Abstract: A trim table for use by trimming and/or cutting of food products, such as chicken or fish, has conveyors (2, 12) for feeding products to a number of operator stands (O1 . . . O8), each of which receivers (14, 24R, 28R) for receiving products (10), a cutting table (16, 24C, 28C) for trimming and/or cutting the products (10) into product pieces (10a, 10b) and sorters (6, 20), and further, transport of the cut or trimmed products (10a, 10b). One or more of the operator stands (O1 . . . O8) are provided with mechanisms (18, 24, 28) for automatic transferal of the products (10) from the receivers (14, 24R, 28R) onto the cutting table (16, 24C, 28C). By a trim table, the products are brought to the operator, so that the operator is spared from having to repeatedly lift products as has necessary in the past. As a result, the operator's working position is significantly improved, just as the work place at the trim table according to the invention is also improved ergonomically.

Abstract: In the primal cutting-up of half carcasses of animals (12), vision systems are known whereby the determination of one or more fix points on the carcasses takes place, and where on the basis of the position of these points a visualisation of the ideal cut line is effected. But the primal cutting-up of carcasses (12) has hitherto been carried out with manually-operated saws on the basis of operator evaluation. However, the use of manually-operated saws involves the possibility of deviations in relation to the ideal cut line, and the manual work is very monotonous and fatiguing for the operators.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing both whole and portioned food products along a processing line for part cut-up and deboning in a mass production system. The apparatus consists of numerous food carriers, evenly spaced over a subscribed distance, connected by means of a mounting block, which is connected to a thermal plastic chain or a stainless steel chain by means of locking pins. The apparatus also includes food product take-away conveyors for the meat portions and scraps removed from the carcass. The carrier conveyance and the take-away conveyance have been incorporated into a common support frame. The apparatus will allow interchangeable food carriers for the type of process desired. Each food carrier is unique to the type of process being performed along the processing line. The chain is designed in such a manner as to allow vertical movement within a specified elevation change. Each food carrier is attached to a mounting block, which becomes an attachment to the chain.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying slaughtered animals, in particular birds or parts of birds, which apparatus includes a plurality of carriers for the animals, each of which carrier is connected via an adjustable coupling device with a conveyor, and which travel a path passing at least one inspection or processing station. During operation of the conveyor, each carrier at a predetermined position in the conveyor's path is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis by adjusting the coupling device via at least one operating unit positioned along the path, and wherein along the conveyor's path there is at least one guide member provided which is capable, after the carrier is rotated to a predetermined position, of moving the animal suspended from the carrier such that it is diverted around the processing station.

Abstract: A horizontal conveyor for linked sausage strands has a frame (10) having a horizontal operating platform (12) with opposite first (16) and second ends (18), opposite sides, a top surface (20), and a continuous perimeter wall (14) extending along the sides and first and second ends. The perimeter wall (14) is substantially semi-circular at the first end (16); and has a substantially parallel side portions at a midsection; and has end portions that converge towards each other from the side portions to meet at a semi-circular end portion (18A) at the second end (18). A channel (24) is located in the top portion in uniform inwardly spaced relation to the perimeter wall, and a continuous conveyor chain (26) is in the channel. A plurality of spaced hook members (28) are secured to the conveyor chain and have a shank (30) slidably engaging the top of the perimeter wall, and a hook portion extends downwardly and outwardly with respect to the perimeter wall.

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: 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: A sausage conveyor hook has an elongated flat support arm having first and second ends and first and second arm portions disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The first arm portion normally is disposed in a horizontal position on the conveyor, and the second arm portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the first arm portion. The support arm extends outwardly from the conveyor chain at a right angle. The support arm is of a flat construction and has forwardly and rearwardly side edges. A head is located on a lower end of the second arm portion and has a blade with an upper support edge extending upwardly and forwardly from the lower end of the second arm portion. An elongated tang element is on the head and has a link engaging portion located rearwardly and below the support edge. When a strand of linked sausages comprised of a plurality of sausage links separated by link points is draped over the support edge, the strand will bend on the pivotal link point proximate the support edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping the feet of sitting or standing poultry. The apparatus comprising a first conveyor where the poultry sits or stands on the first conveyor and points its head in the same or opposite direction to the direction of travel of the first conveyor. A section of the first conveyor forms a tunnel floor. A tunnel ceiling is disposed above the first conveyor. The distance between the tunnel ceiling and the first conveyor initially decreases in the direction of travel of the first conveyor. A guide extends in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel ceiling and is located between the first conveyor and the tunnel ceiling. The distance between the tunnel ceiling and the first conveyor increases in the direction of travel of the first conveyor at a location proximate to the guide. A second conveyor is located in the direction of travel of the first conveyor substantially after the guide. The breast of the poultry rests on the second conveyor.

Abstract: A trolley unit for a conveyor system comprises first and second releasably engageable trolley half sections. First and second shafts extend from one of said trolley sections and through the other trolley section to provide a pivot axis for an end of upstream and downstream trolley connecting cables. A third shaft provides a support bar for a load attachment hanger. Upon releasable attachment of the trolley halves an integral trolley unit with central housing houses the pivot shafts with the cables extending therefrom. The integral trolley unit is easily dismantled allowing for easy maintenance. A turn sheave includes a cable seat and plurality of trolley seats which inhibit inward deflection of the seated cables and trolleys when the trolleys are moving about a corner of the conveyor system as defined by a change in a horizontal direction of the support rail.

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: 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 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 conveyor for moving an extruded strand of sausage from an extruding machine for coagulating the outer surface of said strand of sausage has a frame, a continuous conveyor on the frame sloping downwardly from a point of beginning to a discharge station, and thence back to the point of beginning, a brine fluid circuit disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor, the conveyor being comprised of a plurality of link elements pivotally secured together, each link element having a generally flat supporting surface, the supporting surface having a plurality of protruding support elements thereon with liquid channels therebetween so that the strand of sausage can have a lower surface supported by a plurality of laterally extending elements whereupon brine fluid in the channels can contact the lower surface of the strand of sausage above the channels.

Abstract: A device is described for separating animal skin and for transferring it to further processing through a conveyance channel by using pressure difference. The device comprises a pulling device (3) for separating the skin (2) from the animal carcass (1) and for feeding it to the forward end of a conveyance channel (7), and means (8-10) to generate pressure difference between the ends of the conveyance channel and for separating the conveyed skin (2) form the portage air. According to the invention, the pulling device (3) that engages the other end of the skin (2) further comprises means (4, 5, 12) for feeding the skin (2) to the feed hopper (6) at the forward end of the conveyance channel (7) and for separating it from the pulling device (3) for suction conveyance. In this case, the feeding and separating means (4, 5, 12) are preferably set above the feed hopper (6) so that the skin (2) can be dropped to the feed hopper (6) for the suction conveyance.

Abstract: A meat encasing machine has a meat emulsion pump in communication with a stuffing tube which terminates in a twister housing adjacent a linker. A stuffing tube with power means associated with the twister housing rotates a strand of sausage extruded from the stuffing tube. A motor is provided for rotating the looper horn. The motor associated with the twister housing is adapted to rotate the sausage strand in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the motor associated with the looper horn is adapted to rotate the looper horn in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The foregoing structure is used in sausage making machines arranged in a sausage making station comprised of pairs of machines and conveyors arranged in spaced parallel positions to create a mirror image of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for eviscerating poultry includes plural groups of cars driven around a monorail track by variable pitch augers which produce combined continuous and intermittent car movement. The groups of cars are brought to rest momentarily in front of machinery for performing various operations. At a first station, slaughtered birds are clamped at the shoulders, and brought to a supine position. At a second, the vent of the bird is opened. At a third, the viscera are removed by spoon. Inspectors then examine each bird at a fourth station, and final preparation is performed at a fifth before the birds are unloaded from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for automated handling of a carcass and parts separated therefrom in mechanically assisted cutting and boning. In mechanically assisted cutting and boning, a hook or similar must be applied manually into the part to be separated. According to the present invention, the hook application is located so as not to delay the operator performing the cutting and the boning. The arrangement comprises a conveyor line (5) for transport of the carcasses suspended from a first hook (2), from a preparatory work station to a work station for separation of a part (3) from the carcass. A second hook (4) is applied into said part (3) of the carcass at the preparatory work station and is transported to the work station together with the carcass (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a chain of sausage links is described in which the formed links are less likely to unwind. The apparatus includes a conveyor (10) for moving a tubular food casing (18) filled with a food emulsion around an axis (12), the conveyor having a plurality of crimping (14a-h) and twisting (15a-h) means for forming a continuous adjacent links. The conveyor (10) moves the links through a semicircular path past station (A-I) where twisting and crimping operations are performed. The links so formed have a first set twisted in one direction about the tubular food casing axis and a second set of adjacent links twisted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for moving an extruded strand of sausage from an extruding machine and for coagulating the outer surface of the strand has first and second conveyor elements mounted on a frame. The conveyor asssembly on the frame slopes downwardly from a point of beginning to a first discharge station and thence back to the point of beginning. A brine fluid circuit is disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor assembly. The first conveyor element extends from the point of beginning to an intermediate discharge station upstream from the first discharge station. The second conveyor element extends from the immediate discharge station to the first discharge station. The second conveyor element has a plurality of openings therein so that brine fluid can pass therethrough by gravity.

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 head positioning conveyor has head and tail sprockets and has head positioning pins which are in engagement with the heads of conveyed fish behind the deheading station. These pins are swing-mounted so that they will remain in upright position as they are withdrawn from the fish heads while passing over the front quadrant of the head sprocket before the fish heads reach the deheading station.

Abstract: A variable-offset, poultry deboning system having a conveyor fitted with variable-offset, poultry support arms that bend toward the sides of the conveyor and create a two-sided, poultry deboning-conveyor. The support arms are installed so that successive arms turn toward opposite sides of the conveyor. Poultry support fittings, including, but certainly not limited to, deboning cones and half-pads are mounted on the top of each support arm. Support arms that bend toward the same side of the conveyor are fitted alternately with deboning cones and half-pads. However, in one alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning cones, while in another alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning half-pads. Additionally, in still other alternative configurations, products-conveyors may be mounted above the conveyor bed or on each side of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for a machine for handling of sausage between a sausage feeder and a delivering device for sausage to a package with a conveyor operating between the feeder and the delivering device. According to the invention a number of flaps are located above the conveyor divided by carriers into compartments. The flaps are arranged to extend substantially in line with passing carrier and forming an extension of the same. The functions of the flaps is to act on sausage to be directed in said compartment before delivering of the sausage to packing.

Abstract: A feed device for a shrimp peeling machine in which a shrimp is delivered in a feed conveyor means to a shrimp clamp assembly located on a rotatable transport wheel and the feed conveyor is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clamp assembly. Means also are provided for synchronizing the drop off of a shrimp from the conveying means to a clamp assembly. The shrimp peeling machine also includes a hold-down wheel for assisting the clamping of shrimp in a clamp assembly, a dual brush deveining assembly and a shrimp meat removal device.

Abstract: A variable-offset, poultry deboning system having a conveyor fitted with variable-offset, poultry support arms that bend toward the sides of the conveyor and create a two-sided, poultry deboning-conveyor. The support arms are installed so that successive arms turn toward opposite sides of the conveyor. Poultry support fittings, including, but certainly not limited to, deboning cones and half-pads are mounted on the top of each support arm. Support arms that bend toward the same side of the conveyor are fitted alternately with deboning cones and half-pads. However, in one alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning cones, while in another alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning half-pads. Additionally, in still other alternative configurations, products-conveyors may be mounted above the conveyor bed or on each side of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: A turntable means regulates the flow of animals, for example, ratites (includes ostrich and emu) through a slaughtering facility. The turntable means has a circular turntable rotating about an axis within a circular perimeter wall. The perimeter wall has a first opening leading to a holding area and a second opening leading to a stunning area. The turntable has a plurality of upstanding walls extending radially from the axis and forming confinement sectors for receiving the animals. The turntable means moves the animals from the first area to the second area by moving the animals about the axis while on the turntable via the confinement sectors from the first opening to the second opening. The rotation of the turntable is controlled in order to regulate the flow of the animals from the first area to the second area.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying entrails packages which have been removed from birds, comprising a conveyor for the entrails packages having a number of conveying means. Each conveying means is provided with a carrier which is pivotable between a lower position and an upper position. In the upper position the entrails packages can be applied to the carrier for the supply thereof to a separating device.

Abstract: An automatically functioning turn-over apparatus for fish fillets, which may be arranged subsequent to a fish filleting machine, has a guiding channel for the fillets arranged at an inclination to slope in the conveying direction of the fillets. In its end portion the guiding channel has a run-off edge arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the channel, while below the latter a correspondingly inclined collecting chute having a semi-circular or oval-arch-shaped cross-section is arranged such that the run-off edge faces a side-wall of the collecting surface forming a guiding face, which is arranged at a distance to the run-off edge so as to allow the passage of the fillets.

Abstract: A conveyor for supporting live fowl to be inoculated, iseminated, debeaked, or to have another operation performed on them. The conveyor includes a base, a pair of spindles mounted to the base, one at each of opposite ends, and a generally horizontally-disposed moving conveyor surface supported by the base. The conveyor surface is defined by an endless web encircling the spindles and is intended to receive thereon fowl which are to have an operation performed on them. The conveyor also includes apparatus for holding each bird in a defined position on the conveyor surface, including a pair of elongated, generally-parallel members spaced upward from the conveyor surface to define a slot therebetween. The elongated members are disposed such that the vertical distance between them can be varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying sausages from a sausage stuffing machine to a packing unit comprises a deflecting device, with which the sausages are alinged in a defined position on a conveyor belt; a loading station comprising a lifting member and coordinated containers that are arranged above said lifting member and into which the sausages are introduced via the lifting member that penetrates the conveyor belt; a storage unit for transporting said loaded and unloaded containers; and an unloading station which receives the loaded containers via the storage unit and unloads the sausages from the containers synchronously to a working cycle of the packing unit. With the apparatus, sausages portioned and twisted off by a sausage stuffing machine may be introduced into packing containers of a packing unit in an automated manner without personnel touching the sausages.

Abstract: A slicing machine for slicing pieces of meat or fish, especially sides of lox, which has a cutting station and a transport device which guides the material to be cut through the cutting station. The transport device includes movable track segments and fixed track segments. The movable track segments are formed as carriers for the material to be cut, which can be moved in increments, relative to the fixed track segments, by means of a drive device. The drive device includes vertical drive elements and horizontal drive elements. Each track segment is a strip that extends across the length of the track element.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming back fat off a pork loin comprises (a) a flat and arcuate cutting blade, (b) a conveyor formed of an endless belt arcuate in cross section and having a smooth top surface, and (c) a pair of endless chains provided with teeth. In operation, the loin is conveyed toward the blade between the endless chains and the top surface of the conveyor. During its transport toward the blade the pork loin is pressed between the two chains and the conveyor with the teeth of the chains penetrating the meat. The conveyor and the chains are driven at different linear speeds to produce in the pressed loin a compression and tension distribution which facilitates passage of the meat through the cutting blade and improves trimming of the back fat. As the top surface of the conveyor is smooth, it allows the conveyed loin to slide laterally toward the center of the conveyor. The loin is thereby centered before it reaches the blade.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for gripping and probing food products is provided, so as to test the products while they are moving on a conveyor. The apparatus has a pair of jaws, which move forward and close when the food product is detected in the appropriate position, so as to grip the product between the faces of the jaws. While so gripped, a probe moves forward to penetrate and test the product, e.g. for temperature, pH, conductivity etc. Then the sequence of operations is reversed, withdrawing the probe, releasing and withdrawing the jaws, so that the product can move on and the apparatus is positioned to grip and test the next food item moving down the conveyor. The apparatus is particularly well suited for testing suspended meat products.

Abstract: A poultry processing machine supports birds on mandrels mounted on carriers which move in a rectangular path. The birds move continuously in opposite directions along two opposite sides of the rectangular path; and, they move intermittently in opposite directions along the other two sides of the path. Continuous movement is provided by chains with lugs which enter recesses formed in the carriers. Intermittent movement is provided by cylindrical cams which engage cam followers on the carriers and also force adjacent carriers together to couple them. The mandrel has a groove for receiving the backbone, projections for engaging the kidney spaces inside the body, and a shoulder for engaging the anterior end of the breastbone. It is pivoted to an upright position, a back-up position and a breast-up position as it travels around the apparatus. At the corners of the path, the carriers change their direction of movement without turning bodily.

Abstract: A shrimp grading mechanism is provided which incorporates a shrimp conveyer and orienter for conveying shrimp oriented in head-up, body-down position along a linear path. The conveyor incorporates a plurality of pan segments which collectively form a movable trough having a slot at the bottom portion thereof. Shrimp smaller than a preselected size range will fall through the slot while shrimp of the preselected size range will be gripped at the juncture of the heads and body and supported by the opposed pan segments of the conveyor. The conveyor pans engage the shrimp in a pivot-like manner thereby permitting the heavier body portions of the shrimp to pivot downwardly such that each of the shrimp is positioned in head-up, body-down relation while being conveyed to the end of the conveyor. Several shrimp grading machines may be placed in cascading relation with succeeding machines being adjusted for smaller size ranges of shrimp falling from the conveyor of the immediately preceding shrimp grading machine.

Abstract: A fish processing machine includes a fish body feeder, a decapitator, a belly filleting and viscera removing device, and a dark-colored flesh removing device. The fish body feeder is designed to transport fish bodies onto trays while aligning all of the fish bodies in a uniform direction. The dark-colored flesh removing device separates the ordinary flesh and dark-colored flesh of the fish body efficiently.

Abstract: A method of rotating an article being conveyed on a carrier travelling along a track of a conveyor system is provided. The method comprises stopping the carrier on a first section of track disposed at an angle to a second section of track which supports a second carrier, and rotating the first and second sections of track with respective carriers such that the article is rotated onto the second carrier. Apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The skeleton bones in a carcass are separated from this in a continuous process course with the aid of supporting manual incisions and a mechanical force applied on the skeleton bones and the carcass, while the carcass is transported along a sliding conveyor hanging in its meat-hook. The speed and the force with which the carcass is transported are guided and controlled independent of each other. The carcass hangs on a meat-hook during the course without attachment so that it can move freely on the hook in all planes, while it is driven forward by means of a pushing arm applied across the carcass. The skeleton part of the carcass which is to be separated is attached by way of a supported meat-hook on the sliding conveyor while the rest of the carcass is driven along the conveyor.

Abstract: A multi-product meat processing assembly (10) of the type for smoking meat includes a plurality of sequentially adjacent chambers (12,14,16,18,20,22) and trolley assemblies (26) for carrying meats hung from racks (24) through the chambers. An indexing mechanism (54) positions the racks (24) at predetermined positions within each of the chambers. The assembly (10) also includes telescoping doorways (74) separating the chambers. The assembly (10) further includes a reversible fan (132) for moving air in two directions through each of the chambers.

Abstract: The apparatus for trimming a layer of back fat off a pork shoulder butt comprises a frame as well as a flat, flexible and arcuate cutting blade with two ends respectively attached to a pair of blade holders pivotally mounted onto the frame. A conveyor, a set of upper gripper belts, and a rotative roller pass the shoulder butt through the blade to trim off the layer of fat. The rotative roller has a diameter gradually decreasing along its longitudinal axis from each end of the roller toward the center thereof to define an annular, concave outer surface. This roller is mounted onto the frame adjacent the arcuate blade on the outside of the curve this blade defines but with a distance separating the annular surface and the blade to enable passage of the layer of fat between them. The annular outer surface of the roller is formed with teeth to engage the fat whereby rotation of the roller forces the shoulder butt through the blade.