Apparatus, system, and method for positioning poultry, meat, and fish product pieces on a conveyor

US7544119B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tyson Foods, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Brandon Haley · Springdale, US
• Kelvin D. Lasse · Springdale, US
• Tim Reddell · Bentonville, US
• Marshall Vanderpool · Bentonville, US
• Charley Reed · Elm Springs, US
• James Ruff · Springdale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 18, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2009
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2201/0202
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for positioning poultry, meat, or fish product pieces on a conveyor and a system and method which utilize the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus comprises an array of side-by-side upwardly arched product channels and a plurality of catch members mounted for rotating through the product channels such that they lift and pull the product pieces through the upwardly arched product channels and then release the product pieces onto the conveyor.