Automatic saddle loader for poultry leg processor
US5306203A · kind A · utility
13Cited by
9References
8Claims
0Family size
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C21/0053
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A chicken leg processor includes a transfer device for removing the lower portion of halved birds from a shackle conveyor, and delivering them to the conveyor chain of a cutting apparatus. The transfer device includes a segmented transfer disc which lifts the hocks from the shackles and deposits them in pockets on a horizontal gathering wheel. Subsequently, the hocks are driven out of the pockets by a paddle, and are captured between respective pairs of guide rails entering the cutting apparatus. At this point, the saddles are inverted by an overhead chain which rolls them forward into proper orientation for the cutting devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.