Method and apparatus for slicing a number of articles into a plurality of uniform thin slices in a single operation

A slicing device for slicing a number of articles in one slicing operation, the device comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of horizontally disposed cutting blades mounted in the frame for receiving an article to be sliced into intermediate slices and end slices;
• an article pushing member pushing the article into the cutting blades;
• a support member positioned between the cutting blades and the pushing member, wherein the support member is adapted to support, at least temporarily, the articles prior to slicing;
• a collector positioned underneath the cutting blades for the collection of the sliced articles, whereby the collector comprises a first collection unit for the collection of the end slices and a second collection unit for the collection of the intermediate slices wherein the first collection unit comprises a plurality of inlets positioned underneath the cutting blades for the collection of one or two end slices and a plurality of gravity conveyors and wherein the first collection unit is positioned such that the end slices will be guided along the gravity conveyors into the first collection unit.