초록 ▼

The system for peeling a fresh commodity includes barbs for piercing the peel in a plurality of spaced-apart locations. A vacuum infuser is used to infuse the pierced commodity with an aqueous solution to loosen the peel. A peeling device supports a fresh commodity in a first position. The commodity

The system for peeling a fresh commodity includes barbs for piercing the peel in a plurality of spaced-apart locations. A vacuum infuser is used to infuse the pierced commodity with an aqueous solution to loosen the peel. A peeling device supports a fresh commodity in a first position. The commodity is impelled toward a structure having cutting elements for scoring the peel to a predetermined depth. Preferably the scores are made along generally circumferential lines having substantially common endpoints. Peel grippers hold the peel between the scores and release the peeled commodity, such that the peel is retained on the gripping means. A thruster is positioned and adapted to force the commodity along a path to engage the cutting and peel-gripping elements.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An automated device for separating a peel from a flesh of a substantially elliptical commodity comprising:a frame having a central lumen dimensioned to permit a commodity to pass therethrough; means for simultaneously making a plurality of generally circumferential scores in the commodity, the sc

1. An automated device for separating a peel from a flesh of a substantially elliptical commodity comprising:a frame having a central lumen dimensioned to permit a commodity to pass therethrough; means for simultaneously making a plurality of generally circumferential scores in the commodity, the scores meeting at a first and a second common intersection point, to form a plurality of peel sectors, the scoring means comprising a plurality of support means, the support means each comprising a spaced-apart blade arm affixed adjacent an outer end to the frame and a blade affixed to an inner end of each of the support means, the support means spring loaded and biased to a central position wherein the blades are generally closely adjacent; means for gripping the peel sectors in a first position wherein the peel sectors are substantially in contact with the flesh; means for automatically moving the scored commodity from the scoring means to the gripping means; and means for pressing against the first intersection point and for permitting the gripping means to open to a second position wherein the peel sectors are substantially separated from the flesh.