Abstract: A powered bread slicer capable of slicing successive loaves of bread to selected different slice thicknesses. A rotating circular bread slicing knife is mounted on a pivotal, reciprocal arm for shifting the knife from a retracted position through slicing positions between and transverse to an infeed table and an out feed table, and return to the retracted position. The slice thickness is selected, as for standard one-half inch thickness, deli one-quarter to three-eighths inch thickness, garlic or French bread up to one inch thickness, or otherwise. A variable stepper motor incrementally advances a loaf pusher one step at a time, the dimension of the step being of the selected slice thickness dimensional. The distance by the travelled loaf pusher to reach the end of its travel is monitored to determine whether the bread heal is thick enough to slice once more. This decision is a function of the selected slice thickness dimension.

Abstract: A powered bread slicer capable of slicing successive loaves of bread to selected different slice thicknesses. A rotating circular bread slicing knife is mounted on a pivotal, reciprocal arm for shifting the knife from a retracted position through slicing positions between and transverse to an infeed table and an outfeed table, and return to the retracted position. The slice thickness is selected, as for standard one-half inch thickness, deli one-quarter to three-eighths inch thickness, garlic or French bread up to one inch thickness, or otherwise. A variable stepper motor incrementally advances a loaf pusher one step at a time, the dimension of the step being of the selected slice thickness dimension. The distance by the travelled loaf pusher to reach the end of its travel is monitored to determine whether the bread heal is thick enough to slice once more. This decision is a function of the selected slice thickness dimension.

Abstract: A variable height table support assembly having a telescopic pillar between a lower base and an upper tabletop support platform, the pillar having an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member, cooperable with a detent biasing and locking apparatus. The detent is lockable through an opening in the outer cylindrical member and into one of more than one cavities in the inner cylindrical member, by a threaded, adjustable plunger It is also biased toward this opening and a cavity by a stabilizing spring when the plunger is backed off to unlock the detent. Preferably a gas cylinder extends through the pillar to assist elevation of the tabletop support, and cushion lowering thereof.

Abstract: The specification discloses a countertop bread slicer having a horizontal blade assembly, a cradle for carrying a loaf upwardly through the assembly, and a unique cradle-transportation mechanism. The mechanism includes a gear linkage and a cradle-support arm and a handle arm extending therefrom. The gear linkage provides a mechanical advantage so that relatively small movement of the handle are results in relatively large movement of the cradle.

Abstract: The specification discloses a relatively high volume, economical bread slicer/bagger capable of operation by a single worker. The unit includes an accumulating infeed conveyor, a slicer, a bagger, a first diverter for shifting unsliced loaves individually from the conveyor to the slicer, and a second diverter for shifting sliced loaves individually from the slicer through the bagger. The slicing table is inclined from the horizontal and a trap door is provided in a lower portion of the table to periodically discharge accumulated crumbs. The slicing table includes a ridge just ahead of the knife assembly to orient loaves for proper perpendicular presentation to the knife assembly. A vertically reciprocable hold-down is provided to individually adjust to the height of each loaf moving across the slicing table.

Abstract: A compact and efficient bread slicer for countertop use such as in an in-store bakery or delicatessen. The slicer includes horizontal slicing blades and a bread cradle for carrying a loaf upwardly along a linear path through the blades. An infeed table extends downwardly from the blades to support the bread along the linear path. Preferably, the infeed table and the linear path are inclined from the vertical such that the loaf falls against the table to ride therealong. Further preferably, the cradle movement mechanism includes a gas spring for urging the bread through the blades at a generally uniform speed.

Abstract: A packaging machine for applying and securing a continuous web of material, especially of the heat sealable type, to containers, especially open-topped containers. The machine includes an intermittently rotatable cutter for severing the web between adjacent container supports. The cutter includes camming means adjacent each end for rotating the cutter with respect to each container support to one position in readiness for further rotation between the container supports to sever the web. Support pins for carrying the container supports may be included on at least one of the supports and conveyor chains. When on the conveyor chains, support pins need be included at only some of the chain joints. The container supports may be molded from a settable material and include a convex, upward curvature to allow proper container sealing under pressure from a web applying device.

Abstract: A packaging machine for applying and securing a continuous web of material, especially of the heat sealable type, to containers, especially open-topped containers. The machine includes an intermittently rotatable cutter for severing the web between adjacent containers as well as a conveyor allowing mounting of interchangeable container supports of different sizes which cooperate with the cutter to rotate same to sever the web. The cutter need not be adjusted or modified when the container supports are changed and automatically accommodates the different sized supports.