Abstract: There is provided a conveyance system that conveys a workpiece to each of plural processing apparatuses. The conveyance system includes a conveyance passage, an automated workpiece conveying vehicle that travels on the conveyance passage, a stock unit, and a control unit. The conveyance passage is set in a space directly above the processing apparatus across the plural processing apparatuses. The stock unit includes a workpiece conveying part that conveys the workpiece between a workpiece stocker that houses the workpiece supplied to the processing apparatus and the automated workpiece conveying vehicle.

Abstract: A creeper is provided wherein the creeper has a main frame comprising a front and a rear; wheels attached to the main frame; a handle attached to the mainframe rearward of said wheels; a platform slidably attached to the main frame and rail engagement brackets attached to the mainframe forward of the wheels. Pressure is applied to the handle thereby lifting the front of the main frame thereby supporting the creeper on the wheels. The creeper is moved to a position under the railcar. Pressure is removed from the handle thereby allowing the front of the creeper to lower wherein the rail engagement brackets engage with rails of a track. The personnel lays on the platform and slides the platform under the railcar.

Abstract: An off-conveyor line meat cutting and handling apparatus is used in association with a conveyor track on which carcasses for cutting are transported; each carcass is suspended from a hook which has a yoke-member and rollers to permit travelling along the conveyor track which may be an overhead monorail track. The apparatus functions as a wayside station and has an immovable stand as well as a receiving device which has means to grip the yoke member so as not to allow movement thereof in any horizontal direction nor in a vertically downward direction. The receiving device can be swung away from the track and has a locking device holding the yoke in a locking position until released manually. For convenience, the carcass can be rotated slowly along with the hook during meat-cutting, so as to obviate the operator going around the carcass.

Abstract: A two rail overhead conveyor device for meat processing is disclosed comprising an eviscerating platform conveyor, an entrance or feed rail, a lower rail for smaller carcasses and an upper rail for larger carcasses running parallel to each other above the eviscerating platform, a sensor to detect carcass size, a first rail switch connected to the sensor to direct the carcasses to either the upper or lower rail, an incline conveyor to raise the larger carcasses to the upper rail level, an indexing switch to regulate the flow of carcasses to the eviscerating area, a conveyor chain to propel the carcasses along the rails, and a second rail switch and detector to coordinate the transfer of eviscerated carcasses from the upper and lower rails to the exit rail.

Abstract: A two rail overhead conveyor device for meat processing is disclosed comprising an eviscerating platform conveyor, an entrance or feed rail, a lower rail for smaller carcasses and an upper rail for larger carcasses running parallel to each other above the eviscerating platform, a sensor to detect carcass size, a first rail switch connected to the sensor to direct the carcasses to either the upper or lower rail, an incline conveyor to raise the larger carcasses to the upper rail level, an indexing switch to regulate the flow of carcasses to the eviscerating area, a conveyor chain to propel the carcasses along the rails, and a second rail switch and detector to coordinate the transfer of eviscerated carcasses from the upper and lower rails to the exit rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheeled carrier for sides of meat and more particularly to a dolly having a vertically adjustable hook supporting mast to lift and carry larger pieces of meat from a hanging position to a cutting area.

Abstract: An improved carcass transfer method and device are provided by which a single operator can readily raise, lower, and transport a whole beef carcass or other carcass to facilitate movement of the carcass both off of and onto overhead rail systems conventionally used for carcass transport and storage in meat packing plants. A portable cantilevered device having a lifting mechanism engages a roller-type trolley from which a carcass is suspended. The lifting mechanism preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder, which cylinder is in controlled communication with an oil reservoir. Pressurized air actuates various valves to effect a desired raising or lowering of the mast.

Abstract: A hoist mechanism is activated to elevate a trolley hanger from a lowered position to a predetermined position adjacent and above a conveyor rail after which the hanger is stabilized and the rail-engaging wheel of the trolley hanger is positioned in vertical alignment with the rail. The rail engaging wheel is then landed on the rail, the stabilizing force is removed and the hoist mechanism descends to a lowered position.