SUCH A CUTTING ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to a method of cutting a generic item, such as a piece of meat, using a cutting assembly adapted for such an operation.

BACKGROUND

Methods, machines and different accessories used in the processing/cutting/trimming of meat cuts, such as pork bellies and side ribs are known in the art.

For example, it is known in the art that a standard machine for cutting meat cuts can include a series of machines respectively having a cutter, such as a waterjet cutter, whereby the machines are aligned along a common axis to cut through a thickness of the workpiece. These machines can use pure water jets to cut through meat cuts having an average thickness ranging between about 0.5 inches to 2 inches. The water is pressurized and sent through a diamond orifice using a pressure generally ranging between 50kpsi and 60kpsi.

The cut efficiency of these machines depends on various parameters, such as water pressure, orifice size of the cutter, thickness and hardness of the workpiece, cutting speed and others. In order to be successful in a given application, these parameters must be carefully chosen. However, standard machines are known to lose cutting power over time, or simply have insufficient cutting power to cut through certain materials, such as bone for example.

In some applications, larger jet orifices have been used to increase cutting power. While cutting power is effectively increased, certain disadvantages are related to the increased orifice size. For example, in order to maintain water pressure, the amount of water needed has to be increased, which can exceed pump capacity. Moreover, using cutters having larger jet orifices can reduce the number of cutters which can be fed by a single pump, thus limiting machine capacity and possible configurations, among others. Increasing the amount of water in turn increases the amount of water left on the workpiece once the cut is performed. Additionally, back splashing from the water jets, along with the level of noise is increased.

Another possibility for increasing the effectiveness of each cut is to reduce the cutting speed. Since typical automated equipment must process up to 1500 products/h on two or more lines, and up to 3000 products/h on a single production line, this is not always possible. In some applications, a cutter could be programmed to move in the same direction as the conveyor in order to reduce the actual cutting speed (i.e. , slower than the conveyor speed). The cutter could then be repositioned quickly for the next product.

One known alternative to avoid increasing the cutting power is to cut the material using multiple passes. In practice, using a single cutter to perform multiple passes is not a good solution as cutting speed will be higher for each pass. However, a known technique is to cut the same material with several cutters in a sequential manner. For example, a machine can be programmed to use two or more cutters to follow the same path one after the other. While this could be a valid option, there are several disadvantages to this technique, namely the need to have multiple motion systems (e.g., robot arm, x-y table, linear axis, etc.) which can require additional space and increase costs. Additional hardware can lead to additional breakdowns of equipment, additional consumables and additional maintenance. Using multiple cutters with multiple motion systems can cause the product to move or collapse between cuts, which would result in a double incomplete cut and/or yield loss. Finally, considering that the workpiece can move, a complex 3D cut path would be difficult to perform as the risk of movement is too high.

A well-known traditional technique to increase cutting power includes the use of abrasives. Abrasives are typically not food grade (e.g.: sand or finely crushed rocks). Patent US 5, 133,687 discloses a cutting head containing multiple waterjet nozzles; a first nozzle using pure water to cut flesh, a second nozzle using abrasives to cut through bones and a third nozzle using pure water to cut through any remaining material. The abrasives used in US’687 are made using food stuff such as crushed eggshells for example. In most cases, the abrasive used is considered as an additive to the cut meat. In some implementations, salt or baking soda was used but would also be considered as an additive. Finally, other abrasive solutions such as ice particles or frozen C02 pellets could be used and have been documented but implies very complex and costly setup.

Also known to the Applicant is Applicant’s own international application PCT/CA2018/050904 relating to a cutting assembly for trimming pieces of meat. Namely, this document relates to a method of performing two separate cuts along a piece of meat in order to define a bevel therealong in a single operation. In one embodiment of the prior art, multiple cutting tools were mounted, or otherwise positioned on the same tooling (i.e. , on the same support system). However, and as seen in Figure 1 , the cutters (i.e., waterjets) are offset with respect to each other in order to avoid collision of the jets and/or for performing cuts along two separate planes, thus creating a beveled edge.

Despite the known improvements, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and/or different ways of cutting workpieces, such as side ribs for example, in a more efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more impactful, and/or more desirable manner (depending on the circumstances, and the intended results, etc.)

Thus, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide a new cutting assembly, which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the known drawbacks associated with conventional cutting assemblies, for example.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly which, by virtue of its design and components, is intended to satisfy the above-mentioned need and which is thus an improvement over other related cutting assemblies, corresponding associated accessories and/or cutting apparatus, systems, devices and/or methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above main object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a cutting assembly such as the one(s) briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified and/or alluded to in the accompanying drawings.

More particularly, according to a first aspect, there is provided a cutting assembly for use within a processing system for cutting a workpiece, the cutting assembly comprises a cutting head including a first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid to cut the workpiece along a cutting plane; and a second fluid jet cutter axially aligned with the first fluid jet cutter and adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid for cutting the workpiece along the same cutting plane. The cutting assembly being adapted to cut the workpiece along the cutting plane in a single operation.

According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a support system adapted to at least axially move the cutting head for positioning the fluid jet cutters over the workpiece in a desired location.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system is adapted to rotate the cutting head for positioning the fluid jet cutters over the workpiece at a desired angle.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system comprises a linear axis motion system adapted to displace the cutting head along at least one axis.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system is a robotic manipulator adapted to follow a 3D cutting path.

According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly includes at least a third fluid jet cutter positioned adjacent at least one of the first and second fluid jet cutters on the cutting head, the third fluid jet cutter being axially aligned with the first and second fluid jet cutters for cutting the workpiece along the cutting plane.

According to possible embodiments, the fluid jet cutters are parallel to one another, and at least one of the fluid jet cutters is angled relative to another fluid jet cutter such that the corresponding jets of non-abrasive fluid diverge from one another.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the fluid jet cutters is angled relative to another fluid jet cutter such that the corresponding jets of non-abrasive fluid converge and intersect one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the intersection of the fluid jets occurs on an opposite side of the workpiece relative to the position of the fluid jet cutters.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the fluid jet cutters is operatively connected to the cutting head and is independently movable with respect to the other fluid jet cutters for dynamically adjusting the angle of the corresponding jet of non-abrasive fluid relative to the workpiece and/or the other jets of non-abrasive fluid.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter is supplied with high- pressure fluid from a single supply line.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid below about 60kpsi.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid at or above about 60kpsi.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one fluid jet cutter is supplied with high-pressure fluid from a separate supply line, and wherein said at least one fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid between about 80kpsi and 120kpsi. According to a possible embodiment, at least one fluid jet cutter comprises a valve for operation thereof, and wherein each valve is independently operational from one another.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter includes an orifice having an orifice diameter different from one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly further includes a jet collector spaced from the cutting head, whereby the workpiece travels between the cutting head and the jet collector, the jet collector being configured to at least partially catch the jets of non-abrasive fluid.

According to a possible embodiment, the jet collector is secured to the cutting head.

According to a possible embodiment, the jet collector is connected to a second support assembly independently movable with respect to the cutting head.

According to a possible embodiment, the fluid jet cutters are pure waterjet cutters.

According to a possible embodiment, the jets of non-abrasive fluid include a food grade blend.

According to a possible embodiment, the workpiece is at least a portion of an animal carcass.

According to another aspect, there is also provided a workpiece processing system for processing a given workpiece, the workpiece processing system comprising a conveying assembly adapted to convey the workpiece along a predetermined path; and a cutting assembly provided along the predetermined path. The cutting assembly comprises a cutting head including a first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid to cut the workpiece along a cutting plane; and a second fluid jet cutter axially aligned with the first fluid jet cutter and adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid for cutting the workpiece along the same cutting plane. The cutting assembly being adapted to cut the workpiece along the cutting plane in a single operation.

According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a support system adapted to at least axially move the cutting head for positioning the fluid jet cutters about the predetermined path in a desired location.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system includes a linear axis motion system adapted to displace the cutting head along at least one axis above the predetermined path and over the workpiece.

According to a possible embodiment, the linear axis motion system is secured about the conveying assembly.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system is a robotic manipulator adapted to follow a 3D cutting path.

According to a possible embodiment, the support system is adapted to rotate the cutting head for positioning the fluid jet cutters at a desired angle relative to the workpiece.

According to a possible embodiment, the workpiece processing system further includes a guidance system provided about the conveying assembly and being operatively connected to the support system for controlling movements thereof.

According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly further comprises at least a third fluid jet cutter positioned adjacent the first and/or second fluid jet cutters on the cutting head, the third fluid jet cutter being axially aligned with the first and second fluid jet cutters for cutting the workpiece along the same cutting plane.

According to a possible embodiment, the fluid jet cutters are parallel to one another. According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the fluid jet cutters is angled relative to another fluid jet cutter such that the corresponding jets of non-abrasive fluid diverge from one another.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the fluid jet cutters is angled relative to another fluid jet cutter such that the corresponding jets of non-abrasive fluid converge and intersect one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the intersection of the fluid jets occurs on an opposite side of the conveyed workpiece relative to the position of the fluid jet cutters.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the fluid jet cutters is operatively connected to the cutting head and is independently movable with respect to the other fluid jet cutters for dynamically adjusting the angle of the corresponding jet of non-abrasive fluid relative to the workpiece and/or the other jets of non-abrasive fluid.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter is supplied with high- pressure fluid from a single supply line.

According to a possible embodiment, each fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid between about 55kpsi and 65kpsi.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one fluid jet cutter is supplied with high-pressure fluid from a separate supply line, and wherein said at least one fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid between about 80kpsi and l OOkpsi.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one fluid jet cutter comprises a valve for operation thereof, and wherein each valve is independently operational from one another. According to a possible embodiment, the cutting assembly comprises a jet collector positioned on an opposite side of the conveyed workpiece relative to the position of the fluid jet cutters, the jet collector being configured to catch the jets of non-abrasive fluid.

According to a possible embodiment, the jet collector is secured to the cutting head.

According to a possible embodiment, the workpiece processing system includes a plurality of cutting assemblies spaced about the conveying assembly.

As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the present assembly/system is particularly advantageous in that, due to its components and features, it enables, or at the very least, it aims to: reduce operation time of cutting assemblies; reduce overall processing time of the workpieces; reduce maintenance cost of equipment; increase yield; and many more which will become more apparent, as explained hereinbelow.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of operating and/or using the above-mentioned cutting assembly and/or associated accessory(ies)/component(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an assembly, a system, a station and/or a machine for carrying out the above-mentioned method(s).

According to still another aspect, there is provided a manufacturing plant, factory and/or a slaughterhouse provided with any one and/or at least one of the above- mentioned assembly, system, station, machine and/or component(s) thereof.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing (ex. producing, assembling, etc.) the above-mentioned cutting assembly, accessory(ies)/component(s) thereof, assembly, system, station, machine, processing plant and/or component(s) thereof. According to another aspect, there is provided a method of operating the above- mentioned assembly, system, station, machine, manufacturing plant and/or component(s) thereof.

According to another aspect, there is provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned cutting assembly, associated accessory(ies) and/or component(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned kit.

According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.

According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned cutting assembly, associated accessory(ies) and/or component(s) thereof, method(s), kit, set, assembly, system, station, machine, manufacturing plant and/or part(s) thereof. The objects, advantages and other features described above will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 A and 1 B are front and side views of cutting tools according to the prior art.

Figures 2 to 4 are front elevation views of possible embodiments of a cutting head, showing various orientations of fluid jet cutters.

Figures 5 and 6 are front elevation views of alternative embodiments of the cutting head of Figure 2, showing a third fluid jet cutter. Figures 7 A and 7B are schematic views of the cutting head according to possible embodiments, showing a workpiece conveyed towards jets produced by the cutters.

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a cutting head according to an alternate embodiment, showing cutter orifices of different sizes.

Figure 8B is a bottom plan view of the cutting head of Figure 8A, showing the difference in size of the cutter orifices.

Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a cutting head according to an embodiment, showing high-pressure valves provided on each fluid jet cutter.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cutting according to an embodiment, showing an adjustment system of the cutting head.

Figure 1 1 A is a front elevation view of the cutting head of Figure 2, showing a jet collector connected to the cutting head.

Figure 1 1 B is a perspective view of a robotic arm according to an embodiment, used for moving and positioning the cutters about the workpiece.

Figure 1 1 C is a perspective view of the robotic arm of Figure 1 1 B, showing a second robotic arm for manipulating the jet collector independently from the cutting head, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 12A is a perspective view of a linear axis motion system according to an embodiment.

Figure 12B to 12D show an alternate embodiment of the linear axis motion system, whereby the cutting assembly is provided with the jet collector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. In addition, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the cutting assembly described herein was primarily designed as an apparatus for cutting "bone-in products", i.e. , products having at least one bone therein, it may be used for various types of applications, and with various other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "workpiece", "piece of meat", "side ribs", "meat cut", etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure and include all other kinds of objects and/or fields with which the cutting assembly could be used and may be useful, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, in the context of the present disclosure, the expressions "in-line", "aligned", "axially aligned", etc., as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This also applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example a) "cutting", "trimming", "carving", "cleaving", "sectioning", "shaving", "slashing", "removing", etc.; b) "cutter", "cutting tool", "cutting apparatus", "cutting device", "jet", etc., as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects described herein, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Also in the context of the present description, expressions such as "can", "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", etc., may also be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects have an implicit "longitudinal axis” or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of a "conveyor belt", for example, or the centerline of a piece of meat (e.g., side ribs). As such, there is a "transversal axis" being substantially "perpendicular" for each longitudinal axis, etc.). Furthermore, expressions such as "connected" and connectable, or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that a system with corresponding components/assemblies meant to be assembled and fully operational for processing meat is also disclosed and/or meant herein.

Moreover, components of the cutting assembly, associated accessory(ies)/component(s)/part(s) thereof and/or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted, and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, depending on the particular applications which the cutting assembly is intended for, and the desired end results, as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Additionally, although the preferred embodiments described below, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, may comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the cutting assembly, accessory(ies), component(s), part(s) and/or associated method(s) (ex. operating, manufacturing, use, etc.) may consist of certain preferred steps and components as explained herein, not all of these steps and components are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It should be apparent that other suitable steps, components and cooperation thereinbetween, may be used for the present cutting assembly (as well as corresponding components thereof, etc.) and corresponding method(s), as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art.

Broadly described, the cutting assembly can be used as part of a processing system for cutting a workpiece, such as side ribs for example, and/or the like. More specifically, the cutting assembly can be operated to increase cutting efficiency along a single cutting plane in order to cut the workpiece in a single pass (i.e. , in a single operation) and without the use of abrasive material for cutting dense portions. The cutting assembly can include multiple in-line fluid jet cutters mounted on a same tool and using pressurized fluid to cut the workpiece. Preferably, the fluid jet cutters include pure waterjets free of additives/abrasives, although it is appreciated that other fluids are possible.

Referring to Figures 2 to 6, a cutting assembly according to various embodiments is provided. The cutting assembly can include cutters adapted to cut the workpiece along a cutting plane defined by the cutters. In preferred embodiments, the cutters include fluid jet cutters adapted to use pressurized fluid to perform cuts along workpieces. More specifically, the cutting assembly can include a first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a first jet (or stream) of fluid to cut the workpiece along a cutting plane, and a second fluid jet cutter provided adjacent the first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a second jet of fluid to cut the workpiece along the same cutting plane. It should thus be understood that the second fluid jet cutter is in-line with the first fluid jet cutter, or vice-versa. This allows the cutting assembly to cut through tougher material, such as pieces of meat including bones, in a single operation.

As seen in Figures 2 to 4, the first and second fluid jet cutters are mounted onto a single cutting head, such that the fluid jet cutters are adjacent/proximate one another. This configuration limits possible movement of the workpiece between cuts and substantially ensures that the second fluid jet cuts the workpiece along the same cutting plane defined by the first fluid jet. Additionally, having multiple cutters mounted on a single cutting head allows for less motion system to be included, thereby fewer components, less working envelope (i.e., required space) and provides shorter cycles of time required to perform the cuts.

In some embodiments, the first and second fluid jet cutters can be parallel to one another (Figure 2), whereby the produced jets are also parallel and therefore cannot cross paths and/or collide. Alternatively, the fluid jet cutters can define an angle therebetween such that at least one of the fluid jet cutters produces a jet of fluid configured to cut the workpiece at an angle. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first and second fluid jet cutters define an acute angle therebetween such that the produced jets converge and thereby collide, or intersect one another at a given point. Alternatively, and as seen in Figure 3, the first and second fluid jet cutters can define an obtuse angle therebetween such that the produced jets diverge from one another, thereby avoiding any collision between the jets of fluid.

It should be understood that the cutters are positioned on the cutting head in a manner such that, if the streams of the cutters intersect one another, the intersection of the streams would happen below the conveyor (i.e. , on another side of the workpiece being cut). It should be noted that having the streams collide before cutting into the workpiece (e.g., above the workpiece) would greatly decrease, or completely negate, the cutting power of the cutters. It is appreciated that moving the cutting head closer to the workpiece can increase cutting power and simultaneously move the intersection point downwardly and allow the jets to intersect below the workpiece.

In some embodiments, one of the fluid jet cutters can be substantially vertical and the other one of the fluid jet cutters can be angled, thus defining the angle therebetween as described above. The angled cutter can be adapted to facilitate initiating a cut in the workpiece as the jet of fluid is positioned and configured to cut a fraction of the full thickness of the workpiece. In other words, the angle cutter can initiate the cut or notch the workpiece to provide a starting point for finishing the cut using the vertical cutter. The angle cut may also generate less movement when starting the cut because less material thickness needs to be cut. Alternatively, it is appreciated that the cut in the workpiece can be initiated by the vertical cutter and finished by the angled cutter. It should be understood that the vertical cutter is adapted to provide additional cutting power on denser portions to be cut. In this case, maximum power is used to start the cut and the angle cutter would finish the cut while providing better evacuation of the debris. It should also be noted that both fluid jet cutters can be angled, either towards (i.e., converging streams) or away (i.e., diverging stream) from one another. The angled streams can further be adapted to divert debris (e.g., saw dust, meat, bones) away from the cutters during cutting operations. It is noted that when a vertical cutter is used to cut a dense portion of a given workpiece, jets of fluid can backsplash and spray a lot of fluid and debris upwardly. Therefore, the angled stream allows to evacuate the debris from the cut which can improve shelf life of perishable products such as pieces of meat. It should be understood that the expression "backsplash” or "backsplashing” can refer to fluid being sprayed in a direction different from the direction of the jet of fluids, for example, back in a direction towards the cutting head. Now referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cutting assembly can include additional fluid jet cutters connected to the cutting head for cutting the workpiece. In this embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a third fluid jet cutter positioned adjacent at least one of the first and second fluid jet cutters on the cutting head. The third fluid jet cutter is adapted to produce a third jet, or stream, of fluid for cutting into the workpiece along the same cutting plane as the first and second fluid jet cutters. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 5, the first cutter is angled, followed by a substantially vertical second cutter, and an angled third cutter. It is appreciated that the first and third cutters are illustratively angled away from the second cutter such that the streams diverge from one another. Flowever, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible, such as having converging streams between the first and second cutters, between the first and third cutters, between the second and third cutters, or between all three cutters. In yet another possible embodiment, the first, second and third cutters can be substantially parallel to one another, as seen in Figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 5, when in use, a first angled cutter would begin to cut the product with an angle going toward the product to start cutting a small portion of the product that is close to a conveyor. The second cutter is vertical for providing increased cutting power, and the third cutter is angled for providing evacuation of debris and reduce backsplashing. For some product types, it can be beneficial to start cutting operations with an angled cut, while other product types can require a vertical initial cut.

Referring more specifically to Figure 7A, it should be understood that parallel cutters can perform angled cuts along the workpiece by rotating the cutting head, or simply by having the cutters extend from the cutting head with an angle. For example, if the cutting head is mounted on a robot, or robotic arm, the cutting head can be manipulated in a three-dimensional space about the workpiece to position the cutters in the desired/required position and/or orientation. It is appreciated that the position and orientation of the cutting head can be dynamically adjusted. For example, the cutting tool can be pivoted during a cut to position the cutters vertically when a change of direction is needed and revert to an angled configuration to perform a straight cut along the workpiece. It should be understood that simply pivoting/tilting the cutting head would position the fluid jet cutters at different distances from the conveyor and/or workpiece. For example, and as seen in Figure 7A, the third cutter can be positioned at a first distance from the conveyor while the first and second cutters are positioned farther from the conveyor, thus reducing cutting power of the first and second streams.

In order to avoid this situation, the cutters can alternatively be tilted/angled directly on the cutting head, as illustrated in Figure 7B. In this embodiment, it is appreciated that the distance between each cutter and the conveyor is substantially the same, thus maintaining a steady cutting force across all fluid jets. Additionally, the angled cutters shown in Figure 7B can provide better evacuation of debris, reduce backsplashing and allow for smooth initial cut of products. It should be noted that the angle of each cutter should be carefully selected to avoid problems when the cut path requires a curve or non-linear cut.

It should be noted that the fluid jet cutters are connected to a fluid source, and the cutting assembly includes a pressurizing device or system in order to produce the pressurized jets of fluid. In some embodiments, and as seen in Figure 7B, each cutter can be connected to a single fluid line/inlet such that providing fluid to the cutting head activates each cutter substantially simultaneously. Alternatively, and with reference to Figure 7A, each cutter can be respectively provided with independent fluid lines and/or to independent fluid sources, thereby allowing each cutter to be activated independently from one another. It should be noted that each fluid line can be connected to a respective fluid source. As such, each line can be adapted to provide jets of fluids at generally the same pressure, although it is appreciated that each fluid source can alternatively provide a respective fluid pressure to the corresponding fluid line (i.e. , each fluid jet cutter can create fluid jets of different pressures).

In addition, and with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, the fluid jet cutters can be provided with different sized orifices such that the cutting power of a given cutter differs from the cutting power of another cutter. It should be understood that larger orifices can provide additional cutting power than smaller orifices. In some embodiments, the first cutter can be provided with an orifice having an orifice diameter of about 0.008 inches, while the other cutters (e.g., the second and/or third cutter) can be provided with orifices having orifice diameters of about 0.013 inches, for example. Flowever, it is appreciated that any other configuration and/or suitable orifice diameters can be used, such as providing the same sized orifice for each cutter. It is further appreciated that the fluid jet cutters can include a combination of different orifice size and fluid jets of different pressures. For example, the first cutter can include an orifice of 0.008 inches and be configured to create a jet of fluid at about 60kpsi, while the second cutter can include an orifice of 0.013 inches and be configured to create a jet of fluid at about 90kpsi.

Now referring to Figures 9 and 10, in yet another possible embodiment, one or more of the cutters can be provided with a high-pressure valve adapted to control the flow of fluid through the fluid line(s) of the cutting assembly. It is appreciated that high-pressure valves can be positioned on independent fluid lines (Figure 7A) and/or on the single fluid line (Figure 7B). The high-pressure valves can enable the use of a single cutter for cutting less dense (e.g., thinner and/or softer) workpieces, and the activation of the second and/or third cutter when additional cutting power is required (e.g., for cutting dense portions of the workpieces). Therefore, less fluid is consumed when cutting thinner portions, as only one cutter can be activated. In addition, the ability to use a single cutter for cutting workpieces can reduce noise levels and wear on equipment, such as the cutting assembly itself, or surrounding components, such as the conveyor, for example.

In some embodiments, the high-pressure valves can allow different cutters to be operated at different pressures. It is appreciated that increasing the fluid pressure sent to the cutters can effectively increase the cutting power of said cutters. For example, the first cutter can be operated at lower pressures, such as at or below 60kpsi (e.g., 55kpsi, 50kpsi, 45kpsi or below), while the second cutter can be operated at higher pressures, such as above 60kpsi. It is noted that providing fluid at even higher pressures (e.g., 80kpsi, 90kpsi, 10Okpsi, 120kpsi or above) can eliminate the need to use abrasives for cutting through dense/hard material, such as bone for example. It should be understood that lower pressure can be used for cutting less dense portions, while higher pressure can be used for cutting dense portions. For example, when the workpiece is a bone-in product, the first cutter can cut through a first layer of meat using a jet pressure of about 60kpsi to reach a bone extending through the workpiece. The second cutter can then be activated to produce a fluid jet at about 90kpsi for cutting through the bone.

It is appreciated that a given workpiece processing system can include a plurality of cutting assemblies, which can be independently operable using corresponding high-pressure valves, or any other suitable device, as should be understood by a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the orifice size and fluid pressure can be respectively controlled, or regulated, for each fluid jet cutter individually to increase versatility of the cutting assembly.

Referring more specifically to Figure 10, the cutting assembly can include an adjustment system adapted to effectively adjust the angle between the cutters mounted on the cutting head. Therefore, angled cutters can be adjusted to be vertical, and vice-versa. In some embodiments, one or more cutter can be adjusted dynamically (i.e. , during the cutting operations), such that the required angle for each cutter can be chosen to increase cutting efficiency while cutting a given workpiece. For example, one or more cutter can be moved to a vertical position for cutting dense portions on or within the workpiece. The internal structure of the workpiece can be determined prior to cutting operations using any suitable measuring system, such as x-ray, ultrasound or infrared for example. Additionally, the adjustment system can be configured such that the intersection point of the fluid jet cutters remains at substantially the same location during adjustment of the angle and/or position of one or more the cutters.

With reference to Figure 1 1 A, the cutting assembly can include a device for preventing waste of fluids by at least partially collecting the jets of fluids cutting through the workpiece. In this embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a jet collector positioned across from the cutters such that the produced jets of fluid are at least partially caught by the jet collector. In the illustrated embodiment, the jet collector has a substantially funnel shape having an inlet diameter adapted to cover the distance between the outermost cutters on the cutting head such that each jet of fluid is collected by the jet collector. The outlet of the jet collector is shaped and configured to route the fluid away from the workpiece, and can be connected to a drain, or any other system, to enable recuperating the fluids for subsequent operations. It is appreciated that the jet collector can further be adapted to catch debris created during the cutting operations (e.g., due to backsplashing), therefore reducing soilage of the cutting assembly and corresponding parts, which can in turn increase security of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the jet collector is connected to and extends from the cutting head, although it is appreciated that other configurations are possible. The jet collector can enable operation of the cutting assembly for applications which do not necessarily require a conveyor. For example, and with reference to Figure 1 1 B, a robotic arm can move the tool according to a three-dimensional (3D) cutting path about the workpiece, whereby the workpiece is located between the cutters and the jet collector. For example, products can be mounted on hooks driven by chains, whereby the robotic arm can manipulate the cutting head, and thus the jet collector, about the workpiece to perform the required cuts. It is appreciated that any other suitable motion system, or conveying assembly, can be used to transport a workpiece and allow the cutting assembly to effectively cut the workpiece. It is further appreciated that the workpiece can be cut during transport to reduce downtime, or remain stationary during cutting operations, or a combination thereof.

Now referring to Figure 1 1 C, the jet collector can be connected to a second support assembly (e.g., a second robotic arm) which can move independently from the cutting head. The distance, angle and overall configuration between the cutting head and the jet collector can thus be adjusted via movement of the first and/or second robotic arms according to the particularities of the cutting operations.

The present embodiment can also be used to limit the depth of the cut by including means to travel beneath a tough portion to cut. One exemplary embodiment includes providing a scribe saw cutting process when cutting the ribs inside a pork middle prior loin/belly separation. In some embodiments, the jet collector could be equipped with a small knife or designed with an arrow-shape that would enable an easy insertion in meat. Fluid jets would thus be collected by the device while the meat/bones are cut, while also avoiding cutting completely through the workpiece.

Figures 1 1 B to 12D illustrate possible embodiments of the support system adapted to support and/or manipulate (e.g., move axially and/or rotate) the cutting head. In Figures 1 1 B and 1 1 C, the support system includes a motion system such as a robotic arm, or manipulator, adapted to enable three-dimensional movement of the cutting head about the workpiece. In this embodiment, the cutting path (i.e. , the 3D cutting path) can be determined using any suitable method or guidance system known in the art. Alternatively, and as seen in Figures 12A to 12D, the support system can include a linear axis motion system adapted to displace the cutting head along at least one axis. For example, the cutting head can be mounted on a carriage which is in turn mounted on an elongated bridge extending over the path of the workpiece during cutting operations (e.g., on a conveyor). The carriage is thus adapted to move along the axis of the elongated bridge for positioning the cutters in the desired position above the workpiece. Alternatively, an x-y motion system (ex. an x/y cutting table, etc.) could be used. The x-y motion system can include a pivotable assembly driven by a servo motor, or other motion system, configured to allow creation of slightly curved path by rotating the cutters on the carriage.

Referring broadly to Figures 1 to 12D, the cutting assembly can be used as part of a processing system configured to process (e.g., cut) workpieces, such as pieces of meat, along a given cutting plane, or 3D path. The processing system can include one or more cutting assembly, as briefly described above, a conveying assembly adapted to convey the workpieces along a predetermined path (e.g., the aforementioned conveyor), a guidance system operatively connected to the cutting assembly for determining the cutting path of the fluid jet cutters and/or controlling movements thereof about the conveying assembly. In some embodiments, the guidance system can be adapted to scan the workpiece in order to determine the location of said workpiece upon the conveying assembly (i.e. the conveyor belt), and acquire information such as geometry, topology, and much more. Furthermore, additional measurements can be obtained by a previous measuring system and/or an additional vision system could be used to adjust the position and/or orientation of the cutters. Internal measurements acquired by an x-ray system, or other similar machine/system, could also be used for example. In this possible embodiment, the guidance system can transfer information to the cutting assembly, more particularly to the robot manipulator, to position the cutters appropriately to cut the workpiece.

In some embodiments, the processing system can include multiple cutting assemblies of different types, such as those described above. For example, a pair of cutting assemblies can be spaced along the conveyor at predetermined positions, whereby the first cutting assembly includes a linear axis motion system while the second cutting assembly includes a robotic manipulator. It is appreciated that other configurations of cutting assemblies are possible, and that each cutting assembly can be configured to cut the workpiece using respective pressure and/or orifice size for their cutters. It is further appreciated that fluid jet cutters can be combined to other types of cutters along the conveyor (e.g., as part of the same cutting assembly or in two separate cutting assemblies). For example, the processing system can include circular saws, reciprocating saws, blades, ultrasonic knives, lasers and/or any other suitable cutting means or combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of using multiple cutting assemblies is provided. Each cutting assembly can be adapted to cut one workpiece out of two or more at a slower speed for increasing cutting power and efficiency. After the cut, the cutters can be repositioned while other cutters (of another cutting head/assembly) would cut products in between. This advantageously allows for cutting very thick product without using abrasives while reducing product movement.

In other words, the method can enable a load balancing technique by using multiple cutting assemblies to cut a very tough or difficult to cut workpiece. In this case, reducing the speed, increasing orifice size, increasing pressure or using multiple cutters (on a single cutting head) would not be enough to cut through the product. The method aims at sharing the load or the number of pieces to cut between multiple cutting assemblies. Therefore, each cutting assembly can operate at a reduced speed because the cutting head can be adapted to follow the workpiece while it moves, which provides more time to cut. It is noted that this method can be used with a single cutting station, however the cutting power is increased when two or more assemblies are used. After the cut, the cutting station motion system would reposition quickly the cutting heads for the next product. This way, each cutting assembly could, for example, cut one product out of three (or more), depending of the speed reduction needed.

As may now better be appreciated, the above-described cutting assembly, and corresponding components, provide substantial improvements over known prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, as explained herein, and the particular configuration of the cutting assembly and/or component(s)/accessory(ies) thereof according to the present system, it enables to carry out cutting operations of a workpiece including hard or strong materials (e.g. bones) in a single pass (i.e. , in a single operation), without the use of abrasive materials, and thus in a more efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more impactful, more strategic, and/or more desirable manner (e.g., depending on the circumstances, and the intended results, etc.), compared to what is possible with respect to other known conventional cutting assemblies/tools and/or methods.

Indeed, as previously explained, and depending on the different possible embodiments, the present system advantageously enables to: a) create an efficient cut along or through a workpiece in a single operation; b) create a cut along or through a workpiece following a complex 3D path; c) cut through dense material without the use of abrasives; d) increase accuracy of cuts and maximize yield, thus increasing quality of end product; e) reduce equipment, working envelop space and maintenance costs; f) reduce initial investment, g) reduce operation and cycle times; h) etc. Furthermore, the compact cutting assembly enables manufacturing plants to reduce their footprint solution by reducing hardware and high-pressure components, among others. The cutting assembly further allows for increased flexibility of cutting paths and reduces the risk of workpieces moving during cutting operations.

Of course, and as can be readily understood by a person skilled in the art, the cutting assembly should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

List of numerical references for some of the corresponding possible components illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

1 . cutting assembly

3. conveying assembly

5. guidance system

10. cutting head 12. first cutter

13. first jet/stream

14. second cutter

15. second jet/stream 16. third cutter

17. third jet/stream

18. Cutter Orifice

20. fluid line/fluid inlet 22. workpiece

24. high-pressure valve

26. adjustment system 28. jet collector

30. support system

31. robotic arm

32. linear axis motion system