Field of the Invention

Present invention lies in the field of product cutting. Particularly, it refers to an 5 apparatus for the cutting of products in elongated shape, preferably food products, for example, fruits or vegetables with an elongated shape such as bananas, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, yucca, sweet potato, taro, malanga among others. The invention also refers to a cutting method using said apparatus.

Background

10 In the past 3,000,000 years humans have applied cutting tools to food products using manual forces and motions to achieve effects we attain today by machinery.

The cutting of products is a widely known and used technology, particularly in the processing of food items. Various types of food products are cut and even treated prior to their being transformed by means of a thermal process such as frying or baking 15 for their eventual sale to the consumer.

On the other hand, it is well known that fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, zucchinis, sweet potatoes, bananas among others contain undesired substances on their surfaces such as starch or latex, which can detract taste from the food products when these are processed for their end consumption, for example in a 0 fryer or a dehydrator. In so far as the latex, it is particularly important to remove said undesired substance from the product, as it has been reported that a certain percentage of the population presents allergic reactions to this component.

The presence of latex is also undesirable during the processing of the product, given that during the transportation step, the conveyor belts accumulate latex during transport of the recently cut products. The cleaning process is laborious and requires several hours and work from several employees.

Additionally, latex is damaging in later steps, such as in frying, for example, as it causes problems to the equipment given its accumulation, causing problems for it and decreasing the useful life of the equipment.

In the case of bananas, latex is found in all parts of the plant; when it is fresh and fluid it can be washed, however in a few hours it becomes sticky and finally it is transformed into a dark stain on the skin of the fruit, causing a diminished quality of the final product. The process of washing with water to remove the latex from products such as bananas is widely known but usually an additional liquid is used, which has been especially formulated to remove fresh latex from post - harvest banana and plantain, thereby avoiding them from becoming stained or ripen prior than necessary, for example BANASPAR-S ^® .

Additionally, the industry requires equipment which allows cutting the above- mentioned products in an automatic and continuous manner, which, given their nature, present a generally elongated shape, thereby avoiding the use of additional equipment which would increase the production costs or dead time in the process due to the need of having to make changes to the existing equipment.

Some efforts which are registered in the state of the art to solve the above- mentioned problems are the following:

Document US 6,413,566 anticipates a slicing process for relatively firm vegetables or fruits which comprises feeding said vegetable or fruit through a vertical conveyor and guides it to a centrifugal slicing device, where said centrifugal slicing device slices said vegetable or fruit to obtain slices of said vegetable or fruit which are then unloaded in water.

Document US 4,852,441 describes a slicing process for a food product, particularly apples, which comprises feeding the food product through a vertical conveyor and guiding it to an axial slicing disc, where said slicing disc slices the food product to obtain slices from said product. Document US 5,875,697 describes a conveyor apparatus for transporting a food product which comprises endless belt conveyors connected to each other with an adjustment mechanism which allows accommodating a variety of food products despite their size and shape.

Document CN 107351141 describes a cutting device for cucumbers which comprises a fastening and cutting mechanism and a feeding mechanism, an annular air bag for the fastening and cutting mechanism is installed between a zipper with a disc shape and a bearing support with a disc shape, the fastening sets are uniformly distributed on the bearing support with disc shape, some clamping pillars of the fastening sets are set in a gliding manner on the bearing support with disc shape through the bearing steps. Finally, applicant has identified that documents KR 1020100116437 and US

2378502 refer to a food processing device, specifically to a rotating slicer, which comprises a housing which presents an entrance and an exit, in the space within the housing a disc is set which presents a plurality of cutting sheets, which slice the food product which is pressed against them when the disc is turning. Notwithstanding the different alternatives described above, the need exists for additional solutions which are efficient, cost effective and flexible for the cutting of products with a generally elongated shape.

Brief Description

Present invention refers to an apparatus for cutting elongated products, which comprises a main support structure, a conveyor, a cutting element for cutting the fed products, a driving unit to activate the conveyor and a driving unit to activate the cutting element. The conveyor comprises at least two lateral belts and at least one back belt to direct the products which are fed towards the cutting elements, which is arranged adjacent to the exit section of the conveyor. In an additional embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a tub containing some adequate fluid for receiving the cut products and cleaning them from undesired substances on their surface, as well as a base which supports the apparatus and the tub.

The invention further provides a method for cutting the fed products using the above-mentioned apparatus. Instant invention provides an improved apparatus and method which allow cutting elongated shaped products at a great speed, preferably food products comprised in the group of bananas, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, yucca, sweet potatoes, taro, malanga, among others.

The cutting apparatus and method of instant invention can adjust in real time and continuous form the space between the feeding belts, allowing for feeding products with a generally elongated shape and dimensions that can vary from one product to another (which occurs with a high frequency with the above group of food products, which lowers production times and costs.

The cutting apparatus and method of instant invention allow modulating the production capacity, being useful for small as well as medium and large producers.

The apparatus and method of instant invention are simple, efficient, cost effective and allow for efficient removal of undesired substances on the surface of the cut products, such as latex or starch in the case of the above group of food products, thus avoiding the use of special chemical products for the removal of said substances.

Finally, instant invention helps in the manipulation and processing of the cut products according to the method and apparatus provided upon delivering clean products (free of undesired substances) which do not adhere to the walls of the equipment nor stick to the hands of the personnel handling them, additionally conferring them with an excellent appearance for their end consumption.

These and other objectives will become evident to those skilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of instant invention with a descending vertical configuration.

Figure 1.1 is a top right front perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of instant invention.

Figure 1.2 is a front view of the fig. 1.1.

Figure 1.3 is a right side view of the fig. 1.1.

Figure 2.1 is a top left rear perspective view of the apparatus according to an additional embodiment of instant invention. Figure 2.2 is a front view of the fig. 2.1.

Figure 3.1 is a top right front perspective view of the structure of the main support.

Figure 3.2 is a right side view of the fig. 3.1.

Figure 3.3 is a front view of fig. 3.1. Figure 4.1 is a top right front perspective view of the conveyor.

Figure 4.2 is a right side view of the fig. 4.1.

Figure 5.1 is a front view of the fig. 4.1.

Figure 5.2 is a rear view of the fig. 4.1. Figure 6.1 is a detailed view of a section of the spring compressor system installed on the upper part of the conveyor.

Figure 6.2 is a detailed view of a section of the spring compressor system installed on the lower part of the conveyor.

Figure 6.3 is a detailed view of the static adjustment system which forms part of the spring compressor system.

Figure 6.4 is a detailed view of a section of the spring compressor system installed on the back part of the conveyor.

Figure 6.5 is a detailed view of a section of the spring compressor system installed on the exit of the conveyor. Figure 6.6 is a top view of the conveyor when the products to be cut are fed.

Figure 6.7 is a detailed view which shows the coupling between the displacement means and the spring compressor system.

Figure 7.1 is a rear view of the driver unit of the conveyor. Figure 7.2 is a top right front perspective view of the driver unit of the conveyor.

Figure 8.1 is a side view of the driver unit of the cutting element.

Figure 8.2 is a top right front perspective view of the driver unit of the cutting element.

Figure 9.1 is a detailed view of the cutting element on its bottom face.

Figure 9.2 is a detailed view which shows the coupling between the cutting element with the apparatus according to an embodiment of instant invention.

Figure 9.3 is a detailed view of the safety module of the cutting element. Figure 10.1 is a perspective view of the tub of the apparatus according to an additional embodiment of instant invention.

Figure 10.2 is an internal view of a longitudinal cross-section of the section of the tub in which the submersible pump is set.

Figure 11.1 is a detailed view of the lower section of the apparatus which shows the process of exiting of the cut product.

Figure 11.2 is a perspective view of the of the submersible pump arrangement.

Figure 11.3 is a perspective view of the base which supports the apparatus according to an additional embodiment of instant invention. Figure 12.1 is an internal view of the conveyor which shows the functioning of the spring compressor system on the lateral belts.

Figure 12.2 is a side view of the conveyor which shows the functioning of the spring compressor system of the back belt. Figure 13.1 is a side view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of instant invention.

Figure 13.2 is a top view of the apparatus according to an additional embodiment of instant invention.

Figure 14.1 is a block diagram which represents the process flow of an additional embodiment of instant invention with a horizontal configuration and a flow towards the right.

Figure 14.2 is a block diagram which represents the process flow of an additional embodiment of instant invention with a descending inclined configuration.

Figure 14.3 is a block diagram which represents the process flow of an additional embodiment of instant invention with vertical ascending configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made in reference to figures 1.1 through 14.3 in indistinct manner.

In the first place, it should be highlighted that the accompanying figures are merely illustrative of an embodiment for cutting bananas; however, as it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art, the instant invention may be used with any product which has an elongated shape, preferably food products comprised in the group previously mentioned.

In second place, the figures also illustrate an embodiment of instant invention which presents a vertical configuration with descending flow, that is, the feeding of the products to be cut is undertaken by the upper part of the apparatus, while the exit and the tub in which the product is washed are set on the lower part. However, as will be obvious to a person skilled in the art from the following description, said configuration can be modified without affecting the essence of instant invention, in such a way that configurations such as: vertical with ascending flow (fed through the lower part and the exit/washing is done through the upper part); horizontal with flow towards the right or the left (feeding and the exit are in the same line); inclined with descending flow (fed through the upper part and the exit/washing is done in the lower part); inclined with ascending flow (fed through the lower part and the exit/washing is done through the upper part), among others are comprised within the scope thereof. Some of these embodiments are shown by means of block diagrams in Figures 14.1 through 14.3.

The term "a plurality" used throughout instant invention refers to a defined number of elements varying between 2 up to 20.

The term "at least" used throughout instant invention indicates a minimum value or lower limit for the element to which it refers. The apparatus 10 according to the preferred embodiment of instant invention comprises a main support structure 11, a conveyor 13, a driver unit 14 to activate the conveyor 13, a cutting element 20 and a driving unit 28 to activate the cutting element 20, as can be seen in Figures 1.1 through 1.3. The main support structure 11 of Figures 3.1 through 3.3 comprises a plurality of dents 12 to couple the conveyor 13 and the cutting element 20 with their respective driving units 14 and 28, as can be seen in Figures 1.1 through 1.3. In an additional embodiment, the main support structure 11 can be provided with additional attachments for coupling more elements to the apparatus 10 of instant invention, for example, an attachment for coupling a conveyor (not shown) for feeding the product 9 to be cut in an automated and continuous manner.

The conveyor 13 which is shown in Figures 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2 comprises a first plate 34 and a second plate 35, preferably set in parallel to each other, which present a plurality of orifices to couple said first and second plates to each other by means of, for example, a mechanical coupling 36, such as screws and nuts. A plurality of separators which are coupled to the first and second plates 34 and 35 by means of a plurality of orifices, determines the distance between said first and second plates 34 and 35. In an embodiment of the invention, said plurality of separators is a plurality of sleeves, but the person skilled in the art will understand that a wide variety of elements could be used for these purposes. In an alternative embodiment, any of said first and second plates 34 and 35 is arranged welded to the separator. The feeding of the product 9 is undertaken by means of a feeding section 37, which, in the illustrated embodiment is set in the upper part of the conveyor 13, while the exit of the conveyor for later feeding to the cutting step is carried out by an exit section 38 which is set in the lower part of the conveyor 13 in the illustrated embodiment. Said exit section 38, without mattering what the configuration used in the conveyor of instant invention is, is arranged adjacent to the cutting element 20. Preferably, the feeding section 37 is in a hopper shape. Although it is indeed true that in the figures said hopper shape is set on the first plate 34, said shape can be present in the second plate 35 in an indistinct manner. Through the front/internal part of the first plate 34 and the back/internal part of the second plate 35 first displacement means 71 are coupled to displace the lateral belts 41 (Figure 6.6), in such a way that the first displacement means 71 are set in the internal part of the conveyor 13 (Figures 4.1 and 4.2). In a preferred embodiment, said first displacement means 71 comprise at least two driving pins 39; at least two feeding pins 40; at least two compressor pins 26; at least two tensing pins 44; at least two free pins 45 and at least two exit pins 46 (Figure 12.1). The coupling of the first displacement means 71 to the plates 34 and 35 of the conveyor 13 is undertaken by coupling means, for example mechanical, such as screws and nuts, but the person skilled in the art would understand that a wide variety of elements could be used for these purposes. The first displacement means 71 present shafts 27 which will be coupled to the spring compressor system 49 (Figure 6.7), as will be described later. The first plate 34 of the conveyor 13 will present in the central part (Figure 5.2) a longitudinal opening on which a back belt 42 is placed, in such a way that said back belt 42 stands out through the back/outer part of the first plate 34 of the conveyor 13 (Figure 4.2). In a preferred embodiment, said longitudinal opening has a rectangular shape. In the back/outer part of the first plate 34 second displacement means 58 are placed for displacing the back belt 42, such as is shown in Figure 12.2. In a preferred embodiment, said second displacement means 58 comprise at least two back upper pins and two back lower pins and also present shafts 27 which are coupled to the spring compressor system 49. As a result, the lateral belts 41 and the back belt 42 form a path so that the product to be cut 9 can be fed through this and be able to maintain a single position and direction without risking falling (Figure 6.6).

A plurality of guides 43 (Figure 12.1) helps the lateral belts 41 to be able to displace the product 9 to the cutting step and maintain it in a set position. Said plurality of guides 43 can also be displaced, depending on the size of the product 9 to be cut. In an embodiment, said displacement is undertaken from left to right.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second plate 35 comprises a longitudinal opening which coincides with the longitudinal opening of the first plate 34 of the conveyor 13, over which a window 48 can be placed to cover said longitudinal opening and make whatever is happening in the internal part of the conveyor 13 of the apparatus 10 visible. Said window 48 is fixed by coupling means, for example mechanical, such as screws and nuts, but the person skilled in the art would understand that a wide variety of elements could be used for these purposes. In a preferred embodiment, said window 48 has a rectangular shape.

The spring compressor system 49 of the conveyor belt according to one embodiment of instant invention (Figures 6.1 through 6.5 and 6.7), comprises a plurality of displacement chambers, preferably elongated, wherein each displacement chamber is arranged in a base structure 51. In each displacement chamber of the plurality of displacement chambers, a bushing 55 is set in the internal part of the chamber and a spring 54 for applying tension to the shafts 27 of the different first displacement means 71 of the side belts 41 which are coupled to an end of the bushing 55, said spring 54 is coupled on the opposite end to the calibration elements 56 to decrease or increase said applied tension. In a preferred embodiment, the calibration elements 56 comprise at least one calibration screw. As a result, when the spring 54 applies tension to the bushing 55 by means of the calibration elements 56, the shafts 27 of the first displacement means 71 are displaced longitudinally in relation to the base structure 51 of each displacement chamber to tense the lateral belts 41, such as the arrows show in Figures 6.1 through 6.3.

The spring compressor system 49 also comprises a static adjustment system which is coupled to the tensing pins 44 (Figures 6.3 and 12.1). Said static adjustment system, similarly to the plurality of displacement chambers, comprises a base structure 51, a bushing 55 which is coupled to the shafts 27 of the tensing pins 44 and a calibration element 56. This system does not include a spring because its function consists in always maintaining the same position, offering a constant pressure which is also equal to the counter pressure of the lateral belts 41, in such a way that the lateral belts 41 are able to maintain themselves tense the entire time.

In an embodiment, the static adjustment system of the spring compressor system 49 is installed in both lateral belts 41 and on each one of the plates 34 and 35 of the conveyor 13.

Additionally, the spring compressor system 49 comprises a section installed at the exit of the conveyor 13 which comprises a base structure 68 coupled to both exit pins 46 and over which coupling means 57 are set to join a spring 83 with the base structure 68, such as is shown in Figure 6.5. The coupling means 57 may comprise screws or any other element known by a person skilled in the art for these purposes. In an embodiment, the spring 83 and the coupling means 57 are installed in a lower chamber 50 of the base structure 68, such as is shown in Figures 6.5 and 12.1.

Accordingly, the spring compressor system 49 of the instant invention allows for continuously opening and closing the space between both lateral belts 41, depending on the dimensions of the fed product 9, in order to maintain it in an optimal position for the cutting step and, at the same time, be able to decrease the amount of residues generated during the cutting step.

In an embodiment, the spring compressor system 49 is installed on the plates

34 and 35 of the conveyor 13 by means of screws or any other type of coupling known to the person skilled in the art. In an additional embodiment, the spring compressor system 49 comprises a lid (not shown) to be able to maintain all the elements in their place.

The spring compressor system 49 of instant invention acts both on the lateral belts 41 as well as on the back belt 42. In order to tense the back belt 42, base structures 51, springs 54, bushings 55 and calibration elements 56 are also placed on the back/outer part of each end of the first plate 34 of the conveyor 13, as can be seen in Figures 6.4 and 12.2. In this case, the shafts 27 of the second displacement means 58 are coupled to the bushing 55. Optionally, a guide 81 can be placed to help in that the back belt 42 not become deformed (Figure 12.2).

The driving unit 14 (Figs. 7.1 and 7.2) comprises motor means 15, a transmission system 79 that comprises a pulley 76 connected to the motor means 15, a pulley 77 connected to a gear arrangement 78; a strap 18 to couple both pulleys 76 and 77; the gear arrangement 78 comprising at least two motor gears 16 for transmitting the rotary energy to the lateral belts 41 and at least two free gears 17 for changing the direction of movement of the lateral belts 41 of the conveyor 13 and transmitting the necessary power to the motor gears 16; and a support structure 19 for coupling all the previous elements to the main support structure 11. In a preferent embodiment, the motor means 15 are preferably a motor. The motor means 15 will move the lateral belts 41 at the same velocity and torque but in opposite direction from each other thanks to its configuration. In the vertical descendent embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1.1 through 13.2, the product 9 is displaced downwardly through the action resulting from gravity, in direction towards the cutting element 20. In other embodiments such as ascending vertically or horizontal with flow towards the right or the left, said displacement is undertaken by the action of the lateral belts 41. Also, in case it should be needed, the conveyor 13 can be provided in the exit section 38 with adequate means (not shown) to direct the product 9 to be cut towards the cutting element 20, for example, deflectors, among others.

While the lateral belts 41 are activated thanks to the driving unit 14, the back belt 42 moves in a free manner, without any type of motor, as the product 9 is being fed, allowing it to remain in a fixed position, and avoiding it overlaps while it is moving towards the cutting element 20.

In the embodiment illustrated, the cutting element 20 (Figures 9.1 through 9.3) is set in a horizontal manner and adjacent to the exit section 38 of the conveyor 13. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said cutting element 20 is a disc like the one sold by the manufacturer URSCFIEL ^® , which comprises a body 21 with a bottom face which is shown in Figure 9.1 and a top face in direct contact with the conveyor 13 (Figures 9.2 and 9.3), as well as an axis 22 to couple the cutting element 20 with the main support structure 11. The cutting element 20 is supported by at least two support elements 72, for example, rowlocks, which help in the calibration and alignment of the cutting element

20. In an embodiment, said support elements 72 are placed on the top face of the cutting element 20 surrounding the axis 22, such as can be seen in Figure 9.2. On the axis 22, upper 23 and lower 24 calibration elements, for example screws, are set for adjusting the distance between the cutting element 20 and the lateral belts 41, whether it is to decrease it or increase it. The cutting element 20 of instant invention may comprise in an additional embodiment a safety module (Figure 9.3) for avoiding vibrations which could be generated when the cutting element 20 is working at high speeds. Said safety module comprises a box 52 in whose interior a rotary element 53 is set, for example, a bearing and a fixing element 25, for example a screw for fixing the rotary element 53 to the box 52. The box 52 is joined to the equipment by coupling means 82, which allow adjusting the height of the safety module.

The functioning of the safety module consists in a buffering mechanism which applies a normal force on the top face of the cutting element 20 by means of the rotary element 53, in such a way that the vibrations form the cutting element 20 are absorbed by the rotary element 23. Damages to both the cutting element 20 as well as to the conveyor belts 13 are thus avoided in this way.

A driving unit 28 (Figures 8.1 and 8.2) activates the cutting element 20. Said unit 28 comprises a motor means 29, preferably a motor, for example of the electric type; a transmission system 80 which comprises a pulley 30 which is connected to the motor means 29, a pulley 32 which is connected to the cutting element 20 and a strap

31 to couple the pulleys 30 and 32 each other, but the person skilled in the art would know that other types of transmission systems could be used, for example, friction wheels, chains, etc.; a support structure 33 is provided for supporting all of the above elements. Consequently, the motor means 29 transmits the necessary power to the cutting element 20 so that it may turn and cut the product 9 fed as this go through it. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the turn velocity which the cutting element 20 reaches is 2100 rpm, such that the cutting process is nearly instantaneous, however, said velocity can be modified according to the needs of each process.

It is important to mention that given that the velocity of the cutting element 20 and the velocity of the lateral belts 41 of the conveyor 13 are controlled by two different driving units with variable frequency, instant invention allows modulating the production capacity, which makes it adequate for different purposes and different sectors, for example, for small, medium and large producers.

The support structure 33 of the driving unit 28 also comprises a base plate 74 on which the motor means 29 is placed; said base plate 74 presents a plurality of elongated grooves 75 unto which a plurality of coupling means are coupled to (Figure 8.2), for example, mechanical, such as screws and nuts, which couple the base plate

74 to the support structure 33, such that the base plate 74 is displaceable longitudinally, which allows for adjusting the tension in the strap 31 to avoid displacement problems.

An additional embodiment of instant invention comprises a tub 59 which is set in an adjacent manner to the exit section 38 of the apparatus 10 previously described

(Figures 2.1, 2.2, 10.1 and 10.2). Said tub 59 can contain fresh water, oil or any other type of adequate fluid for receiving the cut products, depending on the desired purpose and the type of product fed. The cutting element 20 is set within said tub 59 containing some fluid for undertaking the cutting process and unloading the product 9 immediately into said fluid, but said cutting element 20 is not completely submersed in the fluid, but rather only a portion of it and the lower calibration element 24 are in direct contact with the fluid, such as is shown in Figure 11.1.

When it comes to food products, the tub 59 preferably contains fresh water in order to wash them at the same time they are being cut, as these may have undesired substances on their surfaces, such as starch or latex. In an alternative embodiment, the tub 59 contains oil at room temperature. The oil has the advantage that it can be used again when the cut product will be cooked afterwards, for example, within a fryer, because after the cutting step, the product can be directly introduced into a fryer. When the cut is undertaken in water, a step prior to the frying is needed wherein all the water is evaporated so that it does not enter the fryer and cause damage. Notwithstanding, both the water as well as the oil allow that in addition to remove undesired substances of the product 9, that the product 9 itself not become overlapped as it is emerging from the cutting element 20 in slice manner.

In a preferred embodiment, said tub 59 is inverted pyramid shaped, such as is shown in Figure 10.1. At an end of the tub 59 a section 60 is extended in order to set a conveyor belt 65 which will convey the cut product outside of the apparatus 10, but the person skilled in the art will know that the shape of the tub 59 can be altered according to the needs of the process. In the preferred embodiment, this shape allows that both, the fluid as well as the undesirable material emanating from the cut product, flow to the same area, that is, towards a section 61 of the tub 59, where means of extraction 62, such as a submersible pump, are set (figure 10.2) to transport the fluid containing cut product residues through a hose 69 towards the next step of the process (filtering) which will be discussed later. In another embodiment, a deflector (not shown) is placed at the end of the conveyor belt 65 for cut product (Figure 11.1) to guide the cut product towards another step of the process, for example to the cooking of the product prior to its sale to the end consumer. Similarly, air flow can be supplied at the exit of the conveyor belt 65 to push the slices of the cut product towards said other step of the process (Figure 11.1).

At the exit of the conveyor belt 65 for cut product a dispenser element 67 of clean fluid is also set (Figure 11.1), for example, a sprinkler, with the goal of finishing the cleaning of the cut product.

The tub 59 can also comprise a valve 64 to control the fluid level within the same and avoid spillages, as well as a purge 63 for draining the fluid within the tub 59 (Figure 10.1).

On the other end of the tub 59 a filtering belt 66 is set which comprises a mesh with the goal that all fluid which is re-circulated by means of the submersible pump

62 through the hose 69 is filtered prior to being re-circulated to the cutting element

20 (Figures 2.2 and 13.2). A base 70 (Figure 11.3) supports the apparatus 10 with all the structural features above mentioned, such as is shown in Figures 2.1 and 2.2.

Method for Cutting Products

Instant invention also provides a cutting method for products using the apparatus 10 previously described. Said method comprises the following steps: a) Feeding the product 9 to be cut to the conveyor 13 of the apparatus 10 through the feeding section 37.

When a food product is involved, preferably it is supplied without a peel and without the ends or edges to ease the process. Preferably the position of the product 9 in the feeding section 37 of the conveyor 13 is with the longest side parallel to the conveyor belts 13, such as is shown in Figure 13.1. b) Transporting the fed product 9 to the cutting element 20 by means of the conveyor 13. c) Expanding/reducing the distance between the belts 41 and 42 of the conveyor 13, depending on the dimensions of the fed product 9, thanks to the spring compressor system 49 above described. d) Cutting the product 9 in the cutting element 20.

In an additional embodiment, the process of the present invention also allows the removal of undesired substances of cut products, by means of the following steps: e) Removing undesired substances from the cut product by immersing said product in an adequate fluid contained in the tub 59 to obtain a cleaned cut product.

As the product 9 is cut and immersed in the tub 59 containing some fluid, the latter is gradually changing its coloring and/or appearance due to the undesired substances which are being transferred from the cut product. Latex, for example, causes the water to turn yellow and causes the oil to turn cloudy. To keep a clean fluid, it must be constantly replaced. The above will depend on the type of process and will be determined by the person skilled in the art. In the case of oil, this can be filtered to remove the residues from the undesired substances and can then be reused in the process. f) Removing the cut product.

Following the removal of the undesired substances in the tub 59 containing a fluid, the product arrives at a conveyor belt 65 for cut product due to the eccentric force with which it is expelled from the cutting element 20 (Figure 11.1). Said conveyor belt 65 for cut product in addition to transporting the cut product outside the apparatus 10 towards other possible steps of the process (frying, for example), will also serve as a filter for separating the clean product slices from the undesired substances which have remained in the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, a clean fluid flow is supplied through the dispensing element 67 set at the exit of the conveyor belt 65 for cut product to finish the cleaning process (Figures 2.1 and 11.1). Afterwards, the clean and cut products can be supplied to later steps with the help of the deflector (not shown) and the air flow which flows from the exit of the conveyor belt 65 (Figure

11.1).

In another additional embodiment, the method proposed by instant invention also comprises a filtering and re-circulation step of the filtered fluid to the cutting element 20: g) Filtering the fluid loaded with the undesired substances and feeding it again to the cutting element 20.

The fluid that crossed the conveyor belt 65 for cut product and that is loaded with the undesired substances which were transferred from the cut product is now directed towards the submersible pump 62, which will guide it through the hose 69 towards the filtering belt 66, where it will be filtered from the undesired substances of the cut product with the end goal of feeding it back to the cutting element 20. In this fashion, the knives of the cutting element 20 will always remain clean and lubricated (Figure 13.2). Given that the undesired substances are removed in an almost instantaneous manner (seconds after they are introduced into the tub 59 containing the fluid), instant invention ends up being an efficient cutting and removal of undesired substances system and, as a result of said removal, the product will not stick to the walls of the equipment nor to the hands of the personnel who handle it, it will have an excellent appearance for final consumption and additionally will avoid having to use chemical additives whose function would be to remove said substances. Alterations of the invention described herein will be able to be anticipated by those persons skilled in the art. However, it must be understood that instant description is related to the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is merely for illustrative purposes. All amendments which are obviously in the spirit of the invention, such as changes to the shape, material and dimensions of the features which make up the invention, will be considered as lying within the scope of the attached claims.