an improved stopping mechanism is provided for a conveyor that accepts one or more streams of product input and converts the one or more streams to a format that is suitable for automatic loading to a subsequent machine , wherein a stack of slices must be temporarily stopped on the conveyor while moving . the stopping mechanism includes a lower stop having a lower stack - engaging portion and a lift portion , the lift portion selectively actuatable to elevate the lower stack - engaging portion to engage a bottom surface of the stack and to lift the stack above the conveying surface . the stopping mechanism further includes an upper stop having an upper stack - engaging portion and a lowering portion , the lowering portion selectively actuatable to lower the upper stack - engaging portion to engage an upper surface of the stack .