Reload system for slicing machine

Abstract

A loaf reload mechanism for a slicing machine that includes a loaf-loading position wherein during a loading operation a loaf is placed in the loaf-loading position. During loading a gripper moves from a home position clear of a loaf in the loaf-loading position to an engagement position wherein the gripper engages a trailing end of the loaf. During a slicing operation, the gripper moves with the loaf along a longitudinal path into a slicing plane of a moving slicing blade until the loaf is effectively entirely sliced by the blade. The gripper is then retracted in a reverse direction to the home position. The loaf reload mechanism includes a loaf-staging position over the loaf-loading position, the loaf-staging position having a lowering mechanism to position a loaf from the loaf-staging position to the loaf-loading position. The reload mechanism also includes a loaf-ready position laterally adjacent to the loaf-staging position and a sweep mechanism configured to laterally move a loaf from the loaf-ready position into the loaf-staging position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.