Automatic Lidding and Slice Inversion Tool

Abstract

An automated sandwich lidding tool is provided and comprises means for placing one slice of bread on top of another.

Claims

1. An automated sandwich lidding tool comprising means for placing one slice of bread on top of another.

2. The tool as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for inverting one slice of bread before placing.

3. The tool as claimed in claim 2, in which the slice to be inverted is picked from the underside and an inversion is performed while keeping control of the bread and its contents.

4. The tool as claimed in claim 2, in which the tool has a generally U-shape trajectory when flipping the bread slice.

5. The tool as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pair of spaced arms positionable at either side of a slice of bread.

6. The tool as claimed in claim 5, in which a blade is carried on or by each arm.

7. The tool as claimed in claim 6, in which the blade is a spatula.

8. The tool as claimed in claim 6, in which the blade includes one or more lid retaining lugs.

9. The tool as claimed in claim 6, in which the blades are rotatable.

10. The tool as claimed in claim 5, in which the arms include a generally axially movable portion.

11. The tool as claimed in claim 10, in which the axially movable portions carry the blades.

12. The tool as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for picking a bread slice.

13. The tool as claimed in claim 12, in which the picking means comprise one or more vacuum cups.

14. (canceled)

15. The tool as claimed in claim 1, in which a lid and a base of a sandwich are located by means of machine vision, and the tool moves to position over the lid slice.

16. The tool as claimed in claim 1, further comprising thin and flexible spatula style blades, which deflect in use and allow a pick while not damaging an underlying conveyor.

17. The tool as claimed in claim 16, in which the spatula blades slide under the slice of bread so it can be lifted off the conveyor belt.

18. The tool as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rotary actuator for inverting a slice of bread while at maximum lifting velocity to as to control the bread and contents, while simultaneously moving to the position of the base.

19. The tool as claimed in claim 1, in which the bread slice is supported from above by retaining lugs, so it does not fall as it is inverted.

20. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of: (i) lifting of a lid slice; (ii) rotation of the lid slice; (iii) movement of the tool over a base slice; resulting in a generally upturned U-shape trajectory for the slice.

21. The tool as claimed in claim 1, in which the tool rotates to a correct angle to match the base and releases the lid.

22-25. (canceled)

Description

[0045] In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a bread slice lidding and inversion tool formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a (pre-lidding) unassembled sandwich with ingredients on both sides of the bread slice. Slice inversion is required when lidding.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a (pre-lidding) unassembled sandwich with ingredients on one side only. Slice inversion is not required when lidding.

[0049] Tool Operation (Also Refer to Drawings for Line and Isometric Drawings)

[0050] FIGS. 4 & 5—Tool Approach

[0051] The lid and base of the sandwich are located by means of machine vision, and the tool moves to position over the lid slice. The thin and flexible spatula style blades deflect and allow a pick while not damaging an underlying conveyor belt.

[0052] FIGS. 6 & 7—Tool Pick

[0053] The spatula blades slide under the slice of bread so it can be lifted off the conveyor belt.

[0054] FIGS. 8 & 9—Tool Invert

[0055] A rotary actuator inverts the slice of bread while at maximum lifting velocity to as to control the bread and contents, while simultaneously moving to the position of the base. The bread slice is also supported from “above” by retaining lugs (so it does not fall as it is inverted). The simultaneous movements (i) lifting of the slice; ii) rotation of the slice; iii) movement of the tool over the base) result in a generally upturned U-shape path/trajectory for the slice, e.g.:

[0056] FIGS. 10 & 11—Tool Place and Release

[0057] The tool rotates to the correct angle to match the base and releases the lid.

TOOL ANATOMY (REFER TO FIG. 12)

[0058] Parts of the tool include: [0059] Tool Mount [0060] Tool Standoff [0061] Clamping Actuator [0062] Clamping Linkage [0063] Slide Rail [0064] Rotary Drive Dog [0065] Rotary Actuator [0066] Lid Retaining Lug [0067] Flexible Spatula For Picking [0068] Drive Pulley [0069] Drive Belt [0070] Tool Arm Body [0071] Tool Arm Slide

[0072] Also shown in FIG. 12:

[0073] Bread Slice

[0074] Food Content (on an “upper” side of a generally flat bread slice)

[0075] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.