Abstract: An arrangement, apparatus and method for conveying poultry is provided. The arrangement transfers slaughtered poultry between conveying lines and has at least one rotary device for conveying suspended poultry along a curved conveying path with suspension mounts, each designed to hold a poultry body by both legs. A linear motor conveying device with a guide rail, which comprises a linear drive, forms a circulating conveying path and has runners, each arranged to be separately controllable and movable along the guide rail by the linear drive. A holding element is designed to accommodate one poultry leg at a time, with one of the holding elements arranged on each runner. The rotary device and the linear motor conveying device are arranged such that, in a transfer region, the curved conveying path at least partially overlaps with a curved portion of the circulating conveying path in order to transfer the poultry.

Abstract: A clamping device for a bone-in limb meat according to an embodiment includes: a pair of clamp pieces for holding the bone-in limb meat; a support portion openably/closably supporting the pair of clamp pieces in respective base portions of the clamp pieces; and rotation suppressing portions for suppressing a rotation of the bone-in limb meat, the rotation suppressing portions being respectively disposed so as to protrude from surfaces of the pair of clamp pieces along a direction perpendicular to a plane including opening/closing directions of the pair of clamp pieces. In an opened state of the pair of clamp pieces, the pair of clamp pieces respectively have tip portions at positions closer to a center line between the pair of clamp pieces than the rotation suppressing portions and positions farther away from the support portion than the rotation suppressing portions in a direction along the center line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for transferring sausage portions with a first transport device for transporting the sausage portions, an ejection device for pushing the sausage portions from a first transport device to a second transport device, which is configured as a drum or fan belt. The first transport device has a lower and an upper circumferential transport means, between which the sausage portions are transported.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing poultry parts moving in succession along a path of conveyance. The method provides for an apparatus (1) including at least a conveyor (5) arranged to convey a succession of poultry parts along the path of conveyance downstream of a loading area. The method further includes the step of loading the poultry parts on the conveyor (5) in the loading area, while operating the conveyor to convey the poultry parts in succession. Further the apparatus provided by the method also includes a transfer means (57) in the path of conveyance downstream of the loading area. The transfer means (57) is operated to divide the succession of poultry parts into at least two parallel streams. When coincident with the at least two parallel streams the method performs at least two processing steps in a side-by-side arrangement at a location downstream along the path of conveyance.

Abstract: A flowline system for processing food products includes a feeding conveyor is provided for conveying the food products to be processed, a plurality of workstations are arranged along the feeding conveyor, a diverter associated with each of the plurality of workstations for diverting food products from the feeding conveyor to the workstations, and a takeaway conveyor assembly. Each workstation comprises a release mechanism configured to receive a food product after being processed and to transfer the processed food product onto the takeaway conveyor assembly, and where a control unit is provided to allocate a slot length on the takeaway conveyor assembly in accordance to a length of the processed food product.

Abstract: Conveying assembly with overhead conveyor having shackles for suspending poultry carcasses by the legs with each shackle suspended from a hanger. A guide element may be disposed generally below and parallel to the overhead conveyor to prevent rotation of the shackles about a vertical axis. The guide element may be movable in the conveying direction and the stops can be mounted on the guide element.

Abstract: Processing apparatus for poultry that may include one or more transfer units placed intermediate and conveying poultry from a first line to a subsequent second line. The transfer means may include at least one magnet for inducing eddy currents in a circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support. The at least one magnet may be embodied with a series of alternating north-poles (+) and south-poles (?) facing the circulating support.

Abstract: A clamping device for a bone-in limb meat according to an embodiment includes a pair of clamp pieces including a first clamp piece and a second clamp piece, and being openable/closable so as to hold a bone-in limb meat, and rotation suppressing portions for suppressing a rotation of the bone-in limb meat, the rotation suppressing portions being disposed at positions deviated with respect to the pair of clamp pieces in a direction perpendicular to a plane including an opening/closing direction of the pair of clamp pieces. The rotation suppressing portions include a projection portion disposed so as to protrude from the first clamp piece into a space between the pair of clamp pieces and configured to contact the bone-in limb meat when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A clamping device for a bone-in limb meat according to an embodiment includes a base portion, a pair of clamp pieces mounted to the base portion and configured to hold a bone-in limb meat, and an orientation adjusting member for adjusting an orientation of the bone-in limb meat, the orientation adjusting member being mounted to the base portion independently of the pair of clamp pieces and having an inclined surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to a center line between the pair of clamp pieces. When the pair of clamp pieces are in an opened state, in a planar view, at least a part of the inclined surface of the orientation adjusting member is disposed so as to overlap a space formed between the pair of clamp pieces.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for orienting a plurality of sausages with respective curvatures. A conveyor device is configured to transport the sausages along a conveyor path. The conveyor device includes a conveyor element on which the sausages can be placed at mutual spacings and with their longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a conveyor direction of the conveyor element. A turning device is arranged over the conveyor element. The turning device is configured to be brought into contact with each of the sausages and to orient the sausages oriented approximately transversely relative to the conveyor direction of the conveyor element in identical relationship in respect of the curvatures of the sausages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filling a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing with filling material and closing said filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The clipping machine includes a filling tube through which the filling material is fed into said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing which is stored on said filling tube, a casing brake assembly arranged on the filling tube for limiting the movement of the tubular packaging casing at least while being filled, gathering means for gathering said filled tubular packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, and a clipping device for applying at least one closure means, like a closure clip, to the plait-like portion formed on the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing in a closing region.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a conveying device for slaughter animals and a removing device (15). The conveying device comprises a guide (2) extending along a transport path, product carriers (3) for the slaughter animals, which are movable in a direction of movement along the guide, each product carrier comprising at least one groove inclined according to a direction of inclination for holding at least one held part of a slaughter animal therein. The at least one groove has an open upper end and a lower end. The removing device comprises a pusher element, which is movable to and fro between a passive position and an active position for pushing the at least one held part out of the at least one groove. The removing device comprises a further pusher element which is movable to and fro between a further passive position and a further active position.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing birds on a conveyor according to the invention includes a moveable engagement member (1,101,201,301) having a contacting surface (11,111,211,311) adapted for being brought into contact with the bird (2). The engagement member is connected to a carrier (30,130,230,330) at a primary axis (P), said carrier being rotatable about a stationary secondary axis (132,232,332) and the primary axis (P) being located on the carrier (30,130,230,330) at a distance from the secondary axis (132,232,332), so that said primary axis will rotate about the secondary axis when the carrier is rotated. The engagement member (1,101,201,301) is restrained between the primary axis and the contacting surface, so that the contacting surface is prevented from rotating about the secondary axis.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for poultry is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more transfer units placed intermediate of, conveying poultry from, a first line to a subsequent second line, wherein both the first line and the second line are selected from the group including a slaughtering line, an evisceration line, a chilling line, a sorting line and a cutup line. Each transfer unit is embodied with a circulating support that includes material that is magnetically conductive and transfer devices are provided with at least one magnet so as to induce eddy currents in the circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer devices and the circulating support.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for poultry is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more transfer units placed intermediate of conveying poultry from, a first line to a subsequent second line, wherein both the first line and the second line are selected from the group including a slaughtering line, an evisceration line, a chilling line, a sorting line and a cutup line. Each transfer unit is embodied with a circulating support that includes material that is magnetically conductive and transfer means are provided with at least one magnet so as to induce eddy currents in the circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for poultry is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more transfer units placed intermediate of, conveying poultry from, a first line to a subsequent second line, wherein both the first line and the second line are selected from the group including a slaughtering line, an evisceration line, a chilling line, a sorting line and a cutup line. Each transfer unit is embodied with a circulating support that includes material that is magnetically conductive and transfer means are provided with at least one magnet so as to induce eddy currents in the circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for poultry is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more transfer units placed intermediate of, conveying poultry from, a first line to a subsequent second line, wherein both the first line and the second line are selected from the group including a slaughtering line, an evisceration line, a chilling line, a sorting line and a cutup line. Each transfer unit is embodied with a circulating support that includes material that is magnetically conductive and transfer means are provided with at least one magnet so as to induce eddy currents in the circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support.

Abstract: A slaughtered pig leg parts conveyor device is provided for conveying individual pig leg parts, wherein an individual pig leg part includes at least a portion of a pig leg and the pig foot. The conveyor device includes a track and one or more pig leg part carriers movable along said track, each carrier being adapted to carry an individual pig leg part. Each carrier has one pig foot retaining assembly adapted to engage on a single pig foot so as to retain the pig leg part in a position suspended from the carrier. The retaining assembly includes a pig foot aperture adapted to receive the pig foot.

Abstract: A passive system, apparatus, and method for transferring poultry products exiting the chiller to a cone or shackle line.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: A device for transferring sausage-shaped products, carried out of a clipping machine and provided with loop-shaped suspension elements, to a product receiving element, said device containing: a guide bar along which the suspension elements can be guided in the direction of transport by means of conveyor elements, and a front and a rear bearing assembly for the guide bar, the bearing assemblies having a right-hand and a left-hand bearing unit that are each disposed in pairs laterally from the guide bar. It is further provided that the front and rear bearing assemblies form drivable positive guidance mechanisms for the suspension elements.

Abstract: A passive system, apparatus, and method for transferring poultry products exiting the chiller to a cone or shackle line.

Abstract: An installation for processing slaughtered animal parts of slaughtered animals and forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts, which installation comprises: —a conveying system with a single conveying device or with a plurality of conveying devices, —at least one slaughtered animal treatment device positioned along the path of a conveying device, —a first weighing device for determining the weight of the one or more slaughtered animal parts carried by a product carrier, —an installation control device comprising: —slaughtered animal part position determining means which pertain to the conveying system and know substantially continuously the position of each slaughtered animal part in the conveying system, —memory means wherein, for each slaughtered animal part in the conveying system, at least one memory field is present for the weight, determined by the first weighing device, of the slaughtered animal part, and—a batching device which is positioned along the path of a conveying devi

Abstract: This document relates to live bird shackle transfer. In one embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor, configured to transport a live bird on a perch mechanism from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor, and a shackle line, including a pallet assembly including a trolley supporting a pallet and a star-wheel mechanism configured to position the trolley such that the pallet is aligned with the proximal end of the perch conveyor during transfer of the live bird from the perch mechanism to the pallet. In another embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor configured to transport a live bird from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor; a body-grasper at the proximal end of the perch conveyor; and virtual exit lighting positioned at the proximal end of the perch conveyor and above the body-grasper.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a drumstick and a thigh that are part of a leg of poultry from each other includes an overhead conveyor for supplying the suspended leg, a supporting member for supporting the leg while the drumstick and thigh are being severed, and a cutting device for severing the drumstick from the thigh at the height of a knee joint A clamping device is provided for holding fast the thigh at least while it passes the cutting device.

Abstract: In a method and device for opening a blood vessel in the neck of a pre-positioned slaughter animal, a blood vessel is opened as a result of at least one cutting device being moved into the neck from one side of the neck towards the opposite side of the neck, the blood vessel being located in the path of the cutting device. The cutting device is an elongate blade which is moved in its longitudinal direction and is provided with a sharp, inclined front side. Before the blood vessel is opened, the distance between the trachea and the blood vessel is increased in an area of the opening.

Abstract: Mechanical assembly comprising a roller chain mounted on multiple sprockets attached via shafts and bearings to a frame. Multiple unloader shackles are attached to the roller chain such that all shackles are aligned in a consistent manner. The roller chain assembly is mounted in such a way as to align it longitudinally with an overhead shackle-line. It is mounted in such a way as to allow the individual unloader shackles to align directly opposite the individual overhead shackles at a specific offset distance and travel in the same direction as the overhead shackles. It is also mounted in such a way as to allow the attached shackles to rise in elevation from beneath the overhead shackles as they travel in the same direction as the overhead shackles. The chain is driven at a rate which synchronizes the attached unloader shackles with the overhead shackle-line to which it is aligned in order to transfer a carcass such as a leg quarter.

Abstract: In a method and device for opening a blood vessel in the neck of a pre-positioned slaughter animal, a blood vessel is opened as a result of at least one cutting device being moved into the neck from one side of the neck towards the opposite side of the neck, the blood vessel being located in the path of the cutting device. The cutting device is an elongate blade which is moved in its longitudinal direction and is provided with a sharp, inclined front side. Before the blood vessel is opened, the distance between the trachea and the blood vessel is increased in an area of the opening.

Abstract: Mechanical assembly comprising a roller chain mounted on multiple sprockets attached via shafts and bearings to a frame. Multiple unloader shackles are attached to the roller chain such that all shackles are aligned in a consistent manner. The roller chain assembly is mounted in such a way as to align it longitudinally with an overhead shackle-line. It is mounted in such a way as to allow the individual unloader shackles to align directly opposite the individual overhead shackles at a specific offset distance and travel in the same direction as the overhead shackles. It is also mounted in such a way as to allow the attached shackles to rise in elevation from beneath the overhead shackles as they travel in the same direction as the overhead shackles. The chain is driven at a rate which synchronizes the attached unloader shackles with the overhead shackle-line to which it is aligned in order to transfer a carcass such as a leg quarter.

Abstract: Photoelectric and inductive sensors are placed along a picking and eviscerating chicken lines. The sensors detect the location of a chicken bird in a shackle and its associated feet, also in a shackle. The sensors communicate this information to a programmable logic card. An inspection button also communicates information to the programmable logic card. Medal flags are attached to a shackle to allow for an easier way for the sensors to determine the locations of the chicken bird and its associated feet.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from a first overhead conveyor to a second overhead conveyor, including a transfer wheel rotatable about a shaft and disposed between the first and the second overhead conveyors. The apparatus also includes a receipt point and a discharge point, the receipt point being disposed between the first overhead conveyor and the transfer wheel, the discharge point being disposed between the transfer wheel and the second overhead conveyor, and the receipt and discharge points are disposed on a centerline of the transfer wheel. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holders, each holder being configured to receive one of the carcasses from the first overhead conveyor at the receipt point and to discharge the carcass to the second overhead conveyor at the discharge point. Each holder has a first orientation at the receipt point and a second orientation at the discharge point, and the first and second orientations are relative to the centerline and are the same.

Abstract: A device for processing slaughtered animals or parts thereof, having a first station and a second station, comprises a conveyor which extends between the first station and the second station. The conveyor comprises at least one slot which is designed to carry and support the slaughtered animals, a supply device for supplying the slaughtered animals or parts thereof at the first station on the conveyor, and a discharge device for discharging the slaughtered animals or parts thereof from the conveyor at the second station. The device has at least one driven driving member which spans at least half of the width of the slot, passes through a path which is substantially parallel to the course of the slot and is designed to move the slaughtered animals or parts thereof which are in the slot along the slot.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for handling chicken (4) suspended in transport shackles (24).

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: A sausage transfer station is disclosed for transferring sausages from a rack where they are hung by respective string loops in a plurality of rows to a main conveyor. The transfer station includes an unload conveyor for advancing the rack forward, a selectively pivotable unloader shaft oriented transversely to the unload conveyor, and a transfer conveyor having a leg parallel to the unloader shaft and an apex proximate the main conveyor. The unloader shaft has a plurality of unloader fingers extending transversely outward therefrom. The unloader fingers engage the string loops of a row of sausages to push them off of the rack and then drop them onto respective fingers of the transfer conveyor. The sausages are carried by the transfer conveyor to the apex proximate the main conveyor where they are transferred to hooks on the main conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from a first overhead conveyor to a second overhead conveyor, in which overhead conveyors the carcasses are transported suspended from shackles and the like, comprising a transfer wheel rotatable about a vertical axis and positioned between both overhead conveyors, which wheel is provided with holders for the carcasses and with first means for transferring the carcasses from the first overhead conveyor to the transfer wheel and with second means for transferring the carcasses from the transfer wheel to the second overhead conveyor, orientation means further being present for equalizing the spacial initial orientation of the carcass in the holder at receipt on the transfer wheel and the spacial final orientation of the carcass in the holder at its discharge from the transfer wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from a first overhead conveyor to a second overhead conveyor, in which overhead conveyors the carcasses are transported suspended from shackles and the like, comprising a transfer wheel rotatable about a vertical axis and positioned between both overhead conveyors, which wheel is provided with holders for the carcasses and with first means for transferring the carcasses from the first overhead conveyor to the transfer wheel and with second means for transferring the carcasses from the transfer wheel to the second overhead conveyor, orientation means further being present for equalizing the spacial initial orientation of the carcass in the holder at receipt on the transfer wheel and the spacial final orientation of the carcass in the holder at its discharge from the transfer wheel.

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: An apparatus for producing and processing a strand of sausage or foodstuff has a sausage producing machine which produces a linked strand of sausage for deposit of loops of the strand on the hooks of a continuous conveyor. The conveyor picks up the loops of the strand at a loading station immediately adjacent the discharge end of the machine, and conveys the loops to a processing station for smoking or the like. The conveyor then moves the loops to an unloading station for removal of the strand from the conveyor, whereupon the conveyor downstream of the unloading station returns to the loading station to pick up additional product. A conveyor take-up mechanism is located immediately downstream from the loading station to permit the conveyor to cease movement at the loading station (while the casing on the machine is being replenished) while the conveyor can continue movement in the processing area. Sensors and controls interconnect the machine and the conveyor to coordinate the operational functions of each.

Abstract: A carrying hook for suspending poultry by the legs and conveying it, having two channels, each capable of receiving one leg. The channels are open at both ends. Optionally the channels are widened in the middle, and are provided with channel walls that can be separated by moving them against a spring force. In addition, the channels may mutually diverge toward their ends.

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 apparatus for suspending poultry by the feet from an overhead conveyor has pairs of cooperating strings for gripping the poultry by the feet in an upside-down hanging position. Check means are applied to check the position of the feet with respect to the strings in the hanging position of the poultry, and to provide a control signal that depends thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping the feet of sitting or standing poultry. The apparatus comprising a first conveyor where the poultry sits or stands on the first conveyor and points its head in the same or opposite direction to the direction of travel of the first conveyor. A section of the first conveyor forms a tunnel floor. A tunnel ceiling is disposed above the first conveyor. The distance between the tunnel ceiling and the first conveyor initially decreases in the direction of travel of the first conveyor. A guide extends in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel ceiling and is located between the first conveyor and the tunnel ceiling. The distance between the tunnel ceiling and the first conveyor increases in the direction of travel of the first conveyor at a location proximate to the guide. A second conveyor is located in the direction of travel of the first conveyor substantially after the guide. The breast of the poultry rests on the second conveyor.

Abstract: A collating conveyor is provided for sausage links. The conveyor includes a frame with opposite ends and chains trained about the opposite ends of the frame. A motor drives the chains in a vertically oriented loop. A plurality of brackets are mounted on the chains in longitudinally spaced positions so as to move with the chains. Each bracket includes a basket pivotally mounted thereon. A cam arm with a cam follower is provided on each bracket and connected to the basket. The cam follower tracks in a cam groove on the frame so as to pivot the baskets from a longitudinal position at the mid point of the conveyor to a lateral position at each end of the conveyor. Sausage links from an encasing machine are deposited into each longitudinally oriented basket, which carries the sausage links around the end of the conveyor for discharge onto a tray in collated, parallel rows.

Abstract: In a device and method for processing a slaughtered animal or a part thereof, the slaughtered animal or the part thereof is conveyed on a holding support of a carrier connected to an overhead conveyor. The holding support is provided with devices for fixing the slaughtered animal or part thereof. The carrier is conveyed past filleting tools disposed in an essentially fixed orientation, while the holding support of the carrier provided with a swivelling device can be swivelled by means of a control device which controls the swivelling device during the passage past the filleting tools, in order to carry out-the filleting operations with the filleting tools.

Abstract: In a device and method for processing slaughtered poultry, the following steps are carried out: drawing the viscera package out of the carcass of the poultry; separating the viscera package from the carcass; conveying the viscera package in a viscera package conveyor member; conveying the carcass in a carcass conveyor member; and inspecting the viscera package and the carcass. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member are coupled together at least during the inspection. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member may form part of one combined conveyor member. Prior to the inspection, at least the intestines, and in particular the intestines and the gall bladder, are removed from the viscera package.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices and methods for extracting substantially all the tail meat from the crawfish exoskeleton. The devices and methods consistently remove the intestinal tract, without damage to the meat, and are capable of processing crawfish of all sizes and shell hardness at a rate greater than that of hand peeling.

Abstract: In a device and method for processing a slaughtered animal or a part thereof, the slaughtered animal or the part thereof is conveyed on a holding support of a carrier connected to an overhead conveyor. The holding support is provided with devices for fixing the slaughtered animal or part thereof. The carrier is conveyed past filleting tools disposed in an essentially fixed orientation, while the holding support of the carrier provided with a swivelling device can be swivelled by means of a control device which controls the swivelling device during the passage past the filleting tools, in order to carry out the filleting operations with the filleting tools.