EP0713753B2 - Auschnittschneidevorrichtung zum Schneiden von zwei oder mehreren Fleischstücken - Google Patents

Auschnittschneidevorrichtung zum Schneiden von zwei oder mehreren Fleischstücken Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0713753B2
EP0713753B2 EP95116064.7A EP95116064A EP0713753B2 EP 0713753 B2 EP0713753 B2 EP 0713753B2 EP 95116064 A EP95116064 A EP 95116064A EP 0713753 B2 EP0713753 B2 EP 0713753B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
loaf
slicing
food
machine
conveyor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95116064.7A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0713753A2 (de
EP0713753A3 (de
EP0713753B1 (de
Inventor
Scott A. Lindee
Glenn A. Sandberg
Wilbur A. Janssen
David M. Hansen
Arthur A. Johnson
Thomas C. Wolcott
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Formax Inc
Original Assignee
Formax Inc
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=27502211&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0713753(B2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from US08/320,759 external-priority patent/US5628237A/en
Priority claimed from US08/320,749 external-priority patent/US5566600A/en
Priority claimed from US08/320,752 external-priority patent/US5649463A/en
Application filed by Formax Inc filed Critical Formax Inc
Publication of EP0713753A2 publication Critical patent/EP0713753A2/de
Publication of EP0713753A3 publication Critical patent/EP0713753A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0713753B1 publication Critical patent/EP0713753B1/de
Publication of EP0713753B2 publication Critical patent/EP0713753B2/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/22—Safety devices specially adapted for cutting machines
    • B26D7/225—Safety devices specially adapted for cutting machines for food slicers
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
    • B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
    • B26D1/157—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a movable axis
    • B26D1/16—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a movable axis mounted on a movable arm or the like
    • 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
    • B26D3/16—Cutting rods or tubes transversely
    • B26D3/161—Cutting rods or tubes transversely for obtaining more than one product at a time
    • 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
    • B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • 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
    • B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D5/08—Means for actuating the cutting member to effect the cut
    • B26D5/086—Electric, magnetic, piezoelectric, electro-magnetic means
    • 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
    • B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D5/20—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed
    • B26D5/30—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier
    • B26D5/34—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier scanning being effected by a photosensitive device
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0625—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by endless conveyors, e.g. belts
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0683—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form specially adapted for elongated articles
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
    • B26D7/12—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by sharpening the cutting member
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/22—Safety devices specially adapted for cutting machines
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
    • B26D7/30—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for weighing cut product
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
    • B26D7/32—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
    • B26D2001/0046—Cutting members therefor rotating continuously about an axis perpendicular to the edge
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
    • B26D2001/006—Cutting members therefor the cutting blade having a special shape, e.g. a special outline, serrations
    • 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
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
    • B26D2007/011—Means for holding or positioning work by clamping claws, e.g. in high speed slicers for food products
    • 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
    • B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
    • B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
    • 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
    • B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
    • B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
    • B26D2210/08—Idle cutting
    • 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
    • B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D5/20—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed
    • B26D5/30—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier
    • B26D5/36—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier scanning being effected by magnetic means
    • 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
    • B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D5/42—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between work feed and clamp

Definitions

  • a variety of different known slicing machines have been used to slice food loaves. They range from small, manually fed slices used in butcher shops and in retail establishments to large, high speed slicers usually employed in meat processing plants.
  • the present invention is directed to a high speed slicing machine used in a meat processing plant and to a method of operation for the machine.
  • Some known high speed food loaf slicing machines have provided for slicing two food loaves simultaneously with a single, cyclically driven knife blade.
  • Other prior high speed slicing machines including that shown in S. Lindee et al. U. S. Patent No. 4,428,263 , have sliced one loaf at a time, but could be expanded to slice two or more loaves simultaneously.
  • none of the prior high speed slicing machines have had the versatility needed to slice food loaves of the many different sizes and shapes referred to above, particularly with provision for either stacking or shingling of the sliced output, variations in slice thickness and slice count from two different loaves, and precision control of the weight of slice groups.
  • the previously known slicing stations have had problems with closing off the slicing station during machine clean up, sharpening of the knife blade, and unwanted intrusion of a food loaf into the slicing station at the wrong time.
  • DE-A-30 10 732 discloses a High speed food loaf slicing machine comprising a slicing station including a knife blade and a knife blade drive driving the knife blade along a predetermined cutting path, and loaf support means for supporting a first food loaf for movement along a first loaf path, into the slicing station for repetitive slicing by the knife blade, wherein the food loaf is loaded onto the loaf support means and rests on the loaf support means during slicing; the machine comprising:
  • the invention relates to an improved high speed food loaf slicing machine comprising a slicing station including a knife blade and a knife blade drive driving the knife blade along a predetermined cutting path, and loaf support means for supporting a first food loaf and a second food loaf for movement along parallel first and second loaf paths, respectively, into the slicing station for repetitive slicing of both loaves by the knife blade.
  • the machine comprises a first loaf feed drive for advancing the first food loaf along the first loaf path at a first preselected loaf feed rate, and a second loaf feed drive for advancing the second food loaf along the second loaf path at a second preselected loaf feed rate.
  • Means are provided for varying one loaf feed rate independently of the other so that slices cut from one loaf can differ in thickness from slices cut from the other.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a food loaf slicing machine 50 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Slicing machine 50 comprises a base 51 which, in a typical machine, may have an overall height H of approximately 32 inches (81 cm), an overall length L of about 103 inches (262 cm), and a width W of approximately 41 inches (104 cm).
  • Base 51 is mounted upon four fixed pedestals or feet 52 (three of the feet 52 appear in Fig. 1 ) and has a housing or enclosure 53 surmounted by a top 58.
  • Base 51 typically affords an enclosure for a computer 54, a low voltage supply 55, a high voltage supply 56, and a scale mechanism 57.
  • Base enclosure 53 may also include a pneumatic supply or a hydraulic supply, or both (not shown).
  • Slicing machine 50 includes a conveyor drive 61 utilized to drive an output conveyor/classifier system 64.
  • a front side guard 62 extending upwardly from the top 58 of base 51 at the near side of the slicing machine 50 as illustrated in Fig. 1 .
  • a similar front side guard 63 appears at the opposite side of machine 50.
  • the two side guards 62 and 63 extend upwardly from base top 58 at an angle of approximately 45° and terminate at the bottom 65 of a slicing station 66; member 65 constitutes a part of the housing for slicing station 66.
  • There is a conveyor/classifier guard (not shown) between side guards 62 and 63, below the bottom 65 of slicing station 66.
  • the slicing machine 50 of Fig. 1 further includes a computer display touch screen 69 in a cabinet 67 that is pivotally mounted on and supported by a support 68.
  • Support 68 is affixed to and projects outwardly from a member 74 that constitutes a front part of the housing of slicing head 66.
  • Cabinet 67 and its computer display touch screen 69 are pivotally mounted so that screen 69 can face either side of slicing machine 50, allowing machine 50 to be operated from either side.
  • Cabinet 67 also serves as a support for a cycle start switch 71, a cycle stop switch 72, and a loaf feed on-off switch 73. Switches 71-73 and display/touch screen 69 are electrically connected to computer 54 in base 51.
  • the upper right-hand portion of slicing machine 50 comprises a loaf feed mechanism 75 which, in machine 50, includes a manual feed from the right-hand (far) side of the machine and an automated feed from the left-hand (near) side of the machine.
  • Loaf feed mechanism 75 has an enclosure that includes a far side manual loaf loading door 79 and a near side automatic loaf loading door 78.
  • Slicing machine 50 is equipped for automated loading of loaves from the near side, as seen in Fig. 1 , and manual loading of food loaves on the far side of the machine. It will be understood that automated loaf loading may be provided on either or both sides of the machine; the same holds true for manual loaf loading.
  • versions of slicing machine 50 may have automated loaf loading from the near side and manual loading on the far side, as shown herein, or can be reversed as regards the sides using manual and automated loading.
  • Other versions of slicing machine 50 may have automated loaf loading or manual loaf loading on both sides of the slicing machine.
  • Slicing machine 50 further includes a pivotable upper back frame 81 and an upper back housing 82.
  • Back frame 81 supports the upper ends of many of the components of loaf feed mechanism 75.
  • a loaf feed guard 83 protects the near side of the loaf feed mechanism 75 and shields mechanism 75 from a machine operator. There may be a similar guard on the opposite side of the machine.
  • Behind loaf feed guard 83 there is a loaf lift tray 85 employed to load a food loaf into mechanism 75 during an automated loaf loading operation in machine 50 as described in detail below.
  • a fixed loaf storage tray, used for manual loaf loading, may be located on the opposite side of machine 50 but is not visible in Fig. 1 .
  • An emergency stop switch 87 for interrupting all operations of slicing machine 50 is mounted on the near side of loaf feed guard 83. There may be a similar emergency stop switch on the opposite side of the machine.
  • a loaf lift switch 88 for initiating automated loading of a loaf from tray 85 into mechanism 75 is located immediately below switch 87. There would be a like switch on the opposite side of slicing machine 50 if that side of the machine were equipped for automated loaf loading.
  • An emergency stop switch 89 is mounted on slicing station 66 on the near side of machine 50, and there is a similar switch (not shown) on the opposite side of the slicing station. Switches 87, 88, and 89, and any counterparts on the opposite (far) side of slicing machine 50, are all electrically connected to the controls in enclosure 54.
  • slicing machine 50 is ready for operation. There is a food loaf 91 on tray 85, waiting to be loaded into loaf feed mechanism 75 on the near side of machine 50. Two, three, or even four food loaves may be stored on tray 85, depending on the loaf size. A similar food loaf or loaves may be stored on a corresponding loaf lift tray on the opposite side of machine 50.
  • Machine 50 produces a series of stacks 92 of food loaf slices that are fed outwardly of the machine, in the direction of the arrow A, by conveyor classifier system 64.
  • Machine 50 also produces a series of stacks 93 of food loaf slices that also move outwardly of the machine on its output conveyor system 64 in the direction of arrow A.
  • Stack 92 is shown as comprising slices from a rectangular loaf, and stack 93 is made up of slices from a round loaf. Usually, both of the slice stacks 92 and 93 would be either round or rectangular. Stacks 92 and 93 may have different heights, or slice counts, and hence different weights; as shown, they contain the same number of food loaf slices in each stack, but that condition can be changed. Both groups of slices can be overlapping, "shingled" groups of slices instead of having the illustrated stacked configuration. Groups 92 and 93 must be the same in one respect; both must be stacks or shingle groups. Three or more loaves can be sliced simultaneously; slicing of two loaves is more common.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the slicing machine 50 of Fig. 1 with a number of the covers omitted to reveal operating components of the automated loaf feed mechanism 75 on the near side of the machine.
  • a stack/shingle conveyor drive 101 located on the near side of slicing machine 50.
  • One part of the drive for slicing station 66 is enclosed within a support enclosure 104 on the near side of machine 50.
  • a manual slicing station rotation knob 103 is mounted on and projects into enclosure 104 for mechanical connection to the slicing station drive.
  • At the opposite side of slicing machine 50 there is an enclosure 105 for a knife drive.
  • Slicing station drive enclosure 104 and knife drive enclosure 105 extend upwardly from table top 58 at an angle, preferably approximately 45°, corresponding to the angular alignment of mechanism 75.
  • a loaf tray pivot mechanism 107 is located above top 58 of base 51 on the near side of slicing machine 50. Mechanism 107 is connected to and operates the automatic loaf lift tray 85, as described below. A similar loaf tray pivot mechanism may be provided on the opposite side of slicing machine 50 in a machine equipped for automated loaf loading from both sides.
  • Slicing machine 50 includes a fixed frame pivotally supporting the automated feed mechanism 75 for feeding food loaves into slicing head 66.
  • this fixed frame includes a pair of vertical frame members 111 affixed to base 51 and interconnected by two horizontal frame members 112 and joined to two angle frame members 113 (only one shows in Fig. 2 ).
  • Frame members 111-113 are all located above the top 58 of machine base 51.
  • the frame for loaf feed mechanism 75 in slicing machine 50 also includes a frame member 114 that extends from the upper back frame 81 downwardly, parallel to frame members 113, toward slicing head 66.
  • the upper back frame 81 is mounted on pivot pins between the upper ends of two fixed frame members 127; only one member 127 appears in Fig. 2 . All of the operating elements of the automated food loaf feed mechanism (see Fig. 5 ) are mounted on the back frame and are pivotally movable (through a small angle) relative to the fixed frame 111-113.
  • a manual feed tray 115 is shown at the far side of slicing machine 50 as illustrated in Fig. 2 .
  • a similar manual feed tray may be located at the near side of the machine in a slicing machine using manual feed from both sides of the machine.
  • the principal support for one or more food loaves in mechanism 75 includes three support components, two of which are preferably of unitary one-piece construction.
  • At the top of slicing machine 50, as seen in Fig. 2 there is an upper loaf support tray 116 that has its upper surface aligned with the top surface of a lower loaf support tray 117.
  • Supports 116 and 117 are preferably one piece, being joined by side members omitted in Fig. 2 to avoid overcrowding.
  • the gap between loaf supports 116 and 117 is normally filled by a loaf end discharge door 118; thus, members 116-118 normally afford a continuous loaf support surface that is the bottom for the two loaf paths in slicing machine 50.
  • door 118 is shown in its open discharge position.
  • Door 118 is hinged at the lower edge of loaf support 116 and can be elevated to provide a direct, uninterrupted surface for support of a loaf throughout mechanism 75 during most of the slicing operations carried out by machine 50.
  • a textured upper surface is preferred for support members 116-118 to improve sliding movement of a food loaf along those support members toward slicing station 66.
  • the loaf feed mechanism 75 of slicing machine 50 further includes a central barrier or divider 121.
  • barrier 121 In the position for barrier 121 shown in Fig. 2 , barrier 121 is used to position two food loaves on supports 116-118.
  • This central barrier/divider 121 is suspended from frame member 114 by a plurality of pivotal supports 122, 123 and 124.
  • divider 121 is elevated from the position shown in Fig. 2 (see Figs. 7A , 7B ) to permit loading of one or more food loaves onto the supports 116-118.
  • Barrier 121 is also elevated during loaf slicing so that it will not interfere with other components of mechanism 75.
  • the part of food loaf feed mechanism 75 shown in Fig. 2 also includes a carriage 125 that is mounted upon a rotatable shaft 126 and a stationary shaft 128 that extend parallel to the loaf support 116-118 throughout the length of food loaf feed mechanism 75. That is, carriage 125 moves along shafts 126 and 128 on a path approximately parallel to support members 113. There is a like carriage, carriage shafts, and carriage drive on the far side of slicing machine 50.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the same slicing machine 50 that is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in a conceptual view showing additional components for loaf feed mechanism 75 and other parts of the slicing machine.
  • Fig. 3 also illustrates the general arrangement of operating components within slicing head 66, one construction that may be used for conveyor/classifier system 64, and the drive motors for parts of slicing machine 50.
  • system 64 includes an inner stacking or receiving conveyor 130 located immediately below slicing head 66; conveyor 130 is sometimes called a "jump" conveyor in some versions of machine 50. From conveyor 130 groups of food loaf slices, stacked or shingled, are transferred to a decelerating conveyor 131 and then to a weighing or scale conveyor 132. From the scale conveyor 132 groups of food loaf slices move on to an outer classifier conveyor 134. On the far side of slicing machine 50 the sequence is the same, but that side of system 64 ends with a second outer classifier conveyor 135 located next to conveyor 134; see Fig. 4B .
  • Slicing machine 50 may further include a vertically movable stacking grid 136 comprising a plurality of stack members joined together and interleaved one-for-one with the moving elements of the inner stack/receive conveyor 130.
  • Stacking grid 136 can be lowered and raised by a stack lift mechanism 138, as shown in Fig. 3 .
  • food loaf slices may be grouped in shingled or in stacked relationship directly on the receive/stack conveyor 130, with a series of stacking pins 137 replacing grid 136 (see Fig. 4B ).
  • lift mechanism 138 is preferably connected directly to and is used for vertical positioning of conveyor 130.
  • Slicing machine 50 further comprises a scale or weighing grid comprising a first plurality of scale grid elements 141 and a second similar group of scale grid elements 142; each group of grid elements is interleaved one-for-one with the moving belts or like members of scale conveyor 132.
  • Scale grids 141 and 142 are a part of scale mechanism 57 (see Fig. 1 ).
  • a scale conveyor lift mechanism 143 is provided for and is mechanically connected to scale conveyor 132. There is no weighing mechanism associated with either of the two output or classifier conveyors 134 and 135. However, there is a classifier conveyor lift mechanism 144 connected to the near side classifier conveyor 134.
  • a similar lift device 145 is provided for the other output classifier conveyor 135. Lift devices 144 and 145 are employed to pivot conveyors 134 and 135, respectively, from their illustrated positions to elevated "reject" positions, depending on the results of the weighing operations in machine 50 ahead of conveyors 134 and 135. See also Fig. 4B .
  • slicing station 66 is shown to include a rotating spindle or head 148.
  • Head 148 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow D; the range of head speeds is quite large and may typically be from ten to seven hundred fifty rpm.
  • a round knife blade 149 is shown rotatably mounted at a non-centralized location on head 148. Knife blade 149 is driven separately from head 148, rotating clockwise in the direction of arrow E. The range of knife blade speeds again is quite large and may typically be from ten to four thousand six hundred rpm. Blade 149 thus performs an orbital motion while it rotates.
  • Other slicing head constructions may be used in machine 50, so long as the cutting edge of knife blade 149 moves along a predetermined cutting path in each cycle of operation; however, the illustrated configuration is preferred.
  • loaf feed mechanism 75 includes a near side clamp or gripper mechanism 151. There is a similar gripper mechanism (not shown) at the far side of slicing machine 50.
  • Gripper 151 which is connected to carriage 125 ( Fig. 2 ), may have the construction shown in Fig. 15 , or it may use the preferred construction of Figs. 10-12 .
  • Loaf feed mechanism 75 further comprises a near side sweep member 153 suspended from two sweep carriages 154 which in turn are each mounted upon a pair of sweep support rods 155.
  • Sweep mechanism 153-155 is employed on the near side of machine 50.
  • a corresponding sweep mechanism (not shown) may be located on the far side of a slicing machine equipped for automated loaf loading from both sides.
  • a somewhat different manual food loaf load arrangement is used in machine 50; see Fig. 14 .
  • Sweep carriages 154 are driven along rods 155 by belts, not shown in Fig. 3 , as indicated by arrows B.
  • Rods 155 are connected to a rotatable sweep actuator 156 for actuation thereby.
  • Slicing machine 50 is intended to accommodate food loaves of widely varying sizes; it can even be used as a bacon slicer. This makes it necessary to afford a height adjustment for the food loaves as they move from loaf feed mechanism 75 into slicing head 66. In Fig. 3 , this height adjustment, described more fully hereinafter, is generally indicated at 161.
  • Slicing machine 50 further comprises a system of short conveyors for advancing food loaves from loaf feed mechanism 75 into slicing head 66.
  • the short conveyor systems are actually a part of loaf feed mechanism 75.
  • Fig. 3 shows two short lower loaf feed conveyors 163 and 164 on the near and far sides of slicing machine 50, respectively. These short lower conveyors 163 and 164 are located immediately below two short upper feed conveyors 165 and 166, respectively.
  • the term "short" refers to the length of the conveyors parallel to the food loaf paths along support 116-118, not to the conveyor lengths transverse to those paths.
  • the upper conveyor 165 of the pair 163 and 165 is displaceable so that the displacement between conveyors 163 and 165 can be varied to accommodate food loaves of varying height.
  • This adjustment is provided by a conveyor lift actuator 167 that urges conveyor 165 downwardly.
  • a similar conveyor actuator is located on the far side of machine 50 to adjust the height of the other upper short conveyor 166; the second actuator cannot be seen in Fig. 3 .
  • the drive motors for the operating mechanisms in slicing machine 50 are shown in Fig. 3 .
  • the drive motor for the head or spindle 148 in slicing station 66 is a D.C. variable speed servo motor 171 mounted in the machine base 51.
  • a similar servo motor 172 drives the knife blade 149.
  • the receiver lift mechanism 138 is driven by a stacker lift motor 173, again preferably a variable speed D.C. servo motor.
  • the loaf feed drive mechanism comprising gripper 151 and the short loaf feed conveyors 163 and 165 is driven by a servo motor 174.
  • a like motor 175 on the far side of machine 50 affords an independent drive for the gripper and the "short" loaf feed conveyors 164 and 166 on that side of the slicing machine; see Fig. 4B .
  • Fig. 4A affords an extended, simplified illustration of the slicing station 66 of the slicing machine of Figs. 1-3 , along with the loaf feed drives.
  • servo motor 174 is shown connected, as by a series of timing belts 177 and a pair of universal-joint drive connectors 178, in driving relation to loaf feed conveyor drive pulleys 181 and 182 and to another loaf feed belt drive pulley 180.
  • Pulley 181 is the drive pulley for the near side lower "short" loaf feed conveyor 163; pulley 182 is the drive pulley for the near side upper "short” loaf feed conveyor 165 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • Pulley 180 is the drive pulley for a belt 334 ( Fig. 6 ) that drives gripper carriage 125. All of the loaf feed drive pulleys 180-182 ( Fig. 4A ) have the same peripheral speed. Variation of the operating speed of servo motor 174 serves to vary the speed at which one food loaf (e.g., loaf 502) is advanced into slicing station 66.
  • one food loaf e.g., loaf 502
  • Fig. 4A there is another servo motor 175 that, through a series of belts 184 and a pair of universal-joint drive connectors 185, drives the drive pulleys 187 and 188 for the far side "short" loaf feed conveyors 164 and 166; see Fig. 3 .
  • Motor 175 also drives a drive pulley 189 for a gripper carriage drive belt (not shown) that is a part of the food loaf feed on the far side of machine 50.
  • the peripheral speeds for the loaf food drive pulleys 187-189 are all the same.
  • the two servo motors 174 and 175 are adjustable in speed, independently of each other. Thus, either motor may have its speed regulated to adjust slice thickness for one loaf (e.g. loaf 503) independently of the other (e.g. loaf 502).
  • Fig. 4A schematically illustrates the drive connection from servo motor 171 to the head or spindle 148 in slicing station 66, through a belt 190; head 148 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by arrow D.
  • Servo motor 172 rotates knife blade 149 clockwise (arrow E) through a drive connection afforded by two timing belts 191. Orbital movement of knife blade 149 depends upon the rotational speed of servo motor 171 and the speed of rotational movement of the blade is controlled by motor 172. Each can be varied independently of the other.
  • a marker 901 is mounted on spindle 148; a sensor 902 is positioned to detect the presence of marker 901. Marker 901 may be a permanent magnet.
  • Devices 901 and 902 when aligned, determine that spindle 148 is in a predetermined "home” position; when head 148 is in its “home” position, as shown in Fig. 4A , blade 149 is also located at "home”.
  • Marker 901 may comprise a small permanent magnet and sensor 902 can be an electromagnetic sensor responsive to magnetic flux.
  • Fig. 4B shows the manner in which lift motor 173 is connected to receiving conveyor 130 by lift mechanism 138; the drive connection is afforded by connection of a yoke 192 to a timing belt 193 driven by servo motor 173.
  • motor 173 acts to lift or lower receiver conveyor 130; these actions (arrows F) are carried out cyclically for each group of slices cut from a loaf or loaves 502 and 503 fed into slicing station 66 in the direction of arrow L, Fig. 4A .
  • Conveyor 130 also requires a drive motor, shown in Fig. 5 as the servo motor 176, driving conveyor 130 through a belt 194 in drive 101.
  • motor 176 may rotate slowly in the direction of arrow C (clockwise as seen in Fig. 5 ) while motor 173 and mechanism 138 lower conveyor 130 to obtain precise vertical stacks for each group of slices from each loaf. If shingled groups are desired, motor 176 rotates slowly counterclockwise (opposite arrow C) while the loaves are sliced. When the slice groups are complete, motor 176 drives conveyor 130 and stacker pins 137 rapidly counter-clockwise to shift the group of slices, stacked or shingled as the case may be, onto deceleration conveyor 131. Thereafter, motor 173 again elevates the receiver conveyor 130 rapidly to be in an elevated position, ready to receive two new groups of food loaf slices.
  • conveyors 131 and 132 share a common shaft 129, also seen in Fig. 3 ; a pulley 133 is mounted on shaft 129. Shaft 129 and pulley 133 are at a fixed height. The end of conveyor 131 opposite pulley 133 is adjustable upwardly and downwardly to the level necessary to receive groups of food loaf slices from conveyor 130; see arrows G in Fig. 4B .
  • the vertical movements of conveyor 131 are provided by mounting the inner end of conveyor 131 (right hand end as seen in Fig. 4B ) on a yoke 197 that is moved upwardly or downwardly by a motor 196.
  • Motor 196 may comprise a pneumatic device, but a hydraulic device or an electrical motor could be used.
  • the height of the end of deceleration conveyor 131 connected to yoke 197 does not change during slicing.
  • the outer (left-hand) end of scale conveyor 132 is dropped a short distance and subsequently elevated to the position illustrated in Fig. 4B each time a group of food loaf slices (usually two groups side-by-side) traverses the scale conveyor; see arrows H.
  • This brief vertical movement of the outer end of conveyor 132 is effected by the scale lift mechanism 143.
  • a pneumatic cylinder is preferred for lift 143; a hydraulic cylinder or an electrical linear motor could be used.
  • Mechanism 143 promptly moves scale conveyor 132 back up to again lift and carry the slice groups onward to classifier conveyors 134 and 135.
  • Each group of food loaf slices that weighs in within a preset tolerance range is discharged downwardly with its classifier conveyor held down in the "in tolerance" position shown for classifier conveyor 134 in Fig. 4B .
  • the weight tolerance range may be different for slice groups on the near and far sides of scale conveyor 132.
  • Each group of slices that does not come within the selected weight range is diverted upwardly by its classifier conveyor, held elevated in the "reject" position shown for conveyor 135 in Fig. 4B .
  • Vertical movements of the outer ends of classifier conveyors 134 and 135 are effected by linear lift mechanisms 144 and 145 for conveyors 134 and 135 respectively.
  • Pneumatic cylinders are preferred for devices 144 and 145, but other mechanisms could be employed.
  • load cell 198 weights that group of slices. It is this weighing operation that determines whether the classifier conveyor 134 is maintained in the lower "in tolerance position shown in Fig. 4B or is moved up to the "reject" position shown for conveyor 135 in Fig. 4B .
  • Load cell 199 performs the same basic weighing operation for each group of food loaf slices on the far side of the machine.
  • weight signals from load cells 198 and 199 are used to actuate cylinders 144 and 145 to elevate conveyors 134 and 135, respectively, to their "reject" alignments when food loaf slice groups are not in the preset weight ranges established for the loaves being sliced.
  • the signal from the applicable load cell is used to actuate the associated cylinder 144 or 145 to move the related classifier conveyor 134 or 135 down to its "in tolerance” position or to maintain that classifier conveyor down in the "in tolerance” position.
  • Conveyors 131, 132, 134 and 135 all are driven at the same preselected speed, in the direction of arrow A, Fig. 4B . That speed is adjusted to fit requirements imposed by the speed of the cutting blade in station 66, Fig. 4A .
  • a conveyor drive motor 260 ( Fig. 4B ) is connected to a timing belt 261 that drives a spindle/pulley 262 serving both classifier conveyors 134 and 135.
  • the drive spindle/pulley 262 is mounted on a shaft 263; the end of shaft 263 opposite belt 261 carries a drive pulley 264 in mesh with a timing belt 265 used to rotate shaft 129 and the spindle 133 that drives both of the belt conveyors 131 and 132.
  • Fig. 5 affords a simplified schematic illustration of most of the loaf loading and loaf feed mechanisms in the slicing machine.
  • a loaf lift cylinder 365 having an actuating rod 266 connected to a crank 267 that in turn drives a loaf lift lever 268.
  • These members are a part of the loaf lift mechanism 107 that lifts storage tray 85 from its storage position ( Figs. 1-3 ) into alignment with the support 116-118 ( Fig. 2 ) on which food loaves rest during slicing.
  • the loaf lift mechanism is actuated only during loaf loading; during a loaf feeding/slicing operation, cylinder 365 ( Fig. 5 ) is not normally actuated and keeps tray 85 in its storage position. However, tray 85 may be elevated, ready to load a new loaf or loaves into feed mechanism 75, near the end of slicing.
  • Fig. 5 shows the "short" conveyors 163-166, with the two upper “short” conveyors 165 and 166 mounted on the housings of cylinders 167.
  • Cylinders 167 have fixed shafts; air applied under pressure to the cylinders tends to drive their housings, and hence conveyors 165 and 166, down toward the lower conveyors 163 and 164.
  • Downward movement of the upper conveyors is blocked by a shear edge member 501 that is specific to the size of loaves being sliced, so that each pair of the conveyors engages opposite sides (top and bottom) of a food loaf being sliced.
  • the drive spindles 181, 182, and 187 for conveyors 163, 165 and 164 appear in Fig. 5 ; their drives are shown in Fig. 4A .
  • the drive pulley 180 shown in Fig. 4A , also appears in Fig. 5 . It is in meshing engagement with a near side timing belt 334 that extends the full length of the loaf feed mechanism 75.
  • Belt 334 is connected to the gripper carriage 125 on the near side of the slicing machine and is used to drive the carriage toward the slicing station.
  • Two parallel shafts 126 and 128 guide movements of each of the carriages 125. Shafts 128 are stationary but each of the shafts 126 can be rotated by means of a loaf door cylinder 271 and a connecting crank 272.
  • Each carriage 125 has an extension 597 for connection to a loaf end gripper.
  • Fig. 5 it is seen that there are two loaf doors 377, one on each side of the feed mechanism 75, immediately to the right of conveyors 163-166.
  • the near side loaf door 377 is mounted on shaft 126 so that it can be rotated to close off access of a food loaf into the space between conveyors 163 and 165.
  • the far side loaf door 377 is mounted on the other shaft 126 and can be rotated to close off access of a food loaf into the space between conveyors 164 and 166.
  • Fig. 5 shows the central barrier or divider 121 that is suspended from an auxiliary frame member 114 by three pivotal hangers 122-124.
  • the hanger 122 at the right-hand end of barrier 121, as seen in Fig. 5 is connected by a shaft 304 to an air cylinder or other linear actuator 302.
  • Linear actuator 302 can be used to lift barrier 121, pivotally, to a point clear of any food loaves in the loaf feed mechanism, as described hereinafter.
  • Sweep 153 is suspended from two hangers/carriages 504, each connected to a drive belt 507.
  • Belts 507 are timing belts, each engaging a drive pulley 508 and an idler pulley 509.
  • the idlers 509 are mounted on a shaft 511.
  • the drive pulleys 508 are affixed to a shaft 505 rotated by a loaf sweep motor 281.
  • Fig. 5 shows a loaf discharge door 118 that is a central part of the loaf support for the slicing machine.
  • Door 118 is shown, in Fig. 5 , in its elevated normal position, the position the door occupies when slicing is going forward.
  • Door 118 is connected by a long rod 325 to a linear actuator 321 that opens the door to allow discharge of an unsliced butt end of a loaf, as described below.
  • Fig. 5 Some of the manual loaf loading components of mechanism 75 do not appear in Fig. 5 ; they are masked by the manual loaf door 79 which is mounted on a shaft 515. Shaft 515 is rotated by a manual door cylinder 291 connected to the shaft by its operating rod 292 and a crank 293.
  • Slicing machine 50 ( Figs. 1-3 ) is fully computer controlled. Accordingly, basic operation can be described in conjunction with a flow chart indicative of the control functions carried out by the computer program. Figs. 6A and 6B afford the requisite flow chart; Fig. 6B follows Fig. 6A .
  • the basic preferred driver software is TOUCH BASE driver software, licensed by Touch Base, Ltd. through Computer Dynamics of Greer, South Carolina; this driver software package allows operation of the touch screen functions used in slicing machine 50. If this driver software does not load on start up there is a serious problem with computer control.
  • slicing machine 50 when slicing machine 50 is first placed in operation, power to the machine is turned on, as by actuation of an appropriate input power supply switch.
  • This input power switch is not shown in the drawings; the power supply switch may be located in or on base 51 of machine 50. Calibration of the touch screen may be required on start up; if so the operator of the slicing machine initiates calibration by actuating switches 72 and 73 ( Figs. 1-3 ) simultaneously. If no calibration is needed, the first step in computer control of machine 50, in the initial part of the flow chart ( Fig. 6A ), is an initial start 201, also effected by the machine operator.
  • step 202 of the flow chart a check is made to determine if the driver software is loaded; if not, a warning reset is supplied to step 201.
  • the program recorded in computer 54 ( Fig. 1 ) performs a sequence of initial functions, indicated by step 203 in Fig. 6A .
  • These initial functions may include initializing interrupt of vectors, graphics driver, determination of spindle tracking hours, establishment of product codes for defaults, and a check of a battery energized backup record memory (RAM).
  • the computer program also sets the appropriate code to match the product to be sliced by the machine, selects several action boards previously set up in the computer, makes a determination of motion control interrupt functions, establishes raw data for scale arrays related to the food loaf products and the slicing operation, and selects previously recorded graphics pertaining to a wide variety of different products so that the graphics subsequently displayed on screen 69 match the product being processed.
  • the computer program in the course of the initial functions step 203 ( Fig. 6A ), sets the maximum knife speed ratio relative to the speed of slicing head 66 required for the desired slicing operation. For any of these initial functions, some input from the machine operator may be necessary; most inputs are effected by operator touch on screen 69 ( Figs. 1-3 ).
  • the touch/display screen 69 has been energized; the computer program for machine 50, in step 204, Fig. 6A , sets up a title page on the screen pertaining to the slicing and grouping operation or operations to be performed by machine 50.
  • the computer program operates (step 205) to start up various power systems in machine 50.
  • These functions may include initialization of an air pressure system or a hydraulic pressure system in machine 50, or both, depending on the requirements of operating components in the machine. Pneumatic actuation is usually preferred.
  • a motor control power circuit, included in the high voltage power supply 56 ( Fig. 1 ), is energized so that electrical motors (mostly A.C.
  • step 205 the computer program also determines appropriate sample periods for weighing operations and a seam correction for the scales actuated by weighing grids 141 and 142; the sample periods may be the same if machine 50 is to produce just one product from two or more separate loaves.
  • step 205 the computer program also determines the average slice thickness required for each product from machine 50. Again, the slice thicknesses (and the loaf and knife speeds that determine those thicknesses) may be the same, or they may be different for loaves sliced on the near and far sides of machine 50.
  • step 206 This idle loop start step can go forward only if there are appropriate inputs from two flag determinations performed in steps 234 and 237 in Fig. 6B .
  • appropriate inputs are available from both of the two steps 234 and 237 in Fig. 6B .
  • step 206 in Fig. 6A the program for slicing machine 50 tracks the running of calculation of a total time for the anticipated run of the slicing machine by reading start time and stop time and taking the difference; the computer also performs a plurality of other tracking functions in step 207 ( Fig. 6A ).
  • the computer records the total run time and also records the total time for power to be on, which may be somewhat longer.
  • the computer program may make a determination of the time period permissible before service of slicing machine 50 is required.
  • step 207 the computer determines if an emergency stop check can be cleared in the next step 208. What this amounts to is a check to determine whether any of the emergency stop switches 87 and 89 have been actuated. If an emergency stop signal has been recorded, there is a "yes" output at step 209 in the program, resulting in initiation of a subsequent step 211. In step 211 the computer records a fault message, turns off all machine outputs, and stops all machine motors. If there is a "no" output at step 209, indicative of the fact that no emergency stop switch has been actuated, then a step 212 is carried out by the computer to clear any emergency stop message that may be held over from previous operations and to clear all flags from the control system.
  • the computer of slicing machine 50 makes a determination as to whether an emergency stop has been set. If this action has occurred, the next step 214 is the performance of a servo check by the computer and a determination of whether the drives for machine 50 are not ready for operation or if there has been a fault due to a thermal overload. In this step 214 the computer also may set a "stop now" flag. If such a flag is set, in the next step 215 the existence of that flag is identified and a further program step 216 is initiated to stop all motion in the slicing machine 50 and to carry out a normal shut down of that machine.
  • step 217 is initiated to check whether all guards and doors have been closed on machine 50 and the motor drives for the slicing machine are ready for operation.
  • the computer also makes a determination of whether electrical faults have occurred as a result of vibration or other causes. If no fault is ascertained, an enabling output is produced in the next step 218 and fed back to the servo check of step 214. If a fault is found, the next program step 219 is initiated, setting a fault message, turning all outputs off, and stopping all motors in the slicing machine 50. The output from step 219 is supplied back to the servo check step 214.
  • steps 207-209 and 211-219 are all enclosed in a phantom outline 221, which is referred to again hereinafter in conjunction with a portion 248 of Fig. 6B .
  • the next step in the flow chart of Fig. 6A is a determination of whether a product removal flag has been set; see step 222. If such a flag has been set, a subsequent program step 223 is initiated. At this juncture, if the operator has held the load feed switch 73 ( Fig. 1 ) actuated for a predetermined minimum period (typically five seconds) then the computer program prepares for product removal. Completion of step 223 or a determination in step 222 that no product removal flag has been set results in initiation of a further step 224, constituting a display of an emergency stop message on display screen 69 ( Fig. 1 ), if previously set.
  • step 224 in the next step 226 of Fig. 6A the recorded program of slicing machine 50 checks to determine whether a flag has been set to preclude jogging of the conveyor system 64. If there is an affirmative output from step 226, a subsequent step 227 starts jogging movement of the conveyor system. An output from step 227 or a negative output from step 226 initiates a subsequent step 228, which is a check to determine whether a flag has been set for stopping jogging movement of the conveyor system. If no such flag has been set there is an output to the initial stage 232 of Fig. 6B . If there is an affirmative output from step 228, then an additional step 229 is carried out to stop jogging movement of the conveyor system 64 ( Fig. 1 ).
  • Fig. 6B shows the steps for the remainder of the flow chart that began with Fig. 6A .
  • a program step 232 in which the computer looks to see if there has been a start run and a fault set. If both conditions have occurred while attempting to start a run cycle, there is a yes output from step 232 to the next step 233 and a disabling cycle is initiated for slicing machine 50 by the program prerecorded in its computer.
  • step 233 if there has been a run flag, so that running of the machine is not permissible, that flag may be cleared.
  • step 233 is by-passed.
  • step 234 the program is checking to see whether the cycle start switch 71 has been actuated by the operator. If not, there is an output to step 206 in Fig. 6A . If the operator has actuated the run/start control switch, there is an enabling output to the next step 235 in the flow chart.
  • the computer performs a variety of functions. To begin with, it records the time that machine 50 has been out of operation for faults and starts a number of machine subsystems in operation. Thus, in display 69 the computer program causes the display of a homing message.
  • the knife 149 in slicing head 66 ( Fig. 3 ) is brought to a home orientation.
  • the clamps 151 of loaf feed system 75 (see Fig. 3 ) are also brought to their respective home positions. Other homing operations are performed for the conveyors of conveyor system 64.
  • the computer checks to see if the enclosure doors for loaf feed system 75 are closed, as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • Center divider 121 ( Figs.
  • step 236 is effected; machine 50 is now ready to start slicing. It is assumed that there is an appropriate input to program step 236 from the final step of the flow chart, as described below.
  • next step 237 of the program illustrated by the flow chart of Fig. 6B the computer of machine 50 ascertains whether a flag has been set to permit running operation. This is a requirement imposed upon the machine operator. If it has not been fulfilled, there is a no output from stage 237 to step 206 in the portion of the flow chart illustrated in Fig. 6A , so that machine 50 reverts to its idle mode of operation. However, if the operator has set a run flag to indicate that machine 50 is ready for slicing and that such operation is desired, then there is an output from program step 237 to the next step 241.
  • step 241 affords a YES output to the next step 242 to make profile corrections. If there are to be no profile corrections, or if none are required, the next input is to program step 243.
  • the touch screen 69 is checked to see if the operator has entered instructions by means of a touch; the selected screen image is displayed.
  • the computer checks to see if gross weight is to be measured. If the answer is YES, a gross weight for the product is determined in step 245.
  • step 246 the computer ascertains whether a stop switch has been actuated or a fault has been found by the sensor switches of machine 50, such as sensor switches that determine whether all guards are in place. If, in step 246, it is determined that operation of the slicing machine 50 should not begin, then in the next step 247 all motion within the machine is interrupted and a normal shutdown is carried out. Step 247 is by-passed if there is a negative condition ascertained in step 246. After step 247, the program represented by the flow chart performs functions, in a composite step 248 that correspond in all respects to the functions described above for steps 207-209 and 211-219 in phantom outline 221 of Fig. 6A .
  • an input to the next step 252 in the flow chart may result in a determination that the gripper clamps 151 of machine 50 ( Fig. 3 ) need to be retracted, or that they do not need to be retracted. If the clamps must be retracted, then program step 253 comes into play. The clamps are retracted, and the average load time and number of loaves are tracked. On the other hand, step 253 in the program may be by-passed by a negative output from step 252. In either case, there is an enabling input to program step 254, where it is ascertained whether the grippers 151 are ready to grip food loaves. If yes, the gripping operation of step 255 is initiated.
  • Step 256 may also be enabled by an output from step 255.
  • a positive output results in an enabling signal to the next step 257, to cause the machine to weigh each product slice group as it leaves the machine. If the sliced product group (or groups) is not in position for weighing, there is a negative output from step 256, or an output from step 257, supplied to the run loop start step 236 to maintain the slicing machine in operation. Either way, operation continues until a given desired slicing operation is finished.
  • Figs. 7A , 7B , 8 and 9 illustrate many features of the present embodiment.
  • Fig. 7C shows how Figs. 7A and 7B abut each other. All are concerned with the mechanism 75 used to feed two or more food loaves along parallel paths, each defined by the supports 116-118 that lead into slicing head 66. See Figs. 1-3 and 5 .
  • the back frame 81 comprises a transverse frame member 301 mounted for limited pivotal movement about a pair of pivots 310 (only one shown). Indeed, all of the operating components of loaf feed mechanism are pivoted for very limited movement about pivots 310.
  • actuator 302 which may be a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical linear actuator, is mounted on frame member 301. A pneumatic actuator is preferred.
  • the operating rod 303 of actuator 302 is connected to one end of drive rod 304 by a connector 305.
  • the direction of movement of rods 303 and 304 is indicated by an arrow I.
  • the other end of drive rod 304 is connected to the leg of the first pivotal barrier support member 122.
  • Support member 122 is generally T-shaped, rotated 90° so that the leg of the T is horizontal and the bar of the T is vertical.
  • One end of the bar portion of support 122 is pivotally connected to frame member 114 at a pivot 306.
  • the other end of the bar of support 122 is pivotally connected to barrier 121 at a pivot 307.
  • Each is a simple linear vertical support bar, pivotally connected to a fixed point on frame member 114 at a pivot 308 and connected to barrier 121 at a pivot 309.
  • the divider 121 which is preferably generally V-shaped in cross section (see Figs. 13 and 14 ), constitutes an elongated barrier located at the center of the loaf feed mechanism 75 between the first and second loaf paths of the slicing machine.
  • barrier 121 is shown in solid lines in a first operating position, in which the barrier is engageable with the adjacent inner surfaces of two feed loaves (not shown).
  • barrier 121 is displaced to a second operating position 121A clear of any food loaves on the food loaf paths.
  • Barrier 121 is also held elevated in its second operating position 121A while food loaves are sliced. Displacement of barrier 121 between its first and second operating positions is effected by the barrier displacement means 302-305, Fig. 7A .
  • linear actuator 302 has been energized and has driven the piston rod-connector rod assembly 303-305 in the direction of arrow I, Fig. 7A .
  • This movement of connector rod 304 rotates barrier support member 122 clockwise along path 311, as seen in Fig. 7A , to the position indicated by phantom outline 122A, moving barrier 121 to its elevated second operating position 121A.
  • barrier 121 is connected in a parallelogram structure with pivotal supports 123 and 124, the complete barrier is moved up to its second operating position, shown by phantom outlines 121A in Figs. 7A and 7B .
  • linear motor 302 is deenergized, assuming a spring-return linear actuator is employed. If there is no spring return or the like in actuator 302, reverse energization may be used. In either event, the piston rod/connection rod assembly 303-305 is pulled back, opposite to arrow I, Fig. 7A , and barrier 121 is pulled down to the first operating position shown in solid lines in Figs. 7A and 7B .
  • a positive return drive is preferred, so that on its return (downward) movement barrier 121 is forced between the loaves in mechanism 75 to align them accurately on the parallel food paths on supports 116-118, the food paths that end at slicing head 66.
  • Linear actuator 302 is again energized to shift barrier 121 back to its alternate position 121A after the loaves have been engaged by grippers 151 (as described below) so that the barrier does not interfere with air and/or other lines connected to the grippers.
  • the loaf feed mechanism includes two rotatable shafts 126; only one shaft 126 appears in Figs. 7A and 7B .
  • the two rotatable shafts 126, one on each side of the slicing machine, are generally parallel to the main frame members 113. However, these shafts, and the other components of the loaf feed mechanism in machine 50, are movable through a small range, relative to slicing head 66, to accommodate variations in loaf size.
  • Two additional, non-rotatable shafts 128 are included in the loaf feed mechanism 75, parallel to shafts 126. Only one shaft 126, one shaft 128, and one main frame member 113 appear in Figs. 7A and 7B .
  • the loaf supports 116 and 117 which are parallel to shafts 126 and 128, remain in place at all times when the slicing machine is ready for operation or in operation. During cleanup of machine 50, they are dropped to afford access to portions of the loaf feed mechanisms.
  • Door 118 which closes the gap between trays 116 and 117, serves a more active purpose.
  • the door actuator 321 which may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical linear actuator, is mounted on member 301 within the housing 82 of back frame 81, Fig. 7A .
  • a pneumatic actuator 321 is preferred.
  • the operating rod 322 of door actuator 321 is connected to one end of a link 323 that projects through a sleeve 324 in frame member 301; the other end of link 323 is pivotally connected to one end of a connector rod 325.
  • the other end of rod 325 is pivotally connected to a depending portion 326 of door 118; see Fig. 7B .
  • Door 118 is pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft 327 that extends across loaf feed mechanism 75.
  • Door 118 has two operational positions. In its elevated or closed position, shown in solid lines in Fig. 7B , the upper surface of door 118 is flush with and constitutes a substantially continuous bridge between the upper surfaces of loaf trays 116 and 117. That elevated position is usually occupied by door 118 while food loaves are fed along the loaf paths, of which door 118 is a part, leading into slicing head 66 ( Figs. 1-3 and 5 ). But when slicing nears completion, actuator 321 ( Fig. 7A ) is energized to pull its piston 322 and rods 323 and 325 to the right, as seen in both of Figs. 7A and 7B . This movement pivots door 118 counterclockwise, as seen in Fig.
  • Door 118 is preferably closed, as by de-energizing or reverse energizing linear actuator 321, before new food loaves are deposited on supports 116 and 117.
  • slicing machine 50 provides loaf feed means for advancing food loaves along each of the two loaf paths based on supports 116-118. There are independent drives or feed means for each of the loaf paths. One such feed means and its associated drive are shown in Figs. 7A and 7B , with some components shown in greater detail in Figs. 8 and 9 . These mechanisms are duplicated for the other, parallel food path; see Fig. 5 .
  • gripper 151 is mounted on an extension 597 of carriage 125 by a bracket 381; carriage 125 engages and slides longitudinally along the rotatable shaft 126 and the parallel fixed shaft 128.
  • a gripper is described in detail below in connection with Figs. 10-12 ; another gripper construction is described in regard to Fig. 15 .
  • each gripper has a plurality of tines 332 that can be actuated to penetrate and grip one end of a feed loaf supported on members 116-118. Tines 332 can also be released from gripping engagement with the end of the loaf when desired.
  • gripper 151 is shown at its home position, ready for use, with its tines 332 retracted.
  • Carriage 125 is connected to the upper run of a timing belt 334 that extends for the full length of loaf transfer mechanism 75.
  • Timing belt 334 engages an idler sprocket 335 at the right-hand end of the transfer mechanism 75 ( Fig. 7A ); the timing belt engages a drive sprocket 180 at the other end of the belt ( Fig. 7B ) adjacent slicing station 66 and its orbiting blade 149.
  • each loaf feed means in machine 50 includes two short conveyors, exemplified by conveyors 164 and 166 in Figs. 7B and 8 .
  • the lowermost "short" conveyor 164 which is shown in detail section on an enlarged scale in Fig. 9 , includes the drive pulley 181 mounted on a drive shaft 337, a first idler 339, and a second idler 341 mounted on a pair of levers 342 (only one shown) affixed to a shaft 346.
  • a wide conveyor belt 343 is entrained around pulleys 181, 339, and 341.
  • Belt 343 is mounted on conveyor 164 with idler pulley 341 in the position 341A.
  • Levers 342 are pivoted clockwise, as indicated by arrow L in Fig. 9 , to place belt 343 in tension.
  • Belt 343 may have outwardly projecting "ridges" 344, as shown in Fig. 9 , for positive engagement with a food loaf.
  • a support bar 345 is positioned immediately below and supports the upper run 347 of belt 343 to maintain and support upper belt run 347 parallel to and aligned with the top surface of loaf support member 117 ( Figs. 7B , 8 and 9 ).
  • the other, uppermost, "short” conveyor 166 is similar to but even simpler than the lower conveyor 164.
  • the upper "short” conveyor 166 comprises a conveyor belt 351 extending around and engaging the drive pulley 182, which is shown mounted on a shaft 353 ( Fig. 8 ).
  • Shaft 353 is journalled in two support members 354; only one is shown.
  • An elongated idler pulley 355 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 356 that is supported on two levers 357 (only one shown) pivoted on support members 354. Pivotal movement of pulley 355, made possible by its mounting on levers 357, tensions belt 351.
  • the entire "short" conveyor 166 is mounted on the housing 359 of the pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical linear actuator 167; a pneumatic actuator, continuously energized for downward movement, is used in a preferred construction for the slicing machine.
  • Housing 359 is driven down on its piston or shaft 358 as indicated by arrow M in Fig. 7B .
  • the opposite ends of shaft 358 are affixed to and supported between a pair of frame members 371 and 372 that extend outwardly from a vertical frame member 373 that is positioned between loaf feed mechanism 75 and slicing station 66; see Figs. 7B and 8 .
  • the upper "short" conveyor 166 includes a two-piece support bar 375, 376 to keep the lower run of conveyor belt 351 flat; see Fig. 8 .
  • center barrier 121 is elevated to its feed position 121A, Figs. 7A and 7B , by energizing barrier actuator 302, Fig. 7A .
  • the new food loaves are moved toward the longitudinal center of transfer mechanism 75, where barrier 121 is located, until they contact another loaf guide as described hereinafter.
  • Barrier actuator 302 is then retracted (de-energization may do the job if device 302 has a strong spring return) and barrier 121 moves downwardly to its lower operating position.
  • Barrier 121 is preferably one inch (2.54 cm) wide at maximum; it aligns the two food loaves approximately parallel to each other on their respective food paths, separated from each other by approximately one inch (2.54 cm). This separation is arbitrary, determined by the width of divider 121. The separation required is determined by the spacing between grippers 151 in machine 50.
  • a food loaf When a food loaf is first placed on support members 116-118 it may tend to slide down toward slicing station 66; the support members of transfer mechanism 75 are at an angle of 45° as shown in Figs. 1-3 .
  • the upper surfaces of the support members preferably have a textured finish to facilitate sliding of the food loaf.
  • Each loaf path is closed off, near the slicing station 66, by a door or gate 377 ( Figs. 7B and 8 ) mounted immediately adjacent frame member 373.
  • a door or gate 377 Figs. 7B and 8
  • gripper 151 is advanced from its home position ( Fig. 7A ) in the direction of arrow J ( Fig. 7A ) until it engages the end of the loaf farthest from slicing head 66. This is done by driving belt 334 to move the gripper carriage 125 in the direction of arrow J ( Fig. 7A ) until the gripper is blocked by engagement with the end of the food loaf. Where engagement of gripper to loaf occurs is dependent upon the length of the loaf. Food loaves may vary considerably in length, typically two to four feet (61 cm to 102 cm). Machine 50 can accommodate a food loaf of any length from as short as one foot (25 cm) to as long as four feet (102 cm).
  • Actuator 167 is continuously energized toward movement in a downward direction, engaging the loaf with the top of a shear edge member 501 ( Figs. 5 and 8 ).
  • the short feed conveyor 166 is thus engaged with the top of the loaf; see the phantom loaf outline 390, Fig. 7B .
  • the two short feed conveyors 166 and 164 engage the top and bottom, respectively, of the end of the loaf moving into the slicing station, toward blade 149; see Fig. 7B and Fig. 8 .
  • Both short loaf feed conveyors 164 and 166 are driven at the same speed as timing belt 334, as noted in the description of Fig.
  • the loaf feed conveyor drive pulleys 181 and 182 are the same size as the drive pulley 180 for belt 334.
  • Other techniques to make sure that feed conveyors 164 and 166 operate at the same speed as belt 334 may be used as desired.
  • the speed of conveyor belts 347 and 351 ( Fig. 8 ) and timing drive belt 334 ( Fig. 7B ) is a principal determinant for the thickness of slices cut from each food loaf by blade 149.
  • the orbital speed of blade 149 is the other principal determining factor for slice thickness.
  • the gripper/loaf speed selected by the operator and/or by the machine's computer program in conjunction with knife blade orbital speed, determines the weight of the individual slices cut from each food loaf. During slicing, the orbital speed of the knife is preferably kept constant, so that variations of the gripper/loaf speed (belt 334) determine slice thickness and weight.
  • slicing gripper 151 moves toward slicing station 66, ultimately reaching the end position 151A of Fig. 8 with the gripper carriage in its end position 125A, Fig. 7B .
  • This end position is selected to coincide closely with the end of effective slicing size for the food loaf.
  • the thin remaining butt end of the food loaf usually should not be sliced; it is likely to yield undersized slices.
  • gripper 151 When gripper 151 reaches its end position 151A, Fig. 8 , it is tracked by an encoder (not shown) on servomotor 174, which causes the machine's computer program to stop movement of the loaf toward the slicing station, arrow J in Figs. 7A and 8 .
  • the drive for timing belt 334 (and for conveyors 164 and 166) is reversed; gripper carriage 125 and gripper 151 start back toward their home positions shown in Fig. 7A . See arrow K in Fig. 7B .
  • door actuator 321, Fig. 7A is energized to pull on members 332, 323 and 325 and open support door 118; door 118 opens to its alternate position 118A, Fig.
  • Figs. 10-12 illustrate a low-profile gripper construction 451 that may be utilized for the grippers 151 shown generally in earlier figures.
  • Gripper 451 includes a bracket 381 used to secure the gripper to a carriage extension 597 (see Fig. 7A ).
  • Gripper 451 ( Figs. 10-12 ) comprises a central housing or manifold 382 affixed to bracket 381 and closed at one end by a rear end plate 383. The central portion of manifold 382, as shown in Fig. 10 , is closed by a front end plate 384.
  • the center portion of gripper 451 includes an actuation air inlet passage 385. Passage 385 is connected to an elbow 386 which in turn is connected to a flexible air line 387. All of the air lines connected to gripper 451 should be flexible and are preferably coiled together; they must follow the gripper along its full movement, a distance in excess of four feet (over 102 cm). This is also true of other gripper constructions.
  • a piston 388 is mounted in the central portion of gripper manifold 382. Piston 388 is provided with a seal 389.
  • inlet chamber 391 which is quite large in the gripper-actuated views of Figs. 10 and 11 but is thin and small when the gripper is in the unactuated condition shown in Fig. 12 .
  • piston 388 ( Figs. 10-12 ) is connected to a piston rod 392.
  • the outer end of piston rod 392, the left-hand end as seen in Figs. 10-12 is connected to and supports, in cantilever fashion, a dual rack 396 that engages two gears 397 mounted on shafts 398.
  • the two shafts 398 extend between the arms 399 of a bracket 393 mounted on manifold 382.
  • the two shafts 398 that span the arms 399 of bracket 393 also constitute supports for the tines 332A and 332B of gripper mechanism 451.
  • One spool 401 is mounted on one end of each shaft 398 and one spool 410 is mounted on the other end of each shaft.
  • One spool 401 and one spool 410 is of integral, one piece construction with each spur gear 397, as shown in Fig. 10 .
  • Each spool 401 on the lower shaft 398 supports two tines 332A.
  • the spool 401 on the upper shaft 398 supports two tines 332B; two more such tines 332B are affixed to and supported by the spool 410 on the other end of the upper shaft 398.
  • one side of gripper mechanism 451 has four tines and the other side has five, as shown in Fig. 10 .
  • Each of the tines of gripper mechanism 451 is aligned with an opening 400 in a fixed plate 402 that extends across and is mounted on the ends of the arms 399 of bracket 393; see Figs. 11 and 12 .
  • Plate 402 also serves as a stop for a sensor plate 403 that is mounted upon the left-hand, outer end of a piston rod 404, as shown in Fig. 10 .
  • the other end of rod 404 is connected to a sensor piston 405 disposed within a chamber 406 in the upper third of manifold 382 as viewed from above in Fig. 10 .
  • Chamber 406 is in communication with a vent passage 407.
  • Chamber 406 also communicates with a sensor air outlet 408 that corresponds generally in configuration to the actuation air inlet 385.
  • Outlet 408 is connected to an elbow fitting 409 which is in turn connected to a pressure sensor (not shown) by a flexible air line 411.
  • Gripper mechanism 451 further comprises a retraction segment 413 which is in the lower third of manifold 382 as seen in Fig. 10 .
  • a retraction air inlet 416 In this portion 413 of manifold 382 there are two air passages 414 and 415, connected in series, that lead to a retraction air inlet 416.
  • Retraction air inlet 416 is incorporated in rear end plate 383 and may have the same configuration as the previously described actuation inlet 385 ( Figs. 11 and 12 ).
  • Retraction air inlet 416 is connected to an elbow 417. Fitting 417 is like the previously identified elbows 386 and 409 except that in this instance a female fitting is utilized instead of a male fitting to avoid possible erroneous air connections.
  • Elbow 417 is connected to one end of a flexible air line 418.
  • sensor plate 403 is in the extended position 403A of Fig. 10 .
  • passage 407 is open and vents chamber 406 in manifold 382 to the atmosphere.
  • the pressure sensor (not shown) connected to line 411 recognizes that chamber 406 is at atmospheric pressure and this condition is signalled to the computer that controls slicing machine 50.
  • gripper 451 when substituted for gripper 151, is moved along its food path in the direction of arrow J until it comes into engagement with the end of a food loaf; the loaf end is represented in Figs. 10-12 by phantom outline 409. Engagement of the gripper with the butt end of the food loaf forces the sensor plate from its original position 403A ( Fig. 10 ) to the position 403 of Figs. 10-12 . At this juncture, the internal operating components in the center portion of manifold 382 are in their unactuated operating positions as illustrated in Fig. 12 . That is, gripper 451 has not yet been actuated.
  • Movement of the sensor plate to its position 403 drives piston rod 404 to the right, opposite arrow J, to the position illustrated in Fig. 10 .
  • sensor piston 405 closes off vent 407 and produces an elevated pressure condition in the outlet 408, 409 and the line 411 connected to the pressure sensor.
  • This change in pressure identified by the movements of sensor plate 403A, rod 404, and piston 405, is used to initiate actuation of gripper 451 from the unactuated condition shown in Fig. 12 to the actuated condition shown in Figs. 10 and 11 .
  • Air is now supplied under pressure to the center portion of manifold 382 through line 387, as indicated by arrow N in Figs. 10 and 11 , and effects this change.
  • piston rod 392 and rack 396 move to the left, in the direction of arrow J, from the unactuated position shown in Fig. 12 to the actuated, clamping position shown in Figs. 10 and 11 .
  • the movement of rack 396 rotates gears 397 and their integral spools 401 and 410 so that tines 332A rotate in a counter-clockwise direction and tines 332B rotate in a clockwise direction from the positions shown in Fig. 12 to those shown in Figs. 10 and 11 .
  • the tines of the gripper penetrate and clamp the end 409 of the new food loaf as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 .
  • This actuated condition for gripper 451, Figs. 10 and 11 is maintained throughout the time that the food loaf is being sliced.
  • This retraction operation for gripper 451 occurs at a time when the gripper is moving toward its home position (see gripper 151 in Fig. 7B ), coincident with movement of the remaining unsliced butt end of the loaf over the gap in the food loaf path caused by opening of support door 118, as previously described.
  • the resulting return motion of piston 388, rod 392 and rack 396 rotates shafts 398 and the spools 401 and 410, and thus rotates tines 332A and 332B back to the unactuated positions shown in Fig. 12 .
  • the two grippers in slicing machine 50 there are two grippers in slicing machine 50; both of them may utilize the low-profile construction 451 illustrated in Figs. 10-12 .
  • the two grippers usually open and close at the same time. However, they are independently operable to engage each food loaf on their respective sides of the machine and to drive that food loaf through the slicing head 66 in the manner previously described.
  • the low-profile gripper construction of Figs. 10-12 is pneumatically operated; hydraulic or electrical actuation could be employed if desired.
  • the grippers used in slicing machine 50 should always have a height less than the loaves they drive, in order to preclude any gripper engaging either of the short input conveyors 163-166.
  • the low-profile construction illustrated in Figs. 10-12 is quite appropriate to and useful with a variety of food loaves, even relatively thin sides of bacon.
  • Fig. 13 affords a sectional elevation view of the automated loaf loading mechanism on the near side of slicing machine 50, in a view taken approximately as indicated by line 13-13 in Fig. 7B .
  • Fig. 13 includes many of the same components as shown in Fig. 5 , in Fig. 7B , and in other figures of the drawings.
  • loaf loading tray 85 is shown in an operating position to which it is driven by loaf lift mechanism 107 during automated loading of a food loaf into the slicing machine.
  • the upper surface 501 of tray 85 on which two new feed loaves 500 and 502 are supported, has a series of longitudinal drainage depressions 503 that also serve as loaf troughs for small diameter food loaves.
  • the upper surface 501 of tray 85 may be fabricated of textured sheet steel.
  • Loaves 500 and 502 are shown as rectangular loaves having the maximum cross-sectional size acceptable in the slicing machine for slicing of two loaves. In the loaf loading condition shown in Fig.
  • the upper surface 501 of tray 85 is aligned slightly above and inclined slightly downwardly toward the top surface of loaf support 117, on which the new loaves are to end up, on the machine's food loaf paths, in the positions indicated by phantom outline 500A and 502A.
  • the inclination of surface 501 facilitates loading the new loaves into the slicing machine.
  • door 78 In the portion of the automated loaf loading mechanism shown in solid lines in Fig. 13 , door 78 is closed, overlapping the top of guard 83. Door 78 supports the operating mechanism for sweep 153, which is suspended from two carriages 154 each mounted on two shafts 155 as shown in Fig. 3 ; only one carriage 154 and one suspension member 504 are shown in Fig. 13 . Door 78 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 505 that runs the length of load mechanism 75 ( Figs. 1-3 ); door 78 is in the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 13 but is pivoted (clockwise in Fig. 13 ) to an alternate loaf load position 78A during clean-up of machine 50.
  • Sweep carriage 154 which slides along two shafts 155, is connected to an elongated timing belt 507.
  • belt 507 engages a drive pulley 508; drive pulley 508 is affixed to a shaft 505.
  • the other, outer end of belt 507 engages an idler pulley 509 on a shaft 511 that is parallel to shaft 505.
  • the loaf loading tray 85 is moved up to the position shown in Fig. 13 , aligning new loaves 500 and 502 on tray surface 501 with the support 117 on which the loaves rest while being sliced.
  • the drive for pulley 508 and shaft 505 operates to drive the upper run of belt 507 to the left, in Fig. 13 , in the direction indicated by arrows P. This moves the lower run of belt 507 toward the center of the slicing machine, to the right as seen in Fig. 13 .
  • the belt movement drives carriage 154 and suspension member 504 to the right along shafts 155 and moves sweep 153 toward and past its position 153A, pushing the new loaves 500 and 502 into the slicing machine until the movement of loaf 502 is interrupted at position 502A with that loaf engaging a guide at position 513A at the opposite side of the machine. While this loaf loading operation is going forward, the center barrier 121 is elevated, clear of the loaf paths to its position 121A. Thus, the two new loaves 500 and 502 are in contact with each other, as shown on tray 85 in Fig. 13 , during this part of the loading cycle.
  • sweep 153 is backed off to the left, as seen in Fig. 13 , and the center barrier 121 is driven down from its elevated position 121A to position 121 between the two new loaves.
  • the downward movement of barrier 121 drives one loaf to position 500A on the left-hand food loaf path; the loaf in position 502A is already aligned on the right-hand food loaf path.
  • the grippers of the slicing machine are now moved down the loaf paths into engagement with the two new food loaves and barrier 121 is again elevated to position 121A where it is clear of the air lines that are connected to the grippers. This completes the automated loaf loading operation.
  • Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the manual food loaf loading mechanism on the far side of slicing machine 50, as shown in Figs. 1-3 .
  • Fig. 14 is taken approximately on the same plane as Fig. 13 . It includes a stationary loaf storage tray 515 supporting two new food loaves in positions 500B and 502B, ready to be loaded into the slicing machine.
  • the manual loading mechanism of the slicing machine includes the manual loaf door 79, which is mounted on a rotatable shaft 515 that is parallel to shaft 505. During slicing, door 79 is closed, in the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 14 . At the beginning of a manual feed cycle, however, door 79 is pivoted to its alternate operating position 79A. With the door in position 79A, the manual guide 513 is in position 513X, where it does not and cannot interfere with manual loading of new loaves into the slicing machine.
  • the machine operator moves one loaf from support tray 515 to position 500A on loaf support 117, engaging the automated-side sweep 153 in its position 153A.
  • the machine operator then moves the other new loaf from support 515 to approximately position 502A.
  • the center barrier is driven down from its elevated position 121A to its position 121, accurately aligning the new food loaves on the food paths on support 117 (and its related supports 116 and 118, Figs.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 the end positions for sweep 153A and guide 513A are shown as they would be for slicing two rectangular loaves of the maximum size acceptable in the slicing machine when slicing two loaves.
  • the food loaves to be sliced are frequently smaller in cross-section, and may be round; see outlines 500C and 502C in Fig. 14 .
  • Sweeps 153 and 513 must be adjustable, as to their final positions, to accommodate the smaller loaves. On the manual side of the loaf feed mechanism 75, this adjustment is made by mounting the guide on a normally horizontal guide shaft 521.
  • a manual adjustment 522 allows for movement of the guide to any location between two limit positions 513A and 513B to accommodate loaves of different sizes.
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a loaf gripper 751 having a construction like that shown generally in Figs. 3 and 7A .
  • gripper 751 comprises a manifold 682 closed at its rear (right-hand) end by a plate 683 in which there are three bores 685, 708 and 716.
  • Plate 683 is affixed to a mounting base 681 for mounting the gripper on a horizontal arm 597 of a gripper carriage 125; see Fig. 5 .
  • a chamber 691 for a piston 688 there is a chamber 691 for a piston 688; chamber 691 is connected to bore 685 in plate 683.
  • Piston 688 has an operating rod 692 that projects through an opening in a rectangular bracket or frame 693 having opposed sides 699 and an outer end plate 702.
  • the outer end of piston rod 692 is operatively connected to a series of upper tines 732A and a corresponding series of lower tines 732B; the operational connection (not shown) may be the same as or similar to the connection between piston rod 392 and tines 332A and 332B in the gripper 451 shown in Figs. 10-12 .
  • Each of the tines 732A and 732B is aligned with a slot 700 in plate 702. As seen in Fig. 15 , tines 732A and 732B are in their actuated, loaf-gripping positions.
  • Gripper 751, Fig. 15 further includes a loaf sensor bar 703 mounted on the outer end of a sensor rod 704 connected to a piston 706 in an air pressure chamber in manifold 682.
  • the chamber for piston 706 has a lateral vent 707 to the atmosphere and also is connected to bore 708 in closure plate 683, to allow for connection to an air pressure sensor (not shown).
  • the remaining bore 716 in the end plate 683 of manifold 682 is connected to the front end of piston 688 by passages not illustrated.
  • gripper 751, Fig. 15 Operation of gripper 751, Fig. 15 , is essentially the same as previously described for gripper 451, Figs. 10-12 . Accordingly, that description need not be repeated.
  • the principal difference between the two grippers is that gripper 451 ( Figs. 10-12 ) has a lower profile than gripper 751 ( Fig. 15 ) and hence may be desirable for food loaves of small cross section or for slicing thin food products such as bacon slabs.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates three typical loaf cross-section outlines L1, L2, and L3 that may be sliced in slicing machine 50.
  • the two outlines L1 are illustrative of rectangular loaves approximately four inches (102 mm) in height by six and one-half inches (165 mm) in width.
  • Generally comparable round loaves, illustrated by the two outlines L2 are five and one-half inches (140 mm) in diameter.
  • the single centrally located loaf outline L3 has a diameter of six inches (152 mm).
  • slicing machine 50 although many of the various rotary and linear actuators could be hydraulically actuated, pneumatic actuation is preferred. This minimizes possible contamination of the output of the slicing machine that could arise from a break in a hydraulic line. Of course, for some of the rotary actuators, such as those that drive the slicing station mechanism, electrical servo motors are desirable.
  • Figs. 17-23 afford orthagonal views of the shear edge member 501 used to feed two food loaves 502 and 503 into the slicing station;
  • Fig. 17 affords a plan view of the shear edge member,
  • Fig. 18 is an end view, and
  • Fig. 19 is a front elevation view. In machine 50, all of these views would be rotated about 45° because the food loaves enter the slicing station at an angle of approximately 45°.
  • Shear edge member 501 has a main body 801 formed of a generally rectangular block of a plastic such as nylon.
  • the longest dimension of body 801 is its bottom surface 802 ( Figs. 18 and 19 ); typically, the overall length of bottom wall 802 is about 13.5 inches (34 cm).
  • the overall height of the plastic block 801 is about 3.5 inches (9 cm).
  • Openings 803 and 804 each have a width determined by the food loaf size; in this instance the food loaves are about four inches (ten cm) square. But the height of the openings 803 and 804 is smaller than the food loaf height, as can best be seen in Fig. 19 .
  • the direction of movement of the food loaves into shear edge member 501 is indicated by arrows L, Figs. 17 and 18 .
  • a resilient metal guide member 806 that engages the side of food loaf 502.
  • Guide 806 also appears in Fig. 18 .
  • a similar resilient metal guide member 807 on the other side of shear edge member 501 engages the side of food loaf 503.
  • a centrally located resilient guide member 808 ( Figs. 17 and 19 ) contacts and guides the adjacent sides of the two food loaves 502 and 503. All of the guides 806-808 may be mounted on the main body 801 of shear edge member 501 by mounting studs 809 or other appropriate means.
  • the front surface 811 of shear edge member body 801, which projects outwardly from body 801 (see Figs. 17-19 ) should conform closely to the path P of the cutting edge of the knife blade 149 in slicing station 66. Because there may be some irregularities in the knife blade contour or in its mounting in the slicing station, it may be desirable to trim surface 811 with the knife blade to be certain that conformity is established and maintained. Indeed, it may be desirable to trim surface 811 of the shear edge member after each sharpening of the slicing station knife blade.
  • Fig. 20 is a front elevation view, like Fig. 19 , of a shear edge member 501A used to feed two food loaves 814 and 815 into the slicing station. As in the case of Figs. 17-19 , Fig. 20 is actually at an angle, looking upwardly, of 45°, because that is the angle at which food loaves enter the slicing station.
  • Shear edge member 501A has a main body 821 again preferably formed of a block of a machinable resin such as nylon. The longest dimension of body 821 is its bottom 822, which again may be about 13.5 inches (34 cm).
  • the overall height of the plastic body 821 is about 3.5 inches (9 cm); it is for use with round loaves 814 and 815 having a diameter of about 3.5 inches, so that the round food loaves each project above their respective openings 824 and 823.
  • Shear edge member 501A has three resilient metal guide members 806, 807 and 808, aligned and mounted on member 501A in the manner previously described.
  • Guides 806-808 serve the same basic function in shear edge member 501A as in member 501; they guide food loaves 814 and 815 squarely into openings 824 and 823.
  • shear edge member 501B is shown in front elevation, subject to a 45° tilt, in Fig. 21 .
  • Member 501B is different from the previously described shear edge members 501 and 501A; it serves just one food loaf 816.
  • Loaf 816 has a diameter of about 3.5 inches (9 cm), like one of the loaves shown in Fig. 11 .
  • Loaf 816 is centered in an opening 826 in the body 831 of shear edge member 501B. In this instance there are just the two resilient metal guides 806 and 807, engaging opposite lateral sides of loaf 816.
  • the knife path P in Figs. 20 and 21 is approximately the same as in Fig. 19 ; for smaller loaves it may be desirable to adjust the shear edge member down toward path P. For larger loaves, some elevation of the shear edge member (and consequent elevation of the cut face of each food loaf) may be necessary.
  • the mounting for the shear edge members should provide for such vertical adjustment; indeed, the vertical adjustment should apply to the complete loaf feed mechanism 75 adjacent the entry of the food loaves into the slicing mechanism.
  • shear edge member for each size and shape of food loaf sliced in slicing station 66.
  • Food loaves are most commonly cut in pairs, in machine 50 ( Figs. 1-3 ) but if only one loaf is to be cut, the machine must be equipped with a shear edge member for one loaf of that particular size and shape; see Fig. 21 .
  • Alignment of the food loaves with knife 149 and its cutting path P in slicing station 66 ( Figs. 3 , 4A and 4B ) is assured by metal guides 806-808, Figs. 8-12 ; a skewed food loaf would result in poor slices and would almost certainly be out of the permissible weight tolerance range.
  • shear edge members (those shown in Figs.
  • each loaf is engaged on three sides, left, right and bottom, by the shear edge member and its resilient guides.
  • the top of each loaf is held down by the "short" conveyors 165 and 166, Fig. 3 . Alignment of the food loaves at the point of slicing, by blade 149, is thus assured.
  • Figs. 22 and 23 show a shear edge adjustment mechanism 840 used to adjust a shear edge member (e.g., the member 501) toward and away from the path P of the slicing knife blade. Such adjustment is essential to effective operation of the slicing station, to assure clean and accurate cutting of the food loaf slices.
  • Fig. 22 shows shear edge member 501 in a plan view like Fig. 17 .
  • Mechanism 840 must move shear edge member 501 smoothly and precisely in the direction of arrows L, the feed direction for food loaves 502 and 503. Canting of shear edge member 501 relative to knife path P is not acceptable, nor is any binding of the adjustment mechanism allowable.
  • Adjustment mechanism 840 is mounted on a support member 841 that extends between two fixed frame members 842.
  • Mechanism 840 includes two pressure blocks 843 mounted on support 841 near opposite ends of the support. Each block 843 is engaged by the end of one of two adjustment shafts 844 threaded through and projecting from a yoke or base 845 and extending through a housing 846 ( Figs. 22 and 23 ) that is mounted on yoke 845.
  • housing 846 Within housing 846 each shaft 844 is affixed to a pulley 847; see Fig. 23 .
  • Pulleys 847 are each engaged by a timing belt 848.
  • knob 859 on shaft 849 is first turned to release shaft 849 from engagement with the lower yoke 841.
  • One of the adjustment knobs 854 on shafts 844 is then turned to move base 845 toward or away from path P, in the direction of arrows L.
  • Most adjustments are toward path P; occasionally, however, an adjustment away from path P, usually a relatively large movement, occasioned by replacement of the knife blade, is required.
  • Turning knob 854 on one positioning shaft 844 turns the other positioning shaft, due to the timing belt 848 and its engagement with pulleys 847; see Fig. 23 .
  • the entire mechanism 840 moves toward or away from cutting path P; there is and can be no twisting or canting of the mechanism.
  • the shear edge member 501 moves with mechanism 840; it is thus quickly and accurately realigned with path P.
  • knob 859 is again used, this time to tighten shaft 849 against yoke 841 and thus immobilize mechanism 840 with the shear edge member in its new position.
  • Fig. 24 is a schematic sectional plan view of a portion of a slicing station 866.
  • Figs. 24-26 illustrate a seal that prevents entry of hot water, steam, or other fluids into contact with operating components of the slicing station during clean-up of the slicing machine, as is required at least daily. It will be understood that the previously discussed slicing station 66 of slicing machine 50 incorporates the sealing features of slicing station 866 shown schematically in Fig. 24 .
  • slicing station 866 includes a U-shaped housing 865 closed off on one side by a further housing member 863.
  • Housing member 863 has a relatively large opening which the spindle or head 868 for slicing station 866 fills.
  • Spindle 868 corresponds essentially to the previously described spindle or head 148 ( Fig. 4A ); it may be driven by a timing belt 190 that is in turn driven from a servo motor 171 through a shaft 171A and a pulley 171B.
  • Slicing station 866 includes a circular knife blade 869 mounted on a shaft 869A journalled in an appropriate bearing in head 868 that is eccentrically located with respect to the axis of head 868.
  • Blade 869 corresponds in all respects to the previously described slicing knife blade 149. It is driven by a pair of timing belts 191 which, in turn, are driven by motor 172 through a shaft 172A and two spindles 172B and 195.
  • the knife blade drive for slicing station 866 of Fig. 24 is essentially the same as described above for slicing station 66; see Fig. 4A .
  • a counterweight 868A is mounted on spindle 868 to compensate for the eccentric mounting of blade 869.
  • a small marker 901 is mounted on the periphery of spindle 868 in slicing station 866, Fig. 24 .
  • marker 901 is mounted on a part of the knife blade drive that moves with knife blade 869 as that blade traverses its cutting path P.
  • Marker 901 in its simplest form, may constitute a permanent magnet.
  • a light source e.g., a LED
  • a sensor 902 is mounted upon the housing member 863 in position to sense the presence of marker 901 at one predetermined location indicative of alignment of knife blade 869 at a home position on its cutting path P. That home position is the position illustrated in Fig. 24 .
  • marker 901 is a light source
  • sensor 902 should be some form of photodetector.
  • marker 901 and sensor 902 are out of alignment with each other. Stated differently, these two elements are in alignment with each other only when knife blade 869 is in its predetermined home position, determined by the rotational orientation of head 868.
  • the orbiting head or spindle 868 is provided with a slot or groove 851 that extends around its periphery.
  • a resilient elastomer ring 864 is mounted in slot 851
  • An ordinary rubber or synthetic elastomer "O" ring is suitable.
  • Other cross-sectional configurations for ring 864 may be employed.
  • O-ring 864 blocks a passage 871 that connects to a passage 870 in a member 872 when spindle 868 is in its home position.
  • Passage 870 is connected to a valve 873 in a compressed air line 874.
  • valve 873 is open to supply air under pressure through passageways 870 and 871 to impinge upon the interior of O-ring 864 in groove 851.
  • O-ring 864 is pushed outwardly against the rim of frame member 863, effectively sealing the periphery of spindle head 868 so that no water or steam can enter the interior of housing 865 ( Fig. 24 ).
  • valve 873 is now opened to introduce air under pressure into the back of the groove 851 containing O-ring 864, on the side of O-ring 864 opposite frame member 863.
  • the O-ring is driven against frame member 863 and seals off the interior of the housing of slicing station 866, as shown in Fig. 26 .
  • this sealed condition is maintained, hot water, soap, and steam cannot enter slicing station housing 865.
  • materially increased working life can be anticipated for the drive components in the slicing station housing.
  • Figs. 27 and 28 illustrate a blade honing or sharpening device 920 usable with the slicing station;
  • Fig. 27A is a simplified schematic circuit diagram used to explain one aspect of operation of the honing device.
  • the blade 869 (or 149) of the slicing station 866 (or 66) has been located in its predetermined home position, the position indicated by dash outline 921 in Fig. 27 .
  • the blade axis is indicated at 924. This puts the cutting edge of the blade in the position 922 in Fig. 28 .
  • One of the other orbital positions for the knife blade is indicated by outline 925.
  • Honing device 920 comprises a housing 923 having an outer surface which should conform in configuration to a part of the wall of the slicing station.
  • Housing 923 includes two mounting devices 931 and 932 ( Fig. 27 ) for mounting housing 923 on the side of the slicing station housing wall 927 ( Fig. 28 ).
  • the peripheral cutting edge of the knife blade is covered by housing 923 except at a second opening 929 in the housing; see Figs. 27 and 28 .
  • the two mounting devices 931 and 932 mount honing device 920 on the slicing station in the desired orientation to the home position 921 of the slicing blade, as shown in Figs. 27 and 28 .
  • Device 931, Fig. 27 may be a conventional mounting device; indeed, there may be two or more such mounting devices.
  • Mounting device 932 serves an additional purpose. It includes a plunger 933 that extends into alignment with a switch 934, as shown in Fig. 28 . The relationship of plunger 933 to switch 934 is such that the switch is actuated from one operating condition to another whenever the plunger is aligned with the switch.
  • switch 934 is shown as a normally closed device in the energizing circuit for spindle drive motor 171.
  • Switch 934 is opened by mounting device 932 of honing apparatus 920. Consequently, when honing device 920 is in place spindle drive motor 171 cannot be energized; the knife blade remains in its "home" position 921 ( Fig. 27 ). However, the knife blade can be rotated while in its home position because knife blade drive motor 172 can still be energized. It will be recognized that there are other comparable control arrangements for preventing operation of the spindle drive, particularly motor 171, when housing device 920 is in place ready to hone or sharpen the knife blade.
  • the blade honing or sharpening mechanism 935 of device 920 includes two abrasive honing wheels or stones 936 and 937 which engage opposite sides of blade edge 922. Both are mounted on a carriage 938; a shaft connector 939 projects outwardly from the carriage and can be turned as indicated by arrow N in Fig. 27 to move sharpening mechanism 935 toward or away from the blade to be sharpened.
  • the honing (sharpening) device 920 is mounted on the slicing station with honing mechanism 935 out of engagement with the blade. This is accomplished using mounting devices 931 and 932; switch 934 ( Figs. 27A and 28 ) is opened by mounting device 932, as described, to assure that the spindle drive motor cannot be activated and that the knife blade will remain in its "home" position 921.
  • the honing mechanism is then advanced to bring honing wheels 936 and 937 into engagement with the cutting edge of the slicing blade, utilizing connector 939.
  • the knife blade drive motor 172 can now be energized, rotating the knife blade, preferably at a slow rate.
  • the abrasive honing wheels 936 and 937 can hone the entire peripheral cutting edge of the circular knife blade.
  • one honing wheel, such as wheel 936 would sharpen the knife blade, it could leave a rough burr on the opposite surface of the knife blade. That is why two honing wheels are preferred.
  • one honing device 920 of the kind shown in Figs. 27-28 , can serve several knife blades in different slicing stations.
  • Fig. 29 shows a knife blade 949 having an involute cutting edge 950.
  • Blade 949 is rotatable about an axis 951, preferably counterclockwise as indicated by arrow Q.
  • the cutting path for the outermost point on blade 949 is shown by dash line P1; it will be apparent that the entire cutting path is much broader.
  • Alignment of blade 949 relative to food loaves of various sizes and shapes is shown in Fig. 20 ; the cutting of the food loaves occurs in an arcuate range R, for rotation of blade 949, of about 75° for the largest pair of food loaves illustrated in Fig. 20 .
  • Fig. 29 also shows another position 949A for blade 949 as it rotates about axis 951.
  • Blade position 949A is displaced about 140° from blade position 949; at position 949A the blade does not cut any of the food loaves.
  • the portion of path P1 in which blade 949 does no slicing, even for the largest loaves, is usually about 70°.
  • Blade 949 has an advantage, as compared with the circular knife blades of previously described slicing stations, in that it does not need an orbiting motion and hence allows for elimination of the spindle and the spindle drive. But blade 949 is not suitable for use with the honing device 920 of Figs. 27 and 28 ; that honing device is based on a knife blade of constant diameter. However blade 949 can be mounted on a spindle with an O-ring or the like for sealing the slicing head and drive components during clean up; see Figs. 24-26 . Other conventional blade configurations can also be utilized in slicing stations.
  • Figs. 30 and 31 are timing charts that illustrate critical functions in the operation of slicing machine 50.
  • Figs. 30 shows the sequence of slicing operations carried out by blade 149 in slicing head 66.
  • Fig. 31 is specifically concerned with the timing of movements, both vertical and horizontal, of receiving conveyor 130, with further scales showing weighing operations and the timing of loaf feed operations.
  • Fig. 30 is also directed to actuation of transfer conveyors 134 and 135 by their actuators 144 and 145 (see Fig. 4B ).
  • Fig. 30 further illustrates the timing of operations for scale conveyor 132, along with the related timing of weighing operations, to facilitate correlation of the transfer conveyor operations with those of other portions of the machine.
  • the scale 711 illustrates the cyclic operation of the knife blade in slicing station 66, in this instance the blade 149.
  • Scale 711 starts at time zero, when slicing commences, and shows individual knife blade cycles from the beginning of a slicing operation through the forty-ninth knife cycle.
  • Scale 711 also shows the timing of individual cyclical movements of blade 149 in its cycles 1,398 through 1,422.
  • Each knife cycle in scale 711 has a predetermined duration that is determined by the computer control for slicing machine 50. That is, the duration of each of the individual knife cycles in scale 711 may vary considerably, depending upon the speed at which knife blade 149 moves orbitally and rotationally.
  • FIG. 30 represents a complete orbital movement of knife blade 149 and may include several rotations of the knife blade.
  • Fig. 30 and also for Fig. 31 , it is assumed that there are to be six food loaf slices in each group sliced by machine 50 (see food loaf slice groups 92 and 93 in Figs. 1 and 2 ).
  • knife cycle 1,406 is assumed to represent the end of slicing operations. At this point one hundred seventy six groups of slices have been cut from the food loaves.
  • the next scale 714 in Fig. 30 relates to the timing of operation of scale conveyor 132 and its vertical actuator 143.
  • actuator 143 pulls the outer (left-hand) end of scale conveyor 132 down ( Fig. 4B ) so that any group of slices on conveyor 132 is deposited on one of the scale grids 141 and 142, as previously described.
  • the first machine cycle 1001 there is no group of slices on scale conveyor 132 so that its actuator 143 lifts conveyor 132 to its "reject" level; no weighing operation occurs. This is also true during the second manufacturing cycle 1002; see scales 712 and 724.
  • conveyor/classifier system 64 advances the food loaf groups in the direction of arrow A ( Fig. 4B ) at the same rate that they are cut and that weighing of the slice groups occurs during a single knife cycle, the sixth cycle in each slicing interval.
  • the slice group weighing operation at conveyor 132, scale 724 may require a longer interval than one knife cycle or it may be completed in a shorter time, depending upon the speed of operation of actuator 143.
  • the two time requirements are independent of each other.
  • weighing of slice groups should be continued after slicing has been finished so that the last few groups of food loaf slices will be weighed. That is why, at the right hand side of Fig. 30 , the weighing intervals (scale 724) continue after slicing ends with cycle 1,406 of blade 149.
  • each group of slices is weighed to determine whether the group comes within pre-set tolerance limits. It is also important that the integrity of the weighing operation be maintained.
  • a zero or "tare" weight is determined for each load cell 198 and 199 ( Fig. 4B ) in each machine cycle. As shown by scale 725 in Fig. 30 , this is carried out, in part, by taking a zero weight measurement in each machine cycle. The zero weight determination made in each cycle is subtracted from the gross stack weight measured shortly thereafter, in the same cycle; see scale 724 in Fig. 30 .
  • the uppermost scale 711A corresponds to eighteen cycles of knife 149, from scale 711 in Fig. 30 , occurring in machine cycles 1004-1006, scale 712A.
  • receiving conveyor 130 is restored to its uppermost position at point 799 and then begins to move vertically downwardly at a relatively slow rate, as indicated by curve 756. This downward movement is continued during the first six knife blade cycles in machine cycle 1004, while slices are cut from the loaves being fed into the slicing station in machine 50.
  • receiving conveyor 130 is interrupted and the receiving conveyor is maintained at a constant level by its lift mechanism 138 ( Fig. 4B ). At this juncture, receiving conveyor 130 is at approximately the same level as the next adjacent deceleration conveyor 131 (see Fig. 4 )B.
  • receiving conveyor 130 is moved rapidly upwardly to an elevated position (point 728) where it is ready to receive a new food loaf slice, the first slice cut in machine cycle 1005.
  • receiving conveyor 130 again moves downwardly.
  • there is again a dwell extending to point 719, during which there is no vertical movement of receiving conveyor 130.
  • rapid upward movement of the receiving conveyor is again carried out, to point 720, to restore the receiving conveyor to the elevation at which the first slice is received, again following a brief dwell.
  • receiving conveyor 130 The upward and downward movements of receiving conveyor 130 are effected by motor 173 and mechanism 138 ( Fig. 4B ). Each incremental downward movement 721 of receiving conveyor 130 should be approximately the same as the thickness of a slice cut from a food loaf during a given cycle of blade 149 so that the vertical position at which receiving conveyor 130 "catches" a downwardly moving slice is always the same.
  • Curve 757 illustrates one mode of horizontal operation for receiving conveyor 130 when the food loaf slices are to be stacked.
  • initial portion 752 of curve 757 extending through the sixth cycle of knife blade 149 in machine cycle 1004, there is no horizontal movement for receiving conveyor 130. That is, during interval 752 motor 176 does not drive the belts of conveyor 130 ( Fig. 4B ); those belts remain essentially stationary.
  • receiving pins 137 that are on pin wheels interleaved with the belts of conveyor 130 and driven at the same peripheral speed as the belt speed.
  • receiving conveyor 130 is driven forward rapidly by motor 176 and drive mechanism 101 ( Fig. 4B ) to discharge an accumulated stack of food loaf slices from receiving conveyor 130 to deceleration conveyor 131. This discharge operation must be completed before the receiving conveyor is again elevated to receive the next stack at point 728 in curve 756.
  • receiving conveyor 130 again remains essentially stationary as regards horizontal motion; drive motor 176 is quiescent.
  • curve 758 shows an alternate to curve 757, which may be employed when the groups of food loaf slices are to be stacked as cut.
  • the segments 762, 763, 764, and 765 of curve 758 correspond in timing to the sections 752-755, respectively, of curve 757.
  • curve 758 during each of the intervals 762 and 764 there is a slow movement of the conveyor in a reverse direction. That is, during these intervals 762 and 764 the belts of conveyor 130 and pins 137 are driven in a direction opposite to arrow A ( Fig. 4B ).
  • this alternate stacking sequence improves the configuration of the stacks, which may tend to become deformed due to lateral forces applied to the slices by the rotating knife blade as the slices are cut.
  • Curve 759, Fig. 31 illustrates the manner in which the receiving conveyor 130 is driven, for horizontal movement, when the groups of cut food loaf slices are to be shingled rather than stacked.
  • receiving conveyor 130 is driven slowly forward by motor 176 and drive linkage 101 ( Fig. 4B ).
  • the eight slices cut from the food loaf during interval 742 are shingled rather than stacked on receiving conveyor 130.
  • the first slice falling onto the receiving conveyor impinges upon receiving pins 137, which operate at the same speed as the belts of the conveyor, assisting in the shingling operation.
  • the feeding of food loaves into slicing station 66 is interrupted at the end of the slicing of each group. If this is not done, extraneous slices may be cut, producing highly indeterminate operation of the slicing machine. Furthermore, it is not sufficient simply to stop the food loaf feeding movement into slicing station 66 ( Fig. 4B ). Rather, it is desirable to clear the food loaves from the slicing station in order to avoid cutting of thin slices or other malfunctions in the slicing operation.
  • the scale 771 shows the timing of operations for the loaf feed provided by motors 174 and motor 175 during operation of the slicing machine.
  • a first interval 746 approximately coincident with the first six cycles of knife blades 149 in manufacturing cycle 1004, while slices are being cut from the food loaf or food loaves, the loaf feed operates in a forward direction to advance the food loaves into slicing station 66 as previously described.
  • a substantially shorter interval 747 immediately following this normal loaf feed during interval 746, however, the loaf feed is reversed. This is followed by another brief interval 748 during which loaf feed is stopped.
  • Fig. 31 includes a curve 714A, like scale 714 in Fig. 30 , to aid in correlation of the two timing charts.
  • each transfer conveyor such as conveyor 134 ( Fig. 4B ) is usually initially maintained in the elevated reject position by its vertical actuator 144.
  • each transfer conveyor such as conveyor 134 ( Fig. 4B ) is usually initially maintained in the elevated reject position by its vertical actuator 144.
  • the weighing operation is probably going to show that the first stacks cut (in machine cycle 1001) are light in weight and hence out of tolerance.
  • the groups of food loaf slices are likely to be out of tolerance so that the transfer conveyor is maintained in the reject position; see scale 726.
  • each machine cycle includes a given number (N) of knife blade cycles but that cutting actually occurs in only a smaller number (X) of knife blade cycles. See Fig. 30 .
  • each manufacturing cycle scale conveyor 132 is moved down and then back up by its actuator 143 ( Fig. 4B ) to weigh any slice groups on the scale conveyor; see curve 714 in Fig. 30 and curve 714A in Fig. 31 .
  • the weighing at scale conveyor 132 controls the positions of transfer conveyors 134 and 135; see curve 726 in Fig. 30 .
  • a further weighing operation can be effected by incorporating one or two scales in the receiving conveyor 130; see grid 136 in Fig. 3 .
  • each slice group is weighed twice, once at conveyor 130 and again at conveyor 132.
  • a dual weighing system of this kind is sometimes desirable, as in bacon slicing operations.
  • the groups of food loaf slices are accumulated on the weighing grid rather than on the conveyor. In this situation curve 756 of Fig. 31 applies to the receiving weighing grid, not to conveyor 130.
  • each knife blade cutting cycle starts at about 95° in the orbital cycle of the knife blade, the rotational cycle of head 148 ( Figs. 3 and 4B ).
  • the end of the cutting cycle coincides approximately with an orbital position of about 195°.
  • the knife cutting cycle is determined by orbital speed of the knife blade in the described slicing machine; the knife cycle is not dependent on the rotational speed of the knife blade.
  • a slicing machine using a contoured knife blade ( Fig. 29 ) with only rotational movement (no orbit), this does not apply; the rotational speed of the knife blade then determines the duration of the knife cycles.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Details Of Cutting Devices (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Bulk Treatment Of Fruits And Vegetables And Apparatuses For Preparing Feeds (AREA)

Claims (2)

  1. Hochschnelle Nahrungsmittel-Schneidemaschine (50) umfassend
    eine Schneidestation (66), die ein Messerblatt (149) und einen das Messerblatt längs eines vorgegebenen Schneidewegs antreibenden Messerblattantrieb (171, 172, 148) enthält, und
    eine Laibtrageeinrichtung (116, 117) zum Tragen eines ersten Nahrungsmittellaibes (91, 502) und eines zweiten Nahrungsmittellaibes (503) für eine Bewegung längs paralleler erster bzw. zweiter Laibwege in die Schneidestation für ein wiederholtes Aufschneiden der beiden Laibe durch das Messerblatt (149);
    wobei die Maschine (50) aufweist:
    einen ersten Laibzuführungsantrieb (75, 163, 164) zum Vorschieben des ersten Nahrungsmittellaibes (91, 502) längs des ersten Laibweges mit einer ersten vorgewählten Laibzuführungsrate;
    einen zweiten Laibzuführungsantrieb (75, 165, 166) zum Vorschieben des zweiten Nahrungsmittellaibes längs des zweiten Laibweges mit einer zweiten vorgegebenen Laibzuführungsrate; und
    eine Einrichtung (174, 175) zum Variieren einer Laibzuführungsrate unabhängig von der anderen, so dass sich von einem Laib geschnittene Scheiben in der Dicke von Scheiben unterscheiden können, die von dem anderen geschnitten werden;
    eine Einrichtung (66) zum Schneiden von Scheiben (92, 93) gleichzeitig von den ersten und zweiten Laiben (91, 502, 503), wobei die Laibzuführungsantriebe (75, 163-166) die Laibe entlang der parallelen Laibwege auf einer gemeinsamen Ebene senkrecht zu dem Schneideweg des Messerblatts (149) bewegen,
    erste und zweite Laibtore (377), die jeweils für eine Schwenkbewegung zwischen einer Blockierposition, die den Zugang eines Nahrungsmittellaibes (91) zu dem Messerblatt (149) auf einem Nahrungsmittellaibweg blockiert, und einer von diesem Weg freien inaktiven Position vorgesehen sind,
    eine Torbetätigungseinrichtung (126, 271) zum Betätigen jedes der Nahrungsmittelaibtore (377) zwischen seinen blockierenden und inaktiven Positionen.
  2. Hochschnelle Nahrungsmittel-Schneidemaschine (50) gemäß Anspruch 1, weiterhin umfassend:
    eine Markierung, die mit dem Messerblatt bewegbar ist, wenn sich das Messerblatt entlang seines Schneidewegs bewegt; und
    einen Sensor, der an einer feststehenden Position in der Schneidestation angebracht ist, zum Erfassen des Vorhandenseins der Markierung an einer vorgewählten örtlichen Lage, die die örtliche Lage des Messerblattes an einer vorgegebenen Ausgangsstellung seines Schneidewegs anzeigt,
    wobei die Torbetätigungseinrichtung die beiden Nahrungsmittellaibtore in deren Blockierpositionen betätigt, wenn der Sensor bestimmt, dass das Messerblatt in seiner Ausgangsstellung ist
EP95116064.7A 1994-10-11 1995-10-11 Auschnittschneidevorrichtung zum Schneiden von zwei oder mehreren Fleischstücken Expired - Lifetime EP0713753B2 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32075094A 1994-10-11 1994-10-11
US320750 1994-10-11
US08/320,759 US5628237A (en) 1994-10-11 1994-10-11 Slicing machine for two or more food loaves
US08/320,749 US5566600A (en) 1994-10-11 1994-10-11 Conveyor/classifier system for versatile hi-speed food loaf slicing machine
US08/320,752 US5649463A (en) 1994-10-11 1994-10-11 Slicing station for a food loaf slicing machine
US320749 1994-10-11
US320752 1994-10-11
US320759 1994-10-11

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0713753A2 EP0713753A2 (de) 1996-05-29
EP0713753A3 EP0713753A3 (de) 1996-09-04
EP0713753B1 EP0713753B1 (de) 2000-05-10
EP0713753B2 true EP0713753B2 (de) 2015-06-17

Family

ID=27502211

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95116064.7A Expired - Lifetime EP0713753B2 (de) 1994-10-11 1995-10-11 Auschnittschneidevorrichtung zum Schneiden von zwei oder mehreren Fleischstücken

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0713753B2 (de)
JP (1) JPH08118288A (de)
CA (1) CA2154337C (de)
DE (1) DE69516809T2 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11511450B2 (en) 2020-04-16 2022-11-29 Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg Slicing machine with product recognition device
EP3827945B1 (de) * 2007-10-22 2023-06-07 Formax, Inc. Hochgeschwindigkeitsmaschine zum schneiden von lebensmittelartikeln in scheiben

Families Citing this family (76)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9611465D0 (en) * 1996-06-01 1996-08-07 Thurne Eng Co Ltd Slicing of products
FR2754207B1 (fr) * 1996-10-07 1998-11-06 Emsens Michel Machine pour le decoupage en morceaux calibres de produits alimentaires
DE19713163A1 (de) * 1997-03-27 1998-10-15 Biforce Anstalt Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
ES2244112T3 (es) * 1998-01-24 2005-12-01 Magurit Gefrierschneider Gmbh Dispositivo para el desmenuzamiento de alimentos.
NL1009772C1 (nl) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-01 Foodcorner International B V Werkwijze en inrichting voor het in plakken snijden van voedingswaar.
DE10050713B4 (de) * 2000-10-13 2021-05-12 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden von zumindest zwei Lebensmittelprodukten
US7278344B2 (en) 2001-04-27 2007-10-09 Formax, Inc. Shear mechanism for a slicing machine
DE10124104A1 (de) * 2001-05-17 2002-12-12 Uwe Reifenhaeuser Vorrichtung zum Schneiden von strangförmigen Lebensmitteln
DE10146155A1 (de) * 2001-09-19 2003-04-10 Weber Maschb Gmbh & Co Kg Positionierverfahren
US6763750B2 (en) 2002-02-07 2004-07-20 Formax, Inc. Conveyor system for slicer apparatus
US6769337B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2004-08-03 Formax, Inc. Self-centering slicer orifice for food loaf slicing machine
US6997089B2 (en) 2002-06-25 2006-02-14 Formax, Inc. Optical grading system for slicer apparatus
US6763748B2 (en) 2002-07-26 2004-07-20 Formax, Inc. Automatic draft length compensation for slicing machine system
US7270039B2 (en) 2002-09-19 2007-09-18 Formax, Inc. Reload system for slicing machine
US7055419B2 (en) 2003-01-10 2006-06-06 Formax, Inc. System and method for optimizing slices from slicing apparatus
DE10309552A1 (de) * 2003-03-04 2004-09-16 Cfs Gmbh Kempten Sinuider Prozessverlauf einer Aufschnittschneidemaschine
DE10353527A1 (de) * 2003-11-14 2005-06-23 Cfs Kempten Gmbh Aufschneidevorrichtung mit einer krümmbaren Beladeschwinge
JP4410191B2 (ja) * 2005-12-06 2010-02-03 株式会社前川製作所 パンスライサ及びパン切断方法
JP5167692B2 (ja) * 2007-05-22 2013-03-21 吉泉産業株式会社 食材スライス装置
JP5073550B2 (ja) * 2008-03-27 2012-11-14 株式会社ディスコ チューブ切断装置
US8931240B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-01-13 Formax, Inc. Shuttle system and method for moving food products into packaging
DE102009023729A1 (de) * 2009-06-03 2010-12-09 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102009023728B4 (de) * 2009-06-03 2017-02-02 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102009023751A1 (de) * 2009-06-03 2010-12-16 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102009023730B4 (de) 2009-06-03 2012-03-22 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102009056258A1 (de) * 2009-11-28 2011-06-01 Bizerba Gmbh & Co. Kg Scheibenschneidemaschine mit luftgekühltem Elektromotor
ES2596428T3 (es) 2010-05-01 2017-01-09 Formax, Inc. Máquina de corte en lonchas de alta velocidad
DE102010019248A1 (de) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-03 CFS Bühl GmbH Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Aufschneidevorrichtung mit mehrspurigen Antrieben
EP2420362B1 (de) 2010-08-18 2015-04-15 Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102010034677A1 (de) 2010-08-18 2012-02-23 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Portionskomplettierung beim mehrspuringen Aufschneiden
DE102010034674A1 (de) 2010-08-18 2012-02-23 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Gleichzeitiges Aufschneiden mehrspurig zugeführter Lebensmittelprodukte
DE102010034675A1 (de) 2010-08-18 2012-02-23 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Portionsbildung beim mehrspurigen Aufschneiden
DE102011121017A1 (de) * 2011-12-13 2013-06-13 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung zur Verarbeitung von Lebensmittelprodukten
JP6232625B2 (ja) * 2013-04-26 2017-11-22 ハイテック株式会社 充填装置
DE102014106353A1 (de) 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Inauen Group Ag Schneidmaschine
CH710403B1 (de) 2014-11-24 2019-06-14 Multivac Haggenmueller Kg Aufschnittschneidmaschine.
DE102015118712A1 (de) * 2015-11-02 2017-05-04 Textor Maschinenbau GmbH Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102015122633A1 (de) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-22 Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach Vorrichtung zur Verarbeitung, zur Handhabung und zum Transport von Lebensmittelprodukten
DE102016115150A1 (de) * 2016-08-16 2018-02-22 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Scheibenschneidemaschine mit verschwenkbarer Displayeinheit
US10160602B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2018-12-25 Provisur Technologies, Inc. Configurable in-feed for a food processing machine
US10836065B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2020-11-17 Provisur Technologies, Inc. Exposed load cell in a food processing machine
US9950869B1 (en) 2017-01-04 2018-04-24 Provisur Technologies, Inc. Belt tensioner in a food processing machine
US10639798B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2020-05-05 Provisur Technologies, Inc. Gripper actuating system in a food processing machine
JP6955245B2 (ja) * 2017-04-25 2021-10-27 株式会社なんつね チョップカッター
CN108081351A (zh) * 2017-08-18 2018-05-29 邯郸市海拓机械科技有限公司 一种食品切割领域中同步推持装置
WO2019096741A2 (de) * 2017-11-16 2019-05-23 Gea Foo Solutions Germany Gmbh Modulartig aufgebautes transportsystem
DE102018116448A1 (de) * 2018-07-06 2020-01-09 Textor Maschinenbau GmbH Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
US11845195B2 (en) 2019-02-22 2023-12-19 Provisur Technologies, Inc. Pivoting blade assembly for high-speed food slicing machine
CN110039590B (zh) * 2019-03-22 2021-01-12 凤台县农业科学研究所 一种用于白芍芍根的切片输送设备及其工作方法
EP3838523A1 (de) * 2019-12-19 2021-06-23 Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach Vorrichtung zum aufschneiden von lebensmittelprodukten
CN111391002B (zh) * 2020-03-25 2024-04-26 南京工业职业技术学院 一种隐式磁耦驱动阵列阀承台切割机
KR102539539B1 (ko) * 2020-03-30 2023-06-02 김지환 육류 다이서
CN111571664B (zh) * 2020-05-28 2021-06-04 浙江森菱电子科技有限公司 家用小型条状蔬果切片机
CN111633706B (zh) * 2020-05-29 2022-05-17 王江明 一种厚朴切片装置
CN112008778B (zh) * 2020-07-31 2021-12-17 大别山野岭饮料股份有限公司 一种复合饮料原料清洗切割机构
CN112025814A (zh) * 2020-09-03 2020-12-04 孙明光 一种用于多批量烤鸭自动切块的机械加工设备
JP7094038B2 (ja) * 2020-09-11 2022-07-01 匠技研株式会社 食材処理装置
CN112286291B (zh) * 2020-09-23 2023-03-14 丁满信息科技(上海)有限公司 一种基于app进行内容管理的内容管理系统
DE102020129749A1 (de) 2020-11-11 2022-05-12 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Liefergestell, Aufschneide-Einheit mit Liefergestell, sowie Verfahren für deren Betrieb
CN112549109A (zh) * 2020-11-17 2021-03-26 安徽省义门苔干有限公司 一种苔干生产加工用根茎定距切割装置
DE102020133580A1 (de) 2020-12-15 2022-06-15 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Aufschneide-Maschine
CN112847606B (zh) * 2020-12-17 2022-08-30 安徽宝博新材料科技有限公司 一种高韧耐磨瑜伽垫成型装置及其加工工艺
CN112931590A (zh) * 2021-03-25 2021-06-11 荣成银海水产有限公司 一种冻干鳕鱼丝制备设备及其制备工艺
CN113352387B (zh) * 2021-05-13 2022-07-05 万二莲 一种山楂批量切块设备
JP7345887B2 (ja) * 2021-06-03 2023-09-19 匠技研株式会社 原木移送機構およびスライス装置
JP7353659B2 (ja) * 2021-08-03 2023-10-02 匠技研株式会社 スライス装置
CN113841924B (zh) * 2021-08-18 2022-09-06 安徽腾耀机电科技有限公司 一种烟草加工制条机切割装置及其使用方法
CN113771113A (zh) * 2021-08-24 2021-12-10 马鞍山市康辉纸箱纸品有限公司 一种瓦楞纸板开槽装置
DE102021133915A1 (de) 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Textor Maschinenbau GmbH Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten
CN113733190B (zh) * 2021-11-08 2022-03-22 威海银河生物技术有限公司 一种超高粘度海藻胶生产用海带清洗装置
CN114290387B (zh) * 2021-12-14 2023-12-19 安徽华善堂中药饮片有限公司 一种中药材切片装置
DE102021134551A1 (de) 2021-12-23 2023-06-29 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Mehrspurige Aufschneide-Maschine sowie Verfahren zu ihrem Betrieb
WO2023135306A1 (de) * 2022-01-17 2023-07-20 Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh Vorrichtung zum schneiden von lebensmitteln in scheiben
CN114536433B (zh) * 2022-02-14 2024-01-30 东莞市华创碳纤维科技有限公司 一种玻璃纤维橱柜把手加工用切锯加工工艺
DE102022122661A1 (de) 2022-09-07 2024-03-07 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Aufschneide-Maschine mit in Querrichtung modularem Tragrahmen sowie Baukasten für dessen Erstellung
CN116572299B (zh) * 2023-07-13 2023-09-15 山东梅笛医疗用品有限公司 一种卫生材料分切装置

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3605837A (en) † 1969-04-24 1971-09-20 Eckrich Peter & Sons Slicer control system
US3827319A (en) † 1973-06-20 1974-08-06 Eckrich Peter & Sons Weight controlled slicing system
DE3010732A1 (de) † 1980-03-20 1981-10-01 Dipl.-Ing. Schindler & Wagner KG, 7067 Plüderhausen Automatische spannzange und automatische produktzufuehrung unter verwendung einer solchen fuer eine schneidmaschine
DE3912445A1 (de) † 1989-04-15 1990-10-18 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorrichtung an schneidmaschinen zum aufschneiden, z.b. von lebensmitteln
DE4113435A1 (de) † 1991-04-25 1992-10-29 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorschubvorrichtung an schneidmaschinen
DE4206196A1 (de) † 1992-02-28 1993-09-02 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorrichtung an schneidmaschinen

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1507999B1 (de) * 1966-01-08 1970-02-12 Toni Reifenhaeuser Wuerfelschneidmaschine fuer Speck,Wurst u.dgl.
US4428263A (en) * 1981-10-08 1984-01-31 Formax, Inc. Food loaf slicing machine
DE8229720U1 (de) * 1982-10-22 1986-10-30 Natec Reich, Summer GmbH & Co KG, 8999 Heimenkirch Maschine zum Schneiden von Schneidgutriegeln
AT386792B (de) * 1984-11-14 1988-10-10 Kuchler Fritz Aufschnittschneidemaschine
FR2601280A1 (fr) * 1986-07-10 1988-01-15 Fradin Maurice Machine a trancher destinee, en particulier, a feuilleter la viande.
DE4108605C1 (en) * 1991-03-16 1992-07-16 Uwe 5232 Flammersfeld De Reifenhaeuser forming variable sales unit of sliced bread etc. - holds several bread loaves etc. in parallel setting, with only one loaf brought under slicing blade at a time
DE4142009A1 (de) * 1991-12-19 1993-06-24 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorschubantrieb fuer schneidmaschinen

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3605837A (en) † 1969-04-24 1971-09-20 Eckrich Peter & Sons Slicer control system
US3827319A (en) † 1973-06-20 1974-08-06 Eckrich Peter & Sons Weight controlled slicing system
DE3010732A1 (de) † 1980-03-20 1981-10-01 Dipl.-Ing. Schindler & Wagner KG, 7067 Plüderhausen Automatische spannzange und automatische produktzufuehrung unter verwendung einer solchen fuer eine schneidmaschine
DE3912445A1 (de) † 1989-04-15 1990-10-18 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorrichtung an schneidmaschinen zum aufschneiden, z.b. von lebensmitteln
DE4113435A1 (de) † 1991-04-25 1992-10-29 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorschubvorrichtung an schneidmaschinen
DE4206196A1 (de) † 1992-02-28 1993-09-02 Dixie Union Verpackungen Gmbh Vorrichtung an schneidmaschinen

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3827945B1 (de) * 2007-10-22 2023-06-07 Formax, Inc. Hochgeschwindigkeitsmaschine zum schneiden von lebensmittelartikeln in scheiben
US11511450B2 (en) 2020-04-16 2022-11-29 Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg Slicing machine with product recognition device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0713753A2 (de) 1996-05-29
CA2154337A1 (en) 1996-04-12
JPH08118288A (ja) 1996-05-14
CA2154337C (en) 2005-07-05
DE69516809T2 (de) 2000-10-19
DE69516809D1 (de) 2000-06-15
EP0713753A3 (de) 1996-09-04
EP0713753B1 (de) 2000-05-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0713753B2 (de) Auschnittschneidevorrichtung zum Schneiden von zwei oder mehreren Fleischstücken
US5649463A (en) Slicing station for a food loaf slicing machine
US5628237A (en) Slicing machine for two or more food loaves
US5724874A (en) Method of manufacturing food loaf slice groups
US5566600A (en) Conveyor/classifier system for versatile hi-speed food loaf slicing machine
CA1173727A (en) Food loaf slicing machine
US5481466A (en) Meat slicing machine and method of use thereof
US4405186A (en) Movable grid stacker for a food slicing machine
CA1291011C (en) Slicing machine
US5974925A (en) Continuous feed for food loaf slicing machine
US3846958A (en) Apparatus for weighing and segregating sliced bacon from a slicing machine
EP1178878B1 (de) Gerät zur automatischen abtastung eines produktes
US7450247B2 (en) Automated product profiling apparatus and product slicing system using same
EP1011936B1 (de) Messer zum gleichzeitig schneiden von mehreren laibförmigen produkten
US20080006132A1 (en) Reload method for slicing machine
US3010499A (en) Automatic slicing machine for a meat product or the like
CA2154822C (en) Takeaway/correction conveyor system for food product machine
EP0429711B1 (de) Schneidevorrichtung für Nahrungsmittel
CA2016903A1 (en) Combined jump conveyor and slicing machine
GB2239787A (en) Apparatus for portioning meat for sliced packs
US7299728B2 (en) Loaf end trimming station for slicing machine
EP0398602B1 (de) Aufschnittsystem
US3855889A (en) Slicer
CA1171764A (en) Apparatus for portioning meat
GB2378378A (en) Rotary cutter with protruding blade, having serrated and smooth sections

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970303

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19980929

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: SLICING MACHINE FOR SLICING TWO OR MORE FOOD LOAVES

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: SLICING MACHINE FOR SLICING TWO OR MORE FOOD LOAVES

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20000510

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69516809

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20000615

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20000810

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: CSF GMBH KEMPTEN

Effective date: 20010208

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG

Effective date: 20010208

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG * 20010208 CSF GM

Effective date: 20010208

PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG * 20010208 CSF GM

Effective date: 20010208

PLCK Communication despatched that opposition was rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREJ1

APAY Date of receipt of notice of appeal deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDNOA2O

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: CFS GMBH KEMPTEN

Effective date: 20010208

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG

Effective date: 20010208

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

PLAO Information deleted related to despatch of communication that opposition is rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDREJ1

PLAY Examination report in opposition despatched + time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE2

PLBC Reply to examination report in opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE3

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: CFS GMBH KEMPTEN

Effective date: 20010208

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH

Effective date: 20010208

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: CFS BUEHL GMBH

Effective date: 20010208

Opponent name: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH

Effective date: 20010208

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20121029

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20121107

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121025

Year of fee payment: 18

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20131011

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69516809

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131011

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131031

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140501

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20150617

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R102

Ref document number: 69516809

Country of ref document: DE