Abstract: An apparatus for weighing poultry in a conveyor line can include carriers for the poultry, linked to each other by a driving chain. The conveyor line can include at least a curved track section and a weighing track section, wherein a weighing station is located along the weighing track section. A chain tension control mechanism can include a rotatable wheel having its circumference following the curved track section and pass the weighing track section, which rotatable wheel can support a series of engaging units that engage the chain and/or the carriers in the curved track section to tension the chain and disengage the chain and/or the carriers in the weighing track section to release tension in the chain.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus is provided for processing a poultry carcass part that includes a back portion and two legs connected to the back portion wherein the legs are separated from the back portion. The exemplary apparatus includes a conveyor line with shackles for conveying a series of poultry carcass parts suspended from the shackles, and at least one cutting device for making an incision in the joints connecting the legs to the back portion, wherein a series of cutting devices are assembled at the outer circumference of a cylindrical processing machine which is rotatable around a central body axis.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus is provided for processing a poultry carcass part that includes a back portion and two legs connected to the back portion wherein the legs are separated from the back portion. The exemplary apparatus includes a conveyor line with shackles for conveying a series of poultry carcass parts suspended from the shackles, and at least one cutting device for making an incision in the joints connecting the legs to the back portion, wherein a series of cutting devices are assembled at the outer circumference of a cylindrical processing machine which is rotatable around a central body axis.

Abstract: A method and device for slitting a chicken leg which is suspended at its ankle joints from a carrier that forms part of a train of carriers that are movable in a processing line that passes the device is provided. A positioning step is applied for placing the leg in a suitable position for cutting the leg. Subsequently in a stabbing step a knife is brought into engagement with the leg. The stabbing step is followed by a slitting step in which the knife is moved along the leg so as to provide a slit in the longitudinal direction of the leg in order to enable a subsequent deboning step of the leg. In the positioning step a first pressing organ engages the leg in the vicinity of the knee joint so as to press the leg against a movable supporting surface for the leg that is positioned opposite to the pressing organ. A second pressing organ engages the leg from the side so as to push the leg into a substantially straight orientation of the drum and the thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method and device for slitting a chicken leg which is suspended at its ankle joints from a carrier that forms part of a train of carriers that are movable in a processing line that passes the device is provided. A positioning step is applied for placing the leg in a suitable position for cutting the leg. Subsequently in a stabbing step a knife is brought into engagement with the leg. The stabbing step is followed by a slitting step in which the knife is moved along the leg so as to provide a slit in the longitudinal direction of the leg in order to enable a subsequent deboning step of the leg. In the positioning step a first pressing organ engages the leg in the vicinity of the knee joint so as to press the leg against a movable supporting surface for the leg that is positioned opposite to the pressing organ. A second pressing organ engages the leg from the side so as to push the leg into a substantially straight orientation of the drum and the thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a de-skinner for poultry-parts. In one exemplary embodiment, the deskinner includes an infeed for the poultry parts, a processing device for removing the skin from the poultry parts, and a discharge for the processed poultry parts. Receptacles are provided for receiving the poultry parts from the infeed. The receptacles are connected to a conveyor-line for transporting the receptacles with the poultry parts to the processing device for removing the skin from the poultry parts. The receptacles are equipped with pressing means for pressing the poultry parts into intimate contact with the processing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a de-skinner for poultry-parts. In one exemplary embodiment, the deskinner includes an infeed for the poultry parts, a processing device for removing the skin from the poultry parts, and a discharge for the processed poultry parts. Receptacles are provided for receiving the poultry parts from the infeed. The receptacles are connected to a conveyor-line for transporting the receptacles with the poultry parts to the processing device for removing the skin from the poultry parts. The receptacles are equipped with pressing means for pressing the poultry parts into intimate contact with the processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a drumstick and a thigh that are part of a leg of poultry from each other includes an overhead conveyor for supplying the suspended leg, a supporting member for supporting the leg while the drumstick and thigh are being severed, and a cutting device for severing the drumstick from the thigh at the height of a knee joint A clamping device is provided for holding fast the thigh at least while it passes the cutting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatically removing a tail from poultry. An overhead conveyor moves the poultry or part of a bird suspended by the legs, and a guiding device is disposed underneath the overhead conveyor for supporting and guiding the poultry. A cutting device is functionally disposed behind a lead element for the poultry and which is part of the guiding device. The overhead conveyor is designed to convey the poultry with the back facing forward while the guiding device supports and guides the poultry substantially at the side of the back. The cutting device is disposed in or under an effective supporting surface of the guiding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatically removing a tail from poultry. An overhead conveyor moves the poultry or part of a bird suspended by the legs, and a guiding device is disposed underneath the overhead conveyor for supporting and guiding the poultry. A cutting device is functionally disposed behind a lead element for the poultry and which is part of the guiding device. The overhead conveyor is designed to convey the poultry with the back facing forward while the guiding device supports and guides the poultry substantially at the side of the back. The cutting device is disposed in or under an effective supporting surface of the guiding device.