WO1999036234A1

WO1999036234A1 - Tensive cutting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO1999036234A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/007547
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raliegh J. Jensen
Original assignee: Jensen Raliegh J
Priority date: 1998-01-16
Filing date: 1998-04-13
Publication date: 1999-07-22
Also published as: ATE352402T1; CA2317060C; EP1024933B1; EP1024933A4; EP1024933A1; AU7118598A; CA2317060A1; DE69836973D1

Abstract

A tensive cutting assembly (10) having a tensionable cutting member (20a) removably and interchangeably mounted in a tensive cutting head (30). The tensive cutting assembly may include a means for monitoring tension during set-up of the tensive cutting assembly and sensing failure or breakage during operation. The tensionable cutting member includes a plurality of legs segments (23) connected by a plurality of bends producing a serpentine configuration. The cutting edge of the tensionable cutting member is unsharpened. A tensionable cutting member may be removably mounted to one or both sides of the tensive cutting head. When a tensionable cutting member is mounted to both sides of the tensive cutting head, the first tensionable cutting member presents a first array and the second tensionable cutting member presents a second array rotated at 90 degrees to the first array. The two tensionable cutting members, when employed within a hydraulic cutting device, cut food product having stick configuration.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Tensive Cutting Assembly

RELATED APPLICATIONS: This application claims the priority of U.S. Application Serial Number 09/008,551 , filed 16 January 1998 (16.01.98).

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This invention relates to the cutting of food product with hydraulic food cutting devices. In particular it relates to a tensive cutting assembly for cutting food product. Background of the Invention

A variety of "hydro-cutting" devices for cutting food products into slices and sticks are known in the art and typically comprise a stationary array of cutting knives with a means to propel the food product through the knife array. The food product may be conveyed through the knife array by suspending the food product in a fluid stream, such as water.

The typical hydraulic food cutting apparatus in use today has a receiving tank filled with a hydraulic carrier fluid, usually water, into which food product is dumped. A food pump draws its suction from the receiving tank, and pumps carrier fluid and the suspended food product from the tank into an inlet tube which aligns the food product before impact with a cutter assembly. Cutter blade assemblies include typically a frame and a stationary knife array typically including a plurality of individual knife blades mounted in a parallel and converging sequence to each other. If the food product is to be cut into slices, only a single such array need be utilized. However, if the food product is to be cut into sticks, such as potatoes for french fries, two such arrays are utilized with the knives in one array extending generally perpendicular to the knives in the other array.

Cole, et.al., U.S. Patent 5,343,623 Knife Assembly for Cutting a Food Product, discloses a knife blade having a cutting portion defining a cutting edge, and holes adapted to accommodate means for attaching the knife blade to a mounting member, the centers of the mounting holes lying in the plane of the cutting edge. The knife blade is mounted in the knife assembly so that a tension force is exerted on the knife blade also in the plane of the cutting edge. The cutting edges of knives in an array are located in a common plane. Cole, et.al., further discloses an apparatus for mounting a plurality of individual blades for and applying tension to the plurality of individual blades in the plane of the cutting edges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention a tensive cutting assembly includes a tensionable cutting member removably and interchangeably mounted in a tensive cutting head. The tensive cutting assembly may also include a means for monitoring tension during set-up of the tensive cutting assembly and monitoring tension and sensing failure or breakage of the tensionable cutting member during operation.

The tensionable cutting member includes a strip of material having a pair of sides and a first edge and a second edge. The tensionable cutting member is formed having at least two leg segments and at least one bend connecting the two leg segments. In one embodiment of the invention, the tensionable cutting member is formed having a plurality of leg segments connected by a plurality of bends producing a continuous and generally serpentine configuration forming an array formed of a single and continuous member. In one embodiment of the invention, either the first edge or the second edge of the tensionable cutting member may be employed as the cutting edge of the tensionable cutting member.

The cutting edge of the tensionable cutting member may be unsharpened and the sides and edges may be rounded or otherwise treated or dressed in order to eliminate edge and surface irregularities. The tensionable cutting member may be formed of a strip of sheet metal having a thickness of 0.005 inches to 0.001 5 inches and a width of 0.375 inches to 0.625 inches. In one embodiment of the invention, the tensionable cutting member is formed of a hardened 301 stainless steel having a thickness of 0.008 inches and a width of 0.50 inches.

The material used to form the tensionable cutting member should exhibit adequate tensile strength to perform as a tensionable cutting member and adequate ductility to allow its continuous configuration. The material used to form the tensionable cutting member should also exhibit a yield strength less than the tensile strength. The tensionable cutting member may be formed of a strip of sheet metal having a tensile strength of 1 75,000 psi to 275,000 psi and a yield strength of 80,000 psi to 180,000 psi. In one embodiment of the invention, the tensionable cutting member is formed from a hardened type 301 stainless steel having a tensile strength of approximately 185,000 psi and a yield strength of approximately 140,000 psi.

Materials having compositions or properties similar to the hardened 301 series stainless steel, or a type 1 7-4 PH stainless steel, are known to those skilled in the art and may be employed in the present invention as a tensionable cutting member.

The tensive cutting assembly also includes a tensive cutting head having a first face and a second face and an aperture formed through its cross section for passage of food product through the tensive cutting assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, various component parts of the tensive cutting head are machined of type 1 7-4 PH stainless steel, although other materials and forming methods known to those skilled in the art may be employed to practice the present invention.

The tensive cutting head also includes at least one return which provides a bearing face about which the tensionable cutting member is substantially equally tensioned across its entire width when attached to and tensioned on the tensive cutting head. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of returns divided into first and second pairings, the first and second pairings divided into opposing sets of returns. The returns are arranged sequentially, with an equal distance typically being observed between each of the sequential returns. Opposing sets of returns are offset laterally from one another a distance substantially equal to the distance between two sequential tensionable cutting member leg segments. This configuration allows the tensionable cutting member to be fit over the opposing sets of returns in a manner that permits a substantially parallel arrangement of the tensionable cutting member leg segments. The distance between sequential returns determines the distance between leg segments and therefore the cross-sectional dimension of the cut food product. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between tensionable cutting member leg segments is equal.

Each return may also be configured having a bearing face across which the tensionable cutting member is fit. In one embodiment of the invention, each return is formed having a pair of parallel faces and a radiused bearing face. Alternatively, the bearing face may be configured having an arcuate, circular or elliptical cross-section. The bearing face may also include a low friction surface against which the tensionable cutting member is fit and tensioned. The low friction face may be formed simply by polishing the bearing face of the return, by coating or treating the return, or by use of rollers. Alternately, the low friction face may be formed from a high density polymer.

The height of the bearing face should be substantially equal to or greater than the width of the tensionable cutting member so that, as the tensionable cutting member is tensioned, substantially equal tensile forces are established across the width of the tensionable cutting member.

One embodiment of the invention includes a tensive cutting head first face configured having a first pairing of returns divided into opposing sets. A first opposing set of returns is formed near one peripheral edge of the tensive cutting head. A second opposing set of returns is formed on the face of a first moveable plate so that, when the first moveable plate is positioned on the tensive cutting head first face, the second opposing set of returns is positioned near an opposing peripheral edge of the tensive cutting head such that, when the tensionable cutting member is positioned about the opposing sets of returns, the leg segments of the tensionable cutting member extend across the tensive cutting head aperture. Similarly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tensive cutting head second face is configured having a second pairing of returns divided into opposing sets rotated in a parallel plane, typically at 90° to the first pairing of returns. A third opposing set of returns is formed near one peripheral edge of the tensive cutting head. A fourth opposing set of returns is formed on the face of a second moveable plate so that when the second moveable plate is positioned on the tensive cutting head second face, the fourth opposing set of returns is positioned near an opposing peripheral edge of the tensive cutting head such that when the tensionable cutting member is positioned about the opposing sets of returns, the leg segments of the tensionable cutting member extend across the tensive cutting head aperture.

In this embodiment of the invention, a first tensionable cutting member, removably mountable and tensionable on the first face of the tensive cutting head, presents a first array. A second tensionable cutting member, removably mountable and tensionable on the second face of the tensive cutting head, presents a second array rotated at 90° on a plane substantially parallel to the first array. This embodiment of the tensive cutting assembly, when employed within a hydraulic cutting device, renders cut food product having stick configuration. In another embodiment of the invention, the tensive cutting head may be configured having only a single or first array, which will render cut food product having a slabbed configuration. In order to produce cut food product having a stick configuration, a second tensionable cutting member affixed to a second tensive cutting head presenting a second array may be arranged in series within the in-line cutter assembly housing rotated at 90° to the first array to render cut food product having stick configuration.

The tensive cutting assembly also includes at least one clamping member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head for securing the ends of tensionable cutting member to the tensive cutting head. The clamping member may comprise a variety of mechanical means so long as the clamping member is capable of restraining the tensionable cutting member end when the tensionable cutting member is tensioned. In one embodiment of the invention, each end of the tensionable cutting member is positioned between a stationary cutaway portion of the tensive cutting head and a boss. The boss is a positioned so that the end of the tensionable cutting member is situated between the stationary cutaway portion of the tensive cutting head and the boss. The end of the tensionable cutting member is then secured or clamped between a lock screw and a flat of the boss.

The tensive cutting assembly also includes a tensioning member. The tensioning member is operatively associated with the tensive cutting head to apply tension to the tensionable cutting member. Alternate means for tensioning the tensionable cutting member may include means attached to and operatively associating with the tensive cutting head such as mechanical means like machine heads, levers or levered cams, or hydraulic means. Alternately, a tensioning member may be employed which is operatively associated with, but is not attached to, the tensive cutting head and which acts as a separate or stand alone unit, attaching to the tensive cutting head only during tensioning, and releasable after the tensionable cutting member is tensioned and the ends of the tensionable cutting members are secured.

In one embodiment of the invention, tensioning is achieved using a pair of tension adjustment screws which adjust the distance between an opposing sets of returns. In one embodiment of the invention, the first face of the tensive cutting head is configured having a first fixed set of returns and a first fixed set of returns. The tensive cutting head may be configured so that the first fixed set of returns are attached to a first movable plate which is slidingly and adjustably attached to the first face of the tensive cutting head. The tension adjustment screws project through the first movable plate in a pair of threaded holes, with the second or distal ends of the tension adjustment screws being insertable in a pair of blind holes located in the tensive cutting head. In one embodiment of the invention, the distal ends of the tension adjustment screws are configured to turn against a ball which facilitates turning of the screw. As the tension adjustment screws are advanced in their threads, a force is exerted increasing the distance between the a first fixed set of returns and a second movable set of returns, thereby tensioning the tensionable cutting member. The tensive cutting assembly may also include a device for monitoring tension during assembly and set-up of the tensive cutting assembly, or monitoring tension and sensing failure or breakage of the tensionable cutting member during operation. Because the tensive cutting assembly is employed primarily in the preparation of consumable food product, it is important to provide a means for sensing the integrity of the tensionable cutting member may be provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a load cell assembly distributed by A. L. Design Inc. is employed to monitor tensionable cutting member tension and sense tensionable cutting member failure. The load cell assembly may be employed between a fixed face and a movable face of the tensive cutting head or between a fixed face and the distal end of an tension adjustment screw. The load cell assembly may be employed on either or both sides of the tensive cutting head to monitor tensionable cutting member tension and sense tensionable cutting member failure of either a first or a second tensive cutting member. Other means for monitoring and sensing tensionable cutting member tension are known to those skilled in the art, including strain gauges and other various transducers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a hydro-cutting system; FIG. 2 is a representational perspective view of a first embodiment of the tensive cutting assembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded representational perspective view of a first embodiment of the tensive cutting assembly;

FIG. 4 is a representational first side view of the tensive cutting assembly;

FIG. 5 is a representational perspective view of the tensive cutting assembly including an adapter plate; and FIG. 6 is a representational perspective view of a second embodiment of the tensive cutting assembly.

It should be understood that the referenced drawings are not to scale and are intended as representations. The drawings are not necessarily intended to depict the functional and structural details of the invention, which can be determined by one of skill in the art by examination of the descriptions and claims provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to Figures 1 through 6, the present invention will be more fully described. Referring to Figure 1 , food product P, such as raw, whole potatoes, are introduced into food product tank 100. Food product tank 100 contains water in which the food product is suspended. Food product P and water are drawn through food pump 101 into inlet tube 102. At its downstream end, inlet tube 102 is hydraulically connected to tensive cutting assembly housing 103. Food product P passes through tensive cutting assembly housing 103 and is discharged in outlet tube 104. From this point, the sliced food product P is carried through processed food product discharge 105 to de-watering conveyor 106.

Referring to Figures 2 through 5, the tensive cutting assembly 10 is shown to advantage. Figure 2 shows one embodiment of tensive cutting assembly 10 including tensive cutting head 30.

Referring to Figure 3, tensive cutting assembly 10 includes first tensionable cutting member 20a removably and interchangeably mounted to first side 31 of tensive cutting head 30 and a second tensionable cutting member 20b removably and interchangeably mounted to second side 32 of tensive cutting head 30. Aperture 33 is formed through the cross section of tensive cutting head 30 allowing passage of food product through tensive cutting assembly 10.

First tensionable cutting member 20a and second tensionable cutting member 20b are formed from a strip of sheet metal and include a plurality of leg segments 23 and a plurality of bends 24 producing a continuous and generally serpentine configuration. First tensionable cutting member 20a is further configured having first end 21 a and second end 22a. Second tensionable cutting member 20b is similarly configured having first end 21 b and second end 22b. Either first edge 25 or second edge 26 may be employed as a cutting edge depending upon orientation when installed in tensive cutting head 30. Referring to Figure 3, tensive cutting head 30 includes first face 31 and second face 32. First face 31 is configured having first raised portion 34 and a plurality of returns 36a. Referring to Figure 2, first face 31 is further configured having first fixed set of returns 37 and first moveable set of returns 38. First fixed set of returns 37 is formed near first face peripheral edge 44 of first raised portion 34. First face 31 is further configured having first moveable plate 45. First moveable plate 45 is held against first face 31 in a slidingly adjustable relationship to first raised portion 34 and inner face 75. The distance between inner face 75 and inner face 76 of first movable plate 45 is adjustable using first tension adjustment screw 55a (shown in Figure 3), and second tension adjustment screw 55b. As shown in Figure 4, first tension adjustment screw 55a engages first threaded hole 56a ana seats in first blind hole 57a. Similarly, second tension adjustment screw 55b engages second threaded hole 56b and seats in second blind hole 57b. First moveable plate 45 is secured in position on first face 31 by first retaining screw 73a which passes through first slot 74a and second retaining screw 73b which passes through second slot 74b. First moveable set of returns 38 is formed on the face of first moveable plate 45 near peripheral edge 46 of first moveable plate 45 such that when first tensionable cutting member 20a is positioned about first fixed set of returns 37 and first moveable set of returns 38, leg segments 23 of first tensionable cutting member 20a extend across aperture 33.

Referring to Figure 3, second face 32 is configured having second raised portion 35 and a plurality of returns 36b. Second face 32 is further configured having second fixed set of returns 39 and second moveable set of returns 40. Second fixed set of returns 39 is formed near second face peripheral edge 47 of second raised portion 35. Second face 32 is further configured having second moveable plate 48. Second movable plate 48 is held against second face 32 in a slidingly adjustable relationship to second raised portion 35 inner face 77 and the distance between inner face 77 and inner face 78 of second movable plate 48 is adjustable using third tension adjustment screw 55c and fourth tension adjustment screw 55d. As shown in Figure 3, third tension adjustment screw 55c engages third threaded hole 56c (not shown), and seats in third blind hole 57c. Similarly, fourth tension adjustment screw 55d engages fourth threaded hole 56c (not shown), and seats in fourth blind hole 57d.

Second movable plate 48 is secured in position on second face 32 by third retaining screw 73c which passes through third slot 74c and fourth retaining screw 73d which passes through fourth slot 74d. Second moveable set of returns 40 is formed on the face of second moveable plate 48 near second opposing peripheral edgejof second moveable plate 48 such that when second tensionable cutting member 20b is positioned about second fixed set of returns 39 and second moveable set of returns 40, leg segments 23 of second tensionable cutting member 20b extend across aperture 33.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, first tensionable cutting member 20a attached to first face 31 of tensive cutting head 30 presents first array 27a, and second tensionable cutting member 20b attached to second face 32 of tensive cutting head 30 presents second array 27b which is rotated at approximately 90° on a plane substantially parallel to first array 27a.

Referring to Figure 4, returns 36a, which are typical of the returns shown, are arranged sequentially, with an equal distance or return interval I being observed between each of the sequential returns. Opposing sets of returns have a lateral offset 0 substantially equal to the distance between two sequential tensionable cutting member leg segments.

Referring to Figure 4, tensive cutting head 30 also includes first clamping assembly 50a operatively associated with tensive cutting head 30 for securing first end 21 a of tensionable cutting member 20a to tensive cutting head 30 and second clamping assembly 50b operatively associated with tensive cutting head 30 for securing second end 22a of tensionable cutting member 20a to tensive cutting head 30. Similarly, referring to Figure 3, tensive cutting head 30 also includes third clamping assembly 50c operatively associated with tensive cutting head 30 for securing first end 21 b of tensionable cutting member 20b to tensive cutting head 30 and fourth clamping assembly 50d operatively associated with tensive cutting head 30 for securing second end 22b of tensionable cutting member 20b to tensive cutting head 30.

Referring to Figure 4, first clamping assembly 50a is typical of the clamping assemblies shown and includes stationary portion 52 of tensive cutting head 30 and cam 51 . First clamping assembly 50a includes boss 51 , stationary portion 52 and lock screw 53. First end 21 a of tensionable cutting member 20b is secured between stationary portion 52 and cam 51 and lock screw 53 is tightened securing first end 21 a between cam 51 and lock screw 53.

Referring to Figure 4, tensive cutting assembly 10 may also include a means for monitoring tension during assembly and set-up of the tensive cutting assembly or monitoring tension and sensing tensionable cutting member failure or breakage during operation. First raised portion 34 may be configured having load cell assembly 60 removably installed within cavity 61 . Load cell assembly 60 as shown in Figure 4 includes load cell 63 which is positioned at base 62 of blind hole 57b. Pin 64 is configured to cooperate with ball 65 which facilitates rotation of second tension adjustment screw 55b. Pigtail 66 is electrically connected to load button 63 for connection to a display or control circuit.

Tensive cutting assembly 10 may also include one or more face plates. Referring to Figure 5, face plate 70 is shown removably attached to tensive cutting head 30 by face plate screws 71 . Face plate screws 71 pass through tensive cutting head 30 and secure face plate 70 to tensive cutting head 30 engaging face plate screw holes 72 shown in Figure 4.

In use, referring to Figures 2 and 3, first tension adjustment screw 55a, second tension adjustment screw 55b are backed out so that when first moveable plate 45 is placed on first face 31 of tensive cutting head 30, interface 75 of raised portion 34 and interface 76 of first moveable plate 45 contact one another. In those instances where load cell assembly 60 is employed, prior to inserting the tension adjustment screws in their respective blind holes, load cell 63 is placed against base 62 of blind hole 57b from the top surface of raised portion 34. Pin 64 and ball 65 are inserted into blind hole 57b as shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, first tensionable cutting member 20a is attached to first side 31 of tensive cutting head 30 by positioning bends 24 about returns 36a. The ends of tensionable cutting member 20a are positioned so as to engage the clamping assemblies. Referring to Figure 4, with specific reference to clamping assembly 50a, first end 21 a of tensionable cutting member 20a passes between a stationary cutaway portion of raised portion 34 and the outside face of boss 51 and is secured between lock screw 53 and boss 51 .

Once first tensionable cutting member 20a is positioned on first side 31 of tensive cutting head 30, first tension adjustment screw 55a and second tension adjustment screw 55b are turned so as to increase the distance between first raised portion 34 and first movable plate 45. In so doing, tensionable cutting member 20a is tensioned about first fixed set of returns 37 and first moveable set of returns 38. As first tensionable cutting member 20a tightens across bearing faces 43 of first fixed set of returns 37 and first moveable set of returns 38, a tensile force is created along first tensionable cutting member 20a which is distributed substantially equally across the width of tensionable cutting member 20a.

The procedure for installation of second tensionable cutting member 20b on second face 32 is similar to the process for installation of first tensionable cutting member 20a on first face 31 .

Both first tensionable cutting member 20a and second tensionable cutting member 20b are tightened in the above manner to a point just below the yield strength of the material being employed for the tensionable cutting member. Once tensioning is complete, referring to Figure 5, face plate 70 may be attached to tensive cutting head 30 employing face plate screw 71 which engages face plate screw hold 72 as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 also shows pig tail 66 which extends from load cell 63 for electrical connection to a display or control circuit (not shown). Referring to Figure 1 , the completed tensive cutting assembly 10 is inserted within tensive cutting assembly housing 103. Food product is introduced into food product tank 100. Food product is drawn through food pump 1 01 into inlet tube 102 and through tensive cutting assembly housing 1 03. Food product passes first against first tensionable cutting member 20a and then against second tensionable cutting member 20b before being discharged into outlet tube 104 in a stick configuration. From this point the sliced food product is carried through food processing discharge 105 to dewatering conveyor 1 06.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, tensive cutting assembly 1 10 is configured having tensionable cutting member 1 20 removably and interchangeably mounted to tensive cutting head 1 30. Tensive cutting head 1 30 includes first fixed set of returns 1 37 and first moveable set of returns 1 38. First fixed set of returns 137 is formed near first face peripheral edge 1 44 of raised portion 1 34 of tensive cutting head 1 30.

Tensive cutting head 1 30 is further configured having first moveable plate 1 45. First moveable plate 145 is held against first face 1 31 in a slidingly adjustable relationship to first raised portion 1 34 and the distance between raised portion 1 34 first movable plate 145 is adjustable using first tension adjustment screw 1 55a and second tension adjustment screw 1 55b. First moveable plate 145 is secured in position by first key 1 36a which slidingly engages first channel 1 35a and second key 1 36b which slidingly engages second channel 1 35b. First moveable set of returns 1 38 is formed on the face of first moveable plate 145 near first opposing peripheral edge 146 of first moveable plate 145 such that when tensionable cutting member 1 20 is positioned about first fixed set of returns 1 37 and first moveable set of returns 1 38, leg segments 1 23 of tensionable cutting member 1 20 extend across aperture 1 33.

First clamping assembly 1 50a and second clamping assembly 1 50b secure the ends of tensionable cutting member 1 20 and first tension adjustment screw 1 55a and second tension adjustment screw 1 55b adjust tension on tensionable cutting member 1 20. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6 will render cut food product having a slabbed configuration. In order to produce cut food product having a stick configuration, a second tensive cutting assembly 1 10 may be arranged in series within the in-line cutter assembly housing rotated at 90° to the tensive cutting assembly.

While this invention has been described with reference to the described embodiments, this is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications to the described embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.

I claim:

Claims

1 . A tensive cutting assembly comprising: a tensive cutting head including a first side, a second side and an aperture formed through its cross section, the tensive cutting head including a plurality of opposing returns; a tensionable cutting member for cutting food product comprising a strip of material including a pair of sides, a first edge, a second edge and a width, the tensionable cutting member configured to include a plurality of leg segments and a plurality of bends connecting the leg segments, the tensionable cutting member being removably attachable to the tensive cutting head and positioned such that the plurality of bends are positioned about the plurality of opposing returns; and a tensioning member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head.

2. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 1 wherein the tensioning member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head is configured to establish a substantially equal tensile force across the width of the tensionable cutting member.

3. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 1 wherein the plurality of opposing returns further comprise: the tensive cutting head including a first fixed set of returns; and a first movable plate positioned in a slidingly adjustable relationship against the first face including a first moveable set of returns.

4. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 1 further comprising a first clamping member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head for securing the tensionable cutting member first end to the tensive cutting head.

5. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 1 further comprising a second clamping member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head for securing the tensionable cutting member second end to the tensive cutting head.

6. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 1 further comprising a tensive cutting member failure sensing device.

7. A tensive cutting assembly comprising: a tensive cutting head including a first side, a second side and an aperture formed through its cross section, the tensive cutting head first side configured to include a first fixed set of returns and a first moveable set of returns and the tensive cutting head second side configured to include a second fixed set of returns and a second moveable set of returns; a first tensionable cutting member including a strip of material having a pair of parallel sides, a first edge, a second edge, a first end and a second end and a width, the tensionable cutting member also including a plurality of leg segments and a plurality of bends connecting the leg segments, the tensionable cutting member being removably attachable to the tensive cutting head and positioned such that the plurality of bends are positioned about first fixed set of returns and a first moveable set of returns; a second tensionable cutting member including a strip of material having a pair of parallel sides, a first edge, a second edge, a first end and a second end and a width, the tensionable cutting member also including a plurality of leg segments and a plurality of bends connecting the leg segments, the tensionable cutting member being removably attachable to the tensive cutting head and positioned such that the plurality of bends are positioned about the second fixed set of returns and a second moveable set of returns; a tensioning member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head.

8. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 7 wherein the tensioning member operatively associated with the tensive cutting head is configured to establish a substantially equal tensile force across the width of the tensionable cutting member.

9. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 7 wherein the tensioning member further comprises: a first movable plate positioned in a slidingly adjustable relationship against the first face; a first tension adjustment screw threadably adjustable through the first movable plate for a╬▒justing a relative distance be╧äween the first fixed set of returns and a first moveable set of returns; a second movable plate positioned in a slidingly adjustable relationship against the second face; and a second tension adjustment screw threadably adjustable through the second movable plate for adjusting a relative distance between the second fixed set of returns and a second moveable set of returns.

10. The tensive cutting assembly of Claim 7 further comprising a tensive cutting member failure sensing device.

1 1 . A tensionable cutting member for cutting food product comprising a strip of material including a pair of sides, a first edge, a second edge and a width, the tensionable cutting member configured to include a plurality of leg segments and a plurality of bends connecting the leg segments.

1 2. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 1 1 wherein the strip of material has a thickness of 0.005 inches to 0.01 5 inches.

1 3. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 1 1 wherein the strip of material has a width of 0.375 inches to 0.750 inches.

14. The tensionable cutting member of claim 1 1 wherein the first edge defines a cutting edge.

1 5. The tensionable cutting member of claim 1 1 wherein the second edge defines a cutting edge.

1 6. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 14 or 1 5 wherein the cutting edge of the strip of material is unsharpened.

1 7. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 14 or 1 5 wherein the cutting edge of the strip of material is polished.

1 8. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 1 1 wherein the strip of material is formed of a stainless steel.

1 9. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 1 1 wherein the strip of material is formed is formed of a metal having a tensile strength of 1 75,000 psi to 275,000 psi.

20. The tensionable cutting member of Claim 1 1 wherein the strip of material is formed is formed of a metal having a yield strength of 80,000 psi to 1 80,000 psi.