Inventors:
Mario J. Pedi - Winchester MA
International Classification:
B26D 442
Abstract:
Improved apparatus for automatically cutting multiple slices from a block of frozen food material includes a repositionable block-guiding fence whose position relative to a saw blade determines the thickness of the slices. A programmable controller is preset before a slicing sequence to produce a desired number of thin slices before actuating a fence-repositioning mechanism, thereby increasing the thickness of the slices cut from the remainder of the block. The controller is recycled automatically and the fence returns to its initial position before a new block is sliced. A slice-restraining arm mounted on the fence prevents a completed slice from being reinserted between the fence and the saw and from interfering with the return movement of the fence.