Automated meat grading method and apparatus
US6322508A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22B5/007
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an automated grading process and apparatus for grading an animal carcass. The process includes the steps of generating and receiving signals; determining the location of the ribs in the carcass therefrom; determining a predetermined reference point on the carcass; determining a probing location; and probing the carcass. As an example the predetermined reference point may be the first rib and the probe location may be between the third and fourth ribs. The present invention also includes a method for determining the location of the ribs and a method for determining the first rib. The apparatus includes a base, a clamping sub-system for positioning the carcass and a sensing-probing subsystem. The sensing-probing subsystem includes a signal generator and a signal receiver each directed at the clamped carcass; a method of determining the location of the ribs; a method of determining a predetermined reference point on the carcass; a method of determining a probing location; and a probe. The probe is attached to a robotic arm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.