NZ624980B2 - Avocado cutting and splitting device - Google Patents
Avocado cutting and splitting device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ624980B2 NZ624980B2 NZ624980A NZ62498012A NZ624980B2 NZ 624980 B2 NZ624980 B2 NZ 624980B2 NZ 624980 A NZ624980 A NZ 624980A NZ 62498012 A NZ62498012 A NZ 62498012A NZ 624980 B2 NZ624980 B2 NZ 624980B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- belts
- conveyor belts
- belt
- avocado
- Prior art date
Links
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- 235000005426 persea americana Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 87
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
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- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 12
- 210000003491 Skin Anatomy 0.000 description 7
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- 210000003813 Thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 2
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- 240000004546 Persea americana var. americana Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000005296 abrasive Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000008163 avocado oil Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
- B26D1/143—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis
- B26D1/147—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis with horizontal cutting member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
- B26D1/143—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis
- B26D1/15—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis with vertical cutting member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
- B26D1/24—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter coacting with another disc cutter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/08—Making a superficial cut in the surface of the work without removal of material, e.g. scoring, incising
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/24—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor to obtain segments other than slices, e.g. cutting pies
- B26D3/26—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor to obtain segments other than slices, e.g. cutting pies specially adapted for cutting fruit or vegetables, e.g. for onions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/30—Halving devices, e.g. for halving buns
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
- B26D7/0625—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by endless conveyors, e.g. belts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
- B26D7/12—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by sharpening the cutting member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
- B26D7/14—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by tensioning the work
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
- B26D7/32—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26F—PERFORATING; PUNCHING; CUTTING-OUT; STAMPING-OUT; SEVERING BY MEANS OTHER THAN CUTTING
- B26F3/00—Severing by means other than cutting; Apparatus therefor
- B26F3/002—Precutting and tensioning or breaking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/647—With means to convey work relative to tool station
- Y10T83/6584—Cut made parallel to direction of and during work movement
- Y10T83/6606—Tool between laterally spaced work-conveying means
Abstract
avocado cutter (10) is disclosed. The cutter includes a rotatable blade (20), and a pair of parallel, movable, a pair of parallel conveyor belts (44, 46, see also figure 8) cooperatively orientated toward each other to form a V. A plurality of ridges (see 59, figure 7) protrude from the undersides of the conveyor belts. A least one belt agitation finger (see 58, figure 7) is positioned beneath each of the conveyor belts. In operation, the ridges strike the fingers as they pass by, causing vibration of the belt. The vibration aids in orientation of the avocados being conveyed prior to cutting. s of the conveyor belts. A least one belt agitation finger (see 58, figure 7) is positioned beneath each of the conveyor belts. In operation, the ridges strike the fingers as they pass by, causing vibration of the belt. The vibration aids in orientation of the avocados being conveyed prior to cutting.
Description
AVOCADO CUTTING AND SPLITTING DEVICE
This application is related to application Serial No. 13/301,054, filed 11/21/2011 (the
“parent application”), now pending.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to food processing equipment and, more specifically,
to an Avocado Cutting and Splitting Device.
2. Description of Related Art
Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and
considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent
application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of
conciseness.
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate
an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion
is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published,
known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any
jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.
This present invention relates to an improvement in cutting avocados through the
seed and meat such that the cut avocado exits in two sections to facilitate later seed and
skin removal.
Avocados have become more and more popular for their versatility and arguable
health-related benefits. They come in various varieties and sizes. For example, West
Indian avocados produce enormous, smooth round, glossy green fruits that are low in oil
and can weigh up to two pounds. Guatemalan varieties produce medium ovoid or pear-
shaped, pebbled green fruits that turn blackish-green when ripe. The fruit or pulp of
Mexican versions of avocado tends to be smaller (six to ten ounces) with skins that turn
glossy green or black when ripe.
The pulp of avocados is deep green near the skin, becoming yellowish nearer the
single large, inedible ovoid seed. The pulp is hard when harvested but softens to a buttery
texture as the avocado ripens. Avocados are high in monosaturates and the oil content is
second only to olives among fruits in its health benefits. Clinical feeding studies in
humans have shown that avocado oil can actually reduce blood cholesterol.
To effectively obtain the pulp of an avocado, the avocado must be de-skinned and
the seed must be removed. The device of the present disclosure addresses the process for
preparing the fruit for later efficient seed and skin removal.
In the prior manual systems, an avocado is first cut through the seed. Thereafter
the avocado is split into two sections. Generally one-half of the split avocado seed
remains in each section. The seed from each half section would generally be removed
before the avocado enters the de-skinning stage.
Typically, a worker would manually remove the avocado seed from each split
section by using a spoon, or similar device, or their thumb. The spoon or thumb is
pressed under the seed and the seed is then pried out. This can be a tedious and labor
intensive job. Because of their popularity and continued growing popularity, and
commercialization of avocados, a need exists to effectively and efficiently cut and split
an avocado to facilitate removal of the seed.
The Parent Application disclosed a revolutionary method for cutting the avocado
fruit in half without cutting through the internal seed. While that approach was much
more successful than the prior manual (and rudimentary automated) systems, the
variability in fruit size and ripeness tended to result in inconsistent output quality.
Embodiments of the device of the present disclosure may:
a. effectively and efficiently cut an avocado through both the seed and meat in a
single pass;
b. automatically position the cut avocado-halves cut-side-down on an exit
conveyor belt for later seed and skin removal without human intervention; and
c. stagger the cut avocado halves in spaced interval on the exit conveyor belt in a
form that is most efficient and effective for the subsequent automated de-seeding/de-
skinning process.
Many prior art devices provide for cutting of fruits to or through the seed and
some split the fruit. These prior art devices are extremely complex, somewhat
cumbersome, and costly to manufacture and maintain. None is as simple and as effective
as embodiments of the presently described device.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent advantages of
embodiments of the device of the present disclosure. These should be construed to be
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the device
of the present disclosure. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the
disclosed device of the present disclosure in a different manner or by modifying the
device of the present disclosure within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other
advantages and a fuller understanding of the device of the present disclosure may be had
by referring to the summary of the device of the present disclosure and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the device of the
present disclosure defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first principal aspect, there is provided an avocado cutter
comprising:
a rotatable blade with an engaging section to be rotating in a direction D1;
a pair of parallel, movable conveyor belts, each said belt forming a closed loop
terminating at a drive spindle and a idler spindle, said belts each defining a substantially
flat upper surface and a plurality of ridges protruding from a bottom surface opposite to
said upper surface, with said belts cooperatively positioned to form a V shaped valley
therebetween passing beneath said rotatable blade in direction D1; and
at least one belt agitation finger positioned beneath each said conveyor belt, each
said belt agitation finger defined by a tip that is positioned in close proximity to a said
conveyor belt bottom surface, such that when said belts move in direction D1, said ridges
strike said tips as they pass by said tips.
In one embodiment, the cutter further comprises:
a main frame to which said blade, belts and spindles attach; and
an upper blade frame having an arcuate shape, and designed to cooperate with the
circular peripheral cutting edge formed on said blade, whereby said upper blade frame
encircles said peripheral cutting edge in spaced relation thereto.
In another embodiment, said upper blade frame is further defined by an opening
formed therethrough juxtaposed over a section of said peripheral cutting edge.
In a further embodiment, the cutter further comprises first and second lower blade
frame members extending alongside and in relative spaced relation to opposite non-
cutting sides of said blade, each said lower blade frame positioned over a portion of each
of said parallel conveyor belts.
In one embodiment, the cutter further comprises a plurality of biasing elements
attached in relative spaced relation along said lower blade frame members, said biasing
elements oriented to generate biasing forces towards said upper surfaces of said parallel
conveyor belts.
In another embodiment, the cutter further comprises first and second ramp
assemblies, said ramp assemblies configured to direct items dropping ends of said
parallel conveyor belts onto an exit conveyor belt.
In a further embodiment, said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by
upper edges and lower edges, said lower edges positioned in close proximity to said exit
conveyor belt and said upper edges positioned between said parallel conveyor belts.
In one embodiment, said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by a
plurality of individual elongate fingers extending between said upper edges and said
lower edges.
According to a second principal aspect, there is provided a device for cutting
generally spherical objects into two pieces, comprising:
a rotatable blade with an engaging section to be rotating in a direction D1;
a pair of parallel, movable conveyor belts, each said belt forming a closed loop
terminating at a drive spindle located in back of said rotatable blade and an idler spindle
located in front of said rotatable blade, said belts each defining a substantially flat upper
surface and a plurality of ridges protruding from a bottom surface opposite to said upper
surface, with said belts cooperatively positioned to form a V shaped valley therebetween
passing beneath said rotatable blade in direction D1;
at least one belt agitation finger positioned beneath each said conveyor belt, each
said belt agitation finger defined by a tip that is positioned in close proximity to a said
conveyor belt bottom surface, such that when said belts move in direction D1, said ridges
strike said tips as they pass by said tips; and
first and second stationary feed support members extending upwardly and
outwardly from said movable conveyor belts at a location between said drive spindles
and said rotatable blade.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a plurality of elongate feed
fingers extending downwardly from said feed support members to each terminate in a
distal end above said conveyor belts.
In another embodiment, the device further comprises a flexible feed flap
extending downwardly from a position above said movable conveyor belts at a location
between said drive spindles and said rotatable blade.
In a further embodiment, the device further comprises first and second lower
blade frame members extending alongside and in relative spaced relation to opposite non-
cutting sides of said blade, each said lower blade frame positioned over a portion of each
of said parallel conveyor belts.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a plurality of biasing elements
attached in relative spaced relation along said lower blade frame members, said biasing
elements oriented to generate biasing forces towards said upper surfaces of said parallel
conveyor belts.
In another embodiment, the device further comprises:
a main frame to which said blade, belts and spindles attach; and
an upper blade frame having an arcuate shape, and designed to cooperate with the
circular peripheral cutting edge formed on said blade, whereby said upper blade frame
encircles said peripheral cutting edge in spaced relation thereto.
In a further embodiment, the device further comprises first and second ramp
assemblies, said ramp assemblies configured to direct items dropping ends of said parallel
conveyor belts onto an exit conveyor belt.
In one embodiment, said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by a
plurality of individual elongate fingers extending between said upper edges and said lower
edges.
In another embodiment, said upper blade frame is further defined by an opening
formed therethrough juxtaposed over a section of said peripheral cutting edge.
In a further embodiment, said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by
upper edges and lower edges, said lower edges positioned in close proximity to said exit
conveyor belt and said upper edges positioned between said parallel conveyor belts.
According to a third principal aspect, there is provided a method for splitting
avocados into two pieces, comprising the steps of:
placing a whole avocado into a V-shaped gap between a pair of generally parallel
moving conveyor belts;
transporting said whole avocado along said conveyor belts to a cutting area;
shaking said conveyor belts while transporting said whole avocado;
cutting said whole avocado completely through by a circular blade rotating such
that the lower edge of said blade is moving in the same linear direction as said conveyor
belts;
guiding each individual half of said cut avocado to each slide down a curved ramp
formed from a plurality of elongate fingers to a moving exit conveyor belt; and
transporting said cut halves away from said circular blade on said exit conveyor
belt.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of holding down said
whole avocado during said cutting step, said holding down step comprising a plurality of
biasing elements extending downwardly from opposite sides of said circular blade.
In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices and systems,
embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an Avocado Cutting and Splitting
Device. An embodiment of the device of the present invention should use a single cutting
blade to cut through both the seed and meat of incoming avocados. In order to increase
uptime, the device should provide a feature that allows for the cutting blade to be sharpened
while in operating condition (without the need for removing the blade from the machine). To
increase the uniformity in the orientation of the cut in the avocados, there should be a series of
guides, elements and other apparatus that will place the incoming avocados in a consistent
orientation relative to the cutting blade before they are cut. In order to improve throughput
and reduce the need for human operator involvement, the device should include a set of
custom-shaped ramps designed to guide and transport the cut avocado halves down to the
moving exit conveyor so that the halves land face-down on the exit conveyor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and
manner of operation, together with further advantages, may best be understood by reference
to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 having the blade shield
lifted;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the device of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a front view of the device of Figures 1 – 3;
Figure 5 is a front view of the device of Figures 1 – 4 depicting the cutting of
an avocado;
Figure 6 is a side view of the device of Figures 1 – 5;
Figure 7 is a second view of Figure 6, further depicting the location and
operation of the belt agitation fingers; and
Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the device of Figures 1 – 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make
and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying
out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined
herein specifically to provide an Avocado Cutting and Splitting Device.
The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of Figure
1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device 10 of the present
invention. The avocado cutting and splitting device 10, as contrasted with the device that is
the subject of the parent application, has only a single cutting blade. The single blade serves
to simply cut the individual avocados in two separate pieces, with each piece having not only
one-half of the fruit, but also of the seed. The resultant simplification of the device 10 allows
for more reliable, versatile production of split avocados, in virtually all stages of ripeness.
While in operation, the blade (not shown) is covered by blade shield 22 in
order to protect the operators and to prevent spray or splatter of avocado parts during the
cutting process. The bottom portions (right and left sides) of the shield 22 are bent to cant
outwardly to form the first and second shield skirts 22A, 22B. The shield skirts 22A, 22B
provide protection next to and above the cutting area of the blade (not shown) so that the
entire cutting area is securely covered, including above and around the incoming and
outgoing avocados (as will become apparent with the discussion below in connection with
other drawing figures).
In its preferred form, the device 10 is driven by a single motor 16 driving a
shaft (not shown) to rotate. As can be seen, the shaft (not shown) in the depicted version only
extends from a single side of the cutting blade (not shown).
Avocados that have been cut and split in two parts will exit the device 10 via
the moving exit conveyor belt 12. In most instances, the exit conveyor belt 12 will transport
the split avocados to a suitable avocado “pulping and skinning” machine where the seeds and
skins will be removed and discarded from the fruit (pulp) of the avocado. An example of
such a device that was designed to work cooperatively with the device of the parent
application is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 12/423,356 and 12/628,806.
The split avocados slide from the cutting area to the exit conveyor belt 12
along the first and second finger ramps 14A, 14B. These ramps 14A, 14B are preferably
made from individual stainless steel rods that are curved so as to form the overall complex
curved shape that is shown. Furthermore, the rod design creates low friction so that the fruit
slides easily, are easy to clean, and the operators can actually see through the ramps 14A, 14B
while the device 10 is in operation.
The blade shield 22 is hingably attached to the device 10 at hinge axle 40 so
that it may be lifted up and out of the way as depicted in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective
view of the device 10 of Figure 1 having the blade shield 22 lifted. With the shield 22 lifted,
we can now see the cutting blade 20, as well as other elements of this novel design. An upper
blade frame 24 generally encircles the upper arc of the cutting blade 20 in order to serve at
least three functions: (1) it protects the operators from the sharp cutting blade in the event that
the shield 22 must be lifted up while the device 10 is in operation; (2) it serves as a base or
mounting point for other structural elements of the device 10; and (3) it provides a stable
structure upon which an operator can rest a sharpening implement (as will be discussed more
fully below in connection with Figure 3).
The upper blade frame 24 has a sharpening window formed in its front side
that permits the operator access to the cutting edge of the blade 20 for sharpening (see Fig. 3,
below).
A lower blade frame 28 attaches to the upper blade frame 24 and/or the main
frame 29 of the device 10. The frame 28 extends from the rear side of the blade 20 and
around the two sides of the blade 20 until it interconnects to the upper blade frame 24 in front
of the blade 20, just below the sharpening window 26. A series of biasing elements 30 extend
downwardly from the two blade-side sections of the lower blade frame 28. These biasing
elements 30 are made from spring-grade stainless steel and are configured to provide gentle
downward pressure on the incoming and outgoing avocados during the cutting process. The
downward pressure provided by the elements 30 will tend to keep the split avocados tight
against the two conveyor belts 46 until the split pieces drop off of the end of the conveyor
belts 46 and then the elements 30 urge the cut pieces to drop down the elements of the ramp
fingers (see Figure 1) with the interior cut face of the avocado facing the ramp fingers (see
Figure 1).
The conveyor belt 46 and exit conveyor 12 are preferably made from
Urethane, PTFE or other plastic material, while virtually all other components of the device
that may come in contact with food product would preferably be made from stainless steel.
Now turning to Figure 3, we can examine another unique feature of the instant design.
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the device 10 of Figures 1 and 2. This
view is presented to explain the novel blade sharpening process introduced by this invention.
Historically, the cutting blade would be removed in order to sharpen the blade on a machine
such as this. Of course, this is an undesirable interruption in production, and therefore a new
approach was needed. In the current design for the device 10, the blade 20 can be sharpened
in-situ, without blade removal. The operator needs to simply clean the machine 10 and the
activate the blade (which rotates in direction “A”). Once the blade 20 has reached normal
rotational speed, the operator inserts a conventional sharpening stone 32 through the
sharpening window 26 until it comes in contact with the blade 20. As shown here, the
sharpening stone 32 is held so that the abrasive face is aligned against the beveled section 33
of the blade 20 – here the near-side beveled section 33 is being ground down. After a short
period of time, the sharpening stone 32 is removed and reinserted so that it is aligned against
the far-side beveled section 33. This process is repeated for the two sides until a suitably
sharp cutting edge 41 is produced on the blade 20. After a brief wipe-down, the device 10 can
be placed back in service. Because of the ease of sharpening using the sharpening window
26, it is expected that the blade 20 will be regularly maintained in a condition that is sharper
than was previously convenient.
Figure 4 is a front view of the device 10 of Figures 1 – 3. As can be seen here,
the conveyor belts 44 and 46 are arranged on either side of the cutting blade so as to form a
“V” to cradle the incoming uncut avocados. The belts 44, 46 move synchronously in order to
drive the individual avocados into the back-side of the cutting blade. After being cut, the
avocado halves continue to travel on the tops of the conveyor belts 44, 46 until they drop off
the ends (can be seen in Figures 1 and 2) and land on the exit conveyor belt 12. As discussed
previously, the cut avocados will land face-down on the first and second finger ramps 14A,
14B as they drop off the ends of the conveyor belts 44, 46, and gravity (with assistance from
the shape of the ramps 14A, 14B) will cause the avocado halves to land face-down on the exit
conveyor belt 12. The belt 12 is moving in direction “B” to transport the avocado-halves to
the next stage of the avocado pulping operation, where the avocado meat is removed from the
seeds and skins.
Figure 5 is a simplified depiction of the front view of the device 10 of Figures
1 – 4 depicting the cutting of an avocado (as viewed when facing the machine from directly in
front). The biasing elements 30 (of which only the final pair is shown here), press down on
the avocado 17 so that it is firmly within the “V” made by the two moving conveyor belts 44,
46. As the belts 44, 46 carry the avocado 17 past the cutting blade 20, the entire avocado 17
and seed 18 are cut into two virtually matching pieces. Each half 17A, 17B is directed by the
upper ends of the finger ramps 14A, 14B so that they separately travel down their respective
ramp 14A, 14B in direction “C”. As they land on the exit conveyor 12, they will be carried
away face-down in direction “B”.
Although not depicted here, another feature of the device 10 of the present
invention is a guide member that is positioned so that it “floats” above the surface of the exit
conveyor 12 and acts to direct incoming avocado-halves 17A, 17B into a single-file line
centered on the conveyor belt 12. The guide member is formed from a pair of opposing flat
members arranged to create a V-shaped funnel slightly above the upper surface of the exit
conveyor belt 12. Figure 6 is provided to clarify the direction of movement of the various
moving components of the device 10. The conveyor belt 46 (and 44) travel in a loop at both
ends, with the front end being idler spindle 47 (the drive spindle is at the opposing end of the
loop). The spindle 47 is attached to tensioner bracket 51, which extends from the main frame
of the device. One or more tensioner bolts 49 are provided to allow the operators to increase
or decrease the distance between ends of the loop (i.e. between the idler and drive spindles)
until the desired conveyor belt tension is obtain. Adjustment of the tensioner bolts is an
important convenience to account for wear of the conveyor belts and/or the need to remove
the belts for maintenance.
The upper surface of the conveyor belt 46 moves in direction D1 to feed
whole avocados into the cutting blade 20 (the bottom surface of the belt 46 moves in direction
D2. The blade 20 is rotating clockwise in this view such that the bottom outer edge of the
blade 20 is also moving in direction D1. The blade 20 rotates so that its cutting edge (at the
bottom of the blade 20 in this depiction) is moving away from the incoming whole avocados
(in the same direction as D1); this tends to pull the avocados through the blade and propel
them down the finger ramps to the belt 46. As discussed in connection with prior drawing
figures, the exit conveyor belt 12 moves away from the cutting blade in direction B. Figure 7
shows a feature that was added to the instant version of the device 10 as an improvement to
the device of the parent application.
Figure 7 is a second view of Figure 6, further depicting the location and
operation of the belt agitation fingers 58. Through experimentation, it was determined that
the blade 20 will cut the avocados more reliably and efficiently if the avocados are oriented so
that their pointed ends are facing either directly towards the cutting edge of the blade 20, or
facing directly away from the cutting edge of the blade 20. The solution to this situation was
to add a set of belt agitation fingers 58 extending upwardly from the frame. The preferred
design is to have a pair of fingers 58 having their tips extending upwardly until they are in
close proximity to the bottom side of the belts 46, [44]. As the belts 46, [44] move in
direction [D1], the structural ridges 59 on the bottom of the belts 46 [44] will strike the tips of
the fingers 58. This rubbing or striking will cause the belts 46, [44] to move up and down in
direction indicated by arrows “S” and the dashed line representing the moving surface of belt
46. As the belts 46, [44] vibrate, the natural shape of the avocados will cause them to rotate
until their tips/tops are pointed towards the blade 20 (to the left in this view). We will finally
turn to Figure 8 to examine the operation of the device 10 at the pre-cut stage (feed) stage.
Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the device 10 of Figures 1 – 7. The
conveyor belts 44, 46 feed whole avocados towards the cutting blade (indicated by arrow 20).
End guard 57 is a stationary element that is positioned over the top of the conveyor belts 44,
46 in order to knock down any piles of whole avocados and to prevent them from accidentally
falling out through the back of the conveyor belts 44, 46 (i.e. the end closest to the reader). A
second element, the feed flap 55 is made from flexible, rubberized material, and is positioned
at the distal end of the feed stage, just before the cutting blade components – its purpose is to
gently re-position the incoming avocados so that they are aligned on their “side” before being
cut. On its side in this circumstance means that the pointed end of the avocado is either
pointed towards or pointed away from the cutting blade (rather than being pointed up, down
or sideways). This insures that each avocado is cut lengthwise, without the need for
additional operator intervention in most cases.
First and second feed support members 34A, 34B are positioned above and
outside the moving conveyor belts 44, 46, and function as a stable mounting point for feed
fingers 36A, 36B, 36C, and of course to guide the individual avocados down to the conveyor
belts 44, 46. The fingers 36A – 36C are flexible pieces of metal having a plastic or other
pliable protective coating. The fingers 36A – 36C can flex as whole avocados are drawn
down the moving valley created by the conveyor belts 44, 46, so that they gently guide the
avocados to rest securely in the lowest portion of the valley in preparation for cutting. Each
finger 36A – 36C is attached to the feed support members 34A, 34B by a variety of means,
including the bolts (e.g. 53A) shown here.
As discussed previously, the belt agitation fingers [58] strike the ridges on the
bottom surface of the belts 44, 46 as those belts 44, 46 travel in direction D1. The result is
that the belts 44, 46 are caused to shake or vibrate in directions “S” shown here by arrows.
The shaking tends to cause the avocados to roll slightly until they are pointed in a consistent
direction before they reach the cutting edge of the blade [20].
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word
“comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply
the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer
or group of integers.
Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion
of any other integer or group of integers.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and
modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as
specifically described herein.
Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee
are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. An avocado cutter comprising: a rotatable blade with an engaging section to be rotating in a direction D1; a pair of parallel, movable conveyor belts, each said belt forming a closed loop terminating at a drive spindle and a idler spindle, said belts each defining a substantially flat upper surface and a plurality of ridges protruding from a bottom surface opposite to said upper surface, with said belts cooperatively positioned to form a V shaped valley therebetween passing beneath said rotatable blade in direction D1; and at least one belt agitation finger positioned beneath each said conveyor belt, each said belt agitation finger defined by a tip that is positioned in close proximity to a said conveyor belt bottom surface, such that when said belts move in direction D1, said ridges strike said tips as they pass by said tips.
2. The cutter of claim 1, further comprising: a main frame to which said blade, belts and spindles attach; and an upper blade frame having an arcuate shape, and designed to cooperate with the circular peripheral cutting edge formed on said blade, whereby said upper blade frame encircles said peripheral cutting edge in spaced relation thereto.
3. The cutter of Claim 2, wherein said upper blade frame is further defined by an opening formed therethrough juxtaposed over a section of said peripheral cutting edge.
4. The cutter of Claim 3, further comprising first and second lower blade frame members extending alongside and in relative spaced relation to opposite non-cutting sides of said blade, each said lower blade frame positioned over a portion of each of said parallel conveyor belts.
5. The cutter of Claim 4, further comprising a plurality of biasing elements attached in relative spaced relation along said lower blade frame members, said biasing elements oriented to generate biasing forces towards said upper surfaces of said parallel conveyor belts.
6. The cutter of Claim 5, further comprising first and second ramp assemblies, said ramp assemblies configured to direct items dropping ends of said parallel conveyor belts onto an exit conveyor belt.
7. The cutter of Claim 6, wherein said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by upper edges and lower edges, said lower edges positioned in close proximity to said exit conveyor belt and said upper edges positioned between said parallel conveyor belts.
8. The cutter of Claim 7, wherein said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by a plurality of individual elongate fingers extending between said upper edges and said lower edges.
9. A device for cutting generally spherical objects into two pieces, comprising: a rotatable blade with an engaging section to be rotating in a direction D1; a pair of parallel, movable conveyor belts, each said belt forming a closed loop terminating at a drive spindle located in back of said rotatable blade and an idler spindle located in front of said rotatable blade, said belts each defining a substantially flat upper surface and a plurality of ridges protruding from a bottom surface opposite to said upper surface, with said belts cooperatively positioned to form a V shaped valley therebetween passing beneath said rotatable blade in direction D1; at least one belt agitation finger positioned beneath each said conveyor belt, each said belt agitation finger defined by a tip that is positioned in close proximity to a said conveyor belt bottom surface, such that when said belts move in direction D1, said ridges strike said tips as they pass by said tips; and first and second stationary feed support members extending upwardly and outwardly from said movable conveyor belts at a location between said drive spindles and said rotatable blade.
10. The device of Claim 9, further comprising a plurality of elongate feed fingers extending downwardly from said feed support members to each terminate in a distal end above said conveyor belts.
11. The device of Claim 10, further comprising a flexible feed flap extending downwardly from a position above said movable conveyor belts at a location between said drive spindles and said rotatable blade.
12. The device of Claim 11, further comprising first and second lower blade frame members extending alongside and in relative spaced relation to opposite non-cutting sides of said blade, each said lower blade frame positioned over a portion of each of said parallel conveyor belts.
13. The device of Claim 12, further comprising a plurality of biasing elements attached in relative spaced relation along said lower blade frame members, said biasing elements oriented to generate biasing forces towards said upper surfaces of said parallel conveyor belts.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising: a main frame to which said blade, belts and spindles attach; and an upper blade frame having an arcuate shape, and designed to cooperate with the circular peripheral cutting edge formed on said blade, whereby said upper blade frame encircles said peripheral cutting edge in spaced relation thereto.
15. The device of Claim 14, further comprising first and second ramp assemblies, said ramp assemblies configured to direct items dropping ends of said parallel conveyor belts onto an exit conveyor belt.
16. The device of Claim 15, wherein said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by a plurality of individual elongate fingers extending between said upper edges and said lower edges.
17. The device of Claim 16, wherein said upper blade frame is further defined by an opening formed therethrough juxtaposed over a section of said peripheral cutting edge.
18. The device of Claim 17, wherein said first and second ramp assemblies are defined by upper edges and lower edges, said lower edges positioned in close proximity to said exit conveyor belt and said upper edges positioned between said parallel conveyor belts.
19. A method for splitting avocados into two pieces, comprising the steps of: placing a whole avocado into a V-shaped gap between a pair of generally parallel moving conveyor belts; transporting said whole avocado along said conveyor belts to a cutting area; shaking said conveyor belts while transporting said whole avocado; cutting said whole avocado completely through by a circular blade rotating such that the lower edge of said blade is moving in the same linear direction as said conveyor belts; guiding each individual half of said cut avocado to each slide down a curved ramp formed from a plurality of elongate fingers to a moving exit conveyor belt; and transporting said cut halves away from said circular blade on said exit conveyor belt.
20. The method of Claim 19, further comprising the step of holding down said whole avocado during said cutting step, said holding down step comprising a plurality of biasing elements extending downwardly from opposite sides of said circular blade.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/301,054 US20120064214A1 (en) | 2007-08-27 | 2011-11-21 | Avocado Cutting and Splitting Device |
US13/301,054 | 2011-11-21 | ||
PCT/US2012/065810 WO2013078121A1 (en) | 2011-11-21 | 2012-11-19 | Avocado cutting and splitting device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ624980A NZ624980A (en) | 2016-09-30 |
NZ624980B2 true NZ624980B2 (en) | 2017-01-05 |
Family
ID=
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