Abstract: For separating an intestine from a cluster of organs harvested from an animal, in particular a pig, cow or sheep, wherein the intestine is connected to the remainder of the cluster through tissue, a device and method are provided. The intestine separating device includes a guiding device having at least one guiding surface configured to contact the intestine. The guiding device includes first and second guiding members together defining a gap for accommodating the tissue. The first and second guiding members are movable towards and away from each other to vary a gap width. A gap width control structure includes an actuator to controllably decrease and increase the gap width. A tissue separating device is operative in the gap to provide a separation in the tissue close to the intestine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically recovering flesh from beheaded and gutted fish, comprising a transport device for transporting the fish tail-first along a transport path in transport direction T, and a separating device (14) for separating the flesh from the bone structure, wherein the separating device has at least two rotatably driven and controllable circular knives arranged at a distance from each other on mutually opposing sides of the transport path in order to form a gap S. The two circular knives are designed to be pivoted about an axis I, II that differs from a horizontal orientation, wherein the axes I, II are oriented in such a way that, by pivoting the circular knives about the axes I and II, the point P of the smallest gap size between the circular knives can be positioned differently from the lowest knife point M of the two circular knives.

Abstract: A venting blade assembly for poultry processing. The venting blade assembly includes a projecting cylindrical barrel having an open first end. An attachment mechanism attaches an opposed second end of the cylindrical barrel to an axial advancement and rotation mechanism. A flat circular abutment shoulder at the first end is substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical barrel in order to engage the poultry. The first end of the cylindrical barrel also includes a beveled circular edge. A plurality of helical recesses in the first end of the cylindrical barrel forms a plurality of cutting tips.

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: Blade for a knife of an apparatus for cutting off the rectum of slaughtered animals, wherein the ground section of the hollow cylindrical blade (11) is at a specific angle to the cutting edge (20) at the cutting edge of said hollow-cylindrical blade. The blade (11) is ground over a short portion (A) of its length with a first angle (?) and then in the axial direction on this portion with a second angle (?) which is smaller than the first-mentioned angle (?).

Abstract: Blade for a knife of an apparatus for cutting off the rectum of slaughtered animals, wherein the ground section of the hollow cylindrical blade (11) is at a specific angle to the cutting edge (20) at the cutting edge of said hollow-cylindrical blade. The blade (11) is ground over a short portion (A) of its length with a first angle (?) and then in the axial direction on this portion with a second angle (?) which is smaller than the first-mentioned angle (?).

Abstract: A device for cutting free the colon of a slaughter animal has a cylindrical cutting knife and a guiding arbor with a suction channel. The device has two components, one of which is a tool and the other a robot connecting plate. The robot connecting plate has a connecting opening for vacuum, a connecting opening for water, a connecting opening for pressurized air to drive the pressurized air motor, and a connecting opening for exhaust air from the pressurized air motor. The connecting openings are connected to associated channels or passages in the tool in the assembled state of the tool and the robot connecting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing/handling of the anus/rectum of slaughtered animals, comprising a cutting arrangement mounted in a housing for the cutting-over of the connection between the anus/rectum and surrounding tissue, the cutting arrangement comprising a cavity defined by a cylindrical blade with cutting edge and an extension. Displaced in the cavity, substantially parallel with the axis of the cylindrical blade, there is a mandrel/hollow profile connected to a source of a second under-pressure on the inside of the mandrel/hollow profile and for emptying of a part of the intestine/rectum. A pump is provided for handling/removal/sucking-out of a disinfection substance supplied to the cavity, the pump being separated from the source of the second under-pressure and comprising an arrangement for establishing a first under-pressure in the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing the vent of slaughtered poultry, comprising a positioning and stretching mechanism for the poultry, a centring pin to be inserted into the vent, a clamping sleeve concentrically surrounding the centring pin, and a rotary cutter concentrically surrounding the centring pin and clamping sleeve. A stretching sleeve is provided for engaging around the vent of the poultry, whereas the centring pin and the clamping sleeve have a fixed rotational position.

Abstract: A poultry processing machine including a distribution housing, a rotating dome and a truncated conical surface outwardly of the dome for the distribution of quarter legs to several processing units. Gates control the admission of the pieces to the processing units. The processing unit includes a converging inlet within which horizontal extending bars are positioned to allow the smaller end of the piece to drop downwardly into the unit. A rotatable circular blade and traction wheels draw the piece downwardly along with the operation of vacuum from a rotatable cutter. A passageway concentrically arranged within the cutter receives the bone of the quarter leg and vacuum drawn through the rotatable cutter draws the piece downwardly. A spreading surface lays the now deboned and longitudinally sliced piece into a flat slab. A skinning device having vacuum associated with a porous wheel pulls the skin away from the flesh. A skinning knife assists in this process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and anal seal for sealing the anus of the carcass (10) of a slaughtered animal. The anal seal includes a plug (15) for insertion through the anus so that tissues (11) contract behind the plug, a clamp (20) movable towards the plug to clamp the tissues behind, and retaining means (40) to hold the clamp in its clamping position. The plug (15) is conical and has a back end (17) so that the clamp which is in the shape of a clamping disc (22) clamps against periphery (18) of the back end of the plug. The clamp (15) can slide on a stem (32) extending from the back end of the plug. The retaining means (40) can comprise biasing means (48) or a latch (41) to hold the clamp in its clamping position. An applicator tool (60) can mount the anal seal during insertion of the plug into the rectum and move the clamp from a retracted position to its operative clamping position.

Abstract: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.

Abstract: In a method and device for making an incision in the skin of the belly of a slaughtered animal which is provided with a vent opening produced by cutting out the vent, the skin is processed at a position near the bottom point of the breastbone of the animal, and an incision is made between the vent opening and said position. In order to support the skin during the skin processing operation, a supporting element is fitted subcutaneously through an opening in the skin. In a method and device for processing a slaughtered animal, prior to or during the evisceration of the carcass of the animal, tissue connections are broken between the belly skin and the viscera, in particular between the belly fat situated on the inside of the belly skin and the stomach.

Abstract: The internal organs of a slain deer are removed from the animal cavity by sealing the rectum passage prior to forming an access slit along the deer belly. An annular (tubular) cutter is rotated on the deer rump to severe a plug of flesh containing the anus, after which the cutter is drawn away from the deer carcass to expose the rectum. A cord is tied around the exposed rectum so that the rectum is sealed against the escape of waste material when the deer belly is cut to gain access to the internal organs.

Abstract: A device for separating bone material from meat tissue in a meat piece, such as a spine from a half part of a slaughtered animal, which device is provided with a support for the meat piece for processing and a separating member with a curved separating edge which is movably driven relative to the support and includes plate material, wherein the separating edge is provided with a series of teeth, each of which is embodied with a guide surface directed toward the inner side of the bend such that when bone material is severed it is carried away to the inside and contamination of the meat material is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A partially automated decoring saw having a tubular blade and a table surface partially blocking the saw blade opening and means decreasing the blockage temporarily to allow for passage of an enlarged portion of the core into the saw. A core knocker can also be provided, as can air purge of blade seals to achieve partial self-cleaning.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that completely cuts out and removes the vent, including its orbicular muscle, of a slaughtered animal, such as poultry, pigs or other such animals. A centering pin nests within a holding element that has a roughened face surface for capturing the skin of the animal around the vent. The holding element is coaxial with a generally cylindrical, rotary cutter. The pin inserts into the vent and the holding element is then extended to contact the skin of the animal near the vent. The pin, which terminates in a cone-shaped knob, is then moved slightly away from the animal and toward the holding element, thereby capturing the orbicular muscle of the vent between the shoulder of the pin and a recess within the holding element. The holding element has a roughened face surface, preferably beveled, which contacts the skin and may form it into folds for easier cutting. The holding element is nested within and coaxial to the cutter; only a very small gap separates the holding element from the cutter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for separating and closing the rectum (13) of a slaughtered animal carcass (10). A gripping apparatus (20) is first located inside a closure bag (15). The gripping apparatus (20) comprises a bung member (21) which is inserted into the rectum (13) past the anus (11) and a clamp (25) which is advanced to clamp the constricted sphincter muscle tissues (19) against the bung member without perforating the bag. The gripping apparatus (20) is retracted to tension and straighten the rectum (13) while surround tissues are cut. Then bagging means (30) advances the closure bag (15) so as to surround the rectum and the bag (15) is constricted by a ring (31) around the rectum (13) at a location spaced inwardly of the anus (11).

Abstract: A device for removing the anus of a slaughtered animal comprising:a carriage translatable in at least one direction by means of first translation means;a cutting device supported by the carriage and comprising a substantially cylindrical blade with a leading cutting edge, which device is drivable for rotation round its axis by means of drive means and drivable for axial translation by means of second translation means; anda sensor carried by the carriage for detecting contact between the cutting device and an animal for processing during operation of the first translation means, which sensor is connected in order to render inoperative the first translation means when said contact is detected and, if required, to activate the drive means for the said rotating drive and to activate the second translation means for forward axial translation of the cutting device over a chosen distance, followed by backward axial translation of the cutting device until this latter is situated out of contact with the slaughtered a

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: Venting of a poultry carcass is carried out using a rotary cutter with a point sharpened tip end and point sharpened teeth cutting edges adjacent the cutting tip end while operating the cutter such that the tip end has a line speed in a range of about 36-52 meters/minute in consequence of which less useable meat is lost in the vent severing operation reflecting a significant saving and product recovery to the slaughterer. During the severing operation, a shroud can be positioned around the rotary cutter to confine contaminants such as fecal matter contained in and on the carcass from being spread on the carcass in the area around the vent. To assure proper registry of the anus of the carcass with the rotary cutter during venting, holder arms are use to lift and position the carcass in optimized held position thereof carcass relative to the cutter axis.

Abstract: A device for removing the anus of slaughtered animals. The device includes a cutting device for cutting out the anus of a slaughtered animal, which cutting device comprises a substantially cylindrical blade drivable for rotation and translation and having a leading cutting edge. The device further includes positioning elements for initially positioning the blade such that the center line thereof extends substantially through the anus of the slaughtered animal and a blunt locating pin for causing the blade to follow a curved path such that the cutting edge follows substantially the form of the rectum of the slaughtered animal while avoiding contact with bone.

Abstract: A method of cutting free and removing a rectum of a carcass of a slaughtered animal hanging by the hind legs with a head downwardly. An apparatus including a rotating tubular knife is positioned in the vicinity of the rectum of the carcass. A guiding pin on the apparatus is inserted into the rectum of the carcass coaxially with a main axis of the rectum. The guiding pin is arranged coaxial with the rotating tubular knife. The rotating tubular knife is moved into the carcass coaxially with the main axis of the rectum, thereby cutting the rectum free of the carcass. The rectum is retained in the rotating tubular knife. The rectum is pulled free of the carcass toward a ventral side of the carcass in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main axis of the carcass. The rectum is hung downwardly over a side of a protective shield. The side of the shield faces away from the carcass.

Abstract: A device for removing the anus of slaughtered animals, which device comprises: a cutting device (14) for cutting out the anus (9) of a slaughtered animal transported by the transporting means (10, 11, 12), which cutting device comprises: a displaceable carriage (24); and a rotatably drivable and axially displaceable, substantially cylindrical blade (32) carried by this carriage (24) and having a leading cutting edge and a blunt locating pin (33) placed coaxially of this blade (32), wherein during removal of an anus (9) the centreline (34) of the blade (32) is substantially stationary relative to the slaughtered animal being processed, is characterized by positioning means for positioning the carriage (24) such that the centreline (34) of the blade (32) extends through the anus (9) of the slaughtered animal, which positioning means comprise two drives which can move the carriage in two respective non-parallel directions; measuring means for measuring the position of the anus of a slaughtered animal for process

Abstract: A cutting device for arranging a cut around the anus of a slaughtered animal, which cutting device comprises:a positioning rod for insertion into the anus of a slaughtered animal;a rotatably drivable cylindrical beaker-shaped knife which is placed coaxially round the positioning rod and whereof the free end is provided with a cutting edge; andpressure means and suction means comprising a conduit extending through the positioning rod, debouching on the peripheral surface of the positioning rod at a distance from the cutting edge and connectable to a pressure source and an underpressure source respectively for generating an overpressure and an underpressure respectively at the position of the debouchment of that conduit.

Abstract: Device for cutting loose the rectum of the carcass of a slaughtered animal, having a shut-off and positioning element fitted at the end of an elongated carrier with concentrically around it a rotary cutting element, and with means for creating a vacuum around said carrier, said positioning element being provided with a bore open at its front side, into which opens a flusing liquid supply channel.

Abstract: A device for removing one or more organs or parts thereof from a slaughtered animal, in particular a bird, comprising: an organ guide device with an open organ feed end to be inserted temporarily into the slaughtered animal; an organ conveyance device for removing organs or parts thereof along the organ guide device; a separating device which is fitted near the organ feed end or along the organ guide device for making a separation in organs or connecting tissue between them at a predetermined place; and a device for establishing the position of the organs relative to the separating device. The device for establishing the position of organs may be fitted at the open organ feed end of the organ guide device and may comprise an organ feed aperture with such dimensions that first organs can pass said aperture and second organs connected to the first organs cannot pass said aperture.

Abstract: Device for severing the pubis of the carcass of a slaughtered animal, comprising a positioning element, a rotary-driven cylindrical first cutting element, and a blade- type cutting element, which are combined into a functional unit which can be moved as a whole to and from the carcass, and a pressure element which is situated next to the cylindrical cutter, at the end of a guided carrier movable parallel to the direction of movement of said cutter, which pressure element has a U-shaped pressure stirrup for gripping around the tail and pressing it down.

Abstract: Device for cutting out the vent of a slaughtered bird, including an elongated centring pin, a rotatable cutting element with an axially directed cutting edge, and an axially movable positioning element. In an end position of the positioning element relative to a thickened end portion of the centring pin between these two elements an annular space is formed for the accommodation of the orbicular muscle of the vent, while in this end position between the positioning element and the thickened end portion of the centring pin an annular gap remains open with a width which is smaller than the thickness of the orbicular muscle.

Abstract: A device for making an incision around the vent of a slaughtered bird and pulling the end of the rectum out of the opening thus made, including: a centering pin which is movable relative to the bird, and is provided with a thickened end portion; and a cylindrical rotary cutter with an annular cutting edge, which cutter is movable relative to the bird and is movable coaxially relative to the centering pin. The device further comprises one or more holding elements which are recessed relative to the cutting edge and which can interact with a contacting surface of the thickened centering pin end portion situated opposite them for holding the vent between these elements and the contacting surface near or at the orbicular muscle. The drive of the cutter is designed in such a way that the cutter carries out a small number of turns during the cutting operation.

Abstract: Method for providing a cut around the anus of an animal, preferably a hog, to free the rectum from the carcass, which is suspended at its back feet, according to which method a rotating, tubular knife is advanced towards the anus of the animal for making a cut around it in a predetermined depth.