Abstract: A vibratory conveyor and method of making the conveyor having a frame to which a locator sheet having accurately punched and shaped locator holes for locating spring mounts fixed to the frame. Each mount preferably is a plug having corners which engage notches of one of the holes to accurately locate the plug. Each hole also has a portion which extends beyond the periphery of the plug to expose the frame so that the plug can be welded to the frame. After welding, a protective washer is slipped over each plug and welded to the plug and sheet. When located and fixed in this manner, each mount is located relative to one end of the conveyor, angularly located, and horizontally located. The sheet or another locator sheet can also have other holes to locate other conveyor components such as cross tubes, braces, and the conveyor drive. Each sheet preferably is constructed of corrosion resistant cladding for enabling a less corrosion resistant material to be used for the frame.

Abstract: A machine for peeling and cleaning fruits and vegetables using a plurality of rotating abrasive rollers which are each driven by an electric motor. The machine has a frame with a pair of end plates that rotatively carry the rollers. Each motor is carried by an end plate and coupled to a roller solely to drive only that roller. In one preferred embodiment, the motor is coupled to a gear reducer that preferably is a cycloidal gear reducer having an output shaft coupled to one end of a roller and which has an output shaft axis of rotation generally coaxial with the axis of rotation of the roller. In another preferred embodiment, the motor can be directly coupled to the roller with its output shaft axis of rotation generally coaxial with the roller axis of rotation. To control operation and speed of the abrasive rollers, the motors are controlled by a motor controller that preferably is a variable frequency electric motor drive.

Abstract: A blancher or cooler has a drum made up of a plurality of stainless steel perforated panels. The drum is rotatably mounted within a water tank, and has an auger for progressing food products from an inlet to an outlet. The panels are bolted between C-channels which are welded to end plates to define the drum, and steel angle brackets clamp the panels in place. The angle brackets have slots with enlarged openings at one end. For periodic cleaning the nuts which clamp the brackets to the C-channels are loosened part way, the brackets are removed by passing the bolt heads through the enlarged openings, and the unclamped panels are allowed to hang freely on the C-channels. In this condition all regions of the panels are accessible to cleaning spray as the drum is rotated. The brackets are rapidly replaced and the nuts fully tightened to return the apparatus to service.