Abstract: Broccoli heads are placed individually, with the stem down or laying horizontal, in a receiving cup in a loading position. A gripping mechanism engages the stem portion to secure the head in place. A positioning and cutting assembly adjusts the position of the receiving cup to a cutting position with the head down and stem up and rotates the receiving cup. The assembly includes a cutting mechanism having a blade that engages the rotating head to cut the florets. The blade cuts off the florets which fall to a first location where they are collected in a first collecting bin or by a first collection conveyor. The assembly next adjusts the receiving cup to a releasing position, whereupon the clamping mechanism disengages to release the stem, which falls to a second location where it is collected on a second collecting conveyor or in a second collecting bin. The assembly then returns the receiving cup to the loading position.

Abstract: An apparatus for singularizing and separating cherries includes a product line defining a V-shaped slot and motorized belts installed on opposite walls defining the slot and arranged on the bottom thereof. The cherries are separated from their stems by circular blades rotating around axes preferably orthogonal to the direction of said “V” slot. Preferably, in the position corresponding to said rotating circular blades, on the upper edges of said opposite walls is installed a respective rising face, oriented upwardly and preferably inclined and lying on the same plane of the respective said opposite wall, parallel to the direction of said “V” slot, provided with a front edge that is downwardly oriented and inclined toward the direction of origin of the vegetable products.

Abstract: A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.

Abstract: Tomatoes are placed on parallel cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). Alternate blades are oscillated in arcuate paths in opposite direction as article pushers (24) move downwardly, pushing the tomatoes through the parallel cutter blades (20). The end slices of the tomatoes are gathered separately in the collectors (96) and are later discarded, while the intermediate slices are received in a transfer plate (78). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes together in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer plate (78) is lowered to a position immediately above the shipping containers (80) and opened to deposit the tomatoes in the shipping containers. A fluid spray nozzle (75) may be positioned to emit a spray of gas or liquid between the fins of the pushers and/or toward the cutter blades (20) and toward engagement with the tomatoes for sterilizing, cleaning, or other treatment of the tomatoes and the adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing food products, such as mousse products, includes the steps of: providing a transport conveyor having a transport surface, providing a molding conveyor having molding apertures therein, the molding apertures being positioned above the transport surface, making the transport surface of the transport conveyor and the molding apertures of the molding conveyor move in unison from an input end towards an output end, positioning a mold within a molding aperture of the molding conveyor and on top of the transport surface of the transport conveyor near the input end, applying a food substance within the mold, removing the products including the mold and the food substance from the molding apertures near the output end.

Abstract: Tomatoes or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings of an article locator of an article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins for pushing the tomatoes through the cutter blades. The article pushers are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades and extended positions over the cutter blades. A pick and placer (76) is carried by the same movable support plate (78) and moves simultaneously in the same lateral directions as the article pushers, between positions over the oncoming line of tomatoes on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades.

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: An apparatus for separating objects, such as cherries, that are joined together by removable links, includes a collecting vessel having a water inlet and into which the objects are conveyed by means separate from the water inlet. One or more conduits extend downstream from the collecting vessel and have respective inflow mouths situated downstream of the collecting vessel. Water pumps within the conduits cause liquid to whirl about with the products taken in therewith, and pump them into the respective outflow mouths so as to eject them. The collecting vessel is a tank whose wall facing the inflow mouths has an upper edge adapted to perform as a horizontal spillway. The upper edge is situated higher than the inflow mouths, and a chute between the upper edge and the inflow mouths causes the liquid and the objects to converge towards the inflow mouths. Preferably, water ejected from the conduits is recovered and recycled.

Abstract: Broccoli heads are placed individually, with the stem down or laying horizontal, in a receiving cup in a loading position. A gripping mechanism engages the stem portion to secure the head in place. A positioning and cutting assembly adjusts the position of the receiving cup to a cutting position with the head down and stem up and rotates the receiving cup. The assembly includes a cutting mechanism having a blade that engages the rotating head to cut the florets. The blade cuts off the florets which fall to a first location where they are collected in a first collecting bin or by a first collection conveyor. The assembly next adjusts the receiving cup to a releasing position, whereupon the clamping mechanism disengages to release the stem, which falls to a second location where it is collected on a second collecting conveyor or in a second collecting bin. The assembly then returns the receiving cup to the loading position.

Abstract: Tomatoes (11) or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article locator (44) of the article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins (26) for pushing the tomatoes though the cutter blades (20). The article pushers (24) have laterally extending front openings (36) for receiving a high pressure fluid spray for cleaning the fins (26) and cutter blades (20) without disassembling the components of the slicer. The article pushers (24) are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades (20) and extended positions over the cutter blades (20). A pick and placer (76) is carried by the same movable support plate (78) and moves simultaneously in the same lateral directions as the article pushers (24), between positions over the on-coming line of tomatoes (11) on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades (20).

Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.

Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is shown. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also shown.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for processing green onions may include moving green onions along a path of travel, peeling at least one of the leaves from each green onion, aligning the root ends of the green onions, singulating the green onions, removing roots from the root ends of the green onions, and separating the green onions into groups based on the diameter of the root end of each green onion.

Abstract: Broccoli heads are placed individually, stem down, in transporting cups that are affixed to a conveyor that at one end rotates around a carousel axis. A clamping and cutting assembly includes linkages rotating around the carousel axis synchronously with the transporting cups on the conveyor. Retractable clamps affixed to an upper linkage retain the broccoli heads while curved blades that are affixed to a lower linkage dissect the broccoli. The blades cut off the florets with a scooping motion along the bottom side of the transporting cups which results in similar sized florets, standardized by the diameter of the truncated cone-shaped chamfer of the cups. Upon dissection the florets are released from the cups and collected on a collecting conveyor.

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: This invention refers to a machine for the cutting and extraction of the stem of vegetables with tree-like structure and the cutting and extraction method of the stem with this machine which provides pieces branched into different sizes of the edible part of the vegetable. The machines is characterized by being constituted by at least one tray in which the vegetable to be cut is deposited which slides along a horizontal structure and by several vertical slide guides with several cutting devices for the separation of the useful tree-like material, a cutting device for the division of the stem into pieces and a cutting device for the separation of the stem from the edible part. It can be additionally equipped with knives arranged radially on the cutting head for the division of the tree-like material into portions.

Abstract: Vegetables, especially carrots, have both ends trimmed by this machine. The machine has an inclined table which forms a track and product guides in the form of troughs are attached to a belt so that the guides travel around the table when the belt is driven around the track. The guides are arranged with their long dimensions extending radially as they travel around the track. Carrots are fed into the trough-like guides at the upper side of the track and slide down the guides until they reach a stationary fence. The guides than travel past a blade which cuts off one end. As the guides continue to travel around the track, they change orientation so that the end of each guide which was at the top is then at the bottom, and the carrot slides to the other end of the guide before passing a second blade where the opposite end is cut off.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for separating banana clusters into individual fruits. In this method, the banana cluster is hung on a carrier (such as a cable) in such a way that the hanging point is the place where the banana fruit stalks converge (at the crown). The cluster and/or the cutter are moved toward each other and the cutter is positioned such that the cutter cuts the fruit stalks at a point lower than the cluster hanging point.

Abstract: Device for separating the stalks of fruit such as cherries, grouped together in clusters, from one another at their joining point, includes at least one hydraulic circuit including a tank (1) receiving the fruit to be treated; a centrifugal pump (2) connected to the tank for sucking up the liquid and the fruit therefrom; and at least one filtration device (3) receiving the liquid and the fruit discharged by the pump and capable of separating the fruit from the liquid. The tank has a base (4) which converges downwards as far as a lower outlet orifice (5) of this tank. The pump includes a housing (7) and at least one pumping wheel (9) guided in rotation relative to the housing along an at least substantially vertical axis (10) of rotation, and the pump has an axial suction inlet (11) connected below the lower outlet orifice.

Abstract: A double blade peeling device for vegetable and fruit comprises a handle attached to a vegetable and fruit retaining member and a body of screw, the handle can drive internal gears to rotate, so as to make the retaining member and the body of screw to rotate as well. The body of screw, which is provided with two screw threads, drives upper and lower blade carriers to move upward and downward oppositely, such that the blades mounted on the upper and lower blade carriers move downward and upward respectively, contact the rotating food frictionally, and peel vegetable or fruit from upside and underside simultaneously. When two blade carriers move to the intermediate position to complete the peeling action, the two blade carriers open through wedge in blade carrier devices, two blades leave the surface of food, the lower blade carrier devices disengage with the body of screw. The body of screw drives upper blade carrier device to press the lower blade carrier device to move downward unceasingly.

Abstract: A crop processing machine includes a transport mechanism for conveying a crop, a mounting assembly fixed with respect to the transport mechanism, and a knife assembly pivotally mounted with a 4-bar link to the mounting assembly, the knife assembly including a knife for trimming the crop as the crop is conveyed past the knife assembly.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for severing roots of bean sprouts, a severing table has a plurality of ridges formed at predetermined intervals and extending in parallel with a direction in which a cutter blade is moved. Each ridge is formed with a number of severing slits each of which has such a width that a root of a bean sprout falls into each severing slit. The bean sprouts are continuously supplied onto the severing table while a cutter blade is moved along an upper face of the severing table and water is being sprinkled over the severing table so that roots of the bean sprouts on the severing table flow into the severing slits. The roots of the bean sprouts fallen in the severing slits are severed by the cutter blade. The bean sprouts from which the roots have been severed are conveyed out of the severing table with movement of the cutter blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for declustering cherries, including a plurality of oscillating cutting modules (36), each having a power driven shaft (40) with a plurality of circular blades (42) fixed along its length. The modules further comprise cutting ramps (46) having a tail section (48) extending under the blades, such that the clusters are suspended from their nodes at the moment of cutting. The height of tail sections (48) may be adjusted to accommodate cherry varieties having different stem lengths.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vegetable delivery device for use in trimming roots and tops from bulbs such as onions. The device comprises a frame, a bottom conveyance means and a top conveyance means composed of a chain and gear system with a common synchronized drive. Concave cups are synchronously positioned in opposition to grasp and secure a vegetable as the conveyance means passes the vegetable to, through and past a cutting means. A wheel or skid means exerts a downward force against the top conveyance means proximal the cutting means as an additional manner of securing the vegetable as it passes the cutting means.

Abstract: A preferred device for cleaning an ear of corn including at least one of shuck and silk includes a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface. A cob cleaner aperture arranged in the platform is configured to receive the ear of corn therethrough. A cleaning member extends into the cob cleaner aperture and is adapted to engage the ear of corn inserted into the cob cleaner aperture. The cleaning member is adapted to remove at least a portion of at least one of the shuck and silk as the ear of corn is rotated and engages the cleaning member. Methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: Bean sprouts conveyed on a conveyor are caused to fall into a number of cylindrical cases moved on an upper severing table so that the bean sprouts are enclosed in the respective cases in a standing state. Air is caused to blow from over the cylindrical cases by a blowing casing so that downward roots or leaves of the bean sprouts in the cylindrical cases are caused to fall into the severing slits. A first severing work is carried out in which the root or leaf of the bean sprout is held between a lower edge of the cylindrical case and an edge of the severing slit to be severed. A second severing work is then carried out in which the cylindrical cases are inverted upside down so that the bean sprouts in the cases are inverted upside down and so that the downward roots and leaves of the bean sprouts are severed by the lower severing table.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a knife assembly, e.g., as used in a bean snipper or similar device, to a mounting rod or similar structure. The holder includes first and second plate members which are moveably joined together at first ends thereof (e.g., in a hinged relation), and which are sized and shaped to contact the mounting rod at a plurality of points when closed together around the mounting rod such that the second ends of the plate members are brought together. A knife assembly, including a knife head and a knife rod, is attached to the knife holder by extending an end of the knife rod through knife rod apertures formed in one of the plate members until the end of the knife rod contacts a knife rod stop. The knife rod apertures position a portion of the knife rod adjacent to the mounting rod at a contact point.

Abstract: A mobile system for processing raw ears of corn includes a first mobile processing trailer for receiving raw unhusked ears of corn, holding the ears and disbursing them to a husker for removing corn husks and corn silk from the ears. A conveyer takes the husked ears of corn to a second trailer for further processing. The second mobile processing trailer includes multiple cutting machines to remove the corn kernels from the cob and a saw to slice the fresh ears of corn into mini cobs. A conveyer takes the sliced cobs to a holding bin for transportation to a cannery while a second conveyer removes the corn kernels from the second trailer to a third trailer for washing and cooling. The third trailer includes a pair of rotating sieves and a cooling tank to clean and chill the corn kernels. The chilled kernels are then transported via a conveyer to transportation receptacle for transportation to a cannery for further processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing roots of bean sprouts and dewatering the bean sprouts are disclosed. Bean sprouts are supplied onto a severing and dewatering table having a number of severing slits each of which has such a width that a root of a bean sprout falls into each severing slit. Air is caused to blow from above the severing and dewatering table so that a flow of air flowing downward through the severing slits is produced to cause the roots of the bean sprouts on the severing and dewatering table to fall into the severing slits. The roots of the bean sprouts fallen in the severing slits are severed by a cutter blade while water adherent to the bean sprouts are being blown away by wind pressure downward from the severing slits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing roots of bean sprouts are disclosed. Bean sprouts are supplied onto a severing table having a number of severing slits each of which has such a width that a root of a bean sprout falls into each severing slit. Water is sprinkled over the severing table so that the roots of the bean sprouts on the severing table flow into the severing slits. The roots of the bean sprouts fallen in the severing slits are severed by a cutter blade.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a knife assembly, e.g., as used in a bean snipper or similar device, to a mounting rod or similar structure. The holder includes first and second plate members which are moveably joined together at first ends thereof (e.g., in a hinged relation), and which are sized and shaped to contact the mounting rod at a plurality of points when closed together around the mounting rod such that the second ends of the plate members are brought together. A knife assembly, including a knife head and a knife rod, is attached to the knife holder by extending an end of the knife rod through knife rod apertures formed in one of the plate members until the end of the knife rod contacts a knife rod stop. The knife rod apertures position a portion of the knife rod adjacent to the mounting rod at a contact point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a root vegetable, such as a radish. The apparatus includes a hopper, a track, and a cutting mechanism. The hopper includes a reciprocating chute for providing a radish from a plurality of radishes to the track. As the radish travels down the track, the radish is properly positioned and orientated such that a tip portion of the radish is disposed between spiral threads in the track. If the radish is not properly oriented, air pressure is applied against the radish to remove the radish from the track. If the radish is properly oriented, it reaches the cutting mechanism having a pair of belts that frictionally engage the radish. As the radish travels through the cutting mechanism, the radish encounters a first blade which cuts a bottom portion from the radish.

Abstract: Sprouting beans roots removing apparatus cuts and removes roots of sprouting beans, as harvested, efficiently. A plurality of projections, each having at its upper face angular portion, are fitted to upper surface of base plate with predetermined space being maintained between each of them. Roots cutting member having angular portion is arranged above the base plate with predetermined space being maintained from upper surface of the projections. The base plate is moved in certain velocity and the roots cutting member repeats faster movements and stops, thereby the sprouting beans have their roots cut and removed by and between both the angular portions of the projection and the roots cutting member.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automated removal of cores from vegetables, especially floretting vegetables, comprises a conveyor (13, 14) including vegetable supports (15) for indexed advancing of vegetables (35) from a loading station (A) to a cutting station (B) and a cutting head assembly comprising one or more cutter elements (23) movable in a core-excision cutting movement, in which the cutting head assembly is movable between a cutting position in registration with a vegetable support in the cutting station and a core discharge position displaced from the pass of the conveyor. The apparatus may be single- or multi-lane. The cutter blades may be formed as lobes (23) which retain the excised cores in the closed-together condition pending ejection at the discharge position.

Abstract: A continuous flighted conveyor belt (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 strawberry dehulling machine which provides for manually placing a berry or other fruit onto a retainer that will close under a controlled spring action and retain the berry or other fruit with the hull or calyx in an opening formed in the retainer. A rotating cutter removes the hull as the retained berry or other fruit is moved over the cutter for dehulling the berry or fruit. Once the dehulled berry is moved past the cutter, the retainer will be opened and the berry removed either manually or by using an air jet or other mechanical member.

Abstract: A vegetable topper is disclosed. In one embodiment, the topper includes a plurality of spaced rollers which are mounted on a pair of laterally spaced roller chain loops such that the rollers are able to freely spin relative to the roller chains. The rollers define a bed on which vegetables may be positioned and the flow of vegetables along the bed is generally perpendicular to the rotational axes of the rollers. A pair of laterally spaced traction members engage the lower surface of the rollers on the "upper" portion of the roller chain loops which define the bed such that the rollers of the bed are spun by relative movement between the roller chain loops and these belts. At least two cutter blades are disposed below the bed and cut vegetable tops which extend below a pair of adjacent rollers to provide a self-cleaning feature. A paddle wheel is disposed between these two cutter blades.

Abstract: A finish topper for bulb crops having a plurality of longitudinal, parallel, generally horizontal, spaced-apart moving belts for conveying bulbs through the apparatus. Adjacent belts are driven at different linear speeds. In a preferred embodiment, alternate belts are replaced by stationary rails to maximize the speed differential. Below and adjustably close to the belts is a driven rotating blade for cutting the bulb stems and also exerting a downwards draft of air through the belts. Onions introduced onto the belts are conveyed through the apparatus by the belts, and the differential in speed between the moving belts and stationary rails causes the bulbs to rotate and gyrate randomly as they are being conveyed. Because the belts are spaced apart, the bulbs assume momentarily an attitude to permit the uncut stems of bulbs to extend downwardly between the belts. The bulbs are retained on their shoulders on the belts in inverted posture.

Abstract: A carrot processing machine having an accumulation well, an elevating conveyor (16), and sensing means (18, 20, 22, 24). Carrots are delivered into the well by a delivery conveyor and a constant head of carrots maintained by signals derived from a height sensing means controlling the delivery conveyor. The elevating conveyor (16) is provided with a series of pockets (28, 30, 32, 34) into which the carrots are urged by vibration of the well. Cutting blades (124, 126, 128, 130) are provided further along the conveyor for topping and tailing the carrots and segmenting them into short lengths. Endwise movement of the carrots (in their pockets) is achieved by engagement between transversely extending endless belts and the carrots in the conveyor pockets or by tilting the conveyor.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus particularly designed for handling produce items with a calyx and including a vacuum mechanism for grasping the produce item by the calyx for orientation and transportation of the item and a coring implement for removal of the calyx from a properly oriented produce item, the processing apparatus being designed to perform grasping and coring operations at separate stations or is a single operation.

Abstract: A device for automatically processing mushrooms of given caliber Cal, the device including conveyor means (10, 20, 30) designed to bring said mushrooms to at least one processing station (100.sub.i) including detection means (110.sub.i) suitable for determining a parameter relating to each mushroom, a processing member (120.sub.i) for processing the mushrooms individually over a given processing distance C.sub.i, and control means (130.sub.i) suitable for bringing the processing member (120.sub.i) into operation after a response time Tr.sub.i and as a function of the parameter determined by said detection means (110.sub.i). According to the invention, said conveyor means include a "receiver" first set of belts (10) designed to receive the mushrooms at a given mean rate D not greater than min[1/Tr.sub.i ] and driven at a speed V.sub.0 not less than Cal.times.D, an "accumulator" second set of belts (20) driven at a speed V.sub.1 selected to be substantially equal to Cal.times.

Abstract: According to the invention, the cutting station also comprises, on the one hand, detection means capable of individually determining the length of the stem of each mushroom and, on the other hand, control means capable of adjusting the relative position of the cutting device and of the mushroom stem as a function of the length of stem determined by the said detection means.

Abstract: Broccoli fleurettes are rapidly trimmed from broccoli heads by positioning the heads accurately so that the axes of the head stalks intersect the axes of rotation of special U-shaped guillotine blades shaped and dimensioned to trim fleurettes of substantially uniform size. The heads are securely but yieldably pre-positioned in an upward direction, followed by final positioning by a dome shaped cap designed so that optimum trimming is effected and the cut fleurettes are directed toward a collecting station. Denuded stalks are ejected and recovered for further use. The process is characterized by an electronically programmed operation providing both accuracy and speed.

Abstract: Machine comprising carriages (2) each provided with a rotatably mounted head supporting a gripping device (5) for grasping a lettuce in the suspended state below this carriage, and a closed-circuit conveying path (4) on which the carriages circulate, characterised in that the gripping device comprises, firstly, movable needles which slide between an extended position for grasping a lettuce and a position retracted inside the head, and, secondly, movable hooks which pivot at the end of the head between a spaced-apart position and a closed-together position for grasping the lettuce, these needles and hooks being placed in the active position to grasp a lettuce in different areas of the conveying path.

Abstract: Apparatus for top and tailing vegetables, for example carrots, comprises an endless flexible plastics material belt formed of inter-linked transverse links between which a drive wheel may rest. The belt is divided into compartments by interspaced modified links having upstanding molded walls over most of the width of the belt. The belt tilts from side to side on a wide support surface to tilt vegetables first one way and then the other. Knives operate in margins of the belt free of upstanding walls on vegetables which have been tilted towards them. Sidewalls for the belt which stop vegetables falling off it are absent in the region of the knives to allow detritus to fall easily away.

Abstract: In order to convey thin, long and relatively fragile sticks one after another successively in which those too long are trimmed short and those too short are eliminated so that sticks substantially uniform in length can be conveyed to the next step without fail in:(1) a device having an endless belt or the like with a multiplicity of grooves capable of accommodating the stick but shorter than the stick and perpendicular to the belt's advancing direction, a guide having introducer after where the stick is fed and a limiter or an opposed guide opposite to the guide;(2) a device having the aforementioned belt or the like, guide, limiter or opposed guide and a guide plate disposed in front thereof apart from or in contact with the limiter or the opposed guide; and(3) a device having the aforementioned belt or the like, guide, opposed guide, deterrent plate above the guide, horizontal air blow near the last end of the guide and a pressing member behind the horizontal air blow at a position opposite thereto.

Abstract: Trimmer for vegetables of the broccoli type is provided with a structure supporting a rotating plate in which are mounted vegetable holding systems. Each vegetable holding system is free to rotate about its axis so as to be capable of being propelled with a movement of rotation about that axis by a drive device. The device for driving in rotation acts during a portion of each revolution of the rotating plate during which a cutter associated with the corresponding vegetable holding system is brought by a control system against the vegetable so as to remove heads from the vegetable at the required section.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for slicing broccoli and the like into relatively uniform spears suitable for packing and freezing by grasping the stem end of the broccoli in clamping jaws with the main portion of the broccoli head depending vertically, moving a plurality of slicing knives upwardly to slice through said main portion, and severing the stem portion from the sliced portion to provide spears of similar size and shape. The heads of broccoli move along a feed conveyor and erecting means to a transfer station where their stem ends are grasped by clamping jaws carried on a rotary turntable in vertical alignment with a slicing knife assembly reciprocable vertically in response to the rotation of the turntable. A rotary knife severs the stem ends from the spears which drop onto a discharge conveyor. All of the described actions occur as the broccoli moves at a constant uniform speed through the slicing machine.

Abstract: The method of partially husking corn includes the steps of completely severing the first end of the ear of corn. The second end is partially crossed cut. The husk from the partially cut end is then rotated transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the corn ear. Subsequently and substantially concurrently, the husk is removed from the ear of corn by transversely pulling the husk away from the ear and longitudinally moving the ear along its axis. The corn husking apparatus includes a conveyor having corn holding channels which retain the ears of corn. The corn husker has a corn end cutter which cuts the first end of the corn. A trimmer is disposed next to the conveyor downstream and opposite the end cutter. The trimmer partially cross cuts the second end of the corn. A guide is disposed immediately downstream of the trimmer. The guide has an inboard surface which guides and rotates the corn husk away transverse with respect to the movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: A bean snipper has a rotatable drum with a central passage extending therethrough which has an opening adapted to admit beans and an opening adapted to allow the exit of beans. The surface of the drum has portions defining a plurality of slots which extend circumferentially and which permit the beans inserted therein to protrude outwardly of the drum. A plurality of planar baffles are axially spaced within the drum and have portions defining a central passage for beans therein. A plurality of bean support rods extend between adjacent planar baffles and the rods are spaced radially inwardly from the drum surface and extend substantially perpendicularly to the baffles. The rods are adapted to support a bean with its end inserted in a slot. A snipper knife is located outside the drum and is adapted to snip the end of a bean protruding beyond the surface of the drum.