Title of Invention	"A MACHINE USEFUL FOR CUTTING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES"
Abstract	A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a main frame (6), characterized in that the said main frame provided with: i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more first locating roller(s) (3), ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the fruit or vegetable, iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further cutting the fruit or vegetable, iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes the cut product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product.

Title of Invention

"A MACHINE USEFUL FOR CUTTING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES"

Abstract

A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a main frame (6), characterized in that the said main frame provided with: i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more first locating roller(s) (3), ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the fruit or vegetable, iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further cutting the fruit or vegetable, iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes the cut product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product.

Full Text	The present invention relates to a machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables. The machine of the present invention is particularly useful for cutting of lemon and such similar fruits. The cut pieces obtained using the machine of the present invention are of uniform dimension, size and are obtained in a continuous manner. The cut fruits and vegetables can be used in pickle preparation and other similar fruit processing industry. Pickle is popular in India and is considered as an important ingredient of the daily meal. Different types of pickles are produced in the country by different industries in various brands. Lemon, mango, tamarind, tomato are the common types of fruits used in preparing pickles in the country. Presently pickles are produced at cottage industry level, small scale level as well as in large scale by very few industry. Some of the main problems in producing them in cottage scale, small scale, large scale is the tedious operation of cutting the large quantities of fruits to the required shape and size continuously, particularly lemon. Attempt to produce continuous compact machines for cutting of lemon and other similar fruits, is the first of its kind. The pickle manufacturers are deprived of a suitable machine for lemon cutting and depend on the skill of the operators. Many a times the operators run the risk of cutting their fingers as well. In case a device is made available for continuous cutting of fruits and vegetables, such as lemon, which is one of the ingredients of pickles, it would reduce accidents, labor and drudgery on the part of laborers, help in hygienic operations, and enhance uniformity in quality and quantities. Traditionally, fruits and vegetables are cut using a sharp knife, manually. Most of the production centers are cottage and tiny industries, where processing is done manually and there is a scope for accident, non-uniformity in size, cut shape, geometry and unhygienic handling of the fruits. The cutting of fruits and vegetables is to be done carefully in any industry, especially the pickle processing industry. In order to overcome these difficulties, if a cost effective machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables is made available, it would mechanize large-scale production of different types of pickles by small and cottage scale manufacturers hygienically. Hitherto the process of cutting of fruits and vegetables is based on manual cutting. The operator uses a stainless steel knife for cutting the lemon in to four pieces. The fruit or vegetable is spread on the cutting table and the operator picks one at a time and cuts them in to four pieces. The knife and the table are to be kept clean during the process of cutting. The cut product is transferred in to a stainless steel tray or a vessel for further processing. The drawbacks of manual cutting are: > There is a variation in the size of the cut pieces. > Manual cutting will lead to non-uniform product sizes. > The operators cut their fingers, leading to unhygiene. > The table and the knife are prone for microbial contamination. > The process is labor intensive and human drudgery is very high. > The final geometry of the product would depend on the skill of the labor. The main object of the present invention is to provide a continuous circular cutting machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables. Another object is to provide hygienic conditions through mechanized operation. Still another object of the present invention is to reduce manual drudgery. Yet another object is to increase productivity. Still another object is to provide a machine capable of cutting fruits and vegetables of different sizes. The machine of the present invention overcomes most of the drawbacks of manual cutting of fruits and vegetables. In the drawing accompanying this specification, fig 1 represents an embodiment of the continuous circular cutting machine for fruits and vegetables. Accordingly the present invention provides a continuous circular cutting machine for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a main frame (6) provided with: i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more first locating roller(s) (3), ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the fruit or vegetable, iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further cutting the fruit or vegetable, iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes the cut product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product. In an embodiment, the first and second locating roller(s) are provided with slots, partition or compartments to selectively accommodate fruits or vegetables of different shapes and sizes. In another embodiment, the partition or compartments in the first and second locating roller(s) are adjustable. In still another embodiment, the machine has one or more geared motors (1) (not shown) for driving the first locating roller(s) (3) and the second locating roller(s) (5). In another embodiment, an AC drive/inverter (10) is used for varying the speed of the geared motor. In yet another embodiment, a set of sprocket (11) and chain (12) is used for transmitting the motion from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s). In another embodiment, the motor can be switched on and off using a switch (not Shown). In still another embodiment, supports (13) are provided for the first locating roller(s), first knife and the connecting chute. In another embodiment, supports (13A) are provided for the second locating roller(s), second knife and the connecting chute. In yet another embodiment, the geared motor, the locating roller(s) and the entire machine is covered all round using stainless steel sheet. In another embodiment, the material for the of construction of the first and second locating rollers, knives, main frame, chutes and the cover can be of any material and preferably of stainless steel for hygiene and good aesthetic look. The locating rollers may preferably be in circular shape and made of stainless steel. This however, does not restrict the invention as any alternate shape or material can be used. In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has first and second knives (4) and (7) respectively housed inside main frame (6). The first and second knives are adjustable to cut the fruit or vegetable to required depth or dimension. In still another embodiment, the continuous circular cutting machine is provided with a chute (8) for connecting the first locating roller(s) (3) with the second locating rollers (5). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an inlet chute (2) to feed the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into the first locating roller (3). In still another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an outlet chute (9) for discharging the cut material for further processing. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an electronic speed variator (10) for varying the speed of the locating rollers. In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a set of sprocket (11) and chain (12) for transmitting the motion from the first locating rollers to the second locating rollers. In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a cover (6) all round. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a tray (not shown) for holding the inlet and outlet material. The trays are provided at the inlet and outlet of chute (2) and chute (9). The applicant proposes a continuous circular cutting machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, for the first time according to this invention. The invention is based on our finding that cutting of fruits and vegetables in to any number/cuts under hygienic conditions using this device. The following example is given by way of illustration of the present invention and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. The working of the continuous circular cutting machine is explained below with particular reference to lemon. Example The washed lernon is transferred in to the tray of the cutting machine. A fruit or vegetable such as lemon flows in to the pockets of the locating rollers due to the gradient of the inlet chute. The locating roller carry/move the lemon against the stationery knife provided between the first set of locating rollers. The lemon is cut in to two and is fed in to the second set of rollers by the chute provided between the locating rollers. The second set of locating rollers again move the cut lemon against the knife, kept between the second set of locating roller. An outlet chute will discharge the cut lemon in to the tray/vessel. A geared motor drives the first set of locating rollers and a set of sprocket and chain transfer the motion from the first set of locating rollers to the second set. The speed of the geared motor can be varied by the help of the AC drive/inverter to fine-tune the process of cutting of the lemon. Thus, the lemon is cut into several fine pieces. The main advantages of the present invention are: > The lemon can be automatically cut to the required segments/pieces. > Uniformity in cut size can be controlled easily. > The device is versatile and can efficiently handle different sizes of lemon and other fruits with out grading. > Operation and maintenance is easy and cost effective too. > The complete operation of cutting lemon and other fruits is done hygienically. Based on stationery cutter and a rotating locating rollers concept, a machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables, untouched by hand is proposed for the first time according to this invention. As an important machine, different varieties and sizes of fruits and vegetables can be cut by using this machine. We claim: 1. A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a main frame (6), characterized in that the said main frame provided with: i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more first locating roller(s) (3), ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the fruit or vegetable, iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further cutting the fruit or vegetable, iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes the cut product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product 2. A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables substantially as herein described with reference to examples and the drawings accompanying this specification.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables. The machine of the present invention is particularly useful for cutting of lemon and such similar fruits. The cut pieces obtained using the machine of the present invention are of uniform dimension, size and are obtained in a continuous manner. The cut fruits and vegetables can be used in pickle preparation and other similar fruit processing industry.
Pickle is popular in India and is considered as an important ingredient of the daily meal. Different types of pickles are produced in the country by different industries in various brands. Lemon, mango, tamarind, tomato are the common types of fruits used in preparing pickles in the country. Presently pickles are produced at cottage industry level, small scale level as well as in large scale by very few industry. Some of the main problems in producing them in cottage scale, small scale, large scale is the tedious operation of cutting the large quantities of fruits to the required shape and size continuously, particularly lemon.
Attempt to produce continuous compact machines for cutting of lemon and other similar fruits, is the first of its kind. The pickle manufacturers are deprived of a suitable machine for lemon cutting and depend on the skill of the operators. Many a times the operators run the risk of cutting their fingers as well. In case a device is made available for continuous cutting of fruits and vegetables, such as lemon, which is one of the ingredients of pickles, it would reduce accidents, labor and drudgery on the part of laborers, help in hygienic operations, and enhance uniformity in quality and quantities.
Traditionally, fruits and vegetables are cut using a sharp knife, manually. Most of the production centers are cottage and tiny industries, where processing is done manually and there is a scope for accident, non-uniformity in size, cut shape, geometry and unhygienic handling of the fruits. The cutting of fruits and vegetables is to be done carefully in any industry, especially the pickle processing industry.
In order to overcome these difficulties, if a cost effective machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables is made available, it would mechanize large-scale production of different types of pickles by small and cottage scale manufacturers hygienically.

Hitherto the process of cutting of fruits and vegetables is based on manual cutting. The operator uses a stainless steel knife for cutting the lemon in to four pieces. The fruit or vegetable is spread on the cutting table and the operator picks one at a time and cuts them in to four pieces. The knife and the table are to be kept clean during the process of cutting. The cut product is transferred in to a stainless steel tray or a vessel for further processing.
The drawbacks of manual cutting are:
> There is a variation in the size of the cut pieces.
> Manual cutting will lead to non-uniform product sizes.
> The operators cut their fingers, leading to unhygiene.
> The table and the knife are prone for microbial contamination.
> The process is labor intensive and human drudgery is very high.
> The final geometry of the product would depend on the skill of the labor.
The main object of the present invention is to provide a continuous circular cutting machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables.
Another object is to provide hygienic conditions through mechanized operation. Still another object of the present invention is to reduce manual drudgery. Yet another object is to increase productivity.
Still another object is to provide a machine capable of cutting fruits and vegetables of different sizes.
The machine of the present invention overcomes most of the drawbacks of manual cutting of fruits and vegetables.
In the drawing accompanying this specification, fig 1 represents an embodiment of the continuous circular cutting machine for fruits and vegetables.

Accordingly the present invention provides a continuous circular cutting machine for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a main frame (6) provided with: i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more
first locating roller(s) (3), ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the
fruit or vegetable, iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further
cutting the fruit or vegetable, iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes
the cut product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product.
In an embodiment, the first and second locating roller(s) are provided with slots, partition or compartments to selectively accommodate fruits or vegetables of different shapes and sizes.
In another embodiment, the partition or compartments in the first and second locating roller(s) are adjustable.
In still another embodiment, the machine has one or more geared motors (1) (not shown) for driving the first locating roller(s) (3) and the second locating roller(s) (5).
In another embodiment, an AC drive/inverter (10) is used for varying the speed of the geared motor.
In yet another embodiment, a set of sprocket (11) and chain (12) is used for transmitting the motion from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s).

In another embodiment, the motor can be switched on and off using a switch (not Shown).
In still another embodiment, supports (13) are provided for the first locating roller(s), first knife and the connecting chute.
In another embodiment, supports (13A) are provided for the second locating roller(s), second knife and the connecting chute.
In yet another embodiment, the geared motor, the locating roller(s) and the entire machine is covered all round using stainless steel sheet.
In another embodiment, the material for the of construction of the first and second locating rollers, knives, main frame, chutes and the cover can be of any material and preferably of stainless steel for hygiene and good aesthetic look. The locating rollers may preferably be in circular shape and made of stainless steel. This however, does not restrict the invention as any alternate shape or material can be used.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has first and second knives (4) and (7) respectively housed inside main frame (6). The first and second knives are adjustable to cut the fruit or vegetable to required depth or dimension.
In still another embodiment, the continuous circular cutting machine is provided with a chute (8) for connecting the first locating roller(s) (3) with the second locating rollers (5).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an inlet chute (2) to feed the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into the first locating roller (3).
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an outlet chute (9) for discharging the cut material for further processing.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has an electronic speed variator (10) for varying the speed of the locating rollers.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a set of sprocket (11) and chain (12) for transmitting the motion from the first locating rollers to the second locating rollers.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a cover (6) all round.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circular cutting machine has a tray (not shown) for holding the inlet and outlet material. The trays are provided at the inlet and outlet of chute (2) and chute (9).
The applicant proposes a continuous circular cutting machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, for the first time according to this invention. The invention is based on our finding that cutting of fruits and vegetables in to any number/cuts under hygienic conditions using this device.
The following example is given by way of illustration of the present invention and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. The working of the continuous circular cutting machine is explained below with particular reference to lemon.
Example
The washed lernon is transferred in to the tray of the cutting machine. A fruit or vegetable such as lemon flows in to the pockets of the locating rollers due to the gradient of the inlet chute. The locating roller carry/move the lemon against the stationery knife provided between the first set of locating rollers. The lemon is cut in to two and is fed in to the second set of rollers by the chute provided between the locating

rollers. The second set of locating rollers again move the cut lemon against the knife, kept between the second set of locating roller. An outlet chute will discharge the cut lemon in to the tray/vessel. A geared motor drives the first set of locating rollers and a set of sprocket and chain transfer the motion from the first set of locating rollers to the second set. The speed of the geared motor can be varied by the help of the AC drive/inverter to fine-tune the process of cutting of the lemon. Thus, the lemon is cut into several fine pieces.
The main advantages of the present invention are:
> The lemon can be automatically cut to the required segments/pieces.
> Uniformity in cut size can be controlled easily.
> The device is versatile and can efficiently handle different sizes of lemon and other
fruits with out grading.
> Operation and maintenance is easy and cost effective too.
> The complete operation of cutting lemon and other fruits is done hygienically.
Based on stationery cutter and a rotating locating rollers concept, a machine for cutting of fruits and vegetables, untouched by hand is proposed for the first time according to this invention. As an important machine, different varieties and sizes of fruits and vegetables can be cut by using this machine.

We claim:
1. A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables, wherein the machine comprises a
main frame (6), characterized in that the said main frame provided with:
i) an inlet chute (2) for feeding the uncut/whole fruit or vegetable into one or more first
locating roller(s) (3),
ii) a first knife (4) tangentially placed on the first set of locating rollers for slicing the fruit or
vegetable,
iii) one or more second locating roller(s) (5) and a second knife (7) for further cutting the
fruit or vegetable,
iv) a chute (8) that connects the first and the second locating roller(s) and passes the cut
product from the first locating roller(s) to the second locating roller(s), and
v) an outlet chute (9) that discharges the cut product
2. A machine useful for cutting fruits and vegetables substantially as herein described with reference to examples and the drawings accompanying this specification.

Documents:

313-del-2001-abstract-05-05-2008.pdf

313-DEL-2002-Abstract-11-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-abstract.pdf

313-DEL-2002-Claims-11-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-claims-28-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-claims.pdf

313-DEL-2002-Correspondence-Others-11-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-correspondence-others-28-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-correspondence-others.pdf

313-del-2002-description (complete)-28-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-description (complete).pdf

313-DEL-2002-Description (Complete)11-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-drawings.pdf

313-del-2002-form-1-28-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-form-1.pdf

313-del-2002-form-18.pdf

313-del-2002-form-2.pdf

313-DEL-2002-Form-3-11-04-2008.pdf

313-del-2002-form-3.pdf

313-del-2002-petition-138-28-04-2008.pdf

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Patent Number

226043

Indian Patent Application Number

313/DEL/2002

PG Journal Number

01/2009

Publication Date

02-Jan-2009

Grant Date

05-Dec-2008

Date of Filing

26-Mar-2002

Name of Patentee

COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

Applicant Address

RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI-110 001, INDIA.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KESTUR VENKATESH MURTHY	CFTRE MYSORE
2	SANKARAM THADATHIL GANGADHARAN JAYAPRAKASHAN	CFTRE MYSORE
3	MAHADEVAIAH SHIVAKUMAR	CFTRE MYSORE

PCT International Classification Number

A23N 15/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA