Continuous cold cut slicing machine

Abstract

A continuous cold cut slicing system utilizing a slicing machine having a conveyor which feeds a loaf into engagement with a series of drums located on each side of the slicing machine channel; said drums are driven by a variable speed motor with the rotation of the drums providing a feed mechanism of the product to the slicing blade. A gripper assembly is provided which rides on guide shafts adjacent said channel with the movement of the gripper in the channel constantly being monitored by an encoder connected thereto and positive drive is supplied to the gripper towards the blade by a clutch means in conjunction with a rack and pinion arrangement. The positive drive may be synchronized with the feed of the drums. As the gripper approaches the knife, the drag may be placed on the gripper thereby compensating for pull of the blade. Also, since the encoder is constantly monitoring the position of the gripper, the exact location of the tail end of the loaf being sliced is readily determinable so that the profile compensation control system may be effectively incorporated into the system. Upon completion of slicing of a loaf, the drive of the product ceases, the gripper is retracted and during the short interval and an automatic tare correction system may be activated so as to compensate for scraps or grease on the weighing apparatus.