Abstract Apparatus for feeding an elongated loaf or similar mass of substantially uniform transverse dimension along a feed path intersecting the cutting path of a rotary knife comprises a pair of spaced apart endless belts having driving runs disposed on opposite sides of the feed path for driving engagement with a load being fed, a pair of undulated surfaces positioned to hold the driving runs of the belts in driving engagement with the loaf being fed along the feed path, and means for moving the belts along the driving runs in a common direction. As disclosed, each belt is provided with multiple cleats on opposite sides, the cleats on one side of each belt being arranged to grip a loaf being fed and the cleats on the other side of each belt being drivingly engaged with a toothed drive roll driving the belt.
Apparatus for feeding an elongated mass of substantially uniform transverse dimension longitudinally along a feed path intersecting the cutting path of a rotary knife, said apparatus comprising a pair of spaced apart endless belts having driving runs disposed on opposite sides of said feed path for driving engagement with said mass, a pair of undulated surfaces positioned to hold said driving runs in driving engagement with a mass being fed along said feed path, a pair of lateral guides for said mass normal to said undulated surfaces, one of said lateral guides comprises a plurality of intermeshing fingers spaced apart and transverse to the longitudinal axis of said loaf, said fingers supported relative to said undulated guide surfaces with alternate ones movable toward and away from the others, and means for moving said belts along said driving runs in a common direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for feeding an elongated mass of substantially uniform transverse dimension longitudinally along a feed path intersecting the cutting path of a rotary knife, said apparatus comprising a pair of spaced apart endless belts having driving runs disposed on opposite sides of said feed path for driving engagement with said mass, a pair of undulated surfaces positioned to hold said driving runs in driving engagement with a mass being fed along said feed path, a pair of lateral guides for said mass normal to said undulated surfaces, one of said lateral guides comprises a plurality of intermeshing fingers spaced apart and transverse to the longitudinal axis of said loaf, said fingers supported relative to said undulated guide surfaces with alternate ones movable toward and away from the others, and means for moving said belts along said driving runs in a common direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said undulated guide surfaces is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position extending generally normal to said cutting path and a second position angularly disposed to said first position for permitting open access to one end of said apparatus normally adjacent to said cutting path when in said first position.