Patent ID: 7409905
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: A23N

Abstract:
1. A crop processing machine comprising: a transport mechanism for conveying a crop along a path, at least part of which is substantially linear; a knife assembly adjacent the transport mechanism such that it is capable of cutting off a portion of a crop, the cut-off portion being determined by vertical movement of the knife assembly with respect to the transport mechanism, the vertical movement of the knife assembly being effectuated by horizontal movement of a crop and the size of a crop to be processed, the knife assembly including: a guide member attached to the knife assembly and having at least one runner configured to contact and ride over a crop on the transport mechanism such that the at least one runner causes the knife assembly and guide member to move vertically by horizontal movement of a crop under the guide member, the vertical movement distance determined by the size of a crop over which the at least one runner rides; a non-rotating substantially planar trimming knife, which is attached to, and which rises and falls with the knife assembly as the at least one runner rides over a crop to be processed, as the crop is transported past, the trimming knife having a cutting edge that is located below the at least one runner by an adjustable first cutting distance from the guide member that defines an amount of crop that is cut off the crop by the trimming knife; wherein the knife assembly, guide member and trimming knife are urged downwardly and toward a crop to be processed, by gravity, and the first cutting distance is adjustable by rotation of a threaded bolt.