WO1999033620A1

WO1999033620A1 - Automatic cutting machine and method

Info

Publication number: WO1999033620A1
Application number: PCT/IL1997/000434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eldad Rubin; Shalom Ozery
Original assignee: Eldad Rubin; Shalom Ozery
Priority date: 1997-12-29
Filing date: 1997-12-29
Publication date: 1999-07-08
Also published as: AU4119299A

Abstract

A machine for cutting a food product comprises an angled cutting blade (11), a weighing device (4) and a controller (3). When the weighing device senses that a predetermined amount of food product has been cut, the controller ends the cutting process.

Description

Automatic cutting machine and method

Technical Field

This invention concerns systems and methods for cutting slices of food products, and more particularly to such devices which measure the actual total weight of the sliced product in real time and stop the slicing process when a desired weight is achieved.

Background Art

At present, food cutting machines in stores are manually operated. A vendor selling a sausage or cheese or similar food in a store had to manually operate a cutting and slicing machine, checking the actual total weight of the sliced food. When the weight desired by the customer was reached, the vendor would stop the slicing machine.

A major drawback of prior art methods and devices is that they are slow. This resulted in a permanent queue at the store, since the process was slow and people had to wait. Moreover, several vendors were busy full time serving the customers.

The slow throughput was a result of the situation where each customer would ask for various products, each in a different quantity. The vendor had to accommodate each customer. This is a labor - intensive and time consuming process. Existing systems known in the art do not offer a solution to the problem of selling food to customers, where the quantity of food is small (usually less than one kilogram) but each customer orders a different quantity, and there are a wide variety of products to be sold. These are mainly factory system, to be used for large scale production of cut food having a fixed weight, of one type only.

Thus, Stone US Patent 5,429,436 discloses an unibody vertical forage mixer with a weighing mechanism. A vertical forage mixer is of unibody-type construction to provide an especially strong and durable unit.

Kawamori et al., US Patent 5,425,834 discloses an apparatus for feeding a long adhesive sheet material. A cut segment of the adhesive sheet material is conveyed by a sheet cutter conveyor to a specified position, where it is stacked up on a stacking truck waiting above a weighing scale by a suction and transfer device.

Giuliano, US Patent 5,226,334 discloses an automatic cutting of meat and fish into portions. A cutting device is positioned for cutting the transported articles into portions between the second and third successive conveyor belts. The cutting device is actuated by a computer which is preprogrammed with a predetermined cut portion weight. Whitehouse, US Patent 5,076,124 discloses an apparatus for sizing and bandsaw cutting of meat. Automatic adjustment of the level of a table is performed according to a sensor means, so that the bandsaw cut a slice of product of required size from the lower end of the pieces.

DeMars et al., US Patent 5,073,391 discloses a semi-solid food depositor and method of use. A control module is coupled to a scale and cutoff valve to control operation of the deposition mechanism, to deposit an amount of semi-solid food product whose total weight is within a preselected target weight range.

Gasbarro, US Patent 4,941 ,379 discloses an apparatus for producing sized controlled portions of meat. Sizing chambers are conformed to receive a selected shape and volume of meat portion to provide the selected weight portion desired.

Muskat et al., US Patent 4,680,187 discloses a method for producing portion controlled sliced cooked whole muscle meat product, to produce slices of a predetermined weight.

Muskat et al., US Patent 4,680,186 discloses a method for producing a portion controlled sliced boneless whole muscle fresh meat product, where the slices have substantially the same weight and thickness. Whitehouse, US Patent 4,603,610 discloses an apparatus and method for producing uniform pieces of meat or other product when cut or sawn from a non-uniform thickness lump. A weighing device checks the weight of each cut piece (or batch multiple cut pieces) to produce the actual weight (or average weight) of cut pieces.

Calhan et al., US Patent 4,548,107 discloses a meat slicing machine and method wherein a pusher advances a piece of meat to be sliced across the plane of a slicing blade against a backstop. The difference between the slice weight and a preselected reference weight is used to adjust the separation of the backstop from the plane of the slicing member and hence the thickness of the next slice to be cut from the piece so as to tend to closely conform the weight of the next slice to the reference weight.

Richards, US Patent 4,356,205 discloses a method and apparatus for cutting controlled-volume meat portions from a segment of fresh whole-muscle meat, where the meat is positioned in engagement with a stop plate and constrained in a first shaping clamp of given cross-sectional configuration and thickness.

Thus, apparently systems known in the art do not offer a solution to the problem of selling various quantities of food to different customers, in an effective method. There are hygienic problems (the vendor has to touch the food); efficiency problems (the customer has to wait, and the vendor is fully occupied while serving just one customer at a time); safety (the cutting machine may be operating while the vendor is handling the food, a possibly dangerous situation).

It is an objective of the present invention to provide for a machine and method with means for solving the above problems.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cutting and slicing machine which is automatically started and stopped by a controller, to provide a sliced food having a total weight as desired.

This object is achieved by an automatic cutting machine as disclosed in claim 1.

In accordance with the invention, the object is basically accomplished by providing a weighing machine which is placed in closed proximity and located under a slicing machine, so that slices cut by the slicing machine are collected on said weighing device. The slices are stacked onto each other and are ready for delivery to customer. It is another object of the present invention to provide means to allow the slices to stack on top of each other, while providing sufficient space for vendor to remove the stacked slices from the weighing machine. This is achieved with a slicing machine being mounted at an acute angle to horizontal.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a controller controls the operation of the slicing machine, automatically turning it on after receiving the desired weight information from vendor, to initiate the slicing process; the controller continuously monitors the total weight of the sliced products and compares it with the desired weight; and the controller automatically stops the slicing machine when the total desired weight is achieved.

Additionally, the controller generates an audible and/ or visible signal to indicate to vendor and customer that the slicing process is over, and the food is ready for delivery.

The new machine is hygienic - the vendor no more has to touch the food.

The machine is efficient - the process is fast and automatic, so the customer does not have to wait. Moreover, the vendor is free to activate other machines to sell several items concurrently, or to serve several customers at once.

The machine is safe, since the vendor needs not touch the food during the food slicing process. The vendor needs to access the machine to remove the food only after food was cut to desired weight and the slicing machine has stopped.

An integrated machine, with the slicing, weighing and controller in one unit, achieves an efficient solution in saving vendor's time (he/she needs not move from one machine to another), saving space in the store (several machines may be installed to occupy just a small total space), saving in maintenance expenses.

According to another aspect of the present invention, automatic paper delivery means are used to cover the weighing machine prior to serving each customer with a new type of food, to keep a hygienic environment without taking vendor's time.

According to the invention, a method for automatic cutting and/or slicing of food products to a desired total weight is disclosed.

Further objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinafter. Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates the structure and operation of the automatic cutting machine.

Fig. 2 details a front view of the automatic cutting machine.

Fig. 3 details a side view of the automatic cutting machine.

Fig. 4 details a top view of the automatic cutting machine.

Fig. 5 details automatic paper delivery means.

Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of means for moving sideways the food being cut.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Fig. 1 , an example of an automatic cutting machine, the machine includes a cutting and/or slicing machine 1 , a weighing machine 4 and a controller 3.

Controller 3 can start or stop cutting machine 1 , through control channel 13. Channel 13 may include, for example, the application of electrical power to an electric motor (not shown) in machine 1. When electrical power is applied, a motor rotates for example a knife or rotary saw 11 , to cut or slice a food 2 hold in the machine. Food 2 may include any type of sausage or cheese or other food.

Controller 3 receives signals indicative of the actual weight of the food cut so far through channel 42. Channel 42 may include, for example, electrical cables to transmit electrical signals indicative of the weight as measured with weighing machine 4. The signals may be in analog or digital form. In a preferred embodiment, digital signals are used for a more precise and repeatable measurement.

Before starting slicing, controller 3 has received information regarding the desired weight from the vendor, for example through keyboard 31 . During slicing the food 2, controller 3 continuously compares the actual weight on weighing machine 4 (on stack 23) with the desired weight. When the desired weight (or food quantity) is achieved, then controller 3 automatically stops the slicing machine 1. The method of operation of the automatic machine is as follows:

1. a vendor enters the desired weight of food to be sold, for example 350 gram of sausage. The information is entered into controller 3 through keyboard 31 for example;

2. controller 3 automatically activates the slicing machine 1 through channel 13. Slices 22 are cut off sausage 2 and fall down onto weighing machine 4, to form a stack 23 there;

3. weighing machine 4 continuously measures the weight of accumulating stacks 23 thereon. Measurement results (the actual weight of stack 23) are transferred to controller 3 through channel 42;

4. controller 3 compares the desired total weight as entered by vendor in step (1) above with the actual weight of stack 23 cut so far, as received from weighing machine 4;

5. if the result of the comparison in controller 3 is that the desired weight was not reached so far, then continue slicing and measuring, go to step (3) above.

If the desired weight was reached, continue to step (6); 6. stop the slicing machine by issuing a suitable control over channel 13.

Indicate to vendor and/or customer that the food is ready, for example using display 32 and/or loudspeaker 33 and/or a buzzer and/or other means. End.

In another embodiment of the invention, after step (1) of entering the desired weight (or price of food and target price of present order by customer) , the controller 3 will wait until a command to start slicing is received. The command may be another pushbutton (not shown) labeled "Start" or "Go" for example.

This achieves a high level of safety, since slicing starts while the vendor's hands are not in the machine, and there is less chance that the machine will surprise the vendor by starting to cut unexpectedly.

Thus, according to the present invention, there is no need that the vendor wait or supervise the slicing process. The machine will automatically cut the food to the desired weight and call the vendor when finished. One vendor can activate several automatic slicing machines, to efficiently serve concurrently a plurality of users, or to deliver several types of sausage and/or cheese to one customer, for example. The new machine is hygienic, since the vendor no more has to touch the food. The food is automatically stacked on the weighing machine.

The new machine is efficient, since the process is fast and automatic. The customer does not have to wait. Moreover, the vendor is free to activate other machines to sell several items concurrently, or to serve several customers at once.

The machine is safe, since the vendor needs not touch the food during the food slicing process. The vendor only needs to access the machine to remove the food after food was cut to the desired weight and the slicing machine has stopped. There is no need for the vendor to do anything near a cutting machine while the machine is working.

An integrated machine, with the slicing, weighing and controller in one unit, achieves an efficient solution in several aspects. One aspect is in saving vendor's time, since he/she needs not move from one machine to another. It also saves space in the store, since several machines may be installed to occupy just a small total space. Store space is a valuable parameter in store management, and its efficient use is important to owner.

The integrated unit also saves in maintenance expenses. There are no external cables and connectors, there are no problems to locate a fault among several separate machines. The slicing machine 1 includes a holding arm or support means 12 to hold a sausage 2 for example in place and against knife 11 . Control channel 13 transfers an electrical control signal to start or stop machine 1. Additional support means are detailed below.

Controller 3 can automatically start and stop machine 1 through an electrical signal via channel 13. Controller 3 includes data processing and comparing unit (not shown), a keyboard means 31 for accepting information indicative of the desired weight, display 32 to show the desired and/ or the actual weight of the sliced sausage, and loudspeaker 33 for an audible effect.

Loudspeaker 33 may be used, for example, for voice output, that is to announce the weight and/or other announcements in a human-like voice.

Display 32 can include a digital display of LCD devices or LEDs or CRT or other device suitable for displaying a digital quantity. The display 32 may be used to display the final weight and/or the actual weight during the slicing and weighing process, and/ or additional information or announcements.

In another embodiment or mode of operation of the machine, the keyboard 31 can be used to input a cost limit of the desired product, not the weight. In this case, the vendor will enter the desired cost together with the price per unit weight of the desired food; controller 3 will automatically compute the desired weight, and will display it on display 32.

Loudspeaker 33 is used to indicate that the slicing process ended. It may emit a beep or a synthetic voice announcement, according to the structure and programming of controller 3. Other audio generating devices may be used in place of the loudspeaker, like a piezoelectric buzzer.

An optional blinking light (not shown) can be used to indicate the end of the slicing process. This is especially useful while one vendor controls several slicing machines, and each machine calls the vendor's attention when it is ready.

Slices 22 cut off sausage 2 may fall on the weighing machine 4 to form an ordered stack of slices 23 on machine 4.

Weighing machine 4 is placed in closed proximity and under slicing machine 1 , so that slices 22 cut by machine 1 are collected on said weighing device 4. The slices are stacked onto each other to form stack 23, and are ready for delivery to customer. Slicing machine 1 is preferably mounted at an acute angle 15 to horizontal, that is with slicing means 11 cutting at that angle, so as to allow slices 22 to stack on top of each other, while providing sufficient space 16 for vendor to remove the stacked slices from the weighing machine 4. This angle may also provide better support for the food, like the sausage 2. A preferred range of angle 15 is between 30 to 45 degrees to horizontal.

Slicing machines known in the art use a cutting means 11 mounted vertically or near vertical, with the vendor manually collecting each slice being cut and putting it on the weighing machine. The present invention, however, uses a cutting means 11 at an oblique angle, with slices automatically forming a stack 23 on weighing machine 4.

The novel structure frees the vendor from having to continuously service the cutting machine.

Moreover, it also offers a hygienic benefit: the vendor no more has to touch each slice cut off food.

Weighing machine 4 generates an electrical signal indicative of the total weight of the slices cut so far, on stack 23 on machine 4 ; that signal is fed to controller 3 via channel 42.

Controller 3 also accepts an input from the vendor through keyboard 31 , indicating the total weight desired. Controller 3 controls the operation of slicing machine 1 through channel 13, automatically turning it on after receiving the desired weight information from vendor, to initiate the slicing process.

Controller 3 continuously monitors the total weight of the sliced products 23 received through channel 42 and compares it with the desired weight. Controller 3 automatically stops slicing machine 1 when the total desired weight is achieved.

Additionally, controller 3 generates an audible and/ or visible signal to indicate to vendor and customer that the slicing process is over, and the food is ready for delivery to customer.

Fig. 2 details a front view of the automatic cutting machine in an integrated embodiment, that is one unit including a cutting machine, a weighing machine and a controller.

Arm 12 holds the food in place, together with a back support 17. A side support 172 pushes the food (not shown) toward cutting saw 11 . The device holding the sausage or meat performs a back and forth movement as illustrated with arrows 18, to bring the food in contact with saw 11 to cut each slice.

A slicing machine (not shown) is mounted above weighing machine 4, and activates saw 11 , as detailed above. The weighing machine 4 includes a weighing plate 44, with a structure so as to measure the weight of food on that plate 44. The relative orientation of the cutting machine and the weighing machine is such as to cause slices cut off sausage to fall on the weighing plate 44.

In this embodiment, controller 3 (not shown here) is included in machine 4, with keyboard 31 and display 32 on the front panel (not shown) .

The automatic weighing machine thus controls the cutting and slicing device 1 , through the controller.

The slicing machine is mounted at an angle 15 with respect to horizontal. Angle 15 may be adjustable by holding means (not shown) by the vendor, according to the type of food: softer food like cheese require a smaller angle, to prevent the slices breaking apart; for more solid food like sausage, a larger (more vertical) angle can be used, thus giving the vendor easier access to the sliced food on weighing machine 4.

Support 43 holds food holding means 12, 17, 172 at angle 15 and moving in that inclined plane.

In one embodiment of the invention, a rotating wheel 5 is used to create the back and forth movement as illustrated with arrows 18. A hole with a bearing 52 therein is used to couple to a moving arm 54, which is attached at its upper end (not shown) to food holding means 12, 17, 172. Thus, as the wheel 5 rotates, bearing 52 moves laterally as indicated with arrows 545, causing arm 54 to move as well. This causes the food held in means 12, 17, 172 to move alternately towards and away from saw 11 , to cut slices as detailed above.

Other embodiments of such a device are possible. The mechanism is further detailed below, with reference to Fig. 6

Fig. 3 details a side view of the automatic cutting machine. On the upper side is held the sausage or meat or cheese (not shown) to be cut, under holding arm 12. Holding walls 17 and 172 keep the food in place and push it against cutting saw 11 . Sliced food falls on weighing machine 4. Holding means 12, 17, 172 are mounted at an acute angle 152 with respect to horizontal, to allow vendor access space 16 to the sliced food. Angle 152 is preferably fixed, although an adjustable angle device can be used.

Arm 14 holds food holding walls 17, 172 and arm 12 above weighing machine 4, while allowing their back and forth movement driven by an electrical motor (not shown).

Fig. 4 details a top view of automatic cutting machine 1 (see Fig. 1), with its food holding means 12, 17 (not shown) being disassembled. Rotary saw 11 is mounted on one side of the device, with the food (not shown) moving along groove 19 on a back and forth movement along a linear path as indicated by arrows 18.

Food holding means 12, 17 (not shown) are mounted on groove 19 which holds and supports said holding means, while allowing the back and forth movement.

Weighing device 4 is mounted under slicing machine 1 , as detailed above.

Fig. 5 details automatic paper delivery means. Thus, prior to slicing sausage or other food on a weighing machine 4, the weighing machine 4 and especially the weighing plate 44 are automatically covered with a clean piece of paper.

Support means 43 holds the automatic paper dispensing means, as detailed here, and including a paper roll 61 in a paper roll storage unit 62. Paper is pushed with driving rollers 63 out on to cover the weighing machine 4 and especially the weighing plate 44 thereon. One of rollers 63 may be motor-driven (not shown). Rollers 63 push the paper 61 1 in the direction as indicated with arrow 615. The method of operation of the device is as follows:

1. the controller decides that a new paper cover is to be applied. The decision may be made when the weighing device indicates zero weight, that is a delivery was made and the machine is ready to the new slicing and delivery. In this state, paper may be pushed out to cover the weighing machine.

Otherwise, the controller may issue the paper covering when a request to slice food is received. Thus, new cover is applied just prior to slicing the food.

Other means may be used instead of a paper cover, for example a plastic foil or a metallic foil;.

2. the controller activates rollers 63, which push a specific length of paper 61 1 in the direction as indicated with arrow 645, to cover the weighing machine 4. The controller stops the rollers 63 when the desired cover was achieved;

3. the controller activates a knife 64 to cut the paper covering the weighing machine. Thus, the vendor waits until the desired sausage weight is deposited on plate 44, then takes it all off, sausage stack and paper. Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of means for moving sideways the food being cut. This means achieves low cost together with reliable operation.

A rotating wheel 5 includes a bearing 52, which couples with a moving arm 54. A driving motor 53 rotates wheel 5, causing moving arm 54 to perform a lateral movement as indicated with arrows 545.

The moving arm 54 slides laterally along grooves 55, 56 it is mounted thereon.

Although a structure was detailed which uses a lateral movement of the sliced food, another structure is possible, wherein the movement is toward the vendor and back again. The former embodiment allows easy access to all the parts of the machine, and provides a wide front panel to include a large display 32 and keyboard 31 ; the latter provides a space- saving feature by having a narrower front panel, such that a plurality of slicing machine can be mounted side by side and close to each other, with one vendor being capable of effortlessly controlling all of them.

Other embodiments of the invention are possible; for example, the automatic cutting machine can include a weighing machine with an electronic memory of the prices for various foods as known in the art; in this implementation, the weighing machine can display and/ or print a list of sold items, each with its price per unit weight, actual weight and cost. A weighing machine having a digital storage of food prices and special purpose keys for indicating the type of each food is known in the art; the present invention describes such a weighing machine used in combination with a cutting and slicing machine with a specific relative orientation as detailed above, and with the slicing machine being automatically stopped according to the actual weight of the sliced products.

In this implementation, keyboard 31 (Fig. 2) includes special keys each indicating a specific food, in addition to the numbers to indicate the desired weight; the vendor enters the desired weight, then the type of food, and then the controller automatically starts slicing machine 1.

One controller can control several customer service stations, wherein each station includes a slicing machine and a weighing machine (not shown). In this implementation, a computer can be used, it being connected by means of electrical channels to all the stations.

Controller 3 compares the measured weight according to a signal from machine 4 with the desired weight and stops cutting machine 1 when the measured weight is close to and less than the desired weight; several decision strategies can be used, as desired. For example, the slicing machine can be stopped when the actual weight is slightly below the desired weight, within a predefined range; or the process can be stopped when the actual weight actually exceeds the desired value. A control strategy may take into account the additional time it may take to stop the slicing machine, so that the total weight as close as possible to the desired value, and taking into account that one or more slices may be cut before the machine actually stops.

Removable food trays (not shown) may be used, so that each tray contains a different type of food, each held in a tray with holding means like means 12, 17, 172 illustrated above. Any tray may be mounted in a slicing machine to cut a portion of food for a customer, then the tray is returned to refrigerator or storage, and another tray is mounted.

In a digital implementation, controller 3 actually samples the total weight indicative signal at a fast rate, this having the same effect as a continuous check. An analog circuit like a comparator can monitor the weight continuously, although with lower precision and stability.

A controller 3 may be included in the slicing machine to be an integral part of it. This achieves an automatic slicing and/or cutting machine, which may be connected to any weighing machine with an electrical or electronic output.

Otherwise, controller 3 may be part of a weighing machine. Such a smart weighing machine and controller may be connected to any cutting/slicing machine to implement the present invention. Voice recognition input may be used in lieu of the keyboard 31 , using a (not shown) microphone, audio signal conditioning means and voice recognition means. Thus, controller 3 may directly recognize commands entered by vendor or customer, and react directly to these commands.

In the above description, the weighing machine was located generally under the cutting machine, so that slices of food may fall on the weighing machine due to gravity forces. In still another embodiment, other means may be used to transfer cut pieces to the weighing machine, for example a robotic arm, a fluid pressure (like an air current or water jet), conveyor means or other means.

Various means for cutting slices off a sausage or other food may be used, including but not limited to knife means, saw, laser, water jet or other means known in the art.

It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

Claims

1. An automatic cutting machine comprising means for cutting and/or slicing a food product mounted thereon and a weighing means for measuring the weight of food deposited thereon and for generating a signal indicative of the total weight of the sliced food, wherein the cutting means is mounted relative to said weighing means so that slices cut off said food product fall on said weighing means, and further including a controller means which receives the signal indicative of the total weight and stops the cutting machine when the weight of the sliced food reaches a predefined value.

2. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting means are mounted above said weighing means and at an acute angle to horizontal.

3. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 1 , wherein the acute angle to horizontal can be adjusted by user.

4. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 1 , wherein the controller means further includes input means for entering information relating to the predefined desired weight of food to be sliced or cut.

5. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 1 , further including means for generating an audible and/ or a visible signal to indicate that the slicing process ended, and the sliced food reached the desired weight.

6. An automatic cutting and/or slicing machine comprising:

(A) means for cutting and/or slicing a food product mounted thereon and including an input control channel for starting and stopping said cutting means; and

(B) weighing and control means including weighing means for measuring the weight of food deposited thereon and control means connected to said control channel for starting and/ or stopping said cutting means and further connected to said weighing means.

7. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein said cutting means is mounted above said weighing means such that slices cut off said food product fall on said weighing means.

8. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 6, further including means for transferring the cut food from the cutting means to the weighing means.

9. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein said control means further includes means for inputting a digital signal indicative of the desired weight of said product to be sliced.

10. The automatic cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein said control means compares said measured weight with said desired weight and stops said cutting means when said measured weight is near said desired weight.

11. A method for automatic cutting and/or slicing of food products to a desired weight, comprising the steps of:

A. a vendor enters into a controller means in the automatic cutting machine an information relating to the desired weight of food to be sold;

B. the controller means automatically activates a slicing and/or cutting machine to cut pieces of food, and further including means for transferring the cut food to a weighing machine;

C. the weighing machine continuously measures the weight of accumulating food thereon and transfers the results of the measurement indicative of total weight to the controller means;

D. the controller continuously compares the desired total weight as entered by vendor in step (A) above with the actual weight of food cut so far, as received from the weighing machine;

E. if the result of the comparison in the controller is that the desired weight was not reached so far, then continue slicing and measuring, go to step (C) above.

If the desired weight was reached, continue to step (F); F. stop the slicing machine by issuing a suitable control signal. Indicate to vendor and/or customer that the cut food is ready, using a display means and/or other visual means and/or audio means; End.

12. The method for automatic cutting according to claim 11 , wherein in step (A) the information entered by the vendor includes the desired weight of food to slice.

13. The method for automatic cutting according to claim 11 , wherein in step (A) the information entered by the vendor includes the cost of a specific type of food ordered by customer and the total cost of the customer's order.

14. The method for automatic cutting according to claim 11 , wherein the slicing machine is located generally above the weighing machine, so that cut pieces of food in step (B) will fall on the weighing machine.

15. The method for automatic cutting according to claim 11 , further including after step (A) of entering the information on the desired weight of food, a step wherein the controller will wait until a command to start slicing is received.

16. The method for automatic cutting according to claim 11 , wherein the information on the desired weight is entered using voice recognition means.