Abstract: A carcass processing machine and carcass processing assemblies for processing sections of carcass having vertebrae in them, such as loin sections. The carcass processing machine includes an assembly for removing portions of meat from the ventral side of the vertebrae. This assembly has a knife with a cutting feature that varies in height. This assembly also has a rotating member for removing a portion of meat. The carcass processing machine includes an assembly for removing portions of meat from the dorsal side of the vertebrae. This assembly has a blade, which may be a plough blade, that cuts meat from the transverse processes and can moved by another blade that rides over the transverse processes near their bases. The plough blade has a blunt tip. This assembly can have another blade that is movable relative to the blade that rides over the transverse processes.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray detector; a plurality of X-ray sources configured to illuminate the X-ray detector from different perspectives; a shutter in a transmission plane between each X-ray source controlling transmission of X-rays from each X-ray source to the X-ray detector; and a processor configured to receive and process X-ray data from the X-ray detector. The shutter may be configured to illuminate the X-ray detector alternately with each X-ray source. The processor may determine 3D information about an object from the processed X-ray data. Also provided are methods for processing X-ray data and different embodiments of shutters to alternately illuminate X-ray detectors.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray detector; a plurality of X-ray sources configured to illuminate the detector from different perspectives; a shutter in a transmission plane between each X-ray source controlling transmission of X-rays from each X-ray source to the detector; and a processor configured to receive and process X-ray data from the detector. The shutter may be configured to illuminate the detector alternately with each X-ray source. The processor may determine 3D information about an object from the processed X-ray data. Also provided are methods for processing X-ray data and different embodiments of shutters to alternately illuminate X-ray detectors.

Abstract: Methods of automated meat processing including an end to end processing method in which carcasses are cut into major portions at a first robotic processing station and into minor portions at robotic processing sub-stations. In one processing method carcass portions are acquired by a robotic arm, imaged and then cuts performed without transfer. In another a first series of processing steps are performed by rotating carcass portions through a plurality of processing stations and a second series of processing steps are performed as carcass portions are advanced along a linear conveyor. In another processing method a plurality of clamps are employed to stabilize a saddle section during a flap cut. In another processing method split pins are used to position a saddle section for a vertebrae cut. In another method a spinal cord is removed by applying a pressurized fluid stream against one end of the spinal cord and applying suction at the other end of the spinal cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a section of an animal carcass from the carcass wherein the carcass is held using means for holding. The apparatus includes means for anchoring to the section of the carcass, and means for forcibly separating the means for anchoring from the means for holding, preferably in a substantially vertical downwards direction, and thereby remove the section from the carcass. According to preferred embodiments, the means for anchoring may be a hook or a gripper which clamps to the section of the carcass. A system including the apparatus and a corresponding method are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a section of an animal carcass from the carcass wherein the carcass is held using means for holding. The apparatus includes means for anchoring to the section of the carcass, and means for forcibly separating the means for anchoring from the means for holding, preferably in a substantially vertical downwards direction, and thereby remove the section from the carcass. According to preferred embodiments, the means for anchoring may be a hook or a gripper which clamps to the section of the carcass. A system including the apparatus and a corresponding method are also provided.