Patent Publication Number: US-11383867-B2

Title: Spear center filler apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/744,727, filed on Oct. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for filling a container with a food product and, in particular, to an apparatus for filling a central space of a container with cucumber (e.g., pickle) spears during a bottling operation. 
     Background 
     A variety of methods of filling a container with cucumber spears are known in the industry (as used herein, the term “cucumber” includes, but is not limited to, a pickled cucumber, also known as a “pickle”). For example, cucumbers are cut into spears, fed into a jar, and positioned against the inner walls of the jar. After a first row of spears has been positioned in the jar, the process is repeated to fill the jar with additional row(s) of spears approaching the center of the jar. These and/or related operations can be performed by an automated machine, such as the machine disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,142,560; 4,646,509; and 6,041,577, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although multiple layers of spears are positioned into the jar, traditional machines leave an open space at the center of the jar. The open space is traditionally filled manually by packers prior to sealing the jar for shipment. Manually packing the central open space increases the overall time for completing filling of the entire jar. 
     A need remains for an apparatus for filling the central open space of a container with spears in an automated and time-efficient manner. These and other considerations are addressed by embodiments of the spear center filler apparatus of the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary apparatus for filling a central open space in a container, such as a jar, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a base, an indexing station, and a filling station. The indexing station can include a magazine, a blade, and a first actuator, while the filling station can include one or more cartridges. The magazine is configured to receive a whole cucumber at a loading area. The magazine can be rotatably mounted to the base, such that it can be incrementally indexed to reposition the whole cucumber from the loading area to a cutting area that is above the blade. The first actuator is configured to urge the whole cucumber through the blade and cut the whole cucumber into a plurality of spears. Once cut, at least one of the spears drop into and is held by one of the one or more cartridges. The second actuator is configured to push at least one of the spears out from the cartridge and into the central open space of the container. 
     References made herein to the indexing station and the filling station should not be understood to imply that there are necessarily no components shared between these stations, or that these stations are entirely separable standalone units. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more cartridges can comprise a first cartridge, a second cartridge, and a third cartridge. The first cartridge can be positioned below the blade and generally does not contain spears, the second cartridge can be positioned above a first container and can contain a first plurality of spears, e.g., four spears, and a third cartridge can be positioned above a second container and can contain a second plurality of spears that is less than the first plurality of spears, e.g., two spears. In such embodiments, upon an actuation the following can occur: (i) the first actuator urges the whole cucumber through the blade cutting the whole cucumber into a third plurality of spears that are transferred into the first cartridge, (ii) the second actuator urges at least one of the first plurality of spears from the second cartridge into a central open space of a first container, and (iii) a third actuator urges at least one of the second plurality of spears from the third cartridge into a central open space of the second container. Upon completion of the actuation, the following can occur: (i) the first and second containers are indexed and replaced by third and fourth containers, (ii) the first cartridge is incrementally indexed to a position above the third container, (iii) the second cartridge is incrementally indexed to a position above the fourth container, and (iv) the third container is incrementally indexed to a position below the blade. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a sensor configured to detect if the central open space of the container is obstructed. If the sensor detects an obstruction then it prevents the second actuator from being actuated. 
     In some embodiments, the magazine can be rotatably disposed within a housing. The indexing station can include a top cover that covers a partial radial portion of the magazine at the cutting area. The loading area of the indexing station can include a tapered infeed chute configured to position a whole cucumber in the magazine, which in some embodiments can define a cylindrical shape with cutouts radially disposed along a perimeter of the magazine. In such embodiments, each cutout can be configured to retain a whole cucumber. In some embodiments, the cutouts can be half-circle cutouts configured to surround half of a whole cucumber. The whole cucumber can be maintained in a vertical position between the magazine and an inner surface of a housing of the indexing station. In some embodiments, the blade can be cross shaped and configured to cut the whole cucumber into four equal spears. 
     In some embodiments, the filling station can include a top platform and a bottom platform, and the cartridges can be mounted between the top and bottom platforms. The apparatus can include a tube positioned between the indexing station and the top platform of the filling station. The tube can surround the blade. 
     In some embodiments, the cartridges of the filling station can be rotatably mounted relative to the indexing station such that the magazine can rotate about a first vertical axis and the cartridges can rotate about a second vertical axis, which can be parallel to each other and spaced from each other. 
     In some embodiments, the cartridges of the filling station can be incrementally indexed to reposition the spears from a position below the blade to a position above a container, e.g., jar, having a central open space. The second actuator can urge a first of two opposing spears from a first cartridge into a central open space of a first container. After loading of the first of the two opposing spears, the first cartridge can be incrementally indexed to a position above a second container. The filling station can include a third actuator configured to urge a second of two opposing spears from the first cartridge into a central open space of the second container. Each of the cartridges can include a housing with plates dividing the housing into equally sized inner chambers configured to receive a spear. Each of the cartridges can include a spring-loaded keeper configured to impart a force on the spear to maintain the spear within the inner chamber and against the respective plate. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary system for filling a central open space in a container is provided that generally includes a filling apparatus and an indexer. The filling apparatus includes a base, an indexing station, and a filling station including one or more cartridges that are rotatably mounted relative to the indexing station. The indexing station includes a magazine rotatably mounted to the base, and a blade. The indexer is configured to move containers along a path below the filling station. The magazine is configured to receive a whole cucumber at a loading area and is incrementally indexed to reposition the whole cucumber from the loading area to a cutting area above the blade. The indexing station includes a first actuator configured to urge the whole cucumber through the blade and cut the whole cucumber into spears, which drop into one of the one or more cartridges that are configured to receive and hold the spears. The one or more cartridges are indexed to reposition the cartridge holding the spears above the container with the central open space. The filling station includes an actuator configured to urge one or more of the spears from the cartridge into the central open space of the container. 
     In some embodiments, the indexer can be a helical indexer rotatably disposed on one side of the containers. In such embodiments, the system can include a guiding wall disposed on an opposing side of the containers from the helical indexer. In some embodiments, the indexer can move the containers along a substantially linear path below the filling station. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of filling a central open space in a container is provided. The method includes providing an apparatus including a base, an indexing station including a blade and a magazine rotatably mounted to the base, and a filling station including one or more cartridges. The method includes loading a whole cucumber into the magazine of the indexing station at a loading area. The method includes incrementally indexing the magazine to reposition the whole cucumber from the loading area to a cutting area above the blade. The method includes urging the whole cucumber through the blade with an actuator of the indexing station to cut the whole cucumber into spears. The method includes transferring the spears into one of the cartridges of the filling station. 
     In some embodiments, the method can include incrementally indexing the one or more cartridges of the filling station to reposition the spears from a position below the blade to a position above a container having a central open space. In other embodiments, the method includes urging a first of two opposing spears from a first cartridge into the central open space of a first container with a first filling actuator of the filling station. Such methods can include incrementally indexing the first cartridge to a position above a second container, and also urging a second of two opposing spears from the first cartridge into the central open space of the second container with a second filling actuator. 
     A cartridge for holding cucumber spears according to the present disclosure generally includes a body, a mount extending from the body, and a keeper assembly secured to the mount. The body includes a top opening and a bottom opening, and defines an internal chamber that is configured to receive a cut cucumber spear through the top opening. The keeper assembly includes a keeper arm and a spring that biases the keeper arm radially inward into the internal chamber in order to impart a force on a spear positioned within the internal chamber, to secure the spear within the internal chamber, and to prevent the spear from falling through the bottom opening. 
     In some embodiments, the top opening can be configured to receive an arm that pushes the spear out from the internal chamber and through the bottom opening. The keeper arm can be secured to the mount by a pin such that the keeper arm is rotatable about the pin. The body can also include a removed section with the keeper arm extending through the removed section and into the internal chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the cartridge can include one or more plates that divide the internal chamber into a plurality of equally sized inner chambers that are each configured to receive a spear. In such embodiments, the cartridge can include a plurality of mounts equal in number to the number of equally sized inner chambers, and a plurality keeper assemblies equal in number to the number of equally sized inner chambers. Each keeper mount can have a keeper arm and a spring. Each one of the mounts and each one of the keeper assemblies can be associated with one of the inner chambers such that the spring of each keeper assembly biases the respective keeper arm radially inward into the associated inner chamber to impart a force on a spear positioned within the inner chamber to secure the spear within the inner chamber and prevent the spear from falling through the bottom opening. In such embodiments, the body can include a plurality of removed sections equal in number to the number of equally sized inner chambers, and each of the keeper arms can extend through one of the removed sections and into the associated inner chamber. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary centering guide for a food product is provided that generally includes a blade mount ring, a first outer ring, a second outer ring, a pivot mount ring, and a plurality of guide rail subassemblies. The blade mount ring can define a first central opening, and can include one or more blades positioned at least partially within the first central opening. The first outer ring can define a second central opening, and can be configured to translate axially along a central axis. The second outer ring can define a third central opening, and can be configured to translate axially along the central axis. The pivot mount ring can define a fourth central opening, and can be configured to translate axially along the central axis. Each of the plurality of guide rail subassemblies can be mounted with respect to the blade mount ring, the first outer ring, the second outer ring, and the pivot mount ring. Each of the plurality of guide rail subassemblies can include a guide rail, a first linkage subassembly, and a second linkage subassembly. The first linkage subassembly can be rotatably engaged with the guide rail, the first outer ring, and the pivot mount ring. The second linkage subassembly can be rotatably engaged with the guide rail, the second outer ring, and the blade mount ring. The guide rails can be positioned within the first central opening, the second central opening, the third central opening, and the fourth central opening. Additionally, the guide rails can be configured to receive the food product therebetween, and be urged radially outward by the food product from a closed position to an open position when the food product is received between the guide rails. The plurality of guide rail subassemblies can maintain the food product substantially along the central axis when they are urged radially outward by the food product. 
     In some embodiments, urging the guide rail of at least one of the plurality of guide rail subassemblies radially outward from the central axis can cause the guide rail of each of the other guide rail subassemblies to move radially outward from the central axis and maintain the food product substantially along the central axis. 
     In some embodiments, the first linkage subassembly can cause the first outer ring and the pivot mount ring to translate axially when at least one of the guide rails is urged radially outward from the central axis. In such embodiments, the first outer ring and the pivot mount ring can be mounted to a plurality of rods and configured to translate axially along the plurality of rods. 
     In some embodiments, the second linkage subassembly can cause the second outer ring to translate axially when at least one of the guide rails is urged radially outward from the central axis. In such embodiments, the second outer ring can be mounted to a plurality of rods and configured to translate axially along the plurality of rods. 
     In some embodiments, the first linkage subassembly can include a first pivot linkage and a first forked linkage, and the second linkage subassembly can include a second pivot linkage and a second forked linkage. In such embodiments, the first pivot linkage can be rotatably secured with the guide rail, the pivot mount ring, and the first forked linkage, and the first forked linkage can be rotatably secured with the first outer ring and the first pivot linkage. Additionally, the second pivot linkage can be rotatably secured with the guide rail, the blade mount ring, and the second forked linkage, and the second forked linkage can be rotatably secured with the second outer ring and the second pivot linkage. 
     In some embodiments, the guide rail can include a tapered face and a substantially vertical face configured to engage the food product. In other embodiments, the plurality of guide rail subassemblies can include four guide rail subassemblies that are equidistantly spaced. 
     Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed exemplary embodiment of a spear center filler apparatus, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a spear center filler apparatus according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the spear center filler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the spear center filler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the spear center filler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed top view of a cucumber indexing station and a filling station of the spear center filler apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a cartridge in the filling station of the spear center filler apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the cartridge of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of an extendable arm of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective views of the extendable arm of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a cartridge according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the cartridge of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a centering guide according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in an open position; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in the closed position; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in the open position; 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in the closed position; 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14  in the open position; 
         FIG. 22  is a partially exploded perspective view of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a guide rail assembly of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a blade mount ring of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of first and second outer rings of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a pivot mount ring of the centering guide of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, and “horizontal” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , perspective, front, side, top, and detailed views of an embodiment of an apparatus  100  for filling the center of a container, e.g., a jar, with spears (e.g., a spear center filler apparatus) is provided. The apparatus  100  includes a base  102 , a cucumber indexing station  104  operably mounted to the base  102 , and a filling station  106  operably mounted to the base  102 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the indexing station  104  is configured to receive whole cucumbers  108 , e.g., via automated and/or manual loading, and selectively indexes the cucumbers  108  over the filling station  106  prior to cutting the cucumber  108 , for example, into four substantially equal spears, and transferring the cucumber spears to the filling station  106 . The filling station  106  is configured to receive the spears corresponding to a single cucumber  108  in a respective cartridge  110 . References made herein to the indexing station  104  and the filling station  106  should not be understood to imply that there are no components shared between these stations, or that these stations are entirely separable standalone units. Additionally, it should be understood that while reference is made herein to cucumbers  108  other food products could be used with the apparatus  100  of the present disclosure. 
     A helical indexer  112  transfers or moves containers  114 , e.g., jars, partially filled with spears  116  to a position below the filling station  106  along a substantially linear path. The filling station  106  transfers one or more spears  120  from the cartridges  110  into the jars  114  to fill the central open space  118  within the jars  114 . For example, the jars  114  to the left of the filling station  106  in  FIG. 4  include the central open space  118 , and the jars  114  to the right of the filling station  106  in  FIG. 4  include two spears  120  transferred into the central open space  118  from the filling station  106 . Although illustrated as having only two spears  120  in the central open space  118 , in some embodiments, four spears  120  can be introduced into the central open space  118  to completely fill the space  118 . 
     The base  102  includes four vertical legs or posts  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  with horizontal cross frames  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  coupled to the posts  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  near the bottom end  138  of the base  102 , horizontal cross frames  140 ,  142  coupled to the posts  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  between the bottom and top ends  138 ,  144  of the base  102 , and horizontal cross frames  146 ,  148  coupled to the posts  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  at the top end  144  of the base  102 . Each of the posts  122 - 128  includes a foot  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  rotatably coupled to the bottom end  138 , with rotation of the individual feet  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  providing adjustment of the elevation of the posts  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . A horizontal mounting plate  158  is mounted between the cross frames  140 ,  142 , and a top mounting plate  160  is mounted at the top end  144  of the base  102  (e.g., coupled to the cross frames  146 ,  148 ). In some embodiments, the top mounting plate  160  can define a substantially planar or flat structure with a linear rear edge  162  and a rounded front edge  164 . 
     The indexing station  104  includes a magazine  170  and a substantially cylindrical housing  172  that is fixedly coupled to the top mounting plate  160 . The magazine  170  is rotatably disposed within the housing  172 , and defines a substantially cylindrical shape with a plurality of half-circle cutouts  174  (e.g., twelve cutouts) radially disposed at equal increments along the perimeter of the magazine  170 . The cutouts  174  are configured and dimensioned to receive individual cucumbers  108  and maintain the cucumbers  108  in a substantially vertical orientation (e.g., parallel to a vertical rotation axis  176  of the magazine  170 ) between the half-circle cutouts  174  of the magazine  170  and the inner surface of the housing  172 . 
     The diameter  178  of the magazine  170  is dimensioned smaller than the diameter  180  of the housing  172 , thereby leaving sufficient space between the cutouts  174  and the inner surface of the housing  172  to receive the cucumbers  108 . In some embodiments, the diameters  178 ,  180  are selected such that a cucumber  108  positioned within a cutout  174  abuts the cutout  174  on one lateral side and abuts the inner surface of the housing  172  on the opposing lateral side to ensure that the position of the cucumber  108  is maintained within the indexing station  104  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). 
     One or more components of the indexing station  104 , e.g., the magazine  170 , are rotatably coupled to the top mounting plate  160 . The apparatus  100  includes drive means in the form of a motor  166  (e.g., a cucumber index servo motor or stepper motor) mounted to the mounting plate  158 . A shaft  168  extends from the motor  166  through the mounting plates  158 ,  160  and is coupled to the magazine  170  of the indexing station  104 . The motor  166  drives rotation of the shaft  168  which, in turn, rotates the magazine  170  relative to the top mounting plate  160 . 
     The indexing station  104  additionally includes an infeed chute  182  mounted to one side of the housing  172 . The infeed chute  182  defines a loading section of the indexing station  104 . The infeed chute  182  can be tapered to urge cucumbers  108  into the housing  172 . The housing  172  can include a corresponding radial cutout  184  formed therein such that a cucumber  108  placed into the infeed chute  182  slides through the cutout  184  in the housing  172  and into an empty cutout  174  of the magazine  170 . The motor  166  can rotate or index the platform  172  such that empty cutouts  174  are positioned adjacent to the infeed chute  182  for loading of additional cucumbers  108  into the indexing station  104 . In some embodiments, the cucumbers  108  can be loaded into the infeed chute  182  manually and/or by an automated process. 
     In some embodiments, the indexing station  104  can include a top cover  186  defining a substantially mushroom shape, with the top cover  186  covering a central portion of the indexing station  104  and a partial radial portion of the magazine  170 . In particular, the top cover  186  can be shaped such that one radial portion of the magazine  170  (e.g., approximately 180°-250°) is exposed to provide visibility of the cucumbers  108  loaded into the indexing station  104 , while the remaining radial portion of the magazine  170  is covered for safety purposes in the area where the cucumbers  108  are sliced. In some embodiments, the top cover  186  can be transparent and covers the entire indexing station  104  (except for the infeed chute  182 ), such that both visibility of the loaded cucumbers  108  and safety in the slicing area is provided. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  172  includes a bottom surface along which the cucumbers  108  move as the magazine  170  is rotated. In some embodiments, the top mounting plate  160  acts as the bottom surface for the housing  172  and the cucumbers  108  move along the top mounting plate  160  in a radial motion as the magazine  170  is rotated. Under the front-most radial position of the magazine  170 , the top mounting plate  160  includes a circular opening  188  extending therethrough. The opening  188  is positioned such that the cucumber  108  in the magazine  170  above the opening  188  is aligned with a guide  190 . The guide  190  is shown schematically (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and can extend between the top mounting plate  160  and the filling station  106 . The guide  190  can function to guide cut cucumber spears  120  into a cartridge  110 , but can also be configured to center a cucumber  108  prior to cutting. In some embodiments, the guide  190  can be placed between the top mounting plate  160  and the indexing station  104 . In some aspects, the top mounting plate  160  and/or the guide  190  can be a part of the indexing station  104 . 
     The apparatus  100  also includes a static blade  192  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) that can be positioned within the guide  190  or the top mounting plate  160 . The static blade  192  can also be a part of the indexing station  104 . The blade  192  defines a substantially cross-shaped configuration such that it can cut a cucumber  108  into four equal-sized spears  120 . The indexing station  104  includes a first actuator  194  disposed and aligned above the housing  172  at a position corresponding with the opening  188 . In some embodiments, the actuator  194  can be in the form of an air cylinder including an extendable arm  196 . Upon rotation of the magazine  170  such that a cucumber  108  is positioned over the opening  188 , the actuator  194  can extend the arm  196  downwardly (e.g., toward the top mounting plate  160 ). Notably, rather than continuous rotation, the magazine  170  is indexed into corresponding positions by predetermined angles to sequentially position the cucumbers  108  over the opening  188 . 
     Extension of the arm  196  imparts a downward force on the cucumber  108  disposed over the opening  188 , pushing the cucumber  108  into the guide  190  and through the blade  192 . Passage of the cucumber  108  through the cross-shaped blade  192  slices the cucumber  108  into four individual spears  120  to be placed in the central open space  118  of the jars  114 . Although shown as an air cylinder, it should be understood that any type of hydraulic, electrical, and/or mechanical actuator can be used to urge the cucumber  108  through the guide  190  and the blade  192 . For clarity, components associated with the actuator  194  (e.g., sensors, controller, valve(s), compressed air lines, solenoid vales, or the like) are not shown. 
     The filling station  106  includes a top platform  198  and a bottom platform  200  mounted on opposing sides of the cartridges  110 . Although shown as including three cartridges  110  radially spaced between the top and bottom platforms  198 ,  200 , in some embodiments two or more cartridges  110  can be implemented. The assembly of the top platform  198  and cartridges  110  can be rotatably disposed within a substantially cylindrical housing  202 . The apparatus  100  includes drive means in the form of a motor  204  (e.g., a spear index servo motor) disposed over the filling station  106 , with a shaft  206  extending from the motor  204  and coupled to the top and/or bottom platforms  198 ,  200 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the magazine  170  and the cartridges  110  can be rotated in opposing directions. 
     In some embodiments, a single motor (e.g., either motor  166  or motor  204 ) can be used to drive rotation of components of both the indexing station  104  and the filling station  106 , with mechanical linkages coupling the components for the desired indexing. The motor  204  drives rotation of the shaft  206  which, in turn, drives rotation of the top platform  198  and the cartridges  110  about a vertical axis  208 . Rather than continuous rotation, the cartridges  110  are indexed into corresponding positions by predetermined angles either to receive the cut cucumber  108  or above a jar  114  for loading the spears  120  into the jar  114 . The axis  208  is substantially parallel to the axis  176 , while being laterally spaced from the axis  176 . 
     In some embodiments, the top mounting plate  160  can include an opening  210  spaced from the opening  188  and disposed near the front end of the top mounting plate  160 . The top platform  198  includes individual openings  212  formed therein and disposed over each of the cartridges  110 . As each cartridge  110  is rotated about the axis  208  and positioned below the guide  190 , spears  120  (e.g., four spears) from the sliced cucumbers  108  drop through the opening  212  and into the cartridge  110  where they are secured. The bottom platform  200  includes first and second spear discharge openings  214 ,  216  that align with the position of the remaining cartridges  110  that are not disposed below the guide  190 . Particularly, the spear openings  214 ,  216  are spaced and linearly aligned relative to each other, and are further aligned with two jars  114  disposed below the filling station  106 . The station of the bottom platform  200  below the guide  190  can include a third spear discharge opening  215  that is aligned with the position of the cartridge  110  disposed below the guide  190 , or can be free of openings to prevent undesired discharge of the spears from the cartridge  110 . 
     The apparatus  100  also includes second and third actuators  218 ,  220  with second and third extendable arms  222 ,  224  disposed over the filling station  106  and extending through the top mounting plate  160 . The second and third extendable arms  222 ,  224  are aligned over the spear discharge openings  214 ,  216  and can be extended through the openings  212 . In some embodiments, the actuators  218 ,  220  can be air cylinders or any other hydraulic, electrical and/or mechanical actuators capable of selectively extending and retracting the second and third extendable arms  222 ,  224 . 
     Upon positioning of the cartridges  110  holding spears above the spear discharge openings  214 ,  216 , the actuators  218 ,  220  can be individually, sequentially, or simultaneously driven to extend the second and third extendable arms  222 ,  224  through the openings  212  and into the respective cartridge  110 . Extending the second and third extendable arms  222 ,  224  into the cartridges  110  forces two spears  120  from each cartridge  110 , through the respective spear discharge opening  214 ,  216 , and into the central open space  118  of the jars  114  disposed below the filling station  106 . The apparatus also includes first and second sensors  221 ,  223  that can be respectively positioned adjacent the first and second spear discharge openings  214 ,  216  in the bottom platform  200 . The sensors  221 ,  223  are positioned and configured to determine if the central open space  118  in the jars  114  adjacent the spear discharge openings  214 ,  216  is obstructed or clear for the insertion of spears  120 . If the first sensor  221  determines that there the jar  114  adjacent the first spear discharge opening  214  does not have space, e.g., there is an obstruction, then the first actuator  218  will not be actuated and the second extendable arm  222  will not be extended, thus leaving the spears  120  in the cartridge  110  that would have otherwise been discharged. Similarly, if the second sensor  223  determines that the jar  114  adjacent the second spear discharge opening  216  does not have space, e.g., there is an obstruction, then the second actuator  220  will not be actuated and the third extendable arm  224  will not be extended, thus leaving the spears  120  in the cartridge  110  that would have otherwise been discharged. If spears  120  are left remaining in the cartridge  110  after it is indexed passed the second spear discharge opening  216  and positioned adjacent the guide  190 , then those remaining spears  120  will be forced out of the cartridge  110  and through the third spear discharge opening  215  by new spears  120  that are created from a new cucumber  108  forced through the guide  190  and blade  192  by the arm  192 . The spears  120  that are forced through the third opening  215  can be collected in a bucket and reused to fill gaps in the jars  114 . Alternatively, the apparatus  100  can include a fourth actuator  225 , e.g., an air cylinder operated plunger, that can be positioned and configured to extend through the top mounting plate  160  to force any remaining spears  120  out of the cartridge  110  and into a collection bucket or other receptacle for use by manual jar fillers. In such a configuration, the filling station  106  can include five indexing positions instead of the three positions shown in  FIG. 5 , and thus can include five containers  110  instead of three. Accordingly, each of the five containers  110  of the filling station  106  can be indexed through five different positions that are equidistantly spaced (e.g., spaced by 72°), namely: a first position where a cucumber is received from the indexing station  104 , cut, and loaded into a container  110 , a second idle position where no action is taken upon the container  110 , a third discharge position where two of the spears  120  are forced out from the cartridge  110  and into the central open space  118  of a first jar  114 , a fourth discharge position where the two remaining spears  120  are forced out from the cartridge  110  and into the central open space  118  of a second jar  114 , and a fifth discharge position where any remaining spears  120  that were not discharged from the cartridge  110  in either of the third discharge position or the fourth discharge position are forced out from the cartridge  110  by the fourth actuator  225  and into a bucket or other receptacle to be reused to fill gaps in the jars  114 . 
     Drive means in the form of a motor  226  (e.g., a servo motor) and shaft  228  can drive rotation of the helical indexer  112  to transfer or move the jars  114  along a platform (not shown) such that subsequent jars  114  can be filled by the filling station  106 . A guiding wall  230  can maintain the aligned position of the jars  114  as the jars  114  are moved by the helical indexer  112 . In some embodiments, rather than or in addition to the helical indexer  112 , a finger chain, an indexable conveyor, a walking conveyor, or a conveyor belt can be used. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show top and side views of the cartridge  110 . Each cartridge  110  includes a top flange  232  mounted to a cylindrical or rectangular housing  234 . The flange  232  includes a central opening  236 . The flange  232  can be used to mount the cartridge  110  to the bottom surface of the top platform  198  such that the opening  236  aligns with the opening  212  in the platform  198 . The housing  234  includes an inner chamber  238  configured and dimensioned to receive therein the sliced spears  240  after passage of the cucumber  108  through the guide  190 . 
     The cartridge  110  includes four L-shaped brackets or plates  242  disposed within the housing  234  and positioned against each other. The plates  242  separate the chamber  238  into four equally sized inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 , e.g., a first inner chamber  244 , a second inner chamber  246 , a third inner chamber  248 , and a fourth inner chamber  250 . In some embodiments, rather than L-shaped plates  242 , two crisscrossing plates or a single cross-shaped plate can be used. Each of the inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  includes a spring-biased keeper  252  that urges each individual spear  240  against the inner corner of the respective inner chamber  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  (e.g., against the plates  242 ). The top end of the keepers  252  can be mounted to the inner surface of the top flange  232 , while the opposing end of each keeper  252  is allowed to flex as needed to allow the spear  240  to drop into the respective inner chamber  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  and maintain the spear  240  within the inner chamber  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 . Particularly, the keepers  252  maintain the spears  240  within the inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  and prevent undesired passage of the spear  240  through the opening  254  at the bottom of the housing  234 . The spring-biased nature of the keepers  252  allows for automatic adjustment of the position of the keeper  252  to ensure proper pressure is maintained on spears  240  of different sizes. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9 , are respectively top perspective and bottom perspective views of the first and second extendable arms  222 ,  224 . The extendable arms  222 ,  224  are identical and include an upper cylindrical body  256  having first and second legs  258 ,  260  extending therefrom. The upper cylindrical body  256  includes mounting holes  262  that assist with mounting the extendable arms  222 ,  224  to the respective actuator  218 ,  220 . The first and second legs  258 ,  260  of the extendable arms  222 ,  224  are generally shaped as quarter-circles and are configured to be inserted into the inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  of each cartridge  110 . The first and second legs  258 ,  260  are generally diametrically opposed from one another such that there are two spaces between them. 
     Accordingly, when the first and second legs  258 ,  260  are inserted into a cartridge  110 , the first and second legs  258 ,  260  will be inserted into diametrically opposed inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 . For example, the first inner chamber  244  and the third inner chamber  248  would make-up a first pair of chambers, while the second inner chamber  246  and the fourth inner chamber  250  would make-up a second pair of chambers. Thus, if the first leg  258  is inserted into the first inner chamber  244  then the second leg  260  would be inserted into the third inner chamber  248 , and if the first leg  258  is inserted into the second inner chamber  246  then the second leg  260  would be inserted into the fourth inner chamber  250 . During operation, the first and second legs  258 ,  260  of the first extendable arm  222  are inserted into one of the pair of inner chambers, e.g., the first inner chamber  244  and the third inner chamber  248 , while the first and second legs  258 ,  260  of the second extendable arm  222  are inserted into the second pair of inner chambers, e.g., the second inner chamber  246  and the fourth inner chamber  250 . This configuration ensures that all four inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  are emptied of their spear  240 . Additionally, the first and second legs  258 ,  260  can also include a chamfered end  264 ,  266  that assists with insertion of the first and second legs  258 ,  260  into the cartridge  110 . 
     As noted above, in some embodiments, the bottom platform  200  includes spear discharge openings  214 ,  216  at positions above the jars  114  for filling the jars  114  with the spears through the openings  214 ,  216  by pressure imparted by the actuators  218 ,  220 . In some embodiments, the bottom platform  200  can include multiple openings or be completely open. In both embodiments, the spring-biased keepers  252  maintain the spears  240  within the cartridge  110  until the actuators  218 ,  220  impart a force on one or more spears  240 . The force from the actuators  218 ,  220  overcomes the spring force from the keepers  252 . 
     During operation of the apparatus  100 , the three actuators  194 ,  218 ,  220  will operate substantially simultaneously in order to cut a whole cucumber  108  into four spears  240  at the same time that two spears  240  are discharged from a cartridge  110  adjacent the first spear discharge opening  214  into a first jar  114  and two spears are discharged from a cartridge  110  adjacent the second spear discharge opening  216  into a second jar  114 . That is, during each actuation, the following will occur: 1) the first actuator  194  extends its associated arm  196  downward imparting a downward force on a cucumber  108  held by the magazine  170  over the opening  188  in the top mounting plate  160 , thus forcing the cucumber  108  through the guide  190  and the blade  192 , cutting the cucumber  108  into a plurality of spears  120 , and urging the spears  120  into a cartridge  110  that is adjacent the guide  190 ; 2) the second actuator  218  extends its associated extendable arm  222  through the aligned opening  212  in the top platform  198  and into the aligned cartridge  110  such that the first and second legs  258 ,  260  are inserted into opposing inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 , e.g., the first inner chamber  244  and the third inner chamber  248 , thus forcing two of the four spears  240  out of the cartridge  110 , through the first spear discharge opening  214 , and into the central open space  118  of a first jar  114  that is below the first spear discharge opening  214 ; and 3) the third actuator  220  extends its associated extendable arm  224  through the aligned opening  212  in the top platform  198  and into the aligned cartridge  110  such that the first and second legs  258 ,  260  are inserted into the opposing inner chambers  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250  that the first arm  222  was not inserted into, e.g., the second inner chamber  246  and the fourth inner chamber  250 , thus forcing the two remaining spears  240  out of the cartridge  110 , through the second spear discharge opening  216 , and into the central open space  118  of a second jar  114  that is below the second spear discharge opening  216 . 
     Thus, prior to each actuation the cartridge  110  adjacent the opening  188  in the top mounting plate  160  will generally contain no spears  240 , the cartridge  110  adjacent the first spear discharge opening  214  will generally contain four spears  240 , and the cartridge  110  adjacent the second spear discharge opening  216  will generally contain two spears  240 . Of course, this is unless one of the sensors  221 ,  223  prevented one of the actuators  218 ,  220  from actuating in accordance with the above discussion. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the number of spears contained in each cartridge  110  at each position may vary depending on the number of spears  240  that a cucumber  108  was cut into, and the number of inner chambers in each cartridge  110 . 
     Further, after each actuation is complete the cartridge  110  adjacent the opening  188  in the top mounting plate  160  will generally contain four spears  240 , the cartridge  110  adjacent the first spear discharge opening  214  will generally contain two spears  240 , and the cartridge  110  adjacent the second spear discharge opening  216  will generally contain no spears  240 . After each actuation is complete, the magazine  170  is indexed one step by the motor  166  to place a whole cucumber  108  adjacent the opening  188 , the cartridges  110  are indexed one step by the motor  204  to place an empty cartridge  110  adjacent the opening  188 , and the jars  114  are indexed two steps by the motor  226  and helical indexer  112  so that two new jars  114  having a central open space  118  are positioned adjacent the first and second spear discharge openings  214 ,  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom platform  200  can include a dead plate having multiple openings (instead of or in addition to the keepers  252 ). In such embodiments, when the cartridge  110  is rotated to a position over a jar  114 , the dead plate exposes one or more of the spears  240  and allows the one or more spears  240  to fall out of the cartridge  110  and into the jar  114 . For example, in one embodiment, the dead plate exposes two opposing spears  240  and, upon further rotation of the cartridge  110 , the dead plate exposes the remaining two opposing spears  240 . The dead plate thereby allows the opposing spears  240  to be sequentially dispensed from the cartridge  110  in pairs. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is configured to place two opposing spears  240  (e.g., quarters) in a single jar  114  during each operation of the actuators  218 ,  220 . In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is configured to place two opposing spears  240  from two cartridges  110  into two adjacently positioned jars  114  during each operation of the actuators  218 ,  220 . In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is configured to place two adjacently disposed spears  240  into a jar  114 . In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is configured to place all four spears  240  from one cartridge  110  into a single jar  114  during each operation of the actuators  218 ,  220 . In some embodiments, the filling station  106  is configured to place two opposing spears  240  from a cartridge  110  into a first jar  114 , rotate or index the cartridge  110  to be positioned over a second jar  114 , and places the remaining two opposing spears  240  from the cartridge  110  into the second jar  114 . 
     In some embodiments, the blade  192  can cut the cucumber  108  into more than four spears  240  and the cartridge  110  includes plates  242  that separate the chamber  238  into a corresponding number of individual chambers. In some embodiments, the filing station  106  can include an opening in the bottom platform  200  below the guide  190  such that the spears  240  can drop into a storage container for future manual insertion or disposal. In such embodiments, rather than dropping into a cartridge  110 , the spears  240  can drop into the storage or waste container. 
     In some embodiments, rather than a storage or waste container, the apparatus  100  can include a conveyor belt that transfers the spears  240  to a different location or container. In some embodiments, the spears  240  of the first sliced cucumber  108  can be placed into a cartridge  110  and a second cucumber  108  can be sliced with the spears  240  being directed into the same cartridge  110 . In such embodiments, the spears  240  from the second cucumber  108  push out the spears  240  of the first cucumber  108  from the cartridge  110 , through an opening in the bottom platform  200  and into a storage or waste container. 
     Thus, in operation, whole cucumbers  108  are loaded into the housing  172  of the indexing station  104 . The magazine  170  of the indexing station  104  is indexed incrementally to position a cucumber  108  over the guide  190 . The actuator  194  is driven to push the cucumber  108  downwardly through the guide  190  and blade  192 . As the cucumber  108  passes through the blade  192 , the cucumber  108  is sliced into two or more spears  240 . The spears  240  drop or are driven into a cartridge  110  of the filling station  106 . The cartridge  110  is indexed incrementally to position the cartridge  110  over a jar  114 . In one embodiment, an actuator  218  is driven to push two opposing spears  240  from the cartridge  110  and into the central open space  118  within the jar  114 . The cartridge  110  is indexed further to be positioned over a second jar  114  and the actuator  220  is driven to push the two remaining opposing spears  240  from the cartridge  110  and into the central open space  118  within the second jar  114 . Filling of the central open space  118  is thereby performed in an automated and efficient manner. 
       FIGS. 10-13  are respectively top perspective, bottom perspective, exploded, and top views of a second embodiment cartridge  268  that can be used in place of the cartridges  110  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The cartridge  268  includes a cylindrical body  270 , four mounts  272  extending radially from the cylindrical body  270 , and four keeper assemblies  274  each secured to a respective mount  272 . The cylindrical body  270  is generally open at the top and bottom and includes internal plates  276  that divide an internal chamber of the cylindrical body  270  into four equally sized inner chambers  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 , e.g., a first inner chamber  278 , a second inner chamber  280 , a third inner chamber  282 , and a fourth inner chamber  284 , configured and dimensioned to receive therein the sliced spears  240  after passage of the cucumber  108  through the guide  190  and blade  192 . 
     Each of the inner chambers  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284  has a keeper assembly  274  associated therewith that urges each individual spear  240  against the inner corner of the respective inner chamber  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284  (e.g., against the plates  276 ). Specifically, each keeper assembly  274  includes a keeper arm  286 , a spring  288 , and a pin  290 . The keeper arm  286  includes a spear contacting body  292  and a mounting flange  294  having an upper surface  296  and a hole  298  extending therethrough. Each keeper assembly  274  is secured to a mount  272  by the pin  290  which extends through a hole  300  of the mount  272  and the hole  298  of the keeper arm  286 , thus allowing the keeper arm  286  to rotate about the pin  290 . The spring  288  is secured between the upper surface  296  of the mounting flange  294  and the mount  272  such that it biases the spear contacting body  292  radially inward and through a respective removed section  302  in the cylindrical body  270  and into one of the inner chamber  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 . The cylindrical body  270  can also include four removed sections  302 , one for each of the four keeper assemblies  274 , which permit the spear contacting body  292  of each keeper assembly  274  to extend into the associated inner chamber  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 . The springs  288  allow each of the keeper arms  286  to flex outward as needed to allow the spear  240  to drop into the respective inner chamber  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 , but provides sufficient biasing force so that the keeper arms  286  maintain the spear  240  within the respective inner chamber  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 . Particularly, the keeper arms  286  maintain the spears  240  within the inner chambers  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284  and prevent undesired passage of the spear  240  through the cylindrical body  270 . The spring-biased nature of the keeper arms  286  allows for automatic adjustment of the position of the keeper arms  286  to ensure proper pressure is maintained on spears  240  of different sizes. Additionally, the keeper arms  286  extend below the cylindrical body  270  such that they can be inserted into a jar  114  and assist with insertion of the spears  240  into the central open space  118  of the jar  114 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are respectively top perspective and top views of a centering guide  304  of the present disclosure that can be implemented with the apparatus  100  in place of the guide  190  or in addition to the guide  190 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the centering guide  304  can include the blade  192 , which can be integral with the centering guide  304 . 
       FIGS. 16-26  show the centering guide  304  in greater detail.  FIGS. 16 and 17  are perspective views of the centering guide  304  in a closed position and an open position, respectively.  FIGS. 18 and 19  are side elevational views of the centering guide  304  in the closed position and the open position, respectively.  FIGS. 20 and 21  are top plan views of the centering guide  304  in the closed position and the open position, respectively. The centering guide  304  generally includes a blade mount ring  306 , first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , a pivot mount ring  310 , a plurality of guide rail subassemblies  312 , and a central axis A. 
       FIG. 22  is a partially exploded perspective view of the centering guide  304  showing one of the plurality of guide rail subassemblies  312  exploded. All of the guide rail subassemblies  312  can be identical in constructions. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of one guide rail subassembly  312  holds true for all of the guide rail subassemblies  312 . Each of the guide rail subassemblies  312  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the blade mount ring  306 , the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the pivot mount ring  310 . Each of the guide rail subassemblies  312  includes a guide rail  314 , first and second pivot linkages  316   a ,  316   b , and first and second forked linkages  318   a ,  318   b . The first pivot linkage  316   a  and the first forked linkage  318   a  can form a first linkage subassembly, while the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the second forked linkage  318   b  can form a second linkage subassembly. 
       FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a guide rail subassembly  312 . The guide rail  314  includes a body  320  having a substantially vertical face  322 , a tapered face  324 , a first hole  326 , and a second hole  328 . The tapered face  324  can be positioned at a top portion of the body  320  and taper inward toward the substantially vertical face  322  so that the width of the body  320  increases as it approaches the substantially vertical face  322 . The width of the body  320  is substantially constant along the length of the substantially vertical face  322 . The first and second holes  326 ,  328  can be spaced apart from each other and are configured to mount with the first and second pivot linkages  316   a ,  316   b , respectively, e.g., via a pin. In this regard, the first and second pivot linkages  316   a ,  316   b  can be identical in construction and include a body  330 , bottom legs  332   a ,  332   b , intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b , and top arms  336   a ,  336   b . The bottom legs  332   a ,  332   b  are spaced apart and include a first pivot hole  338  extending therethrough. The intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b  are spaced apart and include a second pivot hole  340  extending therethrough. The top arms  336   a ,  336   b  are spaced apart and include a third pivot hole  342  extending therethrough. The first pivot linkage  316   a  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the guide rail  314 , the pivot mount ring  310 , and the first forked linkage  318   a . The second pivot linkage  316   b  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the guide rail  314 , the blade mount ring  306 , and the second forked linkage  318   b . Regarding the connection to the guide rail  314 , the first pivot linkage  316   a  is configured to have the body  320  of the guide rail  314  positioned between the first and second legs  332   a ,  332   b  with the first pivot hole  338  aligned with the first hole  326  of the guide rail  314 . A pin can be inserted through the first pivot hole  338  and the first hole  326  to permit rotation between the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the guide rail  314 . Similarly, the second pivot linkage  316   b  is configured to have the body  320  of the guide rail  314  positioned between the first and second legs  332   a ,  332   b  with the first pivot hole  338  aligned with the second hole  328  of the guide rail  314 . A pin can be inserted through the first pivot hole  338  and the second hole  328  to permit rotation between the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the guide rail  314 . 
     The first and second forked linkages  318   a ,  318   b  can be identical in construction and include a body  344  and forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  extending from the body  344 . The body  344  can include a through-hole  348 , while the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  can include a mounting hole  350  extending through both forked arms  346   a ,  346   b . The first forked linkage  318   a  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the first outer ring  308   a . Specifically, the body  344  of the first forked linkage  318   a  is configured to be placed between the top arms  335   a ,  335   b  of the first pivot linkage  316   a  with the through-hole  348  aligned with the third pivot hole  342  of the first and second top arms  336   a ,  336   b  of the first pivot linkage  316   a . A pin can be inserted through the third pivot hole  342  and the through-hole  348  to permit rotation between the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the first forked linkage  318   a . The second forked linkage  318   b  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the second outer ring  308   b . Specifically, the body  344  of the second forked linkage  318   b  is configured to be placed between the top arms  336   a ,  336   b  of the second pivot linkage  316   b  with the through-hole  348  aligned with the third pivot hole  342  of the first and second top arms  336   a ,  336   b  of the second pivot linkage  316   b . A pin can be inserted through the third pivot hole  342  and the through-hole  348  to permit rotation between the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the second forked linkage  318   b.    
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the blade mount ring  306 . The blade mount ring  306  includes an annular body  352  defining a central opening  353 , a plurality of mounting legs  354  (e.g., four), a plurality of linkage mounts  356  (e.g., four) extending from the annular body  352 , and a plurality of blades  192  (e.g., four) secured to the annular body  352  and the mounting legs  354 . The plurality of mounting legs  354  can include a mounting hole  358  configured to receive a rod  359  therethrough, which can be utilized to tie the blade mount ring  306 , the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the pivot mount ring  310  together, discussed in greater detail below. The plurality of linkage mounts  356  can be equidistantly spaced and extend from the annular body  352 . Additionally, each of the plurality of linkage mounts  356  can include a mount hole  360  extending therethrough. The plurality of blades  192  extend radially inward toward the central axis A of the centering guide  304 , with the cutting edge facing upward. The blade mount ring  306  can be stationary, e.g., so that it does not translate along the rods  359  extending through the mounting holes  358 . As described above, the second pivot linkage  316   b  of each guide rail subassembly  312  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the blade mount ring  306 . Specifically, the intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b  are configured to receive one of the linkage mounts  356  therebetween with the mount hole  360  aligned with the second pivot hole  340  extending through the intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b . A pin can be inserted through the second pivot hole  340  and the mount hole  360  to permit rotation between the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the blade mount ring  306 . 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , which can be identical in construction. The first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b  include an annular body  362  defining a central opening  363 , a plurality of mounting extensions  364  (e.g., four), and a plurality of linkage extensions  366  (e.g., four). The plurality of mounting extensions  364  extend from the annular body  362  and each include a mounting hole  368  extending therethrough. The plurality of mounting extensions  364  are spaced and positioned so that the mounting holes  368  thereof are vertically aligned with the mounting holes  358  of the blade mount ring  306 . Accordingly, the rod  359  can extend through the mounting holes  368  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b  and the mounting holes  358  of the blade mount ring  306 , thus vertically aligning the central opening  353  of the blade mount ring  306  with the central opening  363  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b . The first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b  can be configured to slide vertically along the rod, discussed in greater detail below. The plurality of linkage extensions  366  can be equidistantly spaced and extend radially from the annular body  362 . Additionally, each of the plurality of linkage extensions  366  can include a mounting hole  370  extending therethrough. 
     As described above, the first forked linkage  318   a  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the first outer ring  308   a . Specifically, the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  of the first forked linkage  318   a  are configured to receive one of the plurality of linkage extensions  366  of the first outer ring  308   a  therebetween with the mounting hole  350  extending through the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  aligned with the mounting hole  370  of the linkage extension  366 . A pin can be inserted through the mounting hole  350  and extend through the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  and the mounting hole  370  of the linkage extension to permit rotation between the first forked linkage  318   a  and the first outer ring  308   a.    
     As described above, the second forked linkage  318   b  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the second outer ring  308   b . Specifically, the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  of the second forked linkage  318   b  are configured to receive one of the plurality of linkage extensions  366  of the second outer ring  308   b  therebetween with the mounting hole  350  extending through the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  aligned with the mounting hole  370  of the linkage extension  366 . A pin can be inserted through the mounting hole  350  and extend through the forked arms  346   a ,  346   b  and the mounting hole  370  of the linkage extension to permit rotation between the second forked linkage  318   b  and the second outer ring  308   b.    
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the pivot mount ring  310 . The pivot mount ring  310  includes an annular body  372  defining a central opening  373 , a plurality of mounting legs  374  (e.g., four), and a plurality of linkage mounts  376  (e.g., four) extending from the annular body  372 . Each of the plurality of mounting legs  374  can include a mounting hole  378  configured to receive the rod  359  therethrough. The plurality of mounting legs  374  are spaced and positioned so that the mounting holes  378  thereof are vertically aligned with the mounting holes  368  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b  and the mounting holes  358  of the blade mount ring  306 . Accordingly, the rod  359  can extend through the mounting holes  378  of the pivot mount ring  310 , the mounting holes  368  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the mounting holes  358  of the blade mount ring  306 , thus vertically aligning the central opening  373  of the pivot mount ring  310  with the central opening  353  of the blade mount ring  306  and the central openings  363  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b . The pivot mount ring  310  can be configured to slide vertically along the rods, discussed in greater detail below. The plurality of linkage mounts  376  can be equidistantly spaced and extend from the annular body  372 . Additionally, each of the plurality of linkage mounts  376  can include a mount hole  380  extending therethrough. As described above, the first pivot linkage  316   a  of each guide rail subassembly  312  is configured to be rotatably mounted to the pivot mount ring  310 . Specifically, the intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b  are configured to receive one of the linkage mounts  376  therebetween with the mount hole  380  aligned with the second pivot hole  340  extending through the intermediate mounts  334   a ,  334   b . A pin can be inserted through the second pivot hole  340  and the mount hole  380  to permit rotation between the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the pivot mount ring  310 . 
     Accordingly, when the centering guide  304  is fully constructed, the blade mount ring  306  is at a bottom position, the second outer ring  308   b  is positioned above and adjacent the blade mount ring  306 , the pivot mount ring  310  is positioned above and adjacent the second outer ring  308   b , and the first outer ring  308   a  is positioned above and adjacent the pivot mount ring  310 , such that the central opening  373  of the pivot mount ring  310 , the central openings  363  of the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the central opening  353  of the blade mount ring  306  are vertically aligned. Additionally, each of the guide rail subassemblies  312  (e.g., four) are equidistantly mounted to the blade mount ring  306 , the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the pivot mount ring  310 , with the guide rails  314  thereof being spaced equidistantly and positioned within the central openings  353 ,  363 ,  373 . Accordingly, engagement of the guide rail subassemblies  312  with the blade mount ring  306 , the first and second outer rings  308   a ,  308   b , and the pivot mount ring  310  allow for the guide rails  314  to be urged radially inward and outward respective to the central axis A, while the first outer ring  308   a , the second outer ring  308   b , and the pivot mount ring  310  are permitted to translate vertically along the rods. 
     As noted above,  FIGS. 16, 18, and 20  are respectively perspective, side elevational, and top plan views of the centering guide  304  in the closed position, while  FIGS. 17, 19, and 21  are respectively perspective, side elevational, and top plan views of the centering guide  304  in the open position. When the centering guide  304  is in the closed position ( FIGS. 16, 18, and 20 ), the guide rail  314  of each guide rail subassembly  312  is positioned radially inward and closer to the central axis A, e.g., compared to the open position ( FIGS. 17, 19, and 21 ), and is configured to engage a cucumber or other food product that is inserted into the centering guide  304 . When the cucumber or other food product is inserted into the centering guide  340  it first contacts the tapered faces  324  of one or more of the guide rails  314 , which center the cucumber between all of the guide rails  314 . As the cucumber is urged further downward, e.g., by an actuator such as an air cylinder, it will engage and slide along the substantially vertical faces  322  of the guide rails  314  and urge the guide rails  314  radially outward, thus forcing the centering guide  304  into the open position based on the width of the cucumber. As the guide rails  314  are urged radially outward, each guide rail  314  will rotate with respect to the connected first pivot linkage  316   a , each of the first pivot linkages  316   a  will be caused by the connected guide rail  314  to rotate with respect to the connected guide rail  314 , linkage mount  376  of the pivot mount ring  310 , and body  344  of the first forked linkage  318   a , and each first forked linkage  318   a  will rotate with respect to the connected first pivot linkage  316   a  and the linkage extension  366  of the first outer ring  308   a . This will cause the first outer ring  308   a  and the pivot mount ring  310  to translate along the rods  359  and move away from each other, e.g., the first outer ring  308   a  will be urged upward while the pivot mount ring  310  will be urged downward. 
     Moreover, movement of a single guide rail  314  radially outward causes all of the guide rails  314  to be moved radially outward by an equal amount, which maintains the cucumber in vertical alignment with the central axis A of the centering guide  304 . This occurs because all of the first pivot linkages  316   a , e.g., of all four of the guide rail subassemblies  312 , are rotatably secured to a respective linkage mount  376  of the pivot mount ring  310 , and all of the first forked linkages  318   a , e.g., of all four of the guide rail subassemblies  312 , are rotatably secured to a respective linkage extension  366  of the first outer ring  308   a , That is, when one of the guide rails  314  is urged radially outward, the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the first forked linkage  318   a  associated with that guide rail  314  will cause the entire first outer ring  308   a  and the entire pivot mount ring  310  to separate from each other and translate along the rods. The vertical translation of the entire first outer ring  308   a  and the entire pivot mount ring  310  causes the first pivot linkage  316   a  and the first forked linkage  318   a  of the other guide rail subassemblies  312  to pull the guide rail  314  associated therewith radially outward and away from the central axis A of the centering guide  304 . Thus, all of the guide rails  314  will move in unison, allowing the centering guide  304  to accommodate cucumbers of varying sizes, widths, and symmetries, while keeping such cucumbers centered. 
     As the cucumber is urged further downward through the centering guide  304  and along the substantially vertical faces  322  of the guide rails  314 , e.g., along the central axis A, the lower portions of the guide rails  314  will be urged radially outward. As the lower portions of the guide rails  314  are urged radially outward, each guide rail  314  will rotate with respect to the connected second pivot linkage  316   b , each of the second pivot linkages  316   b  will rotate with respect to the connected guide rail  314 , linkage mount  356  of the blade mount ring  306 , and body  344  of the second forked linkage  318   b , and each second forked linkage  318   b  will rotate with respect to the connected second pivot linkage  316   b  and linkage extension  366  of the second outer ring  308   b . This will cause the second outer ring  308   b  to translate along the rods  359  and move away from the blade mount ring  306 , e.g., the second outer ring  308   b  will be urged upward away from the blade mount ring  306 . 
     Moreover and as noted above, movement of a single guide rail  314  radially outward will result in all of the guide rails  314  being moved radially outward by an equal amount, which maintains the cucumber in vertical alignment with the central axis A of the centering guide  304 . This is because all of the second pivot linkages  316   b , e.g., of all four of the guide rail subassemblies  312 , is rotatably secured to a respective linkage mount  356  of the blade mount ring  306 , and all of the second forked linkages  318   b , e.g., of all four of the guide rail subassemblies  312 , is rotatably secured to a respective linkage extension  366  of the second outer ring  308   a , That is, when one of the guide rails  314  is urged radially outward, the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the second forked linkage  318   b  associated with that guide rail  314  will cause the entire second outer ring  308   b  to separate from the entire blade mount ring  306  and translate along the rods. Vertical translation of the entire second outer ring  308   b  causes the second pivot linkage  316   b  and the second forked linkage  318   b  of the other guide rail subassemblies  312  to pull the guide rail  314  associated therewith radially outward and away from the central axis A of the centering guide  304 . Thus, all of the guide rails  314  will move in unison, allowing the centering guide  304  to accommodate cucumbers of varying sizes, widths, and symmetries, while keeping such cucumbers centered. 
     Additionally, each of the guide rail subassemblies  312  can be spring biased toward the central axis A, e.g., by springs positioned between the first pivot linkages  116   a  and the pivot mount ring  310 , and between the second pivot linkages  116   b  and the blade mount ring  306 . Accordingly, the guide rail subassemblies  312  can be biased toward the closed position, and can return to the closed position once the cucumber is urged through the entirety of the centering guide  304 . 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.