Method and apparatus for stacking slices of food product

摘要

A method and apparatus for stacking slices (14) of food products such as wrapped cheese slices and the like at high speeds. The apparatus comprises a vacuum conveyor (12) for supporting slices (14) from above, and at least one transfer bridge (20, 21) for mechanically peeling the slices (14) sequentially from the conveyor (12) and directing them downward into one or more stacking locations (22, 23). The transfer bridge (20, 21) preferably comprises a plurality of downwardly sloping surfaces disposed beside the belts (12). To assist the transfer bridge (20, 21) in separating the slices (14) from the belts (12), and to control slice position after separation, fluid pressure is applied to the slices (14) during and after separation from the belts (12). <IMAGE>