Gripper Device For Picking Up And Releasing A Group Of Food Slices

摘要

The present invention relates to a gripper device for picking up and releasing a group of food slices, the group of slices being arranged with a slice at one end lying on a support surface and each subsequent slice through to the slice at the other end lying against the preceding slice and being displaced relative to the preceding slice. A counter hold is provided opposite a first structure which comprises a first blade portion. A displacement mechanism is provided for moving at least one of the first structure and the counter hold away from and towards the other. A tilting mechanism is able to rotate the blade portion. To pick up a group of food slices, at least one of the first structure and the counter hold moves towards the other. The tilting mechanism rotates the first blade portion such that it tilts towards the counter hold causing the group of food slices to be arranged in a stack between the first blade portion and the counter hold.

主权项

1. A gripper device for picking up and releasing a group of food slices, the group of slices being arranged with a slice at one end lying on a support surface and each subsequent slice through to the slice at the other end lying against the preceding slice and being displaced relative to the preceding slice, wherein the gripper device comprises:
a first structure comprising a first blade portion having a leading edge and an upper surface for sliding beneath the one end of the group of slices; a counter hold which defines an engagement surface for engaging the slice at the other end of the group of slices; a displacement mechanism for moving at least one of the counter hold and the first structure towards and away from the other; and a tilting mechanism for tilting the first blade portion, the displacement mechanism being operable to move at least one of the first structure and the counter hold towards the other so as to cause the leading edge of the first blade portion to be positioned beneath the one end of the group of slices, and the tilting mechanism being operable to tilt the first blade portion such that its upper surface faces towards the engagement surface of the counter hold, causing the group of food slices to be arranged in a stack extending between the first blade portion and the engagement surface.