Abstract: A friction-free fence for a work table or the like which incorporates a plurality of bearing members in an upstanding work piece guidance wall thereof. The fence is particularly useful for guiding sheet material such as plaster board and the like through a self-feeding cutting device. At high cutting rates, prior art fences frictionally retard movement of the sheet material.

Abstract: A cutter for sheet materials such as plasterboard and the like which employs a pair of axially spaced, copolanar circular blades with circumferential edges in adjacent noncontacting relationship. Both blades are driven but under conditions such that an edge speed differential exists between the blades. Supported sheet material is passed between the nip region between the blades to effectuate cutting. During cutting, the sheet material is self-propelled through the nip region by the action of the blades. Very little dust is produced during such sheet cutting.

Abstract: Automated food processing apparatus and methods of the type adapted for coring food products wherein a constantly sized core is removed from all food products of a group independently of the product size variation from one member to another of the group.

Abstract: In processing apparatus, especially fruit processing machinery, incorporating two functional subassemblies with movements which are synchronous with respect to one another, there is provided a fail safe indexing mechanism which prevents operation of one or the other of such subassemblies should for any reasons apparatus operational sequencing or synchronization be interrupted. The fail safe means utilizes a ratchet having a locking means to prevent over-travel thereof. In addition, a signalling means is associated with the locking means which allows operation of one subassembly only during a limited period of each machine cycle, provided all assemblies and sub-assemblies are in their normal location for that period of the timing cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a plurality of successive operations simultaneously at each one of a plurality of work stations arranged in a row, each station accommodating a fruit piece, or the like, such as a citrus fruit member. The fruit pieces are sequentially advanced to the work stations in a stop and go movement utilizing a closed loop conveyor system. At the working stations, a pair of pneumatically operated reciprocally movable carriages, which are provided with suitable processing apparatus, sequentially move towards and away therefrom. These carriages ride on linear bearing bars. For example, coring and core removal can be accomplished at all stations.

Abstract: A tubular rotating blade assembly which can reciprocatorily cycle along the blade assembly axis. The assembly is incorporated into apparatus which sequentially functions to core a fruit member such as a grapefruit or the like after which the core member is removed from the fruit member before the blade assembly is withdrawn from such fruit member. A control means is also provided for synchronizing cycling and core removal operations of a blade assembly (or a gang of blade assemblies) relative to each of a successive plurality of fruit members to be cored.

Abstract: A blade assembly which, during a single cycle of reciprocation, both halves a pear or the like and cuts out the calyx or equivalent portion thereof. This assembly is shown employed in apparatus which automatically and sequentially functions to halve and remove the calyx from a plurality of pears or the like. Control means is also provided for synchronizing reciprocations of a blade assembly (or a gang of blade assemblies) relative to each of a successive plurality of continuously moving pears or the like.

Abstract: A holder assembly for fruit or the like adapted for use in washing of the type employed for the commercial processing of harvested fruit, etc. Such assemblies are usually mounted in gangs upon flight straps which move through one or more processing zones. Each assembly employs a base, a cup, preferably forked pairs of grasping arms for each cup, and biasing means urging such arms against their associated such cup. The holder emphasizes simple, reliable construction and operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sectioning oranges and other fruit which preferably has been previously cored and peeled. Fruit is positioned over a spindle and allowed to move preferably downwardly into a plurality of revolving, circular blades whose respective peripheries are in edge adjacent relationship to said spindle. The fruit in passing through these blades is sectioned. Blades can be offset from a radially extending relationship to said spindle if desired for obtaining oblique angles of sectionizing.

Abstract: A fruit feeder adapted to elevate a plurality of fruit pieces along a diagonal pathway from a bottom position to a top position in a stair-step transfer arrangement. The feeder is operated by fluid cylinder and is adapted to deliver individual fruit members arranged in a row to continuously or discontinuously moving fruit holders located functionally adjacent the upper end portion of the fruit feeder.