Patent Publication Number: US-11040461-B2

Title: Blade assembly and food cutting device incorporating the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/454,552, filed on Mar. 9, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/242,232, filed Apr. 1, 2014 (now abandoned), disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates to the field of cutting food products, such as fruit or vegetables. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     This application relates to blade assemblies for making cut food products. More particularly, this application relates to blade assemblies comprising a plurality of blades which are twisted along their length. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, a blade assembly is provided. The blade assembly may comprise a mounting ring, at least two elongate cutting blades, and a substantially circular central support positioned substantially at the center of the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may have a proximal end connected to the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may extend from the mounting ring toward a center of the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may be twisted along a length of the cutting blade. A distal end of each cutting blade may be connected to the central support. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be held in tension between the mounting ring and the central support. 
     In some embodiments, for each cutting blade, the mounting ring may include a recess for receiving the proximal end of the cutting blade and the cutting blade may be positionable along the recess to adjust a tension in the blade. 
     In some embodiments, the proximal end of each cutting blade may be connected to a tension block, each tension block may be connected to the mounting ring by a fastener, and actuating the fastener may cause the tension block to slide within the recess, thereby changing the tension of the corresponding blade. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting ring may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses, each recess may be adapted to receive a corresponding tension block, and each tension block may include a channel for receiving a post extending from the corresponding recess. The post may be adapted to travel along the channel when the tension block slides within the recess. 
     In some embodiments, a pin may be connected to the distal end of each blade, and each pin may be received in a corresponding slot of the central support. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be integrally molded with the mounting ring. 
     In some embodiments, the blade assembly may further comprise at least one slitter blade. Each slitter blade may extend upstream from an upstream side one of the cutting blades or downstream from a downstream side of one of the cutting blades. 
     In some embodiments, at least two slitter blades may extend from one of the cutting blades. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be integrally formed with a portion of the central support. 
     In some embodiments, the at least two cutting blades may comprise at least one pair of two radially adjacent cutting blades. The two cutting blades of each pair of cutting blades may be integrally formed. 
     In some embodiments, the two cutting blades of each pair of cutting blades may be joined by a corresponding bent distal portion, each bent distal portion may be received in the central support, and each cutting blade in each pair of cutting blades may extend from the corresponding bent distal portion through a corresponding slot in the central support. 
     In some embodiments, for each pair of two cutting blades, there may be a curved connecting member joining the distal ends of the two cutting blades. 
     In some embodiments, the substantially circular central support may be a combination of the connecting members of each pair of cutting blades. 
     In some embodiments, for each cutting blade, the mounting ring may include an angled mounting surface to which a proximal portion of that cutting blade is connected. 
     In some embodiments, an inclination of the upstream edge of each cutting blade and a line representing the direction of flow may define an angle of attack therebetween, and for each cutting blade, the angle of attack may decrease between the cutting blade&#39;s proximal end and the cutting blade&#39;s distal end. 
     In some embodiments, for each cutting blade, the angle of attack may decrease from a first angle of attack at the proximal end of the cutting blade to a second angle of attack at the distal end of the cutting blade. The second angle of attack may be smaller than the first angle of attack. The first angle of attack may be in the range of about 15 to 90 degrees. The second angle of attack may be in the range of about 0 to 80 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be corrugated. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be equally spaced apart from each radially adjacent cutting blade. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting ring may be adapted to rotate. 
     In another aspect, a food cutting device is provided. The food cutting device may comprise a housing defining a cavity, a blade assembly received in the cavity, and a cover plate overlying the blade assembly and removably secured to the housing. The blade assembly may comprise a mounting ring, at least two elongate cutting blades, and a substantially circular central support positioned substantially at the center of the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may have a proximal end connected to the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may extend from the mounting ring toward a center of the mounting ring. Each cutting blade may be twisted along a length of the cutting blade. A distal end of each cutting blade may be connected to the central support. 
     The food cutting device may further comprise a motor drivingly coupled to the blade assembly for rotation of the blade assembly inside the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the motor may further comprise an output shaft, and the food cutting device may further comprise a belt coupling the output shaft to the blade assembly. 
     The food cutting device may further comprise bearings coupled to the blade assembly. 
     In some embodiments, each of the housing and the cover plate include an opening aligned with the center of the mounting ring and sized to permit food to pass through the cutting blades. 
     In some embodiments, each cutting blade may be integrally formed with a portion of the central support. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of a hydraulic cutting system, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of a blade assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded perspective view of a food cutting device, including the blade assembly of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the food cutting device of  FIG. 5 , a potato before slicing, and a potato after slicing; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front elevation view of a potato piece, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows a side elevation view of the potato piece of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a top plan view of a blade assembly, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  shows a front elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a motor-driven food cutting device, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  shows a top plan view of a blade assembly, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  shows a front elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows a front elevation view of a cutting blade of the blade assembly of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  shows a top plan view of the cutting blade of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows a top plan view of a blade assembly, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  shows a front elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  shows an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  shows a front elevation view of a cutting blade of the blade assembly of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 23  shows a top plan view of the cutting blade of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of a blade assembly, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  shows a top plan view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  shows a front elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 24 , a potato before slicing, and a potato after slicing; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the potato pieces of the sliced potato of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows a perspective view of a potato piece of the sliced potato of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows a front elevation view of the potato piece of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  shows a side elevation view of the potato piece of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 35  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows a perspective view of a blade assembly, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 37  shows a top plan view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  shows a front elevation view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  shows a perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 36 , a potato before slicing, and a potato after slicing; 
         FIG. 40  shows a perspective view of the potato pieces of the sliced potato of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  shows an exploded perspective view of a food cutting device, including the blade assembly of  FIG. 24 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 42  shows a top plan view of the food cutting device of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  shows a front elevation view of the food cutting device of  FIG. 41 ; and 
         FIG. 44  shows a food cutting system, including the food cutting device of  FIG. 41 , in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. 
     The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     For convenience, the description below will refer to potatoes as the food product being cut. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the blade assembly and food cutting device described herein may be used to cut any suitable product, including without limitation food products (such as fruit and vegetables), wood, and fibrous materials (such as bamboo). 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of a hydraulic cutting system  10 , in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the example shown, potatoes  12  are fed from a hopper  14  into a tank  16  in which they are submersed in water  18 . As shown, a plurality of conduits  24  connect tank  18  to a pump  20 , and pump  20  to a knife fixture  22 . 
     In some embodiments, pump  20  circulates water  18  from tank  16  to thereby entrain potatoes  12  to travel through conduits  24  to knife fixture  22 . In some examples, conduits  24  are sized to receive potatoes  12  in single file. For example, conduits (e.g. pipes)  24  may have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of potatoes  12 , and less than the diameter of two potatoes  12 . In alternative embodiments, conduits  24  may be sized to receive two or more potatoes  12  in parallel. For example, conduits  24  may have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of at least two potatoes 
     In the example shown, potatoes  12  travel through conduits  24  toward knife fixture  22  at a velocity imparted to them by pump  20 . Knife fixture  22  includes blade assembly  100  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) described in detail below. As potatoes  12  travel through knife fixture  22 , they are cut into smaller pieces  26  and discharged through outlet conduit  28 . Optionally, smaller pieces  26  are subjected to subsequent processing (e.g. cooking, parfrying, freezing, packaging etc.). In some embodiments, potatoes  12  are raw potatoes, and smaller pieces  26  are processed into French fries. Knife fixture  22  includes a food cutting device  200 , which in turn includes a blade assembly  100  as described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , blade assembly  100  includes a mounting ring  102  for carrying one or more cutting blades  104 . As shown, mounting ring  102  defines a circular opening  106  for receiving one or more potatoes in succession. Each cutting blade  104  includes a proximal end  108  and a distal end  110  (proximal and distal ends  108  and  110  are marked on a subset of the cutting blades  104  shown to avoid cluttering the figures). The proximal end  108  of each cutting blade  104  is secured to the mounting ring  102 , as described in more detail below. Each cutting blade  104  extends from the mounting ring  102 , across a portion of opening  106 , toward a center  114  of mounting ring  102 . The cutting blades  104  are thus positioned in the opening  106  for contacting potatoes that pass through opening  106 . For example, when a potato is propelled through opening  106 , the potato may impact one or more of cutting blades  104  and thereby be cut into two or more slices. 
     Cutting blades  104  may be made from any suitable material. For example, cutting blades  104  may be made from a food grade metal (e.g. stainless steel) or ceramic material. Optionally, cutting blades  104  may be hardened, such as by cold working or by applying heat treatment. 
     Preferably, blade assembly  100  is a rotary cutting fixture for cutting food into twisted wedges. Generally, a relative rotation between blades  104  and a potato passing through opening  106 , may be provided to permit each blade  104  to cut the potato along a curved path to produce twisted wedges. In one example, blade assembly  100  is mounted to a bearing assembly for rotation about an axis  116  which extends through center  114 . Alternatively, or in addition, a rotation may be imparted to potatoes that are projected toward opening  106 . For example, blade assembly  100  may be stationary. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-4 , blade assembly  100  includes a central support  118  connected to one or more of blades  104 . Central support  118  has a substantially circular cross-section that is aligned with and surrounds center  114  and axis  116 . In some examples, central support  118  is substantially cylindrical in shape. Distal end  110  of each blade  104  is connected to central support  118 . Distal end  110  of each blade  104  may be connected to central support  118  in any suitable fashion, such as by a weld, adhesive, or by integrally molding the blade  104  and central support  118 . When a potato passes through opening  106 , central support  118  may core the potato while blades  104  divide the potato into slices. In some cases, central support  118  may be useful for removing an undesirable core from some foods (e.g. apples, and pears). 
     Central support  118  may also facilitate maintaining the alignment of the potato as the potato passes through opening  106  and it is sliced into wedge-shaped pieces (also referred to herein as “wedges”) by blades  104 . In some cases, it may be desirable to maintain a potato&#39;s longitudinal axis aligned with the direction  124  of flow (which is normally parallel to the axis of rotation  116 ) through opening  106 . This may produce the longest wedges, which may be appealing to consumers. When the potato passes through opening  106 , central support  118  carves out a cylindrical core of the potato. Once formed, the cylindrical core may still be attached to the remainder of the potato, and then travels through the straight cylindrical body of central support  118 . The close fit between the core and the cylindrical body of central support  118  may substantially prevent the core (and the remainder of the potato connected thereto) from rotating out of alignment with the direction  124  of flow. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , an upstream end  120  of central support  118  may extend further upstream than the upstream edges  122  of blades  104  (edges  122  are labeled on a subset of blades  104  to avoid cluttering the figures). This may permit central support  118  to fix the alignment of the potato before the potato impacts blades  104 . In some cases, blades  104  may exert forces upon the potato that might urge the potato to rotate out of alignment with the direction  124  of flow. In alternative embodiments, upstream end  120  may be level with or downstream of upstream edges  122 . 
     Preferably, upstream end  120  of central support  118 , and upstream edges  122  of blades  104  are sharpened to help cut through potatoes. In alternative embodiments, one or more of upstream edges  122  and upstream end  120  is unsharpened. In some examples, one or more of central support  118  and blades  104  is not sharpened. For example, one or more of central support  118  and blades  104  may be sufficiently thin to slice potatoes without sharpening. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-4 , blade assembly  100  may include two or more cutting blades  104 . Blade assembly  100  may divide a potato into a number of wedges equal to the number of blades  104 . The size of each wedge depends in part on the distance between radially adjacent blades  104 . As used herein, and in the claims, a “radially adjacent blade” means the next closest blade in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction about center  114 . In the example shown, blade assembly  100  includes eight blades  104  and the spacing between radially adjacent blades is equal. In alternative embodiments, blade assembly  100  may include between 2 and 20 blades. Further, the spacing between some radially adjacent blades may be unequal in some embodiments. Including different spacing between pairs of radially adjacent blades may provide variety to the widths of potato wedges cut by blade assembly  100 . Such variety in widths may provide a more natural “home cut” appearance. 
     In the example shown, each blade  104  is twisted along its length. This may permit blades  104  to more cleanly cut a potato along curved paths to produce twisted wedges. As shown, an inclination  130  of the upstream edge  122  of each blade  104  varies along the blade&#39;s length. The angle between the line representing the direction of flow and the inclination  130  of a particular point on the length of the blade is referred to as the angle of attack  132 . The angle of attack  132  also varies along each blade&#39;s length. In the example shown, angle of attack  132  of each blade  104  decreases from the blade&#39;s proximal end  108  to the blade&#39;s distal end  110 . In other words, blades  104  are shown twisting from the proximal end  108  to the distal end  110  toward the upstream direction. In the example shown, angle of attack  132  is nearly 0° at distal end  110  where blade  104  is connected to central support  118 . 
     In the example shown, each blade  104  twists substantially continuously along its length. In alternative embodiments, one or more blades  104  twist discontinuously along their length. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), blade  104  may have a proximal portion and distal portion, and the inclination  130  of the upstream edge  122  is constant but different for each portion. 
     Preferably, angle of attack  132  varies from about 45 degrees at the proximal end  108  to about 5 degrees at the distal end  110 . In alternative embodiments, angle of attack  132  at the proximal end  108  may be in the range of between about 15 and about 90 degrees. In such embodiments, angle of attack  132  at the distal end  110  is smaller than the angle at the proximal end, and may be in the range of between about 0 and 80 degrees. Generally, cutting blades  104  that are more twisted along their length may cut wedges that are more twisted, and vice versa. In some embodiments, one or more blades  104  may include no twist at all. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2-4 , each cutting blade  104  is connected adjacent its proximal end  108  to mounting ring  102  by a fastener  126  (a subset of fasteners  126  are labeled to avoid cluttering the figures). In some embodiments, fasteners  126  can be disengaged to allow blades  104  to be removed for repair or replacement (e.g. in the case of damage or dulling). Alternatively, fastener  126  may permanently attach blade  104  to mounting ring  102 . In the example shown, each fastener  126  is a screw which extends through a hole (not shown) in a blade  104  and a corresponding hole  128  in mounting ring  102 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), each blade  104  may be secured to mounting ring  102  in any other suitable manner, such as by a rivet, a weld, a bolt, a nail, adhesive, or by integrally molding the blade and the mounting ring  102 . 
     The mounting ring  102  includes an angled mounting surface  134  for each blade  104 . As shown, each mounting surface  134  is formed at a slope that permits the distal portion of a blade  104  to lie flat against it. 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded perspective view of a bearing assembly  200  with a blade assembly  100  mounted therein, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The bearing assembly  200  includes a housing  202 , bearings  204 , and a cover plate  206 . As shown, housing  202  defines a cavity  208  sized to receive bearings  204 , which are schematically illustrated. In turn, bearings  204  define an interior opening  210  for receiving blade assembly  100 . Bearings  204  may permit blade assembly  100  to rotate about axis  116  relative to housing  202  with little or no frictional resistance. In some examples, bearings  204  are roller bearings, magnetic bearings, slip bearings, sleeve bearings, or fluid bearings. 
     In the example shown, cover plate  206  is sized to secure to a flange  212  of housing  202  and overlap a portion of blade assembly  100 . This may permit cover plate  206  to retain blade assembly  100  inside cavity  208 . As shown, bearing assembly  200  includes a plurality of housing fasteners  214 , each of which extends through an opening  216  in cover plate  206  and an opening  218  in housing  202  to secure cover plate  206  to housing  202 . In alternative embodiments, cover plate  206  may be secured to housing  202  in any other suitable fashion, such as with bolts, nails, rivets, or welds. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5 , cover plate  206  includes an opening  220  and housing  202  includes an opening  222 . Openings  220  and  222  are preferably sized to receive a potato, and are aligned with opening  106  of blade assembly  100 . This may permit a potato to enter bearing assembly  200  through opening  220 , to pass through opening  106  of blade assembly  100 , and to exit as a plurality of wedge slices through opening  222 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 13  which shows a motor driven food cutting device  200 . As shown, a motor  224  includes an output shaft  226  that drives a belt  228 . Belt  228  extends through openings (obscured from view) in food cutting device  200  and connects to blade assembly  100 . In use, motor  224  can be activated to rotate output shaft  226  to drive belt  228 . In turn, belt  228  rotates blade assembly  100  about axis of rotation  116 . In other embodiments, motor  224  may drive blade assembly  100  in any other suitable fashion, such by gears or a chain instead of belt  228 . 
     Alternatively or in addition, blade assembly  100  may be configured to rotate by the kinetic energy of the liquid (e.g. water) flowing through blades  104 , like a turbine. Further, in some cases, the impacts of potatoes against blades  104  may further accelerate the rotation of blades  104 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of bearing assembly  200 , a potato  300  before slicing, and a potato  302  after slicing. In the example shown, potato  300  is traveling toward blades  104  of blade assembly  100  with the longitudinal axis  304  of the potato  300  aligned with the axis of rotation  116  of blade assembly  100 . In alternative embodiments, potato  300  may be projected at blades  104  with its longitudinal axis  304  misaligned with axis of rotation  116 . 
     In the example shown, when a potato  300  passes through the rotating blades  104  of blade assembly  100 , a sliced potato  302  is produced. As shown, potato  302  has been sliced into a plurality of potato pieces  306  and the core (not shown) has been carved out by central support  118 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7-9 .  FIG. 7  shows a front elevation view of a potato piece  306 , in accordance with at least one embodiment.  FIG. 8  shows a side elevation view of potato piece  306 .  FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of potato piece  306  taken along line A-A in  FIG. 7 . In the example shown potato piece  306  has a naturally formed outer surface  310 , an inner surface  312  cut by central support  118 , and two side surfaces  314  each cut by a blade  104 . As shown, potato piece  306  is a twisted wedge that twists along its length. In some embodiments, inner surface  312  may be more durable than a sharp apex (e.g. produced by intersecting blades  104  of a blade assembly  100  without a central support  118 ) which may be prone to breaking or crumbling. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10-12  where like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures, where a blade assembly  400  in accordance with another embodiment is shown. Blade assembly  400  is similar to blade assembly  100  in many respects except, for example, the structure of blades  404 . 
     In the example shown, blades  404  of blade assembly  400  include a plurality of pairs of radially adjacent blades  404   a  and  404   b . As shown, within each pair of blades, each blade  404  is substantially similar to blades  104  of blade assembly  100 . For example, each blade  404  may be twisted along its length and secured to mounting ring  102  in the same manner as blades  104 . However, blades  404  differ from blades  104  in that they are arranged in integrally formed pairs of blades  404   a  and  404   b  that are joined by a curved connecting member  436 . 
     Each connecting member  436  is secured to central support  118 . Each connecting member  436  has a semi-cylindrical shape that conforms to a portion of the exterior of central support  118 . This may permit connecting members  436  to be positioned flush against central support  118 . Otherwise, segments of potato may become lodged in the gaps formed between connecting members  436  and central support  118 . In alternative embodiments, there may be gaps formed between connecting members  436  and central support  118 . For example, connecting members  436  may be shaped differently than the exterior profile of central support  118 . 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown), blade assembly  100  may not include a discrete central support  118 . Instead, connecting members  436  collectively form a substantially cylindrical central support. In this case, each blade  404  is integrally formed with a portion of the cylindrical central support provided by connecting member  436  to which it is joined. In some examples, connecting members  436  extend at least partially across the space between adjacent pairs of blades  404 . This may permit connecting member  436  to reduce the gaps in the substantially cylindrical central support that they form. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14-16  where a blade assembly  500  in accordance with another embodiment is shown. Blade assembly  500  includes a mounting ring  502  for carrying one or more cutting blades  504  (only two of the six cutting blades shown are labeled to avoid cluttering the figures). As shown, mounting ring  502  defines a circular opening  506  for receiving one or more potatoes in succession. Each cutting blade  504  includes a proximal end  508  and a distal end  510 . The proximal end  508  of each cutting blade  504  is secured to mounting ring  502  as described in more detail below. Each cutting blade  504  extends from the mounting ring  502  across a portion of opening  506  toward a center  514  of mounting ring  502 . The distal end  510  of each cutting blade  504  is connected to a central support  518 . 
     In some embodiments, cutting blades  504  may be tension blades formed by thin flexible straps of metal. Preferably, each cutting blade  504  is held in tension between mounting ring  502  and central support  518  to enhance rigidity for cutting. For example, each cutting blade  504  may be connected to a fixed position on central support  518 , and make a sliding connection with mounting ring  502  for adjusting the tension. 
     Distal end  510  of each cutting blade  504  is connected to central support  518  in a suitable manner. In the example shown, the distal end  510  of each cutting blade  504  includes a pin  520  that is received in a corresponding slot  522  of central support  518 . Each slot  522  is shown including an open lower end  524  where the pin  520  may be inserted, and a closed upper end  526 . A cap  528  connects to a lower end of central support  518  to close the lower ends  524  of slots  522  to retain pins  520  in slots  522 . Preferably, cap  528  is removable to permit a blade  504  (e.g. that is dull or damaged) to be replaced. In alternative embodiments, the cutting blade  504  may be connected to central support  518  in another manner, such as by welds, adhesives, screws, bolts, or rivets. 
     Preferably, the proximal end  508  of each cutting blade  504  is connected to mounting ring  502  in a manner that permits the tension of each cutting blade  504  to be adjusted. In the example shown, each proximal end  508  is connected to a tension block  530  in any suitable manner, such as by a screw  532 , welding, adhesive, or a rivet. Each tension block  530  is configured to make a sliding connection with mounting ring  502  for adjusting the tension of the connected blade  504 . As shown, each tension block  530  includes a channel  534  sized to receive a corresponding post  536  of mounting ring  502 . Each post  536  is located in a corresponding recessed portion  537  of the mounting ring  502 . Preferably, each channel  534  and corresponding post  536  have corresponding shapes and the post  536  of the recessed portion is received in the channel  534  of the tension block  530 , thereby permitting the tension block to slide along the recessed portion. 
     Preferably, each tension block  530  is securable in a position at a selected distance from central support  518  (corresponding to a desired tension). In the example shown, each tension block  530  includes a threaded hole  538  that aligns with a corresponding hole  540  of mounting ring  502 . Tension block  530  can be urged away from central support  518  (increasing tension in the connected blade  504 ) by inserting a threaded fastener (e.g. bolt  542 ) through hole  540  into threaded hole  538  and tightening. Similarly, tension in the connected blade  504  may be reduced by loosening bolt  542 . 
     Each blade  504  may be twisted along its length similarly to blades  104  of blade assembly  100 . The extent to which blades  504  are twisted may substantially depend upon the angle at which blades  504  are connected to mounting ring  502  and central support  518 . In the example shown, each post  536  is inclined relative to the upstream direction and when channels  534  of tension blocks  530  receive posts  536 , tension blocks  530  maintain proximal ends  508  of blades  504  at a particular angle of attack. It will be appreciated that posts  536 , channels  534 , and/or tension blocks  530  more generally may be modified to adjust the angle of attack at proximal ends  508  of blades  504 . 
     Each slot  522  of central support  518  is shown extending in parallel with the upstream direction. This may provide the distal ends  510  of blades  504  with a 0° angle of attack when distal ends  510  are connected to central support  518  by pins  520 . It will be appreciated that the inclination of slots  522  may be modified to adjust the angle of attack at distal ends  510  of blades  504 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17 and 18  which show an exemplary cutting blade  504 . As shown, cutting blade  504  includes an upstream edge  544  opposite a downstream edge  546 . In use, upstream edge  544  makes first contact with a potato and cuts the potato into segments. Optionally, upstream edge  544  may be sharpened. Alternatively, upstream edge  544  may be thin enough that sharpening is not required for the intended application. In the example shown, upstream edge  544  is concavely curved toward downstream edge  546  in the untwisted state shown. Alternatively, upstream edge  544  may be straight or have any other desired shape. 
     Blade  504  includes a through-hole  548  for receiving a fastener  532  that connects blade  504  to a tension block  530 . As discussed above, distal end  510  of blade  504  is connected to a pin  520 . Pin  520  may be connected to distal end  510  in any suitable manner, such as by welds, adhesive, a fastener, a rivet, or crimping for example. Pin  520  can have any suitable shape. In the example shown, pin  520  is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, pin  520  is cuboid, pyramidal, or has another regular or irregular shape. 
     It will be appreciated that blade assembly  500  operates substantially the same as blade assemblies  100  and  200  described above, despite the differences in the structure and mounting of the cutting blades. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 19-21  where like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures, where a blade assembly  600  in accordance with another embodiment is shown. Blade assembly  600  is similar to blade assembly  500  in many respects except, for example, the structure of cutting blades  604  and how they connect with central support  618 . 
     In the example shown, blades  604  of blade assembly  600  include a plurality of pairs of radially adjacent blades  604   a  and  604   b . Similar to blades  504 , blades  604  may be tension blades formed by thin flexible straps of metal. As shown, within each pair of blades, each blade  604  is substantially similar to blades  504  of blade assembly  500 . For example, each blade  604  may be twisted along its length and secured to mounting ring  502  in the same manner as blades  504 . However, blades  604  differ from blades  504  in that they are arranged in integrally formed pairs of blades  604   a  and  604   b  that are joined by a bent distal portion  610 . 
     As shown, the bent distal portion  610  of each pair of blades  604   a  and  604   b  is positioned inside central support  618  and each of blades  604   a  and  604   b  extend out of central support  618  through a respective slot  622 . Each slot  622  is shown including an open lower end  624  where a blade  604  may be inserted, and a closed upper end  626 . A cap  528  connects to a lower end of central support  618  to close the lower ends  624  of slots  622  to retain blades  604  in slots  622  and bent distal portions  610  in central support  618 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 22 and 23  which show an exemplary pair of cutting blades  604   a  and  604   b . As shown, pair of cutting blades  604   a  and  604   b  may each be substantially similar to a cutting blade  504 , except for example that cutting blades  604   a  and  604   b  are joined by a distal portion  610  rather than terminating with a pin  520 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 24-26 , where like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures, where a blade assembly  700  in accordance with another embodiment is shown. In the example shown, blade assembly  700  includes a mounting ring  702  defining a circular opening  706  for receiving one or more potatoes in succession, and four cutting blades  704  for slicing the potatoes into discrete segments. The proximal end  708  of each cutting blade is integrally formed with mounting ring  702 . This may enhance the structural strength of blade assembly  700  and may permit at least blades  704  and mounting ring  702  of assembly  700  to be easily and inexpensively manufactured by, e.g. stamping from single sheet of metal. 
     In alternative embodiments, blade assembly  700  may include fewer than four cutting blades  704  (e.g. one to three cutting blades) or greater than four cutting blades  704  (e.g. five to twenty cutting blades). In the example shown, the spacing between radially adjacent blades is equal. In alternative embodiments, the spacing between some radially adjacent blades may be unequal. 
     Each blade  704  extends from mounting ring  702  across a portion of opening  706  toward a center  714  of mounting ring  702 . The distal end  110  of each cutting blade  704  is connected to a central support  118 . Distal end  110  of each cutting blade  704  may be connected to central support  118  in any suitable fashion such as by a weld, adhesive, or by integrally forming the cutting blade  702  and central support  118 . 
     In alternative embodiments (not shown), the distal end  110  of each cutting blade  704  may be connected to the distal end  110  of another cutting blade  704  by a connecting member  436 . 
     Preferably, each cutting blade  704  is twisted along its length similarly to blades  104  of blade assembly  100 . In the example shown, the angle of attack at the proximal end  708  of each cutting blade  704  is approximately 90 degrees (perpendicular to the flow of potatoes through opening  706 ). In alternative embodiments (not shown) one or both of mounting ring  702  and cutting blade  704  may be twisted to provide the proximal end  708  of the cutting blade  704  an angle attack of less than 90 degrees (e.g. between 5 and 90 degrees). The angle of attack shown at distal end  110  is approximately 20 degrees. Preferably, the angle of attack at distal end  110  is approximately 60 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the angle of attack at distal end  110  may be less than 60 degrees (e.g. 0 to 59 degrees) or greater than 60 degrees (e.g. 61 to 80 degrees). 
     In the example shown, the angle of attack of each cutting blade  704  decreases from proximal end  708  to distal end  110 .  FIGS. 27-29  show cross-sections of blade assembly  700 , intersecting three different radial positions of a blade  704   a . The cross-section of  FIG. 27  intersects blade  704   a  at a position closest to proximal end  708  of the three cross-sections; the cross-section of  FIG. 28  intersects blade  704   a  at a position closer to distal end  110  than the cross-section of  FIG. 27 ; and the cross-section of  FIG. 29  intersects blade  704   a  at a position closest to distal end  110  of the three cross-sections. As shown, of the three cross-sections, angle of attack  132  is greatest in  FIG. 27  (closest to proximal end  708 ), second greatest in  FIG. 28  (intermediate proximal and distal ends  708  and  110 ), and smallest in  FIG. 29  (closest to distal end  110 ). 
       FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of blade assembly  700 , a potato  800  before slicing, and a potato  802  after slicing.  FIG. 31  shows the discrete potato pieces  804  of potato  802  cut by blade assembly  700 . In the example shown, potato  800  travels toward blades  704  of blade assembly  700  with the longitudinal axis  806  of the potato  800  aligned with the axis of rotation  116  of blade assembly  700 . In alternative embodiments, potato  800  may be projected at blades  704  with its longitudinal axis  806  misaligned with axis of rotation  116 . 
     The relative rotation of blade assembly  700  relative to potato  800  (e.g. about axis  116 ) may be produced by rotating blade assembly  700 , rotating potato  800 , or a combination of both. 
     In the example shown, when a potato  800  passes through the rotating blades  704  of blade assembly  700 , a sliced potato  802  is produced. As shown, blades  704  of blade assembly  700  slice potato  802  into four potato pieces  804  and central support  118  carves out the core (not shown) of potato  802 . As shown, the number of potato pieces  804  generally corresponds with the number of blades  704  in blade assembly  700 . For example a blade assembly  700  including six blades  704  may slice a potato  800  into six potato pieces  804 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 30 and 32-35 . As shown, potato piece  804  has a helical shape, a side profile  806  that corresponds with the side profile of the potato  800 , and a central bore  808  cut by central support  118 . Preferably, the thickness  810  of potato piece  804  between side surfaces  814  cut by blades  704  is substantially constant throughout potato piece  804 . This may permit potato piece  804  to cook uniformly throughout. The thickness  810  of potato pieces  804  may be a function of the spacing between the two blades  704  that cut side surfaces  814 , the relative speeds of rotation (e.g. around axis  116 ) and movement (e.g. along axis  116 ) between potato  800  and blade assembly  704 . Close spacing between blades  704 , slower relative movement and faster relative rotation may each contribute to a thinner potato piece  804 , and vice versa. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the relative speeds of rotation and movement of potatoes  800  and blade assembly  704  may be varied over time. This may permit the same two radially adjacent blades  704  to cut potato pieces  804  (e.g. from sequential potatoes  800 ) having different thicknesses  810  by varying the relative speed of rotation and movement between potatoes  800 . Further, the thickness  810  of a single potato piece  804  may be varied along its helical length by varying the relative speed of rotation and movement while a potato  800  is being sliced by blade assembly  704 . Generally, a variation in thickness  810 , whether between different potato pieces  804  or within individual potato pieces  804 , may provide an appealing home-style hand cut appearance. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 36-40 , where like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures, where a blade assembly  900  in accordance with another embodiment is shown. Blade assembly  900  is similar to blade assembly  700  in many respects except, for example, the addition of slitter blades  950 . 
     As shown, each of blades  704  includes a pair of spaced apart slitter blades  950   a  and  950   b  (identified as  950   a  and  950   b  in  FIG. 37  only). Preferably, each slitter blade  950  extends substantially in parallel with a direction of flow. In the example shown, slitter blades  950   a  are positioned at a first radial distance d 1  from center  714 , and slitter blades  950   b  are positioned at a second radial distance d 2  from center  714 . Distance d 2  is greater than distance d 1 . 
     Preferably, each slitter blade  950  has an arced profile about center  714 , as seen most clearly in  FIG. 37 . In other embodiments, not shown, one or more slitter blades  950  may instead have a straight profile when viewed in a direction parallel to the upstream direction. 
     In the example shown, when a potato  1000  passes through the rotating blades  704  of blade assembly  700 , a sliced potato  1002  is produced. As shown, blades  704  of blade assembly  900  slice potato  1002  into four potato pieces  1004 , and slitter blades  950   a  slice each potato piece  1004  into two potato pieces  1004   a  and  1004   b.    
     Each slitter blade  950   a  is responsible dividing a different one of potato pieces  1004  into two potato pieces  1004   a  and  1004   b . Each potato piece  1004   a  and  1004   b  includes an outer surface  1008   a  or  1008   b , and an inner surface  1010   a  or  1010   b . Within each pair of corresponding potato pieces  1004   a  and  1004   b , the outer surface  1008   a  of inside potato piece  1004   a , and the inner surface  1010   b  of outside potato piece  1004   b  are cut by one and the same slitter blade  950   a . In the example shown, the inner surface  1010   a  of each inside potato piece  1004  is cut by central support  118 , and the outer surface  1008   b  of each outside potato piece  1004   b  is left uncut by blade assembly  900  because potato  1000  as shown is not big enough to engage slitter blades  950   b . If potato  1000  was larger, then slitter blades  950   b  might further divide potato pieces  1004  into a third potato piece. 
     In the example shown, slitter blades  950  are flat blades that cut smooth inner and outer surfaces  1010  and  1008 . In alterative embodiments, slitter blades  950  may be structured to impart patterns and textures into inner and outer surfaces  1010  and  1008 , such as crinkles, waves, a rough finish or a smooth finish. For example, any one or more of slitter blades  950  may be curved, wavy, crinkled, or corrugated to cut potato pieces  1004  with correspondingly patterned inner and/or outer surfaces  1010  and  1008 . 
     The outside diameter of each inside piece  1004   a  is equal to twice the distance d 1  between center  714  and the slitter blade  950   a  that cuts that inside piece  1004   a . Preferably, the distances d 1  between center  714  and slitter blades  950   a  are equal. In this case, slitter blades  950   a  collectively form a circular bore  1006  through sliced potato  1002 , and the outside diameters of inside pieces  1004   a  are equal. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the distances d 1  between center  714  and slitter blade  950   a  may vary within blade assembly  900 . Similarly, the distances d 2  between center  714  and slitter blades  950   b  may vary within blade assembly  900 . This may cut potato pieces  1004   a  having different outside diameters, and cut potato pieces  1004   b  having different inside and/or outside diameters. In turn, this may provide potato pieces  1004   a  and  1004   b  with an appealing homestyle hand-cut appearance. 
     Any number of slitter blades  950  may extend from each blade  704  in a direction parallel to the direction of flow. In the example shown, slitter blades  950  extend upstream from the upstream side of each blade  704 . In alternative embodiments, one or more slitter blades  950  extend downstream from the downstream side of one or more of blades  704 . For example, all slitter blades  950  may extend upstream, all slitter blades  950  may extend downstream, or there may be a mix of slitter blades  950  extending upstream and downstream. In the example shown, two slitter blades  950  extend from each blade  704 . In alternative embodiments, zero to ten slitter blades  950  may extend from each blade  704 , which may divide a corresponding potato piece  1004  into 1 to 11 pieces, respectively. Further, the same or a different number of slitter blades  950  may extend from each blade  704 . 
       FIGS. 41-43  show a food cutting device  1100  incorporating a blade assembly  700 . In alternative embodiments, blade assembly  700  may be substituted by blade assembly  900 . As shown, blade assembly  700  is sandwiched between a housing  1102  and a cover plate  1104 . Blade assembly  700  may be secured between housing  1102  and cover plate  1104  in any suitable fashion, such as by screws  1114 , welds, rivets, adhesives, or clamps. In the example shown, cover plate  1104  includes mounting apertures  1116  which align with mounting apertures  740  in blade assembly  700  and mounting aperture  1118  in housing  1102 . Screws  1114  extend through mounting apertures  1116 ,  740 , and  1118  to securely join cover plate  1104 , blade assembly  700  and housing  1102 . In some embodiments, blade assembly  700  may be releasably secured to housing  1102  and cover plate  1104  to permit a worn or damaged blade assembly  700  to be replaced or repaired. 
     As shown, each of housing  1104  and cover plate  1102  defines an opening  1120  which aligns with opening  706  of mounting ring  702  of blade assembly  700  through which potatoes can pass. 
       FIG. 44  shows a food cutting system  1200 . Food cutting system  1200  includes food cutting device  1100  mounted for rotation inside a conduit  1202 . In the example shown, food cutting device  1100  is connected to a motor  1204  by way of a belt  1206 . In operation, motor  1204  drives belt  1206  which in turn drives food cutting device  1100  to rotate. A potato  800  (e.g. entrained in a high speed flow of water) may be projected at the rotating food cutting device  1100  which slices the potato  800  into potato pieces  804 . 
     In the examples shown, blades  104 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 , and  704  are straight edged which may cut potato pieces  306 ,  804 , or  1004  with flat side surfaces  314 ,  814 , or  1014 . In alternative embodiments, any of blades  104 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 , and  704  may be structured to impart patterns to cut potato pieces  306 ,  804 , or  1004  such as crinkles, waves, a rough finish or a smooth finish. For example, blades  104 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 , and  704  may be curved, wavy, crinkled, or corrugated to cut potato pieces  306 ,  804 , or  1004  with correspondingly patterned side surfaces  314 ,  814 , or  1014 . Blades  104 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 , and  704  may have a sharped upstream edge that makes first contact with a potato for cutting the potato into segments. The sharpened edge may be straight cut or hollow grounded for example. In alternative embodiments, blades  104 ,  404 ,  504 ,  604 , and  704  are not sharpened. 
     While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, two or more of the components described as joined distinct elements in the embodiments may be alternatively integrally formed, such as by computer numeric control (CNC) machining or by powdered metallurgy. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.