Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for grading and batching of food parts (304) with a scale unit adapted to determine the weights of each food part (304) with a first predetermined precision, a plurality of batch bins (340) adapted to receive a set of selected food parts (304), a weighing station (302, 500) adapted to weigh food parts (304), which have not yet been transferred into said batch bins (340), with a second predetermined precision being greater than the first predetermined precision and to associate each of the determined weights with the corresponding food part (304), a plurality of controllable second transfer units adapted to selectively transfer particular ones of said food parts (304), which have been weighed into a selected one of said batch bins (340), a control unit operatively connected with said scale unit, said weighing station (302, 500), said first transfer unit (352) and said second transfer unit, wherein said control unit is adapted to control said first transfer unit (352) and said second transfer unit in order to assemble in each of said bins a plurality of said food parts (340) to such an extent that the total weight of said food parts collected in each of said batch bins (340) corresponds to a predetermined target weight. The present invention also relates to a method for grading and batching. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for selectively transferring food parts.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01G 19/387 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value
• A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones

Abstract

A gas stunning apparatus and system (100) includes a first environment (102) and a second environment (122). An animal (159) is passed through the first environment until the carbon dioxide concentration within the first environment is about 40%, rendering the animal unconscious. The animal is then passed through the second environment until the carbon dioxide concentration within the second environment is about 100%, rendering the animal irrevocably unconscious.

IPC Classes  ?

• A22B 3/00 - Slaughtering or stunning
• A22B 3/08 - Slaughtering or stunning for poultry or fish, e.g. slaughtering pliers, slaughtering shears
• A22C 21/00 - Processing poultry

Abstract

An offset weighing apparatus (152) and method for use with poultry processing equipment includes a weigh assembly to weigh an animal connected to a shackle assembly (206) as the shackle moves in contact with a force sensor (154) along a conveyor line (204). A diverter assembly (102) laterally displaces a shackle retaining the animal from below the conveyor line into engagement with the force sensor. The bending axis of the force sensor is approximately parallel to the displaced shackle. The angular position of the bending axis and shackle, and relative positions, friction, and forces of the components of the shackle assembly and weigh assembly are analyzed to calculate the weight of the animal connected to the shackle without removing the animal from the shackle or ceasing movement of the conveyor line.

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 21/00 - Processing poultry
• B65G 17/16 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising individual load-carriers which are pivotally mounted, e.g. for free-swinging movement
• B65G 17/20 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising load-carriers suspended from overhead traction chains
• G01G 11/00 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers
• G01G 19/14 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing suspended loads

Abstract

An apparatus and method for processing a poultry carcass includes a first assembly (102) with parallel guide plates (108, 128) opposite a second assembly (152) with parallel guide plates (158, 178). The assemblies include a cutting element (225, 275) presenting an edge extending beyond a bottom edge of the guide plates (108, 158). A bracket (241, 291) secures the cutting element (225, 275) to the guide plate (108, 158) allowing adjustment of the cutting edge. The carcass is advanced into engagement with the apparatus whereby the cutting edges cut the connective tissue between the leg and back. A bracket (241, 291) leading edge (245, 295) prevents tissue from being driven between the cutting element (225, 275) and guide plate (108, 158). The cutting edge can extend further from the bottom edge of the guide plates (108, 158) at the heel (233, 283) than at the point (229, 279).

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 21/00 - Processing poultry
• A22B 5/20 - Splitting instruments
• A22B 7/00 - Slaughterhouse arrangements
• A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
• A22C 21/06 - Eviscerating devices for poultry
• B26D 3/00 - Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut madeApparatus therefor