Abstract: An improved cutting head for a mechanical vegetable and fruit peeling machine, and a machine incorporating the cutting head. The cutting head has an elongated body with means on the body for pivotably connecting it to means on the peeling machine which move the head. The pivot connecting means are located intermediate the ends of the body. A cutting member is mounted on one side of the body with respect to the pivot connection. A portion of the cutting member is spaced outwardly from the side of the body. Preferably, the cutting edge of the cutting portion is aligned with the axis of the pivot connection in a plane which is generally perpendicular to the length of the body. Guide means positioned on the other side of the body forwardly of the cutting member guides the cutting edge at a desired depth when peeling a vegetable.

Abstract: Edible nuts, such as peanuts, may have their skins slit prior to blanching by means of a machine disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a pair of cooperating rolls which carry a stream of nuts one by one between a pair of cutting elements which slit the nut skin from end to end. The nuts are fed from a vibratory feeding tray which includes a quickly adjustable feed dispenser for controling the rate of flow according to the size of the nuts being processed. A lever actuated cam controls the flow and the lever position may be aligned with levers of other similar machines arranged in a row in the processing plant. The gap between the rolls which carry the nuts between the cutting elements is also quickly adjustable by means of a lever to accommodate the machine to the size of the nuts being processed. The lever extends outwardly for alignment with levers on similar adjacent machines. A removable waste collection and nut guide chute is also provided for a quick and easy cleaning.