Abstract: A new method for dividing a food product log into separate portions prior to cooking of the portions uses a machine that cuts portions from an end of the product log, a controller that controls the operation of the cutting machine, and a sensing arrangement that generates a signal dependent on a cross-sectional dimension of the product at the end. The controller determines the thickness of the next portion to be cut from the end by the cutting machine using the signal from the sensing arrangement and the value of a cook-out parameter related to the proportion of the end of the product that is formed by at least one constituent of the product. The thickness is calculated with a view to the portion achieving a predetermined target weight after it has been cooked.

Abstract: A food slicing machine is provided for slicing food products such as bacon, cheese or cooked meat for sale as groups of slices in separate packs. The food slicing machine includes a cutter for cutting slices from the food product and a controller for controlling the thickness of the slices. The machine cuts slices according to a first value of a slicing parameter until the controller determines when the amount of food product remaining to be sliced in an end portion of the food product is less than a predetermined group weight threshold. The controller causes a slice to be cut according to a second, different value of the slicing parameter from the end portion for addition to an under-weight group of slices, so that its weight at least equals the predetermined group weight threshold.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food slicing machine having a control arrangement for regulating a thickness of slices cut by the machine so that they are cut according to a current value of a slice size parameter. An under-weight signal is generated which is responsive to generation of any under-weight groups of slices by the slicing machine, and an end-of-line weighing device monitors the weight of groups of slices outputted by the system and generates an end-of-line weight signal responsive thereto. The system identifies any under-weight groups of slices so that their weight can be increased by addition of a further slice before being outputted by the system. The control arrangement receives the two signals and determines the value of the slice size parameter having regard to them. The slice size parameter may be adjusted to minimize give-away by the system.

Abstract: A new method for dividing a food product log into separate portions prior to cooking of the portions uses a machine that cuts portions from an end of the product log, a controller that controls the operation of the cutting machine, and a sensing arrangement that generates a signal dependent on a cross-sectional dimension of the product at the end. The controller determines the thickness of the next portion to be cut from the end by the cutting machine using the signal from the sensing arrangement and the value of a cook-out parameter related to the proportion of the end of the product that is formed by at least one constituent of the product. The thickness is calculated with a view to the portion achieving a predetermined target weight after it has been cooked.

Abstract: Processing apparatus and methods are provided for use in the division of a food product log(32) into separate portions prior to cooking of the portions. The apparatus includes a machine (2) for cutting portions from an end of the product log, a controller (34) for controlling the operation of the cutting machine, and a sensing arrangement (30) for generating a signal dependent on a cross-sectional dimension of the product at the end. The controller is arranged to determine the thickness of the next portion to be cut from the end by the cutting machine (2) with reference to the signal from the sensing arrangement and to the value of a cook-out parameter related to the proportion of the end of the product which is formed by at least one constituent of the product. The thickness is calculated with a view to the portion achieving a predetermined target weight after it has been cooked.

Abstract: A food processing system is provided for outputting groups of slices of a food product, with each group having a weight greater than a predetermined group weight threshold. The system includes a food slicing machine (10) having control means (32) for regulating the thickness of the slices cut by the machine so that they are cut according to the current value of a slice size parameter. Means (26) are provided for generating an under-weight signal responsive to the generation of any groups of slices by the slicing machine having a weight less than the predetermined group weight threshold, and an end-of-line weighing means monitors the weight of groups of slices outputted by the system and generates an end-of-line weight signal responsive thereto.

Abstract: A food slicing machine (10) is provided for slicing food products such as bacon, cheese or cooked meat for sale as groups of slices in separate packs. The food slicing machine comprises a cutter for cutting slices from the food product and controller (32) for controlling the thickness of the slices. The machine cuts slices according to a first value of a slicing parameter until the controller determines when the amount of food product remaining to be sliced in an end portion of the food product is less than a predetermined group weight threshold. The controller is operable to cause a slice to be cut according to a second, different value of the slicing parameter from the end portion for addition to an under-weight group of slices, so that its weight at least equals the predetermined group weight threshold.

Abstract: Food processing apparatus is provided for use in the division of a food product such as cheese or meat in separate portions prior to packing of the portions into individual packs for sale. The apparatus comprises a machine for dividing the food products into portions, a control arrangement (22) for controlling the operation of the apparatus, and a sensing arrangement (28) for sensing at least one property of part of a food product (12) to be processed by the apparatus. The sensing arrangement outputs a signal to the control arrangement related to the sensed property of the food product. The control arrangement is operable to adjust an operating parameter of the apparatus with reference to said signal. In this way, the apparatus operates to improve control of its interaction with the food product, having regard to properties of a particular log of food product.