing against contamination and ensuring food safety. Moreover, opening of the pomegranate fruit is conducted using a mechanical opener that cuts only the peel (or portion of the peel) of a pomegranate. The system has the ability to process hundreds of pomegranates in an hour, though the specific capabilities depend on the size of the system which is built (for example, the system may comprise multiple channels and/or conveyers, multiple mechanical openers, etc... for maximizing processing capacity). These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more readily understood from the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the drawings that follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for the continuous processing of whole pomegranates, and for the recovery of clean, whole and undamaged arils from said pomegranates. The system comprises the following main components: (a) mechanical opening means, for mechanically opening a pomegranate without (substantially) cutting through the interior of the fruit; the mechanical means cut or score only the peel of the pomegranates, and then open the fruit; (b) advancing means, for advancing an opened pomegranate from said opening means to a position that is optimal for the extraction of the arils from opened pomegranates; (c) extracting means, for extracting the arils from inside an opened pomegranate, and (in the context of the present invention, the term “extraction” is meant to refer to the removal or withdrawal of the arils from inside of the pomegranate fruit in a manner that produces substantially no damage to the arils themselves); (d) separating means, for separating the arils that were extracted from said pomegranate from other fruit materials extracted along with the arils (other fruit materials may include white pith from inside the fruit, pieces of the peel, etc...)

According to preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises receiving and positioning means, for receiving individual pomegranates to be 2

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processed, and for advancing said pomegranates to opening means; individual pomegranates may be introduced into the receiving means either manually or through other mechanical means.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the receiving means comprises a stepwise conveyer having a plurality of circular pomegranate holders for holding pomegranates in an inverted position (with the crown facing downward). Preferably each pomegranate holder comprises a ring within a coned hole. The crown of the pomegranate is positioned inside of the ring so as to facilitate removal of the crown by a cutting mechanism located below the holder. The step-wise conveyer comprises one or more side-by-side channels (rows). In one preferred embodiment, the step-wise conveyer has two rows, each comprising a plurality of pomegranate holders that operate in step with another so as to carry pomegranates from an initial loading position (manually or automatically operated) to a crown cutting position, and then to an opening position wherein the pomegranates are removed from the holders. Typically, two pomegranates are loaded simultaneously into parallel rows. It is appreciated, however, that the system may comprise any number of step-wise conveyers and conveyer channels for allowing processing of pomegranates at any needed magnitude. For each row, there is preferably a separate cutting mechanism and a separate mechanical opening means. The conveyer follows a circuitous path, and thus, after a pomegranate fruit is removed from a holder prior to opening, the holder is advanced, in a step-by-step manner, to the initial position so a new pomegranate can be loaded. Typically, the proposed system has about fifteen pairs of pomegranate holders positioned equidistant from one another on two channels, though it is appreciated, as stated previously, that the system can be built for accommodating any number of pomegranates at a time.

Two alternative mechanical opening means may be employed by the system of the present invention. In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the opening means comprises a cutting mechanism adapted for cutting off the crown of a pomegranate positioned in said circular pomegranate holder and a corolla opener comprising a plurality of corolla cutters for cutting the peel of a pomegranate in a predetermined pattern and a plurality of corolla openers for opening said pomegranate along the cuts formed by the cutters. Preferably, the cutting mechanism comprises a blade 3

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adapted for approaching a pomegranate positioned in said pomegranate holder from below said holder and for cutting off the crown of said pomegranate by a rotating mechanism. The blade is preferably pointed in its central portion, with a downward slope of either side of the blade such that the milling action of the blade is just sufficient to cut a cavity and remove the entire crown, but without penetrating to the region of the fruit interior where the arils are. The depth to which the blade penetrates the fruit is preferably determined according to the size range of the pomegranates that are being processed.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the opening means comprises a mechanical opener comprising a first rotating holder and a second rotating holder, and a blade. The rotating holders hold the opposite sides of a pomegranate via a vacuum cup mechanism or via a gripping mechanism, in which a plurality of prongs are employed for gripping the fruit. It is appreciated that the holders could operate through other appropriate means as well. The rotating holders operate to hold the opposite sides of a pomegranate and to rotate the pomegranate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while the blade affects a circumferential cut around the peel of the pomegranate. It is appreciated that during formation of the cut, the blade remains stationary. Only the pomegranate rotates (due to the movement of the holders). Following the formation of the cut, the rotating holders operate to separate the pomegranate into two halves by a counter-rotating movement following the formation of said circumferential cut. The counter-rotating movement preferably comprises rotation of just one of the holders while the other one remains stationary. Alternatively, both holders may rotate in opposite directions. The outward movement of both holders accompanies the rotation. Thus, the pomegranate becomes divided into two substantial halves, which are separated from one another (by movement of the holders away from one another) and released from the holders for further processing. It is appreciated that in this preferred embodiment, the pomegranates are preferably fed into the system directly to the mechanical opener.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the advancing means comprise at least one conveyer for receiving opened pomegranates (or pomegranate halves) from the opening means. It will be appreciated that the conveyer(s) serves to carry the opened pomegranates to the next processing stage, in which the arils are extracted from inside the fruit (the pomegranates remain on the moving conveyer 4

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while extraction is carried out). The opened pomegranates are positioned on the conveyer with the opened side of the fruit facing downward. The extraction means preferably comprises oscillating gas or liquid jets (produced by at least one nozzle), located below the conveyer, that apply a force towards the fruit interior. An upward supporting system serves to keep the fruit in place on the conveyers and in an optimal position for extraction to be carried out. According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the upward supporting system comprises at least one rotary drum positioned above said at least one conveyer (at a predetermined height and location) and comprised of a plurality of flexible members (such as flexible rods or wires) for securing the opened pomegranates on said conveyer while aril extraction is carried out. The rotary drums serve to keep the fruit in place on the conveyers and in an optimal position for extraction to be carried out. In one preferred embodiment, each conveyer has two rotary drums, positioned one after the next. It is appreciated, however, that the system may comprise any appropriate number of drums according to the required rate of pomegranate processing.

Still further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the extracting means comprise at least one nozzle positioned beneath the conveyer, for producing a plurality of gas or liquid jets directed towards the interior of the opened pomegranates. Preferably, the nozzle is an air nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle is a water nozzle. It is to be understood that using several nozzles allows for the increasing of the conveyor velocity while maintaining efficient aril extraction.

Additionally according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the nozzles are adapted for rapid back-and-forth movement along a predetermined horizontal axis. This assures that the jets scan the entire inner area of the opened fruit and in the same time producing a jet pulse effect.

Moreover according to prefened embodiments of the present invention, the separating means comprises a running water channel positioned below the conveyer for receiving arils that fall from the pomegranates and for sorting between the arils and other fruit material falling from the pomegranates. The water channel contains water flowing at a relatively slow pace. Also, the channel is preferably inclined. In the water channel, the pomegranate arils sink due to their specific weight whereas other materials falling from 5

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the fruit float to the top. The arils are then separated from the water through any appropriate means known in the art. In one preferred embodiment, water flowing through the lower part of the water channel (containing the arils) is separated from the rest of the water and then passed over a screen such that the arils are caught on the screen and the water is preferably returned to the beginning of the channel. It is appreciated that other means could also be employed, for rinsing the arils and cleaning them from other fruit materials.

The present invention also relates to a method for the continuous processing of whole pomegranates and for the recovery of clean, whole, and undamaged arils from said pomegranates, comprising; (a) mechanically opening individual pomegranates, without cutting through the interior of the pomegranate; (b) advancing pomegranates opened in step a) to a position optimal for effecting removal of arils from inside of the opened pomegranates; (c) directing at least one oscillating gas (preferably compressed air) or liquid (preferably water) jet to opened pomegranates so as to effect removal and falling of the arils from the interior of the pomegranate, and; (d) receiving and collecting extracted arils and separating said extracted arils from other fruit materials remaining on the arils or falling (from the interior of the fruit) along with the arils.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step of receiving, holding, and conveying, in succession, a plurality of pomegranates to be processed. Received pomegranates are conveyed to mechanical opening means, for opening individual fruits.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of mechanically opening individual pomegranates is carried out by a corolla opener comprising a plurality of corolla cutters for cutting the peel of a pomegranate in a predetermined pattern and a plurality of corolla openers for opening said pomegranate along the cuts formed by said cutters.

Further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of mechanically opening individual pomegranates further comprises a cutting mechanism 6

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adapted for cutting off the crown of a pomegranate prior to opening of the pomegranate by said corolla opener.

Moreover according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of mechanically opening individual pomegranates is carried out by a mechanical opener comprising a first rotating holder and a second rotating holder, and a blade, wherein said rotating holders operate to hold the opposite sides of a pomegranates and to rotate said pomegranate while said blade effects a circumferential cut around the peel of the pomegranate, and wherein said rotating holders further operate to separate the pomegranate into two halves by a counter-rotating movement following the formation of said circumferential cut.

Preferably, the oscillating jet operates through a rapid back and forth movement that assures that the entire inner area of the fruit will be scanned by the jet.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of advancing pomegranates opened in step a) to a position optimal for effecting removal of arils from inside of the opened pomegranates is carried out by at least one conveyer and an upper supporting system, said supporting system comprising at least one flexible rotary drum positioned above said conveyer at a predetermined height. The opened pomegranate (or pomegranate halves) is continuously advanced, at a predetermined pace, along the conveyer. At a predetermined section of the conveyer, the pomegranate is secured in position on the moving conveyer by the (rotating) drum (the pomegranate is maintained below the drum and on top of the conveyer). At this time, the pomegranate is exposed to the oscillating jets, which causes the arils to be extracted from now exposed inner parts of the fruit.

Further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the oscillating jet is adapted for rapid back and forth movement, creating an effect of pulsed jets.

Additionally according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of receiving and collecting extracted arils and separating said extracted arils from other fruit materials remaining on said arils or falling along with the arils comprises immersing said arils in a running water channel to cause separation of the arils from other fruit material remaining on the arils or falling with the arils. 7

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It is appreciated that the system and method of the present invention could be readily adapted for use with other fruits, for example, citrus fruits. However, it is especially useful for pomegranates for the reasons described in the background section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1-14 represent sequential steps in the processing of a pomegranate, using a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of loading of the pomegranate into the system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of cutting off of the crown of the pomegranate.

Figures 3, 4, and 5 illustrate schematic drawings of lifting of the pomegranate from the stepwise conveyer of the system and carrying of said pomegranate to a subsequent processing stage.

Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate schematic drawings of sequential stages in the opening of the pomegranate, according to one prefened embodiment of the present invention. Another preferred embodiment for opening of the pomegranate is illustrated in Figures 15a-15g.

Figures 12, 13, and 14 illustrate schematic drawings of the removal of arils from inside of the pomegranate, and the collection and separating of said arils from other fruit materials.

Figures 15a-15g represent side schematic views of the sequential steps occurring during opening of a pomegranate, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first preferred embodiment for opening of a pomegranate having been illustrated in Figures 6-11.

Figure 16 is a 3-D view of a system for extracting arils from a pomegranate, according to prefened embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a 3-D view of a corolla opener for opening individual pomegranates without cutting through the interior of the fruit, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 8 154398/2

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is appreciated that the description provided is meant only to illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, as set out in the claims.

Referring first to Figure 1 in combination with Figure 16·, the system of the present invention is equipped with a stepwise conveyer (10) for receiving individual intact pomegranates to be processed. Preferably, the pomegranates are loaded onto the system manually though other suitable means could also be employed such as mechanical emplacement and a fiuit orientation system. An individual whole pomegranate (5) is placed into a holder (50), preferably with the crown (9) of the pomegranate (5) facing the downward direction, for facilitating removal of said crown (9) from the rest of the fruit. The conveyer (10) preferably serves to advance the pomegranate (5) from an initial receiving position (where the pomegranate is loaded into the holder) (20) to a crown-cutting position (30).

Referring now to Figure 2 in combination with Figure 16, when the pomegranate (5) is advanced in a holder (50) to the crown-cutting position, a cutting mechanism (40) functions to sever the crown (9) of the pomegranate (5) without causing any damage to the rest of the fruit and with minimal (or no) penetration to the part of the fruit containing the arils. This step also serves to prepare a cone shape cavity for the corolla openers (Figure 7, 14). In this preferred embodiment, a portion of the cutting mechanism (40) advances towards the pomegranate (5) from beneath the holder (50). Thus, the holder (50) is optimally designed so as to enable cutting off the crown (9) while the pomegranate (5) is being held in an upside-down position. The cutting mechanism (40) functions via a pointed blade (41) that advances towards the pomegranate (5) and rotates about a predetermined vertical axis so as to cur away the crown (9). .After cutting is completed, the cutting mechanism retracts to its initial position until the next pomegranate occupies the crown-cutting position. Preferably, a counter support (42. Figure 16) is positioned above the pomegranate and applies downward pressure on the fruit while cutting away of the crown is being earned out. It is appreciated that other cutting mechanisms couid also be used for cutting off the crown of the pomegranate.

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Figures 3, 4, and 5 illustrate the clearing of the pomegranate (5) from a holder (50) for enabling opening of the pomegranate fruit. Preferably, an actuator (60), approaches the pomegranate (5) from above, and lifts the pomegranate (5) from the holder (50). The actuator (60) may operate through any appropriate means, such as a vacuum cup or a mechanical gripping device, as are well known in the art. The holder (50), now empty, advances one step in the direction of the receiving position in order to receive a new pomegranate for processing when a cycle is completed (this can also be seen in Figure 16).

Two alternative preferred embodiments are now described for opening of the pomegranate fruit. In either embodiment, it is appreciated that the actual fruit is not cut through during the opening process. Only the peel (or portion of the peel) is cut, or scored (and then the fruit is opened), thereby preserving substantially all of the arils inside the pomegranate. It is further appreciated that there are no solutions available in the prior art for mechanically opening of a fruit (and specifically, a pomegranate) without penetrating the fruit itself. It will be appreciated that in the system illustrated in Figure 16, the first mechanical opening means described (the corolla opener) is illustrated. The system could be readily adapted by appropriate means known in the art, for use with the second opening means as well.

The first preferred embodiment for the opening mechanism will now be described with reference to Figures 6-11.

Referring to Figures 6-11, the pomegranate is carried by the actuator (60) to a pomegranate-opening position, in which a corolla opener (3) engages around the pomegranate (5) to affect opening of the pomegranate (5) without cutting through the interior of the fruit, so as not to cause damage to any of the arils. A schematic view of the construction of the corolla opener can be seen in Figure 17. The corolla opener (3) preferably comprises six corolla cutters (4), though it is appreciated that the opener could be equipped with a different number of corolla cutters as well, each having a blade (8) located at the bottom portion thereof for scoring the sides of the fruit. The corolla opener also comprises six openers (14) for opening the fruit after the corolla patterned cuts have been formed (the number of corolla openers matches the number of corolla cutters). When opened, the pomegranate resembles an open flower. Equally spaced cuts are 10

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formed, starting from the bottom end and continuing upwards towards the other end of the pomegranate (though not reaching the very top of the fruit). Following formation of the cuts on the outer surface of the pomegranate (5), the corolla openers (14), each having a hook (80) at the lower end thereof, serve to open the pomegranate (5), as shown in Figures 8 and 9, by gripping the lower end of the fruit and moving outwardly, so as to separate the cut sections from one another. The opened pomegranate (5a), with the arils (7) exposed, is then released from the lifting arm (60) onto a conveyer (11). The conveyer (11) is preferably comprised of a plurality of stationary, rotating rods (11a, lib, etc... in Figure 16) that function to advance the opened pomegranates to the next processing stage. It is appreciated that, in this preferred embodiment, the actuator holds the pomegranate from above the entire time that the opening is being carried out.

It is appreciated that depending on the number and construction of the stepwise conveyer that initially received the pomegranates, and the number of pomegranates being processed at any given time interval, the system may comprise any number of corolla openers. In the system of Figure 16, the stepwise conveyer comprises a plurality of pairs of pomegranate holders. Thus, there are two corolla openers, each for handling pomegranates from one channel (row) of the stepwise conveyer.

Reference will now be made to Figures 15a-15g and to a second preferred embodiment for performing mechanical opening of a pomegranate. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a whole pomegranate fruit is up taken from the pomegranate holder and positioned between a first rotating holder (100) and a second rotating holder (101) by the actuator (in this preferred embodiment, the actuator does not remain holding the fruit while opening is carried out; the fruit is held by the holders). The holders (100) (101) and grip the sides of the pomegranate (5), as seen in Figure 15b. A blade (103) is positioned in the outer space of the pomegranate, preferably directly beneath the pomegranate (5). In the preferred embodiment shown, the holders (100) (101) operate through vacuum means, with a vacuum pump supplying air pressure to each holder. It is appreciated that the first and second holders could operate through other appropriate means as well, for example, mechanical gripping means wherein a plurality of prongs at the end of each gripper serve to grip the opposite sides of the fruit. Each of said first and second holders are oriented along a fixed horizontal axis, and are adapted for rotating in a 11 154398/2 clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction with respect to said axis. In operation, when a pomegranate is to be opened, the blade (103) first moves in the upward direction, towards the pomegranate, and pierces the peel of said pomegranate (Figure 15c). Next, as shown in Figure 15d, both the first and second holders (100) (101) turn in the same direction, to notch a cut around the midline circumference of the pomegranate (5). In the next stage of opening, the blade (103) retracts to its original position. The first and second holders then rotate in opposite directions and then move away from one another so as to effect separation between the two halves (5b) (5c) of the pomegranate, as seen in Figures 15e and 15f. The counter-rotating movement preferably comprises rotation of just one of the holders while the other one remains stationary. Alternatively, both holders may rotate in opposite directions. This movement is combined with the backwards (outward) pulling of the holders. In the final stage of opening of the fruit, the two halves are released from the first and second holders onto one or more (preferably two; one for each half) conveyers that carry said halves to the extraction phase. It is appreciated that in preferred embodiments in which the pomegranate is opened by rhe means just described, the crown of the pomegranate is not cut off in a separate step, as is the case when the corolla opener is used. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, pomegranates that are loaded into the system of the present invention are preferably immediately uptaken by the holders for carrying out opening of the fruit.

While the description now provided for the extraction of the arils of a pomegranate is written with respect to the pomegranate that was opened via the corolla opener, it is appreciated that it also suitable for extraction of arils from the two pomegranate halves, described in the previous paragraph. The description is thus written with respect to the (whole) opened pomegranate as opposed to the two pomegranate halves, for the purposes of clarity and simplicity only.

Reference will now be made to Figure 12, in combination with Figure 16, in which an opened pomegranare (5a) is conveyed by rhe conveyer (11) towards ar least one rotary 'dram (12) made from a plurality of flexible rods (15). Tne rods are made from a non-rigid material such as silicone. It is appreciated that the rorary drum could be comprised of other flexible members as well. The rotary drum (12) serves to facilitate the exposure of the opened pomegranate (5a) to a plurality of gas or liquid jets (12).

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produced by at least one oscillating nozzle (33) located below the conveyer (11), that cause the arils of the fruit to become removed from and fall from the fruit. The rotary drum (12) functions to keep the opened pomegranate (5a) in place on the conveyer (11), while it is exposed to high pressure gas or liquid jets. The opened pomegranate (5a) passes over the nozzles (33) while being slightly compressed on the conveyer (11) by the drum (12) (the pomegranate is positioned, during extraction, between the bottom of the drum and the conveyer). In the system illustrated in Figure 16, there are two nozzles (33) that serve to scan each opened pomegranate. During extraction, the conveyer rods and the drum continue to rotate such that the fruit is continuously advanced at a predetermined pace. Preferably, above the conveyer (11), there are two rotary drums (12), situated one after the next, as seen in Figure 16. Once an opened pomegranate has passed through the region of the rotary drums (and the nozzles), the remainder of the fruit, with the arils now extracted, is collected at the end of the conveyer (11), as seen in Figure 16. It is appreciated that the system may be equipped with any number of rotary drums, according to the number of pomegranates that are to be processed at any given time. In one preferred embodiment, the system is adapted for processing the opened pomegranates in a side-by-side manner, as is the case in Figure 16.

Preferably, under the conveyer (11), there are two nozzles (33), for producing high-pressure jets (13). The nozzles are adapted moving back and forth (preferably at an overall distance of about 250-350mm), very rapidly, while the jets are being produced. The jet is injected according with the fruit pass over the nozzle, due to electrical control system. The rapid back and forth movement ensures that the jets scan the entire area of the pomegranate interior, such that substantially all of the arils are extracted from the fruit. The jets may be gas (preferably air) of liquid (preferably water) jets of a pressure high enough to cause the displacement of the arils from inside the pomegranate. The supply of compressed air is through suitable filters array to maintain food safety regulation. Other methods for the removal of seeds or fruit parts from a fruit are described in the following patents: U.S. Patent 4300448 to Hayashi et al., relating to an apparatus for extracting pulp from citrus fruits; U.S. Patents 5088393 and 5286508 to Nahir et al., relating to an apparatus and method for removing pulp from a fruit, and U.S. 4002774 to Chan, relating to a method for removing seeds from papayas. It is appreciated 13

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that the gas or liquid jets of the present system could also produced according to methods described in these patents, though the preferred embodiment is the one previously described, since it provides for the efficient and non-complicated extraction of arils of the pomegranate.

Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, in combination with Figure 16, arils (7) from the opened pomegranate (5a) fall and are directed to a running water channel (25). The water channel (25) facilitates the subsequent collection of the arils and allows for separation of the arils from white pith (17) or other membranous material which was attached to the arils (7) or which fell from the fruit along with the arils. Preferably, the water channel (25) is inclined such that the gravitational force of the water facilitates the separation process. Moreover, the water in the water channel (25) is set a predetermined height so as to maximize the efficacy of the separation process. Separation takes place due to specific weight differences between the arils and the other material from the fruit: the arils sink to bottom of the water channel whereas the foreign materials float to the top. Any suitable means may then be used to further separate the arils from the water. In one preferred embodiment, the arils drop from the water channel via an opening (29) located at the end of the water channel and at the lower portion thereof. The arils are then collected via a moving screen (28), through which the excess water, coming off with the arils, penetrates.

It is thus appreciated that the present invention provides for the processing of pomegranates on a large scale, and for the extraction of clean, whole, and undamaged arils from the pomegranates. The arils can be packaged and sold directly, or the juice from the arils can be extracted. It is appreciated that in contrast to the pomegranate juice that could be obtained by extracting juice from the whole or cut fruit, extraction of the juice from just the arils provides high quality juice, without any other components from the peel or other parts of the fruit. It is also appreciated that many modifications could be made to the system and method described above, all of which fall under the scope of the invention, as defined in the claims. 14