Fresh commodity peeling system and method

An automated device for separating a peel from a flesh of a substantially elliptical commodity comprising:

• means for simultaneously making a plurality of generally circumferential scores in a commodity, the scores meeting at a first and a second common intersection point, to form a plurality of peel sectors;
• means for gripping the peel sectors in a first position wherein the peel sectors are substantially in contact with the flesh, the gripping means comprising a frame having a central lumen dimensioned to permit the commodity to pass therethrough, a plurality of gripping arms movably affixed in spaced apart relation adjacent an outer end to the frame, and a gripping element affixed to an inner end of each gripping arm, the gripping element having teeth adapted for piercing and holding a sector of the peel;
• means for automatically moving the scored commodity from the scoring means to the gripping means;
• and
• means for pressing against the first intersection point and for permitting the gripping means to open to a second position wherein the peel sectors are substantially separated from the flesh.

An automated device for separating a peel from a flesh of a substantially elliptical commodity comprising:

• means for simultaneously making a plurality of generally circumferential scores in a commodity, the scores meeting at a first and a second common intersection point, to form a plurality of peel sectors;
• means for gripping the peel sectors in a first position wherein the peel sectors are substantially in contact with the flesh;
• a thruster for automatically moving the scored commodity from the scoring means to the gripping means, for pressing against the first intersection point, and for permitting the gripping means to open to a second position wherein the peel sectors are substantially separated from the flesh;
• a base;
• means affixed to the base for supporting the thruster adjacent a top end thereof and for impelling the thruster along a substantially vertical pathway;
• a substantially conical hopper affixed to the base beneath the thruster support means having a central hole at a lowest point of the hopper, the hopper conformable between a first state wherein the central hole has a first diameter dimensioned for retaining the commodity thereatop and for positioning the commodity beneath the thruster and a second state wherein the central hole has a second diameter larger than the first diameter dimensioned for passing the commodity therethrough, the hopper biased to the first state;
• means affixed to the base beneath the hopper for supporting the scoring means in a position to accept a commodity passing through the hopper hole;
• and
• means affixed to the base beneath the scoring means support means for supporting the gripping means in a position to accept a scored commodity;
• wherein in a starting configuration a top end of a commodity is in contact with a bottom end of the thruster, and during use the thruster is impelled downward relative to the base, forcing the commodity through the hopper hole, the hopper in the second state, forcing the commodity past the scoring means and onto the gripping means, and forcing the gripping means into the second position for releasing the commodity flesh.