Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method are provided for final separation of fish fillets from fish transported, tail-first, in a transport direction along a transport path, and which have belly and flank cuts. The apparatus includes a frame structure, a transport apparatus driven by a drive element, having at least one receiving element for a fish, and a cutting blade assembly with two knife heads each with a driven circular blade. The knife heads are on opposing sides of the transport path such that fish transport between the blades. To alter the blade distance, the knife heads are movably mounted on the frame structure. The blade assembly is assigned at least one sensing element. Each sensing element is on the knife head downstream of the blade cutting edges, which are directed counter to the transport direction, and protrudes beyond the respective edge, viewed in a direction transverse towards the central.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting an essentially V-shaped strip from meat products fed in a transport direction has a knife carrier to which two knife units are assigned. Each knife unit has a circular knife and a drive for rotationally driving the circular knife about a central axis of rotation. The two circular knives are set substantially in a V-shape to each other in a position enclosing an angle. An adjustable arrangement of the knife units provides for setting of the size of the angle. The offset of the two central axes of rotation to each other is equal to zero in the transport direction and the two knife units are adjustable exclusively synchronously with each other. A corresponding apparatus and method for cutting an essentially V-shaped strip from meat products fed in transport direction is also provided.

Abstract: A pin bone removal apparatus is provided for removing pin bones in fish fillets while a conveyor conveys the fish fillets at a first conveying speed. A plurality of pin bone removal units is provided, each having a pin bone roller for pulling the pin bones from the fish fillets. The apparatus includes a closed-loop rail structure on which the pin bone removal units are slideable attached, where the closed-loop rail structure comprises a processing section and a returning section. The processing section is where at least one of the plurality of pin bone removal units is moved parallel to the fish fillets at a second conveying speed and engages with the surface of the fish fillets. After the pin bone removal the at least one pin bone removal unit is recirculated along the returning section.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a bone from a primal or sub primal meat cut that includes a conveyance system having a continuous conveyor extending along a path of conveyance from an upstream point at the loading end to a downstream point at the discharge. The system includes a pair of opposing support surfaces projecting vertically upward from a first position of the continuous conveyor along the path of conveyance whereby each of the opposing support surfaces of the pair inwardly extend one toward the other, from an upper level downward vertically to a lower level. Each opposing support surface of the pair has a downward slope and each opposing surface of the pair converges at a recessed valley at the lower level.

Abstract: A method and processing device are provided for processing an organ package taken out from slaughtered poultry. The device uses at least two cooperating rollers that define a nip between the rollers for selectively allowing preselected organs from the organ package to pass through the nip. During operation, the rollers rotate in opposite directions in order to convey the organ package and simultaneously promote that the preselected organs pass through the nip. The rollers have a cross-sectional diameter, the value of which varies as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rollers and depends on the location of the cross-section between an entrance portion and an exit portion of said rollers so as to provide each of the rollers with a superficial curved contour.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing pin bones from fish fillets includes at least one pin bone removal device and a conveying device configured to convey the fish fillets past the at least one pin bone removal device. The pin bone removal device utilizes a rotationally driven profiled roller and a counter-bearing element. A clamping gap is formed between the rotationally driven profiled roller and the counter-bearing element. A control is configured to control a relative movement between the rotationally driven profiled roller and the counter-bearing element. The pin bone removal device is configured to grasp and remove the pin bones via tensile force from the fish fillets in the clamping gap.

Abstract: A method for preparing a meat or poultry product includes placing a product having a thick edge and an opposing thin edge on a flat surface and creating an incision in the thick edge of the product along a line that falls approximately midway between an upper surface and a lower surface, the incision lying in a plane that cuts the product into a first fillet portion and a second fillet portion connected by a center portion each with substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System for producing high quality consumer seafood products at a significantly reduced cost. The Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System includes at least one aquaculture grow-out module for containing an aquaculture species, a feed handling system for distributing feed to the aquaculture species located in the aquaculture grow-out module(s), an aquaculture species moving system for routing the aquaculture species at least out of the aquaculture grow-out module(s), and a processing system for processing the aquaculture species after harvesting from the aquaculture grow-out module(s).

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for processing meat, in particular fish, comprising a processing tool, an actuating unit associated with the processing tool for moving the processing tool out of a starting position into a processing position and vice versa, and a control device which is operatively connected to the processing tool or actuating unit for control of the processing tool, which is distinguished in that the actuating unit comprises a cylinder unit having two pressure cylinders which are arranged one behind the other and connected to each other, wherein the processing tool is arranged on one of the two pressure cylinders of the cylinder unit and the two pressure cylinders can be controlled independently of each other. Furthermore, the invention concerns a corresponding method.

Abstract: Fish cleaning methods include providing a pick having a pick handle, a pick base carried by the pick handle and a plurality of spaced-apart pick tines extending from the pick base; placing a fish on a fish cleaning surface; grasping the pick handle of the pick with a first hand; immobilizing the fish on the fish cleaning surface by impaling the fish with the pick tines of the pick; grasping a fish cleaning knife with a second hand; and cutting a flesh strip from the fish using the fish cleaning knife.

Abstract: A machine has stations for continuous fish filleting. Decapitated gutted fish are placed with backs upwards and fronts foremost. A first station engages the fish and centers the fish relative to a vertical plane. Lower sides of the fish are arranged on opposite sides of the plane. A second station detects and registers vertical extents of lower edges and backs of the fish. A third station fixates backs of the fish and cuts slits in the backs. The slits extend at least along either side of protruding back fins. A fourth station has articulated cutters arranged on either side of the vertical plane for trimming parts of lowermost sides and edges of the fish. A fifth station has upper cutters positioned along the vertical plane for cutting meat free from vertebrae. A sixth station cuts vertically on either side of the vertebrae. A seventh station directs fillets outward.

Abstract: Method of processing of fish, for example salmon and related species, said method comprising the steps of providing a live fish, slaughtering the fish, subjecting the fish or part of the fish to an electrical stimulation prior to at least a further processing step of the fish, and wherein said at least one further processing step comprises the step of removing pin-bones from the fish or part of the fish. By subjecting the fish or part of the fish to the electrical stimulation it is achieved that the pin-bones can be removed without waiting for the normal rigor process to be concluded and the normal post-rigor state to be reached and further it is achieved that the pin-bones can still be removed satisfactorily, e.g. without breaking when being pulled etc., since the bonding of the bones are relieved by the electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A filleting knife is disclosed that includes an offset portion that raises the handle away from the plane of the blade. The length of the offset portion allows a user to cut along the plane of a surface without scraping or otherwise contacting the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate a fillet attached to a backbone of a beheaded, slaughtered fish having an open abdominal cavity previously cut by an abdominal knife and a dorsal knife, by cutting through a web left round the backbone of the fish by the abdominal and dorsal knives. The apparatus includes a transport saddle to transport the previously cut fish in a direction of fish travel wherein the saddle includes an upper bone guide and a lower bone guide. The apparatus also includes a separating unit movable back and forth from a standby position into a working position. The separating unit has a separating device to detach the fillet from the backbone of the fish and a counter support associated with the separating device and arranged on the separating unit with the separating device.

Abstract: Slicer apparatus of the type used for slicing in particular fish fillets, where the apparatus comprises a conveying path, and cutting means arranged in said conveying path, where the cutting means comprises a set of moveable reciprocating knives and a cutting land, where the cutting means further comprises means for moving the knives relative to the cutting land and the surface of the conveyor path, wherein the cutting means are arranged on a common member which member may be rotated through a predetermined arch about a horizontal axis, perpendicular to the conveyor path's transport direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated processing of meat. Known devices comprise a transport element, a cutting element, a bearing layer for the cutting element, and at least one control and/or regulating device that is actively connected to the cutting element. According to known devices and methods, the meat is displaced onto or towards the bearing layer, before being cut and/or trimmed. Often, this leads to an accumulation of meat, interrupting the processing operation. The inventive threading element reliably ensures that the meat is lifted up before reaching the bearing layer and is guided onto the same.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate a fillet attached to a backbone of a beheaded, slaughtered fish having an open abdominal cavity previously cut by an abdominal knife and a dorsal knife, by cutting through a web left round the backbone of the fish by the abdominal and dorsal knives. The apparatus includes a transport saddle to transport the previously cut fish in a direction of fish travel wherein the saddle includes an upper bone guide and a lower bone guide. The apparatus also includes a separating unit movable back and forth from a standby position into a working position. The separating unit has a separating device to detach the fillet from the backbone of the fish and a counter support associated with the separating device and arranged on the separating unit with the separating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically removing bones and trimming a product such as fish fillets, where the fillets are in an under cooled state. The under cooling makes the fillets sufficiently stiff to remove pin pones and portion a fillet before or after skinning the fillet in a relative still position providing better cutting than conventional methods. This provides more efficiency than prior art methods as well as increasing the value of the product due to less gaping and dehydration of the product. The method of the present invention further provides possibilities for grading of products processed with the three dimensional scanning and digital imaging of the products.

Abstract: An apparatus to cut free flank bones of a beheaded, slaughtered fish having an open abdominal cavity includes a transport saddle to transport the fish in a direction of fish travel. The saddle includes an upper bone guide and a lower bone guide. The apparatus additionally includes a separating unit moveable back and forth from a standby position into a working position having a separating device and a counter support. The separating device includes a rotating circular knife to detach a fish fillet from the flank bones and the counter support includes a fixed element and is associated with the separating device. The counter support and separating device are movable about two axes, the fixed element being movable relative to the circular knife and independently thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated processing of meat. Known devices comprise a transport element, a cutting element, a bearing layer for the cutting element, and at least one control and/or regulating device that is actively connected to the cutting element. According to known devices and methods, the meat is displaced onto or towards the bearing layer, before being cut and/or trimmed. Often, this leads to an accumulation of meat, interrupting the processing operation. The inventive threading element reliably ensures that the meat is lifted up before reaching the bearing layer and is guided onto the same.

Abstract: Certain farmed and/or breeding fish such as tilapia are filleted after the fish have been beheaded, slaughtered and had their ventral cavity opened. Cuts are made in the dorsal region and on the ventral side in the caudal region for exposing the dorsal spokes and ventral spokes, respectively. Then, separating cuts are made over the vertebral column connecting the dorsal and ventral cuts. Before peeling separation in the region of the ventral cavity, the ventral lobes are trimmed by separation of the ends of their ventral lobe portions projecting beyond the ribs. Peeling separation is completed by peeling cuts adapted to the rib contour and made with at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing fish fillets includes subjecting fish fillets lying on a skin side to a brief pulling cut in the tail region and a splitting separation by a stationary separating edge which, when the fillets approach, enters in the region of the pulling cut between skin and flesh layers and separates the two layers from each other, while at the same time a pull is exerted on the skin layer. Pressure is exerted on the flesh side of the fillet in the input region thereof against the separating edge, and the pulling cut is triggered under the control of a signal, effected in a few strokes and interrupted again immediately afterwards under the control of the signal, whereupon for continuation of the final separating operation the separating edge enters the region of the pulling cut between skin and fillet flesh layers.

Abstract: A method for skinning a piece of fish using a supporting surface (1) for a piece of fish (13) and a knife (10) with an active portion (11) for separation of the skin (15) from the fish meat by a mutual movement of the supporting surface (1) and an active portion (11) of the knife in relation to each other in a direction of feed, where the supporting surface (1) has a profile by which the distance between the active portion (11) of the knife and the supporting surface (1) varies across the direction of feed. The supporting surface being a conveyor belt (1), and a portion of the supporting surface at the active portion (11) of the knife being constituted by the running belt (1) of the conveyor and by an adjustable support (6) arranged under the belt and having an adjustable profile across the direction of feed.

Abstract: A device and method for slaughtering fish, in particular white fish, has at least one fish receptacle for positioning and receiving the fish, a throat cutting apparatus for cutting through the throat in preparation for the pharynx cut, a pharynx cutting apparatus for completely cutting through the pharynx, a slaughtering apparatus for opening the abdominal cavity, a gut severing apparatus for releasing the entrails from the abdominal cavity and a peripheral fish receiving drum with which the fish can be moved to the individual processing stations. The fish receiving drum is driven intermittently in rotation about a horizontal shaft. The fish are movable transversely to their longitudinal axis on an essentially vertical circular path. The fish receptacle includes pectoral fin receptacles and a torso clamp for fixing the fish torsos. Also, a head support with a head clamp is provided.

Abstract: The automatic fillet-trimming machine comprises a first conveyor belt that is capable of registering the weight of the individual fillets, one or more computer-controlled cameras or other imaging means that identifies and localizes the undesired portions of a fish fillet to be removed, a height-measuring apparatus the registers the thickness of the fillets, a second conveyor belt that comprises suction means for securely holding the fillets, and which transports the fillets to a plurality of computer-controlled cutting devices, the movement of which is directed according to coordinates received from the imaging means, and means for weighing and removing waste products.

Abstract: A pre-portioned fish fillet is provided by cutting a fillet from a fish and thereafter cutting through the flesh side of the fillet to subdivide the fillet into smaller portions. The cuts do not extend fully through the skin so that the fillet remains a single unitary structure. Preferably the cuts do not extend fully across the flesh side of the fillet so that an uncut strip of flesh remains along one edge of the fillet. A paper separator is inserted into each cut and the fillet is frozen. Portions can be removed from the larger frozen fillet by bending the portion along one of the cuts and cutting the skin with a scissors or other implement. Preferably, a flexible, resealable outer sleeve or package is provided so that unused portions of the fillet can be stored for use at a future date.

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 device for processing flesh includes at least one transport belt, at least one element for position detection as well as at least one separating device and at least one control device, wherein the separating device communicates via the control device with the element for position detection which provides information to be recorded and processed into geometric data of the flesh and image data of the flesh so that separating cuts based on the geometric and image data can be made with the separating device.

Abstract: Certain farmed and/or breeding fish such as tilapia are filleted after the fish have been beheaded, slaughtered and had their ventral cavity opened. Cuts are made in the dorsal region and on the ventral side in the caudal region for exposing the dorsal spokes and ventral spokes, respectively. Then, separating cuts are made over the vertebral column connecting the dorsal and ventral cuts. Before peeling separation in the region of the ventral cavity, the ventral lobes are trimmed by separation of the ends of their ventral lobe portions projecting beyond the ribs. Peeling separation is completed by peeling cuts adapted to the rib contour and made with at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting-up of fish, fish fillets and the like in slices etc., comprising a feeding unit which comprises a device for the feeding of fish/fillets, the feeding unit conveying the fish/fillets to a cutting unit which cuts the fish/fillets in slices, and a unit which comprises a device for the collection and processing of data, the collection and processing device comprises a device for the registration of the length of the fish/fillet in the feeding direction and/or the weight of the fish/fillet, and in that the feeding unit comprises a plane on which the fish/fillet is placed and fed forward, the plane forming a settable and adjustable angle to the horizontal plan, a device for the automatic adjustment and setting of the angle as a function of the length and/or the weight of the fish/fillet, and also a gripping device which comprises a device for the handling of the slices from the area in which the cutting takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus for skinning fish comprising a supporting surface (1) for fish (13), in particular fish fillets, and a knife (10) with an active portion (11) for separation of the skin (15) and the fish meat by a mutual movement of the supporting surface (1) and the active portion (11) of the knife in relation to each other in a direction of feed, where the supporting surface (1) has a profile by which the distance between the active portion (11) of the knife and the supporting surface (1) varies accross the direction of feed. The supporting surface comprises a conveyor belt (1), and a portion of the supporting surface at the active portion (11) of the knife is constituted by the running belt (1) of the conveyor and by an adjustable support (6) arranged under the belt and having an adjustable profile accross the direction of feed.

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 said 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. Spine cutting means are arranged along the feed-line (40) and before the band saws (46) in a feeding direction of the feed-line, and the spine cutting means comprise two mutually adjacent cutting blades (14) for cutting of incisions in the spine part of the fish.

Abstract: In order to separate a useful layer of filleted meat in a fillet of fish, from a layer of waste such as skin, fat and nerves, the fillets are supplied to a skinning device, skin side down. Said device comprises a skinning roll (1) and a pressure shoe (2) having a cutter for carrying out the separation, a knife receiving pocket, a cutting blade (14) which can be moved back and forth, and a pressure roll (4) arranged above said pressure shoe and exerting pressure on the meat side of the fillet. When the fillet arrives, the cutting blade (14) briefly makes an oblique cut transversally in relation to the displacement direction of the fillet, said cut being interrupted after a number of strokes, whereupon the pressure shoe cutter continues the separating cut. A proximity switch (17) is provided in order to control the movement of the cutting blade, said switch triggering signals when the pressure roll is lifted, thereby initiating the control of the movement of the blade.

Abstract: In a device and method for controlling the commencement of operation of at least one tool in a fish processing machine, a guide element penetrates the interior of the fish so as to perform alignment of the fish before the tool begins its application. A monitoring device associated with the guide element includes a sensor for determining the guide element/fish position. An evaluating unit connected to the sensor compares nominal and actual position values. On reaching an adjustable nominal position value, a signal for actuating the tool is triggered. Therefore, the tool comes into operation only when the monitoring device yields an actual value for the fish position which corresponds to the nominal value when the guide element has penetrated properly.

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 for obtaining muscle flesh from beheaded fish by severing muscle flesh from dorsal and/or ventral spokes together with fins and fin holders as well as from ribs or lateral vertebral appendages and a vertebral column. The method uses an apparatus having severing means for severing the muscle flesh from the dorsal and/or ventral spokes which include a first tool and a second tool, each of which is provided with pairs of cutting means. The cutting means of the first tool and the associated bone guides can be controlled in height with respect to the position of their cutting edges and guide edges, respectively, relative to a conveying path. The cutting means of the second tool are constructed as knife blades arranged between the bone guides with the cutting edges pointing towards the conveying path. The knife blades are elastically displaceable away from the conveying path.

Abstract: A catfish fillet machine for filleting fish, such as a catfish, with ribs extending through the belly flesh up to the skin. The catfish fillet machine includes a pair of scraping tools for dividing the flesh of each fish half into at least two independent segments up to the skin. Advantageously, the belly flesh is stripped from the ribs on both sides, thereby resulting in a minimum wastage of fillet flesh. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catfish fillet machine includes a pelvic fin and bone cutter/remover. A mechanism advantageously stretches the nuggets (belly flaps) of the fish tightly against the scraper knives and cutting support of the scraper tools. A fish saddle which engages and moves the fish along the conveyance path has top rail removably fastened to a base and made of a polymer material softer than the cutting blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which utilizes a hydraulic fluid such as water or air to propel fish through cutting blades which strip cut the fish so that exposed viscera of the fish may be removed by brushes or the like. Fish are processed serially in appropriately sized and shaped conduits at high speeds.

Abstract: A fish cleaning apparatus having a tray and a compartmentalized fish-supporting structure with hollow compartments therein is disposed above the tray for allowing fish fluids and part to pass therethrough and onto the tray during the fish cleaning process. An insert member is provided on top of the compartmentalized fish supporting structure for facilitating holding of a part of the fish against the top thereof while cutting skin off of a filet of the fish. This insert member has a recessed portion on the top thereof for preventing slippage of the fish with respect to the insert member during the fish cleaning process.

Abstract: A machine and method for mechanically cutting fish pieces includes a band knife for making cuts substantially parallel to a circumferential direction of a freezing drum. The first cutting device is adapted to be the first to come in contact with an uncut fillet and makes at least one cut directed in a thickness direction of the fillet laterally of the two main faces of the fillet and substantially parallel to a jacket face of a freezing drum. The first cutting device has at least one knife preferably providing self motion.

Abstract: A fish cleaning apparatus is disclosed for securely holding a fish during cleaning and filleting thereof. The apparatus includes a supporting frame having a first and a second end wall and a first and a second side wall, the frame having a top and a bottom. A first and a second cleaning board are supported by the frame, the boards being disposed angularly relative to each other for defining there between a drain. The arrangement is such that when the fish is being cleaned, parts removed from the fish drain along the boards through the drain. A rod is rotatably supported by the frame and disposed adjacent to the drain, the rod having a first and a second extremity. A holder has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being secured to the rod, the fish being impaled on the distal end of the holder.

Abstract: A method for the removal of the spinal bones from fish, such as freshwater fish, by positioning an annular member, such as a ring attached to a shaft, around the spine of a deheaded fish and forcing it along the spine from the head portion to the tail portion of the fish, to thereby detach the spinal column from the torso of the fish and then pulling out the detached spinal column. The fish preferably has its tail cut off prior to the operation. A device for carrying out the method consists of a ring attached to a shaft with its plane extending substantially transverse to the rod. Various sized rings may be detachable connected to the shaft which may be provided with a handle.

Abstract: A fish skinner for skinning a fish. The fish skinner includes a base with an elongate arm upwardly extending therefrom. One end of an elongate lower bar is coupled to the arm. One end of an elongate upper bar is pivotally coupled to the arm above the lower bar. The lower bar has an upper cutting edge against which a lower face of the upper bar abuts when the upper bar is pivoted to a lowered position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for deboning fish of the mackerel family such as the Thunnus genus, the scomboid type and the like, and an apparatus for performing this method. Fish of this family have belly spokes extending along the full length of the backbone into the area of the belly cavity, so that conventional cutting free of the back and belly spokes will lead to a separation of the ribs from the remaining bone structure. To allow an accurate filetting of mackerel fish with their specific bone structure in the ventral cavity region, the invention suggests a slice of fish meat including the ribs to be cut free automatically by providing a computer controlled tool including a knife with a cutting edge diverging with respect to the conveying path of the fish, and a supporting element, which in combination with the knife allows the ribs to be cut away progressively while respecting the anatomical characteristics of the fish.

Abstract: A fish processing machine that uses a large pair of refrigerated wheels to hold a fish for processing. The wheels rotate in a clockwise direction. A fish is introduced at the top of the wheels, where it is pressed against the refrigerated wheels. By the phenomenon of frost adhesion, the fish adheres to the wheels. The wheels are angled so that they are spaced closer at the top and farther apart at the bottom. As the wheels rotate, a pair of filleting knives cut the fillets from the carcass. As the wheels continue to rotate, the fillets are automatically separated by adhering to the refrigerated wheels. The remainder of the fish falls down between the wheels to a conveyer for disposal or further processing. As the wheels continue to turn, the fillets can be further processed before the fillets are removed from the skin and the skin is cleaned from the wheels.

Abstract: A total bone removal system is disclosed wherein the apparatus and method for a bone removal and filleting process for decapitated fish, including removal of pin bones, is described. The apparatus has a jig and vacuum supports for securing a fish, and a traversable blade assembly for cutting the fish.

Abstract: A machine for cutting away undesired tissue (VP), e.g. fat tissue from fish fillets (F), said undesired tissue (VP) extending substantially in one main direction e.g. in the longitudinal direction of a fish fillet, comprises a rotary freezing drum (7) for freezing fillets (F) thereto in order to retain the fillets while a knife (18) cuts a fish meat slice (FS) loose from the freezing drum (7), a conveyor (3) being adapted to supply fillets (F) to the freezing drum (7). The freezing drum (7) is formed with at least one circumferential groove (7a) receiving said fat tissue portion (VP), an underlying conveyor (3), through the shape, design and suspension thereof, being adapted to press said fat tissue portion (VP) into the groove (7a) within which the fat tissue portion (VP) freezes and, thus, is retained, withdrawn from the drum mantle face (7') when the knife (18) cuts loose a fish slice (FS) freed from fat tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically subdividing carcasses, especially fish bodies, into individual slab sections. A preferred embodiment of the cutting apparatus includes a feed mechanism and a cutting mechanism coordinated by computer. The feed mechanism comprises a motor-driven carriage that rides upon rails. Between the rails is a feed track formed by parallel guides having angled facing surfaces defining a channel to accommodate a fish body aligned along the channel. A retainer on the carriage secures the head end of the fish body so that it can be advanced along the channel by the carriage without a change in orientation. The cutting mechanism includes a reciprocating blade that is advanced in a direction to define a cutting plane intersecting the path the fish body takes as it is transported by the carriage beyond the end of the feed track. Holding blocks at the end of the feed track clamp the fish body securely in position for cutting.

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 device for processing flesh includes at least one transport belt, at least one element for position detection as well as at least one separating device and at least one control device, wherein the separating device communicates via the control device with the element for position detection which provides information to be recorded and processed into geometric data of the flesh and image data of the flesh so that separating cuts based on the geometric and image data can be made with the separating device.