WO1995030518A1 - Method of dividing a food block into portions - Google Patents

Method of dividing a food block into portions Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995030518A1
WO1995030518A1 PCT/EP1995/001332 EP9501332W WO9530518A1 WO 1995030518 A1 WO1995030518 A1 WO 1995030518A1 EP 9501332 W EP9501332 W EP 9501332W WO 9530518 A1 WO9530518 A1 WO 9530518A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cutting
portions
block
process according
dividing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1995/001332
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Edward Robinson
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V. filed Critical Unilever Plc
Priority to AU23061/95A priority Critical patent/AU2306195A/en
Publication of WO1995030518A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995030518A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
    • B26D3/24—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor to obtain segments other than slices, e.g. cutting pies

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a process of cutting frozen fish blocks into a number of portions.
  • NL 810051 describes a process for cutting frozen gateaux into slices. The cutting is performed by a slicing device which has a cutter head consisting of a central cylindrical knife with connected radial knives on its outer wall. NL 8100051 teaches that it is impossible to cut the gateaux into 14 wedge-shaped slices with a cutting tool consisting of 14 radial knives meeting in the centre because the central part of the hard gateaux would be entirely crushed upon cutting.
  • the present invention provides a process of dividing a frozen food block into portions without substantial wastage comprising cutting the frozen food block along planes radiating outwardly from 1 or more common apex points, wherein the cutting technique is selected from liquid jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, shear pressing, guillotine cutting and cleaving.
  • each portion will contain an apex provided where the portion meets a common apex point.
  • apex point is meant a point at which an apex of one of the portions is in contact with an apex of at least a number of the other portions.
  • the block is divided into portions by means of from 1 to 3 common apex points.
  • the portions are provided with a non-uniform shape.
  • non-uniform shape is meant that the portions do not all have the same shape. However, one portion may have the same shape as other portions.
  • the starting block may be of any suitable shape and dimension.
  • the block may have a thickness equal to the thickness of the desired end-product.
  • the portions so provided may be reduced to the required final thickness of the end-product.
  • portions provided by cutting the block along planes radiating outwardly from one or more common apex points may be further reduced in size as required by one or more further cuts.
  • the portions provided are of equal volume/weight.
  • the blocks are portioned in such a way that none of the portions contain an angle of 90°.
  • the liquid jet is a water jet.
  • oils which are compressible to the required pressure without crystallisation are also suitable.
  • the pressure of liquid provided by the liquid jet is preferably from 5,000 - 100,000 psi, more preferably from 5,000 - 55,000 psi, most preferably from 30,000 to 55,000 psi.
  • Cutting is preferably carried out at a temperature of from -30°C to +20°C corresponding to the processing temperature for the food product being cut.
  • the cutting speed will depend on the equipment being used but will generally be between O.lm/min to lOOm/min.
  • the nozzle used to direct the liquid jet onto the food product will preferably have a diameter of from 0.1 to 0.25 mm, the distance between the nozzle and the food product being kept to a minimum to prevent the spread of the jet.
  • Suitable ultrasonic cutting techniques are described in, for example, FR 2 620 071, EP 353 415, EP 584,670 and in our co-pending European application number EP 94307089.6.
  • Figures 1 to 4 show examples of suitable cutting patterns.
  • Figure 1 shows an example of dividing a block using 1 common apex point.
  • Figure 2 shows a further example of dividing a block using 1 common apex point.
  • Figure 3 shows an example of dividing a block using 2 common apex points.
  • Figure 4 shows a further example of dividing a block using 2 common apex points wherein portions numbered 5 may optionally be further divided as shown by the dotted line A-A in order to provide portions all having the same volume/weight.
  • FIG. 5 represents portions in Figure 4 which may be optionally divided along the dotted line A-A to provide portions all having the same weight/volume.
  • a frozen fish block (254 x 241 x 11mm) was cut into 10 portions of equal volume as shown in Figure 2.
  • the block was cut using a water-jet cutting system (ISIN CNC waterjet cutting system, Bordeaux, France) .

Abstract

A process of dividing a frozen food block (1) into portions (2) without substantial wastage is disclosed. The portions (2) provided preferably have a non-uniform shape. The process comprises cutting the block (1) along planes radiating outwardly from one or more common apex points (3) wherein the cutting technique is selected from liquid jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, shear pressing, guillotine cutting and cleaving.

Description

METHOD OF DIVIDING A FOOD BLOCK INTO PORTIONS.
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process of cutting frozen fish blocks into a number of portions.
Background to the Invention and Prior Art
It is common practice in the food industry to prepare frozen coated fish products from frozen fish blocks. The blocks are currently divided into uniform trapezoidal or fish finger shapes, enabling portions to be provided with minimum wastage.
It is however highly desirable to be able to reduce a standard frozen fish block into portions having a non- uniform shape, without substantial wastage, each portion preferably having the same volume/weight. Such portions are more appealing to the consumer because they have a less manufactured or more natural appearance.
However, to date, no process has been provided which enables frozen food blocks to be portioned in this way.
NL 810051 describes a process for cutting frozen gateaux into slices. The cutting is performed by a slicing device which has a cutter head consisting of a central cylindrical knife with connected radial knives on its outer wall. NL 8100051 teaches that it is impossible to cut the gateaux into 14 wedge-shaped slices with a cutting tool consisting of 14 radial knives meeting in the centre because the central part of the hard gateaux would be entirely crushed upon cutting.
However, we have now been able to solve this problem and are able to cut a frozen food product where the cutting process provides cutting planes which radiate from one or more central points.
Disclosure of the Invention
Accordingly the present invention provides a process of dividing a frozen food block into portions without substantial wastage comprising cutting the frozen food block along planes radiating outwardly from 1 or more common apex points, wherein the cutting technique is selected from liquid jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, shear pressing, guillotine cutting and cleaving.
By cutting in this way each portion will contain an apex provided where the portion meets a common apex point.
By common apex point is meant a point at which an apex of one of the portions is in contact with an apex of at least a number of the other portions.
Preferably the block is divided into portions by means of from 1 to 3 common apex points.
Preferably the portions are provided with a non-uniform shape. By non-uniform shape is meant that the portions do not all have the same shape. However, one portion may have the same shape as other portions.
It is an essential feature of our invention that in order to produce portions as required, without substantial wastage, that the block is cut along planes radiating outwardly from 1 or more common apex points. It is not, however, necessary that all or some of the common apex points are in the centre of the block.
The starting block may be of any suitable shape and dimension. Advantageously the block may have a thickness equal to the thickness of the desired end-product. However, alternatively, once the block has been cut along planes radiating outwardly from 1 or more common apex points, the portions so provided may be reduced to the required final thickness of the end-product.
Furthermore, the portions provided by cutting the block along planes radiating outwardly from one or more common apex points may be further reduced in size as required by one or more further cuts.
Preferably the portions provided are of equal volume/weight.
Preferably the blocks are portioned in such a way that none of the portions contain an angle of 90°.
It is very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve such cutting patterns with conventional sawing techniques because it is very difficult to achieve the required common apex point or points. It is therefore essential that known techniques such as, for example, liquid-jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, shear pressing, guillotine cutting or cleaving are used. Most preferably liquid-jet cutting or ultrasonic cutting are used to provide the required portions.
Liquid jet cutting techniques are described in US 5 031 496.
Preferably the liquid jet is a water jet. However, oils which are compressible to the required pressure without crystallisation are also suitable.
The pressure of liquid provided by the liquid jet is preferably from 5,000 - 100,000 psi, more preferably from 5,000 - 55,000 psi, most preferably from 30,000 to 55,000 psi.
Cutting is preferably carried out at a temperature of from -30°C to +20°C corresponding to the processing temperature for the food product being cut.
The cutting speed will depend on the equipment being used but will generally be between O.lm/min to lOOm/min.
The nozzle used to direct the liquid jet onto the food product will preferably have a diameter of from 0.1 to 0.25 mm, the distance between the nozzle and the food product being kept to a minimum to prevent the spread of the jet.
It is preferred that once cut the individual portions are separated away from each other to prevent the edges from freezing together again.
Suitable ultrasonic cutting techniques are described in, for example, FR 2 620 071, EP 353 415, EP 584,670 and in our co-pending European application number EP 94307089.6.
Description of the Drawings
Figures 1 to 4 show examples of suitable cutting patterns.
Figure 1 shows an example of dividing a block using 1 common apex point.
Figure 2 shows a further example of dividing a block using 1 common apex point.
Figure 3 shows an example of dividing a block using 2 common apex points.
Figure 4 shows a further example of dividing a block using 2 common apex points wherein portions numbered 5 may optionally be further divided as shown by the dotted line A-A in order to provide portions all having the same volume/weight.
In the figures:
1 represents the block
2 represents a portion 3 represents a common apex point
4 represents an apex of a portion
5 represents portions in Figure 4 which may be optionally divided along the dotted line A-A to provide portions all having the same weight/volume.
Examples
The invention is illustrated by the following examples.
Example 1
A frozen fish block (254 x 241 x 11mm) was cut into 10 portions of equal volume as shown in Figure 2. The block was cut using a water-jet cutting system (ISIN CNC waterjet cutting system, Bordeaux, France) .
Each portion had 0% breakage and the wastage was very low.

Claims

Claims
1. A process of dividing a frozen food block into portions without substantial wastage comprising cutting the frozen food block along planes radiating outwardly from 1 or more common apex points, wherein the cutting technique is selected from liquid jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, shear pressing, guillotine cutting or cleaving.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the block is divided by means of from 1 to 3 common apex points.
3. A process according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the block is divided into portions having a non-uniform shape.
4. A process according to any preceding claim wherein each portion is of equal volume/weight.
5. A process according to any preceding claim wherein none of the portions contains an angle of 90°.
6. A process according to any preceding claim wherein the block is cut using liquid-jet cutting or ultrasonic cutting.
7. A process according to claim 6 wherein the liquid used in liquid-jet cutting is water.
PCT/EP1995/001332 1994-05-05 1995-04-11 Method of dividing a food block into portions WO1995030518A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU23061/95A AU2306195A (en) 1994-05-05 1995-04-11 Method of dividing a food block into portions

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP94303245 1994-05-05
EP94303245.8 1994-05-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995030518A1 true WO1995030518A1 (en) 1995-11-16

Family

ID=8217692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1995/001332 WO1995030518A1 (en) 1994-05-05 1995-04-11 Method of dividing a food block into portions

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2306195A (en)
WO (1) WO1995030518A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0956929A2 (en) † 1998-05-14 1999-11-17 ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH Apparatus for cutting a product in wedge-like pieces
US6032561A (en) * 1997-09-18 2000-03-07 Colborne Corporation Apparatus for ultrasonic cutting of food products
US6070509A (en) * 1997-09-18 2000-06-06 Colbourne Corporation Method for ultrasonic cutting of food products

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1657483A (en) * 1925-02-27 1928-01-31 Benjamin J Rabin Cheese-cutting device
US2062170A (en) * 1935-06-17 1936-11-24 Jesse M Forester Sandwich cutting machine
US3800363A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-04-02 Laitram Corp Tuna butchering method and system
NL8100051A (en) * 1981-01-07 1981-08-03 Op T Root Maschf B V Deep-frozen gateau is cut into central piece and sectors - then decorated and re-frozen for storage and distribution to point of sale
US4386465A (en) * 1981-03-31 1983-06-07 Norio Ezaki Cutting apparatus for frozen food
DE8509341U1 (en) * 1985-03-28 1985-05-15 Grenzdörffer, Volker, 8000 München Device for marking the cake pieces on cakes
EP0144513A1 (en) * 1983-11-03 1985-06-19 Burkhard Topp Device for the mechanical dividing of cheese loafs or blocks
FR2592830A1 (en) * 1986-01-13 1987-07-17 Daudignac Jean Confectionery mould forming a plate to be cut out
DE3714677A1 (en) * 1987-05-02 1988-11-10 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Method for processing meat and fish
WO1989008983A1 (en) * 1988-03-22 1989-10-05 Design Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for automatically cutting food products to predetermined weight or shape
EP0419372A1 (en) * 1989-08-22 1991-03-27 Fromageries Reybier Method for portioning cheese and portions obtained
US5031496A (en) * 1990-05-16 1991-07-16 General Mills, Inc. Apparatus and method utilizing a water jet for cutting frozen fish slabs into a plurality of individual portions
WO1993006010A1 (en) * 1991-09-25 1993-04-01 Walter Niemetz Process and device for cutting a culinary preparation into portions and packaging said portions, applications of said process and device
EP0536507A2 (en) * 1991-10-11 1993-04-14 Burkhard Topp Device for splitting a whole cheese
WO1994022646A1 (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-10-13 Geo Research S.A.R.L. Cutting method and apparatus using a jet of cryogenic fluid

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1657483A (en) * 1925-02-27 1928-01-31 Benjamin J Rabin Cheese-cutting device
US2062170A (en) * 1935-06-17 1936-11-24 Jesse M Forester Sandwich cutting machine
US3800363A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-04-02 Laitram Corp Tuna butchering method and system
NL8100051A (en) * 1981-01-07 1981-08-03 Op T Root Maschf B V Deep-frozen gateau is cut into central piece and sectors - then decorated and re-frozen for storage and distribution to point of sale
US4386465A (en) * 1981-03-31 1983-06-07 Norio Ezaki Cutting apparatus for frozen food
EP0144513A1 (en) * 1983-11-03 1985-06-19 Burkhard Topp Device for the mechanical dividing of cheese loafs or blocks
DE8509341U1 (en) * 1985-03-28 1985-05-15 Grenzdörffer, Volker, 8000 München Device for marking the cake pieces on cakes
FR2592830A1 (en) * 1986-01-13 1987-07-17 Daudignac Jean Confectionery mould forming a plate to be cut out
DE3714677A1 (en) * 1987-05-02 1988-11-10 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Method for processing meat and fish
WO1989008983A1 (en) * 1988-03-22 1989-10-05 Design Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for automatically cutting food products to predetermined weight or shape
EP0419372A1 (en) * 1989-08-22 1991-03-27 Fromageries Reybier Method for portioning cheese and portions obtained
US5031496A (en) * 1990-05-16 1991-07-16 General Mills, Inc. Apparatus and method utilizing a water jet for cutting frozen fish slabs into a plurality of individual portions
WO1993006010A1 (en) * 1991-09-25 1993-04-01 Walter Niemetz Process and device for cutting a culinary preparation into portions and packaging said portions, applications of said process and device
EP0536507A2 (en) * 1991-10-11 1993-04-14 Burkhard Topp Device for splitting a whole cheese
WO1994022646A1 (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-10-13 Geo Research S.A.R.L. Cutting method and apparatus using a jet of cryogenic fluid

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6032561A (en) * 1997-09-18 2000-03-07 Colborne Corporation Apparatus for ultrasonic cutting of food products
US6070509A (en) * 1997-09-18 2000-06-06 Colbourne Corporation Method for ultrasonic cutting of food products
EP0956929A2 (en) † 1998-05-14 1999-11-17 ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH Apparatus for cutting a product in wedge-like pieces
EP0956929B2 (en) † 1998-05-14 2009-02-18 ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH Apparatus for cutting a product in wedge-like pieces

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Publication number Publication date
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