US3871275A

US3871275A - High production nutcracking apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3871275A
Application number: US365039A
Authority: US
Inventors: James Bland Quantz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Machine Design Inc
Priority date: 1973-05-29
Filing date: 1973-05-29
Publication date: 1975-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 1992-03-18

Abstract

A high production nutcracking apparatus wherein a plurality of cracking units are arranged to form a turret which is rotatable about a central axis. Each cracking unit comprises a tubular member having a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within the tubular member adjacent one side of the opening, a cracking hammer mounted within the tubular member on the other side of the opening, and means for sequentially thrusting the cracking hammer forwardly to thereby crack a nut positioned between the cracking hammer and anvil. A pneumatic control system is also provided which is adapted to sequentially actuate the various components of each nutcracking unit as the turret rotates to thereby provide for the automatic and cyclical operation of the apparatus.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Quanta HIGH PRODUCTION NUTCRACKING APPARATUS 1 1 Mar. 18, 1975 -3,628,580 12/1971 Langston .t ..99/582 [57] ABSTRACT ,A high production nutcracking apparatus wherein a plurality of cracking units are arranged to form a turret which is rotatable about a central axis. Each crack ing unit comprises a tubular member having a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within the tubular member adjacent one side of the opening, a cracking hammer mounted within the tubular member on the other side of the opening, and means for sequentially thrusting the cracking hammer forwardly to thereby crack a nut positioned between the cracking hammer and anvil. A pneumatic control system is also provided which is adapted to sequentially actuate the various components of each nutcracking unit as the turret rotates to thereby provide for the automatic and cyclical operation of the apparatus,

30 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PQJENTEUHARI 81975 SHEET 1 BF 5 The present invention relates to a high production nutcracking apparatus for cracking pecans and other nuts in commercial quantities.

Nutcracking machines are presently being commercialized which comprise a fixed crack head and a reciprocating arm which cooperates with the crack head to crack a nut positioned therebe'tween by a feed mechanism. More particularly, the feed mechanism is designed to sequentially position an individual nut in front of the crack head, and the reciprocating arm is timed to advance toward the crack head when the feed mechanism has delivered the nut to the cracking position.

. While the above apparatus has found a degree of commercial acceptance, it is recognized that theapparatus suffers from several limitations. In particular, since the cracking arm must completely reciprocate to crack'ea'ch nut, it will be apparent that the speed of operation is limited. As a practical matter, such apparatus can at best achieve a production of only about 75-100 nuts per minute. In addition, since the spacing between the crack head and reciprocating arm is fixed, the nuts to be cracked must be manually sorted and sized prior to being loaded into the machine, and this extra operating decreases the speed and efficiency of the process. A nutcracking apparatus has also been proposed which includes a number ofgripping members disposed These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved in the embodiments illusabout a rotatable disk. Each gripping member includes a pair of opposed plungers, and as the disk rotates, the plungers are first biased toward each other to grip a nut therebetween by externally mounted cam means. An

external mechanical actuator them imparts a quick additional advance to the plungers to crack the nut. An apparatus of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,065,376. As will be apparent, this machine also suffers fromlimited production capacity since the mechanical nutcracking actuator must be completely cycled for each nut cracked. In addition, the actuator is of relatively complex structure thus increasing the overall cost of the machine.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a high production nutcracking apparatus which avoids the above limitations and disadvantages of the prior machines.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a high production nutcracking apparatus which is of simple design and which is economical to build.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a nutcracking apparatus which is adapted to crack nuts of various sizes such that the initial sorting of the nuts may be eliminated.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a self-contained nutcracking unit which is adapted to initially compress the nut to be cracked, and then to crack the shell while leaving the nut meat intact, and without employing any external moving parts or linkages to actuate the unit.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide a high production nutcracking apparatus wherein a number of self-contained cracking units are mounted to form a turret which is rotatable about a central axis, and wherein the units are individually operated to crack the nut by a pneumatic control system which does not have any moving parts or linkages such that the speed of operation may be significantly increased over that of known machines.

trated herein by the provision of a nutcracking apparatus which comprises a tubular member having a centrally located opening therein, an anvil positioned within the tubular member on one side of the opening, and an axially movable cracking hammer mounted within the tubular member on the other side of the opening. A pneumatic control system for actuating the nutcracker is also provided which includes a port communicating with the tubular member rearwardly of the cracking hammer, and means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through the.port such that the cracking hammer is thrust forwardlyto crack a nut positioned in the opening between the anvil and cracking hammer.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of cracking units which form a turret which is rotatable about a central axis, and the pneumatic control system includes means for injecting pressurized air through the port of each tubular member as the tubular member passes a'predeterminedlocation. In addition, the anvil may be mounted for axial movement inthe tubular member, and the control means may then include means for biasing the anvil forwardly to compress the nut between the anvil and cracking hammer prior to the cracking operation.

' Some of the objects of the invention having been a stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa nutcracking apparatus embodying the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2v is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. I and taken from the opposite side thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional plan view of the turret of the apparatus and taken substantially along the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4'is a sectional elevation view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation view of the timing plate of the present invention and illustrating the sequence of operation of each of the cracking units;

FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view of the cracking hammer and taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view of the cracking hammer and taken substantially along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, a nutcracking apparatus embodying the features of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus includes a rectangular box-like frame 12 comprising four vertical legs, 13, 14, 15 and 16, a set of four lower horizontal braces 18, I9, 20, 21, and a set of three upper

horizontal braces

22, 23 and 24 defining an upper surface. The upper

horizontal braces

22 and 24 support a pair of

bearing blocks

26 and 27 which rotatably mount a central shaft 28 which defines a horizontal centralaxis.

A turret 30 is fixedly mounted to the shaft 28 so as to be rotatable with the shaft about the central axis. The turret 30 comprises a plurality of elongated cracking units 32 which are circularly arranged about the shaft 28 and extend generally parallel to each other and to the central axis. Each cracking unit comprises a tubular member 34 having a centrally located opening 35 adapted to receive a nut therein, and definingia front end 36, a rear end 37, and a cylindrical internal bore 38. The front ends 36 of the tubular members are aligned along a common plane which lies perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 28, as are the rear ends 37 and openings 35. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of 16 cracking units 32 are circularly arranged about the shaft 28, the units being retained by three plates or

sprockets

40, 41 and 42 which are disposed perpendicular to the central axis and fixedly carried by the shaft 28 by means of the

clamps

43, 44 and 45 respectively. The

sprockets

40 and 41 are disposed immediately adjacent and on opposite sides of the openings 35, and the sprocket 42 (also referred to herein as the timing plate) is disposed to overlie the front ends 36 of the tubular members.

A nut sizing and stressing piston or anvil 48 is positioned within each tubular member adjacent the side of the opening 35 toward the rear end 37, the anvil comprising a cylindrical member 49 positioned immediately adjacent the opening, an air sealing member 50 sealably received in the tubular member and positioned rearwardly of the cylindrical member 49, and a rod 51 fixedly interconnecting the cylindrical member 49 and sealing member 50in spaced apart relationship. The air sealing member 50 includes a cylindrical leather seal 52 or the like for sealably engaging the wall of the bore 38.

The anvil 48 is mounted within the bore 38 for limited axial movement between a forward position (as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 3) and a withdrawn position (as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 3) with respect to the opening 35. The means for mounting the anvil for such limited axial movement includes an abut ment 54 fixedly positioned in the tubular member and intermediate the cylindrical member 49 and air sealing member 50 of the anvil 48. The abutment 54 includes a central bore 55 for admitting the rod 51 therethrough and a coil spring 56 encircles the rod 51 and is interposed between the shoulder 58 on the abutment 54 and an opposing shoulder 59 of the air sealing member 50.

The forward end surface 61 of the cylindrical member 49 is conical such that the end of a nut is adapted to be partially received therein in the manner best seen in the upper portion of FIG. 3. Also, the cylindrical member 49 is provided with an axial bore 63 which communicates with the conical surface 61, and a pin 64 is disposed therein. The pin 64 is mounted for limited axial movement within the bore by the set screw 65 which is partially received within the slot 66 in the pin, note FIG. 3, and a spring 67 is positioned at the inner end of the bore to outwardly bias the pin. Also, a rubber bumper 68 is interposed between the cylindrical member 49 and abutment 54, and a second rubber bumper 69 is carried at the forward end of the air sealing member 50 for the purposes to become apparent.

A cracking hammer 72 is positioned within the bore 38 of each tubular member adjacent the side of the opening 35 toward the front end 36. The cracking hammer is generally cylindrical, and includes a conical front surface 74 generally conforming to the configuration of the surface 61 of the anvil, and a flat rear surface 75. The cracking hammer 72 is mounted for limited axial movement between a forward position (as shown in both portions of FIG. 3) and withdrawn position (not specifically shown) by means of a mounting structure which includes an elongated slot 78 extending transversely through the cracking hammer, and a transverse pin 79 fixedly connected to the tubular member and extending through the slot 78. By this arrangement, the cracking hammer is able to move an axial distance corresponding to the length of the slot 78. If desired, the pin 79 may be surrounded by a suitable resilient material such as a rubber sleeve 80 to reduce the noise of operation in the manner to become apparent. Also, the cracking hammer 72 includes an axial bore 81. As seen in FIG. 8, the rear portion of the bore 81 is bifurcated such that air may flow around the pin 79 and sleeve 80 when the cracking hammer is in its forward position.

A free floating shuttle 84 is mounted within each tubular member rearwardly of the cracking hammer 72. The shuttle is cylindrical, and is sealably disposed within the bore 38 of the tubular member by means of the leather seal 85 or the like which is carried along the rear surface of the shuttle as best seen in FIG. 3. A tubular rubber bumper 86 is mounted in the front end 36 of each tubular member 34 and is adapted to engage the washer 87 during operation of the apparatus and thereby prevent the destruction of the seal 85.

Each of the cracking units 32 further comprises a first port 88 communicating with the bore of the tubular member adjacent the rear end 37 and rearwardly of the anvil 48. The first port 88 is operatively connected to the air line 89 which extends axially along the length of the cracking unit and communicates with a first aperture 90 in the timing plate 42.

A second port 92 communicates with each tubular member adjacent the front end 36 and rearwardly of the shuttle 84, and takes the form of a second aperture through the timing plate 42. A third port 93 communicates with each tubular member immediately adjacent the rear surface 75 of the cracking hammer 72, the

- third port 93 communicating with the air line 94 via the quick exhaust valve 95. The air line 94 in turn communicates with a third aperture 97 extending through the timing plate 42.

' The quick exhaust valve is conventional, and includes an exhaust port 99 and an axially movable flapper 100 which is biased toward the right as seen in FIG. 3. Thus the third port 93 is open to the atmosphere in the absence of air entering the valve 95 from the line 94, in which case the flapper 100 moves toward the left to block the exhaust port 99 so that the air is directed into the tubular member through the port 93.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the 16 first apertures 90 in the timing plate 42 define a first set of circularly arranged apertures extending through the plate and with each such aperture communicating with the first port 88 ofthe associated crackingunits. The 16 second apertures 92 in the plate define a second set of circularly arranged apertures positioned radially outside the first set of apertures and with each such second aperture communicating with or forming the second port of the associated cracking unit, and the 16 third apertures 97 define a third set of circularly arranged apertures positioned radially between the first and second sets with each third aperture extending through the plate and communicating with the third port 93 of the associated cracking unit.

The apparatus of the present invention further includes means carried by the frame for rotating the turret 30 about the central axis. In the illustrated embodi- 'ment, this rotating means comprises a conventional electric motor 102 mounted on the plate 103 between the

legs

14 and 15 of the frame. The motor 102 acts through a gear box'l04 to rotate the'sprocket 105, which in turn rotates the sprocket or timing wheel 42 via the drive chain 106.

The nuts to be cracked are individually fed into the openings 35 of the cracking units from a hopper 108 as best seen in FIG. 4. The feeding means comprises a pair of endlesschains 110 and 111 which are entrained in a parallel arrangement about the

sprockets

40 and 41, as well as the additional pairs of cooperating

sprockets

112, 113 and 114, 115. The

sprockets

112, 113 are rotatably carried on the frame by the shaft 116, and sprockets 114, 115 are rotatably carried by the shaft 117. The two chains 110 and 111 are disposed to extend upwardly through the hopper 108, and they carry therebetween a plurality of horizontally directed trays or buckets 120. Thus the chains are adapted to lift individual nuts from the hopper and deposit the same in the openings 35 of the cracking units as the chains 110 and 111 pass over the

sprockets

40 and 41 during rotation of the turret in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4. Also as best seen in FlG. 4, a delivery chute 122 is positioned to underlie the turret 30 and is adapted to receive the cracked nuts after the cracking operation, and to deliver the same to a conveyor 123 or other suit able receptacle for delivering the nuts to shelling equipment or the like. In addition, a guide wheel 124 is mounted on the chute 122 by a flexible arm 125, the wheel being freely rotatable and resiliently biased by the arm to extend into each opening 35 immediately downstream of the loading position to thereby ensure that the nuts are properly positioned in the openings 35 prior to the cracking operation.

The automatic operation of the above described cracking apparatus is accomplished by a pneumatic control means which is adapted to sequentially bias the anvil 48 forwardly against the force of the spring 56,

' To describe the cyclical operation of the apparatus, it will be understood that the motor 102 causes the turret to continuously rotate about the central axis defined by the shaft 28, and the feed chains 110, 111 to orbit about their associated sprockets. The trays or buckets 120 of the feed chains thus lift individual nuts from the hopper 108 and deposit the same in the openings of the cracking units as the chain passes over the top of the sprockets and 41, note FIG. 4.

The particular orientation of the bushings 128, 129 and 130 with respect to the three sets of

apertures

90, 92, and 97 in the timing plate controls the timing of the cracking operation, and as will be apparent from FIG. 5, the timing of the various operations may be readily adjusted to fit particular needs by the relative placement of the apertures and bushings. As shown, the cracking operation occurs about 80beyond the position at which the loadingof the nut takes place, and immediately after the nut is contacted by the wheel 124. More specifically, the cracking operation is commenced by initially injecting'pressurized air through then thrust the shuttle forwardly to impact against the rear surface of the cracking hammer 72 while the anvil 48 is forwardly biased, and finally withdraw the shuttle to a rearward position spaced from the cracking hammer such that the cycle may be repeated..The control means for accomplishing the above sequential operation of the apparatus includes three bushings 128, 129, and 130 which are fixedly carried on the frame by a plate 131 so as to contact the planar outer surface of the timing plate 42 facing opposite the cracking units. The first bushing 128 is positioned at a radial location so as to sequentially communicate with each of the first set of apertures 90 as the turret rotates. Similarly, the second bushing 129 is positioned so as to sequentially communicate with each of the second set of apertures 92, and the third bushing 130 is positioned so as to sequentially communicate with each of the third set of apertures 97. Each of these bushings is biased into firm engagement with the surface of the plate 42 by the resilient O-rings 132 as seen in FIG. 3 to substantially prevent the leakage of air therebetween, and each hashing communicates with a pressurized air source (not shown) through the main air line 133 and

branch lines

134, 135, and 136 respectively. These branch lines may include an individual pressure regulator 137 so that the pressure in each line may be independently controlled.

the first aperture 90 such that the air is introduced into the associated cracking unit through the first port 88. The anvil 48 is thus moved forwardly against the force of the spring 56, and the force of the pressurized air will act through the nut positioned in the opening 35 to move the cracking hammer 72 toward its withdrawn position and thereby maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress. The degree of stress can, of course, be regulated by the pressure of the air entering the aperture 90, and preferably the stress is set at a level just below that required to fracture the nut shell.

Also, it will be noted that the conical surfaces 61 and 74 of the anvil and cracking hammer cooperate to align the ends ofthe nut with the axis of the tubular member such that the stress is applied axially along the nut.

While the-anvil 48 is forwardly biased in this manner and the nut is being subjected to the resulting controlled stress, air is injected through the second aperture 92 in the timing plate such that the shuttle 84 is thrust along the tubular member and impacts against the rear surface of the cracking hammer 72. The resuiting forward movement of the cracking hammer thus cracks the nut, and since the cracking hammer is designed to move only a limited distance, the shell will be cracked while the meat of the nut will remain substan tially intact. In this regard, it will be noted that the distance the cracking hammer moves may be easily adjusted to meet the requirement of any particular type of nut by controlling the length of the slot 78 and the diameter of the sleeve about the pin 79. In addition, the pressure entering through the port 88 rearwardly of the anvil will, be timed to be released substantially concurrently with the cracking operation such that the anvil will not move forwardly after the cracking operation to damage the unprotected nut meat, but will be withdrawn by the spring 56.

After the pressure in the first and second apertures is released by the continued rotation ofthe turret, pressurized air is then injected through the third aperture 97 such that the shuttle is withdrawn to a rearward position spaced from the cracking hammer 72 to permit recycling of the apparatus. The cracked nut then falls from the opening 35 into the delivery chute 122.

Viewing FIG. 3, it will be apparent that when the nut is gripped or clamped between the anvil 48 and cracking hammer 72, the pin 64 of the anvil is pushed axially rearwardly into-the bore 63 by the nut. When the anvil is then withdrawn after the cracking operation, the pin 64 is moved forwardly into the conical surface 61 by the spring 67 to thereby effectively remove any nut fragments which may stick on the conical surface.

It will also be apparent from FIG. 3 that when the shuttle 84 is thrust forwardly toward the cracking hammer, the air entrapped in the tubular member will exhaust through the valve 95. At this time, the cracking hammer 72 will be in its withdrawn position, and the bore 81 through the cracking hammer will be substantially closed by the sleeve 80 about the pin 79. When the air is directed through the third aperture 97 and port 93 to withdraw the shuttle 84,'it will be noted that a portion of the air will pass through the bore 81 by reason of the cracking hammer then being in its forward position. This air passing through the bore 81 serves to remove the nut fragments which may otherwise adhere to the conical surface 74. If desired, a suitable sterilizing agent may be included with the air entering through the port 93 such that surfaces within the opening 35 may be cleaned and sterilized.

The pressure regulators 137 in the

air lines

134, 135, and 136 permit the apparatus to be readily adjusted to accomodate any variety nuts or any degree of shell hardness. In the case of common pecans, the pressure in line 134 which is adapted to be connected to the first set of apertures 90 may be about 60 psi, the pressure in line 135 for the second set of apertures 92 may be about 160 psi, and the pressure in line 136 for the third set of apertures 97 may also be about 160 psi.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, it being understood that the nonillustrated or non-described portions of the apparatus conform to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, the cracking units 140 of the apparatus comprise a tubular member 141 having a cylindrical bore and a centrally located opening 142 adapted to receive a nut therein. An anvil 143 is fixedly positioned within the tubular member adjacent one side of the opening 142, the anvil being axially adjustable to accommodate different nut sizes by reason of the threaded interconnection between the sleeve 144 which is fixed to the anvil, and the mounting member 145. The anvil includes a bore 146 extending axially therethrough which communicates with the air line 147, the air line in turn communicates with the aperture 148 in the timing plate 149.

A cracking hammer 150 is mounted within the tubular member 141 adjacent the other side of the opening l42,the cracking hammer being mounted for limited axial movement forwardly toward the opening and' rearwardly therefrom. The means for mounting the cracking hammer in this manner includes a transverse slot 151 extending through the cracking hammer, and a pin 152 which is fixedly mounted in the tubular member and extends transversely through the slot 151. As in the prior embodiment. the pin 152 may have a surrounding cushioning sleeve 153 to reduce the noise of operation of the apparatus. Also, the cracking hammer includes an axial bore 154 which extends between the cortical front surface 155 and the slot 151. The bore 154 mounts a pin 156 therein for limited axial movement which is controlled by the set screw 157 cooperating with the slot 158 in the pin.

The cracking hammer 150 further includes an integral tubular portion extending rearwardly from the end thereof opposite the opening 142. A transverse pin 161 is carried by the tubular portion adjacent the inner end thereof, and a coiled spring 162 is interconnected between the pin 161 and a tubular pin 163 which is fixedly connected to the end of the tubular member and timing plate 149. In this regard, it will be noted that the pin 163 extends through the plate 149 and thus forms a second aperture 164 in the timing plate.

A pair of

bushings

165 and 166 cooperate with the

apertures

148 and 164 in the timing plate in a manner equivalent to that described above with reference to the embodiment of FIGS.-16. Thus in operation. a nut is delivered into the opening 142 by the feeding means as described above, and the cracking operation is carried out by injecting pressurized air through the second aperture 164 such that the cracking hammer is thrust forwardly a predetermined distance corresponding to the length of the slot 151 to thereby crack a nut positioned between the anvil and cracking hammer. Imme- .diately upon the pressure being released in the tubular jected through the first aperture 148, this air entering the opening 142 through the bore 146 in the anvil to complete the removal of any nut fragments. Here again, this air entering the opening may include a sterilizing agent to sterilize the surfaces of the various components within the opening.

From the above description of the two illustrated embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that a nutcracking apparatus has been provided which is capable of achieving high production since all of the moving parts are contained within each cracking unit. In other words, there are no externally mounted mechanical levers or linkages which must engage each cracking unit as the turret rotates to effect the cracking operation. Thus the speed of operation is effectively limited only by the speed at which the turret may be rotated. In addition, it will be appreciated that a much larger number of cracking units could be mounted on the turret than the illustrated sixteen to further increase production.

In the case of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. l-6, it will be understood that nonsorted nuts, i.e., nuts of different size, may be processed since the extent to which the anvil 48 is advanced depends upon the size of the nut received in the cracking unit. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-8 is primarily designed to process sorted nuts, its high speed of operation and general simplicity of design provides a significant advantage over prior machines. In addition, the latter embodiment may effectively process non-sorted nuts by forwardly adjusting the axial position of the anvil 143 so that it will effectively crack the smallest nuts. In such case, a high percentage ofthe nuts will be completely shelled by the impact of the cracking hammer with very little damage to the meat of the nuts.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed is:

1. A high production nutcracking apparatus comprising a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein,

an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent one side of said opening,

a cracking hammer mounted within said tubular member adjacent the other side of said opening for limited axial movement forwardly toward said opening and rearwardly away from said opening,

port means communicating with said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer,

means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through said port means such that said cracking hammer is thrust forwardly to thereby crack a nut positioned in said opening between said anvil and cracking hammer, and

means for rearwardly withdrawing said cracking hammer when said means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through said port means is nonoperative and such that a nut to be cracked may be received in said opening and the cracking operation may be repeated.

'2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein-said withdrawing means includes a coiled spring interconnecting said cracking hammer and said tubular member.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said anvil includes an axial bore extending therethrough, and means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through said bore to eject broken nut fragments from said opening.

4. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein,

an anvil positioned within said tubular member on one side of said opening,

means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening,

a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member on the other side of said opening,

means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening,

a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer,

means for periodically biasing said anvil toward its forward position such that the force of said biasing means will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, and

means for thrusting said shuttle forwardly along said tubular member to impact against said cracking hammer while the anvil is forwardly biased such that a nut positioned between saidanvil and cracking hammer will be cracked by the resulting forward movement of the cracking hammer toward its forward position.

LII

5. The apparatusras defined in claim 4 further including means for withdrawing said shuttle to a rearward position spaced from said cracking hammer such that the cycle of operation may be repeated.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 further including means for withdrawing said anvil to its withdrawn position when said biasing means is non-operative such that a cracked nut may be removed from said opening and a nut to be cracked may be thereafter received in said opening between said anvil and cracking hammer.

7. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for periodically biasing said anvil toward its forward position comprises means. for periodically injecting pressurized air into said tubular member rearwardly of said anvil to thereby bias the anvil forwardly. i

8. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 7 further comprising automatic control means for sequentially actuating said means for injecting pressurized air into said tubular member rearwardly of said anvil sealing means, said means for thrusting said shuttle-along said tubular member, and said means for withdrawing said shuttle to its rearward position such that the apparatus may be cyclically operated.

9. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said anvil includes a cylindrical member positioned immediately adjacent said opening, an air sealing member sealably received in said tubular member and positioned rearwardly of said cylindrical member, and a rod fixedly interconnecting said cylindrical member and sealing member.

10. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means for mounting said anvil comprises abutment means positioned in said tubular member intermediate said air sealing member and said cylinderi cal member, and said means for withdrawing said anvil to its withdrawn position includes a coiled spring encircling said rod and interposed between said sealing member and said abutment. 1

11. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for mounting said cracking ham mer includes an elongated slot extending transversely through said cracking hammer, and a pin fixedly connected to said tubular member and extending into said slot, whereby said cracking hammer is adapted to move an axial distance corresponding to the length of said slot.

12. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim '11 wherein said anvil includes a forward end surface having a conical indentation therein, and said cracking hammer includes a forward end surface having a conical indentation therein such that the ends of a nut are adapted to be partially received in said conical indentations and aligned with the axis of the tubular member such that the initial compressive stress and cracking impact are applied from end to end of the nut.

13. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said anvil includes an axial bore communicating with said conical indentation in said anvil forward end surface, a pin mounted for limited axial movement within. said bore, and spring means for outwardly biasing said pin such that said pin is pushed inwardly into said bore by a nut during the cracking operation and moves outwardly to release any nut fragments from such conical indentation after the cracking operation.

14. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said shuttle includes air sealing means for sealing the same within said tubular member, and said means for thrusting said shuttle along said tubular memberincludes means for periodically injecting air into said tubular member rearwardly of said shuttle.

15. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said cracking hammer includes a rear end surface, and said means for withdrawing said shuttle to a rearward position includes port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said cracking hammer rear end surface, and means for periodically injecting pressurized air through said port means.

16. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a tubular member defining a front end, a rear end, and including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said rear end, means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening and including resilient means for urging said anvil toward its withdrawn position, a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said front end, and defining a rear surface facing said front end, means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, first port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said rear end and rearwardly of said anvil, second port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said forward end and rearwardly of said shuttle, third port means communicating with said tubular member immediately adjacent said rear surface of said cracking hammer, and control means for cyclically a. injecting pressurized air into said first port means such that the anvil is moved toward its forward position against the force of said resilient means, and the force of the pressurized air will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, then b. injecting pressurized air into said second port means while the anvil is forwardly biased by the air entering said first port means such that said shuttle is thrust along said tubular member and impacts against said rear surface ofsaid cracking hammer whereby the resulting forward movement ofthe cracking hammer cracks the nut, and then c. injecting pressurized air into said third port means after terminating the injection through said first and second port means such that the shuttle is withdrawn to a rearward position spaced from said cracking hammer.

17. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said anvil and shuttle each include means for sealing the same within said tubular member such that the air entering the tubular member exerts its full force on said anvil and shuttle.

18. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 16 further including valve means communicating with said tubular member immediately adjacent said rear surface of said cracking hammer for releasing the entrapped air during the forward movement of said shuttle.

19. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said valve means includes means for automatically closing the same during the injection of the pressurized air through said third port means, and said cracking hammer includes a bore extending axially therethrough such that a portion of the air entering through said third port means passes forwardly through said cracking hammer bore to release and remove any nut fragments adhering thereto.

20. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising aframe defining a central axis,

a turret rotatably mounted on said frame to encircle said central axis and comprising a plurality of cracking units extending generally parallel .to each other and said axis, each of said cracking units comprising a. a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein,

b. an anvil positioned within said tubular member on one side ,of said opening,

c. a cracking hammer mounted for limited axial movement within said tubular member on the other side of opening, and

d. port means communicating with said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer.

means carried by said frame for rotating said turret about said central axis,

hopper means for receiving a plurality of nuts to be cracked,

means for feeding individual nuts from said hopper means into said opening of each tubular member as each cracking unit passes a first predetermined position,

means for injecting pressurized air into said port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit passes a second predetermined position downstream of said first position, whereby the air inject'ed through said port means thrusts said cracking hammer forwardly toward said anvil to thereby crack a nut positioned therebetween.

21. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein said feeding means comprises a sprocket fixedly carried by said turret coaxially with said central axis and adjacent said centrally located opening of each of said tubular members, and an endless chain entrained on said sprocket and extending upwardly through said hopper means, said chain including a plurality of horizontally directed trays adapted to lift individual nuts from'said hopper means and deposit the same in said openings of said tubular members as the chain passes over said sprocket during rotation of said turret.

22. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein said port means includes a plate fixedly carried by said turret and lying perpendicular to said central axis, .said plate being positioned to close the ends of each'of said tubular members rearwardly of said cracking hammer and including an aperture therethrough which communicates with each tubular member, and said injecting means includes means fixedly carried by said frame for injecting pressurized air through each of said apertures at a predeterminedpoint in the rotation of said turret.

23. The apparatus as defined in claim wherein each of said cracking units further comprises resilient means for withdrawing said cracking hammer when the associated tubular member passes beyond said second predetermined position and such that the cracking op eration may be repeated.

24. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a frame defining a central axis,

a turret rotatably mounted on said frame to encircle said central axis and comprising a plurality of cracking units extending generally parallel to each other and said axis, each of said cracking units comprising a. a tubular member defining a front end, a rear end, and including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein,

b. an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side ofsaid opening toward said rear end,

c. means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, I

d. a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said front end and defining a rear surface facing said front end,

e. means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening,

f. a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly ofsaid cracking hammer,

. first port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said rear end and rearwardly of said anvil,

h. second port means communicating with said tu' bular member adjacent said forward end and rearwardly of said shuttle,

means carried by said frame for rotating said turret about said central axis,

hopper means for receiving a plurality of nuts to be cracked,

means for feeding individual nuts from said hopper means into said opening of each tubular member as each cracking unit reaches a predetermined loading position during rotation of said turret, and

control means for a. injecting pressurized air into said first port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit of the rotating turret reaches a first position downstream of said loading position such that the anvil is biased toward its forward position and the force ofthe pressurized air will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, and then b. injecting pressurized air into said second port meansof each tubular member as each cracking unit reaches a second position downstream of said first position and while the anvil is forwardly biased such that said shuttle is thrust along said tubular member and impacts against said rear surface of said cracking hammer whereby the resulting forward movement of the cracking hammer cracks the nut.

' 25. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein said means for mounting said anvil within each of said tubular members includes resilient means for urging said anvil toward its withdrawn position.

26. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein each of said tubular members further comprises third port means communicating with said tubular member immediately adjacent said rear surface of said cracking hammer, and said control means further includes means for injecting pressurized air into said third port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit reaches a third position downstream of said second position such that the air enters said third port means after the injection into said first and second port means has terminated and the shuttle is thrust rearwardly so that the cycle of operation may be repeated.

27. The high production nut cracking apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said front ends of said tubular members define a common plane lying perpendicular to said central axis, and wherein said apparatus further includes a flat plate fixedly carried by said turret and lying perpendicular to said central axis, said plate including one side overlying said front ends, an opposite planar side, a first set of circularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said first port means, a second set ofcircularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said second port means, and a third set of circularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said third port means.

28. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein said control means further comprises a first bushing fixedly carried by said frame and contacting said opposite side of said plate so as to sequentially communicate with each of said first set of apertures as the turret rotates, a second bushing fixedly carried by said frame and contacting said opposite side of said plate so as to sequentially communicate with each of said second set of apertures as the turret rotates, a third bushing fixedly carried by said frame and contacting said opposite side of said plate so as to sequentially communicate with each of said third set of apertures as the turret rotates, and air source means for supplying pressurized air to said first, second and third bushings.

29. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 28 wherein said air source means further comprises means for independently regulating the pressure supplied to said first, second, and third bushings.

30. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said control means includes means for terminating the injection of pressurized air into said first port means substantially concurrently with the impact ofsaid shuttle against said cracking hammer such that the anvil does not move forwardly after the cracking operation to damage the unprotected nut meat but is withdrawn by said resilient

Claims

1. A high production nutcracking apparatus comprising a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent one side of said opening, a cracking hammer mounted within said tubular member adjacent the other side of said opening for limited axial movement forwardly toward said opening and rearwardly away from said opening, port means communicating with said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through said port means such that said cracking hammer is thrust forwardly to thereby crack a nut positioned in said opening between said anvil and cracking hammer, and means for rearwardly withdrawing said cracking hammer when said means for sequentially injecting pressurized air through said port means is non-operative and such that a nut to be cracked may be received in said opening and the cracking operation may be repeated.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said withdrawing means includes a coiled spring interconnecting said cracking hammer and said tubular member.

4. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within said tubular member on one side of said opening, means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member on the other side of said opening, means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, means for periodically biasing said anvil toward its forward position such that the force of said biasing means will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, and means for thrusting said shuttle forwardly along said tubular member to impact against said cracking hammer while the anvil is forwardly biased such that a nut positioned between said anvil and cracking hammer will be cracked by the resulting forward movement of the cracking hammer toward its forward position.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further including means for withdrawing said shuttle to a rearward position spaced from said cracking hammer such that the cycle of operation may be repeated.

7. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for periodically biasing said anvil toward its forward position comprises means for periodically injecting pressurized air into said tubular member rearwardly of said anvil to thereby bias the anvil forwardly.

8. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 7 further comprising automatic control means for sequentially actuating said means for injecting pressurized air into said tubular member rearwardly of said anvil sealing means, said means for thrusting said shuttle along said tubular member, and said means for withdrawing said shuttle to its rearward position such that the apparatus may be cyclically operated.

10. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means for mounting said anvil comprises abutment means positioned in said tubular member intermediate said air sealing member and said cylinderical member, and said means for withdrawing said anvil to its withdrawn position includes a coiled spring encircling said rod and interposed between said sealing member and said abutment.

11. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for mounting said cracking hammer includes an elongated slot extending transversely through said cracking hammer, and a pin fixedly connected to said tubular member and extending into said slot, whereby said cracking hammer is adapted to move an axial distance corresponding to the length of said slot.

12. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said anvil includes a forward end surface having a conical indentation therein, and said cracking hammer includes a forward end surface having a conical indentation therein such that the ends of a nut are adapted to be partially received in said conical indentations and aligned with the axis of the tubular member such that the initial compressive stress and cracking impact are applied from end to end of the nut.

13. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said anvil includes an axial bore communicating with said conical indentation in said anvil forward end surface, a pin mounted for limited axial movement within said bore, and spring means for outwardly biasing said pin such that said pin is pushed inwardly into said bore by a nut during the cracking operation and moves outwardly to release any nut fragments from such conical indentation after the cracking operation.

14. The nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said shuttle includes air sealing means for sealing the same within said tubular member, and said means for thrusting said shuttle along said tubular member includes means for periodically injecting air into said tubular member rearwardly of said shuttle.

16. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a tubular member defining a front end, a rear end, and including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said rear end, means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening and including resilient means for urging said anvil toward its withdrawn position, a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said front end, and defining a rear surface facing said front end, means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, first port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said rear end and rearwardly of said anvil, second port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said forward end and rearwardly of said shuttle, third port means communicating with said tubular member immediately adjacent said rear surface of said cracking hammer, and control means for cyclically a. injecting pressurized air into said first port means such that the anvil is moved toward its forward position against the force of said resilient means, and the force of the pressurized air will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, then b. injecting pressurized air into said second port means while the anvil is forwardly biased by the air entering said first port means such that said shuttle is thrust along said tubular member and impacts against said rear surface of said cracking hammer whereby the resulting forward movement of the cracking hammer cracks the nut, and then c. injecting pressurized air into said third port means after terminating the injection through said first and second port means such that the shuttle is withdrawn to a rearward position spaced from said cracking hammer.

20. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a frame defining a central axis, a turret rotatably mounted on said frame to encircle said central axis and comprising a plurality of cracking units extending generally parallel to each other and said axis, each of said cracKing units comprising a. a tubular member including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, b. an anvil positioned within said tubular member on one side of said opening, c. a cracking hammer mounted for limited axial movement within said tubular member on the other side of opening, and d. port means communicating with said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, means carried by said frame for rotating said turret about said central axis, hopper means for receiving a plurality of nuts to be cracked, means for feeding individual nuts from said hopper means into said opening of each tubular member as each cracking unit passes a first predetermined position, means for injecting pressurized air into said port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit passes a second predetermined position downstream of said first position, whereby the air injected through said port means thrusts said cracking hammer forwardly toward said anvil to thereby crack a nut positioned therebetween.

21. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein said feeding means comprises a sprocket fixedly carried by said turret coaxially with said central axis and adjacent said centrally located opening of each of said tubular members, and an endless chain entrained on said sprocket and extending upwardly through said hopper means, said chain including a plurality of horizontally directed trays adapted to lift individual nuts from said hopper means and deposit the same in said openings of said tubular members as the chain passes over said sprocket during rotation of said turret.

22. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein said port means includes a plate fixedly carried by said turret and lying perpendicular to said central axis, said plate being positioned to close the ends of each of said tubular members rearwardly of said cracking hammer and including an aperture therethrough which communicates with each tubular member, and said injecting means includes means fixedly carried by said frame for injecting pressurized air through each of said apertures at a predetermined point in the rotation of said turret.

23. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein each of said cracking units further comprises resilient means for withdrawing said cracking hammer when the associated tubular member passes beyond said second predetermined position and such that the cracking operation may be repeated.

24. A high production nutcracking apparatus adapted to crack nuts of various sizes and comprising a frame defining a central axis, a turret rotatably mounted on said frame to encircle said central axis and comprising a plurality of cracking units extending generally parallel to each other and said axis, each of said cracking units comprising a. a tubular member defining a front end, a rear end, and including a centrally located opening adapted to receive a nut therein, b. an anvil positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said rear end, c. means for mounting said anvil within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, d. a cracking hammer positioned within said tubular member adjacent the side of said opening toward said front end and defining a rear surface facing said front end, e. means for mounting said cracking hammer within said tubular member for limited axial movement between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to said opening, f. a free floating shuttle mounted within said tubular member rearwardly of said cracking hammer, g. first port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said rear end and rearwardly of said anvil, h. second port means communicating with said tubular member adjacent said forward end and rearwardly of said shuttle, means carried by said frame for rotating said turret about said central axis, HOPPER means for receiving a plurality of nuts to be cracked, means for feeding individual nuts from said hopper means into said opening of each tubular member as each cracking unit reaches a predetermined loading position during rotation of said turret, and control means for a. injecting pressurized air into said first port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit of the rotating turret reaches a first position downstream of said loading position such that the anvil is biased toward its forward position and the force of the pressurized air will act through a nut positioned in said opening to move said cracking hammer to its withdrawn position and maintain the nut under a controlled compressive stress, and then b. injecting pressurized air into said second port means of each tubular member as each cracking unit reaches a second position downstream of said first position and while the anvil is forwardly biased such that said shuttle is thrust along said tubular member and impacts against said rear surface of said cracking hammer whereby the resulting forward movement of the cracking hammer cracks the nut.

25. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein said means for mounting said anvil within each of said tubular members includes resilient means for urging said anvil toward its withdrawn position.

27. The high production nut cracking apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said front ends of said tubular members define a common plane lying perpendicular to said central axis, and wherein said apparatus further includes a flat plate fixedly carried by said turret and lying perpendicular to said central axis, said plate including one side overlying said front ends, an opposite planar side, a first set of circularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said first port means, a second set of circularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said second port means, and a third set of circularly arranged apertures extending through said plate with each such aperture communicating with one of said third port means.

30. The high production nutcracking apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said control means includes means for terminating the injection of presSurized air into said first port means substantially concurrently with the impact of said shuttle against said cracking hammer such that the anvil does not move forwardly after the cracking operation to damage the unprotected nut meat but is withdrawn by said resilient means.