Abstract: The manual food processor includes a first shelf configured to receive a blade cartridge. The first shelf includes a first slider configured to selectively retain the blade cartridge at the first shelf. The manual food processor also includes a pair of guide rails extending from the first shelf and a second shelf slidable along the pair of guide rails. The second shelf is configured to receive a pusher block cartridge and includes a second slider configured to selectively retain the pusher block cartridge at the second shelf. The manual food processor also includes a handle mechanism operable to cause the second shelf to slide along the guide rails between an open position and a closed position. The first shelf is spaced apart from the second shelf in the open position, and the pusher block cartridge interfaces with the blade cartridge in the closed position.

Abstract: A device for transferring a container from a first location to a second location includes a first container guide defining a linear path between the first location and the second location, a second container guide defining a second linear path between the first location and the second location, the second linear path having at least a change in path direction, and a motor unit creating a relative movement between the first guide and the second guide.

Abstract: A hand-operated cutting apparatus including a main frame at least including a front wall, a base wall and two side walls, in which an opening is formed in the front wall, and a rack formed on an upper surface of the base wall along the length of the main frame, a bracket disposed between the side walls of the main frame and movable along the length of the main frame, a cutter provided in the front of the main frame and including a cutting blade located within the opening, and a squeezer attached to the front surface of the bracket facing to the cutter. The bracket includes a base, a handle pivotally provided on the base and a pusher arm pivotally provided on the handle, in which a lower end of the pusher arm is located between two teeth of the rack, and the pivot axis of the pusher arm on the handle departs from the pivot axis of the handle on the base towards the rear of the main frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a jerky food product. The method comprises: (a) preparing a raw meat to obtain a moldable meat dough; (b) contacting at least a portion of the meat dough with a jerky mold apparatus having a pre-determined geometric configuration, wherein a plurality of sectors are spatially separated and defined by supported partitions arranged in a pre-determined pattern; (c) causing at least one of the partitions of the jerky mold to impale the meat dough to dispose portions of the meat dough into at least one of the sectors, thus separating the meat dough into a plurality of meat segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the sectors; (d) removing the meat segments from the jerky mold; and (e) treating the meat segments to produce a plurality of jerky pieces.

Abstract: A hand-operated cutting apparatus including a main frame at least including a front wall, a base wall and two side walls, in which an opening is formed in the front wall, and a rack formed on an upper surface of the base wall along the length of the main frame, a bracket disposed between the side walls of the main frame and movable along the length of the main frame, a cutter provided in the front of the main frame and including a cutting blade located within the opening, and a squeezer attached to the front surface of the bracket facing to the cutter. The bracket includes a base, a handle pivotally provided on the base and a pusher arm pivotally provided on the handle, in which a lower end of the pusher arm is located between two teeth of the rack, and the pivot axis of the pusher arm on the handle departs from the pivot axis of the handle on the base towards the rear of the main frame.

Abstract: A slicing and dicing device which includes a pivoted lever which when stroked slides a pusher assembly partway along on a main body towards a cutter piece to slice an interposed item. Gearing operated by the lever disengages after each stroke to allow another stroke, reducing the peak effect required by limiting the range of motion to a range where good leverage is obtained. A dicing assembly is mounted forward of the cutter piece for vertical sliding motion to allow cross cutting of strips sliced out of the item by the cutter piece.

Abstract: A melon wedger is provided having a base upon which is removably attached a blade assembly having a plurality of blades arranged in a variety of orientations. A movable press mechanism including a removable contoured press element corresponding in size and shape to the orientation and disposition of the blades in the blade assembly is slidably attached to the base and is operated by means of a lever handle such that the contoured press element is forced against the blade assembly. Punch elements disposed on the surface of the contoured press element are forced within the voids created by the blades to ensure that the sectioned or cut food or non-food pieces are forced completely through the blade assembly. A spring is also provided on the lever handle to force the handle up after the food or non-food items have been sliced.

Abstract: A scrap food slice disposal mechanism for a food article slicing machine. The disposal mechanism has a jump conveyor with a disposal position for discharging scrap slices. The disposal mechanism has a disposal path where the jump conveyor operates in the reverse direction and slices are directed to a scrap conveyor for disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A tool for cutting strapping comprises a housing and a slot defined in a base of the housing. A blade is mounted upon the housing, and a handle is pivotally mounted upon the housing between a position remote from the blade and a position adjacent to the blade. A pusher is pivotally mounted upon the handle and is biased into engagement with the base by a spring so as to normally close the entrance to the slot. When strapping is to be cut, the strapping is inserted into the slot causing the pusher to be moved out of the way against the biasing force of its spring. Upon the strapping passing the pusher, the pusher returns to its original position whereby the pusher now engages the strapping. Manipulation of the handle toward the blade causes the pusher to push the strapping into engagement with the blade thereby cutting the strapping.

Abstract: A cutting device comprising a base, a pivot thruster, and a cutting blade is disclosed. The cutting device allows for safe cutting, and, unlike other cutting devices, may not be used as a weapon. The cutting device is lightweight, inexpensive, portable, and may be operated using one hand.