Abstract: A preferred device for making cream-style corn includes a corn-receiving member and a blade member. The corn-receiving member incorporates a first open end and defines an interior that is configured to receive at least a portion of an ear of corn. The blade member includes a blade that is movably mounted within the interior so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the blade is configured to engage an ear of corn inserted into the interior of the corn-receiving member so that, as the ear of corn is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the blade tears open individual kernels of the ear of corn and allows liquid and fibrous contents of the kernels to drain into the corn-receiving member. Systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a food product is disclosed which utilizes a cutting wheel having a plurality of knives extending between a hub and a rim in conjunction with other cutting knives to produce a multi-dimensional cut of the food product. The use of the additional cutting knives enables the apparatus to dice a thin layered or leafy food product (cut it into small pieces) as opposed to merely slicing the food product in a single dimensional cut. The additional cutting knives may include one or more julienne knives attached to each of the knives of the cutting wheel so as to extend approximately at right angles to the cutting plane defined by the cutting wheel knives. A circular knife may be located upstream of the cutting plane defined by the cutting wheel such that the rotary knife longitudinally cuts the food product before it passes through the cutting plane. The apparatus according to the invention also utilizes separate drive motors for the feed conveyor and for the cutting wheel.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cutting system is provided for cutting a succession of vegetable products or the like particularly such as potatoes into elongated strips, wherein the cutting system includes a deceleration conduit designed for decelerating cut product strips substantially without flow stream turbulence to reduce or eliminate strip breakage. The cutting system utilizes a propelling fluid flow stream to propel the products with substantial velocity into and through cutting engagement with knife elements of a so-called water knife fixture mounted along the length of a fluid flow passage. An improved deceleration conduit defines a continuation of the fluid flow passage at a downstream side of the water knife, and has a tapered shape which expands in cross section relative to a conduit centerline at an angle not exceeding 9° and preferably on the order of about 2° to about 3°.

Abstract: A hollow dissection specimen holder has an internal chamber in open and direct communication with a series of dissection guide slots. The roof of the chamber is located above the floor of the slots to allow a razor to pass completely through the specimen and into the top of the chamber to deposit cut tissue and other debris into the chamber.

Abstract: A blade assembly for cutting a food product such as potatoes or vegetables in a wedge configuration. The blade assembly includes a blade head to which a blade is attached and tensioned by a tensioning assembly. The blade is attached to the blade head with a first end restrained by a first end retainer, a second end restrained by a second end retainer, a first bend positioned about a first return of the blade head, a second bend positioned about a second return of the blade head. The blade also includes a first leg segment extending in a first plane across an aperture of the blade head, and a second leg segment extending across the aperture of the blade head in a second plane at an angle to the first leg segment. The blade assembly for cutting a food product may also include a blade failure sensing device.

Abstract: A food processing device comprising a body, a container removably accommodated by said body and food processing means supported on said body above said container, whereby solids and/or liquids resulting from the processing of food by the food processing means fall into the container, whereby the food processing means include food slicing means, mounted on the body so as to be held stationary relative thereto, and first and second food holding means, mounted on the body for movement relative thereto so as to bring food held thereby into slicing contact with said food slicing means, wherein said first food holding means comprise a slidable food support element mounted on said body for sliding motion relative thereto, and a hand guard, mountable on said food support element such that food held between the food support element and the hand guard may be urged downwardly during the sliding motion without exposing the hand of the operator to contact with the food slicing means, whereby on sliding of said slidable fo

Abstract: A system for attaching a food processing adapter to a food processing unit includes an upper processing adapter attached to a pressure assembly of the unit, and a lower processing adapter attached to a holder at a base of the unit. The holder includes a first slot extending horizontally into a top portion of the holder, and a second slot opposite the first slot and extending vertically into the holder. A first tab extends horizontally from the lower processing adapter and is configured to be inserted into the first slot. A second tab extends vertically from the lower processing adapter so as to be inserted into the second slot. A locking mechanism is configured to releaseably lock the second tab in place to prevent movement of the lower processing adapter during operation of the food processing unit.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for slicing loaves and similar bakery products. The device includes a stationary frame (2) including a support (4,5) for supporting the loaves or bakery products. A blade carrier (10) holds a plurality of thin elongate cutting blades (11) at spaced locations with respect to one another. Each blade includes a cutting edge (13) for cutting the loaves or bakery products. The device includes a blade carrier drive (51-56, 65-68) which provides for first and second movement of the blade carrier. A cleaning mechanism (70,71) is provided for cleaning the cutting blades.

Abstract: A bacon trimmer for trimming cooked bacon slices into substantially uniform lengths comprises: a housing, a transfer comb mounted on the housing, a device mounted on said housing for transferring the cooked bacon slices from a continuous conveyor belt carrying the cooked bacon slices from a cooking device to a first end of said transfer comb, a device for moving the cooked bacon slices across the transfer comb to a second end of the transfer comb and feeding the cooked bacon slices to the same continuous conveyor belt adjacent the second end of said transfer comb, a cutter associated with the housing for trimming the bacon slices into substantially uniform lengths as they are transferred across the transfer comb.

Abstract: A bread slicer that has a knife frame, a damper and a variable rate control. The knife frame is movable between first and second positions. The damper is coupled to the knife frame and is configured to affect the rate of movement of the knife frame. The variable rate control assembly has an actuator coupled with the damper to selectively affect the rate of movement of the knife frame.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in an apparatus and a method for shredding blocks of cheese. The apparatus includes an elongated cheese chamber having an open side face for the admission of a block of cheese, which is urged into the elongated cheese chamber by a loading piston, a longitudinally-extending side plate and a floor surface for slidingly-engaging a block of cheese. An extruding piston is provided to force the cheese downstream within the elongated cheese chamber. The improvement includes an extrusion grid plate which is fixed at the downstream end of the elongated cheese chamber having a plurality of elongated, parallel, horizontal and vertical, knife-edges constituting a plurality of rectangular openings. A rotatable shredder assembly including an overlapped disc is sited immediately downstream of, and is in longitudinal abutment with, the extrusion grid plate, to prevent undesired escape of the extruded cheese.

Abstract: A slitting assembly (10) in the preferred form of a rotary cutter includes a shaft (50) upon which relatively thin, large diameter annular blades (56) are slid and held in place on the shaft by relatively large diameter hubs (60). An axial bore (54) is provided through the shaft (50) for circulating a coolant in fluid communication therewith by rotary joints (74, 78). Thus, the blades (56) are cooled below ambient temperature by conduction through hubs (60) and shaft (50) for imparting continuous longitudinal cuts in a band (12) of fat-free brownie products having an internal temperature higher than ambient. The outer periphery of the blades (56) rotate against a back-up roll (22) rotatable about a parallel axis below the band (12). Scrapers (30, 70) are provided to remove any product sticking to the back-up roll (22) and the axial faces of the blades (56).

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a wafer sandwich into a plurality of rectangular pieces has a support surface defining a transport path extending longitudinally through a longitudinal-cutting station and a transverse-cutting station. A plurality of stationary and transversely spaced longitudinal blades extend across the path in the longitudinal-cutting station. The surface is formed in the transverse-cutting station with a plurality of transversely extending and longitudinally spaced slots. An abutment is displaceable immediately downstream of the transverse-cutting station between a blocking position in the path and a retracted position clear of the path. A plurality of transverse blades are displaceable transversely in the slots of the transverse-cutting station across the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting up foodstuffs, particularly sausage, ham, bacon, meat, cheese and the like, with a cutting head disposed on a base frame (8) as well as a product delivery unit with a guide (7) for the product to be cut and a feed arrangement, wherein at the cutting end of the product (6) to be cut a holder (1) is provided which fixes and shapes the foodstuff (6) and which can be retracted from the blade (11) with the guide (7) for the product to be cut in order to prevent the formation of slivers with idle strokes.

Abstract: Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water. An inclined takeout conveyor serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable in a flume volute where the slices are dispersed onto a takeout conveyor is disclosed where the water medium is collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooking of raw vegetables where hot cooking oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dicing garlic, or similar vegetables. Said device comprises an inner section (2) which has a receiving chamber with a cutting grid (6) located at one end, an upper housing section (3) which can close the other end of the receiving chamber and has a plunger (9) and comprises a housing body (1) with a blade (7), in which the inner section (2) is accommodated in a rotating manner and thread elements which cause the plunger (9) to be driven into and out of the receiving chamber of the rotating section (2) as a result of a twisting motion of the upper housing section (3). The thread elements can be engaged or disengaged using adjustment elements (14).

Abstract: A bagel or bun slicing apparatus includes a frame mounted to a vertically adjustable stand and base. The frame defines a vertical channel which houses a reciprocating blade and rollers for transporting the bagel or bun through the channel and across the blade. The rollers are rotated by an electric motor which also reciprocates the blade. The rollers and/or a guide plate may be laterally adjustable to allow for bagels or buns of varying widths.

Abstract: A bagel holder is a saddle shaped member having a top wall and depending side walls that will hold a bagel. A knife guide is provided adjacent the top wall, and is formed by two spaced apart walls that define a knife slot and have lower edges that are concave to receive a peripheral portion of a bagel that is positioned between the side walls. A knife is then inserted in the slot while the bagel is rested on a supporting surface to cut the bagel into two pieces. Holder wall edges which will engage the outer surface of the bagel and keep it from rotating are provided.

Abstract: An adjustable product guide assembly for a product saw device includes a product guide plate mounted to a first bracket which is slidable on a bar; a handle mounted on top of a second bracket in an ergonomic location, the handle being connected to a shaft and which rotates a first worm gear pinned to the shaft; a second worm gear which is turned by the first worm gear, the second worm gear which is pinned to a pinion gear; a gear rack on the bar, the gear rack having gear rack teeth which are engaged with the pinion gear; a biasing member disposed between the second bracket that houses the first worm gear and the second worm gear and the first bracket; wherein when the handle is pressed down, in a gear releasing mechanism, the second bracket pivots and compresses the biasing member such that the gear rack teeth disengage from the pinion gear via the first worm gear and the second worm gear, and the product guide plate can be moved along the gear rack teeth of the bar.

Abstract: Device (1) for slicing loaves and similar bakery products, comprising a stationary frame (2), which is provided with support means (4, 5) for the loaves, a blade carrier (10), which holds a plurality of thin, elongate, cutting blades (11) next to one another and at a distance from one another, each blade carrier drive means (51-56, 65-68), which produce a first movement and a second movement of the blade carrier (10), and cleaning means (70, 71) for the cutting blades (11).

Abstract: A slicing machine has a blade, a stop plate extending parallel to the blade, and a carriage adapted to hold a sliceable product against the plate and displaceable past the blade to cut a slice from the product. A large-diameter disk is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the blade and is formed with a spiral groove. A follower coupled to the stop plate is engaged in the groove. A drive motor rotates the disk to displace the stop plate parallel to the blade axis. A small-diameter sensor wheel is positively coupled by a nonsmooth drive element to the disk. A sensor determines the angular position and rotation of the disk and generates an actual-value output corresponding thereto. A desired-value signal corresponding to a desired slice thickness is fed to a controller connected to the sensor and to the motor to make the output equal to the desired-value signal.

Abstract: A bread slicer that has a knife frame, a damper and a variable rate control. The knife frame is movable between first and second positions. The damper is coupled to the knife frame and is configured to affect the rate of movement of the knife frame. The variable rate control assembly has an actuator coupled with the damper to selectively affect the rate of movement of the knife frame.

Abstract: A method for the residue-free subdivision of a parallelepipedic block of a deep-frozen foodstuff into small parallelepipedic portions of substantially identical format is performed by multistage sawing cuts. A conveyor system moves the block in a conveying direction, wherealong the block is initially subdivided into large thin slabs. The slabs, transported in the conveying direction of the sawing line, are then subdivided from above on a closed table top by circular saws equipped with very thin circular saw blades. The cutting loss during sawing is thereby minimized and the yield of portions optimized. Advantageously, any material accumulating during cutting is intercepted and applied to the deep-frozen foodstuff.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a food product includes a stationary structure with a food product guide surface for guiding a food product along a path of travel. A knife wheel support which rotatably supports the knife wheel and is pivotally attached to the stationary structure so as to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the knife wheel axis, such that the knife wheel axis is movable along an arcuate path about the pivot axis. A plurality of adjustable stripper plates extends between adjacent circular knives which slice the food product into a plurality of strips prior to the food product being cut by a cross-cut knife, the stripper plates having an adjustable attaching mechanism connecting them to the stationary structure to facilitate the adjustment of the distance between the stripper plates and the food guide surface so as to readily accommodate a food product having a variety of thicknesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portioning device for packaging in containers such as trays a pre-established amount of foodstuff such as ground meat, supplied through an extrusion plate of a grinder, which lays down a mass of ground meat in a continuous strip on a belt conveyor. The portioning device generates metered portions of ground meat by a cutting element which operates in cooperation with a fixed element located above the belt conveyor.

Abstract: A cutting frame for holding an object to be sliced into two pieces. The object, such as a bagel, has a bottom surface, a peripheral edge, and a top surface. The cutting frame has a base which holds a support stem, which in turn holds a ring shaped guide member. The guide member has a knife blade guide slot extending through it to guide a knife downwardly through the guide member and through a bagel or other object held in the guide member. The process of using the cutting frame includes holding a bagel against a closed side of the compartment formed within the guide member so that the user's fingers press the bagel against the closed surface of the compartment. A knife is then placed in the knife blade guide slot and drawn back and forth downwardly through the bagel to form an accurate slice parallel to the bottom of the bagel. The guide blade knife slot extends completely through the guide member so that the bagel is always cut into two separate pieces.

Abstract: A machine for cutting bread into slices, comprising a crumb deflector situated beneath the cutting device in order to receive the crumbs as they fall from the cutting device during the cutting of a loaf and guide them toward a crumb-collecting bin. In an advantageous embodiment, the crumb deflector comprises a front part that slopes down toward the crumb-collecting bin and a rear part that extends to form the rear wall of a compartment. The zone of the machine housing the drive and mechanical transmission members is thus separated from the crumb-receiving zone and is thus kept clean and protected from showers of crumbs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for products, in particular for cutting up foodstuffs. A blade driven by a drive shaft so as to rotate is provided which orbits a further drive shaft in a planetary path-like manner on a rotor driven by the further drive shaft. For a compact arrangement it is provided that the one drive shaft is designed as a hollow shaft and that the other drive shaft is guided therein.

Abstract: A tensive cutting assembly includes a tensionable cutting member formed of a strip of material, typically metal, which is formed having a serpentine configuration. The tensionable cutting member is removably mounted on a tensive cutting head. The tensive cutting head includes an aperture formed through its cross section for passage of food product during the cutting process. The cutting head also includes a first set of returns adjustably opposing a second set of returns, the distance between which is adjustable and which may be driven apart by a cutting member tensioning device. The tensive cutting assembly may also include a breakage detecting device for detecting breakage during use of the tensive cutting assembly.

Abstract: An automatic tortilla cutter (10) able to cut stacked tortillas utilizing an openable housing (12) having a left housing (12L) and a right housing (12R) pivotally mounted on a housing bracket (12F) therebetween. The cutter (14) is positioned over the housing (12). Both the openable housing (12) and cutter (14) are preferably powered by a piston.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for slicing products, such as of foodstuffs, has a slicing station at which slices are cut from a product fed to the station. The cut slices fall on a receiver arranged below the slicing station, and the vertical distance between the slicing station and the receiver is varied as a stack of slices builds up on the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a food product is disclosed including a stationary structure with a food product guide surface for guiding a food product along a path of travel, the apparatus having a knife wheel rotatable about a knife wheel axis, the knife wheel having at least one knife blade and located such that rotation of the knife wheel about the knife wheel axis causes the knife blade to cut through the food product as it moves along the path of travel. The apparatus also includes a knife wheel support which rotatably supports the knife wheel, the knife wheel support being pivotally attached to the stationary structure so as to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the knife wheel axis, such that the knife wheel axis is movable along an arcuate path about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A bread cutting machine provided with a safety device comprising mechanical linking means arranged between the adjacent edges of the entry and exit tables. The mechanical linking means has a first state when the two tables are in position and a second state when one of the tables is removed. When the mechanical linking means is in its second state, it acts on means actuating a position switch so as to prevent the machine from operating.

Abstract: A knife blade for cutting food products includes a cutting edge having a concave circular curved central portion and opposed linear end portions tangentially intersecting and extending away from opposite sides of the circular curved central portion. The shape of the cutting edge results in enhanced stability of the knife blade when slicing food products driven into the cutting edge and across the blade width.

Abstract: A continuous flighted conveyorbelt (18) is fed product (12) from a transverse direction. As the belt moves the product forward, offset water jets (56) cause some of the items not seated in a flight (20) to be rotated and captured in the flights. Further movement brings the product (12) to a zone where water jets (72) force all items to one side against a registration plate (76). Excess product and items not captured are forced off the surface of the belt by water jets (62) and are carried away to be fed again. A cutting blade (84) is set an appropriate distance from the registration plate (76) to trim product captured and registered. The products are then forced across the width of the belt by repositioning water jets 102 and stop against a second registration plate (104). A belt (82) covering the top of the belt flights (22) prevents items from escaping through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: a cutting device, including a receptacle for containing butter; a push mechanism for pushing the butter or margarine down into the receptacle, the push mechanism sitting atop a stick of butter and inside the receptacle, the push mechanism being in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes the push mechanism to move butter downward in relation to the receptacle, the push mechanism including a retrieval chain; a cutter, the cutter including a mechanism for knocking-off a piece of cut butter, the knocking off mechanism being a tapered piece; a gear mechanism in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes movement of the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism including at least one upper flat gear joined to the receptacle, a round gear joined to the frame and at least one lower flat gear joined to the cutter, wherein movement of the receptacle causes the upper flat gear to rotate the round gear, which in turn moves the lower f

Abstract: A link cutting apparatus for cutting a twist between two links. The apparatus includes a link aligning device and a trimming device. The link aligning device is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position where the device will engage a link and align the twist with the cutting device. In one embodiment, the link aligning device includes a link aligning member pivotable between the engaged and disengaged positions. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a second link aligning device that will engage a second link and align a second twist with a cutting device. The trimming device includes at least two cutting edges that will remove at least a portion of the twist from both of the links. In one embodiment, the cutting edges comprise at least two knives and at least one blade sized to fit between the knives. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a second trimming device having at least two cutting edges that will remove at least a portion of a second twist from a second pair of links.

Abstract: A slicing machine that deposits foodstuff slices in a stack atop a support in a stacking station has a sheet-interposing device provided with a supply roll of sheet material and a feed roller for feeding a leading end of the sheet material in a direction to the stacking station. a guide between the station and the roller imparts to the sheet leading end an upwardly concave U-shape to stiffen the sheet leading end so it projects horizontally stiffly from the guide above the station. A cutter movable between the guide and the station cuts off the sheet leading end so that the cut-off end drops down in the station.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peeling element (10, 11) having a rod-like shape and being attached to means for rotating the peeling element around a rotation axis (3) and comprising peeling means on an outer surface. To allow a product to be peeled in a single peeling device, on a first part (1) of said peeling element (10, 11) said outer surface comprises a rough scraping surface, and on a second part (2) of said peeling element (10, 11) at least one cutting means (4).

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: Apparatus device and method improved slicing of large food sticks, loaves and the like are provided. A slicing blade which may have a top flat surface or top flat land width along its cutting edge provides generally longitudinal forces on the food product being sliced, which forces are in a direction generally opposite to the direction through which the food products are fed through a slicing apparatus. The slicing blade includes a bottom primary bevel surface and typically steep primary angle for imparting angularly directed forces on the food products being sliced so as to throw the slices at a generally corresponding deposit angle. The invention is particularly important in improving handling of large luncheon meat sticks including non-frozen, high water content and reduced fat content luncheon meat sticks.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a food product is disclosed which utilizes a cutting wheel having a plurality of knives extending between a hub and a rim in conjunction with other cutting knives to produce a multi-dimensional cut of the food product. The use of the additional cutting knives enables the apparatus to dice a thin layered or leafy food product (cut it into small pieces) as opposed to merely slicing the food product in a single dimensional cut. The additional cutting knives may include one or more julienne knives attached to each of the knives of the cutting wheel so as to extend approximately at right angles to the cutting plane defined by the cutting wheel knives. A circular knife may be located upstream of the cutting plane defined by the cutting wheel such that the rotary knife longitudinally cuts the food product before it passes through the cutting plane. The apparatus according to the invention also utilizes separate drive motors for the feed conveyor and for the cutting wheel.

Abstract: An improved appliance for slicing food articles, particularly baked goods and bagels in a uniform, quick and safe manner. The appliance includes a food receptacle which is slidably inserted into one end of a main housing and into which a food item such as a bagel is placed. A motorized cutting carriage is pivotally mounted to the main housing and extends a serrated dual-bladed slicing assembly over the food item. When power is applied, the blades of the slicing assembly begin reciprocating, and the entire cutting carriage is pivoted with respect to the main housing in order to move the reciprocating blades of the slicing assembly through the food item. Once the food item is cut, the cutting carriage is returned to its home position, the food receptacle is slidably withdrawn, and the sliced food item is removed and consumed. The appliance requires a minimum of space and facilitates the slicing operation without damage to the bagel.

Abstract: A cheese slicer having a flat base and a blade holder releasably pivotally secured to the base for moving from a locked upright cheese slicing position to a lowered storing position. A unique wide, flat blade slidably carried in the blade holder and having an upper end with a large handle and a lower end. The lower end having a downwardly and rearwardly sloping separating surface terminating in a downwardly protruding blunt slicing edge.

Abstract: A tablet shearing apparatus includes a support frame comprising a top frame member having an opening, a stationary plate secured to the top frame member. The stationary plate includes apertures extending about substantially the entirety of the opening of the top frame member. A movable plate including apertures is disposed above the stationary plate. A drive cylinder is connected through a linkage arm and an actuator arm to the movable plate. A tablet tray having apertures for receiving tablets can be positioned above the movable plate to transfer tablets to the apertures of the movable plate and the stationary plate so that, when individual tablets are supported in the apertures of both the stationary plate and the movable plate, the drive cylinder moves the movable plate relative to the stationary plate and shears the tablets. The tablet shearing apparatus also includes a tablet release gate having keyhole shaped apertures.

Abstract: An egg breaking knife used in an egg breaking device which increases the yield of the egg breaking device. The upper edge of the egg breaking knife is in a “V” shape. The “V” shape creates a lower drainage point to eliminate any “damming” of egg shell contents which may occur in the egg shell halves. The knife edge of the egg breaking knife of the present invention may also include a vertical slot or opening, preferably at the vertex or intersection point of the “V” shape, which assists in preventing “damming” of egg contents and enhances the drainage of egg contents from the egg shell halves. The lower edge of the egg breaking knife of the present invention may include a drip point, preferably located below the vertical slot, which serves to collect all egg content drippage at a single location, to ensure that a minimal amount of egg content drippage remain adhered to the egg breaking knife during egg content dumping.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus cuts a rolled dough product. The apparatus includes a conveyor conveying a rolled dough cylinder along a dough travel path. A nozzle is coupled to a liquid source providing liquid under pressure and is directed toward the dough travel path. The nozzle is offset from a surface of the dough cylinder by an offset distance sufficient so the cutter can cut a portion from the dough cylinder and provide sufficient separation between the cut portion and the dough cylinder so the cut portion does not stick to the dough cylinder.

Abstract: A slicer having an interlock mechanism, the slicer comprising a tray for receiving a food product to be sliced, the tray being movable along a slicing path and having a tray arm. The slicer further includes a blade for slicing the food product as the tray moves along the slicing path and a carriage having a locking arm for receiving the tray arm. The locking arm is movable between a release position wherein the tray arm can be placed into and removed from the locking arm, and a locking position wherein the tray arm cannot be placed into or removed from the locking arm. The slicer has a gauge plate adjuster for controlling the position of a gauge plate in the slicer, and the gauge plate adjuster has a recess formed therein. At least part of the locking arm is received in the recess of the gauge plate adjuster when the locking arm is in the release position.

Abstract: A garlic cutter having a housing and a beaker shaped structure adapted to receive garlic rotatably disposed in the housing. The beaker shaped structure has a cutting grid for cutting garlic or other vegetables. An upper part, bearing a punch, threadingly engages the housing such that when rotated the punch is urged towards the cutting grid pushing the garlic through the cutting grid. Preferably, the punch and cutting grid are rotated in unison upon rotation of the upper part to allow a plurality of pegs of the punch to align with and enter corresponding apertures in the cutting grid. A cutting blade is non-rotatably disposed beneath the beaker shaped structure to cut garlic emerging from the cutting grid.