Abstract: The machine comprises a frame having an arcuate knife pivotally mounted thereon. A saddle element supports a butt to be trimmed so that it is located in the path of the knife. A clamp-down assembly pins the butt to the saddle so that it is fixed. The knife is curved to conform to the curvature of the lean meat-back fat interface of the butt; the saddle surface is curved to conform to the outer surface of the butt fat layer. In operation, the knife is drawn through the fixed butt and severs a layer of fat of uneven thickness, leaving a layer of generally constant thickness adhering to the lean meat. On the return stroke, the knife pushes the unclamped butt and severed fat from the saddle.

Abstract: A rubber scraper is slidably received in a guide frame. A horizontal cross member supports the bottom edge of the scraper. Counterweight assemblies are attached to the ends of the cross member and function to raise the scraper through the frame toward the underside of the conveyor belt to be scraped. The counterweight assemblies each include a counterweight running in a downwardly curved guide so that, as the weight of the scraper diminishes due to wear, friction and the support of the curved guide acting on the weight gradually decreases the force with which the counterweight pulls on the cross member, thereby ensuring that the scraper applies a generally constant pressure against the belt.