Meat cutting assembly

A cutting assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel and comprising a blade roller having a plurality of blades transversely connected thereto in aligned relation to the path of travel. A mate roller, an in-feed roller and an out-feed roller interact with the plurality of blades to assure removal of meat portions from the blade and mate rollers during the cutting procedure. The mate roller comprises a plurality of mate roller sections each separated from one another by a first predetermined space and variably or adjustably positioned along the length of the mate roller by interaction with a stabilizing assembly to accommodate receipt of the blades within the first predetermined spaces during concurrent rotation of the blade and mate rollers. The cutting assembly may include a modular construction disposable within and removable from an operative position along a processing line associated with the path of travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a cutting assembly for meat or other appropriate food products passing along a path of travel and comprises a modular cutting unit capable of being added to or removed from a processing line. The modular cutting assembly includes a blade assembly and a mate assembly which interact to consistently cut the meat in the intended manner. Input and output assemblies are respectively disposed adjacent the entrance and exit areas of the path of travel and serve to accurately direct the meat there along while facilitating removal of meat portions from between the plurality of blades of the blade assembly during and after the cutting procedure.

2. Description of the Related Art

For many years, the food industry has relied on manual cutting for the cutting and other processing of meat products, wherein a larger piece of meat was reduced to smaller pieces of various sizes and configurations dependent, at least in part, on the intended use of such reduced meat portions. However, it is well recognized that such manual cutting and other processing is time consuming, labor intensive and lacks consistency in the size, shape, etc. of the final product.

Such inconsistencies are particularly common to smaller pieces or chunks of meat products when cut from a larger meat portion, wherein the smaller, typically cube-like pieces are used for different applications. Despite the recognized skill and experience of butchers and like processing personnel, there is still an overall lack of consistency in terms of size, weight, and other characteristics of the smaller meat portions. In addition to the disadvantages and problems, as generally set forth above, butchers and other personnel utilizing manual cutting techniques necessarily handle the food product extensively. These procedures frequently result in sanitation problems and at least some dangers to the processing personnel.

In order to overcome problems of the type set forth above, attempts have been made to create automated meat cutting and/or processing systems which are structured to perform cutting as well as a variety of other processing features. While some of these automatic machines and/or systems are considered to be at least minimally operative for their intended purpose, consistency problems still exist in terms of the size, weight, shape, cut characteristics, etc. Included in the aforementioned problems associated with known automated machines is the difficulty of cutting through heavy gristle and/or like muscle membrane. This difficulty frequently results in the processed pieces or portions still remaining attached by virtue of the failure to cut completely through existing gristle, etc. While many of the disadvantages associated with manual processing have been alleviated by conventional automated processing equipment, problems still remain. Such problems relate to the efficiency and reliability of the conventional automated, equipment and the ability to achieve the desired consistency in the final product.

Therefore, there is a long recognized need in the food processing industry and more specifically in the area of meat cutting and processing for an efficient and effective automated cutting assembly. Such an improved cutting assembly should be capable of accurately cutting meat into the desired shapes and sizes on a consistent basis, while eliminating the above noted disadvantages associated with manual processing. Further, an improved and proposed cutting assembly should be structured so as to reliably and efficiently cut through heavy gristle, muscle membrane, etc., thereby eliminating or significantly reducing the problems and/or disadvantages commonly associated with known or conventional automatic cutting assemblies. Further, an improved and proposed meat cutting assembly should be capable of timely processing large quantities of meat and other appropriate food products such as by passing the product along a defined path of travel. Moreover, the structuring of such an improved cutting assembly as a modular cutting unit would increase its versatility by allowing it to be an operative component of a more extensive processing line, where other processing steps may be performed on the product.

In addition, a preferred and proposed meat cutting assembly could be automated while being constructed into the aforementioned modular unit, thereby facilitating its placement or removal into and out of an operative position along a more extensive processing line comprised of other operative components. The meat cutting assembly as proposed and improved should also include various self-contained operative features including a blade assembly and mate assembly cooperatively disposed along the path of travel relative to input and output assemblies. Accordingly, the meat being cut is directed to and from the interactive blade and mate assemblies in a manner that assures that portions of the meat are prevented from collecting between the blades of the blade assembly before or concurrently to passing along the path of travel and beyond the out-feed assembly.

Finally, such a proposed and improved meat cutting assembly should include an overall design and structure which enables a continued functioning of the cutting assembly even under relatively harsh operating conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly for cutting meat or other appropriate food products while the products pass along a predetermined path of travel. At least one preferred embodiment of the cutting assembly of the present invention includes the structuring thereof into a substantially modular cutting unit. As such the cutting assembly may be disposed in and removed from a predetermined operative position along a processing line communicating with the path of travel of the modular cutting unit. The various components of the cutting assembly at least partially define the path of travel in that meat products being cut pass continuously through the cutting assembly and may be further processed by other portions or modular components along the processing line.

More specifically, the cutting assembly of the present invention includes a blade assembly and an interactive mate assembly. The blade assembly includes at least one blade roller having a plurality of spaced apart blades connected to the blade roller so as to rotate therewith. The plurality of blades are connected in a transverse orientation relative to the length of the blade roller and as such are substantially aligned with the direction of travel of the meat product being cut as it moves along the path of travel. Accordingly, the transverse orientation of the plurality of the blades relative to the blade roller and the alignment thereof with the path of travel, serve to cut the meat product into a plurality of strips, as will be more apparent.

The aforementioned mate assembly includes at least one mate roller which is disposed and structured to substantially interact with the one blade roller and more specifically with the plurality of the blades connected to the blade roller. In addition, the at least one mate roller is disposed in engaging relation to the meat product passing along the path of travel and concurrently engages the meat product with the blade roller and the plurality of blades associated therewith. Therefore, as the meat product travels along the path of travel its position between the blade roller and the mate roller is substantially stabilized allowing for sufficiently precise and accurate cutting thereof.

The mate roller further comprises a plurality of mate roller sections disposed in predetermined spaced relation to one another as they collectively extend in transverse relation to and along the length of the mate roller. More specifically, each of the plurality of mate roller sections is separated from one another, along the length of the mate roller, by a “first predetermined space”. Further each of the mate roller sections comprise two mate segments which may be fixedly connected to one another and separated by a “second predetermined space” along the length of the mate roller. In at least one preferred embodiment, the second predetermined space is greater than the first predetermine space, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

Moreover, the first predetermined space comprises at least a minimally greater transverse dimension than a thickness of a correspondingly disposed one of the plurality of blades. This cooperative dimensioning of the first predetermined space and corresponding ones of the blades allow each of the blades to occupy and pass through the corresponding first predetermined space which separates two adjacent and correspondingly positioned mate roller sections, during concurrent rotation of the blade roller and the mate roller. As a result, portions of the meat being cut will be prevented from clinging to the blades. Moreover, the small transverse dimension of the first predetermined space and the fact that they are substantially occupied by the blades restricts entry of the meat being cut into the first predetermined spaces.

The cutting assembly of the present invention further includes an “in-feed” assembly and an “out-feed” assembly disposed transversely across the path of travel in spaced relation to one another. Further, the in-feed and out-feed assemblies are respectively disposed adjacent an entrance and exit of the path of travel and thereby facilitate the respective delivery and removal of the meat being cut relative to the blade roller and the mate roller. In addition, the out-feed assembly comprises an out-feed roller including a plurality of out-feed roller sections connected thereto and rotational therewith. The out-feed roller sections are disposed in interacting, extracting or meat clearing relation to said plurality of blades. Moreover, the plurality of out-feed roller sections are rotationally disposed between corresponding, adjacently disposed ones of the plurality of blades, when both the blade roller and the out-feed roller concurrently rotate as the meat product passes along the path of travel. Further, the plurality of out-feed roller sections are transversely oriented in spaced relation to one another and in off-set relation to the plurality of blades. This predetermined, cooperative disposition of the out-feed roller sections and the plurality of blades allows for the ejecting or meat clearing disposition of the out-feed roller sections between the blades during concurrent rotation of the blade roller and out-feed roller. As a result portions of the meat are prevented from being stuck between the blades and rotating with the blade roller beyond the out-feed roller.

Additional structural features include the provision of a stabilizing assembly. The stabilizing assembly preferably includes an elongated base fixedly disposed in transverse relation to the path of travel. Further, the fixed base of the stabilizing assembly includes a plurality of fingers or prongs extending outwardly from the base. The prongs are disposed in spaced relation to one another a sufficient distance to extend into correspondingly disposed ones of the aforementioned second predetermined spaces which separates the two mate segments of each of the mate roller sections. Accordingly, the interaction between the prongs of the stabilizing assembly and the mate roller prevents the meat from adhering to the mate roller such as by being stuck between the two mate segments of each of the mate roller sections. In addition, in at least one preferred embodiment of the cutting assembly comprises the mate roller sections being attached to the mate roller in a manner that permits at least minimal longitudinal movement or displacement thereof along the length of the mate roller, while maintaining a concurrent rotation of the mate roller sections with the mate roller. Accordingly, the proper and intended longitudinal positioning of the mate roller sections on the mate roller, so as to align the first predetermined spaces there between with corresponding ones of the cutting blades, is due at least in part to the disposition of the fixed prongs of the stabilizing assembly being disposed within the second predetermined spaces and the resulting interaction of the stabilizing assembly with the mate roller assembly. Moreover, the non-fixed, but still limited, positioning of the plurality of mate roller sections along the length of the mate roller allows for at least a minimal variance in the size of the first predetermined spaces. In turn, this minimal size variance provides an appropriate tolerance between the position of the blades and the position of the corresponding mate roller sections, as the blades rotate within the first predetermined spaces and interact with the mate roller.

The in-feed roller assembly is similarly structured to the out-feed roller assembly in that it includes an in-feed roller comprising a plurality of in-feed roller sections. As with the out-feed roller, the plurality of in-feed roller sections are also disposed to restrict meat from clinging to the blades or passing there between. Therefore, each of the in-feed roller sections is cooperatively disposed and dimensioned with the plurality of blades so as to pass between adjacent ones of correspondingly positioned blades, as the in-feed roller and the blade roller concurrently rotate. This interaction facilitates an accurate, stable feeding and placement of the meat product being cut as it passes along the path of the travel into and between the blade roller and the mate roller while prohibiting or significantly reducing the possibility of meat adhering to the blade roller.

Further the preferred positioning of the meat may be maintained as it passes along the path of travel by regulating the relative speed of the blade roller and mate roller. In at least one preferred embodiment, the rotational speed of the blade roller is substantially four times greater than that of the mate roller. Such a speed differential between the blade and the mate rollers facilitates a consistent cut of the meat product as it passes between the in-feed assembly and the out-feed assembly and concurrently through the interactive blade roller and mate roller.

As indicated above, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises the cutting assembly being in the form of a modular cutting unit and as such being an operable component of a processing line. Accordingly, the meat product may pass along the processing line to or from the meat cutting assembly of the present invention for additional processing such as cutting, packaging, dispensing, etc. Also, when in the form of the modular cutting unit, the versatility of the cutting assembly may be enhanced by facilitating the insertion and/or removal thereof into an operative position along the processing line. Accordingly, the path of travel through the modular cutting unit at least partially defines a portion of the processing line which may extend upstream and/or downstream of the modular cutting unit. As will be apparent, the processing line, as referred to herein, may comprise a number of assemblies and/or processing equipment intended to perform further processing of the meat or other food product being cut. Such additional processing steps may vary dependent at least in part on the meat or other product being processed and its intended use. Accordingly, the modular cutting unit of the cutting assembly of the present invention may be considered an operative component of the processing line.

Accordingly, the modular construction of the meat cutting assembly includes a housing or frame disposed in surrounding, containing and/or supporting relation to the various operative components of the cutting assembly, set forth above. The frame serves as a containing structure facilitating the insertion, removal and transport of the entire cutting assembly of the present invention. Therefore, in general terms the various operative components including the blade assembly, in-feed assembly, out-feed assembly, mate assembly, stabilizing assembly, etc, are all operatively contained on or within the housing or frame and are therefore considered a part of the modular cutting unit construction of the cutting assembly of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In order to facilitate placement of the cutting assembly in and removal from its intended operative position in the processing line, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a delivery assembly preferably in the form of a support platform. The support platform facilitates transport and positioning of the modular cutting unit as it is installed within its intended operative position along the processing line. Such a support platform may have an elongated construction and be generally dimensioned and configured to support the entire modular cutting unit thereon. In addition, the frame of the modular cutting unit includes a wheel assembly including a plurality of wheels, rollers or other structures which facilitates movement and/or intended positioning and orientation of the modular cutting unit on an outer supporting surface of the support platform. When so positioned the modular cutting unit may be efficiently and effectively oriented relative to its operative position along the processing line.

To this end, the frame or housing of the modular cutting unit also includes a handle assembly preferably including a plurality of handles specifically disposed in an accessible location so as to facilitate the lifting, carrying or other positioning thereof in different orientations, as it is being positioned for placement within and removal from its operative position within the processing line. Further, the handle assembly and the various handle structures associated therewith facilitate the handling by a minimal number of workers, wherein the modular cutting unit may be carried, lifted, supported, oriented and/or selectively positioned from either the same side of the processing line or opposite sides thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a cutting assembly and more specifically a meat cutting assembly generally indicated as10. In at least one preferred embodiment the meat cutting assembly10is constructed into a substantially self-contained modular unit, wherein the plurality of operative and structural components associated with the operation of the cutting assembly10are housed within, mounted on or otherwise connected to a housing or frame generally indicated as12. As such, the cutting assembly10may be accurately described and referred to herein as a “modular cutting unit”. The represented modular construction facilitates the efficient disposition of the modular cutting unit10within an operative position88of a processing line100, as schematically represented inFIG. 10and as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. In addition, the cutting assembly or modular cutting unit10also includes a path of travel16extending there through and at least partially defines a portion of the processing line100.

However, while a preferred embodiment of the cutting assembly10is represented as the aforementioned modular cutting unit, it is emphasized that the operative components of the cutting assembly10can be installed and operate within a processing line100or other operative environment without being incorporated in a modular construction. In either application, the represented processing line100may extend upstream and/or downstream of the path of travel16and cutting assembly10. Therefore, the processing line100may include a plurality of different cutting and/or processing assemblies, as at least partially represented in and described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 13, which are intended to interact with the meat product as it passes along the processing line100either before or after it reaches the operative position88of the cutting assembly10.

With primary reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the cutting assembly10, represented in the form of the modular cutting unit, includes the housing or frame12. An in-feed assembly generally indicated as18is disposed at the entrance to the housing12and includes at least one in-feed roller20represented in detail inFIG. 3. In addition, the cutting assembly10includes an out-feed assembly generally indicated as22including at least one out-feed roller24disposed adjacent an exit of the housing12. A comparison of the representations ofFIGS. 1 and 2clearly indicates that the in-feed roller assembly18is disposed in delivering or feeding relation to the interior of the frame or housing12and the operative components disposed therein. In contrast, the out-feed assembly22is located in spaced relation to the in-feed assembly18in a position to remove the meat product from the interior of the housing or frame12and the operative components therein.

The in-feed and out-feed rollers20and24are respectively represented inFIGS. 3 and 4and include a substantially equivalent structure, with the possible exception of dimensional variances. More specifically, the in-feed roller20ofFIG. 3includes a plurality of in-feed roller sections25which may have a smaller diameter than out-feed roller sections25′, as described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 4. Moreover, the in-feed sections25are disposed in predetermined spaced relation to one another, as at31, as they are collectively connected to the in-feed roller core27in transverse relation to and along the length of the in-feed roller20. The core27has a multi-sided configuration facilitating the rotation of each of the in-feed roller sections25with the core27. Further, driving gears28and28′ may be attached to at least one end of the core27and are disposed and structured to facilitate the concurrent rotation of the in-feed roller20with the other operative components of the cutting assembly10, as will be more apparent from the description hereinafter provided. The exterior surfaces of each of the in-feed roller sections25are roughened or irregular in the sense that the continuous exterior surfaces are not smooth. This irregular, roughened or non-smooth exterior surface may comprise a plurality of teeth like structures, as represented, in order to provide a gripping and/or driving engagement with the meat product. As such, the meat product is forced to travel along the path of travel16and through the housing12of the cutting assembly10upon a rotation of the in-feed roller20.

With primary reference toFIG. 4, the out-feed roller24has substantially similar structural features as the in-feed roller20including a plurality of out-feed roller sections25′ connected to and extending along the entire length of the core27′ of the out-feed roller24. Similarly, at least one drive gear28″ may be located at one or both of the opposite ends of the elongated multi-sided core27′ for purposes of accomplishing a forced rotation of the out-feed roller24as the meat product being cut passes along the path of travel16through the housing or frame12. Both the in-feed and out-feed roller sections25and25′ are disposed in a predetermined spaced relation to one another, as at31and31′ respectively, as they collectively extend along the length of the respective cores27and27′. The spaces31and31′ between the in-feed roller sections25and the out-feed rollers segments25′ respectively, may be determined by an integrally or otherwise fixedly secured spacer member29connected to the plurality of in-feed roller sections25and out-feed roller sections25′. For purposes of clarity the spacers29associated with the respective in-feed and out-feed roller sections25and25′ are not represented in the embodiment ofFIG. 3. In addition and as will be more apparent hereinafter, the spaces31and31′, respectively disposed between the in-feed roller sections25and the out-feed roller sections25′, are sufficiently dimensioned to allow cutting blades34of the blade roller32to be rotationally disposed therein.

Further structural features associated with the in-feed assembly18include the provision of a guide roller30cooperatively disposed adjacent to the in-feed roller20. The relative positions and cooperative structuring of the in-feed roller20and guide roller30are such that the meat product being cut passes between the in-feed roller20and the guide roller30. In addition, a supplementary guide roller30′ may be disposed as part of the out feed assembly22, preferably adjacent the out-feed roller assembly24, as represented inFIG. 2. The placement, dimension and overall configuration of the supplementary guide roller30′ is such as to facilitate passage of the cut meat portions from the out-feed assembly22and the modular housing or frame12. Also, to assure an intended travel or passage of the meat product through and from the out-feed roller assembly22, the rotational speed of the supplementary guide roller30′ is greater, preferably in the range of four times greater, than that of the out-feed roller24, as well as the in-feed roller20, the guide roller30and the mate roller38. More specifically, as the meat product passes from the interior of the housing or frame12it will pass from between the blade roller32and the out-feed roller24and over the supplementary guide roller30′.

With further reference toFIG. 3, additional features of at least one embodiment of the present invention is the provision of guide structures or members33disposed adjacent opposite ends of the out-feed roller24and supplementary guide roller30′, as represented. These guide structures33are disposed and structured to guide and facilitate the passage of the meat product through and from the out-feed roller assembly22in a manner which prevents or significantly reduces the possibility of the meat product interfering with and/or engaging the correspondingly disposed gears, such as at28″ or any gears interacting therewith, as also represented inFIG. 3.

With primary reference toFIG. 5, additional structural features of the cutting assembly10include the provision of the blade assembly comprising at least one blade roller generally indicated as32. The blade roller32comprises a plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel blades34each connected to the elongated core35of the blade roller32. As such, each of the plurality of blades34are transversely oriented relative to the core35and rotate therewith in order to accomplish the intended cutting procedure of the meat product passing through the housing or frame12and along the path of travel16.

As represented inFIGS. 1 through 5, the blade roller32is located on the interior of the housing or frame12in interactive relation with the in-feed roller20and the out-feed roller24. Accordingly the plurality of blades34are disposed in transverse relation to the length of the core35and are disposed in substantially aligned relation to the direction of travel of the meat product as it passes along the path of travel16through the housing or frame12. The transverse orientation of the plurality of cutting blades34and their alignment with the path of travel16facilitates the meat being cut into a plurality of strips or similarly configured portions. Accordingly, while the length of the cut meat portions may vary, the width thereof is substantially determined by the distance between the substantially parallel cutting blades34.

The intended cutting procedure of the meat product passing through the housing or frame12is further facilitated by a mate assembly37comprising at least one mate roller38represented inFIGS. 6 and 7. As such, the mate roller38includes an elongated, core40and a plurality of mate roller sections42connected in transverse relation to the length of the core40and rotational therewith. Rotation of the plurality of mate roller sections42with the core40is accomplished by a multi-sided mounting portion43extending along the length of the core40and dimensioned and configured to be disposed within the multi-sided central apertures43′ of each mate roller section42.

Further, each or at least a majority of the plurality of mate roller sections42comprise two mate segments46. Moreover, the mate roller sections42are separated from one another by a “first predetermined space”49along the length of the core40of the mate roller38. Further, the two mate segments46of each mate roller section42are separated from one another by a “second predetermined space”50. In at least one preferred embodiment the width of each of the second predetermined spaces50, existing between corresponding mate segments46, is greater than the width of each of the first predetermined spaces49, existing between adjacent ones of the plurality of mate roller sections42. As represented inFIGS. 6 and 7and set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the first predetermined space49is significantly less than the second predetermined space50in order that the mate roller38is disposed and structured for intended interactive operation with the blade roller32and the plurality of blades34.

In operation, the blade roller32and the mate roller38are cooperatively disposed and dimensioned such that each of the plurality of blades34interact with correspondingly positioned ones of the mate roller sections42during concurrent rotation of the blade roller32and the mate roller38. More specifically, as the plurality of blades34and plurality of mate roller sections42concurrently rotate, the blades34are rotational within corresponding ones of the first predetermined spaces49. Further, the width of each of the plurality of first predetermined spaces49substantially corresponds to the thickness of the corresponding blade rotating therein, it being understood that the width of the first predetermined spaces49are at least minimally greater than the thickness of the blades rotating therein so as to accommodate such rotation. Accordingly, the relative dimensions of each of the blades34and corresponding ones of the first predetermined spaces49is such that the blades34will occupy at least a majority of the predetermined first spaces49in which they are rotating, during concurrent rotation of the blade roller32and the mate roller38. This cooperative dimensioning and the relative disposition, which facilitates the passage of the individual blades34through the first predetermined spaces49, serve to prevent or significantly reduce the possibility of cut meat portions passing into the first predetermined spaces49during the cutting procedure. Driving interconnection and forced rotation of the mate roller38with the drive mechanism of the cutting assembly is accomplished by the dedicated drive gear51connected to the threaded or ribbed mounting portion53of the core40at one or both opposite ends.

As will be explained in greater detail with respect to the structural features ofFIG. 8, provision is made to stabilize the longitudinal positions of the mate roller sections42relative to one another and along the length of the core40of the mate roller38. It is also important to remove or prevent the meat from entering or remaining within the second predetermined space50during the continuous rotation of the blade roller32and the mate roller38. Accordingly the present invention comprises a stabilizing assembly60having a base62fixedly connected to the housing or frame12across the path of travel and adjacent to the mate roller38. The base includes a plurality of fingers or prongs64fixedly secured to the base62and extending outwardly from a peripheral or longitudinal side thereof. Further, the prongs64are disposed, dimensioned and configured to be disposed within the correspondingly positioned ones of the aforementioned second predetermined spaces50existing between the two mate segments46of each of the mate roller sections42of the mate roller38during its rotation. The disposition of the prongs or fingers64within the corresponding second predetermined spaces50serves to extract, remove and/or clear any meat particles from between the two mate segments46of each of the mate roller sections42as the mate roller38rotates.

In addition, at least one preferred embodiment of the cutting assembly10comprises the mate roller sections42being non-fixedly attached to the core40of the mate roller38in a manner that permits an at least minimal longitudinal movement or limited displacement in the position thereof along the length of the mate roller38, while maintaining a concurrent rotation of the mate roller sections42with the mate roller38. Accordingly, the proper and intended longitudinal positioning of the plurality of mate roller sections42on the core40of the mate roller38serves to accurately align the first predetermined spaces49with corresponding ones of the cutting blades34. This accurate alignment is due at least in part to the disposition of the fixed prongs64of the stabilizing assembly60being disposed within the second predetermined spaces50between the mate segments46. Accordingly, the non-fixed, but still limited, positioning of the plurality of mate roller sections42along the length of the mate roller38allows for the aforementioned at least a minimal movement or displacement of the position of the mate roller sections42due to their interaction with the fixed prongs64disposed within the second predetermined spaces50. As a result there may be an at least minimal variance in the size of the first predetermined spaces49between the mate roller sections42. In turn, this minimal size variance provides an appropriate dimensional tolerance between the position of the blades34and the position of the corresponding mate roller sections42, as the blades34rotate within the first predetermined spaces49and interact with the mate roller38.

As also represented inFIG. 8, the plurality of out-feed roller sections25′ pass continuously between correspondingly disposed adjacent ones of the blades34as both the blade roller32and the mate roller38continue to rotate during the cutting procedure. The interaction between the blade roller32, the mate roller38and the out-feed roller24is clearly represented. As set forth above, each of the plurality of blades34are disposed and dimensioned to pass through a correspondingly positioned one of the first predetermined spaces49existing between each of the mate roller sections. In addition interaction between the out-feed roller24and the blade roller32prevents or significantly reduces the possibility of portions of the meat product sticking to or otherwise clogging the spaces between the blades34. More specifically, each of the plurality of out-feed roller sections25′ will continuously pass between the blades34in order to remove any cut portions of meat or prevent the cut portions of the meat from remaining between the blades34. Therefore, upon concurrent rotation of the blade roller32, the mate roller38and the out-feed roller24, each of the plurality of blades34will pass through a corresponding first predetermined space49at the same time that the out-feed roller sections25′ will pass between corresponding blades34.

FIG. 9represents additional interaction between the in-feed roller sections25, associated with the in-feed roller20; the plurality of blades34, associated with the blade roller32and the mate roller sections42, associated with the mate roller38. Each of the in-feed roller sections25passes between correspondingly disposed ones of the plurality of blades34, during concurrent rotation of the in-feed roller20and the blade roller34.

Additional structural features are also represented inFIG. 1wherein shield or blocking plates or like members66may be disposed adjacent opposite ends of the in-feed assembly18in order to prevent the meat from passing beyond the opposite ends of the in-feed roller20, blade roller32and mate roller38. Further, proper orientation and positioning of the product being cut are accomplished by regulating the speed of the various roller components. As represented, the guide roller30is associated with the in-feed assembly18and is rotating at substantially the same speed as that of the in-feed roller20, mate roller38and out-feed roller24. However, as set forth above, the rotational speed of the supplementary guide roller30′ is preferably four times as great as these rollers. Similarly, the rotational speed of the blade roller32is regulated relative to that of the mate roller38. In order to accomplish a clean, consistent cut of the product passing through the frame or housing12, the blade roller32and the plurality of blades34connected thereto and rotational therewith, travel at a rotational speed generally about 4 times the speed of the mate roller38.

As also described above, the meat cutting assembly10of the present invention includes the ability to efficiently and effectively be installed as a modular cutting unit into an appropriate, operative location88within and along the processing line100, as schematically represented inFIG. 10. As such, the processing line100includes the at least operative position88which may comprise a cavity, chamber or receiving area for the modular cutting unit10along the processing line100. As set forth above the modular cutting assembly10includes the path of travel16, which may coincide with the processing line100along which the meat or food products being cut or otherwise processed travels. In order to facilitate placement of the modular cutting unit or assembly10into the appropriate operative position or cavity/chamber88, a delivery assembly generally indicated as90is utilized.

As represented inFIGS. 11 and 12, the delivery assembly90comprises a substantially elongated support platform92dimensioned and configured to have the modular cutting unit or assembly10supported thereon. As such, the overall dimension and configuration of the support platform92may at least partially correspond to at least the under portion of the modular cutting unit10. In order to facilitate ease and efficiency of placement of the modular cutting unit10onto the outer or upper exposed surface93of the support platform92, the modular cutting unit10includes a plurality of wheels, rollers or like structures94. The wheels, rollers, etc.94are positioned so as to movably engage the outer exposed surface93of the support platform92. In addition, a groove or channel95is disposed in at least partially recessed relation into and across the outer surface93of the support platform92. As such, the channel95is dimensioned and disposed in receiving, interruptive relation to the wheels or rollers94on the frame12. The provision of the channel95and its receipt of the wheels therein, prevents inadvertent displacement or falling of the corresponding end of the frame12from the corresponding end of the support platform92, as the modular cutting unit or assembly10is rolled onto outer surface93of the support platform92in the direction indicated by arrow97.

Additional structural features associated with the delivery assembly90and in particular the support platform92includes a plurality of spacers or legs99extending outwardly or downwardly from the under surface of the support platform92as represented. The purpose of the spacer legs99will be made apparent hereinafter with regard to the efficient positioning of the modular cutting unit assembly10into its operative position88represented by the chamber or cavity existing along the processing line100. Further facilitating the handling, carrying and/or selective positioning of the modular cutting unit or assembly10is the provision of a handle assembly including a plurality of handles101. It will be noted that the plurality of handles101are disposed in spaced relation to one another and vary in orientation. One or more of the handles101extend longitudinally along the length of the modular cutting assembly10, wherein others of the plurality of handles, as at101′, are located transverse to such length. The different orientations of the various handles101and101′ allow for efficient carrying and/or positioning of the modular cutting assembly10by one or more individuals.

Accordingly with primary reference toFIGS. 10 through 13, placement of the modular cutting assembly10in its operative position88and within an intended chamber or cavity of the processing line100involves a first placement of the support platform92in the delivering position generally indicated as102and represented in phantom lines inFIGS. 10 and 12. Secure and stable placement of the support platform92on the upper portion of the processing line100may be facilitated by recessed portions106, when the upper area of the processing line100is not structured to support the spacer legs99. When the support platform92is disposed in the delivering position102, the modular cutting unit10is carried and lifted by an adequate number of individuals, using the handle structures101. By way of example, the individuals may carry the modular cutting unit10to the processing line100by approaching it from a single side, such as at103inFIG. 10. The modular cutting unit10is then lifted onto the support platform92such that one end thereof104, as represented inFIG. 11, is placed on the exposed, supporting surface93. When so positioned the modular cutting assembly10is then rolled along the length of the support platform92, in accord with directional arrow97, until the wheels are received within the retaining channel95.

With reference toFIG. 12, once the modular cutting assembly10is disposed along the full length of the support platform92and further when the support platform92is disposed in the delivering position102on the upper surface of the processing line100, the modular cutting assembly10is then lifted upwardly from the support platform92by personnel or individuals located on opposite sides of the processing line100as at103and103′, represented inFIG. 10. The provision of transverse handles101′ facilitates handling of the modular cutting unit or assembly10from such opposite sides103and103′. The modular cutting unit10is then lowered into the operative position88which may be defined by a cavity or chamber. As also represented inFIG. 10, the first operative placement of a modular cutting unit10is indicated in phantom lines as10′ for the reasons to become apparent from the description of the embodiment ofFIG. 13.

Accordingly after placement of the modular cutting unit or assembly10′, in the operative position88, it may be necessary to place an additional cutting assembly or other processing component10in the adjoining operative position88′ ofFIG. 10, which may also be defined by a receiving chamber or cavity. Accordingly, as represented inFIG. 13, the support platform92is moved from the delivering position102, as represented inFIGS. 10 and 12, and placed on top of the cutting assembly or other processing unit10′ which is already located within its intended operative position88along the processing line100. When the support platform92is disposed on top of the modular cutting or processing unit10′, which has already been operatively placed in the processing line100, the spacer legs99will be disposed within recessed areas107formed on the upper or outer surface of the housings12of the modular cutting assembly10,10′ to provide stability. Thereafter the modular cutting unit10to be disposed into the operative position88′ of the processing line100, adjacent the already positioned processing unit10′, is lifted, using the transversely oriented handle structures101′, and lowered into the adjacent cavity or chamber88′ associated with the processing line100as represented inFIGS. 10 and 13. When the processing line is ready for operation the support platform92is then removed from the processing line100.

Now that the invention has been described,