Abstract: A downwardly biased, upwardly movable wheel is positioned in the path of bodies of meat advancing on a conveyor having lateral hooks for impaling and retaining the meat. The rotational axis of the wheel lies at an acute angle to the conveyor direction, guiding the meat-engaging portion of the wheel in a path which lies convergent to the conveyor direction and has a lateral component opposed to the hooks. A pork side engaged by the rotating wheel is shifted laterally during conveyor movement to drive the pork side into impaled engagement on a hook for subsequent cutting of the loin from the belly.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a first load supporting track and a second load supporting track with an intermediate transfer portion. A powered conveyor is provided in association with each of the first and second tracks. A plurality of carriers are provided. Each of the carriers has a first dog that is in position for normal engagement with the pusher member of the conveyor and longitudinally spaced second and third dogs that are normally urged to an operative carrier pushing position but are held by the track out of operative position. The second and third dogs include cam projections thereon that engage portions of the track which hold the second and third dogs out of operative position. The cam projection on the second dog extends oppositely to the cam projection on the third dog. At a transfer point, an appropriate portion of the track is cut away to permit either the second or third dogs to move to operative carrier transferring position.