Edward E Centeno

US Patent:

20020162433, Nov 7, 2002

Filed:

May 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/848735

Inventors:

Edward Centeno - Royal Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Mann Packing Co., Inc.

International Classification:

B26D001/00

US Classification:

083/013000, 083/932000

Abstract:

A cutting device for separating fleurettes from the stalk of a long-stemmed vegetable having a flowery head. The cutting device has at least three blades positioned symmetrically around a perpendicular center axis and a moving means for moving each blade downward in a linear motion toward that center axis. Each blade has two flat surfaces joined at a linear backbone, and each of those flat surfaces has a cutting edge on its bottom. Each backbone forms an angle with the center axis of from 25 to 45 degrees. The moving means moves the blades downward in linear motions toward the center axis in the same angles with the center axis as formed by their respective blade backbones.

US Patent:

45704155, Feb 18, 1986

Filed:

Jun 13, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/620274

Inventors:

Edward M. Centeno - Salinas CA

Assignee:

Mann Packing Co., Inc. - Salinas CA

International Classification:

B65B 1324

US Classification:

53399

Abstract:

An apparatus for placing an elastic band (22A) around a vegetable bunch (19) comprising a band stretcher assembly (26) for receiving the band, a plurality of fingers (46) for stretching the band, and means (37) for moving the band stretcher towards a top plate assembly 21 along a central axis. The band is placed on the band stretcher fingers and stretched, the vegetable bunch is placed through the openings (20) and (50) and the band relaxed therearound. The band stretcher is then moved from the top plate assembly to disengage said fingers from said band. Thereafter the plate sections (54) and (55) are pivoted to enlarge the opening (20) and allow the banded vegetable bunch to drop from the apparatus.