Abstract: A phase change crucible that includes an inner chamber comprising an inner chamber wall extending from an inner chamber floor to an inner chamber upper end, an outer chamber comprising an outer chamber wall extending from an outer chamber floor to an outer chamber upper end, wherein the inner chamber upper end terminates beyond the outer chamber upper end and the outer chamber wall encircles the inner chamber wall, an inner collection region formed by the inner chamber wall and the inner chamber floor, and an outer collection region formed by the outer chamber wall, the inner chamber wall, and the outer chamber floor.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A slice blade assembly for various produce items is provided. A circular array of V-shaped blades is carried in an outer support ring. Each blade is held in place by a new non-welded block and nut which interlock with bent tabs formed at the tips of each blade. Each blade is adjustable since each blade is bendable at its apex. Each worn or damaged blade may be removed and replaced without replacing the block and nut that support the blade.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A slice blade assembly for various produce items is provided. A circular array of V-shaped blades is carried in an outer support ring. Each blade is held in place by a new non-welded block and nut which interlock with bent tabs formed at the tips of each blade. Each blade is adjustable since each blade is bendable at its apex. Each worn or damaged blade may be removed and replaced without replacing the block and nut that support the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing apples is provided. The slicer utilizes thinner blades than known in the art, with a thickness less than 300 microns, and preferably between 180 and 220 microns. Each of the thinner blades is supported against bending, warping or twisting by a novel clinch buckle which rigidly supports the outer end or ends of each blades. The clinch buckle is rigidly connected to bent tabs formed at the outer end or ends of each blade and supports the outer ends across the full width of the blades. The clinch buckle is supported by an outer blade support ring and is captured by the outer support ring to prevent rotation of the clinch buckle. The thinner blade reduces cell damage, reduces the amount of sealant or neutralizer needed to slow or prevent oxidation of enzymes released from cells ruptured by slicing, and delays the onset of browning. A serrated blade is used to further reduce the extent of cell damage.