Abstract: Apparatus for performing a plurality of successive operations simultaneously at each one of a plurality of work stations arranged in a row, each station accommodating a fruit piece, or the like, such as a citrus fruit member. The fruit pieces are sequentially advanced to the work stations in a stop and go movement utilizing a closed loop conveyor system. At the working stations, a pair of pneumatically operated reciprocally movable carriages, which are provided with suitable processing apparatus, sequentially move towards and away therefrom. These carriages ride on linear bearing bars. For example, coring and core removal can be accomplished at all stations.

Abstract: A machine for cutting off the heads of carrots in which the beginning of a carrot and its direction of taper are sensed electro-optically as it is carried by a conveyor and the time of operation of a cutter associated with the conveyor is controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A cutter head for a machine for picking sprouts, comprising a rotatably mounted disc, which is driven during operation, said disc being provided with an opening for shifting therein a stalk to be picked and with knives positioned around the opening and pivotally connected to the disc, and closing elements, which, when no stalk is present in the cutter head, close the opening for the greater part and are moved outwardly by a shifted-in stalk, by which displacement the knives positioned in front of the closing elements are swung toward the stalk, the connection between the closing elements and the knives comprising arm members and coiled tension springs adapted to actuate a chain-sprocket drive system that provides for pivotal movement of the knives.

Abstract: A rotating shaving mechanism for the preparation of artichoke hearts including a circular knife mounted at an angle to the longitudinal extension of the artichoke. The knife is rotatable on an arm mounted on a rotatable shaft to enable the knife to be rotated about the central axis of the shaft while rotating about its own axis. The shaft is mounted in a support which may be displaced towards or away from the artichoke to be prepared.

Abstract: In apparatus for removing roots from bulbs or the like corms, the bulbs are thrown upwards towards pairs of cooperating rollers, which catch the roots of the bulbs in the nips between the rollers and draw off the roots from the bulbs.