Food product handling device, system, and related methods

A method of handling food product comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of food products:
• aligning a food product handling device above the plurality of food products, wherein the food product handling device comprises
• a movable loading head having a plurality of rails,
• a vacuum system operatively associated with the head,
• a plurality of suction devices carried by the head and configured to pick up and transport food products as the head is moved, wherein each suction device is coupled to the vacuum system,
• a plurality of mounting blocks slidably coupled to the rails, wherein one suction device is coupled to one mounting block, and
• an actuating device, operatively associated with the mounting blocks such that each mounting block is configured to slide in first and second groups between respective first and second positions, wherein, when the mounting blocks are in the second position, a distance between respective mounting blocks at opposed adjacent ends of the first group and the second group is greater than a distance between adjacent mounting blocks when in the first position, and spacing between adjacent mounting blocks within the respective first and second groups is smaller than the distance between adjacent mounting blocks when in the first position;
• applying a vacuum to each suction device of the food product handling device and thereby engaging a food product with each suction device when the mounting blocks are in the first position;
• actuating the mounting blocks to the second position using the actuating device;
• and,
• depositing the food products into packaging material by ceasing application of the vacuum at each suction device.