Cutting – With product handling means – Including means to form or hold pile of product pieces
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-07
2004-07-20
Bidwell, James R. (Department: 3724)
Cutting
With product handling means
Including means to form or hold pile of product pieces
C083S155000, C198S468110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06763750
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to slicing apparatus and associated conveyor systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a conveyor system that includes a mechanism for arranging slices received from the slicing apparatus in a manner to form a pattern.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Slicing apparatus and associated conveyor systems are known wherein the slicing apparatus deposits slices on a “jump conveyor.” The jump conveyor includes a longitudinally arranged conveying surface that travels slowly in a longitudinal direction during slice deposition to accumulate a shingled stack of slices, or the conveying surface can be held stationary to accumulate a vertically aligned stack. The jump conveyor is intermittently accelerated longitudinally to create a longitudinal gap or spacing between successive stacks. Such arrangements are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,649,463; 5,704,265; EP 0 713 753; or WO 99/08844, all herein incorporated by reference. Slicing apparatus and conveyor systems are also embodied in the FORMAX FX180 Slicer available from Formax, Inc. of Mokena, Ill., U.S.A.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a slicing apparatus and an associated conveyor system that allows a deposition of slices in a pattern on a conveying surface. The patterns can be two-dimensional patterns that can thereafter be packaged on a tray to provide an aesthetically pleasing display package of slices for retail sale. In order to arrange the two-dimensional patterns, the conveying surface is moveable in horizontal orthogonal directions, longitudinally and laterally, in accordance with a preprogrammed routine.
The conveying surface can be moved longitudinally and laterally in both forward and reverse directions to create the patterns. After a pattern is deposited onto the conveyor, the conveying surface is intermittently accelerated longitudinally to produce a gap between adjacent patterns for purposes of packaging.
The conveyor can advantageously be a jump conveyor as described in the aforementioned patents and further modified to allow for lateral movement. The jump conveyor movements can be controlled using the machine programmable controller. The patterns can be operator selected, and the conveying surface movements can be controlled by the controller.
The invention provides a selectable variety of aesthetically pleasing slice display patterns. Such patterns include, but are not limited to: an “S” shaped pattern, an “X” shaped pattern, a square pattern, a diamond pattern, a square/round pattern, a circular pattern, and a triangular pattern. The patterns can be formed by shingling or stacking slices, one slice resting partially on top of the preceding slice, to densely pack the pattern with the slices.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
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Bidwell James R.
Formax, Inc.
The Law Office of Randall T. Erickson, P.C
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