Pattern former/loader system for bakery products

A pattern former/loader system for bakery products includes a pair of carriages (94) positionable along first guideways (92) and a second carriage (112) positionable along a second guideway (110) supported by the carriages (94). The second carriage (112) supports an actuator (130) which in turn supports a transfer head (132). The carriages (94, 112) position the transfer head (132) longitudinally and transversely, the actuator (130) functions both to rotate the transfer head and to move the transfer head vertically. The transfer head (132) comprises a plurality of vacuum ports (142) each comprising an elastomeric vacuum cup and a relatively rigid vacuum cup insert which serves both to retain the shape of the vacuum cup and to limit the flow of air therethrough. The product engaging end (178) of the vacuum cup (170) includes an angularly upwardly and inwardly extending annular surface (180) extending to an outwardly turned annular lip whereby the vacuum port functions to lift bakery products without damage to the plastic film wrapping thereof.