AU2006201073A1 - Gas de-pelting machine and method - Google Patents

Description

15-MAR-2006 15:37 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.06 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: Invention Title: INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH LIMITED and MEAT AND WOOL NEW ZEALAND LIMITED ANDREW CHARLES OSBORN A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia GAS DE-PELTING MACHINE AND METHOD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:38 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.07 2

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0 O "GAS DE-PELTING MACHINE AND METHOD" t FIELD OF THE INVENTION tt

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The present invention relates to a gas de-pelting machine and method. In particular, although not exclusively, the gas de-pelting machine and method may be utilised to automatically de-pelt, for n example, sheep, lamb or other animal carcasses as they are being moved along the processing Sline by a conveyor chain.

Cl BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

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Cl After animals have been slaughtered at a meat plant, the animal carcasses are commonly suspended from a conveyor chain and moved along a processing line as de-pelting and butchering operations are carried out. Typically, the animal carcasses are de-pelted and butchered in stages and each station may be responsible for de-pelting or butchering a specific part of the carcass.

The pelt of sheep and lamb carcasses is commonly opened at the front using the standard Y-cut technique either manually by a worker or robotically. The pelt is then progressively separated from the carcass manually by workers with the aid of specific knife cuts and other specialized tooling to separate and loosen the pelt from the carcass. The pelt is subsequently pulled completely away from the carcass.

More recently, workers employ hand-held compressed air-guns with nozzles in combination with knives and specialized tooling to aid in the process of de-pelting sheep and lamb carcasses. In particular, the workers make specific cuts in the pelt of the carcass to insert a nozzle and then inject compressed air between the pelt and the carcass to separate the two.

The de-pelting operation should leave the de-pelted carcass in the best possible state without undue contamination for subsequent butchering, and should ensure that the pelt is not subjected to excessive strain or stress that can affect pelt quality. Hygiene and avoiding crosscontamination from the pelt to the carcass are particularly important for de-pelting and ultimately 596709_l.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 1.5-MAR-2006 15:38 A J PPRK 64 9 3566990 P.08

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O the quality of the dc-pelted carcass and removed pelt will depend on the skill, experience and Cl expertise of the workers in the processing line.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for machine dc-pelting, or to at least provide 5 the public wit a useful choice.

Cr) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a gas dc-pelting apparatus comprising a Cl 10 gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool for piercing and O injecting a gas beneath the pelt of a carcass, and a control system arranged to operate the gas Cl injection mechanism to cause the at least one tool to move to pierce the pelt of the carcass and inject gas trough the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass.

The gas injection mechanism may comprise a blade and a gas injection nozzle, the gas injection nozzle being connected to a gas source operated by the control system. Preferably, the blade and gas injection nozzle are .moveable by actuators and the control system operates the blade to pierce the pelt of the carcass and then operates the gas injection nozzle and gas source to inject gas through the piercing. Alternatively, the blade and gas injection nozzle may be a single tool, for example a sharpened gas injection nozzle or the like, which is moveable by an actuator and connected to the gas source.

Preferably, the gas injection nozzle is connected to the gas source via a flow regulator and control valve. More preferably. the control system is arranged to operate the control valve for a predetermined time according to a timer such that a predetermined volume of gas is injected through the piercing.

In the preferred form, the gas injection mechanism is mnoveable between a rest position in which the blade and gas injection nozzle are located within a sterilisation chamber and an operating position in which the blade and gas injection nozzle are operable to make contact with the carcass. Preferably, the sterilisation chamber comprises one or more spray nozzles that are 396709_1.DC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by 1P Australia: lime 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAfR-2006 .15:38 R J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.09 4

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o operable to spray gas, liquid, or a combination thereof at the blade and gas injection nozzle to c-I sterilise them, 'the gas dc-pelting machine may be arranged to operate on, for example, sheep and lamb V) 5 carcasses. Preferably, the gas dc-pelting machine is arranged to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh at the back-end of the sheep and lamib carcasses. In the preferred form, the gas injection mechanism is arranged to pierce the pelt of a hind leg of the carcass and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh in the hind leg region.

Nl o Preferably, the gas injection mechanism further comprises a moveable leg support for a hind leg Cl of the carcass, the leg support being moveable by an actuator. More preferably, the control system is arranged to operate the actuator to position the leg support against a side of the hind leg, while the blade of the gas injection mechanism is being operated to pierce the pelt on the opposite side of the hind leg.

Preferably, the blade of the gas injection mechanism is profiled. In the preferred form, the blade is curved and tapered in breadth toward an apex or point and the gas injection mechanism is arranged to drive the apex or point of the blade downward through the pelt and into the hind leg of the carcass to make a pi ercing through which gas can be injected to separate at least a portion of the pelt from the carcass.

Preferably, the control system is arranged to operate the gas de-pelting machine in cycles, wherein each cycle comprises the steps of: detecting the presence of a carcass next to the gas depelting machine; operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of the carcass with the blade; and operating the gas injection mechanism to insert an injection nozzle through the piercing and injecting gas to separate at least a portion of the pelt from the adjacent flesh of the carcass. More preferably, the gas dc-pelting machine is arranged to operate on carcasses which are moving relative to the machine on a conveyor chain or the like and each de-pelting, cycle further comprises the steps of: operating the carriage to move the gas injection mechanism, from a start position, along next to the carcass after it has been detected; and operating the carriage to 596709_!.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:38 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 Va 0 return the gas injection mechanism to the start position after the carcass has been pierced and C injected with gas.

Preferably, gas de-pelting machine further comprises a sensor which is arranged to detect the I 5 presence of a carcass at a predetermined position relative to the machine and which sends a signal to the control system indicating the presence of a carcass on detection. More preferably, the control system initiates a de-pelting cycle in response to receiving a signal indicating the o~ presence of a carcass. In the preferred form, the sensor is a lever-actuated micro-switch that is arranged to come into contact with the hind leg of a carcass as it passes the gas de-pelting C 10 machine.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a method of automatically de-pelting a carcass comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of the carcass via a detector; operating a gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool to pierce the pelt of the carcass; and operating the gas injection mechanism to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from the adjacent flesh of the carcass.

In the preferred form, the method further comprises the steps of automatically: operating a carriage to move the gas injection mechanism, from a start position, along next to a detected carcass while simultaneously operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of the carcass and to inject gas through the piercing; and operating the carriage to return the gas injection mechanism to the start position after the carcass has been injected with gas.

Preferably, the step of operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of the carcass comprises machine-manipulating a blade of the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt.

Preferably, the step of operating the gas injection mechanism to inject gas through the piercing comprises inserting a gas injection nozzle, connected to a gas source, through the piercing and then initiating a flow of gas from the gas source. Alternatively, the steps relating to piercing the pelt and injecting gas through the piercing comprise machine-manipulating a single tool which has a blade and gas injection nozzle, for example a sharpened gas injection nozzle or the like.

596709_1.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-206 15:39 AF J PRRK 64 9 3566990 P.11 6

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O Preferably, the method further comprises the step of operating a control valve and flow regulator Cl to inject a predetermined volume of gas through the piercing of the pelt of the carcass via the gas ct injection nozzle.

t_ 5 Preferably, the method further comprises the step of sterilising the blade and gas injection nozzle of the gas injection mechanism in a sterilisation chamber after they have been in contact with a eC carcass.

SThe method may be automatically performed on, for example, sheep and lamb carcasses which C 10 are being transported on a conveyor chain. Preferably, the method is utilised to automatically o separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh at the back-end of the sheep and lamb Cl carcasses. In the preferred form, the steps relating to piercing the pelt and injecting gas through the piercing comprise operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the hind leg of a carcass and to inject gas through the piercing.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a gas de-pelting station for de-pelting carcasses being transported through the station on a conveyor chain, the station comprising: a gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool; and a control system that operates the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of a carcass and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass as it travels through the station.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a processing system for de-pelting carcasses comprising: a transport means for moving carcasses past a gas de-pelting apparatus, and a gas de-pelting apparatus comprising a machine manipulated tool or tools which are operable to pierce the pelt of each carcass and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of each carcass.

The gas de-pelting process can provide advantages. It may reduce contamination because there is no need to do "spear cuts" on the hind legs to remove the pelt. This cut runs from the groin to the end of the leg and allows the pelt to open up as the pelt is pulled off. With gas de-pelting, the S96709 .DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:39 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 .1 7 O pelt on the leg comes off as a tube. Because the contamination on the hind leg is faecal this Cl solves a contamination issue at a valuable part of the carcass.

Further, the gas de-pelting process may reduce the load on the pelt when it is being pulled off tt 5 mechanically over the rump and hind legs. By reducing the load on the pelt, the quality of the pelt is improved. It solves a problem called "interganular strain" which causes the pelts to be Cc€ downgraded after tanning. This improves commercial value of the pelt. The gas de-pelting S process may also reduce the required labour.

C 10 The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of, that is O to say when interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, Cl prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present.

The term "de-pelting" and phrase "to de-pelt" within this specification and the accompanying claims is intended to cover separating at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of an animal carcass, but may also extend to the removal of at least a portion of the pelt from an animal carcass.

The term "pelt" within this specification and the accompanying claims is intended to cover the skin comprising the hide of an animal carcass, with or without wool, hair, fur or the like.

Any reference to the act of piercing in this specification and the accompanying claims is intended to also cover the act of cutting, perforating, puncturing, making an incision or otherwise making a hole or aperture. Similarly, reference to a "piercing" is intended to cover a cut, perforation, puncture, incision, hole, aperture or the like.

The term "gas" within this specification and accompanying claims is intended to cover any suitable type of gas, whether it is a mixture of gases or not.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves 596709 I.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:39 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.13 8

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O without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The Cl disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any <c sense limiting.

t The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

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596709_1.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:40 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.14 9 o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS c Preferred forms of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gas de-pelter attached to a conveyer line with a carcass shown, r< Figure 2 shows more detail of a head unit of the gas de-pelter, o Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the gas de-pelter, SFigure 4 shows a bottom view of the gas de-pelter, with the carcass detectors visible, Figure 5 shows a top view of the gas de-pelter, with the carcass detectors visible, and the S control system hidden, C Figure 6 shows an end elevation of the gas de-pelter, with the detectors visible Figure 7 shows the carriage mechanism and head unit of the gas de-pelter in more detail, Figure 8a shows the head unit rotation means in further detail, and the leg support mechanism, Figure 8b shows the leg support mechanism isolation in an extended state, Figure Sc shows the leg support mechanism in isolation in a retracted state, Figure 9 shows the sterilisation chamber and gas nozzle mechanism and cutting tool mechanism in further detail, Figure 10 shows a rear elevation of the gas de-pelter with the carcass detectors visible, Figure 11 shows a servo-motor of the carriage means in further detail, with the carriage means housing removed, Figure 12 shows the horizontal and vertical supports for supporting the gas de-pelter from a conveyor line, Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the gas de-pelter, Figure 14 shows further detail of a head unit of the alternative embodiment, Figure 15 shows the carriage means of the alternative embodiment, Figure 16 shows a rear elevation view of the gas nozzle mechanism and cutting tool mechanism of the alternative embodiment, and Figures 17a-17c show the cutting tool and gas nozzle inserted in a carcass pelt.

596709 .DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR--2006 15:40 A J PARK 54 9 3566990 o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ct The preferred form gas dc-pelting machine or apparatus of the invention is, for example, arranged to be used in a processing line or plant for animal carcasses. rhe gas dc-pelting machine can be considered to be a gas dc-pelting station in the processing line an~d is arranged to automatically dc-pelt animal carcasses as they are being transported through the station by a conveyor chain, tram, track, rail or other transport system. The gas dc-pelting machine or o apparatus may be arranged to operate on any type of animal carcass including, for example, sheep, lamb, cattle, pigs, goats, deer, or other quadrupeds.

o The preferred form gas dc-pelting apparatus is arranged to dc-pelt portions of an animal carcass Cl by piercing the pelt of' the carcass and then injecting gas through the piercing to separate a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass, while removal of the pelt from the carcass occurs downstream in the processing line. It will be appreciated however that the dc-pelting machine may be arranged to separate the entire pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass. Further, the de-pelting machine may be arranged to automatically remove separated pelt portions or entire pelts ftrm adjacent flesh of the carcass.

Referring to Figure 1, a preferred form of gas dc-pelting machine 10 is shown. The dc-pelting machine 10 comprises a support frame 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b that supports the apparatus 10 from a chassis 1 of conveyor line that conveys animal carcasses, eg 40. Attached to the support frame is a carriage mechanism 9, comprising a servo-motor 11, drive belt 41 and rail assembly I14a, 1 4b (see e.g. Figure A head unit 16 (more easily visible in Figure 2) is installed in the rail assembly 1 4a, 14b,. The carriage mechanism 9 is adapted to move the head unit 16 in both directions along the rail 1 4a, 1 4b in a linear axis parallel to the conveyor 1. On the head unit 16 is a gas injection mechanism (more visible in Figure 2) comprising a cutting or piercing tool and a gas injection nozzle 28 for injecting gas into a pocket formed in the pelt. The piercing tool and gas injection nozzle may be a single integrated tool (such as a sharpened nozzle), or separate tools. Where the tools air separate, the gas injection mechanism comprises a separate cutting tool mechanism for manipulating the cutting tool and nozzle mechanism for manipulating the gas injection nozzle. This will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 2. Where they form a single tool, a single mechanism can be used.

596709_ILJOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031 763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:40 A J PFRK 64 9 3566990 P.16 11

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Cl The head unit 16 is adapted to rotate the piercing tool 45 and gas nozzle 28 into position, and the cgas injection mechanism is operated to move them in sequence to perform the piercing and gas injection operations. A sterilisation chamber 38 is also provided for sterilising the piercing tool 5 and gas nozzle after each operation. The sterilisation chamber is slung from the carriage mechanism housing by a support 39. A control system is provided 42 (partly shown in Figure 1) en, for operating the components of the apparatus 10 in the required manner and sequence.

0 S The preferred form gas de-pelting machine 10 is preferably located adjacent to a conveyor chain C, 10 1, tram, track, rail or the like which transports animal carcasses e.g. 40 along a processing line.

o The de-pelting apparatus 10, in the form shown, is arranged to de-pelt sheep and lamb carcasses 40 which are shown being transported past the machine 10 by the conveyor chain 1 at a predetermined speed and in a predetermined direction. The carcasses 40 are preferably hung by both their front 25 and hind 27 legs by hooks or spreaders (not shown) which are coupled to the conveyor chain I or chains. It will be appreciated however that the de-pelting machine may be arranged to operate on carcasses which are hung by only their front or hind legs, one leg, or carcasses which are suspended from the conveyor chain in any other manner.

The de-pelting machine 10 shown is arranged to de-pelt the back-end of sheep and lamb carcasses 40 as they move past the apparatus 10. In particular, the gas injection mechanism of the apparatus 10 is arranged to de-pelt one hind leg region of the carcasses 40 at a time. For example, the gas injection mechanism pierces the pelt of one of the hind legs of a carcass 40 and then injects gas through the piercing. Permeation of the gas between the flesh-side of the pelt and the flesh causes the two to separate in that hind leg region. In the preferred form, the de-pelting machine 10 is arranged to pierce the hind leg 4 0a around the hock and the injected gas spreads from the piercing along and about the entire leg and through to the rump and/or lower trunk of the carcass. It will be appreciated that the area of the de-pelted portion will depend on the pressure, volume and flow rate of the gas injected through the piercing, which can be altered as desired, including using injection nozzles with different gas exit orifice numbers and diameters.

While the preferred form de-pelting apparatus 10 is arranged to operate on the back-end of carcasses, the apparatus 10 may be arranged to de-pelt other parts of the carcass such as the 5967091I.OOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:41 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.17 12

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O front-end (front legs and upper part of trunk) and/or the trunk region separately or all together.

C-I Such de-pelting configurations may operate on different parts of the carcass simultaneously, Ssequentially, or interspersed at different stages of the carcass processing operations.

ln 5 The carcasses 40 preferably arrive at the de-pelting machine 10 after their front-end has been depelted via the standard Y-cut technique or the like, although this is not a requirement. It may be that the carcasses arrive at the de-pelting machine 10 with a full pelt- As mentioned, the preferred form de-pelting apparatus 10 has a single gas injection mechanism Cl 10 that is arranged to operate on one hind leg of a carcass at a time. In an alternative form, the de- S pelting machine may be provided with two gas injection mechanisms so that both hind legs can C1 be operated on simultaneously to de-pelt the back-end of the carcass. In another alternative form, the de-pelting machine may be provided with more than two gas injection mechanisms, each being arranged to de-pelt a particular portion of the carcass, whether at the front-end, back-end or trunk region.

The preferred form de-pelting apparatus 10 is not arranged to remove pelt portions from the carcass, however it will be appreciated that the de-pelting apparatus 10 may be provided with a removal mechanism which is arranged to automatically pull or remove the pelt portions from the carcass after they have been separated from the flesh by the gas injection mechanism. The removal mechanism may, for example, be a robot arm that has a blade and gripper for cutting and removing the separated pelt portion or portions.

Preferred Embodiment of the De-pelting Apparatus The preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1-12 with the Figures showing various views of the apparatus. Note that in many Figures, various components have been hidden to provide clarity. The Figures also show part of a conveyer line I to which the apparatus is attached, but which does not form part of the invention per se. The conveyor chain 1 forms part of the meat processing line or plant in which the invention is utilised. The conveyor chain 1 comprises a number of spreaders from which the legs of a carcass e.g. 40 can be slung. The spreaders move in a linear manner along the conveyor 596709_LDOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:41 f J PlRK 64 9 3566990 P.18 13 Va 0 line I to move the carcasses 40 around the meat processing plant to carry out the required C procedures on each carcass. Figure 1, shows an example of one carcass slung from the conveyor kc 1 and it will be appreciated that the conveyor 1 will hold a number of such carcasses in a sequence.

n The apparatus 10 itself comprises two horizontal supports 3a, 3b which are attached to the rear side of the conveyor housing 9 and extend at right angles therefrom. Attached to the support 3a, 3b are two vertical supports 4a, 4b that can slide vertically up and down with respect to the horizontal supports 3a, 3b through collars 5a-5d. In addition the collars are adapted to slide in Cl 10 channels 5 0 a, 50b (see Figure 12) formed in the horizontal supports 3a, 3b to enable horizontal S movement of the vertical supports and therefore position the entire apparatus at a desired vertical C-I and horizontal offset from the conveyor chain housing 1. A control system 42 is placed in a convenient location, for example on the conveyor chain 1. In several views (e.g Figure the control system is shown with its door open. The control system 42 uses the required PLC, microcontrollers or the like to operate the apparatus.

Extending from the front side of the conveyor housing is a support frame 6 for two carcass detection means 7a, 7b (visible only in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 10). The support frame includes a horizontal support extending from the front of the conveyor chain housing 1, a vertical support extending downwards from the horizontal support, and another horizontal support at right angles to the first horizontal support to which the detectors are attached. The vertical support is of a length to ensure the detectors are low enough to be at the level of the legs of a carcass as it passes along the conveyor chain 1. Preferably the detector means are micro-switches with trigger arms 8a, 8b that extend across the underneath of the conveyor chain I. When a carcass is conveyed along the conveyor, it reaches the detectors 7a, 7b and contacts the trigger arms 8a, 8b to trigger them. The detectors are connected to the control system 42 to indicate that a carcass e.g. 40 is present and that the apparatus should be activated to carry out the de-pelting process. The two detectors 7a, 7b are separated by a distance x, which is the distance between the two legs of a carcass as slung from the spreaders. This distance is predetermined and therefore known to a reasonable accuracy. The control system actives the de-pelting process when both trigger arms 8a, 8b have been activated substantially simultaneously. This indicates that each hind leg of a carcass is at the respective detector, so it is clear that the process should 596709. Dc COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MPR-2006 15:41 P 3 PPRK 64 9 356695~ P. 15-MAR-2006 15:41 Af J PAFRK 64 9 3566990 P.19 14 Va O begin. Where only one sensor is triggered, no action is taken as it indicates that the conveyor is Cl in an interim position where one carcass is being moved on from the activation position and the cnext carcass is being moved towards that position.

t 5 Attached to the vertical supports 4a, 4b is the carriage mechanism 9 which is used for manoeuvring the head unit 16 of the apparatus backwards and forwards in a linear manner ^C parallel to the conveyor chain 1. The purpose of the carriage means 9 is to manoeuvre the head S16 into a laterally aligned position with the carcass 40, and convey the head unit 16 in a Ssynchronized manner with the carcass 40 as it moves along the conveyor chain 1. Referring to 10 Figure 7, the carriage mechanism 9 comprises an outer housing, and a servo-motor 11 for driving O a drive belt 12 that runs within the housing (Figure 11 shows the servo-motor 11 with the Cl housing removed and the drive belt 12 visible). The drive belt 12 is installed over a first sprocket 71 driven by the servo-motor 11 and a second sprocket 70 located in housing 13 attached to the outer housing of the opposite end of the carriage mechanism 9. The housing of the servo-motor I and second sprocket housing 13 have been removed in Figure 7 for clarity.

The carriage housing 9 is a substantially C-shaped in cross-section and comprises two rails 14a, 14b attached to the opposite edges of the underside of the C-section. The rails 14a, 14b are preferably inclined, and more preferably inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, to enable liquid, such as cleaning water to flow out from the rail channel. In a meat processing plant all equipment is periodically cleaned which means there is a large degree of water in contact with the apparatus Inclining the rails in this manner enables drainage of such water to reduce the likelihood of erosion and other damage to the rails which may occur if the rails were at an angle such that water could settle within them. The servo-motor 11 attached to one end of the housing 9 drives the toothed drive belt 41 of the carriage mechanism via the first sprocket 71. The servo-motor 11 is controlled in the required manner by the control system 42 to manoeuvre the head unit 16 (and therefore the gas injection means which forms part of the head 16) as required. Attached to the outer housing of the carriage means 9 is an energy chain 15 for providing services to the apparatus.

The head unit 16 of the apparatus comprises a support means 17 which is formed from a plate 17a and a roller support means l7b. The roller support means is formed as a sectioned extrusion .596709 O COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:42 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 VaO o with angled roller support faces corresponding to the angle of the rails 14a, 14b. The rollers (not Cl visible) disposed on the roller support means 17, I 7d sit within the rails 1 4a, 1 4b thus enabling Ct the head support means 17 to travel linearly on the rails. The head support means is attached to the drive belt 41 which acts to convey the support means 17 (and hence the head unit 16) along 5 the rails. Attached to the support means 17 is a head rotation mechanism (see Figure The head rotation mechanism comprises a servo-motor 70 for driving a rotatable shaft 71 of the head en 16, via a drive belt 72 connected to a sprocket (not visible) at the top of the rotatable shaft 71.

o This enables the entire head to be rotated from a standby position through 90 degrees to a deo pelting position (as shown in the Figures). The control system 42 drives the servo-motor 70 to effect this rotation.

Cl Affixed to the rotatable shaft 71 is a main support frame 19 for supporting the gas injection mechanism of the head 16, and in particular the cutting and gras nozzle mechanisms which together from the gas injection mechanism. A first ram support arm 20 extends from the rear of the main support 19. A pneumatic ram 21 for manipulating the cutting tool is installed on the first support arm 20. The pneumatic ram manoeuvres a crank 22a which rotates a shaft 22b (see Figure 9) that extends through the main support frame 19. A cutting tool 45, preferably a blade, is positioned at the opposite end of the shaft 22b. In the retracted position, the ram 21 rotates the shaft 22b via the crank 21 such that the cutting tool 45 is rotated into a substantially vertical standby position. When the ram 21 is extended fully (as shown in the Figures) it manipulates the crank 22a to rotate the cutting tool into a piercing position as shown in Figure 9. The ram 21 is operated by way of the control system 42. The cutting or piercing mechanism comprises the pneumatic ramn 2 1, crank 22a, shaft 22b and blade 45 for the cutting or piercing mechanism.

Attached to a front face of the main support frame 19 is a second ram support ann 25 to which is attached a second pneumatic rain 30 for manipulating the gas injection nozzle 28. The ram is attached to an. arm 26 that can rotate around a pivot point 27 attached to the face of the main support frame 19. The gas nozzle 27 is attached at the other end of the arm 26 and comprises a con-nector 29 for connecting the nozzle 28 to an air line or other gas suppiy means (not shown).

By operating the pneumatic ramn 30 the gas nozzle can be manipulated between an injection position as shown when the ram 30 is fully extended, and a standby position (not shown) when the ramn 30 is retracted. The gas nozzle mechanism comprises the pneumatic ram 30, the arm 26, 9709_I PVC COMB ID No: SBMI-03031 763 Received by 113 Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:42 A 3 PARK 64 9 3566990 P.21 16 o the nozzle 28 and the connector 29. The gas nozzle mnechanismf and the cutting mechanism comprise the gas injection mechanism.

A leg support mechanism 90 is also attached to the head unit 16, as shown in Figures 8a, Sb and fl 5 Sc. Figures Sb and Sc show the mechanism 90 with all other details of the apparatus removed, for clarity reasons. The leg support mechanism operates a profiled clamnp 91 to abut against the leg of a carcass during the gas injection process. The clamp 91 provides a support to retain the leg in position when the piercing and injection operations take place. The clamp 91 is attached to the cud of a leg support arm 92 which is extended into an operation position (as shown in t Figure 8b) and retracted into a standby position (shown in Figure Sc) by a pneumatic ramr and o linkage arrangement. In particular, a pneumatic ram support arm 93 extends from the central Cl column 71 of the head unit 16. A pneumatic ram 95 is attached to the support arm 93, and the ram of the pneumatic ram is attached to a pivoting right angled linkage 96. The right angled linkage 96 is pivotably connected at ope end to a support plate 97 slung or suspended or otherwise supported beneath the head support frame 19. The leg support arm 92 is pivotably connected at one end to the apex of the right angled linkage 96. Another linkage is pivotably connected to and extends between the leg support arm 92 and the support plate 97. Extending the ram 95 extends the leg support ann 92 forward (shown in Figure Sb) towards the carcass leg such that the profiled clamp 91 abuts against the leg of the carcass, and is held firmly to restrain the leg. By retracting the ram 95 (as shown in Figure Sb), the leg support arm 92 retracts backwards and withdraws the clamp 91 from abutting the leg.

A sterilisation chamber 38 is suspended on a vertical support 39 extending from the carriage mechanism 9. In the standby position, the head 16 is rotated suich that the piercing tool 45 and injection nozze 28 reside within the sterilisation chamber 38. The sterilisation chamber comprises nozzles (not shown) which spray a sterilisation fluid or gas or some combination thereof onito the cutting tool 45 and gas nozzle 28 to sterilise them between each dc-pelting operation.

A vertical ram 40 is controllable to oscillate the head unit 16 quickly in a vertical axis during the piercing operation as will be described in detail later.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03031 763 Received by P1 Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:42 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.22 17 VaO o A housing 49 contains the valve mechanisms (not shown) for operating the pneumatic rams on Cl the head 16 and comprises inlet air line and various cutlet lines to the various rams. The ct pneumatic airlines have been hidden in the drawings for clarity. A control cable (not shown) coming fromn the control system triough the energy chain 15 to the valve housing provides the control signals in order to operate the pneumatic rams in the required maimer using the valves.

en A preferred operation of the apparatus will now be described with reference to the drawings.

o Carcasses which are slung below the spreaders of the conveyor chain are conveyed in direction o as shown in Figure 5. Each carcass in turn reaches the activation position When the Cl 10 carcass reaches the activation position it triggers the sensors or trigger arms 8a, 8b substantially o simultaneously. At this point, the head unit 16 will be aligned with axis The sensors 7a, 7b Cl send signals to the control system which determines that a carcass has reached the activation position. The control system then activates the servo-motor 11 to operate the drive belt 41 to manoeuvre the head unit 16 in a linear fashion along the rails of the carriage mechanism 9 in direction The servo-motor 11 is controlled so that the head unit 16 moves substantially synchronously with the spreaders on the conveyor chain 1 such that the head unit 16 is always substantially in line with the carcass slung from the spreaders. The control system 42 then operates the servo-motor 11I of the head unit to rotate the head unit through 90 degrees from the standby position to the de-pelting position. Amrong other things this move the cutting tool and gas nozzle 28 from a sterilisation chamber such that they are placed within proximity of a hind leg of the carcass. The control system 42 then operates the pneumatic ram of the leg support to manoeuvre the leg support into a position abutting the hind leg which will be pierced.

The pneumatic ram 21 of the culling tool is then operated to rotate the blade of the cuffing tool from the standby position into a cutting position whereby it pierces the outer fur, skin, wool or other outer layer of the carcass. During this operation the blade will pierce through the outer skin and sit within the boundary between the skin and the animal flesh. The blade may in fact go -further and pierce the bone of the hind leg. The control system then operates the vertical ram to perform a plurality of reciprocating oscillations to quickly manoeuvre the head up and down in order to jiggle the blade inside the hind leg. This manoeuvres the blade which ensures the blade does not get stuck in the hind leg and opens a small pocket between the outer skin and the flesh of the carcass. The control system then operates the pneumatic ram of the gas nozzle such that 396709/.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031 763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:43 f J PFRK 64 9 3566990 P.23 18

ID

O the gas nozzle is rotated into the pocket. At this point the control system opens the compressed Cair supply line to blow compressed air or other gas (either compressed or at ambient pressure) to t inject the gas into the boundary between the outer skin and flesh of the carcass. This process "blows up" the outer layer such that it expands and separates from the flesh of the carcass. Once l 5 the operation is complete the control system operates the pneumatic rams to withdraw the blade, nozzle and hind leg support, and manoeuvres the head to rotate it back into the sterilisation eC chamber. Sterilisation then takes place. At this point the head has traveled substantially down o the entire length of the carriage means 9 to axis in order to stay level with the carcass. At the end of the operation the head means is retracted or reversed back to the starting position "C" C 10 ready for the next carcass. The supply lines, and cables are not shown for reasons of clarity.

C,1 Figures 17a- 17c show the cutting tool 45 and nozzle 28 inserted in the carcass pelt. During the injection process, as described above, the cutting tool is rotated to pierce the carcass pelt 80 as shown in Figure 17a. The head unit 16 is then oscillated up and down as described earlier to release the cutting tool 45 if it gets jammed in part of the pelt 80 or carcass flesh 82 and also to manoeuvre the cutting tool 45 into the position shown in Figure 17b. The main rotation axis is reversed once the blade is fully inserted to tension the pelt 80 and thereby increase the aperture size at the top of the pocket. If blade insertion is not successful, the head simply rotates back to the sterilisation position. This opens up a pocket 81 between the carcass pelt 80 and the flesh 82.

The gas nozzle 28 is then inserted into the pocket 81 in Figure 17c, and gas is injected. The gas then permeates through the pelt/flesh boundary and detaches the pelt 80 from the carcass flesh 82.

Preferably, the air used to de-pelt in the preferred embodiment is filtered to an international (HEPA) specification which meets European requirements. It removes contaminants from the airflow.

Alternative Embodiment of the De-pelting apparatus Referring to Figure 13, the de-pelting machine 100 according to an alternative embodiment has a carriage mechanism which carries the gas injection mechanism 101 and its associated sterilisation chamber (not shown) back and forth, as indicated by arrows A, B, along the frame 596709 I.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:43 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.24 19 Va o 102 in a path parallel to that of the conveyor chain 103. The carriage mechanism has, for Cexample, a carriage-frame 120 that supports the gas injection mechanism 101and sterilisation c3 chambert n 5 Referring to Figures 13-16, the carriage-frame 102 has rollers (not shown) attached on two sides and these rollers are coupled to guide rails 118 mounted on both inner sides of the frame 102 so en that the carriage-frame 104 can be moved back and forth relative to the frame 102. Referring to S Figure 15, cross-member 119 of the carriage-frame 120 is provided with a ball nut 104 through which a rotatable lead screw 105 is located. The lead screw 105 is connected via a flexible Cl 10 coupling to the drive shaft of an electric servo-motor 106that when activated by the control o system 108 will traverse the carriage-frame 119 back and forth. In particular, the control system Cl 108 is arranged to operate the electric servo-motor 106 to drive the lead screw 105clockwise or anticlockwise to thereby traverse the carriage-frame 119 during each de-pelting cycle.

Figure 15 shows the electric servo-motor 106 mounted to the frame 119 of the de-pelting machine 10. It will be appreciated that hydraulic or pneumatic actuators could alternatively be used to drive the carriage mechanism and that the electric servo-motor embodiment described is one example configuration. Further, other types of carriage mechanisms may be utilised to traverse the gas injection mechanism 101 and sterilisation chamber back and forth next to the conveyor chain, such as powered chain mechanisms, powered cable mechanisms, powered wheel systems or the like.

In operation, the control system 108 operates the de-pelting machine 10 in cycles. At the start of a cycle, the gas injection mechanism 101 is located at a predetermined start position toward the end of the machine which moving carcasses approach. For example, if the conveyor chain hooks 37 are carrying carcasses past the de-pelting machine 10 in the direction of arrow B, then the gas injection mechanism 101 may be located in the vicinity of the start position.

The control system 108 initiates a de-pelting cycle on detecting the presence of a carcass at a predetermined position relative to the de-pelting machine 100 via a sensor to be described in more detail later. Once a carcass has been detected, the control system 108 operates the carriage mechanism to move the carriage-frame 119, which supports the gas injection mechanism 101 5967091, OC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-TIPR-2006 j5:44 R J PPPK 64 9 3566990 15-MAR-2006 15:44 Af J PARK 64 9 3566990 Is0 O and sterilisation chamber, from the start position along in the direction of arrow C. The carriage- Cl frame 119 moves along at a speed synchronised with that of the conveyor chain 103 transporting t the carcass e.g. 109 terminating at position E at the end of the pre-determined cycle time.

SPosition E will vary depending on the instantaneous speed of the conveyor chain 103, or if the tl 5 conveyor chain should stop at any stage during the de-pelting cycle. As the carriage-frame 119 moves along with the detected carcass 104, the control system 108 simultaneously operates the Cc, gas injection mechanism 101 to de-pelt the carcass 109. Once the carcass has been de-pelted, the o gas injection mechanism 101 withdraws and the de-pelted carcass continues along the processing line on the conveyor chain. As the gas injection mechanism 101 withdraws from the de-pelted Cl 10 carcass it is located in the vicinity of E (end position) and the control system 108 operates the o carriage mechanism to return the carriage-frame 119 in direction A to the start position D ready Cl for the next de-pelting cycle. While returning, the gas injection mechanism 101 is sterilised in the sterilisation chamber 17.

The preferred form gas injection mechanism 101 comprises a moveable blade 110 and a moveable gas injection nozzle 111. The blade 110 and gas injection nozzle 111 are, for example, mounted to, or extend from, a common rotatable base-frame 130. The base-frame is coupled to the carriage-frame 119 via a rotary spigot 131 connected in turn to a rotary actuator below which is operable by the control system 108 to rotate the base-frame 130 between a rest position and an operating position (as shown). In particular, operation of the rotary actuator can cause the base-frame 130, which carries the blade and gas injection nozzle, to rotate either clockwise or anticlockwise about a central axis F between the rest and operating positions. The rotary actuator is driven pneumatically, but hydraulic or electric driven actuators may be used in alternative arrangements. Alternatively, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric linear actuators in combination with mechanical linkages, gears or other components may be used to construct a mechanism with a motion path, rotary or otherwise, that may be used to move the blade and gas injection nozzle from the rest position into an operating position.

The preferred form gas de-pelting machine also comprises a leg support mechanism 133 that is mounted to a frame-member 134 of the carriage-frame 112 for supporting the hind leg of a carcass as it is being pierced. The leg support mechanism 133 comprises, for example, a profiled leg support pad 135 on the end of an upright that is coupled to a pivotable horizontal support 596709 _LDOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MPR-2006 15:44 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.26 21 VaO o 136. The horizontal support 136 is pivotally connected at point to the frame-mnember 134 such Cl that it can pivot about axis G. A linear actuator is coupled to the horizontal support 136 at point Ct 138 and is operable by the control system 108 to cause the horizontal support 136 to pivot clockwise or anticlockwise about axis G to thereby mnove the leg support pad 135 through an arc- 5 The leg support pad 135 is shown in 135 an operating position in which it intimately contacts the hind leg of a carcass 109. The linear actuator, in the prefer-red form, is pneumatic, althougb it en may be hydraulic or electric in alternative arrangements.

The leg support mechanism 133 can be considered to be part of the gas injection mechanism 101, Cl 10 although it will appreciated that a leg support mechanism is not necessarily essential to the gas Va

C

o injection mechanism 10 1. Further, various other types of leg support mechanisms may be utilised Cl in other arrangements.

The gas injection mechanism 101 starts in a rest position in which the base-frame 130 is rotated so that the blade and gas injection nozzle are located within the sterilisation chamber (not shown) and where the leg support pad 135 is in a rest position. Spray nozzles are provided in the sterilisation chamber to discharge or spray a sterilising liquid, gas, or a combination thereof, over the gas injection nozzle Ill after each dc-pelting cycle. In the preferred fonn, the spray nozzles discharge hot water from a hot water source to sterilise the gas injection nozzle 111. Alternative nozzle configtzrations can be incorporated to sterilise the blade 110 also if required. The control system 108 operates a solenoid valve to discharge the hot water for a predetermined time during the sterilisation period, although it will be appreciated that any other type of control valve may be provided to control discharge. Fuirther, other sterilisation means, such as UV or infrared radiation, may be used alternatively or in combination with liquid and/or gas sterilisation.

The gas injection mechanism 101 is shown in an operating position in which the base-frame 130 has been rotated by the rotatable spigo13 and rotary actuator below, approximately 900 clockwise from its rest position. The blade 110 and gas injection nozzle Il1 are no longer located within the sterilisation chamber and can be operated to contact the hind leg of a carcass 109 hung by hook. The leg support pad 135 of the leg support mechanism 1333 is in an operating position where, although not shown, it can make intimate contact with the hind leg -for support as it is being pierced by the blade 1 s;67OPJ.Doc COMS ID No: 5BMI-03031 763 Received by P1 Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15: 44 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.27 22 Cl The blade 110 is, for example, a profiled and sharpened metal blade that may be manipulated to Ct make a piercing in the pelt of a carcass, although it will be appreciated that other piercing or cuffing means may be used for this purpose. In the preferred form, the blade 1 10 is curved and 5 tapered in breadth toward an apex or point. In this tform, the blade 110 may be manipulated by the de-pelting machine 100 to pierce through the hind leg pelt of a carcass such that an end portion of the blade 110 is temporarily inserted between the flesh-side of the pelt and the flesh.

The blade 110 is provided toward the end of a support-ann 136 that is mounted to a slidingsupport 137 of the base-frame 130 and is arranged to have two degrees of movement, namely o approximately vertical movement and rotational movement. The blade 1 10 can move vertically Nl by virtue of a corresponding movement of the sliding-support 137. The sliding-support is arranged to slide on four rods 171 which are fixed to the base-framne 130 and which extend through complementary cylindrical apertures in each corner of the sliding-support. The slidingsupport 137 is moved on the rods 171 by a central actuator 173 mounted to a top plate 175 supported by the rods 171 above the sliding-support 137. A secondary actuator 177 may also be provided to restrict and/or control vertical positioning of the sliding-support 137, support-arm 136 and blade 110 as desired.

The sliding-support and therefore the blade 110 is shown moved downward via operation of the central actuator 173. The blade 110 has also been rotated and this is its second degree of movement that will be explained in detail later.

The ventral actuator 173 is preferably pneumatic, but may alternatively be hydraulic or electric.

Further, it will be appreciated that up and down movement of the blade 110 may be provided by other mechanisms. The preferred form central actuator 173 has a double acting cylinder that has inlet/outlet ports connected to hoses (not shown) which are in turn connected to a compressed air supply. The central actuator 173 also has a piston rod, one end of which is located within the cylinder, while the other end is fixed to the sliding-support 135. In operation, the control system 108 controls the compressed air supply to retract or extend the piston rod relative to the cylinder to thereby move the sliding-support 135 and blade 1 10 up and down as desired.

.596709 JOO)C COMS ID No: 5BMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MPR-2006 15:45 A J PPIR 64 9 3566990 P.28 23 o The secondary actuator 177 is similar to the central actuator 173, although is configured to Cl control or restrict vertical movement of the sliding-support 135 as the blade 110 is being Ct operated to Pierce the carcass. The secondary actuator 177 is shown in the downward position with the end stop on the end of the piston rod in intimate contact with the adjustable stop fixed to the sliding support 135. When secondary actuator 177 is retracted to the uppermost position, central actuator 173 operating in the same direction is then able to return the sliding support 135 en to its uppermost position without restriction.

As mentioned, the second degree of movement of the blade 1 10 is rotation. The blade 110 may rotate relative to the support-arm 136 between first and second positions by a rotation o mechanism to be explained next.

Tbe blade 110 is fixed to an L-shaped block 195 that is mounted to a rotatable shaft 97. The shaft 97 is coupled to the support-ann 67 by protruding flanges 99 located either side of the L-shaped block 195. In particular, the flanges of the support-arm 136 have apertures through which the shaft may extend, the apertures being of a size that enables the shaft 197 to rotate within them.

An actuator is provided to drive the shaft 197 to thereby rotate the blade 1 10 between the first and second positions. In the preferred form, the actuator is a short stroke actuator which is coupled to a linkage arm attached to shaft and which is operable by the control system 108 to rotate the shaft 197 and thereby the blade 1 10 clockwise or anticlockcwise through a desired angle. The short stroke actuator is preferably mounted to the support-arm 136 and/or slidingsupport 137 and is pneumatically powered. It will be appreciated that other hydraulic or electric actuators could be utilsed to rotate the shaft 197 or that other mechanisms may be utilised to rotate the blade 1 The preferred form gas injection nozzle I1I1 is arcuate, although it may alternatively be straight or profiled in some other way, and is formed from a metal material wit an internal cavity for gas flow. It will be appreciated that the nozzle 59 may be formed from a plastic material in an alternative arrangement. The end portion of the nozzle 111 is provided with one or more apertures that are arranged to direct gas outwardly relative to the nozzle Ill1. The nozzle is mounted to a rotatable arm 165 via a spring loaded swivel head 166. The spring loaded swivel head 166 is not essential, but it allows the nozzle 111 a small degree of rotational movement so 94709j.1DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR--2006 15:45 A Jf PARK 64 9 3566990 P.29 24

IND

o that it can remain better aligned with the hind leg of a carcass as it is being inserted through a piercing in the hind leg pelt.

The rotatable arm 165 is coupled to a shaft driven by a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator 168 '4h 5 is operated by the control system 108 to rotate the shaft clockwise or anticlockwise to thereby cause the ann 165 and gas injection nozzle 111 to arc downward or upward respectively between rest and operating positions 'as desired. In the preferred form, the rotary actuator 168 is pneumatically powered, although it will be appreciated that hydraulic, electric or other rotary actuators may be utilised to move the nozzle ill between operating and rest positions. Rotary Nl 10 motion may also be achieved through the use of linear actuators and crank arms, gears or other o such mechanisms.

The gas injection nozzle Ill is connected to a gas source via hose (not shown). In the preferred form, the gas source is filtered compressed air, or it may be any other compressed or uncompressed gas or mixture of gases. The flow of gas through the hose and out the apertures of the nozzle 11l is controlled by a control valve and flow regulator. In the preferred form, the flow regulator may be an operable valve or the like which can be manually pre-set or controlled by the control system 108. In particular, the control system 108 may activate the control valve to allow the gas to flow at a pre-set pressure to discharge a predetermined volume of gas from the nozzle 108 according to a timer. The control system may also be arranged to control the pressure of the compressed gas source as desired to control flow rate.

It will be appreciated that the volume of gas injected through the piercing of a pelt will determine the extent to which the pelt is separated from adjacent flesh of the carcass- For example, a high volume of gas will de-pelt a larger area relative to the piercing site compared to a low volume of gas. Furthermore, the flow rate of the gas as determined by the pressure of the compressed gas at the source will also determine the extent of the dc-pelting. In the preferred form, the control system 108 will be arranged to discharge a prederennined volumne of gas at a predetermined flow rate so as to de-pelt the desired portion of the carcass, which will typically be an entire hind leg and the associated side of the rump and lower trunk.

,5967090_1.0CX.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time (I-tm) 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MFR-2006 15:45 A J PRK 64 9 3566990

INO

O As mentioned, the de-pelting machine 100 is arranged to de-pelt carcasses which are being Cl transported along a processing line by a conveyor chain or the like. The de-pelting machine 100 ^C is located adjacent to the conveyor chain and operates in cycles to de-pelt each carcass as it passes the machine. A de-pelting cycle is initiated when the presence of a carcass is detected at a predetermined position relative to the de-pelting machine 100 by a sensor. The sensor is a leveractuated micro-switch which is mounted to a post adjacent to the de-pelting machine 100 in the Ce vicinity of the station position D. The sensor is hardwired to the control system 108 of the de- O pelting machine 100 and is arranged to send a signal to the control system 108 when a carcass Scomes into contact with the sensor. In particular, the sensor has a pivotable lever-arm that is M\ 10 arranged to make contact with the hind leg of carcasses as they are arrive at the de-pelting machine on the conveyor chain. The lever-arm pivots about an axis and is biased toward a rest c position. As the hind leg of a carcass comes into contact with the lever-arm, it pivots and causes micro-switch to generate a detection signal that is sent to the control system 108. As the carcass progresses further past the sensor, a spring mechanism causes the lever-arm to pivot back to the rest position ready to detect the next carcass.

It will be appreciated that the sensor may be provided on the de-pelting machine 100 itself in an alternative arrangement. Furthermore, there are various other alternative contact and non-contact sensors that could be utilised to detect the presence of a carcass to initiate each de-pelting cycle.

For example, an optical sensor is one possible alternative. It will also be appreciated that the sensor need not necessarily be hardwired to the control system 108 as it may alternatively send detection signals via a wireless link such as an RF or infrared.

The control system 108 may be located wholly or partially within the framework 102 of the depelting machine 100, or alternatively it may be remote. The preferred form control system 108 is electronic and includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or the like that are programmed to operate the de-pelting machine 10. As mentioned, the actuators of the de-pelting machine 100 are preferably pneumatic and the control system 108 is arranged to operate each actuator by controlling one or more pneumatic control valves connected to a pressure regulated compressed air supply, and which are in turn, connected to the actuators with pneumatic tubing. It will be appreciated that the control system 108 may alternatively be arranged to operate electric or hydraulic actuators also if desired.

596709_I.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:46 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.31 26 As mentioned, the control system 108 is arranged to receive carcass detection signals from the ct lever-actuated micro-switch sensor to initiate a de-pelting cycle. The speed of the carriage mechanism remains synchronized with the conveyor chain through signals sent to the control t 5 system 108 via a cable connected to a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is connected via a toothed belt drive to a shaft that is connected directly to a sprocket driven shaft that is integral en with and being rotated by the linear motion of the conveyor chain. It will be appreciated that the S rotation of the rotary encoder or the alternative generation of signals directly or indirectly from Sother devices or mechanisms linked to the conveyor chain may be used to control the C 10 synchronized movement of the carriage frame during the de-pelting cycle.

C The control system 108 may be arranged to send and receive signals to and from the flow regulator associated with the gas source in order to control the rate and volume of gas discharged from the gas injection nozzle 111, or the flow regulator may be manually adjusted to a predetermined setting.

Operation of the preferred form gas de-pelting machine 10 during a typical de-pelting cycle will now be described. As mentioned, each gas de-pelting cycle is initiated when the lever-actuated micro-switch sensor comes into contact with the hind leg of a carcass being suspended in, for example, the inverted position by all four legs from hooks of the conveyor chain. On initiation of the de-pelting cycle, the carriage mechanism moves the carriage-frame 119, from its start position D, in direction B at a speed which is synchronised with that of the conveyor chain transporting the carcasses along the processing line. As soon as the carriage-frame 119 begins moving, the rotary spigot 131 is operated by a rotary actuator below (not visible) to rotate the base-frame 130, carrying the blade 110 and gas injection nozzle 111, clockwise about central axis F from a rest position to an operating position where the blade 110 makes intimate contact with the hind leg of the detected carcass. Simultaneously, the linear actuator of the leg support mechanism is operated to move the leg support pad from its rest position to an operating position in which it makes intimate contact with the opposite side of the hind leg to the blade 110.

The central actuator 173 is then operated to drive the sliding-support 137 for the support-arm 136 down, from a start position toward the top of the rods 171, so that the profiled piercing blade 596709J_.,oc COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15: 46 A J PARKC 64 9 3566990 P.32 27

IND

O 110, in its first position, penetrates through the pelt of the hind leg of the carcass, preferably Cl somewhere between the knuckle and hoof. As the support-arm 136 is being driven vertically Ct down, the short stroke actuator is operated to rotate the blade 110 anticlockwise through a predetermined angle fromi its first position to its second position so that the profiled piercing blade 5 110 can slide down between the flesh-side of the pelt and the flesh of the carcass.

en As the blade 110 begins to rotate, the downward motion of the sliding-support 137 is reversed o for a short duration before driving down again, so that if the point of the piercing blade 110 has o become caught in the body of the carcass, it can be freed and allowed to rotate more easily. The Cl 10 secondary actuator 177 is simultanteously extended to provide an adjustable stop point position O that limits the upward vertical return of the sliding-support 137 when the direction of the central Cl actuator 173 driving it is reversed. This effectively allows for the piercing blade 1 10 to be retracted a short distance out of the slit cut or piercing in the pelt so that only the nanrow section of the piercing blade 1 10 remains inserted between the flesh-side of the pelt and the flesh of the carcass.

The rotary spigot 131 rotated by the -rotary actuator below (not visible) driving the base-frame 119. carrying the blade 1 10 and gas injection nozzle I111 assemblies, then rotates anticlockwise about central axis F slightly back away from the leg to tension the pelt outwards and create a pocket between the pelt and adjacent flesh of the carcass. Linear actuator (not visible) driving the leg support mechanism 133 simultaneously through the pivoting linkage returns the leg support pad 13 5 to its rest position clear of the carcass.

With the pelt tensioned, rotary actuator is operated to rotate arm clockwise to drive the gas injection nozzle 1 10 downward into the pocket created between the pelt and flesh of the carcass such that the tip of the nozzle 110 comes to rest down inside the leg at a position below the tip of the piercing blade 1 10. While the gas injection nozzle 1 10 is inserted in the hind leg, the control valve associated with the gas source is operated so that gas is injected at a selected pressure set by the pressure regulator for a short duration, so that it can permeate between the pelt and flesh of the carcass to initiate separation between the two.

.596709 LOOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031 763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:47 F J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.33 28 O After the gas injection is complete, the rotary actuator is operated to retract the gas injection C1 nozzle 110 out of the hind leg, and simultaneously, the secondary actuator 177 creating a stop Ct point restricting the upward vertical movement of the piercing blade 110 retracts so that the piercing blade 110 returns to its start position at the top of the vertical movement. The rotary tt 5 spigot 131 rotated by the rotary actuator below (not visible) driving the base-frame 119 simultaneously rotates anticlockwise about central axis F back to the rest position where the Cc blade 110 and gas injection nozzle 111 are located within the sterilisation chamber.

As the blade 110 and gas injection nozzle are being rotated back into the sterilisation chamber, C 10 the carriage mechanism rapidly returns the carriage-frame 119 in direction A from the end o position E to the start position D. The spray nozzles mounted in the sterilisation chamber (not C1 shown) are then activated for a short duration to discharge hot water over the gas injection nozzle 111 during this rapid carriage-frame 119 movement. Following the sterilisation spray, a short gas discharge is initiated through the nozzle 111 to clear any water that may have entered through the discharge apertures. The de-pelting cycle is then complete and the de-pelting machine 100 is then ready for the next cycle.

Preferably, the gas injection nozzle of either embodiment is connected to the gas source via a flow regulator and control valve. More preferably, the control system is arranged to operate the control valve for a predetermined time according to a timer such that a predetermined volume of gas is injected through the piercing.

The gas de-pelting machine according to either embodiment may be arranged to operate on, for example, sheep and lamb carcasses. Preferably, the gas de-pelting machine is arranged to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh at the back-end of the sheep and lamb carcasses. In the preferred form, the gas injection mechanism is arranged to pierce the pelt of a hind leg of the carcass and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh in the hind leg region.

Preferably, the blade of the gas injection mechanism of either embodiment is profiled- In the preferred form, the blade is curved and tapered in breadth toward an apex or point and the gas injection mechanism is arranged to drive the apex or point of the blade downward through the 596709_I.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:47 F J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.34 29 0 pelt and into the hind leg of the carcass to make a piercing through which gas canbe injected to S separate at least a portion of the pelt from the carcass.

The method of either embodiment may be automatically performed on, for example, sheep and lamb carcasses which are being transported on a conveyor chain. Preferably, the method is utilised to autoatically separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh at the back-end of the sheep and lamb carcasses. In the preferred form, the steps relating to piercing the pelt and r oprise sheep thd b cican hem to Pr the S injecting gas through the piercing comprise operating the as injection mechanism to pierce t hind leg of a carcass and to inject gas through the piercing.

The foregoing description of both embodiments is directed at a gas de-pelting machine that c operates on carcasses as they pass the achine on a coneyor chain. It will th the de-pelting machine need not necessarily operate on moving carcasses. For eample, the conveyor chain may be arranged to stop each carcass for a predetermned time next to th depelting machine before transporting it further down the processing line. Alternatively, the depelting machine may be arranged to move relative to a batch of stationary suspended carcasses.

pelting machine may b arranged to move re o described could be alteredp The blade It will be appreciated that the gas injection mechanisms ancri d rrabealtere. For Theblade and gas injection nozzle may be moveable by other assemblies and arrangements. For example, robotic arms may be utilised to manipulate the blade and gas injection nozzle as required.

Other forms of the gas de-pelting machine need not necessarily have a separate blade and gas injection nozzle. For example, a single moveable tool or device such as a sharpened gas injection nozzle may be provided for performing both functions of piercing the pelt and injecting the gas.

Further, it will be appreciated that there are other means of piercing the pelt and injecting gas through the piecing.

The gas de-pelting machine of both embodiments described automatically de-pelts sheep and lamb carcasses in a consistent and controllable manner. The de-pelting machine leaves the depelted carcass in an excellent state without undue contamination for subsequent butchering processes. Further, the de-pelting machine does not subject the pelt to undue strain or stress.

596709 .DOC TOTAL P.34 COMS ID No: SBMI-03031763 Received by IP Australia: Time 13:49 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:49 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.01/27

VO

0 While the de-pelting machines according to both embodiments are particularly suited for use in a Cl processing line, this is not essential. The de-pelting machine may be utilised on its own or in c combination with other machines in the processing line.

The gas de-pelting machine of both embodiments can be reduced or expanded in size as desired and can be tailored to suit the particular type of animal carcass being de-pelted. Further, the de- Cr pelting machine can be arranged to de-pelt one or more portions of an animal carcass o simultaneously.

0 V, 10 The foregoing description of the invention comprises preferred forms thereof. Modifications may 0 be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

596709 .DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15

Claims (13)

15-MAR-006 15:49 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.22 31 VaO o THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENT[ON ARE AS FOLLOWS: ctI A gas de-pelting apparatus comprising a gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool for piercing and injecting a gas beneath the pelt of a carcass, and a control system arranged to operate the gas injection mechanism to cause the at least one tool to move to pierce the pelt of the carcass and inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass. 2. A gas dc-pelting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one machine Cl 10 manipulated tool comprises a cutting tool and a gas injection nozzle, wherein the cutting tool is adapted to pierce the pelt and the gas injection nozzle is adapted for injecting the gas beneath the ci pelt 3. A gas dc-pelting apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the control system is adapted to manipulate the cutting tool to pierce the pelt and open a pocket between the pelt and flesh of the carcass, and the control system is adapted to manipulate the gas nozzle into the pocket and inject gas into the pocket via the gas nozzle. 4. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is- adapted to inject gas into a leg of the carcass and further comprising a leg support adapted to brace the leg of a carcass during piercing and/or gas injection. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the gas injection nozzle is connected to a gas source operated by the control system- 6. A gas dc-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the gas is compressed air. 7. A gas dc-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cutting tool and gas nozzle are connected to one or more actuators and the control system operates the actuators to manipulate the cutting tool and gas nozzle. COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by P1 Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15 15:49 R S PFN( 64 9 3565990 P.03/27 15-MAR-006 15:49 AF J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.03/27 32 o 8. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the gas injection C, mechanism is connected to a carriage mechanism that conveys the gas injection mechanism t along an axis. 9. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the carriage mechanism is adapted for attachment to or near a carcass conveyor, and is adapted to convey the gas injection Cc mechanism substantially parallel to the carcass conveyor. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the control system is adapted to k\ 10 operate the carriage mechanism to move the gas injection mechanism along the same direction o and at the same speed as the carcass conveyor to which it is attached to or near, such that the gas injection mechanism remains substantially adjacent to a carcass being conveyed by the conveyor. 11. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a sterilisation chamber adapted to express a sterilisation product, and wherein the gas injection mechanism is adapted to be manoeuvred between a standby position and an injection position, wherein in the standby position the at least a portion of the gas injection mechanism resides within the chamber, and wherein the control system is adapted control the sterilisation to express the sterilisation product to sterilise at least a portion of the gas injection means. 12. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the carriage mechanism comprises at least one rail, and the carriage mechanism is adapted to move the gas injection means along the rail, wherein the rail is angled to enable liquid to drain from the rail. 13. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the carriage mechanism comprises a drive belt connected to the gas injection mechanism, and the carriage mechanism further comprises a motor to move the drive belt in order to move the gas injection mechanism along the axis. 14. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one detector for detecting the presence of a carcass for triggering a gas injection process using the gas injection mechanism. J96709 J.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:50 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.04/27 33 INO C 15, A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 14 wherein the control k system is adapted to operate the gas de-pelting apparatus in cycles, wherein each cycle comprises the steps of: detecting the presence of a carcass next to the gas de-pelting machine; operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of the carcass with the cutting tool; and operating the gas injection mechanism to insert the gas injection nozzle through the piercing and injecting gas to separate at least a portion of the pelt from the adjacent flesh of the carcass.

16. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the control system is further Cl 10 adapted to operate the gas de-pelting apparatus on carcasses that are moving relative to the o machine on the conveyor, wherein each de-pelting cycle further comprises the steps of: operating Cl the carriage mechanism to move the gas injection mechanism from a start position along next to the carcass after it has been detected; and operating the carriage to return the gas injection mechanism to the start position after the carcass has been pierced and injected with gas.

17. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the detector is adapted to detect the presence of a carcass at a predetermined position relative to the machine and adapted to send a signal to the control system indicating the presence of a carcass on detection.

18. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein the cutting tool and gas injection nozzle are integrated into a single tool.

19. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein the cutting tool and gas injection nozzle are separate tools. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 19 wherein the cutting tool is a blade.

21. A gas de-pelting apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the carcass is a sheep.

22. A method of automatically de-pelting a carcass comprising the steps of: 596709_/.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15: 50 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.05/27 34 O detecting the presence of the carcass via a detector; 0 operating a gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool to pierce the pelt of the carcass; and operating the gas injection mechanism to inject gas through the piercig to separate at VC) 5 least a portion of the pelt from the adjacent flesh of the carcass.

23. A method according to claim 22 further comprising the steps of automatically: operating a carriage mechanism to move the gas injection mechanism from a start position, along next to a detected carcass while simultaneously operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of Nl 10 the carcass and to inject gas through the piercing; and operating the carriage to return the gas O injection mechanism to the start position after the carcass has been injected with gas.

24. A method according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the step of operating the gas injection mechanxism, to pierce the pelt of the carcass comprises machine manipulating a blade of the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt and the step of operating the gas injection mechanism to inject gas through the piercing comprises inserting a gas injection nozzle, connected to a ga's source, through the piercing and then initiating a flow of gas from the gas source. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the steps of operating the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt and inject gas into the piercing comprises machine manipulating a single tool that cuts the pelt and injects the gas.

26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25 further comprising the step of operating a control valve and flow regulator to inject a predetermined volume of gas through the piercing of the pelt of the carcass via the gas injection nozzle.

27. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26 further comprising the step of moving the blade and gas injection nozzle of the gas injection mechanism into a sterilisation chamber after they have been in contact with a carcass, and operating the sterilisation chamber to sterilise the blade and gas injection nozzle. S96709JI.DOC COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15 15-MAR-2006 15:50 A J PARK 64 9 3566990 P.06/27 O

28. A gas de-pelting station for de-pelting carcasses being transported through the station on a conveyor chain, the station comprising: a gas injection mechanism comprising at least one machine manipulated tool; and a control system that operates the gas injection mechanism to pierce the pelt of a carcass it 5 and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the pelt from adjacent flesh of the carcass as it travels through the station.

29. A processing system for de-peling carcasses comprising: a transport means for moving carcasses past a gas de-pelting apparatus, and a gas de- pelting apparatus comprising a machine manipulated tool or tools which are operable to pierce othe pelt of each carcass and to inject gas through the piercing to separate at least a portion of the 0pelt from adjacent flesh of each carcass. INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH LIMITED AJPARK Patent Attorneys for the Applicants Date: 5967093I.D)c COMS ID No: SBMI-03032139 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:03 Date 2006-03-15