Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pulling out and separating the viscera from a fowl carcass during food processing. The apparatus includes a rotary carrier (B) on which are carried a plurality of gripping devices (A). A rotary axis (35) of the rotary carrier (B) mounted on a frame (70) is inclined to the horizontal at such an angle that the gripping devices (A) penetrate the cavities (24) of fowl carcasses (F) conveyed sequentially past the frame (70). The gripping device (A) includes serrated gripping jaws (10, 14) which clamp a viscera track (18) between the crop and stomach. The jaws are carried by spoke arms (48) carried radially on a hub (36) forming the rotary carrier (B). A spring (61) closes the jaws and cam plates (62, 63) open the jaws through a cam roller (64). Cam roller (64) pushes forward a rack gear (58) to open the jaws via a rotary shaft (54) having a jaw (14) affixed thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deboning chicken is disclosed which includes providing a novel chicken deboning horn B,B' which is rigidly mounted to a stabilized table top conveyor A so that a chicken carcass P may be rigidly supported and conveyed for carving of the meat away from the bones in a mass production system. The deboning horn preferably includes a smooth horn 40 having a contoured surface 42 inclined upwardly to a reduced upper portion 40b which enters an internal cavity 43 of the carcass P. Thus, inserted, the horn contour bears against and engages spaced portions in the cavity to hold it rigid and upright while enabling rotation of the carcass for selective carving. The horn contour accepts a wide range of carcass cavity sizes owing to its cone-shaped contour. Alternate chicken retaining supports 50, 62 support poultry portions 58, 72 separately for deboning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pulling out and separating the viscera from a fowl carcass during food processing. The apparatus includes a rotary carrier (B) on which are carried a plurality of gripping devices (A). A rotary axis (35) of the rotary carrier (B) mounted on a frame (70) is inclined to the horizontal at such an angle that the gripping devices (A) penetrate the cavities (24) of fowl carcasses (F) conveyed sequentially past the frame (70). The gripping device (A) includes serrated gripping jaws (10, 14) which clamp a viscera track (18) between the crop and stomach. The jaws are carried by spoke arms (48) carried radially on a hub (36) forming the rotary carrier (B). A spring (61) closes the jaws and cam plates (62, 63) open the jaws through a cam roller (64). Cam roller (64) pushes forward a rack gear (58) to open the jaws via a rotary shaft (54) having a jaw (14) affixed thereto.