Washable stacker apparatus with self-tensioning feature for use with a food slicing machine

US9770840B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Eric J. Wangler · Rochester, US
• David P. Prior · Rochester, US
• Hermann Scharfen · Witten, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 4, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 26, 2017
• Expiry date: May 4, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B26D2210/02
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved food slice stacker that can be coupled to a meat slicer, to automatically stack the slices on food into stacks, wherein the stacker can be easily washed and sanitized to remove food particles therefrom. The stacker includes a frame with a pair of spaced apart parallel supports that support a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a plurality endless transport chains, an integrally formed sprocket sleeve with sprocket portions that engage and drive the chains and an integrally formed pulley sleeve with a smooth surface an a plurality of pulley members that also engage the transport chains, wherein the sprocket and pulley sleeves are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the pulley sleeve engages the transport member. The pulley sleeve is integrally formed of a friction-free material so as to provide for smooth surfaces that substantially prevent retention of food particles thereon during washing.