Abstract: A slaughtered pig part processing plant including a plurality of pig part processing stations and a conveyor supporting via respective couplings a plurality of spaced apart clamp structures, the conveyor advancing the couplings with a respective clamp structure in a machine direction (T) from a first station for introducing a pig part between jaws of a clamp structure, towards a last station for removing the bone of the processed pig part from the clamp structure, wherein in the said clamp structures being connected to the conveyor so as to allow for a turning movement of the clamp structures about a vertical axis (D), the processing plant including elongated guiding elements engaging the clamp structures or the couplings as they are advanced in the machine direction (T), for bringing about the turning movement about the vertical axis (D).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suspension unit and a method for taking up and transporting sausage loops with a guide rail and hooks circulating around the guide rail, where the guide rail has an elongate front side and an oppositely disposed rear side. The guide rail is inclined relative to a horizontal plane such that the front side is at a higher level than the rear side.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of either self-contained, separate or combinations thereof of modular units for the processing of comestible products. The modular unit is configured with sections to create hygienic zoning of food to be processed. The modular unit is can contain components to process food from a raw state, such as an animal carcass or freshly harvested produce, through primary and (optionally) secondary processing. The modular unit can be utilized to process various types of food, and, therefore, the modular unit is provided in various embodiments depending on the food to be processed therein, and the types of processing that are desired. The modular unit is constructed and the sections therein are configured such that as the food undergoes processing, it flows through the sections of the modular unit in an orderly manner, which helps to minimize or prevent food safety problems, such as cross contamination.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed wherein the conveyor line includes two or more conveyor lines wherein all of the conveyor lines are built on a common frame. By building the conveyor lines on a common frame, the conveyor lines can be built adjacent to one another and share common sidewalls, eliminating gaps of traditional conveyor systems. Adjustable standing platforms can also be added to assist workers in reaching the conveyor lines. The result is a more modular, easier to clean, ergonomically beneficial conveyor system.

Abstract: A poultry processing line is provided having a series of poultry carriers and a processing unit or processing units, wherein the poultry carriers are movable to and from the processing unit or processing units and the poultry carriers and the processing unit or processing units are synchronized to enable processing of the poultry by the processing unit or processing units. A switch is provided such that the poultry carriers and/or the processing unit or processing units are selectable between an operational position in which the poultry is processed by the processing unit or units and an inoperational or idle position in which the poultry is prevented from being processed by the processing unit or units.

Abstract: Two hooking members of a hooking unit used in a device for conveying bone-in meat respectively have belt-like main body parts, blade-like pointed ends provided at ends on one side of the main body parts, and barbs provided on first sides of the main body parts to be continuous with the points. The hooking members are supported so as to be in parallel with each other with an elastically changeable interval therebetween and to be rotatable about rotation axes along longitudinal axes of the main body parts. Further, the hooking unit has an actuator which rotates the hooking members about the rotation axes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a carrier for supporting a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, the carrier comprising:—a carrier body (11), said carrier body comprising a support surface for engaging at least a part of the inner face of the carcass part,—a hook (14) for holding the carcass part on the carrier body,—a positioning element (21) for positioning the carcass part relative to the carrier, which positioning element has a dome shaped engagement end for engaging the inner face of the carcass part,—which positioning element is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position in which extended position the dome shaped engagement end of the positioning element protrudes from the support surface of the carrier body,—the positioning element being arranged such relative to the support surface of the carrier body that in its extended position, the dome shaped engagement end of the positioning element engages the inner face of the carcass part at or adjacent to the fades visceralis sterni of the stern

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, geese, duck and quail, comprising the steps of (i) taking the poultry; (ii) placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and (iii) coupling the poultry legs to handling means, and to an installation for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising means for taking the poultry and placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and means for coupling the poultry legs to handling means.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment, a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a trolley wheel assembly for a conveyor system, e.g., an overhead conveyor system. In certain embodiments, the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel face having a contour (optionally a funneling configuration and/or one or more surface features) configured to facilitate flow of a fluid toward an open bearing assembly of the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes an inner race, outer race, and bearings having a particular hardness arrangement, optionally together with a polymer wheel having certain filler features. Methods for cleaning such a trolley wheel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying objects (6) along a path, the path including an upstream portion (17) and a curved portion (13), the upstream portion (17) defining a direction of entry into the curved portion (13), the curved portion (13) defining a radially outward direction transverse to the direction of entry into the curved portion; the conveyor apparatus comprising suspension means (4) adapted to travel along the path and to carry an object (6) to be conveyed suspended at the suspension means (4); and deflection means (10) arranged to deflect an object (6) suspended at the suspension means (4) in the radially outward direction when the suspension means (4) travels along the upstream portion (17) towards the curved portion (13).

Abstract: A belly hook attachment is provided. The belly hook attachment has a first support arm, a second support arm spaced from the first arm, the first support arm and second support arm receiving first, second and third pins. A belly hook support arm is carried by the first pin and pivotable about the first pin. A belly hook is carried by the belly hook support arm. A translational member is also carried by the belly hook support arm and is engagable with a track on a conveyor assembly such that the interaction between the track and the translational member results in pivotal movement of the belly hook support arm about the pin between the second pin forming an upper stop and third pin forming a lower stop, thereby moving the belly hook. A modular conveyor belt is also provided.

Abstract: A slaughtering installation for processing poultry is adapted to be used in combination with a conveying assembly for conveying poultry which is suspended from their legs in a transport direction. The slaughtering installation comprising a killing device with poultry positioning device for positioning the neck region of the poultry suspended from the conveying assembly, the killing device further comprising cutting device for cutting into the neck and thereby opening at least one blood vessel in the neck region of the poultry. The positioning device comprises a back neck guide along which the back side of the neck of the poultry is guided, and a breast neck guide along which the breast side of the neck of the poultry is guided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house is provided in order to determine at the start of the slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. The method and apparatus can include the detection of a temperature of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning the poultry. The temperature of at least a breast of the slaughtered poultry is detected. The temperature of other regions of the slaughtered poultry may also be detected and may be compared. Further action may be taken based on the temperature information obtained.

Abstract: A slaughtered pig leg parts conveyor device is provided for conveying individual pig leg parts, wherein an individual pig leg part includes at least a portion of a pig leg and the pig foot. The conveyor device includes a track and one or more pig leg part carriers movable along said track, each carrier being adapted to carry an individual pig leg part. Each carrier has one pig foot retaining assembly adapted to engage on a single pig foot so as to retain the pig leg part in a position suspended from the carrier. The retaining assembly includes a pig foot aperture adapted to receive the pig foot.

Abstract: A system for trussing slaughtered birds comprises a conveyer provided with at least one bird holder for transporting a bird to at least one working position along the transport path of the conveyer, a bird trussing station located at the working position, which station includes a trussing module defining a working zone, and a mechanical arrangement for bringing the bird within the working zone in predetermined position and orientation relative thereto to allow for operation of the trussing module according to a trussing pattern by which a trussing element catches and maintains the bird in a trussed condition. The system further comprises a controller operatively connected to the conveyer and the bird trussing station. The system may also comprise a bird's legs crossing station located at a working position upstream the trussing station where the trussing of bird's legs is desired.

Abstract: A belly hook attachment is provided. The belly hook attachment has a first support arm, a second support arm spaced from the first arm, the first support arm and second support arm receiving first, second and third pins. A belly hook support arm is carried by the first pin and pivotable about the first pin. A belly hook is carried by the belly hook support arm. A translational member is also carried by the belly hook support arm and is engagable with a track on a conveyor assembly such that the interaction between the track and the translational member results in pivotal movement of the belly hook support arm about the pin between the second pin forming an upper stop and third pin forming a lower stop, thereby moving the belly hook. A modular conveyor belt is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning slaughtered poultry, provided with a carries (3) provided with a contact surface for locally engaging a first carcass part of a slaughtered poultry animal at a first position. The invention also relates to a method for conditioning slaughtered poultry, and to a production line for processing poultry carcasses transported hanging in carriers.

Abstract: A device is described for conveying a catch, such as fish, which is brought on board a vessel and loosened from the fishing tackle for transport to further processing, and it is characterised in that in connection to or below the unhooking location of the vessel, a tilting gliding chute is arranged, onto which the fish is made to fall to be transported to further processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fish transporting apparatus for automatically feeding fish to a fish processing machine. The fish transporting apparatus can include, a transport device with a bottom element for receiving the fish and lateral boundary elements for guiding the fish as well as a vibrating member for vibratory driving of the transport device, which is distinguished in that the bottom element is constructed as a grid plate with rectangular apertures. Furthermore, the invention concerns a device for aligning fish in a head/tail orientation with such a fish transporting apparatus.

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: A transport apparatus for transporting articles hanging on loops or the like, in particular sausage-shaped packs, comprising a shaft which has a first axial portion on which a screw is disposed. A drive moment is applied by way of the outside periphery of the screw and the shaft is supported by way of the outside periphery of the screw.

Abstract: An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.

Abstract: A system for processing meat is provided. The system includes a conveyor that carries a food holder through a pivoting engagement. The food holder defines a first cutting groove and a second cutting groove that intersect one another. Automatic cutting blades are configured for being at least partially received within the first and second cutting grooves in order to automatically cut meat carried by the food holder. The food holder is configured for being positioned with respect to the conveyor so that the first automatic cutting blade can be aligned with the first cutting groove and so that the second automatic cutting blade can be aligned with the second cutting groove.

Abstract: A process includes contacting a feathered poultry carcass with an ammonia-based treatment material to increase the pH at the skin of the carcass and thereby effect a loosening of the feathers on the carcass. After the contact with the ammonia-based treatment material, mild heat may be applied to the feathered carcass to further loosen the feathers. The prepared feathered carcass is then defeathered in a suitable defeathering process. Ammonia may be removed from the carcass before, after, and/or during defeathering. The defeathered carcass is then passed on for further processing to produce the final poultry product.

Abstract: A conveyor device for conveying slaughtered poultry or one or more pieces thereof, comprising a plurality of carriers, each suitable for carrying slaughtered poultry or one or more pieces thereof. The device also comprises at least one guide which supports the carriers and guides them such that they can move in a conveying direction, a drive member which advances parallel to the guide for jointly driving a plurality of carriers in the conveying direction, and coupling means associated with each carrier for coupling the carrier to the drive member. The conveyor device is also provided with decoupling means, which can be actuated by an actuating member, for selectively decoupling one or more of the carriers from the drive member.

Abstract: A transport device having a screw conveyor for transporting products hanging on loops, in particular for transporting sausage products, the transport device includes a first screw conveyor section, a drive for the first screw conveyor section, wherein the drive torque is transferred to the screw conveyor section via an outer circumferential area of the first screw conveyor section, and further includes a first bearing assembly for the first screw conveyor section, wherein a second screw conveyor section that immediately adjoins the first screw conveyor section in the direction of transport is provided.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermin

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning slaughtered poultry, provided with a carries (3) provided with a contact surface for locally engaging a first carcass part of a slaughtered poultry animal at a first position. The invention also relates to a method for conditioning slaughtered poultry, and to a production line for processing poultry carcasses transported hanging in carriers.

Abstract: Portioning system (10) includes a conveyor (12) for conveying work products (14) past a scanner (16). A data processor (22) receives the scanning data and generates a thickness and/or volume distribution of the work product. The processor is programmed to determine in advance how the work product may be portioned into a plurality of desired end products, and more specifically how one or more of the end products may be cut and then subsequently sliced without having to re-scan the cut portion. The processor controls a cutting device (18) for portioning the work product under the cutting strategy determined by the processor, and also controls a slicing device (20) for subsequently slicing one or more of the cut portions to achieve a desired thickness per the determined cutting strategy.

Abstract: A method of cooling a dressed carcass of a slaughtered animal halved along the backbone thereof while transferring the dressed carcass in a cooling chamber is provided, with which reduction in process yield in the cooling process due to evaporation of water from the dressed carcass is suppressed to a minimum, meat juice dripping together with water does not occur when cutting the dressed carcass, the cooling period of time is reduced, energy is saved in cooling process, initial cost is reduced, and productivity is improved.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaning system includes a treating region, a processing region, and a conveyor belt traveling from the treating region to the processing region. A distributor positioned across the treating region deposits a film of ozonated water on the conveyor belt. In the processing region, the conveyor belt is exposed to soiling agents such as grease and other animal matter. A high-pressure rinser may be positioned over the treating section such that the distributor is positioned between the high-pressure rinser and the processing region. Ozonated water may be generated by a system including first and second tanks. The first tank is filled with ozone gas and water. After a predetermined time, undissolved ozone gas is released. The contents of the first tank are then transferred to a second tank along with more ozone gas. After waiting a predetermined time period, undissolved ozone gas is released from the second tank.

Abstract: Various carcass cleaning apparatuses and methods are described and illustrated, wherein carcasses can be cleaned by at least partially immersing carcasses within reservoirs moved by a conveyor. The reservoirs can be filled with cleaning fluid, receive carcasses to immerse the carcasses in the fluid, and can then be drained of such fluid, wherein the drained fluid can be collected, filtered, and supplied again to reservoirs for immersing and cleaning additional carcasses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece conveyor for separately conveying parts of a carcase, wherein the piece conveyor is adapted to be positioned in continuation of a cutting unit comprising a dividing unit being movable in a direction transversally to the conveying direction for dividing the carcase into at least a first part and a second part, and wherein the piece conveyor comprises at least two conveyors for separately conveying the first part and the second part, respectively. At least one of the at least two conveyors of the piece conveyor is movable in a direction being transverse to the conveying direction, the conveyor thereby being movable according to the size of the parts.

Abstract: A system and method of counting poultry carcasses conveyed by an overhead shackle conveying system. Poultry carcasses are suspended from shackles of an overhead conveying system and moved along a path of travel defined by the overhead conveying system. The carcasses are directed to engage a force detecting device. The force detecting device generates a signal, such as an electrical signal, when the impacted by a carcass, a magnitude of the electrical signal is proportional to a force of impact of the carcass on the force detecting device. The electrical signal is transmitted to a counter. The counter analyzes the electrical signal and increments a carcass count each time a force in a carcass identifying range is measured.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a spiral incision on a meat product that includes a compression plate, a cutting element, a plurality of rollers, and a spacing device. The compression plate is supported by legs and includes an elongated slot therein. The cutting element is positioned in a vertical orientation and has a cutting portion that projects upwardly through the elongated slot. The plurality of rollers are pivotably coupled to guide brackets and are frictionally engaged by a one or more flexible belts such that one roller is rotated concomitantly with another roller. The spacing device adjustably couples the guide brackets and compression plate such that the flexible belts and compression plate are arranged in substantially parallel-spaced relation. In operation, the flexible belts rotatably engage the meat product and draw the it over the cutting element forming a superficial spiral incision of generally uniform depth.

Abstract: A method of cooling a dressed carcass of a slaughtered animal halved along the backbone thereof while transferring the dressed carcass in a cooling chamber is provided, with which reduction in process yield in the cooling process due to evaporation of water from the dressed carcass is suppressed to a minimum, meat juice dripping together with water does not occur when cutting the dressed carcass, the cooling period of time is reduced, energy is saved in cooling process, initial cost is reduced, and productivity is improved.

Abstract: A meat processing conveyor system wherein a first trim conveyor belt is positioned between first and second product conveyor belts. First and second personnel conveyor belts are positioned laterally of the first and second product conveyor belts respectively. First and second personnel walkways are positioned laterally of the first and second personnel conveyor belts respectively.

Abstract: A conveyor device for conveying slaughtered poultry or one or more pieces thereof, comprising a plurality of carriers, each suitable for carrying slaughtered poultry or one or more pieces thereof. The device also comprises at least one guide which supports the carriers and guides them such that they can move in a conveying direction, a drive member which advances parallel to the guide for jointly driving a plurality of carriers in the conveying direction, and coupling means associated with each carrier for coupling the carrier to the drive member. The conveyor device is also provided with decoupling means, which can be actuated by an actuating member, for selectively decoupling one or more of the carriers from the drive member.

Abstract: A counting system for a poultry processing plant that uses conveyors is disclosed. Two types of conveyors are addressed, one where poultry hang from the conveyor and one where the carcasses are supported above the conveyor. The sensors are located at different levels to sense elements of the carriers as well as poultry. Logic within the system compares the readings of the sensors to determine whether a chicken is present and whether to increment the total. Additionally, the sensors are recessed in steel tubing on mounting plates which support their own cover plates. The sensors can thereby be adjusted for alignment while the cover plates move with the sensors. The cover plates are easily removed for cleaning and put back into position without blocking the sensors. Air is blown through the steel tubing to keep a positive air pressure in the tubing to prevent dirt from entering the openings.

Abstract: A conveyor system for linked sausage strands having a frame with an operating platform. The platform has opposite first and second ends, opposite sides, a top surface, and a wall extending along the sides and ends. A channel is formed in the top surface and a conveyor chain is disposed within the channel. Secured to the chain are a plurality of pivotable hooks that are movable between a loading position and an unloading position.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaning system includes a treating region, a processing region, and a conveyor belt traveling from the treating region to the processing region. A distributor positioned across the treating region deposits a film of ozonated water on the conveyor belt. In the processing region, the conveyor belt is exposed to soiling agents such as grease and other animal matter. A high-pressure rinser may be positioned over the treating section such that the distributor is positioned between the high-pressure rinser and the processing region. Ozonated water may be generated by a system including first and second tanks. The first tank is filled with ozone gas and water. After a predetermined time, undissolved ozone gas is released. The contents of the first tank are then transferred to a second tank along with more ozone gas. After waiting a predetermined time period, undissolved ozone gas is released from the second tank.

Abstract: A conveyor system for linked sausage strands having a frame with an operating platform. The platform has opposite first and second ends, opposite sides, a top surface, and a wall extending along the sides and ends. A channel is formed in the top surface and a conveyor chain is disposed within the channel. Secured to the chain are a plurality of pivotable hooks that are movable between a loading position and an unloading position.

Abstract: A device for processing slaughtered animals or parts thereof, having a first station and a second station, comprises a conveyor which extends between the first station and the second station. The conveyor comprises at least one slot which is designed to carry and support the slaughtered animals, a supply device for supplying the slaughtered animals or parts thereof at the first station on the conveyor, and a discharge device for discharging the slaughtered animals or parts thereof from the conveyor at the second station. The device has at least one driven driving member which spans at least half of the width of the slot, passes through a path which is substantially parallel to the course of the slot and is designed to move the slaughtered animals or parts thereof which are in the slot along the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classification of a meat cut based on the thickness of the fat layer. The meat classification system comprises a split dual-belt conveyor system and a probe/trolley mechanism assembly where the probe is operable to penetrate the meat cut for measuring fat thickness as the meat cut is being conveyed along the dual belts.

Abstract: Automated loaders are configured with winding mechanisms that wind elongated products directly onto transfer members, such as sticks or rods, by causing the arm to follow a repetitive motion pattern above and below the stick or rod to discharge the elongated product in a winding motion onto the stick or rod. Methods for discharging elongated product, such as encased meats, so that they loop directly onto the stick, bar or other desired food support is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classification of a meat cut based on the thickness of the fat layer. The meat classification system comprises a split dual-belt conveyor system and a probe/trolley mechanism assembly where the probe is operable to penetrate the meat cut for measuring fat thickness as the meat cut is being conveyed along the dual belts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classification of a meat cut based on the thickness of the fat layer. The meat classification system comprises a split dual-belt conveyor system and a probe/trolley mechanism assembly where the probe is operable to penetrate the meat cut for measuring fat thickness as the meat cut is being conveyed along the dual belts.

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.