Food Feeding Apparatus with Traction Roller Drive

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feed apparatus (13) for feeding food products to a slicing station (6) of a food slicing machine (5), comprising a drive (18) having a drive shaft (19) adapted to rotate about a drive shaft axis (300), a traction roller (17) arranged to rotate about a traction roller axis (210), wherein the traction roller (17) is configured to contact a food product, in particular an upper surface of said food product, and to support conveying said food product towards the slicing station (6), a transmission (20) configured to transmit a rotation of the drive shaft (19) to the traction roller (17), wherein the drive shaft axis (300) of the drive shaft (19) is non-parallel to the traction roller axis (210) of the traction roller (17) and wherein the traction roller, the drive and the drive shaft are mounted on a base member. The invention further relates to a food slicing machine (5) for slicing food products.

Description

1 / 65 Food Product Feeding Apparatus with Traction Roller Drive

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding apparatus for feeding food products to a slicing station of a food slicing machine. The invention also relates to a feeding apparatus for feeding a food product along a feeding direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine and to a method for transporting a food product along a feeding direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine.

[0002] Food products, for example, meat, cheese, or bread, are often in the form of elongated bars and are fed into a food slicing machine from a food processing line to a slicing station with a cutting blade, for example, a rotary scythe or a circular blade. The food slicing machine may be a high-performance slicer. For this purpose, one or more feeding devices may be provided in a feeding area, which come into contact with the food product to move it to a cutting plane of the slicing station. The feeding device may comprise an upper product conveyor belt that may be adapted to apply pressure to the food product from above. However, conveyor belts need to be frequently removed from the feeding device for cleaning in order to meet hygiene requirements.Removing conveyor belts generally requires removing the entire upper feeding apparatus. Additionally, depending on the food product being processed, food residue can accumulate between the conveyor belt and its drive roller and other rollers.

[0003] Feeding devices may have components such as drive rollers, which are driven by a drive belt. Such drive belts may also increase cleaning requirements. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 8 / 153 2 / 65

[0004] Feeding devices may have a drive roller to support and transport the food product. Between the drive roller and the slicing station, a contact roller may be arranged. The contact roller may have a smaller diameter so that its axis of rotation can be arranged closer to the slicing station. The contact roller may be mounted on a mounting frame, wherein the mounting frame rotates around the axis of the drive roller. The mounting frame may be inclined in the direction of the food product, in particular, elastically inclined, for example, by means of a spring. The position of the contact roller may therefore depend on the spring pre-tension as well as the elasticity of the food product, but cannot be adjusted during production.

[0005] A food product may initially be fed into the food slicing machine by means of a feed conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt, or placed or transported on it. A rail guide with separating devices, in particular metal plates, may be arranged to maintain the separation of the food products on the feed conveyor. The separating devices may be installed above the feed conveyor. The separating means may extend from above to just above the conveyor surface of the feed belt. The lateral position of these separating means may be adjusted to the width of the food product to be sliced. From the feed conveyor, the food product may be transported to a product conveyor belt.

[0006] The product conveyor belt, which runs alongside the feed belt in the transport direction, may be part of a loading system and may be pivoted upwards around an axis located on its downstream side. In this way, the food product can be transported horizontally from the feed belt to the product conveyor belt. Then, the product conveyor belt can be pivoted upwards to feed the food product to the knife blade on a flat surface. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 153 3 / 65 of the support is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. A fixed side stop can be provided, whose transverse position and longitudinal orientation are aligned with a cutting edge that interacts with the knife blade when the slices are separated from the product. A parallel side stop can be arranged on the opposite side to the fixed side stop. This can provide longitudinal guidance for the food product. The adjustable side stop can be adjusted in the transverse direction, thus aligning the product in the transverse direction. In the case of a multi-lane food slicing machine, which can be adapted to simultaneously slice several products arranged parallel to each other, the product feed can have multiple lanes. Consequently, several side stops can be provided in the area of ​​the product conveyor belt, which can be adjusted laterally to the conveyor direction. The side stops can be adjusted together.

[0007] A product conveying device in the form of a lower product support may be arranged between the product conveyor belt and the knife blade. The lower product support may support a lower surface of the food product. The lower product support may feed the food product up to the knife blade. The lower product support may be relatively short compared to the product conveyor belt. The lower product support may extend to the front of the knife blade, thus supporting the food product up to the cutting edge. The lower product support may allow precise advancement of the product towards the cutting plane.

[0008] A clamp may be provided that fits onto the rear end, in particular the upstream end, of the food product. The clamp may act as a support for the product during feeding of the food product towards the cutting plane. By orienting the clamp, differences in weight or cross-section of the products may be compensated for and the thickness of the separated slices of the fed products may be adjusted. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 153 4 / 65 can be changed independently of each other during slicing, so that a predetermined weight of individual slices of the product or the weight of portions of multiple slices can be obtained individually. By retracting the food product using the gripper, it is possible to establish a distance to the knife blade for void cuts. In multi-lane food slicers, one gripper per conveyor lane can be provided. The grippers can be coupled to a common feeding unit and can be extended relative to the feeding unit in the conveying direction and retracted against the conveying direction, independently of each other.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a feeding apparatus is provided for feeding food products into a slicing station of a food slicing machine, in particular as specified above. The feeding apparatus comprises a drive with a drive shaft adapted to rotate around a geometric axis of the drive shaft and a traction roller arranged to rotate around a traction roller axis. The traction roller is configured to come into contact with a food product, in particular with an upper surface of said food product. The traction roller can be configured to support the transport of said food product towards the slicing station. The feeding apparatus further comprises a transmission. The transmission can be configured to transmit a rotation from the drive shaft to the traction roller.The transmission can be configured to transmit torque or torque from the drive shaft to the drive roller. The geometric axis of the drive shaft may not be parallel to the axis of the drive roller.

[00010] The feeding device can provide good transmission between the drive and the traction roller. The feeding device is easy to clean.

[00011] The slicing machine and the feeding device can be part of a food processing line. The feeding device can Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 11 / 153 5 / 65 Feeding food products in a feeding direction. The food processing line may comprise multiple processing stations arranged sequentially in the feeding direction. The slicing machine may comprise the feeding apparatus. The food processing line may comprise a packaging unit arranged downstream of the slicing machine. In particular, downstream means after the food slicing machine in relation to the feeding direction.

[00012] The slicing station may comprise a knife blade, in particular a knife blade as described above.

[00013] The traction roller can be adapted to transport the food product towards the slicing station. The traction roller can be adapted to contribute to the transport of said food product towards the slicing station.

[00014] The traction roller may comprise a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft may be adapted to rotate around the geometric axis of the drive shaft of the traction roller.

[00015] The traction roller may comprise a circumferential traction surface. The traction roller may comprise a lateral surface. The circumferential traction surface may be adapted to come into contact with the food product, in particular with an upper surface of the food product. The lateral surface may be connected to the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may extend, in particular project, from the lateral surface.

[00016] The traction roller may comprise at least two discrete circumferential traction surfaces. The traction roller may comprise at least two discrete lateral surfaces. The axis of rotation may extend from a first lateral surface to a second lateral surface of the traction roller. The traction roller may have two inner lateral surfaces and two outer lateral surfaces. The axis of rotation may extend between the two inner surfaces. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 153 6 / 65

[00017] The drive roller may comprise a first roller and a second roller. The first roller may be driven by the drive shaft, in particular through the transmission. The second roller may be rotatably coupled to the first roller, in particular so that the second roller rotates together with the first roller. The second roller may be rotatably uncoupled from the first roller, in particular so that the second roller does not rotate together with the first roller.

[00018] The circumferential traction surface may be inclined inwards, in particular around the feed direction or the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The circumferential traction surfaces may be inclined inwards, in particular around the feed direction or the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The circumferential traction surfaces of the first and second rollers may be partially facing each other, in particular on the side facing the food product. The circumferential traction surfaces may be inclined, in particular arranged at a rotated angle around the feed direction or the geometric axis of the drive shaft, so that a food product with a circular cross-section can be adequately supported and transported by the traction roller.

[00019] The feeding apparatus may be free of conveyor belts. In particular, the transmission between the drive and the drive roller may be free of conveyor belts. The feeding apparatus may be free of transmission belts. In particular, the transmission between the drive and the drive roller may be free of transmission belts. In particular, the transmission between the drive shaft and the drive roller may be free of transmission belts. The transmission between a power source or a motor in the drive and the drive roller may be free of transmission belts.

[00020] The transmission can directly transmit rotation and / or torque from the drive shaft to the drive roller. The transmission can indirectly transmit rotation and / or torque from the drive shaft to the drive roller. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 13 / 153 7 / 65 in particular by means of a transmission element.

[00021] The drive roller, the drive, and the drive shaft can be mounted on a base, in particular on the same base element. The drive roller, the drive, the drive shaft, and the transmission can be mounted directly or indirectly on a base element. The drive roller, the drive, and the drive shaft can be mounted on a common base element. The transmission, in particular a first part of the transmission, can be mounted on the drive shaft, where the drive shaft is mounted on the base element. The transmission, in particular a second part of the transmission, can be mounted on the drive roller, where the drive roller is mounted on the base element.

[00022] The basic element may consist of one part. The basic element may be formed integrally. The basic element may comprise multiple parts.

[00023] The feeding apparatus is adapted for feeding a food product towards a slicing station of a food slicing machine, in particular onto a feeding belt. The base element can be arranged vertically above the feeding belt. In the context of the present invention, the expression "vertically above" means, in particular, that the vertical position of the base element is higher than the vertical position of the feeding belt; however, this does not necessarily imply that the base element is arranged directly above the feeding belt, but may be arranged laterally close to the feeding belt. The base element can also be arranged directly above the feeding belt when viewed from above. The base element can be arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus during the operation of the feeding apparatus.

[00024] The traction roller can be arranged vertically above the feeding strip. The traction roller can be arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus, during the Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 153 8 / 65 Operation of the feeding apparatus. The drive can be positioned vertically above the feeding range. The drive can be positioned vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus during operation of the feeding apparatus. The drive shaft can be positioned vertically above the feeding range. The drive shaft can be positioned vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus during operation of the feeding apparatus.

[00025] The base element, the drive roller, the drive and the drive shaft can be arranged vertically above the feeding range. The base element, the drive roller, the drive and the drive shaft can be arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus, during the operation of the feeding apparatus.

[00026] The drive roller, drive and / or drive shaft may be part of an upper feeding module. The upper feeding module may be arranged vertically above the feeding range. The upper feeding module may be arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus, during the operation of the feeding apparatus. The upper feeding module may be adapted to be coupled to the feeding apparatus.

[00027] A projection of the geometric axis of the traction roller onto a horizontal plane may be orthogonal to a projection of the geometric axis of the drive shaft onto said horizontal plane. Wherein the angle between the projection of the geometric axis of the traction roller and the projection of the geometric axis of the drive shaft is between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, in particular between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in particular between 85 degrees and 95 degrees. The direction of the projection may be orthogonal to the horizontal plane. A projection of the geometric axis of the traction roller onto a horizontal plane may be non-parallel to a projection of the geometric axis of the drive shaft onto said horizontal plane. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 153 9 / 65

[00028] The geometric axis of the drive shaft may be parallel to the feed direction. The design of the geometric axis of the transmission shaft in a horizontal plane may be arranged at an angle relative to the projection of the feed direction in the horizontal plane. In particular, the angle may be between -30 degrees and 30 degrees, in particular between -20 degrees and 20 degrees, in particular between -10 degrees and 10 degrees.

[00029] The geometric axis of the drive shaft and the axis of the drive roller intersect. The geometric axis of the drive shaft and the axis of the traction roller intersect adjacently within a range of 50 millimeters, in particular 20 millimeters, in particular 10 millimeters, in particular 5 millimeters. The shortest distance from the geometric axis of the drive shaft to the axis of the traction roller may be less than 50 millimeters, in particular less than 20 millimeters, in particular less than 10 millimeters, in particular less than 5 millimeters.

[00030] The geometric axis of the drive roller may be orthogonal to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The angle between the axis of the drive roller and the geometric axis of the drive shaft is between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, in particular between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in particular between 85 degrees and 95 degrees.

[00031] The geometric axis of the drive shaft can be located in the center of the feeding device. The feeding device can define a feeding range. The geometric axis of the drive shaft can be located in the center of the feeding range.

[00032] The transmission may comprise or consist of a gear drive, in particular a worm gear or a worm screw drive. The transmission may comprise or consist of a contact gear or a non-contact gear. The transmission may comprise or consist of a non-contact bevel gear. The transmission may comprise or consist of a compact gear.

[00033] The transmission may comprise or consist of a first transmission element and a second transmission element. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 153 10 / 65

[00034] The first transmission element can be connected directly or indirectly to the drive shaft or can be integrally formed on the drive shaft. In particular, the first transmission element is arranged at one end of the drive shaft adjacent to the traction roller. The first transmission element can rotate integrally with the drive shaft. The first transmission element can be fixed to the drive shaft.

[00035] The transmission can be arranged directly between the drive shaft and the traction roller. The transmission can be arranged indirectly between the drive shaft and the traction roller. In particular, additional elements can be arranged between the transmission and the drive shaft and / or between the transmission and the traction roller. The first transmission element and the second transmission element can be arranged directly or indirectly between the drive shaft and the traction roller.

[00036] The second transmission element may be connected directly or indirectly to the drive roller or may be integrally formed in the drive roller. The second transmission element may be arranged on the axis of rotation of the drive roller. The second transmission element may be arranged on the lateral surface, in particular on the inner lateral surface, of the drive roller.

[00037] The first transmission element may transmit rotation and / or torque, in particular the rotation and / or torque of the drive shaft, to the second transmission element by means of friction. The first transmission element may transmit rotation and / or torque, in particular the rotation and / or torque of the drive shaft, to the second transmission element by means of a slip engagement. In particular, the teeth formed in the first transmission element may engage with the teeth formed in the second transmission element.

[00038] The first transmission element may comprise the first transmission surface. The second transmission element may comprise the second transmission surface. The first surface of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 153 The 11 / 65 transmission can be configured to fit onto the second transmission surface, so that the rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted through the drive roller.

[00039] The first transmission surface may comprise teeth. The teeth of the first transmission surface may be configured to mesh with the teeth of the second transmission surface.

[00040] The rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the traction roller by means of friction between the first and second transmission surfaces. The rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the traction roller by means of a snap-fit ​​engagement of the first and second transmission surfaces.

[00041] The first transmission element may be a bevel wheel arranged on the drive shaft. The second transmission element may be a bevel wheel or a conical ring arranged on the drive roller. The bevel wheel or conical ring may be fixed to the axis of rotation or to a lateral surface, in particular to an inner lateral surface, of the drive roller.

[00042] The first transmission element may be a worm gear arranged on the drive shaft. The second transmission element may be a worm gear arranged on the drive roller, in particular on the axis of rotation of the drive roller. In particular, the worm gear may be a worm screw and the worm gear may be a worm wheel.

[00043] The first transmission element may be a worm wheel arranged on the drive shaft. The second transmission element may be a worm or screw gear arranged on the drive roller, in particular on the axis of rotation of the drive roller.

[00044] This circumferential traction surface of the traction roller may be corrugated, wavy, or toothed. The second transmission surface may be part of a conical wheel, a conical ring, or a worm wheel. The worm wheel may have worm teeth. The worm teeth may be molded directly onto the axis of rotation. The teeth of the first surface of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 18 / 153 12 / 65 transmission teeth can be arranged at an angle to the axis of the drive roller. The teeth can be curved, especially helical.

[00045] The traction roller may comprise a first roller and a second roller. The first roller and the second roller may be connected to the axis of rotation. The first roller may be connected to a first end of the axis of rotation. The second roller may be connected to a second end of the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may extend along the axis of the traction roller. This axis of rotation may extend between the first roller and the second roller.

[00046] The first roller may have a first circumferential traction surface. The second roller may have a second circumferential traction surface. The first roller may have a first inner lateral surface. The second roller may have a second inner lateral surface. The second transmission element may be arranged on the first inner lateral surface or on the second inner lateral surface.

[00047] The first and second rollers can be rotated simultaneously. The first and second rollers can be driven by the rotation of the drive shaft. Alternatively, the first or second roller can be rotationally decoupled from the other roller, in particular from the rotation shaft. The first or second roller can be an idle roller. The first or second roller can be driven by the drive shaft, while the other roller can be rotated by the movement of the food product.

[00048] The drive shaft may extend primarily in a foreground plane. The foreground plane may be a vertical plane. The foreground plane may be orthogonal to the axis of the drive roller. The drive may extend primarily in the foreground plane. The axis of the drive roller may be arranged at an angle to the foreground plane, in particular an angle between 20 degrees and 160 degrees, in particular between 50 degrees and 130 degrees, in particular between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, in particular between 80 degrees and 100 degrees.

[00049] The drive may comprise a motor, in particular a Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 153 13 / 65 electric motor, in particular a servo motor. The drive may consist of a motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a servo motor.

[00050] The traction roller can transport a food product along a feeding direction. The drive shaft can extend primarily in a plane defined by the feeding direction and a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. The direction orthogonal to the feeding direction can be the vertical direction. The drive shaft can extend primarily in a plane defined by the feeding direction and the vertical direction. The feeding direction can be parallel to the first plane. A projection of the feeding direction onto a horizontal plane can be parallel to a projection of the drive and / or the drive shaft onto the horizontal plane.

[00051] The feeding apparatus can further comprise a frame. The traction roller, the drive shaft, and the drive can be arranged in the frame. The frame can be articulated around a pivot axis of the feeding apparatus.The articulation axis of the feeding device may be at a distance from the axis of the drive roller. The articulation axis of the feeding device may be orthogonal to the feeding direction. The drive shaft may be arranged between the drive roller and the articulation axis of the feeding device. The articulation axes of the feeding device may be orthogonal to the foreground plane.

[00052] The drive can be mounted on the frame. The drive can be mounted between two plates of the frame. The two plates can extend parallel to each other. The two plates can extend vertically.

[00053] In use, the traction roller can be positioned vertically above the food product. The traction roller can apply a vertical force to the food product, in particular to the upper surface of the food product. The vertical force can be applied by means of articulation movement, in particular of the frame and / or the traction roller, around the articulation axis of the feeding apparatus.

[00054] The feeding apparatus may comprise an upper actuator. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 153 14 / 65 The upper actuator can be configured to rotate the frame around the articulation axis of the feeding device. The upper actuator can be configured to rotate the drive roller around the articulation axis of the feeding device. The upper actuator may comprise a cylinder. The upper actuator may be pneumatic or hydraulic. The upper actuator may be electrically driven.

[00055] The feeding apparatus may comprise a covering element. The covering element may extend partially around the axis of the traction roller, in particular at a radial distance from the axis of the traction roller. The radial distance may be less than the radius of the traction roller. The radial distance may be between 99 percent and 50 percent, in particular 90 percent and 60 percent, in particular 80 percent and 70 percent, of the radius of the traction roller.

[00056] The cover element may be arc-shaped. The cover element may be adapted to protect the transmission, in particular the first transmission element and / or the second transmission element, against dust, contamination and / or dirt.

[00057] The cover element can be a metal sheet or a plastic sheet. The cover element can be mounted on a cover element mounting structure connected to the frame. In particular, the cover element mounting structure can be connected to the drive roller. The cover element mounting structure can be decoupled from the rotation of the drive roller. The cover element mounting structure can be arranged around the axis of rotation of the drive roller. The cover element mounting structure can extend around the axis of rotation of the drive roller. The cover element mounting structure can be arranged around the drive shaft. The cover element mounting structure can extend around the drive shaft. The cover element can be detachable from the cover element mounting structure. The cover element can be Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 21 / 153 15 / 65 connected to the mounting structure of the cover element by means of a fastening means, in particular a screw or several screws.

[00058] The mounting structure of the cover element can be fixed or mounted on the traction roller, in particular on the shaft of the traction roller. The mounting structure of the cover element can be articulated in relation to the traction roller. The mounting structure of the cover element can be adapted to rotate in relation to the traction roller.

[00059] The cover element may extend circumferentially around the axis of the traction roller, in particular covering an angle of at least 90 degrees, in particular at least 120 degrees, in particular at least 180 degrees. The cover element may extend between the first and second rollers. The cover element may extend between an inner lateral surface of the first roller and the inner lateral surface of the second roller. The cover element may be arranged at least partially lower than the axis of rotation of the traction roller. The cover element may be arranged at least partially lower than the axis of the traction roller.

[00060] The outer diameter of the cover element may be smaller than the outer diameter of the traction roller. The cover element may be adapted so as not to come into contact with the food product. The radial distance from an outer surface of the cover element to the axis of the traction roller may be smaller than the radial distance from the circumferential traction surface to the axis of the traction roller.

[00061] The covering element can extend to the transmission, in particular to the second transmission element.

[00062] The power supply device may comprise a coupling interface. The coupling interface may be located on or adjacent to the drive shaft. The coupling interface may be located on or adjacent to the transmission. The coupling interface may be located between the drive shaft and the first transmission element. The coupling interface may be located between the first transmission element and the Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 153 16 / 65 second transmission element. The coupling interface can be arranged between the second transmission element and the drive roller.

[00063] The coupling interface may consist of a first coupling interface and a second coupling interface. The power supply device may comprise a first coupling interface. The first coupling interface may be disposed on or adjacent to the drive shaft or transmission.

[00064] The first coupling interface may be arranged on the drive shaft, between the drive shaft and the transmission, in particular the first transmission element or the second transmission element, or between the first transmission element and the second transmission element. The power supply device may comprise a second coupling interface. The second coupling interface may be arranged on the mounting structure of the cover element or between the frame and the mounting structure of the cover element.

[00065] The first and / or second coupling interface may allow a feeding apparatus assembly to be detachable from the rest of the feeding apparatus. A feeding apparatus assembly may be detachable, in particular via the first and / or second coupling interface, in the feeding apparatus. The assembly may comprise the drive roller. The assembly may comprise the drive roller and the transmission, in particular the second transmission element and / or the first transmission element. The assembly may comprise a part of the drive shaft, in particular the part adjacent to the drive roller. The assembly may comprise the cover element and / or part of the mounting structure of the cover element.

[00066] The power supply device may comprise an electrical connector. The electrical connector may be connected to a cable extending from the drive. The coupling interface may be disposed between the drive roller and the electrical connector. The coupling interface may be disposed between Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 153 17 / 65 the knife blade and the electrical connector. The slicing machine may comprise a plug or socket, the plug or socket may be configured to fit into the electrical connector, particularly when the electrical connector is disconnected from the drive cable. The power supply may comprise a blank socket. The blank socket may be configured to fit into the electrical connector, particularly when the electrical connector is disconnected from the drive cable. The drive may be removable from the frame. The drive may be mounted on a support structure of the slicing machine, particularly when the drive is disconnected from the frame.

[00067] The feeding apparatus may be part of a food slicing machine for slicing food products. The food slicing machine may further comprise a slicing station. The slicing station may comprise a knife blade. The feeding apparatus may be configured to convey food products towards the knife blade.

[00068] The drive roller may be adjacent to the knife blade. The drive roller may be close to the knife blade. The distance between the knife blade and the axis of the drive roller may be less than 20 centimeters, in particular, less than 15 centimeters, in particular, less than 10 centimeters, in particular, less than 5 centimeters.

[00069] The feeding apparatus or the frame of the feeding apparatus may be arranged in an articulated manner around the articulation axis of the feeding apparatus. The traction roller may be located between the articulation axis of the feeding apparatus and the knife blade.

[00070] An upper actuator, in particular the upper actuator described above, may be disposed above the feeding apparatus or the frame of the feeding apparatus. The upper actuator may be configured to rotate the feeding apparatus or the frame around the articulation axis of the feeding apparatus. The upper actuator may be disposed between the articulation axis of the Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 24 / 153 18 / 65 feeding device and drive roller. One end of the upper actuator can be connected to the frame at a connection point. The connection point can be arranged horizontally between the drive roller and the articulation axis of the feeding device. A second end of the upper actuator can be connected to different parts of the slicing machine, in particular to a part of the slicing machine located above the frame.

[00071] The feeding apparatus may be a top feeding apparatus. The food slicing machine may further comprise a bottom feeding apparatus and / or a rear feeding apparatus. The bottom feeding apparatus may comprise a bottom feeding conveyor belt. The bottom feeding apparatus may comprise a set of bottom feeding traction rollers. The set of bottom feeding traction rollers may be adapted to convey the food product towards the knife blade. The set of bottom feeding traction rollers may be adapted to come into contact with the bottom surface of the food product. The set of bottom feeding traction rollers may comprise multiple traction rollers, in particular two traction rollers, in particular three traction rollers, in particular four traction rollers, in particular five traction rollers, in particular six or more traction rollers.

[00072] The drive roller can be arranged adjacent to the knife blade. The drive roller can be arranged between the knife blade and the drive shaft.

[00073] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple top-feeding devices, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention. The food slicing machine may further comprise at least one bottom-feeding device. The top-feeding devices may be arranged vertically above the at least one bottom-feeding device.

[00074] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple bottom feeding units. Each top feeding unit may be arranged vertically above a bottom feeding unit. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 25 / 153 19 / 65 corresponding. The number of upper power supply devices can be equal to the number of lower power supply devices. The number of upper power supply devices can be double the number of lower power supply devices.

[00075] The upper power supply devices can be operated independently of each other. The lower power supply devices can be operated independently of each other.

[00076] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple feed lanes. Each feed lane may be configured to convey a food product towards the knife blade. Each feed lane may have a lower feed device allocated to it. Each feed lane may have an upper feed device allocated to it. Each feed lane may have a traction roller allocated to it. Each feed lane may have two upper feed devices, in particular two traction rollers, allocated to it. The geometric axis of the drive shaft of the allocated feed device may be in the center of the feed lane.

[00077] According to a second aspect of the invention, a feed device is provided for feeding a food product along a feed direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, in particular as specified above.The feeding apparatus comprises a mounting structure that is articulated around a mounting articulation axis. The feeding apparatus further comprises a distal contact roller mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a distal contact roller axis. The distal contact roller axis is distant from the mounting articulation axis. The feeding apparatus comprises an actuator configured to adjust the articulation capacity of the mounting structure around the mounting articulation axis.

[00078] Adjusting the articulation capacity of the mounting structure includes, in particular, adjusting a range within which the structure of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 153 The 20 / 65 mounting is articulated around the mounting articulation axis. The actuator can be configured to adjust a range within which the mounting structure is articulated around the mounting articulation axis.

[00079] The mounting structure can be fixed or mounted on the drive roller, in particular on the drive roller shaft. The mounting structure can be articulated relative to the drive roller. The mounting structure can be adapted to rotate relative to the drive roller.

[00080] With the feeding device, according to the second aspect of the invention, it may be possible to adjust the position of the contact roller during the use of the slicing machine.

[00081] The slicing machine and the feeding apparatus may be part of a food processing line. The feeding apparatus may feed the food products in one feeding direction. The food processing line may comprise multiple processing stations arranged sequentially in the feeding direction. The slicing machine may comprise the feeding apparatus. The food processing line may comprise a packaging unit arranged downstream of the slicing machine.

[00082] The actuator can be configured to restrict or provide resistance against the rotational movement of the mounting structure in at least one first direction of rotation. The first direction of rotation can be a direction where a part of the mounting structure that is vertically above the mounting articulation axis rotates away from the slicing station.

[00083] The actuator can be configured to adjust the resistance against the rotational movement of the mounting structure in a first direction of rotation. The actuator can be configured to adjust the resistance against the rotational movement of the mounting structure and a second direction of rotation. The actuator can be configured to adjust a position where the rotational movement of the mounting structure is in the first direction of rotation. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 153 21 / 65 is restricted. In particular, the mounting structure may rotate freely up to said position, but may not be able to move beyond said position in the first direction of rotation.

[00084] The distal contact roller is arranged downstream of the mounting articulation axis relative to the feed direction. In particular, the product passes first through the mounting articulation axis and then through the distal contact roller. The distal contact roller may be arranged between the mounting articulation axis and the slicing station.

[00085] The actuator may comprise a cylinder, in particular a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The actuator may be arranged upstream of the mounting articulation axis. The mounting articulation axis may be arranged between the actuator and the distal contact roller.

[00086] The cylinder can be configured to prevent movement of the mounting structure in the first direction of rotation. The cylinder can be configured to provide resistance against movement of the mounting structure in the first direction of rotation.

[00087] The feeding apparatus may comprise a connecting element attached to the mounting structure. The connecting element may be attached at a radial distance relative to the mounting articulation axis. The actuator may be configured to restrict or provide resistance against the movement of the connecting element in a direction from the first connecting element. The direction from the first connecting element may be a direction opposite to the feeding direction. The direction from the first connecting element may be a direction from the slicing station to the mounting articulation axis.

[00088] The connecting element can be connected to the mounting structure at a connection point. The connection point can be located above the mounting articulation axis, in particular in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction or to the vertical direction. The food product and the connection point can be on opposite sides, in particular in relation to a Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 153 22 / 65 direction orthogonal to the feed direction or to the vertical direction of the mounting articulation axis.

[00089] The connection point may be located lower than the mounting articulation axis, in particular with respect to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction or the vertical direction. The food product and the connection point may be on the same side, in particular with respect to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction or the vertical direction, of the mounting articulation axis.

[00090] The actuator can be configured to limit the movement of the connecting element. The actuator can be configured to move the connecting element in the direction of the first connecting element. The actuator can be configured to allow movement of the connecting element to an adjustable position and prevent further movement of the connecting element, in particular in the direction of the first connecting element, upon reaching said adjustable position. The actuator can be configured to adjust the adjustable position, in particular to move the adjustable position closer to or further away from the mounting articulation axis.

[00091] The actuator can be configured to provide a stop for the connecting element. The actuator can be configured to provide a stop for the connecting element in the direction of the first connecting element and, in particular, allow movement of the connecting element in a direction opposite to the direction of the first connecting element. The actuator can be connected to the connecting element.

[00092] The connecting element can be arranged between the actuator and the mounting structure. The connecting element can be arranged between the mounting articulation axis and the actuator.

[00093] The feeding apparatus may comprise a traction roller arranged to rotate around a traction roller shaft. The traction roller may be configured to come into contact with the food product, in particular with an upper surface of the food product, and to convey said product. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 153 23 / 65 food product towards the slicing station, particularly in the feeding direction. The mounting articulation axis may extend through the drive roller and / or may coincide with the mounting articulation axis.

[00094] The drive roller may be a drive roller as described in the first aspect of the invention above. The shaft of the drive roller may coincide with the mounting articulation shaft.

[00095] The radius of the traction roller, in particular the radial distance from an outer circumferential surface of the traction roller to the axis of the traction roller, may be larger than the radius of the distal contact roller, in particular the radial distance from an outer surface of the distal contact roller to the axis of the distal contact roller.

[00096] The actuator can be configured to adjust the penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. The penetration depth of the traction roller can be the distance that the undulations or teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the traction roller extend into the food product. In particular, the actuator rotates the distal contact roller around the mounting articulation axis and thus adjusts the distance of the distal contact roller to the food product, which influences the penetration depth of the contact roller. In particular, the actuator prevents the rotation of the distal contact roller around the mounting articulation axis and thus sets the distance of the distal contact roller to the food product, which defines the penetration depth of the contact roller.

[00097] The actuator can be configured to control, in particular by means of feedback control, the penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. The slicing machine may comprise a control unit. The control unit can be configured to control and adjust the actuator.

[00098] The drive roller can be driven by a drive, in particular an electric motor. The drive roller can be driven by a servomotor.

[00099] The distal contact roller can be positioned lower than the axis of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 153 24 / 65 mounting joint or drive roller shaft, in particular with respect to the vertical direction or a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. A lower circumferential surface of the distal contact roller may be arranged below a lower circumferential surface of the drive roller, in particular with respect to the vertical direction or a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000100] The mounting structure may have its movement limited between a minimum and a maximum position. The mounting structure may be arranged to be movable between a minimum and a maximum position. The minimum position may refer to a first angle of rotation around the mounting articulation axis. The maximum position may refer to a second angle of rotation around the mounting articulation axis. [000101] The actuator can be configured to adjust the minimum and / or maximum position. The actuator can be configured to restrict the movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. In particular, the actuator can be actuated towards a specific position. In use, when the mounting structure reaches said position, the actuator prevents the movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. The position at which the movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position is restricted can be adjustable by the actuator. [000102] The actuator can be configured to provide resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. The actuator can be configured to adjust the resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. [000103] The actuator can be configured to restrict the movement of the mounting structure towards its maximum position. In particular, the actuator can be actuated towards a specific position. In use, when the mounting structure reaches said position, the actuator prevents the movement of the mounting structure towards its maximum position. The position at which the movement of the mounting structure towards its maximum position is Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 153 25 / 65 restricted, can be adjusted by the actuator. [000104] The actuator can be configured to provide resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. The actuator can be configured to adjust the resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. [000105] The actuator can provide a first resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. The actuator can provide a second resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the minimum position. The first resistance can be greater than the second resistance. The first resistance can be less than the second resistance. The first resistance can be equal to the second resistance. The actuator can be configured to adjust the first resistance. The actuator can be configured to adjust the second resistance. [000106] When the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the distal contact roller can be configured to come into contact with the food product. When the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the distal contact roller can be configured to come into contact with the food product. When the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the distal contact roller can be positioned above the food product. [000107] The feeding apparatus may comprise a frame. The frame or the connecting element may comprise a slot hole, and the other connecting element and the frame may comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may extend into the slot hole. The interaction between the slot hole and the protrusion may limit the movement of the mounting structure between the minimum and maximum positions. [000108] The slot hole can be engraved in the frame or connecting element. The slot hole can extend through the entire thickness of the frame or connecting element. The slot hole can extend only partially through the thickness of the frame or connecting element. [000109] The connecting element may include the protrusion. The protrusion Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 153 26 / 65 can extend from the connecting element. The frame can include the slot hole. The slot hole can be formed in the frame. The frame can include the protrusion. The protrusion can extend from the frame. The connecting element can include the slot hole. The slot hole can be formed in the connecting element. [000110] The groove hole may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be closer to the mounting structure than the distal end. The proximal end may be closer to the mounting joint axis than the distal end. The proximal end may be closer to the traction roller than the distal end. [000111] When the mounting structure is in its maximum position, the protrusion can be positioned at the distal end of the slot hole. The distal end of the slot hole can be further from the mounting structure than the proximal end. When the mounting structure is in its minimum position, the protrusion can be positioned at the proximal end of the slot hole. The proximal end of the slot hole can be closer to the mounting structure than the distal end. [000112] The actuator can be configured to prevent movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole. The actuator can be configured to adjust a position, preventing movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole. When the protrusion is between the proximal end and said position, the protrusion may be movable towards the distal end and the proximal end. When the protrusion is between the proximal end and said position, the mounting structure may be movable towards the minimum position and the maximum position. [000113] The actuator can be configured to adjust a resistance against the movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole. The actuator can be configured to adjust a resistance against the movement of the protrusion towards the proximal end of the groove hole. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 153 27 / 65 [000114] The feeding apparatus may comprise a proximal contact roller. The proximal contact roller may be mounted on the mounting frame and arranged to rotate about a proximal contact roller axis. The proximal contact roller axis may be positioned relative to the mounting articulation axis. [000115] The proximal contact roller can be arranged ahead of, in particular upstream of, the mounting articulation axis in relation to the feed direction. The mounting articulation axis can be arranged between the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller. The proximal contact roller can be arranged between the actuator and the traction roller, in particular the traction roller axis. The proximal contact roller can be arranged between the groove hole and the traction roller, in particular the traction roller axis. [000116] The mounting articulation axis and the distal contact roller axis can extend parallel to each other. The mounting articulation axis, the distal contact roller axis, and the proximal contact roller axis can extend parallel to each other. The mounting articulation axis, the traction roller axis, and the proximal contact roller axis can extend parallel to each other. The mounting articulation axis, the distal contact roller axis, the proximal contact roller axis, and the traction roller axis can extend parallel to each other. [000117] The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be identical. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have the same shape. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have the same radius. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be formed from the same material. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have the same elasticity. The circumferential surfaces of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be identical, particularly with regard to surface roughness and / or material. The widths of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller, measured in the direction of the mounting joint axis, may be identical. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 153 28 / 65 [000118] The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have different shapes. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have different radii. The distal contact roller may have a larger radius than the proximal contact roller. The proximal contact roller may have a larger radius than the distal contact roller. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be made of different materials. The distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may have different elasticities. The proximal contact roller may be stiffer than the distal contact roller. The distal contact roller may be stiffer than the proximal contact roller. The circumferential surfaces of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be different, particularly with regard to surface roughness and / or material. The surface roughness of the distal contact roller may be greater than that of the proximal contact roller.The surface roughness of the proximal contact roller may be greater than that of the distal contact roller. [000119] The widths of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller, measured in the direction of the mounting articulation axis, may be different. [000120] The mounting structure may be movable to an intermediate position, which may be between the minimum and maximum positions. When the mounting structure is in the intermediate position, the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be configured to come into contact with the food product. [000121] When the mounting structure is in the intermediate position, the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller can be arranged at substantially the same height relative to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000122] When the mounting structure is in the intermediate position, the distal contact roller and the traction roller can be configured to come into contact with the food product. [000123] When the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the proximal contact roller and the traction roller can be configured to engage. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 153 29 / 65 contact with food product. [000124] When the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the distal contact roller can be positioned below the proximal contact roller in a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000125] When the mounting structure is in its maximum position, the proximal contact roller can be positioned below the distal contact roller in a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000126] The distal contact roller may be arranged behind, in particular downstream, the drive roller in relation to the feed direction. The proximal roller may be arranged in front of, in particular upstream, the drive roller in relation to the feed direction. [000127] The proximal contact roller, in particular the proximal roller shaft, may be arranged lower than the mounting articulation axis in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000128] The first mounting element can be connected to one end of the proximal contact roller. The second mounting element can be connected to the other end of the proximal contact roller. [000129] The radius of the proximal contact roller may be smaller than the radius of the traction roller. The radius of the traction roller may be larger than the radius of both the proximal and distal contact rollers. [000130] The geometric arrangement of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may limit the penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. [000131] The mounting structure may comprise a first mounting element and a second mounting element. The first mounting element and the second mounting element may be arranged on opposite sides of the distal contact roller with respect to the axis of the distal contact roller. The first mounting element may be connected to a first end of the distal contact roller. The second mounting element may Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 153 30 / 65 to be placed at a second end of the distal contact roll. [000132] The first mounting element and the second mounting element can be arranged on opposite sides of the drive roller with respect to the mounting articulation axis and / or the drive roller axis. [000133] The connecting element may be a first connecting element and the power supply device further comprises a second connecting element. The connecting element may be connected to the first mounting element. The second connecting element may be connected to the second mounting element. The first and second connecting elements may have identical shapes. The first and second connecting elements may be connected by means of a connecting shaft. The projection may extend from the connecting shaft. A first projection may extend from a first end of the connecting shaft. A second projection may extend from a second end of the connecting shaft. [000134] The feeding apparatus may be part of a food slicing machine for slicing food products. The food slicing machine may further comprise a slicing station. The slicing station may comprise a knife blade. The knife blade may be a rotary knife blade, in particular a circular or sickle-shaped blade. The feeding apparatus may be configured to convey the food products towards the knife blade. [000135] The distal contact roller may be adjacent to the knife blade. The distal contact roller may be close to the knife blade. The distal contact roller may be arranged between the knife blade and the mounting articulation axis. The distal contact roller may be arranged between the knife blade and the traction roller, in particular the axis of the traction roller. The distance, in particular the distance in the feed direction, between the knife blade and the axis of the distal roller may be less than 15 centimeters, in particular less than 10 centimeters, in particular less than 5 centimeters, in particular less than 3 centimeters. The knife blade may define a cutting plane. Food products may Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 37 / 153 31 / 65 to be sliced ​​on a cutting plane. The distance, particularly the distance in the feed direction, between the cutting plane and the axis of the distal roller may be less than 15 centimeters, particularly less than 10 centimeters, particularly less than 5 centimeters, and particularly less than 3 centimeters. Positioning the distal contact roller close to the knife blade and / or the cutting plane may be beneficial in terms of efficiency in transporting food products. [000136] The drive roller may be adjacent to the knife blade. The drive roller may be close to the knife blade. The distance between the knife blade and the axis of the drive roller may be less than 20 centimeters, in particular less than 15 centimeters, in particular less than 10 centimeters, in particular less than 5 centimeters. [000137] The feeding apparatus can be arranged in an articulated manner around a pivot axis of the feeding apparatus. The pivot axis of the feeding apparatus can be at a distance from the mounting pivot axis. The frame can be arranged in an articulated manner around the pivot axis of the feeding apparatus. [000138] Wherein the articulation axis of the feeding device may be upstream of the mounting articulation axis with respect to the feeding direction. The articulation axis of the feeding device may be upstream of the actuator. The actuator may be disposed between the articulation axis of the feeding device and the articulation axis of the mounting structure. [000139] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple top-feeding devices, in particular according to the second aspect of the invention. In addition, the food slicing machine may comprise multiple bottom-feeding devices. Each top-feeding device may be arranged vertically above a corresponding bottom-feeding device. [000140] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple top feeding devices, in particular according to the second aspect of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 38 / 153 32 / 65 invention. The food slicing machine may further comprise at least one lower feeding device. The upper feeding devices may be arranged vertically above at least one lower feeding device. [000141] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple bottom feeding devices. Each top feeding device may be arranged vertically above a corresponding bottom feeding device. The number of top feeding devices may be equal to the number of bottom feeding devices. The number of top feeding devices may be double the number of bottom feeding devices. [000142] The upper power supply devices can be operated independently of each other. The lower power supply devices can be operated independently of each other. [000143] The food slicing machine may comprise multiple feed lanes. Each feed lane may be configured to convey a food product towards the knife blade. Each feed lane may have a lower feed device allocated to it. Each feed lane may have an upper feed device allocated to it. Each feed lane may have two upper feed devices, in particular two traction rollers, allocated to it. [000144] The feeding apparatus may comprise two distal contact rollers. The two distal contact rollers may be arranged between the mounting articulation axis and the knife blade. The two distal contact rollers may be arranged downstream of the mounting articulation axis. The two distal contact rollers may be arranged downstream of each other. [000145] The feeding apparatus may comprise two proximal contact rollers. The two proximal contact rollers may be arranged between the mounting articulation axis and the actuator. The two proximal contact rollers may be arranged upstream of the mounting articulation axis. The two Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 39 / 153 33 / 65 distal contact rollers can be arranged upstream of each other. [000146] The build space near the knife blade and / or cutting plane may be limited. Due to the limited space, it may be necessary for the drive roller, distal contact roller, and / or proximal contact roller assembly to be sufficiently small. Using small diameters for the distal contact roller, drive roller, and / or proximal contact roller may allow the distal contact roller, drive roller, and / or proximal contact roller to be moved closer to the knife blade and / or cutting plane. Moving the distal contact roller, drive roller, and / or proximal contact roller closer to the knife blade and / or cutting plane may allow the distal end of the food product to be directed closer to the knife blade. [000147] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for conveying a food product along a feed direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, in particular of a food processing line. The food slicing machine may have the characteristics specified above. The method comprises the steps of moving a set of contact rollers to a first position. The set of contact rollers may comprise a proximal contact roller and a distal contact roller.The food product is conveyed towards the contact roller assembly, such that the distal contact roller comes into contact with the food product, in particular an upper surface of the food product, and is pushed upwards by the food product, so that the contact roller assembly is rotated in a first direction of rotation around a mounting articulation axis to a second position, so that the proximal contact roller comes into contact with the food product, in particular an upper surface of the food product. In the second position, the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller may be in contact with the food product, in particular with an upper surface of the food product. The method. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 40 / 153 34 / 65 also includes the stages of transporting the food product towards the slicing station. Then, the contact roller assembly can be rotated, in particular by an actuator, against the first direction of rotation around the mounting structure. Alternatively or additionally, further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis can be prevented, in particular by an actuator. [000148] The actuator may be an actuator as described in relation to the second aspect of the invention. [000149] The actuator may comprise a pneumatic cylinder. The articulation movement of the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation may be achieved by means of a pneumatic control, in particular, a pneumatic feedback control. The slicing machine may comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to control and adjust the actuator. [000150] The food product can be transported via a traction roller located between the proximal contact roller and the distal contact roller. The traction roller can be a traction roller as described in the first aspect of the invention. [000151] In the step of rotating the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or preventing further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis, the actuator may actively rotate the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or prevent further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation. [000152] In the step of rotating the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation, the actuator can actively rotate the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation. In the step that prevents further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis, the actuator can actively prevent further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 41 / 153 35 / 65 [000153] The food product can be transported, in particular the remaining food product, can be transported towards the slicing station. After the step of rotating the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or preventing further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis, the food product can be transported, in particular the remaining food product, can be transported towards the slicing station. After the step of rotating the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation, the food product can be transported, in particular the remaining food product, can be transported towards the slicing station.After the step that prevents further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis, the food product can be transported, in particular the remaining food product, towards the slicing station. [000154] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a feeding apparatus is provided for feeding a food product along a feeding direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, in particular as specified above. The feeding apparatus comprises a mounting structure, a distal contact roller, a proximal contact roller, and a traction roller. The mounting structure is articulated around a mounting articulation axis. The distal contact roller is mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a distal contact roller axis. The axis of the distal contact roller is distant from the mounting articulation axis. The proximal contact roller is mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a proximal contact roller axis. The axis of the proximal contact roller is distant from the mounting articulation axis.The traction roller can be positioned between the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller. The traction roller can extend through a tangential plane that is tangent to both the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 42 / 153 36 / 65 as to the distal contact roller on the side of the food product. The tangential plane may be tangential to a lower side of the distal contact roller and to a lower side of the proximal contact roller, in particular with respect to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. The tangential plane may be tangential to a circumferential surface of the distal contact roller that is facing the food product. The tangential plane may be tangential to a circumferential surface of the distal contact roller that is facing the food product. [000155] The slicing machine and the feeding apparatus may be part of a food processing line. The feeding apparatus may feed the food products in one feeding direction. The food processing line may comprise multiple processing stations arranged sequentially in the feeding direction. The slicing machine may include the feeding apparatus. The food processing line may include a packaging unit arranged downstream of the slicing machine. [000156] The traction roller may extend at least 1 millimeter, in particular at least 5 millimeters, in particular at least 10 millimeters, through a plane tangential to the proximal contact roller and the distal contact roller on the side of the food product. [000157] The axes of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller, in particular the axis of the distal contact roller and the axis of the proximal contact roller, may be arranged in a foreground. The axis of the traction roller, in particular the axis of the traction roller, may be arranged at a distance orthogonal to the foreground. The orthogonal distance may be the minimum distance between the axis of the traction roller and the foreground. The radius of the traction roller may be greater than said orthogonal distance plus the radius of the distal contact roller. The radius of the traction roller may be greater than said orthogonal distance plus the radius of the proximal contact roller. [000158] The proximal contact roll can be arranged at the front, in particular Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 43 / 153 37 / 65 upstream of the mounting articulation axis relative to the feed direction. The distal contact roller may be arranged behind, in particular downstream of, the mounting articulation axis relative to the feed direction. [000159] The apparatus according to the first, second, or fourth aspect of the invention can be used using the steps of the method according to the third aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention can be carried out with an apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect of the invention. The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention may further comprise parts of the apparatus according to the second and / or fourth aspect of the invention. The apparatus of the second aspect of the invention may further comprise parts of the apparatus according to the first and / or fourth aspect of the invention. The apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention may further comprise parts of the apparatus according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention. [000160] The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth” should be understood merely as designations for a particular element or component and may not necessarily indicate a particular order or arrangement of said components or elements. For example, the existence of a fourth element / component does not necessarily imply the existence of a first, second or third element / component, and vice versa. [000161] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive, non-limiting list of examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. [000162] Example Ex. 1: Feeding apparatus for feeding food products to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, comprising a drive having a drive shaft adapted to rotate around a geometric axis of the drive shaft, a traction roller Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 44 / 153 38 / 65 arranged to rotate around a drive roller axis, wherein the drive roller is configured to come into contact with a food product, in particular an upper surface of said food product, and to support the transport of said food product towards the slicing station, a transmission configured to transmit a rotation from the drive shaft to the drive roller, wherein the geometric axis of the drive shaft is not parallel to the axis of the drive roller. [000163] Example Ex. 2: Feeding apparatus for feeding food products to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, comprising a mounting structure, wherein the mounting structure is articulable around a mounting articulation axis, a distal contact roller mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a distal contact roller axis, wherein the distal contact roller axis is at a distance from the mounting articulation axis, and an actuator configured to adjust the articulation capacity of the mounting structure around the mounting articulation axis. [000164] Example Ex. 3: Feeding apparatus for feeding a food product along a feeding direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, comprising a mounting structure, wherein the mounting structure is articulated around a mounting articulation axis, a distal contact roller mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a distal contact roller axis, wherein the distal contact roller axis is at a distance from the mounting articulation axis, a proximal contact roller mounted on the mounting structure and arranged to rotate around a proximal contact roller axis, wherein the proximal contact roller axis is at a distance from the mounting articulation axis, a traction roller arranged between the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller,where the traction roller extends through a plane tangential to the proximal contact roller and the distal contact roller on the side of the food product. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 45 / 153 39 / 65 [000165] Example Ex. 4: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the traction roller is adapted to contribute to the transport of the food product towards the slicing station. [000166] Example Ex. 5: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples above, wherein the traction roller comprises a rotation axis, a circumferential traction surface and / or a lateral surface. [000167] Example Ex. 6: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the traction roller comprises at least two discrete circumferential traction surfaces. [000168] Example Ex. 7: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples above, wherein the feeding apparatus is free of conveyor belts and / or transmission belts. [000169] Example Ex. 8: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples above, wherein the feeding apparatus is an upper feeding apparatus disposed above the food product. [000170] Example Ex. 9: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the transmission transmits directly or indirectly the rotation or torque from the drive shaft to the traction roller. [000171] Example Ex. 10: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, in which a projection of the drive roller axis onto a horizontal plane is orthogonal to a projection of the drive shaft onto said horizontal plane. [000172] Example Ex. 11: Feeding device according to example Ex. 10, where the projection direction is orthogonal to the horizontal plane. [000173] Example Ex. 12: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the geometric axis of the drive shaft and the axis of the traction roller are of interest. [000174] Example Ex. 12: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the geometric axis of the drive shaft and the axis of the traction roller are orthogonal to each other. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 46 / 153 40 / 65 [000175] Example Ex. 13: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the transmission comprises or consists of a gear transmission, in particular a bevel gear or a worm gear. [000176] Example Ex. 14: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the transmission is arranged directly between the drive shaft and the traction roller. [000177] Example Ex. 15: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the transmission comprises or consists of a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first transmission element is connected to the drive shaft or integrally formed in the drive shaft, wherein the second transmission element is connected to the drive roller or integrally formed in the drive roller. [000178] Example Ex. 16: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 15, wherein the first transmission element is directly or indirectly connected to the drive shaft or integrally formed in the drive shaft, in particular at one end of the drive shaft that is adjacent to the traction roller. [000179] Example Ex. 17: Feeding device according to example Ex. 15 or Ex. 16, wherein the first transmission element rotates integrally with the drive shaft. [000180] Example Ex. 18: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 17, wherein the first transmission element transmits the rotation to the second transmission element by means of friction and / or a form-fitting coupling. [000181] Example Ex. 19: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 18, wherein the first transmission element comprises a first transmission surface, wherein the second transmission element comprises a second transmission surface, Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 47 / 153 41 / 65 where the first transmission surface is configured to mesh with the second transmission surface, so that the rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the traction roller. [000182] Example Ex. 20: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 19, wherein the first transmission surface comprises teeth configured to mesh with the teeth of the second transmission surface. [000183] Example Ex. 21: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 19 or Ex. 20, wherein the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the traction roller by means of friction between the first transmission surface and the second transmission surface. [000184] Example Ex. 22: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 21, wherein the first transmission element is a bevel wheel arranged on the drive shaft and the second transmission element is a bevel wheel or conical ring arranged on the drive roller, in particular on a rotating axis or on a lateral surface of the drive roller. [000185] Example Ex. 23: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 22, wherein the first transmission element is a worm gear, in particular a worm screw, arranged on the drive shaft and the second transmission element is a worm gear, in particular a worm wheel, arranged on the drive roller, in particular on a rotating axis of the drive roller. [000186] Example Ex. 24: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 23, wherein the second transmission surface is part of a conical wheel, a conical ring or a worm wheel. [000187] Example Ex. 25: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 24, wherein the worm wheel comprises worm teeth, wherein the worm teeth are formed directly on the axis of rotation. [000188] Example Ex. 26: Feeding device, according to any Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 48 / 153 42 / 65 one of the examples Ex. 15 to Ex. 25, in which the teeth of the first transmission surface are arranged at an angle to the second axis. [000189] Example Ex. 27: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 5 or Ex. 6, wherein the circumferential traction surface of the traction roller is corrugated, wavy or comprises teeth. [000190] Example Ex. 28: Feeding apparatus, according to either of the examples Ex. 25 or Ex. 27, in which the teeth have a curved shape, in particular a helical shape. [000191] Example Ex. 29: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the traction roller comprises a rotation shaft, a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are connected to the rotation shaft. [000192] Example Ex. 30: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 29, wherein the axis of rotation extends along the axis of the traction roller. [000193] Example Ex. 31: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the drive shaft extends mainly in a foreground plane, in particular vertically, wherein the foreground plane is orthogonal to the axis of the traction roller. [000194] Example Ex. 32: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the drive comprises or consists of a motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a servo motor. [000195] Example Ex. 33: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the traction roller transports the food product along a feeding direction, wherein the drive shaft extends mainly in a plane defined by the feeding direction and a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000196] Example Ex. 34: Feeding device according to example Ex. 33, where the direction orthogonal to the feeding direction is the vertical direction. [000197] Example Ex. 35: Feeding device according to example Ex. 33 or Ex. 34, where the feeding direction is parallel to the first plane. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 49 / 153 43 / 65 [000198] Example Ex. 36: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 33 to Ex. 35, wherein a projection of the feed direction onto a horizontal plane is parallel to a projection of the drive and / or the drive shaft onto the horizontal plane. [000199] Example Ex. 37: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus further comprises a frame, in which the drive roller, the drive shaft and the drive are arranged in the frame. [000200] Example Ex. 38: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 37, in which the frame is arranged in an articulated manner around an articulation axis of the feeding apparatus. [000201] Example Ex. 39: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which, when in use, the traction roller is arranged vertically above the food product. [000202] Example Ex. 40: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus further comprises a covering element that extends partially around the axis of the traction roller. [000203] Example Ex. 41: Feeding device according to example Ex. 40, wherein the cover element is configured to protect the transmission element from contamination and dirt. [000204] Example Ex. 42: Feeding device according to example Ex. 40 or Ex. 41, wherein the covering element is a metal sheet or a plastic sheet. [000205] Example Ex. 43: Feeding device, according to any of the examples Ex. 40 to Ex. 42, wherein the cover element is mounted on a mounting structure that is connected to the frame. [000206] Example Ex. 44: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 40 to Ex. 43, wherein the covering element extends circumferentially around the axis of the traction roller, encompassing in Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 50 / 153 44 / 65 in particular an angle of at least 90 degrees, in particular at least 120 degrees, in particular at least 180 degrees. [000207] Example Ex. 45: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 40 to Ex. 44, in which the covering element is arranged at least partially lower than the axis of rotation of the traction roller. [000208] Example Ex. 46: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface is disposed on or adjacent to the drive shaft or transmission, wherein an assembly of the feeding apparatus comprising at least the traction roller is adapted to be detachable from the rest of the feeding apparatus through the coupling interface. [000209] Example Ex. 47: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, in which the actuator is configured to restrict or provide resistance against the rotational movement of the mounting structure in at least one first direction of rotation. [000210] Example Ex. 48: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the actuator is configured to adjust the resistance against the rotational movement of the mounting structure in a first direction of rotation and / or a second direction of rotation. [000211] Example Ex. 49: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 47 to Ex. 48, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a position where the rotational movement of the mounting structure in the first direction of rotation is restricted. [000212] Example Ex. 50: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the distal contact roller is arranged downstream of the mounting articulation axis in relation to the feeding direction. [000213] Example Ex. 50: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator comprises a cylinder, in Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 51 / 153 45 / 65 particular a pneumatic cylinder. [000214] Example Ex. 51: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 50, wherein the cylinder is configured to prevent movement of the mounting structure in the first direction of rotation or to provide resistance against movement of the mounting structure in the first direction of rotation. [000215] Example Ex. 52: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a connecting element connected to the mounting structure at a radial distance from the mounting articulation axis, wherein the actuator is configured to restrain or provide resistance against the movement of the connecting element in a direction from the first connecting element. [000216] Example Ex. 53: Feeding device, according to example Ex. 52, wherein the connecting element is connected to the mounting structure at a connection point, wherein the connection point is arranged higher than the mounting articulation axis in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000217] Example Ex. 54: Feeding device according to the previous example Ex. 53, wherein the connection point is arranged lower than the mounting articulation axis in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000218] Example Ex. 55: Feeding device, according to any of the examples Ex. 52 to Ex. 54, wherein the actuator is configured to limit the movement of the connecting element and / or provide a stop for the connecting element. [000219] Example Ex. 56: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 52 to Ex. 55, wherein the actuator is configured to provide a stop for the connecting element. [000220] Example Ex. 57: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 52 to Ex. 56, wherein the connecting element is arranged between the actuator and the mounting structure, in particular the articulation axis of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 52 / 153 46 / 65 mounting structure assembly. [000221] Example Ex. 58: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a traction roller arranged to rotate around a traction roller shaft, wherein the traction roller is configured to come into contact with the food product and transport said food product towards the slicing station. [000222] Example Ex. 59: Feeding device according to example Ex. 58, wherein the axis of the traction roller coincides with the axis of the mounting articulation. [000223] Example Ex. 60: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 58 or Ex. 59, wherein one radius of the traction roller is greater than one radius of the distal contact roller. [000224] Example Ex. 61: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the actuator is configured to adjust the penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. [000225] Example Ex. 61: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the actuator is configured to control, in particular using feedback control, a penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. [000226] Example Ex. 61: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the traction roller is driven by a drive, in particular an electric motor. [000227] Example Ex. 62: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the distal contact roller is arranged lower than the mounting articulation axis or the traction roller axis in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000228] Example Ex. 63: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the mounting structure is limited in its movement between a minimum position and a maximum position. [000229] Example Ex. 64: Feeding device according to the example Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 53 / 153 47 / 65 Ex. 63, where the actuator is configured to adjust the minimum and / or maximum position. [000230] Example Ex. 65: Feeding device according to example Ex. 63 or Ex. 64, wherein the actuator is configured to restrict the movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. [000231] Example Ex. 66: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 63 to Ex. 65, wherein the actuator is configured to provide resistance against movement of the mounting structure towards the maximum position. [000232] Example Ex. 67: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 63 to Ex. 65, wherein, when the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the distal contact roller is configured to come into contact with the food product. [000233] Example Ex. 68: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples Ex. 63 to Ex. 67, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a frame, wherein the frame or the connecting element comprises a slotted hole, wherein the other connecting element and the frame comprise a projection extending into the slotted hole, wherein the interaction between the slotted hole and the projection limits the movement of the mounting structure between the minimum and maximum positions. [000234] Example Ex. 69: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 68, wherein, when the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the protrusion is disposed at a distal end of the groove hole that is furthest from the mounting structure. [000235] Example Ex. 70: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 68 or Ex. 70, wherein, when the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the protrusion is disposed at a proximal end of the groove hole that is closest to the mounting structure. [000236] Example Ex. 71: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 68 to Ex. 70, in which the actuator is configured to prevent Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 54 / 153 48 / 65 the movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole. [000237] Example Ex. 72: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 71, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a position where the movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole is prevented. [000238] Example Ex. 73: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 68 to Ex. 72, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a resistance against the movement of the protrusion towards the distal end of the groove hole. [000239] Example Ex. 74: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a proximal contact roller mounted on the mounting frame and arranged to rotate about an axis of the proximal contact roller, wherein the axis of the proximal contact roller is at a distance from the mounting articulation axis. [000240] Example Ex. 75: Feeding device according to example Ex. 74, wherein the proximal contact roller is arranged in front of the mounting articulation axis in relation to the feeding direction. [000241] Example Ex. 76: Feeding apparatus according to example Ex. 74 or Ex. 75, wherein the proximal contact roller is arranged between the actuator and the traction roller. [000242] Example Ex. 77: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mounting structure comprises a first mounting element and a second mounting element, wherein the first mounting element and the second mounting element are arranged on opposite sides of the distal contact roller with respect to the axis of the distal contact roller, wherein the first mounting element is connected to a first end of the distal contact roller, wherein the second mounting element is connected to a second end of the distal contact roller. [000243] Example Ex. 78: Feeding device according to example Ex. 77, wherein the connecting element is a first connecting element and the Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 55 / 153 49 / 65 power supply device comprises a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is connected to the first mounting element and the second connecting element is connected to the second mounting element. [000244] Example Ex. 79: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the mounting articulation axis, the distal contact roller axis, the proximal contact roller axis and the traction roller rotation axis extend parallel to each other. [000245] Example Ex. 80: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the mounting structure is movable to an intermediate position, wherein the intermediate position is between the minimum position and the maximum position, wherein, when the mounting structure is in the intermediate position, the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller are configured to come into contact with the food product. [000246] Example Ex. 81: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 80, wherein when the mounting structure is in the intermediate position, the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller are arranged substantially at the same height with respect to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000247] Example Ex. 82: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 80 or Ex. 81, wherein when the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the distal contact roller and the traction roller are configured to come into contact with the food product. [000248] Example Ex. 83: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 82, wherein when the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the proximal contact roller and the traction roller are configured to come into contact with the food product. [000249] Example Ex. 84: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 83, wherein when the mounting structure is in the minimum position, the distal contact roller is positioned lower than the roller of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 56 / 153 50 / 65 proximal contact in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000250] Example Ex. 85: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 84, wherein when the mounting structure is in the maximum position, the proximal contact roller is arranged lower than the distal contact roller in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. [000251] Example Ex. 86: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 85, wherein the distal contact roller is arranged behind the traction roller in relation to the feed direction and the proximal roller is arranged in front of the traction roller in relation to the feed direction. [000252] Example Ex. 87: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 86, wherein the proximal contact roller is arranged lower than the mounting articulation axis in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction. [000253] Example Ex. 88: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 87, wherein the first mounting element is connected to a first end of the proximal contact roller, wherein the second mounting element is connected to a second end of the proximal contact roller. [000254] Example Ex. 89: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 89, wherein the radius of the proximal contact roller is smaller than the radius of the traction roller. [000255] Example Ex. 90: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 80 to Ex. 89, wherein the geometric arrangement of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller limits the depth of penetration of the traction roller into the food product. [000256] Example Ex. 91: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, in which the traction roller extends at least 1 millimeter, in particular at least 5 millimeters, in particular at least 10 millimeters, through a plane tangential to the proximal contact roller and to the distal contact roller on the side of the food product. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 57 / 153 51 / 65 [000257] Example Ex. 92: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the axes of the distal contact roller and the proximal contact roller are arranged in a foreground plane, wherein the axis of the traction roller is arranged at a distance orthogonal to the foreground plane, wherein the radius of the traction roller is greater than the orthogonal distance and the radius of the distal contact roller or the proximal contact roller. [000258] Example Ex. 93: Feeding device, according to any of the previous examples, the proximal contact roller is arranged in front of the mounting articulation axis in relation to the feeding direction. [000259] Example Ex. 94: Feeding device, according to any of the previous examples, the distal contact roller is arranged behind the mounting articulation axis in relation to the feeding direction. [000260] Example Ex. 95: Food slicing machine for slicing food products comprising a slicing station comprising a knife blade, and a feeding apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, wherein the feeding apparatus is configured to transport the food products towards the knife blade. [000261] Example Ex. 96: Food slicing machine, according to example Ex. 95, wherein the feeding apparatus is articulated around a pivot axis of the feeding apparatus, which is at a distance from the drive roller and / or the mounting pivot axis. [000262] Example Ex. 97: Food slicing machine, according to example Ex. 95 or Ex. 96, wherein the feeding apparatus is an upper feeding apparatus, and the food slicing machine further comprises a lower feeding apparatus and / or a rear feeding apparatus. [000263] Example Ex. 98: Food slicing machine, according to any of the examples Ex. 95 to Ex. 97, wherein the lower feeding apparatus comprises a conveyor belt and / or traction rollers. [000264] Example Ex. 99: Food slicing machine, according to any of the examples Ex. 95 to Ex. 98, in which the traction roller is arranged adjacent Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 58 / 153 52 / 65 to the knife blade, in particular between the knife blade and the drive shaft. [000265] Example Ex. 100: Food slicing machine, according to any of examples Ex. 95 to Ex. 99, wherein the food slicing machine comprises multiple upper feeding devices according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 94 and at least one lower feeding device, wherein the upper feeding devices are arranged vertically above at least one lower feeding device. [000266] Example Ex. 101: Food slicing machine, according to example Ex. 100, comprising multiple bottom feeding devices, wherein each top feeding device is arranged vertically above a corresponding bottom feeding device. [000267] Example Ex. 102: Food slicing machine, according to example Ex. 100 or Ex. 101, wherein the upper feeding devices can be operated independently of each other and / or wherein the lower feeding devices can be operated independently of each other. [000268] Example Ex. 103: Food slicing machine, according to example Ex. 96, wherein the articulated shaft of the feeding device is upstream of the mounting articulation shaft in relation to the feeding direction. [000269] Example Ex. 104: Method for conveying a food product along a feed direction to a slicing station of a food slicing machine, comprising moving a set of contact rollers, comprising a proximal contact roller and a distal contact roller, to a first position, conveying the food product towards the contact roller set, so that the distal contact roller comes into contact with the food product and is pushed upwards by the food product, so that the contact roller set is rotated in a first direction of rotation around a mounting articulation axis to a second position, so that the proximal contact roller comes into contact with the food product, conveying the food product in Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 59 / 153 53 / 65 direction to the slicing station, and rotate the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or prevent further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis. [000270] Example Ex. 105: Method, according to example Ex. 104, in which the food product is transported through a traction roller located between the proximal and distal contact rollers. [000271] Example Ex. 106: Method, according to example Ex. 104 or Ex. 105, wherein in the step of rotating the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or preventing further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation around the mounting articulation axis, an actuator actively rotates the contact roller assembly against the first direction of rotation and / or prevents further movement of the contact roller assembly in the first direction of rotation. [000272] Example Ex. 107: Method, according to any of the examples Ex. 104 to Ex. 106, also including the transport of the food product, in particular the remainder of the food product, towards the slicing station. [000273] Example Ex. 108: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the adjustment of the articulation capacity of the mounting structure comprises the adjustment of a range in which the mounting structure is articulable around the mounting articulation axis. [000274] Example Ex. 109: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust a range in which the mounting structure is articulated around the mounting articulation axis. [000275] Example Ex. 110: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the mounting articulation axis is disposed between the distal contact roller and the roller of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 60 / 153 54 / 65 proximal contact. [000276] Example Ex. 111: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the mounting articulation axis extends through the traction roller and / or coincides with the mounting articulation axis. [000277] Example Ex. 112: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the traction roller is adapted to transport or contribute to the transport of the food product towards the slicing station. [000278] Example Ex. 113: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust the penetration depth of the traction roller into the food product. [000279] Example Ex. 114: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 2, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a traction roller arranged to rotate around a traction roller axis, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises a proximal contact roller mounted on the mounting frame and arranged to rotate around a proximal contact roller axis, wherein the distal contact roller is arranged downstream of the traction roller with respect to a feeding direction and the proximal contact roller is arranged upstream of the traction roller with respect to the feeding direction. [000280] Example Ex. 115: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the traction roller, the drive and the drive shaft are mounted on a base element, in particular the same base element. [000281] Example Ex. 116: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the transmission between the drive and the drive roller is free of conveyor belts and free of transmission belts. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 61 / 153 55 / 65 [000282] Example Ex. 117: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the transmission comprises a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first transmission element is directly connected to the drive shaft or integrally formed in the drive shaft, wherein the second transmission element is directly connected to the drive roller or integrally formed in the drive roller, wherein the first transmission element is adapted to transmit rotation and / or torque to the second transmission element by means of friction and / or form-fitting engagement. [000283] Example Ex. 118: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 46, wherein the traction roller is detachably arranged in the feeding apparatus via the coupling interface. [000284] Example Ex. 119: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 40, wherein the covering element is adapted to protect against the transmission of dust, contamination and / or dirt. [000285] Example Ex. 120: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the geometric axis of the drive shaft and a traction roller axis intersect or intersect adjacently within a 50 mm interval. [000286] Example Ex. 121: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the traction roller, the drive shaft and the drive are arranged in a frame, wherein the frame is articulated around a joint axis of the feeding apparatus. [000287] Example Ex. 122: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 121, wherein the feeding apparatus comprises an upper actuator, Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 62 / 153 56 / 65 where the upper actuator is configured to rotate the frame around the articulation axis of the feeding device. [000288] Example Ex. 123: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the mounting structure is fixed or mounted on the traction roller, in particular on the shaft of the traction roller. [000289] Example Ex. 124: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, or example Ex. 123, wherein the mounting structure is articulated in relation to the traction roller or the mounting structure is adapted to rotate in relation to the traction roller. [000290] Example Ex. 125: Feeding apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, wherein the base element, the traction roller, the drive and the drive shaft are arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus, during the operation of the feeding apparatus. [000291] Example Ex. 126: Feeding apparatus, according to any of examples Ex. 1 to Ex. 103, in particular example Ex. 1, the traction roller, the drive and / or the drive shaft are part of an upper feeding module. [000292] Example Ex. 127: Feeding apparatus, according to example Ex. 126, wherein the upper feeding module is arranged vertically above a food product to be fed with the feeding apparatus, during the operation of the feeding apparatus. [000293] Example Ex. 128: Feeding device, according to example Ex. 126 or Ex. 127, wherein the upper feeding module is adapted to be coupled to the feeding device. [000294] The examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures in which: [000295] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a food processing line. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 63 / 153 57 / 65 [000296] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a slicing machine comprising a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [000297] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of part of the slicing machine from Figure 2. [000298] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [000299] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the feeding apparatus of Figure 4. [000300] Figure 6 is a detailed view of part of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [000301] Figure 7 shows a mounting structure of a feeding device according to an embodiment of the invention in a minimal position. [000302] Figure 8 shows the mounting structure of Figure 7 in its maximum position. [000303] Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of a section of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [000304] Figure 10 shows a schematic top view of a section of a feeding apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention. [000305] Figure 11 shows a schematic top view of a section of a feeding apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention. [000306] Figure 12 shows a side view of the feeding apparatus of Figure 11. [000307] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of part of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [000308] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a food processing line 1 with several processing stations along a feed direction 100. A food block 2, for example, a block of cheese or a block of ham, is fed to a block divider 3 to be divided, for example, into four elongated food products, each Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 64 / 153 58 / 65 one of which has a smaller height, width and / or length than the original food block 2. The food products are then analyzed in a scanner 4, for example, an X-ray scanner. For example, the external dimensions of the food products can be recorded and / or their internal density structure can be determined. In the subsequent food slicing machine 5, the food products are sliced ​​into slices by means of a slicing station 6. [000309] Separating sheets can be inserted between the slices by means of a separating sheet inserter 7, also known as an interleaver. The cut food slices fall onto a portioning unit 8, which determines the arrangement and number of slices in a food portion by the movement of its conveyor unit. A continuous weight checking device 9 controls the weight of the food portions. A desired number of food portions can be aligned in a subsequent buffer 10 for further processing of portion groups or sets of formats in additional processing stations. At a loading station 11, the food portions are placed on packaging trays, in particular by a sorting robot or a conveyor belt. In a subsequent packaging unit 12, the packaging trays are closed, for example, sealed. The closed packages are then labeled and can be assembled into shipping packages. [000310] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a slicing machine 5 of the food processing line 1 shown in Figure 1. The slicing machine 5 comprises a slicing station 6 and an upper feeding device, additionally referred to as the feeding device 13. The slicing machine 5 further comprises a lower feeding device 14, which comprises a lower feeding conveyor belt 15. The feeding device 13 and the lower feeding device 14 transport a food product (not shown) along the feeding direction 100 towards the slicing station 6. The Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 65 / 153 59 / 65 feeding apparatus 13 comprises a frame 16 which is articulated around a pivot axis of the feeding apparatus 200. A traction roller 17 is disposed at the downstream end of the frame 16 and is therefore articulated together with the frame 16 around the pivot axis of the feeding apparatus 200. [000311] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of part of the slicing machine 5 of Figure 2. A drive 18 is mounted on the frame 16. A drive shaft 19 is connected to the drive 18 and extends towards the traction roller 17. The drive shaft 19 is configured to rotate about a geometric axis of the drive shaft 300. A transmission 20 is arranged between the drive shaft 19 and the traction roller 17. The transmission 20 is adapted to transmit the rotation of the drive shaft 19 to the traction roller 17, so that the traction roller 17 rotates about an axis of the traction roller 210. The feeding apparatus 13 or the slicing machine 5 further comprises an upper actuator 21. The upper actuator 21 is configured to rotate the feeding apparatus 13, in particular the frame 16, about the articulation axis of the feeding apparatus. 200, in particular to apply pressure to the food product.The upper actuator 21 is disposed between the articulation axis of the feeding device 200 and the traction roller 17. The lower feeding device 14 further comprises a set of lower feeding traction rollers 22 disposed downstream of the lower feeding conveyor belt 15. The set of lower feeding traction rollers 22 comprises several traction rollers. [000312] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a feeding device 13, according to an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the frame 16 is articulated around the articulation axis of the feeding device. The drive 18 and the traction roller 17 are mounted on the frame 16. The drive 18 drives the drive shaft 19, such that the drive shaft 19 rotates around the geometric axis of the drive shaft 300. The transmission 20 is disposed between the drive shaft 19 and the roller. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 66 / 153 60 / 65 drive 17 and is adapted to transmit the rotation of the drive shaft 19 to the drive roller 17. The drive roller 17 comprises a circumferential drive surface 23, in particular a first circumferential drive surface 24 and a second circumferential drive surface 25. In particular, the drive roller 17 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 27. The first circumferential drive surface 24 is part of the first roller 26. The second circumferential drive surface 25 is part of the second roller 27. [000313] In some embodiments, the feeding apparatus 13 further comprises a mounting structure 28 that is articulated around a mounting articulation axis 220. The mounting articulation axis 220 coincides with the axis of the traction roller 210. The feeding apparatus 13 further comprises a distal contact roller 29 that is adapted to rotate around a distal contact roller axis 230. The feeding apparatus 13 may comprise a proximal contact roller 30 that is adapted to rotate around a proximal contact roller axis 240. The distal contact roller 29 is mounted on the mounting structure 28. The proximal contact roller 30 is mounted on the mounting structure 28. In particular, the mounting structure 28 comprises a first mounting element 31 and a second mounting element 32. The first mounting element 31 and the second mounting element 32 are arranged on opposite sides of the traction roller 17.The first mounting element 31 is connected to a first end of the distal contact roller 29 and to a first end of the proximal contact roller 30. The second mounting element 32 is connected to a second end of the distal contact roller 29 and to a second end of the proximal contact roller 30. [000314] In some embodiments, the feeding apparatus 13 further comprises a connecting element 33. The connecting element 33 is connected to the mounting structure 28 at a connection point 34. The connection point 34 is located at a radial distance from the articulation axis of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 67 / 153 61 / 65 mounting 220. Due to the connection to the mounting frame 28, the connecting element 33 is articulated around the mounting articulation axis 220. The connecting element 33 comprises a protrusion 35. The protrusion 35 is disposed adjacent to one end of the connecting element 33 that is on a side opposite the connection point 34. The protrusion 35 extends into a groove hole 36 of the frame 16. The groove hole has a proximal end 37 and a distal end 38. The proximal end 37 is disposed closer to the mounting articulation axis 220 than the distal end 38. The protrusion 35 is movable within the groove hole 36, between the proximal end 37 and the distal end 38. When the protrusion 35 is disposed at the proximal end 37, the mounting frame 28 is in a minimum position. When the protrusion 35 is positioned at the distal end 38, the mounting structure 28 is in its maximum position.Alternatively, frame 16 may comprise protrusion 35 and connecting element 33 may comprise slot hole 36. [000315] In some embodiments, the feeding apparatus 13 further comprises an actuator 39. The actuator 39 is configured to adjust the articulation capacity of the mounting structure 28 around the mounting articulation axis 220. In particular, the actuator 39 is connected directly or indirectly to the linking element 33 or provides a stop for the linking element 33. The actuator 39 can be adapted to adjust the position of the stop for the linking element 33. [000316] Figure 5 shows a cutaway view of the feeding apparatus 13 shown in Figure 4. In Figure 5, only the first roller 26 of the traction roller 17 is shown. The first roller 26 and the second roller 27 are connected by a rotation axis 40. The rotation axis 40 extends along and around the axis of the traction roller 210. [000317] In some embodiments, the feeding apparatus 13 comprises a covering element 41. The covering element 41 extends a radial distance partially around the axis of the traction roller 210. The element Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 68 / 153 62 / 65 cover 41 is mounted on a cover element mounting frame 42. The cover element mounting frame 42 extends around the rotation axis 40 of the traction roller 17, but is decoupled from the rotation of the traction roller 17. The cover element 41 is connected to the cover element mounting frame 42 with screws 43. [000318] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the part of the feeding apparatus 13 adjacent to the traction roller 17. The mounting structure of the cover element 42 or an element connected to the mounting structure of the cover element 42 extends around the drive shaft 19. The connecting element 33 may be a first connecting element 44 and the feeding apparatus may comprise a second connecting element 45. The first connecting element 44 and the second connecting element 45 are arranged on opposite sides of the traction roller 17. The first connecting element 44 and the second connecting element 45 are connected via a connecting shaft 46. [000319] Figure 7 shows the mounting structure 28 in the minimum position. The protrusion 35 of the connecting element 33 is located at the proximal end 37 of the groove hole 36. The distal contact roller 29 is located below the proximal contact roller 30, in particular in relation to a direction orthogonal to the feed direction 100. A food product conveyed towards the slicing station 6 will come into contact with the distal contact roller 29, thus pushing the distal contact roller 29 upwards. Consequently, the mounting structure 28 is rotated clockwise in Figure 7 towards the maximum position, in particular to a position between the minimum and maximum positions. [000320] Figure 8 shows the mounting structure 28 in its maximum position. During the feeding process, the maximum position may not be reached. In the maximum position, the protrusion 35 is located at the distal end 38 of the groove hole 36. The proximal contact roller 30 is located below the distal contact roller 29, in particular in relation to a direction orthogonal to the direction Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 69 / 153 63 / 65 power supply 100. The actuator 39 can be activated to push the connecting element 33, in particular the connecting shaft 46 between the first connecting element 44 and the second connecting element 45, and thus the mounting structure 28 towards the minimum position, in particular to a position between the minimum and maximum positions. [000321] Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of a section of a feeding apparatus 13 according to an embodiment of the invention to show the transmission 20 between the drive shaft 19 and the traction roller 17. No contact roller is shown in Figure 9. The traction roller 17 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 27. The first roller 26 has a first circumferential traction surface 24 and a first lateral surface 47. The second roller 27 has a second circumferential traction surface 25 and a second lateral surface 48. The first lateral surface 47 and the second lateral surface 48 face each other. The transmission 20 comprises a first transmission element 49 and a second transmission element 50. The first transmission element 49 is connected or fixed to the drive shaft 19.The second transmission element 50 is connected or fixed to the drive roller 17, in particular to the first lateral surface 47 of the first roller 26 or to the rotation axis 40. The first transmission element 49 may be a bevel gear. The second transmission element 50 may be a bevel gear. [000322] The first transmission element 49 comprises a first transmission surface 51. The second transmission element 50 comprises a second transmission surface 52. The first transmission surface 51 is configured to engage with the second transmission surface 52, so that a rotation of the drive shaft 19 can be transmitted to the traction roller 17. Teeth may be formed on the first transmission surface 51 and on the second transmission surface 52 (not shown). [000323] Figure 10 shows a schematic top view of a section of Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 70 / 153 64 / 65 a feeding apparatus 13, according to another embodiment of the invention. In contrast to Figure 9, the first transmission element 49 is a bevel gear integrally formed on the drive shaft 19. The second transmission element 50 is connected or fixed to the first lateral surface 47 of the first roller 26. The second transmission element 50 is a conical ring. [000324] Combinations of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 are also possible. For example, the first transmission element 49 can be fixed or connected to the drive shaft 19 and the second transmission element 50 can be a conical ring fixed to the first lateral surface 47 of the first roller 26. Alternatively, the first transmission element 49 can be integrally formed on the drive shaft 19 and the second transmission element 50 can be a bevel gear fixed to the first lateral surface 47 of the first roller 26 or to the rotation shaft 40. [000325] Figure 11 shows a schematic top view of a section of a feeding apparatus 13, according to an embodiment of the invention, to show the transmission 20 between the drive shaft 19 and the traction roller 17. The transmission 20 is a worm gear. The first transmission element 49 is a worm gear or worm screw 53 and the second transmission element is a worm gear or worm wheel 54. The worm screw 53 is integrally formed in the drive shaft 19. The worm screw 53 may also be a separate element that is fixed to the drive shaft 19. The worm wheel 54 is fixed to the rotation axis 40 of the traction roller 17 or may be integrally formed in the rotation axis. The worm wheel 54 has worm teeth 55 projecting from a circumferential surface of the worm wheel 54. The worm teeth 55 engage with the worm screw 53. [000326] Figure 12 shows a side view of Figure 11. For visibility purposes, the second roller 27 of the traction roller 17 is not shown. Figure 12 also shows teeth or undulations 56 formed on the circumferential traction surface 23 of the traction roller 17. The teeth or undulations 56 cover the entire Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 71 / 153 65 / 65 the circumferential traction surface 23 of the first roller 26 and / or the second roller 27. The teeth or undulations 56 may also only partially cover the circumferential traction surface 23 of the first roller 26 and / or the second roller 27. The teeth or undulations 56 may be formed on the first circumferential traction surface 24 and / or the second circumferential traction surface 25. Alternatively, the first circumferential traction surface 24 and / or the second circumferential traction surface 25 may be corrugated or have a pattern formed on them. [000327] In Figures 9 to 11, corrugations, patterns, teeth or undulations 56 are not shown for simplicity. However, the first circumferential tensile surface 24 and / or the second circumferential tensile surface 25 of these embodiments may also comprise corrugations, patterns, teeth or undulations 56. [000328] Figure 12 also shows the cover element 41 extending partially around the axis of the traction roller 210. For simplicity, the mounting structure of the cover element 42 is not shown in Figure 12. [000329] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of part of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 13, only the traction roller 17, the mounting structure 28, the distal contact roller 29 and the proximal contact roller 30 are shown for simplicity. The circumferential surfaces, in particular on the underside, in particular the side that is facing the food product, of the proximal contact roller 30 and the distal contact roller 29 define a tangential plane 400. The traction roller 17 extends through the tangential plane 400. The extension of the traction roller 17 through the tangential plane 400 defines the penetration depth 57, in particular the depth to which the traction roller 17 reaches the food product. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 72 / 153

Claims

1 / 3 Claims 1. Feeding apparatus for feeding food products to a slicing station of a food slicing machine characterized by comprising: a drive having a drive shaft adapted to rotate around a geometric axis of the drive shaft, a traction roller arranged to rotate around a geometric axis of the traction roller, wherein the traction roller is configured to come into contact with a food product, in particular an upper surface of said food product, and to support the transport of said food product towards the slicing station, a transmission configured to transmit a rotation from the drive shaft to the traction roller, wherein the geometric axis of the drive shaft is non-parallel to the geometric axis of the traction roller, wherein the traction roller, the drive and the drive shaft are mounted on a base element.

2. Feeding apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection of the traction roller shaft onto a horizontal plane is orthogonal to a projection of the geometric axis of the drive shaft onto said horizontal plane.

3. Feeding apparatus, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission comprises or consists of a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first transmission element is connected to the drive shaft or is integrally formed in the drive shaft, wherein the second transmission element is connected to the traction roller or is integrally formed in the traction roller.

4. Feeding apparatus, according to claim 3, characterized by Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, page 73 / 153 2 / 3 the first transmission element comprising a first transmission surface, wherein the second transmission element comprising a second transmission surface, wherein the first transmission surface is configured to couple to the second transmission surface, so that the rotation of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the traction roller.

5. Feeding apparatus, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first transmission element is a conical wheel arranged on the drive shaft and the second transmission element is a conical wheel or conical ring arranged on the drive roller, in particular on a rotating axis or on a lateral surface of the drive roller.

6. Feeding apparatus, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first transmission element is a worm gear disposed on the drive shaft and the second transmission element is a worm gear disposed on the drive roller, in particular on a rotation axis of the drive roller.

7. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction roller comprises a rotating shaft, a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are connected to the rotating shaft.

8. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the drive shaft extending mainly in a foreground plane, in particular vertically, wherein the foreground plane is orthogonal to the axis of the traction roller.

9. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the traction roller transporting the food product along a feeding direction, wherein the drive shaft extends mainly in a plane defined by the feeding direction and a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction.

10. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feeding apparatus additionally comprises a frame, in which the traction roller, the drive shaft and the drive are arranged in the frame.

11. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding apparatus is further characterized by comprising a covering element extending partially around the axis of the traction roller.

12. Feeding apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feeding apparatus comprises a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface is disposed on or adjacent to the drive shaft or transmission, wherein an assembly of the feeding apparatus comprising at least the traction roller is adapted to be detachable from the rest of the feeding apparatus through the coupling interface.

13. Food slicing machine for slicing food products, characterized by comprising: a slicing station comprising a knife blade, and a feeding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the feeding apparatus is configured to convey the food products towards the knife blade.

14. Food slicing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the feeding apparatus is a top feeding apparatus, and wherein the food slicing machine further comprises a bottom feeding apparatus and / or a rear feeding apparatus.

15. Food slicing machine according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the traction roller being disposed adjacent to the knife blade, in particular between the knife blade and the drive shaft. Petition 870250081385, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, p. 75 / 153

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