MDT-1 Specifications

US Patent #6643599; other patents pending.

Penetrometer

• Probes:  all standard sizes available; 4.7,  8, and 11 mm tips standard
• With non-standard probes, automatic correction to standard fruit firmness / pressure values is provided in software -- e.g., accidentally testing a pear with an apple plunger influences results only minimally

Test Characteristics

• Tests are user-programmable
• Example test profiles:
  • Standard Magness-Taylor replacement test + diameter testing -- 25+ tests/min
  • Full test with internal fruit firmness / pressure, constant firmness / pressure, and high-frequency firmness measurement segments -- 20+ tests/min
• Test capabilities unique to the MDT:
  • Internal as well as external fruit firmness / pressure, tested at constant rate
  • Creep -- time-dependent deformation of fruit structure under constant pressure
  • Crispness -- high frequency tearing characteristics of fruit material

Penetrometer Electronics

• Displacement sensitivity:  0.001 mm
• Testing rate: 0-38 mm/s
• Load cell firmness sensitivity:  6.8 g; with signal averaging, 0.01 g
• Load cell firmness range: 0-30 kg, interchangeable, user-modifiable gain settings
• Data acquisition rate:  to 5000 firmness samples / second
• Time resolution:  1 msec

Dimensions

• 6.5" (16.5 cm) W
• 5.5" (14.0 cm) L
• 14.9" (37.8 cm) H

Weight

• portable: 10.9 lb. (4.9kg)
• heavy-duty: 17.0 lb. (7.7 kg)

Battery storage

• More than 1000 tests on a single charge
• >1 week typical (moderate-heavy) use
• Internal NiMH batteries

Data storage

• 256 MB standard, enough for 18,000 raw-data records
• Up to 320 GB optional

Optional Features

• GPS module
• Barcode module -- reads all standard barcodes
• Calibration fixture