Abstract: Devices, apparatus and methods for pressing and cutting garlic cloves in a handheld device. The device allows for positioning loose garlic cloves into a cylinder and rotating a knob to push a plunger down by a rotating screw to push the cloves through a cutting grid, and further slicing the cut pieces with a rotating blade. A quick release tab can be used to disengage the screw and allow the plunger and screw to feely travel so that the knob screw and plunger can be removed and new amounts of garlic cloves can be pressed and cut.

Abstract: A loaf feed apparatus for a food article slicing machine. The apparatus has at least a first conveyor driven by a hollow shaft and a second conveyor driven by a second shaft. The second shaft independently operates within said hollow shaft. The hollow shaft and the second shaft are driven by independent drive sources. The apparatus also includes at least one lower conveyor driven by a drive roller having a outer diameter and a recessed diameter where the drive belt is connected around the recessed diameter and the conveyor belt is connected around the outer diameter. The drive belt operates within an area defined by the first conveyor belt. The apparatus also has a loaf gate for separating a slicing station from the loaf feed apparatus.

Abstract: A food article end location detecting system for a food article slicing machine. The system includes a sensor located so that each food article passes a sensing range of the sensor as the food articles are loaded onto a food article feed apparatus. The system has instructions for calculating the length of each food article based on a location value provided by the sensor. The system also comprises a food article end disposal mechanism. The disposal mechanism has a transport for receiving said food article ends and for removing said food article ends from said food article path. The disposal mechanism also has a paddle for displacing food article ends from the transport.

Abstract: An automated sequenced food article tray loading method and apparatus for a high speed slicing machine where food articles can be loaded sequentially into designated and separated lanes of a lift tray and automatically sequentially assume a preload condition. Food article separation is maintained on the lift tray after the food articles are loaded by a plurality of support plates and one or more dividers. A food article sweep mechanism receives the food articles on the lift tray in their separated positions and transfers the food articles into the food article feed mechanism while maintaining the separated positions. The food article sweep mechanism is a substantially open structure without enclosing walls.

Abstract: An automated sequenced food article tray loading method and apparatus for a slicing machine where food articles can be loaded sequentially into designated and separated lanes of a lift tray and automatically sequentially assume a preload condition. Food article separation is maintained on the lift tray after the food articles are loaded. A food article sweep mechanism receives the food articles on the lift tray in their separated positions and transfers the food articles into the food article feed mechanism while maintaining the separated positions. The food article sweep mechanism is a substantially open structure without enclosing walls.

Abstract: A combination slicing and dicing food processing device. The device generally includes a cutting box and gliding body which travels back and forth across the cutting box. The gliding body features a food cradle that is configured to hold a food product which is to be processed. The food cradle is attached on one end of a principal cutting arm and a handle is attached to the other end of the principal cutting arm. A secondary cutting arm is provided beneath and attaching to the principal cutting arm. A ram is provided on the end of the secondary cutting arm and positioned slightly behind the food cradle so that the rain trails the food cradle as the food gliding body travels back and forth across the cutting box. The cutting box includes a principal cutting blade near one end and a process slot for receiving slices of the food product which are sliced off by the principal cutting blade.

Abstract: A loaf feed apparatus for a food article slicing machine. The apparatus has at least a first conveyor driven by a hollow shaft and a second conveyor driven by a second shaft. The second shaft independently operates within said hollow shaft. The hollow shaft and the second shaft are driven by independent drive sources. The apparatus also includes at least one lower conveyor driven by a drive roller having a outer diameter and a recessed diameter where the drive belt is connected around the recessed diameter and the conveyor belt is connected around the outer diameter. The drive belt operates within an area defined by the first conveyor belt. The apparatus also has a loaf gate for separating a slicing station from the loaf feed apparatus.