Fine Pro Corporation

Edward Ortega

Carlos Ortega

An apparatus for the rapid removal of an extraneous portion of a produce item with minimal loss. The apparatus, rendered attachable to an agricultural processing implement by an integral attachment device, enables one-handed operation by a user. The apparatus includes a base section in operative combination with an elevated blade that not only enables the severing of the extraneous portion from the produce body, but also separates the extraneous portion therefrom, and guides the cleaned produce body towards a collection device, for instance, a picking box.

Apparatus and method for removing an extraneous portion of a produce item

Method for the rapid cleaning of produce with minimal loss, and apparatus to perform the method. The cleaning method taught in the present application enables the rapid cleaning of produce by removing an extraneous portion therefrom, by separating the extraneous portion from the body of the produce, and by urging the cleaned produce towards a collection device. These steps are attainable, using the principles of the present invention, by a working using only one motion and one hand. To perform the method, a novel aperture knife is taught which, rendered attachable to an agricultural processing implement by an integral attachment device, enables one-handed operation by a user. The knife includes a generally planar knife body in operative combination with an elevated blade which not only enables the severing of the extraneous portion from the produce body, but separates the extraneous portion therefrom, and guides the cleaned produce body towards a collection device, for instance a picking box.

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Salinas, CA, United States of America

Edward Ortega