Abstract: A viscera removal apparatus for poultry having a preformed access opening to their body cavity including a conveying and positioning means for successively moving poultry along a prescribed path; a plurality of vacuum operated tool assemblies; carriage means for selectively moving the tool assemblies into the body cavities of the poultry through the access openings so that the operating ends thereof overlie the viscera to be removed; vacuum means for imposing a vacuum through the operating ends of the tool assemblies to withdraw the viscera; and muffler means for introducing ambient air into the body cavity to reduce the operating noise level. The method of operation is also contemplated.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for detecting and dispensing articles of preselected weights suspended from shackles movable along a path by conveyor means. The apparatus comprises scale means for successively weighing the shackles and articles at a weighing station along the path, mechanical to electrical transducer means coupled with the scale means for generating analog electrical signals indicative of the sensed weights, and means for digitizing the analog electrical signals. The apparatus further comprises digital computer means for comparing the digitized electrical signals with sets of digital word bits indicative of a preselected set of weight ranges, and for generating article release command signals indicative of weight ranges in which the sensed article weights are computed to lie.

Abstract: A lung removal method for poultry in which an access opening to their body cavity has been formed at their vent including the steps of supporting poultry by its hocks and at an access opening at the vent so as to locate the access opening in a fixed plane while the breast portion of the poultry is flexibly supported therefrom in cantilever fashion through the bone and muscle structure of the poultry. The method also includes inserting an eviscerating tool through the access opening to eviscerate the poultry while it is supported. A separate vacuum may be imposed through the tool on different parts of the viscera to remove same.

Abstract: A method of processing poultry including conveying the poultry in a head lowermost position successively along a prescribed path, moving a processing tool synchronously with each of the birds, moving the tool through a series of predetermined positions with respect to the bird as it is moved synchronously therewith, and selectively holding and orienting each bird by its body as the tool is moved through the series of predetermined positions to orient the tool with respect to the bird during the processing operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for breaking the necks of fowl being conveyed along a conveyor line in an inverted position for processing. The method comprises the steps of positioning neck gripping guide bars about opposite sides of a fowl neck, converging the neck gripping guide bars into gripping engagement with the neck, and striking the gripped neck with sufficient force to break the neck.A machine is also disclosed for breaking the necks of fowl being conveyed along a conveyor line in inverted positions for processing. The machine comprises a frame and a carriage mounted to the frame for movement along an orbital path having an upper arcuate portion. At least one neck breaking blade is supported on the carriage. Cylinders are provided for reciprocally driving the blade laterally the orbital path while the carriage is moving along the upper arcuate portion of the orbital path.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for mounting a resilient poultry feather plucking finger to a rigid finger support with a peripheral groove in a head portion of the finger seated snugly within an aperture in the finger support and with an elongation portion of the finger projecting out from the finger support aperture. The method comprises the steps of passing at least part of the elongation portion of the finger through the finger support aperture and through a pair of spaced counterrotating drive rollers which urge the finger head portion into the support aperture and seat the peripheral groove therewithin.Apparatus is also disclosed for seating resilient poultry feather plucking fingers in apertures formed in rigid finger supporting structures. The apparatus comprises a support member and a drive shaft rotatably supported by the support member and adapted to be coupled with electromotive drive means. A first roller is mounted to the drive shaft.