Method and apparatus for deshelling shellfish
US10021886B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G17/46
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for deshelling shellfish, particularly lobsters. An automated processing line conveys shellfish through a plurality of stations that sanitize, butcher, cut, and extract the meat, and then packages and prepares the package for sale. Vision systems with multi-axis robots guide and manipulate the shellfish through the processing line. Customized breaking blocks are used to sever parts of the shellfish, for example, the tail, knuckles and claws of a lobster, and a customized gripping device is provided for securing the severed parts in position on a conveyor. A water knife is then used to precisely cut the shell of the severed part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.