Patent ID: 9173432
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: A23N,B65G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for processing produce having a first portion and a second portion, comprising: a sizing unit having a first roller and a second roller, the sizing unit configured to convey the produce in a first direction, and to release the produce vertically along a longitudinal axis of the produce between the first roller and the second roller during conveyance of the produce in the first direction; a receiving unit having a produce receptacle, and the receiving unit configured to receive the produce, in the produce receptacle, from the sizing unit, and to convey the produce in the produce receptacle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the produce receptacle having a cavity configured to receive the produce subsequent to release from the sizing unit with the first portion of the produce at least partially disposed in the cavity; a first conveyor unit configured to receive at least the first portion of the produce, and to convey the produce in a third direction to separate the first portion of the produce from the second portion of the produce; a second conveyor unit configured to receive the second portion of the produce, at least one of the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit configured to convey the produce in the third direction; and the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit disposed in parallel with each other and configured to convey the produce in the third direction at a same speed with a gap between a longitudinal edge of the first conveyor unit and a longitudinal edge of the second conveyor unit, the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit arranged to receive the produce from the produce receptacle with the produce extending laterally across the gap.