Abstract: Onions are lifted and transported individually and are transferred in succession onto an orientation conveyor where the onions are made to roll along a belt conveyor driven in the opposite direction to align the stem axes transverse to the line of movement of the conveyor. Following orientation, the onions are gripped individually and carried into engagement with a pair of laterally spaced trimming blades which cleanly snip off the protrusions at the ends of each onion along the stem axis to prepare the onions for further processing. During their movement toward the trimming blades by the gripping and carrying means, the onions engage blade connected camming means which automatically adjusts the lateral spacing of the trimming blades responsive to variations in onion size. Following the trimming operation, the onions are released automatically into a collector means.

Abstract: Onions are lifted and transported individually and are transferred in succession onto an orientation conveyor where the onions are made to roll on a path of least resistance until their stem axes are transverse to the line of movement of the conveyor. Following orientation, the onions are gripped individually and carried into engagement with a pair of laterally spaced trimming blades which cleanly snip off the protrusions at the ends of each onion along the stem axis to prepare the onions for further processing. During their movement toward the trimming blades by the gripping and carrying means, the onions engage blade connected camming means which automatically adjusts the lateral spacing of the trimming blades responsive to variations in onion size. Following the trimming operation, the onions are released automatically into a collector means.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of the epidermis from fruits and vegetables by an abrasive process. The apparatus includes a drum having rotating abrasive coated rolls positioned about the periphery. Rotation of the drum and rollers causes the product passing through to contact the abrasive-surfaced rolls for removal of the peel. To preserve the removed peel material and to conserve water, the peeling process is done in a dry environment during the initial stages with water only being introduced at the exit end of the apparatus to wash from the product any remaining peel particles.