Tensioning knife for cutting food products

Abstract

A tensioning knife includes an elongated knife body having a thin and flat profile. The tensioning knife defines a first mounting point and a second mounting point at opposite ends of the knife body. The knife body has a characteristic width transverse to a length of the knife body between the first mounting point and the second mounting point. The characteristic width of the knife body defines a centerline between a leading edge of the knife body and a trailing edge of the knife body. One or more of the first mounting point and the second mounting point has a center between the centerline and the leading edge of the knife body. A frame can be configured to support and tension the tensioning knife to form a tensioning knife assembly. Clamping blocks can be used to mount the tensioning knife at the first mounting point and the second mounting point to the frame, where one or more of the clamping blocks are configured to turn relative to the frame to tension the leading edge of the tensioning knife.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] More and more foods are being processed before reaching consumers' plates. For example, various fruits and vegetables are cut or shaped and then frozen or otherwise preserved for later use. To meet the demand for processed foods and to efficiently produce large quantities of such products, the food industry utilizes a variety of equipment to rapidly process large quantities of food. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This summary is provided to introduce the selected concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to highlight key and / or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, this summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a tensioning knife comprising: an elongated blade body having a thin and flat profile, and defining a first mounting point at a first end of the elongated blade body and a second mounting point at a second end of the elongated blade body opposite to the first end. The elongated blade body may have a characteristic width transverse to the length of the elongated blade body between the first mounting point and the second mounting point. The characteristic width of the elongated blade body may be defined by a centerline between a leading edge of the elongated blade body and a trailing edge of the elongated blade body opposite to the leading edge. At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point may have a center between the centerline of the elongated blade body and the leading edge.

[0004] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a tensioning blade assembly including a tensioning blade having: an elongated blade body having a thin and flat profile, defining a first mounting point at a first end of the elongated blade body, and defining a second mounting point at a second end of the elongated blade body opposite to the first end. The elongated blade body may have a characteristic width transverse to the length of the elongated blade body between the first mounting point and the second mounting point. The characteristic width of the elongated blade body is defined by a centerline between a leading edge of the elongated blade body and a trailing edge of the elongated blade body opposite to the leading edge. At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point may have a center between the centerline of the elongated blade body and the leading edge. The tensioning blade assembly may further include a frame for supporting and tensioning the tensioning blade; and a plurality of clamping blocks for mounting the tensioning blade to the frame at the first mounting point and the second mounting point. At least one of the clamping blocks may be configured to rotate relative to the frame to tension the leading edge of the tensioning blade.

[0005] Another aspect of the invention relates to a tensioning knife comprising: an elongated blade body having a thin and flat profile, and defining a first mounting point at a first end of the elongated blade body and a second mounting point at a second end of the elongated blade body opposite to the first end. The elongated blade body may have a characteristic width transverse to the length of the elongated blade body between the first mounting point and the second mounting point. The characteristic width of the elongated blade body may be defined by a centerline between a notched leading edge of the elongated blade body and a trailing edge of the elongated blade body opposite to the leading edge. At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point may have a center between the centerline of the elongated blade body and the leading edge. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Specific embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals in different instances in the specification and drawings may indicate similar or identical items.

[0007] Figure 1 It is an isometric view showing the cutting unit of a knife used to cut potatoes or other vegetable or fruit products using a grid.

[0008] Figure 2 It shows the cutting unit (such as) Figure 1 The top view of the tensioning blade of the cutting unit shown.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a top view of another tight-fitting knife.

[0010] Figure 4 It shows the tensioning knife (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cross-sectional side view of the tensioning knife shown.

[0011] Figure 5 It shows the cutting unit (such as) Figure 1 An isometric view of the blade assembly of the tensioning blade assembly of the cutting unit shown.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The blade assembly shown is further illustrated with an isometric view of the tensioner.

[0013] Figure 7 It shows the blade assembly and tensioning rod (such as...) Figure 6 The blade assembly and tensioning rod are shown, and an isometric view of the lower base is further shown.

[0014] Figure 8 It shows the blade assembly and tensioning rod (such as...) Figure 6 The blade assembly and tensioning rod are shown, and an isometric view of the upper base is further shown.

[0015] Figure 9 It shows that they are assembled to form a cutting unit (such as...) Figure 1 The cutting unit shown has two sets of blade assemblies, a tensioning rod, and a base (such as...) for its cutting head. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Isometric view of the blade assembly, tension bar, and base shown.

[0016] Figure 10 It shows the cutting unit (such as) Figure 1 An isometric view of the cutting head of the cutting unit shown.

[0017] Figure 11 It shows the cutting unit (such as) Figure 1 The plan view of the cross-section of the tensioning blade and spacer of the cutting unit shown.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a top plan view of the finite element analysis (FEA) structural model of the tensioner, in which the tensioner is subjected to tension loads and the deflection is magnified by a factor of twenty-five (25).

[0019] Figure 13 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cutting unit (such as...) according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the hybrid tensioning blade of the cutting unit, with the mounting point biased toward the leading edge of the tensioning blade.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The side view of the tensioning knife shown.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a top plan view showing the FEA structural model of a tensioner without load, where the mounting point faces the tensioner (such as...). Figure 13 The leading edge bias of the tensioning knife shown.

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Another top view of the FEA structural model shown, in which the tensioner has a tension load and in which the deflection is magnified by a factor of twenty-five (25).

[0023] Figure 17 This illustrates a tensioning blade (such as...) for use in exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional side view of the tensioning clamp of the tensioning knife (shown), wherein the tensioning clamp can be mounted on the cutting unit (such as...). Figure 1 In the cutting unit shown.

[0024] Figure 18 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cutting unit (such as...) according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the hybrid tensioning blade of the cutting unit, with the mounting point biased toward the leading edge of the tensioning blade.

[0025] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Another top view of the tensioner shown, in which the tensioner is under tension load.

[0026] Figure 20 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cutting unit (such as...) according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the leading edge of the tensioning blade of the cutting unit shown, wherein the leading edge has double bevels.

[0027] Figure 21 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cutting unit (such as...) according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the leading edge of another tensioning blade of the cutting unit shown, wherein the leading edge has a single bevel on one side of the tensioning blade and a double bevel on the other side of the tensioning blade. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Various aspects of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure and illustrate exemplary features by way of illustration. However, these features may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the combinations described herein; rather, these combinations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey its scope. Features of this disclosure may be embodied in formulations, food products, processes, techniques for manufacturing food products, and techniques for manufacturing formulations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be considered limiting.

[0029] General reference Figures 1 to 21 The document describes a tensioning blade 100 and a tensioning blade assembly 200. The tensioning blade assembly 200 can be used to cut foods such as potatoes or other vegetables. For example, in a product flow along a food processing path, potatoes are transported to and carried by water through the tensioning blade assembly 200, where the food is cut by one or more tensioning blades 100. It should be noted that although potato foods are described herein, these foods are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In embodiments, the tensioning blade 100 and tensioning blade assembly 200 can be used to cut a variety of other foods, including, but not limited to, various types of potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, apples, pears, carrots, and other types of fruits and vegetables with similar flesh density. In some embodiments, the food can be frozen and / or refrigerated to provide appropriate firmness for cutting.

[0030] refer to Figure 1Potato products (such as French fries 202) can be produced by using a propulsion device (such as a water gun or feed belt 204) to propel potatoes 206 or another vegetable or fruit product across the grid of the blades. For example, a blade (e.g., a tensioning blade 100) is mounted in a cutting head 208 of a cutting unit, positioned adjacent to the exit of the feed belt 204. The momentum of the potatoes in the product stream from the water gun or feed belt 206 causes the potatoes to travel through the grid of the blades, thereby generating force between the blades or tensioning blade and the potatoes. In this way, potatoes can be made into strips or French fries 202.

[0031] refer to Figures 2 to 4 Cutting unit or tensioning blade assembly 200 (such as Figure 1 A typical tensioning blade 100 of a cutting unit includes a notched leading edge 118, which is located a distance behind the leading edge of the tensioning blade 100 (relative to the direction of product flow). Figure 2 As shown, the leading edge 118 of the tensioning knife 100 can be approximately perpendicular to the product flow direction. (Reference) Figure 3 The leading edge 118 of the heavy-duty tensioning knife 100 can be tilted relative to the product flow direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, these blades and their leading edges 118 do not need to be sharpened (e.g., have a rectangular profile). Instead, in some embodiments, the thin material of the tension blade 100 itself can be used to generate large stresses for cutting the product.

[0032] refer to Figures 5 to 10 This describes the process of assembling the tensioning blades 100 into a grid. For example, the blades or knives are clamped together with spacers and bolts, and then assembled into a frame. Figure 5 As shown, the blade assembly may include a spacer 210, an end pull block 212, a center pull block 214, a blade or tensioner 100, and a clamping rod 216. (Reference) Figure 6 The blade and tensioning rod assembly may include a blade assembly, a tensioning rod 218, a short tensioning pin 220, and a tensioning bolt 222. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the blade and tensioner assembly (e.g., as referenced) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembly can be installed onto the lower base. This assembly may include a base insert 224, a blade and tensioning rod assembly, a lower base 226, a blade edge 118, a long tensioning pin 228, and a tensioning bolt 222. Figure 8 As shown, the blade and tensioner assembly (e.g., as referenced) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The aforementioned component can also be mounted to the upper base. This assembly may include a base insert 224, a blade and tensioning rod assembly, an upper base 232, a blade edge 118, a long tensioning pin 228, and a tensioning bolt 222. Similarly, a product flow direction 230 is shown. Now refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two mesh components (e.g., as referenced) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described components can be placed at right angles to each other in the frame, allowing the mesh of the blades to be tensioned by tightening fasteners such as tension bolts. For example, the assembled mesh may include an upper base 232, a lower base 226, a support plate 234, fasteners 236, a hex socket wrench 238, and tension bolts 240.

[0033] refer to Figure 11 The tensioning blade 100, mounted to frame 242, can be spaced apart from one or more other tensioning blades 100 using spacers 126 and 128. The tensioning blade 100 may have mounting points at opposite ends of the blade, such that when tension is applied to the blade, spacers 126 and 128 guide the blade within frame 242 and ensure linear tension application without causing rotation of the tensioning blade 100 or the tensioning blade body. Figure 12 As shown, the finite element analysis (FEA) structural modeling demonstrates the effect of tensioning blade 100 on tension loads. (For the analysis shown, the deflection of discrete elements is amplified by a factor of twenty-five (25).) Figure 12 As shown, a localized area at the leading edge 118 of the blade exhibits greater tension. This tension is created by the geometry of the leading edge 118 of the tensioned blade 100. Greater tension increases the lateral stability of the tensioned blade 100 as the blade passes through the potato, which can reduce or minimize the waviness of the cut, such as that of French fries.

[0034] Now for reference Figures 13 to 21 This describes a hybrid tensioning knife 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the tensioning blade 100 includes an elongated blade body 102 having a thin and flat profile. In some embodiments, the tensioning blade 100 may be made of a metallic material, such as a hardened stainless steel alloy (e.g., 301 grade stainless steel, 302 grade stainless steel, and / or another alloy). The tensioning blade 100 defines a first mounting point 104 (e.g., a hole / orifice) at a first end 106 of the elongated blade body 102, and a second mounting point 108 (e.g., another hole / orifice) at a second end 110 of the elongated blade body 102 opposite to the first end 106. The elongated blade body 102 has a characteristic width 112 that extends transversely to the length 114 between the first mounting point 104 and the second mounting point 108. As described, the characteristic width 112 of the elongated blade body 102 defines a centerline 116 between the leading edge 118 of the elongated blade body 102 and the trailing edge 120 of the elongated blade body 102, opposite to the leading edge 118. At least one of the first mounting point 104 or the second mounting point 108 has a center 122 and / or a center 124 between the centerline 116 of the elongated blade body 102 and the leading edge 118, respectively. The center 122 and / or the center 124 may be the center of a cutting hole and / or the center of other shapes (such as squares, rectangles, hexagons, etc.). In this way, the first mounting point 104 and the second mounting point 108 are biased toward the leading edge 118.

[0035] In some embodiments, the thickness of the tensioner 100 may be about 16 / 1000 inches (0.016”). This thickness may be about twice the thickness of a typical tensioner, which may be about 8 / 1000 inches (0.008”). However, it should be noted that the 16 / 1000-inch (0.016”) thickness is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. In other embodiments, the thickness of the tensioner 100 may be less than or greater than 16 / 1000 inches (0.016”). For example, the thickness of the tensioner 100 may range from about 5 / 1000 inches (0.005”) to about 25 / 1000 inches (0.025”).For example, the thickness of the tensioning blade 100 can range from approximately 0.12mm, 0.13mm, 0.14mm, 0.15mm, 0.16mm, 0.17mm, 0.18mm, 0.19mm, 0.20mm, 0.21mm, 0.22mm, 0.23mm, 0.24mm, 0.25mm, 0.26mm, 0.27mm, 0.28mm, 0.29mm, 0.30mm, 0.31mm, 0.32mm, 0.33mm, 0.34mm, 0.35mm, 0.36mm. mm, 0.37mm, 0.38mm, 0.39mm, 0.40mm, 0.41mm, 0.42mm, 0.43mm, 0.44mm, 0.45mm, 0.46mm, 0.47mm, 0.48mm, 0.49mm, 0 .50mm, 0.51mm, 0.52mm, 0.53mm, 0.54mm, 0.55mm, 0.56mm, 0.57mm, 0.58mm, 0.59mm, 0.60mm, 0.61mm, 0.62mm, 0.63mm or 0.64mm to approximately 0.12mm, 0.13mm, 0.14mm, 0.15mm, 0.16mm, 0.17mm, 0.18mm, 0.19mm, 0.20mm, 0.21mm, 0.22mm, 0.23mm, 0.24mm, 0.25mm, 0.26mm, 0.27mm, 0.28mm, 0.29mm, 0.30mm, 0.31mm, 0.32mm, 0.33mm, 0.34mm, 0.35mm, 0.36mm, 0.37mm The diameters are 0.38mm, 0.39mm, 0.40mm, 0.41mm, 0.42mm, 0.43mm, 0.44mm, 0.45mm, 0.46mm, 0.47mm, 0.48mm, 0.49mm, 0.50mm, 0.51mm, 0.52mm, 0.53mm, 0.54mm, 0.55mm, 0.56mm, 0.57mm, 0.58mm, 0.59mm, 0.60mm, 0.61mm, 0.62mm, 0.63mm, or 0.64mm. In some embodiments, the leading edge 118 of the tensioning blade 100 may be sharpened (e.g., as shown). Figure 14 (As shown). However, in some embodiments, the leading edge 118 of the tensioning blade 100 may be a simple, straight leading edge that can be easily sharpened or left unsharpened. In examples where the leading edge 118 of the tensioning blade 100 is sharpened, the product cut by the tensioning blade 100 may have a better surface texture (e.g., a smoother texture and less product loss).

[0036] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, FEA structural modeling demonstrates the effect of the biasing tension force on the tensioned cutter 100 under tension load when the first mounting point 104 and the second mounting point 108 of the cutter are biased toward the leading edge 118. (For the analysis shown, the bending rotation of the discrete elements is amplified by a factor of twenty-five (25).) Figure 16 As shown, the tension is distributed across the leading edge 118 of the tensioning blade 100, and is not concentrated in a localized area of ​​the leading edge of the blade (e.g., as previously mentioned). Figure 12 (As described). It should be noted that, in order to generate greater stress along the straight leading edge of the tensioning blade 100, for example, when pulled by offset or biased mounting points 104 and 108 or tensioning holes, clamping blocks or spacer blocks 126 and 128 may be employed to allow the tensioning blade 100 to rotate within its frame (e.g., about one or more mounting points 104 or 108). As described, the frame and spacer block arrangement can provide additional clearance between the clamping blocks or spacer blocks 126 and 128 and the frame to allow rotation, and thus tighten the leading edge 118 to increase lateral stability and reduce or minimize the waviness forming, for example, the cut portion of French fries. This arrangement contrasts with an arrangement where the spacer blocks are constrained in the frame assembly and are only allowed translation and not rotation when the tensioning blade is tightened.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 17 The document describes a tensioning clamp 300 for tensioning a blade 100. In embodiments of this disclosure, the tensioning clamp 300 allows the blade 100 to be tensioned relative to, for example, a cutting unit (such as...). Figure 1 The support structure of the described cutting unit rotates. As described, the tensioning blade 100 can be tensioned in a frame 302 having a fixed pivot pin side 304 and a translational pivot pin side 306. The fixed pivot pin side 304 pins clamping blocks 308 to the frame 302 and allows them to rotate. In embodiments of this disclosure, one or more gaps 310 exist between the clamping blocks and the frame 302, which allows the clamping blocks and the tensioning blade 100 to rotate. One side of the frame 302 pins clamping blocks 312 to translational tensioning blocks 314. The translational tensioning blocks 314 are translated to one side (e.g., the right side shown in the figures) when one or more tensioning fasteners 316 (e.g., screws, bolts) are tightened. Tightening the tensioning fasteners 316 applies tension to the tensioning blade 100, and tension stress plus bending stress is applied to the tensioning blade 100 due to the mounting point / hole and the deviation of the line of action of the force from the center of the tensioning blade 100. The gap 310 between the clamping block and the frame 302 allows for the final rotation caused by the bending portion under stress. One or more tensioning clamps 300 can be configured to form an assembly of, for example, a blade assembly and a base (e.g., as referenced). Figure 7 and Figure 8 (as described), and then assembled to form a cutting head for the cutting unit (e.g., as referenced). Figure 1 (As described).

[0038] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 It should be noted that the offset of mounting points 104 and 108 (e.g., knife holes) can control the tension on the leading edge 118 of the tensioned knife 100. For example, although the mounting point or hole may not transfer all the load to the knife, it does represent the line of action of the load applied to the knife. Clamping blocks / spacers tightly held to the knife can distribute the load across the entire contact area between the spacer and the knife. It has been found that leading edge stresses of the knife between approximately 130% and approximately 160% of the average stress (130%–160%) can produce high-quality fries with minimal waviness. For the purposes of this example, the average stress is defined as the tensile load divided by the cross-sectional area of ​​the knife. To generate a load condition of approximately 130%–160% on the leading edge, structural analysis has revealed that, in some embodiments, the mounting point or hole can be offset towards the leading edge by approximately 8% to approximately 10% of the characteristic width 112 of the elongated knife body 102 (8%–10%).

[0039] It should be noted that the leading edge stress loading conditions and offset percentages described herein are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, the length and / or width of the elongated blade body 102 may vary based on the frame dimensions. Thus, different amounts of stress can be applied to the leading edge of the tensioned blade 100 by using different offsets from the blade's centerline (e.g., less than about eight percent, such as about five percent (5%), greater than about ten percent (10%), such as about twenty-five percent (25%), etc.). For example, the centers 122 and 124 of the first mounting point 104 and the second mounting point 108 may each be offset relative to the centerline 116 of the elongated blade body 102 by about five percent (5%) of the characteristic width 112 of the elongated blade body 102 (e.g., in the case of a relatively long, narrow blade) and about twenty-five percent (25%) of the characteristic width 112 of the elongated blade body 102 (e.g., in the case of a relatively short, wide blade). For example, the offset towards the leading edge can range from about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25% to about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25%.

[0040] In some embodiments, the leading edge 118 of the tensioning blade 100 may have more than one bevel. For example, now referring to... Figure 20 and Figure 21 Two or more bevels can be applied to one or both sides of the tensioning knife 100. (Refer to...) Figure 20 In the described example, the double-beveled front edge can have a primary bevel and a secondary bevel on both sides of the blade, such as a primary bevel 130 and a secondary bevel 132 on both sides. In some embodiments, as shown, the primary bevel 130 can range from about six and a half degrees to about seven and a half degrees (6.5°-7.5°) relative to the centerline of the blade, and the secondary bevel 132 can range from about twelve degrees to about thirteen degrees (12°-13°) relative to the centerline. This arrangement can provide equal lateral forces to the potato when it is cut. Reference Figure 21 The single-beveled front edge may have a primary bevel only on one side of the blade, for example, a primary bevel 130 and a secondary bevel 132 on one side, and a secondary bevel 132 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, as shown, the primary bevel 130 may be about eight and a half degrees (8.5 degrees) relative to the centerline of the blade, and the secondary bevel 132 may range from about twelve to about thirteen degrees (12°-13°) relative to the centerline. Although this design produces unequal lateral forces when cutting vegetables (such as potatoes), it allows for a smaller primary bevel angle, which can provide a cleaner or more precise cut for a refined product. It should be noted that these bevel angles are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Therefore, the tensioned blade 100 may have different primary angles, secondary angles, and / or other angles.

[0041] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing claims.

Claims

1. A tensioning knife, comprising: A slender blade body having a thin and flat profile, and defining a first mounting point at a first end of the slender blade body and a second mounting point at a second end of the slender blade body opposite to the first end; The elongated blade has a characteristic width that is transverse to the length of the elongated blade between the first mounting point and the second mounting point; The characteristic width of the elongated blade is defined by a centerline between the leading edge of the elongated blade and the trailing edge of the elongated blade opposite to the leading edge; and At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point has a center between the centerline of the elongated blade body and the leading edge. The centers of the first mounting point and the second mounting point are respectively offset from the centerline of the slender blade by a distance between 5% and 25% of the characteristic width of the slender blade.

2. The tensioning knife according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point includes an opening.

3. The tensioning knife according to claim 1, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is sharpened.

4. The tensioning knife according to claim 1, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade has a first side and an opposite second side, and at least one of the first side or the second side has at least two bevels.

5. The tensioning knife according to claim 1, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is inclined.

6. The tensioning knife according to claim 1, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is notched.

7. A tensioning blade assembly, the tensioning blade assembly comprising: Tensioner, the tensioner comprising: A slender blade body having a thin and flat profile and defined at a first mounting point at a first end of the slender blade body and at a second mounting point at a second end of the slender blade body opposite to the first end; The elongated blade has a characteristic width that is transverse to the length of the elongated blade between the first mounting point and the second mounting point; The characteristic width of the elongated blade is defined by a centerline between the leading edge of the elongated blade and the trailing edge of the elongated blade opposite to the leading edge; and At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point has a center between the centerline of the elongated blade and the leading edge; A frame for supporting and tensioning the tensioning blade; and A plurality of clamping blocks are provided for mounting the tensioning blade to the frame at the first mounting point and the second mounting point, at least one of the clamping blocks being configured to rotate relative to the frame to tighten the leading edge of the tensioning blade. The centers of the first mounting point and the second mounting point are respectively offset from the centerline of the slender blade by a distance between 5% and 25% of the characteristic width of the slender blade.

8. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point includes an opening.

9. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is sharpened.

10. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade has a first side and an opposite second side, and at least one of the first side and the second side has at least two bevels.

11. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is inclined.

12. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is notched.

13. The tensioning blade assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The frame is configured to allow one of the first or second ends of the elongated blade to rotate relative to the frame, and to allow the other of the first or second ends of the elongated blade to rotate and translate relative to the frame.

14. A tensioning knife, comprising: A slender blade body having a thin and flat profile, and defining a first mounting point at a first end of the slender blade body and a second mounting point at a second end of the slender blade body opposite to the first end; The elongated blade has a characteristic width that is transverse to the length of the elongated blade between the first mounting point and the second mounting point; The characteristic width of the elongated blade is defined by a centerline between the notched leading edge of the elongated blade and the trailing edge of the elongated blade opposite to the leading edge; and The first mounting point and the second mounting point each have a center between the centerline of the elongated blade and the leading edge. The centers of the first mounting point and the second mounting point are respectively offset from the centerline of the slender blade by a distance between 5% and 25% of the characteristic width of the slender blade.

15. The tensioning knife according to claim 14, wherein, At least one of the first mounting point or the second mounting point includes an opening.

16. The tensioning knife according to claim 14, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade is sharpened.

17. The tensioning knife according to claim 14, wherein, The leading edge of the tensioning blade has a first side and an opposite second side, and at least one of the first side or the second side has at least two bevels.

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