Patent ID: 7493841

Claim:
A machine for slicing a food product such as bagels, the machine having a hopper of food product on a platform and a cutting blade which are cycled to move toward and away from each other and having a source of motor power for powering the blade and moving the hopper and blade relative to one another through a cycle having (i) a first phase during which the blade and hopper are moved into engagement and during which cutting occurs, and (ii) a second phase during which the blade and hopper are moved out of engagement, the improvement comprising: an arm coupled to the source of motor power to move the hopper and blade relative to one another through the first phase, said arm being extendable as a function of the axial force exerted on said arm when cutting during the first phase, said arm extending in length to limit the force between the cutting blade and the food product in the hopper during the first phase of the cycle, the cutting blade engaging and cutting the food product during the second phase when said arm is extended, the duration of said cutting during the second phase being a function of the amount by which said arm is extended.