Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for products, in particular for cutting up foodstuffs. A blade driven by a drive shaft so as to rotate is provided which orbits a further drive shaft in a planetary path-like manner on a rotor driven by the further drive shaft. For a compact arrangement it is provided that the one drive shaft is designed as a hollow shaft and that the other drive shaft is guided therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microtome (1) for producing thin slices for microscopy, which is provided with a base (2), a blade holder (3) for holding a cutting blade (4) and an object holder (5) for holding the object (6) to be cut. Cutting occurs in a plane by a relative movement between the object (6) and the cutting blade (4) To produce the relative movement, a rotating component (7) is provided with a drive motor (17), wherein the rotating axis of the rotating component (7) is arranged obliquely to the base (2), and a feed slide (9) is provided with a linear guide for setting the slice thickness. The structure of said feed slide (9) is such that it is removable via a feed motor (17) and a control circuit (14) connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife holder for a microtome. The knife holder has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member and arranged, in its functional position covering the cutting edge of the knife, spaced apart from the cutting plane to the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen side, and at the same time spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. By this arrangement of the plate, any gripping of the cutting edge of the knife can be precluded in the functional position of this plate. In advantageous embodiment examples of the invention, the pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch which has the effect that, when the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or that a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: A unitary tray and blade guide frame including longitudinal members extending from rigid, integral attachment with a back tray. An end frame member transversely, rigidly mounts to the longitudinal frame members and the back tray. A blade guide mounts to the back tray, with its upper surface flush with the upper surface of the back tray. A thickness tray slidably mounts in slots formed in the longitudinal frame members. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the thickness tray. A food product workpiece extends downwardly from a reciprocatably displaceable workpiece retaining carriage, and rests on the upper surface of the thickness tray. The carriage advances the workpiece into a blade, which removes a slice from the workpiece. The lower surface of the remaining workpiece slides against the upper surface of the blade guide and the back tray.

Abstract: The microtome of the present invention includes a base, a knife for cutting a sample, a knife holder fixed on the base and holding the knife, a carrier bar carrying the sample at the leading end thereof and vertically traveling with the trailing end as a fulcrum. A bar traveling mechanism supports and moves the carrier vertically. A transmission lever transmits force to feed the leading end of the carrier bar toward the knife. A support plate is mounted on the base and rotatably supports the transmission lever. A tension spring pulls the carrier bar toward the transmission lever. A lever moving mechanism is in contact with the transmission lever.

Abstract: Described is a process and an apparatus (10) for the production of thin sections which are cut off a specimen (16), by the use of a cutting blade (20) of a microtome (12), and then transferred to a liquid bath (40). In order to prevent undesired compression of thin sections (98) during the cutting operation, the thin sections (98) are transfer from the cutting blade (20) to the liquid bath (40) by flowing fluid from the cutting blade (20) to the liquid bath, wherein the liquid bath is disposed at a spacing from the cutting blade by a flow passage. The flowing fluid is selectively guided, by a change-over switching device (56), to the liquid bath (40) or to a waste container (52) so that good thin sections (98) are separated from unsatisfactory thin sections (98).

Abstract: A food product slicing machine includes a coupling and associated interlock mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a carriage arm of the food slicing machine to and from a reciprocating carriage base mounted to the housing of the machine. The coupling includes a cylindrical mounting head which is rotatably mounted in the carriage base by a bracket. The mounting head contains a slot for slidably receiving a foot of the carriage arm, and the bracket also contains a slot with which the mounting head slot can be aligned through rotation of the mounting head within the bracket. The mounting head slot and bracket slot must be aligned in order to attach or remove the carriage arm's foot to or from the carriage base. The interlock mechanism is provided to prohibit the alignment of the slots when the gauge plate of the slicing machine is not in a safe position. Accordingly, the carriage arm may not be removed from the carriage base when the gauge plate is not in the safe position.

Abstract: A high speed, automatic apparatus for accurately and consistently portioning solid or liquid food material, such as sausages or sauces, onto receivers, or substrates, such as pizza crusts, is disclosed. A conveyor moves the substrates, in a first path while a hopper moves in a second, preferably circular path, that partially overlies the first path. The hopper further includes a plurality of hoppers in a carousel where the hoppers hold the material to be portioned. A blade underneath the hopper removes portions of the food material as the hopper moves in its circular path. Controls are provided to synchronize the movement of the hopper relative to the conveyor where the conveyor and hopper are continuously moving together. As the portions of the food material are cut by the blade, the portions are propelled and directed onto the substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply , while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around two driven rollers, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: A device automatically applies an object (7) to a cutting edge (11) of a knife 10), and automatically makes an initial cut in the object (7), in microtomes, especially ultramicrotomes. Force sensors (27,28), length sensors (29) or other sensors, an elecrotronic control unit (25) and an encoder (22) coupled to a drive device register forces (k,-k) connected with the separation of sections by the knife edge (11) or variations in the system triggered by these forces. Subsequently, via the electronic control unit (25), a transition from a rapid speed or rate of feed to a lower cutting speed or a lesser rate of feed for making an initial cut is automatically performed. A visual and/or acoustic signal informs the user of this change. Signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) from the sensors (27-29) serve for automatic adjustment of the position of two switch-over points (U.sub.1, U.sub.2) from the rapid return speed (V.sub.R) to the slower cutting movement (V.sub.

Abstract: A device for controlling the drive and forward feed of a microtome, particularly an ultramicrotome, includes a driving motor for moving a specimen or knife and a servomotor for generating a forward feed of the specimen towards an edge of the knife or vice versa. A high travelling speed of the specimen needed for rapid initial cutting is coupled to a high rate of forward feed. One single switching operation is performed, for instance, by a snap-engaging step switch via relay switches. The driving motor and the servomotor can be simultaneously switched over to pairs of values which correspond to subsequent rough cutting and ultra-thin cutting. Individual values for cutting speed and forward feed are separately preselected, readjusted, and read from a display. Selected program stages are indicated by signals.

Abstract: In order that biological and histological sections may be produced without the risk of injury and at an expenditure acceptable for hobby and instructional purposes, a specimen arm whose distal end carries a specimen holder is supported on the base plate of the microtome. The specimen arm is attached to the base by a spindle which is mounted on the base plate such that it can be displaced in the direction of the cutting knife. An adjusting member is provided for adjusting the position of displacement of the spindle. Uniform section thicknesses are facilitated by a locking ball received in the adjusting member. A clamp is provided on the base plate for holding commercially available cutting blades at the required clearance angle of the cutting edge. Movement of the specimen arm can be brought about by means of a handle or a crank. When the specimen arm is tilted away, unintentional contact with the cutting edge is prevented by a movable blade guard.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the formation of an insulating material ply, e.g. in the manufacture of insulating chutes. The object is to provide a continuous insulating material ply (17) of a predetermined thickness. A primary ply (14) of surplus thickness is first sawn out of an insulating material roll (1) by rotating the insulating wool roll against the edge of a band saw, and this primary ply (14) is fed to another ply-cutting saw (16) which saws the primary ply into the final ply (17) with the predetermined thickness. The surplus from the primary ply (14) is collected on a drum (19) provided in connection with the ply-cutting saw (16) to form an intermediate storage. When the insulating material (roll) run out, the sawing of the final ply (17) is continued from the intermediate storage without interruption until the leading edge of a new opened insulating material roll (1) reaches the ply-cutting saw (16).

Abstract: A food slicing machine with a circular knife having a plurality of radially spaced indentations on a portion inwardly of the cutting edge to induce air flow during rotation of the knife to prevent food particles from accumulating on the knife during cutting operation.

Abstract: A microtome with a drive device is described, which has a shaft and a handwheel, arranged thereupon, with a grip. For locking the drive device, an electromagnet is firmly arranged on the housing frame of the microtome. The latter is in effective connection with an indexing ring, axially displaceable on the shaft. A control device, which is electrically connected to the electromagnet and to a sensor, controls the electromagnet in response to a signal of the sensor. The sensor triggers the signal by the position of an indexing ring arranged axially displaceably on the shaft. The said indexing ring is movable in frictional connection with a pin arranged in the grip and axially displaceable by means of a lever. The lever is actuated by seizing of the grip and the locking of the drive device is cancelled.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing sticks of meat and applying the meat slices to a pizza for utilization in mass producing pizza is disclosed. The meat slicing apparatus 8 comprises a ring 24 having an inner cutting surface 25 and a platter 26 in spaced relationship below the ring opening 24a. The meat slicing apparatus 8 provides a motor 22 and a belt 28 for rotating the ring 24, and a hopper 16 for delivering meat sticks through the ring opening 24a onto the platter surface 26. The meat slicing apparatus also provides a mechanism for moving the ring 30 and platter 26 relative to the hopper 16 to cause the inner cutting surface 25 of the ring 24 to slice the meat stick.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding whole produce items, especially those with peels, to a centrifugal slicer so as to maximize the amount of whole slices and retention of peel includes an insert block with a central vertical infeed passage, a plurality of horizontal radially extending passages from the central passage, the end of the passageway shaped to allow the product being sliced to wedge in the passageways and prevent product bounce and roll during slicing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently cutting food items, such as potatoes, into helical strips. The food items are provided seriatim to a cutter head assembly from a conveyor system. Food items on the conveyor system are aligned longitudinally and fed to the cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve or tube having an open discharge end and an opposed cutting end to which a cutting member is attached. The sleeve is supportively carried by a cylindrical jacket having a pair of outer flanged members, a central drive-belt engaging member and fasteners coupling the outer members together to secure the central member therebetween. The sleeve is secured coaxially within the jacket by fasteners and the entire assembly rotated by a drive belt engaging the central member. The entire assembly is supported by idler rollers which ride in a circumferential track formed by the jacket and by thrust rollers which engage the discharge end of the cutter head assembly.

Abstract: An improved rotary cutting apparatus is provided for cutting vegetables, particularly such as potatoes, into a distribution of strip sizes not exceeding a predetermined length limit. The apparatus comprises a conventional rotary impeller having peripheral blades for carrying potatoes into cutting relation with a slicing knife on an impeller housing for dividing the potatoes into slices followed by subsequent cutting into strips by strips knives on an adjacent cross-cut spindle. The impeller further includes an axially centered divider ring defining a pair of annular chambers for potato passage outwardly to the slicing knife, wherein longer potatoes are required to orient with their longitudinal axes extending generally radially with respect to the impeller, and generally perpendicular to the slicing knife, to limit the maximum length of the cut slices and the resultant cut strips.

Abstract: A stacking conveyor is provided for receiving thin product slices moving along a horizontal path and placing a plurality of slices in stacks of predetermined configuration. One embodiment of the stacking conveyor includes a conveyor belt carried on a fixed position frame and is oscillated to receive a predetermined number of slices forming a stack and then revolved to discharge the formed stack. A second embodiment of the stacking conveyor includes a conveyor belt carried on a movable frame that is reciprocated to receive a slice while moving in one direction and then discharging the slice while moving in the opposite direction. Each of the two embodiments is adapted to be mechanically coupled with an apparatus forming the slices to either revolve the conveyor belt or to displace the conveyor belt at the same speed as the slice being received.

Abstract: The microtome has a specimen slide moved periodically by a drive shaft, and a blade bracket comprising a blade slide and a blade holder. A threaded spindle serves to advance the blade bracket and thus the blade. The blade is retracted from the specimen after each cutting process, independently of the advance of the blade slide. For this purpose, the blade holder is merely tilted slightly by being raised around an axis, which forms an acute angle with the cutting edge of the blade. The blade holder is raised by a lever arrangement, coupled through a shaft and a pivot bearing with the drive shaft of the specimen slide.

Abstract: An improved product pusher for a cutting apparatus. The pusher slides downward along an upright receptacle to urge a comestible product, such as meat through a magazine movable past a cutter of the apparatus. The pusher has a catch for automatically retaining it at an upper end of the receptacle to facilitate loading the magazine. It also has two bottom surface portions with product engaging projections. In one arrangement the two surface portions are in a fixed angular relationship and a spring-biased stripper plate is beneath one of the surface portions, extending in a common plane with the other surface portion. In another arrangement the two surface portions are relatively pivoted and securable in either an angular relationship or co-planar.

Abstract: A pendulum-type product slicing machine is provided wherein the product is carried on a support frame mounted for swinging movement in an arc with respect to a slicing blade. The slicing blade is an endless band which is supported in an inclined plane such that the lower end of the product carrier may traverse the lower run of the blade for complete severing of the product carried thereby. Mechanisms are provided for control of the thickness of the slices and for automatic operation of the carrier.

Abstract: A machine for portioning meat, comprising a rotatable meat containing drum which moves the meat in a circular path intersecting the cutting flight of a bandsaw, the meat sliding around on a table on to a depth stop in the form of a flush conveyor which assists transport of the meat through the cutting station and to a downstream separating station at which a deflector engages the cut slice of meat below the level of the bandsaw to push said cut slice out from under the main joint, so that the said slice is further transported by the conveyor to an outlet while the main joint is retained by the drum and drops down back on to the table.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus 20 for severing slices from a comestible product, especially meat bodies, having a rotary knife blade 28 and a rotary magazine 26 for moving comestible products in an endless path across the blade. The magazine has product receptacles 76, 77 constructed for convenient removal from a one-piece molded plastic supporting base 40, all of which facilitates cleaning the machine. The base 40 is received on the end of a drive shaft 30 and is adjustable in height relative to the shaft. A plate 71 secured to the shaft and clamped against the base secures the receptacles and eliminates wobble from clearance between the base and shaft. Projections 122, 123 from the plate 71 transmit rotary force between the drive shaft and base. Pusher plate assemblies 94, 96 slide along the receptacles to urge products through the magazine 26.

Abstract: The machine tool of the invention comprises a frame (100) with an upper plate (1), an annular saw blade (3) of which the cutting part is made on its inner periphery and which is supported by a rotatable mandrel (23), and a bar-holder carriage (2) pivotable above the upper plate (1) of the frame (100). The bar-holder carriage (2) is in abutment on an air cushion formed between the lower face of the bar-holder carriage (2) and the upper face of the plate (1) of the frame (100).

Abstract: A portable sawmill system comprising at least three wheeled, independently movable modules is disclosed. The modules are independently maneuverable to a land site having a ready source of logs to be processed and are arranged in a preselected geometrical configuration adjacent one another and the source of logs. A log from the source is received on the first module and debarked. The debarked log is moved axially and transversely off the first module and onto a second module. A plurality of saw means are carried by the second module to form boards from a log being processed. A third module is located at the output side of the second module and is adapted to receive and further process the boards formed on the second module.

Abstract: A microtome for stable production of continuously cut thin sections of a specimen for electronmicroscopic examination by an electromagnetic drive mechanism. Employing a lever hinged so as to swing in a dynamically balanced state, and a specimen holder attached to one end of the lever opposite to a knife, the electromagnetic mechanism drives the other end of the lever so that on every swinging of the lever the specimen is cut by the knife with accurate speed control for continuously cutting. Also, the electromagnetic drive realizes an automated specimen cutting cycle.

Abstract: An automatic carousel-type meat cutting machine in which slabs of meat are placed between pairs of rotating jaws that move around a center vertical axis. One jaw in each pair of jaws is spring-biased for gripping the meat, but the weight of the meat will cause it to move downwardly by gravity and rest on a meat-supporting horizontal and stationary platform. A section of the platform is made vertically adjustable with respect to the stationary part and may be adjusted to determine the thickness of the slices of meat cut from the slabs of meat. The stationary and adjustable sections form a complete circle and they support the slabs of meat which are moved by the pairs of meat guiding pairs of jaws. A horizontal portion of an endless band saw lies flush with the plane of the horizontal fixed platform section and the adjustable platform section is positioned therebelow to determine the thickness of the slice.

Abstract: Slicing apparatus having a magazine with upright inwardly inclined product receptacles on a rotatable member for carrying comestible workbodies in a circular path past a rotating knife in a table recess to sever slices from the bottom of workbodies, table height adjustment for controlling the thickness of slices being severed, a unitary plastic or like guard for the knife, knife sharpening apparatus carried by the guard, and a guard surrounding the rotatable workbody carrier.

Abstract: An improved product pusher for a cutting apparatus. The pusher slides downward along an upright receptacle to urge a comestible product, such as meat through a magazine movable past a cutter of the apparatus. The pusher has a catch for automatically retaining it at an upper end of the receptacle to facilitate loading the magazine. It also has two bottom surface portions with product engaging projections. In one arrangement the two surface portions are in a fixed angular relationship and a spring-biased stripper plate is beneath one of the surface portions, extending in a common plane with the other surface portion. In another arrangement the two surface portions are relatively pivoted and securable in either an angular relationship or co-planar.