A system and method for transferring poultry legs from a supply conveyor to a discharge conveyor. The poultry transfer unit comprises a transfer body configured for continuously moving. The poultry transfer unit comprises at least one carrier engaging to the transfer body, such that the at least one carrier in a transporting mode moves along with the transfer body and in a buffering mode moves relative to the transfer body. The at least one carrier comprises a gripper for receiving the poultry leg. The at least one carrier further comprises resistance means having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is driven by a motion of the carrier relative to the transfer body, and wherein the stator is stationary with respect to the carrier.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Inspection machines for the physical inspection of food and agricultural products; Optical inspection machines for food and agricultural products; Optical scanners; Downloadable software for controlling, measuring, and monitoring the production, processing, inspection, grading, and distribution of food and agricultural products; Downloadable software to monitor and control factory manufacturing processes
3.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A WING OR WING PART FROM A POULTRY CARCASS
A system and method of removing a wing (20) or wing part (21-23) from a poultry carcass (2) having at least a breast and a wing (20), comprising conveying the carcass (2) on a mandrel (4); contactlessly determining a joint positions in the wing (20); adjusting a knife (11, 12) relative to the poultry carcass (2) based on the determined joint position; and separating the wing (20) or wing part (21-23) from a remainder of the carcass (2) by cutting the wing (20) with the knife (11, 12) through the determined joint position.
A poultry processing system and method for mechanically extracting breast meat from a poultry carcass (2), comprising a conveyor (3) for conveying the poultry carcass (2) on a mandrel (4) in a conveyance direction; a breast meat grasper (10) comprising a first jaw (11) and a second jaw (12) movable relative to each other between an open state for receiving the breast meat between the first and second jaw and a closed state for grasping the breast meat between the first and second jaw, wherein the breast meat grasper (10) is arranged to, while the poultry carcass (2) is being conveyed in the conveyance direction, grasp the breast meat between the first jaw (11) and the second jaw (12) and extract the breast meat from the poultry carcass (2).
A method of loading a poultry carcass (2) having at least a back, a breast and legs into an automatic processing system (1), comprising: receiving the poultry carcass (2) suspended by the legs from a first conveyor (3); while suspended by the legs, receiving the breast of the carcass (2) by a second conveyor (5), the second conveyor (5) being synchronized to the first conveyor (3); while suspended by the legs from the first conveyor (3) and engaged by the second conveyor (5), separating, by the automatic processing system (1), the received poultry carcass (2) into a carcass front half (2B) comprising the breast and a carcass back half (2A) comprising the legs; further conveying the carcass back half (2A) while suspended by the legs from the first conveyor (3); and inserting, by the automatic processing system (1), a mandrel (11) into the carcass front half (2B) engaged by the second conveyor (5), and further conveying the carcass front half (2B) on the inserted mandrel (11).
A system (1) for making a preparatory incision longitudinally of a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone articulated by a joint and surrounded by meat. The system (1) comprises a cutting unit (21) having a knife (51), and a conveyor (5) for conveying the poultry leg along a path of conveyance coincident with the cutting unit (21). The system (1) further comprises a drive mechanism arranged for selectively being in a first mode or a second mode, each mode so configured for making different incisions.
A poultry conveying system includes: an endless conveyor including a connection block; a mandrel for supporting a poultry carcass or a part thereof; an intermediate section having a first end and a second end, the first end connecting to the mandrel and the second end connecting to the connection block, wherein the mandrel is arranged for rotating at the first end of the intermediate section around a first axis and around a second axis at a non-zero angle relative to the first axis; and a first actuator arranged for actuating the rotation of the mandrel around the first axis, and a second actuator arranged for actuating the rotation of the mandrel around the second axis, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are located at the second end of the intermediate section.
B65G 23/40 - Applications of pawl-and-ratchet mechanisms or Geneva wheels
B65G 17/12 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising a series of individual load-carriers fixed, or normally fixed, relative to traction element
8.
METHOD OF MECHANICALLY HARVESTING INNER AND OUTER MEAT FILLETS FROM POULTRY CARCASS BREAST CAPS, AND A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
A method of harvesting meat fillets from a poultry carcass, wherein a poultry breast cap is supported inverse to its natural position on a carrier moving along a path of conveyance, wherein the poultry breast cap is moved past a measuring system that detects the poultry breast cap and generates information for determining an approximated size of the poultry breast cap, wherein breast meat is optionally engaged by a dynamic guide bar system, and is cut adjacent a keel bone of the poultry carcass, an outer fillet is cut along the keel bone of the poultry breast cap, wherein inner and outer fillets are separated, and wherein the poultry carcass remains are discarded.
A system and method for transferring poultry legs from a supply conveyor to a discharge conveyor. The poultry transfer unit comprises a transfer body configured for continuously moving. The poultry transfer unit comprises at least one carrier engaging to the transfer body, such that the at least one carrier in a transporting mode moves along with the transfer body and in a buffering mode moves relative to the transfer body. The at least one carrier comprises a gripper for receiving the poultry leg. The at least one carrier further comprises resistance means having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is driven by a motion of the carrier relative to the transfer body, and wherein the stator is stationary with respect to the carrier.
A system and method for transferring poultry legs from a supply conveyor to a discharge conveyor. The poultry transfer unit comprises a transfer body configured for continuously moving. The poultry transfer unit comprises at least one carrier engaging to the transfer body, such that the at least one carrier in a transporting mode moves along with the transfer body and in a buffering mode moves relative to the transfer body. The at least one carrier comprises a gripper for receiving the poultry leg. The at least one carrier further comprises resistance means having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is driven by a motion of the carrier relative to the transfer body, and wherein the stator is stationary with respect to the carrier.
A poultry conveying system includes : an endless conveyor including a connection block; a mandrel for supporting a poultry carcass or a part thereof; an intermediate section having a first end and a second end, the first end connecting to the mandrel and the second end connecting to the connection block, wherein the mandrel is arranged for rotating at the first end of the intermediate section around a first axis and around a second axis at a non-zero angle relative to the first axis; and a first actuator arranged for actuating the rotation of the mandrel around the first axis, and a second actuator arranged for actuating the rotation of the mandrel around the second axis, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are located at the second end of the intermediate section.
A poultry shackle and a method and system for adjusting a height of a poultry shackle. The shackle includes a carrier having a bore, a shaft extending through the bore, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the carrier along an axial direction of the bore, and a retainer, movable relative to the carrier at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular to. the axial direction. The retainer is movable between a first and second position. In the first position the retainer engages the shaft for maintaining the shaft in a predetermined axial position relative to the carrier. In the second position the retainer releases the shaft for allowing axial movement of the shaft relative to the carrier.
A system and method for deboning a poultry leg part, including at least one bone and meat surrounding the bone. The system includes a conveying unit arranged for transporting the poultry leg part along a conveying path. The system also includes a deboning unit. The deboning unit includes a gripper arranged for gripping the meat surrounding the bone, the gripper being associated with a first carrier; a gripper actuator arranged for opening and closing the gripper, the gripper actuator being associated with a second carrier; and a gripper tensioner arranged for providing a biasing force for closing the gripper, the gripper tensioner being associated with a third carrier. The first, second and third carriers are arranged for displacement relative to a base member, and the base member is arranged for being transported in horizontal direction along the conveying path.
A method of harvesting meat fillets from a poultry carcass, wherein a poultry breast cap is supported inverse to its natural position on a carrier moving along a path of conveyance, wherein the poultry breast cap is moved past a measuring system that detects the poultry breast cap and generates information for determining an approximated size of the poultry breast cap, wherein breast meat is optionally engaged by a dynamic guide bar system, and is cut adjacent a keel bone of the poultry carcass, an outer fillet is cut along the keel bone of the poultry breast cap, wherein inner and outer fillets are separated, and wherein the poultry carcass remains are discarded.
The disclosure relates to a poultry processing system comprising a poultry transporter for transporting a poultry carcass, or a part thereof, through one or more processing units, the poultry transporter including a first conveyor line (2) and a second conveyor line (4) separate from the first conveyor line. The poultry processing system comprises a poultry transfer station for transferring the poultry carcass or a part thereof from the first conveyor line to the second conveyor line. The poultry transfer station includes a plurality of drive coils (33) forming a stator of a linear motor, and at least one poultry carriage (5) comprising a drive magnet arranged for interacting with the drive coils of the transportation track.
A poultry shackle and a method and system for adjusting a height of a poultry shackle. The shackle includes a carrier having a bore, a shaft extending through the bore, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the carrier along an axial direction of the bore, and a retainer, movable relative to the carrier at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular to. the axial direction. The retainer is movable between a first and second position. In the first position the retainer engages the shaft for maintaining the shaft in a predetermined axial position relative to the carrier. In the second position the retainer releases the shaft for allowing axial movement of the shaft relative to the carrier.
A system and method for deboning a poultry leg part, including at least one bone and meat surrounding the bone. The system includes a conveying unit arranged for transporting the poultry leg part along a conveying path. The system also includes a deboning unit. The deboning unit includes a gripper arranged for gripping the meat surrounding the bone, the gripper being associated with a first carrier; a gripper actuator arranged for opening and closing the gripper, the gripper actuator being associated with a second carrier; and a gripper tensioner arranged for providing a biasing force for closing the gripper, the gripper tensioner being associated with a third carrier. The first, second and third carriers are arranged for displacement relative to a base member, and the base member is arranged for being transported in horizontal direction along the conveying path.
A Cutting unit and method for cutting meat parts from suspended previously eviscerated poultry carcasses, when the carcasses are each suspended upside-down by their legs from a shackle in an overhead conveyor that transports a succession of shackles through poultry cut-up apparatus. The cutting unit includes at least one cutting element. The cutting unit includes a guiding and positioning member for guiding and positioning a predetermined portion of a poultry carcass in respect of the at least one cutting element. The guiding and positioning member is associated with an auxiliary conveyor adapted to move synchronously with shackles in an overhead conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor has an endless chain articulated about first and second return sprocket. The articulated chain moves in a vertical plane parallel to a vertical plane common to a path of movement of the conveyor shackles.
Method and apparatus for processing poultry parts moving in succession along a path of conveyance. The method provides for an apparatus (1) including at least a conveyor (5) arranged to convey a succession of poultry parts along the path of conveyance downstream of a loading area. The method further includes the step of loading the poultry parts on the conveyor (5) in the loading area, while operating the conveyor to convey the poultry parts in succession. Further the apparatus provided by the method also includes a transfer means (57) in the path of conveyance downstream of the loading area. The transfer means (57) is operated to divide the succession of poultry parts into at least two parallel streams. When coincident with the at least two parallel streams the method performs at least two processing steps in a side-by-side arrangement at a location downstream along the path of conveyance. The processing steps thereby being effective to process each poultry part either identically or differently, while these are divided into the at least two parallel streams of conveyance.
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B65G 47/28 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a single conveyor
20.
Method and apparatus for continuously harvesting surrounding meat from a successive plurality animal legs
A method of, and an apparatus (1) for, continuously harvesting surrounding meat from a successive plurality animal legs having articulated first and second animal bones and an intermediate joint. The method continuously conveys the animal legs through a path of conveyance, and determines a location of the intermediate joint. Based on the determined location of the intermediate joint, adjusting a position of the intermediate joint and a cutting implement relative to one another, and performing cutting of tissue at a location commensurate with the location of the intermediate joint. The step of determining the location of the intermediate joint is performed contactless, and without interrupting continuous conveyance of the animal legs.
Method and apparatus (1, 11) for longitudinally cutting poultry legs along a contour defined by an inwardly extending bone structure. The method comprises the steps of, and the apparatus (1, 11) having means (25) for, suspending at least one poultry leg at its ankle joint, and conveying the thus suspended poultry leg along a predefined path of conveyance (21). At least one cutting unit (1) with a directionable knife (73) is provided in the predefined path of conveyance (21). The at least one poultry leg is positioning such that it is lined-up for a longitudinal cutting engagement by the directionable knife (73), and the directionable knife (73) is brought into cutting engagement with the thus positioned poultry leg. During cutting engagement, position and cutting direction of the directionable knife are continuously adjusted to follow the contour defined by the bone structure of the poultry leg, while the positioned poultry leg is conveyed past the directionable knife (73).
Method and device for carrying out the method of mechanically harvesting inner and outer meat fillets from a poultry carcass breast cap. A poultry breast cap (23) is conveyed while being supported inversed to its natural position on a carrier (17) through a path of conveyance (25). The outer fillet is cut along a keel bone of the poultry breast cap (23) to enable separation of the inner and outer fillets. After separation and successive harvesting of the outer and inner breast fillets the carcass remains are discarded. The device (1, 13) for carrying out the method comprises means (15, 17, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43) for performing at least the steps of conveying, separating and harvesting inner and outer breast fillets, and discarding carcass remains.
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
07 - Machines and machine tools
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
Goods & Services
food processing; manufacture services for others in the field of food processing equipment poultry processing equipment, namely, head cutters, hock cutters, neck cutters, conveyor tables, eviscerating troughs, feather and offal separators, deboning and cutup machines, and bird washers repair or maintenance of poultry processing equipment Business training; business educational services, namely, providing classes, seminars and workshops in the field of food processing; providing facilities for business training; business educational services, namely, providing instructions and workshops in the field of food processing
24.
CUTTING UNIT FOR CUTTING MEAT PARTS FROM SUSPENDED PREVIOUSLY EVISCERATED POULTRY CARCASSES
A Cutting unit and method for cutting meat parts from suspended previously eviscerated poultry carcasses, when the carcasses are each suspended upside-down by their legs from a shackle in an overhead conveyor that transports a succession of shackles through poultry cut-up apparatus. The cutting unit includes at least one cutting element. The cutting unit includes a guiding and positioning member for guiding and positioning a predetermined portion of a poultry carcass in respect of the at least one cutting element. The guiding and positioning member is associated with an auxiliary conveyor adapted to move synchronously with shackles in an overhead conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor has an endless chain articulated about first and second return sprocket. The articulated chain moves in a vertical plane parallel to a vertical plane common to a path of movement of the conveyor shackles.
A method of, and an apparatus (1) for, continuously harvesting surrounding meat from a successive plurality animal legs having articulated first and second animal bones and an intermediate joint. The method continuously conveys the animal legs through a path of conveyance, and determines a location of the intermediate joint. Based on the determined location of the intermediate joint, adjusting a position of the intermediate joint and a cutting implement relative to one another, and performing cutting of tissue at a location commensurate with the location of the intermediate joint. The step of determining the location of the intermediate joint is performed contactless, and without interrupting continuous conveyance of the animal legs.
Method and apparatus for processing poultry parts moving in succession along a path of conveyance. The method provides for an apparatus (1) including at least a conveyor (5) arranged to convey a succession of poultry parts along the path of conveyance downstream of a loading area. The method further includes the step of loading the poultry parts on the conveyor (5) in the loading area, while operating the conveyor to convey the poultry parts in succession. Further the apparatus provided by the method also includes a transfer means (57) in the path of conveyance downstream of the loading area. The transfer means (57) is operated to divide the succession of poultry parts into at least two parallel streams. When coincident with the at least two parallel streams the method performs at least two processing steps in a side-by-side arrangement at a location downstream along the path of conveyance. The processing steps thereby being effective to process each poultry part either identically or differently, while these are divided into the at least two parallel streams of conveyance.
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
27.
Meat processing equipment having improved yieldable arresting means
Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B65G 9/00 - Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
28.
Method of deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat therefrom and apparatus for performing the method
A method is disclosed of mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and an apparatus and an alternative apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extend of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and each of the apparatuses perform the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle. The apparatuses include a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, and the processing stations are arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
Method and apparatus (1, 11) for longitudinally cutting poultry legs along a contour defined by an inwardly extending bone structure. The method comprises the steps of, and the apparatus (1, 11) having means (25) for, suspending at least one poultry leg at its ankle joint, and conveying the thus suspended poultry leg along a predefined path of conveyance (21). At least one cutting unit (1) with a directionable knife (73) is provided in the predefined path of conveyance (21). The at least one poultry leg is positioning such that it is lined-up for a longitudinal cutting engagement by the directionable knife (73), and the directionable knife (73) is brought into cutting engagement with the thus positioned poultry leg. During cutting engagement, position and cutting direction of the directionable knife are continuously adjusted to follow the contour defined by the bone structure of the poultry leg, while the positioned poultry leg is conveyed past the directionable knife (73).
An automated method for harvesting surrounding meat from elongate first and second animal bones articulated by an intermediate joint that pivotally connects confronting longitudinal ends of the first and second animal bones. The method collects meat surrounding as a sleeve the first bone and meat surrounding as a sleeve the second bone at the intermediate joint to form a collar around the intermediate joint. The method further brings the first and second bones in a folded relationship about the intermediate joint with the collected meat still only attached in vicinity to the intermediate joint, and holding the first and second bones in the folded relationship. The meat collected adjacent to the intermediate joint is mechanically gripped in a location where the collected meat is free from the folded first and second bones, and the meat and the intermediate joint are moved away from one another to tension tissue between the collected meat and the intermediate joint. The method is completed by cutting tensioned tissue to separate the collected meat from the intermediate joint, and by allowing the collected meat to be freed from the first and second bones while in the folded relationship.
Method and device for carrying out the method of mechanically harvesting inner and outer meat fillets from a poultry carcass breast cap. A poultry breast cap (23) is conveyed while being supported inversed to its natural position on a carrier (17) through a path of conveyance (25). The outer fillet is cut along a keel bone of the poultry breast cap (23) to enable separation of the inner and outer fillets. After separation and successive harvesting of the outer and inner breast fillets the carcass remains are discarded. The device (1, 13) for carrying out the method comprises means (15, 17, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43) for performing at least the steps of conveying, separating and harvesting inner and outer breast fillets, and discarding carcass remains.
A meat stripper is disclosed for stripping meat from the bone of an animal part. The meat stripper includes a slide block and a first stripper plate assembly including an arm pivotally mounted to the slide block and having a first stripper plate at an opposite end. A second stripper plate assembly including an arm is pivotally mounted to the slide block and has a second stripper plate at an opposite end with the second stripper plate opposing the first stripper plate. The first and second stripper plates move away from each other to open the meat stripper when the arms are pivoted apart and move toward each other to surround the bone when the arms are pivoted together. A mechanism is disclosed for moving the stripper plates along the length of the bone to strip meat from the bone. A mechanism also is disclosed for articulating at least one of the stripper plates after meat has been stripped from the bone in such a way that meat lodged in or on the stripper is dislodged and falls to a collection location below. In one example, the pivot plate pivots to dislodge the meat and is magnetically biased to a stripping position.
A furcula remover apparatus (45), for a poultry breast fileting system (1), comprising a guide frame (51) for attachment to a main body (13) of a poultry breast fileting system (1) in a conveying path (47) thereof in a plane of conveyance. The apparatus (45) further comprising a carriage (55) slidably mounted to the guide frame (51) for translatory movement in respect of the guide frame (51) between a first position upstream of a direction of conveyance (39), and a second position downstream of the direction of conveyance (39). The apparatus (45) further comprising a furcula grappling unit (59) moveably connected to the carriage (55) for perpendicular movement to the plane of conveyance between a retracted and an extended position, the furcula grappling unit (59) comprising a guide unit (69) on a downstream end thereof. The apparatus (45) further also comprising a knife carrier (71) slidably connected to the guide unit (69), for movement between a retracted and extended position, for grappling a furcula of a poultry carcass when extended. The furcula grappling unit (59), when in use and the guide frame (51) attached to a poultry breast fileting system (1), is arranged for being engaged by one of a mandrel (25) or a conveyor component of a poultry fileting system for movement from the first position to the second position. The carriage (55) is resiliently biased into the first position, for receiving the carcass, and arranged for moving to the second position against the resilient bias when engaged.
A device (1, 9; 109) for making a preparatory incision longitudinally of an animal extremity part (L) having a first bone and a second bone articulated by a joint, and surrounded by meat. The device (1, 9; 109) includes an elongate linear guide member (15; 115), a cutting unit (21; 121) associated with the elongate linear guide member for translating movement lengthwise thereof. The cutting unit (21; 121) includes a cutting knife (51; 151A, 151B) mounted for movement between a first position and a second position in a first plane. A conveyor (5, 7; 201, 207A, B) is arranged for transporting animal extremity parts (L) through a path coincident with the cutting unit (21; 121). The device (1, 9; 109) further includes a primary drive mechanism (19, 39; 119, 139) for moving the cutting unit (21; 121) lengthwise of the elongate linear guide member (15; 115). The device (1, 9; 109) also includes a secondary drive mechanism (23, 27; 123, 127) for moving the cutting knife (51; 151A, 151B) between the first position for receiving an animal extremity part (L) transported by the conveyor (5, 7; 201, 207A, B) in the cutting unit (21; 121), and the second position for performing the preparatory incision longitudinally of the animal extremity part received in the cutting unit. The cutting knife (51; 151A, 151B) having an adjustable cutting direction in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and the device (1, 9; 109) includes a knife adjustment drive mechanism (33, 35, 55; 133, 135, 155A, B) for adjusting the cutting direction of the cutting knife in the second plane.
Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B65G 9/00 - Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
An animal part holder has first and second gripper plates between which an animal part can be slid. A mechanism coupled to the gripper plates for yieldably biasing the gripper plates toward one another so that the gripper plates engage and grip an animal part disposed between the gripper plates. In addition, the mechanism is configured to cause the gripper plates to tighten their grip on the animal part in response to a pulling force tending to pull the animal part out of the grip of the holder. A method of gripping the bone of an animal part includes disposing the bone between gripper plates and applying a biasing force to the gripper plates to cause the gripper plates to bear against the bone with a force. The method may further include applying a force to the gripper plates greater than the biasing force in response to a pulling force applied to the animal part to cause the gripper plates to grip the bone tighter.
A method and an apparatus (1) arranged for transferring and buffering objects between conveyors cooperating with a first conveyor that defines a first path of conveyance (11) and with at least one second conveyor that defines a second path of conveyance (15). The first conveyor transports objects in a first direction (13) and the at least one second conveyor transports objects in a second direction (17). A transfer conveyor (7) with a transfer path interferes with the first path of conveyance (11) to form a receiving interface and with the second path of conveyance (15) to form a release interface at the transfer conveyor (7). The transfer conveyor (7) transfers objects from the receiving interface toward the release interface. Objects are selectively released to the at least one second conveyor at the release interface of the transfer conveyor. Buffering means (97) are provided for accumulating at least one object. Objects moving from the receiving interface to the release interface can be taken out from the transfer conveyor (7) for temporary buffering outside of the transfer path by the buffering means (97) and buffered objects can selectively be removed from the buffering means (97) for dispatch to the release interface. The apparatus (1) includes the transfer conveyor (7) and at least one buffering station (68, 68A-C) that temporarily accumulates a selected object outside of the transfer path.
B65G 47/30 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors
38.
Meat processing equipment having improved yieldable arresting means
Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B65G 9/00 - Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
39.
Method and system for automatically deboning poultry breast caps containing meat and a skeletal structure to obtain breast fillets therefrom
Method of and system for automatically deboning poultry breast caps containing meat and a skeletal structure to obtain breast fillets. The method includes providing a mandrel with a plane of symmetry in a vertical orientation and supporting a breast cap with its skeletal structure including a keel bone on top of the mandrel. The breast cap being held to the mandrel with the keel bone aligned with the plane of symmetry. By moving the mandrel through a conveying path extending through a substantially horizontal plane in a direction of travel it passes a cutting implement of a breast cutter engaging the meat along the keel bone. The cutting implement causes at least one incision along the area where the meat is attached to the keel bone and a breast fillet remover downstream of the breast cutter engages between the skeletal structure and the meat and separates the meat as a pair of single fillets from the skeletal structure. The arrangement is such that the mandrel moves through the conveying path with the plane of symmetry aligned with the direction of travel.
A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a chicken leg (11) at a desired location (22) between the thigh meat (17) of the chicken leg and the drumstick meat (14) of the chicken leg as the chicken leg is conveyed along a processing path (27, 110) suspended from a shackle (24, 103). The method includes suspending the chicken leg (11) from a shackle (24, 103); moving the shackle (24, 103) and the chicken leg (11) in a processing direction along the processing path (27, 110); measuring the drumstick or the thigh of the chicken leg as it moves in the along the processing path (27, 110); moving the chicken leg (11) toward a cutting blade (54); adjusting the position of the cutting blade (54) based upon the measurement of the drumstick or the thigh of the chicken leg (11) so that the blade (54) aligns with the desired location; and moving the shackle (24, 103) and the chicken leg (11) passed the cutting blade (54) to cut the chicken leg (11) at the desired location (22). An apparatus for carrying out the method also is disclosed.
A method is disclosed for cutting tendons within the drumstick (12) of a poultry leg while leaving the fibula (24) of the drumstick intact. The drumstick has first and second opposing sides where no fibula extends and opposing third and fourth sides along one of which the fibula extends. The method includes suspending the drumstick from its ankle joint (14), moving the suspended drumstick in a downstream processing direction, cutting the meat and tendons extending along the first side of the drumstick, cutting the meat and tendons extending along the second side of the drumstick, pushing and stretching the meat and tendons of the drumstick to form a bulge projecting in the direction of the third side of the drumstick, cutting through the meat and tendons within the bulge while insuring that the cut is not made completely to the tibia (21), orienting the suspended drumstick so that its fourth side faces in the direction of a knife blade, pushing and stretching the meat and tendons of the drumstick to form a bulge projecting in the direction of the fourth side of the drumstick, and cutting through the meat and tendons within the bulge while insuring that the cut is not made completely to the tibia. An apparatus for carrying out the method also is disclosed.
Method of and system for automatically deboning poultry breast caps containing meat and a skeletal structure to obtain breast fillets. The method includes providing a mandrel (25) with a plane of symmetry in a vertical orientation and supporting a breast cap having a neck end and a tail end with its skeletal structure including a keel bone on top of the mandrel (25). The breast cap being held to the mandrel (25) with the keel bone aligned with the plane of symmetry. By moving the mandrel (25) through a conveying path extending through a substantially horizontal plane in a direction of travel (27) it passes a cutting implement (145) of a breast cutter (113) engaging the meat along the keel bone. The cutting implement (145) causes at least one incision along the area where the meat is attached to the keel bone and a breast fillet remover (115) downstream of the breast cutter (113) engages between the skeletal structure and the meat and separates the meat as a pair of single fillets from the skeletal structure. The arrangement is such that the mandrel (25) moves through the conveying path with the plane of symmetry aligned with the direction of travel (27).
Method of and system for automatically deboning poultry breast caps containing meat and a skeletal structure to obtain breast fillets. The method includes providing a mandrel (25) with a plane of symmetry in a vertical orientation and supporting a breast cap having a neck end and a tail end with its skeletal structure including a keel bone on top of the mandrel (25). The breast cap being held to the mandrel (25) with the keel bone aligned with the plane of symmetry. By moving the mandrel (25) through a conveying path extending through a substantially horizontal plane in a direction of travel (27) it passes a cutting implement (145) of a breast cutter (113) engaging the meat along the keel bone. The cutting implement (145) causes at least one incision along the area where the meat is attached to the keel bone and a breast fillet remover (115) downstream of the breast cutter (113) engages between the skeletal structure and the meat and separates the meat as a pair of single fillets from the skeletal structure. The arrangement is such that the mandrel (25) moves through the conveying path with the plane of symmetry aligned with the direction of travel (27).
A method is disclosed for cutting tendons within the drumstick of a poultry leg while leaving the fibula of the drumstick intact. The drumstick has first and second opposing sides where no fibula extends and opposing third and fourth sides along one of which the fibula extends. The method includes suspending the drumstick from its ankle joint, moving the suspended drumstick in a downstream processing direction, cutting the meat and tendons extending along the first side of the drumstick, cutting the meat and tendons extending along the second side of the drumstick, pushing and stretching the meat and tendons of the drumstick to form a bulge projecting in the direction of the third side of the drumstick, cutting through the meat and tendons within the bulge while insuring that the cut is not made completely to the tibia, orienting the suspended drumstick so that its fourth side faces in the direction of a knife blade, pushing and stretching the meat and tendons of the drumstick to form a bulge projecting in the direction of the fourth side of the drumstick, and cutting through the meat and tendons within the bulge while insuring that the cut is not made completely to the tibia. An apparatus for carrying out the method also is disclosed.
A method is disclosed for mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat therefrom and an apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extent of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and the apparatus performs the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, and the processing stations are arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines; sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included
in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and
plucking fingers; packaging machines for meat, fish and
poultry. Advertising and publicity; advertising mediation and sales
promotion; dissemination of advertising and promotional
matter, including via the internet, in the field of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry; promotion of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry; business mediation in
the purchase, sale, import and export of slaughtering
machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry
slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and
parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks,
chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat,
fish and poultry; arranging of trade fairs and exhibitions
for commercial and/or advertising purposes; commercial
information; public relations; advertising campaigns
relating to trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses;
merchandising; business management; business administration;
office functions; the aforesaid services whether or not
provided through the internet. Installation, maintenance, repair and adjusting of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry; technical consultancy
relating to the installation, adjusting, maintenance and
repair of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine
lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry.
B65G 17/20 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising load-carriers suspended from overhead traction chains
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
Method of mechanically removing skin from animal parts that have a bone part extending therein, including: providing at least one bone holder (16) depending from an overhead conveyor for movement through a given path; providing an animal part; holding the animal part from the at least one bone holder (16) by engagement of its bone part; moving the animal part through the given path; engaging an outer surface of the animal part, when moving through the given path, with a perimeter surface (44) of a rotating gripper (38); maintaining a downward force on the animal part on the rotating gripper; entrapping a portion of skin of the animal part between the perimeter surface (44) of the rotating gripper (38) and a fixed knife blade (40); and pulling the skin away from underlying meat of the animal part.
Method of mechanically removing skin from animal parts that have a bone part extending therein, including: obtaining at least one bone holder (16) depending from an overhead conveyor for movement through a given path; obtaining an animal part; holding the animal part from the at least one bone holder (16) by engagement of its bone part; moving the animal part through the given path; engaging an outer surface of the animal part, when moving through the given path, with a perimeter surface (44) of a rotating gripper (38); maintaining a downward force on the animal part on the rotating gripper; entrapping a portion of skin of the animal part between the perimeter surface (44) of the rotating gripper (38) and a fixed knife blade (40); and pulling the skin away from underlying meat of the animal part.
A method of automatically removing meat from an animal extremity that includes first and second bones articulated by a joint and surrounded by the meat. The method includes obtaining the animal extremity, holding the first bone at a free end thereof remote from the joint, separating the meat from the first bone while moving the meat lengthwise of the first bone in a direction toward the joint, and moving the meat just short of the joint. The method further includes severing the second bone from the first bone adjacent the joint, collecting the severed second bone with the meat attached thereto, holding the thus collected second bone at a distal end thereof and removing the meat from the second bone longitudinally thereof.
A method and apparatus for removing a knee cap from a poultry part, and particularly, but not necessarily a deboned poultry thigh, includes a plurality of bays attached to an endless conveyor and movable by the conveyor in a processing direction. Each bay includes a plate sized to support a poultry thigh and having an aperture formed therethrough. A plunger assembly includes a plunger tip that can be moved selectively into and out of the aperture by a cam mechanism. Poultry parts are placed by workers on the plates as they move in the processing direction with the knee caps of the parts aligned with and pressed partially into the apertures. The cam mechanism then moves the plunger tip of each bay into its respective aperture to press the knee cap through the aperture, where it is severed by a rotating knife. The plunger tip is then withdrawn for a successive processing cycle.
A method and apparatus for removing a knee cap from a poultry part, and particularly a deboned poultry thigh, includes a plurality of bays attached to an endless conveyor and movable by the conveyor in a processing direction. Each bay includes a plate sized to support a poultry thigh and having an aperture formed therethrough. A plunger assembly includes a plunger tip that can be moved selectively into and out of the aperture by a cam mechanism. Poultry parts are placed by workers on the plates as they move in the processing direction with the knee caps of the parts aligned with and pressed partially into the apertures. The cam mechanism then moves the plunger tip of each bay into its respective aperture to press the knee cap through the aperture, where it is severed by a rotating knife. The plunger tip is then withdrawn for a successive processing cycle.
A method of, as well as an apparatus for, weighing items of poultry, such as poultry or chicken carcasses, in conjunction with meat processing systems (5, 7). The method includes: a first step of providing a weighing bridge (1) having force measuring means (25); a second step of conveying a suspended item of poultry in a predefined path extending over the weighing bridge (1); a third step of transferring substantially the weight of the suspended item of poultry onto the weighing bridge; and a fourth step of reading out values detected by the force measuring means (25) and calculating an actual weight using an average of the detected force values over a predetermined period of time. The method in particular further comprises providing first and second successive load cells (25, 27; 29) in the measuring means and calculating the actual weight as an average of both load cell measurements.
G01G 19/14 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing suspended loads
G01G 19/18 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing suspended loads having electrical weight-sensitive devices
54.
Weighing method and apparatus for meat processing systems
Disclosed are a method of, as well as an apparatus for, weighing items of poultry, such as poultry or chicken carcasses, in conjunction with a meat processing systems (5, 7). The method includes: a first step of providing a weighing bridge (1) having force measuring means (25) with two load cells; a second step of conveying a suspended item of poultry in a predefined path extending over the weighing bridge (1); a third step of transferring substantially the weight of the suspended item of poultry onto the weighing bridge; and a fourth step of reading out values detected by the load cells of the force measuring means (25); and calculating an actual weight using an average of the detected force values over a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes components for carrying out the method.
G01G 19/00 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups
G01G 19/06 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing railway vehicles on overhead rails
G01G 23/10 - Means for damping oscillations, e.g. of weigh-beams by electric or magnetic means
B07C 5/28 - Sorting according to weight using electrical control means
B65G 47/86 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements the article-engaging elements being grippers
G01G 11/04 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01G 15/00 - Arrangements for check-weighing of materials dispensed into removable containers
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
55.
Method of deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and apparatus for performing the method
A method is disclosed of mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and an apparatus and an alternative apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extend of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and each of the apparatuses perform the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle. The apparatuses include a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, and the processing stations are arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets associated with at least one of the first and second elements.
An article support is disclosed for movement by a conveyor along a conveying path that has treatment units and turning stations there along. The article support includes a carriage for engagement by a conveyor, and a holder for supporting an article that is rotatably mounted to the carriage. A turning gear is associated with the holder to enable rotation of a supported article about a vertical axis with respect to the carriage. Rotation is effected in response to the article support being moved past a turning station along a conveying path. Indexing arrangements are further operatively arranged between the turning gear and the carriage for indexing at least a first and a second position of incremental rotation. The indexing arrangements include first and second pairs of confronting magnetic elements. The magnetic elements are each positioned in accordance with the relevant first and second incremental rotational positions. The article support in particular is useful as a rotatable hanger assembly for food processing equipment, such as poultry and fowl processing lines.
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines; sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included
in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and
plucking fingers; packaging machines for meat, fish and
poultry. Advertising and publicity; advertising mediation and sales
promotion; dissemination of advertising and promotional
matter, including via the internet, in the field of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry; promotion of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including
wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging
machines for meat, fish and poultry; business mediation in
the purchase, sale, import and export of slaughtering
machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry
slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and
parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks,
chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat,
fish and poultry; arranging of trade fairs and exhibitions
for commercial and/or advertising purposes; commercial
information; public relations; advertising campaigns
relating to trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses;
merchandising; business management; business administration;
office functions; the aforesaid services whether or not
provided via the internet. Installation, maintenance, repair and adjusting of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included
in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and
plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and
poultry; technical consultancy in relation to the
installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of
slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines,
poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for
industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included
in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and
plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and
poultry.
A poultry wing cutter is configured to receive poultry carcasses breast first, align the carcasses, and stretch the wings of the carcasses away from the body until the shoulder joints dislocate and separate. In the process, a portion of the breast meat is pulled outwardly with the wings and a pair of rotary knives slices off the wings. The blades begin their cuts part way into the breast meat of the bird so that a piece of breast meat remains attached to the severed wings to form a “new style” or “silver dollar” or “fast food style” wing depending upon how the wing cutter is adjusted. Feeding the birds breast first through the wing cutter results in wings with a consistent cut and weight from wing-to-wing, which is desired by consumers. Thus, the resulting wings are more in demand and therefore more valuable.
A method of mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and an apparatus and an alternative apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder (17); cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper (165). The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extend of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and each of the apparatuses perform the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle. The apparatuses include a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, and the processing stations are arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
Meat processing equipment including: a first element (61) having a first face; a second element (63) having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane (65) between the first and second faces. The first and second elements (61, 63) are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting means (67, 71, 73) are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements (61, 63) in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, wherein the yieldable arresting means include cooperating first and second permanent magnets (67, 71, 73), associated with at least one of the first and second elements (61, 63).
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
63.
Method of deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat therefrom and apparatus for performing the method
A method and apparatus are disclosed for mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting the meat therefrom. The method includes the steps of grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder, cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle, cutting tissue near the hip knuckle, and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The method also includes moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extent of the thigh bone, allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle, and collecting the meat separated from the bone. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, with the processing stations being arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
A wing cutter for narrow pitch poultry processing lines includes a subframe supporting functional components of the wing cutter and a main frame to which the subframe is pivotally mounted. The subframe, and thus the functional components of the wing cutter, can be pivoted to a selected angle relative to the processing path depending at least in part on the pitch of the processing line. In one embodiment, the subframe and working components are rotated to an angle between about zero degrees and about fifteen degrees when the pitch of the processing line is about 8 inches.
An article support assembly (1) is adapted for movement by a conveyor along a path of conveyance. The article support assembly (1) includes a trolley (5) for engagement by the conveyor and a shackle (3) configured to support an article, and rotatable with respect to the trolley. A turning block (33) is associated with the shackle (3), and rotation of the turning block with respect to the trolley (5) causes corresponding rotation of the shackle relative to the trolley. Yieldable indexing features (23, 27, 29, 31) are operatively arranged between the trolley (5) and the turning block (33) to define at least a first and a second incremental rotational position or orientation for the shackle (3). The yieldable indexing features (23, 27, 29, 31) of the article support assembly (1) are biased into yieldable engagement by magnetic repelling forces. A conveyor system for conveying articles along processing stations is adapted to include the article support assembly (1) and comprises a turning station (43A, 43B, 43C, 43D) for giving a predetermined rotational orientation to the shackle (3) with respect to the trolley (5).
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines; Sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers; Packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry. Advertising and publicity; Advertising mediation and sales promotion; Dissemination of advertising and promotional matter, including via the Internet, in the field of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Promotion of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Business mediation in the purchase, sale, import and export of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Arranging of trade fairs and exhibitions for commercial and/or advertising purposes; Commercial information; Public relations; Advertising campaigns relating to trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses; Merchandising; Business management; Business administration; Office functions; The aforesaid services whether or not provided via the Internet. Installation, maintenance, repair and adjusting of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines; Sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers; Packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Technical consultancy in relation to the installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines; Sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers; Packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines; Sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines (not included in other classes), including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers; Packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry. Advertising and publicity; Advertising mediation and sales promotion; Dissemination of advertising and promotional matter, including via the Internet, in the field of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Promotion of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Business mediation in the purchase, sale, import and export of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Arranging of trade fairs and exhibitions for commercial and/or advertising purposes; Commercial information; Public relations; Advertising campaigns relating to trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses; Merchandising; Business management; Business administration; Office functions; The aforesaid services whether or not provided via the Internet. Installation, maintenance, repair and adjusting of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry; Technical consultancy relating to the installation, adjusting, maintenance and repair of slaughtering machines and slaughtering machine lines, poultry slaughtering machines, sorting machines for industry, and parts of the aforesaid machines, including wheels, hooks, chains and plucking fingers, packaging machines for meat, fish and poultry.
An article support is disclosed for movement by a conveyor along a conveying path that has treatment units and turning stations there along. The article support includes a carriage for engagement by a conveyor, and a holder for supporting an article that is rotatably mounted to the carriage. A turning gear is associated with the holder to enable rotation of a supported article about a vertical axis with respect to the carriage. Rotation is effected in response to the article support being moved past a turning station along a conveying path. Indexing means are further operatively arranged between the turning gear and the carriage for indexing at least a first and a second position of incremental rotation. The indexing means include first and second pairs of confronting magnetic elements. The magnetic elements are each positioned in accordance with the relevant first and second incremental rotational positions. The article support in particular is useful as a rotatable hanger assembly for food processing equipment, such as poultry and fowl processing lines.
Conveyor for moving and positioning objects along a conveyor path, the conveyor including: a conveyor rail (1) extending through a predefined conveying path; at least one carriage (5) having a rotatable article support; and a turning block (22) associated with the rotatable article support, to allow rotatable movement of the article support relative to the at least one carriage, wherein the conveyor further includes an aligning station ( 9 ) for rotating the article support into a predetermined position, wherein the turning block has first disk (41) with a first perimeter contour and a second disk (43) with a second perimeter contour, and wherein the alignment station has means for engaging the second disk for rotatingly aligning the article support into the predetermined position.
A conveyor is disclosed for moving and positioning objects along a conveyor path. The conveyor includes a conveyor rail extending along the conveyor path and at least one carriage having a rotatable article support mounted for movement along the conveyor rail. A turning block associated with the rotatable article support facilitates rotatable movement of the article support when the turning block is rotated. The conveyor further includes an aligning station for rotating the article support into a predetermined position when the turning block passes through the aligning station as the article support moves through the aligning station. The turning may be formed with a first disk with a first perimeter contour and a second disk with a second perimeter contour. The alignment station has projections in the form of pins for engaging the second disk as needed for rotating the turning block and article support between indexed orientations until the article support is oriented in a predetermined desired orientation. The article support may be a poultry shackle for suspending poultry carcasses and moving them along the conveyor path.
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
71.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING A SLEEVE OF MEAT FROM AN ANIMAL PART HAVING A BONE WITH KNUCKLES ON EACH OF ITS OPPOSITE ENDS
A method of automatically removing a sleeve of meat (D) from an animal part having a bone with a first knuckle (B) on one of two opposite ends of an elongate bone shaft (A) and a second knuckle (C) on another of the two opposite ends. The method includes the steps of engaging the bone of the animal part with a part of a meat stripper (13) between its first knuckle (B) and the sleeve of meat (D) and engaging the bone by a knuckle gripper (71) between the part of the meat stripper (13) and the first knuckle (B). The method continues with moving the meat stripper (13) and the knuckle gripper (71) away from one another, while stripping and gathering the sleeve of meat (D) towards the second knuckle (C). In a subsequent step the method discontinues moving away the meat stripper (13) and knuckle gripper (71) from one another upon the part of the meat stripper (13) engaging the second knuckle (C). A further method step then advances a meat cutter (51) in a direction towards the meat stripper (13) opposite of the knuckle gripper (71) and cuts the sleeve of meat (D) gathered by the meat stripper (13) circumferentially around the second knuckle (C). The method finishes by retracting the meat cutter (51), disengaging the knuckle gripper (71), removing the bone from the gathered sleeve of meat (D) and from the meat stripper (13), and collecting the gathered sleeve of meat (D) for further processing. An apparatus for performing the method according to this method is also provided.
A method and device are disclosed for mechanically collecting meat from animal parts having an elongated bone extending through a sleeve of meat. The device includes a deboning unit adapted to be associated with a supporting tray for supporting one of the animal parts, a stripper diaphragm on one end of the supporting tray, when associated with the deboning unit, and a movable bone pusher rod and a movable tubular knife on an opposite end of the supporting tray, when associated with the deboning unit. The bone pusher rod and the tubular knife are arranged concentrically about one another. A mechanism is provided for advancing and retracting the bone pusher rod and the tubular knife between first positions, allowing loading of the animal part, and second positions, in which the meat is collected against the stripper diaphragm and the bone is pushed partly through the diaphragm. The mechanism for advancing and retracting is adapted to move the bone pusher rod over one distance and the tubular knife over another distance smaller than the one distance, so as not to extend through the diaphragm. A rotating mechanism can rotate the tubular knife upon engagement with the meat and a cutting anvil for severing the meat from a trailing one of opposite ends of the elongated bone. An engaging member for engaging the bone portion partly protruding through the diaphragm pulls the bone completely through the diaphragm.
A method of removing a sleeve of meat (D) from an animal part having a bone with a first knuckle (B) on one of two opposite ends of an elongate bone shaft (A) and a second knuckle (C) on another of the two opposite ends. The method includes the steps of engaging the bone of the animal part with a part of a meat stripper (13) between its first knuckle (B) and the sleeve of meat (D) and engaging the bone by a knuckle gripper (71) between the part of the meat stripper (13) and the first knuckle (B). The method continues with moving the meat stripper (13) and the knuckle gripper (71) away from one another, while stripping and gathering the sleeve of meat (D) towards the second knuckle (C). In a subsequent step the method discontinues moving away the meat stripper (13) and knuckle gripper (71) from one another upon the part of the meat stripper (13) engaging the second knuckle (C).
Meat processing method and apparatus for automatically cutting individual poultry or fowl carcasses into various meat products, including conveying at least one previously eviscerated individual carcass along a path of conveyance and through a freezing unit arranged for allowing at least a portion of the at least one carcass to become frozen and conveying the at least one carcass, upon its exit from the freezing unit, to a cutting station downstream of the freezing unit for performing at least one partial cut through a frozen portion of the at least one carcass.
