Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing poultry slaughter products, the system comprising a first transport line, running at a first speed, and comprising successive first product carriers spaced apart at a first distance, each configured to carry a respective one of the products, a second transport line, running at a second speed, and comprising successive second product carriers spaced apart at a second distance, each configured to carry a respective one of the products, and a product transfer device for successively transferring products from first to second product carriers. The product transfer device is configured such that it each time successively transfers a predefined plurality of products, wherein a location of transfer of a subsequent product of the plurality of products is each time more upstream or more downstream along the first transport line than the location of transfer of a previous product of the plurality of products.

Abstract: A conveyance system 14 carries food products 12 past the scanning system 16 for scanning the food products and generating data pertaining to various parameters of the food products. Thereafter, the food products 12 are transported past a processing station 18 for cutting, trimming, portioning, etc. using a cutting apparatus 20 in the form of a robotic actuator 22 onto which is mounted a dual headed cutter assembly 24 capable of independently and simultaneously cutting/trimming/portioning two separate food products 12, for example, located in side-by-side lanes on the conveyance system or capable of independently and simultaneously cutting/trimming the opposite sides of the same food product.

Abstract: A system for automatic organization, hanging and driving of slaughtered animals installed at the outlet of a slaughtered animals processing station such as a chiller. The system comprises a receiving and aligning means of slaughtered animals in longitudinal position, which is previously disposed to an accumulator device of slaughtered animals positioned longitudinally. The system further comprises a suspension and movement assembly of each slaughtered animal from the axial alignment assembly to a driving guide of each slaughtered animal to a hanging transfer device of each animal slaughtered in the hanging line.

Abstract: A sausage suspension member undergoes primary pivoting whereby an opening portion with an inner link of a sausage placed thereon is moved about a pivot axis laterally inwardly, and after the primary pivoting the sausage suspension member undergoes secondary pivoting whereby the opening portion with the inner link placed thereon is moved about the pivot axis laterally inwardly so as to move the opening portion with the inner link placed thereon laterally inwardly away from a stick in a state of being inserted between the inner link and an outer link.

Abstract: Hook groups formed by hooks in a number identical to a maximum number of loops of sausage to be suspended from a stick are provided on a wrapping connector moving body of a conveyor with a respective hook absent zone interposed between adjacent ones of the hook groups. When the sausage is suspended from all the hooks of one hook group, the supply of the sausage to the conveyor is interrupted, and the sausage whose supply to the conveyor has been restarted after the hook absent zone moved a predetermined distance is suspended from a first hook of an ensuing hook group to form one loop by a last hook of the one hook group and a first hook of the ensuing hook group.

Abstract: A multi-bird poultry shackle includes a stanchion having a connection point adapted to couple to a conveyor; a first shackle coupled to the stanchion, the first shackle having a first pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a first bird, and a second pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a second bird; a second shackle coupled to the stanchion below the first shackle, the second shackle having a third pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a third bird, and a fourth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a fourth bird; and a third shackle coupled to the stanchion below the second shackle, the third shackle having a fifth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a fifth bird, and a sixth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a sixth bird. A method of conveying poultry carcasses is also described.

Abstract: A poultry shackle redirecting apparatus can include a conveyor that conveys a plurality of poultry shackles and a guide bar having an entrance positioned along the conveyor. The guide bar can be adapted to redirect a shackle from a poultry processing line to a disposal line. A detection device can be positioned at a distance upstream of the entrance to identify a shackle to be removed. An encoder can be positioned between the detection device and the entrance. The encoder can track a position of the shackle to be removed along the conveyor. Upon receiving instructions from the encoder that the shackle to be removed is positioned in registry with the entrance, a pushing device can be adapted to push the shackle to be removed into the entrance of the guide bar. A method of directing poultry shackles from a poultry processing line to a disposal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for processing a carcass or carcass part of a porcine, bovine, ovine, or caprine slaughter animal involves a plurality of processing steps. The system includes a primary transport system that includes an overhead conveyor and a plurality of carriers for holding a carcass or carcass part, a plurality of processing stations, which processing stations are arranged along the track, each of the processing stations being adapted to carry out one or more processing steps on a carcass or carcass part, wherein in at least one processing station a step of removing a part of the carcass or carcass part is carried out, a secondary transport system, which secondary transport system is arranged adjacent to the processing station in which said part is removed from the carcass or carcass part, which secondary transport system is adapted to receive said part.

Abstract: A system for trussing slaughtered birds comprises a conveyer provided with at least one bird holder for transporting a bird to at least one working position along the transport path of the conveyer, a bird trussing station located at the working position, which station includes a trussing module defining a working zone, and a mechanical arrangement for bringing the bird within the working zone in predetermined position and orientation relative thereto to allow for operation of the trussing module according to a trussing pattern by which a trussing element catches and maintains the bird in a trussed condition. The system further comprises a controller operatively connected to the conveyer and the bird trussing station. The system may also comprise a bird's legs crossing station located at a working position upstream the trussing station where the trussing of bird's legs is desired.

Abstract: Provided herein are various suspension devices and associated methods and apparatus to open loops (or form opened loops) in a chain of linked products suspended from one or more suspension devices in a conveyor system. In one implementation, a suspension device for a chain of linked products includes a link support portion pivotally coupled to a conveyor, the link support portion configured to suspend a portion of the chain of linked products therefrom and comprising a lower portion downwardly extending from the link support portion. The lower portion is configured to engage a portion of a respective link of the chain upon a pivoting motion of the link support portion about a pivot axis in order to open a respective loop suspended from the link support portion to an unloading orientation for unloading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the extraction and collection of coelomic fluid of sea stars. The method includes feeding sea stars, one at a time, from storage into the mouth of a longitudinally-moving gripper. The method includes moving the sea stars in a downstream direction by means of the longitudinally-moving gripper. The method includes severing the tip of the arm of the sea star. The method includes allowing the coelomic fluid to drain out of the severed arm of the sea star; The method includes accumulating the drained coelomic fluid. The method includes collecting the accumulated drained coelomic fluid. Finally, the method includes discharging the sea stars from the longitudinally-moving gripper.

Abstract: Provided herein are various suspension devices and associated methods and apparatus to open loops (or form opened loops) in a chain of linked products suspended from one or more suspension devices in a conveyor system. In one implementation, a suspension device for a chain of linked products includes a link support portion pivotally coupled to a conveyor, the link support portion configured to suspend a portion of the chain of linked products therefrom and comprising a lower portion downwardly extending from the link support portion. The lower portion is configured to engage a portion of a respective link of the chain upon a pivoting motion of the link support portion about a pivot axis in order to open a respective loop suspended from the link support portion to an unloading orientation for unloading.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning poultry, meat, or fish product pieces on a conveyor and a system and method which utilize the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus comprises an array of side-by-side upwardly arched product channels and a plurality of catch members mounted for rotating through the product channels such that they lift and pull the product pieces through the upwardly arched product channels and then release the product pieces onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and means for processing meat comprising an endless conveyor having an infeed end and a discharge end with the conveyor passing through a housing or tank which is partially filled with agitated water. Pieces of meat are conveyed by the conveyor through the agitated water to remove foreign particles therefrom. The foreign particles are recirculated through a filter and a water chiller with the chilled and filtered water then being returned to the tank. Excess water is blown from the pieces of meat after the pieces of meat have been conveyed through the agitated water. The method of processing the meat is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring pliant articles, such as poultry carcasses or parts thereof, includes a first separator stage comprising a slide plate with spaced apart sets of guides for receiving articles and for conveying the articles toward a second separator stage. The second separator stage comprises a rotary drum with spaced apart hook-like tines which engage articles received from the slide plate for rotation to a position whereby the force of gravity allows the articles to be released from the drum to fall into respective compartments of a third separator stage. The third separator stage includes spaced apart moveable closures which are operated in timed relationship to each other to release the articles onto a conveyor or other apparatus to provide spacing and alignment of the articles generally in single file.

Abstract: A counting system for a poultry processing plant that uses conveyors is disclosed. Two types of conveyors are addressed, one where poultry hang from the conveyor and one where the carcasses are supported above the conveyor. The sensors are located at different levels to sense elements of the carriers as well as poultry. Logic within the system compares the readings of the sensors to determine whether a chicken is present and whether to increment the total. Additionally, the sensors are recessed in steel tubing on mounting plates which support their own cover plates. The sensors can thereby be adjusted for alignment while the cover plates move with the sensors. The cover plates are easily removed for cleaning and put back into position without blocking the sensors. Air is blown through the steel tubing to keep a positive air pressure in the tubing to prevent dirt from entering the openings.

Abstract: A system for transporting dead animals in an animal raising facility to a disposal site using a conveyor having at least one carrier that operates by placing the dead animals in the carrier, transporting the carrier towards a disposal site by the conveyor, and emptying the carrier at the disposal site.

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: Methods and devices for loading carrier members with suspended elongated product include straddling suspended elongated product over a carrier member having a width so that portions of the elongated product are serially draped over the carrier member along a desired length thereof and wiping, pushing, or pulling adjacent segments closer together to increase the amount or density of the product on the carrier member. The straddling is carried out so that the draped elongated product defines suspension regions that contact the carrier member intermediate lengths of the elongated product that hang from opposing sides of the carrier member. At least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in a predetermined direction at a first time then another one of the at least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in the predetermined direction at a second time.

Abstract: A system and methods for conveying linked chains of food product in a production cycle. In one implementation, a system comprises a first and second conveyors each traveling from a loading station proximate a linker to an unloading station and back, each conveyor having link support members for receiving linked chains discharged from the linker and conveying them to the unloading station. Preferably, the conveyors are independently driven such that while the link support members of one conveyor are at the loading station, the link supports members of the other conveyor are conveyed to the unloading station and/or are unloaded at the unloading station. Thus, the receiving of one linked chain at a conveyor is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor. Similarly, the unloading of one linked chain is not affected by interruptions in movement of the other conveyor.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for loading carrier members with suspended elongated product include straddling suspended elongated product over a carrier member having a width so that portions of the elongated product are serially draped over the carrier member along a desired length thereof and wiping, pushing, or pulling adjacent segments closer together to increase the amount or density of the product on the carrier member. The straddling is carried out so that the draped elongated product defines suspension regions that contact the carrier member intermediate lengths of the elongated product that hang from opposing sides of the carrier member. At least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in a predetermined direction at a first time then another one of the at least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in the predetermined direction at a second time.

Abstract: Methods and devices for loading carrier members with suspended elongated product include straddling suspended elongated product over a carrier member having a width so that portions of the elongated product are serially draped over the carrier member along a desired length thereof and wiping, pushing, or pulling adjacent segments closer together to increase the amount or density of the product on the carrier member. The straddling is carried out so that the draped elongated product defines suspension regions that contact the carrier member intermediate lengths of the elongated product that hang from opposing sides of the carrier member. At least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in a predetermined direction at a first time then another one of the at least one of the suspended regions on the carrier member is moved in the predetermined direction at a second time.

Abstract: A food processing system for an elongated strand of food product, such as hot dogs or sausage links, provides aligned orientation of conveyor hooks and identical arrival time spacing between adjacent hooks at a reference loading point at a strand producing machine discharge station.

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: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving the strand from a sausage making machine has J-hooks extending downwardly from a continuous chain 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 conveyor belt feeder for automatically transferring pieces of meat, such as salmon fillets, onto a transverse conveyor belt comprises a platform (2), which is carried by a support (1) and is displaceably arranged in a direction (3) to and fro said support. The platform (2) carries a transfer belt (35) for receiving the piece of meat in question. This transfer belt (35) extends beyond a front rim on the platform (2) and is operationally connected thereto in such a manner that its upward surface is moved forwards and around the front rim of the platform (2) substantially synchronously with the advancing movement of the platform (2). Driving means (15) are also provided for effecting the displacement of the platform (2).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for unloading poultry as disclosed. A chute (35) is placed proximate the door of a coop. The door is opened and the poultry are urged out of the coop onto the chute (35). The poultry then slide down the chute (35) onto a conveyor (11), (15) which ultimately transfers the poultry to a gas stun vessel (25). The poultry are then transferred to a shackle line where they are shackled, without a full lift, and then proceed to an electrical stun (72) and killer (73). The gas stun vessel (25) includes a static mixer (53) for effectively mixing the CO.sub.2 and air before delivery to the gas stun vessel (25).

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring carcasses from a shackle conveyor to a processing device wherein the shackle conveyor includes a plurality of shackles for continuously conveying the carcasses and the processing device includes a plurality of modules for continuously carrying the carcasses through the processing device. The inventive apparatus comprises a rotatable structure preferably having notches for receiving and retaining the legs of the carcasses. The rotatable structure is operable such that, as the rotatable structure rotates, the legs of the carcasses are received from the shackles by the rotatable structure and the rotatable structure then delivers the carcasses to the carrier modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring slaughtered poultry from a first suspension conveyor towards a second suspension conveyor, and includes a supply station and a discharge station and with a receiving station which is drivable in synchronisation with the supply station as well as a delivery station which is drivable in synchronisation with the discharge station. Further, a transfer track with transfer means movable there along is provided with carriers for the poultry. The transfer track comprises a roundgoing support which is provided with an endless plastic guide means guiding the transfer means. The guide means includes guide profiles positioned at its outer side and inner side, respectively, wherein the guide profiles each comprise two guide faces which therebetween enclose an angle between 120.degree. and 140.degree.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collecting hangers hanging from overhead or a conveyor rail installed in, for example, a meat processing plant and for returning such collected hangers to the conveyor rail including a guide bar installed under the conveyor rail. The conveyor rail and the guide bar are provided with parallel curved portions at the ends so that the end of the guide bar is positioned above the end of the conveyor rail, thus the hangers having been suspended from the conveyor rail are inverted and brought upside-down at the end of the conveyor rail and suspended from the guide bar via the hook portions of the hangers. The thus upside-down hangers are collected on a carrying truck, and they are returned to the conveyor rail using a hanger transfer disk rotatably installed between the carrying truck and the guide bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring slaughtered poultry from a first suspension conveyor towards a second suspension conveyor, having a supply station contiguous with the first suspension conveyor and a discharge station contiguous with the second suspension conveyor. The device included a transfer unit positioned between the two suspension conveyors, the transfer unit being provided with a receiving station which is drivable in synchronization with the supply station and with a delivery station which is drivable in synchronization with the discharge station and further with a transfer track connecting the receiving station with the delivery station and vice versa, the track including a transfer mechanism movable there along with carriers for the poultry.

Abstract: A poultry-handling assembly (10) (FIG. 6) comprises two endless conveyors (12,13) arranged side-by-side and adapted to move poultry from a first location (15) to a second location (17). Access means at the first location allows birds to enter the assembly (10) one by one e.g. with one foot on one conveyor (12) and the other foot on the other conveyor (13). Conveyor guide means constrain the conveyors (12,13) to present an open-bottomed V-shaped trough configuration at the second location, where the legs of the birds will slip between the two conveyors (12,13) for engagement by a restraint device (19) and subsequent take-up by the shackles of a processing plant shackle line (20). In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 9), the conveyors (12,13) are replaced by two side-by-side conveyors 38,39 which grip the birds laterally.

Abstract: Device for conveying slaughtered animals or a part thereof, having a number of leg carriers, each of which is connected by way of a rotatable connecting element to a trolley of a conveyor, and runs through a track past at least one processing station. Each leg carrier is disposed eccentrically relative to the vertical axis of rotation of the corresponding connecting element.

Abstract: A system for transferring birds (77) from a weigh line (11) to a cut-up line (12) through an intermediate accumulator. The system comprises a continuously rotating buffer wheel (15) having a plurality of bird carriers (17) slidably mounted on its periphery and being carried on buffer wheel (15) toward either an inlet gate (106) or a delivery gate (114). When a bird carrier (17) arrives at either inlet gate (106) or delivery gate (114), it is stopped by a gate arm (108)or (115), respectively, and remains stationary with respect to the continuously moving buffer wheel (15).

Abstract: A turntable means regulates the flow of animals, for example, ratites (includes ostrich and emu) through a slaughtering facility. The turntable means has a circular turntable rotating about an axis within a circular perimeter wall. The perimeter wall has a first opening leading to a holding area and a second opening leading to a stunning area. The turntable has a plurality of upstanding walls extending radially from the axis and forming confinement sectors for receiving the animals. The turntable means moves the animals from the first area to the second area by moving the animals about the axis while on the turntable via the confinement sectors from the first opening to the second opening. The rotation of the turntable is controlled in order to regulate the flow of the animals from the first area to the second area.

Abstract: In the invention poultry to be suspended with its legs from a suspension conveyor is first oriented in parallel with a certain direction, such as the conveying direction of the suspension conveyor, next spaced at a certain mutual distance, thereafter oriented in the same direction with its belly and finally, in this position, engaged by its legs and lifted by the suspension conveyor. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a conveyor supporting and supplying the poultry, means for orienting the poultry in parallel with the conveying direction of the conveyor and means for orienting the poultry with its belly in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring birds from the evicerator line (11) to the cooling line (12) of a poultry processing plant, the apparatus comprising a bird removal assembly 29 having a plurality of cam operated modules (35) for lifting the birds from their shackles (18) as the modules are rotated in unison with the shackles carried by the evicerator line. The cam operated modules include a bird lifting plate (91) that is moved vertically to lift a bird from its shackle and is rotated downwardly into a horizontal position, whereat the hocks of the bird are guided from the bird lifting plate to an intermediate transfer wheel (31). The intermediate transfer wheel carries the birds over to the cooling line, whereat the hocks of the birds are then guiding into the cooling line shackles (53).

Abstract: A bird transfer carrousel is provided for transferring birds between two conveyor lines wherein the shackles of one conveyor line are spaced at a different increment than the shackles of the other conveyor line. The bird transfer carrousel comprises a rotatable, cylindrical turret (22) positioned between the two conveyor lines. The turret carries a series of parallel travel bars (26) that are arranged angularly displaced around the turret and are adapted to reciprocate or slide within the turret. Bird transfer plates (32) are mounted at each end of the parallel travel bars (26). The bird transfer plates (32) are horizontally arranged in a common plane, and each comprises a pair of outwardly exposed recesses for receiving and carrying the birds from the first conveyor line (12) to the second conveyor line (14).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for orienting birds, which are applied by a belt conveyor, with their heads in the direction of conveyance. The apparatus comprises two positioning means located alongside each other and rotating around a vertical axis defining therebetween a passage for the birds to be oriented. At the passage, the one positioning means has a circumferential velocity directed in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor and the other positioning means has a circumferential velocity directed opposite to the direction of conveyance. Further, auxiliary means are provided for supplying the birds to the positioning means facing with their head or facing with their tail in the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: A chicken leg processor includes a transfer device for removing the lower portion of halved birds from a shackle conveyor, and delivering them to the conveyor chain of a cutting apparatus. The transfer device includes a segmented transfer disc which lifts the hocks from the shackles and deposits them in pockets on a horizontal gathering wheel. Subsequently, the hocks are driven out of the pockets by a paddle, and are captured between respective pairs of guide rails entering the cutting apparatus. At this point, the saddles are inverted by an overhead chain which rolls them forward into proper orientation for the cutting devices.

Abstract: A poultry-handling assembly is provided which includes a pair of rotors arranged side-by-side for rotation about a vertical or predominantly vertical axis. Each rotor includes a central core upon which are arranged groups of guide elements spaced apart around the central core. In operation, the guide elements of each group lie closely adjacent and/or abut and/or intermesh with the guide elements of the other rotor of the pair. In operation a drive elements contra-rotate the two rotors enabling them to gather or accept poultry into the assembly.

Abstract: A process and device for the input and carrying away of smoking rods or cooking rods to and from a station for the automatic suspension of sausages provided with loops on a rod which in turn is tightly chucked at one end works as follows: the rods are first brought out of a storage area one after the other in horizontal arrangement into a readiness position. Then one rod is tightly chucked there and is fed by a horizontal movement to the loading station; finally the loaded rod is picked up at both ends and fed in the same direction as before to a holding station, in which a number of loaded rods are collected for transfer by being moved onto a smoking or cooking wagon. The process is carried out nearly without dead time, and is accomplished by an operator who remains for the most part independent of the filling and suspending cycle.

Abstract: Automatic poultry processor and corresponding methodology permits poultry to be directly received from a conventional overhead track, without manual intervention. Spring loaded leg drags temporarily impede movement of a bird relative an overhead track, during which time a loading cone is inserted into the body cavity of the bird. The loading cone is driven by a continuous loop conveyor for positively driving the breast half of the bird as the hind quarters are positively directed by the overhead track, whereby the bird is directed towards a knife for separating the hind quarters from the breast half. Thereafter, the hind quarters are carried away by the overhead track, while the loading cone may be used to drive the breast half towards further processing steps, such as automatic halving and automatic deboning. The continuous conveyor supporting the loading cone has a double curvature in the vicinity of the conveyor flow where birds are loaded.

Abstract: Apparatus for broiling whole chickens which have been severed along the breast bone for opening into a generally flat condition includes a housing having opposing laterally spaced sets of upright gas-fueled infrared heaters defining therebetween a cooking chamber and an endless chain conveyor for transporting chickens suspended by their legs through the chamber. Plural pairs of support forks are spaced along the conveyor for suspending one chicken carcass by its legs from each fork pair with the legs sufficiently spread from each other to maintain the chicken in the opened generally flat condition. A spaced pair of deflector plates are provided along the conveyor following the cooking chamber for discharging both legs of each chicken simultaneously from the pair of support forks suspending the chicken.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanizing the loading of live fowl onto shackles of an overhead conveyor used in poultry processing. Live fowl are placed on a moving conveyor belt moving alongside the shackles. A succession of bird loading stations move with the bird conveyor belt and position the feet of each bird in predetermined relation with corresponding shackles. A foot folder engages the feet of the bird, confining the digits of the feet for unimpeded entry into the shackle. The shackles then are moved toward the bird conveyor to position the feet in the loops of the shackle, after which the shackles are elevated with respect to the bird conveyor to engage the feet within the shackles.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying sausages from a sausage stuffing machine to a packing unit comprises a deflecting device, with which the sausages are alinged in a defined position on a conveyor belt; a loading station comprising a lifting member and coordinated containers that are arranged above said lifting member and into which the sausages are introduced via the lifting member that penetrates the conveyor belt; a storage unit for transporting said loaded and unloaded containers; and an unloading station which receives the loaded containers via the storage unit and unloads the sausages from the containers synchronously to a working cycle of the packing unit. With the apparatus, sausages portioned and twisted off by a sausage stuffing machine may be introduced into packing containers of a packing unit in an automated manner without personnel touching the sausages.

Abstract: An apparatus for the timed feeding of fish into fish processing machines serves to supply such fish into a conveyor pushing them along in a direction transversal to their longitudinal axis and being provided with receiving troughs or entrainers. In order to be able to obtain the high performance non-mechanical feeding required in view of the high yield of modern processing machines while restricting as much as possible the physical stress on the staff responsible therefor, or to increase the non-mechanical performance without increasing the stress, a feeding apparatus is provided above the conveyor of the processing machine which apparatus includes a rotary entraining table or spider driven in synchronism with the conveyor.

Abstract: For causing sitting poultry to stand up its abdomen is brought into contact with a liquid or is a gas stream blown against the abdomen. An apparatus for carrying out this method comprises a spraying unit for the liquid or a blowing nozzle for the gas stream.