Fruit slicing system and method of use

A method of slicing fruit, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. placing the fruit in a receptacle,
• b. positioning the receptacle in a first position,
• c. conveying the receptacle along a path on a conveyor to a first cutting station,
• d. cutting the fruit in half along its vertical axis at the first cutting station,
• e. rotating the receptacle about its vertical axis to a second position,
• f. conveying the fruit to a second cutting station, and
• g. cutting the fruit in half along its vertical axis, thereby providing at least four pieces of the fruit.

An apparatus for cutting fruit, the apparatus comprising:

• a. a frame,
• b. at least first and second cutting stations, wherein the cutting stations each include a blade affixed to a weighted arm that is pivotally connected to the frame,
• c. a conveyor that conveys the object from the first cutting station to the second cutting station, wherein the object is conveyed in a receptacle that includes a plurality of diametrically opposed slots defined in the side wall thereof and a plurality of extensions protruding outwardly from an outer circumference thereof,
• d. a stationary block affixed to the frame between the first and second cutting stations, wherein the stationary block is in the path of one of the plurality of extensions, whereby when the extension contacts the stationary block, the receptacle is rotated about its vertical axis, and
• e. a first alignment mechanism disposed along the conveyor before the first cutting station and a second alignment mechanism disposed along the conveyor before the second cutting station,
• wherein the blade and weighted arm pivot if the blade comes into contact with the receptacle.