Abstract: Apparatus and method for peeling the husk from produce such as garlic cloves in which cup means are provided with circumferentially spaced, inwardly biased prongs that converge toward an exit end, the prongs having gripping members adjacent the exit end. A plunger is provided for pushing the garlic meat relative to the husk while the husk is being held by the gripping members. In the method, the husk is held and gripped at the circumferentially spaced locations while the meat is pressed axially of the husk relative to the husk while the husk is being gripped. Preferably, the husk is simultaneously scored or cut as it is gripped to split the husk.

Abstract: A hand-held can opener is provided with a grip handle, a grip block pivotally mounted to the forward end of the grip handle, a scissor handle pivotally mounted to the grip block and having a one way roller clutch connection with a unidirectionally driven feed wheel. The grip block is provided with a latch. Squeezing of the scissor handle toward the grip handle with pivot the grip block to position the feed wheel relative to the cutter for penetration of the can lid and lock the grip block into this position. Subsequent release and squeezing of the scissor handle will drive the feed wheel undirectionally for advancing the can lid past the cutter.

Abstract: A water-powered peeler for vegetables and the like having an axially short housing and a domed closed end suitable for pressing against the palm of the hand of the user. An abrading tool protrudes out the opposite end of the housing. Water power drives an impeller which is connected to an axle that drives the abrading tool.

Abstract: A cheese dispenser is provided with a compartment having closed ends, top, bottom, and sidewalls and open front end. An enlarged disc drives a flexible cover which can, by rotation of the disc, cause the cover to hermetically seal the open front end of the dispenser of the compartment or open the front end of the compartment. The disc also operates through a gear reduction unit to drive a pusher simultaneously with the opening of the flexible cover or door. Thus by rotating the disc, the door is open simultaneously with advancement of the cheese out of the open end. A slicer mechanism is provided on the open end to slice desired thicknesses of the cheese.

Abstract: A combination condiment grinder and dispenser mechanism (10) which can be held and operated by one hand and which includes a hand-activated lever (80) which when squeezed forces a grinding surface (88,90) in one direction against spring (92) pressure. When the hand-actuated lever (80) is released, the grinding surface (90) reverses. The grinding action thus is linear or arcuate. The upper portion of the dispenser has a salt or other condiment compartment (38) which can be sprinkled from the top thereof. Only one hand is necessary to dispense either pepper or salt or other condiment from the body of the device.

Abstract: A combination condiment grinder and dispenser mechanism (10) which can be held and operated by one hand and which includes a hand-activated lever (80) which when squeezed forces a grinding surface (88,90) in one direction against spring (92) pressure. When the hand-actuated lever (80) is released, the grinding surface (90) reverses. The grinding action thus is linear or arcuate. The upper portion of the dispenser has a salt or other condiment compartment (38) which can be sprinkled from the top thereof. Only one hand is necessary to dispense either pepper or salt or other condiment from the body of the device.

Abstract: Garlic press which includes a plastic transparent cylindrical body one end of which is closed and through which is threaded an elongated rod. The rod on the outside has a turning handle and on the inside detachably connects to a piston. An end piece threads on to the open end of the cylindrical body and contains a number of perforations through which the garlic is extruded. Garlic may be stored in the cylinder and the end piece covered with a closure member for preventing escape of odors when the press is not in use.