Patent Description:
Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes one or more lavatories within an internal cabin.

As can be appreciated, a clogged or otherwise blocked toilet within an internal cabin of an aircraft can disrupt a flight schedule. Further, fixing such clogs or blocks is time, labor, and cost intensive.

A blocked toilet during a flight can prevent use of the lavatory during a flight, disrupt surface, or even force the flight to be diverted. As an example, a blocked toilet can result in a delayed turnaround of a flight, and maintenance crews may be called to attempt to clear the blockage at a gate using specialized equipment. If such an effort does not succeed in clearing the blockage, the aircraft may be taken out of service for several days, and a deeper disassembly of the toilet drain system may be required to locate and clear the blockage. Example of items that can potentially cause blockages include large wads of paper towels, motion sickness bags, baby diapers and sanitary napkins.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a toilet comprising an electrical system for foul air evacuation including bacterial filtration, a storage compartment, a night light, waste disposal, and optional accessories for converting the toilet into a medical work-station.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a negative-pressure vacuum toilet comprising a main body, a blowdown tank and a water tank, wherein the water tank is in communication with the upper end of the main body through a flushing pipe, the lower end of the main body is in communication with a buffer cavity through a connecting pipe, the buffer cavity is fixed on one side of a excrement collecting box arranged in the blowdown tank, the other side of the excrement collecting box is connected with the output end of a vacuum generator, the upper end of the buffer cavity is provided with a motor, an output shaft of the motor is connected with a crushing component, and the buffer cavity is in communication with the excrement collecting box through a negative pressure vacuum tube.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states an effluent or waste disposal unit for use with a water closet. The water closet can be installed in a location in a building where the provision of a sewer pipe direct connection to a lavatory pan. The water closet can alternatively form part of a marine toilet. The effluent disposal unit comprises a container for effluent and flushing water, and a comminution unit in the container. The comminution unit is constituted by a rotatable conically narrowing conduit for feeding flushed waste material into a cutter arrangement constituted by blades rotating over fixed blades.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a breaking means provided in the reservoir of a toilet bowl body. The breaking means consists of a fixed blade and a rotary blade. The fixed blade is provided with a plurality of comb-teeth units on its fixed disc. The fixed disc is provided with a hole to allow broken materials to flow down. The comb-teeth unit has a plurality of comb teeth. The rotary blade is also provided with a plurality of comb-teeth units. These comb-teeth units mesh with each other.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a drain-trap wherein siphonage occurs and a crushing hole integrated with the drain-trap in the rear side of a toilet bowl is provided. The toilet bowl is manufactured by forming an object using a mold divided into symmetric left and right parts, drying the molded object, joining the two divided parts to each other, and burning the joined parts in a heating furnace. The toilet bowl for food waste disposal crushes food waste dropped into the toilet bowl and discharges a directly connected vertical waste pipe by mounting a crushing liner and impellers inside the crushing hole. A button for urine, a button for feces, and a button for operating a crushing motor are separately installed in a water tank.

A need exists for a system and a method for reducing a risk of waste drain blockages. Further, a need exists for a system and a method that reduce a possibility of a toilet blockage disrupting a flight of a commercial aircraft, for example.

With those needs in mind, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a waste drain system according to claim <NUM>.

In at least one example, the waste drain system may be disposed within a waste drain line when connected to the toilet. In at least one further example, the waste drain system may form the waste drain line. In at least one other example, when connected to the toilet, the waste drain system may be disposed within a waste outlet interface of the toilet.

In at least one example, the conduit may be coupled to a vacuum generator that is configured to draw the one or more items through the internal passage by vacuum force.

As a further example, each of the plurality of the cutting blades may be opposed by another of the plurality of the cutting blades.

In at least one example which does not fall within the scope of the claims, a waste passage may extend around the central longitudinal axis; as an example, the cutting blades may be outside of the waste passage.

In at least one example, the cutting blades may be fixed in position. In at least one other example, the cutting blades may be movable. For example, the cutting blades may be spring-biased.

In at least one example, the cutting blades may be formed on a carrier that is rolled into an annular member and disposed within the conduit.

In at least one example, the conduit and the cutting blades may be formed as an insert that is configured to be disposed within one or both of the toilet or a waste drain line connected to the toilet.

Certain examples not forming part of the claimed subject matter may provide a waste drain method including cutting one or more items flushed down a toilet by one or more cutting blades of a waste drain system that is coupled to or within a waste drain connected to the toilet. In at least one example, the method also includes drawing the one or more items through the waste drain system through vacuum force.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a vehicle according to claim <NUM>.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a waste drain system configured for use with a toilet, such as with respect to a lavatory with a vehicle (for example, a commercial aircraft). In at least one example, the waste drain system includes a vacuum toilet waste drain in-line breakdown device that is configured to harvest the energy and velocity from a vacuum toilet system and apply such energy with respect to linear cutting implements (for example, knife blades) within a waste drain line. In at least one example, the knife blades are around an internal periphery of at least a portion of the waste drain line and maintain an unobstructed opening in the middle to allow general waste to pass through without blade engagement. The quantity of knife blades can vary, but can be in even numbers so as to ensure a knife edge is opposed to another, for duel slicing (slashing) of a passing object to reduce the risk of drain blockage. The waste drain systems and methods are configured to breakdown (for example, slash) bulk items that could be potentially flushed down a toilet. Such bulk items include baby diapers and sanitary napkins. The cutting implements slash open outer layers of these items, thereby freeing the inner contents, and reducing the risk of a clogged waste drain line.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a toilet pipe assembly including tube body defining a passageway, and at least one blade extending at least partially into the passageway for cutting waste flushed down a toilet in a lavatory. The one or more blades can be static/fixed inside the tube body, or movable/flexible to provide a desired amount of compliance.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other examples, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM>, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft (such as cruise ships), and the like. Further, examples of the present disclosure may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective internal view of a lavatory <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The lavatory <NUM> is an example of an enclosed space or chamber, such as within the internal cabin of the aircraft <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The lavatory <NUM> may be onboard an aircraft, as described above. Optionally, the lavatory <NUM> may be onboard various other vehicles. In other examples, the lavatory <NUM> may be within a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. The lavatory <NUM> includes a base floor <NUM> that supports a toilet <NUM>, one or more cabinets <NUM>, and a sink <NUM> or wash basin. The lavatory <NUM> may be arranged differently than shown. The lavatory <NUM> may include more or less components than shown.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of a toilet <NUM> (such as the toilet <NUM> shown in <FIG>) connected to a waste tank <NUM> and a vacuum generator <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. An actuator <NUM> configured to activate the vacuum generator <NUM> can be a flush valve coupled to the toilet <NUM>. The toilet <NUM> may also include a rinse valve <NUM> which is activated when a flush button is pressed, for example. When the rinse valve <NUM> is opened, water from a water source (such as a tank onboard a vehicle) rinses the internal bowl of a housing <NUM> of the toilet <NUM>. When an individual flushes the toilet <NUM>, the rinse valve <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> are opened so that the contents of the internal bowl are drawn into the waste tank <NUM> through vacuum force generated by the vacuum generator <NUM>.

A waste drain line <NUM> is disposed between the toilet <NUM> and the vacuum generator <NUM>. As shown, the waste tank <NUM> can be disposed within the waste drain line <NUM>. A waste drain system <NUM> includes one or more cutting blades disposed within at least a portion of the waste drain line <NUM>. For example, a portion of the waste drain line <NUM>, such as at least a portion of a conduit, includes the one or more cutting blades. In at least one example, the waste drain system <NUM> (for example, a conduit thereof) is coupled to the vacuum generator <NUM>, which is configured to draw one or more items through an internal passage of the waste drain system <NUM> by vacuum force.

In at least one example, the waste drain system <NUM> is disposed within the waste drain line <NUM> connected to the toilet <NUM>. In at least one other example, the waste drain system <NUM> is disposed within a waste outlet interface <NUM> of the toilet <NUM> (for example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be part of the toilet <NUM> itself). As another example, the waste drain system <NUM> is disposed within the waste drain line <NUM> and the waste outlet interface <NUM>.

Alternatively, the waste drain line <NUM> may not be coupled to a vacuum generator <NUM>, and/or a waste tank <NUM>. For example, the waste drain <NUM> can be coupled between a toilet <NUM> and a sewer, for example.

The configuration shown in <FIG> is merely an example. The various components can be arranged differently than shown. Further, additional components, such as various valves, nozzles, liquid separators, and the like may also be included.

<FIG> illustrates a lateral view of the waste drain system <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The waste drain system <NUM> includes a conduit <NUM>, such as a pipe, tube, and/or the like. The conduit <NUM> includes a main tubular body <NUM> (or main body) defining an internal passage <NUM>. End couplings <NUM> are disposed at either end of the main tubular body <NUM>. The end couplings <NUM> are configured to securely couple the waste drain system <NUM> to a toilet, such as at a waste drain interface, another segment of a waste drain line (such as another conduit), a vacuum generator, and/or the like. In at least one example, the end couplings <NUM> can be clamshell connection couplings.

In at least one example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be a portion of the waste drain line <NUM> shown in <FIG>. For example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be a segment or portion of the waste drain line <NUM>. As a further example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be a section that extends between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches of the waste drain line <NUM>. Optionally, the waste drain system <NUM> can be less than <NUM> inches long or greater than <NUM> inches long. In at least one example, the waste drain system <NUM> can form an entirety of the conduit between the toilet <NUM> and the vacuum generator <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the waste drain system <NUM> is coupled directly to the toilet <NUM> within the waste drain line <NUM>. For example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be directly coupled to the waste outlet interface <NUM> of the toilet <NUM>. By disposing the waste drain system <NUM> as close to the toilet <NUM> as possible, the waste drain system <NUM> is able to breakdown (for example, slash open or otherwise cut into smaller pieces) items flushed down the toilet <NUM> before such items can clog or otherwise block the waste drain line <NUM>. Alternatively, the waste drain system <NUM> can be disposed within the waste drain line <NUM> further downstream from the toilet <NUM>, such as <NUM> inches or more away from the waste outlet interface. In at least one example, the waste drain system <NUM> can be disposed within the toilet <NUM>, such as within the waste outlet interface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the waste drain system <NUM> through line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The waste drain system <NUM> includes cutting blades <NUM> (such as knife blades) that extend radially from the main tubular body <NUM> toward a central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the internal passage <NUM>. Each cutting blade <NUM> is integrally formed with the main tubular body <NUM>. For example, the cutting blades <NUM> can be flat, sharp stainless steel razors that are secured to molded plastic brackets <NUM>. Sharp cutting edges <NUM> of the cutting blades <NUM> radially and inwardly extend toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM> from the brackets <NUM>. The sharp cutting edges <NUM> can be straight. As another example, the sharp cutting edges <NUM> can be serrated. As another example, the sharp cutting edges <NUM> can include straight and serrated portions.

As shown, the brackets <NUM> can radially extend outwardly from the main tubular body <NUM>. Optionally, the brackets <NUM> can radially extend inwardly from internal surfaces of the main tubular body <NUM>.

In at least one example, the cutting blades <NUM> do not extend to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. Instead, a waste passage <NUM> is defined between the cutting blades <NUM>. The cutting blades <NUM> are outside of the waste passage <NUM>. The waste passage <NUM> extends around the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The waste passage <NUM> is sized to allow normal, intended waste (such as feces and toilet paper) to pass through the waste drain system <NUM>. The cutting blades <NUM> can be sized and shaped to cut particular items that are flushed down the toilet <NUM>. For example, the cutting blades <NUM> are sized and shaped to cut into diapers, large wads of facial or toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and/or the like that can cause clogs in a waste drain line.

Optionally, the cutting blade(s) <NUM> can extend into and through the waste passage <NUM>. For example, one or more cutting blades <NUM> can extend across an entire diameter of the internal passage <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the waste drain system <NUM> through line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown, each cutting blade <NUM> can be aligned to point toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the internal passage <NUM>. Optionally, the cutting blades <NUM> can be angled in relation to such an orientation.

The cutting blades <NUM> can be fixed in position by the brackets <NUM>. Optionally, the cutting blades <NUM> can be moveable, such as spring-biased, and configured to pivot back toward the brackets <NUM> if an item passing through the waste drain system <NUM> is too large to be broken up by cutting blades <NUM> that are fixed in position.

As shown, the waste drain system <NUM> can include four cutting blades <NUM> regularly spaced around an internal periphery <NUM> of the main tubular body <NUM>. For example, the cutting blades <NUM> are positioned at <NUM> degree increments around the internal periphery <NUM>. As such, each cutting blade <NUM> is directly opposed by (that is spaced <NUM> degrees from) another cutting blade <NUM>. The direct opposition of the cutting blades <NUM> ensures effective and even cutting of items passing through the internal passage <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more of the cutting blades <NUM> may not be directly opposed by another cutting blade <NUM>. Optionally, the waste drain system <NUM> can include more or less cutting blades <NUM> than shown. For example, the waste drain system <NUM> can include a single cutting blade <NUM>. As another example, the waste drain system <NUM> can include two cutting blades <NUM>, which may or may not directly oppose one another. As another example, the waste drain system <NUM> can include three cutting blades <NUM>, two of which may or may not directly oppose one another. As another example, the waste drain system <NUM> can include five or more cutting blades <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as the toilet <NUM> is flushed, the vacuum generator <NUM> pulls items (including large bulky items that are inadvertently or intentionally flushed, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and the like) flushed down the toilet <NUM> through the waste drain line <NUM>. Bulky items having diameters or widths that exceed the waste passage <NUM> are engaged by the cutting blades <NUM>. The vacuum generator <NUM> exerts a pulling force on the items through the waste drain line <NUM>. The force exerted by the vacuum generator <NUM> moves the items between the cutting blades <NUM>, which causes the cutting blades <NUM> to cut into the items, and thereby breakdown the items. For example, as a diaper moves between the cutting blades <NUM>, the cutting blades <NUM> cut into the diaper, thereby allowing internal components to spill out. As such, the cutting blades <NUM> are able to breakdown various items flushed down the toilet, and prevent such items from clogging or otherwise blocking the waste drain line <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the waste drain system <NUM> through line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown, the brackets <NUM> can inwardly extend from internal surfaces <NUM> of the main tubular body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view (or flat pattern, preformed shape) of a carrier <NUM> of cutting blades <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The carrier <NUM> includes an outer frame <NUM> that retains the cutting blades <NUM>. For example, the carrier <NUM> can be formed as a flat sheet having the cutting blades <NUM>, which can be formed through a cutting process (such as laser cutting). In at least one example, the cutting blades <NUM> can be individually removed from the carrier <NUM> and coupled to the conduit <NUM>, such as via the brackets <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), as described herein.

In at least one other example, the carrier <NUM> can be rolled into an annular member (such as about an axis <NUM>) and inserted into the waste drain line <NUM> with the cutting blades <NUM> directed inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis. For example, the carrier <NUM> can further includes coupling flanges <NUM> that are configured to be secured into reciprocal recesses formed within the main tubular body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the main tubular body <NUM> of the conduit <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates an end view of the waste drain system <NUM> having the carrier <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> can be rolled into an annular member, such that the cutting blades <NUM> are bent inwardly. The cutting blades <NUM> are directed toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The coupling flanges <NUM> are secured to the main tubular body <NUM>. For example, the coupling flanges <NUM> can be inserted into recesses or pockets formed in the main tubular body <NUM>. As another example, the coupling flanges <NUM> can be welded to the main tubular body <NUM>. As another example, the coupling flanges <NUM> can be secured to the main tubular body <NUM> via fasteners and/or adhesives. Once installed into the waste drain line <NUM>, the coupling flanges <NUM> prevent the carrier <NUM> from being pulled into the system when the vacuum generator <NUM> is activated during the flush process.

<FIG> illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the waste drain system <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, one or more of the cutting blades <NUM> can be moveably coupled to a respective bracket <NUM>. As an example, a plate spring <NUM> can be used to bias a cutting blade <NUM> toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. As another example, a coil spring <NUM> can be used to bias a cutting blade <NUM> toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The cutting blades <NUM> can be pivotally coupled to the brackets <NUM> at pivot axles <NUM> proximate an inlet <NUM> of the waste drain system <NUM>. Waste is configured to flow through the waste drain system <NUM> from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>, which is opposite from the inlet <NUM>.

The cutting blades <NUM> are configured to pivot about the pivot axles <NUM> if an item is too bulky to be cut by blades in their normally biased positions toward the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. That is, if an item is too bulky, the item forces the blades <NUM> to pivot into the brackets <NUM> about the pivot axles <NUM>, thereby overcoming the force exerted by the springs <NUM> or <NUM>. In this manner, the cutting blades <NUM> are still able to cut into the item, but are movable to ensure that the item does not become stuck between the cutting blades <NUM>.

As shown, the cutting blades <NUM> can be moveable, such as by being spring-biased, such as via the plate spring <NUM> and/or the coil spring <NUM>. The plate spring <NUM> and/or the coil spring <NUM> can be used with respect to any of the examples described herein. As another example, the cutting blades <NUM> can be movable via other mechanisms, such as bellows, telescoping brackets, resilient brackets (such as formed of an elastomeric material), and/or the like.

<FIG> illustrates an internal view of a toilet <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The toilet <NUM> includes a waste outlet interface <NUM> that is configured to couple to a waste drain line <NUM>. Optionally, the waste outlet interface <NUM> forms part of the waste drain line <NUM>. The examples shown and described with respect to <FIG> are suited to the configuration shown and described with respect to <FIG>.

In at least one example, a waste drain system <NUM>, such as those described herein, can be formed as an insert <NUM> that is inserted into the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>). For example, a main tubular body including one or more cutting blades <NUM>, as described herein, can be inserted into the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>), instead of being a unitary segment of the waste drain line <NUM>. The insert <NUM> can be secured to the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>) through one or more fasteners, adhesives, integral couplers, and/or the like. The insert <NUM> can be removably coupled to the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>). For example, the insert <NUM> can be a sleeve that is removably slid into the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>), and held in place by a collar <NUM> having a diameter greater than an internal passage of the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>). As another example, the insert <NUM> can be snapably secured to the waste outlet interface <NUM> (and/or the waste drain line <NUM>) through one or more detents.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a waste drain method, according to an example of the present disclosure. The method includes: flushing, at <NUM>, a toilet; activating, at <NUM>, a vacuum generator in response to the flushing <NUM>; drawing, at <NUM>, waste material through a waste drain line in response to the activating <NUM> (such as through vacuum force); and cutting, at <NUM>, one or more items within the waste material by one or more cutting blades of a waste drain system coupled to and/or within the waste drain line.

Referring to <FIG>, in at least one example, the waste drain systems <NUM> provide vacuum toilet waste drain in-line breakdown devices configured to harvest the energy and velocity provided from the vacuum generator <NUM> and apply such energy against a cutting implement, such as one or more cutting blades <NUM>. The cutting blades <NUM> can be linear knife blades or razors internal to the waste drain line <NUM>, the waste outlet interface <NUM>, and/or the like. The cutting blades <NUM> are disposed around an internal periphery of the conduit <NUM>, while maintaining an unobstructed opening (that is, the waste opening <NUM>) to allow general waste to pass through without blade engagement. The waste drain systems <NUM> can include opposed cutting blades <NUM> to ensure a duel slicing action from both sides of a passing item.

In at least one example, the cutting blades <NUM> are configured to breakdown (for example, slice and slash) outer layers of items, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and the like, thereby freeing internal contents (for example, super absorbent polymers) to prevent waste drain line blockages.

The cutting blades <NUM> can be formed of stainless steel. The cutting blades <NUM> can be welded to and/or extruded as part of the conduit <NUM>.

The waste drain systems <NUM> can be removably coupled to the waste drain line <NUM> and/or the waste outlet interface <NUM>. As such, the waste drain systems <NUM> can be removed, such as for cleaning, sharpening of the cutting blades <NUM>, and/or the like, or replaced.

As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for reducing a risk of waste drain blockages. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that reduce a possibility of a toilet blockage disrupting a flight of a commercial aircraft, or lavatory services provided on a cruise ship, for example.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples of the disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A waste drain system (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a toilet (<NUM>), the waste drain system (<NUM>) comprising:
a conduit (<NUM>) including a main body (<NUM>) comprising an internal periphery (<NUM>) defining an internal passage (<NUM>) having a central longitudinal axis (<NUM>); and
a plurality of cutting blades (<NUM>) integrally formed with the main body (<NUM>) and spaced around the internal periphery (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>), such that the plurality of cutting blades (<NUM>) extending from the main body (<NUM>) toward the central longitudinal axis (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of cutting blades (<NUM>) is configured to cut one or more items that pass through the internal passage (<NUM>).