Abstract: A chicken leg processor includes a transfer device for removing the lower portion of halved birds from a shackle conveyor, and delivering them to a line along which the hip joints are partially cut through. While the legs remain suspended from the line, the back is then inverted, and is moved at a speed different from the legs, to remove the legs from the back. Thereafter, the legs are separated into thighs and drumsticks.

Abstract: An apparatus for deboning a chicken leg includes a conveyor for holding the leg by the hock, a plunge knife device for severing the knee joint and pulling the femur from the thigh meat, a cutting device for severing the tendons at the hock of the leg, and a scraper for pulling the drumstick meat along the tibia and fibia toward the knee. The scraping mechanism includes a laterally movable carriage supporting at least one pair of jaws having notches along their edges to clear the leg bones, a first air cylinder for closing and opening the jaws, and a second air cylinder for moving the carriage away from the hock-restraining conveyor.

Abstract: The tibula, fibia and femur of a whole poultry leg are removed by making a lengthwise cut along the inside of the leg, along the rear of the tibula and femur, then making a lateral cut part way through the knee joint, then supporting the thigh and bending the knee joint to expose the end of the femur, then plunging a cup-type knife over the exposed end of the femur and through the knee joint, to sever the ligaments in the joint and separate the exposed end of the femur from the thigh flesh, then moving the knife laterally of the femur axis to withdraw the femur through the lengthwise cut in the thigh, and then removing the tibula and fibia through the lengthwise cut in the drumstick. An apparatus for automatically performing a portion of the method is also disclosed.