Abstract: A processing line, inspection line, or both, includes a first conveyor line with shackles for suspending the poultry by the legs. The conveyor line is arranged to move the poultry in a conveying direction passed a processing and/or inspection station for the poultry, wherein at least along a part of the conveyor line an endless belt is provided that supports the shackles and moves the shackles sideways away from a first neutral vertical suspension position to a second position in which the shackles are suspended obliquely in the conveyor line so as to arrange that any back-and-forth movement of the shackles in their conveying direction is prevented or counteracted.

Abstract: A processing line, inspection line, or both, includes a first conveyor line with shackles for suspending the poultry by the legs. The conveyor line is arranged to move the poultry in a conveying direction passed a processing and/or inspection station for the poultry, wherein at least along a part of the conveyor line an endless belt is provided that supports the shackles and moves the shackles sideways away from a first neutral vertical suspension position to a second position in which the shackles are suspended obliquely in the conveyor line so as to arrange that any back-and-forth movement of the shackles in their conveying direction is prevented or counteracted.

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: The shackle assembly (10) has a lock gear (22) non-rotatably mounted to the shackle (11). Lock collar (45) has inwardly projecting lock collar teeth (51) that engage with the lock gear teeth (28A-28D). When the lock collar is moved toward the lock gear against the bias of spring (58), the lock gear teeth (28) move into the interior cavity (50) of the lock collar. This protects the teeth of both the lock gear and the lock collar at all times.

Abstract: A shackle assembly (10) transports poultry carcasses along a poultry processing line. Turning block (50) turns the stirrups (18) of the shackle in response to engagement with turning pins (75) that are located along the processing path, so as to properly orient the bird carried by the shackle to the next cutting station. One of the side wings (66) of the turning block (50) is relieved such that its turning slots will not engage the turning pin, thereby avoiding the turning of the stirrups. This assures that the stirrups, and therefore the bird carried by the stirrups, are properly oriented for the next cutting station.