In the retail food industry, specifically, small grocery stores, delicatessens, restaurants and the like, a great deal of bulk luncheon meats and cheese are sold over the counter which are sliced and weighed according to customer order.

The employee must by trial and error manually slice the food and then weigh the same.

This usually results in many trips back and forth between the slicer and the weighing scale before the proper amount of food is sliced. In addition, the employee must stay and operate the slicer in order to fulfill the customer's order. Consequently, a great deal of time is lost that could otherwise be used performing other sales services for the customer.

In an effort to solve the problem of interrupting the slicing operation to set the already cut slices down on a scale to verify the weight, slicers have been developed which automatically weigh the sliced product as it is sliced. Thereby eliminating the need for the operator to make trips back and forth between the slicer and the weighing scale to ascertain the proper weight of the products sliced. However, even with this apparently time saving feature, the operator must still stay at the slicer to either manually slice the food or, in the case of an operator that uses an automatic slicer, the operator must stay to receive and place the sliced products in an uniform stack. Many automatic slicing systems do not include an efficient and economically feasible device for receiving weighing and uniformly stacking the sliced product An example of an automatic slicing system that efficiently and economically weighs and places sliced comestible product in uniform stacks is

disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,107,731. The automatic slicing system disclosed therein moves the comestible product back and forth past a stationary slicing blade to generate slices. As is common with rotary slicing blade systems, a portion of the rotary slicing blade is exposed during the regular operation of the automatic slicing system. Thus, requiring an operator to use heightened care while operating the automatic slicing system. Additionally, changing the rotary slicing blade is inconvenient as the machine needs to be completely broken down and cleaned before changing blades. This makes maintaining the proper level of sanitation a time consuming process when slicing different comestible products that require different blades, such as cheese and bologna.

The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages inherent in the above-described automatic or manual slicing systems by providing an automatic slicing system for slicing a comestible product that uses a stationary comestible product holding member in combination with a reciprocating, longitudinally moving slicer blade. Thus, the automatic slicing system of the present invention efficiently and economically slices and stacks a comestible product while eliminating potential collisions between the operator and the portion of the automatic slicing system that supports the comestible product during the slicing operation. Furthermore, a high level of sanitation is easier to maintain because the present invention uses a blade that is easy to remove to make cleaning a less time consuming process. Easy removal of the blade also promotes safe handling of the slicing system during cleaning. Additionally, the blade used to slice the comestible product in the present invention is completely enclosed during the slicing operation to prevent injury to a careless operator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to an automatic slicing system for a comestible product The automatic slicing system uses a stationary comestible product holding member for holding the comestible product. The product holding member has an open bottom end. A reciprocating longitudinal slicer blade

having a longitudinal axis is movable along a path from a first side of the comestible product to a second side, opposite from the first side, of the comestible product to generate at least one slice of the comestible product. The reciprocating longitudinal slicer blade also moves in an oscillatory manner in a direction perpendicular to the path and moves generally co-axially with the longitudinal axis. A support is positioned below the stationary comestible product holding member to receive and support each slice of the comestible product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an automatic slicing system in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front side elevational view of the automatic slicing system of Fig. 1 illustrating the reciprocating longitudinal slicer blade about to make contact with a comestible product; Fig. 3 is a front side elevational view of the automatic slicing system of Fig. 1 illustrating the reciprocating longitudinal slicer blade in the process of slicing one slice of the comestible product; Figs. 4A and 4B are a functional flow chart that illustrates the preferred method of operation of the controller of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words"right,""left,""lower,"and"upper"designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words"inwardly"and "outwardly"refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the automatic slicing system and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the word"a,"as used in the claims, means"at least one." Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-3 an automatic slicing system, generally designated 10, for the slicing of a comestible product 22 in accordance with the present invention. The automatic slicing system 10 includes a housing 12 and a base portion 14. The housing 12 receives and supports various elements of the system, as is apparent from the description hereinafter. The base portion 14 includes a set of downwardly depending legs 16, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the housing 12 be constructed of a high strength lightweight material, such as stainless steel. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art from this disclosure, that other materials could be used to construct the housing 12. For instance, a polymeric material, aluminum or some other metallic alloy of like or similar quality can be used to construct the housing 12. Preferably, the legs 16 are constructed of a soft dampening type material for firmly positioning the automatic slicing system 10 at its location upon a supporting surface (not shown), such as a standard counter, and for reducing vibration thereof.

Specifically, it is preferred that the legs 16 be constructed of a closed-cell rubber, as is understood by those skilled in the art.

For ease of description only, it is understood that the remaining elements of the automatic slicing system 10 are preferably constructed of the same material as the housing 12, unless otherwise indicated.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, the automatic slicing system 10 includes a stationary comestible product holding member (hereinafter referred to as"the holding member") 24 capable of holding the comestible product 22 and having an open bottom end 29. The holding member 24 is positioned along the mid-point of one side of the automatic slicing system 10, as shown in Figs. 1-3. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 is aligned approximately midway along the height of the automatic slicing system 10. When beginning a slicing operation, the comestible product 22 is placed inside of the holding member 24.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the holding member 24 further includes a generally L-shaped door member 32 hingedly secured to a product holding support 28.

The product holding support 28 also has an L-shape. The product holding support 28 combines with the door member 32 to form a rectangular shell enclosing the comestible product 22 during the slicing operation. As shown in Fig. 1, a brace 30 connects the product holding support 28 in a spaced apart manner from the housing 12 of the automatic slicing system 10. Thus, the door member 32 and the product holding support 28 combine to enclose a comestible product 22 in a rectangular enclosure that is positioned a predetermined distance in front of the housing 12 via the brace 30. The bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 has an opening 31 to allow the comestible product 22 to pass therethrough. Details of how the comestible product 22 is supported during the slicing operation will be discussed below. The brace 30 is preferably attached via welds (not shown) to the housing 12 and the holding member 24 is welded to the brace 30. However, those of skill in the art understand from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to the manner in which the housing 12, the brace 30, and the holding member 24 are connected.

The door member 32 is preferably connected to the product holding support 28 by a hinge 36. The door member 32 preferably includes a handle 34 for allowing the operator to easily grip the door member 32. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the handle 34 be constructed of a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the handle 34 could

be constructed of other materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the present embodiment, the comestible product 22 preferably is a cold cut of meat or cheese, as is understood by those skilled in the art. However, it is also understood by those of skill in the art from this disclosure, that other types of comestible items can be sliced by the automatic slicing system 10. For instance, raw, hot or smoked meats or fish can be sliced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Consequently, the present invention is not limited to any specific type of comestible product 22.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the comestible product 22 be slidably disposed within the holding member 24. Consequently, as a slice is cut or removed from the comestible product 22, the comestible product 22 slides downwardly by gravity feed into the proper position for having another slice removed therefrom. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the holding member 24 also include a mechanism for forcing the comestible product 22 downward, as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3. Details of how the comestible product 22 is supported during the cutting operation will be discussed below. Preferably, the mechanism for forcing the comestible product 22 downwardly includes a spring-loaded member 26 that is slidably disposed on the product holding support 28. The spring-loaded member 26 projects inwardly inside of the holding member 24 and is positioned on a face of the product holding support 28 that is opposite to the panel of the door member 32 bearing the handle 34. Thus, when the comestible product 22 is placed in the holding member 24, the spring-loaded member 26 projects over the top end of the comestible product 22. The spring-loaded member 26 can be mechanically actuated in accordance with the desired slice thickness. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the spring-loaded member 26 can be eliminated and that the comestible product 22 can slide downwardly with respect to the base portion 14 simply due to the force of gravity or an incremental linear sliding block can move downwardly in accordance with slice thickness.

To place the comestible product 22 within the holding member 24, the door member 32 is pivoted away from the product holding support 28. The comestible product 22 is then positioned therewithin under the spring-loaded member 26 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The door member 32 is then pivoted and secured in the closed position using any suitable type fastener (not shown) as is known by those skilled in the art. The holding member 24 preferably includes a sensor (not shown) for sensing whether the door member 32 is in the closed or opened position. The sensor is used to prevent operation of the automatic slicing system 10 unless the door member 32 is in the closed position, as is understood by those skilled in the art.

While in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the holding member 24 is generally vertically or perpendicularly oriented with respect to the reciprocating longitudinal slicer blade (hereinafter referred to as"the slicer blade") 18.

It is understood by those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the holding member 24 could include a tilt mechanism (not shown) for tilting the holding member 24 and its associated comestible product 22 at an angle with respect to the slicer blade 18. This would facilitate for the slicing of comestible products 22 which are short in width in order to obtain larger dimensioned finished slices. Such comestible products 22 typically include fish, such as salmon.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, a slicer blade 18 having a longitudinal axis, denoted"X", is movably positioned along a plane that is aligned underneath the bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 and parallel to the base portion 14 of the automatic slicing system 10. The slicer blade 18 moves along a slicing path, defined as the distance along the above-mentioned plane from a first side of the comestible product 22 to a second side, opposite from the first side, of the comestible product 22 to generate at least one slice 23 of the comestible product 22. The slicing path that is traveled by the slicer blade 18 while cutting the comestible product 22 is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis"X." While the preferred embodiment of the automatic slicing system 10 uses a slicer blade 18 that has a single blade portion 52 (depicted in Figs. 1-3 and discussed

below), those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to an automatic slicing system 10 that uses a slicer blade 18 that has a single blade portion 52. For example, a slicer blade 18 may be used that is designed as an endless bandsaw type of blade.

The slicer blade 18 also moves in an oscillatory manner generally coaxial to the longitudinal axis"X. "Thus, it is the oscillatory motion of the slicer blade 18 along the longitudinal axis"X"that enables the slicer blade 18 to slice the comestible product 22. While the slicer blade 18 is oscillating, the slicer blade 18 is moved underneath the bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 to engage the lower end of the comestible product 22. As shown in Fig. 1, the slicer blade 18 has a rectangular shape (when viewed from the top of the automatic slicing system 10) with a cutting edge 17 being located along one of the elongated sides. Due to the shape of the slicer blade 18, the slicer blade 18 does not use rotary motion to cut through the comestible product 22. Rather, the slicer blade 18 uses only oscillatory motion along the longitudinal axis"X"to enable the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18 to slice into the comestible product 22 as the slicer blade 18 travels beneath the holding member 24.

Referring now to Figs. 2-3, a first plate 46 and a second plate 48 are alternately used to vertically support the comestible product 22 inside of the holding member 24. The first plate 46 and the second plate 48 may be constructed using substantially flat rectangularly shaped plates that are substantially co-planar with each other. The first plate 46 is positioned adjacent to the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18. The second plate 48 is positioned along a second elongated side, opposite from the cutting edge 17, of the slicer blade 18.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first plate 46 supports the bottom end of the comestible product 22 before the slicing operation begins. During the operation of the automatic slicing system 10, the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48 move in a synchronized fashion with respect to movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis"X"along the slicing path. Thus, as viewed in

Figs. 2 and 3, the combination of the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48, move in unison while moving in both the leftward direction and the rightward direction.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, before starting the slicing operation, when the comestible product 22 is placed inside the holding member 24, the comestible product 22 is supported by the first plate 46. Then, once the slicing operation has begun, the first plate 46, the slicer blade 18, and the second plate 48, move in unison in the leftward direction to bring the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18 into contact with the comestible product 22. The thickness of each slice 23 is determined by the difference in height, relative to the base 14, between the top surface of the first plate 46 and the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18. Thus, the greater the distance between the top surface of the first plate 46 and the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18, the greater the thickness of each slice 23.

As shown in Fig. 3, as the slicer blade 18 slices through the comestible product 22, the first plate 46 moves leftward and out from under the comestible product 22. As the slicer blade 18 penetrates into the comestible product 22 to remove a slice 23 from the comestible product 22, the second plate 48 moves leftward to begin supporting the comestible product 22. Thus, as the first plate 46 is being removed from its position supporting the comestible product 22, the second plate 48 moves into a position supporting the comestible product 22. In a similar fashion, when the slicer blade 18 has completed cutting one slice 23 from the bottom end of the comestible product 22, the cutting edge 17 has cleared the circumferential edge of the comestible product 22, but the second side 19 of the slicing blade 18 does not move past the circumferential edge of the comestible product 22 to support the comestible product 22.

This allows the slicer blade 18 to move back towards the right side of the automatic slicing system 10 (as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3) causing the second plate 48 to move out from under the comestible product 22 and causing the first plate 46 to move into a position supporting the comestible product 22 without the comestible product 22 becoming hung up behind the second side 19 of the slicer blade 18. Accordingly, the

first plate 46 and the second plate 48 alternately vertically support the comestible product 22 during the slicing operation.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48 be driven by a drive mechanism which is comprised of an electrical motor through suitable gearing (not shown), if desired, as is understood by those skilled in the art. The slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48 are preferably fixedly secured to the drive mechanism within the housing 12 by suitable linkage or the like (not shown) and extend through a longitudinal slot 38 in the housing to contact the comestible product 22. Further description of the drive mechanism for driving the combination of the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48 reciprocally along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "X"is not necessary or limiting, since it is not pertinent to the present invention and is understood by those skilled in the art.

As shown in Fig. 1, the slicer blade 18 preferably includes a mounting device 50 and a blade portion 52 that is releasably attached to the mounting device 50 by a suitable quick connect device (not shown), such as a detent mechanism. Thus, it is the mounting device 50 that is driven in an oscillatory manner along the longitudinal axis"X"to cause the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 to move in an oscillatory fashion. The mounting device 50 is connected to the drive mechanism inside of the housing 12 and projects outward from front of the housing 12. The blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 is attached to a distal end of the mounting device 50. The quick connect device located between-the mounting device 50 and the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 is not pertinent to the present invention, and such devices are known by those of skill in the art. Consequently, a detailed description of the quick connect device is not necessary and the present invention is not limited to any specific type of connecting device between the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 and the mounting device 50.

Additionally, a clip 54 is positioned on the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 on an end opposite from the mounting device 50 to allow the operator to

easily grasp one end of the slicer blade 18 when the automatic slicing system 10 is deactivated. Thus, to remove the slicer blade 18, the operator grasps the clip 54 in a hand and disengages the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 from the mounting device 50. Due to the combination of a the clip 54 and the mounting device 50, the operator can easily change the slicer blade 18 depending on the type of comestible product being sliced or depending upon the need for sanitation, maintenance or replacement of the slicer blade 18. Additionally, the clip 54 simplifies the grasping of the blade portion 52 of the slicer blade 18 and allows the operator to grasp the slicer blade 18 without the danger of cutting a hand. Preferably, the clip 54 is constructed of a knurled rubber material, or any suitable material that is easy to grasp while wet without danger of slipping from the operator's hand.

Referring now to Figs. 1-3, a support 40 is positioned below the bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 to receive and support each slice 23 as each slice 23 is sliced from the comestible product 22. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the support 40 be a generally flat receiving surface for receiving each slice 23 of the comestible product 22. As shown in Fig. 1, it is preferable that the support 40 be a tray or table-like member fixedly secured to a pair of generally cylindrical support rods 42 which, in turn, are operatively associated with a second drive mechanism (not shown) within the housing 12, as is understood by those skilled in the art. The second drive mechanism allows the support 40 to be moved vertically with respect to the base portion 14 of the automatic slicing system 10 and also allows the support 40 to be moved horizontally outward from the housing 12 to present the sliced comestible product to the operator. More particularly, it is preferred that each of the support rods 42 be interconnected with the second drive mechanism through a slot 56 in the housing 12.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the slots 56 are positioned generally perpendicularly with respect to the path traveled by the slicer blade 18. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the position of the slots 56 may be angled with respect to the slicer blade 18 so that the support 40 moves downwardly away from

the slicer blade 18 generally in alignment with the slice 23 as it is being removed from the comestible product 22. This allows for more uniform stacking because of the angle of the slice 23 being removed from the comestible product 22 by the slicer blade 18.

In the preferred embodiment, the support 40 moves perpendicularly away from the slicer blade 18 by a distance approximately equal to a thickness of each slice 23 every time an additional slice 23 of the comestible product 22 is generated by the slicer blade 18. Accordingly, the incremental distance that the support 40 is lowered relative to the slicer blade 18, as each additional slice 23 is formed, corresponds to the distance between the upper surface of the first plate 46 and the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18. As each slice 23 is received by the support 40, each slice 23 is aligned with the slices that are already present on the support 40. Each at least one slice 23 has a circumferential edge that is generally aligned with those of the other slices 23 that are supported on the support 40. Thus, by aligning the circumferential edges of each at least one slice 23, a uniform stack 58 of sliced comestible product 22 is formed on the support 40.

As detailed above, the support 40 moves downward, as viewed in Figs.

2 and 3, in an incremental fashion as each slice 23 is removed from the comestible product 22. This allows the distance between the top of the uniform stack 58 and the bottom of the comestible product 22 to be substantially constant This causes the slices 23 to be more accurately formed into a uniform stack 58. As also detailed above, the support 40 is preferably connected to a second drive mechanism (not shown) that is capable of manipulating the vertical position of the support 40 depending on the operation of the slicer blade 18. However, it is possible that the support plate 40 is attached to the same drive mechanism used to move the slicer blade 18 (through various additional mechanism linkages) as is understood by those of skill in the art.

Since the specific type of drive mechanism used to manipulate the position of the support 40 is not pertinent to the present invention, further description thereof is neither necessary nor limiting.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the support 40 further include a weight detector 78 that is attached to the support 40 and transmits a signal, representing the weight of the comestible product 22 that is positioned on the support 40, to a controller described in more detail below. The controller is in operative engagement with the slicer blade 18 and receives the signal from the weight detector 78. The controller stops the slicer blade 18 from moving along the path when the comestible product 22 on the support 40 reaches a predetermined weight.

In the preferred embodiment, the weight detector 78 simultaneously senses the weight of the sliced comestible product 22 on the support 40 and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the weight. Consequently, the controller is continuously monitoring the weight of the sliced comestible product 22 that is positioned on the support 40. In the preferred embodiment, the weight detector 78 comprises a strain gauge 78 that is mounted underneath the support 40. Signals are sent from the strain gauge 78 to the controller via a wire 80. Since the specific type of weight detector 78 used by the automatic slicing system 10 is not pertinent to the present invention, further description thereof is neither necessary nor limiting.

As detailed above, the automatic slicing system 10 includes a controller for at least controlling the operation of the support 40. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the controller comprise a programmable microprocessor positioned within a control housing 44. Preferably, the microprocessor receives input of a variety of parameters via a key pad 60 located on the surface of the control housing 44. For instance, the operator of the automatic slicing system 10 may wish to enter the desired weight of the comestible product 22 to be sliced; the cost per pound of the comestible product 22; the desired number of slices 23 (instead of the desired weight) of the comestible product 22; the thickness of each slice 23 of the comestible product 22; the height of the uniform stack 58, etc. The microprocessor based control system functions to control the operation of the automatic slicing system 10 to achieve the operator's desired result. As shown in Figs. 1-3, in a preferred embodiment, the control housing 44 is preferably located within the housing 12 of the automatic slicing system 10.

The microprocessor preferably includes a digital display 62 (e. g., liquid crystal or the like) for displaying information to the operator, such as current weight, total cost, etc. Upon the microprocessor receiving the parameter information which the operator desires, the operator presses the start button (not identified) on the keypad 60 and the automatic slicing system 10 commences operation.

Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the controller automatically adjusts a first blade speed (that is defined by the average velocity of the slicer blade 18 along the path) in response to the type of comestible product 22 being sliced.

Accordingly, depending on the properties of the comestible product 22 being sliced, the speed with which the slicer blade 18 is moved through the comestible product 22 is adjusted. Thus, when slicing comestible products 22 that tend to flake easily, the first blade speed can be reduced to prevent excessive crumbling of the comestible product (for instance, while using the automatic slicing system 10 to slice pastries).

Accordingly, when an operator places a pastry into the holding member 24 and enters the appropriate code into the keypad 60 to identify the product to the microprocessor which prints out the appropriate price tag for the sliced pastry, and adjusts the first blade speed to that which is appropriate for the product (i. e., the pastry). Therefore, an operator, while entering the appropriate parameter information to compute the cost per weight of the comestible product 22, also causes the slicer blade 18 to use a first blade speed that is ideal for the particular comestible product 22 that is being sliced. Furthermore, an operator can override the preset first blade speed for a particular comestible product 22 by entering an alternate first blade speed into the controller using the keypad 60.

In the preferred embodiment, the controller automatically adjusts a second blade speed (that is defined by the average longitudinal velocity of the slicer blade 18 generally along the longitudinal axis"X") in response to the type of comestible product being sliced. Accordingly, when an operator enters the appropriate code into the controller via the keypad 60 to set the price per weight ratio correctly for the particular comestible product 22, the operator also causes the controller to select the

second blade speed that is ideal for the particular comestible product 22 that is being sliced. For example, when slicing through a cut of beef that typically has a large bone segment, the controller alters the speed with which the slicer blade 18 moves back and forth along the longitudinal axis"X"to simplify the cutting of the bone.

In addition to automatically selecting a first and second blade speed depending on the type of comestible product 22 being sliced, the automatic slicing system 10 can be set to use predetermined first and second blade speeds regardless of the type of comestible product 22 being sliced. Thus, the operator can select whether to operate the automatic slicing system 10 using automatically adjusting (depending on the type of comestible product) blade speeds or to operate the automatic slicing system 10 using constant first and second blade speeds that are chosen by the operator.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 4A-4B, in addition to using different blade speeds depending on the type of comestible product 22 being sliced, the automatic slicing system 10 can also further adjust the blade speed depending on the actual slicing difficulty experienced by the automatic slicing system 10 while cutting the comestible product 22. The preferred method used by the controller to adjust the slicer blade 18 speed during a slicing operation is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, as follows. In step S1, the operator selects the desired weight of comestible product 22 that is to be sliced. Then, in step S2, the controller (contained within the control housing 44) determines whether the door member 32 is open. If the door member 32 is open then the controller indicates that the door member 32 needs to be shut during step S3.

Once the controller determines that the door member 32 is closed, the controller actuates the combination of the first plate 46, the slicer blade 18, and the second plate 48, during step S4. Then, in step S5, the controller determines whether the slicer blade 18 has engaged the comestible product 22. If the controller determines that the slicer blade 18 has not yet engaged the comestible product 22 then the controller waits until the slicer blade 18 contacts the comestible product 22.

After detecting that the slicer blade 18 has engaged the comestible product 22, during step S6, the controller records the first position of the slicer blade

18. The first position of the slicer blade 18 corresponds to the position of the slicer blade 18 (along the path traveled by the slicer blade 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis"X") when the slicer blade 18 first contacts the comestible product 22.

Then, during step S7, the controller determines the difficulty of slicing through the particular comestible product 22. After determining the difficulty of slicing the particular comestible product 22, the controller adjusts the first and second blade speeds of the slicer blade 18 during step S8. Then, during step S9, the controller determines whether the particular comestible product 22 being sliced is too hard for the slicer blade 18 to safely cut. If the controller determines that the comestible product is too hard to safely cut, then, in step S 10, the slicer blade 18 returns to its original starting position and during step Sol 1 the automatic slicer system 10 is disabled. The preferable starting position of the slicer blade 18 is proximate to the far right end of the slot 38, as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that alternat positions along the slot 38 can be used as the starting position.

Afterwards, in step S12, the automatic slicing system 10 indicates via the digital display 62 that there is a slicing problem.

If during step S9 the controller determines that the comestible product 22 being sliced is not too hard for the slicer blade 18 to safely slice, then the controller continues to slice the comestible product 22 until the slicer blade 18 has completely cut through the comestible product 22. During step S 13, the controller continuously checks to determine whether the slicer blade 18 has reached a second position. The second position corresponds to the position of the slicer blade 18 (along the path that is traveled by the blade while slicing the comestible product 22 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis"X") when the slicer blade 18 reaches a second side of the comestible product 22 after completely cutting one slice 23 of the comestible product 22. If the controller does not detect that the slicer blade 18 has completed slicing the comestible product 22 and reached the second position, then the controller continuously monitors the progress of the slicer blade 18.

After the controller determines that the slicer blade 18 has reached the second position and completed forming one slice 23 of the comestible product 22, in step S 14, the controller checks the weight of the sliced comestible product 22 that is positioned on the support 40. Then, during step S 15, the controller compares the weight of comestible product 22 that is supported by the support 40 to the desired weight. If the weight of the comestible product 22 is less than the desired weight of sliced comestible product that has been selected by the operator then, during step S 16, the slicer blade 18 is returned to the first position. The automatic slicing system 10 returns the slicer blade 18 to the first position at a high rate of speed to reduce the amount of time necessary to complete a slicing operation. Once the slicer blade 18 has been returned to the first position, the controller repeats the above-detailed method starting at step S4.

If, however, during step S 15, the controller determines that the appropriate weight of sliced comestible product 22 is positioned on the support 40, then, in step S 17, the slicer blade 18 is returned to the starting position. Afterwards, during step S 18, the automatic slicing system 10 is deactivated. Then, in step S 19, the automatic slicing system 10 indicates that the slicing operation is complete. Once the automatic slicing system 10 has indicated that the slicing operation has been successfully completed, an operator can remove the sliced comestible product 22 and reset the automatic slicing system 10 to process a second comestible product 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the controller adjusts the length of the path that is reciprocatingly traveled by the slicer blade 18 in response to the width of the comestible product 22. The length of the path is measured from the first side of the comestible product 22 to a second side, which is opposite to the first side, of the comestible product 22. Or as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3, the length of the path would be measured from the right side of the comestible product 22 to the left side of the comestible product By using means known to those of skill in the art, the controller can monitor whether the slicer blade 18 is cutting through the comestible product 22.

One method to determine when the slicer blade 18 is cutting the comestible product 22 is to use the current supplied to the electric motor (not shown).

The current supplied is increased proportionately according to the difficulty of slicing the comestible product 22. Thus, the amount of current flowing through the electrical motor is used as a feedback signal to the controller which slows down the slicer blade 18 according to how difficult it is to push the slicer blade 18 through the comestible product 22. By monitoring when the slicer blade 18 is actually slicing the comestible product 22 and automatically adjusting the length of the path traveled by the slicer blade 18, the efficiency of the automatic slicing system 10 can be increased. Since the specific method for monitoring when the slicer blade 18 is cutting through the comestible product 22 is not pertinent to the present invention, further description thereof is neither necessary nor limiting.

As an alternative to slicing the comestible product 22 with the slicer blade 18 oriented generally perpendicular to the slot 38 in the housing 12, the slicer blade 18 can be positioned at an angle relative to the opposing edges of the first and second plates 46 and 48. For example, if the slicer blade 18 were in an angled cutting position, then the longitudinal axis"X"would be angled with respect to the position of the longitudinal axis"X"shown in Fig. 1 (while remaining in a plane parallel to the support 40). Thus, the distal end of the slicer blade 18 would be closer to the first plate 46 than the end of the slicer blade 18 that extends through the slot 38 would be to the first plate 46. Alternatively, the slicer blade 18 can perform a slicing operation with the slicer blade 18 angled so that the distal end is closer to the second plate 48 than the end of the slicer blade 18 that extends through the slot 38 is to the second plate 48.

In addition to being able to slice the comestible product 22 with the slicer blade 18 positioned at an angle from the position shown in Fig. 1, the slicer blade 18 can move through a range of angles during the slicing operation. Thus, causing the slicer blade 18 to exhibit a seesaw-like motion while cutting through the comestible product 22.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the controller generate either an audible or visual signal (when the sliced comestible product 22 attains the desired weight or other parameter) to signal the operator that the slicing operation is complete. Additionally, the microprocessor can be interconnected with a printer for printing a label for the sliced product indicating the final weight and price of the sliced comestible product 22.

The specific type of microprocessor employed is not pertinent to the present invention. That is, the choice of the microprocessor and its program are within the ambit of the ordinarily skilled artisan and, therefore, further description of the specifics thereof is neither necessary nor limiting.

Referring now to Figs. 1-3, in the preferred embodiment, a manually operable control 64, in the form of a rotatable knob, and transmission (not shown) can be used to manually adjust the thickness of each slice 23. By rotating the manually operable control 64, an operator adjusts the position of the first plate 46 and the second plate 48. By raising or lowering the vertical position of the first plate 46, an operator changes the relative distance between the top surface of the first plate 46 and the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18. This causes the thickness of each slice 23 to be varied accordingly. Thus, by rotating the manually operable control 64 the thickness of each slice 23 is adjusted in accordance with the distance between the cutting edge 17 of the slicer blade 18 and the top surface of the first plate 46. Furthermore, the controller can also adjust the thickness of each slice 23 by activating the above mentioned drive mechanism to change the relative position between the first plate 46 and the slicer blade 18.

In the preferred embodiment, a cover 66 surrounds the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48. As shown in cross section in Figs. 2 and 3, the cover 66 has an upper surface that is aligned underneath the edges of the holding member 24. Thus, when the holding member 24 is secured in the closed position, the cover 66 presents a seemingly continuous flat surface that supports the holding member 24 thereon. Furthermore, the open bottom end 29 of the holding member 24 is aligned

with an aperture 68 that extends through both the upper and the lower surfaces of the cover 66 (as detailed above, the bottom end 29 of the comestible product 22 is supported by the slicer blade 18 and, alternatively, by the first and second plates 46, 48). This allows the bottom end 29 of the comestible product 22 to be supported below the upper surface of the cover 66. This is necessary to allow the slicer blade 18 to engage the comestible product 22. As the comestible product 22 is being sliced by the slicer blade 18, an individual slice 23 is separated from the comestible product 22 and falls through the aperture 68 in the cover 66 to be received by the support 40.

Preferably, the cover 66 is releasably secured to the housing 12 via grooves 70 through which bolts 72 are inserted. The grooves 70 are positioned in a flange 71 that is attached along an edge of the cover 66. The flange 71 extends upwards from the edge of the upper surface of the cover 66 that contacts the housing 12. The bolts 72 project from the housing and can be slid into the grooves 70 of the flange 71. The grooves 70 have a larger lower end for receiving the head of the bolt 72 therethrough. The upper end of the grooves 70 is narrower for receiving the shaft of the bolts 72 to lock the cover 66 to the housing 12. The cover 66 substantially completely encloses the slicer blade 18 during the slicing operation, thereby increasing the safety of the automatic slicing system 10 over other slicing systems that employ a partially exposed rotary slicing blade. Additionally, by using a combination of grooves 70 and bolts 72, the cover 66 is easily detachable from the housing 12 to allow the operator to access the slicer blade 18. That is, the cover 66 is lifted upwardly to align the larger lower end of the grooves 70 with the head of the bolt 72 to allow the head of the bolt 72 to pass therethrough, thereby removing the cover 66. To install the cover 66, the cover 66 is positioned so that the larger lower end of the grooves 70 are aligned with the heads of the bolts 72. Then, the flange 71 is brought into contact with the housing 12, causing the heads of the bolts 72 to be inserted through the lower end of the grooves 70. Afterwards, the cover 66 is slid downwards to slide the bolts 72 into the narrower upper end of the grooves 70, thereby securing the cover 66 to the housing 12. While one method of connecting the cover 66 in a releasible fashion to the housing

12 has been disclosed, it is understood by those of skill in the art from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to any particular method of connecting the cover 66 to the housing 12.

It is understood by those skilled in the art, that the present invention can further include a separate automatic interleaver or interweaver for pre-proportioning the stacks of sliced product with wax paper or plastic film. That is, the automatic interweaver can interweave wax paper, plastic film or the like between each slice or set of slices for obtaining different or separate stacks of sliced comestible products 22.

To operate the automatic slicing system 10, the comestible product 22 is positioned within the holding member 24 and secured therein as described above. The operator turns the power switch 74 to the"on"position to provide power to the automatic slicing system 10. If the system is preliminarily functioning properly, the power light 76 is illuminated. A sheet of plastic wrap or the like (not shown) is then positioned on the top surface of the support 40 for receiving the sliced comestible product 22. The operator then programs the controller, using the keypad 60, with the desired weight, price per pound, and any other parameters the operator desires and for which the controller has been programmed. Alternatively, the desired thickness of each slice 23 may be selected using the manually operable control 64, as is understood by those skilled in the art. The operator then presses the start button (not shown) on the keypad 60 and the automatic slicing system 10 commences operation.

The automatic slicing system 10 then slices and uniformly stacks the comestible product 22 as described above until the desired weight or other selected parameters are met Upon achieving the desired weight (or other parameters), the automatic slicing system 10 stops and either an audible or visual signal is generated.

The operator can then remove the uniform stack 58 of sliced comestible product 22, package and mark the product with the price computed and printed, and present the product to the customer in an efficient and quick manner.

In operation, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the automatic slicing system 10 operates as follows. The operator positions the comestible product 22 within the

holding member 24 and selects the desired comestible product 22 weight and other desired parameters, as described above. Before actuating the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48, the controller determines if the door member 32 is opened. As detailed above, the automatic system 10 will not operate until the door member 32 is closed. Once the door member 32 is closed, the slicer blade 18 is actuated and the slicer blade 18, the first plate 46, and the second plate 48 move from the start position (near the right side of the slot 38 through which the mounting device 50 protrudes from the housing 12, as viewed in Fig. 2) toward the comestible product 22 at a high rate of speed until the slicer blade 18 comes into contact with the comestible product 22. The point of contact between the slicer blade 18 and the comestible product 22 is identifiable because the slicer blade 18 slows down upon contact with the comestible product 22 or the amount of current drawn by the motor is increased. The controller then records the position (referred to as the"first position") of the slicer blade 18. The first position of the slicer blade 18 is the point where the comestible product 22 is located adjacent to, but not in contact with, the cutting edge of the slicer blade 18.

Once the slicer blade 18 begins to slice the comestible product 22, the controller increases the power to the slicer blade 18 in accordance with the difficulty of slicing the comestible product 22. Since it is less difficult to slice cheese as compared to meat (e. g., roast beef), the automatic slicing system 10 only uses the minimum required power to slice the comestible product 22. This is necessary because hard to slice comestible products have a tendency to be deflected away from the slicer blade 18 when the slicer blade 18 is moved too rapidly.

If the comestible product 22 is too hard to slice due to a thick bone in the product or other slicing problem, the slicer blade 18 is returned to the start position and the automatic slicing system 10 is disabled. A slicing problem is then indicated on the display 62. This can be determined because the current to the electric motor driving the slicer blade 18 increases above a preset level. Upon sensing the high level of

current, the controller returns the slicer blade 18 to the start position and indicates a product slicing problem.

Once the slicer blade 18 reaches the second position, the sliced comestible product 22 on the support 40 is weighed. If the desired weight has not been achieved, the slicer blade 18 is returned to the first position at a relatively high rate of speed as compared to the slicing speed and the slicing cycle is repeated. As the slicer blade 18 oscillates between the first and second positions, the support 40 continuously receives and supports an increasing amount of sliced comestible product 22. By returning the slicer blade 18 to the first position, instead of the start position, the length of the path traveled by the slicer blade 18 is reduced or adjusted in accordance with the width of the comestible product 22 and the efficiency of the slicing operation is increased.

If, on the other hand, the desired weight of the comestible product 22 has been achieved, the slicer blade 18 is returned to the start position, the system is deactivated, and an audible signal or the like is actuated to indicate that the slicing operation is completed.

While the automatic slicing system 10 is in the process of slicing a comestible product 22, the operator is free to service other customers needs.

Consequently, the automatic slicing system 10 of the present invention decreases operator fatigue and provides a significant savings in time as well as money.

Moreover, the automatic slicing system 10 provides for more hygienic slicing since there is no human contact as the slices are directly placed onto the plastic wrap.

Furthermore, the automatic slicing system 10 of the present invention completely encloses the slicer blade 18 during operation. This further increases the level of safety with which an operator can operate the automatic slicing system 10.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention comprises an automatic slicing system 10 for slicing a comestible product 22 and forming a uniform stack 58 of the sliced comestible product 22. It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the above-described embodiment of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.