Abstract: A multifunctional food processor includes a host module, a first food processing module mounted on the host module and driven by the host module, and a second food processing module driven by the first food processing module. The multifunctional food processor adopts multiple usage modes. The first food processing module and the second food processing module can independently process food materials, respectively. The multifunctional food processor achieves multi-purposes, is easy to operate, has simple implementation mode, and saves placement space for users.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying faulty sections in power transmission lines are described. A first positive sequence voltage and first positive sequence current at a first terminal of a power transmission line are computed based on a first voltage and first current at the first terminal. A second positive sequence voltage and second positive sequence current at a second terminal are computed based on a second voltage and second current. Based on the first positive sequence voltage and the first positive sequence current, a first junction voltage and first junction current from the first terminal at a junction are computed. Based on the second positive sequence voltage and the second positive sequence current, a second junction voltage and second junction current from the second terminal are computed. A ratio of a junction voltage parameter to a junction current parameter is computed. Using the ratio, the faulty section is identified.

Abstract: A produce pusher for use in a produce slicer includes a T-bracket. The T-bracket includes a base plate and a projection. A first fin and a second fin of a plurality of fins extend parallel to and in contact with the projection. A third fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the first fin on a side of the first fin opposite the projection. A fourth fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the second fin on a side of the second fin opposite the projection. A first spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the first and third fins and a second spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the second and fourth fins. A fastener extends through and simultaneously applies a compressive force to the plurality of fins, plurality of spacers and the projection.

Abstract: An onion chopper includes a container having a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly and terminating in a rim. A lid is attached to the container at a pivot location for movement between a closed position adjacent the rim and an open position pivoted away from the rim. A tray is removably supported atop the container, and defines a central opening positioned between a forward end and a rearward end. A spiralizer insert is removably attached to the tray within the central opening, the spiralizer insert having a central spindle and a blade extending radially outward from the central spindle.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to an inline spiral cutting food processor that includes a motor that rotates an upper positioned disc with a blade assembly by means of a belt or gear assembly or mechanism. The entrance and exit chute are fixed and positioned in-line with the axis of rotation of the blade supporting disc member. The entrance chute is positioned above the cutting disc, and the exit opening (or chute) is below. During operation a food item is pushed down the entrance chute as the blade rotates and cuts it. Cut food falls down through the opening or exit chute into a storage container or jar. The food cutting assembly is configured to generate spiral or helical food from vegetables.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting horticultural products includes an intake section leading to at least one passage lane defined by a pair of mutually close stems rotatably supported by a support and movement assembly and are interposed longitudinally between the intake section and a discharge section. between the pair of stems, kept inclined downward from the intake section to the discharge section, a longitudinal slot is disposed that can be crossed exclusively by debris and horticultural products having dimensions that are smaller than the width of the slot. The assembly includes a drive unit meshing with an end portion of each stem proximate to the intake section and elements for the free support of an end portion of each stem proximate to the discharge section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food comminution device having a base part, which bears a cutting part, and having an actuation part, which actuation part is articulatedly fixed to the base part and can be pivoted from a loading position toward the cutting part into a closed position in order to push food items for comminution through the cutting part and can subsequently be pivoted from the closed position into the loading position again.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a dicing kit adapted to be received in a bowl which is coupled to a base. The dicing kit includes a dicing grid disposed within a frame which is coupled to a cover member having a rotating slicing tool disposed there between. The slicing tool is positively captured between the dicing grid frame and the cover member and is further adapted to rotate as powered by a motor disposed in the base portion of the food processor.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for separation of seeds from fruit pulp/skin/twigs, in general, coming out from juice producing industry as a waste and in particular from apple pomace. The method involves addition of apple pomace and water in a particular ratio to a vessel (1), mixing with an agitator (6, 8) at optimum rpm for sufficient period, allowed to stand followed by secondary agitation. Based on difference in bulk density, seeds were separated from pomace. The seedless pomace withdrawn from horizontal (13) or inclined (14) outlets and seeds collected in seed collection chamber were removed through bottom valve (11). The seed trap (15) provided at inclined outlet (14) helps in their retention in the vessel (1). The seedless pomace is recovered by filtration from water. This spent water can be recycled for few times and then purged. Easy to handle separation device is energy efficient, compactly designed and can be used to separate the seeds efficiently up to 97%.

Abstract: A food processor having a dicing tool and a cleaning tool to clean out the dicing tool.

Abstract: A food processing device including a base having a motor positioned therein, a removable bowl coupled to the base, and a removable lid coupled to the bowl so as to define a processing chamber. The food processing device includes a multifunctional food processing tool that is positioned in the processing chamber and driven by the motor. The food processing tool includes a pair of adjustable blades. The food processing device includes an adjustment assembly operable to change the pitch of the adjustable blades while the food processing tool is driven by the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling portions of products, in particular food products, includes a product conveyor which conveys the portions sequentially along a conveying direction and at least one sensor which serves to determine the weight of the conveyed portions. The apparatus includes an automatic weight compensation unit which is arranged in the vicinity of the product conveyor and which serves additionally to place at least one single product on a portion in dependence on the determined weight of the portion.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for cutting a food product into slices for producing portions by taking into account the target weight thereof. Information about a remainder of the food product to be sliced is used to control corresponding actuators for a successive food product to be sliced.

Abstract: A food cutter has a base and at least two transverse panels extending from the base and sized to complement a pan. The panels may form a grid with an upper end located in the base. The grid has a lower end with cutting edges adapted to cut food. The upper end may be concave and the lower end is flat. The base is formed from a smooth rigid material and may be covered in a soft pliable material. The grid may be coated with a food safe, non-stick material.

Abstract: While the long and large food dough is being transferred to a downstream conveyor (71) provided adjacent to a weighing conveyor (69), the long and the large food dough is cut by a cutting device (73) provided between the weighing conveyor (69) and the downstream conveyor (71) at a timing when a weight of the long and large food dough measured in advance on the weighing conveyor (69) is reduced by a given weight. In this method, with one side portion of the long and large food dough held by a dough holding member (99) provided between the weighing conveyor (69) and the downstream conveyor (71) to be reciprocable in directions to contact and separate from the long and large food dough, the long and large food dough is cut from another side portion of the long and large food dough by a cutting blade (103) provided opposed to this dough holding member (99).

Abstract: A vegetable and fruit cutting device having a rack; a slide-rail adapted for moving vertically mounted on the rack; a platform mounted on the slide-rail; a serrated-blade assembly; a flat-blade assembly; and an escalating device adapted for adjusting vertical movement of the platform. The escalating device having an eccentric cam assembly mounted below the platform and a knob adapted for driving the eccentric cam assembly mounted to the side of the body. The eccentric cam assembly having a shaft mounted between the top of the rack and the bottom of the platform, the shaft having an eccentric cam which is fixed to the shaft. The serrated-blade assembly is mounted to the bottom of the platform. And the platform has a second aperture for receiving a serrated-blade of the serrated-blade assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for combining a plurality of items into a batch having a set number of items. Number of items are put together onto a production line to form a batch along with non-batch items which are not suitable for inclusion within the batch onto the production line. The batch is advanced on the production line as a partial batch without the non-batch item being added to it when a batch is not complete. A reminder batch is created after the non-batch items have been added to the production line and the remainder batch includes the number of items that must be added to the partial batch to make a full batch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a food heating device includes a first platen and a first conveyor arranged and spaced to transport a food product between the first platen (501) and the first conveyor (503). A second platen (501) and a second conveyor (503) arranged and spaced to transport the food product (203) between the second platen (501) and the second conveyor (503). A first end of the first platen (501) is disposed near a first end of the second conveyor (503) and a first end of the first conveyor (503) is disposed near a first end of the second platen (501) such that the food product (203) is automatically transferred from the first platen (501) to the second platen (501).

Abstract: A device for mincing food includes at least one cutting blade or grater and a feed device. Food to be minced is feedable through the feed device to the at least one cutting blade or grater. The feed device includes parallel first and second mutually opposing inner walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand tool for squeezing, chopping and pureeing food. The hand tool allows a user to chop, drain and/or puree food with one tool and can be used in conjunction with an ordinary bowl or colander. The hand tool of the present invention has a head portion having a convex pressing surface and a handle portion, allowing a user to grips the end of the handle and apply force directly over the pressing surface to squeeze food and/or expel moisture. A scraping edge allows the user to scrape food against the holes in a strainer or colander or to scrape particles from the sides of a bowl. A blade is attached to the head portion of the tool and can be used to chop and puree food.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base, a container having a side wall and an open end including a rim, and a lid for engaging the open end of the container in an operating position and a storage position. The lid has a top wall with a first and second principal surface, an annular ledge with a first and second side, and a food chute extending from the first principal surface generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the top wall. The food chute has a length and extends away from the container with the second side of the annular ledge contacting the rim of the container when the lid is in the operating position. When the lid is in the storage position, the food chute extends into an interior of the container with the first side of the annular ledge contacting the rim of the container.

Abstract: An apple wedger for cutting fruits or vegetables into wedges or other desired shapes includes a slicer and a pusher, in which the slicer has a peripheral frame and internal cutting blades. The pusher is configured to be used to push at least partially sliced food items through the gaps between cutting blades. In some versions, the pusher is pivotally attached to the slicer.

Abstract: A drive unit that is movable between an unfired and a fired position. The drive unit comprises a handle member, a first drive gear having a first axis of rotation, and a second drive gear, engaged to the first drive gear at a mesh point, and having a second axis of rotation. The mesh point moves with respect to the axes of rotation as the handle member moves from the unfired position to the fired position. The drive unit drives an implement only when it is moved from the unfired position to the fired position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for splitting apart a pomegranate fruit employ a pair of elongated splitting levers and a pivoting connecting mechanism, carried on the pair of elongated levers. Each one of the elongated levers has a penetrating end and a shape configured to enable the pair of elongated levers to be arranged in a substantially closed configuration in contact or contiguous lengthways with one another to form a penetrating structure to enable the elongated levers to be at least partially inserted into a pomegranate. The elongated splitting levers are hingedly connectable at the penetrating ends by the pivoting connecting mechanism which is configured to outwardly pivot the elongated splitting levers from the substantially closed configuration into a substantially open configuration in response to forcing the elongated splitting levers apart about a fulcrum.

Abstract: A food processor defining a food processing path comprises a frame having a first compartment located within the food processing path and a second compartment located out of the food processing path and at least one dicing element configured to be received in both of the first and second compartments. When the dicing element is received in the first compartment, the dicing element dices food passing through the food processing path, and when the dicing element is received in the second compartment, the dicing element is stored out of the food processing path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a working unit or a device that includes a working unit of this type for processing foodstuffs. The working unit can be driven and made to rotate by means of a drive unit of said device. The working unit preferably has at least two working elements that are situated on a working axis and that act in the peripheral direction of said working axis. At least one of the working elements can be pivoted about the working axis in relation to at least one additional working element within a restricted pivoting angle. The pivoting mobility of the blades, which are preferably interspaced and positioned axially one above the other, permits said blades to be brought into a common radial resting position in order to fill the container with the product to be cut, in such a way that practically the entire container volume is exposed and can be filled.

Abstract: An avocado tool includes a handle having a knife blade attached at one end of the handle and a plurality of spikes formed on the opposite end of the handle. A sheath is configured to receive the blade for storage and therefore includes an opening at one end. The opposite end of the sheath is shaped in the form of a spatula for use in scooping avocado to separate the fruit from the blade.

Abstract: Food preparation systems and methods for quickly and conveniently preparing filled food items. The system may comprise a pan having at least one formed pocket, perimeter track(s), one or more dividing ribs, and dividing track(s). A dough cutting tool may be inserted into and guided along the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) to slice excess dough away from the filled food item. The present invention may further comprise a roller tool that simultaneously cuts through the dough as well as flutes or crimps the dough along both sides of the cutting edge. One or more tactile indicators may also be provided on the underside of the pan to allow a user to easily locate the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) when the pan is covered with dough. Filled food items may then either be baked within the inventive pan or moved to a conventional baking pan or sheet.

Abstract: A container includes an internal plate having slicing blade supported by a lower container and covered by a lid. A threaded axle is connected to a hand crank extending from the top of the lid and urges a pusher downward toward the blade as the crank is turned. A food item carried on the pusher is thereby forced downward and rotated against the blade and cut in accordance with the size of the threads on the axle. Additional interchangeable plates are provided, including cheese grating and juice reaming plates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing a particulate proteinaceous product are disclosed. Raw animal matter comminuted. Hydrolysing enzymes are added to preheated food-grade oil and added to the ground matter. The resulting suspension is preheated to hydrolysis temperature. Controlled hydrolysis of proteins in the suspension achieves a predetermined partial hydrolysis of the proteins to form a hydrolysate/oil suspension. At the desired level of hydrolysis the enzymes are heat-inactivated. Non-digestible solids are removed from the suspension and the suspension is pasteurized and partially dehydrated to concentrate the hydrolysate. Some of the oil is removed to form the product. The method and apparatus exhibit substantial resistance to equipment clogging.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: A sandwich holder and knife guide for cutting a sandwich while maintaining the ingredients in place includes a base, a pair of upwardly extending parallel walls with an aligned slit in each of the walls for guiding a knife through a sandwich, a transparent dome with a slit aligned with the slits in the walls, a knife, a support frame, a pair of tapes disposed on opposite sides of the slits and each of the tapes extending across the support frame in a parallel relationship with the slits and one end of each of the tapes is coiled upon a retractable coil for maintaining the tapes under tension so that the tapes when extended and placed on top of the sandwich retain the sandwich and its fillings in place when the sandwich is cut.

Abstract: A stuffing hand tool for inserting food material into pitted or cored produce items such as olives, figs, strawberries, cherries, which includes a body easily gripped with one hand by a user allowing a tube projecting from one end to be pressed into a mass of food material creating a plug of food material retained in the tube which is stuffed into an item when a plunger is advanced by depressing a pusher cylinder extended out from the opposite end of the body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a container for displaying, preparing and presenting food including a base having an integrated cutter having a plurality of blades and a central hub and a cover removably attached to the base for displaying the food prior to use and for storing the food during and after cutting, the cover having indentations to receive the central hub and possibly the blades to enhance the depth of cutting by the cutter through the food. The base and cover have side walls dimensioned so that the cover interfaces with the base after driving.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually operated seed shucking appliance enables a food preparer to remove the seed coverings of black-eyed peas from their kernels. A spring and piston inside a chamber are arranged to compress a load of pre-soaked black-eyed peas against a shuttle rasp threaded between side slots. As a user manipulates the shuttle rasp, the shucks are scraped off the seeds by a scraping surface and both pass through the side slots. The piston is configured to be cocked back such that the chamber can be loaded through one end with a fresh charge of black-eyed peas.

Abstract: A food heating device includes a platen (101) and a pair of conveyor segments (103). A first conveyor segment is arranged and spaced to transport a food product (201, 203, 205) between a first side of the platen (101) and the first conveyor segment (103). A second conveyor segment (103/703/903) is arranged and spaced to transport the food product between a second side of the platen (101) and the second conveyor segment (103/703/903). A transfer device (505/705) may be disposed at one end of the platen (101) such that the transfer device transfers the food product (203) from the first side of the platen (101) to the second side of the platen (101).

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a granulated product, whereby one or more ingredients are first ground in a centrifugal grinding unit, and then granulated in a centrifugal granulating unit before being fed to a centrifugal mixing and flavouring unit; each of the centrifugal units having a tubular outer shell having an axis and defining a processing chamber; and a powered shaft housed in the shell, coaxially with the axis, and fitted with a row of appendixes projecting radially from, and connected integrally and interchangeably to, the shaft.

Abstract: A method of preparing flour or splits of legume according to the invention comprises the steps of: i) providing legume; ii) allowing the legume to partially germinate; iii) optionally, terminating germination of the legume; iv) preparing the partially germinated legume for milling; v) optionally, milling the prepared legumes of step iv). Partial germination was found—besides increasing the content of nutrients and decreasing the content of antinutrients to enhance the physical quality of splits and to enhance the dehusking yield. Moreover, nutritionally more beneficial flour and splits can be provided.

Abstract: A pepper mill includes a driving member coupled rotatably to a container body and cooperating with the container body to define a receiving space, a grinding unit, a planetary gear mechanism, and an adjusting component. The grinding unit includes a coupling shaft extending rotatably and being movable in the receiving space, a stationary first grinding seat, and a second grinding seat co-rotatable with the coupling shaft. The size of a grinding space between the first and second grinding seats is adjusted when the coupling shaft and the second grinding seat move axially relative to the first grinding seat. The planetary gear mechanism includes a driving gear unit and a driven gear unit driven rotatably by the driving gear unit to drive rotation of the coupling shaft. The adjusting component is connected threadedly to the coupling shaft and is operable to drive the axial movement of the coupling shaft and the second grinding seat.

Abstract: A sheeter includes an internally grooveless front roller, a rear roller configured to rotate counter to the front roller, a partially spiraled stripper wire coupled across the front roller, and a conveyer belt connected to a proximal conveyer roller and a distal conveyer roller. The conveyer belt includes a landing zone configured to prevent damage to a received product. The conveyer belt includes a raised portion adjacent to the proximal end and flat portion towards the distal end.

Abstract: A hand-held slicing device having a handle connected to a slicing tray. The slicing tray includes a ramp leading to a fixed blade. The ramp is readily adjustable such that the height of the edge of the ramp most closely adjacent the blade can be raised or lowered. In one version, the ramp can be raised or lowered by sliding a support structure connected to a knob that can be slideably adjusted by the user's thumb. The device may include a series of julienne blades that are selectively extendable above the slicing ramp or retractable below the ramp.

Abstract: A device for processing foodstuffs in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper part, a drive mechanism and a lower part with a working container, in which a working unit can be manually driven and made to rotate by means of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a tractive cable drive and is operatively connected to the working unit by means of a releasable torque-coupled connection. The drive mechanism also includes a primary and secondary drive unit, which are operatively interconnected by means of a gear in such a way that a transmission ratio of between 1:1.5 and 1:4 and preferably between 1:1.8 and 1:1.9 is achieved. The primary and secondary drive units are axially parallel and dimensioned in such a way that at least one of the drive units intersects the rotational axis of the other respective drive unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for trimming the surface of meat, in particular fish fillets, comprising a transporting element by means of which the products which are to be processed are conveyed continuously in the transporting direction T into the region of a knife head, also comprising an element for detecting the position of the products, as well as a knife head for trimming the products and a means of controlling the movement of the knife head in dependence on the information and data determined by the position-detecting element, the device being distinguished in that the knife head is designed for automatically executing free trimming cuts along the surface contour of the products. The invention also relates to an apparatus for processing meat using a device mentioned above, and to a corresponding surface-trimming method.

Abstract: A kneaded dough dividing apparatus has a divider vessel body having a dough inlet and two dough outlets for discharging kneaded dough as two streams of dough. The divider vessel body is provided therein with an outlet control member that simultaneously partially closes the two dough outlets. The outlet control member is displaceable relative to the two dough outlets to reduce the opening area of one of the two dough outlets when enlarging the opening area of the other of the two dough outlets and to reduce the opening area of the other dough outlet when enlarging the opening area of the one dough outlet.

Abstract: A system for cutting blocks of food product into bars of substantially equal weight. The system includes a cutter conveyor configured to receive incoming blocks of food product and move the blocks along an in-line processing path in a plane for cutting; a programmable logic controller coupled to the cutter conveyor; and, multiple stations associated with the cutter conveyor. One such station is a camera vision system configured to create an image of the slab portion, and further including a camera controller coupled to the vision system and the PLC, and configured to determine an optimized cut solution of the slab portion from the image and data related to the food product, and is configured to provide the cut solution to the PLC. The PLC is configured to control the cutting of the food product, based on the optimized cut solution, into bars of substantially equal weight.

Abstract: An integrated cleaning and cutting device includes a case, a cover sealed the case, a basket received in the case, and a basket shelter mounted on the basket. A plurality of palings is formed on the basket. A drive mechanism is accumulated in the cover for driving the basket to rotate in the case. A cutting mechanism is fitted in the cover for cutting salad material. The cutting mechanism includes a blanking hole communicating with the basket in the case. The salad material is cleaned in the basket by the rotating of the basket in the case. On the other hand, the salad material can be cut and stored in the device, in which the basket and the cutting mechanism are equipped. Since the device has multiple functions such as cleaning, cutting and storage, it is utilitarian in use.

Abstract: A food article end location detecting system for a food article slicing machine. The system includes a sensor located so that each food article passes a sensing range of the sensor as the food articles are loaded onto a food article feed apparatus. The system has instructions for calculating the length of each food article based on a location value provided by the sensor. The system also comprises a food article end disposal mechanism. The disposal mechanism has a transport for receiving said food article ends and for removing said food article ends from said food article path. The disposal mechanism also has a paddle for displacing food article ends from the transport.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.

Abstract: A leafy vegetable having a core end and a leafy end is processed after being harvested. The harvested leafy vegetable is transported to a trim area on a conveyor. A first cutting implement located in the trim area trims a portion of the core end. A second cutting implement located in the trim area trims a portion of the leafy end. The first and second cutting implements are spaced a set distance apart, which defines an amount of the leafy vegetable remaining after the portions of the core and leafy ends are trimmed. As the portions of the core and leafy ends of the leafy vegetable are being trimmed by the first and second cutting implements, a set of one or more nozzles located in the trim area sprays a rinsing liquid on cut sites on the leafy vegetable to rinse off natural juices exuding from the cut sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating materials of different flowability that are mixed together, comprising a housing having side walls, a hollow drum driven rotationally and mounted on the side walls and having a perforated peripheral surface M, an endless compression belt that can be pressed against the peripheral surface M from the outside, wrapping around a portion of the circumference of the hollow drum, a product intake wedge for feeding a product flow, a supporting apparatus for the compression belt having at least one support element disposed on the side of the compression belt opposite the hollow drum, and a stripping means for stripping off the compressed material from the hollow drum, which is distinguished in that the stripping means is disposed in the area of the product intake wedge.