Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing a hide (14) from a carcass (12). A plurality of counterrotating members (18) engage a portion of the hide (14) hanging from the carcass (12). The counterrotating members (18) are then moved together to exert a gripping force on the hide (14). The counterrotating members (18) exert a pulling force on the hide (14) effective to remove the hide (14) from the carcass (12). The present invention provides an improved rate of hide (14) removal, reduces hide (14) damage, and reduces hazardous working conditions.

Abstract: Method and device for supporting a suspended animal carcass during hide removal comprising a leg holder adapted to engage and hold the legs of the carcass and a means for lifting the leg holder relative to the suspension means to raise the carcass and reduce strain at the suspension means.

Abstract: An apparatus including a triangular framework, with a hook mounted at each lower apex of the framework for mounting an animal to be suspended for subsequent cleaning, skinning, and the like. A mounting spike is directed through an upper apex of the framework, with a spacer mounted on the spike to position the framework in a spaced relationship relative to a support post. Additionally, the organization includes a removable tool member mounted about the spike permitting ease of removal of the organization subsequent to use.

Abstract: A method and system for dressing cattle in which, after kill, the carcass is suspended in a generally horizontal position by at least one foreleg and one hind leg, with the legs uppermost, and transported while so suspended along a dressing line. In such position, the hide is partially cut longitudinally in the chin, neck and upper brisket area to form a longitudinal cut line. Thereafter, portions of the hide around the foreleg are grasped and pulled downwardly away from the skin to separate the hide from the skin on the forelegs, brisket and chin and form a gap between the underside of the hide and skin on the back of the neck. The carcass is then repositioned with the head up and tail down by suspension from at least one foreleg, the hide cut to form a cut line in the belly region from the brisket to the tail, and the edges of the hide along the cut line gripped and pulled back to separate the hide from the carcass.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible gambrel for carrying or lifting an animal carcass is provided having a central support member for securing a manipulative tether and two opposing foldable branch members pivotally attached to the central support member. Each branch member has a proximal and a distal arm, pivotally connected to one another. Two folding prongs, for anchoring a portion of the carcass, are associated with each distal arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass (8). Suspension means (122, 123) suspends the carcass (8) in an inverted position with the spine inclined upwardly towards the neck (11) with the spine located beneath the carcass (8) and so that the diaphragm (119) is approximately vertical. A cutting assembly (130) moves into the abdominal cavity adjacent to the diaphragm (119), and a cutting means (28) cuts the diaphragm (119) around the periphery. A brisket shearing means (21) cuts the brisket (20) with a shearing action along the brisket (20) from the abdomen and towards the neck end of the brisket (20). The reaction member (188) is pivotally movable relative to the brisket (20) about a rear end to generally follow the contours of the brisket (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for combing bacon bellies or similar generally compressible items in order to transform a conveyed flow of those items into a stream of those items, each of which is suspended from a comb which impales the item. The thus combed items are then suitable for transport along track means to subject the item to treatment conditions such as transporting them into smoking and flavoring environments. The apparatus and method are particularly well suited for combing pork bellies and as a component of a commercial line in which pork bellies are processed into sliced and packaged bacon products.

Abstract: A portable game support for suspending game from a vertical support such as a post or tree, which game support includes a support frame having spaced legs for skirting the tree, a connector bar spanning the legs for engaging one side of the tree, a brace bar pivotally attached to the forward end of the support frame for adjustably engaging the tree beneath the connector bar and a V-shaped rear retainer bar adjustably secured to the legs of the support frame for engaging the opposite side of the tree and cooperating with the connector bar for maintaining the support frame on the tree at a selected height. A V-shaped front retainer may also be adjustably secured to the legs adjacent to the connector bar and overlapping the rear retainer for engaging the tree under circumstances where the tree upon which the portable game support is mounted is relatively small in diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a food product with a thread-like suspension means comprises a needle for passing the thread loop-like through the food product. Further two gripper means, a cutting means and a connecting device for the thread are provided. Preferably the connecting device comprises an ultrasonic welding head for welding together the ends of a thread section disengaged by the cutting means. The apparatus further comprises curved discs for driving at least some of the operational means.

Abstract: To provide an improved meat hook for piercing and moving meat, the meat hook comprises: (1) a rigid, curved cylinder having a pointed meat piercing end; (2) a handle engaging end; and (3) a handle rigidly secured to the handle engaging end of the cylinder with the cylinder extending from the front side of the handle near one end at an angle of approximately 90 degrees or more. The cylinder is formed with an inclined portion extending from the handle engaging end with a curved end section extending from the inclined portion and relatively straight portion extending from the curved end section to form a pointed, piercing end. The piercing end is preferably in prallel, spaced relation from the front side of the handle and may be formed to extend beyond a plane which passes through the end of the handle.

Abstract: The skeleton bones in a carcass are separated from this in a continuous process course with the aid of supporting manual incisions and a mechanical force applied on the skeleton bones and the carcass, while the carcass is transported along a sliding conveyor hanging in its meat-hook. The speed and the force with which the carcass is transported are guided and controlled independent of each other. The carcass hangs on a meat-hook during the course without attachment so that it can move freely on the hook in all planes, while it is driven forward by means of a pushing arm applied across the carcass. The skeleton part of the carcass which is to be separated is attached by way of a supported meat-hook on the sliding conveyor while the rest of the carcass is driven along the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for suspending a fish in spaced relation from a vertical support member such as a post or tree to facilitate skinning, scaling and other cleaning operations. The device includes a brace support structure with two upper downwardly-angled support arms supporting the outer end of a third horizontal support arm, the inner ends of all three arms being fastened to the vertical support member. A hook suspended from a chain supported by the brace support structure is secured to a mouth or head portion of the fish to thus suspend the fish for convenient cleaning operations.