Abstract: A shackle for suspending viscera packs of slaughtered poultry in a processing line comprises a frame; a coupling, connected to the frame, at a first end of the frame; a clamping part, connected to the frame, at a second end of the frame, opposite to the first end of the frame. The clamping part comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, wherein the second clamping element is rotatable regarding the first clamping element, between an open position and a closed position. An actuator, such as a rod, is arranged to move, the second clamping element regarding the first actuator. The actuator is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A spring has one end arranged on the first clamping element, and another end arranged on the second clamping element.

Abstract: A removable break-away shackle assembly for suspending an animal carcass during processing includes a shackle connected to a drop rod, where the drop rod is connected to a conveyor system. The drop rod includes an elongated body with a connector at one end. The shackle includes bendable opposing arms forming a widenable gap. The shackle is separable from the drop rod by passing the drop rod through the widenable gap causing the arms to bend and the gap to widen, or by passing the widenable gap across a depression in the drop rod.

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: A removable break-away shackle assembly for suspending an animal carcass during processing includes a shackle connected to a drop rod, where the drop rod is connected to a conveyor system. The drop rod includes an elongated body with a connector at one end. The shackle includes bendable opposing arms forming a widenable gap. The shackle is separable from the drop rod by passing the drop rod through the widenable gap causing the arms to bend and the gap to widen, or by passing the widenable gap across a depression in the drop rod.

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: Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element (61) having a first face; a second element (63) having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane (65) between the first and second faces. The first and second elements (61, 63) are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting means (67, 71, 73) are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements (61, 63) in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, wherein the yieldable arresting means include cooperating first and second permanent magnets (67, 71, 73), associated with at least one of the first and second elements (61, 63).

Abstract: A removable break-away shackle assembly for suspending an animal carcass during processing includes a shackle connected to a drop rod, where the drop rod is connected to a conveyor system. The drop rod includes an elongated body with a connector at one end. The shackle includes bendable opposing arms forming a widenable gap. The shackle is separable from the drop rod by passing the drop rod through the widenable gap causing the arms to bend and the gap to widen, or by passing the widenable gap across a depression in the drop rod.

Abstract: A device for retaining an animal on a transport system for moving the animal in a forward direction includes a lower portion operable to retain the animal and an upper portion operable for conveyance by the transport system. The upper portion is attachable to the lower portion, and the upper portion includes a connector for connecting the device to a drive mechanism. The connector has a longitudinal axis. The lower portion is operable for movement between a first position in which a longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially angled orientation relative to one another. The lower portion is substantially inhibited from moving in a rearward direction beyond said first position.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a first position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: A device for retaining an animal on a transport system for moving the animal in a forward direction includes a lower portion operable to retain the animal and an upper portion operable for conveyance by the transport system. The upper portion is attachable to the lower portion, and the upper portion includes a connector for connecting the device to a drive mechanism. The connector has a longitudinal axis. The lower portion is operable for movement between a first position in which a longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of the lower portion and the longitudinal axis of the connector are in substantially angled orientation relative to one another. The lower portion is substantially inhibited from moving in a rearward direction beyond said first position.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a first position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a first position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: This document relates to live bird shackle transfer. In one embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor, configured to transport a live bird on a perch mechanism from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor, and a shackle line, including a pallet assembly including a trolley supporting a pallet and a star-wheel mechanism configured to position the trolley such that the pallet is aligned with the proximal end of the perch conveyor during transfer of the live bird from the perch mechanism to the pallet. In another embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor configured to transport a live bird from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor; a body-grasper at the proximal end of the perch conveyor; and virtual exit lighting positioned at the proximal end of the perch conveyor and above the body-grasper.

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 holder (10) for supporting gutted poultry bodies or parts thereof includes a supporting body (11) for receiving the material to be processed and a clamping apparatus (12) having at least one clamping lever (18) movable against the supporting body (11) for fixing the material to be processed on the supporting body. The clamping apparatus (12) is controllable in such a way that the clamping lever (18) can be moved out of a standby position into a clamping position and vice versa. The holding apparatus (10) is assigned a supporting element (27) which is designed and arranged for supporting parts of the material which protrude beyond the holding apparatus (10) in the direction of transport T of the holding apparatus (10), in the clamping position in such a way that one or more measuring points on the material to be processed are freely accessible to a measuring means.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a first position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a second position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: A low cost, compact, lightweight gambrel is disclosed. The gambrel can have a coupler, a cable, a spreader bar, and six swage sleeves. The coupler can be affixed to a limb of a tree or any other point that is semi rigid and to a loop of the gambrel formed by folding the cable over on to itself and threading the cable through an oval swage sleeve. During a swaging process, a hammer or a press can crimp the swage sleeve such that the sleeve secures the cable. Two holes can be fabricated proximate to the ends of a spreader bar and the cable can be inserted into another swage sleeve and into the holes of the spreader bar. Two more swage sleeves can be swaged on the cable on the bottom side of the spreader bar to hold the spreader bar in place. Two nooses can be formed on the ends of the cable. The nooses can be formed from loops at the end of cable by folding the cable and crimping swage sleeves to form the loop.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic band (11) for tying chickens (31) and other animals to be cooked, which band has an “8”-shape where a first and smaller loop (13) and a second and larger loop (15) are defined, the first and smaller loop being intended for tying the animal's legs (33) and the second and larger loop being intended for tying the neck (35).

Abstract: The shackle assembly (10) has a lock gear (22) non-rotatably mounted to the shackle (11). Lock collar (45) has inwardly projecting lock collar teeth (51) that engage with the lock gear teeth (28A-28D). When the lock collar is moved toward the lock gear against the bias of spring (58), the lock gear teeth (28) move into the interior cavity (50) of the lock collar. This protects the teeth of both the lock gear and the lock collar at all times.

Abstract: A shackle assembly for transporting a poultry carcass suspended by its legs along a processing path and over a weighing scale for weighing the carcass. The shackle assembly includes a trolley support, a trolley mounted to the trolley support for engaging the weighing scale, and a bird carrier for suspending a poultry carcass by its legs. A telescopic connector system joins the trolley support to the bird carrier and suspends the bird carrier from the trolley support. A cam-actuated turning system is mounted to the trolley support and operatively connected to the bird carrier for rotating the trolley support and the bird carrier in unison.

Abstract: The shackle assembly (10) has a lock gear (22) non-rotatably mounted to the shackle (11). Lock collar (45) has inwardly projecting lock collar teeth (51) that engage with the lock gear teeth (28A-28D). When the lock collar is moved toward the lock gear against the bias of spring (58), the lock gear teeth (28) move into the interior cavity (50) of the lock collar. This protects the teeth of both the lock gear and the lock collar at all times.

Abstract: A shackle assembly (10) transports poultry carcasses along a poultry processing line. Turning block (50) turns the stirrups (18) of the shackle in response to engagement with turning pins (75) that are located along the processing path, so as to properly orient the bird carried by the shackle to the next cutting station. One of the side wings (66) of the turning block (50) is relieved such that its turning slots will not engage the turning pin, thereby avoiding the turning of the stirrups. This assures that the stirrups, and therefore the bird carried by the stirrups, are properly oriented for the next cutting station.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for suspending poultry to be slaughtered, particularly broilers (8), in shackles of an overhead conveyor (22), where the broilers (8), for example by arrival at the poultry slaughtering house, are placed on a belt conveyor (6), where the broilers (8) are delivered upon a rotating distributing surface (4), that the broilers are successively led or pushed outwardly toward a peripheral area of the distributing surface (4,5) which has positions arranged to receive a broiler which preferably is placed with the breast side downward and is fixed so that its legs project out from the peripheral area, that personnel (12) placed along the peripheral area fix the legs of the broilers in special retainer clips (20) of the shackles of the overhead conveyor (22) having a part of its length running along a section of the peripheral area of the rotating distributing area (4).

Abstract: A shackle assembly has a clip that is essentially permanently affixed to the overhead conveyor in a poultry processing plant and a shackle that can be attached to and detached from the clip without the use of hand tools. Significant motion of the shackle relative to the clip is permitted without promoting accidental detachment from the clip such that the shackles can be manipulated as need be by various guide structures and the like throughout their movement along the processing line and inspectors can move the suspended carcasses into the most advantageous positions for visual inspection. However, when detachment is desired, a locking head on the shackle that is loosely confined within a key slot in the clip can be oriented in such a way as to permit the shackle to be withdrawn from or replaced within the clip when the conveying line has been disengaged and stopped. Alternative embodiments are disclosed of both the clip and the shackle, including both metal and non-metal forms.

Abstract: A shackle assembly for transporting a poultry carcass suspended by its legs along a processing path and over a weighing scale for weighing the carcass. The shackle assembly includes a trolley support, a trolley mounted to the trolley support for engaging the weighing scale, and a bird carrier for suspending a poultry carcass by its legs. A telescopic connector system joins the trolley support to the bird carrier and suspends the bird carrier from the trolley support. A cam-actuated turning system is mounted to the trolley support and operatively connected to the bird carrier for rotating the trolley support and the bird carrier in unison.

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 to 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: Device for hanging conveyance of poultry, comprising a hanger, which is possibly provided with means for attachment to an overhead conveyor, in which the hanger is provided with at least one accommodation space for a leg of the poultry, which accommodation space is provided with an access opening for entrance and exit of leg, in which the hanger is provided with means for closing off the access opening, which closing means are moveable between a closed position which closes off the access opening and an open position releasing the access opening, and with means for locking the closing means in the closed position.

Abstract: For handling animals in the form of poultry that are to be slaughtered, which animals are hung on a conveying element so as to be supplied to slaughtering means, the two legs of an animal being supplied in upright position are each actively gripped by means of two gripping elements comprising claws that are movable with respect to each other. Then the two gripping elements are pivoted so as to turn the animal upside down in a position which is suitable for handing over the animal to the conveying element and wherein the animals can be properly orientated.

Abstract: A carrying hook for suspending poultry by the legs and conveying it, having two channels, each capable of receiving one leg. The channels are open at both ends. Optionally the channels are widened in the middle, and are provided with channel walls that can be separated by moving them against a spring force. In addition, the channels may mutually diverge toward their ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending poultry by the feet from an overhead conveyor has pairs of cooperating strings for gripping the poultry by the feet in an upside-down hanging position. Check means are applied to check the position of the feet with respect to the strings in the hanging position of the poultry, and to provide a control signal that depends thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for uniformly positioning legs of slaughtered poultry. Initially the legs are rotated in such a way that their knees end up pointing sideways in relation to a vertical plane passing through the overhead conveyor, subsequent to which the legs are rotated in such a way that the knees preferably end up pointing in the direction of transport. The apparatus for carrying out the method is provided with first and second direction checks.

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: The rotary bird hanger 30 includes a turning gear 38 having on its upper surface a lock collar 42, with lock notches 50 formed at intervals about the lock collar 42. The non-rotatable hanger support 32 includes a cam lock 62 movably supported by the hanger support 32 and a lock pin 82 engagable with the lock notches 50 of the hanger turning gear 38. Cams 78 are positioned along the processing path for engaging the cam lock 62 and for releasing the lock pin 82 from a lock notch 50, thereby permitting the rotary bird hanger 30 to rotate with respect to the hanger support 32 such that the lock pin 82 can engage others of the lock notches 50 to secure the rotational movement of the hanger 30 until the cam lock 62 engages additional cams 78 along the processing path.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor system for slaughtered chickens or other poultry comprises a track (2) supported above the floor, a number of suspension hooks (4) which are movable along the track and are positioned one after the other, each having two brackets (6) for receiving the legs of a chicken, a continuous chain (24) or cable to which each suspension hook is connected and means for moving the chain or cable with the suspension hooks connected thereto. Each suspension hook is provided with a bar (8) which connects the brackets, a disc (10) connected to the top section of the bar, a rotation bush (12) of square cross section which forms part of the bar or is connected thereto and has a twisted shape in the longitudinal direction, and a guide bush (14) which is arranged around the said bar and allows both a limited longitudinal movement and a rotary movement of the bar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for holding and transporting a product along a conveyor. The carrier includes a block having a lower surface and a footprint defined by a width and a length. A shackle has an upper end proximate the block and a lower end distal from the block. The upper end is secured to the block such that the shackle depends from the lower surface and the lower end of the shackle is prevented from moving toward the block. A holder is formed on the lower end of the shackle, the holder adapted to hold the product. The present invention is also directed to a transport/holder assembly for holding and transporting a product along a conveyor. The assembly includes a trolley engaging the conveyor for movement therealong. An adapter is secured to the trolley. A carrier is mounted on the adapter and depends therefrom. The carrier and the adapter are relatively arranged and configured such that the carrier may be vertically displaced with respect to the adapter and the trolley.

Abstract: In a poultry-processing machine a suspension conveyor is provided, with the aid of which poultry carcasses are guided individually through processing stations. The poultry carcasses are held for this purpose on shackles fastened to the suspension conveyor, which accommodate the poultry carcasses suspended by the legs. For the purpose of carrying out processing procedures in various levels of the carcass, the shackles are arranged on the suspension conveyor so as to rotate about a shackle shaft. The rotational mechanism comprises a plate element that is equipped with tappets in the form of pins projecting from its top and bottom sides, in the path of which a pair of stationary cam elements in an oppositely mirror-symmetrical arrangement impinge in such a manner that one tappet respectively from the top and the bottom side is in contact during the rotational process with the end-face cams of the cam elements.

Abstract: The poultry shackle assembly (10) includes an upper hanger rod (11) and a lower carcass hanger (12). The legs (44 and 45) of a poultry carcass (46) are inserted into the leg recesses (42 and 43) of the carcass hanger. Guide rods (66, 67 and 68) tilt the carcass hanger (12) and the carcass (46) to an attitude suitable for visual inspection of the visceral cavity (49) of the carcass (46). Lock collar (48) moves downwardly along the hanger rod (11) until it is received in the lock recesses (58) of the clevis plates (34 and 35) of clevis (32), thereby holding the carcass (46) in the desired attitude for visual inspection. Later, the lock collar (48) is lifted by a guide rod (67) out of locking engagement with respect to the clevis (32), to permit the carcass (46) to reassume its vertical orientation for further advancement along the processing line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing poultry suspended from their legs and includes a processing device and a positioning brace provided for engagement between the legs of the poultry. A plate section is mounted onto the positioning brace which will engage the tail of the poultry and which is pivotable relative to the positioning brace around a horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: Live poultry is caused to face in a desired direction prior to engagement of the poultry legs by a leg catching device by dropping the poultry one-by-one off the terminal end of a moving conveyor onto a lower conveyor having poultry leg engaging devices associated therewith. The poultry leg catching devices engage the poultry legs and the poultry are then inverted as they are conveyed to slaughter shackles. A slaughter shackle is configured to receive sets of poultry legs from the leg catching devices in a continuous process. The poultry is delivered to the first conveyor from poultry transportation boxes that are inverted along a horizontal axis to vertically drop the poultry onto a delivery conveyor system from which the poultry are delivered one-by-one to the first conveyor.

Abstract: Device for conveying slaughtered animals or a part thereof, having a number of leg carriers, each of which is connected by way of a rotatable connecting element to a trolley of a conveyor, and runs through a track past at least one processing station. Each leg carrier is disposed eccentrically relative to the vertical axis of rotation of the corresponding connecting element.

Abstract: An improved poultry shackle assembly for suspending poultry carcasses by their hocks from an overhead conveyor system for movement along a poultry processing line comprises a support frame from which a pair of spaced stirrups depend. Each of the stirrups has an upwardly extending rod that is journaled within a cylindrical sleeve on the support frame for rotation of the stirrup to accommodate spreading and rotation of the legs of a poultry carcass suspended therefrom. A pin extends outwardly from the rods through an inclined slot formed in the sleeves to restrict rotational movement of the stirrups between first and second rotary positions and to bias the stirrups gravitationally to a first rotary position wherein the pins are nestled within the bottom ends of the slots.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining poultry suspended with its legs from a suspension conveyor while submitting the poultry to a processing operation. The apparatus comprises two horizontally spaced apart retaining plates receiving the poultry therebetween. The plates are movable between an upper position for engaging the thighs of the poultry and a lower position for engaging the wings of the poultry. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a brace applicable between the legs of the poultry and supports applicable underneath the wings of the poultry.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanizing the loading of live fowl onto shackles of an overhead conveyor used in poultry processing. Live fowl are placed on a moving conveyor belt moving alongside the shackles. A succession of bird loading stations move with the bird conveyor belt and position the feet of each bird in predetermined relation with corresponding shackles. A foot folder engages the feet of the bird, confining the digits of the feet for unimpeded entry into the shackle. The shackles then are moved toward the bird conveyor to position the feet in the loops of the shackle, after which the shackles are elevated with respect to the bird conveyor to engage the feet within the shackles.

Abstract: A method of weighing poultry includes: conveying a plurality of birds which are closely adjacent to each other toward a weighing station; disentangling the wings of the birds from each other and separating the birds from each other by turning the birds; and then, while the wings of the birds are disentangled and while the birds are separated from each other, weighing the birds at the weighing station. The birds are suspended by their legs from suspension hooks and the suspension hooks are suspended from a conveyor suspension track.