Abstract: In a machine for removing meat from a crab body by vibrating a core box having openings over each of which a crab body is supported, the invention provides a supplemental support substantially bisecting each opening to permit half bodies to be supported.

Abstract: The backfin lump of meat is removed from the prepared body of a cooked Chesapeake Bay blue crab by cutting the body along planes which are, respectively, outside the collar bones which internally bound the lump meat cavities and converge to the center line of the back thereby providing an opening to each lump meat cavity, and then removing the lump meat through the opening using a special tool.

Abstract: A two-part crab holder is provided with specifically contoured surfaces for supporting a crab through various processing means.

Abstract: A machine for producing crab bodies ready for meat removal comprises means for transporting cooked hard crabs to a first station at which the carapace is centrally cut and the claws, walking legs and swimming legs are removed, then to a station at which the parts of the carapace are loosened and then removed laterally of the crab body as trash, and then to a final processing station at which the crab body is held and cleaned by water jets and specially formed brushes.

Abstract: A machine for transporting cooked hard crabs to a plurality of successive stations at which the carapace pincers, walking legs, swimming legs and viscera are removed, and the remaining body is scrubbed and washed. An important feature is the provision of novel means for supporting each crab.

Abstract: This disclosure is of a machine for removing edible crab meat from the prepared core bodies of hard crabs by subjecting the core bodies to rapid vertical vibratory movement. An improved support means for the core body and the core body holder is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a machine for removing the meat from the prepared body of a crab, lobster or other crustacean by means of a jet of compressed air.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for vibrating edible crab meat from the core portion of a crab body that has been de-shelled, de-legged and de-fingered and the central core portion of which has been cleaned. The crab body is supported in a core box with the body cavity directed downwardly opposite a discharge opening formed in the bottom of the core box, whereupon the core box is vibrated at about 1500 to 5000 vibrations per minute to shake the crab meat from the core and to deposit the meat particles on an endless conveyor that travels therebeneath. Preferably the core box bottom contains a plurality of pockets having walls converging toward the discharge openings, the crab cores being held in place by suitable cushion means.

Abstract: Apparatus for vibrating edible crab meat from the core portion of a crab body that has been de-shelled, de-legged and de-fingered and the central core portion of which has been cleaned. The crab body is supported in a core box with the body cavity directed downwardly opposite a discharge opening formed in the bottom of the core box, whereupon the core box is vibrated at about 1500 to 5000 vibrations per minute to shake the crab meat from the core and to deposit the meat particles on an endless conveyor that travels therebeneath. Preferably the core box bottom contains a plurality of pockets having walls converging toward the discharge openings, the crab cores being held in place by suitable cushion.