On-weight slicing system

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for the slicing of bacon bellies or the like in a manner such that each draft of bacon is of the same weight, irrespective of the topography and density of the belly from which the draft is sliced. A dimensioner assembly has a plurality of pivotally mounted fingers having one end which engages the belly and another end which is a cam surface for transmitting movement of the fingers to a receptor such as an electromicrometer. The finges engage the top, bottom and both longitudinal sides of the belly, and the data thus collected are then transformed into a topography schematic which is particular for each specific belly passing through the dimensioner assembly. These topography data and data concerning the make-up of the particular belly are used for controlling movement of feed into a bacon slicer. Included is a feed assembly which positively and precisely feeds the belly into the slicer. Also described are a side strapping assembly for removing a selected one of the longitudinal edges of each belly, as well as an interleaver assembly that places a bacon board or the like beneath each draft thus formed. The dimensioner and controlled-feed slicing assemblies are most advantageously utilized in association with a pressing arrangement which flattens and squares off each belly in accordance with its particular free-pressing configuration and make-up.