Abstract: A mechanical method for splitting the breastbone of hog carcasses comprises the steps of determining, by means of a sensor device, the length of the carcass by determining the distance between a datum plane and the snout of the carcass. The cutting of the carcass is then initiated, by means of a remote controlled cutting hit point on the carcass that is located at a distance from the datum plane that is a function of the length of the carcass. The length of the cut from the hit point to a cut termination point on the carcass is controlled as a function of the length of the carcass as determined by the position of its snout. The breast splitter comprises a snout height sensor for determining the length of the suspended carcass by determining the distance between the datum plane and its snout. A detector is provided for detecting the positioning of the selected suspended carcass at a control point along the path of the overhead conveyor. A robotic cutter is provided.

Abstract: Workpieces of varying dimension, points of common contour and shape are loaded on a transfer shuttle at loading station I and located on a projected line of light at a common point on the workpieces from which they vary; the shuttle moves the workpieces to first work station II; the shuttle is retracted and reloaded with workpieces; the shuttle then picks up the workpieces in station II; the shuttle then deposits the reloaded workpieces in station II, and the workpieces from station II in station III; the shuttle is retracted and station III emptied; the shuttle is reloaded and the repetition continues until the desired number of workpieces are processed. During reloading and any necessary time dwell, work is performed at work stations II and III and work may be performed during advancing movement of the shuttle.

Abstract: Class workpieces, such as hog carcasses, of varying dimension, points of contour and shape are moved from storage on an overhead rail conveyer hanging vertically head down and are driven through break-up stations at a constant speed. Driven side belts moving at the same speed contact the carcasses in the work stations and hold them steady against oscillation. A saw or tool at each station is supported on a lead screw assembly for up and down movement. The lead screw is directionally and incrementally driven by a lead screw assembly at each station to locate each saw to perform work on the carcass. The saws at each station successively cut off the shoulder, loin-belly and ham as the carcasses move through the stations. The shoulder, loin-belly and ham fall by gravity onto conveyers when cut off by the saws. Manual means are provided to control the position of the saws as observed by the operator.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for overhead conveyor rails particularly for meat packing plants having a traveler riding the rail and a cart moving below the traveler. The cart has tanks containing cleaning and oiling fluids; a hydraulic fluid reservoir; and a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor. The traveler has a first brush driven by a hydraulic motor for scrubbing one side of a rail; a second brush driven by a hydraulic motor for scrubbing the other side of the rail; heads for spraying the rails with cleaning, rinsing, and oiling agents; grooved support-drive trolley wheels riding the rails and a hydraulic motor driving one trolley wheel. Lines between the cart and the traveler supply the traveler with agents and hydraulic power. A skin encloses the traveler containing spray and channeling used agents to a drain hose.