AU2012216416B2 - Improved Carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT A gambrel stabiliser apparatus, the apparatus including: a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path; and at least one gambrel stabiliser; including a body portion and a gambrel support member configured to engage with a gambrel, wherein the at least one gambrel stabiliser is attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor such that the gambrel stabiliser is conveyed about the endless path. 200a -~ 1 2 Figure 1 I of 6

Description

James & Wells ref: 46075/79 KNT Improved Carrier STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 594533, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 10 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an improved carrier. In particular, the invention relates to an improved carrier for supporting a carcase which is being conveyed through a meat processing plant. The present invention also relates to an Improved meat processing plant which includes 15 the improved carrier. BACKGROUND ART At present carcasses are partly or fully conveyed through a meat processing plant along an overhead rail system via a skid and gambrel assembly. 20 In use, the skid is hung over a rail and moved via a pusher along the rail system to convey the carcase through the various processing stations at a plant. Suspended from the skid is the gambrel which supports the carcase via its hocks. However, a problem with conventional skid and gambrel assemblies is that the gambrel is able to freely rotate (spin) and swing about a vertical axis. This uncontrolled swinging, twisting, and 25 spinning of the carcase can make various processing steps difficult and more time consuming. Movement of a carcase is particularly undesirable when automated meat processing equipment is used to perform processing functions on suspended carcases. The reason for this is that it becomes vastly more complicated to configure an automated processing device to adapt to and compensate for the multitude of positions that a freely hanging carcase can take. 30 It would therefore be useful if there could be provided a way of preventing or reducing the degree of uncontrolled twisting currently exhibited by carcases as they travel along a conveyor in a meat processing plant. The twisting of the carcase is generally caused by any changes in momentum as the carcase moves along the conveyor. It would also be useful if there could be provided a way of controlling the amount of twisting or 35 spinning a carcase can undergo at a given point in the processing plant and also allow for twisting or spinning of the carcase at process stations where this is required.

James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this 10 reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, 15 or group of elements, integers or steps. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which Is given by way of example only. 20 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION A gambrel stabiliser apparatus, the apparatus including: " a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path; and " at least one gambrel stabiliser including a body portion and a gambrel support member 25 configured to engage with a gambrel, wherein the at least one gambrel stabiliser is attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor such that the gambrel stabiliser is conveyed about the endless path. In preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser apparatus is configured to stabilise a gambrel attached to a skid and gambrel conveyor. 30 In especially preferred embodiments the skid and gambrel conveyor is the main dressing conveyor of a meat processing plant. In the context of the present invention, a skid and gambrel will be understood to describe a standard skid and gambrel assembly as used in the meat processing industry. Such assemblies include a body portion having an upper hook for attaching the body portion to a skid and 35 gambrel conveyor and a lower connection which allows connection of a gambrel. The lower connection allows substantially free motion of the gambrel. Free motion of the gambrel and carcase suspended thereon is advantageous for some stages of meat processing. Many 2 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 different skid and gambrel configurations are known in the art, including, but not limited to a standard skid and gambrel; a batchelor gambrel with a re-entrant hook on one side; and plastic versions of the aforementioned. In preferred embodiments a region of adjacent travel is provided between the gambrel stabiliser and a skid and gambrel conveyor. A region of adjacent travel refers to a position whereby the 10 path of the one or more skid(s) located on a skid and gambrel conveyor and the one or more gambrel support member(s) associated with a gambrel stabiliser conveyor travel substantially parallel to, and in close proximity to, one another. In preferred embodiments the body portion of the gambrel stabiliser is configured to attach the gambrel support member to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor. 15 In preferred embodiments, in use, the gambrel stabiliser apparatus is configured to position the gambrel support member below or adjacent a gambrel when the gambrel is in the region of adjacent travel. In preferred embodiments the, or each, gambrel support member is configured to engage with a gambrel. Engagement of the, or each, gambrel support member with a gambrel may include, 20 but should not be limited to: " clamping of a portion of the gambrel; " bearing a portion of the weight of the gambrel. Engagement of a gambrel support member with a gambrel has the effect of restricting the orientation and movement of the gambrel relative to the position and alignment of the gambrel 25 support member. It will be appreciated that the exact configuration of the gambrel support member will depend upon the type of gambrel that is to be stabilised and therefore the exact configuration of the gambrel support member should not be seen as being limiting. In especially preferred embodiments the gambrel support member includes a contoured groove into which a portion of a gambrel may be located. 30 In some preferred embodiments the gambrel support member may include a guide portion which directs a gambrel into, or onto, the support member. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that by directing the gambrel a carcase supported by the gambrel is also directed and can thereby be prevented from making contact with the gambrel support member Preventing the carcase from contacting the gambrel support member mitigates the likelihood of 35 cross contamination between carcases. Therefore the guide portion redirects the gambrel to which a carcase is attached, but preferably does not touch the carcase. 3 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 In preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser conveyor may comprise an endless drive, such as a belt, cable or chain system. The, or each, gambrel stabiliser may be attached to, or form part of, the endless drive. In other preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser conveyor may comprise a horizontally orientated wheel, such as a bullwheel or the like, the, or each, gambrel stabiliser being 10 positioned about the periphery of the wheel. In some preferred embodiments the, or each, gambrel stabiliser may be attached to, or form part of, a gambrel stabiliser conveyor. For example, where the gambrel stabiliser conveyor is a rotating wheel the, or each, gambrel support member depends from the wheel. In other embodiments the, or each, gambrel stabiliser may be attached to an endless drive 15 which forms part of a gambrel stabiliser conveyor, such as but not limited to, a belt or chain. In preferred embodiments the, or each, gambrel stabiliser includes an attachment portion which attaches the gambrel stabiliser to the endless drive. Preferably the attachment portion forms a part of, or is attached to, the body portion of the gambrel stabiliser. It will be appreciated that the, or each, gambrel stabiliser could be attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor in any 20 number of ways, such as clamps, bolts, welding, crimping or the like, and therefore the manner of attachment should not be seen as limiting. In some embodiments the, or each, gambrel stabiliser may include a weight bearing member. In preferred embodiments that include a weight bearing member, the path travelled by the, or each, gambrel stabiliser passes adjacent to a support member, for example a rail. The 25 configuration, in use, is such that the weight bearing member of a gambrel stabiliser abuts against a surface of the support member such that the support member bears a substantial portion of the weight of the gambrel stabiliser and any object that may be attached thereto. In some preferred embodiments the weight bearing member Is a roller. In other embodiments the weight bearing member may be a skid, a slider or any other means capable of transferring 30 the weight bom by the gambrel stabiliser to the adjacent rail whilst still allowing substantially friction free motion of the gambrel stabiliser. In some preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser includes a damping apparatus. It will be appreciated that in some situations a suspended carcase may continue to swing or rotate for some time after the gambrel to which it is attached has been stabilised. It may 35 therefore be necessary to absorb or damp the swinging or rotation of a carcase relative to the gambrel to which it is attached. This allows the carcase to reach a steady state position more quickly and therefore allows the meat processing operation to proceed more rapidly. 4 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 In preferred embodiments the damping apparatus includes: " a contact portion, and " a cleaning system, wherein the contact portion is configured to abut a portion of a suspended carcase, thereby damping or otherwise removing any undesired motion of the carcase relative to the gambrel to 10 which the carcase is attached; and wherein the cleaning system cleans the contact portion between each carcase abutting the contact surface. Preferably the cleaning fluid used by the cleaning system only comes into contact with the portion of the damping apparatus to be cleaned, not the carcase. 15 In some preferred embodiments the contact portion is a rotating wheel, whereby the carcase abuts a portion of the periphery of the wheel. Reference to a wheel throughout this specification should be understood to refer to any device having a substantially circular body configured to rotate about a central axis, and includes a disc. 20 If the wheel rotates so that the contact portion of the wheel travels at the same speed as a carcase travels along the skid and gambrel conveyor, any relative motion between the carcase and contact portion will be damped due to friction between the carcase and the contact portion. In some preferred embodiments the contact portion is a belt It will be appreciated that a belt can provide both a longer duration damping operation due to being able to run parallel to the 25 path of travel of the carcase and a longer duration cleaning process as the length of the belt is not restricted. Furthermore a belt allows the cleaning operation to be isolated from the carcase delivery system, thereby mitigating any chance of cleaning fluid contaminating a carcase. Suitable cleaning systems are well known in the art and therefore the exact configuration should not be seen as being limiting. 30 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a carcase conveyance apparatus, including: ' a skid and gambrel assembly including a skid and gambrel conveyor which mobilises a plurality of skids and associated gambrels along a defined path; and - a gambrel stabiliser apparatus including a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an 35 endless path, and at least one gambrel stabiliser, wherein the defined paths of the skid and gambrel conveyor and the endless path of the gambrel stabiliser conveyor include at least one region of adjacent travel in which the 5 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 separation between the skid and gambrel conveyor and the gambrel stabiliser conveyor is such that a gambrel attached on the skid and gambrel conveyor can engage with a gambrel stabiliser attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor. In preferred embodiments in which the gambrel stabiliser conveyor includes a wheel, the region of adjacent travel comprises an arc defined by a portion of the periphery of the wheel. 10 In preferred embodiments in which the gambrel stabiliser includes a weight bearing member and an associated rail member, the rail member is positioned along at least part of the region of adjacent travel between the skid and gambrel conveyor and the gambrel stabiliser conveyor. in some preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser includes a directing portion. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that in order for a gambrel stabiliser to engage with a 15 gambrel it must be positioned immediately adjacent the gambrel prior to the said engagement. This requirement for close positioning requires that the gambrel stabiliser be held away from the skid and gambrel as the gambrel stabiliser conveyor and skid and gambrel conveyor approach the region of adjacent travel. This ensures no unintentional contact is made between a gambrel stabiliser and a skid and gambrel or animal carcase. 20 In preferred embodiments the directing portion is either a directing wheel or a skid which abuts a guide rail. The guide rail causes the, or each, gambrel support member of a gambrel stabiliser to tilt away from a skid and gambrel as the region of adjacent travel between the gambrel stabiliser and skid and gambrel is approached. Once the gambrel stabiliser and skid and gambrel are travelling in the region of adjacent travel, the guide rail is configured to tilt the 25 gambrel support member of the gambrel stabiliser into a position immediately adjacent the gambrel. In preferred embodiments the guide rail is an angulated rail The exact configuration of the angulated rail will depend upon the particular configuration of the gambrel stabiliser. In some preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser conveyor may be driven by or from the 30 skid and gambrel conveyor. In other embodiments the skid and gambrel conveyor may be driven by, or from, the gambrel stabiliser conveyor. It will be appreciated that by driving the gambrel stabiliser conveyor from the skid and gambrel conveyor or vice versa, the speeds and relative positions of skid and gambrels and gambrel stabilisers may be synchronised. 35 In some preferred embodiments the gambrel stabiliser conveyor and skid and gambrel conveyor are driven separately. In such embodiments the synchronisation between the conveyors is maintained by an electronic control system as are well known in the art and therefore the use of any particular electronic control system should not be seen as limiting. 6 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 In preferred embodiments a gambrel support member makes contact with a gambrel in a manner which prevents independent movement of the gambrel with respect to the gambrel support member for at least a portion of the region of adjacent travel. In some preferred embodiments the length of the region of adjacent travel is less than the total length of the skid and gambrel conveyor. 10 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of stabilising a carcase suspended from a skid and gambrel assembly with a gambrel stabiliser apparatus, the skid and gambrel assembly including a skid and gambrel conveyor which mobilises a plurality of skids and associated gambrels along a defined path, the gambrel stabiliser apparatus including a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path, and at least one gambrel stabiliser, 15 wherein the paths of the skid and gambrel conveyor and gambrel stabiliser conveyor include at least one region of adjacent travel the method including: a. positioning a gambrel support member associated with a gambrel stabiliser apparatus adjacent a skid and associated gambrel in the region of adjacent travel; and b. engaging the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the associated gambrel, 20 wherein engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel prevents relative movement between the gambrel and the gambrel support member. In some preferred embodiments engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel includes raising the gambrel support member adjacent to and below a gambrel such that at least a portion of the weight of the gambrel and any object attached 25 thereto is supported by the gambrel support member. In other preferred embodiments engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel includes lowering a skid and associated gambrel such that the gambrel becomes engaged with a gambrel support member adjacent to and below the gambrel such that at least a portion of the weight of the gambrel and any object attached thereto is supported 30 by the gambrel support member. The present invention may have a number of advantages over prior art systems including: - helping to prevent and/or minimise the amount of twisting or spinning a suspended carcase is subjected to whilst being conveyed; - the ability to utilise the present invention in relation to existing skid and gambrels; and 3s - the ability to still allow for rotation of the carcase when required by disengaging the gambrel stabiliser from the gambrel. 7 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective of a portion of one preferred embodiment of the present 10 invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective of a further portion of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a gambrel stabiliser according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 15 Fiqure 5 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 including a preferred embodiment of a damping apparatus, and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of further preferred embodiment of a damping apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 20 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With respect to Figures 1 - 3 there is shown a gambrel stabiliser apparatus, as generally indicated by arrow 1. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus includes a gambrel stabiliser 2 which is attached to a gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3. The gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 includes an endless support belt 7 (of which only a portion is shown in Figure 1), the endless support belt 7 25 defines an endless path in the form of an oval as indicated by arrows A in Figure 3. The, or each, gambrel stabiliser 2 is attached to the endless support belt 7 and is thus transported endlessly around the oval path A. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus I also includes a skid and gambrel conveyor in the form of main dressing conveyor 4 (of which only a portion is shown) onto which one or more skids 5 and associated gambrels 6 are attached. The path defined by 30 the main dressing conveyor 4 is defined by arrows B in Figure 3 and includes a region of adjacent travel X with gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 path A, this is most clearly shown in Figure 3. With reference to Figure 4, the gambrel stabiliser 2 includes body portion 8, attachment portion 14 and gambrel support member 9. The gambrel support member 9 has a contoured groove 10 35 into which a gambrel is engaged. The gambrel stabiliser 2 also includes guide portions 11 which direct a gambrel into alignment with the contoured groove 10 prior to engagement. Attached to body portion 8 are a weight bearing member in the form of support wheel 12, and a directing portion in the form of directing wheel 13. 8 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 To aid in the understanding of the gambrel stabiliser apparatus, it will now be described by way of operation in a meat processing plant. It will be understood that the description provided is of a single implementation of the gambrel stabiliser apparatus and should therefore not be seen as being limiting. With reference to Figure 5 there is shown an isometric view of a gambrel stabiliser apparatus, 10 as generally indicated by arrow 1. Gambrel stabiliser apparatus 1 includes a gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 which rotates clockwise, as indicated by arrows A, and a main dressing conveyor 4 (of which only a portion is visible in Figure 5 behind the gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3) which conveys skid and gambrel assemblies, as indicated by arrows B. Gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 and main dressing conveyor 4 share a region of adjacent travel which in Figure 5 faces away 15 from the viewer. This region of travel is more clearly shown in Figure 3. The gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 transports gambrel stabilisers 2 about an endless path defined by the conveyor 3. Main dressing conveyor 4 transports skid 5 and gambrel 6 assemblies about a defined path (of which only a portion is shown). As the paths of the gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 and main dressing conveyor 4 converge, in the region indicated by arrow 200a, each gambrel stabiliser 2 20 approaches the region of adjacent travel X, as shown in Figure 3, directing wheel 13 (shown in Figure 4) abuts angulated guide rail 105, causing the gambrel support member of the gambrel stabiliser to tilt away from the main dressing conveyor 4 and thereby provides clearance for a gambrel stabiliser 2 and a skid 5 and gambrel 6 to align without contact. As gambrel stabiliser 2 and skid 5 and gambrel 6 enter the region of adjacent travel X the 25 angulated guide rail 105 has a reduced degree of angulation and the gambrel support member 9 of the gambrel stabiliser 2 rotates under the gambrel 6. As the gambrel stabiliser 2 rotates under the gambrel 6 guide portions 11 direct the gambrel 6 into a desired alignment. Once gambrel stabiliser 2 and skid 5 and gambrel 6 are in alignment in the region of adjacent travel X, support wheel 12 of gambrel stabiliser 2 abuts rail 107. Rail 107 includes an upwardly 30 ramped leading end (not shown). The upwardly ramped leading end of rail 107 lifts gambrel stabilisers 2 by way of support wheel 12 causing gambrel support members 9 to engage with gambrels 6, thereby stabilising the gambrel and any object connected thereto (not shown). As gambrel stabiliser 2 approach the end of the region of adjacent travel X rail 107 ramps downward, lowering gambrel stabilisers 2 by way of support wheel 12 causing gambrel support 35 members 9 to disengage with gambrels 6, thereby freeing the gambrel and any object connected thereto (not shown). As the paths of the gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 and main dressing conveyor 4 diverge, in the region indicated by arrow 200b, directing wheel 13 (shown in Figure 4) abuts angulated guide rail 105b, causing the gambrel support members 9 of the gambrel stabiliser 2 to tilt away from 40 the main dressing conveyor 4 and providing clearance for a gambrel stabiliser 2 and a skid 5 and gambrel 6 to move apart without contact. 9 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT 5 The spacing of gambrel stabilisers 2 is such that they align with skids 5 and gambrels 6 in the region of adjacent travel X. With respect to Figure 5 there is shown a gambrel stabiliser apparatus, as generally indicated by arrow 1. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus having a damping apparatus 200, including a contact portion defined by the periphery 201a of wheel 201 and a cleaning system 202. Wheel 10 201 is driven directly from gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 and has a diameter which matches the speed that outer periphery 201 a travels with respect to carcases 203 transported along the main dressing conveyor 4. As carcase 203 is transported along the conveyor 4 (in a direction from left to right as viewed by the reader) each skid 5 and gambrel 6 is stabilised by a gambrel stabiliser 2 in the manner described above. As the carcase passes around the left end of the is gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3 the carcase abuts the outer periphery 201a of wheel 201. Because the outer periphery 201a of the wheel 201 and the carcase are travelling at the same speed any relative movement between the carcase and outer periphery 201a of the wheel 201 is damped by way of friction there between. As the wheel 201 rotates it passes through cleaning apparatus 202 which cleans the carcase contacting portion of the wheel 201. This 20 ensures no cross contamination occurs between carcases. The cleaning system is configured in such a way to prevent the cleaning fluid from contacting any carcases. With respect to Figure 6 there is shown an alternative damping apparatus, as indicated by arrow 1, including a contact portion defined by an endless belt 301 and a cleaning system, which is not visible in Figure 6. Endless belt 301 is driven by wheel 302 which is driven directly 25 from gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3. The wheel 302 may be geared or may have a diameter which ensures the outer periphery travels at the same speed as carcases (not shown in Figure 6) are transported along the main dressing conveyor 4. Because the endless belt 301 is driven directly from wheel 302 the surface of the endless belt 301 travels at the same speed as carcases, not shown, transported on the main dressing conveyor 4. It will be appreciated that a 30 belt is not restricted in length or path, therefore the belt can be extended to provide damping at any point along the length of the main dressing conveyor 4. The endless belt 301 depicted in Figure 6 is positioned at one end of the gambrel stabiliser conveyor 3, however it will be appreciated that the length of the damping region can be lengthened compared to an apparatus that uses a wheel alone. 35 The cleaning apparatus of Figure 6 is positioned under the gambrel stabiliser conveyor 4 and as such cannot be seen. In use the endless belt 301 passes through the cleaning apparatus prior to making first contact with each carcase. This prevents cross contamination between carcases. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be 40 appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 10

Claims (23)

1. A gambrel stabiliser apparatus, the apparatus including: - a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path; and - at least one gambrel stabiliser; including a body portion and a gambrel support member configured to engage with a gambrel, wherein the at least one gambrel stabiliser is attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor such that the gambrel stabiliser is conveyed about the endless path.

2. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body portion attaches the gambrel support member to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor.

3. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in either one of claims I or 2 wherein the gambrel support member includes a contoured groove into which a portion of a gambrel may be located.

4. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 3 wherein the gambrel support member includes a guide portion configured to direct a gambrel into, or onto, the support member.

5. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the gambrel stabiliser includes a weight bearing member configured to abut against a surface of a support member such that the support member bears a substantial portion of the weight of the gambrel stabiliser and any object that may be attached thereto.

6. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the weight bearing member is one of a roller, a skid, or a slider.

7. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the gambrel stabiliser includes a damping apparatus including a contact portion and a cleaning system.

8. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the contact portion is a periphery of a rotating wheel.

9. The gambrel stabiliser apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the contact portion is a belt. 11 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT

10. A carcase conveyance apparatus, including: - a skid and gambrel assembly including a skid and gambrel conveyor which mobilises a plurality of skids and associated gambrels along a defined path; and a gambrel stabiliser apparatus including a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path, and at least one gambrel stabiliser, wherein the defined paths of the skid and gambrel conveyor and the endless path of the gambrel stabiliser conveyor include at least one region of adjacent travel in which the separation between the skid and gambrel conveyor and the gambrel stabiliser conveyor is such that a gambrel attached on the skid and gambrel conveyor can engage with a gambrel stabiliser attached to the gambrel stabiliser conveyor.

11. The carcase conveyance apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the gambrel stabiliser apparatus includes a damping apparatus having a contact portion and a cleaning system, wherein the damping apparatus is positioned in the region of adjacent travel.

12. A carcase conveyance apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the damping apparatus includes a horizontally orientated wheel the periphery of which forms the contact portion.

13. A carcase conveyance apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the gambrel stabiliser apparatus includes at least one gambrel stabiliser having a body portion and a gambrel support member configured to engage with a gambrel.

14. A carcase conveyance apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the at least one gambrel stabiliser includes a weight bearing member configured to abut a support member associated with the gambrel stabiliser apparatus.

15. A carcase conveyance apparatus as claimed in claim any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the at least one gambrel stabiliser apparatus includes a directing wheel or skid which abuts a guide rail associated with the gambrel stabiliser apparatus.

16. A method of stabilising a carcase suspended from a skid and gambrel assembly with a gambrel stabiliser apparatus, the skid and gambrel assembly including a skid and gambrel conveyor which mobilises a plurality of skids and associated gambrels along a defined path, the gambrel stabiliser apparatus including a gambrel stabiliser conveyor defining an endless path and at least one gambrel stabiliser, wherein the paths of the skid and gambrel conveyor and gambrel stabiliser conveyor include at least one region of adjacent travel, the method including: 12 James & Wells ref: 46075 /79 KNT a. positioning a gambrel support member associated with a gambrel stabiliser apparatus adjacent a skid and associated gambrel in the region of adjacent travel; and b. engaging the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the associated gambrel, wherein engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel prevents relative movement between the gambrel and the gambrel support member.

17. The method of stabilising a carcase as claimed in claim 16 wherein engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel involves positioning the gambrel support member adjacent to and below a gambrel such that at least a portion of the weight of the gambrel and any object attached thereto is supported by the gambrel support member.

18. The method of stabilising a carcase as claimed in claim 16 wherein engagement of the gambrel support member with at least a portion of the gambrel involves lowering a skid and associated gambrel such that the gambrel becomes engaged with a gambrel support member adjacent to and below the gambrel such that at least a portion of the weight of the gambrel and any object attached thereto is supported by the gambrel support member.

19. The method of stabilising a carcase as claimed in either one of claims 17 or 18 wherein the gambrel support member includes a weight bearing member, whereby weight supported by the gambrel support member is transferred by way of the weight bearing member to a support member associated with the gambrel stabiliser apparatus.

20. The method of stabilising a carcase as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the gambrel stabiliser apparatus includes a damping apparatus having a contact portion and a cleaning system, wherein the damping apparatus is positioned proximate to the position in the region of adjacent travel in which a gambrel stabiliser first makes contact with a gambrel, the contact portion configured to abut a portion of a carcase suspended from a gambrel and thereby damping or otherwise preventing any undesired motion of the carcase relative to a stabilised gambrel; and wherein the cleaning system cleans the contact portion between subsequent carcases abutting the contact surface.

21. A gambrel stabiliser apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying description and drawings.

22. A carcase conveyance apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying description and drawings. 13 James & Wells ref: 46075 / 79 KNT

23. A method of stabilising a carcase substantially as described herein with reference to any figure or example thereof. 14