Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid removal of an extraneous portion of a produce item with minimal loss. The apparatus, rendered attachable to an agricultural processing implement by an integral attachment device, enables one-handed operation by a user. The apparatus includes a base section in operative combination with an elevated blade that not only enables the severing of the extraneous portion from the produce body, but also separates the extraneous portion therefrom, and guides the cleaned produce body towards a collection device, for instance, a picking box.

Abstract: Method for the rapid cleaning of produce with minimal loss, and apparatus to perform the method. The cleaning method taught in the present application enables the rapid cleaning of produce by removing an extraneous portion therefrom, by separating the extraneous portion from the body of the produce, and by urging the cleaned produce towards a collection device. These steps are attainable, using the principles of the present invention, by a working using only one motion and one hand. To perform the method, a novel aperture knife is taught which, rendered attachable to an agricultural processing implement by an integral attachment device, enables one-handed operation by a user. The knife includes a generally planar knife body in operative combination with an elevated blade which not only enables the severing of the extraneous portion from the produce body, but separates the extraneous portion therefrom, and guides the cleaned produce body towards a collection device, for instance a picking box.

Abstract: A device (1) for cutting potatoes (5) or other vegetables into slices or sticks, comprising a cutting member (2) with a supply tube (3) and a discharge tube (4) connected thereto. The device is designed for moving potatoes (5), by a water stream supplied by the supply tube (3), through the cutting member (2) and discharging them again via the discharge tube (4). In the cutting member (2), a number of knives (9) are arranged. The cutting member comprises a number of segments (6) held together by a casing (11), each segment having an opening (20) which together form a passage for the water stream, while in each opening (20) one or more knives (9, 10) may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which utilizes a hydraulic fluid such as water or air to propel fish through cutting blades which strip cut the fish so that exposed viscera of the fish may be removed by brushes or the like. Fish are processed serially in appropriately sized and shaped conduits at high speeds.

Abstract: A wedge cut cutter for food products is disclosed which includes one or more cutter sections mounted between a base plate and an end retainer. Each cutter section includes shoulders and clamping members for clamping each end of one or more elongate blades to the cutter section. Each blade is tensioned by an adjustment screw which bears against a roll pin which, in turn, urges a portion of the blade around a pair of anvils into a recess. The blades of each cutter section, or of adjacent cutter sections are radially offset to cut incoming items into wedge-shaped portions.

Abstract: A multiblade cutting assembly including a plurality of blades and a blade support which is loaded as a simple beam. A plurality of parallel cutting blades are mounted by a first end on a frame and by a second end on a tension member. A pair of biasing members bear against the frame and simultaneously apply a tension force to the blades. Multiple cutting assemblies as described can be stacked with the blades of the respective cutting assemblies in close proximity for improved cutting.

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for reducing the size of energetic materials is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a remotely controlled cutter, retainer and a device for positioning the energetic material to be reduced. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the size of energetic materials by positioning a block of energetic material between the cutter and the retainer and causing the cutter to cut through the block of energetic material.

Abstract: A converging tube assembly for use with a hydraulic food cutter is provided having a converging tube for the passage of suspended food product and liquid therethrough from a larger upstream inlet end to a smaller convergent downstream outlet end, said tube being formed of resilient material. A circumvolving converging tube flange is attached to and extends radially out from the inlet end of the converging tube. A first flange retaining plate having a U-shaped notch for receiving and holding the inlet end of the converging tube, and for compressive engagement with at least a portion of the downstream surface of the flange is provided, along with a lower cradle support frame for supporting the lower portion of the converging tube.

Abstract: A food slicer for slicing a variety of food items, the food slicer having a cutting platform with a housing supporting an adjustable sizing plate, fixed horizontal cutting blade and a receiving plate flush with the cutting blade, the housing having a guide for a food transport sled, the transport sled having a food item guide conduit providing a well for receiving food items to be sliced, and a flange slidably engageable with the housing guide, the food items being sliced when the transport sled is displaced from over the sizing plate, across the cutting blade to the receiving plate, the food slicer having a food container on which the cutting platform is seated to receive the food slices.

Abstract: A food slicer comprises a storage reservoir, a cutting blade housing with cutting blade therein and a top lid. The reservoir, housing and top lid are releasably connected to each other by complementary hinges. A cutting blade comprises a frame having a plurality of cutting wires spanning the frame is releasably engageable within the cutting blade housing. Upon placement of a food product on the cutting blade, downward pressure of the open lid urges the food product passed the cutting blade wires, the resulting food product slices falling in the storage reservoir therebelow. The storage reservoir is releasably engageable from the cutting blade housing to enable the reservoir to be used as a separate serving and/or baking dish. A releasable engagement of the cutting blade with the cutting blade housing allows for a plurality of variously configured cutting blades to be utilized.

Abstract: The food slicing apparatus comprises a tube through which the vegetables pass. Extending through the tube are four sets of blades all at the same acute angle to the path of the vegetables. The blades in the first and second sets lie in parallel planes and the blades in the third and fourth sets also lie in parallel planes which are perpendicular to the planes containing the first and second sets. The angles of the blades in the first and second sets are of opposite polarity and the angles of the blades in the third and fourth sets are of opposite polarity. The leading portion of one blade and the trailing portion of the adjacent blade overlap.

Abstract: A tool for use on an avocado, for separating the meat of an avocado from its skin while simultaneously cutting the meat into separate slices, comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and a frame mounted at one end of the handle. The frame has a cutter fastener portion and a handle fastening portion operably secured to the handle and extending away therefrom. A plurality of cutting elements are operably positioned on the frame. An elongated adjustment element extends through the handle and into the frame. A first end of the elongated adjustment element is secured to the plurality of cutting elements and a second end is secured to a rotatable adjustment knob. Fastening elements are slidably secured to the cutter fastener portion of the frame and to the handle fastening portion of the frame allowing the cutter fastening portion of the frame and the handle fastening portion of the frame to be adjusted in relationship to each other.

Abstract: A tool for use on an avocado, for separating the meat of an avocado from its skin while simultaneously cutting the meat into separate slices, comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and cutting rings are mounted at one end of the handle. The cutting rings including a pair of ring element operably secured to the handle and extending away therefrom. The pair of ring elements comprise an inner ring and outer ring formed from a continuous band. The inner ring has an elongated guide slot operably positioned therein, and the outer ring has an elongated guide slot operably positioned therein and in operably alignment with the elongated guide slot of the inner ring and extending therethrough. The inner ring includes a set element having a centrally positioned aperture therethrough and adapted for releasably securing and receiving the second end of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging fibrous material in uniform, high density, self supporting, packages. Fibrous materials, such as alfalfa hay, grasses, etc. in the form of bales or loose material, are received. The material is moved through a cutting device, if needed, to form uniform sized portions, the material is formed into a level stream on a conveyor, measured into selected quantities and compressed to form very dense, self supporting packages. Preferably, the packages are inserted into plastic film enclosures for handling and shipping. This material is much more convenient and economical to ship and store than the much larger equivalent weight of loose, uncompacted material. Preferred mechanisms for stripping bands from bales, cutting and milling the received material to a desired size distribution and for weighing and compressing the material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pressure sensing transducer 140 monitors pressure transients in the liquid in accelerator tube 110 of a hydraulic cutting system induced by food product impinging upon, being cut by, and passing through cutter blade assembly 80. The occurrence of above-normal pressure transients indicates the presence of a system blockage caused by failure of food product to pass cleanly through the cutter blade assembly, and is used as a control signal to activate stepping motor 170 to rotate cylinder assembly 12. Cylinder assembly 12 contains a plurality of barrel assemblies holding cutter blade assemblies 80 and is rotated to index clean barrel assemblies into the hydraulic cutter system pressurized fluid flow path, either upon the detection of a system blockage, or in a timed automatic replacement sequence.

Abstract: The production of packaging material for expanded polystyrene (EPS) includes randomly placing a piece of EPS of any size or shape across a first grid of wires, cutting the EPS into strips by heating the wires, allowing the strips to fall to a second grid of wires, and cutting the EPS strips by heating the second set of wires.

Abstract: A device for subdividing a workpiece, typically a citrus fruit, into segments. The device comprises a blade support structure having an opening with a plurality of blades sharpened on two edges projecting from the circumferential surface of the opening toward the middle to juxtapose attacking points and edges forming a channel through which a plunger mechanism urges the workpiece into contact with the attacking points and sharpened edges thereby subdividing the workpiece into segments.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly for cutting a product, such as a carrot, into a plurality of finished end products, such as carrot sticks, comprises a blade holder and a first and second blade group disposed within the blade holder. The blade holder has a longitudinal passage formed therein. The first blade group comprises a plurality of first blades radially disposed about the longitudinal passage for cutting a first group of finished end products from the product as the product is advanced through the longitudinal passage. The second blade group comprises a plurality of second blades radially disposed about the longitudinal passage and angularly displaced with respect to the first blades. The second blades cut a second group of finished end products from the product as the product is further advanced through the longitudinal passage. Since both the first and second blades produce finished end products, the utilization of the product is maximized, and the amount of waste generated from the product is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a three-dimensionally shaped work-piece includes a frame, a first surface movably mounted on the frame, a mold mounted on the first surface for receiving the work piece and having an approximate shape which conforms to the final desired shape of the work piece, a second surface mounted on the frame above the first surface, and dies mounted on the underside of the second surface. An inflatable bladder is positioned beneath the first surface to raise and lower the first surface between an elevated position in which a workpiece may be cut and a lowered position in which a cut workpiece may be removed or a workpiece may be positioned for cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing recyclable materials from bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having tines which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the conveyor to open the bags allowing the materials to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the tines and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A shaped sugar cane product for use as chopsticks, garnish sticks, stir sticks and snack sticks is made from sugar cane stalks. The method comprises billeting the stalks into desired lengths for the sticks, and then pressing the billets lengthwise against a cutter comprising a grid of intersecting cutting blades to produce finished sticks.

Abstract: A dicing device for potatoes and the like adapted to be rested upon the top edge of a pail and having cutting wire portions through which a soft boiled potato is first sliced into horizontally sliced layers while passing onto a grated area and thereafter pushing the sliced layers through grated meshed cutting wires of a horizontal portion to form diced cubes of the potato as they are delivered to the underlying pail. The device generally comprises a horizontal frame portion having mesh cutting wire lengths and a raised portion extending upwardly from the forward end of the horizontal portion with layer cutting wire lengths and through which the full potato is passed to deposit the sliced layers upon the horizontal mesh grating portion. All cutting wires are a solitary wire threaded between opposite sides and ends of the frame portions and wound upon a tightening screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing compostable materials from plastic bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having retaining members which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of compostable materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the first conveyor to open the bags allowing the compostable material to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the compostable materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the retaining members and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycle.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic knife assembly is provided for cutting potatoes and the like, wherein the knife assembly includes a cross-cut knife used to facilitate removal of a stuck potato. The knife assembly comprises a grid of knife blades encased within a knife housing adapted for removable in-line mounting along a flow conduit. Potatoes are propelled through the flow conduit by an hydraulic flow stream for cutting engagement with the knife blades as the potatoes pass through the knife housing. In the event that a potato becomes stuck at an upstream side of the knife housing, the cross-cut knife is receivable through an open slot formed between the knife housing and the adjacent end of the flow conduit to sever the stuck potato and thereby permit substantially unobstructed disassembly of the knife housing from the flow conduit. The thus disassembled knife housing and flow conduit can then be cleared preparatory to re-assembly and resumed normal cutting operations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for cutting fruit, vegetables or the like into slices, comprising a blade-holding plate at whose leading edge a V-shaped cutter blade is arranged, comprising two framing ledges arranged essentially parallel that are connected to one another by the blade-holding plate and by at least one further transverse web, and comprising a slide plate guided at the framing ledges and introducible parallel to the blade-holding plate, whereby a narrow gap remains between the back edge of the slide plate and the cutter blade. It is inventively provided that a support plate (11) fashioned as a closed surface is arranged under the slide plate (6) in order to increase the stability of the slide plate, particularly to counter sagging when pressure is exerted on the material to be cut.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly (10) for cutting soft core vegetable stuffs using a hydraulic cutting apparatus. The cutter blade assembly (10) is constructed from a front inlet adapter plate (12) having an inner longitudinal passage (28) therethrough. Pyramidal knife supports (14) and (16) are attached on opposite sides of the longitudinal passage (28) to the back side of front inlet adapter plate (12) to form a pyramidal frame. A plurality of strip knives (18) are attached in a staggered, inclined and parallel arrangement to form a sequential cutting grid of inclined knives to permit cutting of soft core food stuffs.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting an objection such as a citrus fruit includes a cutting assembly and an outer casing about the cutting assembly. The casing is generally cylindrical having a central axis, and has open ends. The cutting blade assembly includes a first cutting blade extending radially outward from the central axis to a sidewall of the casing, the first cutting blade cutting the fruit in a manner so as to completely sever one portion thereof from another. The cutting assembly further includes a second cutting blade extending outwardly radially from the central axis toward the sidewall of the casing, but not reaching the sidewall, the second cutting blade cutting the object in a manner so as to partially sever one portion of the object from another. In use, the fruit is introduced into the cutting device at the first open end, is forced over the cutting assembly, and exits the cutting device at the second end.

Abstract: A slicer blade for cylindrical potato strips includes a plate member having a plurality of closely spaced cylindrical holes formed therein. The edge of each hole is beveled, as by a countersinking-type bit, preferably with the beveling tool being inserted into each hole the same distance, so that the surface of the bevel at least reaches the center point of the triangular space between each cluster of three holes. The previously flat triangular space thus is transformed into a three-sided sharp pointed peak. Additionally, the beveling creates an edge between the holes which also becomes sharpened to the same slope or angle as the peak. The edge between each pair of adjcent holes is formed into a concave shape which curves upward to the sharp-pointed peak. The combination of closely positioned holes and the beveling of each hole produces a sharp cutting edge about the perimeter of each hole without leaving any surface of the slicer blade which is transverse to the flow of the potato.

Abstract: A fiber-free cutting device for use in hydraulic conveyance vegetable cutting machines is disclosed. The cutting device utilizes cantilevered knife baldes which are attached at one end to a base support around a central open area such that the knife blades project at an angle away from the base support into an area downstream from the central open area. The cantilevered blades have a free end which overlaps the free end of an opposed knife blade such that fibers which may usually obstruct a blade are free to move along the blade to be discharged at the free end of the blade. Opposed blades are aligned so that a vegetable entering the fiber-free cutting device sees an apparent continuous cutting edge.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly 100 for producing elongated string cuts of food product using a hydraulic cutting apparatus where the elongated string cuts produced are free from feather cuts and compression cell damage, and further have small cross-sectional areas. The cutter blade assembly 100 is constructed from a front inlet adapter plate 101 having an inner longitudinal passageway therethrough shaped to form a conical converger 102. Pyramidal knife supports 103, 104, 105 and 106, are attached in opposing pairs around conical converger 102 to the back of front inlet adapter plate 101 to form a pyramidal frame. A plurality of strip knives are attached in a staggered perpendicular interlocking arrangement to form a sequential cutting grid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a stream of cut filaments from a source of tangled, non-oriented filaments. A feeder ram is movable between a feed position and a load position for directing filaments from the source of non-oriented filaments into interfering relation with advancement of a cutter ram. The cutter ram is movable between a load position and a cut position for directing at least a portion of the filaments, which are in interfering relation with advancement of the cutter ram, against at least two blades. Fibers directed against the blades are cut to form, with remaining filaments which are not cut, a stream of cut filaments. The blades can be configured for continuous sharpening of blade edges during cutting.

Abstract: A machine for forming a formation in a sheet of material. The machine has a pair of upper and lower rollers which are driven rotatably by a motor. A single, stationary cutting bar is provided in an off-set position with respect to a center line of a rectangular opening in the frame of the machine. A blade assembly is laterally mounted to the frame across the rectangular opening. As the blade assembly is moved laterally closer to the cutting bar, the blade assembly produces a deeper cut into a sheet of material passing between the upper and lower rollers than if the blade assembly had not been moved laterally or had been moved laterally away from the cutting bar which would have produced a more shallow cut or a cut with less depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products, including potatoes and the like, includes a plurality of perpendicularly intersecting knife blades of chevron configuration which are arranged in a substantially pyramidal formation. The apex of the pyramidal formation and apexes of the individual blades point downstream, away from the direction of flow of a fluid stream which carries the potatoes toward the knife assembly for slicing. The blades are mounted by a unitary fixture having a cylindrical bore and mounting the blades such that the farthest upstream blades are spaced farthest away from the axial center of the blade assembly, with successive downstream blades being spaced incrementally closer to such axial center. The blades are further mounted such that no parallel blades axially overlap one another.

Abstract: A sheet metal shear assembly including a pair of shear elements supported at a fixed angle relative to one another to define a shear nip point. The shear elements are supported by jaw-like support members having outer ends which are spaced from one another to define an open entrance through which, by relative movement of the shear assembly and a steel sheet or a strip from a coil, the sheet or strip can be advanced edgewise toward and brought into shearing contact with and move past the shear elements to effect a continuous shearing of the sheet or strip.

Abstract: A device for effecting continuous annular fancy cuts such as serrations around melons and the like comprises an elongated substantially linear base and support member having a trough-like cross section. A flat central portion of the base and support member carries an elongated upstanding generally linear cutter which extends longitudinally atop the member and which is adapted at an upper edge to sever the skin of melons and the like. The shape of the cutter when viewed from above in one embodiment is a conventional saw-tooth and the saw tooth cut or serration is provided continuously around a melon midsection by rolling the same along the length of the cutter. Side portions of the trough-like base and support member are oppositely inclined at approximately thirty degrees (30) to urge the melon toward a linear or straight line revolution along and atop the cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting foodstuffs, such as meat, and particularly bacon and sausage, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrying body from which holding flanges extend forwardly. Front and rear guide frames are supported in the holding flanges. Lattice knives move perpendicularly to one another and to the feed direction of the material to be cut. The guide frames are secured by a clamping mechanism which is supported on the carrying body and each have complimentary oblique side surfaces. The complimentary oblique side surfaces of the guide frames may be tightly clamped together so as to seal the spaces between the guide frames and the carrying body and thereby prevent the escape of the meat being cut.

Abstract: A knife assembly for a water gun wherein each slot in the blade portion of each knife element for engagement within a corresponding slot in the base portion of an adjacent knife is configured to diverge outwardly towards the cutting edge so that bending of the cutting edge corner portions of the slot due to twisting of the adjacent knife during the cutting operation is prevented.

Abstract: A guide regulator plate for vegetable preparing devices, consisting of pivotable member-supporting recesses provided at the left and right end portions of a body frame of a vegetable preparing device, opened in the end surfaces of the body frame and formed in the shape of the letter "C" in a front elevation thereof, pivotable supporting pins projecting from the left and right side surfaces of the guide regulator plate and formed so that the pins can be inserted into the recesses from their end openings, and left and right holding portions of a holder of the device, which are formed so that the holding portions can be inserted in the portions of the recesses which are on the rear side of the supporting pins to thereby enable the holding portions to close the openings of the recesses.

Abstract: A tuber to be cut for reproduction purposes is supported on a carrier and moved toward a knife blade assembly that cuts the tuber. Throughout operation, the blade is maintained at a temperature sufficiently elevated to destroy pathogens. That temperature level is further elevated during cutting to an amount sufficient to cauterize the tuber surface, offset cooling of the blade by reasons of moisture in the tuber and to clear the blade of tissue residue from the tuber. Further included are means selectively operatable to elevate the temperature of the carrier to a level sufficient to sanitize the carrier.

Abstract: A stationary grid of crossed blade members is provided and force structure is movable toward and away from one side of the grid and operative to engage a farm commodity such as an onion and gradually move the onion toward the grid. Knife structure is supported relative to the grid for repeating movement in a plane generally paralleling and slightly spaced outward of the other side of the grid and across the latter. Drive structure is operatively connected to the knife structure for repeated movement of the latter across the grid at a speed proportional to the speed of movement of the force structure toward the grid. The force structure includes a plate paralleling the grid and spaced outwardly of the aforementioned one side thereof. The plate includes a plurality of blunted pins projecting outward therefrom toward the grid and projectable into the spaces defined between adjacent portions of the crossed blade members of the grid.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is provided for use in cutting vegetable products, such as potatoes and the like, into a longitudinally extending central core and a plurality of longitudinally extending outer strips having a generally arcuate cross section. The cutting assembly is mounted along an hydraulic flow path defined by an inlet pressure conduit for passage of the product one at a time at a relatively high velocity into cutting engagement with a core knife and a plurality of strip knives and for separation of the core and the outer strips for respective flow along an inner core discharge conduit and a concentric outer strip discharge conduit. The cutting assembly is supported within an assembly housing between the inlet conduit and the discharge conduits with the core knife having a cylindrical shape for mounting at the upstream end of the core discharge conduit and defining a circular leading cutting edge along the axis of the flow path.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated food slicer comprising a base plate having a receptacle mounted thereon for receiving the food to be sliced therein and having one open end and one end closed by a cutting grid assembly, a piston member extending through the open end of the receptacle and reciprocally disposed therein for movement alternately toward and away from the cutting grid assembly for urging the food through the grid, a hydraulic cylinder operably connected with the piston for action thereof, a fluid source in communication with the cylinder for supplying fluid power thereto, and a reciprocal foot lever operably connected with the fluid source for selectively applying the fluid to the cylinder during operation of the food slicer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting French fries or other elongated vegetable segments which undergo a processing step, so as to maximize the uniformity of a desirable segment characteristic after processing. To obtain French fries which cook to a substantially uniform degree of "doneness" after blanching, cutter blades are positioned to cut segments of smaller cross-sectional dimensions through the lower solids content pith at the center of a potato, and to cut segments of larger cross-sectional dimensions from the higher solids content portions of the potato.

Abstract: Food processing unit adapted to include several processing devices to permit various foods to be sliced, grated, shredded or otherwise processed into a food receiving chamber, the top portion of which is designed to removably support a working platform. The working platform is designed with a two stage horizontal base with an opening designed to releasably support the processing devices.

Abstract: Two racks of parallel thin sharp blades are intermeshed in a crossed disposition within the open interior of a rectangular base frame. A pusher having a concave pocket and spaced ribs for entering between the crossed blades is reciprocally mounted upon the sides of the base frame. An object to be sliced is forced by the pusher through the junctions of the crossed blades. An auxiliary cutting blade may be mounted below the junctions of the blades to cut the slices pushed through the blades into two portions.

Abstract: Bag opening and emptying machine featuring cutter means which cut the L shaped edge formations at the corners of a bag as well as corresponding face portions of the bag, and also featuring a cutter means in the form of a vertically fixed blade array in which a platen presses a bag against blades to urge the bag and contents against and past the blades, thus freeing the contents from restraint by the bag and severing the contents to enable gravity flow. Among the features are empty bag-gripping means preferably mounted on the platen and preferably operable by rotary motion to spear the bags and to remove the bags upon retraction motion of the platen, for later deposit on a conveyor for removal.