Abstract: The invention relates to a device for severing a spare rib (RR) from a backbone (R), whereby the split backbone is conveyed inside a guideway (2), which is comprised of two guide plates (21, 22) and which delimits a wedge-shaped channel (23) through which the spare rib (R) projects each time and a cutting edge (10) of a cutting device (1) traverses past on the side of the rib. The cutting device (1) is a rotary blade with a cutting rim (10), which is tapered to form a sharp edge, and its cutting blade (11) is arranged nearly parallel to the guide plates (21, 22) whose distance from one another can be adjusted.

Abstract: A band saw for cutting animal carcasses and the like includes a housing and a lid rotatably connected therewith for movement between open and closed positions. Within the housing are provided a pair of pulleys for supporting a cutting band. Guides are provided adjacent the pulleys to twist the band 90.degree. to define a cutting segment thereof. Each guide includes a first guide member connected with the housing and a second guide member connected with the lid and defining a gap for receiving the band when the lid is closed. When the lid is opened, the second guide member is remotely positioned form the first guide member, thereby providing easy access to the band for replacement thereof.