Abstract: Apparatus and method for grilling foodstuffs over an open heat source comprising a stake for securing into a ground surface proximate a heat source; a skewer configured for adjustable connection with the stake; and a clamp configured to secure the skewer in connection to the stake and in a selected position with respect to the stake so the skewer extends substantially perpendicularly to the stake and is positioned over a heat source in a substantially horizontal orientation. The clamp is configured to secure the skewer such that the skewer is prevented from lateral movement with respect to the stake and heat source. A handle extends away from skewer and supports the skewer by clamp arms that prevent unwanted or unaided movement and rotation, while allowing a user to selectively rotate the skewer, exposing various sides of the foodstuff directly to the heat source by turning the handle.

Abstract: Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.

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: 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: A supply of suspension elements, like suspension loops, are configured for being fed in a feeding direction to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, and configured for being attached to said sausage-shaped products. The supply comprises a carrier strip having at least an upper and a lower surface as well as and two longitudinally extending edges arranged parallel to each other. The supply further comprises and a number of suspension elements attached to the upper or lower surface of the carrier strip in at least substantially regular intervals, wherein the carrier strip including the suspension elements is wound up, thereby forming a roll. At least one mark which is attached to the carrier strip at a predefined distance from its end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, geese, duck and quail, comprising the steps of (i) taking the poultry; (ii) placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and (iii) coupling the poultry legs to handling means, and to an installation for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising means for taking the poultry and placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and means for coupling the poultry legs to handling means.

Abstract: A fish processing machine comprising a freeze drum where the freeze drum is designed to be able to receive a fish fillet being fed on to the freeze drum at a feeding area while the freeze drum rotates about its own rotational axis, and where the freeze drum by fixedly freezing is arranged to hold the fish fillet in a fixed position relative to the freeze drum, and where a pressure roller arranged to force the fish fillet against the freeze drum shell is arranged at the feeding area.

Abstract: A holder (10) for supporting gutted poultry bodies or parts thereof includes a supporting body (11) for receiving the material to be processed and a clamping apparatus (12) having at least one clamping lever (18) movable against the supporting body (11) for fixing the material to be processed on the supporting body. The clamping apparatus (12) is controllable in such a way that the clamping lever (18) can be moved out of a standby position into a clamping position and vice versa. The holding apparatus (10) is assigned a supporting element (27) which is designed and arranged for supporting parts of the material which protrude beyond the holding apparatus (10) in the direction of transport T of the holding apparatus (10), in the clamping position in such a way that one or more measuring points on the material to be processed are freely accessible to a measuring device.

Abstract: A fish processing machine comprising a freeze drum where the freeze drum is designed to be able to receive a fish fillet being fed on to the freeze drum at a feeding area while the freeze drum rotates about its own rotational axis, and where the freeze drum by means of fixedly freezing is arranged to hold the fish fillet in a fixed position relative to the freeze drum, and where a pressure roller arranged to force the fish fillet against the freeze drum shell is arranged at the feeding area.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus that lowers and raises a turkey, or similar food item, into a large fry pot is herein disclosed. The apparatus has a vertically-adjustable tripod stand that is positioned over the top center of a fry pot. A manual cranking mechanism lowers and raises a steel cable having a grasping hook at the distal end. Additionally, the steel cable can have a basket at its distal end. In operation, the turkey to be fried is placed thereon the hook or therein the metal basket. Then, with the user a safe distance removed, the crank lowers the food into the hot oil in a controlled manner. When the food has finished cooking, the cranking mechanism is reversed to raise the food from the fryer. The apparatus may also be provided having an alternate electric-powered winch.

Abstract: A game carcass retrieval system has a frame and a removable retrieving head. The head may be coupled to a game carcass and then retracted by a winch coupled to the frame. The winch may pull the carcass into an upright position for easy loading into a vehicle or easy processing of the game carcass. A processing table may be coupled to the game carcass retrieval system. The table may include a grapple that helps pull meat away from the carcass and a skinning arm to further separate the meat from the carcass.

Abstract: A portable game hoist (10) designed for raising and lowering game feeders and fallen game animals in the field. The invention consist of a compact and collapsible triangular support frame which contains a plurality of pulleys in a block and tackle arrangement. The block and tackle can be actuated by a hoist rope (92) to raise and lower game feeders/game animals providing a 6:1 lift to pull ratio. One pulley in the block and tackle arrangement is limited to rotation in a single direction and is positioned to automatically lock as objects are being hoisted. Locking pulley (50) can be unlocked by activating the locking pulley release (49) via the locking pulley release line (51) to allow pulley rotation in either direction. Therefore, unlocking the locking pulley (50) allows all six pulleys to rotate in either direction permitting the lowering of hoisted objects. The triangular support frame includes means for attachment to a tree or pole including a method for hanging temporarily to aid with final attachment.

Abstract: A big game support device for supporting and posing big game animals on a surface is provided. The big game animals having a first antler and a second antler. The big game support device comprises a clamping mechanism for directly and releasably clamping both the first antler and the second antler and an elevating mechanism for elevating the clamping means above the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermine

Abstract: A portable game hoist supports game in the field without requiring attachment to a tree, vehicle or other separate structure. The hoist includes free-standing legs in pairs at opposite ends of a crossbeam. The crossbeam has a pulley mounted thereto, preferably upon a bracket with a hook on the bracket and below the pulley. A hanger is provided to which a game animal is attached. A cable is routed over the pulley and also over an end pulley adjacent one of the ends of the crossbeam. The cable is then routed down to a winch so that when the hanger is coupled to the cable, the hanger and game can be elevated. Once fully elevated, the hanger can be shifted to the hook adjacent the pulley and the cable removed for reuse on a second game animal, routing of the cable over a separate pulley suspended below the crossbeam.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for the detection of anatomical structures and anatomical positions. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the detection of musculoskeletal elements, such as bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the like, which could be useful for example in poultry processing for bone screening as well as for guidance of machines for processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermin

Abstract: A portable support apparatus for supporting game or other objects above the ground between spaced vertical columns comprises a support bracket attached by non-elastic straps to each column and a cross bar extending between the brackets. Each bracket includes a vertical back plate that rests flat against the vertical column and a vertical support plate that extends outwardly from a front side of the support plate. A recess in an upper edge of the support plate serves as a cross bar rest. The back plate can include studs to reduce slipping. The cross bar rest can have a rectangular U-shape or a V-shape for a rectangular, round or angled cross bar. The bracket can be mounted at a skewed angle on the column so the cross bar fits snugly in the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermine

Abstract: A tree stand lock apparatus comprises a ratchet buckle part and a wire rope part. The ratchet buckle part comprises a spool with a transaxial bore, a ratcheting lever handle, a locking means and a base affixed to a hook. The wire rope part comprises a wire rope, one end of which is affixed to a hook. The lock may be employed by wrapping the wire rope around a portion of a tree stand, hooking the hook of the rope to the hook of the ratchet buckle and threading the wire rope through the transaxial bore. The ratchet buckle is operated to render the wire rope taut and the buckle is locked in the closed position.

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

Abstract: A one-piece support device for cleaning, skinning or filleting fish or game provides a secure support for fish or game. The support includes a sturdy base which attaches rigidly to a generally vertical structure. Vertical prongs extend upward from the base to engage the fish or small game. The device may also include a stabilizing element which extends from the lower portion of the base. The lower portion of the base may include a barbed prong for smaller fish or game. The fish or game is hung from the vertical prongs and is held substantially stationary in a preferred orientation, without twisting, by the stabilizing element and one or more prongs. The fish or game may safely be cleaned, skinned or filleted, using both hands, without worry of the fish or game moving.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting free of at least a part of a tenderloin in a suspended half-carcass. The apparatus comprises a fixture (1) having a pubic bone catch (2) for positioning and support of the half-carcass by the pubic bone thereof. Further the apparatus comprises a cutting device (7) having a sharp edge (9) curving transversely to the edge (9), and a moving device for the cutting device (7) for moving the cutting device (7) with the sharp edge (9) foremost during cutting free of at least a part of the tenderloin in a half-carcass positioned in the pubic bone catch. Moreover, the invention relates to a fixture for a half-carcass or a hindquarters thereof, a pubic bone catch (2) for use in the above apparatus, a cutting device, and a method for cutting free of at least a part of a tenderloin in a suspended half-carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermin

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling carcass parts (1) comprises at least one cooling element (8, 9) with a flexible cooling surface (14) for abutment with a carcass part (1); a form-stable shell (15); and a cavity (17) behind the flexible cooling surface (14), through which cavity refrigerant can flow from an inlet to an outlet. The apparatus also comprises a moving device (13) for moving the cooling element (9) for abutment of the cooling surface (14) with the carcass part (1).

Abstract: A compact, easy to store, portable work surface and apparatus for fish, fowl, wild game and the like that is capable of temporary mounting to a tree or other vertical support is provided that includes a work surface/cutting board attached to a support frame having an upright stanchion to extend above the work surface and provided with a lower engagement member, preferably provided as a tined or forked member to engage a surface at multiple distinct points, for engaging and preferably partly straddling a tree or other vertical support. A lanyard is operatively coupled to upright stanchion above the work surface and is adapted to be draped and secured about the tree to suspend the frame from the tree.

Abstract: A tree hoist system is provided utilizing a mast having a plurality of steps to allow the upper portion of the mast to be secured to a tree without requiring a ladder. The tree hoist system includes a cable and brake winch to lock or raise/lower an attached game feeder or gambrel. The tree hoist system can be transported, assembled, and disassembled, quickly and easily by a single person. The tree hoist blends into the environment with a minimum profile that blends with a tree to which it is attached.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for quicker, easier and more injury-free catfish skinning utilizing a wedging device to limit movement.

Abstract: In a method and device for carrying out at least one processing operation on a slaughtered bird which is hung by its legs, the bird is conveyed on a hook of a conveyor towards and into the processing area of a processing device in order for the at least one processing operation to be carried out on the bird. The bird is positioned in the processing area of the processing device by externally supporting the bird at at least two locations, which are selected from the group of locations which comprises the back, the sternum, the area of the clavicle, the wings and the sides of the bird. Then, the at least one processing operation is carried out in the processing device in the area of the breast of the bird. The bird may also be positioned in the processing area of the processing device by internally supporting the bird on the side of the sternum facing the abdominal cavity of the bird.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for hoisting and transporting big game such as deer, and more particularly a device for mounting on an all-terrain vehicle such as a quad, is disclosed. The device includes two or more spaced-apart lift lines for encircling the trunk of a big-game carcass so as to hoist and transport the carcass with the trunk extending substantially horizontally. The lift lines are attached to a common reel rotatably mounted to the vehicle. The device includes a hand crank for rotating the reel so as to spool in the lift lines and a hand-manipulable set screw for locking the reel and lift lines during transportation of the carcass.

Abstract: Automated loaders are configured with winding mechanisms that load elongated products directly onto transfer members, such as sticks or rods, by causing the arm to follow a repetitive motion pattern proximate to the stick or rod to discharge the elongated product in a desired motion onto the stick or rod. Methods for discharging elongated product, such as encased meats, so that they straddle or loop directly onto the stick, bar or other desired food support are also described.

Abstract: A game hoist and skinner apparatus for raising game off the ground and transferring it to a vehicle includes a carriage guide assembly, a sliding carriage assembly, a load attachment means, and a raising mechanism. The carriage guide assembly includes a lower member affixed to a 360° rotating mechanism at one end and a hitch receiver adapter affixed to the opposite end. The sliding carriage assembly includes a horizontal member having a first end opposite a second end, and the first end is affixed to a vertical member that slides along a vertical support between the upper end and the bottom end of the carriage guide. A load attachment means is secured to the second end of the sliding carriage assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a portable game hoist (12) designed for suspending large animals such as deer, hogs, and the like from a tree, pole, or post for immediate processing in the field. The game hoist consists of a vertical support member (16) connected at an obtuse angle to a horizontal lifting arm (14) via a main bracket (18c), a hand winch (24a) for lifting the animal, and a means of attaching the hoist to a tree. The hoist is lightweight, yet sturdy and simple to use. The game hoist can be easily folded for transportation or storage by removing a removable bolt or ball pin (30). Tightening up on the hand winch secures the game hoist in the folded position. In the folded position, the game hoist can be transported under the seat of a truck, on the rack of a four-wheeler, or in the bottom of a boat. The hoist can also be carried by hand or across the shoulder using a chain (20). A companion to assist in the use of the game hoist is not necessary, as it is light in weight and simple to use.

Abstract: A screen assembly for storing wild game meat comprising: a mesh cylinder fabricated of mesh material and having an open upper end; and a top section fabricated of waterproof material and affixed over the upper end of the mesh cylinder, a locking clip having a cable extending therefrom and through the upper section, the cable being fixed relative to the upper section, the clip adapted to be coupled around a tree limb in an operative orientation, the cable having a lower end including a hook for hanging wild game meat.

Abstract: Automated loaders are configured with winding mechanisms that load elongated products directly onto transfer members, such as sticks or rods, by causing the arm to follow a repetitive motion pattern proximate to the stick or rod to discharge the elongated product in a desired motion onto the stick or rod. Methods for discharging elongated product, such as encased meats, so that they straddle or loop directly onto the stick, bar or other desired food support are also described.

Abstract: A fish holder featuring a shortened handle section and teeth lining the entire length of the jaws of the holder is disclosed. The teeth in the jaws provide multiple points of contact against a fish, thereby enhancing control and grip on the fish. The disclosed invention may be constructed of two convex jaws or a combination of one convex jaw and one concave jaw. Teeth may also be arranged in a plurality of rows extending the length of the jaws. Use of the invention prevents contact with sharp body parts of the fish, such as teeth or spines.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a sausage from a stick includes: an endless circulating body provided with hooks; stick supporting members for supporting a stick at a position below the hooks; a pair of stick-supporting-member actuating devices for moving the stick supporting members toward or away from the stick; and a stick transferring device for transferring the sausage suspended from the hooks onto the stick while removing the stick from the stick supporting members, and for concurrently supplying an ensuing stick onto the stick supporting members.

Abstract: A support apparatus for an animal has a frame for suspending an animal for hanging, gutting, cleaning and/or storage. At least one prong member is connected to the frame and has at least one hook extending from it. The prong member is movable between an animal supporting position and an animal releasing position. A securing mechanism releasably secures the prong member in the animal supporting position until the hanging, gutting, cleaning and/or storage and any additional processing is completed, after which the prong member is free to fall to the release position and the animal is released from the support.

Abstract: In a method and device for carrying out at least one processing operation on a slaughtered bird which is hung by its legs, the bird is conveyed on a hook of a conveyor towards and into the processing area of a processing device in order for the at least one processing operation to be carried out on the bird. The bird is positioned in the processing area of the processing device by externally supporting the bird at at least two locations, which are selected from the group of locations which comprises the back, the sternum, the area of the clavicle, the wings and the sides of the bird. Then, the at least one processing operation is carried out in the processing device in the area of the breast of the bird. The bird may also be positioned in the processing area of the processing device by internally supporting the bird on the side of the sternum facing the abdominal cavity of the bird.

Abstract: A portable worktop that may be used for cleaning, preparing, or serving food has been developed. The portable worktop includes a work surface with an opening in the work surface. The worktop is held in place on a stable supporting base by a fastening ring. The opening is positioned over the supporting base so that the opening may be used for waste disposal.

Abstract: An animal skinner has an animal fastener (2) on a hoist (1) vertically above a skin puller (3) on an upright (4, 17, 20, 23) that supports an animal body (5) and tension intermediate the animal fastener and the skin puller. Preferably the animal fastener includes a hang line (12) having a head loop (8) or a head hook (10) for fastening of a head (11), neck (9) or upper portion of an animal to be skinned while the animal body is being hoisted with the hoist. The hoist is preferably a winch (13), pulley or block and tackle (15). The hoist can have a winch crank (14) accessible conveniently to a person skinning the animal. The skin puller can include skin fasteners (7) on a skin spool (24) onto which skin of the animal body is wound controllably proximate a low portion of the upright while the animal body is being hoisted progressively with the hoist.

Abstract: In a method and device for carrying out at least one processing operation on a slaughtered bird which is hung by its legs, the bird is conveyed on a hook of a conveyor towards and into the processing area of a processing device in order for the at least one processing operation to be carried out on the bird. The bird is positioned in the processing area of the processing device by externally supporting the bird at at least two locations, which are selected from the group of locations which comprises the back, the sternum, the area of the clavicle, the wings and the sides of the bird. Then, the at least one processing operation is carried out in the processing device in the area of the breast of the bird. The bird may also be positioned in the processing area of the processing device by internally supporting the bird on the side of the sternum facing the abdominal cavity of the bird.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hanging loop for sausages or the like which is made of a meltable loop thread whose free ends are fused and tied together into a fisherman's knot. The invention also relates to an arrangement of these knotted hanging loops which are fastened on a carrier strip and in such a way that partial loops project from both sides of the carrier strip and such that the hanging loop knots are located in the proximity of the location where the hanging loops are fastened to the carrier strip. The invention also relates to a method for producing the hanging loop in which the loop thread is firstly arranged into a loop and ties into a knot. Afterwards, the loop thread projecting from the knot and outside the loop is cut away using a high temperature such that the loop thread ends produced thereby are attached by melting.

Abstract: A support apparatus for an animal is disclosed having a frame for suspending an animal for hanging, gutting, cleaning and/or storage. At least one prong member is connected to the frame and has at least one hook extending from it. The prong member is movable between and animal supporting position and an animal releasing position. A securing mechanism releasably secures the prong member in the animal supporting position until the hanging, gutting, cleaning and/or storage and any additional processing is completed, after which the prong member falls to the release position and the animal is released from the support.

Abstract: In a method and device for carrying out at least one processing operation on a slaughtered bird which is hung by its legs, the bird is conveyed on a hook of a conveyor towards and into the processing area of a processing device in order for the at least one processing operation to be carried out on the bird. The bird is positioned in the processing area of the processing device by externally supporting the bird at at least two locations, which are selected from the group of locations which comprises the back, the sternum, the area of the clavicle, the wings and the sides of the bird. Then, the at least one processing operation is carried out in the processing device in the area of the breast of the bird. The bird may also be positioned in the processing area of the processing device by internally supporting the bird on the side of the sternum facing the abdominal cavity of the bird.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for holding the carcass of an animal in a selected position for removing skin from the carcass of the animal having a horizontal bench like platform supported by multiple legs. The animal which is to be skinned is placed on the horizontal platform with each of the four legs of the animal having attachment means to one each of four arms which are angularly attached to the horizontal bench. The animal's legs are attached to the arms by adjustable chains or the like and the carcass is held securely in position while it is skinned.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) configures animal carcasses (C) for processing by leaf lard puller. The apparatus (10) includes a frame (20) with a carriage (40) operatively connected to the frame (10) for movement and in alignment with a conveyor suspending a hog carcass (C). A connecting member (60) has a first end operatively connected to the carriage (40) and a second end moveable between a first position and a second position. A pair of opposable arms (72, 73) are movable between an open position and a configuring position. The arms (72, 73) are positioned around the hog carcass in the open position and as the arms move to the configuring position, the hog carcass (C) is moved to the desired width for further processing by a leaf lard puller.

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 mechanism for gripping an object employing a set of jaws which are adjusted to fit the size of the object by means of a limit or sizing stop device. The object is gripped by the jaws secured to the end of a stationary lower member while a movable upper member grips the opposite side of the object. A post operably supports a piston which is pivotally connected to the end of the upper member so that the piston, when moved up and down under pneumatic control, causes the jaws to move together or spread apart.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stabilizing a poultry breast for deboning thereof. The device comprising a mandrel adapted to conform to the shape of the underside of a poultry breast. The device further comprises two prongs mounted on the mandrel which are adapted to engage a V joint between a severed wing bone and a breast bone of a poultry breast.