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Abstract
Excerpts from the report Introduction: One of the objectives of materials-handling research conducted in Washington State apple houses was to develop and test improved methods for using present equipment and to introduce and test, under actual operating conditions, some of the newer types of equipment not now being used. The program included testing 8 innovations, 5 of which applied to the receiving of apples; 1 to shipping; 1 to the possibility of reducing costs of pallets; and 1 to moving fruit between floor levels. The 8 innovations are reported in the sections that follow. Emphasis was given to costs of receiving fruit because of their importance in warehousing. During the receiving period of 6 to 8 weeks, labor is scarce and it is difficult to regulate smoothly large crews of new help. Also, it is necessary to move fruit promptly and handle it gently to preserve quality. Although these factors cannot be measured in monetary terms, plant managers should consider them in selecting equipment.