Abstract:
A cutting head for a food product cutting system includes a generally cylindrical rotatable body, having a radius and configured to rotate about an axis, and a plurality of spatially separated, generally parallel elongate cutting blades, arranged in a circular array centered on the axis and defining a perimeter of the body. Each blade has a long dimension and an outwardly-oriented cutting edge. The generally cylindrical rotatable body is connectable to a driving mechanism configured to rotate the cutting head about the axis, and is positionable adjacent to a food product delivery mechanism, whereby food product that contacts the cutting edges of the array of blades in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis is cut by the blades into slices having a repeatable curvature.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/832,554, filed on Jun. 7, 2013 and entitled CUP CUTTER, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for cutting food products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cutter for food items that is capable of producing slices and chips with compound curves. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    There are a variety of devices and methods for cutting food products, such as root vegetables and the like, into various shapes. For example, known potato slicers, such as the Urschel OV and Translicer, can produce flat or crinkled slices using a cutting wheel that is fundamentally planar. Other devices for producing ridged shapes, waffle cuts and spiral shaped potato slices and the like are also known. 
         [0006]    These known cutters are not believed to be capable of controllably producing slices and chips with compound curves, and such products do not appear to be known. Instead, producers of food products that have compound curves rely upon methods that either produce irregular results, or methods that are complicated, time-consuming and/or expensive to implement. For example, various types of chips and the like use forms to create a desired shape from a generally flat portion of dough or the like. A well-known brand of uniformly-curved potato chips are also shaped using forms. The use of forms tends to be slow and relatively expensive. 
         [0007]    On the other hand, there are many food products that have compound curves, but the exact shape and configuration of these curves is a random result of the manufacturing process. For example, corn chips and tortilla chips frequently present compound curved shapes, but these shapes are random, as are the shapes of potato chips generally. It does not appear that there are systems and methods currently known that allow the controllable and selective cutting of food products into slices and chips with compound curves that are highly consistent and controllable. 
         [0008]    The present application is directed to one or more of the above-mentioned issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a cutter that is capable of producing slices and chips with compound curves, the configuration of the curves being consistent and controllable. 
         [0010]    It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a cutter that is capable of producing slices and chips with compound curves, and which is simple to operate and maintain. 
         [0011]    It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a cutter that is capable of producing slices and chips with compound curves that has a high throughput and relatively low cost to operate. 
         [0012]    In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a cutting head for a food product cutting system, including a generally cylindrical rotatable body, having a radius and configured to rotate about an axis, and a plurality of spatially separated, generally parallel elongate cutting blades, arranged in a circular array centered on the axis and defining a perimeter of the body. Each blade has a long dimension and an outwardly-oriented cutting edge. The generally cylindrical rotatable body is connectable to a driving mechanism configured to rotate the cutting head about the axis, and is positionable adjacent to a food product delivery mechanism, whereby food product that contacts the cutting edges of the array of blades in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis is cut by the blades into slices having a repeatable curvature. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention provides a food product cutting system, including a motor, having a rotatable drive shaft downwardly oriented along a substantially vertical axis, a generally cylindrical cutting head, attached at a distal end of the drive shaft, and a food product delivery device. The cutting head has a radius and includes a plurality of generally upright blades, symmetrically disposed about the vertical axis and having outwardly-oriented cutting edges, the blades defining an inside and an outside of the drum and a lower discharge opening. The food product delivery device is configured to advance food product laterally against the blades of the rotating cutting head, whereby the product is cut into slices having a repeatable curvature, the slices dropping through the discharge opening after cutting. 
         [0014]    In accordance with yet another aspect thereof, the invention provides a method for cutting a food product. The method includes rotating a generally cylindrical cutting head about an axis, and advancing a food product against the rotating cutting head in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis. The cutting head has a radius and an array of blades spatially separated blades symmetrically disposed about the axis, the blades having outwardly-oriented cutting edges. Advancing a food product against the rotating cutting head causes the food product to be cut by the blades into slices having a repeatable curvature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a cup cutting machine configured for controllably and repeatably slicing food products into shapes having compound curves; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cup cutting machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are perspective, front, front cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, of a cylindrical cutting head for use in the cup cutting device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is configured to produce cut slices that are generally barrel shaped; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a barrel-shaped cut slice produced using a cylindrical cutting head like that shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are perspective, front, front cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, of a truncated spherical cutting head for use in the cup cutting device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is configured to produce spherically curved cut slices; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a spherically curved cut slice that has been produced using a truncated spherical cutting head like that shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 7A-7D  are perspective, front, front cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, of a frusto-conical cutting head for use in the cup cutting device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is configured to produce conically curved cut slices; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a conically curved cut slice produced using a frusto-conical cutting head like that shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cutting blade that has a corrugated pattern for cutting ridged shapes. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a food product cutting system that includes multiple slicing machines in parallel, including a cup cutter; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a food product cutting system that can selectively employ multiple slicing machines, including a cup cutter, which are mounted upon a track system; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of a system for selectively employing multiple cup cutting or other food product cutting machines in parallel by selective adjustment of valves in a water transport system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0029]    As noted above, known devices and methods for cutting food products can produce flat or crinkled slices using a cutting wheel that is fundamentally planar. However, known food cutting machines do not appear to be capable of controllably producing slices and chips with compound curves. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a system for cutting food products that can produce a family of new cut shapes. This cutting system can be used for cutting a variety of vegetables and other food products, and applications in other industries may also exist. One useful application is in cutting new potato chip shapes. 
         [0030]    Shown in  FIG. 1  is a front view of a cup cutting machine  10  configured for controllably and repeatably slicing food products into shapes having compound curves. Provided in  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the same machine  10 . The cup cutting machine  10  generally includes a motor  12  that is vertically oriented, with a motor shaft  14  that extends downward from the motor  12 . The motor  12  is attached to a frame  16  that supports it, and a pair of bearings  18  are also attached to the frame  16  and support the rotating shaft  14 . 
         [0031]    The motor shaft  14  extends into a containment housing  20  through a seal  22  in the top of the housing  20 . The housing  20  includes a side entry point  24  that communicates with a product delivery device, which in this case is a product transport conduit  26  of a water knife pump system, and a bottom discharge opening  28 . Other product delivery devices can also be used, such as mechanical feed systems. Inside the housing  20  is a generally cylindrical cutting head  30 , which is attached to the motor shaft  14  and positioned adjacent to the outlet  24  of the product transport conduit  26 . The cutting head  30  has a top plate or upper hub  32 , which attaches to the motor shaft  14 , and a plurality of cutting blades  34  that extend downward from the top plate  32  in a generally cylindrical array, defining an interior region of the cutting head  30 . The lower ends of the cutting blades  34  define a generally circular discharge opening  36  for the cut product to drop through and exit the machine after cutting, as indicated by the arrow  38 . The bottom ends of the blades  34  of the cutting head  30  are connected to an annular lower hub or rim  40 , which has a relatively large central aperture that defines the circular discharge opening  36 . 
         [0032]    The blades  34  have outwardly-oriented cutting edges. When rotated by the motor shaft  14 , the cutting head  30  rotates about a vertical axis  42 , labeled as the z axis in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , while individual units of food product  44  (e.g. potatoes) are sequentially pushed against the outside of the cutting head  30 , generally perpendicular to the vertical axis  42 , against the array of moving blades  34 . The rotating cutting head  30  cuts slices  46  from the food product  44 , which drop through the discharge opening  26  of the cutter head  30  and thence through the discharge opening  28  of the housing  20 , as indicated by arrow  38 . A jet (not shown) of air, water or other fluid can be positioned inside the containment housing  20  or inside the cutting head  30  to assist in pushing the slices through the discharge openings  28 ,  38  by driving the cut product  46  downward and out of the cutting head. 
         [0033]    While in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  the motor  12  and its shaft  14  are vertically oriented, other orientations are also possible for the axis of rotation  42 , including horizontal, for example. Rotation about a vertical axis is believed to be advantageous, however, because gravity can help carry the cut slices out of the cutting head  30  in this orientation. 
         [0034]    Because of the exterior curvature and rotation of the cutting head  30 , and the speed of advancement of the food product  44  against the cutting head  30 , the cut slices  46  will have a distinct curvature, which can be a single curvature or compound curvature of various shapes, depending on the shape or profile of the cutting blades  34 . The blades  34  can have a very particular shape to allow the uncut food product  44  to advance at uniform speed while the cutting occurs. Many blade profiles and consequent product shapes are possible. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , the simplest configuration of a cutting head that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure is a cylindrical cutting head  60  with straight blades  62 , which looks similar to a squirrel cage fan. This cutting head  60  can cut slices that are cylindrical sections of single curvature—i.e. having a barrel shape, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]    The cylindrical cutting head  60  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D  generally includes a top plate  64 , a plurality of vertically straight blades  62  that depend from the top plate  64  and are disposed in a circular array oriented around the rotational or z axis of the cutting head  60 , indicated at  65  in  FIG. 3D  (representing the z axis  42  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ). The cutting head  60  also includes a bottom rim  66  that interconnects all of the blades  62  and defines a central discharge opening  68 . The top plate  64  is connectable to the shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) of the drive motor ( 12  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) by bolts, screws or any other suitable attachment mechanism (not shown), and the discharge opening  68  allows cut product ( 46  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) to drop from the interior  70  of the cutting head  60  after it has been cut. 
         [0037]    When the cylindrical cutting head  60  is attached to the vertical drive shaft ( 14  in  FIG. 1 ,  2 ), the blades  62  are vertically oriented, with the cutting edges  72  of the blades facing outward relative to the overall shape of the cutting head  60 . The individual blades  62  can each have a slight curvature about a vertical axis, indicated by “R” in  FIG. 3D . This curvature can be approximately equal to the overall diameter of the cutting head  60 , so that the trailing portion of the blade  62  follows the curved path of the blade tip  72  through the food product as it cuts, thereby reducing friction and resistance to cutting. More particularly, the trailing edge of the blade  62  follows the cutting edge  72  of the blade through the food product when the forward velocity of the product ( 44  in  FIG. 1 ) is accounted for. The radius of curvature of the blade  62  about the z axis decreases slightly from the cutting edge  72  to the trailing edge to allow the product to proceed forward with uniform velocity. This characteristic of blade geometry can be applied to all of the cutting blade configurations disclosed herein. The blades  62  also have a space  74  between them, which is at least as large as the thickness of the cut slices ( 76  in  FIG. 4 ). The thickness of the cut slices depends on the dimension of this space as well as the feed rate of the food product to the cutting head. 
         [0038]    The cut slice that is formed by the cutting head in  FIGS. 3A-3D  will have a single-curved surface, and will be substantially barrel shaped, as shown in  FIG. 4 . This figure shows a potato slice  76  that has been cut with a cup cutter having a cylindrical cutting head like that of  FIGS. 3A-3D . This slice has a central arched region  77 , the curvature of which depends upon the radius of the cutting head  60 , with edges  78  having a shape that depends on the shape and size of the food product from which it was cut, and the orientation of the food product at the moment that it contacted the cutting head  60  and was cut. The slice  76  has an outline that is similar to existing potato slices or chips, but is a section of a cylinder of the same radius as the cutting head  60 . 
         [0039]    The blade shapes for the various cutting head embodiments shown herein can be mathematically defined using polar and cylindrical coordinate systems. In defining the shape of the blades, the origin is set in the geometric center of the cutting head (e.g. point  65  in  FIG. 3D ), with the z axis of the coordinate system being set collinear with the motor shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) and the axis of rotation ( 42  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) of the cutting head ( 30  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ). It is also to be understood that the origin point  65  is located midway between the planes of the top plate  64  and the bottom rim  66 , approximately aligned with the section line  3 D in  FIG. 3B . In the following mathematical discussion the variable r is the distance from the z axis, while  0  represents the angle of a line starting at the origin (e.g. point  65  in  FIG. 3D ) and pointing into the product flow (e.g. conduit  26  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ). 
         [0040]    In the following expression for the surface of a blade, R is the radius of the cutting head (and the radius of the cut slices), N is the number of blades in the cutting head, and T is the cut thickness. Expressing the θ coordinate in degrees and using any consistent length unit for r and z, the two length dimensions, the expression for the shape of the blade surface  62  is: 
         [0000]        r (θ, z )= R −( NT θ)/360   [1]
 
         [0000]    For a cylindrical cutting head  60  having straight blades  62  like that shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , r (θ, z) does not vary with z, and z does not appear in the expression. In other words, the surface shape of the blade is the same for all values of z, and the blade will produce a cylindrical cut piece  76 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Technically speaking, this piece  76  has the shape of a portion of a hollow cylinder. 
         [0041]    Other cut shapes result when r does vary with z, and varying these parameters allows the creation of cut slices with compound curves. Many functional forms can be superimposed upon the basic expression above to describe blade surface shapes to create many slices of differing shapes. One such possibility is to vary r with z such that a spherically-curved surface is cut. Provided in  FIGS. 5A-5D  are perspective, front, front cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, of a truncated spherical cutting head  80  for use in the cup cutting device  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Provided in  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a spherically curved cut slice  82  that has been produced using a truncated spherical cutting head  80  like that shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
         [0042]    The truncated spherical cutting head  80  has the general shape of a symmetrical segment of a sphere, with top and bottom planes where opposing “caps” of a truly spherical shape would normally be. This cutting head  80  generally includes a top plate  84 , a plurality of outwardly curved blades  86  that depend from the top plate  84  in a circular array, and a bottom rim  88  that interconnects all of the blades  86  and defines a central discharge opening  90 . The outward curvature of the blades  86  is referred to herein as curvature about a transverse axis, meaning an axis that is perpendicular to the z axis. The top plate  84  is connectable to the shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) of the drive motor ( 12  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), while the discharge opening  90  allows cut product  82  to drop from the interior  92  of the cutting head  80  after it has been cut. While this cutting head  80  has curved blades  86 , for purposes of this discussion it is still considered generally cylindrical, and rotates about the z axis. 
         [0043]    When the truncated spherical cutting head  80  is attached to the vertical drive shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), the blades  86  are generally vertically oriented, with the curved cutting edges  94  of the blades  86  facing outward relative to the overall shape of the cutting head  80 . The radius of curvature of the blades  86  about the transverse axis can be approximately equal to the overall radius of the cutting head  80 , thus producing the truncated spherical shape of the cutting head  80 . It will be apparent, however, that this radius will not be equal to the radius of the top plate  84  or lower rim  88 , since these features represent non-diametrical sections of the overall spherical shape. It is also to be appreciated that, while the cutting head shape shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D  is a truncated sphere, other similar shapes can also be used for creating compound curved cut slices. For example, cutting blades having a varying radius of curvature, or that define a cutting head having a truncated ellipsoidal shape, etc. can also be used. 
         [0044]    The individual blades  86  can each have a slight curvature about their long axis, as discussed above with respect to the straight blades ( 62  in  FIGS. 3A-D ) in the cylindrical cutting head ( 60  in  FIGS. 3A-D ). This curvature is indicated at “R” in the view of  FIG. 5D . Again, this curvature can be approximately equal to the overall radius of the cutting head  80 , so that the trailing portion of the blade  86  follows the curved path of the blade tip through the food product as it cuts. This radius R can also diminish toward the trailing end of the blade  86  to accommodate the speed of advancement of the food product, as discussed above The curved cutting blades  86  also have a space  96  between them. The thickness of the cut slices  82  depends on the dimension of this space  96  as well as the feed rate of the food product to the cutting head  80 . 
         [0045]    The cut slice  82  that is formed by the cutting head in  FIGS. 5A-5D  will have a double-curved surface, and will be substantially cup shaped, as shown in  FIG. 6 . This figure shows a potato slice  82  that has been cut with a cup cutter having a truncated spherical cutting head  80  like that of  FIGS. 5A-5D . This slice  82  has the general shape of a segment of a hollow sphere, with a central spherically curved region  97 , and edges  98  that define a generally circular shape. The curvature of the central region  97  is defined by the curved cutting blades  86 , while the actual shape of the edge  98  depends on the shape and size of the food product from which it was formed, and the orientation of the food product at the moment that it contacted the cutting head and was cut. It will be appreciated that a food item of irregular shape can produce a cut slice having an irregular edge shape. 
         [0046]    Using the variables presented in equation [1] above, a mathematical expression for the surface of the curved blade  86  of the truncated spherical cutting head  80  is: 
         [0000]        r (θ, z )=( R   2   −z   2 ) 0.5 −( NT θ)/360   [2]
 
         [0000]    As shown in this equation, this blade shape produces slices of thickness T that are sections of spheres of radius R. 
         [0047]    Many other possibilities for blade shapes exist, and an ideal blade surface shape can be generated by superimposing any desired function of z on the basic expression of equation [2]. As another example, a frusto-conical cutting head  100  can be used, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7D .  FIGS. 7A-7D  are perspective, front, front cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, of a frusto-conical cutting head  100  for use in the cup cutting device  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is configured to produce semi-conical cut slices  102 , shown in  FIG. 8 . The frusto-conical cutting head  100  generally includes a top plate  104 , a plurality of straight blades  106  that depend from the top plate  104  in a conical array, and a bottom rim  108  that interconnects all of the blades  106  and defines a central discharge opening  110 . The top plate  104  is connectable to the shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) of the drive motor ( 12  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), while the discharge opening  110  allows cut product  102  to drop from the interior  112  of the cutting head  100  after it has been cut. While this cutting head  100  has a tapered conical shape, for purposes of this discussion it is still considered generally cylindrical, and rotates about the z axis. 
         [0048]    When the frusto-conical cutting head  100  is attached to the vertical drive shaft ( 14  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), the blades  106  are downwardly oriented in a conically flared array, with the cutting edges  114  of the blades  106  facing outward relative to the overall shape of the cutting head  100 . The individual blades  106  can each have a slight curvature about a vertical axis, as indicated by “R” in  FIG. 7D . As discussed above, this curvature can be approximately equal to the overall diameter of the cutting head  100 , so that the trailing portion of the blade  106  follows the curved path of the blade tip  114  through the food product as it cuts. Since the overall diameter of the conical cutting head  100  varies relative to the vertical axis, indicated at  116 , the radius of curvature R of the blades can also vary, and can also diminish toward the trailing end of the blade to accommodate the speed of advancement of the food product, as discussed above. As with the other embodiments discussed above, the blades  106  have a space  118 , shown in  FIG. 7D , between them, and the thickness of the cut slices depends on the dimension of this space  118  as well as the feed rate of the food product to the cutting head  100 . 
         [0049]    The cut slice  102  that is formed by the cutting head  100  in  FIGS. 7A-7D  will have a single-curved surface, and will be semi-conically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 8 . This figure shows a potato slice  102  that has been cut with a cup cutter having a conical cutting head  100  like that of  FIGS. 7A-7D . This slice  102  has the shape of a section of a hollow cone, with a central arched region  120  having a radius of curvature that varies in a generally linear fashion from a first end  122  to a second end  124  of the slice  102 . The curvature of the central region  120  is defined by the radius of the cutting head  100  at a given position relative to the z axis. The edges  126  of the slice  102  have a shape that depends on the shape and size of the food product from which it was formed, and the orientation of the food product at the moment that it contacted the cutting head  100  and was cut. Once again, the slice  102  has an outline that is similar to existing potato slices or chips, but is a section of a hollow cone having dimensional characteristics like those of the cutting head  100 . 
         [0050]    With any of the cutting heads shown herein, the product velocity through the cutting head is a simple function of cutter RPM and the parameters listed above. 
         [0000]      Product velocity (length/minute)=RPM× T×N    [4]
 
         [0000]    In this equation T is the slice thickness, and N is the number of blades on the cutting head. Suitable values for these parameters can vary. Faster product velocity will increase throughput, so higher RPM, greater cut thickness, and a larger number of blades will all increase throughput. RPM can be limited by the mechanical strength of the cutting head and the bearing system. Cut thickness T will depend on the product characteristics desired—e. g. potato chip, potato slice, etc. The number of blades N can be limited by cut thickness T and the minimum r(theta,z) for the particular blade&#39;s profile. Naturally, it is desirable that the blades fit the hubs (i.e. top plate and bottom tim) of the cutting head without interference. It is believed that one set of suitable values for RPM, T, and N would be around RPM=1000, T=0.3″, and N=12 blades in a hollow truncated spherical cutting head. 
         [0051]    One feature that can be added to any of the cutter head configurations shown and described herein is the addition of ridges or corrugations to the cutting blades, in order to produce a ridged or crinkled cut, if desired. Crinkles increase surface area for added crispness and potentially higher uptake of batter, seasoning, or oil. Potato chips or slices from this cutter can work very well for dipping or as bases for placing condiments. Shown in  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a cutting edge portion  186  of a cutting blade that has a corrugated pattern for cutting slices with crinkles. This figure shows the cutting edge  186  in end elevation to show a series of corrugations that include a series of peaks  192  and valleys or troughs  194 , to form a corresponding corrugated peak-trough cut in the food product slice. 
         [0052]    In the various embodiments shown  FIGS. 3-8 , the multiple cutting blades of each cutting head can be identical. Alternatively, cutting head configurations with knives that are not all identical can also be used. For example, corrugated blades can alternate with non-corrugated blades in any cutting head in order to produce cut slices that are corrugated on one side and smooth on the other. Other alternatives can also be used. 
         [0053]    The cup cutting system and related elements depicted in  FIGS. 1-9  and described above can be incorporated into various systems for transporting and controlling products to be cut. Several embodiments for such systems are shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . Each of these systems include a transport system that is configured for transporting food products in single file toward an outlet, and a plurality of cutting machines positioned at the outlet(s). These systems also include a selection device that is configured to selectively couple the outlet of the transport system to one or more of the cutting machines. Such systems can allow for easy variation of cutting methods, and/or for easier selection of system components and taking certain components off line for cleaning, maintenance, etc. 
         [0054]    Shown in  FIG. 10  is a diagram of a system for simultaneously employing multiple water knives in parallel for cutting potatoes. This system generally includes an input stream  200  of whole potatoes  201  of various sizes, which are first fed into a potato sizing machine  202 , which segregates the potatoes  201  by size, and selectively discharges them into any one of multiple transport conduits  204   a - c.  The potato sizing machine  202  in this embodiment operates as a selection device. Each of the transport conduits  204  lead to a pump tank  206 , which stores the potatoes  201  in a hydraulic fluid  208  (e.g. water) in preparation for feeding into the respective cup cutter  210 . Each pump tank  206  is connected to a pump  212 , which pumps the hydraulic fluid  208  with the potatoes  201  in single file, to a unique cup cutter  210 . In a three machine cup cutter system, as shown, the potatoes  201  are sorted into small, medium and large sizes, and conveyed to three cup cutters  210  of different sizes. Three and four cutting machine systems are common, and other numbers of machines can be used. 
         [0055]    The system of  FIG. 10  also includes a collection system, disposed downstream of the cutting machines, configured to collect the slices after cutting. Specifically, following cutting by the respective cutting machines  210 , the potatoes  201  enter a common collection flume  214  which leads to a dewatering machine  216 . Those of skill in the art will be aware that food product collection systems often collect product on a conveyor belt, in a flume, or on a vibratory conveyor. Mesh belt conveyors, fixed screens, or vibratory conveyors are frequently used to dewater. The dewatering machine separates the hydraulic fluid (e.g. water) from the potato slices, and discharges the cut and dewatered potato slices in one stream  218  (e.g. on a conveyor belt or chain) and returns the water to the pump tanks  206  via a pump  220  and return water lines  222 . 
         [0056]    Shown in  FIG. 11  is a diagram of another system for selectively employing multiple slicing machines, in which the selection device is a cutting machine transport device that selectively moves one of multiple cutting machines into an operating position. In this configuration, a stream  240  of sized potatoes is provided to a pump tank  242 , then pumped toward an outlet  244  of the single transport system  246 . Multiple slicing machines  248  are moveably mounted upon rails  250  of a track system  252 . The track system  252  is the cutting machine transport device, upon which the plurality of cutting machines  248  are mounted. The system is configured to selectively move any one of the plurality of cutting machines  248  between an active position  249   a  in communication with the outlet  244  of the transport system  246 , and one or more inactive positions, indicated at  249   b.    
         [0057]    Each cutting machine  248  includes a releasable coupler  254  at its inlet end, configured for selectively releasably connecting the respective cutting machine  248  to the outlet  244  of the transport system  246 . Each cutting machine  248  also includes a releasable coupler  256  at its outlet end, configured for selectively releasably connecting the respective cutting machine  248  to the inlet of a collection system or collection flume  258 , disposed downstream of the cutting machines  248 . As discussed above, the collection system  258  is configured to collect the slices after cutting, and can lead to a dewatering system, etc. 
         [0058]    In the system of  FIG. 11  the cutter  248  that is desired for a particular product can be rolled into place upon the rails  250  and quickly connected to the transport system  246  and collection system  258  with the releasable couplings  254 ,  256 . This configuration allows multiple types of cutting machines, such as loop and cup cutters, to be added to a water knife system via the track system  252 . This can allow rapid selection and switching between the different types of machines, and can also make it easier to take one machine off line for cleaning or maintenance. 
         [0059]    Another approach is shown in  FIG. 12 , which provides a diagram of a system for selectively employing multiple slicing machines in parallel via selective adjustment of valves in a water transport system. In this embodiment, a stream  260  of sized potatoes is provided to a pump tank  262 , then pumped toward an outlet  264  of the single transport system  266 . In this embodiment, rather than moving different cutting machines to an operating position, the cutters are stationary and product is directed to and from the desired cutter by opening or closing valves in a piping system. Specifically, the selection device in this system includes a plurality of transport valves  268 , disposed in communication with the outlet  264  of the transport system  266 , and a plurality of transport extensions  270 , each extending from one of the plurality of transport valves  268  to one of the plurality of cutting machines  272 . This arrangement can be used for selectively switching between the use of multiple cutting machines of different types. It could also be used for simultaneously employing multiple cutting machines of the same type at the same time. Other uses may also be possible. 
         [0060]    The system shown in  FIG. 12  also includes a plurality of collection valves  274 , each disposed in a collection system  276  downstream of the cutting machines  272 . A plurality of collection system extensions  278  extend from each one of the collection valves  274  to a common portion of the collection system  276 . As discussed above, the collection system  276  can be configured to collect the slices after cutting, and can lead to a dewatering system, etc. With this system, selecting between the different cutting machines  272  is fast, and product damage can be reduced or avoided by selecting large radius elbows  274  in the product transport extension conduits  270 . Conduits can also be relocated to form the flow paths and valves omitted. For example, the flow paths can be assembled as needed from pipe components and quick connectors without the need for valves. This option can help reduce the risk of product damage due to contact with the internal components of valves. 
         [0061]    The system and method disclosed herein provides a cutter that is capable of producing slices and chips with single or compound curves in various configurations. It can be used for a variety of food products, such as potatoes, vegetables, cheese and other products. It is also believed that extruded food products, such as sausage, confections, etc., can also be fed into the cutter disclosed herein. The cutting of potatoes is considered to be one of the most likely uses for this device. By virtue of its configuration, the cup cutter can produce spherical section potato slices and chips, for example. Such cuts can be useful for dipping and as bases for condiments. It can also cut cylindrical and conical shapes, and a variety of other shapes are possible using this cutter. 
         [0062]    This cup cutter produces three dimensional shapes by using a cutting head that is roughly cylindrical, having the shape of a drum rather than a wheel. Variations in the shape and curvature of the cut slices can be selected by varying the curvature, angle and other geometric characteristics of the cutting blades. To reduce friction as the blades cut through the product, the blades can be curved along their long axis so that the trailing edge of the blade directly follows the cutting edge through the food product. The blades can also be corrugated to product crinkle or ridged cuts. 
         [0063]    It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.