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US 4,726,272 AGranted
Aseptic tuber cutter
OwnerJack Forneyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tuber to be cut for reproduction purposes is supported on a carrier and moved toward a knife blade assembly that cuts the tuber. Throughout operation, the blade is maintained at a temperature sufficiently elevated to destroy pathogens. That temperature level is further elevated during cutting to an amount sufficient to cauterize the tuber surface, offset cooling of the blade by reasons of moisture in the tuber and to clear the blade of tissue residue from the tuber. Further included are means selectively operatable to elevate the temperature of the carrier to a level sufficient to sanitize the carrier.
Claims9
An aseptic tuber cutter comprising:
- a carrier for supporting a tuber to be cut;
- an assembly including a knife blade for cutting said tuber;
- means for moving said carrier relatively toward said assembly;
- means for maintaining said blade throughout operation at a temperature sufficiently elevated to destroy pathogens;
- and means for further elevating said temperature during cutting of said tuber by said blade to a level sufficient to offset cooling of said blade by reason of moisture in said tuber and to carbonize tissue residue from said tuber and thereby enable said blade to remain free of said residue.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.