Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically batching objects into portions, comprising conveying and weighing objects. An appropriate bin for each of the weighed objects is selected, wherein each bin is provided with a weighing means. Accordingly, the total portion weight is periodically registered. By means of comparing the potion weight with the summed object weight in that portions, an appropriate bin can be selected for forthcoming objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal bones from a fish fillet is presented. A conveyor is provided for conveying the fish fillet and supporting means is arranged on said conveyor for supporting the fish fillet as it is being conveyed by means of imposing the fish fillet on it so that the bones to be removed are exposed. A second supporting means is arranged sidewise to said first supporting means for maintaining the fish fillet in a fixed position as the exposed bones are removed with a bone removal unit, which is arranged above the conveying means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining a three dimensional image of the a moving object by means of reflecting means such as mirrors and a planar beam of light such as a laser light. As the object enters the light a two dimensional image of the object is captured, wherein the image comprises both the reflection of the beam of light from the object and also the reflection from the reflecting means. By transformation procedure a two dimensional image is transformed to a two dimensional object image and based on plurality of such images a three dimensional image is defined from which the volume can be calculated. This can be used to determine the weight distribution of the object, which is important for portioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal bones from a fish fillet is presented. A conveyor is provided for conveying the fish fillet and supporting means is arranged on said conveyor for supporting the fish fillet as it is being conveyed by means of imposing the fish fillet on it so that the bones to be removed are exposed. A second supporting means is arranged sidewise to said first supporting means for maintaining the fish fillet in a fixed position as the exposed bones are removed with a bone removal unit, which is arranged above the conveying means.

Abstract: A belt weighing apparatus for maintaining high accuracy in weighing by way of maintaining a fixed tension in the belt and preventing the belt from oscillating. The belt conveyor is comprised of a supporting frame, an upper guiding unit arranged on the supporting frame, a first and a second end-supporting device arranged on the supporting frame in proximity to the opposite ends of the upper guiding unit, a motor unit, at least one weighing platform arranged in-between the first and a second end-supporting devices, a lower guiding unit having a first property arranged on the supporting frame, and an endless conveyor belt having a second property is extended between said first and a second end supporting devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated processing and information handling method for poultry items. As the poultry items are conveyed they are assigned to a processing station where they are processed and thereafter assigned to a predetermined collecting bins, which is connected to a computer system. The information related to the number, the weight and the quality of poultry segments are registered and also the processing time. This information is important not only for the operators but also for the control and management where the status of each processing line can be monitored and refined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an application for handling information in relation to meat being conveyed through a number of processing stations. The information is used to trace the processing history of a piece of meat, including its origination. The ability to trace the processing history may be used e.g. in order to trace back sources of contamination and for verification of the status and quality, weight etc. of the meat. The information is furthermore useful for the workers processing the meat at the stations or useful for the control and management of the meat processing plant.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus and method for automatic cutting of objects into portions of reduced dimension. More specifically the invention concerns a cutting device (9) placed horizontally over a transporting conveyor (3). The cutting device is further operatively connected to a computer (6) and moveable in an up- and downward direction with respect to the conveyor. The characteristics of the object to be cut are determined. By utilising at least one of the characteristics to establishing the desired cutting pattern one is able to cut the object into portions of predetermined thickness by band saw cutting blade (7).

Abstract: A conveyor weighing unit is provided for weighing objects transported along a conveyor. The conveyor is driven in a revolving manner over a weighing device. The weighing device includes two or more weighing platforms, each platform having a pre-defined platform length. Each weighing platform continuously weighs the conveyor belt section placed thereover and the object transported thereon. One or more adjacent weighing platforms constitutes a weighing unit having a total platform length equal or greater than the object length to be weighed. The weighing platforms are operatively connected to a data processing unit, which receives and processes data from the weighing platforms, and based thereupon, determines the length and weight of the object. An accordingly appropriate number of adjacent platforms are selected, having an added length at least equal to a length of the object to be weighed to thereby enable minimal spacing between adjacent objects and maximum operational capacity.

Abstract: A prospect is generated for filling a batch with at least one item having at least one characteristic property. The prospect is used to assign an item to a batch having at least one batch shortage expressed in terms of the at least one characteristic property. A first set of data representing at least one characteristic property of at least one item is provided. A second set of data is provided, representing at least one batch shortage. A third set of data is generated, representing a tally on the number of combinations of the items represented in the first set of data as a function of batch shortage and item count. A fourth set of data is provided indicating at least one batch shortage and optionally a maximum number of items on which the prospect generation is to be based.

Abstract: A conveyor belt feeder for automatically transferring pieces of meat, such as salmon fillets, onto a transverse conveyor belt comprises a platform (2), which is carried by a support (1) and is displaceably arranged in a direction (3) to and fro said support. The platform (2) carries a transfer belt (35) for receiving the piece of meat in question. This transfer belt (35) extends beyond a front rim on the platform (2) and is operationally connected thereto in such a manner that its upward surface is moved forwards and around the front rim of the platform (2) substantially synchronously with the advancing movement of the platform (2). Driving means (15) are also provided for effecting the displacement of the platform (2).