Abstract: A method for parsing point-cloud data is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a point-cloud file from a database; (b) determining whether the point-cloud file is in a first format or a second format; (c) opening the point-cloud file in a binary data mode and transforming the binary data to predetermined readable data to be stored as a temporary file, and setting the temporary file as a target point-cloud file if the point-cloud file is in the second format, otherwise, if the point-cloud file is in the first format, setting the first format point-cloud file as the target point-cloud file; and (d) parsing point-cloud data in the target point-cloud file into a predetermined data structure. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: Portioning system (10) includes a conveyor (12) for conveying work products (14) past a scanner (16). A data processor (22) receives the scanning data and generates a thickness and/or volume distribution of the work product. The processor is programmed to determine in advance how the work product may be portioned into a plurality of desired end products, and more specifically how one or more of the end products may be cut and then subsequently sliced without having to re-scan the cut portion. The processor controls a cutting device (18) for portioning the work product under the cutting strategy determined by the processor, and also controls a slicing device (20) for subsequently slicing one or more of the cut portions to achieve a desired thickness per the determined cutting strategy.

Abstract: A system, suitable for high-speed operation, by which raw product (45), such as a slab of meat, can be accurately processed, such as by slicing into segments of desired weight, comprises a product profiling apparatus (15). The product profiling apparatus (15) measures the profile of the physical process. The product profiling apparatus (15) includes line lasers (75, 85) for directing a line of light across the upper and lower surfaces of the product (45) and visual image cameras (80, 90) directed toward the profile surface to capture, at fixed increments, the product profile. The product may also be weighed and the product density determined from the overall profile measurements. A controller (150) receives this data, and instructs the physical process accordingly.

Abstract: A de-boning method and apparatus for automating incision making to the meat of bone laden meat and scraping operation of meat from the bone laden meat by a meat separator, are proposed. The apparatus has a clamping device 1 for clamping an end part ‘d’ of unconcealed part of the bone of bone laden meat, a meat separator 31 having meat scraping plates 317a, 317b for pinching a bone of the bone laden meat, a cutter 33 located between the clamping device 1 and the meat separator 31, a clamping device lifting means 30, and rotation drive means 303 and 313 for rotating for rotating the clamping device 1 and the meat separator 31 in synchronism with each other, whereby spiral incision is made to a part of the meat of the bone laden meat by rotating the clamping device 1, and remaining part of the meat is scraped off as the clamping device is lifted while rotating in synchronism with the meat scraper.

Abstract: In a method for the non-invasive determination of the grade, trade value, market value and the quality of a slaughtered animal carcass; based on optical image processing; the method fulfills the conditions of the pertinent official regulations and acts and is rapid and cost-effective to implement; results data of weight percentages from single joint yields that have been obtained during the cutting tests of a sufficient number of slaughtered carcasses are correlated with the characteristic measured values and parameters determined from the ham and loin regions of both sides of a slaughtered animal carcass, taking into consideration the total weight, in order to obtain relationship data; during the slaughter operation, a simulation calculation is then carried out using the existing relationship data to estimate the single joint yields, taking into consideration the total weight of the two sides of a slaughtered animal carcass and the characteristic measured values and parameters that have been determined speci

Abstract: A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the chuck roll anterior to and generally parallel to the first rib to separate a neck portion thereof from a remainder thereof, sectioning the remainder into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising rhomboideus, spinalis dorsi, and serratus ventralis muscles, and the second portion comprising multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles; sectioning the first portion to substantially remove the rhombolideus and the spinalis dorsi therefrom, leaving a denuded serratus ventralis; sectioning the serratus ventralis into a first set of separate portions. The method may further include: sectioning the second portion into a second set of separate portions, each separate portion in the second set including the multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles.

Abstract: A system, suitable for high-speed operation, by which raw product (45), such as a slab of meat, can be accurately processed, such as by slicing into segments of desired weight, comprises a product profiling apparatus (15). The product profiling apparatus (15) measures the profile of the physical process. The product profiling apparatus (15) includes line lasers (75, 85) for directing a line of light across the upper and lower surfaces of the product (45) and visual image cameras (80, 90) directed toward the profile surface to capture, at fixed increments, the product profile. The product may also be weighed and the product density determined from the overall profile measurements. A controller (150) receives this data, and instructs the physical process accordingly.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining quality characteristics of a carcass on a slaughterline. The method comprises conveying the carcass in a direction of transport, preliminary examination to determine the location of one or more anatomical reference arts of the carcass in the direction of transport, calculating the location in the direction of transport of at least one cross-section in the carcass using the location of the anatomical reference part(s) and possibly other data on the carcass, and CT measuring the nature of internal anatomical parts of the carcass in at least one of these cross-sections in the carcass, controlled by the calculated location.

Abstract: The method for removing a spinal column from a block of meat which includes detecting the position and shape of the spinal column in the block of meat that includes at least a part of the spinal column and cutting the block of meat in the vicinity of the spinal column in a V-letter form from two directions by three-dimensionally controlling the position of a cutter based on data concerning the detected position and shape of the spinal column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end-product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

Abstract: A method for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

Abstract: An automated meat cutting system and method is disclosed. The automated meat cutting method comprises securing a carcass portion in a position, imaging the carcass portion to determine cutting paths and cutting the carcass portion along the thus determined cutting paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring target animals, including livestock animals and full carcasses, and more specifically livestock animals such as cattle and hogs using a single camera system. More particularly, the method of the invention is directed toward obtaining key measurements of the target animal, such as animal weight, animal hip height and animal hip width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

Abstract: Poultry carcasses are conveyed on saddles with their breastbone plate facing downwards to a scraping device having left and right scraping elements arranged adjacent to each other to simulate the contour of the approaching poultry carcass. The scraping elements are spaced apart by a signal from the control unit in relation to the individual width of the poultry carcass. Each scraping element has a sinew restraint that finds and restrains the tender sinew located in the region of the body joint, so that the scraping element can pass unhindered into the region between bone and meat and so obtain an optimum yield. A second scraping device, arranged essentially symmetrically to the direction of conveying, has left and right discs that are slidable by pivot levers to move on the corresponding part of the symmetrical wishbone in order to detach the meat connected to the wishbone.

Abstract: A process which systematizes, informatizes and automates cattle slaughter and beef processing, in factories with integrated Cycles I and II; following actual anatomical parameters, predetermined for each industrial biotype, scanned before entering the knockout box, the self-programmed operative model, which starts the system and automates the sequence of the slaughter and processing process of the programmed beef industrial biotype, is activated or not to optimize the obtainment of equal and homogeneous programmed cuts. Collaterally it is applied in the farming sector: by transfer of the best bovine genetics of each breed, to unify, program and systematize standard production of the industrial biotype on scale and to unify and program uniform production of large-scale equal forage.

Abstract: A system, suitable for high-speed operation, by which raw product (45), such as a slab of meat, can be accurately processed, such as by slicing into segments of desired weight, comprises a product profiling apparatus (15). The product profiling apparats (15) meassures the profile of the physical process. The product profiling apparatus (15) includes line lasers (75, 85) for directing a line of light across the upper and lower surfaces of the product (45) and visual image cameras (80, 90) directed toward the profile surface to capture, at fixed increments, the product profile. The product may also be weighed and the product density determined from the overall profile measurements. A controller (150) receives this data, and instructs the physical process accordingly.

Abstract: In the primal cutting-up of half carcasses of animals (12), vision systems are known whereby the determination of one or more fix points on the carcasses takes place, and where on the basis of the position of these points a visualization of the ideal cut line is effected. But the primal cutting-up of carcasses (12) has hitherto been carried out with manually-operated saws on the basis of operator evaluation. However, the use of manually-operated saws involves the possibility of deviations in relation to the ideal cut line, and the manual work is very monotonous and fatiguing for the operators.

Abstract: A method of linking source units of food with product items that include at least a portion of one or more of the source units of food, where a conversion process produces a plurality of product items from a plurality of source units (e.g., at a meat processing plant). A conversion algorithm is created to estimate within a desired confidence level a range of the amount of time required by the conversion process to produce a product item from one or more of the source units of food. A range of an amount of conversion time required to produce a selected product item is estimated by applying the conversion algorithm. The estimated range amount of conversion time for the selected product item is subtracted from the time of exit from the conversion process for the selected product item to generate an estimated time range of entry. Each source unit having a time of entry into the conversion process within the estimated time range of entry is identified.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating the weight of horses. To estimate the weight of a horse, a girth, a length, and a height of the horse are measured. The measurements can be taken with commercially available measurement tapes, for example. The weight of the horse is then estimated based on the girth, the length and the height of the horse. The present invention will be utilized in the care and management of horses thereby resulting in advanced equine health and nutrition, better training results, and improved overall health monitoring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a meat packing process is disclosed in which carcasses of animals which have been slaughtered are weighed and moved on a boning line in sequence past a number of boning and trimming stations at each of which cuts are removed from the carcasses and trimmed. The trimmed cuts are transferred to a main conveyor which moves past the trimming stations and carries the cuts to a station at which the cuts are placed in bags dispensed on demand by one or more machines which produce bags whose lengths and optionally widths are matched to those of the cuts placed therein. The bagged cuts are then taken to a vacuum packing station. Each hook on which a carcass is placed on the boning line has a bar code which is scanned at the boning stations. The scanned bar code information is fed to a central processor. Apparatus is provided to ensure that the cuts are trimmed at each trimming station in the order in which the carcasses arrive at the boning stations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing bones from a sub-primal cut meat portion, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for removing bones from a chuck blade sub-primal cut meat portion where said apparatus includes a carousel-type conveyor system arrangement having at least one mounting station and at least one meat cutting station. The carousel-type conveyor has a mounting fixture that is adapted to hold and manipulate and orient the meat cut such that bone removal can be performed effectively. The carousel-type conveyor in one embodiment is a rotation table which transitions the mounting fixture with the sub-primal cut mounted thereon to a position adjacent a cutting station. Each cutting station includes at least one reciprocating chisel blade assembly that is utilized to sever the meat from the bone by repetitively plunging and retracting a chisel blade into and from the meat and bone interface with a reciprocating stabbing action thereby severing the meat from the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a meat packing process in which carcasses of animals (102) are weighed (100) and moved on a boning line (101) in sequence past a number of boning and trimming stations (103 and 105). The trimmed cuts are transferred to a main conveyor (108). The cuts are placed in bags dispensed by one or more machines (22) which produce bag's whose lengths and widths are matched to those of the cuts placed therein. Each hook (38) has a bar code (39), which is scanned at the boning stations. Feed conveyors (241-243) are controlled by the central processor (34). The travel of the main conveyor (108) is monitored by the central processor so that each position on the main conveyor to which the cuts are transferred from the feed conveyors is identified at each trimming station and at the bagging station. By this each bagged cut can be identified with the animal from which if was derived.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for processing meat from waste body parts of fish. In one embodiment, a fish processing machine includes a primary processing line and a reclamation processing line. The primary processing line can include a first conveyor system to transport a fish trunk along a primary processing path, a first cutter at a first location along the primary processing path configured to separate a waste body part from the fish trunk, and a second cutter at a second location along the primary processing path downstream from the first cutter. The second cutter has at least one knife arranged to slice high-value meat from the trunk. The reclamation processing line is coupled to the primary processing line. The reclamation processing line can include a recovery cutter to separate an additional meat portion from the waste body part and a transfer mechanism to automatically transport the waste body part to the recovery cutter without manually manipulating the body part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a meat packing process in which carcasses of animals (102) are weighed (100) and moved on a boning line (101) in sequence past a number of boning and trimming stations (103 and 105). The trimmed cuts are transferred to a main conveyor (108). The cuts are placed in bags dispensed by one or more machines (22) which produce bags whose lengths and widths are matched to those of the cuts placed therein. Each hook (38) has a bar code (39) which is scanned at the boning stations. Feed conveyors (241-243) are controlled by the central processor (34). The travel of the main conveyor (108) is monitored by the central processor so that each position on the main conveyor to which the cuts are transferred from the feed conveyors is identified at each trimming station and at the bagging station. By this means each bagged cut can be identified with the animal from which it was derived.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a meat packing process in which carcasses of animals (102) are weighed (100) and moved on a boning line (101) in sequence past a number of boning and trimming stations (103 and 105). The trimmed cuts are transferred to a main conveyor (108). The cuts are placed in bags dispensed by one or more machines (22) which produce bags whose lengths and widths are matched to those of the cuts placed therein. Each hook (38) has a bar code (39) which is scanned at the boning stations. Feed conveyors (241-243) are controlled by the central processor (34). The travel of the main conveyor (108) is monitored by the central processor so that each position on the main conveyor to which the cuts are transferred from the feed conveyors is identified at each trimming station and at the bagging station.

Abstract: An efficient integrated electronic method and system apparatus for tracking the carcass of a slaughtered animal through a processing plant so that quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking are provided for individual animals throughout the production cycle. The preferred embodiment includes a trolley, a unique trolley code, a hole pattern vision recognition system with an integrated data logger, an industrial tag reader, a unique animal code, an electronic identification transponder, an electronic identification transponder reader, an electronic identification transponder reader antenna, a reclamation barrel and a plastic funnel.

Abstract: A method of trimming cuts of meat by imposing on an electronic controller the trim parameters for a meat portion. The meat portion is then scanned with an electronic ultrasonic sensor to locate and identify the natural physical makeup of the meat portion. After determining the natural conditions that exist in the meat portion, the sensor transmits signals to the controller to advise the controller of the nature and location of the sensed condition. That data is compared to the trim parameters imposed on the controller which then determines the trim requirements for that meat portion in that sensed condition. The controller then controls a meat trimming mechanism to trim the meat portion consistent with the parameters of the foregoing evaluation.

Abstract: An automatic deboning method and apparatus are provided whereby, in a deboning process comprising the steps of: severing shoulder joints off from an upper half of a poultry carcass; stripping wings together with breast meat; then removing white meat, and thus deboning is completed, a high recovery rate is secured while coping with individuality of a work, such as a size and imbalance between the left and right sides, in an automatic manner, and the apparatus comprises: a main tact transport section 29 and an auxiliary tact transport section 30 wherein the main tact transport section 29 includes a main tact transport 20 and a group of 1.sup.st to 12.sup.th stations.

Abstract: The apparatus for automatically removing ribs portion from belly of a beast flank, such as pork flank, comprises a conveyor provided with gripping hooks for holding the flank in position on the conveyor during ribs portion removing, a camera disposed over flank top surface showing ribs for generating image electrical signals representing an image of the flank top surface, a laser triangulation unit for generating surface profile data characterizing the flank top surface, a pair of lateral cameras for generating ribs thickness data for the ribs and analyzing device such as computer for receiving the image electrical signals, surface profile data and ribs thickness data for deriving therefrom a programmed cut profile according to a predetermined meat thickness to be left under the ribs.

Abstract: Automated grading of meat (carcasses or cuts, particularly pork legs) employs the steps of: a) obtaining a representative image, or representative images, of a meat cut; e.g. using video cameras; b) processing said representative image or representative images to provide data relatable to the fatness of said meat cut; c) processing data provided at step (b), so as to produce one or more parameters suitable for categorizing the meat cut and/or the carcass from which the meat cut was taken; suitable parameters include the amount of fat or lean tissue, the location of fat tissue and the predicted yield of meat product; and d) comparing said parameter(s) with values stored in a database to determine the overall grading of said carcass or meat cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing flat fish is disclosed. The fish (5) are placed on a conveyor (1) and transported on a conveying surface (1.1) over an array of photosensing elements (3.4) which generate light absorbtion signals as the fish is advanced. These signals are sent to a computer, which determines the contour of the fish using information regarding the conveyor speed and computes cutting control signals using pre-programmed proportionality factors relating to the fish species. The cutting line control signals are sent to a cutting apparatus (4). As the advanced fish arrives at the cutting apparatus, two rotary knives (4.1) cut into the dorsal and ventral sides of the fish in response to the control signals to remove the dorsal fin together with a strip of fatty tissue (5.12) from one edge of the fish and the internal organs, the anal fin and the ventral strip of fatty tissue (5.11) from the other edge of the fish.

Abstract: A loin separation apparatus and method of operation therefor controls a loin knife assembly in a manner which simulates the anthropomorphic motions of a human operator during a loin pulling operation. The loin knife assembly includes a U-shaped knife blade which is mounted to an arm which is connected to the apparatus through a universal joint to permit lateral and vertical displacement of the knife blade. Moreover, the separation between the sides of the loin knife may be varied. The combination of lateral displacement and varying the separation between the sides of the blade enables the sides of the knife blade to follow separate profiles. The loin separation apparatus generates customized cutting profiles and/or modifies standard cutting profiles for the loin knife assembly, as well as for a scribe saw assembly which may also be included on the apparatus, based upon the particular dimensions, contours, etc. of a specific side of meat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing fish (24), especially sole, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having a longitudinal axis along the direction of movement of the fish as they are processed. The fish are placed onto a conveyor (200) that includes blocks (204) for centering the fish and advancing them parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and into jaws (202). The jaws open as the fish passes through and measure each fish as well as help center the fish. The length measurement taken by the jaws is sent to a logic controller that determines the approximate dimensions of the fish. The controller uses this information to activate cutters at the proper times. The cutters include dorsal and anal fin cutters (212, 210), a tail cutter (214), and a head and organ cutter (216). The fish is carried into the cutters by spiked belts (222, 224, 230, 232, 234). The belts also transport the fish through an exit chute (362) into more processing equipment or simply into an exit bin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing fish (24), especially sole, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having a longitudinal axis along the direction of movement of the fish as they are processed. The fish are placed onto a conveyor (200) that includes blocks (204) for centering the fish and advancing them parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and into jaws (202). The jaws open as the fish passes through and measure each fish as well as help center the fish. The length measurement taken by the jaws is sent to a logic controller that determines the approximate dimensions of the fish. The controller uses this information to activate cutters at the proper times. The cutters include dorsal and anal fin cutters (212, 210), a tail cutter (214), and a head and organ cutter (216). The fish is carried into the cutters by spiked belts (222, 224, 230, 232, 234). The belts also transport the fish through an exit chute (362) into more processing equipment or simply into an exit bin.

Abstract: The head of a fish is severed from the fish body in a two-stage operation, in the first stage the root of the fish head beneath the gill covers being cut partway through and in the second stage the severance of the fish head from the fish body being completed. The first stage cutting operation is effected by cooperating disk cutters converging toward the fish head at an acute angle, means for sensing the thickness of a fish, and means for adjusting the spacing of the disk cutters in accordance with the thickness of the fish sensed. The fish are transported unidirectionally, and the spacing of the cutting disks is adjusted while the cutters are being reciprocated in the same direction of the travel as the fish is transported, and the disk cutters are then reciprocated in the direction opposite the direction of transport of the fish to effect the first stage cutting operation.

Abstract: A fish fillet trimming device having a swing arm mounted rotary blade which rides on the surface of a moving conveyor table. The fish fillets are passed between the cutting blade and the conveyor surface for trimming blemished portions of the fillets. The method permits an inspector using an endless belt candling table to detect blemishes in the fillets and orient the fillets on the belt surface so as to pass beneath the trimming knife without removal of the fillets from the processing travel path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing fish (24), especially sole, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having a longitudinal axis along the direction of movement of the fish as they are processed. The fish are placed onto a conveyor (200) that includes blocks (204) for centering the fish and advancing them parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and into jaws (202). The jaws open as the fish passes through and measure each fish as well as help center the fish. The length measurement taken by the jaws is sent to a logic controller that determines the approximate dimensions of the fish. The controller uses this information to activate cutters at the proper times. The cutters include dorsal and anal fin cutters (212, 210), a tail cutter (214), and a head and organ cutter (216). The fish is carried into the cutters by spiked belts (222, 224, 230, 232, 234). The belts also transport the fish through an exit chute (362) into more processing equipment or simply into an exit bin.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a method and apparatus for use in processing fish body sections that have been transversely cut. The system uses a frame with a pair of shrouds, each having an interior space that contains an illumination system for illuminating the fish section. A pair of video cameras housed respectively within the shrouds scan opposed flat sides of the fish section to produce images of the respective sides. Screens move behind the fish section in sequential fashion as each camera scans the fish section.

Abstract: Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and/or exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. For instance, one cutting path may be calculated for trimming the fatty tissue from the carcass, and another cutting path may be calculated for segmenting the trimmed carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets or lasers, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.

Abstract: A method for controlling the processing of poultry in different production lines operating in parallel, wherein the control of the processing of a specific bird or a part thereof takes place on the basis of data derived from one or more observed contours of the bird or a part thereof. For purposes of the control the data may be supplemented by the weight of the bird or part thereof. In a device for carrying out the method the observation takes place with the aid of one or more radiation sources which transmit radiation rays to one or more radiation detectors, which radiation rays can be interrupted or weakened by the birds or parts thereof passing therethrough.

Abstract: Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and/or exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets or lasers, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to various aspects of automated excision of undesirable material (and optionally excision of bone) from meat, and automated production of starting material for restructured meat, including: (a) an apparatus and method generally drawn to, optical detection of the location of undesirable material in meat, communication of information regarding the location of the undesirable material to a control means, and excision of the undesirable material from the meat using a high pressure water jet controlled by the control means; (b) a bone location sensor and method of bone location sensing, each employing a plurality of needles, and; (c) a multiple blade slicer.

Abstract: Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for grading carcasses, a carcass is rested on a support along a lengthwise face of the carcass as well as along a dorsal face, near the lower part thereof, namely near the part located toward the animal's neck. The support is pivoted for positioning the carcass angularly to take images from various angles at the hindquarters, thigh, upper part of the backbone, and front part of the carcass corresponding to the lower zone thereof. The recorded images are stored in the memory of a computer which already contains the weight and length measurements of the carcass. The support is retracted to remove the carcass from the surface on which it rests. The recorded image information is compared with stored theoretical data to grade the carcass. The support can be a belt forming a first resting surface with a movable flap forming the second surface or an element with two fixed surfaces. The support is moved vertically to optimize its support of the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing flatfish comprising a conveyor means for the flatfish, registration means for determining the geometry of the flatfish and their position relative to the conveyor means, a cutting device for cutting loose the head, the dorsal fin, the anal fin and the tail fin from the flatfish and with a control unit connected between the registration means and the cutting device. Preferably the cutting device comprises cutting means which follow a track which includes an angle with the transverse direction of the conveyor means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for cutting or marking fish fillets and other foodstuffs of varying cross-section into portions of predetermined size by conveying each product through a volume scanning unit, computing correct cut locations, and then cutting or marking at each location using a guillotine-type knife mechanism. The guillotine-type knife mechanism moves in a longitudinal direction while cutting perpendicular to the conveyor surface. Dislocation of the fillet is eliminated by synchronizing knife speed with the conveyor, and by overcoming resistance of blade retraction with a retraction mechanism.

Abstract: Fluidic jets are used to segment an animal carcass. A water jet is preferably used to cut the flesh of the carcass, and an abrasive jet is preferably used to cut the bones and other dense portions of the carcass. The jets are preferably delivered to the carcass from separate nozzles that are mounted adjacent one another on a cutting head. A multi-axis control arm carries the cutting head at one end thereof and controls the movement of the cutting head so that the fluidic jets segment the carcass along a predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and/or exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets or lasers, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.