Abstract: A continuous method for removing the skins or skins from hog carcasses and other animal carcasses is disclosed wherein the skin is pulled upwardly, from the head toward the butt-end of the carcass, as carcass moves through the skinning station while suspended in the head-down position. A jaw hook, synchronized to move with the carcass, engages the carcass to stretch the carcass taut and tilt the carcass away from the skin pulling device. The skin is pulled away from the carcass as the skinning process progresses, which avoids contamination of the carcass as the skin is released. An apparatus suitable for continuously carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hog head is removed by suspending the carcass in a head-down position, marking the skin of the carcass around the neck, engaging a hook in the jaw of the carcass and applying force to the hook to rotate the head upwardly, and disengage the at last joint whereby the head is substantially removed from the carcass. Continuous apparatus includes a head pulling structure running parallel to and synchronized with the carcass suspension system, and preferably horizontally offset therefrom, so that the carcass assumes a "bellydown" attitude when head-pulling force is applied thereto. Semi-continuous apparatus may apply the required force using a flywheel, a crank, a lever or a fluid cylinder.

Abstract: A hog head is removed by suspending the carcass in a head-down position, marking the skin of the carcass around the neck, engaging a hook in the jaw of the carcass and applying force to the hook to rotate the head upwardly, and disengage the atlas joint whereby the head is substantially removed from the carcass. Continuous apparatus includes a head pulling structure running parallel to and synchronized with the carcass suspension system, and preferably horizontally offset therefrom, so that the carcass assumes a "bellydown" attitude when head-pulling force is applied thereto. Semi-continuous apparatus may apply the required force using a flywheel, a crank, a lever or a fluid cylinder.

Abstract: Hogs are skinned by suspending the carcass in the head-up position, freeing the hide from around the neck and head of the carcass, and pulling downwardly on the upper end of the hide whereby the hide is removed from the carcass.

Abstract: A hog head is removed by suspending the carcass in a head-down position, marking the skin of the carcass around the neck, engaging a hook in the jaw of the carcass and applying force to the hook to rotate the head upwardly, and disengage the atlas joint whereby the head is substantially removed from the carcass. Continuous apparatus includes head pulling structure running parallel to and synchronized with the carcass suspension system, and preferably horizontally offset therefrom, so that the carcass assumes a "bellydown" attitude when head-pulling force is applied thereto. Semi-continuous apparatus may apply the required force using a flywheel, a crank, a lever or a fluid driven cylinder.