General Mills, Inc.

Daniel S Berkholz

Douglas J Brash

Anthony J Ciaramitaro

R Ken Ericson

A device (200) for indexing logs of frozen fish or the like is disclosed including log support fixtures (208) horizontally slideably mounted to slide blocks (206) in turn vertically slideable on guide rods (202). Horizontal legs (210) of the log support fixtures (208) are extended into slots (23) of tubes (22) of the severing apparatus (10) and separates the indexed logs from the prior logs in the tubes (22). When the prior logs have been completely severed, the log support fixtures (208) are moved from their extended positions to retracted positions by elongated channels (234) pushing against cam followers (220) carried by the log support fixtures (208). Then the slide blocks (206) are slid upward on the guide rods (202) from their lower positions by lifting a lifting bar (204) independently slideably mounted to the guide rods (202). The cam followers (220) abut against the front fingers (238) of the elongated channels (234) to prevent the log support fixtures (208) from sliding to their extended positions while the slide blocks (206) are being raised. When the slide blocks (206) are in their upper positions, the log support fixtures (208) are moved to their extended positions by the elongated channels (234) pushing against the cam followers (220). Then the lifting bar (204) is lowered on the guide rods (202) such that the horizontal legs (210) rest upon the upper end of and separate the indexed logs from the succeeding logs in the tubes (22).

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Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Daniel S Berkholz