Abstract: An interface for receiving ions in a carrier gas from an atmospheric pressure ion source at a spectrometer that is configured to analyse the received ions at a lower pressure includes an interface vacuum chamber having a downstream aperture; a support assembly defining an axial bore arranged to allow a removable capillary tube to extend therethrough; ions being received from the atmospheric pressure ion source through the capillary tube and directed towards the downstream aperture; and a jet disruptor, positioned downstream from the axial bore and configured to disrupt gas flow between the axial bore and the downstream aperture only when the capillary tube is not fully inserted through the axial bore.

Abstract: A carcass cleaning tool for removing dag from a suspended carcass has a body with at least one handle mounted to it for allowing an operator to hold the tool away from them. A driver is mounted in the body and rotates a head having a shaft extending therefrom. A plurality of arms extend from the shaft and have tines at distal ends, the tines adapted to engage the animal carcass to remove dag from the carcass hide. The head is oriented to permit movement of the arms and tines in front of the tool operator. A suspension point for hanging the body from an overhead support permits the operator to move the tool arms and tines toward and away from the carcass to remove the dag without damaging the carcass hide. The tool body never makes contact with the ground as a result of using the suspension point.

Abstract: A meat quality and yield improvement process comprises hanging the hind leg(s) of a carcass and applying an additional pulling force of from 50 to 500 kgf to the leg and back muscles of the carcass. The additional force stretches the muscle filaments of the leg and back muscles and is maintained until rigor is complete. The hind leg(s) of the carcass may be hung at an angle of 90 to 170 degrees to the vertical.

Abstract: A big game field dressing device for expediting the gutting and cleaning of big game. The big game field dressing device includes an elongate base member; support members in communication with the elongate base member; an extension assembly including extension members in communication with the support members; and brace members in communication with the elongate base member.

Abstract: A loop rope assembly includes a main rope segment having a plurality of rope strands and first and second ends, a first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment, a second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment and at least one intermediate loop defined by at least one of the rope strands.

Abstract: A poultry processing device for removing skin from the meat of poultry is provided. The device can include a conveyor line for moving the poultry in their conveying path and one or more de-skinning devices in or adjacent to the conveying path for processing the passing poultry. Each of the de-skinning devices can include a rotatable gripper roll which is circumferentially provided with longitudinally extending teeth having radial ends facing away from a rotational axis of the roll and providing a frictional outer surface to the roll for catching engagement with the skin. Each of the de-skinning devices can further include pinch devices adjacent to the rotatable gripper roll to pinch or trap the skin between the gripper roll and the pinch devices.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for skinning large game animals is used by fastening the animal head to an upright at one end of the apparatus structure, making incisions at and cuts around the neck and attaching to the skin the end of a cable from a manually powered windlass mechanism mounted on an upright at the opposite end of the structure. As the windlass is operated the skin is drawn back over and off the carcass and the carcass is brought to a near horizontal position in open space between the two end upright parts of the structure. Two extensions are then swung into place along the animal's hind legs and attachments are made to the leg tendons. The skinned hide is then removed from the hind legs. The carcass is thus secured in a convenient and sanitary position for removing usable meat.

Abstract: A hide puller for skinning an animal with telescoping upright support member that is retractable for storage. The puller mounts on a truck hitch receiver. A pulley system with movable mounting bracket attached on an upper end of the support member and wings provided on a lower end of the upright support member. Button and loop fasteners are employed for securing the animal's hide to one end of the support member via either the mounting bracket or the wings and means for securing the animal's carcass to the opposite end of the upright support member via either the wings or the mounting bracket. A cable is attached to the pulley system and attached to means for retracting and releasing the cable to raise and lower the mounting bracket relative to the wings to remove hide from the carcass. A hunter's gambrel may substitute for the movable mounting bracket.

Abstract: Method of mechanically removing skin from animal parts that have a bone part extending therein, including: obtaining at least one bone holder (16) depending from an overhead conveyor for movement through a given path; obtaining an animal part; holding the animal part from the at least one bone holder (16) by engagement of its bone part; moving the animal part through the given path; engaging an outer surface of the animal part, when moving through the given path, with a perimeter surface (44) of a rotating gripper (38); maintaining a downward force on the animal part on the rotating gripper; entrapping a portion of skin of the animal part between the perimeter surface (44) of the rotating gripper (38) and a fixed knife blade (40); and pulling the skin away from underlying meat of the animal part.

Abstract: A fish hook with multiple convex facets is provided. Each facet may have a length that is some multiple of the diameter of the hook body. In addition, each convex facet has a radius of curvature that is some multiple of the diameter of the wire. Each facet may alternatively be formed from first and second convex surfaces, having first and second curvatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a portion of a hide from an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a base, and a tether that is adjustable relative to the base. A hide connector is included, and cooperates with a portion of loose hide that extends from the animal, but is connected to a remaining portion of the hide on the animal that is to be removed. An animal connector cooperates with a portion of the animal. One of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the base and the other one of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the tether. A driver is provided to adjust a position of the tether relative to the base and cause separation of the hide connector and the animal connector, thereby removing at least some of the remaining portion of the hide from the animal.

Abstract: A poultry processing device for removing skin from the meat of poultry is provided. The device can include a conveyor line for moving the poultry in their conveying path and one or more de-skinning means in or adjacent to the conveying path for processing the passing poultry. Each of the de-skinning means can include a rotatable gripper roll which is circumferentially provided with longitudinally extending teeth having radial ends facing away from a rotational axis of the roll and providing a frictional outer surface to the roll for catching engagement with the skin, Each the de-skinning means can further include pinch means adjacent to the rotatable gripper roll to pinch or trap the skin between the gripper roll and the pinch means.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically removing pelt from the carcass of an animal. The apparatus includes a pair of moveable load arms (24) pivotally coupled to a main arm (17). The load arms (24) are locatable one either side of a carcass suspended from a suspension element (16). A clamping mechanism (25) is carried by each of the load arms (24) and is engageable with pelt flaps of a worked up carcass. The load arms (24) are moveable, by an arm cylinder (27), relative to main arm (17). The main arm (17) is moveable by cylinder (19) relative to a frame (11). Thus by moving, via operation of the cylinders (19 and 27), the arms (17, 24) the clamping mechanisms (25) can be moved relative to the carcass. A control unit is operable to control cylinders (19 and 27) whereby the path of movement of the clamping mechanisms (25) relative to the carcass can be varied to suit variations in carcass size and shape.

Abstract: An animal skinner with a base attached to a support having an arm and a crank positioned thereon. A skin retainer is positioned on the base. A hang line is engaged to the crank at one end, travels through a hang line guide attached to the arm, and is engaged to an animal fastener at the other end. The animal skinner is attached to a brace. In operation, an animal is attached to the animal fastener. The animal's skin is positioned in the skin retainer. The crank is operated, hoisting the animal and pulling it out of its skin.

Abstract: A game hoist and skinner apparatus for raising game off the ground and transferring it to a vehicle includes a carriage guide assembly, a sliding carriage assembly, a load attachment means, and a raising mechanism. The carriage guide assembly includes a lower member affixed to a 360° rotating mechanism at one end and a hitch receiver adapter affixed to the opposite end. The sliding carriage assembly includes a horizontal member having a first end opposite a second end, and the first end is affixed to a vertical member that slides along a vertical support between the upper end and the bottom end of the carriage guide. A load attachment means is secured to the second end of the sliding carriage assembly.

Abstract: An automated skinning and deboning apparatus for processing poultry thigh portions to remove the skin and bone from the meat portion in a single pass includes a support frame and housing having a feed inlet and a product discharge outlet. The feed inlet includes a guide chute which aligns the thigh portion such that the longitudinally extending bone is disposed parallel to the chosen path of travel. A first pair of conveyors receives the thigh portion and transports it to a skinning station wherein the skin is pulled away from the underlying meat portion via a pinching or trapping action of the skin engaged between a rotating fin and an arcuate surface of a pinch block mounted along the path of travel.

Abstract: There is provided a first cable assembly, a second cable assembly, and a common hook unit connected to the first and second cable assemblies. Each cable assembly includes a cable guide and skin gripper member which includes a plurality of blunt-end gripper bumps. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing skin from an animal carcass is provided which includes the steps of: attaching the carcass to a fixed object, such as a tree; splitting the skin from the inside of all four legs and down the stomach of the carcass; attaching a first cable loop assembly to skin of a first leg of the carcass; attaching a second cable loop assembly to skin of a second leg of the carcass; and pulling both cable loop assemblies using a vehicle, whereby the skin is pulled off of the carcass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and processing a harvested animal is provided. The apparatus comprises a structural frame for suspending the harvested animal and supporting the harvested animal when suspended. The apparatus further includes a hide removal linkage coupled to the hide of the suspended animal at one or more connection points. The apparatus includes a hide remover coupled to the hide removal linkage, wherein the hide remover applies tension through the hide removal linkage on the hide for removing the hide from the suspended animal. The hide remover may or may not itself be coupled to the frame. A plurality of guides coupled to the frame and in communication with the hide removal linkage route the hide removal linkage in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aseptically separating and removing the hide of an animal from its carcass wherein the hide is separated from the carcass prior to marking of the hide using at least one cutting implement inserted between the hide and the carcass for cutting the connecting tissue attaching the hide and carcass. The hide, once separated, is then marked and removed from the carcass.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering meat from the head of a slaughtered animal. A jaw support clamps and supports the head by clamping the jaw. Cheek pullers having clamps engage with and hold the cheeks of the animal head in the vicinity of the mouth. A drive arrangement has a lateral drive for moving the cheek pullers outwardly away from each other and has a posterior drive for moving the cheek pullers in the posterior direction so as to pull tissues from both the jaw and the skull. A jaw separation means comprises a snout ring to be fitted to the snout of the skull and a drive moves the snout ring so as to move the skull relative to the jaw with an at least partially arcuate path of movement so as to continue to open the mouth wider as or after the cheek meat is removed from the animal head.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular platform that has a top surface and a bottom surface. A pair of sectional tubular stanchions has one end connected to the platform. A cross-member is connected between the pair of stanchions other ends. A winch with a cable and an elongated carcass lifting member is mounted onto the cross-member. A pair of adjustable carcass leg retaining members each having one end secured to the winch's elongated carcass lifting member. The adjustable carcass leg retaining member's other ends are detachably securable to the carcass's legs. A pair of adjustable carcass skin retaining members each having one end secured to the platform by hooks. The adjustable carcass skin retaining member's other end is detachably securable to the carcass's skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to both a method and an apparatus for placing slaughtered poultry on a carrier and a method and an apparatus for subsequently removing the skin from the slaughtered poultry on the carrier.

Abstract: A self-contained, independently operating, adjustable, portable animal skinning device for use with hunting game features telescoping metal rods. The animal skinner incorporates parallel upper and lower racks, each having a plurality of hollow, telescoping metal rods that facilitate the length adjustment thereof. Two opposingly disposed end supports sandwich the telescoping metal rods therebetween. A cable extends at least the combined length of the upper rack, the lower racks, and the vertical distance, therebetween. One end of the cable engages a clamp assembly, which removably secures an animal hide to the cable. The cable extends along the upper rack, engaging a roller on one of the horizontally-oriented hollow metal rods, and extends downward and along the lower rack. The other end of the cable operably engages a winch that in turn operably engages a portable AC power source, such as a 12 volt marine battery. A chain detachably engages the upper horizontal rod on the end support with the winch.

Abstract: A portable game animal storage unit, particularly adapted for use in storing, transporting and preserving game animals, is defined by an enclosure sized to house a harvested game animal. For instance, for deer hunting, the enclosure is designed to be approximately eight (8) feet tall, three (3) feet wide and two (2) feet deep. At least one of the panels is provided with a reclosable opening for accessing an internal cavity of the enclosure in order to place the harvested animal within the enclosure and to remove the animal therefrom. Various handles are provided externally of the enclosure for use in carrying the storage unit between desired locations. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the storage unit is defined by a pliable bag which can be refrigerated in order to maintain the meat of the animal within a desired temperature range for aging and preservation purposes. A fine screen mesh is used to form part of the bag when enhanced ventilation is desired.

Abstract: A continuous method for removing the skins or skins from hog carcasses and other animal carcasses is disclosed wherein the skin is pulled upwardly, from the head toward the butt-end of the carcass, as carcass moves through the skinning station while suspended in the head-down position. A jaw hook, synchronized to move with the carcass, engages the carcass to stretch the carcass taut and tilt the carcass away from the skin pulling device. The skin is pulled away from the carcass as the skinning process progresses, which avoids contamination of the carcass as the skin is released. An apparatus suitable for continuously carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool 15 for clamping and hand holding of a head 16 of a fish 17 while its body 19 is skinned. A pair of handles 21, 22 in tool 15 are manually manipulated to provide a pivotal action for prongs 31, 32 mounted on extensions members 25, 26, respectively, to the handles 21, 22, piercing the head 16. The single prong 32 and the prongs 31 grip the head 16 while skinning of the fish's body 17 proceeds after cutting a line 46 behind its head 16. Bosses 37, 38 are provided in the handles 21, 22, respectively, engaging one another in a full closure mode for the tool 15. A pocket 40 is provided in handle 22 for seating of a portion 39 of handle 21 adjacent a pivotal assembly 23 for handles, extensions, and prongs, the bosses 37, 38 in alignment with one another for cooperative engagement to limit pivotal action of the tool 15 to its closed mode.

Abstract: A small game skinning device including an elongated frame tubing that has a first end and a second end. A short frame tubing that is L-shaped. The short frame tubing has an upper end and a back end that is positioned over the first end of the elongated frame tubing. Included is a ratcheting mechanism with a spool. The ratcheting mechanism and spool are both supported above the second end of the elongated frame tubing by a pair of support arms, and an axial rod. The spool has a drum that has a heavy-duty cord wound therearound. Lastly, a pair of claws forming a first claw and a second claw are included. The first claw is positioned through an upper end of the short frame tubing by a threaded rod fixedly attached thereto. The second claw has an eyelet that receives one end of the cord. The cord has another end that is wrapped around the spool. The first claw is hooked onto a part of a small animal, while the second claw grapples with the animal's back skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for deboning carcasses comprises an overhead rail (1) carrying carcass transport hooks (12) and a drop arm (30) which is pivotally mounted to a bracket (31). A support hook (35) is connected by a link chain (36) to the drop arm (30) and a pneumatic ram (33) pushes the arm (30) downwardly. A transport hook engaging finger (40) is operated by a double acting pneumatic ram (45) to move a transport hook (12). The support hook (35) is attached to part of the carcass suspended on the transport hook (12) and the drop arm (30) is forced down by the ram (33) to apply a separating force as a skeletal part is removed from the carcass.

Abstract: A method for reducing contamination of animal carcasses during slaughtering, particularly bovine carcasses. Contamination of carcasses during slaughtering is reduced by applying water and/or an aqueous antimicrobial solution to the carcass concurrently with hide removal. The stickiness of the exposed carcass surface is reduced, so fewer contaminants adhere to the surface, or adhere less tightly, thus minimizing contamination and improving the efficiency of subsequent cleaning procedures.

Abstract: A device for removing skin from a fish, includes a flat table-like support for the fish body, and a spike-like anchoring means adapted to penetrate the head of the fish during the skin-removal operation. A skin clamp mechanism is powered by a motor-driven chain conveyor to move along the fish body for pulling the skin from the fish body. As the skin clamp mechanism reaches the end of its stroke an arm structure is elevated from the fish support to press down on the partially severed fish skin. The skin-clamp mechanism reverses direction so that the fish skin is looped around a roller on the arm structure as the skin-clamp mechanism returns to its starting position. The arm structure prolongs the skin-removal process into a two-direction operation, so that a relatively long length of fish can be accommodated in a given length device.

Abstract: A pelt puller apparatus and method utilizing hydraulic power means for stripping a pelt from an animal carcass suspended by both fore and hind legs in an upside down cradle position. The pelt puller apparatus includes a puller assembly and a kick bar assembly. The puller assembly is generally defined as an L-shaped frame structure and includes a pair of hydraulically operated clamp assemblies for holding the worked up sock portions of the animal pelt. The vertical frame portion of the L-shape framework includes a pair of telescopingly adjustable frame members and a hydraulic power means for providing vertical height adjustment of the clamp assemblies with respect to the animal carcass. The puller assembly framework is connected to an overhead rail system via a wheeled carriage assembly and includes hydraulic power means for providing fore/aft (push/pull) movement to the puller assembly.

Abstract: A mechanical device for removing the skin from whitetail deer or other game animals of simular size. This invention is self-supporting and needs no assistance from tree limbs or other permanent overhead structures as conventional methods. With the skin holders (21) the skin is held stationary while the carcass is lifted and pulled from the skin. The carcass is pulled from the skin by mechanical means as compared to the skin being pulled from the carcass by hand with the present method.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for removing a hide (14) from a back portion of a carcass (12) is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises first and second peeling members (18 and 20) pivotally mounted on a frame (28). The members are positionable to enter a gap (22) between the carcass (12) and the hide (14) due to carcass (12) movement. The back portion of the hide (14) is removed by pivoting the members (18 and 20) to peel the hide (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for deboning a chicken leg includes a conveyor for holding the leg by the hock, a plunge knife device for severing the knee joint and pulling the femur from the thigh meat, a cutting device for severing the tendons at the hock of the leg, and a scraper for pulling the drumstick meat along the tibia and fibia toward the knee. The scraping mechanism includes a laterally movable carriage supporting at least one pair of jaws having notches along their edges to clear the leg bones, a first air cylinder for closing and opening the jaws, and a second air cylinder for moving the carriage away from the hock-restraining conveyor.

Abstract: A leaf lard starting apparatus for gripping a lower edge of leaf lard of a hog carcass or the like to initiate separation of the lower edge from the carcass preparatory to removal of the leaf lard from the carcass by other means. The leaf lard starting apparatus includes a leaf lard starter having a pair of clamps activated by a linear motor, and a handle for effecting the positioning of the starter. A control system includes a control valve actuated by means of a push button carried by the handle for controlling the operation of the leaf lard starting apparatus. The leaf lard starter is suspended from a trolley system by means of a second linear fluid motor, and when the push button has been depressed to activate the leaf lard starting apparatus and clamp the leaf lard, the control system automatically causes the second motor to elevate the starter to effectively begin the stripping of the leaf lard from the carcass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filleting meat from bone containing meat material wherein at least one of the knuckles of the piece of bone which passes through the meat material is removed before the meat is stripped from the bone. Alternatively, the meat piece is cut approximately in half, resulting in two meat pieces, each including a straight or central bone section surrounded by meat with only one knuckle. Thereafter, the knuckle of the meat piece is placed into a slot of a holer and clamped by means of a piston. The apparatus includes a knife assembly on a frame movably mounted relative to the clamp, with the frame carrying first and second pairs of coating knife members configured and positioned for defining a meat stripping opening. The meat piece is clamped with the straight or central section of bone aligned for placement within the meat stripping opening with the knife members of the knife assembly initially in proximity to the knuckle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing the hide from animal carcasses. The structure includes a slotted pulling pin that is attached to a loosened skin flap of the animal's hide. The pulling pin is mounted to a platform assembly. The platform assembly may be tilted thereby setting the height of the pulling pin with respect to the floor of a processing plant. The tilting or rocking of the platform is accomplished with height adjustment mechanism that are extendable and retractable. To facilitate attachment of the hide to the pulling pin, said hide is first manually detached from the upper hind end of the animal carcass which is hanging head end down. After attachment of the hide to the pulling pin, the pin is rotated by a hydraulic motor thereby pulling the hide from the animal carcass. The motor is positioned on the platform so that it is angled away from the pulling pin and is a distance from the animal carcass at all times during the pulling process.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for removing a hide (14) from a back portion of a carcass (12) is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises first and second peeling members (18 and 20) pivotally mounted on a frame (28). The members are positionable to enter a gap (22) between the carcass (12) and the hide (14) due to carcass (12) movement. The back portion of the hide (14) is removed by pivoting the members (18 and 20) to peel the hide (14).