Abstract: A method of loading a slab onto a slicing path of a slicing machine, includes the steps of: providing a slab-loading position wherein during a loading operation a slab is placed in the slab-loading position; providing a gripper that moves from a home position clear of a slab in the slab-loading position to an engagement position wherein the gripper engages a trailing end of the slab, wherein during a slicing operation, the gripper moves with the slab along a longitudinal path into a slicing plane of a moving slicing blade until the slab is effectively entirely sliced by the blade, wherein the gripper is then retracted in a reverse direction to the home position; providing a slab-staging position over the slab-loading position; providing a slab-ready position laterally adjacent to the slab-staging position; sweeping a slab from the slab-ready position into the slab-staging position; and lowering the slab from the slab-staging position into the slab-loading position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling food product drafts into packages. A supply of open top containers are arranged in rows and carried by an elongated web of film and are movable by the web into a fill station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface arranged above the fill station and having an end region extendable to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts into the containers of the first row by circulation of the conveying surface. The conveying surface is retractable, or extendable, to reposition the end to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts carried on the conveying surface into the containers of the second row and each subsequent row. A tamping apparatus is carried by the conveyor to retract or extend with the conveying surface end.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading stacked food product into packages. Open top containers are arranged in rows and movable into a loading station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface having an end region extendable to a position arranged above the containers of a row of the containers. A guiding and pushing apparatus is arranged above the row and includes guides that are lowered to capture a row of stacked food products on the conveying surface, and plungers within the guides that lower and press a top of the stacks. When the conveying surface is retracted from beneath the guides and the row of containers, the guides are lowered further, adjacent to the containers, and the plungers are lowered with respect to the guides to push the stacks into the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading stacked food product into packages. Open top containers are arranged in rows and movable into a loading station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface having an end region extendable to a position arranged above the containers of a row of the containers. A guiding and pushing apparatus is arranged above the row and includes guides that are lowered to capture a row of stacked food products on the conveying surface, and plungers within the guides that lower and press a top of the stacks. When the conveying surface is retracted from beneath the guides and the row of containers, the guides are lowered further, adjacent to the containers, and the plungers are lowered with respect to the guides to push the stacks into the containers.

Abstract: A conveyor for a patty-forming apparatus is supported in cantilever fashion on support rods from the patty-forming apparatus. The conveyor includes an easily operated toggle mechanism to elevate the conveyor at a downstream end to facilitate sliding displacement of at least a portion of the conveyor on the support rods to gain access to portions of the apparatus. Particularly, the invention provides a lever action mechanism that tips the conveyor to raise a discharge end of conveyor. This mechanism facilitates sliding the conveyor out for access to knockout plungers of the apparatus. Elevation adjustment assemblies are arranged between the conveyor and the support rods. The set of the elevation assemblies is not affected by operation of the toggle mechanism.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system is provided for a reciprocating mold plate, patty-forming apparatus wherein food product is delivered under pressure from a pump cylinder to mold plate cavities. The plunger is driven during a first phase by force from a hydraulic cylinder from a retracted position distant from the pump cylinder to a ready position initially compressing food product loaded into said pump cylinder. Thereafter, the plunger is driven during a second phase by the hydraulic cylinder to load food product under pressure into the mold plate cavities. The hydraulic cylinder is supplied with hydraulic fluid during the first phase by a low pressure hydraulic fluid pump and during the second phase by a high pressure hydraulic fluid pump. According to the invention, the low pressure hydraulic fluid pump and the high pressure hydraulic fluid pump are positioned within a reservoir, at least partially submerged in hydraulic fluid held within the reservoir, during operation.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for a reciprocating mold plate patty-forming apparatus. The lubrication system includes a plurality of oil fed bearings, two bearings journaling each mold plate drive rod. A substantially sealed oil containing compartment is provided for a rotary member that drives the patty knockout mechanism. The rotary member is arranged within the oil containing compartment. The rotary member is at least partly submerged beneath a level of lubricating oil within the compartment. Two tube valve bushings are provided for journaling rotary movement of a tube valve that selects between two food pumps that deliver pressurized food product to the mold plate. Each of the tube valve bushings has provisions for being greased. The tube valve bushings journal opposite ends of the tube valve. The tube valve bushings are preferably mounted externally to opposite sides of the manifold.

Abstract: A food product hopper assembly is provided for a food patty molding machine. The food product hopper of the assembly is configured for containing a supply of food product and is in flow-communication with a food delivery apparatus for discharging food product from the hopper. The hopper is hinged along one side to a machine housing and can be pivoted upwardly to reveal a hopper bottom for cleaning and inspection. Hopper sidewalls define an open bottom face and the food delivery apparatus comprises a hopper conveyor having a top conveying surface closing a substantial portion of the open bottom face. The hinge arrangement comprises a hinge shaft fixed to the hopper and supports carried by the housing, the support having an aperture wherein the hinge shaft is journaled for rotation about an axis of the shaft by the aperture.

Abstract: A reciprocating mold plate food patty-forming machine is provided that includes a mold plate that reciprocates between a cavity fill position and a patty discharge position. The mold plate is movable beneath a mold cover. A mold cover lifting apparatus is provided as part of the machine and comprises a primary threaded drive that is configured to support and elevate the mold cover and which elevates or lowers upon input of rotary power to raise or lower the mold cover. A motor is operatively connected to the primary threaded drive to input rotary power to the primary threaded drive. A secondary threaded element follows the primary threaded drive and is configured to support the mold cover if the primary threaded drive fails.