Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting board of the present invention with an integral, recessed tray, to hold the cut-up pieces of vegetables or fruits from rolling or sliding off the edges of the cutting board and sloped walls to facilitate the cut-up pieces of fruits and vegetables easily sliding out of the recessed tray when transferring them, recessed drain channels, which catch juices and liquids, and drain them into the recessed tray, and a recessed drain spout in each of the two outside corners of the recessed tray, to allow the liquids in the tray to be easily drained out of the tray, without any spills or mess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a guide assembly and a system for separating poultry viscera sets suspended from a viscera holder. In the method a guide member is moved so that said viscera set is arranged in an elongated opening of the guide member with the intestines and the gallbladder suspended below said guide member and the liver and gizzard positioned above it. The intestines and the gallbladder are then separated from the remaining viscera set while said liver rests on a first part of a separation support surface and said gizzard on a second part on the opposite side of an elongated opening. Before the separtion, the viscera set is brought into contact with an engagement member so that the gizzard is kept on the one side of the elongated opening at least until coming into contact with the separation support surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved system and method of automatic extraction. The system of automatic extraction includes a processing line, a pan, a bile source, an imaging system, a targeting system, and an extraction tool. The processing line moves one or more pans with one or more bile sources on each pan. An imaging system and targeting system coordinate to target bile sources with an extraction tool using a coordinate system. A method of automatic extraction includes locating a bile source on a coordinate system, targeting the bile source, puncturing the bile source with an extraction tool, extracting bile from a source, and storing the extracted bile.

Abstract: A device for removing the windpipe of a harvested big game animal such as the windpipe of a deer. The device includes: (a) a line having a first end and a second end; and (b) a tapered member having an apex and a base. In use, the neck of a field dressed big game animal is cut open to reveal the windpipe of the animal. The first end of the line of the device is then passed into and through the windpipe so that the first end of the line is positioned in the body cavity of the animal. Then the first end of the line is pulled so that the tapered member engages the windpipe to remove the windpipe from the neck of the animal.

Abstract: A guide member for use in separating viscera sets eviscerated from slaughtered poultry comprising a separation support surface having an elongated opening for receiving a viscera set in a manner whereby at least the intestines and the gallbladder are suspended below said guide member and the liver and gizzard are positioned above said guide member. The elongated opening extends away from a front edge of the separation support surface and a distal section of the opening is off-set in relation to a proximal section in a direction substantially parallel to the front edge. A gripping member may be arranged below said guide member for gripping a part of the intestines. In a method according to the invention the guide member is moved into contact with the viscera set whereby the intestines and/or gallbladder enters the elongated opening.

Abstract: Method and gizzard peeler for peeling a gizzard. A slit-open gizzard is provided on top of a horizontal and rotating turntable that is provided with rotating rollers, which rollers have an effective operating surface with respect to the gizzards to be peeled which is at least approximately flush, yet preferably slightly above a surface of the turntable, and arranging that the gizzard moves on top of the turntable from the point where it is deposited to an aperture in the turntable which functions as an exit for peeled gizzards.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out an operation on slaughtered poultry, comprising suspension devices for suspending the poultry by the legs, a first drum which at its periphery is provided with a first curve formed by a first groove which is being traced by a first projection that connects to a first processing organ so as to arrange that movement of the first processing organ along the periphery of the first drum causes said first processing organ to be placed in an operational position with respect to the poultry being suspended by the legs. Further there are second processing device that cooperate with a second drum provided with a second curve formed by a second groove which is being traced by a second projection connected with the second processing device so as to arrange that by its movement along the periphery of the second drum said second processing device is positioned in its operational position with reference to the poultry.

Abstract: A method of suspending a bird from a shackle according to the invention comprises the following sequence of steps: I) bending at least one leg at the hock joint so that the foot comes nearer to the breast of the bird, II) inserting the leg in the shackle, III) releasing the leg at least partially. The bending may be achieved by arranging an engagement member at the breast side of the leg to hinder a movement of the hock joint towards the breast of the bird and using a carrier for forcing the foot towards the breast. The engagement member and/or carrier may be adapted to yield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating wanted tissues from a bird carcass comprises mechanical and manual manipulation of the tissues. Mechanical manipulation includes scoring the lateral side of the carcass below the ribs between the neck opening and vent to separate the breast tissue from the skeletal system, and cutting the breast tissue and tenderloin tissue from the breast bone. Manual manipulation of the wanted tissues includes: mounting the carcass on a fixture, grasping the breast tissue adjacent the neck opening, and moving the hand toward the vent to separate the breast tissue from the carcass; and grasping the tenderloin tissue adjacent the neck opening, and moving the hand toward the vent to separate the tenderloin tissue from the carcass. Alternatively, the breast tissue may be harvested as a butterfly filet by scoring the lateral side of the carcass and removing the breast tissue from the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for separating an intestine (2) subjected to a pulling force from a structure such as a fatty structure (1) connected to the intestine by means of cutting, wherein the device comprises a guide (11) for guiding at least the intestine; and a cutting member (14) connected to the guide for severing the structure in the vicinity of the intestine, and wherein the cutting member is adapted to sever the structure as closely as possible to the intestine. The invention also relates to such a method, comprising of fixing the structure, exerting a pulling force on the intestine, guiding the intestine and severing the structure in the vicinity of the intestine, wherein the combination of the structure and the intestine is guided prior to the cutting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable cutting of the fish and removal of the viscera without damage to either the viscera or the remaining fish product. The systems may include an adjustable cutting device to cut the belly in a particularly unobtrusive manner and/or an adjustable gutting device to severe a gullet of the fish from the fish body and to gather and remove the viscera without significant damage to the viscera or the remaining fish product. Extractors for severing the connection between the gullet and the fish are also provided to assist in removal of the viscera, including the gonads. Vacuum head assemblies for cleaning a cavity of the fish after the viscera is removed are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a tool designed for dressing a deer in the field and safely, easily, and quickly removing the animal's intestines including a generally rectangular cuboid base, with attached on its right and left sides a set of blades parallely secured and having their sharp cutting edges extended downwardly with respect to the body of the cuboid; a handle located on the opposite face of the rectangular cuboid with respect of said sharp cutting edges of the side blades where said handle is pivotally connected, via a plurality of pins holding rigid bars, to an extendeable generally tubular rod designed to open the anus of a dead deer with an convex opening head and engage the internal surface of the anal cavity of the dead deer with at least rough grasping surface.

Abstract: An organ processing apparatus has an input and an output, and comprises an intake conveyor having a longitudinal extent extending from the input toward the output, with the intake conveyor including a plurality of cradles movable along the longitudinal extent of the conveyor. The apparatus may include a positioning wall with a guide surface located adjacent to a lateral side the intake conveyor. The apparatus may also include a cutter configured to sever a portion of an organ positioned in one of the cradles from a remainder of the organ. The apparatus may further include a peeling assembly configured to remove an outer membrane from the organ.

Abstract: Method of processing of fish, for example salmon and related species, said method comprising the steps of providing a live fish, slaughtering the fish, subjecting the fish or part of the fish to an electrical stimulation prior to at least a further processing step of the fish, and wherein said at least one further processing step comprises the step of removing pin-bones from the fish or part of the fish. By subjecting the fish or part of the fish to the electrical stimulation it is achieved that the pin-bones can be removed without waiting for the normal rigor process to be concluded and the normal post-rigor state to be reached and further it is achieved that the pin-bones can still be removed satisfactorily, e.g. without breaking when being pulled etc., since the bonding of the bones are relieved by the electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for mechanically processing an organ or organs taken out from slaughtered poultry in a processing device or processing line, which organ or organs form part of an organ package and wherein the organ or organs are separated from the organ package. The organ package is spatially oriented by the processing device without notably breaking tissue connections in the package, and in a preselected order so as to cause the harvesting of organs from the package to occur in a preselected sequence that depends on the location of the organ package in the processing device or processing line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting livers and hearts from a giblet package comprising an infeed pinch roller assembly, a slide assembly, an indexer assembly, an intestine pull down and a liver and heart separator assembly, for harvesting livers and hearts with an increased yield. The steps of the process include loading a load viscera pack into a feed chute that channels the pack to a pair of counter rollers. The viscera pack is captured by infeed pinch rollers thereby forcing the package into and between the rollers with only the gizzard remaining on top of the roller body. The liver and heart is isolated and separated by a pull down stripper assembly and a stripper arm assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for detaching, separating and collecting organic materials having different density; especially liver from fish entrails, which comprises a tank furnished with water or salt water and encasing a conveyor with carrier plates oriented across the direction of movement of the conveyor, and further is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the organic material. The tank also has detaching tools which comprises a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part comprises a bracket plate with a curved cutting surface extending away from a free cutting edge of the bracket. The movable part comprises at least one detaching tool/knife, which moves or rotates along the cutting edge and is oriented in a small angle or no angle to the edge, wherein the curve form of the surface is in conformity with the path of the knife/knives; and further has synchronizing device which allow a knife to pass by the cutting edge simultaneously with one of the carriers passing by on the opposite end of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper head for cleaning the neck of poultry carcasses. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the neck of poultry carcasses provided with such a scraper head. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for cleaning the neck of poultry carcasses, wherein a scraper head is moved out of the chest cavity into the neck.

Abstract: A method for eviscerating intestine packs of slaughtered poultry using evisceration devices. Each devise includes an evisceration spoon, which is inserted into the body of the poultry to a fully advanced position, in which the spoon surrounds the intestine pack on the breast side thereof. The evisceration spoon is subsequently retracted, thereby pulling the intestine pack out of the body. A guide is inserted together with the spoon and is moved across the esophagus during the forward movement within the body. While the crop is being pulled loose, the guide forms a bend on the esophagus, so that the esophagus extends from the bend to the crop in a direction more aligned with the retraction direction than the portion of the esophagus extending from the bend to the spoon.

Abstract: Generally described, the invention relates to a device and method for using same which includes a module assembly which includes a drive roller which not only provides an index feature to the lower end of an elongated member (such as a cleaner or a cropper), but also provides a rotation feature as this member is inserted into the interior of a bird in order to further process it.

Abstract: Apparatus for detaching, separating and collecting organic materials having different density; especially liver from fish entrails, which comprises a tank furnished with water or salt water and encasing a conveyor with carrier plates oriented across the direction of movement of the conveyor, and further is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the organic material. The tank also has detaching tools which comprises a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part comprises a bracket plate with a curved cutting surface extending away from a free cutting edge of the bracket. The movable part comprises at least one detaching tool/knife, which moves or rotates along the cutting edge and is oriented in a small angle or no angle to the edge, wherein the curve form of the surface is in conformity with the path of the knife/knives; and further has synchronizing means which allow a knife to pass by the cutting edge simultaneously with one of the carriers passing by on the opposite end of the cutting edge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for mechanically processing an organ or organs taken out from slaughtered poultry in a processing device or processing line, which organ or organs form part of an organ package and wherein said organ or organs are separated from the organ package. The organ package is spatially oriented by the processing device without notably breaking tissue connections in the package, and in a preselected order so as to cause harvesting of organs from the package to occur in a preselected sequence that depends on the location of the organ package in the processing device or processing line.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tool for gutting fish (12) which have been opened at the stomach cavity (11), the tool (13) being designed as a suction element (23) for extraction of the entrails by suction, which is distinguished in that the suction element (23) is allocated an element (35) for clamping and/or squeezing the entrails to be removed. Furthermore the invention concerns an apparatus for gutting fish (12) which have been opened at the stomach cavity (11), including a tool (13) for extraction of the entrails by suction, a measuring instrument (14) which is configured so as to detect specific fish data, and at least one control unit for controlling the tool (13) depending on the specific fish data detected by the measuring instrument (14), which is distinguished in that the tool (13) is designed as mentioned above. The invention further concerns a corresponding method for gutting fish (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an intestine from a gizzard comprising an infeed overhead rail indexing conveyor assembly, and a dual blade cutter assembly, which teaches a novel method and apparatus for separating a substantial portion of the intestine from a gizzard with an increased yield. The steps of the process can include feeding a viscera pack into a feed end of the overhead rail system; capturing and conveying the pack with a conveyor belt or chain having indexing members along a path to engage the dual blade cutter assembly. A substantial portion of the intestine and the separated gizzard with a small portion of the intestine remaining are allowed to separate after being severed by the dual blade and fall along separate chutes for further processing.

Abstract: Process and machine for recovering capsules from inside slaughtered animals, characterized in that said process comprises the following steps of emptying the cavity of the slaughtered animal where the capsule is located, such as the stomach, removing the capsule mixed up with the remains lodged inside said cavity; chopping up said remains; gravity-unloading of said chopped up remains via a substantially vertical pipe with means for detecting capsules that emit a signal upon detection of a passing capsule; activating separation means in response to the signal emitted by the detection means, which divert the capsule from the downward falling path caused by gravity; and storing the capsule diverted from its path into storage means.

Abstract: A method for gutting beheaded and non-beheaded fish, and in particular farmed fish, uses a circular blade with a guide gouge for opening the abdominal cavity. Then, the entrails are aspirated and extracted separately from the aspirating and extracting of the blood and water. Separate suction pipes connected to separate collecting receptacles are used for aspirating and extracting the entrails and the blood and water, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and aspects of an apparatus for loosening a plucks set (3) including tongue (28), heart and lungs from a suspended carcass (1). The carcass (1) may be fixed by means of mouth-engaging fixing means (10). The plucks set of the carcass (1) is cut loose by cutting means (15) that are introduced through the mouth (2) of the carcass (1), mouth-engaging fixing means (10) possibly cooperating with the cutting means (15) to ensure that e.g. the tonsils (27) or tongue (28) are not damaged. Subsequently, the tongue (28) may be loosened from the mandible (14) by scraping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting livers and hearts from a giblet package comprising an infeed pinch roller assembly, a slide assembly, an indexer assembly, an intestine pull down and a liver and heart separator assembly, which teaches a novel method and apparatus for harvesting livers and hearts with an increased yield. The steps of the process include loading a load viscera pack into a feed chute that channels the pack to a pair of counter rollers. The viscera pack is captured by infeed pinch rollers thereby forcing the package into and between the rollers with only the gizzard remaining on top of the roller body. The liver and heart is isolated and separated by a pull down stripper assembly and a stripper arm assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for gutting beheaded and non-beheaded fish, particularly cultivated fish, and to a device for implementing this method. In conventional devices, all tools used for gutting are connected to a central vacuum unit. Entrails, blood and water are separated from the air flow in a cyclone and are continuously removed therefrom. As a result, entrails, blood and water form a mushy mixture whereby jeopardizing the possibility of a subsequent utilization. According to the inventive method and to a device for implementing the same, the means for intaking or extracting the entrails, on the one hand, and the means for intaking or extracting the blood and the water, on the other, are connected to separate collecting containers via separate lines. The separation of individual constituents assures the subsequent utilization, particularly of the entrails.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing faecal matter from slaughtered poultry suspended by the legs, wherein the poultry, after having been cut for bleeding, is scalded to soften the feathers of the poultry, and after having been scalded is plucked and eviscerated to provide fresh defeathered slaughtered poultry, wherein also the removal of faecal matter takes place by prior to evisceration removing not yet unloaded faecal matter from the poultry by applying a pressure load to the abdominal cavity of the poultry, and simultaneously or subsequently spraying away the faecal matter squeezed out of the poultry with water and/or air.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing feces from a bird's intestines while avoiding contact between the feces and the bird's skin. The apparatus includes a clasping device for supporting the bird laterally and for applying squeezing forces to opposite sides of the bird. The clasping device is rotatable between a first position, in which the bird is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position, in which the bird is in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a compression assembly that is configured for forcing feces out of the bird by exerting a compressive force on an exterior surface of the bird while the clasping device is squeezing the bird and while the clasping device is in the second position. This compression assembly preferably includes compression members that move in tandem with the bird and the clasping device as the bird moves through an automated processing system.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises: a running conveyor (1) with hooks (2) for suspending a set (5) of organs by the diaphragm (6) and conveying it in a conveying direction of the conveyor (1); a slit device (10; 11) arranged below the conveyor (1) with a slit (13; 44) for guiding horizontally in the slit a connective tissue part (9; 6) of the set (5) of organs during the conveyance of the set of organs on the conveyor with an organ (8; 7) located below the slit (13; 44), a retaining device (14-16; 40) arranged in a conveying path which the organ (8; 7) follows with the connective tissue part (9; 6) guided by the slit (13; 44), the retaining device (14-16; 40) being adapted to retain the organ (8; 7) on the retaining device by the conveyor's (1) pull in the set (5) of organs; and (22, 23; 49-51, 54) for causing separation between the organ (8; 7) and the connective tissue part (9; 6) when such retention has been provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a cleaning operation applied to the internal neck skin of slaughtered poultry by removing the windpipe, gullet, glandular tissue or remainders thereof, comprising suspension devices for suspending the poultry by the legs, presser means, which during the cleaning operation press on at least a part of the poultry, and a rotatable bore organ to be inserted from the top into the poultry being suspended by the legs for carrying out the cleaning operation, wherein during the cleaning operation the presser means push the neck skin of the poultry toward the bore organ.

Abstract: When a salmon ovary is cut, the salmon ovary is held and transferred and in a whole state, the ovary is locally pushed at predetermined gaps, eggs in a membrane are divided into a plurality of clusters by this pushing operation, and the pushed portions of the membrane are then cut.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing multiple automated poultry processing operations upon a slaughtered animal or a part thereof via a single machine is described. The machine contains at least two rotary processors in a single frame. A covering surrounds the processors. A venting processor cuts out and removes the vent of a slaughtered animal and in the process removes unwanted fecal or other material from the exterior and the interior of the carcass. The processors integrated into the single machine are coupled by a conveyor line following a preferably generally S-shaped route that carries the carcasses amongst the processors, preferably positioning the carcasses at the optimum registration point for the operation performed by the particular processor.

Abstract: Poultry feces removal apparatuses and methods for removing the substantial majority of feces from a bird's intestines while avoiding contact between the feces and the bird's skin. The apparatus includes a clasping device that is configured for supporting the bird laterally and for applying squeezing forces to opposite sides of the bird. The clasping device is configured for rotation between a first position, in which the bird is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position, in which the bird is in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a compression assembly that is configured for forcing feces out of the bird by exerting a compressive force on an exterior surface of the bird while the clasping device is squeezing the bird and while the clasping device is in the second position. This compression assembly preferably includes compression members that move in tandem with the bird and the clasping device as the bird moves through an automated processing system.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document relates to an apparatus and method for parallel processing of a plurality of cattle carcasses suspended from a conveyor. At least two processing stations are provided that displace, or move, in a direction parallel to the conveyor. Each of the two stations performs generally the same processing operation on a carcass and each station has an individual coupling means for releasably engaging on the conveyor, wherein the processing stations are displaceable along a common guide. The processing stations are preferably connected flexibly to each other such that the interval between the processing stations in a position coupled to the conveyor is greater than in a position disconnected from the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the evisceration of carcasses conveyed on a slaughter line suspended in gambrels or hooks, where the abdomen and breast have been cut open, the hams divided and the fat end loosened, and wherein the carcass intestines are loosened, removed and placed on a gut pan or conveyor, the diaphragm is loosened and the plucks are removed and placed on a plucks conveyor. In loosening of the intestines, the connections of the intestines with the spinal column are broken, so that the intestines are made to hang out of the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm and leaf fat are loosened mechanically while the intestines are hanging out of the carcass and are connected to the plucks. The latter loosening is effected by a pressing device (5) and a hoop device (6) which can be moved independent of each other in the lengthways direction of the carcass.

Abstract: In a device and method for processing slaughtered poultry, the following steps are carried out: drawing the viscera package out of the carcass of the poultry; separating the viscera package from the carcass; conveying the viscera package in a viscera package conveyor member; conveying the carcass in a carcass conveyor member; and inspecting the viscera package and the carcass. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member are coupled together at least during the inspection. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member may form part of one combined conveyor member. Prior to the inspection, at least the intestines, and in particular the intestines and the gall bladder, are removed from the viscera package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which utilizes a hydraulic fluid such as water or air to propel fish through cutting blades which strip cut the fish so that exposed viscera of the fish may be removed by brushes or the like. Fish are processed serially in appropriately sized and shaped conduits at high speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing an trails package removed from slaughtered poultry, comprising two parallel and adjacently positioned shafts drivable for an opposite rotation, with a helically extending surface profile, the shafts defining a slot between themselves. At least one of the shafts is provided with at least one ring-shaped circumferential section at which the helically extending surface profile is missing and of which the surface is positioned at least at the level of the crest of the adjacent helically extending surface profile. Both shafts may be provided with a number of such circumferential sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dividing into separate parts an assembly removed from an entrails package of a slaughtered bird comprising heart and lungs. The apparatus comprises two rotating axes defining a slit therebetween. A first part of the axes is provided with a coarse profile, whereas a successive second part is provided with a fine profile shaped as interengaging teeth. Further, it is possible that the second part is followed by a third part which again is provided with a more coarse profile.

Abstract: In a method and device for separating at least one piece of visceral tissue from at least one organ connected thereto, in which the at least one piece of visceral tissue to be separated is smaller than said at least one organ, the cluster of visceral tissue and organ or organs is moved relative to and over a surface provided with holes. The holes are effectively at least as large as the smallest cross-section of the at least one piece of visceral tissue to be separated. A piece of visceral tissue to be separated which passes into a hole is retained in the hole.

Abstract: The method of processing poultry comprises the slitting of a poultry carcass along at least one lateral side from the thoracic inlet to the midline of the abdomen, to permit separating a breast portion of the poultry carcass from the back by hinging along an opposite lateral side from the cut. This opens the carcass for evaluation of bacterial contamination of internal organs. The location of the cut is along a line where few bones need to be severed, and the internal organs are not broken or torn, which is a major cause of contamination in conventional poultry processing methods. The longitudinal cut extends from the neck to the pubis and when the breast portion, including the wing on the lateral side where the cut is made is moved, air sac membranes and fat layers will contain the intestines and form separation planes to separate the breast portion from the liver, spleen, heart and intestines. The processing can be mechanized.

Abstract: The present invention allows oval fish processing machinery designed to process pollock or salmon, such as the Baader 182, to be adapted to process flat fish such as sole to produce kirimi. One embodiment of the invention includes a generally rectangular fish holder that replaces the current fish holders on a fish processing machine. The fish holders include brackets having arms which extend over a portion of the fins and body of the flat fish to hold it in place on the fish holder. Two rotating blades cut through the flat fish held within the holder to remove the head and tail of the flat fish. Once the head and tail of the flat fish are removed, a water jet fish cleaning apparatus removes the blood spot and any internal organs remaining in the center portion of the flat fish to produce kirimi. The water jet fish cleaning apparatus includes a water jet nozzle that has one or more water passages. The passages direct a stream of water into the internal cavity in the center portion of fish.

Abstract: A fish processing machine has a deheading station and a finishing station at which the throat tissue of the deheaded fish is removed. These stations are located on a reciprocating carriage in conjunction with a main body conveyor, a head positioning conveyor and a hold-down conveyor which are continuously advancing and positioning the fish being processed. The finishing station has a throat cutting device including a rotating cylindrical cutting unit with teeth at the head end and a shield for the teeth which retracts to expose the teeth when a nose on the shield engages a fish responsive to advancing the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating into parts an entrails package removed from a slaughtered bird, the package comprising gizzard, proventriculus, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder and intestines. The method includes loosening the tissue connections between the gizzard and the intestines, separating the entrails package in a package comprising liver, gallbladder and intestines on one hand and a package comprising gizzard, proventriculus, heart and lungs on the other hand, as well as separating the gizzard with proventriculus from the heart with lungs. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for taking out the viscera of a fish. A fish, the head of which is cut off, is conveyed by conveying belts and the belly of the fish is incised with a cutting blade. The fish, the belly of which has been incised, is caused to rise along a bone-supporting plate to make the position of the bone constant. The pointed end of a membrane peeling-off blade is inserted into the top portion outside a coelomic membrane of the fish to strip the coelomic membrane from the fish. Since the viscera of the fish is wrapped in the coelomic membrane, the viscera is taken out from the fish meat by stripping the coelomic membrane from the fish meat.