Abstract: Systems for providing on-demand food service material printing for food service are provided herein. A food service material dispenser comprises a roll holder configured to hold a roll of food service material, one or more rollers, and a motor configured to operate to translate the food service material along a path within the dispenser. The dispenser includes a cutting arrangement configured to perform a cut of the food service material to form the sheet of food service material that defines a size associated with a food service order. The dispenser also includes a printer configured to print at least one of order information or personalization information on the food service material that is based on the associated food service order. The dispenser further includes a chute configured to dispense the sheet of food service material, which includes the at least one of order information or personalization information printed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and devices for removing a workpiece part from a remaining workpiece, comprise a holding apparatus that is moveable in a removal direction and switchable between a fixing state for fixing the workpiece part to the holding apparatus and a release state for releasing the workpiece part from the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus has at least one electrically conductive first contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more first contact points and at least one electrically conductive second contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more second contact points. The device also has a sensor apparatus that uses the contact elements to check, in a first check state, the complete separation of the workpiece part from the remaining workpiece and to check, in a second check state, fixing of the workpiece part to the holding apparatus being in the fixing state.

Abstract: Machine for forming spaghetti of vegetable products (19) comprising—a cutting unit (11) rotatable about an operating axis (A) and having a face (12), perpendicular to the operating axis (A), from which blades (13) protrude to form spaghetti from a product (19) that is pushed against the face (12);—a supply device (14) comprising a thrust unit (15) having:—two mutually opposite tape members (16, 17), which between them define a passage (18) for products (19) and can be spread symmetrically with respect to the operating axis (A);—elastic means (20) connected to said tape members (16, 17) and configured to resiliently oppose a mutual divergence of said tape members (16, 17). The tape members (16, 17) are positioned and configured in such a way that the passage (18) extends along the operating axis (A) and has an outlet opening (18a) which faces the face (12) of the cutting unit (11).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice bank installed on a refrigerating compartment door, a dispenser provided below the ice bank, and an ice maker provided in a freezing compartment. The refrigerator also includes a transfer element connected to a side of the ice maker and configured to transfer ice made by the ice maker to the ice bank. The refrigerator further includes a first duct connecting an outlet of the transfer element and the ice bank and a second duct connecting the ice bank and the freezing compartment. One of the first duct and the second duct is a cold air supplying duct that supplies cold air to the ice bank and another of the first duct and the second duct is a cold air return duct that returns cold air of the ice bank to the freezing compartment.

Abstract: A cutting block and method for cutting food products is provided. The cutting block includes a plurality of parallel blades secured to a support. The blades extend in a direction along the breadth of the support and are arranged in pairs. Each pair of blades is positioned along the height of the support. Each blade in each pair is aligned along the height of the support and spaced apart along the length of the support. Each blade includes a straight first outer portion, a straight second outer portion, and a third middle portion joining the first outer portion to the second outer portion. The third middle portion is inclined relative to the first and second outer portions. The third middle portion includes first and second curved ends connected by a straight portion, wherein the first and second curved ends are each connected to a different one of the first and second outer portions.

Abstract: Device for cutting harvested asparagus spears or other elongated food products, with cutting means (11) capable of producing a jet, especially a water jet (13), for cutting the asparagus spears or the other elongated food products, with which the asparagus spears or the other elongated food products can be cut, as well as deflection means (15) for interrupting of the jet, which are constructed so as to be movable while deflecting the jet.

Abstract: A cutting head for a food product cutting system includes a generally cylindrical rotatable body, having a radius and configured to rotate about an axis, and a plurality of spatially separated, generally parallel elongate cutting blades, arranged in a circular array centered on the axis and defining a perimeter of the body. Each blade has a long dimension and an outwardly-oriented cutting edge. The generally cylindrical rotatable body is connectable to a driving mechanism configured to rotate the cutting head about the axis, and is positionable adjacent to a food product delivery mechanism, whereby food product that contacts the cutting edges of the array of blades in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis is cut by the blades into slices having a repeatable curvature.

Abstract: A lattice cutting or slicing machine includes a multi-knife lattice cutting plate mounted in-line along an hydraulic flow path through which vegetable products such as potatoes are propelled in single file by a hydraulic fluid such as water. The lattice cutting plate is orbitally driven for engaging in succession each of the multiple knives thereon with the vegetable product to form lattice cut slices wherein successive generally corrugated cuts are angularly oriented typically perpendicular to each other, and further wherein the depths or troughs of the corrugated cuts on opposite sides of each slice intersect in the preferred form to define a pattern of corrugations interrupted by small openings.

Abstract: An improvement to hydrocutting systems includes a curved shape for the acceleration and deceleration sections of the system. In the acceleration and deceleration tubes, the curvature of the sidewall is non-linear along its length, and the water flowing therein accelerates, positively or negatively, at a substantially constant rate. In an embodiment, there is a second curvature, which may be offset from the first curvature by about 90 degrees, that accelerates the water at a second, different substantially constant rate, in order to align the food product both lengthwise and rotationally to a desired orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting food products. The apparatus includes a cutting device and housing thereabove that defines a passage with an opening in proximity to the cutting device for delivering the food product to the cutting device. The apparatus is preferably adapted to cut food products in a substantially horizontal plane, and as such the cutting device is preferably oriented to make a substantially horizontal cut through a food product. A lower portion of the housing has a lower extremity that defines the opening of the passage. The apparatus is equipped with various features that improve the operation of the apparatus and the consistency of the sliced product, particularly if the delivered food product varies in shape and size and may contain embedded stones.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a product from strip tape includes a roll that draws off and separates a web of material. The web of material is severed into individual strips in cooperation with a multiple circular knife roll. A vacuum conveyor channel is associated with each strip. The vacuum conveyor channel is designed such that each strip is turned on its way to the channel or through the channel by about 90°. The end of the vacuum conveyor channel brings the strips together at one site to form a unit and at that site there are provided a guide and a transport device for the further transport to conversion equipment.

Abstract: A rotary knife fixture for cutting vegetable products such as raw potatoes into spiral shapes. The knife fixture includes a ring-shaped blade holder driven rotatably within a hydraulic product flow path. The blade holder includes at least one cutting blade, wherein the blade is twisted from a generally longitudinally aligned center axis outwardly in opposite circumferential directions with a sharpened leading edge set at a desired pitch angle. By controlling the pitch angle of the blade in relation to the blade rotational speed and velocity at which the potato travels along the hydraulic flow path, the resultant spiral cut shape is selected. By using multiple cutting blades at known axially spaced positions and selecting the angular position of each cutting blade in succession, the number of spiral shapes cut from each potato is selected. The blades can have a nontextured straight-cut edge, or a textured crinkle-cut edge, or a combination.

Abstract: A lattice cutting or slicing machine includes a multi-knife lattice cutting plate mounted in-line along an hydraulic flow path through which vegetable products such as potatoes are propelled in single file by a hydraulic fluid such as water. The lattice cutting plate is orbitally driven for engaging in succession each of the multiple knives thereon with the vegetable product to form lattice cut slices wherein successive generally corrugated cuts are angularly oriented typically perpendicular to each other, and further wherein the depths or troughs of the corrugated cuts on opposite sides of each slice intersect in the preferred form to define a pattern of corrugations interrupted by small openings.

Abstract: A device for slicing food product having a conveyor which transports the food product toward a cutting edge. An air cushion is provided between an end of the conveyor and the cutting edge which elevates and guides the food product.

Abstract: A loop cutter knife fixture for cutting vegetable products such as raw potatoes into spiral or helical loops. The knife fixture includes a circular blade holder adapted to be rotatably driven within a vegetable product flow path. The blade holder includes a central core cutter in combination with a spiral base plate defining a radial slot between axially spaced upstream and downstream ends thereof. Small slits are formed in this base plate for seated reception of preferably multiple U-shaped strip blades, which are in turn overlaid and clamped in place beneath a generally pie-shaped slab blade having a sharpened knife edge exposed at the base plate radial slot and held in place by preferably multiple clamp screws. The strip blades and/or the slab blade are formed from an inexpensive material, such as sheet metal or the like, whereby blade changeover is quick and economical.

Abstract: A magnetic knife block is provided for temporary installation along a hydraulic flow conduit of a cutting system, in lieu of a conventional hydraulic water knife fixture, for collecting metal debris attributable to construction and/or maintenance activity. The magnetic knife block includes at least one and preferably multiple magnets for collecting metal debris upon initial water flow through the cutting system. The magnetic water knife block is then removable from the hydraulic flow conduit and replaced by the conventional water knife fixture for normal cutting operation, such as cutting a succession of raw potatoes into elongated French fry strips.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus cuts shrink wrap film residing in a roll. The apparatus includes a first roller pair receiving the film from the roll and carrying the film away from the roll; and without the need for a second roller pair to receive the cut sheet of film. Film snap-back is prevented by cutting the film between a shear deck with teeth and a rotating blade with teeth intermeshing with the teeth of the shear deck. A method for cutting a sheet of shrink wrap film, includes: feeding the film into a first roller pair; and cutting the film between the first roller pair and the second roller pair using a rotating knife with a number of teeth intermeshing with a shear bar with teeth.

Abstract: A method and device for coring and cutting food products such as peppers in a hydrocutter. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes an outer rim, which is configured for placement within a hydrocutter. This rim has a first end and a second end and defines a passageway there through. A coring cutter is suspended in a generally centrally located position within this passageway. This coring cutter includes pairs of peaks and troughs which are positioned so as to impact the item being processed prior to the other portions of the coring cutter and by so doing enable the device to be cut with decreased amounts of force and water pressure upon the device. Thus preserving fragile structures such as a pepper.

Abstract: A device for cutting corrugated cardboard to defined sizes in a corrugating apparatus comprises at least one device for production of an at least single-faced corrugated web which is transported along a transport direction, at least one longitudinal-cutting device for creating cuts parallel to the transport direction in the corrugated web, at least one cross-cutting device for creating cuts perpendicular to the transport direction in the corrugated web and at least one diverter unit for controllably guiding the corrugated web along different, defined paths.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for continuous lengths of filaments bundles, film ribbons, filamentary-type or other material in strip like form is disclosed containing a tube that is readily adjustable in very small increments relative to rotating blades. A housing surrounds the exit end of the tube and rotating blades which is attached to a suction device. The device creates a high velocity flow of air through the tube which aligns the filamentary material for cutting. An insert may be placed in the tube which contains an upper surface or anvil at its outer end. The tube and/or the insert in the tube is adjustable in two dimensions relative to one or more blades rotating in a plane transverse to the axis of the tube. These adjustments which may be made during operation of the cutting process to facilitate a cleaner, uniform cutting of the filamentary material.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a product from strip tape starting from a broad web of material includes the step of separating the web into individual strips with a smooth stripping roll, conveying each strip in a vacuum conveyor channel, turning the strips on their way to the channel or in the channel by about 90°, leading the strips together at the end of the channel one upon the other and thereafter processing the strips to form the final product.

Abstract: A method and device for coring and cutting food products such as peppers in a hydrocutter. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes an outer rim, which is configured for placement within a hydrocutter. This rim has a first end and a second end and defines a passageway there through. A coring cutter is suspended in a generally centrally located position within this passageway. This coring cutter includes pairs of peaks and troughs which are positioned so as to impact the item being processed prior to the other portions of the coring cutter and by so doing enable the device to be cut with decreased amounts of force and water pressure upon the device. Thus preserving fragile structures such as a pepper.

Abstract: The device for packaging continuous webs of materia1, such as selvedges generated on thermoforming units, includes an input regulator of webs, driving guide for the webs, a cutting unit and, downstream thereof, a collector for bits of webs. The cutting unit has at least a blade actuated imparted with a reciprocating movement co-operating with a cutting block, and the driving guide is associated with a conveyor by air stream for the webs, preceding immediately the blade and the cutting block.

Abstract: A novel food processing system for dividing a flow of food items into a plurality of streams, gently and quickly transporting the food items along a flume of fluid propelled by eductors to several slicers, transversely slicing the food items at a controlled rate to maximize yield, washing the slices, transporting the slices and controllably distributing the slices onto a conveyor for further processing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the food processing system comprises an oversized-product separator, a segmented cutter, a mass-flow/spreading conveyor, a diverter stage, an eductor stage, a dewatering stage, a starch removal stage, a slicer infeed conveyor, at least one transverse slicer, and a slice spreader. In a preferred embodiment, cutting losses are decreased by minimizing slicing speeds.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring a web, in particular a paper web or cardboard web or an insertion tail severed from the web, from a web-discharging web-guiding surface, via a web conveying apparatus, to the next structural unit of a machine for producing and/or handling the continuous paper web or cardboard web, the insertion tail is detached from the web-guiding surface by way of at least one brief high-energy air jet. The present invention provides that in the case of a web of high grammage, immediately once the tail has been detached from the web-guiding surface, the tail, which has been severed at least on a preliminary basis, is completely severed by an additional mechanical severing arrangement and, by way of its newly formed start, gripped, and passed on, by way of the web conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a product from strip tape starting from a broad web of material includes the step of separating the web into individual strips with a vacuum roll, conveying each strip in a vacuum conveyor channel, turning the strips on their way to the channel or in the channel by about 90°, leading the strips together at the end of the channel one upon the other and thereafter processing the strips to form the final product.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly that presents a sequential series of perpendicularly oriented cutting knife arrays which are attached to a frame. A first set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally scalloped shaped. A second set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally straight and are connected in general perpendicular orientation to the first set of strip knives. When a vegetable product such as a potato is forced through the cutter blade assembly, the first set of knives cuts the potato into a scalloped shaped slab. The second set of knives then cuts the slab into a scoop shaped potato piece emulating a portion of a cut stalk of celery.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring a web, in particular a paper web or cardboard web or an insertion tail severed from the web, from a web-discharging web-guiding surface, via a web conveying apparatus, to the next structural unit of a machine for producing and/or handling the continuous paper web or cardboard web, the insertion tail is detached from the web-guiding surface by way of at least one brief high-energy air jet. The present invention provides that in the case of a web of high grammage, immediately once the tail has been detached from the web-guiding surface, the tail, which has been severed at least on a preliminary basis, is completely severed by an additional mechanical severing arrangement and, by way of its newly formed start, gripped, and passed on, by way of the web conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A die plate for an extruder is coupled directly to a fluid-driven motor on one side and to an extruder on the other side. Suitable fluid inlet and outlet passages are formed in the die plate to supply the motor with fluid and withdraw fluid. A cutter assembly includes a housing to receive the motor within and is coupled for rotation to an output shaft from the motor, so that in use blades mounted on the housing are caused to rotate into the path of extrudate and to sever it.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting food product so that the product is properly oriented and stabilized before and throughout the cutting operation to produce a sliced product of uniform thickness, even if the delivered food product varies in shape and size, such as when both round and elongate potatoes are used to produce potato chips. The apparatus includes a cutting device and housing thereabove that defines a passage with an opening in proximity to the cutting device, such that food product is delivered to the cutting device in a substantially vertical direction. To improve the stability of round product during the cutting operation, the housing has an upper portion and a flared lower portion immediately below the upper portion so that at least a portion of the opening of the passage is defined by the flared region and has a larger radius of curvature than the upper portion.

Abstract: There is provided a system that automatically delivers, monitors and replenishes a string of packaging cushions to hoppers located at multiple packing stations through an elongated cushion delivery duct having a series of intermediate outlets to permit the string of cushions to drop into the hopper located below the delivery duct and above the packing station. A blower is positioned near the inlet of the elongated duct to provide air flow in the duct to carry the string of cushions through the duct to one of the outlets. When the hopper is full of cushions sensors signal the controller to close the diverter and the string of cushions is delivered to another packaging station. The system may include a knife assembly to cut the string of cushions holding pins and the tension-relief diverter it is located at the inlet of the duct to hold tension on the string of cushions while the string is being separated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which potatoes and other elongate food product can be properly oriented and stabilized during a slicing operation performed by a cutting device having a horizontal cutting plane. The apparatus includes a passage extending downwardly toward the cutting device and defining an opening in proximity to the cutting device, splines or other suitable features disposed along a first portion of the passage and oriented substantially parallel to the passage, and means for applying a force on a food product traveling downward through the passage so as to urge the product into contact with the splines during engagement with the cutting device.

Abstract: A produce slicer 10 for slicing produce is disclosed. The produce slicer includes a frame (12) defining a cavity (16) having a central axis (22). A plurality of radial cutting blades (20) are disposed in the cavity, wherein each of the radial cutting blades are substantially contained by an imaginary plane, wherein the imaginary planes of the radial cutting blades extend radially outward from the central axis toward the frame. The produce slicer (10) further includes a plurality of ancillary cutting blades (24) extending inward from the frame (12) and into the cavity (16). Each ancillary cutting blade intersects at least one of the radial cutting blades at a location between the frame and the central axis. The ancillary cutting blades may include a first series (50) of blades located substantially perpendicularly to a second series (52) of blades. The radial cutting blades may intersect the ancillary cutting blades at an oblique angle.

Abstract: A food product cutting apparatus that makes a substantially horizontal cut through food product being delivered in a substantially vertical direction. The food product is delivered to a cutting device through an internal passage of at least one feed member above the cutting device. A force is applied to the food product traveling downward through the internal passage so as to push the food product against a first wall of the feed member. The apparatus is configured to improve product flow by configuring the passage of the feed member to have a cross-sectional shape defined by two offset, overlapping diameters. The apparatus is also configured for improved safety by ensuring that the cutting device is properly secured before electrical power is available for driving the cutting device.

Abstract: A tensive cutting assembly includes a tensionable cutting member formed of a strip of material, typically metal, which is formed having a serpentine configuration. The tensionable cutting member is removably mounted on a tensive cutting head. The tensive cutting head includes an aperture formed through its cross section for passage of food product during the cutting process. The cutting head also includes a first set of returns adjustably opposing a second set of returns, the distance between which is adjustable and which may be driven apart by a cutting member tensioning device. The tensive cutting assembly may also include a breakage detecting device for detecting breakage during use of the tensive cutting assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food processing system. A fluid conduit of the system is configured for directing the food carried in a fluid medium along a food path. The system has a food inlet operatively associated with the fluid conduit for feeding the food into the conduit, and a pump operatively associated with the conduit for pumping the fluid through the conduit in a fluid stream direction. A processor unit is associated with the conduit, disposed along the food path, and includes a tool configured and associated with the conduit for performing a processing operation on the food, such as cutting potatoes into french fry strips. The system also has a deceleration element operatively associated with the conduit and configured for decelerating the fluid and carried food along the food path while maintaining the fluid flow substantially free of recirculation vortices.

Abstract: A device (1) for cutting potatoes (5) or other vegetables into slices or sticks, comprising a cutting member (2) with a supply tube (3) and a discharge tube (4) connected thereto. The device is designed for moving potatoes (5), by a water stream supplied by the supply tube (3), through the cutting member (2) and discharging them again via the discharge tube (4). In the cutting member (2), a number of knives (9) are arranged. The cutting member comprises a number of segments (6) held together by a casing (11), each segment having an opening (20) which together form a passage for the water stream, while in each opening (20) one or more knives (9, 10) may be provided.

Abstract: An improved cutter blade assembly for cutting vegetable products such as potatoes. The cutter blade assembly utilizes a number of cutter blades that transverse an axial bore through which products to be cut are fed. These blades are locked within the assembly by an attachment system that partially deforms the blade to hold the blade in place. This improved attachment connection system serves to hold the blade in a position having higher tension and thereby reduces wear, chatter, and feathering.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly that presents a sequential series of perpendicularly oriented cutting knife arrays which are attached to a frame. A first set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally scalloped shaped. A second set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally straight and are connected in general perpendicular orientation to the first set of strip knives. When a vegetable product such as a potato is forced through the cutter blade assembly, the first set of knives cuts the potato into a scalloped shaped slab. The second set of knives then cuts the slab into a scoop shaped potato piece emulating a portion of a cut stalk of celery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting belt material to accurate dimensions and for forming the mating edges of a puzzle cut joint for joining the ends of the belt material to form a continuous belt for use in a document processing application. The workpiece is maintained in accurate registration a punch press by optical sensors at each station. A vacuum pickup is constructed to move the belt material from a precision cutter to a punch press and maintains the material in tensioned condition to facilitate accurate operation of the punch press.

Abstract: A movable water jet edge trimmer has an integral trim chute attached to a cutting support plate for the trimmer. The support plate has a cutting aperture and a series of suction apertures located inboard of the outside edge of the travelling web for supporting the web against the support plate as a water jet passes out through the cutting aperture away from the support plate and through the web. The support plate has a curved surface located downstream and outboard of the cutting aperture which curves into a trim chute opening of a trim chute. Negative pressure is applied from the trim chute to the trim chute opening to draw any strip of material cut from the edge of the web over the curved surface and into the trim chute.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a frame member having an end. The structural member is pivotally coupled with the frame member end. A first hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head, and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first end of the first hydraulic cylinder is attached to the frame member. A preload spring has a first end which is attached to the frame member, and a second end which is attached to the second end of the first hydraulic cylinder. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled between the frame member and the structural member. The second hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first fluid line interconnects the first chamber of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor is provided comprising an endless perforated belt which extends over a first vacuum plate and a second vacuum plate, which vacuum plates may be maintained at different air pressures and may be situated at different angles relative to horizontal. An apparatus for cutting and transporting sheet materials is provided comprising the vacuum conveyor according to the present invention and a rotary die cutter situated such that an emerging portion of a cut workpiece can become held by the vacuum conveyor before it is fully separated, enabling pattern-cut sheet materials to be cut and transported to a destination such as a laminating nip with accurate registration.

Abstract: Integrated in the mixing head of a polyurethane apparatus for producing a mixture stream of chemically reactive plastic components, is a cutting arrangement by which natural fibers or fiber strands of soft-elastic and tough consistency can be drawn from a continuous strand and, after cutting into fiber pieces of given length, can be introduced into the mixture stream. The cutting arrangement includes an inner guide tube which receives a fiber strand, drawn from a continuous fiber strand by two feed rollers, and fed via the guide tube and an outer support tube to rotating knife elements. By subjecting the guide tube to a vacuum and applying a compressed gas stream to the end of the outer support tube, the soft-elastic fiber strand is held straight in a manner which is optimal for the cutting process. The cut fiber pieces are introduced together with the gas stream into the mixture stream of chemically reactive plastic components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which potatoes and other elongate food product can be properly oriented and stabilized during a slicing operation performed by a cutting device having a horizontal cutting plane. The apparatus includes a passage extending downwardly toward the cutting device and defining an opening in proximity to the cutting device, splines or other suitable features disposed along a first portion of the passage and oriented substantially parallel to the passage, and means for applying a force on a food product traveling downward through the passage so as to urge the product into contact with the splines during engagement with the cutting device.

Abstract: Integrated in the mixing head of a polyurethane apparatus for producing a mixture stream of chemically reactive plastic components, is a cutting arrangement by which natural fibers or fiber strands of soft-elastic and tough consistency can be drawn from a continuous strand and, after cutting into fiber pieces of given length, can be introduced into the mixture stream. The cutting arrangement includes an inner guide tube which receives a fiber strand, drawn from a continuous fiber strand by two feed rollers, and fed via the guide tube and an outer support tube to rotating knife elements. By subjecting the guide tube to a vacuum and applying a compressed gas stream to the end of the outer support tube, the soft-elastic fiber strand is held straight in a manner which is optimal for the cutting process. The cut fiber pieces are introduced together with the gas stream into the mixture stream of chemically reactive plastic components.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting paper webs includes a paper feeding means (102), a cutting means (108) and a paper delay means (106) which is arranged between the paper feeding means (102) and the cutting means (108) and delays the paper web (112), which is being fed, in such a manner that a position where the cutting means (108) cuts the paper web (112) is determined on the paper web (112). A buffer means (104) is arranged between the paper feeding means (102) and the paper delay means (106) so as to receive an accumulating length of the paper web (112) in the form of a loop during the delay of the paper web (112). A control means (190) controls the paper feeding means (102) and the paper delay means (106) in such a manner that the loop (195) received in the buffer means (104) does not fall short of a minimum height (h).

Abstract: A knife blade for cutting food products includes a cutting edge having a concave circular curved central portion and opposed linear end portions tangentially intersecting and extending away from opposite sides of the circular curved central portion. The shape of the cutting edge results in enhanced stability of the knife blade when slicing food products driven into the cutting edge and across the blade width.

Abstract: A paper machine includes a traveling belt for carrying a fiber web, and a cutting device disposed below the belt for cutting the fiber web into smaller pieces. The cutting device has an inlet and an outlet. A guiding device guides the fiber web from the belt to the inlet of the cutting device. A pulper is connected with the outlet of the cutting device for receiving the smaller pieces of fiber web from the cutting device. The traveling belt may be in the form of, e.g., a wire, felt or water impervious belt. The cutting device may be in the form of, e.g., a shredder, fluffer, water jet cutter, laser cutter and/or roll cutter.

Abstract: A suction assembly (10, 10′), which constitutes a portion of a cutting surface (11) of machines for cutting sheet materials (9), in which a blade working with reciprocating motion freely penetrates, comprises modular supporting elements (13), which are of small thickness and comb-shaped and are provided with a row of bristles (16) and a base (17), which is provided with engagement means (19, 21) for insertion of said elements (13) in a removable way and appropriately oriented on a bearing structure (14, 15) to form a mat of bristles, on which the sheet materials (9) rest, the said suction assembly (10, 10′) being provided with channels, connected to a suction system, consisting of a plurality of grooves (23) made on at least one side of the base (17) of the modular supporting elements (13).