Method and apparatus for conveying a meat product and using a knife for automated cutting of meat
US11944105B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30128
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for deboning a meat item, and more particular for deboning a poultry item including performing an initial shoulder cut for removing boneless breast meat from the poultry carcass or frame. The technology as disclosed and claimed further includes a method and apparatus for removing a tender meat portion from a poultry item. The method and apparatus disclosed and claimed herein is a combination of a robotic arm including an ultrasonic knife implement and/or an annular blade knife implement and a vision system for varying the cut path based on the shape and size of the poultry item. The combination as claimed including the ultrasonic knife can perform a meat cut while penetrating the meat with less force than the typical penetration that occurs when using a traditional knife. The combination as claimed including the annular blade knife implement can remove the tender meat portion for the keel bone and posterior sheath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.