Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing poultry and other fowl for removal of the windpipe, esophagus and crop from the neck of the fowl. Fowl suspended with their necks hanging down are moved on an overhead conveyor in synchronism with a rotating holding and positioning carriage. A cutting blade is rotated in synchronism with the holding and positioning carriage against the back of the fowl neck to cut an incision to a controlled depth and to break the neck bone. The neck is then stretched by engagement with a stationary stretching member while the cutting blade remains engaged with the neck of the moving fowl to open the incision and separate the neck bone to allow access to the windpipe, esophagus and crop. The method includes cutting an incision to a controlled depth in the neck of a fowl and breaking the neck bone, and stretching the neck with a stationary stretching member to open the incision and separate the neck bone while moving the fowl along a predetermined path.

Abstract: A poultry processing apparatus including an elongated enclosure defining a longitudinally extending channel through which fowl is moved via a conveyor for picking and removing the feathers therefrom. A plurality of picking members having resilient fingers for contacting the fowl and removing the feathers are provided on each side along the length of the enclosure. The opposed picking members mounted on opposed supporting frameworks, each include a plurality of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the position of the picking members with respect to the line of travel of the flow on the conveyor. Special overhead mounting structures are provided for the supporting frameworks wherein the picking assemblies may be moved toward and away from the enclosure to allow access to the picking member, the interior of the enclosure and the interior of the supporting frameworks for clearing and maintenance.

Abstract: Apparatus for eviscerating a continuous succession of birds, fowl, poultry, or the like and adapted to form a part of a fowl processing line. The apparatus includes a plurality of viscera removing members each being pivotally mounted with respect to two pivot axes for movement through a path to remove the viscera of a single, pre-positioned fowl. The viscera removal members and pivoting means therefor extend radially outwardly from a central shaft over a cylindrical housing. Means are included for clamping each bird against the housing in position for removal of its viscera through a previously made cut in its vent. The viscera removal apparatus and housing are rotated in synchronism with an overhead conveyor from which the fowl are individually suspended. The removal apparatus may be disengaged from the conveyor for repair or adjustment while the conveyor continues to operate whereby complete shut-down of the fowl processing line is avoided.

Abstract: A fowl picking machine having counter-rotating picking drums on which are mounted elongated, flexible picking fingers. Alternating drums are rotated in opposite directions with the drums which rotate downwardly including a greater number of picking fingers than do the drums which rotate upwardly. The machine includes two spaced picking assemblies each including a plurality of pairs of the counter-rotating drums, each pair of drums being individually mounted in a drum assembly to provide easy access to and maintenance of the drums. Each drum assembly includes a single power shaft for simultaneously counter-rotating both drums mounted thereon. Electric motors are included to power the drums. Each motor rotates the power shafts of two drum assemblies.