Patent Publication Number: US-2018036897-A1

Title: System and method for cutting bread loaf into sandwiches

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, and more specifically to a system and method for cutting bread loaf into sandwiches comprising sandwich pockets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sliced bread loaves are commonly found in any store that sells food, e.g., supermarkets, grocery stores, etc. A sliced bread loaf makes it easier for the customer to consume the bread without the need to cut it by himself. The customer may eat each slice on its own with or without a spread, or may make sandwiches out of two slices of bread, typically, two adjacent slices of bread, and may eat these two slices together after inserting any edible ingredient or after spreading a spread on either or both of the slices that create the sandwich. 
     Typically, the spread or other edible ingredient that is inserted between the two slices of bread may drip, spill or fall out of the sandwich, since such a sandwich is made out of two separate slices of bread, which are attached to one another only via the grip of the user eating the sandwich or via the stickiness of the ingredient inserted within (e.g., the stickiness of a spread such as peanut butter) but in fact there is an opening around the entire circumference of such a sandwich through which the edible ingredient may fall out. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches that would prevent a spread or any other edible ingredient from dripping or falling out of the sandwiches. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure relates to a system and method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches that comprise a closed portion at which the two slices creating the sandwich are attached and are not cut all the way through, i.e., two slices of bread comprising a pocket there between. The system and method may provide a bread loaf cut into sandwiches comprising sandwich pockets, such that these sandwiches comprise an open end or open portion through which a user may insert a spread or any other edible ingredient, while further comprising a closed portion that will prevent the spread or edible ingredient from dripping or falling out of the sandwich. For example, when the sandwich has a substantially square shape; the open portion may be on one side of the sandwich, while the closed portion may be on the other three sides of the sandwich. 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, each sandwich comprising two partially connected slices of bread with a pocket there between may comprise:
         a loading unit for loading the bread loaf into the system;   a measuring unit for measuring an outline of the bread loaf;   a processor for determining a contour of a sandwich pocket; and   a cutting unit for cutting a sandwich pocket according to the determined contour, and for cutting its respective sandwich off the bread loaf.       

     In some embodiments, the loading unit may be a conveyer. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive user preferences comprising a sandwich width according to which the cutting unit cuts the bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a packaging unit for packaging all cut sandwiches in one package. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a packaging unit for separately packaging each cut sandwich. In some embodiments, a packaging unit may package all separately packaged sandwiched in one package. 
     In some embodiments, an optimal pocket contour may be determined by the processor to be closest to the sandwich outline. 
     In some embodiments, the measuring unit may measure the outline of the bread loaf in order to determine the width of the next sandwich, and the contour of its respective sandwich pocket during cutting of the previous pocket or during cutting of the previous sandwich off the bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, the system may comprise an exit through which the cut sandwiches exit the system. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, each sandwich comprising two partially connected slices of bread with a sandwich pocket there between, may comprise:
         inserting the bread loaf into a system for cutting sandwiches comprising sandwich pockets;   measuring an outline of the bread loaf, e.g. of a front portion of the bread loaf for cutting a sandwich;   determining the width of the sandwich and the contour of its respective pocket based on the measured outline of the bread loaf;   cutting the sandwich pocket, according to the determined sandwich pocket contour; and   cutting the sandwich off the bread loaf, according to the determined width.       

     In some embodiments, the method may comprise packaging all the cut sandwiches in one package. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise packaging each cut sandwich in a separate package. In yet further embodiments, the method may comprise packaging all the separately packaged sandwiches into one package. 
     In some embodiments, inserting the bread loaf into the system may be performed by loading the bread loaf onto a conveyer. 
     In some embodiments, measuring the outline of the bread loaf in order to determine the width of the next sandwich, and the contour of its respective sandwich pocket may be performed following every cut of a sandwich. 
     In some embodiments, measuring the outline of the bread loaf in order to determine the width of the next sandwich, and the contour of its respective sandwich pocket may be performed during cutting of the previous sandwich pocket or during cutting of the previous sandwich off the bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, the method may comprise exiting the cut sandwiches out of the system. 
     In some embodiments, the width of the sandwich may be determined by a user per the user&#39;s preferences. 
     In some embodiments, an optimal pocket contour may be determined to be closest to the sandwich outline while having enough width such to not easily tear. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear. It should be noted that the elements or parts in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale such that each element or part may be larger or smaller than actually shown. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a flow chart of a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches and creating sandwich pockets therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic illustration of a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches and for cutting sandwich pockets therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a flow chart of a method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches and creating sandwich pockets therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are schematic illustrations of a top view and a side view of a loading unit for loading the bread loaf into the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are schematic illustrations of two side views and a top-side view of a loading unit, according to another embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a measuring unit for measuring the outline of a bread loaf, which is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration of is a schematic illustration of contours of various sandwich pockets, according to another embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are schematic illustrations of a front-side view, exploded perspective side view, a front view and a perspective side-view of a section of a measuring unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a cutting unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  are schematic illustrations of a front view of a cutting unit that is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with sandwich pockets, a front-side view of the cutting and measuring units, and a knife for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, respectively, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic top view of the arms that hold the bread loaf during its cutting, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9B-9C , are schematic illustrations of a perspective view, and a back-side view of the door that holds the bread loaf during its cutting process and which opens after the cutting process is accomplished, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of a packaging unit for packaging a cut sandwich, which is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with sandwich pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11A-11B  are schematic illustrations of the sandwich bag and guide door after the bag is open but the guide door is still closed, and after the guide door is open such to insert the sandwich into the bag, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart of operations performed by the packaging unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  are schematic illustrations of a backside view, a perspective-side view, and a front-side view of a packaging unit for packaging a cut sandwich, according to another embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  are schematic illustrations of a bread loaf packaging tray, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 14C  is a schematic illustration of a packaging unit for packaging an entire bread loaf, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  are schematic illustrations of a bread loaf packaging tray, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, while creating sandwich pockets therein, is disclosed. The method may comprise loading a bread loaf into a system for cutting such sandwiches comprising sandwich pockets, and measuring the outline of the bread loaf in order to determine the location of the cut of the sandwich pocket along the bread loaf, the contour of the sandwich pocket and the location along the bread loaf of the cut of the sandwich off the bread loaf. Following measuring the outline of the bread loaf and determining characteristics of the cut of both the sandwich pocket and the entire sandwich, cutting the pocket and sandwich takes place according to those measurements. The method may further comprise separately packaging each sandwich on its own, and/or packaging the entire sandwiches into one package, for ease of handling by the customer. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure, a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, while creating pockets therein, is disclosed. The system may comprise several units: a loading unit for loading the bread loaf into the system, a measuring unit for measuring the outline of the bread loaf and determining the location and contour of the cut of the pocket and of the sandwich off the bread loaf, a cutting unit for cutting the sandwich pocket within the sandwich and for cutting the sandwich off the bread loaf, and a packaging unit for separately packaging each sandwich in a separate package, and/or for packaging all cut sandwiched into one package for ease of handling by the customer. 
     In the context of some embodiments of the present disclosure, without limiting, the contour of the bread loaf is defined as the shape and size of a cross-section of the brad loaf. 
     In the context of some embodiments of the present disclosure, without limiting, the contour of the sandwich pocket is defined as the shape or outline of the pocket as well as the distance of the pocket outline from the closed portion(s) of the sandwich or from the edges of the sandwich slices. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1A , which schematically illustrates a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches and creating sandwich pockets therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. System  100  may be configured to cut a bread loaf into sandwiches, whereby each sandwich may be comprised of two partially connected slices of bread with a pocket cut between these two slices of bread. Accordingly, each sandwich may comprise an open end or an open portion and a closed end or a closed portion. An open end may be created by cutting the pocket all through the edge of the bread loaf, through which a spread of any kind or edible ingredient of any kind may be spread or inserted, respectively, into the sandwich pocket created in between the two slices of bread. A closed portion may be created by configuring the cut of the pocket not all the way through to the edge of the bread loaf, but rather by leaving a margin such to enable the two slices of bread to stay connected thus keeping the spread or food inserted into the sandwich within the sandwich, and preventing the spread or food placed into the pocket from dripping or falling out of the sandwich. 
     Typically, the closed portion is located along the edge of the sandwich which does not include the open end of the sandwich. In some embodiments, the open portion may occupy the majority of the circumference of the sandwich, whereas in other embodiments, the closed portion may occupy the majority of the outline of the sandwich. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may comprise loading unit  102 , which may be configured to load a bread loaf into the system. Loading unit  102  may comprise a conveyer, pulling/pushing brushes, a pushing mechanism or any other element that may assist in driving, propelling, thrusting, boosting or pushing the bread loaf into the system while preventing the customer from pushing his own hands into the system. Implementing a loading unit  102  in system  100  is done for safety reasons, e.g., in order to avoid injury to a customer resulting from various components of the system if the customer were to push his hands into the system. In addition, preventing the user from placing his hands into the system may assist in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within the system. Furthermore, loading unit  102  may also be implemented for reasons of ease of use, such to minimize the actions that the user is required to perform prior to operation of system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, loading unit  102  may be automatically operated once a bread loaf is placed onto it. Unit  102  may detect presence of the bread loaf by various sensors, e.g., a weight sensor that is to detect change in weight on loading unit  102 , a photoelectric sensor that uses a beam of light for detecting presence of an object, etc. Once the sensor detects presence of a bread loaf placed onto loading unit  102 , loading unit  102  may begin operating and pushing the bread loaf into system  100  in order to continue all subsequent steps required to produce a bread loaf cut into a plurality of sandwiches, each comprising a sandwich pocket therein. 
     In other embodiments, loading unit  102  as system  100 , may be manually operated by a customer who wishes to cut the bread loaf he purchased, into sandwiches. Manual operation of system  100  and of loading unit  102  may include pressing a button, touching an icon on a touch screen, or moving a cursor, or any other indication that is translated into a command to start operation of system  100 . In other embodiments, the user may slightly push the bread loaf in an initial push onto loading unit  102 , which may cause initiation of loading unit  102 , which may continue to pull/push the bread loaf onto it, and into system  100 . In some embodiments, once manual operation is performed by the customer, all or some of the other steps that are required to produce a bread loaf cut into sandwiches, each comprising a sandwich pocket, are performed automatically. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may further comprise a measuring unit  104 . Measuring unit  104  may be connected to loading unit  102 . Measuring unit  104  may be configured to measure an outline of the loaded bread loaf or a portion thereof, for example an outline of a front portion of the bread loaf which is to be cut into a next sandwich. Measuring unit  104  may comprise measuring sensors which may measure the distance between at least one point on the outline of at least a portion of the bread loaf and the measuring sensors. In some embodiments, the measuring sensors may measure the distance between a plurality of points along the outline of at least a portion of the bread loaf and the measuring sensors, for example by rotating around the circumference of the bread loaf to obtain each distance measurement. The measuring sensors, e.g., optical switch sensors, may also provide measurement of an angle from which such a distance measurement is obtained, such that the distance and respective angles are translated into the contour of the bread loaf or portion thereof. The contour of the bread loaf or the contour of the bread loaf cross section is important to measure since it affects the contour of the pocket that is to be cut by system  100 , and may also affect the width of the sandwich that is to be cut by system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may further comprise control unit  106 , which may be coupled to measuring unit  104 . Control unit  106  may be an integral part of measuring unit  104  or may be a separate unit from measuring unit  104 . In some embodiments, control unit  106  may be configured to make a determination based on the measurements performed by measuring unit  104 , with regards to the width of the sandwich and the contour of the sandwich pocket that are to be cut by system  100 . In some embodiments, based on the selected or designated width of each sandwich, the control unit  106  may calculate or estimate the number of sandwiches that may, be created from a given bread loaf, and may display the calculated number to the consumer or user or system  100 . 
     Control unit  106  may receive a user/customer input regarding the user&#39;s preferences concerning the size, e.g., the width of at least one sandwich that is to be cut by system  100  via cutting unit  108 . In some embodiments, control unit  106  may receive the user&#39;s input via a system input unit or interface  107 . 
     In some embodiments, the user may define a single width per all sandwiches to be cut from a bread loaf, such that system  100  may cut all the sandwiches at the same width. However, in other embodiments, the user may define a first width per one sandwich or per a group of sandwiches, a second width that is different from the first width per a second sandwich or a second group of sandwiches, and a third, fourth and so on different widths per any number of sandwiches until reaching the total amount of sandwiches that may be cut from the bread loaf depending on the total length of the bread loaf. In other embodiments, the size, e.g., width of one or more sandwiches may be predefined by control unit  106 . For example, the width of a sandwich may be between 10 mm to 25 mm. 
     In some embodiments, control unit  106  may be a central control unit, which may be coupled to or in communication with all units of system  100 , such to control operation of all of the units of system  100 . In some embodiments, measuring unit may comprise an internal controller that is configured to directly control the measuring process, and only then to send the measurement related data to the central control unit  106 . Additional units may have an internal controller, e.g., system  100  may comprise a controller configured to control one or more engines of system  100 , e.g., each of the three engines that operate the three axes cutting unit  108 . 
     In some embodiments, central control unit  106  may be a computer, which may or may not be integrated with a screen or display. Any one of the internal controllers may be, for example, a controller selected from MSP430™ series of ultra-low-power microcontrollers by Texas Instruments, though any other controller may be implemented. 
     In some embodiments, the contour of the sandwich pocket may be determined by control unit  106  based on the measurements of the outline of the bread loaf. An optimal, preferred, or proper pocket size and contour may be defined as a pocket which is cut close to the edge of the bread loaf, such that the margin remaining between the pocket contour and the closed portion of the sandwich would be thin enough to enable insertion of a spread or any other edible ingredient very close to the edge of the sandwich, while avoiding tear or separation of the two slices of bread from one another. Such criteria for defining an optimal, proper or preferred pocket may enable attaining a maximal area of the sandwich pocket relative to the area of the sandwich slices, thereby maintaining a minimal area of margin between the pocket contour and the edges of the sandwich slices which is required in order to keep the two slices attached. The proper margin or distance between the pocket contour and the edges of the bread may be, for example, between 10 mm to 15 mm. The proper distance between the pocket and the edge of the bread may be substantially consistent all along the outline of the bread loaf/sandwich. In some cases, the proper margin may be dependent on various parameters, e.g. the type of bread, the width of the sandwich slices, or a preference of the consumer. In some embodiments, control unit  106  may send a command to cutting unit  108 , with information regarding the size of the sandwich that is to be cut, as well as the contour of the pocket that is to be cut within the sandwich. Cutting unit  108  may comprise a knife, which may be made of a sufficiently hard material such as metal or plastic. The knife may be operated using back and forth cutting motion, or using vibrations. In some embodiments, the knife of cutting unit  108  may be configured to vibrate along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis along which the bread loaf is cut, in order to effectively cut the sandwich pocket and the sandwich off the bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, cutting unit  108  may comprise an ultrasonic knife, which operates using ultrasonic vibrations. Precision of an ultrasonic knife is extremely high, in addition to the minimal amount of crumbs created by cutting with such a knife, which makes an ultrasonic knife a preferred selection to be implemented in cutting unit  108 , though other knifes with other types of vibrations, e.g., subsonic vibrations, may be used. 
     According to some embodiments, cutting unit  108  may first cut a sandwich pocket with a pocket contour which is at a proper distance from the edge of the slice, such that the width of the two slices or the sandwich to be cut is according to a selected or predefined sandwich width. After cutting the pocket, according to the proper pocket size determined based on the outline of the bread loaf (as measured by measuring unit  104 ), a second cut is made by cutting unit  108 . The second cut is made all the way through the bread loaf in order to separate the sandwich from the bread loaf. Thus, a sandwich with a sandwich pocket cut within, is created following the first and second cuts by cutting unit  108 . In other embodiments, cutting unit  108  may first cut a slice of bread off the bread loaf at the proper width for a sandwich, either as selected by the user or per a predetermined or configurable width, and only then cut a pocket within the bread slice according to the proper size and contour as determined by control unit  106 . However, it should be noted that it is less complex to keep the sandwich attached to the bread loaf while cutting the sandwich pocket compared to first detaching a sandwich from the bread loaf and only then cutting the sandwich pocket therein. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may comprise a first packaging unit  110 . Packaging unit  110  may be configured to package each and every sandwich that is cut by cutting unit  108 . Packaging unit  110  may package each sandwich within a separate package. System  100  may further comprise a second packaging unit  112  that may be configured to package the entire amount of cut sandwiches into a single package. In some embodiments, system  100  may only comprise packaging unit  112 , such to only package all the sandwiches together into one package. In other embodiments, system  100  may comprise both packaging unit  110  and packaging unit  112 , such that each sandwich is initially packaged separately in its own package by packaging unit  110 , and then all separately packaged sandwiches are packaged into one large package by packaging unit  112 . In yet other embodiments, system  100  may only comprise packaging unit  110  such that the sandwiches are packaged in separate packages, and all these separately packaged sandwiches may exit system  100  to be collected by the user as individual sandwiches. 
     System  100  may further comprise an exit  114  through which the bread loaf that is cut into sandwiches with pockets may exit system  100  to be collected by the user. In some embodiments, the cut sandwiches may emerge out of exit  114  while separately packaged as individual sandwiches as well as packaged all together in one large package, or packaged in one large package without being initially packaged in individual packages. 
     In some embodiments, measurements of the outline of the bread loaf by measuring unit  104 , in preparation of cutting a new sandwich, may be performed during the cutting process of either the pocket of the previous sandwich, or during the cutting process of the previous sandwich off the bread loaf. In other embodiments, measuring unit  104  may perform measurements of the outline of the bread loaf, in preparation for cutting a new sandwich, after the cutting process of the previous sandwich has been completed. 
     In some embodiments, measuring unit  104  may comprise a location sensor such to determine location and length of the bread loaf, e.g. along its longitudinal axis, with respect to the measuring unit. The location sensor may be implemented in order to determine whether there is still enough bread left in the bread loaf such to enable cutting off additional sandwiches. If the remaining bread loaf is shorter than the width of a new sandwich, no new cutting is performed, whereas if the bread loaf is long enough for cutting a new sandwich, then such a new sandwich is cut by cutting unit  108 . The location sensor may sense the location and/or length of the bread loaf following every cut of a sandwich, in order to determine whether the bread loaf has been fully cut, is too short for a new sandwich, or may be cut further for an additional sandwich. 
     In some embodiments, the location sensor may be an optical distance measurement sensor, which may include a light emitter and a light detector, and may measure the distance to an object by detecting a light spot position of reflection on the light detector. For example, the location sensor may be an infrared distance measurement sensor, e.g. selected from Sharp&#39;s GP2Y0E series, e.g., any of GP2Y0E02A, GP2Y0E02B, or GP2Y0E03. Such distance sensors may be manufactured by Sharp Microelectronics, or Panasonic. In other embodiments, the location sensor may be laser based, acoustic based or may include an image sensor, e.g., a CMOS imager. Other optional location sensors may be selected from sonar sensors, ultrasonic distance measurement sensors, etc. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1B , which schematically illustrates a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches and for cutting sandwich pockets therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As described with respect to  FIG. 1A , loading unit  102  may be configured to load a bread loaf into system  100 . Loading unit  102  may be connected to measuring unit  104 , which may be configured to periodically, continuously, or substantially continuously measure the contour of the bread loaf or a portion of the bread loaf that was loaded into system  100  via loading unit  102 . In fact, measuring unit  104  may measure the cross section of the bread loaf or the cross section of a portion thereof, e.g. in order to measure the cross section of each new sandwich before cutting it. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may comprise a central control unit configured to control all units of system  100 , e.g., central control unit  106  ( FIG. 1A ). However, in some embodiments, in addition to a central control unit, which may be located at the bottom side of system  100 , (though other locations are possible including remote locations), measuring unit  104  may comprise an internal controller such to control in real-time the measurements performed by measuring unit  104 . The internal controller (not shown) of measuring unit  104  may ensure that the bread loaf contour measurements are promptly recorded by the internal controller and avoid loss of any measurements if they were to be recorded by the central control unit. Loss of measurements may occur since it may take longer to send the measurements to the central control unit instead of recording the measurements locally using an internal controller and only then sending all recorded measurements to the central control unit. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may comprise a cutting unit  108 , which may be configured to cut a sandwich pocket as well as to cut a sandwich off the bread loaf. The cutting scheme according to which cutting unit  108  may cut the sandwich pocket and the sandwich, may be determined by a processor that may be coupled to or may be an integral unit of central control unit  106 . 
     Following cutting of the sandwich pocket and following cutting of the sandwich off the bread loaf, the sandwich may enter or may be directed into a first packaging unit  110 , which may be configured to separately package each single sandwich. All of the separately packaged sandwiches may then accumulate onto a second packaging unit  112 , which may be configured to package the entire bread loaf (which is cut into sandwiches) into a single large package that is sized to contain the entire bread loaf. System  100  may further comprise exit  114 , through which the packaged bread loaf may exit system  100  such to be collected by the customer. In some embodiments, exit  114  may comprise an exit tray, though in other embodiments, exit  114  may comprise other elements. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method  200  for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches comprising two partially connected slices of bread, thereby creating pockets between the two slices, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, method  200  may comprise step  202  of loading a bread loaf into a system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, such that each sandwich comprises two partially connected slices of, bread with pockets created between the two slices. The loading step  202  may comprise placing or positioning the bread loaf into a loading unit, e.g., loading unit  102  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ). In some embodiments, regardless of the position or placement of the bread loaf into loading unit  102 , the bread loaf may be automatically aligned to a selected position, e.g. aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bread loaf. The loading unit of the system may comprise a conveyer, brushes, a driver, a pushing or pulling mechanism or any other mechanism that may drive or direct the bread loaf into the system. 
     The method  200  may further comprise step  204  of measuring the outline of the bread loaf or of a portion of the bread loaf. Step  204  of measuring the outline of the bread loaf may be performed by a measuring unit, e.g., measuring unit  104  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ), which may be part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets. The outline of the bread loaf may be measured along a cross section of a longitudinal axis of the bread loaf, e.g. a front portion of the bread loaf from which the next sandwich is to be cut. 
     Following measuring the outline of the bread loaf in step  204 , the method may comprise step  206  of determining the width of the sandwich and determining the contour of the sandwich&#39;s respective pocket that should be cut by the system  100 . Determination regarding the size of the sandwich that is to be cut by the system  100 , and further regarding the contour of the pocket that is to be cut such to create a sandwich that is open on one end, while being closed on another, typically opposite end, is made based on the measurements of the bread loaf outline performed in step  204 . The step  206  of determining the width of the sandwich and the contour of its respective pocket may be performed by a controller, e.g., control unit  106  ( FIG. 1A ) that may be coupled to the measuring unit, which performs the measuring step  204 . Determining the width of the sandwich may additionally or instead be based on a configurable or predefined width parameter which may be stored in control unit  106 , or may be based on a width input received from the consumer via a system input unit or interface  107  ( FIG. 1A ). 
     Following determining the width of the sandwich and size and contour of its pocket that should be cut, in step  206 , the method may comprise step  208  of cutting a sandwich pocket in the bread loaf. In some embodiments, the pocket is first cut within the bread loaf by a cutting unit, and only then step  210  of cutting a sandwich off the bread loaf takes place, since it may be more complex to first cut a slice off the bread loaf and only then to cut a pocket therein, in order to create the pocketed sandwich comprising one open portion and one closed portion. It may be simpler, quicker and thus more cost effective to first cut the pocket and only then cut the entire sandwich off the bread loaf. The cutting of both the pocket and the sandwich off the bread loaf may be done by a cutting unit, e.g., cutting unit  108  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ). 
     The method may comprise an optional step  212  of packaging the cut sandwich in a designated and individual package. Packaging each cut sandwich into an individual package may be performed by a packaging unit, e.g., packaging unit  110  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ). 
     In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the system may comprise a processor, controller and/or control unit that may be coupled to the measuring unit, and which may control measuring of the bread loaf as an initial step prior to cutting a new sandwich, either after a previous sandwich is cut off the bread loaf, or during cutting of a previous sandwich off the bread loaf or during cutting of a pocket of a previous sandwich. In addition, the system may comprise a location sensor for determining location of the bread loaf with respect to the measuring unit, such to determine the amount of bread loaf remaining following a cut of a sandwich. Such a location sensor may also be coupled to the measuring unit, as is the control unit. Therefore, according to step  214 , such a location sensor may determine whether there is a sufficient amount of bread for cutting more sandwiches, or whether the bread loaf is too small for cutting an additional sandwich, or even whether there is nothing left of the bread loaf since it was already fully cut into sandwiches. 
     If there is still enough bread remaining of the bread loaf for cutting additional sandwiches, then the method returns to step  204  of measuring the outline of the bread loaf, such to determine the size and contour of the pocket and the width of the sandwich, as in step  206 , and further to cut the pocket and sandwich as in steps  208  and  210 , respectively, and so on. However, if there is not enough bread for cutting more sandwiches, then the method may comprise step  216  of packaging all the cut sandwiches into one package. Step  216  of packaging the entire sandwiches into one package may be performed by the same packaging unit that may package each sandwich in a separate package, or it may be performed by a separate designated packaging unit for packaging all the sandwiches into one large package, e.g., packaging unit  112  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ). 
     Finally, the method may comprise step  218 , for pushing or directing the package comprising all sandwiches to an exit tray or collection unit (e.g., through exit  114 , ( FIGS. 1A-1B ) such that the packaged sandwiches may be available to be collected by the customer. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A-3B , which schematically illustrate a top view and a side view of a loading unit for loading the bread loaf into the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to some embodiments, loading unit  300  may be configured to load a bread loaf into the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets therein. Loading unit  300  may comprise at least two brushes, e.g., brush  302  and brush  312 , which may be located on opposite sides of tray  306 . When a user places a bread loaf in between brushes  302  and  312 , the brushes may turn around shafts  303  and  313 , respectively, such to push the bread loaf onto tray  306 . 
     The bread loaf may then slide over tray  306  until it lands on base  301 , between flaps  304  and  314 , which may be located on opposite sides of base  301 . The shape created by flaps  304  and  314  onto base  301 , may be similar to a Y shape, such that there is an opening created between flaps  304  and  314  close to the location where tray.  306  ends and base  301  begins. Flaps  304  and  314  are located further along the base  301 , and connected to them are aligners  304   a  and  314   a , respectively. Aligners  304   a  and  314   a  take on a shape of a substantially straight line (this is the “leg” of the Y shape), which is configured to align the bread loaf at a certain angle with respect to the measuring unit  500  ( FIG. 3B ). 
     Loading unit  300  may further comprise a pushing mechanism  310 , which may be located at the connection between tray  306  and base  301 . In some embodiments, pushing mechanism  310  may be configured to shove and push the bread loaf in between flaps  304  and  314 , such that the longitudinal axis of the bread loaf will be aligned in between aligners  304   a  and  314   a  and be perpendicular with respect to the contour of measuring unit  500 . Pushing mechanism  310  may also be configured to push the bread loaf while between flaps  304  and  314  so that the bread loaf reaches measuring unit  500  in order to begin the measuring process. Pushing mechanism  310  may be operated by a motor  321  ( FIG. 3B ) and the bread loaf may be moved along a rail  311 , which is located in the middle of the plane defined by base  301 . 
     Since the width, size or diameter of bread loaves may vary, and in order to properly align a bread loaf of any size, with respect to the measuring unit  500 , aligners  304   a  and  314   a  may be connected to pins that may change or automatically modify their length in order to adjust the space between aligners  304   a  and  314   a  to fit the size (e.g., width or diameter) of the bread loaf. In some embodiments, aligner  304   a  may be connected to pins  330  and  332 , while aligner  314   a  may be connected to pins  340  and  342 . In some embodiments, pin  330  may be located at a distance from pin  332 , along the plane defined by base  301 . In some embodiments, pin  340  may be located at a distance from pin  342 , along the plane define by base  301 . Each of pins  330 ,  332 ,  340  and  342  may be connected to a spring, which may enable the pins to move back and forth in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of pushing mechanism  310  along rail  311 . The springs may be soft springs that would enable movement of the pins once slight forces are applied by the bread loaf onto the pins  330 ,  332 ,  340  and  342  and thus onto their respective springs. That is, the mere push of a bread loaf in between aligners  304   a  and  314   a  causes all pins to move backwards such to make room for the bread loaf to continue passing along aligners  304   a  and  314   a.    
     When pushing mechanism  310  pushes the bread loaf between aligners  304   a  and  314   a , each of the pairs of pins, e.g., the pins  330  and  332  on one side of the bread loaf and the pins  340  and  342  on the other side of the bread loaf may be pushed back, respectively, in order to create space for the bread loaf through which to enter between aligners  304   a  and  314   a , in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of pushing mechanism  310  along rail  311 , further away from rail  311 . For example, pins  330  and  332  may both be pushed away from rail  311 , along an axis that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of pushing mechanism  310  along rail  311 , while pins  340  and  342  may both be pushed along an axis that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of pushing mechanism  310 , and further away from rail  311  towards a side that is opposite the side towards which pins  330  and  332  are pushed. A controller may be configured to control the movement of pushing mechanism  310 , though instead of an internal controller, the movement of pushing mechanism  310  may be controlled by a central control unit, e.g., central control unit  106  ( FIG. 1A ). 
     As described in  FIG. 3B , brush  312  may be connected to a motor  332 , which may be configured to operate the rotation movement of brush  312 . Similarly, brush  302  may be operated by a respective motor (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A-4C , which schematically illustrates two side views and a top view of a loading unit, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Loading unit  400  may be used instead of loading unit  300  ( FIGS. 3A-3B ), as part of a system for cutting sandwiches with pockets therein. Loading unit  400  may comprise a tray  401  onto which a user or customer may place a bread loaf, e.g., bread loaf  402 . Connected to tray  401  may be arm  411 , while arm  411  may be located perpendicular to tray  401 . Arm  411  may comprise an extension  420 , which may comprise a rail  412 . Rail  412  may pass along extension  420 , while both rail  412  and extension  420  may be perpendicular to arm  411  and parallel to tray  401 . 
     Arm  411  may further comprise a pushing mechanism  410 . Pushing mechanism  410  may be positioned in parallel to the vertical axis of arm  411 , and may move along rail  412  such to push the last or substantially last piece of bread loaf  402  that is to be cut, towards the entrance of the measuring unit. Pushing mechanism  410  may also be moved up and down along the vertical axis of arm  411  by arm  415  such to raise above tray  401  when no bread loaf has yet entered tray  401 , or be lowered down towards tray  401  such to be used to push bread loaf  402  (e.g., the final piece of bread loaf  402 ) towards the measuring unit. 
     Prior to operation of pushing mechanism  410 , two conveyers may be configured to push the bread loaf  402  along tray  401 . For example, conveyer  431  may be located on one side of tray  401 , perpendicular to the plane defined by tray  401 , while conveyer  432  may be located on another side of tray  401 , perpendicular to the plane defined by tray  401 , whereby the conveyers  431  and  432  may be located parallel to one another. Bread loaf  402  may be pushed by conveyers  431  and  432  such to pass between the conveyers  431  and  432 , as the conveyers turn around their respective pulleys. Conveyer  431  may comprise pulley  441  and pulley  451  around which the conveyer belt may turn. Conveyer  432  may comprise pulley  442 , pulley  452  and may comprise additional pulleys (not shown) around which the conveyer belt of conveyer  432  may turn. Simultaneous turning of the conveyer belts  431  and  432  may cause bread loaf  402  to lie pushed along tray  401 . Pushing mechanism  410  may be used in order to push the end of the bread loaf  402  so that the end of bread loaf  402  reaches the end of tray  401 , which is also the beginning of the measuring unit. Since pushing a small piece of bread might not be properly achieved by merely using conveyers  431  and  432  on both sides of the small piece, pushing mechanism  410  that may be located behind bread loaf  402  may be operated to push the small piece of bread loaf further. 
     Determination regarding the location and remaining length of bread loaf  402  and thus controlling operation of pushing mechanism  410 , may be made based on measurements of a presence sensor  460  ( FIG. 4C ). Presence sensor  460  may be located at a certain predetermined location along tray  401 , and its distance from either end of tray  401  is also predetermined, thus when the bread loaf is located on top of presence sensor  460 , a controller (not shown) may operate arm  411  to lower pushing mechanism  410  until pushing mechanism  410  reaches or almost reaches tray  401 , in order to push bread loaf  402  towards the measuring unit. In other embodiments, pushing mechanism  410  may be configured to operate such to only push the final or substantially final piece of bread loaf, since the majority of the bread loaf may be pushed along tray  401  by motion of conveyers  431  and  432 . 
     Conveyers  431  and  432  may provide a pushing force onto the bread loaf  402  while turning around their respective pulleys, as well as provide alignment of bread loaf  402  with respect to the location of the entrance to the measuring unit, e.g., measuring unit  500  located adjacent to loading unit  300  ( FIG. 3B ). In some embodiments, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4C , conveyer  431  may be static in such that it may not change its location along the plane defined by tray  401 . However, conveyer  432  may be adjustable or moveable along the plane defined by tray  401 , such to move farther away from conveyer  431  in order to enable any size of bread loaf to enter between conveyer  431  and conveyer  432 . Conveyer  432  may be moveable by being connected to a spring which may compress when force is applied onto it, e.g., when a bread loaf is pushed forward between conveyer  431  and conveyer  432  and thus pushes conveyer  432  away from conveyer  431  in order to expand the space between the conveyers and to enter into that created space. The bread loaf may be maintained constantly aligned with respect to the measuring unit, such to be able to enter it freely in order to allow all measurements to take place. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , brad loaf  402  may enter tray  401  while pushing mechanism  410  is located above of bread loaf  402 . Pushing mechanism  410  is still located above bread loaf  402  since bread loaf  402  hasn&#39;t been pushed enough by conveyers  431  and  432  to fully enter tray  401 , such to allow pushing mechanism  410  to enter behind bread loaf  402 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates pushing mechanism  410  located at its lower position along arm  411 , ready to push bread loaf  402  towards the measuring unit. In  FIG. 4B , the conveyers  431  and  432  pushed bread loaf  402  along tray  401  such to provide space for pushing mechanism  410  to enter behind bread loaf  402  for continued pushing motion towards the exit of loading unit  400  and into the measuring unit. Loading unit  400  may be connected to the measuring unit via connector  450 . Conveyers  431  and  432 , and/or pushing mechanism  410  may continue to push bread loaf  402  forward through the measuring unit, following each measuring process performed prior to cutting a new sandwich, until the entire bread loaf  402  is measured by the measuring unit and the final pocket is cut in the final sandwich of bread loaf  402 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5A , which schematically illustrates a measuring unit for measuring the outline of a bread loaf, which is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Once a bread loaf, e.g., bread loaf  402 , is pushed into measuring unit  500  by the loading unit (e.g., loading unit  300  or  400 ), the process of measuring the outline of bread loaf  402  may begin. Measuring unit  500  may comprise a frame  560  onto which all or at least a portion of components of measuring unit  500  may be attached. Measuring unit  500  may comprise at least two lying arms  503  and  504  that hold the bread loaf  402  while it is positioned inside measuring unit  500 . Arms  503  and  504  may typically be of a small width in order to prevent arms  503  and  504  from hiding the outline of bread loaf  402 , which is to be fully measured by measuring unit  500 , while providing enough stability for the bread loaf  402  to rest on arms  503  and  504 . The distance between arm  503  and arm  504  is configured to be large enough to enable measuring the maximum outline of bread loaf  402  located in between the arms. For example, if the typical bread loaf has a width or diameter between 10 cm to 15 cm, the distance between leg  503  and leg  504  may be between around 25 mm±10 mm. In some example, the width of each of leg  503  and leg  504  may be approximately 5 mm. In other embodiments, other widths and distances may be implemented. 
     In some embodiments, measuring unit  500  may comprise a measuring ring  510  onto which the sensors for measuring the bread loaf outline, are located. Measuring ring  510  may have attached on the inner side of its circumference, at least two distance sensors, e.g., distance sensor  520  and distance sensor  521 , each configured to measure the distance between the circumference of measuring ring  510  and the bread loaf  402 . The distance between the circumference of the measuring ring  510  and the bread loaf  402 , may be determined as the distance between any of distance sensors  520  or  521  and the bread loaf  402 . Measuring ring  510  may be rotatable, and may be rotated around bread loaf  402  while distance sensors  520  and  521  may continuously, substantially continuously or periodically measure the distance between the measuring ring  510  and bread loaf  402 . In other embodiments, only a discrete number of measurements may be acquired by each of distance sensor  520  or distance sensor  521 . The number of measurements acquired by either of the distance sensors  520  or  521  may be predetermined. 
     Typically, distance sensor  520  may be located across distance sensor  521 , such that 180 degrees separate between the two distance sensors  520  and  521 . That is, the location of the distance sensors  520  and  521  along the circumference of measuring ring  510  is along a diameter of the circumference, and creates an imaginary half circle. In case distance sensor  520  is indeed located across distance sensor  521 , there is no need for measuring ring  510  to complete an entire cycle of rotation around bread loaf  402  but rather to only complete half a cycle of rotation, since during half a cycle the entire circumference of bread loaf  402  is measured by the two sensors; half of the outline of bread loaf  402  may be measured by distance sensor  520  while the other half of the outline of bread loaf  402  may be measured by distance sensor  521 . If more than two distance sensors are implemented on the inner side of the circumference of measuring ring  510 , such that the distance between any pair of distance sensors is identical to the distance between any other pair of distance sensors, measuring ring  510  may rotate around bread loaf  402  such to complete a cycle even smaller than half a cycle. In some embodiments, other numbers of distance sensors may be used. Furthermore, the measuring ring  510  may not necessarily be configured as a ring, and need not necessarily rotate. 
     In some embodiments, the location sensor may be an optical distance measurement sensor, which may include a light emitter and a light detector, and may measure the distance to an object by detecting a light spot position of reflection on the light detector. For example, each of distance sensors  520  and  521  may be selected from Sharp&#39;s GP2Y0E series, e.g., any of GP2Y0E02A, GP2Y0E02B, or GP2Y0E03. Such distance sensors may be manufactured by Sharp Microelectronics, or Panasonic. In other embodiments, the distance sensors  520  and  521  may be laser based, acoustic based or may include an image sensor, e.g., a CMOS imager. In some embodiments, other or additional distance sensors may be used, e.g. sonar sensors, ultrasonic measurement sensors, or any combination thereof. 
     Measuring unit  500  may further comprise two optical switch sensors  522 , and  523 , as well as a flap  524 . Switch sensors  522  and  523  may be stationary, and may be located onto frame  560  in close proximity to measuring ring  510 . Flap  524  may be attached to the outer side of the circumference of measuring ring  510 , thus flap  524  may move simultaneously with movement, e.g., rotation, of measuring ring  510 . When flap  524  enters into the space associated with either of switch sensors  522  or  523 , flap  524  may obstruct the path of light beam, causing a low voltage output, as compared to the high output when the light beam is not interrupted by flap  524 . In some embodiments, optical switch sensor  522  may be located across optical switch sensor  523 , such that the distance between the two switch sensors may be of 180 degrees. 
     Once measuring ring  510  is rotated and flap  524  enters the space associated with switch sensor  522 , it may be determined that the measuring ring  510  begins its half rotation cycle of measuring the outline of a bread loaf. Once measuring ring  510  is rotated such that flap  524  enters the space within switch sensor  523 , it may be determined that measuring ring  510  has finished half a rotation cycle of measuring the outline of a bread loaf. Since the distance between switch sensor  522  and switch sensor  523  is predetermined as being 180 degrees, each step or rotational movement that measuring ring  510  performs during its rotation cycle, may be translated into a certain angle, with respect to the spatial location of either of switch sensor  522  or switch sensor  523 . For example, the location of switch sensor  522  may be defined as an angle of zero degrees, while the location of switch sensor  523  may be defined as an angle of 180 degrees, since the distance between switch sensor  522  and switch sensor  523  may be predetermined and set to 180 degrees (when switch sensors  522  and  523  are located one across the other on the measuring ring outline, and along two points that are located on a diameter of measuring ring  510 ). 
     In one embodiment, the controller of measuring ring  510  (e.g. controller  106  or another controller) may be configured to rotate the measuring ring  510  to one or more configurable or predetermined angles. In another embodiment, the controller of measuring ring  510  may be configured to rotate the measuring ring  510  and stop the rotation based on feedback from switch sensors  522 ,  523 . 
     Each rotation motion of measuring ring  510  may be referred to herein as a step or a rotational movement. A predetermined amount of steps or rotational movements performed by measuring ring  510  may be required in order to complete the measurement of the bread loaf outline. For example, in order to complete sensing the outline of the bread loaf along a plurality of points, the location of switch sensor  523  may be defined as 180 degrees and the location of switch sensor  522  may be defined as zero degrees. Thus, each step may be translated into a certain angle or arc (with respect to the angle of zero degrees defined by the location of switch sensor  522 ), by dividing 180 into the total number of steps. That is, any number of steps performed by measuring ring  510  from the location of switch sensor  522  towards the direction of the spatial location of switch sensor  523 , may be translated into a specific movement angle or arc of the measuring ring  510 . 
     It is noted that the exemplary embodiment of a ring that rotates to complete half a circle in order to measure the outline of a bread loaf is brought only as an example for measuring the outline of the bread. Other embodiments may be implemented, e.g. by using less measuring sensors and rotating the measuring ring a full rotation, or, by using more sensors and not rotating the ring at all. In yet other embodiments, the measuring sensors need not be positioned along a ring, but may be positioned in any other spatial configuration, and may be calibrated in order to obtain correct distance measurements from the sensors to the outline of the bread loaf. 
     According to some embodiments, every distance measurement acquired by either of distance sensors  520  or  521  may be acquired at a different angle with respect to the location of either of switch sensor  522  or switch sensor  523 . That is, distance measurements may be acquired by distance sensors  520  and  521 , while the corresponding angle (or arc) from which such distance measurement were acquired may be inferred via switch sensors  522  and  523 , as explained above. The measured distances may be assigned with their corresponding angle at which each of these distances were acquired, and these pairs of distance and respective angle may be obtained and recorded by a processor (not shown), e.g. controller  106 , that may calculate the outline of the bread loaf  402  according to the information provided by these pairs of distance-angle. 
     Measuring ring  510  may be rotated around bread loaf  402  by a timing belt  516 , which rotation may be operated by a motor  550  ( FIG. 6A ). Timing belt  516  may be wrapped around measuring ring  510  as well as around wheel  512 . In some embodiments, wheel  512  may be directly coupled to motor  550 , such that motor  550  may cause wheel  512  to rotate, which in turn causes timing belt  516  to move around measuring ring  510  thereby causing measuring ring  510  to rotate around bread loaf  402 . 
     Measuring unit  500  may further comprise belt tensioner  514 , which is configured to ensure belt  516  is looped around wheel  512  and further around measuring ring  510  at an appropriate high tension to ensure smooth turning of measuring ring  510  and of wheel  512 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5B , which schematically illustrates contours of various sandwich pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, a processor may be in communication with the measuring unit, e.g. processor which may be included in controller  106 , such that the processor may be configured to determine a contour of a sandwich pocket that is to be cut by a cutting unit  108 . The processor may calculate the contour of the sandwich pocket based on measurements of the contour of each new sandwich, as performed by the measuring unit  500 . The processor may calculate an optimal or proper pocket contour such that the width of margin or distance, e.g., width  5001  between the contour of the sandwich pocket, e.g., sandwich pocket  51  and the edge of the sandwich, e.g., sandwich  50 , is of a predetermined or configurable width, or a minimal width. 
     In some embodiments, the width of the margin or distance of the contour of the sandwich pocket from the edge of the sandwich may be different at different locations along the edge of the sandwich. For example, width  5000  of the margin, which may be located at the bottom end of sandwich  50 , may be smaller compared to width  5001  of the margin, which may be located at a side positioned perpendicularly to the bottom side of sandwich  50 . In some embodiments, the margin of the contour of the sandwich pocket from the edge of the sandwich may be substantially the same along the entire edge of the sandwich. For example, width  5002  of the margin, which may be located at the bottom end of sandwich  52  may be of substantially the same size as width  5003  of the margin, which may be located perpendicularly to width  5002 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor may calculate a proper pocket contour such that the width of the margin of the contour of the sandwich pocket from the edge of the sandwich may be minimal at any location along the edge of the sandwich. In some embodiments, the processor may calculate a configurable pocket contour such that the width of the margin of the contour of the sandwich pocket from the edge of the sandwich may be configurable, and may be uniform or varied in any location along the edge of the sandwich. 
     An optimal or proper margin of the sandwich pocket from the edge of the sandwich may be based on the type of bread that is to be cut, for example, there are breads made of soft dough compared to other breads made of stiffer dough. In bread loaves made of soft dough, the margin or distance of the sandwich pocket contour from the edge of the sandwich should be larger compared to the distance of the sandwich pocket contour from the edge of the sandwich in stiff bread loaves, since soft dough tends to tear more easily compared to stiff dough. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may calculate an optimal, minimal or proper sandwich pocket contour based on various parameters of the bread loaf (e.g., type of dough, whether or not the bread contains any additions to the dough, e.g., raisins, nuts, etc.). In other embodiments, the processor may be configured to determine the same pocket distance from the sandwich edge per any sandwich, regardless of the bread&#39;s parameters or type. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may receive user preferences, which may comprise the width of a sandwich, while in other embodiments, the processor may be programmed to implement a predetermined sandwich width. 
     The various sandwich cross-sections illustrated in  FIG. 5B , which comprise a sandwich pocket, are only examples of endless shapes of bread loaves and thus of endless shapes of sandwiches. It should be clear that the position and orientation at which the bread loaf is inserted into the system affects the location of the sandwich pocket. For example, assuming the cutting unit is located above each of the illustrated sandwiches, sandwich  52  that has the shape of a rectangle, may be inserted into system  100  such that one of its narrower sides is lying on the receiving tray. In this example, sandwich pocket  53  is cut such to follow the contour of sandwich  52 , while the open portion  5052  of sandwich  52  is located on the narrow side located in close proximity to the cutting knife, while the closed portion  5053  of sandwich  52  is located along the rest of the sandwich sides. However, sandwich  52  may be inserted into system  100  at the orientation of sandwich  54 , such that the bread loaf is lying on one of the wider sides of the rectangle shaped sandwich  54 . This orientation of sandwich  54  is positioned at a rotation of 90 degrees compared to the orientation of sandwich  52 . In this case, the contour of sandwich pocket  55  is orientated at a rotation of 90 degrees compared to the contour of sandwich pocket  53 . Furthermore, the open portion  5054  of sandwich  54  may be on located on the wide end located in close proximity to the cutting knife, whereas the closed portion  5055  may be located on substantially three other sides of the sandwich, along the margin of sandwich  54 . 
     Similarly, sandwich  58  is oriented at 180 degrees compared to sandwich  60 , thus the orientation of sandwich pockets  59  is oriented at 180 degrees compared to sandwich pocket  61 , respectively. Accordingly, the open portion of each of these two sandwiches (e.g., open portion  5058  of sandwich  58 , and open portion  5060  of sandwich  60 ) may be oriented at 180 degrees compared to one another, as do the closed portions of both sandwiches (e.g., closed portion  5059  of sandwich  58 , and closed portion  5061  of sandwich  60 ). Additional shapes are illustrated by sandwich  50  and sandwich  56 , though the bread loaf that may be loaded into system  100 , and which may be cut into sandwiches comprising sandwich pockets may have many other shapes. Furthermore, it is noted that each sandwich may have a contour different from a previous or next sandwich in the same bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, the contour of the sandwich pocket may be substantially similar to the cross section of the sandwich it is cut into. The cutting motion of the knife may be configured to follow alongside the outline of the bread loaf. That is, when the contour of the sandwich is round, the contour of the sandwich pocket will be created by configuring the knife to follow alongside the sandwich contour and the resulting pocket will also be round (e.g., sandwich  60  and respective sandwich pocket  61 ). When the contour of the sandwich is substantially square, the knife will be configured to cut along substantially square contour, such that the resulting contour of the sandwich pocket will also be substantially square (e.g., sandwich  52  and respective sandwich pocket  53 ). In other embodiments, the cutting knife is not necessarily configured to perform round movements at the entry and exit of the cutting knife into the sandwich, while cutting the pocket. Therefore, in such cases, the contour of the sandwich pocket may be straight at the entry and exit of the cutting knife into the sandwich while starting and ending the cutting process of the pocket, whereas along the cutting process in between the entry and exit of the knife from the sandwich, the contour of the sandwich pocket may be substantially similar to the contour of the sandwich&#39;s cross section (e.g., sandwich  56  and respective sandwich pocket  57 ). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A-6D , which schematically illustrate a front-side view, exploded perspective side view, a front view and a perspective side-view of a section of an exemplary measuring unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , measuring unit  500  may comprise a measuring ring  510 , which may be rotated around a bread loaf, e.g., bread loaf  402  ( FIG. 5A ). Measuring ring  510  may be rotated around a bread loaf via timing belt  516 , which may be turned by wheel  512  that may be operated by motor  550 . Motor  550  may be located on the other side of measuring unit  500 , opposite wheel  512 . Measuring ring  510  may have attached thereon a distance sensor, e.g., sensor  520  (and sensor  521  illustrated in  FIG. 5A ) located on the inner side along the circumference of measuring ring  510 . As explained above, distance sensor  520  may measure the distance between the inner side of the circumference of measuring ring  510  and the bread loaf. The angle from which the distance is measured, may be acquired by switch sensors, e.g., switch sensors  522  and  523  ( FIG. 5A ). As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , measuring ring  510  may comprise teeth or indentation and protrusions  510   a  all along the outer side of its circumference. These indentations and protrusions  510   a  may correspond to the respective protrusions and indentations located along timing belt  516 . Similarly, wheel  512  that may be connected to motor  550  and which may rotate measuring ring  510 , may also comprise indentations and protrusions that correspond to the protrusions and indentations along timing belt  516 . 
     Furthermore, measuring unit  500  may comprise a plurality of wheels, e.g. approximately six wheels  561 ,  562 ,  563 , and  564  (two more are hidden behind measuring ring  510 ). These wheels may be configured to center measuring ring  510  with respect to frame  560  that measuring ring  510  is located within. Each of wheels  561 ,  562 ,  563 ,  564 , etc. may hold measuring ring  510  at the same angle with respect to frame  560 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6C , which illustrates a front perspective view of the side of measuring unit  500 , where motor  550  is located. This side is opposite the perspective side view illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B .  FIG. 6C  illustrates all sensors; distance sensors  520  and  521 , as well as switch sensors  522  and  523  with their respective flap  524 . Each pair of sensors may be located at a distance of 180 degrees from one another, e.g., distance sensors  520  may be located at a distance of 180 degrees from distance sensor  521 , and switch sensor  522  may be located at a distance of 180 degrees from switch sensor  523 . As explained above, the distance of 180 degrees is ideal in order to enable a quicker acquisition of the outline measurements of the bread loaf, since more than one sensor located at a distance of 180 degrees to another sensor, enables acquisition of distance and angle measurements along half a turn of the measuring ring  510 , instead of acquisition of distance and angle measurements along an entire cycle of measuring ring  510 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 6D , it is illustrated that measuring ring  510  may comprise several inner rings, e.g., rings  531 ,  532 ,  533  and  534 , which may be separated from one another by respective separators  541 ,  542 ,  543  and  544 . These inner rings may be located along the circumference of measuring ring  510 , on the side opposite the side comprising indentations and protrusions which fit into the respective protrusions and indentations of timing belt  516  ( FIG. 6A ). —Separators  541 ,  542 ,  543  and  544  may be higher than the indentations serving as rings  531 ,  532 ,  533  and  534 , in order to provide adequate separation between one ring to another. Each of rings  531 ,  532 ,  533  and  534  may be configured to carry an electrical wire of a different electrical component in measuring unit  500  in order to prevent such electrical wires from tangling within one another during rotation of measuring ring  510 . For example, ring  531  may be configured to carry the electrical wire connecting between distance sensor  520  ( FIG. 5A ) to a power source (not shown), whereby the electrical wire may be wound around ring  531 . In one example, ring  532  may be configured to carry the output electrical wire of distance sensor  520 , whereby the electrical wire may be wound around ring  532 . In one example, ring  533  may be used to carry the electrical wire connecting distance sensor  521  to a power source (not shown), whereby the electrical wire may be wound around ring  533 . In one example, ring  534  may be configured to carry the output electrical wire of distance sensor  521 , whereby the electrical wire may be wound around ring  534 . 
     In one example, separator  541  may separate between ring  531  and ring  532 . Separator  542  may separate between ring  532  and ring  533 . Separator  543  may separate between ring  533  and ring  534 , and separator  544  may separate between ring  544  and the edge of measuring ring  510 . 
     In other embodiments, other numbers of inner rings, and thus other numbers of separators may be implemented, all according to the number of components located along the circumference of measuring ring  510  and which move and turn simultaneously with the turning motion of measuring ring  510 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , which is a schematic illustration of a cutting unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Cutting unit  700  may comprise a base  702  which may be positioned along a plane defined by axes X and Z. Cutting unit  700  may further comprise a cutting arm  701 , which may be positioned along axis Y, and may be connected to base  702 . Therefore, cutting arm  701  may be located perpendicularly to base  702 . Cutting arm  701  may be configured to hold the element that may be used to cut the pocket within the sandwich as well as to cut the sandwich off the bread loaf. Cutting arm  701  may comprise a rod  711  onto which section  710  may slide up and down, along axis Y, in order to raise or lower, respectively, extension  717 , which is connected to the cutting element (e.g., cutting element  707 ,  FIGS. 8A-8B ). That is, the cutting element may be raised or lowered as part of the sandwich cutting process of a bread loaf. 
     In some embodiments, section  710  may be coupled to motor  708 , which may operate the sliding motion of section  710  along rod  711 . In some embodiments, there may be more than one rod  711 , such to offer better stability to section  710  during its up and down sliding motion along such rods. 
     In some embodiments, base  702  of cutting unit  700  may further comprise rods  712  and  722  located along axis Z. In some embodiments, cutting arm  701  may move along rods  712  and  722 . Base  702  may comprise a secondary base  730 , which may be located on top of base  702  and parallel to base  702 , whereby secondary base  730  may slide along rods  712  and  722  while being connected to arm  701 , thus causing arm  701  to slide along rods  712  and  722 . Rods  712  and  722  may be located along axis Z, and arm  701  may slide along these rods in either direction—forward or backwards along axis Z, as part of the sandwich cutting process of a bread loaf. The sliding of arm  701  along axis Z may be performed by a different motor than the one controlling sliding of section  710  along axis Y, e.g., movement of arm  701  may be operated by motor  706 . 
     In some embodiments, secondary base  730  may have attached thereon rods  732  and  734 , which may be configured to enable movement of cutting arm  701  in either direction along axis X. Element  740  that is also connected to cutting arm  701 , may be configured to move cutting arm  701  along rods  732  and  734 , which is equivalent to movement of arm  701  along axis X, as part of the sandwich cutting process of a bread loaf. The movement of arm  701  along axis X may be performed by a different motor than the one controlling movement along axis Y or Z, e.g., movement of arm  701  may be operated by motor  704 . 
     Movement of cutting arm  701  along axis X may be performed when cutting a pocket or cutting the sandwich from one side of the bread loaf to the other opposite side. Movement of cutting arm  701  along axis Z may be performed when there is, a need to locate the cutting arm at the correct location along axis Z prior to beginning of the cutting process of a pocket, and then to relocate arm  701  along axis Z (e.g., move arm  701  backwards, i.e., further away from the cut edge of the bread loaf and towards the uncut end of the bread loaf) prior to cutting the sandwich off the bread loaf. Movement along axis Y of section  710  of arm  701  may be performed during the cutting process of the pocket within the sandwich and of the sandwich off the bread loaf, in order to adjust the depth of the cut into the bread loaf, along axis Y. 
     In some embodiments, each of the above mentioned rods that operate movement of cutting arm  701  along the three axes X, Y and Z, may have attached on both ends of each rod an optical switch sensor (not shown). These optical switch sensors may enable calibration of operation of cutting unit  700 , every time that system  100  is turned on. The distance between the optical switch sensors is known, and the steps taken by arm  701  along each of the rods may then be translated into distance (for example, distance measured in [mm]). In addition, these optical switch sensors may provide safety by determining when the rod has reached the end of its path. If a controller that may be coupled to each of the engines of each of the three axes of the cutting unit, sends a command to arm  701  to move to a location that is past the end of the path of a certain rod, then the central control unit may send a command to stop operation of the engine controlling motion of that certain rod, once the end of the path of a rod is sensed by the respective optical switch sensor positioned on that certain rod. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8A-8C , which schematically illustrate a front-side view of a cutting unit that is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, a front-side view of the cutting and measuring units, and a knife for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches, respectively, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate cutting unit  700  comprising the cutting element  707 , e.g., a cutting knife that cuts the bread loaf. According to some embodiments, knife  707  may be attached to extension  717 , which may be connected to section  710 . As described with respect to  FIG. 7 , section  710  may move, e.g., slide, along rod  711 , which may be attached to cutting arm  701 . That is, section  710  of cutting arm  701 , along with cutting knife  707  may be moved along axis Y, e.g., may be raised above a bread loaf or lowered towards the bread loaf that is to be cut by cutting knife  707 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates cutting unit  700  alone, whereas  FIG. 8B  illustrates cutting unit  700  along with measuring unit  500 , as implemented in system  100 . Measuring unit  500  may be located in close proximity to cutting unit  700 , such that the outline of bread loaf  402  may first be measured by measuring unit  500  in order to determine the size of the pocket and sandwich that is to be cut by cutting unit  700 . A control unit may receive the measurements measured by measuring unit  500 , and process them into the appropriate size of pocket and sandwich that is to be cut by cutting unit  700 , and further send instructions to cutting unit  700 , based on such processing. 
     In some embodiments, knife  707  may be a standard metal knife, with a smooth blade or a serrated blade. In other embodiments, knife  707  may be made of plastic or any other solid material. 
     According to some embodiments, knife  707  may be configured to vibrate along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis along which the bread loaf is being cut. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , cutting arm  701  is located parallel to plane XY, that is, the bread loaf is being cut in parallel to plane XY; first along axis Y, when knife  707  enters into the bread loaf and cuts down through it along axis Y, and then along axis X, when knife  707  moves along the width of the bread loaf, whether for cutting a sandwich pocket or for cutting the sandwich off the bread loaf. Therefore, when knife  707  moves along axis Y, knife  707  may be configured to vibrate along axis X, which is perpendicular to axis Y, in order to effectively cut the bread loaf. In some embodiments, knife  707  may further be configured to vibrate along axis Y, for even better cutting efficiency and effectiveness, when knife  707  moves along axis X. 
     Knife  707  may vibrate in ultrasonic, subsonic, or any combination thereof. In the subsonic vibrations, the amplitude of knife  707  may be e.g., around 2-5 mm, with a frequency of e.g., 500-1000 Hz. 
     In some embodiments, knife  707  may be an ultrasonic knife that uses ultrasonic vibrations in order to make a smooth cut. Knife  707  may vibrate along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis along which the bread loaf is being cut. For example, if knife  707  cuts the bread loaf along axis Y then knife  707  may vibrate along a perpendicular axis, e.g., axis X in ultrasonic vibrations. And if knife  707  cuts the bread loaf along both axis Y and axis X, as explained above, knife  707  may vibrate along both, axis X and axis Y, respectively, in ultrasonic vibrations. Knife  707  may be, for example, an ultrasonic knife model MC-5020L manufactured by MECS (Mechanism Electronic Control Service), though any other ultrasonic knife may be implemented as part of cutting unit  700 . An ultrasonic generator (not shown) sends an ultrasound high power signal through a transducer, which converts the signal into a mechanical vibration comprising a very small amplitude (e.g., as small as 20 μm) with high power (e.g.,  500 W). In some embodiments, the ultrasonic generator may send vibrations to knife  707  at a frequency range beyond the human hearing, e.g., above 20 kHz. Ultrasonic knives have high precision and make clean cuts with little waste (e.g., a small amount of bread crumbs accumulate during cutting of the bread loaf with an ultrasonic knife) compared to standard knives, thus making ultrasonic knives a preferable option to be implemented as part of the cutting unit  700 . 
     According to  FIG. 8C , knife  707  may comprise a main body  807  and a rounded blade  808 . In some embodiments, if knife  707  cuts the bread loaf along axis X, then knife  707  may be configured to vibrate along an axis that is perpendicular to axis X along which knife  707  moves, e.g., knife  707  may vibrate along axis Y. Due to the rounded shape of blade  808 , although knife  707  is configured to vibrate only along axis Y, the rounded ends of blade  808  may provide an angled cut, that is, the rounded ends of blade  808  may move along vectors that comprise a component in the direction of the X axis, as well as a component in the direction of the Y axis. For example, blade  808  may move along vector  811 , which may comprise a component in the direction of axis X as well as a component in the direction of axis Y. 
     Therefore, even though knife  707  is configured to vibrate along axis Y alone, the rounded blade  808  may vibrate along axis X in addition to vibrating along axis Y. This may be advantageous when the bread loaf is to be cut along both axis Y and axis X. Thus, instead of causing knife  707  to vibrate along both axis X and axis Y, knife  707  may vibrate along axis Y only, while vibrations along axis X are inherent at the rounded ends of blade  808 , due to the shape of knife  707 , which comprises rounded blade  808 . 
     In some embodiments, in addition to subsonic vibrations or ultrasonic vibrations, knife  707  may be configured to perform “fast-cutting” vibrations. In the “fast-cutting” vibrations, the amplitude of knife  707  may be e.g., 10 mm, with a frequency of e.g., 1 Hz up to 300 Hz. These type of vibrations may significantly improve the effectiveness of the subsonic and/or ultrasonic vibrations. Typically, knife  707  may be configured to vibrate according to the “fast-cutting” vibrations along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis along which the bread loaf is being cut. For example, when knife  707  is cutting the bread loaf along axis Y, then knife  707  may include “fast-cutting” vibrations along axis X, in addition to the subsonic vibrations and/or ultrasonic vibrations along axis X. 
     In some embodiments, during cutting of a sandwich and its respective sandwich pocket by the cutting unit, e.g., cutting unit  700 , a new sandwich may be measured by the measuring unit, e.g., measuring unit  500 . That is, measuring unit may measure the outline of the bread loaf in order to determine the width of the next sandwich, as well as the contour of its respective sandwich pocket during cutting of a previous sandwich pocket or during cutting of a previous sandwich off the bread loaf. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9A , which is a schematic top-side view of the arms that hold the bread loaf during its cutting, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Unit  900  may comprise the arms or forks that are configured to hold the bread loaf while it is being cut, and which are to be separated when the cutting of the pocket and sandwich are done, such to enable the cut sandwich to fall and continue its way towards the next unit of system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, unit  900  may comprise arms or fork  901 , which may be an extension or may be connected to tray  401 . Across arms  901 , there may be arms or fork  910 , which may be connected to wall  920 . Wall  920  may be configured to support the edge of the bread loaf, e.g., the sandwich that is being cut by cutting unit  700 . Wall  920  may be located perpendicularly to arms  910 , and thus perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bread loaf being cut, and parallel to the plane defined by the sandwich being cut off the bread loaf. Unit  900  may further comprise element  930 . One section of element  930  may be located behind wall  920 , while another part of element  930  may be perpendicular to wall  920 . The part of element  930  which is perpendicular to wall  920  may be configured to support the side of the bread loaf, e.g., to support the bread loaf with respect to its longitudinal axis. In some embodiment, element  970  may be located behind element  930 , and may be connected to arm  701  of cutting unit  700 . 
     In some embodiments, when cutting unit  700  cuts through the bread loaf, fork  901  is located across fork  910  such that the teeth or arms of fork  901  are located in close proximity to the arms or teeth of fork  910 . When the arms of fork  901  are close and even touch the arms of fork  910 , fork  901  and fork  910  provide support to the bread loaf and specifically to the part of the bread loaf that is being cut by cutting unit  700 . After cutting the pocket within the sandwich and following completion of cutting the sandwich off the bread loaf, fork  910  may be moved away from fork  901 , thus creating space between fork  901  and fork  910 . The space created between fork  901  and fork  910  may be configured to be large enough such to enable passage of the cut sandwich therethrough. Control of the movement of fork  910  away from fork  901 , may be controlled by a control unit (not shown). In order for fork  910  to move away from fork  901 , such to enable the cut sandwich to continue its journey along system  100 , e.g., to a packaging unit, elements  930  and  970  should also move away from fork  901 . Therefore, the control unit is to control movement of arm  701  away from tray  401  ( FIG. 8B ) following completion of the cutting process, thus enabling element  930  to move away from tray  401  and away from fork  901 , and further enabling fork  910  to move away from fork  901  and further away from tray  401 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9B-9C , which schematically illustrate a perspective view, and a back-side view of the door that holds the bread loaf during its cutting process and which opens after the cutting process is accomplished, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As described with respect to  FIG. 9A , tray  401  may have attached arms or fork  901 , which may be configured to hold and support the bread loaf. Opposite arms or fork  901  may be positioned unit  990 , which may assist in holding and supporting the bread loaf during its cutting process. Unit  990  may comprise a wall  997 , which may be positioned perpendicularly to fork  901 . Wall.  997  may further comprise door  991 , which may have attached teeth  992 . When in its closed position such to provide support to a bread loaf, door  991  may be positioned perpendicularly to wall  997 , which his equivalent to door  991  being perpendicular to fork  901 . When door  991  is in its open position such to enable a cut sandwich to continue towards the packaging process, door  991  may no longer be positioned perpendicularly to wall  997  but may rather be located at an angle with respect to wall  997 . In other embodiments, when in open position, door  991  may open such to be substantially parallel to wall  997 , or even be located on the same plane as wall  997 . 
     In some embodiments, both door  991  and teeth  992  may support the edge of the bread loaf being cut, e.g., the plane of the sandwich that is parallel to wall  997 . The edge of the bread loaf may rest on or be pushed onto door  991  and teeth  992 , while door  991  and teeth  992  may support the bread loaf from the bottom side of the bread loaf. Teeth  992  may be positioned at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane of door  991 , therefore enabling the cut sandwich to slide from door  991  more easily, off teeth  992  and into the packaging unit, once door  991  is open. 
     In some embodiments, unit  990  may further comprise a flap  993 , which may be pass through wall  997  and may be connected to a micro-switch  995  ( FIG. 9C ). Flap  993  may be pushed back when a bread loaf is pressed against wall  997  and thus against flap  993 , via the loading unit, e.g., loading unit  300  or loading unit  400 . Once flap  993  is pushed back, micro switch  995  may sense such movement, and correlate it with presence of the bread loaf onto door  991 . Micro switch  995  may be connected to a central control unit of system  100 , or it may be coupled to an internal control unit, e.g., control unit  998 . Either of these types of control units may receive indication of presence of a bread loaf onto door  991 , and may further send a command to a cutting unit, e.g., cutting unit  700 , to cut a pocket into the bread loaf as well as to cut a sandwich off the bread loaf that is positioned on door  991 . Control unit  998  may be wirelessly connected to micro switch  995  and to cutting unit  700 . Following the cutting process, door  991  may be operated to change position to its open position, such to enable the cut sandwich to slide and fall towards the next unit in system  100 , e.g., the packaging unit. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 9C , micro switch  995  may be connected to flap  993  such to receive information on presence of a bread loaf onto door  991 , via movement of flap  993  that may be caused when a bread loaf is pushed against flap  993 . In some embodiments, control unit  998  may also be connected to a motor, which may operate door  991  and may cause it to change positions from its closed position (when a bread loaf is placed onto it) to its open position (when a sandwich is to slide off door  991  and enter the next unit along system  100 ), and vice versa. Control and motor units  998  may move arm  996 , or more specifically hinge  996   h  which is located at one end of arm  996 . Arm  996  may be connected to door  991  via hinge  996   h  on one of its ends, while being connected to wall  997  on its other end. When control and motor  998  causes hinge  996   h  to move e.g., rotate, it in fact causes door  991  to move and switch between its open and closed positions. 
     In some embodiments, door  991  may be connected to wall  997  through arm  996  via hinge  996   h . In other embodiments, door  991  may be further connected to wall  997  through additional supports such as hinges  999 , in order to provide better stability in the connection between door  991  and wall  997 . If door  991  is held by more than one hinges and/or arms, then door  991  is connected to wall  997  in a more stable and solid manner. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 10  which is a schematic illustration of a packaging unit for packaging a cut sandwich, which is part of the system for cutting a bread loaf into sandwiches with pockets, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, once fork  910  moves away from fork  901 , space is created, which is large enough for the cut sandwich to pass through. The sandwich may then enter the packaging unit  1000  via sandwich guide  1010 . Sandwich guide  1010  may be configured to guide the sandwich into a sandwich bag. Sandwich guide  1010  may comprise a guide door  1020  in the shape of a bendable leg, which may be configured to either be in a straight ‘open’ position, thus allowing the sandwich to enter into its package or bag  1060 , or may be in a bent ‘closed’ position, thus preventing the sandwich from entering its respective sandwich bag  1060 . Packaging unit  1000  may further comprise an actuator  1030 , which may actuate and control changing the positions of the sandwich guide from ‘open’ to ‘close’ and vice versa. When a sandwich is being cut, the sandwich guide is actuated by actuator  1030  to remain in its ‘closed’ position. However, when the sandwich is fully cut by cutting unit  700 , the actuator  1030  actuates the sandwich guide to open, thus allowing the cut sandwich to fall into its sandwich bag, e.g., sandwich bag  1060 . 
     In some embodiments, while a sandwich is being cut by cutting unit  700 , one sandwich bag, e.g., bag  1060 , is sucked by air pump  1040  via suction tube  1080 , from the sandwich bag cartridge  1050 , which may be hung on rod  1070 . Sandwich bag  1060  is sucked by vacuum pressure by pump  1040  towards pump  1040 , thereby being separated from the rest of the bags attached to the sandwich bag cartridge  1050 . Pump  1040  keeps its high negative pressure such that the sandwich bag  1060  is kept open, “waiting” for a sandwich to enter into it. Once a sandwich is cut, the actuator  1030  operates the sandwich guide  1010  to open, thus changing the configuration of guide door  1020  from bent position, i.e., closed position, to its straight position, i.e., open position, and the sandwich slides or falls into sandwich bag  1060 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 11A-11B , which are schematic illustrations of the sandwich bag and guide door after the bag is open but the guide door is still closed, and after the guide door is open such to insert the sandwich into the bag, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 11A  illustrates guide door  1020  in its closed position, prior to entry of a sandwich into the vacuumed sandwich bag  1060  via guide  1010 .  FIG. 11B  illustrates guide door  1020  in its open position, following entry of a cut sandwich into guide  1010 , such to enable the cut sandwich to enter its individual sandwich bag  1060 . When guide door  1020  is open, the cut sandwich, e.g., sandwich  1100 , which comprises sandwich pocket  1101 , may easily slide or fall into already open sandwich bag  1060 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12 , which is a flow chart of operations performed by the packaging unit, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Flow chart  1200  may comprise the steps performed by packaging unit  1000 . The first step  1202  may comprise the guide door  1020  ( FIG. 10 ) being in closed configuration. Then in step  1204 , the suction tube  1080  ( FIG. 10 ), which is connected to pump  1040 , may be moved to stage  1 , which is moving towards the sandwich bags cartridge  1050 . In step  1206 , the suction pump  1040  is operated in order to attach sandwich bag  1060  to suction tube  1080 . Then step  1208  comprising operating suction tube  1080  at stage  2  begins, which is equivalent to starting opening of the sandwich bag  1060 . When suction pump  1040  is operated in step  1210 , the sandwich bag attached to suction tube  1080  begins to open. In step  1212 , guide door  1020  opens, to enable entry of the cut sandwich into the open sandwich bag  1060 . Suction tube  1080  is then moved to stage  3  during step  1214 , which is equivalent to detaching the sandwich bag from the sandwich bag cartridge  1050 . Suction pump  1040  is then operated in step  1216 , causing the sandwich bag  1060  to disconnect itself from the sandwich bag cartridge  1050 , such to provide an individual package per the cut sandwich. Suction pump  1040  is then closed in step  1218 , awaiting cutting of a new sandwich, which means the packaging process will begin all over again, in step  1202 . 
     Reference is now made to  13 A- 13 C which are schematic illustrations of a back-side view, a perspective side view, and a front-side view, respectively, of a packaging unit for packaging a cut sandwich, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Sandwich packaging unit  1300  illustrates an example of a sandwich packaging unit in addition to unit  1000 . Packaging unit  1300  may comprise a cartridge of sandwich bags (not shown), which may be positioned on tray  1370 . The sandwich bags&#39; cartridge may comprise sandwich bags that are connected to each other only, on one side of the opening end of each bag (e.g., by perforation). That is, if air would be blown onto the first bag that is attached to the cartridge, the bag would open, while still being attached to the rest of the bags of the cartridge. The first bag of the cartridge may be loaded in between two rollers; roller  1310  and roller  1320 , in the opening  1330  therebetween. Roller  1310  and roller  1320  may be attached to wall  1385 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , on the other side of wall  1385 , the sandwich bag that enters through opening  1330  may exit through bag exit  1390 . Packaging unit  1300  may further comprise fan  1340  and fan  1350 , which may blow air into a bag that passed through bag exit  1390 . In some embodiments, air from fan  1340  and from fan  1350  may be configured to pass through space  1380 , which may be an extension to fans  1340  and  1350  in close proximity to wall  1385 , and the air may exit through an air exit  1382 , which may be located at least partially above bag exit  1390 , which one sandwich bag may pass through. Once a bag passes through bag exit  1390 , air may be blown by operation of fans  1340  and  1350  such to fill the sandwich bag with air flowing through air exit  1382 , which is located above the sandwich bag&#39;s opening. The flow of air into the sandwich bag&#39;s opening may assist in maintaining the sandwich bag open and ready for entrance of a cut sandwich into it. 
     In some embodiments, packaging unit  1300  may further comprise a distance sensor  1395  that may be located on wall  1385 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13C . Distance sensor  1395  may sense presence of a sandwich bag and may sense when the bag is ready to accept a cut sandwich, since the sensing occurs on the side of wall  1385  where air exit  1382  is located. 
     In some embodiments, after the sandwich bag is filled with a sandwich that includes a sandwich pocket, the sandwich bag is to be cut and be separated from the sandwich bags&#39; cartridge, so that a new sandwich bag may pass through bag exit  1390  in order to accept a new sandwich, and so on. In order to cut the sandwich bag off the cartridge, packaging unit  1300  may comprise a cutting knife  1359 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13C , cutting knife  1359  may be connected to solenoid  1355  via member  1357 . A sandwich bag may pass through bag exit  1390  such that one side of the open end of the sandwich bag may be attached to the cartridge of sandwich bags, e.g., by perforation, while the other side of the open end of the sandwich bag may not be attached to the cartridge, thus allowing air from fans  1340  and  1350  to blow the sandwich bag open, such that the open end of the sandwich bag may be positioned below bag exit  1390 . 
     Once a sandwich enters the blown open sandwich bag, member  1357  may be pulled up towards the location of fans  1340  and  1350  by solenoid  1355 . Cutting knife  1379  is attached to member  1357 , for example, cutting knife  1359  may be located between the two ends of member  1357 . Therefore, once member  1357  is pulled up by solenoid  1355  then cutting knife  1359  may be pulled against the sandwich bag, at the location where the sandwich bag is attached to the sandwich bags&#39; cartridge, thus cutting the area of attachment between the single sandwich bag and the sandwich bags&#39; cartridge. In some embodiments, distance sensor  1395  may be configured to stop the turning of rollers  1310  and  1320  once the sandwich bag is detected by distance sensor  1395 , such that the area of attachment between the single sandwich bag and the sandwich bags&#39; cartridge may be located in front of bag exit  1390 . This is important so that once solenoid  1355  pulls up cutting knife  1359  (via member  1357 ), the area of attachment would be cut by cutting knife  1359  passing through the area of attachment. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A-14B , which schematically illustrate a bread loaf packaging tray, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Packaging tray  1410  may be configured to accept all of the cut sandwiches, whether separately packaged or not. Each cut sandwich, e.g., each of sandwiches  1481 ,  1483 ,  1485 ,  1487  and  1489 , may fall either off the cutting unit (if not separately packaged) or off the sandwich packaging unit (if separately packaged), onto tray  1410 . All of the cut sandwiches may be arranged to form the entire bread loaf  1480 , which is the bread loaf that was cut into sandwiches, e.g., sandwiches  1481 ,  1483 ,  1485 ,  1487 , and  1489 , and their respective sandwich pockets, e.g., sandwich pockets  1482 ,  1484 ,  1486 ,  1488 , and  1490 . The order of sandwiches that is to form a whole bread loaf  1480  may be accomplished by causing the sandwiches to fall onto tray  1410  in a certain direction, typically front to back, such that the front end of each sandwich touches the back end of a previous sandwich. The arranged sandwiches may then be placed in one large package, for ease of carrying by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the first sandwich that falls onto tray  1410  lands on driver  1420  such that the front portion of the first sandwich is supported by driver  1420 , while the bottom end (which is perpendicular to the front portion) of the first sandwich is supported by tray  1410 . Each of the rest of the sandwiches fall onto previous sandwiches, while all of the sandwiches are supported by driver  1420  from their front end (or cross section), while being supported from their bottom end by tray  1410 . Driver  1420  may move backwards along tray  1410  each time a new sandwich falls onto try  1410 , in order to provide space along tray  1410  for a new sandwich to fall onto. When all the sandwiches are accumulated onto tray  1410  and onto driver  1420 , tray  1410  may be pushed into a large package that is configured to fit the entire sandwiches. Driver  1420  may then provide the final push such that all of the cut sandwiches enter, the large package while tray  1410  is pulled back to exit the large package, such that only the sandwiches are kept inside the one large package. 
     In some embodiments, tray  1410  may move along rods  1412  and  1414 , which may be positioned on base  1401 . As explained above, tray  1410  may be pushed forward into the package or may be pulled back to exit the package, all of which movement may be accomplished by sliding back and forth along rods  1412  and  1414 . Motor  1430  may be connected to tray  1410  such to provide power for such motion of tray  1410  along rods  1412  and  1414 . 
     In some embodiments, driver  1420  may be connected to base  1440  via rod  1442 , such that driver  1420  may slide along rod  1442  on both directions, e.g., backward and forward. Motor  1450  may provide power to such motion of driver  1420  along rod  1442 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 14C , which schematically illustrate the entire bread loaf packaging unit  1400 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which some of it was illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-14B  as described above. In some embodiments, following the separately packaging of each single sandwich as performed by packaging unit  1300  ( FIGS. 13A-13C ), all the separate packages accumulate along tray  1401 , while being supported by driver  1420  from their bottom side. Driver  1420  is configured to retract when a new sandwich drops onto it. After all the bread loaf is cut into sandwiches, and measuring unit (e.g., measuring unit  500 ,  FIGS. 6A-6D ) detects no object, i.e., bread within it, then a bread loaf sized sandwich bag may be opened in order to accept all the cut sandwiches into it. In order to open a new bread loaf sized sandwich bag, at least one fan  1450  may blow air into such bag. However, in some embodiments, the brad loaf sized bag may be too heavy to open simply by blowing air into it. Therefore, assistance may be acquired by motion of handle  1447 . In some embodiments, handle  1447  may comprise a round shape, though in other embodiments handle  1447  may comprise other shapes. Handle  1447  may be pushed by arm  1445  such to provide support to the bag being blown with air from at least one fan  1450 . Handle  1447  may support the bread loaf bag by supporting it and straightening it with respect to the outlet  1455  of air from fan  1450 . When handle  1447  supports and straightens the bread loaf bag, the air blown by at least one fan  1450  may suffice to fill the entire bread loaf bag, which now properly faces outlet  1455 , with air. Driver  1420  may then push the bread loaf (comprising sandwiches, whether or not separately packaged) into the open air filled bread loaf bag. The force of the push of driver  1420  may, in some embodiments, be strong enough such to tear the bread loaf bag off the bread loaf bags&#39; cartridge, once all the sandwiches entered the bread loaf bag. Immediately following entry of all sandwiches into the bread loaf bag and tear of the bag from its cartridge, the entire packaged bread loaf drops on top of tray  1441 , due to gravity forces. The packaged bread loaf continues to slide on top of tray  1441  until it exits system  100 , ready to be collected by a customer or user of system  100 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A-15B , which schematically illustrate a bread loaf packaging tray, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Packaging tray  1510  may be configured to accept all cut sandwiches whether separately packaged or not. Each cut sandwich may fall either off the cutting unit (if not separately packaged) or off the sandwich packaging unit (if separately packaged), onto tray  1510 . All of the cut sandwiches may be arranged along tray  1510  to form the entire bread loaf, which is the bread loaf that was cut into sandwiches and sandwich pockets. 
     In some embodiments, tray  1510  may comprise a driver  1520 , which may move along tray  1510  via a tunnel  1532 . Tray  1510  may be connected to a base  1501  via nut  1503  that may be screwed/unscrewed along longitudinal screw  1502 . The motion of nut  1503  along screw  1502  may be operated by motor  1505 . When nut  1503  is screwed forward along screw  1502 , then tray  1510  is moved forward towards package or bag  1540  ( FIG. 15B ). When nut  1503  is unscrewed backwards, then tray  1510  is moved backwards away from package  1540 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15B , a large package  1540  that is to fit all cut sandwiches, which form the entire bread loaf, may be opened by various means, e.g., suction via suction tubes  1550 , or through air blown by fans (not shown). Other means of opening package or bag  1540  may be used. Once package  1540  is opened, tray  1510 , which may be loaded with the entirely cut bread loaf, may be pushed forward by motion of nut  1503  forward along screw  1502 , such to place the bread loaf that is cut into sandwiches with sandwich pockets, into bag  1540 . Driver  1520  may then be operated by springs  1522  to move forward towards bag  1540 , and continue to push the cut brad loaf into bag  1540 . Once the entire cut sandwiches are inserted into package  1540 , tray  1510  may be pulled back by backward motion of nut  1503  along screw  1502 , in order to allow tray  1510  to exit from within package  1540 , and thus leave only the bread loaf cut into sandwiches with sandwich pockets, to stay within package  1540 . 
     It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the disclosure. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the disclosure. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove.