US 2003/0145743 A1 · Apparatus for preparing produce

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing produce includes a base having a cradle for receiving the produce which is to be processed, and a reciprocating head which cooperates with the cradle and which includes one or more blades for operating upon the produce which is positioned in the cradle. A single blade is positioned for alignment with center portions of the produce to sever the core membrane of the produce as the head is lowered onto the base. An opposing pair of blades are positioned for alignment with end portions of the produce for removal of the end portions of the produce as the head is lowered onto the base. The base of the apparatus further preferably includes a retaining element which extends over the cradle for receiving the produce, for maintaining the produce in the cradle during operations of the apparatus on the produce.

Claims43

Dependent claims

An apparatus for processing produce by severing remnants of a membrane forming a core which extends through an axial center defined by the produce, between opposing ends of the produce, comprising:

a cradle defining a pocket for receiving the produce, wherein the cradle receives the produce so that a longitudinal center line determined by the cradle is placed in substantial alignment with the core membrane of the produce placed in the cradle;
and
a head including a blade, wherein the blade is received by the head so that the blade is placed in an orientation which is aligned with the longitudinal center line determined by the cradle;
wherein the head and the cradle are movable relative to each other and wherein movement of the head and the cradle toward each other causes the blade to intersect with the longitudinal center line determined by the cradle.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for preparing produce

Life of this patent

Apparatus for preparing produce

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43