Adaptable Peeling and Processing System for Various Food Products
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept disclosed herein leverages the core technology of a fruit peeler to develop novel systems and methods for deboning poultry, peeling and deboning seafood, peeling and coring fruits and vegetables, and peeling and grinding nuts, thereby expanding the application scope of the original technology.
Background and Problem Solved
The original fruit peeler patent, while effective in its intended application, had limitations in its adaptability to other industries. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to various food processing industries, providing a more versatile and efficient solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new systems and methods disclosed herein utilize the rotating members and planing blade of the original fruit peeler, but with modified fixed arms and connecting members to accommodate different food products. For example, in the poultry deboning system, the fixed arm is rotated to a second position to facilitate easy removal of bones. Similarly, the seafood peeling and deboning system, the fruit and vegetable peeling and coring system, and the nut peeling and grinding system each incorporate specific adaptations to their respective food products.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the original fruit peeler technology, which were not anticipated or suggested by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for adaptation and the specific modifications made to the original technology to enable its use in these new industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the fixed arm, connecting members, and planing blade to accommodate different food products or processing requirements. Additionally, the systems and methods could be integrated with automation and robotics to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the food processing industry, with applications in poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetable, and nut processing. The adaptable nature of the system makes it an attractive solution for companies looking to streamline their processing operations and reduce costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J17/02 |
| B | B26 | B26D3/283 |
| B | B26 | B26D2003/287 |
| B | B26 | B26D2210/02 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Food processing equipment, specifically mechanical peeling and processing systems for agricultural and protein products, involving mechanical design, rotational mechanisms, and adaptive cutting/processing tools
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or food processing equipment designer with expertise in agricultural machinery, mechanical design principles, and understanding of modular tool adaptation across different food processing applications
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental mechanical design of the fruit peeler as inherently adaptable to multiple food processing scenarios. The core rotating mechanism, fixed arm configuration, and planing blade represent a versatile platform that could be systematically modified to address different food product requirements. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original mechanical concept by applying known mechanical adaptation techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,099 |
|---|---|
| Title | Fruit peeler |