Abstract: A machine for making meat patties comprises a machine frame defining an inclined slideway including a bed at an output end thereof. A feed funnel is mounted on the machine frame at an upper input of the slideway and receives ground meat at an inlet and discharges a layer of the ground meat to the input of the slideway which gravity-feeds the layer to the bed. A sensing element projects into the slideway at the output end thereof and is arranged to sense a forward edge of the gravity-fed layer of ground meat. On contact with the forward edge, the sensing element emits a control signal and an electronically controlled knife assembly operates in response to the control signal. The assembly includes a knife movable into the slideway to cut the layer of ground meat in response to the control signal and an electromagnet controlling the knife movement.