An automated food processing machine includes a receptacle, a slitter assembly, and a controller. The slitter assembly is coupled to a first motion actuator and includes a third motion actuator coupled to a slitter blade. In response to an input signal, the controller is configured to (1) actuate the first motion actuator to translate the slitter assembly along a first axis until the slitter blade has penetrated into a whole fruit or vegetable, and (2) actuate the third motion actuator to move the slitter blade relative to the slitter assembly with a component along an axis that is not parallel to the first axis.

An automated food processing machine includes a receptacle, a slitter assembly, and a controller. The slitter assembly is coupled to a first motion actuator and includes a third motion actuator coupled to a slitter blade. In response to an input signal, the controller is configured to (1) actuate the first motion actuator to translate the slitter assembly along a first axis until the slitter blade has penetrated into a whole fruit or vegetable, and (2) actuate the third motion actuator to move the slitter blade relative to the slitter assembly with a component along an axis that is not parallel to the first axis.

The present invention is directed to a cutting board for cutting food articles into parts. The cutting board having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides defining an area of the cutting board. A lateral groove extends between the pair of long sides and differentiates the area of the board into a first platform and a second platform. The area is further differentiated into a third platform which is adjacent to the second platform. A blade pivotally coupled to the end of the lateral groove. The cutting board further comprises a finger guard and a food stopper.

A machine control and data logging station, intended for use with a saw or other machine tool, features a processor which monitors a number of input lines, a real time clock and time stamp function. Any change of input signals from the machine tool will be recorded in flash memory. Both wired and wireless outputs may read the memory at any given time. Optionally, hardware or software data communication encryption may be employed to provide increased confidentiality and security. The station continually monitors sensor inputs and can react automatically to emergency-stop the machine tool upon sensing a dangerous condition.

The machine (1) for cutting meat comprises one or more linkage devices (10) about which is wound a blade (12) and a safety system which comprises: means (2) for detecting a dangerous condition for the safety of an operator; and a movement apparatus (4, 41, 42) configured for moving the above-mentioned linkage devices (10), following the detection of the dangerous condition.

A cutlery apparatus that is configured to provide efficient removal of corn kernels from a corn cob. The cutlery apparatus includes a support member that is planar in manner having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. A first brace member and a second brace member are mounted to the upper surface of the support member and further include a void therebetween. The first brace member and second brace member are parallel to each other and angularly oriented on the support member. A cutting member is provided wherein the cutting member has a first portion disposed within the void and a second portion extending beyond the perimeter edge of the support member. The second portion of the cutting member is a metal blade. A clamp member extends across the void and is movably secured to the first brace member and second brace member.

A cutlery apparatus that is configured to provide efficient removal of corn kernels from a corn cob. The cutlery apparatus includes a support member that is planar in manner having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. A first brace member and a second brace member are mounted to the upper surface of the support member and further include a void therebetween. The first brace member and second brace member are parallel to each other and angularly oriented on the support member. A cutting member is provided wherein the cutting member has a first portion disposed within the void and a second portion extending beyond the perimeter edge of the support member. The second portion of the cutting member is a metal blade. A clamp member extends across the void and is movably secured to the first brace member and second brace member.

A high-speed food article slicing machine with a slicing station, a moveable frame supporting a food article feed mechanism frame, a food article gate, and a safety guard system for detecting an intrusion into the machine. Food articles are loaded onto a lift tray and raised to a staging position where food articles are in contact with a food article gate. The lift tray is located in line with the food article feed paths such that lateral shifting of food articles into the feed paths is not needed. Food article grippers, individually driven along feed paths by an overhead conveyor, move food articles over the food article gate towards the slicing station. The food article gate functions to assist in removal of food article end portions. The slicing machines utilizes a horizontally radiating laser intrusion detector to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion is sensed.

A food article slicing machine includes a food article loading apparatus with a lift tray assembly for moving food articles from a staging position to an elevated position at a beginning of a food article feed path, a food article feed apparatus disposed over the food article loading apparatus having an upper conveyor assembly with an independently driven endless conveyor belt used in cooperation with a food article gripper for moving the food articles along the food article feed path, a food article stop gate that forms part of the food article feed path and opens to drop food article end portions, and a slicing station at an end of the food article feed path with a knife for slicing the food articles.

The present invention is generally directed to a die cut assembly for a roller die cutting machine having a base member, a cutting rule, and a compressible top layer. Base member is generally a rectangular shape, having a length, width and thickness. A cutting rule including a cutting edge is formed into a pattern containing a plurality of geometric shapes. The pattern containing geometric shapes is formed to include each geometric shape sharing a common point when the shape allows it. Cutting rule is generally coupled to the base member at a skew wherein no side of the pattern is transverse to the length of the base member. The compressible top layer is coupled to the base member. Generally, cutting rule nests in compressible top layer and compressible top layer extends beyond the cutting edge of the cutting rule.