Clamp assembly for securing a knife to a slicing device, a slicing device including said clamp assembly, and a tool for use with said clamp assembly

Abstract

The clamp assembly includes a knife holder, a knife supported on a surface of the knife holder, and a clamp for clamping the knife to the knife holder, the clamp having a knife-engaging portion and a base, a cam rod for applying a clamping load to the clamp to secure the knife to the knife holder, the cam rod having a cam surface that engages the base of the clamp when the cam rod rotates to a clamped position to clamp and secure the knife to the knife holder, and a radial recess sized to receive the base of the clamp and capable of loosely receiving the base when opposed to the clamp in an open position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 211,381, filed June 16, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) The present invention relates to cutting devices, such as slicing devices for slicing food products. In particular, the present invention relates to a clamping assembly for securing a knife to the slicing device, a slicing device including the clamping assembly, and a tool for attaching and removing the knife to and from the slicing device. [Background technology]

[0003] Various machines are known for slicing, shredding, and grinding food products such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meat products. A widely used machine for such purposes is available from Urschel Laboratories, Inc. under the brand name "Model CC®". The Model CC machine is equipped with a centrifugal type slicer and is capable of slicing a variety of food products at high production capacity. The Model CC series of machines are suitable for slicing, peeling, shredding, and grinding uniformly. The configuration and aspects of the Model CC device are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,139,128, U.S. Pat. No. 3,139,129, U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,824, U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,765, U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,133, U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,856, U.S. Pat. No. 9,193,086, U.S. Pat. No. 10,456,943, U.S. Pat. No. 10,562,203, U.S. Pat. No. 10,632,639, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,933,552, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0210239, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus 10 representative of a Model CC apparatus. The apparatus 10 includes a generally annular cutting head 12 and an impeller 14 mounted coaxially within the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 has an axis of rotation 17 that coincides with the central axis of the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 is housed within a housing 18 and is driven to rotate about the axis of rotation 17 via a shaft (not shown) connected to a gearbox 16. The cutting head 12 is mounted on a support ring 15 above the gearbox 16 and remains stationary as the impeller 14 rotates. Product is delivered to the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 via a hopper 11 located above the impeller 14. In operation, as the hopper 11 delivers the product to the impeller 14, centrifugal force causes the product to move outwardly into engagement with knives (not shown) mounted along the periphery of the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 includes substantially radially oriented paddles 13, each having a surface for engaging the product and directing it radially outwardly and toward the knives of the cutting head 12 as the impeller 14 rotates. Other features of the construction and operation of the Model CC machine, including various embodiments thereof, are set forth in the above-referenced publications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Figures 2 and 3 are a view and partial bottom view, respectively, of a non-limiting example of a cutting head 12 used in a Model CC slicing apparatus, including the apparatus 10 shown generally in Figure 1. The cutting head 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3 will be described with reference to the slicing apparatus 10 with the impeller 14 shown in Figure 1. Based on the coaxial arrangement of the cutting head 12 and impeller 14, relative terms such as "axial", "circumferential", and "radial" and their associated configurations are used to describe the cutting head 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0006] In Figure 2, the cutting head 12 is generally annular with the cutting knives 20 mounted at circumferentially spaced locations around its periphery. Each knife 20 projects radially inwardly in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the impeller 14 within the cutting head 12, with a cutting edge disposed at the radially innermost portion of the knife 20. The cutting head 12 further includes lower and upper support members, shown in Figure 2 as rings 22 and 24, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced support segments (shoes 26) therebetween secured by fasteners 34.

[0007] The knives 20 are mounted on respective shoes 26 constituting the cutting station of the cutting head 12. The knives 20 of the cutting head 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are fixed to their respective shoes 26 by clamping assemblies 28. Each clamping assembly 28 includes a knife holder 30 mounted on the shoe 26 between the support rings 22 and 24 and a clamp 32 disposed on the radially outer surface of the knife holder 30 for fixing the knife 20. Each knife 20 is supported by the radially outer surface of one of the knife holders 30, and the clamp 32 is on the knife holder 30 so that the knife 20 is located between the outer surface of the knife holder 30 and the radially inner surface of the clamp 32 facing the knife holder 30. By applying a force to the clamp 32 in the direction of the knife holder 30, such as by a bolt 36, the clamp 32 applies a clamping force to a portion of the knife 20 adjacent to the cutting edge. As an alternative to using a bolt, an eccentric cam rod can be used as a quick clamp feature to apply a clamping force to clamp 32, non-limiting examples of which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,658,133, 10,562,203, 10,780,602, 10,786,922, 10,807,268, and 10,933,552, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] 2 and 3 further show a gate 38 secured to each shoe 26. The food product traverses the gate 38 before contacting the knife 20 attached to the trailing shoe 26. The cutting edge of the knife 20 and the trailing edge of the leading gate 38 form a gate opening 40 (FIG. 3) that determines the thickness of the slices produced by the knife 20.

[0009] In Figures 2 and 3, the knife 20 has a straight cutting edge to produce flat sliced ​​food products and is therefore described as a "flat knife" in the following description, although other knife shapes can be used in the cutting head 12. As a non-limiting example, the cutting head 12 is configured to use a knife such as, but not limited to, a shaped knife that is characterized by a periodic pattern with alternating peaks and valleys when viewed from the edge side and can produce a wavy cut, a strip cut, a julienne cut, or a cube cut product. As another non-limiting example, the cutting head 12 is configured to use a knife developed to produce strip or julienne cut food products (Julienne type knife). Such cuts generally produce elongated strips of food products. Non-limiting examples of Julien type knives are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,395,742, 9,469,041, 9,840,015, 9,849,600, and 10,843,363, each of which may be used in a variety of machines, including the Model CC slicing machine described above. As defined herein, strip-cutting (Julien type) knives may also have a flat or non-flat shape, but may further include Julien "tab" blades spaced along the knife adjacent the cutting edge and projecting from the face of the knife to form the desired strip or julienne cross-section. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example of a flat or strip cutting knife 20 formed as an assembly including a flat, planar slicing knife 20A having a cutting edge 42 and a second knife 20B, which is a julienne type knife or strip cutting knife, having a flat base 44 and a plurality of julienne tab blades 46 disposed generally perpendicular to the base 44. When the slicing knife 20A and the stripping knife 20B are assembled as shown, each julienne tab blade 46 is disposed generally perpendicular to the cutting edge 42 of the slicing knife 20A to produce a strip-cut (julienne-cut) flat food product.Tab blades 46 are positioned rearward of cutting edge 42 of slicing knife 20A, and each tab blade 46 has a cutting edge 48. In use, cutting edge 42 of slicing knife 20A slices the food product, and the tab blades 46 then cut the slice into strips. Knife 20 shown in Figure 4 does not have a handle extending from one longitudinal end of knife 20. Knives without such a handle are referred to as handleless knives. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] While centrifugal type slicers such as the Model CC Series perform optimally for their intended use, there is a continuing need for further improvements, including improvements relating to the maintenance of the equipment, such as, but not limited to, cleaning and replacement of knives 20, 20A, 20B, clamps 32, and / or knife holders 30, whose leading edges are subject to damage from impact with stones, sand and other debris frequently associated with foods such as potatoes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention provides a clamping assembly for securing a knife to a slicing device, a slicing device including the clamping assembly, and a tool for attaching and detaching the knife to and from the slicing device.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a clamping assembly includes a knife holder having a surface and a leading edge, a knife supported on the surface of the knife holder and having a cutting edge extending beyond the leading edge of the knife holder, and a clamp positioned relative to the knife holder and the knife to clamp the knife to the knife holder. The clamp has a longitudinal direction, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a knife-engaging portion adjacent the leading edge of the clamp, and a base adjacent the trailing edge of the clamp. At least a portion of the knife-engaging portion has a shape complementary to the knife. The knife-engaging portion and the base of the clamp each have a width in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clamp, the width of the base being less than the width of the knife-engaging portion. The clamping assembly further includes a cam rod configured to apply a clamping load to the clamp to secure the knife to the knife holder. The cam rod is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal length, a cam surface for engaging the base of the clamp to engage the clamp with the knife and secure the knife to the knife holder when the cam rod is rotated to a clamped position, and a radial recess having a longitudinal length and including a concave surface having a length spanning at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the cam rod, the radial recess being sized to receive the base of the clamp, the width of the base being less than the longitudinal length of the radial recess such that the base of the clamp is loosely received in the radial recess when the cam rod is rotated to face the clamp in an open position.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slicing apparatus comprising one or more clamp assemblies having the elements described above.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for clamping and / or disengaging a knife from a clamping assembly, including but not limited to a clamping assembly having the elements described above. Such a tool includes a base having a surface and at least a first hole opening into the surface. A first pin is received in the first hole and has a distal portion disposed adjacent the surface of the base. When the first pin is energized, the distal portion of the first pin is urged toward the surface of the base, and at least one first magnet is disposed on at least one of the distal portion of the first pin and the surface of the base. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The technical features of the clamping assembly having the above-mentioned characteristics facilitate complete removal of the clamp and / or knife from the slicing apparatus for the purpose of cleaning or replacing parts of the apparatus. The clamping assembly is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for removing clamps that secure strip-cutting knives by the action of an eccentric cam rod. Furthermore, a tool having the above-mentioned characteristics also facilitates complete removal of the clamp and / or knife, including but not limited to handleless strip-cutting knives, from the slicing apparatus, providing a quick-change feature for easy cleaning and replacement.

[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic, partially sectional side view of a conventional centrifugal type slicing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of a cutting head used in the slicing apparatus shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial bottom view showing details of a portion of a cutting head used in the slicing apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional handleless strip-cutting knife that can be used in slicing machines of the type shown in FIGS. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, showing a clamping assembly attached to the cutting head and including a knife holder, a clamp, a strip-cutting knife with a handle, and an eccentric cam rod, the clamping assembly shown in a locked (clamped) position with the eccentric cam rod clamping the knife between the knife holder and the clamp. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the cutting head and clamp assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the eccentric cam rod and clamp of the clamp assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a schematic partial top view of the cutting head shown in Figure 5, showing the eccentric cam rod in a locked (clamped) position. Figure 8B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in Figure 5, showing the eccentric cam rod in a locked (clamped) position. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a schematic partial top view of the cutting head shown in Figure 5, showing the eccentric cam rod in a knife release position suitable for removal of the knife, and Figure 9B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in Figure 5, showing the eccentric cam rod in a knife release position suitable for removal of the knife. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 without the knife and illustrating the removal of the clamp from the clamp assembly after the eccentric cam rod has rotated to the knife release position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 without the knife and showing the cutting head after removal of the clamp. [Figure 12]12 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 with the eccentric cam rod rotated past the knife release position to a fully open position and showing a handleless strip-cutting knife, such as that shown in FIG. 4, being attached to the cutting head prior to attachment of the clamp. [Figure 13] 13 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 with the eccentric cam rod rotated past the knife release position to a fully open position so that a handleless strip-cutting knife such as that shown in FIG. 4 can be attached to the cutting head simultaneously with the clamp. [Figure 14] 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 showing the eccentric cam rod rotated past the knife release position to the fully open position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5, showing a clamp and a handleless strip-cutting knife such as that shown in FIG. 4 ready to be attached simultaneously. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic side-by-side view of the clamp shown in FIGS. 5-15 along with a second clamp configured for use in securing a flat knife that is not a strip-cutting knife. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 illustrating that knives other than strip-cutting knives such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be mounted on the cutting head. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 illustrating that knives other than strip-cutting knives such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be mounted on the cutting head. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an alternative eccentric cam rod in an isolated view. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, showing the clamp assembly with the eccentric cam rod shown in FIG. 19 in a locked (clamped) position with the eccentric cam rod clamping the knife between the knife holder and the clamp. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 20 with the eccentric cam rod in a knife release position suitable for removal of the knife. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head and clamp assembly shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, showing the eccentric cam rod in a locked (clamped) position. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head and clamp assembly shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 with the eccentric cam rod in a cam release position. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a partial top view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20-23, showing the eccentric cam rod in a locked (clamped) position. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a partial top view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20-23 with the eccentric cam rod in a knife release position suitable for removing the knife from the clamp assembly without removing the clamp. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a partial top view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20-23 with the eccentric cam rod in a clamp release position suitable for removing the clamps and / or knives or cleaning the clamp assembly. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20 to 26, illustrating the stages as the eccentric cam rod rotates beyond the clamp release position shown in FIG. 26 and the clamp is removed from the clamp assembly. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20 to 26, illustrating the stages as the eccentric cam rod rotates beyond the clamp release position shown in FIG. 26 and the clamp is removed from the clamp assembly. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 20 to 26, illustrating the stages as the eccentric cam rod rotates beyond the clamp release position shown in FIG. 26 and the clamp is removed from the clamp assembly. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a first knife-changing tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to and from a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a first knife-changing tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to and from a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrating an inactivated position for magnetically engaging the clamp. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, illustrating an actuated position for magnetically releasing the clamp. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 30-33 and illustrates how the clamps magnetically engage when attaching or detaching the clamps to or from the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 30-33 and illustrates how the clamps magnetically engage when attaching or detaching the clamps to or from the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 30-33 and illustrates how the clamp magnetically engages when attaching or detaching the clamp to or from the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a second knife-changing tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to and from a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a second knife-changing tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to and from a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a partial side view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a third knife exchange tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to and from a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third knife-changing tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, illustrating the magnetic engagement with the clamp. [Diagram 44]44 is a partial perspective view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 41 to 43, illustrating a state in which it is magnetically engaged with the clamp shown in FIG. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 41-44, illustrating how the clamps magnetically engage when attaching or detaching the clamps to or from the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. [Diagram 46] FIG. 46 is a side view of a fourth knife exchange tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and shows that the knife exchange tool has certain features shown in FIGS. 30-45 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a side view of a fourth knife exchange tool of a type capable of attaching and detaching the clamp and knife shown in any of FIGS. 4-29 to the cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and shows that the knife exchange tool has certain features shown in FIGS. 30-45 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrating an inactivated position for magnetically engaging the clamp. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife exchange tool shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, illustrating an actuated position for magnetically releasing the clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The intended purpose of the following detailed description of the invention, and of the phraseology and terminology used therein, is to describe the illustrated embodiment in terms of one or more non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and to describe certain, but not all, portions of the illustrated embodiment. The following detailed description also describes certain, but not all, alternative embodiments of the illustrated embodiment. By way of non-limiting example, the invention is shown as part of certain embodiments that may include additional or alternative embodiments that substitute for one or more features or characteristics of the disclosed embodiment, and / or may omit them, and also includes additional or alternative embodiments that combine two or more features or characteristics of different disclosed embodiments, and / or is shown as part of different embodiments. Thus, the appended claims are intended to specifically identify the subject matter regarded as the invention, including certain, but not necessarily all, aspects and alternative embodiments described in the detailed description, and specific aspects and alternative embodiments.

[0019] 5-29 are schematic diagrams of non-limiting embodiments of clamping assemblies, and FIGS. 30-49 are schematic diagrams of non-limiting embodiments of knife exchange tools usable with various cutting devices, including but not limited to the centrifugal-type slicing device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the cutting head 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some cases, the clamping assemblies disclosed herein may be substituted or modified for the clamping assemblies for devices and cutting heads of the types shown in FIGS. 1-3. For convenience, the following description is directed to the clamping assembly and tools shown and described with reference to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1 with the annular cutting head 12 shown with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As such, the following description is directed primarily to the specific aspects of the clamping assembly and tools described with reference to the specific aspects of the device 10 and cutting head 12 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and other aspects of the device 10 and cutting head 12 not described in detail in the following description may be as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. However, the teachings of the present invention are generally applicable to other types of cutting devices. Moreover, while such apparatus and cutting heads are particularly suited for slicing food products, it is within the scope of the present invention to apply the clamping assemblies and tools described herein to apparatus and cutting heads for cutting a variety of other types of materials.

[0020] To facilitate understanding of the following description of the illustrated clamping assemblies and tools, relative terms are used with reference to the orientation of the clamping assemblies and tools with respect to the cutting head 12 of FIG. 2 as indicated by the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. Based on the coaxial arrangement of the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 shown in FIG. 1, relative terms include, but are not limited to, "axial," "circumferential," "radial," and the like. These and similar terms may be utilized in describing the illustrated non-limiting embodiments. All such relative terms are useful for describing the clamping assemblies and tools illustrated in FIGS. 5-49, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Additionally, as used herein, "front" (and related forms) refers to a position or direction on the cutting head 12 that is forward or leading in the direction of rotation of the impeller 14 attached to and rotating within the cutting head 12, and "rear" (and related forms) refers to a position or direction on the cutting head 12 that is trailing or following in the direction of rotation of the impeller 14.

[0021] For convenience, identical or functionally related / equivalent elements of the various embodiments of the clamping assemblies illustrated in Figures 5-49 have been designated with the same reference numerals.

[0022] 5 and 6 are partial perspective and side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a clamping assembly 50 mounted on the cutting head 12 of the slicing apparatus 10. The clamping assembly 50 is shown to include a knife holder 52, shown partially hidden, and a clamp 54 that secures the strip-cutting knife 20 to a surface 52A of the knife holder 52. By way of non-limiting example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the knife 20 is shown as a one-piece knife 20 with a handle 21 protruding through an opening 25 in the upper support ring 24, although the knife 20 can also be configured as a handleless knife, such as the handleless two-piece knife 20 shown in FIG. 4, by way of non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 5, one or more locating pins 53 protrude from the surface 52A of the knife holder 52 through complementary locating holes (e.g., 20C in FIG. 4) in the knife 20 and are received in complementary locating holes 54E in the clamp 54 shown in FIG. 7 to properly align the knife 20 and clamp 54 with the knife holder 52.

[0023] Additionally, the clamp assembly 50 is illustrated as being mounted by and between a pair of bases 72 that are attached to the support rings 22 and 24 of the cutting head 12. As can be more clearly seen from FIG. 7 , which illustrates an isolated view of the clamp 54, the clamp 54 has a shape complementary to the knife 20, at least to the extent that the knife engaging portion 54A has a slot 56 ( FIG. 7 ) that receives the tab blade 46 of the knife 20, as the clamp 54 includes a knife engaging portion 54A that forms a leading edge 54C of the clamp 54 and that physically contacts the knife 20. The clamp 54 further includes a base 54B adjacent a trailing edge 54D of the clamp 54 and is configured for engagement by means that secure the clamp 54 to the knife holder 52 and apply a clamping load to the clamp 54. As is apparent from Figures 5 to 7, the base 54B has a width in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or length of the clamp 54 (approximately parallel to the front edge 54C of the clamp 54) that is smaller than the width of the knife engagement portion 54A in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clamp 54.

[0024] In Figures 5 and 6, the fixing / clamping means of the clamp 54 is illustrated as an eccentric cam rod 60 configured as a quick clamping feature that applies a clamping force to the clamp 54. The cam rod 60 is rotatably mounted between the bases 72 of the cutting head 12 for rotation about a central longitudinal axis 61 (Figures 6 and 7) of the cam rod 60 through the end of the cam rod 60 housed in the base 72 (Figure 6). Figures 5 and 6 further show the upper end 64 of the rod 60 protruding through the upper support ring 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, by rotating the cam rod 60 counterclockwise about its axis 61 using the handle 66 of the rod 60 as viewed from above in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the cam rod 60 moves eccentrically to engage the base 54B of the clamp 54, thereby engaging the clamp 54 with the knife 20, which is clamped in the knife holder 52. This position illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is referred to as the locked or clamped position. The force applied by the cam rod 60 to the clamp 54 is released by rotating the cam rod 60 counterclockwise about axis 61. Once the cam rod 60 has rotated to the unlocked or open position, the clamping force is reduced sufficiently to allow removal of the knife 20. In this open position, referred to as the knife release position, the knife 20 can be removed from the cutting head 12 by grasping the handle 21 of the knife 20 and pulling the knife 20 upwardly through the opening 25 in the upper support ring 24.

[0025] As can be seen more clearly in Figure 7, cam rod 60 has a cam surface 70 that, when rotated to the position shown in Figures 5 and 6, engages base 54B of clamp 54, causing clamp 54 to engage knife 20, which is clamped to knife holder 52 via clamp 54. To facilitate application of a uniform clamping load to clamp 54, base 54B of clamp 54 is illustrated as being centrally located along the longitudinal length of clamp 54. In Figure 7, the eccentricity of cam rod 60 is such that a central longitudinal axis 71 of the portion of cam rod 60 that includes cam surface 70 is parallel to central longitudinal axis 61 of cam rod 60 and is spaced a distance d from the central longitudinal axis 61 of cam rod 60. o5, 6, and 7, the cam rod 60 has a radial recess 62 (FIG. 7) between the bases 72 that defines a concave surface 68 that spans a portion (as shown, a majority) of the longitudinal length of the rod 60. The concave surface 68 is also shown as being generally parallel to the axes 61 and 71, and the radial recess 62 is sized to receive the base 54B of the clamp 54. The width of the base 54B of the clamp 54 is also parallel to the cam rod 60 and is less than the longitudinal length of the concave surface 62, so that when assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base 54B of the clamp 54 is loosely received within the radial recess 62 when the cam rod 60 is rotated about its axis 61 until the radial recess 62 faces the clamp 54. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the cam rod 60 rotates about its axis 61 and the cam surface 70 engages the clamp 54 , the radial recess 62 and the concave surface 68 of the cam rod 60 face away from the clamp 54 .

[0026] 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B and 10 show two rotational positions of the cam rod 60 which allow for the engagement (clamping) and disengagement (release) of the clamp 54. Figures 8A and 8B show the above-mentioned locked position, in which the cam surface 70 is positioned to engage against the clamp 54 shown in phantom, as shown in Figure 8B, with the radial recess 62 and the concave surface 68 of the cam rod 60 facing away from the clamp 54, clamping the knife 20 to the knife holder 52. In the locked position, the stop pin 65 protruding from the cam rod 60 abuts against a locked stop 74 on the upper support ring 24, and the handle 66 of the cam rod 60 is positioned directly above the opening 25 of the upper support ring 24, preventing access to the handle 21 (not shown) of the knife 20. In Figure 9A, the cam rod 60 has been rotated to the knife release (open) position previously described, and as shown in Figure 9B, the radial recess 62 and concave surface 68 of the cam rod 60 are positioned generally opposite the clamp 54, shown in phantom, with the cam surface 70 facing generally away from the clamp 54. The eccentricity of the cam rod 60, in combination with the position of its recess 62 and concave surface 68, allows the knife 20 to be removed from the knife holder 52, as evidenced by the movement of the cam rod 60 away from the clamp 54 relative to the position shown in Figure 8B. In the knife release position, the stop pin 65 protruding from the cam rod 60 abuts a knife release stop 76 on the upper support ring 24, shown in Figures 8A and 9A, approximately 180 degrees clockwise from the locked stop 74. Additionally, because the handle 66 of the cam rod 60 is not positioned directly above the opening 25 in the upper support ring 24, providing easy access to the handle 21 of the knife 20, the knife 20 can be removed from the cutting head 12 by grasping the handle 21 of the knife 20 and pulling the knife 20 upwardly through the opening 25 in the upper support ring 24.

[0027] Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of the cutting head 12 shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8A-9B with the cam rod 60 in the knife release position and with the clamp 54 partially and completely removed from the clamp assembly 50, respectively. In Figure 11, the knife 20, which was previously secured by the clamp 54, has also been removed, exposing the knife holder 52 and the knife support surface 52A of the knife holder 52.

[0028] 12 and 13 are perspective views of the cutting head 12 shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A-11 with the cam rod 60 elevated so that the stop pin 65 (not visible in the figures) protruding from the cam rod 60 clears the knife release stop 76 on the upper support ring 24, allowing the rod 60 to rotate past the knife release position shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10, and 11 to a fully open position. FIG. 12 shows that the strip-cutting knife 20, with or without the handle 21, can be installed prior to mounting the clamp 54 to the cutting head 12, and FIG. 13 shows that the strip-cutting knife 20 without the handle, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4, and the clamp 54 can be pre-assembled, and the assembled clamp-knife assembly can then be mounted to the cutting head 12. FIGS. 14 and 15 show the step-by-step installation of the clamp 54 and the knife 20 simultaneously when the cam rod 60 is in the fully open position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a schematic side-by-side view of the clamp 54 shown in FIGS. 5-15 and a second clamp 54 configured for use in securing a flat knife that is not a strip-cutting knife. As is apparent from FIG. 16, the second clamp 54 differs from the clamp 54 shown in FIGS. 5-15 by omitting the slot 56 in the knife-engaging portion 54A that receives the tab blade 46 of the strip-cutting knife 20. FIGS. 17 and 18 are partial perspective views of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5, showing non-limiting examples of handled and handleless flat knives 20, respectively, that may be attached to the cutting head 12, for example, in combination with the second clamp 54 shown in FIG.

[0030] 19-29 show the cutting head 12 shown in FIG. 5 applicable to an eccentric cam rod 60 different from the rod 60 shown in FIGS. 5-18. The cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 19-29 also includes a quick clamp feature of the clamp assembly 50 for applying a clamping force to the clamp 54. In view of the similarities between the cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 5-18 and the cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 19-29, the following description of the cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 19-29 will focus primarily on aspects of the cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 19-29 that are notably or significantly different from the cam rod 60 shown in FIGS. 5-18. Other aspects of the further embodiments not described in detail are essentially as described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-18 in terms of structure, function, materials, etc.

[0031] The cam rod 60 shown in Figures 19 to 29 is rotatably mounted about its axis 61 between the bases 72, with the upper end 64 of the rod 60 protruding through the upper support ring 24. Figure 20 shows the locked (or clamped) position of the cam rod 60. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, when viewed from above in Figure 20, the cam surface 70 of the cam rod 60 is eccentrically moved to engage with the base 54B of the clamp 54, thereby engaging the clamp 54 with the knife 20 (not shown in Figure 20), and the knife 20 is clamped in the knife holder 52. The force applied from the cam rod 60 to the clamp 54 is released by rotating the cam rod 60 about its axis 61 counterclockwise. FIG. 21 shows the cam rod 60 rotated clockwise from the locked (clamped) position shown in FIG. 20 to a knife released (open) position where the clamping force is reduced sufficiently to allow the knife 20 to be removed from the cutting head 12.

[0032] 19-29, the stop pin 65 shown in FIGS. 5-18 has been replaced by a stop flange 65, which in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment is a radially projecting flat surface on the upper end 64 of the rod 60. The stop flange 65 projects sufficiently from the cam rod 60 to abut against a lock stop 74 (FIG. 21) on the upper support ring 24 when the rod 60 is in the locked (clamped) position shown in FIG. 20. In this position, the handle 66 of the cam rod 60 is located directly above the opening 25 in the upper support ring 24. In FIG. 21, the cam rod 60 has rotated about its axis 61 to the previously described knife release (open) position, in which the majority of the cam surface 70 is still facing the clamp 54, but the eccentricity of the cam rod 60 has caused the cam surface 70 to move sufficiently out of the clamp 54 to allow the knife 20 to be removed from the knife holder 52. In the knife release position, the stop flange 65 of the cam rod 60 abuts the knife release stop 76 on the upper support ring 24 and is at an angle θ less than 90 degrees clockwise from the lock stop 74, as shown in FIGURE 21. In the knife release position, the handle 66 of the cam rod 60 is no longer located directly over the opening 25 in the upper support ring 24.

[0033] The cam rod 60 shown in Figures 19-29 further includes an annular slot 78 between the upper end 64 of the rod 60 and the concave surface 68, and an annular collar 80. The collar 80 has a concave surface 82 located approximately on the chord of the collar 80. As shown in Figure 19, the concave surface 82 is circumferentially offset in a clockwise direction of the cam rod 60 from the concave surface 68 of the rod 60 as viewed from above in Figure 19. As can be seen from Figures 22 and 23, the slot 78 cooperates with the retaining element 84 to retain the cam rod 60 in an axial position relative to the base 72 adjacent the upper support ring 24. In this axial position, the cam rod 60 is rotatably received in each of the bases 72 as shown in Figure 20.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the lock stop 74 and the knife release stop 76 are disposed within a recess in the upper surface of the upper support ring 24. A raised step 86 is disposed within the recess in a clockwise direction from the knife release stop 76. The axial length of the slot 78 is sufficient to lift the cam rod 60 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 23 while still engaging the retaining element 84 so that the stop flange 65 rides over the step 86, thereby allowing the cam rod 60 to rotate clockwise about its axis 61 past the knife release stop 76. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the cam rod 60 has been rotated clockwise from the locked position shown in FIGS. 20 and 22 past the knife release position shown in FIG. 21 to a second open position approximately 90 degrees from the locked position shown in FIGS. 20 and 22 so that the stop flange 65 rides over the step 86. 23, the concave surface 82 of the collar 80 aligns with the retaining element 84, allowing the collar 80 to clear the retaining element 84 and further lift the cam rod 60 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG 23, so that, if desired, the cam rod 60 can be completely removed from the cutting head 12. As such, the open position shown in FIG 23 is sometimes referred to as the cam release position of the cam rod 60.

[0035] 24 and 25 are schematic top views of a portion of the cutting head 12, showing the cam rod 60 in a locked (clamped) position corresponding to FIGS. 20 and 22, and in a knife release (open) position corresponding to FIG. 21, respectively. As is evident from FIGS. 24 and 25, which show in phantom the contour of the radial recess 62 of the cam rod 60, the cam surface 70 faces the clamp 54 for the most part in both the locked and knife release positions, but in the knife release position shown in FIG. 25, the eccentricity of the cam rod 60 allows the cam surface 70 to move sufficiently out of the clamp 54 to allow the knife 20 to be removed from the knife holder 52. In FIG. 26, the cam rod 60 has rotated about its axis 61 beyond the knife release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 25 and the cam release position shown in FIG. 23 to a third open position, substantially opposite the locked position shown in FIGS. 20 and 22 (approximately 180 degrees clockwise from the locked position). As can be seen in Figure 26, the radial recess 62 and concave surface 68 of the cam rod 60 face the clamp 54, providing sufficient clearance therebetween so that the clamp 54 can be removed from the clamp assembly 50. As such, the open position shown in Figure 26 is sometimes referred to as the clamp removal position of the cam rod 60. Providing a clamp removal position facilitates cleaning of the clamp assembly 50 and its components.

[0036] 27-29 are also schematic top views of a portion of the cutting head 12, but with the cam rod 60 rotated about its axis 61 beyond the clamp removal position shown in FIG. 26 to a position approximately 240 degrees clockwise from the locked position shown in FIGS. 20 and 22. As is apparent from FIGS. 27-29, the radial recess 62 and the concave surface 68 of the cam rod 60 are substantially opposite the clamp 54, forming a larger gap therebetween to facilitate removal of the clamp 54 from the clamp assembly 50. FIGS. 27-29 show the stages of removing the clamp 54 from the clamp assembly 50.

[0037] 19-29 is further shown to include an optional clamp stop bar 88 having a feature 90 against which the trailing edge 54D of the clamp 54 may be positioned. The clamp stop bar 88 serves to precisely position the leading edge 54C of the clamp 54 adjacent the leading edge of the knife holder 52.

[0038] 30-49 illustrate a knife-changing tool 100 that can be used with a variety of cutting devices, including but not limited to the centrifugal-type slicing device 10 shown in FIG. 1. Non-limiting embodiments of the tool 100 are illustrated and described with reference to the slicing device 10 having either the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 shown with reference to FIG. 1 or the cutting head 12 shown with reference to FIGS. 2-29. However, the tool 100 is generally applicable to other types of cutting devices and cutting heads. Moreover, the tool 100 is particularly applicable, but not limited to, for the installation and removal of various strip-cutting knives, including the strip-cutting knife 20 shown with reference to FIGS. 4-29. In view of similarities between the tools 100, identical or functionally related / equivalent elements of the tool 100 are labeled with the same reference numerals in FIGS. 30-49.

[0039] The first embodiment of the knife exchange tool 100 includes a base 102, an actuator 104, and a handle 106, as shown in Figures 30 to 36. As shown in Figures 30 to 33, the base 102 has a generally elongated shape with a rectangular cross section, including a lower surface 108, an upper surface 110 disposed on the opposite side, a front surface 112, and a rear surface 114 disposed on the opposite side. The handle 106 is fixed to the base 102 by a screw mechanism so as to maintain a fixed position relative to the base 102, and the actuator 104 is fixed to the base 102 so as to be displaceable relative to the base 102 in a displacement direction generally perpendicular to the lower surface 108.

[0040] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 30-36, the base 102 has a plurality of parallel holes 116 that each receive a pin 118 extending from a bar 120 of the actuator 104. The holes 116 open to the underside 108, and a distal portion of each pin 118 is disposed adjacent the underside 108 of the base 102. The holes 116 and pins 118 are disposed parallel to the displacement direction of the actuator 104, allowing the actuator 104 to be displaced in the displacement direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each hole 116 has a shoulder 122, and the pins 118 received within the holes 116 have opposing shoulders 124, thereby forming a cavity surrounding the pins 118 inside the holes 116 and containing a compression spring 126 that can bias the pins 118 toward the underside 108 of the base 102. Alternatively, the tool 100 may have fewer holes 116 with springs 126 than all of the holes 116. Although a coil spring 126 is illustrated, other biasing means may be used, non-limiting examples of which include one or more springs (including gas or hydraulic) and / or resilient members that exert a pressure, tension, or torsional force and are actuated via a lever or other intermediate mechanism.

[0041] The length of the pins 118 extending from the bar 120 of the actuator 104 relative to the length of each hole 116 is preferably such that when the pins 118 are fully inserted into the holes 116 under the influence of the springs 126, the distal end 128 of each pin 118 is flush with or at least proximate to the lower surface 108 of the base 102. A magnet 130 is housed in a cavity located at the distal end 128 of each pin 118, and each magnet 130 has an exposed surface 132 that is flush with or at least proximate to the lower surface 108 of the base 102. A variety of magnetic materials can be used for the magnets 130. Suitable magnetic materials are particularly capable of generating a magnetic field strong enough to magnetically capture ferromagnetic objects, such as the clamps 54 and / or knives 20 described above, that are positioned against or proximate to the lower surface 108 of the base 102.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 31 , the actuator 104 includes a trigger or tab 134 that projects from the bar 120 of the actuator 104, the tab 134 being disposed on the rear side of the base 102 and projecting above the rear surface 114 of the base 102. The tab 134 and handle 106 are positioned and oriented such that an operator can grasp the tab 134 while simultaneously grasping the handle 106 and pulling the tab 134 away from the base 102. Pulling the tab 134 away from the base 102 displaces the actuator 104 from the base 102 against the biasing effect of the spring 126, as shown in FIG. The magnet 130 retracts within the bore 116 of the base 102. In this position, the ability of the magnet 130 to capture a ferromagnetic object, such as, for example, the knife 20 and / or the clamp 54, is significantly diminished, for example, to the extent that the magnet 130 is no longer able to hold the knife 20 and / or the clamp 54 against the underside 108 of the base 102. Releasing the tab 134 causes the spring 126 to displace the actuator 104 toward the base 102, which causes the bar 120 to contact the upper surface 110 of the base 102, a position where the distal end 128 of the pin 118 and the magnet 130 are proximate the underside 108 of the base 102. In this position, the magnet 130 is able to capture and hold a ferromagnetic object, such as, for example, the knife 20 and / or the clamp 54, against the underside 108 of the base 102.

[0043] 34-36 show the tool 100 simultaneously capturing the clamp 54 and the knife 20 by positioning the pin 118 of the actuator 104 relative to the base 102 such that the underside 108 of the base 102 is positioned against or adjacent to the clamp 54 and the exposed surface 132 of the magnet 130 is flush with or adjacent to the underside 108 of the base 102 (see FIG. 32). As described with reference to FIG. 5, if the clamp assembly 50 includes a locating pin 53, a slot 136 in the underside 108 of the base 102 allows the base 102 to straddle the locating pin 53 so that the underside 108 can directly contact the clamp 54, knife 20, etc. By grasping tab 134 and pulling it away from base 102, actuator 104 is displaced away from base 102, against the biasing effect of spring 126, until magnet 130 is sufficiently drawn into hole 116 in base 102 to release clamp 54 (see FIG. 33).

[0044] Figures 37-49 illustrate additional embodiments of knife exchange tool 100. The following description focuses primarily on those aspects of tool 100 illustrated in Figures 37-49 that differ significantly or significantly from tool 100 illustrated in Figures 30-36. Other aspects of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 37-49 that are not described in detail are essentially as described for the embodiment illustrated in Figures 30-36 in terms of structure, function, materials, etc.

[0045] The actuator 104 of the tool 100 shown in Figures 37 to 40 is operated via a trigger 134 that an operator can grasp while holding the handle 106 with his / her hand. By pulling the trigger 134 toward the handle 106 against the biasing effect of the spring 126 so that the actuator 104 is displaced away from the base 102, the magnet 130 is drawn into the hole 116 of the base 102, as shown in Figure 33. This operation is based on the fact that the trigger 134 is composed of an extension of an arm 134A that is coupled to the base 102 and the actuator 104 via a pivot pin 138 disposed in the base 102 and a cam follower 140 disposed in the actuator 104, respectively. The cam follower 140 is present in a cam slot 142 of the arm 134A, and converts the arc-shaped trajectory of the trigger 134 and the arm 134A centered on the pivot pin 138 into a linear displacement of the actuator 104. Releasing the trigger 134 allows the spring 126 to displace the actuator 104 towards the base 102, retracting the pin 118 into the base 102. The tool 100 shown in Figures 37-40 optionally has the additional feature of a removable handle 106 (Figure 40) and a pry bar 144 attached to the handle 106 to aid in removal of the clamp 54 or knife 20.

[0046] The tool 100 shown in Figures 41-45 does not include the actuator 104 and tab / trigger 134 of the previously described embodiment. The tool 100 includes a pair of locating pins 146 that reside in holes 148 in the base 102 and are biased by springs 150 toward the underside 108 of the base 102. The locating pins 146 are located in the base 102 and are sized to simultaneously receive, for example, locating holes 54E and 20C of the clamp 54 and knife 20 shown in Figures 7, 4 and 12, respectively, so that the clamp 54 and knife 20 are accurately located on the tool 100 while held by the magnet 130 before and during the process of attaching the clamp 54 and knife 20 to the knife holder 52. During installation, the locating pin 146 is aligned with the locating pin 53 of the knife holder 52, and as the tool 100 is pressed against the knife holder 52 and the locating pin 146 is pulled into the base 102 against the biasing force of the spring 150, the clamp 54 and knife 20 are transferred to the knife holder 52 and its locating pin 53, as shown in FIG. 45.

[0047] The tool 100 shown in Figures 46-49 combines certain aspects of the tool 100 shown in Figures 30-45. For example, the tool 100 shown in Figures 46-49 includes an actuator 104 reciprocally mounted to the base 102 by a pin 118, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 30-40, and a positioning pin 146 reciprocally mounted within the base 102, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 41-45. The tool 100 shown in Figures 46-49 also includes a magnet 130, shown in Figures 48 and 49, attached to the distal end of one or more pins 118, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 30-40. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 41 to 45, a positioning pin 146 is located on the base 102 and is sized to be simultaneously received in the positioning holes 54E and 20C of the clamp 54 and the knife 20 shown in Figures 7, 4 and 12, respectively, so that the clamp 54 and the knife 20 are accurately positioned on the tool 100 during the process of attaching the clamp 54 and the knife 20 to the knife holder 52.

[0048] In the tool 100 shown in Figures 46 to 49, the positioning pins 146 are configured to be displaced relative to the pins 118, and each positioning pin 146 is configured to at least partially retract into the hole 148 when the magnet 130 of the pin 118 is urged toward the underside 108 of the base 102 by the spring 126, and each positioning pin 146 is displaced so as to protrude from the underside 108 of the base 102 when the magnet 130 is retracted into the hole 116 in the base 102.

[0049] The magnet 130 and locating pin 146 are retracted into the base 102 and pulled toward the handle 106, for example, through operation of a trigger (not shown), such as the type shown for the tool 100 shown in Figures 30-36, which an operator can grasp while manually gripping the handle 106, thereby displacing the actuator 104 away from the base 102 against the biasing effect of the spring 126, as shown in Figures 47 and 49. When the actuator 104 is positioned against the upper surface 110 of the base 102, as shown in Figures 46 and 48, the magnet 130 is flush with or adjacent to the lower surface 108 of the base 102, as shown in Figure 48. When the actuator 104 is displaced away from the base 102, as shown in Figures 47 and 49, the magnet 130 is retracted into the hole 116 in the base 102, as shown in Figure 49. The magnet 130 and the locating pin 146 are interconnected such that as the actuator 104 is displaced away from the base 102, the magnet 130 is retracted into the base 102, causing an opposite movement of the locating pin 146, i.e., extension of the locating pin 146, so that the locating pin 146 protrudes from the underside 108 of the base 102, as shown in FIG. 49. On the other hand, as the actuator 104 is displaced towards the base 102, the magnet 130 is displaced towards the underside 108 of the base 102, and the locating pin 146 is retracted into the base 102, as shown in FIG. 48. This action ensures that the locating pin 146 is out of the way when the clamp 54 is held in place by the magnet 130, and the locating pin 146 does not interfere with the locating pin 53 of the knife holder 52. However, when the magnet 130 is retracted, the locating pin 146 can be used to align the clamp 54 with the tool 100.

[0050] 46 and 47 show non-limiting embodiments of the means for interconnecting the magnet 130 and the locating pin 146 for opposing movement within the base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, a cam follower 141 is provided on the top end of the pin 146 and is positioned in a slot 143 within the base 102. Each cam follower 141 is also received in a cam slot 142 within an arm 134A which receives a second cam follower 140 connected to the actuator 104. The actuator 104 is limited to reciprocating movement relative to the base 102 via the pin 118 received within a hole 116 in the base 102. The actuator 104 is biased away from the base 102 as shown in FIGS. 47 and 49 by the biasing effect of a spring 126 mounted within the base 102 and pin 118, shown in FIGS. 48 and 49. The positioning pin 146 is biased to retract back into the base 102, as shown in Figures 46 and 48, by the interconnection between the magnet 130 and the positioning pin 146 via the arm 134A and the biasing effect of the spring 126 attached to the magnet 130.

[0051] Under the influence of spring 126, actuator 104 contacts upper surface 110 of base 102 and tool 100 appears as shown in Figures 46 and 48. As actuator 104 is displaced away from base 102, cam followers 140 and 141 reside within respective cam slots 142 of arm 134A to accommodate the linear displacement of actuator 104 and the position of locating pin 146, causing arm 134A to pivot about pivot pin 138 and locating pin 146 to advance from base 102 as actuator 104 is displaced away from base 102, as is evident from a comparison of Figures 46 and 47 and a comparison of Figures 48 and 49.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described in terms of certain aspects with respect to one or more specific embodiments, alternative aspects of the present invention may be applied by those skilled in the art. For example, the clamping assembly 50, the tool 100, the cutting head, and the devices to which they are attached or used may differ in appearance and structure from those shown. The clamping assembly 50 and the tool 100 may also be used with knives different from those shown. For example, the shape (flat or a particular shape) may be different, and if a shape knife, the amplitude (distance from valley to peak) and / or pitch (distance between peaks) may be different. Furthermore, various materials and processes may be employed to manufacture the clamping assembly 50, the tool 100, and the components thereof. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein or shown in the drawings.

Claims

1. 1. A clamp assembly for securing a knife to a slicing device, comprising: The clamp assembly includes: a knife holder having a surface and a leading edge; a knife supported on a surface of the knife holder and having a cutting edge extending beyond a front edge of the knife holder; a clamp disposed relative to the knife holder and the knife to clamp the knife to the knife holder; Equipped with the clamp has a longitudinal direction, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a knife-engaging portion adjacent the leading edge of the clamp, and a base adjacent the trailing edge of the clamp, at least a portion of the knife-engaging portion having a shape complementary to the knife, the knife-engaging portion and the base each having a width in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clamp, the width of the base being less than the width of the knife-engaging portion; the clamp assembly including a cam rod configured to apply a clamping load to the clamp to secure the knife to the knife holder; the cam rod is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the cam rod having a longitudinal length, a cam surface that engages the base of the clamp when the cam rod rotates to a clamping position to engage the clamp with the knife to clamp and secure the knife to the knife holder, and a radial recess having a longitudinal length and including a concave surface spanning at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the cam rod, the radial recess being sized to receive the base of the clamp, a width of the base being less than the longitudinal length of the radial recess, the base of the clamp being loosely received in the radial recess when the cam rod rotates to face the clamp in an open position; the knife is engageable with and disengageable from the clamp assembly when the cam rod is rotated to the open position, and the cam rod is further rotatable beyond the open position to enable the clamp to be engaged or disengaged from the clamp assembly; the clamp assembly has a stop which establishes the open position, the stop comprising a step, the cam rod being displaceable along its longitudinal axis such that overcoming the step causes the cam rod to rotate further beyond the open position such that the clamp can be removed from the clamp assembly; Clamp assembly.

2. 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the knife is a strip-cutting knife, the strip-cutting knife including a tab blade disposed perpendicular to the cutting edge of the strip-cutting knife.

3. The clamp assembly of claim 2 , wherein the knife-engaging portion comprises a slot that receives the tab blade of the knife.

4. The clamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base of the clamp is centrally located along the length of the clamp.

5. The clamping assembly of claim 1 , wherein the concave surface is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cam rod.

6. The clamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein the clamp and the knife are both removable from the clamp assembly when the cam rod is rotated past the open position.

7. The clamp assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a stop bar against which the trailing edge of the clamp is positioned to position the leading edge of the clamp proximate to the leading edge of the knife holder.

8. A slicing apparatus comprising the clamp assembly of claim 1.

Images