Patent ID: RE42886

Claim:
A method of processing green onions having bulbs including root crowns comprising: securing providing a clamping member; providing a pair of liked sized reversely rotating members spaced a first distance from the clamping member; clamping a top portion of each of the green onions with the bottom of their root crowns spaced the first distance from the clamping member ; moving the secured clamped green onions in a generally vertical disposition with their root crowns disposed adjacent to the rotating members to cause extending roots to move into engagement with a pair of like sized reversely the nip of the rotating members spaced a short distance from the root crowns ; driving the rotating members sufficiently to apply an abrupt jarring force to a bottom portion of each of the green onions acting substantially in the direction opposite the top portion and in line between the top and bottom portions of each one of the green onions to rip apart a root crown to separate a bottom portion only of the root crown from the remaining portion of each green onion or removing a substantial portion of the roots upon engaging the rotating members; and packaging the green onions in a container.