Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting French fries or other elongated vegetable segments which undergo a processing step, so as to maximize the uniformity of a desirable segment characteristic after processing. To obtain French fries which cook to a substantially uniform degree of "doneness" after blanching, cutter blades are positioned to cut segments of smaller cross-sectional dimensions through the lower solids content pith at the center of a potato, and to cut segments of larger cross-sectional dimensions from the higher solids content portions of the potato.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting French fries or other elongated vegetable segments which undergo a processing step, so as to maximize the uniformity of a desirable segment characteristic after processing. To obtain French fries which cook to a substantially uniform degree of "doneness" after blanching, cutter blades are positioned to cut segments or smaller cross-sectional dimensions through the lower solids content pith at the center of a potato, and to cut segments of larger cross-sectional dimensions from the higher solids content portions of the potato.

Abstract: A crustacean shelling apparatus includes a cupped wheel feed assembly positioned transversely adjacent and centered on a pair of counterrotating vertically mounted squeeze rollers. The cupped wheel feed assembly includes a plurality of outwardly opening cups spaced circumferentially around the outer rim of the wheel assembly. Crustacean body parts are manually placed into the cups as they rotate through an upwardly opening position near the top of the wheel assembly, wherefrom they are carried to a position immediately adjacent the nip of the counterrotating rollers. A pressurized water feed mechanism positioned slidably abutting the inside surface of the outer rim of the feed wheel assembly thereupon comes into registry with an aperture at the bottom of each cup as the cup approaches the rollers and drives the crustacean body parts into the nip of the rollers by means of a stream of water.

Abstract: A potato segment and a process for preparing frozen french fried potatoes suitable for microwave reheating. The potato segment has an undulating side surface configuration of particular dimensions which is adapted for microwave reheating. The potato segments are blanched, fried, and then frozen. When reheated with microwave energy, the potato segments resemble in quality, color, texture, flavor and odor, french fried potatoes prepared directly from fresh potatoes.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for aligning elongated articles is disclosed. A plurality of barrier surfaces are positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of a vibratory trough through which said articles are moved. The surfaces may comprise gates, which are moved between opened and closed positions at timed intervals so that batches of the articles are alternately bunched up behind a closed gate and dispersed as they move through the trough, or may alternatively comprise cleats on a movable belt. An increased degree of parallel orientation occurs each time a batch of articles contacts a barrier surface.

Abstract: A system of packaging frozen onion rings and other frangible articles for transport and storage is disclosed. Vacuum formed polystyrene packages having a shock absorbing flange are stacked in rigid walled shipping containers, each package resting with a downwardly protruding edge of its flange on a rigid horizontal surface. Special purpose packages having troughs for cradling rectangular articles are also disclosed.