Patent GB-531517-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to slicing machines
IPC: B26D7/01
Filed: 1939-07-25
Abstract: 531,517. Slicing-machines. HOBART MANUFACTURING CO. July 25, 1939, No. 21588. Convention date, Aug. 8, 1938. [Class 28 (ii)] In a slicing-machine having a reciprocating carriage 40, the meat is supported partly on the carriage and partly on a feed tray 50 on which it is gripped between a vertical wall 53 and a plate member 86 which is adjustable towards and away from the wall 53. The member 86 is also adjustable on the vertical axis 66 to lie parallel with the slicing plane to act as a last slice holder, or to an intermediate position which provides for slicing the material at an angle. In the intermediate position, the face of the plate 86 may be masked by a smooth attachment member 110. The member 86 is, moreover, adjustable about a horizontal axis to enable it to be used as a simple top clamp. The tray 50 is formed with a sleeve handle 51 slidable on a tubular shaft 47 which houses a tension spring 100 for effecting the feed towards the abutment plate 35. The spring is connected to a collar 103 revoluble, but not axially movable, relatively to the handle 51, the rotary movement of the sleeve being limited by a radial pin 109 passing through the slot 105 in the shaft 47, to which one end of the spring 100 is attached. The spring has a tendency to rotate the collar, so that when the tray is fully withdrawn from the knife, the radial pin is forced by the spring 100 into a notch in the slot, the tray being thus held for positioning of the meat. The tray is released, for slice feeding, by pressing the palm of the hand upon the extension 104 of the collar 103, this being naturally effected during the pulling back of the carriage after a forward slicing stroke. This natural pressure on the extension 104 has the further effect of binding the sliding parts in the slot 105 so that during the return stroke, the spring action is ineffective and objectionable rubbing of the substance on the slicing knife is avoided. The horizontal and vertical parts 54, 53 of the tray 50 are formed with raised ribs 60 to stiffen the tray and to hold the substance more securely. A plate 61 is slidable over the surface 54, it being provided with guides 62 engaging the edges of the tray. The edge 63 of the plate 61 is arcuately shaped and bevelled, so that it can pass beneath the substance without damaging it. A boss 65 is carried by the plate 61 and supports a vertical hollow shaft 66 to which an operating handle 67 is fastened. A frictional locking member 78, urged into operative position by a spring 79, is released, for sliding adjustments of the plate 61, by a sliding rod 75 actuated by a lever 72 in the handle 67. The plate 86 is carried by a collar 80 having three key-ways 81 any one of which is engageable by a key 82, by lifting the collar, turning it to the selected position and lowering with the appropriato key means in alignment. The plate 86 is, moreover, revoluble on the shaft 84, it being prevented from rotating when vertical, by engagement with the post 66. The plate may be pulled, against the action of the spring 88, until it is clear of the post 66 and free to rotate. It may then be swung into a horizontal position, and, when the spring is released. the edge engaged with a notch 95 in the collar 80. This holds the plate against rotation when used as a top clamp. Movement of the tray 50 is facilitated by rollers 55, 56. When the tray is retracted, the lock 57 is aligned with a notch in the carriage, and the tray may then be swung around the shaft 47 to permit the customer to inspect the face of the meat. A fixed supporting shoe of moulded composition may be fixed to the underside of the tray. Specification 483,123 is referred to.