Abstract: An improved loin puller (10) for trimming the back fat (34) from a loin (32) and from a rib portion (37) which are attached to a carcass half (3o) by using an automated system having a variable width and depth of cut. A frame (12) is provided to support the individual components of the improved loin puller (10) a selected distance above a support surface (38). A conveyor belt (50) is provided for conveying the carcass half (30) toward a cutting blade (76). Loin and rib engagement chains (56, 57) are provided for pulling the loin (32), ribs (37), and associated back fat (34) toward and across the cutting blades (76,158) which are provided for separating the loin (32) and ribs (37) from the back fat (34). selectively controlling the depth of cut. A cutting width adjustor (22) is provided for selectively varying the width of the cut without substantially varying the depth of the cut.

Abstract: A two-hand controller for preventing trigger tie-down (10) for preventing the tie-down of an activation control switch (36,38) on equipment provided with two activation control switches (36,38). The two-hand controller for preventing trigger tie-down (10) includes a power supply (20) for supplying low voltage power to the two-hand controller (10). A comparator (18) is provided for comparing a signal (166) associated with the operation of the activation controls. An optocoupler (164) is included for receiving an optical signal (168) and activating a pilot relay (118). A constant current circuit (24) is provided for regulating the magnitude of current. A logic circuit (16) is provided for processing the signals (74,76) delivered by the activation controls (36,38) for determining when the activation controls (36,38) have been activated within a selected period of time. An inverter (46) is provided to process the output of the logic circuit (16).

Abstract: An improved loin puller (10) for trimming the back fat (34) from a loin (32) which is attached to a carcass half (30) by using an automated system having a variable width and depth of cut. A frame (12) is provided to support the individual components of the improved loin puller (10) a selected distance above a support surface (38). A conveyor belt (50) is provided for conveying the carcass half (30) toward a cutting blade (76). Loin engagement chains (56) are provided for pulling the loin (32) and associated back fat (34) toward and across the cutting blade (76). The cutting blade (76) is provided for separating the loin (32) from the back fat (34). A cutting depth adjuster (20) is provided for selectively controlling the depth of cut. A cutting width adjustor (22) is provided for selectively varying the width of the cut without substantially varying the depth of the cut.

Abstract: An inertial-type conveyor system for the moving of articles from one position to another, the system having minimal detrimental vibrations. During a forward stroke of a tray of the system, the tray moves at a first acceleration whereby the frictional contact between the articles and the tray moves the articles in the same direction as the tray. Then during a return stroke, of an equal distance, the tray moves at a second acceleration generally greater than the first acceleration such that the articles continue to move by inertia on the tray while the tray is moving backward. In the preferred embodiment, the system is provided with a counterweight system having a counterweight element that moves in an opposite direction to the direction of motion of the tray to offset the reaction force produced by the moving tray.

Abstract: An inertial-type conveyor system for the moving of articles from one position to another, the system having minimal detrimental vibrations. During a forward stroke of a tray of the system, the tray moves at an acceleration less than that required to overcome the frictional contact between the articles and the tray. Then during a return stroke, of an equal distance, the tray moves at an acceleration sufficiently greater such that the articles continue to move by inertia while the tray is moving backward. In the preferred embodiment, the system is provided with a counterweight mechanism having a counterweight that moves in an opposite direction to the direction of motion of the tray to offset the reaction force produced by the moving tray. Elimination of undesirable vibrations is achieved through the use of the counterweight and by having the tray and counterweight to be substantially the same mass and have substantially the same center of gravity.

Abstract: An electronic braking circuit, for use with normal motor energizing circuits, to achieve rapid and controlled stopping of rotating AC motors after removing the driving power. The braking circuit comprises a transformer having a relatively high voltage-low current AC output, e.g. 120v fused at 15A, which is rectified by a full wave bridge rectifier. A phase-controlled triac is provided for selectively applying the unipolar output of the rectifier to the windings of the motor, causing a unidirectional current flow through the windings which charges the inductance of the windings and generates a braking torque. One or more diodes are provided for discharging the inductance of the motor windings during the non-conducting periods of the triac, thereby continuing the unidirectional current flow through the windings. Phase control circuitry is provided for determining the conducting and non-conducting periods of the triac.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for a cloth cutting machine having a motor driven cutting blade and a presser foot rod. The safety device (10) includes a housing (30) which in one embodiment serves as a magnetic concentrator. This housing (30) carries an electromagnet (40) which selectively activates a stopping mechanism (60) which secures the presser foot rod (16) at a selected location while the machine (12) is in operation. Upon termination of the cutting operation, the safety device (10) releases the presser foot rod (16) and allows the rod to slide under the force of gravity to its extended position such that the cutting blade (22) is shielded. In the preferred embodiment, a control circuit is provided for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electromagnet (40) which operates the stopping mechanism (60). This control mechanism releases the presser foot rod (16) upon termination of the machine operation.