FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DECAPPING MACHINE

摘要

A machine for detopping fruits and vegetables, specially suited for the decapping of strawberries by severing the top therefrom, comprises an endless upwardly-inclined loop type conveyor mounted on a sub-frame which is in turn mounted on a main frame for horizontal orbital motion relative thereto. The conveyor consists of a receiving station section inclined to the horizontal so that already decapped produce discharges against the travel of the conveyor, and a severing station section at a higher level than the receiving station section, a downwardlyextending discharge section and a return section. The conveyor consists of parallel rollers alternate ones of which are positively driven by pinion gears engaging rack members at the side so that cooperating pairs will grip the tops. Only product that has been so gripped can be conveyed upwards by the conveyor and presented to a transversely moving endless band severing knife at the severing station. The orbital motion causes the product to be orientated into a position which facilitates gripping of the tops by the cooperating roller pairs.