The invention relates to a device for cutting a base web with a separating device as well as a corresponding method, where the separating device can cut a base web into individual bases which can be guided under a fresh product. The separating device comprises a knife device and a counter cutting device, each of which comprise at least two cutting edges. The knife device and/or the counter cutting devices can be moved to and fro in two directions.

An automated food slicing device is provided. The automated food slicing device may automate the cutting, packaging, and/or labelling of food items such as delicatessen food items. The automated food slicing device may also have a computerized input that allows a user to provide inputs regarding selected options which the slicing device will follow to provide a customized food product.

A method of creating batches for food items conveyed by a conveyor means, comprises measuring an image profile for a food item, processing the measured image profile for the food item, cutting the food item into a plurality of portions based on the processed measured image profile, and distinguishing the portions within the partial batch from the remaining portions. The number of portions from one or more of subsequent food items needed to complete the partial batch is such that it fulfills the pre-defined batch-criteria taken from the same or similar area of the food items from where the partial batch originates.

A food product handling device is provided. The food product handling device can include a movable loading head having a plurality of rails and a vacuum system operatively associated with the head. In addition, a plurality of suction devices carried by the head and configured to pick up and transport a food product as the head is moved can be provided. A plurality of mounting blocks can be slidably coupled to the rails where at least one suction device is coupled to each mounting block. An actuating device can be operatively associated with the mounting blocks such that each mounting block is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

A line having a food processing apparatus and a packaging machine between which a placement and transport apparatus is provided that has a plurality of tablet trays on which food products are placed and with which the food products are transported towards the packaging machine, the tablet trays move in a contact-free manner along a closed transport surface; a method for producing packaged food slices using the line, the food products are deposited onto the tablet trays and then transported towards the packaging machine; a method for cleaning the line, the tablet trays are lifted from the transport surface and the transport surface is cleaned with a cleaning liquid; and a method for cleaning the line, the tablet trays are removed from the transport surface and cleaned in a cleaning machine.

A form-fill-seal packing apparatus of the flow wrapper type accepts individuated items via in-feed conveyor. Items are moved through horizontal open lower-sided forming tube 10 by resting indirectly on an underneath transit conveyor, through the underside part of a continuous film bag forming from a supply of film around the forming tube, using a forming shoulder. The bag is longitudinally sealed beside the forming tube. Data may be printed on an upper film surface over a platen including an upper part of the forming tube. An outfeed conveyor carries transversely sealed wrapped items on to a vacuum sealer.

A device for the transportation of elongate sausages exhibiting a curvature, the device having a first conveying device including two circulating conveyor belts or belt conveyors spaced apart from one another laterally, each having studs for randomly receiving the sausages. An end portion of a sausage can be received in two adjacent studs in each case. A free space is provided beneath the conveying belts or belt conveyors at least sectionally along the conveying path, in order to facilitate a swing-through of the sausages mounted on the conveyor belts or belt conveyors in the peripheral region so that they hang in the free space with the curvature facing downwards, said device has a lead component into which a sagging sausage runs, by which it is pivoted up in the direction of the conveying plane, and having a second conveying device for receiving the upwardly pivoted sausage.

An automated food slicing device is provided. The automated food slicing device may automate the cutting, packaging, and/or labelling of food items such as delicatessen food items. The automated food slicing device may also have a computerized input that allows a user to provide inputs regarding selected options which the slicing device will follow to provide a customized food product.

A device for the transportation of elongate sausages exhibiting a curvature, the device having a first conveying device including two circulating conveyor belts or belt conveyors spaced apart from one another laterally, each having studs for randomly receiving the sausages. An end portion of a sausage can be received in two adjacent studs in each case. A free space is provided beneath the conveying belts or belt conveyors at least sectionally along the conveying path, in order to facilitate a swing-through of the sausages mounted on the conveyor belts or belt conveyors in the peripheral region so that they hang in the free space with the curvature facing downwards, said device has a lead component into which a sagging sausage runs, by which it is pivoted up in the direction of the conveying plane, and having a second conveying device for receiving the upwardly pivoted sausage.

A method and an apparatus are provided for the grouped arrangement, orientation and packaging of stacked food products like patty stacks. The method includes feeding a food product by a first feed belt in the direction of a first X-axis, and then ejecting the food product onto a second feed belt to form stacked food products. The method also includes transporting the stacked food products by the second feed belt along a Y-axis generally perpendicular to the X-axis and in the direction of an orientation mask which is arranged above the second feed belt. The stacked food products are oriented by contacting the orientation mask. The oriented food products may therefore be grouped together in oriented rows for packaging when further moved along the Y-axis by the second feed belt. The method and apparatus enable rapid orienting of various types of food products that are typically stacked and packaged.