Apparatus and method for cutting and cleaning elongated food products with fluid vortices

Abstract

A method of cutting a generally elongated food product includes creating a fluid vortex in a container, the vortex having an axis substantially centered at an outlet of the container. A generally elongated food product is placed in the container. The fluid vortex aligns the substantially elongated food product with an axis of the vortex and introduces the substantially elongated food product into the outlet to the product slicing element to form a plurality of sliced products. An apparatus for cutting a substantially elongate food product and a method for washing a food product in a first container, slicing a food product to form a plurality of sliced products, and washing sliced products in a second container are provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to cutting food products, and more particularly to cutting food products having a generally elongated shape. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices and methods for cutting products, particularly food products in the food processing field, are known in the art. For example, various types of food products are cut and even pre-treated before being transformed by heat treatment such as frying or baking for eventual sale to consumers.

[0003] It is well known that various fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, onions, cucurbits, sweet potatoes, and bananas, contain surface substances such as starch or latex, which can reduce the flavor of the food product when the food product is processed for final consumption, e.g., in a fryer or dehydrator. Removing latex from food products may be important because a certain percentage of consumers are allergic to latex. The presence of latex is also undesirable during food product processing. For example, latex may accumulate on conveyor belts when transporting newly cut products. Removing latex from conveyor belts can be laborious and time-consuming. Accumulated latex on frying equipment can damage the equipment and shorten its service life. For bananas, latex is present in all parts of the plant. When the latex is fresh and flowing, it can be washed, but after a few hours it becomes sticky and turns into black spots on the fruit skin, resulting in a decrease in the quality of food products using the fruit. The process of washing fruits and vegetables such as plantains with water to remove latex is known, but usually requires a specially formulated additional liquid to remove fresh latex from the fruit or vegetable. For example, Post-harvest washing processes are commonly used for bananas and plantains to inhibit staining or premature ripening.

[0004] Devices for automatically and continuously washing food products are known. For example, US6,413,566 discloses a method for slicing relatively hard vegetables or fruits, which includes feeding the vegetables or fruits through a vertical conveyor and guiding them to a centrifugal slicing device to provide slices of vegetables or fruits discharged into water. US20020122859 discloses a food processing system that transports food in a fluid medium to a processing device that includes tools for performing processing operations on the food, such as cutting potatoes into strips for French fries. KR20060134943 discloses a food processing system for dividing a food stream into multiple streams for transporting the food to multiple slicers, washing food slices, transporting the slices, and distributing the slices onto a conveyor for further processing. US20150135926 discloses a rotatably driven cutting blade for a food product slicing machine.

[0005] Despite the above different alternatives, there is still a need for additional effective, flexible, and economical solutions for cutting, washing, or both cutting and washing products, such as food products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention in a vertical configuration for cutting and washing products, such as elongated food products.

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a right front top perspective view of the device of

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a right rear perspective view of the device of

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a right front top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper part of the device of

[0011] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a front view of the upper part of

[0012] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a right side view of the upper part of

[0013] Figure 7 is Figure 4 a left side sectional view of the upper part of

[0014] Figure 8 is Figure 4 a perspective view of a part of the upper part of showing the fluid inlet of the container for generating a swirling fluid in the container.

[0015] Figure 9 is along Figure 8 line 99 in Figure 8 a top plan view of the upper part shown in

[0016] Figure 10 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of a part of a sectional view of

[0017] Figure 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention for forming a fluid vortex to facilitate cutting products by the device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 12 is Figure 4Lower right perspective view of the upper part, showing an embodiment of the cutting module or element of the device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 13 Right front top perspective view of an embodiment of the washing section of the device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 14 is Figure 13 Left side view of the washing section of

[0021] Figure 15 is Figure 13 Right side view of the washing section of

[0022] Figure 16 Right front top perspective view of an embodiment of the filtering section of the device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 17 is Figure 16 Top view of the filtering section of

[0024] Figure 18 Schematic diagram showing the flow direction in an embodiment of the slicing and washing process of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 19 Block diagram illustrating the process flow of an embodiment of the present invention having a horizontal configuration and flowing to the right.

[0026] Figure 20 Block diagram illustrating the process flow of an embodiment of the present invention having a downwardly inclined configuration.

[0027] Figure 21 Block diagram illustrating the process flow of an embodiment of the present invention having a vertically upward configuration. Detailed Description

[0028] Provide a device and method for cutting a product of generally elongated shape. The product can be of any suitable type and can optionally be a food product. The food product can optionally have a generally elongated shape and can optionally be referred to as a generally elongated food product. The food product can optionally be fruits and vegetables. Examples of fruits or vegetables having a generally elongated shape include bananas, cucumbers, squash plants, carrots, cassava, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy taro, and taro.

[0029] The devices and methods of the present invention can optionally align an elongate product, such as an elongate food product or a food product having an elongate shape, with the inlet of a cutting or slicing device. The devices and methods can optionally provide a fluid, such as a liquid, formed in any suitable manner to carry or guide the elongate product into alignment with the inlet of the cutting or slicing device. The fluid can optionally be a wash fluid or wash liquid. When the product enters the cutting or slicing device, the fluid can optionally align the elongate product along its axis, which can be referred to as its elongate axis. The aligned axis can optionally be centered at the outlet. The aligned axis can optionally be substantially perpendicular to the cutting or slicing element. The fluid can optionally be referred to or described as a vortex or rotating fluid. The fluid can optionally be referred to or described as a vortex flow. The vortex or rotating fluid or vortex flow can have an axis. The axis can optionally be substantially centered at or aligned with the outlet. The vortex or rotating fluid or vortex flow can optionally taper inwardly as it approaches the cutting or slicing element. The vortex or rotating fluid or vortex flow can optionally have a diameter or lateral dimension that decreases as the fluid approaches the inlet of the cutting or slicing element. Optionally included can be a water thrust ring, such as in the shape of an inclined curtain, to provide a greater thrust to the fluid toward the cutting or slicing element and to provide stability to the geometry of the internal turbulence of the chamber for positioning and slicing the product.

[0030] The fluid can optionally be carried within a container having an outlet that communicates with or leads to the cutting or slicing device. The container can optionally be referred to as a feed container, module, vessel, tank, hopper, or any combination of the foregoing. The container can optionally be cylindrical. The container can optionally taper or narrow inwardly toward its outlet. The container can optionally have a conical portion that tapers or narrows inwardly toward the outlet of the container. The fluid can optionally vortex or rotate or form a vortex flow within the cylindrical container. The fluid can optionally vortex or rotate within the cylindrical container, and as the fluid approaches the outlet of the container, the cylindrical container reduces the diameter of the vortex or rotating fluid. The cylindrical container can optionally taper or narrow inwardly toward the outlet to facilitate the tapering or narrowing of the vortex or rotating fluid or vortex flow. The vortex or rotating fluid or vortex flow can have an axis that is substantially coaxial with or substantially centered at the outlet of the container.

[0031] Vortex or rotation, or eddy current, of the fluid within the container can be generated in any suitable manner. For example, pressurized or high-speed fluid can be selectively introduced into the container in any suitable manner to form a vortex or rotating fluid or eddy current. The pressurized or high-speed fluid can be selectively generated by a pump. The pressurized fluid can be selectively in the form of one or more fluid jets. The pressurized or high-speed fluid can be selectively introduced or directed along the inner side of the outer wall of the container, for example, through one or more jet ports, to cause the fluid to vortex or rotate within the container. The container can selectively have a plurality of fluid or liquid jet ports or pressurized fluid inlet ports, which are spaced apart around its periphery, for forming a rotating or vortex fluid or eddy current within the container. The pressurized or high-speed fluid, such as a jet, can be selectively introduced or directed into a cylindrical container, for example, through a jet or fluid port, substantially perpendicular to the radius or diameter of the container. The pressurized fluid or high-speed fluid can be selectively introduced into the cylindrical container tangentially. As the water level in the container rises due to accumulation, the volume of fluid or water can start to rotate until it generates an eddy current or vortex or rotating fluid, to facilitate the subsequent slicing process. The pressurized or high-speed fluid, such as a jet, can be selectively directed towards the outlet of the container.

[0032] The method and apparatus of the present invention can selectively include washing a food product in a first container in a first washing step, with or without the fluid vortexing or rotating or forming an eddy current in the first container, slicing the food product to form a plurality of sliced products, and washing the sliced products in a second container in a second washing step. When the first washing step includes vortexing or rotating the fluid or forming an eddy current, such fluid can selectively rotate, twist, or otherwise periodically or continuously change the position of the food product in the fluid to facilitate cleaning of the food product. The second washing step can selectively include immersing the plurality of sliced products in the second container. The washing steps of the present invention avoid the use of chemical additives that are commonly used to remove surface substances such as latex and starch from food products.

[0033] The method and apparatus of the present invention may optionally include a feeding and slicing module, an optional tank module, an optional filtering module, or any combination of the foregoing. The feeding and slicing module may optionally include a hopper, a tank, a container, or a vessel, inside which an optional vortex, or a swirl or rotating fluid, is formed to position the product to be sliced and push the product to be sliced towards the slicing element, where it will be cut. When the product approaches the slicing element, the axis of the food product may optionally be substantially centered at the outlet of the container and optionally at the center of the slicing element. The swirl or rotating fluid or vortex may optionally taper inwardly when approaching the cutting or slicing element, for example to facilitate alignment of the axis of the food product with the container outlet and the optional slicing element. The feeding and slicing module may optionally initiate the washing of the product to be cut. Inside the optional vortex or swirl or rotating fluid, the product continuously changes position, for example from vertical to horizontal and vice versa, until it reaches a region that is substantially aligned with the axis of the fluid before entering the slicing element. The optional tank module may include a main tank to hold a fluid suitable for providing additional washing to the washed and cut product from the feeding and slicing module. The optional filtering module may include a plurality of separation tanks and filters to filter, for example, a fluid carrying solid waste from the washing process and recycle it into the system.

[0034] The accompanying drawings herein illustrate embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention for cutting bananas. It should be understood that the method and apparatus of the present invention can be used for any food or other product, such as any product having a generally elongated shape. Suitable food products include cucumbers, squash, carrots, cassava, sweet potatoes, taro, and the like.

[0035] The accompanying drawings herein illustrate embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention, which present a vertical configuration with downward flow. For example, the feeding of the product to be cut is carried out through the upper part of the apparatus, while the outlet and the bucket where the washed product is located are in the lower part of the apparatus. The configuration can be modified, such as the direction of flow, without affecting the essence of the present invention. For example, other configurations can be provided, such as vertical and upward flow (feeding from the bottom and outlet / washing at the top), horizontal right or left flow (feeding and outlet / washing along the same horizontal line), inclined downward flow (feeding at the top and outlet / washing at the bottom), inclined upward flow (feeding at the bottom and outlet / washing at the top). Some configurations have been illustrated by the block diagrams in FIG. 1921.

[0036] As used herein, the term "plurality" may optionally refer to any plurality, including numbers in the range from 2 to 20. The term "at least" as used may optionally refer to the minimum value or lower limit of the element to which it refers. The terms "surface material", "solid waste or residue", and "suspended solids" are used interchangeably herein and refer to particles separated from the product to be cut and transferred into the wash fluid.

[0037] The apparatus of the present invention can be of any suitable type. For example, the apparatus 10 illustrated herein includes a feed and slicing module 11, an optional tank module 12, and an optional filtration module 13 (see Figures 1-3 ).

[0038] The feed and slicing module 11 may optionally include a container 21, which may optionally be referred to as a vessel, tank, or hopper, which is optionally coupled at one end to a feed channel 35 through which the product 41 to be sliced is to be supplied. The feed and slicing module 11 may optionally include a slicing element 36, for example coupled to the other end of the hopper 21 by a base 23 (see FIGS. 47 and 12). The coupling of the base 23 to the slicing element 36 may optionally be achieved by a coupling means 24 (see Figure 6 ), such as bearings and shafts, but those skilled in the art will understand that other elements known in the art may also be used for this purpose. A drive means 22 (see Figure 4 , 67 and 12) may be provided for imparting motion to the slicing element 36. The drive means may optionally be coupled to a transmission system including pulleys and belts (not shown) for transmitting motion to the slicing element 36. The drive means 22 may optionally include any suitable type of electric motor known in the prior art.

[0039] To assist in washing the product 41 prior to cutting, which may optionally be referred to as a first wash, the apparatus 10 may optionally include a wash fluid distribution module 73, which includes a plurality of pipes connected to one or more drainage means 31. The pipes of the distribution module (73) distribute the flow of wash fluid at one or more points, such as a first point in the feed channel 35, such as at the inlet 35a of the feed channel, to assist in pushing the product 41 towards the hopper 21 where it will be washed, a second point at the inlet of the hopper 21 and in the direction of the slicing element 36 to drive the product 41 towards said element while washing the product 41, and a third point within the hopper 21 where a vortex or swirl or rotating liquid 32 ( Figure 7 ) will be formed. The inlet of the container for introducing the wash fluid into the container may optionally be referred to as a wash fluid inlet port.

[0040] The container of the present invention, such as hopper 21, may alternatively be cylindrical, such as a cylinder, having a periphery formed by a cylindrical wall 101 (see FIG. 710). The container may alternatively have a first or upper portion 21a and a second or lower port 21b. A portion of the container, such as the second portion 21b, may taper inwardly towards the outlet 102 of the container. This tapered portion of the container may alternatively be referred to as the conical portion of the container 21. The container 21 may alternatively have a plurality of fluid, liquid or water injection ports 103, which may be referred to as pressurized fluid ports or inlet ports, spaced apart around its periphery for forming a fluid vortex or vortex or rotating fluid 32 in the container. The container has a diameter, shown by the letter D in Figure 9 , and each of the plurality of fluid injection ports 103 may alternatively point in a direction substantially perpendicular to the diameter of the container. Pressurized fluid or high-speed fluid may alternatively be introduced tangentially to the cylinder into the cylindrical container 21. As the water level in the container 21 rises due to accumulation, the volume of fluid or water may begin to rotate until it generates a vortex or vortex or rotating fluid 32 to facilitate the subsequent slicing process. Each of the plurality of fluid injection ports 103 may alternatively point towards the outlet 102 of the container (see Figure 8 ). More than one set of the plurality of injection ports 103 may alternatively be provided in the container 21, for example, a first set and a second set longitudinally spaced apart on the axis of the cylindrical or other shaped container 21 (see Figure 7 ). The diversion device 31 for supplying fluid to the injection ports 103 may alternatively include a plurality of pipes 107 having respective inlets 108 which are connected to any suitable fluid source, such as a fluid distribution pipe or module 73. The feed channel 35 may alternatively have an inlet port (not shown) similar to the fluid, liquid or water injection ports 103 inside the container 21 for enhancing the formation of the vortex 32.

[0041] The vortex or rotating fluid or vortex 32 may have an axis 106 (see Figure 10 ). The axis 106 may alternatively be substantially coaxial with the outlet 102 of the container 21. The fluid vortex or vortex or rotating fluid 32 may alternatively align a generally elongated food or other product with the axis 106 of the vortex and introduce the generally elongated food product into the outlet 102 to the product slicing element 36 to form a plurality of sliced products from the food product.

[0042] The apparatus 10 may alternatively be provided with at least one thrust ring 38 to generate a fluid ring 111 for guiding the product 41 towards the slicing element 36 (see Figure 10)。The fluid ring can optionally be a cylindrical wall or an inclined curtain of fluid that narrows the periphery of the eddy or vortex or rotating fluid as the eddy or vortex or rotating fluid travels towards the outlet 102 of the container. The fluid ring 111 can optionally be located in the direction of the tangential flow of the eddy 32, for example, at an inclination angle A that can optionally be in the range of 45° to 80° or can optionally be 60°. A thrust ring 38 can optionally be provided that allows the operator to selectively change the inclination angle A of the fluid ring 111. The thrust ring can provide a greater thrust towards the cutting or slicing element 36 to the fluid in the container 21, including the eddy 32, and provide stability to the geometry of the internal turbulence of the chamber for positioning and slicing the product 41.

[0043] As shown, the optional vertically downward inclination of the device 10 causes the product 41 to move downward under the action of gravity and with the help of the fluid in the container 21 in the direction of the slicing element 36. It can be understood that for other configurations, such as vertical upward or horizontal right or left flow, the method and device of the present invention can be provided with any suitable type of additional conveying element, such as a conveyor belt or a pump, to drive the product 41 towards the slicing element 36.

[0044] The slicing element 36 can be of any suitable type. The slicing element can optionally include a disc known in the art, such as a disc sold by the manufacturer The slicing element 36 can optionally be provided with a deflector 33 having an outlet 33a to direct the sliced product in a desired manner and direction, such as towards the output conveyor 75.

[0045] The tank module 12 can optionally include a main tank 71 and an optional secondary tank 72. The main tank 71 is, for example, arranged adjacent to the slicing element 36 (see Figures 13-15 and 18) to receive the sliced product and optionally perform a second washing process, and the secondary tank 72 is for distributing fluid throughout the system. The main tank 71 can contain any fluid suitable for washing the sliced product, such as fresh water or oil, and those skilled in the art will determine the nature of the fluid based on the desired purpose and the type of product processed by the device 10. Once the product 41 is cut in the slicing element 36, it can be directed towards the main tank 71 with the help of the centrifugal force discharged from the slicing element 36 and the flow of the washing fluid. Subsequently, it can be directed to the output conveyor 75 with the help of the deflector 33. As Figure 18 shown, the liquid level of the washing fluid in the main tank 71 can optionally be higher than the slicing element 36 to facilitate the transportation and washing of the product 41 in the tank 71.

[0046] For food products such as fruits and vegetables, the tank 71 can optionally contain fresh water in order to wash them while they are being cut, as they may contain unwanted surface substances such as starch or latex. The tank 71 can optionally contain oil at room temperature. When the cut product is to be cooked later, for example in a fryer, the oil can be advantageously used in another way, as after the cutting step the product can optionally be introduced directly into the fryer. When cutting in water, it may be necessary to perform a step before frying in which all the water is evaporated so that it does not enter the fryer and cause damage. In addition to washing surface substances from the product 41, both water and oil can optionally prevent the product 41 from clumping when the product leaves the slicing element 36 in the form of slices.

[0047] The main tank 71 can optionally have an inverted pyramid shape, as Figures 13-15 shown in and 18, such that the washing fluid is directed to a secondary tank 72 which can optionally be located near the tank 71. It will be understood that the shape of the tank 71 can be modified according to the requirements of the process of the device according to the invention. An extraction device 77, such as a submersible pump (see Figure 14 ), can optionally be placed in the secondary tank 72 to direct the fluid from the main tank 71 to the distribution module 73, from where it will be distributed to the device 10. A purification device 78 can optionally be placed at the bottom of the secondary tank 72 to remove solid process debris that has accumulated by sedimentation in the secondary tank 72 (see Figure 14 ). The purification device 78 can optionally be connected to a separation tank 91 in the filtration module 13, as described below, to initiate the filtration process and recycle the washing fluid to the device 10.

[0048] The distribution element 76 can optionally supply a clean replacement fluid to the process (see Figure 14 ). The distribution element 76 can optionally include a sprinkler, such as a fan sprinkler, to deliver fresh fluid towards the main tank 71.

[0049] The optional filtration module 13 (see Figures 16-17)The fluid is collected from the secondary tank 72 via the separation tank 91. The separation tank 91 may optionally include a sedimentation tank having internal partitions to separate the fluid from the solid waste present in high concentration and carry it to the bottom to extract it from the process, for example, through a purification device (not shown) such as a valve. The internal partitions of the sedimentation tank also allow the extraction of the fluid with low solid content from the top through the filtration device 92 and pass the extracted fluid through the remaining filtration steps of the module 13. The filtration device 92 may optionally include a pump that guides the fluid with low solid content from the sedimentation tank to a plurality of separators 93 that separate the suspended solids contained in the fluid so that they are subsequently deposited in a waste tank 94, for example, arranged at the outlet of the separators 93. The plurality of separators may optionally include at least two hydrocyclones. The waste tank 94 is optionally connected to a filter 95, for example, via a connecting device such as a pipe, and the filter 95 may optionally be a basket filter. It will be understood that any other device may be used for this purpose, the purpose of which is to filter the contents of the waste tank 94 and then remove the collected solids through the purification device 96, provided that the filter 95 is connected to the suction inlet of the filtration pump 92. The fluid filtered in the filtration module 13 is optionally returned to the tank 71, for example, through the pump 92. The returned fluid may optionally be returned to the device 10 through the distribution module 73, for example, through the pump 77.

[0050] A support structure 74 is provided for supporting the device 10 and all structural elements of the device, such as those discussed above (see Figures 1-3 and 13 - 15).

[0051] The present invention provides a method for cutting products, washing products, or both, for example, using the device 10.

[0052] The method may optionally include providing a container having an outlet in communication with the product slicing element, generating a fluid vortex in the container, the vortex having an axis that is substantially centered at the outlet of the container, and placing a food product in the container, wherein the fluid vortex aligns the food product with the axis of the vortex and introduces the food product into the outlet to the product slicing element to form a plurality of sliced products from the food product. Such a method may optionally include any other method steps discussed herein.

[0053] The method may optionally include washing a food product in a first container in a first washing step, slicing the food product to form a plurality of sliced products, and washing the sliced products in a second container in a second washing step, wherein the first washing step and the second washing step remove surface substances, latex, starch, and any combination of the foregoing substances from the food product. Such a method may optionally include any other method steps discussed herein.

[0054] The method may optionally include the following steps:

[0055] Feed the product 41 to be cut into the feeding and slicing module 11.

[0056] In the case of a food product, to facilitate the process, the food product can optionally be supplied without skin and without ends or tips. The product 41 can optionally be positioned in the feeding and slicing module 11 with its longest side parallel to the feeding channel 35.

[0057] Convey the supplied product to the slicing element 36.

[0058] The feeding channel 35 sends the product 41 towards the container 2, where the flow of the washing fluid in the channel 35 is provided by the distribution module 73 and then it is sent towards the eddy current or vortex or rotating fluid 32 formed in the container, such as the diversion device 31 discussed above. Once the product 41 enters the container or hopper 21, the product is entrained or carried by the eddy current 32 or tangentially coupled to the eddy current 32, constantly changing its position in the vertical horizontal tangential direction relative to the eddy current 32. With the help of the fluid flow provided by the distribution module 73, the product reaches the area 34, as Figure 11 shown, before entering the slicing element 36, the product is aligned or placed in a vertical position in this area, or positioned or substantially aligned with the axis of the eddy current. The eddy current optionally tapers inwards in the area 34. The axis of the eddy current in the area 34 optionally lies at the center of the outlet 102 of the container 21 or is aligned with the outlet 102 of the container 21. The product in the area 34 is optionally substantially perpendicular to the slicing element 36.

[0059] Cut the product 41 in the slicing element 36.

[0060] The product 41 that has been previously washed in the container 21, for example, in the eddy current 32, is guided to the slicing element 36, where it is sliced. The washed and cut product can optionally be removed from the device 10, for example, by an output conveyor, and at this time, further processing steps, such as frying, can be carried out.

[0061] Alternatively, additional washing of the product 41 can be optionally provided, for example to ensure that all undesired substances have been removed from its surface. The additional or second washing can optionally include removing surface substances from the cut product, for example by immersing the cut product into some suitable fluid contained in the tank 71 to obtain a clean cut product. When the product 41 is cut and fed into the tank 71 containing the fluid, the fluid may change color, appearance, or both due to the surface substances transferred from the cut product. For example, latex can cause the water to turn yellow and the oil to become turbid. To maintain a clean fluid, the fluid can be optionally replaced, for example periodically or continuously, depending on the operator's decision. Factors affecting fluid replacement, the type of process. In the case of oil, it can be filtered to remove residues of surface substances and can be reused in the process.

[0062] Remove the cleaned and cut product.

[0063] After removing the surface substances in the tank 71 containing the fluid, the product optionally reaches the output conveyor 75, for example due to the centrifugal force expelling the sliced product from the slicing element 36 and the deflector 33. The output conveyor 75 can optionally be used as a filter in addition to optionally transporting the cut product from the device 10 to other possible steps of the process such as frying, to separate the slices of the clean product from the debris or surface substances remaining in the fluid. The clean fluid flow can optionally be supplied through a distribution element 76 arranged near the output conveyor 75 to complete the cleaning of the cut product and replenish the washing fluid to the device 10. The cut product can be provided to further processing steps.

[0064] Filter the fluid carrying the surface substances and send it back to the device 10.

[0065] The method and device of the present invention can optionally include filtering and recycling the filtered fluid to the device 10 for further use. The fluid in the main tank 71 carrying the surface substances removed from the cut product can optionally be directed to a secondary tank 72, from where it can optionally be sent to the separation tank 91 of the filtration module through a purification device 78. In the separation tank 91, solid waste can optionally be filtered out of the fluid, and the filtered fluid is directed to a plurality of separators 93 by a pump 92. The filtered fluid can optionally undergo a separation process in the separators 93 to continue eliminating solid waste from the fluid. The fluid can optionally be sent from the separators to the main tank 71, from where it will be guided or pushed by a submersible pump 77 to the distribution module 73. The fluid with waste reaching the waste tank 94 can optionally undergo another filtration step in a filter 95 to enhance the filtration process and then be returned to the plurality of separators 93, from where the fluid is sent to the device 10, as described above.

[0066] A device for cutting and washing a food product of generally elongated shape is provided, which device may comprise a container connected at a first end to a feed channel for supplying the product to be sliced; a slicing element for slicing the supplied product, said slicing element being connected to a second end of the container; and a draining device for guiding a washing fluid inside the container and forming a vortex, which vortex positions the product to be sliced, pushes the product to be sliced towards the slicing element and performs a first washing.

[0067] The container may optionally be a hopper, and the coupling of the slicing element to the base may optionally be performed by a coupling means including a bearing and a shaft. The device may optionally include drive means for imparting motion to the slicing element, and the slicing element may optionally include a slicing disc. The device may optionally include a thrust ring and a main support structure, the thrust ring for generating a fluid ring with an inclination angle, for example between 45° and 80°, in the tangential direction of the eddy current flow to further direct the product towards the slicing element, and the main support structure for supporting all the elements of the device. The slicing element may optionally include a deflector to direct the sliced product towards the output conveyor. The device may optionally include a tank module that includes a main tank and a secondary tank, the main tank being arranged adjacent to the slicing element to receive the sliced product and perform a second wash, and the secondary tank for distributing the wash fluid throughout the system. The main tank 71 may optionally have an inverted pyramid shape. The secondary tank may optionally include extraction means for directing fluid from the main tank towards a fluid distribution module, the extraction means may optionally include a submersible pump, and the distribution module may optionally include a plurality of pipes connected to a drainage means to distribute the wash fluid to the feeding and slicing modules. The secondary tank may optionally include purification means for removing solid waste from the process. The device may optionally include a dispensing element for supplying clean replacement fluid to the system and may optionally include a sprinkler. The device may optionally include a tank module and a filtration module, the tank module including a main tank and a secondary tank, the main tank being arranged adjacent to the slicing element to receive the sliced product and perform a second wash, the secondary tank for distributing the wash fluid throughout the system, and the filtration module for filtering the wash fluid and returning it to the system and may optionally include a separation tank, filtration means, and a plurality of separators. The separation tank of the filtration module may optionally include a sedimentation tank and purification means for extracting solids from the system, and the sedimentation tank has internal partitions to separate the solid waste present in high concentration in the wash fluid. The filtration means may optionally include a pump for driving the wash fluid with a low solid content from the sedimentation tank to the plurality of separators, and the plurality of separators may optionally include at least two hydrocyclones. The device may optionally include a waste tank arranged at the outlet of the plurality of separators to accommodate the suspended solids that have been separated from the wash fluid in the plurality of separators. The device may optionally include a filter connected to the waste tank to filter the contents of the waste tank and remove the solids collected by the system through the purification means, and the filter may optionally include a basket filter.

[0068] A method of cutting and washing a food product of generally elongated shape is provided, the method comprising feeding the product to be cut through a feed channel, passing a fluid stream through the feed channel to convey the product towards a hopper in which a vortex is formed, washing the product by the vortex and guiding the product towards a slicing element, conveying the fed product to the slicing element where it is sliced, the conveying direction being optionally a horizontal direction flowing right or left, a vertical direction flowing up or down or an inclined direction flowing up or down, and cutting the product by passing the product through the slicing element in a horizontal direction flowing right or left, a vertical direction flowing up or down or an inclined direction flowing up or down.

[0069] The method may optionally comprise the steps of washing the cut product to remove surface substances to obtain a clean cut product by dipping the cut product into a suitable fluid contained in a main tank, and removing the cleaned and sliced product, for example, by an output conveyor. The method may optionally comprise the steps of supplying a cleaning fluid to the cleaned and cut product to clean it and replenishing the washing fluid to the system, for example, by a dispensing element. The method may optionally comprise the step of filtering the fluid carrying the surface substances from the product in a filtration module and returning the filtered fluid to the system. The aim of the method may optionally be to remove surface substances from the product, including, for example, latex and starch. The fluid contained in the tank may be water, oil or a mixture of both. The product may optionally be of generally elongated shape and may optionally comprise fruits, vegetables, bananas, cucumbers, cucurbits, carrots, cassava, sweet potatoes, taro or Colocasia esculenta.

[0070] The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an effective system for cutting and removing surface substances from a product being processed. Due to this removal, the product does not adhere to the walls of the processing equipment or the hands of the personnel handling it. The processed product has an excellent appearance for final consumption. The system of the present invention avoids the use of chemical additives for removing said substances.

[0071] The apparatus and method of the present invention are simple, efficient and economical and allow for the effective removal of surface substances from the cut product. Such surface substances may optionally include any substances that are undesirable during the processing of the product, such as latex or starch when cutting food products such as fruits or vegetables, thus limiting the use of special chemical products for removing said substances.

[0072] The apparatus and method of the present invention process and treat the cut product by conveying a clean product that does not adhere to the walls of the processing equipment or the hands of the personnel handling them, i.e., free of surface substances, and also provide the clean product with an excellent appearance for final consumption.

[0073] Those skilled in the art can conceive modifications of the present invention described herein. However, it should be noted that this specification relates to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All obvious modifications within the spirit of the present invention, such as changes in the shape, material, and dimensions of the elements constituting the present invention, should be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of cutting a generally elongate food product, comprising providing a container having an outlet in communication with a product slicing element, generating a fluid vortex in the container, the vortex having an axis, and placing the generally elongate food product into the container, wherein, A fluid vortex aligns a generally elongated food product with the axis of the vortex and introduces the generally elongated food product into an outlet to a product slicing element to form a plurality of sliced products from the generally elongated food product.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The providing step includes providing a cylindrical container.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The generating step includes generating a vortex, a portion of which tapers inwardly towards the outlet.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising introducing a washing fluid into the container such that the food product is washed by the fluid vortex.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein Washing the sliced products during an additional washing process.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The additional washing process includes immersing the sliced products in an additional container having a washing fluid to provide clean sliced products and used washing fluid.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising removing the used washing fluid from the additional container, removing suspended solids from the used washing fluid to provide clean washing fluid and directing the clean washing fluid to the additional container.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising directing the clean washing fluid to the container.

9. The method according to claim 4, wherein The washing fluid removes surface substances, latex, starch and any combination of the foregoing from the food product.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The washing fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, oil and both.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The food product is selected from the group consisting of fruits, vegetables, bananas, cucumbers, squash, carrots, cassava, sweet potatoes, taro and dark green leafy taro.

12. A method for cutting and cleaning a food product, comprising washing the food product in a first container in a first washing step, slicing the food product to form a plurality of sliced products, and washing the sliced products in a second container in a second washing step, wherein, The first washing step and the second washing step remove surface substances, latex, starch and any combination of the foregoing from the food product.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first washing step includes immersing the food product in a vortex that continuously changes the position of the food product to facilitate cleaning.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The first washing step includes immersing the food product in a vortex that has a portion that tapers inwardly to facilitate slicing of the food product.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The second washing step includes immersing the sliced products in a second container of washing fluid to provide clean sliced products and used washing fluid.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising removing the used washing fluid from the second container, removing suspended solids from the used washing fluid to provide clean washing fluid and directing the clean washing fluid into the second container.

17. An apparatus for cutting a generally elongated food product, comprising a cylindrical container having a periphery and an outlet, a product slicing element in communication with the outlet of the container, the container having a plurality of fluid injection ports spaced about its periphery for forming a fluid vortex in the container, wherein, A fluid vortex aligns a generally elongated food product with the axis of the vortex and introduces the generally elongated food product into an outlet to a product slicing element to form a plurality of sliced products from the food product.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The container has a diameter and the plurality of fluid injection ports each point in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the diameter of the container.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, The plurality of fluid injection ports each also point towards the outlet of the container.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The container has a portion that tapers inwardly towards the outlet.

21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The container has a washing fluid inlet port for providing washing fluid to the vortex to wash the food product within the vortex.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an additional container for receiving the sliced products and immersing the sliced products in a washing fluid for additional washing.

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