Method for automated loading of food articles into containers
US8663723B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2013 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B35/56
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The illustrative method and apparatus provides a more efficient system for automated slicing and loading of food articles into containers. The apparatus includes at least one cutting assembly and at least two chutes and depositing assemblies. The apparatus may include a positioning receptacle that aligns the food articles with a knife set and a driving arm that advances the food article into engagement with the knife set. The chutes may include a movable chute portion, which moves from alignment with the knife set to alignment with the containers, and a chute extension. Openings for the sliced food sections, which extend through the movable chute portion and the chute extension, have a cross section that changes to rotate the orientation of the food sections passing therethrough. Once deposited into the containers, the food sections are oriented with at least some cut faces of the food article adjacent the container wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.