AU2009222532B2

AU2009222532B2 - A method and device for de-gambrelling

Info

Publication number: AU2009222532B2
Application number: AU2009222532A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Richard Aimers; Alan Dickie; Damon Page
Original assignee: Robotic Tech Ltd
Current assignee: ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2008-10-15
Filing date: 2009-10-02
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-02
Also published as: GB2464600B; GB0918090D0; NZ572040A; GB2464600A; AU2009222532A1

Abstract

An apparatus is designed for removing an animal carcass or portion of an animal carcass from a gambrel. The apparatus removes the carcass in a controlled manner, 5 and is suitable to pass the carcass on to further processing devices. The apparatus can be adapted to suit a variety of different styles of gambrels. Figure 1

Description

P/001011 ReguIatlon 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No.: Application Date: 2 October 2009 Priority Dates: 15 October 2008 (New Zealand Patent Application No. 572040) Applicants: Robotic Technologies Limited 630 Kaikoral Valley Road Dunedin New Zealand Address for Service: ELLIS I VERBOEKET I TERRY ci- Level 35, St Martins Tower 31 Market Street Sydney, NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "A METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DE-GAMBRELLING" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 A METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DE-GAMBRELLING FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the removal of a carcass or carcass portions from a gambrel. TERMINOLOGY Where the following terms are used in this specification they shall have the following meanings: e Carcass: where the term carcass is used, this means either a whole carcass or a carcass portion, e.g. a hindquarter. * Gambrel: a hook from which a carcass is hung. Typically both hind legs are suspended from the gambrel. * Symmetrical gambrel: a gambrel which is symmetrical in shape, where the gambrel is suspended from a point in the middle and the two ends of the gambrel point outwards. An example of this is a W-shaped gambrel. * Bachelor gambrel: a gambrel shaped such that the two ends are pointing in the same direction which allows the carcass to be removed by sliding off in one direction. One end is therefore pointing outwards, while the other is pointing inwards. * Skid: an implement with a hook at the bottom to carry a gambrel and a hook at the top to suspend it from a meat rail. Skids are typically pushed 5 along the top of meat rails by conveying devices to convey carcasses. * Integrated skid and gambrel: an implement including a skid and a gambrel wherein the gambrel is permanently attached to the skid. * De-gambreller: a device for removing a carcass from a gambrel. 0 2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a typical meat processing facility, animal carcasses are transported throughout the plant by overhead conveyors, with the carcass suspended from the conveyor rail by a skid and gambrel arrangement. While many processing operations are carried out on the carcass while it is thus suspended, in every case there is a necessity to remove the carcass from the gambrel to complete the processing operation. This is typically done by manual lifting, which is heavy work, and for many operations requires a dedicated labour unit. It would therefore be advantageous to have a mechanical device which can automatically remove the carcass from the gambrel, thus reducing physical strain and giving an opportunity to reduce labour costs. While most processing operations are very labour intensive, there are now a number of automated devices developed or under development for meat processing. One of the limiting factors in being able to implement full processing automation is in the reliable handling of carcasses, in particular being able to remove the carcass from the gambrel and further process it from there. An example of this is Robotic Technologies Ltd's lamb hindquarter boning machine as disclosed in NZ 536588 and lamb primal separation system as disclosed in NZ 540749. In this latter machine, the whole carcass is separated into forequarter, middle and hindquarter sections while the carcass is suspended from the meat rail, with the hindquarter remaining on the meat rail at the end of the process. In the former machine, the hindquarter needs to be removed from the gambrel before it 5 can be processed therein. It would therefore be advantageous to have a mechanical device which can automatically remove a carcass or carcass portion from a gambrel in a controlled manner, such that it can be automatically loaded into another machine or device for further processing. O GB 2,025,883 discloses a device in which a carcass suspended from an overhead conveyor is removed from a gambrel. In this device, the carcass hanging from a 3 bachelor gambrel is turned such that the ends of the gambrel are pointing in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. A barrier then causes the carcass to remain stationary while the skid and gambrel continue to travel along the meat rail thus separating from the carcass. While this is known to be a useful device, it is limited in that it will only work with a bachelor gambrel and it does not provide any means of further control for the carcass. Reference to any prior art in this specification does not constitute an admission that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. It would be desirable to provide a de-gambrelling system which automatically removes a carcass from a gambrel in a controlled manner and can be adapted to a variety of different gambrel styles, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to one exemplary embodiment there is provided a meat processing system comprising: a meat rail; a skid or multitude of skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; a gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an animal carcass or carcass portion; and a de-gambrelling apparatus configured to remove the carcass or carcass portion from the gambrel without human assistance. Preferably the de-gambrelling device includes means to hold the gambrel steady relative to the de-gambrelling device. 5 Preferably the de-gambrelling device includes means to lift the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take the weight off the gambrel. Preferably the de gambrelling device has means to push the legs of the carcass or carcass portion off the gambrel. Preferably the means to hold the gambrel steady is also able to remove the gambrel from the skid or otherwise allow the skid to be removed from o the gambrel. Preferably the de-gambrelling device has means to support the carcass or carcass portion after it has been removed from the gambrel. 4 According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided a de-gambrelling apparatus for use with a meat processing system comprising: a meat rail; a skid or multitude of skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; and a gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an animal carcass or carcass portion; such that the de-gambrelling apparatus is configured to remove the carcass or carcass portion from the gambrel without human assistance.. Preferably the de-gambrelling apparatus includes means to hold the gambrel steady relative to the de-gambrelling apparatus. Preferably the de gambrelling apparatus includes means to lift the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take the weight off the gambrel. Preferably the de-gambrelling apparatus has means to push the legs of the carcass or carcass portion off the gambrel. Preferably the means to hold the gambrel steady is also able to remove the gambrel from the skid or otherwise allow the skid to be removed from the gambrel. Preferably the de-gambrelling apparatus has means to support the carcass or carcass portion after it has been removed from the gambrel. According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided a method of removing a carcass or carcass portion from a gambrel comprising: holding the gambrel steady; lifting the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take the weight off the gambrel while the gambrel is being held steady; and moving the legs of the carcass or carcass portion sideways while the carcass or carcass portion is being lifted, such that the legs are removed from the gambrel. Preferably the gambrel is then removed from the skid or the gambrel is held so that the skid can be removed 5 from the gambrel. Preferably the carcass or carcass portion is supported after it has been removed from the gambrel. In a further exemplary embodiment the invention provides a de-gambrelling apparatus for use with a meat processing system including: a meat rail; one or more skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; and a 0 gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an 5 animal carcass or carcass portion, the gambrel having a first section configured to engage with a first leg of the carcass or carcass portion and a second section configured to engage with a second leg of the carcass or carcass portion; the de gambrelling apparatus including a lifter configured to lift the carcass or carcass portion independently of the gambrel and pushing means configured to cause relative motion of the leg or legs of the carcass or carcass portion and the gambrel to remove the carcass or carcass portion from the gambrel. Preferably the de-gambrelling apparatus includes means to hold the gambrel steady relative to the de-gambrelling apparatus. Preferably the lifter is configured to lift the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take the weight off the gambrel while the gambrel is being held steady. Preferably the pushing means is configured to move the legs of the carcass or carcass portion sideways while the carcass or carcass portion is being lifted, such that the legs are removed from the gambrel. Preferably the gambrel is a symmetrical gambrel. Preferably the pushing means are configured to move the two legs in opposite directions such that the legs are spread apart. Alternatively the gambrel is a bachelor gambrel. In this case the pushing means may be configured to move the two legs in the same direction. O Preferably the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid. Preferably the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid and the means to hold the gambrel steady is configured to remove the gambrel from the skid. Preferably the means to hold the gambrel steady is configured to allow the skid to be moved away from the gambrel. 5 Preferably the de-gambrelling apparatus includes means to support the carcass or carcass portion after it is removed from the gambrel. 6 Preferably the means to support the carcass or carcass portion includes the lifter and a separate steadying arrangement configured to steady the carcass or carcass portion on the lifter. Preferably the steadying arrangement includes curved bars configured to cradle the carcass or carcass portion legs. In a further exemplary embodiment the invention provides a meat processing system including: a meat rail; one or more skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; a gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an animal carcass or carcass portion; and a de-gambrelling apparatus as described in the previous aspect. In a further exemplary embodiment the invention provides a method of removing a carcass or carcass portion from a gambrel using a de-grambrelling apparatus including a steadying means, a lifter and a pushing means, the gambrel having a first section configured to engage with a first leg of the carcass or carcass portion and a second section configured to engage with a second leg of the carcass or carcass portion, the method including the steps of: the steadying means holding the gambrel steady; the lifter lifting the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take its weight off the gambrel while the gambrel is being held steady; and the pushing means moving the legs of the carcass or carcass portion relative to the gambrel while the carcass or carcass portion is being lifted, such that the legs are removed from the gambrel. Preferably the gambrel is a symmetrical gambrel and the two legs are moved in opposite directions such that the legs are spread apart. Alternatively the gambrel is a bachelor gambrel and the two legs are moved in the 5 same direction. Preferably the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid and following removal of the carcass or carcass portion the gambrel is removed from the skid. 7 Preferably the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid and following removal of the carcass or carcass portion the skid is moved away from the gambrel. Preferably the method also includes supporting the carcass or carcass portion after it has been removed from the gambrel. It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components that the use directly references, but optionally also the inclusion of other non-specified components or elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of embodiments which is given by way of example only below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 shows a symmetrical gambrel suspended from a skid which is in turn suspended from a meat rail. 5 Figure 2 shows a bachelor gambrel suspended from a skid which is in turn suspended from a meat rail. Figure 3 shows an integrated skid and gambrel suspended from a meat rail. 8 Figures 4 to 8 show an apparatus for degambrelling lamb hindquarters from a meat rail and dropping them onto a conveyor belt. The hindquarters are being conveyed continuously on the meat rail at the point of de-gambrelling. Figures 9 and 10 show an apparatus for loading lamb hindquarters into a processing machine, which incorporates a de-gambrellor to remove the hindquarter from the gambrel before loading. The hindquarters are stationary on the meat rail at the point of de-gambrelling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 a typical symmetrical gambrel 2 is shown suspended from a typical skid 1, which is in turn suspended from a typical meat rail 5. In this case, where the gambrel 2 is shaped like a "W" the carcass would hang by its hocks from the lower points of the gambrel. This arrangement is typically conveyed by pushing means on the skid 1, causing it to slide along the meat rail 5. Figure 2 shows a variation on the arrangement of figure 1 where a bachelor gambrel 3 is used instead of a symmetrical gambrel 2. The bachelor gambrel 3 is configured so that the two hook sections that the carcass hocks hang from are pointing the same way, allowing the carcass to be removed without having to spread the legs apart. Figure 3 shows a variation on figures 1 and 2 whereby the gambrel is permanently 5 attached to the skid to form an integrated skid and gambrel 4. The gambrel is still free to rotate relative to the skid, but can never be removed from the skid. Figures 4 to 8 show a de-gambreller 7 configured to remove a hindquarter 13 from a symmetrical gambrel 2, after which the gambrel 2 is separated from the skid 1. In 0 this de-gambreller, the de-gambrelling sequence occurs while the hindquarter continues to be conveyed. Note that all actuations are triggered mechanically by a 9 cam mechanism. However, it would be clear to those skilled in the art that other methods can be used such as electronic sensing means. Figure 4 shows the skid 1 and gambrel 2 conveying along the rail 5 without the hindquarter for clarity. In this view the skid 1 and gambrel 2 have just entered the de-gambrelling area. Note that there would normally be a guide rail at hock height to ensure that the hindquarter stays in the same approximate orientation. This has been omitted for clarity. At this point, the skid 1 disengages from the main rail conveyor, and the skid 1 is instead moved by the de-gambreller pusher 14. The gambrel clamp 8 is in a position directly above the gambrel. In figure 5 the gambrel clamp 8 has been lowered to the top of the gambrel 2 and a keeper pin in the clamp 8 has been advanced to securely support the gambrel. Figure 6 shows the hindquarter 13 having just been released from the gambrel 2. A lifting or support means, in the form of a hindquarter lifter 10 has lifted to take the weight of the hindquarter 13 off the gambrel 2. Thus the lifting or support means is configured to lift or support the carcass independently of the gambrel. Following or in parallel with this operation, pushing means in the form of leg spreaders 11 have separated the legs of the hindquarter 13 to disengage them from the gambrel 2. It would be clear to those skilled in the art that the equivalent result can be achieved with a bachelor clamp by pushing the legs sideways in the same direction rather than spreading them. Generally the pushing means causes relative motion between the carcass and the gambrel, usually relative lateral motion 5 (where 'lateral' means that motion of the carcass legs is towards the gambrel ends). Following leg disengagement, the hindquarter lifter 10 lowers to allow the hindquarter 13 to drop onto a collection point such as a conveyor belt below. In figure 7, the skid 1 has reached a position where the meat rail 5 has lowered. o The skid 1 therefore lowers also, while the gambrel 2 supported by the gambrel clamp 8 stays at the same height to separate the gambrel from the skid. 10 In figure 8, the support arm of the gambrel clamp 8 has swung backwards relative to the de-gambreller pusher 14. The gambrel clamp 8 is now free to drop the gambrel 2 by retracting the keeper pin, while the de-gambreller pusher 14 continues to push the skid 1 until it slides down the incline slope of the meat rail 5 and falls off the end. It would be clear to those skilled in the art that where an integrated skid and gambrel 4 as shown in figure 3 is used, this separation step (i.e. for separating the skid and gambrel) is not needed. The gambrel clamp 8 will then reset relative to the de-gambreller pusher 14, while the de-gambreller pusher continues its motion back to the start position of figure 4. Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative de-gambrelling apparatus 30 configured to remove a lamb hindquarter 13 from a symmetrical gambrel 2. The operating principle is similar to the de-gambreller 7 of figures 4 to 8. However, in this embodiment, the hindquarter 13 does not convey along the meat rail 5 while it is being de-gambrelled. Figure 10 shows that in addition to the features of the de-gambreller 7 of figures 4 to 8, this embodiment has provision to transfer the hindquarter 13 in a controlled manner to another processing area. The leg spreaders 11 and gambrel clamp 8 are on an apparatus mounted close to the meat rail 5. The lifting or support means, in the form of hindquarter lifter 10, however, is mounted on a separate apparatus that can move away from the rail. Also on this apparatus are leg supports 31 which ensure that the hindquarter 13 stays in a known position on the apparatus while it 5 is being transferred. The leg supports 31 act as a steadying arrangement, which in combination with the hindquarter lifter 10 supports the carcass or carcass portion after it has been removed from the gambrel. Alternatively other forms of curved bar could be used which cradle the carcass legs, or even other parts of the carcass. The de-gambrelling apparatus of either Figures 4 to 8 or Figures 9 and 10 can be 0 incorporated in any desired meat processing system. The meat processing system may include any other required machinery, as would be clear to the skilled reader. 11 While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept. 12

Claims

1. A de-gambrelling apparatus of a meat processing system including: a meat rail; one or more skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; and a gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an animal carcass or carcass portion, the gambrel having a first section configured to engage with a first leg of the carcass or carcass portion and a second section configured to engage with a second leg of the carcass or carcass portion; the de-gambrelling apparatus including a lifter configured to lift the carcass or carcass portion independently of the gambrel and pushing means configured to cause relative motion of the leg or legs of the carcass or carcass portion and the gambrel to remove the carcass or carcass portion from the gambrel.

2. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including means to hold the gambrel steady relative to the de-gambrelling apparatus.

3. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lifter is configured to lift the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take the weight of the carcass or carcass portion off the gambrel while the gambrel is being held steady.

4. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein 0 the pushing means is configured to move the legs of the carcass or carcass portion sideways while the carcass or carcass portion is being lifted, such that the legs are removed from the gambrel.

5. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the gambrel is a symmetrical gambrel and the pushing means are 5 configured to move the two legs in opposite directions such that the legs are spread apart. 13

6. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the gambrel is a bachelor gambrel and the pushing means are configured to move the two legs in the same direction.

7. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid and the means to hold the gambrel steady is configured to remove the gambrel from the skid.

8. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means to hold the gambrel steady is configured to allow the skid to be moved away from the gambrel.

9. A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim including means to support the carcass or carcass portion after it is removed from the gambrel.

10.A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the means to support the carcass or carcass portion includes the lifter and a separate steadying arrangement configured to steady the carcass or carcass portion on the lifter.

11.A de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the steadying arrangement includes curved bars configured to cradle the carcass or carcass portion legs. 0

12.A meat processing system including: a meat rail; one or more skids configured to hang from and be conveyed on the meat rail; a gambrel hanging from each skid where the gambrel is configured to support an animal carcass or carcass portion; and a de-gambrelling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 5

13.A method of removing a carcass or carcass portion from a gambrel using a de-grambrelling apparatus including a steadying means, a lifter and a pushing means, the gambrel having a first section configured to engage 14 with a first leg of the carcass or carcass portion and a second section configured to engage with a second leg of the carcass or carcass portion, the method including the steps of: i. the steadying means holding the gambrel steady; ii. the lifter lifting the carcass or carcass portion sufficiently to take its weight off the gambrel while the gambrel is being held steady; and iii. the pushing means moving the legs of the carcass or carcass portion relative to the gambrel while the carcass or carcass portion is being lifted, such that the legs are removed from the gambrel.

14.A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gambrel is a symmetrical gambrel and the two legs are moved in opposite directions such that the legs are spread apart.

15.A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gambrel is a bachelor gambrel and the two legs are moved in the same direction.

16.A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid, including the further step, following removal of the carcass or carcass portion, of removing the gambrel from the skid.

17.A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gambrel is not permanently attached to the skid, including the further step, following removal of the 0 carcass or carcass portion, of moving the skid away from the gambrel.

18.A method as claimed in claim 13 including the additional step of supporting the carcass or carcass portion after it has been removed from the gambrel.

19.A de-gambrelling apparatus substantially as herein described with reference 5 to Figures 4 to 8 of the accompanying drawings. 15

20.A de-gambrelling apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings. 16