Abstract: An apparatus for automatically disjointing the thighbones of poultry carcasses at the proximal end of the bones. Poultry carcasses are suspended from a conveyor chain which carries the carcasses to similar first and second thigh-disjointing stations of the apparatus. Each station includes front and rear vertical shafts are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the conveyor chain. A sprocket rotatably driven by the chain is mounted on the front shaft, and front and rear turntables are mounted on the front and rear shafts, respectively. A plurality of disjointing rods are mounted on the front turntable and a plurality of guide members are mounted on the rear turntable. The sprocket rotates the front shaft which in turn rotates the front turntable for synchronizing the rotational movement of the rods with the linear movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: A combination bumper and step device adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck. A pair of horizontally spaced channels are pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle frame and extend vertically downwardly therefrom. A pair of vertically spaced horizontally extending steps are rigidly mounted on the spaced channels. A shock absorber is attached to and extends between each of the spaced channels and the truck frame. The steps provide a safe and rigid means for an individual to enter and leave the rear of the truck and the shock absorbers and pivotal mounting of the channels enable the device to move inwardly beneath the truck and absorb a certain amount of impact energy without damaging the device. One of the steps engages the vehicle frame when the device is in a retracted position to provide a positive mechanical stop for the device to prevent damage to the shock absorbers and to prevent any vehicle or other object from running underneath the vehicle body.