PRESSURIZED STEAM PITTING APPARATUS AND PROCESS

摘要

In accordance with the teachings of the disclosure, a process is disclosed for pitting drupes. In some embodiments of a pitting process, the pitting machine uses a pitting knife that has a longitudinal passageway that extends axially through the pitting knife. The pitting machine has a steam source that provides pressurized steam to the passageway of the pitting knife. Prior to pitting the drupe, the pressurized steam flows through the passageway and onto a portion of a drupe positioned within a carrier in the pitting machine. The heat and pressure of the steam between the drupe and the cutting end of the cutting knife can soften a localized portion of the drupe so that the cutting knife can cut through the flesh of the drupe and eject the pit out of the opposite side of the drupe.

主权项

1. A pitting machine comprising:
a pitting knife comprising a longitudinal body having a connector end and a cutting end, and a passageway extending between the connector end and the cutting end; a steam system configured to deliver steam at a specified temperature and pressure, wherein the steam system has one or more fluid conduits in fluid communication with the passageway of the pitting knife; a carrier configured to position a drupe upright within the carrier, wherein the carrier is configured to be conveyed by a conveyor system, wherein the pitting knife is configured to move relative to the position of the carrier to remove a pit from within the drupe; and a control system configured to control the position of the pitting knife relative to the drupe and the application of steam such that the steam is applied to a top portion of the drupe via the passageway prior to pitting the drupe.