Abstract: A system 10 for processing work products 12 includes a housing 14 to contain the components of the system, which include a conveyor 16 for carrying the work products through the housing and past a work tool 18 being supported and moved relative to the conveyor by an X-Y actuator apparatus 20. A scanning system 21 is positioned in the housing 14 upstream of the X-Y actuator for ascertaining selected physical parameters of the work products so as to determine the manner in which the work tool 18 operates on the work products. The housing includes a compartment 22 in which is mounted a high-pressure pump system 23 to provide high pressure working fluid for the work tool 18. Also, a compact guard system 24 is positioned at the outlet 26 of the housing to prevent individuals from reaching into the housing from the exterior.

Abstract: A conveyor system 24 carries work items, such as flexible, pliable, food products 22, through a scanning system 28 which generates data pertaining to various physical parameters of the food products. Thereafter, the food products are transported through a processing station which may be in the form of a portioning system 30. Next, the portioned food products are transported to a harvesting system 32 utilizing a actuator 34 to unload the food product portions 36 by vacuuming the portions into a nozzle 90. Such food products are transported to one or more desired locations through a hose/tube connected to a nozzle or may be launched through the air in a trajectory aimed at the desired placement location.

Abstract: Mist management systems are configured for a processing machine having a portioning station configured to portion a workpiece within an enclosed portioner housing having a first side wall extending along the portioning station, a second side wall, at least one hood portion between the first and second side walls, and at least one end wall between the first and second side walls, using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor configured to move the workpiece in a longitudinal direction beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter. The systems may include a tray secured within the enclosed portioner housing beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter and the conveyor, the tray being downwardly angled and configured to direct a waterjet of the liquid jet cutter toward a low pressure plenum chamber positioned external to the first side wall of the enclosed portioner housing.

Abstract: Mist management systems are configured for a processing machine having a portioning station configured to portion a workpiece within an enclosed portioner housing having a first side wall extending along the portioning station, a second side wall, at least one hood portion between the first side wall and the second side wall, and at least one end wall between the first side wall and the second side wall, using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor configured to move the workpiece in a longitudinal direction beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter.

Abstract: A fluid delivery/connector system (26) includes a high pressure tubular coil (30) connected to the upper end of a flexible hose (32) by an interface connector assembly (34) which is movable in the up-and-down directions to accommodate the movement of the lower end of the flexible hose which is connected to the nozzle assembly (22) of a fluid cutter system (20). The interface connector assembly (34) is mounted on a guideway (72) which enables the interface connector assembly to travel in an up-and-down direction to accommodate the movement of the nozzle assembly (22).

Abstract: Mist management systems are configured for a processing machine having a portioning station configured to portion a workpiece within an enclosed portioner housing having a first side wall extending along the portioning station, a second side wall, at least one hood portion between the first side wall and the second side wall, and at least one end wall between the first side wall and the second side wall, using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor configured to move the workpiece in a longitudinal direction beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter.

Abstract: A mist management system for a processing machine includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to evacuate mist from a portion of the processing machine into a plenum using pressure differences between the portion of the processing machine and the plenum. In one aspect, the system may include a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist toward the plenum using movement and momentum of the mist.

Abstract: A conveyor system 24 carries work items, such as flexible, pliable, food products 22, through a scanning system 28 which generates data pertaining to various physical parameters of the food products. Thereafter, the food products are transported through a processing station which may be in the form of a portioning system 30. Next, the portioned food products are transported to a harvesting system 32 utilizing a actuator 34 to unload the food product portions 36 by vacuuming the portions into a nozzle 90. Such food products are transported to one or more desired locations through a hose/tube connected to a nozzle or may be launched through the air in a trajectory aimed at the desired placement location.

Abstract: A fluid delivery/connector system (26) includes a high pressure tubular coil (30) connected to the upper end of a flexible hose (32) by an interface connector assembly (34) which is movable in the up-and-down directions to accommodate the movement of the lower end of the flexible hose which is connected to the nozzle assembly (22) of a fluid cutter system (20). The interface connector assembly (34) is mounted on a guideway (72) which enables the interface connector assembly to travel in an up-and-down direction to accommodate the movement of the nozzle assembly (22).

Abstract: A conveyor belt support system for a conveyor having a belt movable along a frame includes a plurality of support slats each extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the belt. The plurality of support slats is adjustable in position relative to the belt. A processing machine for scanning and portioning a workpiece includes a scanning station configured to scan a workpiece to ascertain at least one physical parameter of the workpiece, a portioning station configured to portion the scanned workpiece, a conveyor for moving the workpiece beneath the scanning station and the portioning station that includes a belt with an open form moveable along a frame, and the conveyor belt support system located beneath at least the scanning station.

Abstract: A conveyor belt support system for a conveyor having a belt movable along a frame includes a plurality of support slats each extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the belt. The plurality of support slats is adjustable in position relative to the belt. A processing machine for scanning and portioning a workpiece includes a scanning station configured to scan a workpiece to ascertain at least one physical parameter of the workpiece, a portioning station configured to portion the scanned workpiece, a conveyor for moving the workpiece beneath the scanning station and the portioning station that includes a belt with an open form moveable along a frame, and the conveyor belt support system located beneath at least the scanning station.

Abstract: A mist management system for a processing machine includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to evacuate mist from a portion of the processing machine into a plenum using pressure differences between the portion of the processing machine and the plenum. In one aspect, the system may include a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist toward the plenum using movement and momentum of the mist.