WO2011123926A1

WO2011123926A1 - Cutting apparatus for a produce corer

Info

Publication number: WO2011123926A1
Application number: PCT/CA2010/001459
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Raymond Albanese; Steven Anthony Joseph Corbeil
Original assignee: In-Store Advanced Automation Inc.
Priority date: 2010-04-07
Filing date: 2010-09-23
Publication date: 2011-10-13

Abstract

A method and system to cut and core a produce, separating its edible portions from its inedible portions, which includes a positioning apparatus and a cutting apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes a support for supporting the produce. A first bracketing member is movable horizontally towards a second bracketing member for pushing the produce along the support towards the second bracketing member. Each produce engaging portion on each bracketing member includes at least one inclined surface for engaging a surface of the produce and for aligning a central axis of the produce with a central axis defined by the produce engaging portions of the bracketing members when in a closed configuration. The cutting apparatus includes a blade assembly which can move to horizontally impale the produce through a mask and extracts edible portions of the produce when it is retracted from the produce through the mask.

Description

CUTTING APPARATUS FOR A PRODUCE CORER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/321,558 filed April 7, 2010, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The example embodiments relates generally to the field of produce processors, and in particular to produce processors designed to simplify the task of removing the edible portion of a fruit or vegetable from its inedible portion, especially in volume.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Produce processors are used to simplify the task of removing one part of a fruit, vegetable or other food item from another part, especially in volume. The two parts usually consist of an edible portion and an inedible or undesirable portion. Thus, produce processors are usually used to remove an edible portion from an inedible or undesirable portion. Examples of a produce processor include pineapple corers, corn cutters, melon processors, and breadbowl makers. A pineapple corer is a tool that simplifies the task of removing the edible flesh of a pineapple from its inedible skin and core. A corn cutter is a tool that simplifies the removal of individual corn kernels from the inedible core of a "corn on the cob". A melon processor is a tool that removes the seeds from for example the core of a cantaloupe. A breadbowl maker is a tool to remove the core of a piece of bread to form a bowl, for example to contain chili.

[0004] Various pineapple corers and cutters are known in the art. Considering the above, on one hand pineapple corers may include tools with blades attached to a handle, allowing the manual processing of one pineapple at a time. On the other hand, pineapple corers may also include fully automated and complex pineapple coring assembly lines processing hundreds of pineapples per minute and costing millions of dollars. [0005] Moreover, some conventional systems may also rely solely on gravity for operation and it becomes difficult to control and separate waste portions and edible portions.

SUMMARY

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide produce processors in between extremes, for example, for pineapple corers that can reliably process at least tens of pineapples per minute while remaining costing less than millions of dollars.

[0007] Example embodiments relate to a produce processing system, which include: firstly, a positioning apparatus for positioning a produce into a pre determined position for cutting, and secondly a cutting apparatus for cutting the pre positioned produce with a blade assembly. The produce is first positioned into a pre determined position such that a central radial axis of the produce is aligned with a central axis of the blade assembly by the positioning apparatus before the cutting apparatus can cut the produce by moving the blade assembly.

[0008] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a positioning apparatus to position a produce, including : a pair of bracketing members each having a produce engaging portion; and, a support below the pair of bracketing members for supporting the produce, the pair of bracketing members defining a space therebetween for receiving the produce, a first bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members movable horizontally towards a second bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members for pushing the produce along the support, the first bracketing member movable from an open configuration to a closed configuration towards the second bracketing member, each produce engaging portion on each bracketing member having at least one inclined surface for engaging a surface of the produce and for aligning a central axis of the produce with a central axis defined by the produce engaging portions of the bracketing members when in the closed configuration.

[0009] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a method to position a produce, including : receiving the produce between a pair of bracketing members each having a produce engaging portion, each produce engaging portion on each bracketing member having at least one inclined surface for engaging a surface of the produce; supporting the produce on a support positioned below the pair of bracketing members; moving a first bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members horizontally towards a second bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members for pushing the produce along the support, said moving being from an open configuration to a closed configuration towards the second bracketing member; and engaging a surface of the produce using the produce engaging portions and positioning the produce by aligning a central axis defined by the produce engaging portions of the bracketing members with a central radial axis of the produce in the closed configuration .

[0010] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a cutting apparatus to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion, including : a horizontally movable mover; and a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, the blade assembly horizontally engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is horizontally retracted from the produce.

[0011] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a cutting apparatus to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion, including : a movable mover; a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and a mask positioned between the blade assembly and the produce, the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through and engage with the produce through the mask unhindered, the blade assembly engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is retracted from the produce through the mask. [0012] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion, including : positioning the produce in a pre determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly attached to a horizontally movable mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and retracting the blade assembly horizontally from the produce and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

[0013] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion, including : positioning the produce in a pre determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly through a mask, the blade assembly attached to a movable mover and having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, and the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through unhindered; and retracting the blade assembly from the produce through the mask, the mask stripping the skin portion from the outer circular blade and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features, and in which :

[0015] Figure 1 shows a front side view of a first embodiment a positioning apparatus positioning a produce in an open configuration .

[0016] Figure 2 shows a front side view of a second embodiment of a positioning apparatus positioning a produce in an open configuration.

[0017] Figure 3 shows a front side view of the positioning apparatus of Figure 2 positioning a produce in an intermediate configuration.

[0018] Figure 4A shows a front side view of the positioning apparatus of Figure 2 positioning a produce in a closed configuration . [0019] Figure 4B shows a front side view of the positioning apparatus of Figure 2 positioning a larger produce in a closed configuration.

[0020] Figure 5A shows a top view of another example embodiment of a positioning apparatus positioning a produce in a closed configuration.

[0021] Figure 5B shows a side view of the positioning apparatus of Figure 5A.

[0022] Figure 5C shows a perspective view of the positioning apparatus of Figure 5A.

[0023] Figure 6A shows a front side view of an example embodiment of a blade assembly having radial blades between two concentric circular blades.

[0024] Figure 6B shows a right side view of the blade assembly of Figure 6A.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a right side view of the blade assembly of Figure 6A, a mask, and a produce.

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates a right side view of the blade assembly of Figure 6A completely impaling the produce through the mask.

[0027] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a blade assembly showing fin blades and pusher arms.

[0028] Figure 10 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a blade assembly having two concentric circular blades.

[0029] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a produce processing system having a positioning apparatus and a blade assembly in accordance with example embodiments, with the produce shown in an initial position.

[0030] Figure 12 shows a top down view of the produce processing system of Figure 11, with the produce in an initial position.

[0031] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system of Figure 11, with the produce positioned into a predetermined position.

[0032] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system of Figure 11, showing the blade assembly completely impaling the produce. [0033] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system of Figure 11, showing flesh from the produce inside the blade assembly.

[0034] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system of Figure 11, with the flesh from the produce inside the blade assembly being pushed out.

[0035] Figure 17 shows a side view of a mask to be used in the produce processing system of Figure 11, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The systems and methods described herein may be applicable for hand operated, semi automated, and fully automated tools. A produce processor may be hand operated, semi automatic, or fully automatic. For example, example embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied as a portable hand operated tool for use in a kitchen by a consumer, a semi automatic tool for use in a supermarket, or as part of an automatic production line in a cannery.

[0037] Some example embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in application to any particular produce. While pineapples will be used as an example produce to be processed, some of the system, apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be applied to other types of produce as well.

[0038] There are general and related aspects for a produce processing system in accordance with example embodiments: firstly, a positioning apparatus for positioning a produce into a pre-determined position for cutting, and secondly a cutting apparatus for cutting the pre-positioned produce with a blade assembly. The produce is first positioned into a pre-determined position such that a central radial axis of the produce is aligned with a central axis of the blade assembly by the positioning apparatus before the cutting apparatus can cut the produce by moving the blade assembly.

[0039] A positioning apparatus is used to position a produce for cutting, including a pair of bracketing members each having a produce engaging portion; and, a support below the pair of bracketing members for supporting the produce, the pair of bracketing members defining a space therebetween for receiving the produce, a first bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members movable horizontally towards a second bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members for pushing the produce along the support, the first bracketing member movable from an open configuration to a closed configuration towards the second bracketing member, each produce engaging portion on each bracketing member having at least one inclined surface for engaging a surface of the produce and for aligning a central axis of the produce with a central axis defined by the produce engaging portions of the bracketing members when in the closed configuration.

[0040] In operation, a method to position a produce includes receiving the produce between a pair of bracketing members each having a produce engaging portion, each produce engaging portion on each bracketing member having at least one inclined surface for engaging a surface of the produce, supporting the produce on a support positioned below the pair of bracketing members, moving a first bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members horizontally towards a second bracketing member of the pair of bracketing members for pushing the produce along the support, said moving being from an open configuration to a closed configuration towards the second bracketing member, and engaging a surface of the produce using the produce engaging portions and positioning the produce by aligning a central axis defined by the produce engaging portions of the bracketing members with a central axis of the produce in the closed configuration.

[0041] A cutting apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment is used to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion. The cutting apparatus includes a horizontally movable mover; and a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, the blade assembly horizontally engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is horizontally retracted from the produce.

[0042] In another example operation, a method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion includes: positioning the produce in a pre determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly attached to a horizontally movable mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and retracting the blade assembly horizontally from the produce and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

[0043] A cutting apparatus in accordance with another example embodiment is used to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion, the cutting apparatus including a movable mover; a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and a mask positioned between the blade assembly and the produce, the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through and engage with the produce through the mask unhindered, the blade assembly engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is retracted from the produce through the mask.

[0044] In another example operation, a method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion includes: positioning the produce in a pre determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly through a mask, the blade assembly attached to a movable mover and having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, and the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through unhindered; and retracting the blade assembly from the produce through the mask, the mask stripping the skin portion from the outer circular blade and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a front side view of a positioning apparatus 100 in an open configuration. Left bracketing member 101 and right bracketing member 102 are situated on either side of a pineapple 103 supported for example on a support 108 below the pair of bracketing members. The pineapple 103 can be thought of as being generally oval or cylindrical having a circular cross-section. Each bracketing member 101, 102 has at least one inclined surface at a bottom portion for engagement with the skin of the pineapple 103. In this embodiment, left bracketing member 101 has inclined surface 104 and inclined surface 106 for engagement with pineapple 103. Similarly, right bracketing member 102 has inclined surface 105 and inclined surface 107 for engagement with pineapple 103. Left bracketing member 101 and right bracketing member 102 accordingly define a space therebetween for receiving of the pineapple 103.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 2, a second embodiment of a positioning apparatus 200 is shown (similar reference numbers used for convenience of reference). Similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, the positioning apparatus 200 of Figure 2 is also shown in an open configuration.

[0047] In operation, either one or both bracketing members 101, 102 move towards the pineapple 103 on a pre-defined track defined by the support 108 from an initial open configuration through an intermediate configuration to a closed configuration. Referring to Figure 1, only the left bracketing member 101 moves towards the pineapple 103 and pushes the pineapple 103 along the support 108. Referring to Figure 2, in an alternate embodiment, both bracketing members 101, 102 move towards the pineapple 103 : left bracketing member 101 moves right towards the pineapple 103, and left bracketing member 102 moves left towards the pineapple 103. In one embodiment, for mechanical simplicity both bracketing members 101, 102 move at the same rate, but as the embodiment in Figure 1 best illustrates, in other embodiments the bracketing members 101, 102 may move at different speeds with similar results.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a front view of the positioning apparatus 200 from Figure 2 in an intermediate configuration. As the bracketing members 101, 102 move toward pineapple 103, the inclined surfaces 106, 107 engage to lift a surface of the pineapple 103, and thereafter pineapple 103 is immobilized by the inclined surfaces 104, 105, 106, 107 into a pre-determined position when the bracketing members 101, 102 reach a closed configuration. Given that pineapple 103 has a circular cross section having a longitudinally radial axis 112 and a latitudinal radial axis 114, when the bracketing members 101, 102 are in the closed configuration, the central radial axes of the pineapple 103 (e.g., both the longitudinal radial axis 112 and the latitudinal radial axis 114) will be in a substantially the same pre-determined centralized position, aligned with a central axis 116 or mid-axis defined by the bracketing members 101, 102. It can thus be appreciated that the same predetermined centralized position may be predictably maintained for various imperfections in sizes and shapes of various pineapples.

[0049] Figure 4A shows a front view of the positioning apparatus 200 positioning a pineapple 103 in a closed configuration. Here, the bracketing members 101, 102 have immobilized pineapple 103 into the pre-determined position. Once stationary and in alignment with central axis 116, the pineapple 103 may be further manipulated and is in a ready position to be cut. In example embodiments, if the size of bracketing members 101, 102 is large when compared to pineapple 103, in the closed configuration a portion of the bracketing members 101, 102 may overlap each other, as shown in area 401 on Figure 4A. It can be appreciated that overlap may be accounted for by the use of indents or by having portions of bracketing members 101, 102 or inclined surfaces 104, 105, 106, 107 on different vertical planes.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 4B, if the size of a pineapple 110 is large when compared to bracketing members 101 and 102, no overlap of the bracketing members 101, 102 may occur. For example, this can occur if a radius of the pineapple 110 is larger than a length of the inclined surfaces 106, 107 of the bracketing members 101, 102. The pineapple 110 is still lifted by the inclined surfaces 106, 107 of the bracketing members 101, 102 in this embodiment. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the bracketing members 101, 102 can flexibly account for various radii of the pineapple, large or small . Of course, the same principals apply to the first embodiment of the positioning apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0051] An example of yet another embodiment of a positioning apparatus 500 having bracketing members in different planes is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, which operate in a similar manner as the bracketing members 101, 102 (Figure 1) described above. Figure 5A shows a top view of the positioning apparatus 500 positioning a produce 503 in a closed configuration. As shown in Figure 5A, left bracketing member 501 and right bracketing members 502 are in different vertical planes. As shown, right bracketing member 502 includes two sub-bracketing members 502a, 502b which are located in the same lateral plane but in different vertical planes with respect to each other and the left bracketing member 501. Accordingly, even if produce 503 is small relative to bracketing members 501, 502, overlap of bracketing members 501, 502 can occur without the bracketing members 501, 502 colliding.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 5B, it can be appreciated that each of the bracketing members 501, 502 each may include at least one inclined surface. For example, sub-bracketing member 502b includes inclined surface 506 for assisting in positioning and lifting of the produce 503 when moved horizontally. It can be appreciated that due to the shape and relative rigidity of the produce 503, the inclined surface 506 may in fact define one or more recesses 508 (one shown), for example, to accommodate fin blades (not shown, described in greater detail below), while still performing its intended function. Thus, as shown at least part of the inclined surface 506 may be non-continuous or discontinuous. Similarly, first bracketing member 501 includes inclined surface 510 and sub-bracketing member 502b includes inclined surface 512 (partially shown in Figure 5C). The inclined surfaces 510, 512 may similarly be a non-continuous inclined surface. A central axis 516 is defined by the bracketing members 501, 502, for aligning of a central axis of the produce 503.

[0053] If necessary, the positioning of the longitudinal radial axis of the produce 503 can be adjusted by using adjusting brackets 514 in order to suitably align with a cutting apparatus (described in greater detail below).

[0054] Referring again to Figures 1 to 4, it can be appreciated that the inclined surfaces 104, 105 may consist of surfaces that slideably engages the skin of the pineapple 103 such as bare metal or Teflon™ or surfaces that frictionally engages the skin of the pineapple 103 such as rubber. An inclined surface may have one type of surface while the other inclined surface may have the other type of surface. Thus, inclined surfaces 106, 107 may consist of slidable surfaces while inclined surfaces 104, 105 may consist of frictional surfaces. Moreover, each inclined surface 104, 105, 106, 107 may consist of a type of surface unique from all of the other inclined surfaces.

[0055] In addition to surfaces with different coefficients of friction, inclined surfaces 104, 105, 106, 107 may each optionally include padding to accommodate produce with irregular surface features, as well as to protect delicate produce from bruises or the like.

[0056] It may not be desirable to exert excessive force on pineapple 103 when the bracketing members 101 and 102 are transitioning from the open configuration to the closed configuration. There are various ways to determine the optimal position for the bracketing members so that the pineapple 103 is immobilized in a pre-determined position while at the same time without subjecting the pineapple 103 to excessive force that may damage the pineapple. One way to determine this optimal position is to use force feedback sensors so that the movement of the bracketing members 101 and 102 can be stopped when a certain threshold resistance is encountered by the bracketing members 101 and 102.

[0057] Another way to determine an optimal position is to do so ahead of time. As pineapples are typically pre-sorted (size 5, 6, 7, with size 5 pineapples being the biggest, as is understood in the art), it is possible to determine the optimal position of the bracketing members 101 and 102 in a closed configuration for each pre-sorted pineapple size ahead of time. For example, for size 6 pineapples it may be determined that a midpoint of first bracketing member 101 should be exactly 10.5 cm away from a midpoint of second bracketing member 102 in order to immobilize pineapple 103 in a pre-determined position while at the same time without subjecting the pineapple 103 to excessive force that may damage the pineapple. Mechanical "stops" (not shown) may be set so that bracketing members 101 and 102 never move closer than 10.5 cm between the midpoints. Similar measurements may be done for size 5 and size 7 pineapples with similar mechanical "stops" made. In use, the positioning apparatus is limited to one size until the mechanical "stops" are reconfigured; however, as it is industry practice to put pineapples of similar size into the same shipping container, limiting the positioning apparatus to one size is not an impediment.

[0058] The bracketing members may be made of any suitable metallic material, plastic material, or a combination or alloy thereof as long as it is suitable for the handling of food products. Other suitably rigid materials may also be used.

[0059] A cutting apparatus to core a produce, such as a pineapple, will now be described, referring now to Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows a front view of an embodiment of a blade assembly 600 with inner circular blade 601 being surrounded concentrically by outer circular blade 602. Fin blades 603 are arranged around the circumference of outer circular blade 602 for cutting the skin of the pineapple. Figure 6B shows a side view of the blade assembly 600 with fin blades 603 arranged around the circumference of outer circular blade 602. Blade assembly 600 comprising inner circular blade 601 and outer circular blade 602 may be attached to a mover 605 mounted to rails 606 such that blade assembly 600 is able to move in a pre-determined horizontal line and horizontally engage a pineapple easily. Radial blades 604 (e.g., ten radial blades 604 shown in this example) are located between the inner circular blade 601 and the outer circular blade 602 and allows pineapple flesh to be cut into unique shapes while blade assembly 600 impales into a pineapple. Depending on the angle of radial blades 604, unique shapes such as a spear or a helix may be cut from the pineapple flesh as blade assembly 600 impales a pineapple. In the example shown, the blade assembly 600 cuts the pineapple flesh into spears and may thus be referred to as a "spearing blade". Further supplementary blades may be used independently or in combination with the radial blades 604 to further cut the pineapple flesh into chunks.

[0060] A pineapple has a skin portion, an inner portion comprising the edible pineapple flesh, and a core portion comprising the inedible core. To core a pineapple, generally the inner circular blade is dimensioned to contain the inedible core of a pineapple along its longitudinal axis, and the outer circular blade is dimensioned to contain the edible flesh of the pineapple while simultaneously having a diameter dimensioned to exclude the skin of the pineapple. It can be appreciated that circular blades having different dimensions may be required to cut other foods, such as corn on the cob or breadbowls.

[0061] Because the blade assembly 600 is attached to a mover with one dimensional horizontal mobility, those skilled in the art can appreciate that it is important for pineapple 103 to be immobilized in a pre-determined location such that the center radial axes of the concentric inner circular blade 601 and outer circular blade 602 are in line with the center radial axes of the pineapple 103. Otherwise, the inedible pineapple core may not be accurately contained within the inner circular blade 601 and the edible pineapple flesh may not be accurately contained between the outer circular blade 602 and the inner circular blade 601 when the circular blades cut into pineapple 103. One way to immobilize and position the pineapple 103 at such a pre-determined location is by using the positioning apparatus described herein. Alternatively, it can be appreciated that another method to ensure alignment of the center radial axes of the concentric inner circular blade 601 and the outer circular blade 602 with the center radial axes of the pineapple 103 is to actively compensate for variations in the position of the pineapple by moving the circular blades accordingly. Additional lateral positioning mechanisms (not shown) are used to laterally move the circular blades for such an embodiment.

[0062] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a side view of the blade assembly 600 with inner circular blade 601, outer circular blade 602, and fin blades 603 is shown, along with a side view of pineapple 103, a side view of a mask 701 and a side view of an end plate 702.

[0063] Mask 701 defines a cut-away outline (e.g. a cutout) dimensioned to allow the blade assembly 600 to be unhindered when it passes through and retracts from the mask 701. Similarly, end plate 702 contains an imprint of the blade assembly 600 in order to allow the inner circular blade 601 and the outer circular blade 602 to completely impale pineapple 103. A detail view of an example mask 1401 is shown in Figure 17 in accordance with further example embodiments.

[0064] In operation, the top and bottom of pineapple 103 are chopped off (e.g. as described in greater detail below), then the pineapple 103 is laid on its side and immobilized in a pre-determined location such that the center radial axes of the concentric inner circular blade 601 and outer circular blade 602 are in line with the center radial axes of the pineapple 103, as shown in Figure 7. In example embodiments, the pineapple 103 has been immobilized and positioned at such a pre-determined location, for example by using a positioning apparatus as described herein.

[0065] After pineapple 103 is thus immobilized in the pre-determined location, blade assembly 600 moves horizontally, passes through mask 701 and completely impales pineapple 103 against end plate 702, as shown in Figure 8. This causes the inedible pineapple core of pineapple 103 to be contained within the inner circular blade 601, the pineapple flesh to be contained between the outer circular blade 602 and inner circular blade 601, and the pineapple skin to be wrapped around the circumference of outer circular blade 602. However, because of fin blades 603, the wrapped pineapple skin is sliced into multiple strips. Gravity causes some of the wrapped pineapple skin to drop as garbage.

[0066] After impalement of the pineapple, blade assembly 600 is retracted horizontally from pineapple 103. While retracting through mask 701, the shape of the cutout of the mask 701 causes any remaining the pineapple skin around the circumference of outer circular blade 602 to be stripped off into the garbage. The pineapple flesh contained between the outer circular blade 602 and inner circular blade 601 and the inedible pineapple core contained within the inner circular blade 601 pass unhindered through mask 701. The pineapple flesh is extracted from between the outer circular blade 602 and inner circular blade 601 by mechanical mechanisms such as mechanical pushers or graspers.

[0067] Referring now to Figure 9, a perspective view of another example embodiment of blade assembly 900 is shown, having fin blades 902 surrounding the circumference of the outer circular blade in blade assembly 900 and stationary mechanical pusher arms 901 (e.g., ten pusher arm segments shown in this example) for pushing pineapple flesh from in between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade. As shown, the pusher arms 901 may include a wedge- shaped cross-section which is shaped to generally fit between the radial blades. In some example embodiments, the pusher arms 901 remain stationary and perform their pushing function when the blade assembly 900 retracts.

[0068] Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the cutting edges of the fin blades may make an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle with the circumference of the outer circular blade in the blade assembly. The cutting edges may also be serrated. Furthermore, the fin blades may be set back a distance from the cutting edge of the outer circular blade instead of mounted at the cutting edge of the outer circular blade as illustrated in Figure 9.

[0069] The inedible pineapple core contained within the inner circular blade 601 may is also mechanically removed by mechanical mechanisms. One way to mechanically push the contained inedible pineapple core is to use the inedible pineapple cores of subsequently processed pineapples. Another way is the use of mechanical pusher arms similar to the mechanical pusher arms used for pushing pineapple flesh from in between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade.

[0070] Referring still to Figure 9, as shown, a mover 903 is used to move the blade assembly 900. The mover 903 may include at least one sheath 904, each mounted to a corresponding generally horizontal rail 905, and is moveable using a drive mechanism (not shown, an example drive mechanism is a handle 112 and associated mechanisms best shown in Figure 11 in another embodiment) for rotating two hinged arms 906. Rotation of the hinged arms 906 causes the mover 903 to move horizontally along the rails 905, towards and away from the produce. Accordingly, the rails 905 may define a horizontal track or path for movement of the blade assembly 900.

[0071] Referring to Figure 10, a front view of yet another embodiment of a blade assembly 1000 is shown having merely two concentric circular blades (rather than including the additional radial blades as in the spearing blade shown in Figure 6A). Such a blade assembly 1000 may be used for coring of the pineapple, either as a whole annular cylinder or into rings, without sectioning into spears.

[0072] An overview of a system 1100 using a positioning apparatus and a cutting apparatus comprising a blade assembly to core a produce will now be described, with reference to Figures 11 to 17. Referring to Figure 11, a perspective view of a produce processing system 1100 having the positioning apparatus and the blade assembly is shown, with a produce 1101 (e.g. a pineapple) laid on its side in an initial position. A first sidewall 1104 defines an opening 1108 for receiving of the produce 1101. A hopper (not shown) or other feeding mechanism may further be mounted to the opening 1108 to facilitate the feeding of the produce 1101. Figure 12 is a top down view of the same produce processing system having the positioning apparatus and the blade assembly, with the produce 1101 laid on its side in the initial position. As shown in Figure 11, a support 1102 includes two rails which extend generally horizontally for supporting the produce 1101 along a generally horizontal path. Further, the first and second sidewalls 1104, 1106 are positioned so as to generally maintain the produce 1101 within the generally horizontal path. Second sidewall 1106 may be adjustable to account for various standard sizes of pineapples (e.g. size 5, 6, 7, etc., as is understood in the art).

[0073] Two angled or biased blades 1110, 1112 are used to cut off the top and bottom of the produce 1101. This is accomplished when the produce 1101 is pushed along the support 1102 by moving the produce through the blades 1110, 1112.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system 1100 having the positioning apparatus and a cutting apparatus comprising a blade assembly 1305. Bracketing member 1301 pushes the produce 1101 through the two angled blades 1110, 1112 to cut off the top and bottom of produce 1101. The bracketing members 1301 and 1302 have positioned the produce 1101 into a predetermined position such that the center radial axes of the concentric inner circular blade 1303 and outer circular blade 1304 of blade assembly 1305 are in line with the center radial axes of the produce 1101. Blade assembly 1305 is horizontally moveable to cut through the produce 1101.

[0075] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the produce processing system 1100 showing the positioning apparatus and a cutting apparatus comprising a blade assembly 1305. Blade assembly 1305 is in full extension and has completely impaled produce 1101 through a mask 1401. A detail side view of the mask 1401 is shown in Figure 17. In this example, the blade assembly 1305 and associated radial blades cut the produce 1101 into spears.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 15, the blade assembly 1305 has retracted from the produce 1101 through the mask 1401. The core from the produce 1101 is contained within the inner circular blade 1303, and the flesh of the produce is contained between the inner circular blade 1303 and outer circular blade 1304. It can be appreciated that the generally horizontal configuration of the system 110 may allow for greater control and movement of the flesh. Note also that fin blades 1501 have cut the skin of the produce into multiple strips, for greater ease of removal.

[0077] Referring now to Figure 16, the flesh of the produce 1101 that is contained between the inner circular blade 1303 and the outer circular blade 1304 is being mechanically pushed out by stationary mechanical pusher arms 1601. The flesh (cut into spears in this example) is pushed by the pusher arms 1601 when the blade assembly 1305 retracts and thereafter drops into a curved chute 1602 which leads to a cutting board 1201 (best shown in Figure 12). The cutting board 1201 includes a cradle defining a plurality of slots and for receiving the flesh (spears) from the chute 1602. A plurality of blades, each corresponding to each slot, may be used to cut the spears into chunks. If the flesh is received as a whole (not spears as in the illustrated embodiment), the blades cut the whole flesh into rings.

[0078] Referring again to Figure 11, in an example embodiment the system 1100 may be operated manually. In other words, in some embodiments the system 1100 may not require, hazardous and complicated motors, spinning blades, automated moving means, and/or positioning sensors for same. As shown in Figure 11, the system 1100 may include first handle 1120 and second handle 1122. As best shown in Figure 12, the first handle 1120 is operably coupled to the bracketing member 1301, such that when the first handle 1110 is operated (e.g. pulled by an operator) the bracketing member 1301 operable moves towards the second bracketing member 1302. Referring now to Figure 13, the second handle 1122 is operably coupled to the blade assembly 1305 so that through movement (e.g. pulling by an operator) of the second handle 1122 the blade assembly 1305 is horizontally moved towards the produce 1101. Thus, in some embodiments the system 1100 and associated methods can be manually operated using two relatively straight forward motions. Referring now to Figure 14, this shows the second handle 112 pulled down so that the blade assembly 1305 moves to impale the produce 1101.

[0079] Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0080] It can be appreciated that by having various components of the described system embodiments operating horizontally or generally horizontally, greater control and manipulation of the produce may be effected.

[0081] Variations may be made to some example embodiments, which may include combinations and sub-combinations of any of the above. The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above- described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as a whole. Features described as methods or processes may similarly apply to systems or apparatuses, and vice-versa. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cutting apparatus to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion, comprising : a horizontally movable mover; and a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, the blade assembly horizontally engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is horizontally retracted from the produce.

2. The cutting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the horizontally movable mover is mounted to a horizontal track.

3. The cutting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mask positioned between the blade assembly and the produce, the mask defining a cutout

dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through unhindered, the blade assembly horizontally engagable with and horizontally retractable from the produce through the mask.

4. The cutting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the blade assembly is moveable to impale the produce through the mask and to retract from the produce through the mask, the cutout in the mask being dimensioned to strip the skin portion from the outer circular blade while allowing the blade assembly to pass through and retract unhindered.

5. The cutting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the core portion is removable from the blade assembly by one or more subsequent core portions from respective one or more subsequent produce being cut.

6. The cutting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising mechanical mechanisms to remove the inner portion from the blade assembly, wherein the mechanical mechanisms include stationary pusher arms for engaging the inner portion when the blade assembly is retracted.

7. The cutting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the produce is a pineapple.

8. The cutting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a positioning apparatus for immobilizing the produce and aligning a central axis of the produce with a central axis of the blade assembly.

9. A cutting apparatus to cut a produce placed in a pre-determined position and having a skin portion, an inner portion, and a core portion, comprising : a movable mover; a blade assembly attached to the mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and a mask positioned between the blade assembly and the produce, the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through and engage with the produce through the mask unhindered, the blade assembly engagable with the produce by containing the inner portion of the produce between the outer circular blade and the inner circular blade and having the inner portion and the core portion of the produce remain in the blade assembly when the blade assembly is retracted from the produce through the mask.

10. The cutting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the blade assembly is moveable to impale the produce through the mask and to retract from the produce through the mask, the cutout in the mask dimensioned to strip the skin portion from the outer circular blade while allowing the blade assembly to pass through and retract unhindered.

11. The cutting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the core portion is removable from the blade assembly by one or more subsequent core portions from respective one or more subsequent produce being cut.

12. The cutting apparatus of claim 9 further comprising mechanical mechanisms to remove the inner portion from the blade assembly, wherein the mechanical mechanisms include stationary pusher arms for engaging the inner portion when the blade assembly is retracted.

13. The cutting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the produce is a pineapple.

14. The cutting apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a positioning apparatus for immobilizing the produce and aligning a central axis of the produce with a central axis of the blade assembly.

15. A method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion, comprising : positioning the produce in a pre-determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly attached to a horizontally movable mover, the blade assembly having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade; and retracting the blade assembly horizontally from the produce and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the blade assembly impales the produce through a mask, the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through unhindered; and wherein the blade assembly retracts horizontally from the produce through the mask, the mask stripping the skin portion from the outer circular blade.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising : removing the inner portion remaining in the blade assembly by mechanical mechanisms.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising : removing the core portion remaining in the blade assembly by one or more subsequent core portions from respective one or more subsequent produce being cut.

19. A method to cut a produce having a skin portion, and inner portion and a core portion, comprising : positioning the produce in a pre-determined position; impaling the produce with a blade assembly through a mask, the blade assembly attached to a movable mover and having an inner circular blade concentrically surrounded by an outer circular blade, and the mask defining a cutout dimensioned to allow the blade assembly to pass through unhindered; and retracting the blade assembly from the produce through the mask, the mask stripping the skin portion from the outer circular blade and allowing the inner portion and the core portion of the produce to remain in the blade assembly.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising : removing the inner portion remaining in the blade assembly by mechanical mechanisms.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising : removing the core portion remaining in the blade assembly by one or more subsequent core portions from respective one or more subsequent produce being cut.