Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a poultry processing conveyor includes assembling the conveyor and bead blasting at least one surface of the conveyor to reduce a surface roughness of the surface. The surface of the conveyor may be bead blasted with glass beads. The glass beads may be AH-sized glass beads. The bead blasting of the surface may be conducted at a pressure of approximately 60 psi. The bead blasting of the surface may be directed at a 45-degree angle relative to the surface of the conveyor. The method may further include applying a hydrogen peroxide solution to the surface after the conveyor has been bead blasted. The method may further include shrink-wrapping the conveyor after the conveyor has been bead blasted.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed wherein the conveyor line includes two or more conveyor lines wherein all of the conveyor lines are built on a common frame. By building the conveyor lines on a common frame, the conveyor lines can be built adjacent to one another and share common sidewalls, eliminating gaps of traditional conveyor systems. Adjustable standing platforms can also be added to assist workers in reaching the conveyor lines. The result is a more modular, easier to clean, ergonomically beneficial conveyor system.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying poultry along a processing line for deboning. The apparatus includes a number of poultry mounts connected to each other using a chain of cooperative links to form a continuous conveyor. The pivotal junctures between each of the cooperative links are configured so as to provide both lateral and vertical flexibility, allowing the conveyor to be positioned along curves and inclines. Each of the links has a linking post extending from one side and a pair of linking arms extending from the opposite side. The linking arms are spaced apart to receive the linking post of an adjacent link. The links are connected by pins which extend through apertures in the linking arms and through a bore in the linking post of the adjacent link. The diameter of the bore in the linking post is larger than that of the pin, so that the connection is flexible laterally.