Patent ID: 7055419
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B26D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of slicing a carcass, slab or loaf into slices, wherein the carcass, slab or loaf is held by a gripper at a butt end and driven into a slicer at a lead end, comprising the steps of: pre-selecting at least one target weight defining an acceptable portion from the carcass, slab or loaf; weighing the carcass, slab or loaf; calculating a number of acceptable portions of said target weight and calculating a weight of a remainder portion less than said target weight that can be yielded by dividing said carcass, slab or loaf, said calculating steps all occurring prior to any slicing; pre-arranging positions of cuts across the carcass, slab or loaf to slice said number of acceptable portions such that a last portion at said butt end gripped by said gripper is one of said acceptable portions; gripping said butt end of the carcass, slab or loaf with a gripper that is movable with said carcass, slab or loaf; driving said carcass, slab or loaf into a slicing plane; slicing said carcass, slab or loaf at said positions of said cuts in said slicing plane, wherein said gripper moves with said carcass, slab or loaf as the carcass, slab or loaf is sliced; releasing said gripper from an engagement with said butt end to release said last portion; and returning said gripper to a position to reload a subsequent carcass, slab or loaf.