Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanizing the loading of live fowl onto shackles of an overhead conveyor used in poultry processing. Live fowl are placed on a moving conveyor belt moving alongside the shackles. A succession of bird loading stations move with the bird conveyor belt and position the feet of each bird in predetermined relation with corresponding shackles. A foot folder engages the feet of the bird, confining the digits of the feet for unimpeded entry into the shackle. The shackles then are moved toward the bird conveyor to position the feet in the loops of the shackle, after which the shackles are elevated with respect to the bird conveyor to engage the feet within the shackles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for mechanized separation of the heart and liver from slaughtered poultry. The apparatus is located alongside an existing overhead conveyor and includes a secondary conveyor which engages a portion of the gut extending from the eviscerated bird to a viscera package including the gall, the liver, and the heart and lungs. A pair of guide fingers define a channel for receiving the connective tissue attaching the heart to the liver, and a first rotary knife positioned alongside that channel severs the connective tissue. A second rotary knife severs the liver from the gall without cutting the gall or releasing the bile within. A pair of helical rollers separates the mutually connected heart and lungs.