Abstract: The invention is a rotary transfer apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from the shackles on one conveyor line to the shackles on another conveyor line. In particular, the apparatus of the invention can be used for transferring carcasses between a kill line and an evisceration line, a rotary member of the apparatus being positioned between those lines. The transfer apparatus may include a knife mechanism for removing the lower part of the legs of each carcass. The knife mechanism is fixed to the frame of the apparatus at one position on the periphery of the rotary member and acts on the carcasses as they pass that position. The apparatus of the invention is intended in part to replace what is at present in many poultry plants a manual operation.

Abstract: The invention is a rotary transfer apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from the shackles on one conveyor line to the shackles on another conveyor line. In particular, the apparatus of the invention can be used for transferring carcasses between a kill line and an evisceration line, a rotary member of the apparatus being positioned between those lines. The transfer apparatus may include a knife mechanism for removing the lower part of the legs of each carcass. The knife mechanism is fixed to the frame of the apparatus at one position on the periphery of the rotary member and acts on the carcasses as they pass that position. The apparatus of the invention is intended in part to replace what is at present in many poultry plants a manual operation.