Abstract: A peeling and coring apparatus (20) for use with perishable produce (24) having a tapered neck portion (32) of reduced transverse dimension. Upon placement of the produce (24) into a tapered coring cup (30) formed to receive the produce (24), a detecting mechanism (36) detects the extension of the tapered neck portion (32) into the coring cup (30) by a distance sufficient to indicate proper orientation of the produce (24) relative to the coring cup (30). If the detecting mechanism (36) determines that the produce (24) is improperly oriented relative the coring cup (30), the peeling and coring apparatus (20) removes the produce (24) from the coring cup (30) prior to further processing of the produce (24). If the detecting mechanism (36) determines that the produce (24) is properly oriented, a gripping mechanism (34) grips the produce (24) to secure it against the coring cup (30) in preparation for further processing such as peeling and coring.

Abstract: A first unit positions and then rotates an apple with a randomly oriented core. Rotation is stopped when any one of a series of aligned probes enters into one of the indents in the core of the apple. A second unit with axis of rotation at 90 degrees from the axis of rotation of the first unit takes and holds the positioned apple, and then rotates it. Rotation is stopped when a positioned probe enters into the indent in the core to align the core of the apple in the desired position to provide apple core alignment.

Abstract: An automatic machine for cutting and pitting fruit, especially peaches, iudes three fundamental parts or working zones, the first of which is a feeding device for feeding the fruit to the second zone which includes an automatic positioning device in the form of an endless conveyor carrying a plurality of cups or receptacles to receive the fruit from the feeding device. The third and final zone of the machine is an automatic cutting and pitting device having a fruit gripping assembly, a circular knife which divides the fruit into two parts, and a knife for pitting the fruit. The fruit feeding device includes a hopper to which, by any suitable system or means, the fruit is supplied, the hopper being mounted on the frame of the machine at an angle. The hopper is supported by a flexible damper and is subjected to the action of a conventional vibrator. The hopper has at the outlet thereof as many channels as there are cups or receptacles in a column of the automatic positioning device.

Abstract: In the case, where fruits, which are relatively soft and liable to be bruised upon contact or collision with another object such as particularly in the case of white peaches, are to be separated into flesh and pit automatically, apparatus for assuring a high efficiency and a high yield is provided for separating and taking out flesh from the fruits without brusing the flesh as much as possible.

Abstract: In the case, where fruits, which are relatively soft and liable to be bruised upon contact or collide with other object such as particularly in the case of white peaches, are to be separated into flesh and pit automatically, means for assuring a high efficiency and a high yield is provided for separating and taking out flesh from the fruits without bruising the flesh as much as possible.