Apparatus for extracting meat from crustacean appendages

US4703541A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Peter Howard · Boston, US
• Mance Ekas · Norwell, US
• Frank J. Rizzo · McMurray, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 14, 1986
• Grant date: Nov 3, 1987
• Expiry date: May 14, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A22C29/025
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An automated, self-contained apparatus for extracting meat from the appendages of crustaceans, such as crabs, the appendages having been severed from the body and cooked. The device includes a plurality of stations which recover and collect the meat in the appendages as well as dispose of the empty shell. The appendages are placed in radially extending recesses of a circular motor driven platter, the platter being used to transport the appendages from station to station. The appendages pass through a cutting station which removes the end of each appendage so that there is an opening large enough to allow the meat to be expelled and recovered when pressurized air is injected into the appendage at the next station, the meat extracting station. Pressurized air is also utilized at the third station, the shell ejectment station, to remove the empty shells from the platter.