Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for cracking nuts comprises a mounting structure, a circular element, a chute and a drive mechanism. The circular element has a tapered edge for scoring a nutshell and is rotatably supported by the mounting structure. The chute is positioned adjacent to the tapered edge of the circular element and has a rear wall. A distance between the rear wall of the chute and the tapered edge of the circular element gradually decreases along a length of the chute. The drive mechanism is connected to the circular element for rotating the circular element relative to the chute. In use, the circular element is rotated relative to the chute and a nut is received in the chute. The nut is pinched between the tapered edge of the circular element and the rear wall of the chute. Rotation of the circular element rolls the nut along the chute and scores the nutshell along an equator of the nutshell with a channel that becomes progressively deeper as the nutshell rolls further along the length of the chute.

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First Claim