Abstract:
An improved slicer having a reciprocating blade is disclosed. The use of a reciprocating blade allows the configuration and functionality of the slicer to be modified to address many of the deficiencies of current rotary slicers. The slicer operates without manual intervention, and includes the capability to automatically stack the sliced products. In other words, the food product to be sliced is placed on the slicer, and the slicer automatically slices the food product and stacks the sliced product, in a configuration that is presentable to the customer. In some embodiments, the machine is designed to have certain zones that can be cleaned or replaced, while the rest of the machine is never contaminated. In addition, the reciprocating blade is inexpensive and easily replaceable, thereby eliminating the need to sharpen the blade.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/566,210, filed Dec. 2, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Deli slicers have not changed significantly in nearly  100  years. In the late 1800&#39;s, Wilhelm Van Berkel revolutionized meat slicing by inventing a device with a concave rotary blade and a carriage that slides the meat into the blade. It is credited as the first device to move the food into a spinning blade. The device was operated by a hand crank and flywheel. This machine was the forerunner of the ubiquitous Hobart slicer that is used today in countless locations to slice meat and cheese. 
         [0003]    Over time, the hand crank was replaced by an electric motor. Interestingly, although Berkel&#39;s hand crank drove both the blade and the carriage, the majority of electric machines drive only the blade. Only the most advanced and expensive units automatically drive the carriage, the rest are operated manually. 
         [0004]    Other modern improvements include antimicrobial additives in the external plastic components, a counter that triggers an indicator light to sharpen the blade, push button blade sharpening and various safety devices. Only very expensive, complex systems offer automatic stacking. 
         [0005]    Materials and controls may have been improved over the years, but the slicer still uses a rotary blade and a carriage that moves the meat into the blade, as in Berkel&#39;s original. 
         [0006]    Rotary blade slicers have numerous drawbacks, which people have learned to accept. One of these drawbacks is the inability of rotary slicers to automatically stack the sliced deli product. In most installations, the operator must move the carriage to slice the food product with one hand, then catch the slice with the other hand and stack it. The higher end of the deli slicers may automatically reciprocate the carriage, but do not include automatic stacking. An operator must still catch the slice and place it on the stack. If the slices are allowed to fall naturally, there is no mechanism to stack them neatly, and the result will be a messy pile of sliced product. This is not an acceptable presentation to the customer. Because of this, an operator is necessary for every slicing operation. 
         [0007]    The slicers that do offer stacking are either high-cost counter-top device units such as those manufactured by Bizerba GmbH &amp; Co. of Germany, or large scale processing equipment, such as those manufactured by Marel of Iceland. These all use complex stacking mechanisms and are designed for slicing large volumes of one type of product at a time. The Bizerba device comprises a rotary slicer coupled to a series of conveyors and rotating mechanisms. The Marel devices are fully automatic, high speed machines, generally using a guillotine, orbital or involute blade and conveyor systems, and are very large and are used in high volume processing plants. The current invention is aimed at a market segment that is low volume, high variability, customer service oriented, such as a supermarket delicatessen, sandwich shop, restaurant or other location where food products are sliced for sale or preparation. 
         [0008]    Another drawback of existing slicers is the difficulty in cleaning them. Rotary blades, band saws, band blades and other continuous (non-reciprocating) devices carry by-products throughout their travel and deposit them on the inside surfaces of the apparatus. This makes cleaning more complicated. It also contributes to contamination and cross-contamination, since these by-products can be transferred back to the food product being sliced. Since many types of food products may be sliced by the same apparatus, this can transfer contaminants from one type of protein to another. It takes between 20 minutes and an hour to clean a rotary slicer, which must be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day. Additionally, it must be wiped down numerous times during the day. Since the rotary blade sends debris in all directions, the entire slicer must be cleaned. 
         [0009]    Another drawback is safety. Cut fingers are common when operating rotary slicers. Cleaning a meat slicer is the leading cause of lacerations in deli departments, according to Argo Insurance Group, a provider of grocer&#39;s insurance. This results in numerous incidents each year that require an emergency room or doctor visit as well as Workers Compensation notification. 
         [0010]    An improved slicer that addresses these issues, as well as other drawbacks, would be beneficial. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    An improved slicer having a reciprocating blade is disclosed. The use of a reciprocating blade allows the configuration and functionality of the slicer to be modified to address many of the deficiencies of current rotary slicers. The slicer operates without manual intervention, and includes the capability to automatically stack the sliced products. In other words, the food product to be sliced is placed on the slicer, and the slicer automatically slices the food product and stacks the sliced product, in a configuration that is presentable to the customer. In some embodiments, the machine is designed to have certain zones that can be cleaned or replaced, while the rest of the machine is never contaminated. In addition, the reciprocating blade is inexpensive and easily replaceable, thereby eliminating the need to sharpen the blade. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a view of a first embodiment of a slicer; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows the major components of a control system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a view of a second embodiment of a slicer; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  with the top cover removed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the lower portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the upper portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows the major component of the control system of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a top cover having an integrated product holder; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  shows a third embodiment of a slicer; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  shows the motor assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows the underside of the tray used in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  shows the base of the slicer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  shows a food item holder useful with the slicer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  shows the user interface of a software application that may be used in conjunction with the slicer; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show another embodiment of a slicer; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  illustrate the limits of movement of the slicer of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  shows a view of the housing used with the slicer of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  show the drive unit of the slicer of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19   a  is a cross section taken through A-A, indicated in  FIG. 16   b;    
           [0031]      FIG. 19   b  is an isometric view of the drive unit of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  shows the components that make up the slicing platform assembly of the slicer of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21   a  is an isometric top view of the slicing blade assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21   b  is an isometric bottom view of the slicing blade assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a cross section of the slicing blade assembly taken through B-B of  FIG. 21   a;    
           [0036]      FIG. 23  shows the blade removed from the slicing blade assembly of  FIG. 21   a;    
           [0037]      FIG. 24  is an isometric bottom view of the assembled slicing platform of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 25  is a section view through C-C of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 26  is a section view through C-C of  FIG. 24  with the blade rotated; 
           [0040]      FIG. 27  is a close-up view of the blade drive of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the base of the slicer of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 29  shows the base and housing of the slicer of  FIG. 15  prior to assembly; 
           [0043]      FIG. 30  shows a first intermediate assembly step; 
           [0044]      FIG. 31  shows a second intermediate assembly step; 
           [0045]      FIG. 32  shows a third intermediate assembly step; 
           [0046]      FIG. 33  shows the slicer in use with a loaded food product; 
           [0047]      FIG. 34  shows the sliced food product of  FIG. 33 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 35  illustrates an embodiment of a multiple slicer installation; 
           [0049]      FIG. 36  illustrates a second embodiment of a multiple slicer installation; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 37   a  and  37   b  show additional mounting configurations; 
           [0051]      FIG. 38  is an input device for the slicer; 
           [0052]      FIG. 39  shows a representative screen shot of the input device of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 40  shows a second embodiment of a food item holder; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 41  shows a third embodiment of a food item holder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0055]    A slicer having a reciprocating blade is disclosed. The use of a reciprocating blade overcomes numerous shortcomings of the prior art. For example, a reciprocating blade allows the unit to be more compact. It also allows automatic stacking of the sliced product. It also dramatically simplifies the cleaning process. Another advantage of a reciprocating blade is that potential contaminants, such as food particles and liquids that are left behind when food is sliced, remain within the reciprocating range of motion. This is a back and forth motion, generally having a stroke of less than ½ of an inch. 
         [0056]    For purposes of this disclosure, the term “food product” is defined as, but not limited to, a bulk portion of deli meats, cheeses, delicatessen products, delicatessen specialties, whole cut meats, processed meats and cheeses, sectioned and formed meats, cured meats and sausages packaged as chubs, rolls, loaves, wursts, with or without casings or any other packaging used to cook, cure, season, protect, present and transport the product. “Food product” is also defined as vegetable and produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peppers and any other vegetable, produce or sliced condiment. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  shows a first view of a slicer according to the present invention. The slicer  10  includes a food product holder  20 . In operation, the food product to be sliced is placed in the product holder  20 . In some embodiments, a weighted top  24  is applied on top of the food product after it is placed in the product holder  20 . In other embodiments, the top  24  includes a motor  25 . This motor  25  is coupled to a vertical rod (not shown) ending in a horizontal plate, such that the motor  25  is able to extend and retract the rod and plate in the vertical direction, so that the horizontal plate applies a force to the food product. In other embodiments, a spring-loaded plate, an inflatable bag or diaphragm, or another method to apply downward force to the food product may be used. In other embodiments, no additional downward force is required. 
         [0058]    The product holder  20  is of a size suitable for most food products, such as 5″×7″, but can be sized according to need. In other embodiments, the product is placed between two transverse members  27 , where at least one of the members is adjustable, so as to match the width of the food product. These transverse members  27  are attached to the sliding carriage brackets  30 . 
         [0059]    The product holder  20  is coupled to sliding carriage brackets  30 . As described below, the sliding carriage brackets  30  move in the horizontal direction from a first ready position, past the blade, to a completed position. The carriage brackets  30  then move back to the ready position. 
         [0060]    Located adjacent to the carriage brackets  30  and product holder  20  is the reciprocating blade  40 . In one embodiment, the blade  40  may be a single sharp edge, similar to a razor blade. In other embodiments, the blade  40  may be serrated, similar to a steak knife or jigsaw blade. The blade  40  reciprocates side to side in the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the sliding brackets. In other embodiments, the blade can be at an angle to the product. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the carriage brackets  30  move from left to right, longitudinally along the slicer  10 , while the blade  40  moves transversely across the slicer  10 . 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, a double edged blade is used which may perform one of two functions. The apparatus may contain a mechanism to flip the blade when one side becomes dull, thereby doubling the life of the blade. Alternatively, a mechanism may be provided to allow the blade to slice in both directions, thus doubling the slicing ability and speed of the apparatus. 
         [0062]    The reciprocating blade  40  is adjacent to and located between a first platform  28  and a second platform  50 . These platforms support the face of the food product as it is moved across the reciprocating blade  40 . In some embodiments, a unitary platform with a slit to accommodate the reciprocating blade  40  may be used. 
         [0063]    In operation, the food product is loaded into the product holder  20 . In some embodiments, force is applied to the top of the food product after loading. This force may be applied in a variety of ways. The force can be applied using a passive device, such as a fixed weight atop the top  24 , or a mechanical or pneumatic spring that pushes between the top of the product and the product holder. The force can alternatively be applied using an active device, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, air bladder or the like that is supplied with pressure to exert a force. This can be a fixed pressure resulting in a fixed amount of added downward force, or the pressure can be increased as the product&#39;s weight decreases, resulting in a downward force that is consistent throughout the product. Other devices can include mechanical ratcheting devices that index a platen when the device is cycled for a slice. Positive displacement devices may be used to index a platen a predetermined distance as the product is sliced. One example of this is a screw actuator driven by a stepper motor  25 . The motor  25  is able to drive a horizontal plate in the vertical direction. In these embodiments, the motor  25  is used to push the horizontal plate downward toward the food product so as to apply a force on the food product. In some embodiments, the motor  25  is configured to apply a force so that the total downward force exerted by the plate and the weight of the food product remains constant, even as the food product becomes smaller. In some embodiments, the motor is indexed a predetermined distance with each slice. For example, if the desired slice is . 06  inches thick, the motor indexes the plate . 06  inches, keeping the relationship between the food product and the blade consistent throughout. In some embodiments, the plate may index more or less than the slice thickness, for example, to compensate for weight changes, or other differences in the food product as it is consumed. Any of these methods serve to press the food product against the first platform  28  in the ready position. 
         [0064]    One of the causes of inconsistent slicing is that food products, such as meat, cheese and other items being sliced are not rigid. Each food product has an inherent stiffness. In some embodiments, the face of the food product slides across the first platform  28  and into the reciprocating blade  40 . The friction between the food product face and first platform  28  cause the food to displace rearward from the direction of travel and upward from the first platform  28 . This presents a more compressed product to the blade  40  at the beginning of the slicing action than at the end. This can result in slice thickness differences on the order of 0.010 to 0.025 inches from the beginning to the end of the slice. In general, the thickness is controlled by changing the relative distance between the blade  40  and first platform  28 . Over the course of many slices, the food product becomes wedge-shaped, which only adds to the inability to cut a consistent slice. In addition, this produces a “tail”, or thin appendage of the food product, on the trailing edge of the product. Neither of these conditions is desired. 
         [0065]    The use of downward force may help to minimize this. Although the additional force adds to the friction, the downward force also pre-compresses and supports the food product. Additionally, the better the food product is supported around its perimeter, the more stable it may become, and the more consistently it slices. A combination of a low friction first platform  28  and a well supported food product greatly aid slicing consistency. In some embodiments, the downward force can be controlled and adjusted not only for the size of the food product, but also for the type of food product and its respective rigidity. 
         [0066]    Additionally, the product holder  20  may contain means to rotate the food product as it is depleted (not shown). The food product can be rotated incrementally or rotated a full 180° with each rotation. The rotation can be performed after each slice, or after a predetermined number of slices. The rotation evens out the slice thickness inconsistency, substantially eliminating both the wedge and tail. The rotation may be accomplished by a number of methods. For example, the downward force means may include a motor or other device that rotates, thereby rotating the food product. In another example, there can be a strap-like device around the perimeter of the product that is turned by a capstan or other means. 
         [0067]    The carriage brackets  30  are coupled to a motor  33 , such as via a belt  34 , chain or other linkage. A blade motor  41  is used to actuate the reciprocating blade  40 . In some embodiments, the blade motor  41  rotates at a fixed rate, such that the reciprocating blade has a single speed, such as 1000 strokes per minute. In another embodiment, the blade motor  41  may rotate at a plurality of different speeds, such as between 500 and 2000 strokes per minute. The selection of the reciprocating speed may be done by the operator, or by a controller, as described in more detail below. 
         [0068]    A thickness motor  37  (not shown) is used to set the appropriate slice thickness. This thickness motor is used to move the position of the reciprocating blade  40  and second platform  50  relative to the first platform  28 , on which the food product rests prior to the slicing operation. This allows the thickness of a slice to be modified automatically by the controller. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of a particular slice is set before slicing begins and remains constant throughout the cutting operation. In another embodiment, the thickness of the slice is varied as the blade  40  passes through the food product. This method may be used to adjust the thickness of the slice in real time. In other words, the distance between the first platform  28  and blade  40  is adjusted during the slicing process to compensate for the varying slice thickness from leading edge to trailing edge of the slice, resulting in a more even slice. Since food products have different stiffness, the amount of compensation may vary for any given product. Since the system is aware of the type of food product that is being sliced, a predetermined compensation factor may be used for each food product. In some embodiments, such as where there is no downward force applied or where it does not compensate for the changing weight of the food product, the thickness setting may be increased as the food product is consumed to compensate for diminishing compressive force. In other embodiments, the controller may move the blade  40  to a rest or inactive position between operations to minimize the chance of an operator cutting their finger. 
         [0069]    The motor  33  drives the carriage brackets  30  toward and past the reciprocating blade  40 , so that the reciprocating blade  40  passes entirely through the food product. The food product passes from the first platform  28 , through the blade  40 , and onto the second platform  50 . After slicing, the carriage  30  returns to the ready position, returning the food product to the first platform  28 , where it is ready for the next cycle. Attached to the sliding carriage brackets  30  is a collection platform  70 , positioned at a height lower than the reciprocating blade  40 . This collection platform  70  moves in unison with the sliding brackets  30  and food product, so that its position relative to the food product remains constant, even when the carriage brackets  30  are in motion. In other words, there is no relative linear movement between the food product and the collection tray  70  when the device  10  is cutting the food product. In other embodiments, the relative linear movement between the food product and the collection tray  70  is sufficiently small so as not to impact stacking of the sliced food product. 
         [0070]    As the food product passes through the reciprocating blade  40 , it begins to separate as a slice. The slice passes through the gap between the first platform  28  and blade  40 , and is dropped downward onto the collection platform  70 . The first slice touches down on the collection platform  70  at a first location. As the next slice is cut, it lands atop the previously cut slice. Since the collection platform retains its position relative to the food product, the result is a vertical stacking of the slices. The sliced food product can then be removed from the collection platform  70  and packaged for the customer. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, the slicer  10  may include a control system that controls the operation of the system.  FIG. 2  shows the major components of such a control system  100 . It should be noted that not all of these components need to be present. This figure illustrates the flexibility of the control system, and embodiments are not limited to only that shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    A controller  110  is used to monitor and control the slicer  10 . This controller  110  may be a stand alone computer, such as a personal computer (PC), a PLC or other logic controller or specially designed computing device. In other embodiments, the controller  110  is a part of the facility&#39;s central computer system. The controller  110  includes a processor, an input device capable of receiving commands and a plurality of outputs. In addition, the processing unit has a memory element, which may be volatile or non-volatile. Instructions that can be executed by the processor are stored in the memory element. The instructions executed by the processor may be written in any suitable computer language. These instructions, when executed, enable the controller  110  to perform the functions described herein. Furthermore, a portion of the memory element may be used for volatile information. A controller  110  may be used to control a single slicer  10 , or may be used to control a plurality of slicers. 
         [0073]    The controller  110  may receive food product information  120  from a variety of sources. This information may include the brand, food type, date of packaging, package dimensions, etc. This information may be input in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a bar code reader is used to read a bar code from the food product itself. In another embodiment, an RFID reader is used to read an RFID tag located on the food product. In another embodiment, the operator may input the food product identifier, such as by using a keypad, or other input device. Other methods of informing the controller  110  of the identity and relevant information about the food product may also be used. 
         [0074]    The controller  110  also receives ordering information  125 . The ordering information can be entered by the operator using a keypad or other method. In another embodiment, the ordering information is collected by a separate processing unit, such as an electronic kiosk or similar system. The ordering information may include various parameters. For example, the ordering information may include a desired slice thickness and a desired amount. The desired thickness may be in quantitative terms, such as actual thickness measurements. In other embodiments, the thickness may be qualitative, such as very thin, thin, medium or thick. The controller  110  may then convert this qualitative thickness to an actual thickness based on the food product and other parameters. The thickness may also be expressed in non-traditional ways. For example, the slices may be cut based on the desired number of calories per slice, or the number of diet plan, for example, WEIGHT-WATCHER™, points per slice. The controller, knowing the food product type, can then determine the appropriate thickness to achieve the desired caloric or diet plan point total. The ordering information may also include an amount to be sliced. This can be expressed in numerous ways. For example, the user may indicate the number of slices, the total weight desired, the total number of calories desired, the total number of diet plan points, or any other quantitative way. 
         [0075]    The controller  110  may also have input from a scale, thereby being aware of the weight of the sliced food product. In some embodiments, the scale  85  is integral with the collection platform  70 , such that the weight of the sliced food product is updated as the food product is being sliced. In other embodiments, the weight of the food product is measured in the product holder  20 , and the weight of the sliced food product is determined by subtracting the current weight of the remaining food product from its starting weight. 
         [0076]    Other weighing methods are also envisioned. For example, in one embodiment, the entire slicer  10 , including any loaded food product, may be weighed. One way to accomplish this is to include load cells, for example, in the feet of the slicer  10 . The tare weight is the weight of the slicer  10  without a loaded food product. When a food product is placed onto the slicer  10 , the weight of the food product is the new total weight less the tare weight. In this manner, the starting weight of the food product is known, eliminating the need to weigh the food product prior to loading it onto the slicer  10 . If the collection platform  70  is not supported by the frame of the slicer  10 , its contents will not be included in the total weight. Thus, as slices are removed from the food product, the total weight is reduced, the difference indicating the weight of the sliced food product. If greater accuracy is desired, the collection platform  70  may be mounted onto a weigh scale. In this manner, the total weight of the slicer  10 , plus the loaded food product, plus the sliced product will be included in the total weight, and the weight of the sliced product only will be measured by the product tray scale. This gives the ability to accurately weigh the sliced food product, and also to know the weight of the remaining food product. Alternatively, if the weigh scale associated with the collection platform  70  is not supported by apparatus load cells, the weight of the sliced product is not included in the total. An advantage to knowing the total weight is that the weight of the remaining food product is always known. This information can be used to anticipate the need to replenish a food product, and to calculate yield, waste, etc., in real time. This information can be used to alert the operator that the weight of the currently loaded food product is below a predetermined threshold and that replacement will be required in the near future. 
         [0077]    Using these inputs, the controller  110  is able to control the motors associated with the slicer  10 . For example, after the food product has been loaded and the food product and ordering information have been entered, the controller  110  can begin the slicing process. The controller  110  may use the food information  120  to determine whether it should exert downward force on the food product in the product holder  20 . For example, it may be found that a particular type of food product may require a predetermined downward force to insure a proper slice. In other embodiments, the downward force may be different, or unnecessary. Thus, based on the food product, the controller  110  may actuate top motor  25  to apply a downward force. Similarly, similar criteria may be used for distance indexing, as described above. 
         [0078]    The controller  110  may also actuate the thickness motor  37 . This adjustment may be based on the ordering information  125  and the food product information  120 . In addition, the controller  110  may vary the thickness of a slice during the slicing process by actuating the thickness motor  37  while the blade  40  is cutting the food product. In addition, for safety and storage reasons, the controller  110  may automatically actuate the thickness motor  37  after the slicing operation is completed to minimize the chance of an injury. For example, the controller  110  may actuate the thickness motor  37  so as to move the blade to a stowed position, so it is not exposed, potentially causing injury. In one embodiment, the controller  110  actuates the motor  37  during each slicing operation, such that the blade is moved to the stowed position while the food product is returning to the first platform  28 . 
         [0079]    The controller  110  also controls the blade motor  41 . In some embodiments, the controller  110  actuates the blade motor  41  at a fixed speed whenever a slicing operation is performed. In this instance, the controller  110  actuates the blade motor  41  and allows it to reach speed before actuating motor  33 . In some embodiments, the controller  110  may maintain a table or other indication of blade speed as a function of food product. For example, certain food products may be better sliced if the blade is operating at high strokes per minute. Other food products may be better sliced at lower speeds. Therefore, based on the food product information  120 , the controller  110  may actuate the blade motor  41  and select an appropriate speed for the blade  40 . 
         [0080]    The controller  110  also controls the motor  33 , which causes the first platform  28  (and the food product) to move toward the reciprocating blade  40 . This motor thereby controls the feed rate of the food product. The speed at which the food product slides may be a constant. In other embodiments, the speed may be related to the food product being sliced, or may be changed as the food product is consumed and puts less weight on the platform  28 . 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the combination of blade speed and the feed rate is unique to each food product. In other embodiments, the blade speed may be varied while the feed rate remains constant. Conversely, the blade speed may be held constant, while the feed rate is varied. 
         [0082]    The controller  110  also has the ability to produce certain output data  130 . For example, in one embodiment, the controller  110  monitors the weight of the sliced food product as it is being sliced. Based on the change in weight during the slicing process, the controller  110  may determine the weight of each slice. As certain food products reach their ends (such as roast beef or turkey), the cross-sectional area of the food product decreases. This decrease in weight may be detected by the controller  110 , which may interpret this as an indication that the food product is nearly consumed. In some embodiments, the controller  110  may also have the ability to track a particular food product, and be aware how much has been removed. This is another way that the controller  110  may determine when a food product is nearly consumed. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, the collection platform  70  may be an independently movable platform. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to create stacking patterns other than vertical. This can be achieved by offsetting the collection platform  70  after each slice. This offset may be achieved through the use of collection motor  71 . This collection motor or motors  71  may move in any direction (up/down, forward/backward, left/right, rotate) in order to achieve the desired result. For example, at times it may be desirable to offset slices of a food product, such as cheese, 45° with respect to each other such that the corners of the pieces are separated. This can be done by using a collection motor  71  that rotates the collection platform  70  after each slice. Of course, other movements are also possible. 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, the collection platform  70  is designated as a clean zone, in that it is never subjected to particles or other matter from the food product. In one embodiment, an optical sensor is used to detect the presence of a protective covering, such as a piece of waxed paper, a paper or foam tray, or other material. When such a covering is not detected on the collection platform  70 , the controller  110  does not initiate a slicing action. 
         [0085]    The controller  110  may receive continuous feedback from the scale  85 . This feedback can be used in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the slicing operation is terminated when the scale  85  registers the total weight desired by the customer. The feedback from the scale  85  can also be used to determine when the food product is nearing its end, as described above. Other mechanisms can also be used to terminate the slicing process. For example, the customer may request a specific number of slices, which may be counted by the controller  110  during the slicing operation. When this number is reached, the slicing operation terminates. 
         [0086]      FIG. 1  shows a slicer where the food product moves while the reciprocating blade remains in a fixed location.  FIG. 3  shows another embodiment, where the food product remains stationary and the reciprocating blade moves toward and away from the food product. 
         [0087]      FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of the slicer  200  having a reciprocating blade. In this embodiment, the food product is positioned on the top surface, and held in place using an adjustable product holder  201 . The food product is placed in the opening  202  in the top cover  203 . Once placed, it is held snugly in place by adjustment of the product holder  201 . The food product remains in this position, as the blade moves from back and forth beneath it. 
         [0088]      FIG. 4  is another view of the slicer  200  with top cover  203  removed. The slicer  200  has two major components, a bottom portion  220 , which is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5  and an upper portion  210 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the bottom portion  220  has two parallel synchronized acme screws  221 . These screws  221  are rotated by the actuation of motor  231 . As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , motor  231  is attached via belt  234  to one of the acme screws  221 . A second belt  235  is used to couple the two screws so that they rotate in a synchronized manner. Located on each of the acme screws  221  is a drive carriage bracket  236 , 237 . Within each of these brackets is an acme screw nut (not shown). As the acme screws  221  rotate, they cause the drive carriage brackets  236 ,  237  to move laterally. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the upper portion  210  includes a first platform  241 , a blade  245 , and a second platform  247 . In the ready position, the food product rests on the first platform  241 . The blade  245 , the first platform  241 , and the second platform  247  are attached to the drive carriage brackets  236 ,  237 , such that they are moved laterally when the slicer  200  is in operation. As the carriage moves, the food product is held in place by the adjustable product holder  201 . The food product then encounters the blade  245  that slices the food product from the bottom side. The food product then moves onto the second platform  247 . As the carriage returns to its starting position, the food product returns to the first platform  241 . The blade  245  is reciprocated by actuation of a blade motor  250 , which is located on drive carriage bracket  237 . The blade  245  is attached to the blade motor  250  through a linkage  251 . In one embodiment, this linkage is a flexible coupling, such as a living hinge. 
         [0091]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the collection tray (not shown) is located beneath the lower portion  220  and may be stationary. As the drive carriage moves, slices drop onto the collection tray. In some embodiments, a collection tray motor may be used to translate the collection tray so as to create a desired pattern of slices. For example, the slices may be shingled or tiled, depending on a user&#39;s preference. 
         [0092]    In addition, a thickness motor (not shown) may be used to set the thickness of the individual slices. In one embodiment, the thickness motor is used to move the first platform  241  vertically relative to the blade  245  and the second platform  247 . In a second embodiment, the thickness motor is used to move the blade  245  and second platform  247  relative to the first platform  241 . In another embodiment, the thickness motor moves the blade  245  relative to both platforms. Since the thickness motor is associated with the moving upper portion  210 , it will preferably be located on the drive carriage bracket  236 ,  237 . As was described above, the thickness motor may be used to set the thickness of a slice. In other embodiments, the thickness motor may be actuated during the slicing process to alter the thickness of a slice. In other embodiments, the thickness motor may also be stationary, attached to the end of lower portion  220  and may use a shaped rod that passes thru a similarly shaped linear bearing on a screw attached to drive carriage  236  that adjusts the thickness ramp position. 
         [0093]      FIG. 8  shows an alternate top cover  403  that can be used with the slicer  200  described in  FIGS. 4-7 . In this embodiment, the top cover  403  has an integrated product holder  404 . The product holder  404  includes a lid  405 , which may be coupled to rotatable screws  406  on opposite sides of the product holder  404 . In this embodiment, rotation of screws  406  causes a corresponding upward or downward movement of the lid  405 . In operation, the food product is inserted into the integrated product holder  404 . The lid  405  is then placed over the food product and moved downward toward the food product. In some embodiments, the lid  405  is not engaged with the screws  406  until the operator initiates this action. 
         [0094]    In some embodiments, the operator presses the lid  405  onto the food product and then engages the screws  406  to keep the lid pressed against the food product. 
         [0095]    In other embodiments, the operator engages the screws, which then rotate to lower the lid  405  toward the food product. In some embodiments, a load cell (not shown) or other force measuring device is used to measure the compression force being applied by the lid  405  to the food product. This data, in conjunction with the type of food product, can be used to compress the food product with a desired force. For example, food products with high water content may need to be compressed more than other food products, such as cheeses. By having visibility to the food product type and the force being applied, the slicer  200  can be configured to exert a unique predetermined force on each type of food product. 
         [0096]    In other embodiments, the screws  406  rotate until the lid  405  touches the food product. This can be determined using a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, and measuring an increase in force needed to rotate the screws  406 . Once this point of contact is established, the controller may optionally stop the rotation of the screws  406 . In another embodiment, the controller may continue to rotate the screws  406  so that the lid  405  moves downward by a predetermined distance. This distance may be related to the type of food product in the product holder  404 . 
         [0097]    The screws  406  may be coupled to a motor (not shown) via a linkage  407 . Linear motions of the linkage  407  causes rotational movement of the screws  406 . In some embodiments, the movement of the screws  406  is a function of the desired compression force. In other words, when a slice of the food product is removed, the screws  406  rotate so as to maintain the same compression force. 
         [0098]    In other embodiments, the movement of the screws may be correlated to the thickness of the slice. In other words, when a slice is removed, the screws rotate such that the lid  405  moves downward by a distance equal to the thickness of the removed slice. Other methods can also be used to control the movement of the lid  405 . 
         [0099]    As described above, a control system may be used to control this slicer.  FIG. 7  shows the major components of such a control system  300 . It should be noted that not all of these components need to be present. This figure illustrates the flexibility of the control system and embodiments are not limited to only that shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0100]    A controller  310  is used to monitor and control the slicer of  FIGS. 3-6 . This controller  310  may be a stand alone computer, such as a personal computer (PC) or specially designed computing device. In other embodiments, the controller  310  is a part of the facility&#39;s central computer system. The controller  310  includes a processor, an input device capable of receiving commands and a plurality of outputs. In addition, the processing unit has a memory element, which may be volatile or non-volatile. Instructions that can be executed by the processor are stored in the memory element. The instructions executed by the processor may be written in any suitable computer language. These instructions, when executed, allow the controller  310  to perform the functions described herein. Furthermore, a portion of the memory element may be used for volatile information. The controller  310  may be used to control one slicer  200  or a plurality of slicers. 
         [0101]    The controller  310  may receive food product information  320  from a variety of sources. This information may include the brand, food type, date of packaging, package dimensions, etc. This information may be input in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a bar code reader is used to read a bar code from the food product itself. In another embodiment, an RFID reader is used to read an RFID tag located on the food product. In another embodiment, the operator may input the food product, such as using a keypad, or other input device. Other methods of informing the controller  310  of the identity and relevant information about the food product may also be used. 
         [0102]    The controller  310  also receives ordering information  325 . The ordering information can be entered by the operator using a keypad or other method. In another embodiment, the ordering information is collected by a separate processing unit, such as an electronic kiosk or similar system. The ordering information may include various parameters. For example, the ordering information may include a desired slice thickness and a desired amount. The desired thickness may be in quantitative terms, such as actual thickness measurements. In other embodiments, the thickness may be qualitative, such as very thin, thin, medium or thick. The controller  310  may then convert this qualitative thickness to an actual thickness based on the food product and other parameters. The thickness may also be expressed in non-traditional ways. For example, the slices may be cut based on the desired number of calories per slice, or the number of diet plan points per slice. The controller, knowing the food type, can then determine the appropriate thickness to achieve the desired caloric or diet plan point total. The ordering information may also include an amount to be sliced. This can be expressed in numerous ways. For example, the user may indicate the number of slices, the total weight desired, the total number of calories desired, the total number of diet plan points, or any other way. 
         [0103]    The controller  310  may also have input from a scale, thereby being aware of the weight of the sliced food product. In some embodiments, the scale  385  is integral with the collection tray, such that the weight of the sliced food product is updated as the food product is being sliced. 
         [0104]    Using these inputs, the controller  310  is able to control the motors associated with the slicer of  FIG. 3 . For example, after the food product has been loaded and the food product and ordering information have been entered, the controller  310  can begin the slicing process. 
         [0105]    The controller  310  may also actuate the thickness motor  337 . This adjustment may be based on the ordering information  325  and the food item information  320 . In addition, the controller  310  may vary the thickness of a slice during the slicing process by actuating the thickness motor  337  while the blade  245  is cutting the food product. In addition, for safety and storage reasons, the controller  310  may automatically actuate the thickness motor  337  after the slicing operation is completed to minimize the chance of an injury. 
         [0106]    The controller  310  also controls the blade motor  250 . In some embodiments, the controller  310  actuates the blade motor  250  at a fixed speed whenever a slicing operation is performed. In this instance, the controller  310  actuates the blade motor  250  and allows it to reach speed before actuating motor  250 . In some embodiments, the controller  310  may maintain a table or other indication of blade speed as a function of food product. For example, certain food products may be better sliced if the blade is operating at high strokes per minute. Other food products may be better sliced at lower speeds. Therefore, based on the food product information  320 , the controller  310  may actuate the blade motor  250  and select an appropriate speed for the blade  245 . 
         [0107]    The controller  310  also controls the motor  231 , which causes the reciprocating blade  245  to move through the food product. The speed at which the drive carriage slides may be a constant. In other embodiments, the speed may be related to the food product being sliced. 
         [0108]    The controller  310  also has the ability to produce certain output data  330 . For example, in one embodiment, the controller  310  monitors the weight of the sliced food product as it is being sliced. Based on the change in weight during the slicing process, the controller  310  may determine the weight of each slice. As certain food products reach their ends (such as roast beef or turkey), the cross-sectional area of the food product decreases. This decrease in weight may be detected by the controller  310 , which may interpret this as an indication that the food product is nearly consumed. 
         [0109]    In some embodiments, the collection tray may be an independently movable platform. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to create other stacking patterns. This can be achieved by offsetting the collection tray after each slice. This offset may be achieved through the use of another collection motor  371 . This collection motor or motors  371  may move in any direction (up/down, forward/backward, left/right, rotate) in order to achieve the desired result. For example, at times it may be desirable to offset slices of cheese 45° with respect to each other such that the corners of the pieces are separated. This can be done by using a collection motor  371  that rotates the collection tray after each slice. Of source, other movements are also possible. 
         [0110]    The controller  310  receives continuous feedback from the scale  385 . This feedback can be used in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the slicing operation is terminated when the scale registers the total weight desired by the customer. The feedback from the scale can also be used to determine when the food product is nearing its end, as described above. Other mechanisms can also be used to terminate the slicing process. For example, the customer may request a specific number of slices, which may be counted by the controller  310  during the slicing operation. When this number is reached, the slicing operation terminates. 
         [0111]    In some embodiments, the controller  310  may interface with a second scale, which weighs, either directly or indirectly, the weight of the remaining loaded, but unsliced food product. Several methods of determining the weight of the loaded food product are described herein. This information can be used to alert the operator that the weight of the currently loaded food product is below a predetermined threshold and that replacement will be required in the near future. 
         [0112]    As is obvious from this description, this new slicer is able to operate unattended. In conventional slicers, an operator needs to manually move the tray holding the food product through the rotary blade with one hand. The operator typically uses their other hand to catch the sliced food product as it is cut by the blade. The present slicer is able to slice, stack and weigh the food product without operator intervention. With a conventional slicer, the operator must use their hand to stack the slices, even if the slicer has an automated carriage. One of the major advantages of this invention is automated stacking, allowing truly unattended operation. Automatic stacking works because the collection tray retains its position relative to the food product being sliced. In the first embodiment, the product moves across the blade, and the collection tray moves in unison below it. This simulates an operator&#39;s hand moving with and below the product while using a conventional rotary slicer. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the collection tray does not need to move and remains stationary under the stationary food product. With a conventional slicer, the food product moves across the blade, but the collection tray is stationary. 
         [0113]    Stacking performance may also be influenced by the vertical distance between the slicing platform (i.e. the blade) and the collection tray. In particular, if the distance is too large, the slice of food product may fold over on itself rather that lay flat, thereby ruining the stack. The precise distance at which stacking is impaired depends upon both the thickness of the slice and the inherent firmness of the food product, but is generally in the range of 3 to 4 inches. Below this threshold, acceptable stacking is accomplished. If this distance becomes too small, it limits the height of the stack of sliced product, which limits the order size. In one embodiment, a distance of 1½ to 2 inches is small enough to assure that acceptable stacking occurs, and is large enough to accommodate orders of a pound or more. Alternatively, an automatic vertical adjustment, such as may be done by collection motor  371  (or another motor), may be included to maintain a predetermined distance between the slicing platform and the collection tray, and accommodate higher stacking. 
         [0114]    In addition, the present slicer simplifies the cleaning process. Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the slicer can be divided into several zones. The first zone, or Zone 1, refers to those components that are in contact with the food product. These components are all part of the upper portion  210 , shown in  FIG. 6 , and the product holder. Note that the upper portion (i.e. Zone 1) includes the first platform  241 , the blade  245  and the second platform  247 . Conveniently, these components are easily removed from the acme screws  221 , as these components simply rest on the screws. The second zone, or Zone 2, refers to those components which never contact the food products. These include all of the components in the lower portion  220 , shown in  FIG. 5 . A third zone, or Zone 3, includes those components which are separated from the food product by a piece of paper or plastic. This zone includes the collection tray, where the sliced food product is dropped. In some embodiments, this third zone is considered to be part of Zone 2. 
         [0115]    In addition to simplifying cleaning, this configuration also eliminates the possibility of cross-contamination of food products, if desired. In this disclosure, cross-contamination is defined as the contact of a component, which was in direct contact with a first food product, with a second food product without cleaning. Such cross-contamination occurs everyday with today&#39;s slicers, as operators do not clean the slicer after each food product. However, the ease of replacement of Zone 1 components allows the elimination of cross-contamination. In one embodiment, a set of Zone 1 components is dedicated to a particular food product (such as BOAR&#39;S HEAD™ Roast Beef), or group of food products (such as all Roast Beef). The Zone 1 components are readily interchangeable and include mostly plastic components, thereby making the cost of this set of components rather low. 
         [0116]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of a slicing apparatus. In this embodiment, like that shown in  FIG. 3 , the food product remains stationary while the blade is moved through it. This embodiment is designed in such a way so as to minimize the number of linkages. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the slicing apparatus  500  includes a removable, slidable tray  510  which has a first platform  512 , a blade  513 , and a second platform  514 . The tray  510  rests on a base  520 . Abutting or coupled to the tray  510 , is a motor assembly  530 . The motor assembly  530 , as will be described in more detail below, moves back and forth along rails located in the base  520 , which propels the tray  510 . 
         [0117]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the motor assembly  530  includes several motors, such as but not limited to a main motor  533 , which causes the rotation of a toothed gear  531  which rests in a corresponding groove in the rail of the base  520 . As the motor turns in a first direction, the motor assembly  530  is urged forward. As the motor  533  turns in the opposite direction, the motor assembly  530  is urged backward. As the motor assembly  530  is coupled to the removable tray  510 , the removable tray  510  follows this motion as well. The motor assembly  530  also includes a blade motor  534 , which serves to cause the blade  513  to reciprocate. The blade motor  534  may include an eccentric  537 . A third motor  535  is used to control the height of the blade  513 . In some embodiments, the electrical connections for these three motors  533 ,  534 ,  535 , are bundled together in a single cable (not shown). 
         [0118]      FIG. 11  shows the underside of the tray  510  and the motor assembly  530 . The blade  513  is coupled to a linkage  517 , which in turn is coupled to the motor  534 . Rotation of motor  534  causes the movement of the eccentric  537 , which causes an oscillating motion of the linkage  517 , which in turn causes the blade  513  to reciprocate. 
         [0119]      FIG. 12  shows the base  520  without the tray  510  installed. The tray  520  includes rails  521  on which the tray  510  rests and slides. The base  520  also includes a collection tray  522 , which may be removable. In some embodiments, the collection tray  522  also includes a weight measurement device, so that the collection tray can weigh the food item that has been sliced. The base  520  also includes a holding mechanism  523 , which is used to hold the food item in place. In this embodiment, the tray  510  slides along the rails  521 , bringing the blade  513  into contact with the food item, which remains stationary throughout the cutting operation. 
         [0120]    The food item is held in place by a food item holder  540 , shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism  541  is included on the food item holder  540 , which couples to the holding mechanism  523  on the base  520 . This fastening mechanism  541  may be thumbscrews or any other fastening means known in the art. In some embodiments, the food item holder  540  includes a motor  542 , which actuates a platen  543 . This platen  543  is used to urge the food item toward the base  520 . In some embodiments, after initial setup, the motor  542  actuates the platen  543  to cause it to move downward by the distance equal to the thickness of the slice being cut. Thus, the pressure or downward force on the food item remains roughly constant through the slicing operation. 
         [0121]    In some embodiments, the food item holder  540  includes a slidable front face  544 . The front face  544  is opposite the platen  543  and acts to support the food item between these two surfaces. In this embodiment, the removable tray  510  includes a hollow or recess portion  515  (see  FIG. 11 ) in the second platform  514 . The front face  544  fits into this recess  515 . When the tray  510  is moved by the motor assembly  520 , the front face  544  moves with the second platform  514 , thereby exposing the food item to the blade  513 . The food item is held stationary by the food item holder  540 , which, as described above, is held in place on the base  520 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 40  shows an alternative embodiment of a food item holder  1000 . Near the top is a movable platen  1001 . The platen  1001  contains one or more drive motors (not shown), each connected to a drive shaft. On the end of each drive motor shaft is a gear  1002 . In some embodiments, there is a gear  1002  on each end of the platen  1001 . The gear  1002  meshes with a gear rack  1003  that is part of the food item holder  1000 . In a preferred embodiment, this rack  1003  is molded into the holder  1000 . Once the food item is placed into the holder  1000 , the platen  1001  is put into position as shown. To advance the platen  1001  and put force onto the food product, the motors are driven, rotating the gears  1002  and thereby driving the platen  1001  downward as the gears  1002  move along the rack  1003 . The motors of this embodiment are contained and sealed within the platen  1001  and so are not exposed. This embodiment also lowers the profile of the food holder as compared with that in  FIG. 13 , since there is no drive shaft extending above the holder. 
         [0123]    The platen  1001  may also comprise an integrated handle  1004  to assist with installing the platen  1001  when a food item is loaded, and for carrying the loaded food holder. Also seen in  FIG. 40  is a food item pusher  1005 . This can be a spring loaded device with a pusher bar  1006 , used to bias the food product against the front of the holder  1000 , aiding in stabilizing the product during slicing. Other biasing mechanisms may also be used. 
         [0124]    In another embodiment, a passive mechanism is employed, which utilizes a one-way device that allows the platen to descend as the food product is consumed, but does not allow it to rise. This can be accomplished by a gear and rack system as in the above embodiment. The drive motors are removed and replaced by a one-way clutch or similar device known in the art. The platen can be weighted as desired to apply a force to the food item. When a slice is removed, the weighted platen lowers, taking up the removed space. The one-way device prevents the platen from going back up and stabilizes the food item for the next slice. Any one-way device can be used, such as a ratcheting device with a pawl and gear, or another device known in the art. 
         [0125]      FIG. 41  shows an alternative passive mechanism that can be used to apply force on the food item. It utilizes one or more manually installed weights  1007 . These weights  1007  fit slidably into slots  1008  in the food product holder. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 41  has four weights, although other numbers of weights may be used. The use of multiple weights holds the food item across its uneven top surface and aids in stabilizing the product during slicing as well as applying force to the product. The quantity and mass of the weights can be tailored to the size of the slicing apparatus and weight of the food products that are to be sliced. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 41  uses four stainless steel weights of two pounds each, for a total of eight pounds. 
         [0126]    In some embodiments, one or more slicers can be controlled by a software application. This software application may be written in any suitable programming language and may execute on any suitable computing device, such as but not limited to a personal computer (PC), a handheld computing device, such as a tablet, a smartphone, or any other device.  FIG. 14  shows a representative user interface that can be used in conjunction with one or more slicers. In some embodiments, the application is executed on a device having a touchscreen to simplify the user interface. In this embodiment, four slicers are shown, however, the application may include more or fewer slicers as required. 
         [0127]    The application shown in  FIG. 14  shows 4 subsections, one dedicated to each slicer. In this embodiment, the information that the operator can enter is limited to thickness and weight or slice count. In other embodiments, additional input may be permitted. Each subsection shows the slicer number, and the article loaded on that slicer. In some embodiments, the operator enters the food item that is loaded on the slicer. In other embodiments, there is a scanner or bar code reader at the slicer that reads an indicia from the packaging of the food item and relays that information to the software application. 
         [0128]    Communication between the slicer and the software application may be wired, such as by USB or Ethernet, or may be wireless, such as by Bluetooth, IR, Zigbee, WIFI, or any other wireless protocol. Communication with the slicer may be bidirectional. For example, the software application may instruct the slicer on what and how to slice food product, and the slicer may return information to the software such as remaining food product, operating condition of the slicer, etc. This information can be used to instruct an associate to replace a consumed, or nearly consumed, food product with a new one, inform the system of the amount of food product remaining at the end of slicing, issue an alert pertaining to a slicer failure, maintenance need, etc. This information can be used to insure consistent operation of the slicers, as well as data reporting and calculations such as yield, efficiency, etc. 
         [0129]    This communication system allows one or more slicers to receive instructions from multiple input sources. The software can include a queue management system to organize and control orders from all inputs. 
         [0130]    The software application also allows the operator to input the desired thickness of the slice. In this embodiment, the thickness is shown as a sliding scale from 1 to 10. In other embodiments, the operator may input actual thicknesses, such as in 1/16 inch increments. The operator also enters the desired quantity of the food item. In one embodiment, shown in the upper subsections, the quantity is expressed in terms of weight. In other embodiments, such as in the lower subsection, the quantity is expressed in number of slices. Other measures of quantity, such as calories or Weight Watcher points, may also be used if desired. 
         [0131]    Once the operator has entered this information, the “GO” tab is pressed. This action transmits the quantity and thickness information to the designated slicer. The remote slicer then initiates the slicing operation. In some embodiments, the slicer may respond to the software application, such as indicating that the desired operation has been successfully completed or has failed. 
         [0132]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show another embodiment of a slicer  600 . A housing  601  covers the base (not visible) and provides mounting and bearing surfaces for other components. The drive unit  602  contains the motors, components and wiring necessary to drive the slicing platform, reciprocate the blade and adjust the slice thickness, similar to that described in  FIG. 10 . The food product holder  603  accepts and holds the food product for slicing. In this embodiment, force is not applied on top of the food product. This allows the slicer  600  to slice and use virtually the entire food product. The slicing platform assembly  604  contains the blade assembly  605  and is translated when driven by the drive unit. The weigh scale cover  606  and a food collection tray  607  are also shown. 
         [0133]    In this embodiment, the food product remains in a fixed location and the slicing platform  604  and blade  610  move beneath the food product to slice it.  FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  illustrate the limits of movement of the slicing platform  604  and drive unit. In  FIG. 16   a , the slicing platform  604  has been driven to the leftmost limit  608 . In this position, the leading edge of the blade  610  has moved far enough to be past the food product and will have separated a slice.  FIG. 16   b  shows the drive unit and slicing platform returned to their home position  609 , which is the rightmost limit. 
         [0134]      FIG. 17  shows a view of the housing  601 . This housing may be made from a food-grade plastic material or a metal, such as stainless steel. The uppermost surfaces  610  are bearing surfaces on which the drive unit  602  and slicing platform  604  slide. Beneath these surfaces are two gear racks  611 , one on either side (only one is visible). These racks  611  are used by the drive unit  602  to propel itself and the slicing platform  604  between the positions shown in  FIGS. 16   a - b.    
         [0135]      FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  are bottom views of the internal components of the drive unit  602 . The slicer platform drive motor  612  is mounted to the side wall of the drive unit  602  as shown. The motor shaft passes through the wall and has a gear  613  mounted on its end. One suitable motor is a DC permanent magnet motor, part number BDSG-37-40-12V-5000-R100, supplied by Anaheim Automation of Anaheim, Calif., although other motors may be used. The drive gear  613  can be of any suitable size and material as known in the art. The gear  613  shown is a 24 pitch with 26 teeth. This gear  613  meshes with a driven gear  614  that is mounted to a shaft  615  with another driven gear  616  mounted on the opposite end. The shaft  615  is supported by bearings  617  in the drive unit wall. The surface  618  on both ends of the drive unit  602  are bearing surfaces that slide on the housing&#39;s bearing surface  610 , shown in  FIG. 17 . Other methods and couplings can be used to provide driven gears on one side or both sides of the drive unit  602 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 19   a  is a cross section taken through A-A, indicated in  FIG. 16   b . The housing  601  and the drive unit  602  are shown. The drive unit  602  slides in from the rear of the housing  601  so that the bearing surfaces  610  and  618  are in contact with each other on both sides, and the gears  614 ,  616  are disposed beneath the housing rail and mesh with the gear racks  611 . In this manner, the drive unit  602  is captured in the vertical direction. Protrusions  619  in the drive unit  602  ride against the inner wall  620  of the housing rail to keep the drive unit  602  located centrally within the housing  601 .  FIG. 19   b  is an isometric view of the drive unit. In this view it can be seen that the drive gear  613  and driven gear  614  are offset in the vertical direction by a distance  621 . This ensures that only the driven gear  614  makes contact with the gear rack  611 . When the drive motor is energized and rotates the drive gear  613 , the driven gears  614  counter-rotate and drive the unit  602  along the rack  611 . Reversing the motor direction reverses direction of the drive unit  602 . This moves the drive unit  602 , as well as the slicing platform  604 , back and forth as shown in  FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b . In other embodiments, the drive gear  613  may be disposed within the drive unit  602 . 
         [0137]    To provide feedback to the controller and ensure that the drive unit has travelled its full stroke, a sensor may be used to determine the end points of travel. Many types of sensors can be used, such as mechanical and optical switches. In one embodiment, a magnetic reed switch, such as part number MK20/1-B-100W from Digi-Key, is used. This switch  622  (seen in  FIG. 19   b ) is mounted into a boss on one side of the drive unit  602 . Magnets  623  (see  FIG. 17 ) are mounted into the side walls of the housing  601 . When the switch  622  in the drive unit  602  passes in front of the magnet  623 , it senses the presence of the magnet  623  and signals the controller, which de-energizes the drive motor and stops or reverses travel. The magnets  623  are located in positions to define each limit of the drive unit travel. 
         [0138]    Referring back to  FIG. 18   b , the drive unit  602  comprises an electric motor  624  that rotates a drive shaft to reciprocate the blade. This motor can be of any suitable design, such as DC brush motor part number 9236S008-R1, supplied by Pittman Motors. This motor  624  is mounted onto the front wall of the drive unit  602  with the shaft protruding through the front wall. Mounted on the motor shaft is a coupling  625  that accepts the blade drive shaft. 
         [0139]    A thickness actuator  626  may also be disposed in the drive unit  602 , and used to adjust the thickness of the sliced food product. This actuator  626  mounts into the front wall of the drive unit  602  in a manner that allows the actuator shaft to pass through a hole  627  (see  FIG. 19   b ) in the front wall. One suitable device is a linear actuator driven by a stepper motor with a 1 inch travel such as part number 25443-12-910, supplied by Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, although other components can also be employed. 
         [0140]      FIG. 20  shows the components that make up the slicing platform assembly. The slicing platform assembly comprises the slicing platform  604 , the slicing blade assembly  605 , the blade drive shaft  628  and the thickness drive block  629 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 21   a  is an isometric top view,  FIG. 21   b  is an isometric bottom view, and  FIG. 22  is a cross section taken through B-B of  FIG. 21   a , of the slicing blade assembly  605 . The assembly  605  comprises an upper housing  630 , a lower housing  631  and blade  632 . Thickness control arms  633  are fixedly attached to one of the housings, such as the upper housing  630 . 
         [0142]      FIG. 23  shows the blade  632  removed from the housings  630 ,  631 . The knife edge  634  is preferably stainless steel with a sharp edge  635  ground onto the leading edge. This knife edge  634  can also be made from other metals, ceramics, or plastics. The knife edge  634  is attached to the blade support  636 . The blade support  636  is preferably made from a suitable plastic, such as nylon or acetal. A drive block  637  is also fixed to the blade support  636 . The drive block  637  has an elongated slot  638  that is used to drive the blade  632  within the blade assembly  605 . This block  637  can be made from any suitable plastic or metal material. Assembly of the blade  632  can be accomplished in multiple ways. In one embodiment, screws  639  are used to attach the knife edge  634  and drive block  637  to the blade support  636 . Other attachment methods include adhesives or ultrasonic welding. The support  636  and drive block  637  can be molded as a unit, with the knife edge  634  attached or overmolded to it. If a plastic knife edge is used, the entire blade  632  can be molded as an integral unit. 
         [0143]    When assembled, the blade  632  is sandwiched between the upper and lower housings  630 ,  631 , where it is disposed in a cavity  640 . The knife edge  634  protrudes through a slot and extends out from the leading edge of the blade assembly  641 . The surfaces of the blade support  636  function as bearing surfaces within the housing cavity. The lower housing  631  has a relieved area  642  (see  FIG. 21   b ) that allows access to the drive block  637  by the drive shaft (not shown), and also allows the blade  632  to reciprocate in the direction  643  within the housings. In some embodiments, the blade  632  includes a means to retract the knife edge  634  so that it does not protrude through the slot in the housings. This can be used as a safety measure when replacing the blade or servicing the apparatus, as it removes the sharp edge from the blade. 
         [0144]      FIG. 24  is an isometric bottom view of the assembled slicing platform.  FIG. 25  is a section view through C-C of  FIG. 24 . Blade  605  is disposed in the slicing platform  604 . The blade  605  is held in place by a curved section  643  that captures the curved shape of the blade housings  630 ,  631 . This attachment mechanism allows only one axis of motion for the blade housings, which is to rotate within the curved section.  FIG. 26  shows the same section with the blade rotated. The distance  644  that the blade  605  projects above the platform  604  controls the thickness of the sliced food product.  FIG. 25  shows the blade  605  in the fully lowered position, where the knife edge is below the surface of the slicing platform  604 . In this position, the sharp edge of the knife edge is not accessible. This position provides an additional safety feature. 
         [0145]      FIG. 24  also shows the thickness drive block  629  in place.  FIG. 27  is a close-up view of the blade drive. Angled slots  645  are machined into the forward end of the block  629 . These slots  645  receive the pins  646  (see  FIG. 21   a ) in the thickness control arms  633 . Flats on the thickness drive block  629  slide in grooves  647  in the slicing platform. As the thickness drive block  629  is moved forward and rearward by the thickness actuator  626 , the pins  646  in the thickness control arms  633  rise and fall as they follow the angled slots  645 , resulting in raising and lowering the blade knife edge as seen in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . The thickness drive block  629  is driven by the thickness actuator  626  in  FIG. 17   b . The drive block  629  can be constructed of a metal, preferably aluminum, or a suitable plastic. A magnet  648  (see  FIG. 24 ) is mounted in the thickness drive block  629  and mates with the end of the thickness actuator shaft. The magnet  648  is sized to have enough attractive force to retain contact with the actuator shaft to act as a unit when the actuator returns the drive block  629  to the lower position, but still allow the platform assembly  604  to be easily removed from the housing  601 . In this embodiment, the travel distance of the drive block  629  is one inch to move the knife edge from fully down to fully up. 
         [0146]    Also visible in  FIGS. 24 and 27  is the blade drive shaft  628 . The first end  649  of the drive shaft is configured in such a way as to easily mate with the coupling  625  shown in  FIG. 19   b . In this embodiment, the first end  649  of the drive shaft has a flat that easily enters the tapered end and slot of the coupling  625 . The slicing platform  604  contains a boss  650  with a feature that can hold the drive shaft  628  and a bearing  651 . The distal end of the drive shaft  628  has two 90° bends  652  (see  FIG. 27 ) that create an offset. The end of the offset enters the elongated slot  638  in the blade drive block  637 . As the drive shaft  628  rotates, the circular motion of the offset end of the drive shaft in the elongated slot  638  causes the blade to reciprocate in direction  653  within the blade housings, resulting in a slicing action. 
         [0147]    Referring back to  FIG. 19   b , the drive unit  602  contains a magnet  654  on each end of the front face. These magnets  654  mate to metal inserts  655  shown in  FIG. 24 . The attraction between the magnets  654  and metal inserts  655  couple the slicer platform  604  to the drive unit  602 . This causes the platform  604  and drive unit  602  to move together as the drive unit is driven. The magnets  654  are sized to have enough attractive force to retain contact between the platform  604  and drive unit  602 , so they act as a unit when driven, but still allow the platform assembly  604  to be easily removed from the housing  601 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the base  656  of the slicer  600 . The base  656  comprises an enclosure  657 , which may be generally made from sheet metal. Within the enclosure  657  and not visible are the circuit board, controls, wiring, connectors, etc., necessary to perform the functions of the slicer  600 . In embodiments that use multiple slicers in one installation, common components can be grouped and centralized external to the base  656 . For example, one power supply may be used to power multiple units. 
         [0149]    Rubber feet  658  help to isolate sound and vibration from the apparatus to the surface on which it is placed. 
         [0150]    In some embodiments, load cells  659  are disposed on the raised section. These load cells  659  are used in combination to weigh the sliced food product. When the weigh scale cover  606  (see  FIG. 15   b ) is placed atop the base  656 , it contacts and is supported by the load cells  659 . The force on the load cells  659  is combined to ascertain the weight of the sliced product. This type of load cell  659  is common in the art. in some embodiments, the slicer  600  may also include four additional load cells  660  (only two visible) in each corner of the base  656 . These load cells  660  are used to weigh the remainder of the slicer  600 . It may be preferable to locate the load cells in these locations, rather than including the load cells in the feet of the apparatus as previously disclosed, since this configuration eliminates the weight of the base  656  as well as the sliced product. When the housing  601  is placed on the base  656 , it is supported by the load cells  660 . These load cells  660  are used to weigh the housing, slicing platform assembly, drive unit, food product holder and unsliced food product. Also visible in this view are the electrical power connection  661  and output to the drive unit  662 . These connect by cables (not shown). 
         [0151]    In use, prior to placing a food product into the food product holder, a tare weight is read that comprises the portion of the slicer  600  that is supported by the load cells  660 . When the food product is then placed into the holder, the system can determine the weight of the food product and know how much unsliced product remains. Since the sliced product weigh scale is part of the base  656 , sliced product that is dropped onto it during slicing is no longer weighed by the load cells  660 . 
         [0152]    An advantage of the current embodiment is the ability to assemble and disassemble the apparatus quickly without the need for any tools. This is advantageous for ease of cleaning, maintenance or repair. The assembly will now be reviewed.  FIG. 29  shows the base  656  and housing  601 . The housing  601  is simply placed on the base  656 . In  FIG. 30 , the drive unit  602  has been inserted from the rear of the unit. At this point, its cable is plugged into the connector  662 . The weigh scale cover  606  may also be placed onto the base  656 . In  FIG. 31 , the slicing platform assembly  604  is placed on top of the housing  601  and pushed rearward. This action engages the drive shaft with its coupling, engages the thickness drive block&#39;s magnet with the end of the thickness actuator shaft, and engages the slicing platform&#39;s magnets with the inserts in the drive unit. In  FIG. 32 , the food product holder  603  is placed onto the tabs in the housing  601 . The slicer is now ready to use. Disassembly of the slicer is the reverse of assembly. 
         [0153]      FIG. 33  shows the slicer in use, slicing a food product  663  that has been placed into the food product holder. In this view the cable connecting the drive unit to the base  664  is also visible.  FIG. 34  shows the sliced product in a collection tray as it comes out of the slicer. 
         [0154]      FIG. 35  illustrates an embodiment of a multiple slicer installation. A cabinet  666  holds a number of slicers  600 . The cabinet  666  is preferably refrigerated so that food product may remain loaded in the slicers  600  until consumed. This figure shows an eight slicer installation, however the cabinet may be built to hold any number of slicers desired. 
         [0155]    The slicers  600  may be placed onto shelves within the cabinet  666 .  FIG. 36  shows an alternative method of mounting and construction of the slicers  600  in the cabinet  666 . The housing, slicing platform and food product holder  667  is shown removed from the remainder of the slicer. Brackets  669  are mounted into the back wall of the cabinet  666 . These brackets  669  support the base  668  and, in this embodiment, a rear section of the housing  670  that includes the ability to park the drive unit  602 . This makes for easy removal of the parts of the slicer  600  that require frequent cleaning or easy replacement. Other methods of supporting the slicers  600  are also envisioned, such as using two rods mounted lengthwise between the cabinet side walls and adding a mating shape into the slicer base to support and secure the slicers onto the rods. Other methods, such as a combination of rods, brackets, hooks, etc., may also be used. 
         [0156]    The modularity of the current invention lends itself to other assembly orientations as well. For example,  FIG. 37   a  shows two rails  671  attached to the back wall  672  of a mounting location, such as a cabinet. These rails comprise the functional parts of the housing, including the upper bearing surface  610 , gear racks  611 , food product holder tabs  673 , etc. Load cells  674  for the weigh scale may also be included as part of the rail. Alternatively, a weigh scale module (not shown) could be placed onto a scale shelf. The drive unit may be installed from the front of the rails, or by an alternative method. The slicing platform, food product holder and scale tray can all be installed as in previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the electronics and controls may all be contained behind the wall.  FIG. 37   b  shows an additional embodiment in which the rail  671  is attached to the back wall  672  with a pivotable mount  675  that allows the rail to hang and apply force to a load cell  676  that is mounted to the back wall. The weight of the apparatus can be calculated by the force applied to the load cell  676 . The weight of the remaining food product can then be known. This can be used with a sliced product scale that is part of the rail. Alternatively, the sliced food product may drop onto a platform mounted onto a separate attachment (not shown) below the apparatus. In this manner, the weight of sliced product can be determined by measuring the weight removed from the total apparatus. 
         [0157]    As can be seen in all of these embodiments, the modularity of components and tool-less assembly of the current invention offer great advantages in the cleaning and servicing of the slicer. The slicer  600  can be broken down into its component parts quickly. The components can be easily cleaned, either manually or in an automatic ware washer. Rather than have the slicer be unusable during cleaning, previously cleaned components can replace the soiled ones, so that the slicer is out of service only momentarily. The soiled components can be cleaned at a convenient time. This is particularly advantageous if a different type of food product is to be loaded onto the slicer, for example, ham is to be replaced by cheese, especially during a busy time. Additionally, any inoperable or defective components can be replaced with new ones in moments, so the slicer  600  does not need to be idle while waiting for a service technician. A trained service technician is not needed to change components, as this can be accomplished by the slicer&#39;s operators. Defective components can be returned to the slicer&#39;s supplier for repair or reconditioning. 
         [0158]      FIG. 38  shows an input device capable of sending orders to the slicers. This embodiment uses a tablet or other mobile computing device with a touch screen that connects wirelessly to the slicers, either directly or through a centralized slicer controller that controls all of the slicers.  FIG. 39  is an example of one screen layout that may be used. The screen shows a selection of four types of food product. The user simply presses the icon for the amount and thickness of the desired product, then presses “slice.” The system then automatically slices the product. This is one example of the types of input screens that can be used. Adding more products may require the use of a menu tree, scrolling or other techniques. The system may utilize multiple input devices used by multiple users, and may also be used in conjunction with other types of inputs such as internet, smart phone aps, etc. If desired, the slicer  600  could include a user interface to allow direct input for slicing. In one embodiment, there are no user-accessible controls or adjustments. This eliminates failures due to operator error. Additionally, in one embodiment, there are no external knobs or controls that can capture food product residue, which makes cleaning easier and more thorough, resulting in a more sanitary device. Also, with no user-accessible controls, the slicer&#39;s safety is improved over current slicers since the operator has no reason to be touching or even in the proximity of the slicer during operation. 
         [0159]    The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes.