A system for portioning workpieces, particularly food, to desired reduced sizes and then automatically off-loading it

摘要

A system (20) for portioning workpieces to desired reduced sizes comprises (i) a conveyor (22) for supporting and advancing the workpiece; (ii) a portioning subsystem (24) proximate the conveyor and comprising a portioning cutter; (iii) a pickup device proximate and movable w.r.t. the conveyor and comprising an attachment portion attached to the portioned workpiece which moves it to a remote location; and (iv) a control subsystem tracking the location of the conveyor and directing the pickup device to pick up and carry the workpiece. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a system as above for portioning food, which also includes a scanning station (40) proximate the conveyor which ascertains the physical parameters of the workpiece; (b) a pickup apparatus for use in the above system; (c) and a method for portioning workpieces.