Abstract: A system and method for deboning a poultry leg part, including at least one bone and meat surrounding the bone. The system includes a conveying unit arranged for transporting the poultry leg part along a conveying path. The system also includes a deboning unit. The deboning unit includes a gripper arranged for gripping the meat surrounding the bone, the gripper being associated with a first carrier; a gripper actuator arranged for opening and closing the gripper, the gripper actuator being associated with a second carrier; and a gripper tensioner arranged for providing a biasing force for closing the gripper, the gripper tensioner being associated with a third carrier. The first, second and third carriers are arranged for displacement relative to a base member, and the base member is arranged for being transported in horizontal direction along the conveying path.

Abstract: A slaughterhouse processing tool including two opposite knives mounted to a knife holder via respective mounting structures, the knife holder further including an actuator, at least one of the mounting structures being movably mounted to the knife holder, the actuator being coupled to the movably mounted mounting structure for moving the mounting structure relative to the knife holder.

Abstract: Method and device for guiding a tool in a recurring application of a product moved along an X-axis, wherein the tool is mounted on the Z-carriage of a cross guide and is moved therewith along the Z-axis standing perpendicular on the X-axis, wherein the Z-carriage is mounted on the X-carriage of the cross guide, the guide of which is mounted along the X-axis in a base plane, wherein the X-carriage is driven with an X-drive, wherein the Z-carriage is driven by a Z-drive, which is held stationary in the base plane and has a traction means driven by a first servo motor provided for the drive of the Z-carriage, which is driven from the base plane on the movable Z-carriage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating wings from a poultry carcass includes an overhead conveyor for conveying partially processed poultry carcasses sequentially along a processing path back-first. Each carcass is tilted on its back and its wings are separated and spread out to the sides of the carcass. The scapula bones of the carcass are urged to a desired position. A pre-cut is made in the back of the carcass along a specified location to sever a primary tendon associated with the scapula and holding each wing to the carcass. The wings are tensioned to dislocate the shoulder joints and to begin to pull the balls and sockets of the joints apart at the shoulder. Rotary blades cut through a piece of back meat and then between the separated balls and sockets of the shoulder joints while the wings are being prevented from moving along with the carcass. This progressively opens up the dislocated shoulder joint as the rotary blades cut until the wings are completely severed and removed from the carcass.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting a carcass. The system comprises a support assembly (12) movable along a first path and a second path adjacent to a first portion and a second portion of the carcass respectively; a retractable assembly (14) movable between an extended configuration when the support assembly is moved along the first path and a retracted configuration away from the carcass when the support assembly (12) is being moved along the second path; a first cutting tools (16) processing the first portion of the carcass when the support assembly (12) is moved along the first path, and disengaging from the carcass when the retractable assembly (14) is in the retracted position; and a second cutting tool processing the second portion of the carcass when the support assembly (12) is moved along the second path. The first cutting tool (16) is independently and separately movable relatively to movement of the second cutting tool (18).

Abstract: Method and device for guiding a tool in a recurring application of a product moved along an X-axis, wherein the tool is mounted on the Z-carriage of a cross guide and is moved therewith along the Z-axis standing perpendicular on the X-axis, wherein the Z-carriage is mounted on the X-carriage of the cross guide, the guide of which is mounted along the X-axis in a base plane, wherein the X-carriage is driven with an X-drive, wherein the Z-carriage is driven by a Z-drive, which is held stationary in the base plane and has a traction means driven by a first servo motor provided for the drive of the Z-carriage, which is driven from the base plane on the movable Z-carriage, wherein a movement of the Z-carriage that is brought about by the movement of the X-carriage and a motive force caused thereby on the traction means, is compensated when actuating the first servo motor provided for the drive of the Z-carriage.

Abstract: A robotic carcass processing system uses a pair of robotic arms having multiple axes of motion, a saw mounted thereon, and a controller. The controller moves the saw in Cartesian space via inverse kinematics with interpolation control over the multiple axes of the robotic arm to synchronously move the saw relative to a carcass on an assembly line. The controller also determines when one of the robotic arms has moved its saw out of a defined space to indicate that space is clear and to permit the other robotic arm to enter that space. A sensor on the assembly line identifies location of the absence of a supported carcass, a supported carcass that requires special handling, or weight or length of a carcass. The controller sends a signal to the robotic arms to either effect a standard cut or to modify the standard cut at the identified location or carcass.

Abstract: A hand-held band saw having a deck defining a front and a rear, and an opening in the front defining a cut zone. The band saw also includes a first wheel supported by a first deck portion, a second wheel supported by a second deck portion, a motor operably coupled to the first wheel, a single handle providing a single grip for a user to hold the band saw with only one hand, and a continuous blade having a cutting edge. The continuous blade includes a first portion positioned in the cut zone for performing a cutting operation and a second portion positioned outside of the cut zone. A blade guard is positioned proximate the cutting edge of the second portion of the continuous blade to substantially provide a barrier between the cutting edge and an exterior of the band saw.

Abstract: A carcass stabilizer for holding a carcass and preventing swinging motion parallel to a carcass rail has a pair of arms that open widely to grasp a swinging carcass as the carcass moves at a point below the suspension point of the carcass. The arms continuously move with the carcass as a carcass processing operation is performed and also preferably move down during the processing operation to exert a downward pull on the carcass and thereby straighten the centerline of the carcass and more accurately hold it in an aligned position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically processing a carcass of a slaughtered animal suspended from the hind legs. The automatically processing is driven by automatically controlled drive means for handling a slaughtering processing tool. Such slaughtering tools are a rotatable cutting blade (20) which is partially shielded and which shielding (21) is provided with a protruding guide pin (22). A further slaughtering tool is a cleaving blade (23) to split the pubic bone of the carcass. The cleaving blade is attached to the shield that partially covers the rotatable cutting blade.

Abstract: The game shears 10 of the present disclosure comprise an upper arm 20, a lower arm 30, a linkage 40 and a blade 50. The upper arm 20 and lower arm 30 act as levers which move the game shears 10 from a first closed configuration to a second open configuration. The upper arm 20 and lower arm 30 are engaged with one another, the upper arm 20 is also engaged with the blade 50 via the linkage 40 and the lower arm 30 is directly engaged with the blade 50.

Abstract: A livestock head splitting apparatus of a rotary type rotates a plurality of head trays and respective blades sequentially through loading, head-splitting and discharge stations spaced around the shaft, and in a head splitting mode, drives each head tray and blade relatively toward one another in the head splitting station. In a unique cleaning mode, the trays and blades are instead kept apart throughout the rotation to maximize the exposure of each tray to a spray of cleaning fluid directed into the apparatus. A computerized control system cooperates with an electric motor to drive the rotation and give a degree of user-control over operational aspects of the motor, such as the running speed of the apparatus in the cleaning and head splitting modes and a jogging speed of the apparatus used to index the head trays to desirable locations.

Abstract: A carcass processing system is provided. The carcass processing system includes housing, a splitting arrangement for splitting a carcass, elongate members attached to the housing for loosening unpalatable materials from the carcass, and vacuum suction ports coupled to the housing for collecting the loosened unpalatable materials.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel and comprising a blade assembly including a cutting roller having a plurality of cutting blades radially mounted thereon and movable relative to the path of travel. A mating assembly interacts with the plurality of cutting blades to accomplish a multipoint cutting procedure which is facilitated by the concurrent rotation of the cutting roller and cutting blades as well as a linear reciprocal travel thereof transverse to the path of travel. A stabilizing assembly is provided to restrict the dimensional variance of the spacing between the cutting roller and mate roller through which the meat product travels and an ejecting assembly to remove cut portions from between the cutting blades and back onto the path of travel. The cutting assembly preferably includes a modular construction disposal within and removal from an operative position along a processing line associated with the path of travel.

Abstract: A bone breaking or crushing tool for use by a hunter is designed to break the pelvic bone of a game animal. The bone breaking tool includes a U-shaped body having first and second arms joined by a front end. A handle projects at an angle from an outer side of a first arm of the U-shaped main body. A projection is formed on an inner side of the first arm of the U-shaped main body. The bone breaking tool is configured so that the first and second arms of the U-shaped main body can be slid around either side of a portion of the pelvic bone of a game animal. A hunter can then apply a force to an end of the handle to drive the projection on the inner side of the first arm into the pelvic bone to break or crush the pelvic bone.

Abstract: A livestock head splitting apparatus of a rotary type rotates a plurality of head trays and respective blades sequentially through loading, head-splitting and discharge stations spaced around the shaft, and in a head splitting mode, drives each head tray and blade relatively toward one another in the head splitting station. In a unique cleaning mode, the trays and blades are instead kept apart throughout the rotation to maximize the exposure of each tray to a spray of cleaning fluid directed into the apparatus. A computerized control system cooperates with an electric motor to drive the rotation and give a degree of user-control over operational aspects of the motor, such as the running speed of the apparatus in the cleaning and head splitting modes and a jogging speed of the apparatus used to index the head trays to desirable locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for spitting whole poultry mid-wing sections into a first radius portion that includes the radius bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin and a second ulna portion that includes the ulna bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin. The apparatus is provided with a rotatably driven carrier wheel having a plurality of product carrier slots formed therein for accepting mid-wings and moving them along a predetermined arcuate path. A splitting blade is mounted in the arcuate path for engaging and splitting the mid-wings into the desired portions. The apparatus is additionally provided with a retention fender for preventing mid-wings from exiting the carrier slots while the mid-wings are being split, and an ejector comb for forcing the mid-wings out of the carrier slots after they have been split.

Abstract: A breast saw apparatus (10) is used for cutting a poultry breast having a keel bone. A conveyor (30) moves the poultry breast through the apparatus (10). A bottom member (80) is supported above the conveyor (30). The bottom member (80) is configured for the poultry breast moving along the bottom member's length and supporting the poultry breast on its keel bone. An elongate top member (90) is positioned above the bottom member (30). A blade (70) is utilized to cut the poultry breast and the poultry breast is held straight between the top member (90) and the bottom member (80) as the poultry breast is moved by the conveyor (30) to the blade (70) for cutting.

Abstract: A carcass processing system is provided. The carcass processing system includes housing, a splitting arrangement for splitting a carcass, elongate members attached to the housing for loosening unpalatable materials from the carcass, and vacuum suction ports coupled to the housing for collecting the loosened unpalatable materials.

Abstract: An product and method providing for a value whole poultry product meat cut comprising a whole poultry carcass with the breast meat and tenders cut away with the breast skin remaining in tact. The semi-whole bird with the breast and tenders cut away with the breast skin in tact can be netted and/or packaged in a manner to have the look of a whole bird. The semi-whole poultry product can provide all of the normal meat yield to the consumer minus the breast and tender, while enhancing convenience, maintaining the appearance and aesthetic appeal and meeting the potential “per-pound” value of a whole chicken carcass.

Abstract: A method of sawing a pig carcass or the like, in which the starting point is a situation where a circular saw blade, carried by a saw head having a casing projecting from it at the front and downwards, is placed opposite and away from the top extreme part, where the hams are situated, of a carcass ready to saw, suspended head down by the rear legs, and then in a first step, the saw blade is moved transversely with a respect to and in the direction of the carcass, and then between the hams, in a second step, the saw blade being driven in rotation, the axial relative position of the carcass with respect to the saw blade being controlled, the saw blade is moved downwards from its top extreme position as far as a bottom extreme position in order to saw the carcass in two, axially, in a third step, the sawing of the carcass being ended, the saw blade is moved transversely with respect to the carcass in order to move it away from it.

Abstract: A guide for providing a controlled cut down a longitudinal length of a spine of a carcass using a backsaw includes first and second guide members, wherein the guide members are preferably interconnected by a lateral bracing member. The guide members are fixedly secured to a blade guide of the backsaw. The guide members include a front surface sloped relative to the front of the blade guide. In use, the guide members contact the carcass on either side of the spine and maintain a blade alignment down the spinal column of the carcass.

Abstract: A cutlet cutter cradles a slab of foodstock in a shallow bed within a horizontal surface along which the blade of a fillet knife can be moved. The slab of foodstock is secured and flattened from above by a presser, on which downward pressure is applied by a handle. Moving the knife along the horizontal surface causes the foodstock slab to be cross-sectionally cut into two fillets of consistent and uniform thickness. The presser keeps the operator's hand away from the knife's cutting edge, while the guide pins prevent the blade from slipping out of the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cutting up the belly of a slaughtered animal has a cutter for performing a cutting function in a cutting direction (SR), and a displacement element (5) which applies a forces on a predetermined area of the outer surface of the belly of the animal and at a distance from the cutter. The apparatus (1) further has a suspension element (40) to which the displacement element (5) is pivotally attached around an axis of rotation (28). The axis of rotation (28) forms an obtuse or an acute angle with the cutting direction (SR), so that rotation of the displacement member, oriented by the inclined axis of rotation, displaces the animal skin laterally away from the cutter.

Abstract: A filleting system for poultry, such as chickens, includes a conveyor system incorporating carriers for the poultry. Processing stations are provided in or along the path of the conveyor system for successively processing parts of the poultry, wherein the processing stations include at least one skinner, one wishbone remover, a fillet scraper, and either a breastbone scraper or a cutter for halving breast fillets.

Abstract: A fish-cutting machine for cutting fillets from the backbone of fish (38), the machine comprising a fish support (6), a feed-line for feeding fish through the machine and two mutually adjacent band saws (46) arranged along the feed-line. The band saws functions to cut on respective sides of the backbone of a fish (38) for filleting the abdomen-bone part of the fish and thus for separating the fish into two fish fillets and a carcass. A spine cutting device is arranged along the feed-line (40) and before the band saws (46) in a feeding direction of the feed-line, and the spine cutting device comprise two mutually adjacent cutting blades (14) for cutting of incisions in the spine part of the fish.

Abstract: A method for apportioning larger poultry breast wherein two primary meat products are produced by cutting predetermined cutlet shapes from the rearward one half of each breast half. Additionally cut are two or more preparative secondary meat products from the thicker shoulder forward region of each breast half. These preparative secondary meat products are severed horizontally in half to produce four secondary meat products.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for processing worms uses spaced top and bottom surfaces of a rotor set a sufficient distance apart so that worm bodies to be processed touch both surfaces. A splitter is located mid-way between the surfaces and the worm bodies are forced by centrifugal force and by a flow of water in which the bodies are entrained to encounter and to be split by the splitter blade. The top and bottom surfaces are set a sufficient distance apart so that the worm bodies are partially flattened when passing therebetween. The splitter is located so as to be operative to split the central digestive tract of the worm body. An inlet is located in the top surface through which the worm bodies are introduced into the space between the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A method for apportioning larger poultry breast wherein two primary meat products are produced by cutting predetermined cutlet shapes from the rearward one half of each breast half. Additionally cut are two or more preparative secondary meat products from the thicker shoulder forward region of each breast half. These preparative secondary meat products are severed horizontally in half to produce four secondary meat products.

Abstract: The present invention is a process or method for cutting and boning a carcass of a fowl to create a meat cut which includes the scapula bone and its associated muscles (meat). The method involves separating the scapula bone and its associated muscles from the carcass of the fowl. The meat cut may be produced with the cutaneous tissues attached to the associated muscles. The resulting meat cut contains a larger percentage of meat and is easier to produce. Alternatively, the cutaneous tissues can be removed from the associated muscles to produce a skinless meat cut. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the muscle (meat) associated with the scapula bone can been trimmed to create a meat cut having less meat. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, multiple meat cuts are placed in a side-by-side orientation and bonded together using a meat bonding agent to create a linked rack of meat cuts or a standing meat roast.

Abstract: A conveyor with a channel for receiving a bone and surrounding meat of poultry parts and advancing them into engagement with a blade assembly. The blade assembly has a notch that separates the poultry parts into spare rib-type products and boneless meat patties. The blade assembly may have two ramps for lifting sides of the poultry part to permit cutting the meat above the bone and below the side portions. Additionally, a method is disclosed for separating the poultry parts into the spare rib-type products and the boneless meat patties.

Abstract: A method for apportioning larger poultry breast wherein the forward region of the breast is compressed to a flat uniform thickness, t1. The rearward tapering portion of the breast is compressed to a uniform thickness t2. Compression of these portions of the breast is undertaken in conjunction with containment walls. Following such compression, the breast portions are peripherally trimmed to provide a defined shape. Then, the breast forward portion at thickness t1 is horizontally slit to provide at least two meat products.

Abstract: An installation (1) having a moving station for cutting up carcasses (2) of meat animals, the installation comprising two columns (14, 15) mounted to move over a certain stroke in the direction in which the carcasses move and in the opposite direction. One of the columns (15) carrying an abutment device (43) for coming into abutment against the outside dorsal face of the carcass along the backbone. The other column (14) carrying a cutting-up device (17) inserted via the ventral face under the tail and mounted to move vertically, and an internal guide device (31) situated under the cutting-up device (17) inserted via the ventral side of the carcass. The installation being characterized in that it includes a control and servo-control device for controlling the movement of the internal guide device (31), the abutment device (43), and the cutting-up device (17).

Abstract: A method for apportioning larger poultry breast wherein the forward region of the breast is compressed to a flat uniform thickness, t1. The rearward tapering portion of the breast is compressed to a uniform thickness t2. Compression of these portions of the breast is undertaken in conjunction with containment walls. Following such compression, the breast portions are peripherally trimmed to provide a defined shape. Then, the breast forward portion at thickness t1 is horizontally slit to provide at least two meat products.

Abstract: A field dressing tool of the type for field dressing small game, is provided. The field dressing tool including: a pair of handles each having a first and second end, each handle forming a trough; a cutting blade connected to a first end of each of said handles, the cutting blades functionally interconnected by a pivot joint; a knife member having a first edge tapering to a point and a notch formed proximate the point on an edge opposite the first edge, the knife member pivotally connected to the second end of one of the handles and pivotable from a position disposed within a trough to a position extending from a handle; and a rake member pivotally connected to the second end of one of the handles, the rake being pivotable from a position disposed within a trough to a position extending from a handle.

Abstract: A conveyor with a channel for receiving a bone and surrounding meat of poultry parts and advancing them into engagement with a blade assembly. The blade assembly has a notch that separates the poultry parts into spare rib-type products and boneless meat patties. The blade assembly may have two ramps for lifting sides of the poultry part to permit cutting the meat above the bone and below the side portions. Additionally, a method is disclosed for separating the poultry parts into the spare rib-type products and the boneless meat patties.

Abstract: A carcass alignment system for holding and positioning a carcass for splitting by an automated saw while the carcass is suspended and continuously moving along a carcass rail includes back rollers for contacting the back and upper sides of the carcass, guide rollers for contacting the backbone on the inner side of the carcass and guide sleds that slide along the sides of the backbone and preposition the backbone for the guide rollers. Two back rollers are specially shaped to match the expected shape of the carcass and provide primary positioning for the back of the carcass. Two other back rollers provide additional support for the back of the carcass and also contact the upper sides of the carcass.

Abstract: The present invention is a process or method for cutting and boning a turkey to create a turkey rib cut which includes the scapula bone and its associated muscles (meat). The method involves separating the scapula bone and its associated muscles from the turkey carcass. The turkey rib cut may be produced with the cutaneous tissues (turkey skin) attached to the associated muscles. The resulting turkey rib cut contains a larger percentage of meat and is easier to produce. Alternatively, the cutaneous tissues (turkey skin) can be removed from the associated muscles to produce a skinless turkey rib cut. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the muscle (meat) associated with the scapula bone can been trimmed to create a turkey rib cut having less meat.

Abstract: A pelvic bone splitting tool provides a number of features to assist a hunter in field dressing game, such as deer. The tool or splitter may include a lower or grip handle formed as a unitary piece with an upper jaw. The grip handle includes finger-receiving indentations, and the upper jaw may include a cutting blade. The tool may further include an upper or palm handle formed as a unitary piece with a lower jaw, and the palm handle and the lower jaw may be joined together by an angled connecting piece, and the handles pivot relative to once another about a central pivot. The lower jaw includes a splitting blade, which may be removable from the tool. Alternatively, the upper handle/lower jaw combination and lower handle/upper jaw combination may be nearly mirror images of one another. These combinations are joined together at a rotating pivot which preferably forms a smoothly rotating bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the evisceration of carcasses conveyed on a slaughter line suspended in gambrels or hooks, where the abdomen and breast have been cut open, the hams divided and the fat end loosened, and wherein the carcass intestines are loosened, removed and placed on a gut pan or conveyor, the diaphragm is loosened and the plucks are removed and placed on a plucks conveyor. In loosening of the intestines, the connections of the intestines with the spinal column are broken, so that the intestines are made to hang out of the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm and leaf fat are loosened mechanically while the intestines are hanging out of the carcass and are connected to the plucks. The latter loosening is effected by a pressing device (5) and a hoop device (6) which can be moved independent of each other in the lengthways direction of the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanical removal of a spinal column part from a part carcass (12), such as a fore-end of a pig carcass, comprising tools for separating the spinal column part from the part carcass by cuts along the spinal column part, and conveyor and guide arrangements for providing a relative movement between the tools and the part carcass during cutting. A first cutting tool (18, 49) is used for mechanically separating the meat on the part carcass from the spinous processes and the dorsal side of the spinal column. The tool has a tapering knife blade (19, 50) with a cutting edge (22) along a first edge and a knife part (20, 51) along a second edge of the tapering blade (19, 50). The knife part (20, 51) is mounted mainly at right angles to the blade and has a cutting edge along the edge closest to the tip of the tapering blade (19, 50).

Abstract: An automated saw for high speed splitting of suspended carcasses, such as hog carcasses, through the backbone as the carcasses continuously move along a carcass rail includes a splitting station and a back roller station located on opposite sides of the carcass rail. The splitting station includes a splitting saw that can be driven in three directions, including horizontally towards a carcass to begin cutting, vertically down to make the cut and horizontally parallel to the carcass rail to match the speed of the moving carcass as the cut is made. A guide roller carried by the splitting station positions the backbone in a known position relative to the saw. The back roller station includes a back roller for positioning the carcass relative to the saw as the cut is made. The back roller is also movable in three directions, including horizontally in to contact the carcass, vertically down, and horizontally parallel to the carcass rail to match the motion of the saw.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dividing a piece of meat containing at least one elongate bone structure, for example a spinal column, such that this elongate bone structure is also divided. The apparatus includes for this purpose a positioning assembly for positioning the piece of meat and a continuously movable knife for dividing a positioned piece of meat. The invention also relates to an apparatus for removing marrow from at least one piece of bone.

Abstract: A carcass splitting apparatus 10 splits the carcass of an animal suspended by a suspension mechanism from an overhead conveyor. The apparatus includes a frame and a carriage assembly for moving along the frame. A drive mechanism moves the carriage along the frame and a saw is connected to the carriage for general vertical movement to split the carcass. A suspension member pusher is connected to the assembly for controlling movement of the carcass independent of the overhead conveyor. The apparatus includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and transducers to monitor the locations of the various components of the carcass splitting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for opening the body cavity of a slaughtered bird starting from the cloaca. Through the cloaca, a tensioning means is moved into the body cavity and towards the tip of the chest, which tensioning means tensions the skin of the bird. Next, a cutting device cooperating with the tensioning means in a scissors-like manner cuts the skin. The tensioning means may comprise two plate sections positioned alongside each other. The apparatus may be part of a rotating processing apparatus at the circumference of which a number of such apparatus are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for subjecting to a process a slaughtered and optionally pre-skinned animal, for instance livestock such as a horse, cattle, a pig, a sheep or a part thereof such that said process (also) takes place in a zone where an organ, for instance the preputium, is situated in the wall, for instance the abdominal wall, which device comprises processing means for performing said process. It is an object of the invention to offer provisions with which in simple manner an organ can be preserved from damage by the processing means. With a view hereto the device according to the invention is characterized by displacing means for displacing this organ out of the active zone of the processing means at least during performing of the process at the position of said organ.

Abstract: An automatic device for cutting the legs of pork carcasses laying transversally onto a conveyor. A support carrier is mounted onto a frame extending close to the conveyor in such a manner as to be movable toward and away from the conveyor. The support carrier supports a circular saw extending in a vertical plane parallel to the moving direction of the conveyor at a sufficient height to cut the legs projecting away from the same. The support carrier also supports a device called "feeler" that is pivotably hung to a horizontal pivot at a predetermined distance from the saw, which corresponds to the average length for the legs to be cut. A control system is operatively connected to a presence sensor mounted in such a manner to detect the legs of the carcasses when these legs reach the feeler. The control system is also connected to a motion detector that detects any swing of the feeler, and to a power jack for moving the support carrier.

Abstract: A middle splitter for use to split an animal's middle into two parts. The splitter has a work table and a conveyor belt to move the middle forward. The splitter also has a circular saw which extends in a longitudinal slot in the conveyor belt. A guide extends from upstream down to the saw. This guide is parallel and extends above the conveyor belt in order to hold the middle against it. The splitter further has a caterpillar drive which extends before and past the saw. The drive is parallel to the conveyor belt and has a contour belt mounted onto a support of longitudinal shape. The contour belt has protruding plates shaped and positioned to engage the middle. The conveyor belt is driven into rotation by a shaft connected to a motor, so that the side of the contour belt nearest the saw moves forward. As a result, when the motor rotates the belt, the drive pulls the middle forward toward the circular saw for it to be cut.

Abstract: The method of processing poultry comprises the slitting of a poultry carcass along at least one lateral side from the thoracic inlet to the midline of the abdomen, to permit separating a breast portion of the poultry carcass from the back by hinging along an opposite lateral side from the cut. This opens the carcass for evaluation of bacterial contamination of internal organs. The location of the cut is along a line where few bones need to be severed, and the internal organs are not broken or torn, which is a major cause of contamination in conventional poultry processing methods. The longitudinal cut extends from the neck to the pubis and when the breast portion, including the wing on the lateral side where the cut is made is moved, air sac membranes and fat layers will contain the intestines and form separation planes to separate the breast portion from the liver, spleen, heart and intestines. The processing can be mechanized.

Abstract: The pelvic bone splitter (10) has a shaft (12) with a slot (18) and a knurled surface (26) on its free end (24). A first end (34) of a blade (14) is pivotally retained in the slot (18) by a pivot pin (16). Cutting edges (40, 42 and 44) on the blade (14) are movable into the slot (18). During use, a free end (24) of the shaft (12) is passed under the pelvic girdle (64) and out through an aperture (66) in the hide (68). Pressure is applied to the hand grip (50) to move the cutting edge (42) toward the slot (18), compress the pelvic girdle (64) between the cutting edge (42) and the anvil surfaces (28 and 30) and split the pelvic girdle.