WO2015003720A1

WO2015003720A1 - Apparatus for processing of food objects such as potatoes

Info

Publication number: WO2015003720A1
Application number: PCT/DK2014/050213
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif Petersen
Original assignee: Elcep Design Aps
Priority date: 2013-07-08
Filing date: 2014-07-08
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

An apparatus for processing of food objects (10) such as potatoes, which apparatus (1) comprises cutting means (16) for performing a plurality of essentially parallel cuts (14) from one side of a food object (10) towards the other side without cutting through the food object. The apparatus (1) further comprises positioning means for positioning the food object(10) while the cutting is being performed. The cutting means are mechanically power operated rotating cutting means and further the positioning means and the cutting means (16) are configured to cooperate to provide a cutting-free zone (18) of the food object (10), when the food object is positioned by said positioning means.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING OF FOOD OBJECTS SUCH AS POTATOES Field of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for processing of food objects such as potatoes, which processing includes cutting or slicing of food objects, e.g. potatoes in such a manner that a plurality of cuts are being made in each food object, e.g. potato, which cuts are being made from one side of the food object, e.g. potato without going entirely through the food object, e.g. potato. In the following reference will be made in particular to potatoes that are being processed by use of an apparatus according to the invention, but it will be understood that the apparatus may be used in connection with other food objects such as e.g. other kinds of vegetables, root crop or vegetables and the like, where it may be desirable to perform a similar cutting. In this connection it is noted that for the purpose of this application, the potato will be referred to as a vegetable.

Background of the invention

Potatoes, which are cut or sliced transversely with a plurality of parallel cuts from one side of the potato, but not entirely through the potato, and which are baked subsequently, are well-known under the name of "Hasselback (or Hasselbach) Potatoes" within the field of e.g. cooking by professional cooks as well as within the traditional non-professional field such as household cooking, among amateur gourmets, etc. When preparing these potatoes, they are usually prepared manually, e.g. by peeling suitably sized potatoes, placing them one by one on e.g. a cutting board with a side part downwards and by cutting crosswise cuts or slices in the upper side of the potato with a suitable sharp knife, which cuts may be essentially parallel, with a suitable distance to each other and ending a suitable distance from the downward side of the potato, i.e. the side facing the cutting board. As it will be understood, this may be a time consuming job and furthermore, especially when in haste and/or where an inexperienced person is handling the job, there is a risk that the potato is being cut entirely through and/or that the cuts are very different, e.g. ending at very different distances from the downwards side of the potato, which is undesirable. In order to avoid this, various measures may be used, such as e.g. placing an object having the desired thickness next to the potato and possibly on both sides in order to stop the downwards movement of the knife, e.g. a suitable piece of wooden kitchen utensil or the like. However, this may further complicate the preparation of the potatoes, especially when a relatively large number of potatoes need to be prepared or processed.

An example of a manually operated kitchen utensil for partially cutting vegetables is disclosed in EP 2 277 673 Al . This kitchen utensil has a plurality of parallel blades, which by means of a movable support can be moved down towards a vegetable placed in a cavity on a support, whereby each of the blades makes a cut in the vegetable. As it will be seen, such a kitchen utensil is relatively large and comprises a plurality of blades that are used simultaneously. Thus, a relatively complicated construction is disclosed, which further seems to suffer from lack of user- friendliness, ease of handling, etc. Furthermore, the use of a plurality of parallel blades simultaneously tends to put excessive pressure on the potato and may lead to the blades getting stuck in the potato.

Thus, there is a need to improve the e.g. cutting of potatoes for uses such as "Hasselback (or Hasselbach) Potatoes".

Furthermore, there is a need for providing improved measures for processing potatoes for such purposes, which allows a relatively quick processing, which furthermore reduces the risk of cutting entirely through the potatoes and which facilitates the cuttings being made with great regularity, e.g. with even spacing, etc.

Even further, there is a need for an apparatus for processing potatoes and possibly other vegetables in the described manner, which apparatus may facilitate an enhanced processing speed of the potatoes and may serve as a tool for both professional and non-professional persons.

These and other objects are achieved by the invention as explained in further detail in the following.

Summary of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for processing of food objects such as potatoes, said apparatus comprising cutting means for performing a plurality of cuts from one side of a food object, e.g. potato towards the other side without cutting through the food object, e.g. potato, said cuts being essentially parallel, said apparatus further comprising positioning means for positioning the food object, e.g. potato while the cutting is being performed, wherein said cutting means are mechanically power operated rotating cutting means and wherein said positioning means and said cutting means are configured to cooperate to provide a cutting-free zone of said food object, e.g. potato, when said food object, e.g. potato is positioned by said positioning means.

Hereby, it is achieved that the processing, e.g. slicing or cutting of potatoes for the purpose of preparing for example "Hasselback (or Hasselbach) Potatoes" can be made in an expedient manner, whereby the preparation and processing can be made quicker as compared to normally used methods, i.e. manual methods. Further, by the invention it is achieved that the potatoes are cut in a regular and consistent manner, leaving a predetermined part of the potatoes uncut.

According to an embodiment, said cutting means may comprise at least one rotatable knife, which is being driven by means of an electric motor.

Hereby, an effective and effortless processing of the potatoes is achieved.

It is noted that the at least one rotatable knife need not necessarily be continuously rotating, when in operation, but may for example be moving back and forth or be moved in any other suitable fashion. According to a further embodiment, said at least one rotatable knife may be configured for being displaced, sequentially or continuously, in a direction essentially along the axis of rotation while being rotated.

Hereby, the parallel, transverse cuts in the potatoes can be achieved in an expedient manner, e.g. by having the rotatable knife or knives being moved along e.g. a threaded spindle or the like or by having the rotatable knife or knives being moved stepwise for each rotation.

According to an embodiment, said positioning means for positioning the food object while the cutting is being performed may comprise positioning wall means.

Hereby it is achieved that the food object, e.g. the potato can be positioned in an expedient manner and where the cutting-free zone of the potato is defined by the relation between the positioning wall and the cutting means, e.g. an outer perimeter of a rotatable knife.

According to an embodiment, said positioning means for positioning the food object while the cutting is being performed may comprise at least one movable positioning arm, which is configured for positioning the food object against the positioning wall means. Hereby, the the food object can be positioned in an expedient manner.

According to a still further embodiment, said positioning means for positioning the food object while the cutting is being performed may comprise at least one holding pin being configured for fixing the food object after the food object has been positioned.

Hereby it is achieved that the food object, e.g. the potato can be further fixed in the desired position. According to an embodiment, said at least one holding pin may be configured for fixing the food object after it has been positioned against the positioning wall by said at least one movable positioning arm and wherein said apparatus is configured for moving said at least one movable positioning arm away from the food object after the food object has been fixed by said at least one holding pin.

Hereby it is achieved that measures need not be taken to avoid collision between the cutting means and the movable positioning arm, since the potato can be withheld in the desired position by the at least one holding pin alone and without aid of the movable positioning arm.

According to an embodiment, said at least one holding pin may be configured for being moved essentially linearly.

Hereby, an expedient arrangement is achieved, in particular when being used in connection with movable positioning arms or the like, which keep the e.g. potatoes against the positioning wall means, until the e.g. potatoes have been fixed.

According to an embodiment, said at least one holding pin may be configured for being moved in an essentially pivotal manner.

Hereby, a further expedient arrangement is achieved, which may be of particular use when the e.g. potatoes are not held by movable positioning arms, but for example loaded into the apparatus, when this is in a horizontal position. The essentially pivotally moved holding pins can hereby grip the e.g. potatoes already upon contacting the surface of the e.g. potatoes and subsequently dig deeper into the e.g. potatoes and hereby fix these.

According to an embodiment, said at least one holding pin may be configured with a curved shape in its plane of movement.

Hereby, a further expedient arrangement is achieved, which may be of particular use when the e.g. potatoes are not held by movable positioning arms, but for example loaded into the apparatus, when this is in a horizontal position. The curved shape of the pins in their planes enhances the effect that the holding pins can grip the e.g. potatoes already upon contacting the surface of the e.g. potatoes and subsequently dig deeper into the e.g. potatoes and hereby fix these.

According to an embodiment, said apparatus may comprise a plurality of said holding pins, arranged for fixing each of the food objects at least from one side and preferably from two opposite sides. According to an embodiment, said apparatus may comprise a plurality of processing chambers, each being configured for receiving at least one food object and each processing chamber comprising positioning means for positioning the at least one food object, while the cutting is being performed. According to an embodiment, said cutting means may comprise at least two rotatable knives, which are located along an axis of rotation within the apparatus.

Hereby it is achieved that a plurality of knives may be working simultaneously, e.g. for example one knife for each of a plurality of potatoes placed on top of each other in the apparatus, thereby enhancing the processing speed.

According to an embodiment, said at least one movable positioning arm may in an intermediate position facilitate loading and/or unloading of said food object. According to an embodiment, said apparatus may comprise control means for controlling said cutting means and said positioning means, e.g. microprocessor control means operating on the basis of input from operating keys, sensor means, etc. as it will be apparent to a skilled person. According to an embodiment, said apparatus may comprise a power operating module, which is a releasable part of the apparatus, said power operating module comprising at least a coupling part for being connected to drive means for said cutting means.

Hereby, an advantageous embodiment is achieved, which may enhance user- friendliness, e.g. since only the power operating module need be connected to mains power supply, and since the rest of the apparatus can be handled freely and e.g. be handled in connection with cleaning in a free and safe manner.

According to an embodiment, said power operating module may serve as a support base for the apparatus.

Hereby, a structure is achieved, which is user-friendly and which ensures that the apparatus is positioned in a secure manner, e.g. due to a usually relatively heavy weight of the e.g. electric engine of the power operating module, meaning that the apparatus is positioned solidly when being operated.

According to an embodiment, said apparatus may comprise an outer housing part and wherein said cutting means, positioning means, etc. may be removable from said outer housing part for cleaning purposes, etc.

Hereby, a further expedient and user-friendly embodiment is achieved, whereby in connection with the cleaning process the inner parts of the apparatus can readily and efficiently be cleaned, and whereby the whole inner part may even be placed in an automatic dishwasher or the like.

According to an embodiment, said cutting means, positioning means, etc. are removable from said outer housing part as a modular part. Hereby, user-friendliness, efficiency of cleaning and ease of handling are further enhanced. The figures

The invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to the figures of which show an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, wherein the functioning of the apparatus is illustrated in a sequence of steps,

shows in a schematic view an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention seen from above,

shows in a schematic view corresponding to fig. 8 another embodiment e.g. without positioning arms,

shows in a schematic view corresponding to fig. 8 and 9 a further embodiment e.g. with another type of holding pin,

shows in a schematic view corresponding to figs. 8-10 a further embodiment showing a further form of positioning wall means, shows an example of an inner structure of an apparatus according to the invention,

illustrates loading of an apparatus with food objects to be cut, illustrates an apparatus according to the invention in a modular embodiment,

shows a further example of an inner structure of an apparatus according to the invention seen in a perspective view, and

shows the example shown in fig. 15, seen from above. Detailed description

An apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figs. 1 to 7, wherein the processing of a number of potatoes 10 is illustrated in a sequential fashion. In fig. 1 the apparatus 1 is shown in a version having two processing chambers 2a and 2b extending essentially in the vertical direction of the apparatus and being accessible via openings in the top of the apparatus 1. The apparatus may be driven by electric means including an electric motor (shown in fig. 14) and may be fed by power via an electric power cable 4. For operating the apparatus, e.g. for starting the processing, etc., it may comprise operating keys 3, for example keys on opposite sides at the top of the apparatus as shown, which keys can be gripped by the user and pushed together to initiate the processing. It will be apparent that such operating keys 3 may be placed at any other suitable and convenient place(s) on/in the apparatus 1, e.g. at the side (or sides) of the apparatus, near the bottom, etc. and it will also be apparent that such operating input means may take any other suitable form instead of keys, for example push buttons, handles, touch sensitive input means, etc. As shown in fig. 2 (and as it will be explained later in connection with fig. 8), when the operating keys 3 are manipulated, the processing chambers 2a and 2b may be made ready to receive one or more potatoes, e.g. when two positioning arms 7 are moved to an open or "load" position as it will be explained in further detail later in connection with fig. 8. In this position a potato 10 may be put into e.g. the processing chamber 2a as shown in fig. 3. A processing chamber may be loaded with more than one potato, for example two, three or more, depending on the configuration of the apparatus, as the potatoes may be positioned end to end in the processing chamber, e.g. on top of each other. In figs. 1 to 7 only the processing chamber 2a has been loaded with potatoes for the sake of clarity, as important aspects of the apparatus are more clearly seen, when the processing chamber, e.g. the processing chamber 2b, is empty. However, it will be understood that both processing chambers may be used simultaneously for processing of potatoes. Further, it will be understood that an apparatus may comprise one processing chamber only or more than two processing chambers.

When the potatoes 10 have been loaded into the processing chamber 2a as shown in fig. 4, where the apparatus is seen from above, the potatoes 10 will in a next step be urged towards a positioning wall means 8 by means of a pair of positioning arms 7, which may be pivotable. Only one of these positioning arms 7 can be seen in fig. 4. When the potatoes 10 have been urged towards the positioning wall 8, a pair of holding pins 9, e.g. one pair for each potato, may be pushed into each potato 10 as shown in fig. 5 to fix the potatoes 10 in their positions in relation to the positioning wall means 8, when the positioning arms 7 are moved back to their open positions in a subsequent step. The holding pins 9 can be seen more clearly in the empty processing chamber 2b in fig. 5. Further, in fig. 5 an axle, spindle or guide 12 for cutting means can be seen. The cutting means, which will be explained in further detail in connection with fig. 8, serves to cut a number of cuts in each potato, for example, while the cutting means are being rotated in relation to the axle, spindle or guide 12 and moved for example continuously or stepwise along the axis of the axle, spindle or guide 12, e.g. from the bottom of the apparatus to the top, to produce a number of parallel cuts or slices in each potato. These cuts or slices 14 are illustrated in figs. 6 and 7, where fig. 6 further illustrates that the processed potatoes 10 in a last step is removed from the apparatus 1 e.g. by simply tilting the apparatus and letting the potatoes drop out. Other manners of removing the processed potatoes are possible e.g. including mechanically operated means, etc. It is noted that the operation of the apparatus as mentioned may involve an electric motor for driving e.g. the cutting means, the positioning arms, the holding pins and/or other movable operating members of the apparatus. Further, as it will be understood, the operation of the apparatus may involve the use of e.g. electric and/or electronic control means, e.g. microprocessor control means, sensor means, etc. as it will be apparent to a skilled person.

In order to further exemplify the invention, fig. 8 shows in a schematic view an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention seen from above, which embodiment also comprises two processing chambers 2a and 2b within the housing 20 of the apparatus 1. For the sake of clarity, it is noted that the term "processing chamber" does not necessarily refer to a chamber as such, but a general volume within the apparatus, wherein the processing of the potato(es) take place. For each processing chamber a positioning wall means 8 is provided, for example a wall configured concentrically with the housing 20 or in any other suitable manner in order to position the potatoes 10. Further, the positioning arms 7 are shown, which positioning arms 7 as explained above may serve to push the potatoes 10 towards the positioning wall 8. The positioning arms 7 may be controlled to move to an open or "load" position as shown by the punctuated lines, for example when a user manipulates the operating keys 3, whereafter the potatoes 10 can be put into the apparatus. It will be understood that the positioning arms 7 may be controlled to move to an intermediate position (not shown in fig. 8), where the positioning arms 7 may serve to guide the potatoes, when they are loaded down into the processing chambers.

Hereafter, when the potatoes have been loaded into the apparatus, the positioning arms 7 are controlled to move to the positions as shown in fig. 8 to position the potatoes close to the positioning wall 8. Here, the potatoes 10 will subsequently be fixed by the holding pins 9, which from a retracted position will be moved to the position as shown in fig. 8, where the pins are stuck into the potatoes 10. It will be apparent that the holding pins 9 shall be configured not to reach into the volume of the potatoes, where the cutting means may operate. Once the potatoes have been fixed by the holding pins 9, the positioning arms 7 can be moved back to the open or load position.

Then, the cutting means 16 can be operated to produce the cuts or slices in the potatoes. The cutting means 16 are in fig. 8 illustrated as a pair of knives or blades, which can be rotated in relation to an axle, spindle or guide 12, while the pair of knives simultaneously are moved along the axle, spindle or guide 12, for example in steps or continuously, for example in a spiralling manner. The length of the knives are configured to leave a part of the potatoes uncut in a cutting-free zone 18 as indicated by the punctuated lines, meaning that the knives have a length, which are a suitable length shorter that the distance from the centre of the apparatus to the positioning wall 8, for example corresponding to a distance of app. 0.5 tol centimetre or any other suitable distance.

When the cuts or slices have been made in the potatoes, the holding pins 9 are retracted and the processed potatoes can be removed from the apparatus, for example by simply turning the apparatus around and letting the potatoes slide out. It will be understood that the positioning arms 7 may be controlled to move to the same intermediate position as described above, when the processed potatoes are unloaded, in order to guide the potatoes.

Further, it will be understood that the cutting means 16 of the apparatus will return to an initial position or state after the cutting, which returning may take place in various manners, leaving the apparatus ready for processing of a further group of potatoes, etc. For example, the cutting means 16 may return to the bottom of the apparatus and/or the knife/knives of the cutting means may return to a position with the knife/knives parked between the processing chambers so as not to interfere with e.g. the processed potatoes being unloaded and un-processed potatoes being loaded.

The apparatus may be configured for using other types of cutting means than illustrated in fig. 8, for example using one knife only, using a plurality of knives positioned along the axle, spindle or guide 12, reciprocating cutting means instead of rotating cutting means, linearly movable cutting means, etc.

Further, the positioning arms 7 may be configured for remaining in a holding position, e.g. a position as shown in fig. 8, while the cutting means performs the cutting or slicing, for example in case the positioning arms 7 are made in a comb-like structure, with indentations corresponding to the positions, where cuts are to be made. Thus, holding pins 9 may possibly be unnecessary in connection with such an embodiment. Further, it is noted that other means than holding pins 9 may be used for fixing the potatoes. Fig. 9 shows in a schematic view an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention seen from above, corresponding to fig. 8, but where it is illustrated that positioning arms 7 are not used, but that when the potatoes 10 have been loaded, the holding pins 9 are operated to move towards and into the potatoes 10 to fix these, before the cutting is performed.

In a corresponding manner it is illustrated in fig. 10, also showing in a schematic view an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention seen from above, that holding pins 9 that are pivotally movable in relation to rotation axes 9a, can be used. These may be of particular advantage when positioning arms 7 are not used, since a pivotable holding pin 9 can "grip" the surface of the potato as soon as the pointed end of the holding pin 9 contacts the surface. Furthermore, due to the curved shape of the pivotable holding pins 9 they tend to grip the potatoes and pull them towards the positioning wall means, thereby fixing the potatoes firmly.

Fig. 11 shows the same schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention seen from above, essentially corresponding to fig. 10, but where an alternative embodiment of the positioning wall means 8 is shown. Instead of a plate like structure, a number of bars 22 or the like are arranged for the potatoes 10 to be positioned against. It will be understood that such bars may extend along essentially the entire length/height of the apparatus in parallel with the axis of the apparatus. Further, it will be understood that the use of such bars may facilitate an effective cleaning of the apparatus as opposed to the use of a plate like wall. Even further, it will be understood that such bars or the like may be used in connection with all embodiments disclosed herein.

In fig. 12 is shown an example of the inner structure 24 of an apparatus, wherein three processing chambers 2a, 2b, 2c are comprised. The positioning wall means 8 are here shown as plate like structures and the holding pins 9 are of the type, which are pivotally arranged by means of longitudinal axes 9a. Further, it is shown that the holding pins 9 are formed with a curvature, which has the abovementioned effect of providing an increased grip of the potatoes. Further, it is shown that the holding pins 9 can be operated by means of operating keys 3.

A further aspect in connection with the example shown in fig. 12 is that the inner structure 24 can be handled as a module that can be removed from the apparatus in connection with e.g. cleaning, etc. This may be done by for example releasing a locking arrangement, by which it is connected to the apparatus, and lifting it up from the housing 20 of the apparatus (figs. 8-11). In fig. 13 is shown an apparatus 1, which in order to load the apparatus with potatoes has been laid down horizontally on e.g. a table. The apparatus is of the type shown in fig. 12 having curved holding pins, which are pivotally arranged. It is shown in fig, 13 that the inner structure 24 is comprised in the outer housing 20. Now, the lower processing chamber 2b is filled with potatoes by simply pushing them into the processing chamber and afterwards the operating keys 3 for this chamber is operated, whereby the potatoes are being fixed by the holding pins. Next, the apparatus is rotated 120°, whereby the next processing chamber, i.e. 2a or 2c, is the lower chamber and the steps are repeated. When all chambers have been filled, the apparatus is controlled to cut the potatoes. Subsequently, the operating keys 3 are released and the apparatus can be emptied for cut potatoes.

Fig. 14 illustrates a similar embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, wherein the apparatus 1 is shown in the upright position. Also here, the inner structure 24 comprises three processing chambers 2a, 2b, 2c and further, the inner structure 24 is removably comprised in an outer housing 20 as explained above. Furthermore, the modular approach extends also to a power operating module 26, which forms the base of the apparatus 1. The power operating module 26 comprises the drive motor and possible other electric equipment. The power operating module 26 is equipped with a coupling part (not shown) for being connected to drive means for the cutting means, etc. of the apparatus. The outer housing 22 of the apparatus comprising the inner structure 24, etc. may simply be removed from the power operating module 26 by lifting. Further, as explained above, the inner structure 24 may also be removed from the outer housing 20, whereby the inner structure and possibly the outer housing may be cleaned, washed, etc., for example by placing the parts in an automatic dishwasher.

A further example of the inner structure 24 of an apparatus according to the invention is shown in figs. 15 and 16, where in fig. 15 the inner structure 24 is seen in a perspective view and where in fig. 16 the inner structure 24 is seen from above. Also this embodiment comprises three processing chambers 2a, 2b, 2c, each having a positioning wall means 8. Further, for each processing chamber two rows of holding pins 9 are arranged, supported by an axle serving as rotation axis 9a for the holding pins 9. Further, it is illustrated in fig. 15 that openings 28, e.g. in the form of slits or the like in the positioning wall means 8 can be arranged for each of the holding pins 9, which here are of a curved type. Even further, a top plate 30 is shown, which may serve as a constructional element of the inner structure 24. As it can be seen from figs. 15 and 16, the processing chambers as well as the rows of holding pins 9, the positioning wall means 8, etc. may be arranged to be slightly inclined to one side. This may also be the case for other embodiments described herein, since such an arrangement may serve for having the cuts in the potatoes cross essentially perpendicularly across the potatoes, when the rotating knife is performing a spiralling movement, e.g. because it being moved along a screw form or the like from the bottom or the apparatus to the top or the like.

In the above description, various embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but it is apparent for a person skilled within the art that the invention can be carried out in an infinite number of ways, using e.g. the examples disclosed in the description in various combinations, and within a wide range of variations within the scope of the appended claims.

List of reference numbers

1 Apparatus for processing food objects, e.g. potatoes

2a, 2b, 2c Processing chambers

j Operating key

4 Power cable

7 Positioning arms

8 Positioning wall means

9 Holding pins

9a Rotation axis for pivotal holding pins

10 Food object, e.g. potatoes

12 Axle or guide for cutting means

14 Cuttings in potato

16 Cutting means

18 Cutting-free zone of potato

20 Outer housing of the apparatus

22 Bars or the like for positioning wall means

24 Inner structure

26 Power operating module

28 Opening, e.g. slit in positioning wall means

30 Top plate

Claims

Patent Claims

1. An apparatus for processing of food objects (10) such as potatoes, said apparatus (1) comprising cutting means (16) for performing a plurality of cuts (14) from one side of a food object (10) towards the other side without cutting through the food object, said cuts being essentially parallel, said apparatus (1) further comprising positioning means for positioning the food object (10) while the cutting is being performed, wherein said cutting means are mechanically power operated rotating cutting means and wherein said positioning means and said cutting means (16) are configured to cooperate to provide a cutting-free zone (18) of said food object (10), when said food object is positioned by said positioning means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cutting means (16) comprises at least one rotatable knife, which is being driven by means of an electric motor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one rotatable knife is configured for being displaced, sequentially or continuously, in a direction essentially along the axis of rotation while being rotated.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said positioning means for positioning the food object (10) while the cutting is being performed comprises positioning wall means (8).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said positioning means for positioning the food object while the cutting is being performed comprises at least one movable positioning arm (7), which is configured for positioning the food object against the positioning wall means (8).

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said positioning means for positioning the food object potato while the cutting is being performed comprises at least one holding pin (9) being configured for fixing the food object after the potato has been positioned.

7. The apparatus according to claims 5 and 6, wherein said at least one holding pin (9) is configured for fixing the food object after it has been positioned against the positioning wall (8) by said at least one movable positioning arm (7) and wherein said apparatus is configured for moving said at least one movable positioning arm (7) away from the food object after the food object has been fixed by said at least one holding pin (9).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said at least one holding pin (9) is configured for being moved essentially linearly.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said at least one holding pin (9) is configured for being moved in an essentially pivotal manner.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said at least one holding pin (9) is configured with a curved shape in its plane of movement.

11. The apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 10, comprising a plurality of said holding pins (9), arranged for fixing each of the food objects at least from one side and preferably from two opposite sides.

12. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of processing chambers (2a, 2b), each being configured for receiving at least one food object (10) and each processing chamber (2a, 2b) comprising positioning means for positioning the at least one food object (10) while the cutting is being performed.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein said cutting means (16) comprises at least two rotatable knives, which are located along an axis of rotation within the apparatus.

14. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said at least one movable positioning arm (7) in an intermediate position facilitates loading and/or unloading of said food object.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein said apparatus comprises control means for controlling said cutting means and said positioning means.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein said apparatus comprises a power operating module (26), which is a releasable part of the apparatus, said power operating module (26) comprising at least a coupling part for being connected to drive means for said cutting means (16).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said power operating module (26) serves as a support base for the apparatus.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein said apparatus comprises an outer housing part (20) and wherein said cutting means (16), positioning means, etc. are removable from said outer housing part for cleaning purposes, etc.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said cutting means (16), positioning means, etc. are removable from said outer housing part (20) as a modular part.