The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for manufacturing food, more specifically strip products out of meats such as chicken, of variable thickness and texture, in various shapes and sizes.

An apparatus for cutting polymer includes a rotor having a base with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The rotor includes an outer annular wall extending from the first side and defining a number of slots, an inner annular wall defining a number of slots and extending from the first side and surrounded by, and spaced apart from, the outer annular wall. The rotor also includes blades extending from the first side and positioned within the inner annular wall. A circular-shaped stator also defines a number of slots. At least a portion of the stator is positioned in a space between the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall of the rotor.

An apparatus for cutting polymer includes a rotor having a base with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The rotor includes an outer annular wall extending from the first side and defining a number of slots, an inner annular wall defining a number of slots and extending from the first side and surrounded by, and spaced apart from, the outer annular wall. The rotor also includes blades extending from the first side and positioned within the inner annular wall. A circular-shaped stator also defines a number of slots. At least a portion of the stator is positioned in a space between the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall of the rotor.

A modular unit configured for mounting to a cutting head of a slicing machine and for securing a knife to the cutting head, and slicing machines equipped with one or more of such modular units. The modular unit includes mounting blocks adapted to be spaced apart in an axial direction of the cutting head, and a clamping assembly assembled with the mounting blocks so as to extend between the mounting blocks. The clamping assembly is configured to secure a knife to the cutting head, and at least portions of the clamping assembly may be removable from the cutting head by disassembling the clamping assembly from the mounting blocks without removing the mounting blocks from the cutting head.

A modular unit configured for mounting to a cutting head of a slicing machine and for securing a knife to the cutting head, and slicing machines equipped with one or more of such modular units. The modular unit includes mounting blocks adapted to be spaced apart in an axial direction of the cutting head, and a clamping assembly assembled with the mounting blocks so as to extend between the mounting blocks. The clamping assembly is configured to secure a knife to the cutting head, and at least portions of the clamping assembly may be removable from the cutting head by disassembling the clamping assembly from the mounting blocks without removing the mounting blocks from the cutting head.

A system and method for making cuts in a catheter or other medical tubing may include one or more blades connected to a blade housing. The blade housing may be attached to one or more mounting stems, and the mounting stems are coupled to a drive mechanism to axially rotate the blade housing and blade. A cradle plate is positioned proximal to the blade. The cradle plate includes a circular passageway extending therethrough non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the blade for holding medical tubing to be cut. The cradle plate also includes an arced cut-out in the axis of rotation of the blade to allow the blade to rotate into the arced cut-out to cut the tubing without colliding with the cradle plate.

A system and method for making cuts in a catheter or other medical tubing may include one or more blades connected to a blade housing. The blade housing may be attached to one or more mounting stems, and the mounting stems are coupled to a drive mechanism to axially rotate the blade housing and blade. A cradle plate is positioned proximal to the blade. The cradle plate includes a circular passageway extending therethrough non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the blade for holding medical tubing to be cut. The cradle plate also includes an arced cut-out in the axis of rotation of the blade to allow the blade to rotate into the arced cut-out to cut the tubing without colliding with the cradle plate.

Knife assemblies adapted for use in slicing machines includes a knife holder having a support surface that defines an outer upper surface of the knife holder and a leading edge of the knife holder. An insert is supported by the knife holder and has leading and trailing ends that each extends along a longitudinal extent of the knife holder, and a longitudinal end between the leading and trailing ends. A knife is at least partly supported by the insert and has a cutting edge that projects beyond the leading end of the insert. The knife is clamped to the knife holder and the insert is secured to the knife holder by at least a first slot defined in the trailing end and/or longitudinal end of the insert, and at least a first locking post that engages the first slot and secures the insert to the knife holder.

A pruning system includes a cutting head comprising upper and lower cutting rings positioned along a bottom portion of one or more tubes. At least one of the cutting rings is adapted to rotate in a circular motion, while the other cutting ring may be adapted to remain stationary. A vacuum may be applied to suction target plant material, and the cutting head may be lowered toward the target plant material. As adjacent blades from the upper and lower cutting rings are separated in an open position, plant material may be collected in the opening defined by the adjacent blades of the cutting rings. As the blades converge, the opening may close, and plant material collected in the opening may be severed from the plant. System variables, such as blade orientation, vacuum speed, blade rotation speed, barrel size, and the cutting mechanisms, may be adjusted to accommodate different types of plant material. The pruning system may be installed on a vehicle and used with a vision system to remove materials from plant beds in a field.

Impeller for a centrifugal food cutting apparatus, comprising a base plate and at least one set of paddle parts mounted on the base plate and provided for imparting centrifugal force to food products to be cut. Each set comprises inner and outer paddle parts defining at least a first stage and a second, cutting stage, the inner and outer paddle parts being offset from each other in radial and angular direction of the impeller, such that a safe compartment is defined for food product which is in the second stage.