CA1058859A - Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for measuring carcassesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1058859A CA1058859A CA222,700A CA222700A CA1058859A CA 1058859 A CA1058859 A CA 1058859A CA 222700 A CA222700 A CA 222700A CA 1058859 A CA1058859 A CA 1058859A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- cable
- transducer
- signal
- length
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
- G01B7/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/02—Food
- G01N33/12—Meat; fish
Abstract
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING CARCASSES
Abstract of the Disclosure According to the disclosure, apparatus for measuring carcasses is provided which includes a first measuring tool for measuring a length and/or circumference of a carcass and producing a signal representative of the measured length and means is coupled to said first tool for receiving said signal and storing a value representing a measured length. A second tool is also provided for measuring the thickness of fat in a carcass and producing another signal representative of the measured thickness, and means is coupled to said second tool for receiving and storing a value representing a measured thickness.
In the method of measuring carcasses for grading according to predetermined standards, the process includes producing in the first measuring tool a signal representing a length measurement, continuously receiving said signal, indicating on said tool when the length measurement has been made, storing in response to said indication the signal corresponding to the measured length, and subsequently utilizing the stored signals for evaluating the carcasses. The method also contemplates inserting a second measuring tool into the fat of a carcass to produce a signal representative of the fat thickness, continuously receiving said signal corresponding to the measured thickness, indicating on said second tool when the fat thickness has been measured, storing in response to said indication the signal corresponding to the measured thickness, and utilizing the signal in combination with the measured length for evaluating the carcasses.
Abstract of the Disclosure According to the disclosure, apparatus for measuring carcasses is provided which includes a first measuring tool for measuring a length and/or circumference of a carcass and producing a signal representative of the measured length and means is coupled to said first tool for receiving said signal and storing a value representing a measured length. A second tool is also provided for measuring the thickness of fat in a carcass and producing another signal representative of the measured thickness, and means is coupled to said second tool for receiving and storing a value representing a measured thickness.
In the method of measuring carcasses for grading according to predetermined standards, the process includes producing in the first measuring tool a signal representing a length measurement, continuously receiving said signal, indicating on said tool when the length measurement has been made, storing in response to said indication the signal corresponding to the measured length, and subsequently utilizing the stored signals for evaluating the carcasses. The method also contemplates inserting a second measuring tool into the fat of a carcass to produce a signal representative of the fat thickness, continuously receiving said signal corresponding to the measured thickness, indicating on said second tool when the fat thickness has been measured, storing in response to said indication the signal corresponding to the measured thickness, and utilizing the signal in combination with the measured length for evaluating the carcasses.
Description
R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 Back~round of the Invention As is the case for most meats, pork grading also involves the principle of identification of economically important differences in quality and quantity.
In general, the standards provide two levels of quality: one for carcasses 5 wlth acceptable lean quality and the other for carcasses with unacceptable lean quallty. The quality of the lean can be evaluated by observing the cut surface of a ma~or muscle, and when such a surface is available it can be used as the basis for the quallty evaluation. The quality-indicating characteristics lnclude such features as marbling, firmness and color. The degree of ~ r 10 external fatness, as such, is not considered in evaluating lean quality.
In evaluating quallty on a lean cut surface, some standards describe the characteristics of the loin-eye muscle at the 10th rib. However, when this .
surface ls not available, other exposed major muscle surfaces, such as the ends of the loin, are used. Such evaluations are based on the normal 15 development of the quality-indicatlng characteristlcs in relation to their development ln the loin-eye muscle at the 10th rib.
When a ma~or muscle cut surface is not available, the quality of the lean ,.~, ,, ls evaluated indirectly, based on quality-indicating characteristics that are i~ .
evident ln carcasses. These lnclude flrmness of the fat and lean, amount of 20 feathering between the ribs, and color of the lean.
Carcasses which have unacceptable lean quality or bellies too thin to be suitable for bacon production are normally graded U.S. Utility. Soft and oily carcasses are also normally graded U.S. Utility regardless of their development of other quality-indicating characteristlcs.
Carcasses with acceptable lean quality and acceptable belly thickness R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 aregradedU.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, U.S. No. 3, orU.S. No. 4. These grades are based almost entirely on the expected carcass ylelds of the four lean cuts, l.e. ham, loln, picnlc shoulder, and Boston butt. The expected ylelds of the four lean cuts for each of these four grades have been tabulated 5 as follows:
Expected Ylelds of the Four Lean Cuts Based on Chllled Carcass Welght Grade Yleld j U.S. No. 1 53 percent and over U.S. No. 2 50 to 52.9 percent U.S. No. 3 47 to 49.9 percent U.S. No. 4 Less than 47 percent It can be expected that these yields will be approxlmately 1 percent lower 15 lf based on hot carcass weight.
These ylelds are based on the normal cuttlng and trimming methods used .;: .
by the USDA ln developing the standards. In general, thls lnvolves closer lmmlng of the fat than ls usual in commercial practice. l:)lfferent yields ., . ~
may result from other methods of cuttlng and trlmmlng. However, lf these 20 methods are applled unlformly, dlfferences in yields between the grades wlll remain relatlvely comparable.
Carcasses dlffer ln thelr ylelds of the four lean cuts because of differences ln their degrees of fatness and in their degrees of muscling - thlckness of muscllng ln relation to skeletal slze. Slnce the average thickness of backfat 25 in relation to either carcass weight or length has been found to be a good indlcator of the yield of the four lean cuts, these factors, together with a ; ~ muscllng evaluation, are used as the basis for the numbered grades .
'~ :
:: .
R . F . Sumption- C . H . Wallace 1- 5 Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown where some of the standard measurements for average backfat thlckness and carcass length are made.
The average backfat thickness can be made perpendicular to the outside surface of the carcass opposite the flrst and last ribs and the last lumbar 5 vertebrae. Carcass length is generally measured from the anterior point of the altch bone to the anterlor edge of the first rib next to the backbone. Hot carcass weight is based on an entire carcass dressed packer-style -- spllt lnto two sides down the back, ~owles attached, and head, ham faclngs and leaf fat removed.
In some carcasses the actual average thickness of backfat ls not representatlve of their degree of fatness. ~n such cases, the standards provlde that an approprlate ad~ustment shall be made in the average thickness of backfat. In determlnlng whether or not an ad~ustment ls necessary, particular measurements are made ln the backfat thlckness at polnts other than those lS used ln determlnlng the average and the amount of fat ln such areas as over the outslde of the hams, directly anterlor to the hip bone, over the edge of the loln, and at the juncture of the belly with the shoulder. For a carcass havlng a fat distributlon lndlcatlve of a greater degree of overall fatness than that assoclated with lts actual average thickness of backfat, the average 20 thickness of backfat is then ad~usted upward or downward as required and lndlcated by the measurements.
Figure 2 lllustrates the general relationships between average thickness of backht, carcass length or weight, and grade for carcasses with muscling typical of thelr degrees of fatness. Within each grade, as carcass length or 25 weight increases, average backfat thickness also lncreases. The rate of lOS8859 ~ .F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 increase ls typically one-tenth of an inch in average backfat thickness for a 3-inch lncrease ln carcass length or about a 4S-pound increase in carcass weight. For example, at a carcass length of 30 inches or a carcass weight of 165 pounds, the thickness of backfat at the ~uncture of the No. 1 and No. 2 5 grades ls 1.4 inahes. At the luncture of the No. 2 and No. 3 grades it is 1.7 inches and lt ls 2.0 inches at the juncture of the No. 3 and No. 4 grades.
Also, as shown in Flgure 2, "thlck" is the normal degree of muscling speclfied for carcasses at the luncture of the No. 1 and No. 2 grades; "moderately thlck" muscling is specified for carcasses at the ~uncture of the No. 2 and 10 No. 3 grades; and "sllghtly thln" muscling is considered normal for carcasses at the ~uncture of the No. 3 and No. 4 grades.
In vlew of the numerous measurements presently required and contemplated ln the future to accurately determlne the proper classlflcatlon of carcasses, a means and method for making accurate and repetitive measurements on a carcass 15 durlng processing ls required. Bearing In mind that if one desires to grade ,, and measure each hog durlng processing on a given day in a packlng plant whlch can normally handle 4000 to 5000 carcasses per day, numerous measure-ments must be made and a means for accomplishing the measurements and ; recording the results ln rapid order to properly classify individual carcasses
In general, the standards provide two levels of quality: one for carcasses 5 wlth acceptable lean quality and the other for carcasses with unacceptable lean quallty. The quality of the lean can be evaluated by observing the cut surface of a ma~or muscle, and when such a surface is available it can be used as the basis for the quallty evaluation. The quality-indicating characteristics lnclude such features as marbling, firmness and color. The degree of ~ r 10 external fatness, as such, is not considered in evaluating lean quality.
In evaluating quallty on a lean cut surface, some standards describe the characteristics of the loin-eye muscle at the 10th rib. However, when this .
surface ls not available, other exposed major muscle surfaces, such as the ends of the loin, are used. Such evaluations are based on the normal 15 development of the quality-indicatlng characteristlcs in relation to their development ln the loin-eye muscle at the 10th rib.
When a ma~or muscle cut surface is not available, the quality of the lean ,.~, ,, ls evaluated indirectly, based on quality-indicating characteristics that are i~ .
evident ln carcasses. These lnclude flrmness of the fat and lean, amount of 20 feathering between the ribs, and color of the lean.
Carcasses which have unacceptable lean quality or bellies too thin to be suitable for bacon production are normally graded U.S. Utility. Soft and oily carcasses are also normally graded U.S. Utility regardless of their development of other quality-indicating characteristlcs.
Carcasses with acceptable lean quality and acceptable belly thickness R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 aregradedU.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, U.S. No. 3, orU.S. No. 4. These grades are based almost entirely on the expected carcass ylelds of the four lean cuts, l.e. ham, loln, picnlc shoulder, and Boston butt. The expected ylelds of the four lean cuts for each of these four grades have been tabulated 5 as follows:
Expected Ylelds of the Four Lean Cuts Based on Chllled Carcass Welght Grade Yleld j U.S. No. 1 53 percent and over U.S. No. 2 50 to 52.9 percent U.S. No. 3 47 to 49.9 percent U.S. No. 4 Less than 47 percent It can be expected that these yields will be approxlmately 1 percent lower 15 lf based on hot carcass weight.
These ylelds are based on the normal cuttlng and trimming methods used .;: .
by the USDA ln developing the standards. In general, thls lnvolves closer lmmlng of the fat than ls usual in commercial practice. l:)lfferent yields ., . ~
may result from other methods of cuttlng and trlmmlng. However, lf these 20 methods are applled unlformly, dlfferences in yields between the grades wlll remain relatlvely comparable.
Carcasses dlffer ln thelr ylelds of the four lean cuts because of differences ln their degrees of fatness and in their degrees of muscling - thlckness of muscllng ln relation to skeletal slze. Slnce the average thickness of backfat 25 in relation to either carcass weight or length has been found to be a good indlcator of the yield of the four lean cuts, these factors, together with a ; ~ muscllng evaluation, are used as the basis for the numbered grades .
'~ :
:: .
R . F . Sumption- C . H . Wallace 1- 5 Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown where some of the standard measurements for average backfat thlckness and carcass length are made.
The average backfat thickness can be made perpendicular to the outside surface of the carcass opposite the flrst and last ribs and the last lumbar 5 vertebrae. Carcass length is generally measured from the anterior point of the altch bone to the anterlor edge of the first rib next to the backbone. Hot carcass weight is based on an entire carcass dressed packer-style -- spllt lnto two sides down the back, ~owles attached, and head, ham faclngs and leaf fat removed.
In some carcasses the actual average thickness of backfat ls not representatlve of their degree of fatness. ~n such cases, the standards provlde that an approprlate ad~ustment shall be made in the average thickness of backfat. In determlnlng whether or not an ad~ustment ls necessary, particular measurements are made ln the backfat thlckness at polnts other than those lS used ln determlnlng the average and the amount of fat ln such areas as over the outslde of the hams, directly anterlor to the hip bone, over the edge of the loln, and at the juncture of the belly with the shoulder. For a carcass havlng a fat distributlon lndlcatlve of a greater degree of overall fatness than that assoclated with lts actual average thickness of backfat, the average 20 thickness of backfat is then ad~usted upward or downward as required and lndlcated by the measurements.
Figure 2 lllustrates the general relationships between average thickness of backht, carcass length or weight, and grade for carcasses with muscling typical of thelr degrees of fatness. Within each grade, as carcass length or 25 weight increases, average backfat thickness also lncreases. The rate of lOS8859 ~ .F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 increase ls typically one-tenth of an inch in average backfat thickness for a 3-inch lncrease ln carcass length or about a 4S-pound increase in carcass weight. For example, at a carcass length of 30 inches or a carcass weight of 165 pounds, the thickness of backfat at the ~uncture of the No. 1 and No. 2 5 grades ls 1.4 inahes. At the luncture of the No. 2 and No. 3 grades it is 1.7 inches and lt ls 2.0 inches at the juncture of the No. 3 and No. 4 grades.
Also, as shown in Flgure 2, "thlck" is the normal degree of muscling speclfied for carcasses at the luncture of the No. 1 and No. 2 grades; "moderately thlck" muscling is specified for carcasses at the ~uncture of the No. 2 and 10 No. 3 grades; and "sllghtly thln" muscling is considered normal for carcasses at the ~uncture of the No. 3 and No. 4 grades.
In vlew of the numerous measurements presently required and contemplated ln the future to accurately determlne the proper classlflcatlon of carcasses, a means and method for making accurate and repetitive measurements on a carcass 15 durlng processing ls required. Bearing In mind that if one desires to grade ,, and measure each hog durlng processing on a given day in a packlng plant whlch can normally handle 4000 to 5000 carcasses per day, numerous measure-ments must be made and a means for accomplishing the measurements and ; recording the results ln rapid order to properly classify individual carcasses
2 0 and groups of carcasses .
Summarv of the Invention Accordlngly, an improved means and method is provided for measuring carcasses in a continuous manner.
Another oblect of the invention is to be able to rapidly measure and record 25 the results of the measurement in a continuous manner.
A particular object is to provide an improved means and method of measuring hog carcasses which is useful in grading the carcasses.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for measuring carcasses comprising: a handheld measuring tool for sequentially making length and circumference measurements on a carcass and producing a signal representative of each measurement, said tool including a tool body and guide nozzle mounted to said body; a transducer mounted in said body, a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end and extending through said body passing through said nozzle and having a portion extending to the exterior of said body, said transducer producing a signal proportional to the extension of said cable;
end means on said exterior portion of said cable having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle for engaging and positioning said end means when said cable ls extended around a portion of said carcass for determining a circum-ference measurement; terminal means coupled to said ool for receiving each said signal and storing a value representing each measurement; and said tool having switch control means for controlling sequentially the storage of each said signal in said terminal means when each measurement has been made.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of measuring a length and a circumference on a carcass using a single handheld measuring tool for both measurements including an extendable cable operatively connected to a transducer, said transducer including means for converting the relative extension of said cable into an electric signal and two switch means associated with said tool for interconnecting said trans-ducer with terminal means including signal receiving and storage means, comprising: (a) making a length measurement by the steps of holding said tool in one hand; placing with the other hand the terminal end of said extension cable of said tool on the aitch bone of the carcass; pulling with . -6---~ 1058859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 said one hand said tool toward the first rib to extend the cable correspond-ing to the length to be measured; producing in the measuring tool an analog signal representing the length measurement; continuously receiving in a remote terminal coupled to said tool said analog signal and converting said signal to a digital signal corresponding to the length measurement; activating by said one hand one of said two switch means when the cable has been extended to the amount corresponding to the length measurement; storing in response to said switch activation the digital signal corresponding to the measured length; and (b) making a circumference measurement by the steps of extending the cable of said tool with the other hand about a portion of the carcass to be measured and placing the end of the cable in a retaining means on said ; tool; activating by said one hand the other of said switch means when the end of said cable is in contact with said retaining means; receiving in the remote terminal the signal corresponding to the circumference measurements;
storing in response to said other switch activation, the signal corresponding to the measured circumference.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a handheld measuring tool for making length and circumference measurements comprising: a tool body having a cavity therein; a guide nozzle mounted to said body with a passage into said cavity; a hand grip mounted to said body for holding said tool in one hand; a transducer mounted within said cavity and having a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end, said cable extending from said transducer through said passage in said nozzle and terminating in an end means having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable outside said nozzle, said transducer producing a signal proportionate to the extension of said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle including an engagement member positioned and adapted for engaging the end means when said tool is making the circumference measurement; and switch control means operatively interconnecting said transducer ~ -7-`` 1()58859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 and an output terminal means, the switch control means being positioned on said tool for activation by said one hand when the cable has been extended the amount corresponding to the length or circumference measurement whereby said output terminal means sequentially stores signals corresponding to the length or circumference measurement.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention in both its apparatus and method will best be understood if reference is made to the following Figures in conjunction with the Description -7a-`` 1058~59 R.F. Sumption~.H. Wallace 1-5 of the Preferred Embodiments, in which:
Flgure 1 illustrates a typical half carcass and indicates some standard measurements and features according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a chart illustrating according to the prior art the relationships between thlckness of backfat, carcass length or weight and grade for carcasses wlth muscling typlcal of their degree of fatness;
Flgure 3a is a block dlagram illustrating apparatus for measuring and recordlng accordlng to the invention;
Flgure 3b is a partial schematic drawing lllustrating certain features and portions of the inventlon useful in understanding the operation and method of use of the apparatus descrlbed ln connectlon with Figures 4 and 5;
Flgure 4 ls a plan view of a measuring tool according to the invention useful ln measurlng lengths and circumferences of carcasses; and Flgure 5 ls a plan view of a measuring tool useful in measuring fat thlckness ln a carcass.
Descrlptlon of the Preferred Embodiments As indlcated in the Background of the Invention, a method and means are requlred in order to properly classlfy each hog being processed by a packer, slnce the economlc lmportance ln such classlfication is qulte substantial. In ;~ 20 evaluatlng and properly classlfylng the carcasses of Figure 1 so as to determine the classlflcatlon accordlng to the accepted standards illustrated in Figure 2, it ls lmportant that as a minimum the carcass length measurement be made and the backfat thickness be measured in one or two places. Should other evaluation procedures be used, circumferential measurements about the ham portion, for example, may also be made utilizing the teachings of the disclosure.
i~
R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 In normal processlng in a packer plant the carcasses, including whole carcasses and/or carcass halves, are moved on a conveyor arrangement by the hind legs in a continuous manner and at an approximate rate of about 400 to 500 an hour. Therefore, in order to make a measurement on each carcass or even every other carcass, it is necessary to have a means for rapidly making the measurements of length, circumference, and backfat thlckness and recording these measurements in an accurate and substantially automatic manner.
Referring now to Figure 3a, the arrangement and method for accomplishing the measurlng and recording is shown in block form. The measuring tools 31 and 32 are coupled by leads to a data terminal generally indicated by dashed llnes 33. The data terminal 33 includes at least a power supply 34, digital volt meters 35, 36, respectlvely coupled to storage buffers 37, 37', 38, 38' and to an interface lnput-output devlce 39. The input-output devlce 39 can then be coupled by 39a to a central data store or other central computer processlng apparatus. The central apparatus may store all the data and/or further process the data according to the method of organizing the data for gradlng of the carcasses. Although the leads are shown as single lines, it should be understood that they represent multiple leads and are shown as single leads only for purposes of the drawing representation.
Leads 31a from measuring tool 31 are coupled to control buffers 37, 37' and the output from the buffers is coupled by leads 37a, 37a' to the input of devlce 39. Measuring tool 31 is also coupled by leads 31b to the input of digital volt meter 35, and the output of digital volt meter 35 is coupled by leads 35a to other inputs of buffers 37, 37'.
In a similar manner, measurlng tool 32 ls coupled by leads 32a to digital _g_ R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 volt meter 36 and the output of digital volt meter 36 is coupled by leads 36a to other inputs of buffer stores 38, 38'. The output of the buffers 38, 38' is coupled by leads 38a, 38a' to device 39. The output leads 32b of measuring tool 32 are coupled to control the buffer stores 38, 38'. The power supply 34 is coupled by leads 34a and 34b to the measuring tools, digital volt meters, and buffers to supply the necessary voltage requirements of the terminal33.
Referring now to Figure 3b, a schematic drawing useful in understandlng the method and apparatus of the invention is provlded, wherein the principal features of a measuring tool are included within the dashed llnes indicated at 131. The digital volt meter 135 is coupled to buffer store 137 which may be ln the form of a sample and hold circuit by lead 135a and lts output coupled by leads 137a to the input-output device 139. This circuit conflguration will enable an analog signal on lead 131b of the measuring tool 131 to be coupled to dlgital volt meter 135 which converts the analog input voltage to a digital voltage in the form of a binary coded decimal output 135a which is continuously coupled to buffer 137 which stores the signal for subsequent delivery by device 139 to the central processing arrangement.
The measuring tool 131 lncludes wlthin its conflguration a transducer element comprlsing a spring biased potentiometer, symbolically represented within dashed lines 131c, a trimmer potentiometer 131d, a push or pull element 131e, and a switching or indlcating means 131f and a lead 131a coupled to another input of buffer 137.
According to the practice of the invention, the trimpot 131d is coupled at one terminal to a source of potential~V and its tapping point terminal to one R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 end of a variable potentiometer of transducer element 131c. The other end of the variable potentiometer may be grounded. The tapping point of the potentiometer is spring biased to a normal set position. Attached to the tapping point is a push or pull element which is manually extendable or 5 retractable to change the analog voltage appearing on lead 131b. This voltage ls continuously coupled to the digltal volt meter which converts the analog slgnal to a dlgltal BCD signal which is continually fed to the buffer store.
The buffer store continuously samples the output 135a which changes continu-ously as the element 131e is moved from the normal biased position set in 10 the transducer. The sampled signal is then held in the buffer by activating switch or lndlcator means 131f which may be a microswitch having one terminal at ground or other potentlal placed on the inhibit or store input of buffer 137.
The measuring tool 131 has established by vlrtue of the voltage reference +V an analog signal value representing a predetermined measurement and by 15 extending or retracting the element 131c, the analog voltage level is altered.
- This provides an analog signal representative of a measured length which may be related to the length or circumference of a carcass or to the fat thickness measured. At the moment the measurement is made, switch 131f is activated on the tool and the digital representation of the analog signal in a coded form 20 is stored. Subsequently, the stored read-out by the ln-out device is coupled into a central store or processing arrangement to be utilized in grading. It should also be evident that each tool may include more than one microswitch and as shown in Figure 3a, would cause a second measurement to be stored.
For example, the first digital volt meter 35 output would be stored in the No.
25 1 buffer store by activating a first æwitch, and activating the second microswitch R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 would cause the storagein the No. 2 buffer store. In a similar manner, the measuring tool 32 by activating flrst and second mlcroswitches would cause the storage of the output of digital volt meter 36 to be sequentlally made in buffer No. 3 and buffer No. 4.
In the manner in which Figure 3a is arranged, it is contemplated that the carcasses travellng on a conveyor wlll pass Position I and measurlng tool 31 will be utlllzed as described in connection with Figures 3a and 3b, and to be subsequently described in connection with Figure 4. The carcasses then con-tlnue to posltion lI to measuring tool 32 wherein the desired fatback or insertion measurements are made utilizing this tool and as more specifically descrlbed in connection with Figure 5.
This invention lncorporates apparatus and methods of measuring using handheld devices which are connected by leads to a termlnal device which may or may not be remotely located from the hand measuring tools. The instan-taneous measurements made by the tools comprlse analog signals which are correlated to the measurements made on the carcasses and they are converted in the terminal device to coded digital signals representing the measurement and the digltal signals are stored when indicated by an activating switch on the handheld measuring tool. These stored signals are then transferred to a larger central processing or storage arrangement for utilization in classifying and gradlng the carcasses. The method includes producing ln a first measuring tool an analog signal representing a length or circumference measurement, contlnuously recelvlng and converting the analog signal to a digltal signal corresponding to the length or circumferential measurement, indicating when the measurement is completed, and storlng the digital signal corresponding to the lOS8859 R.F. Sumptlon-C.H. Wallace 1-5 measured length ln response to the indication produced. The method further includes the steps of inserting a second measuring tool into the fat of the carcasses to produce an analog signal representatlve of the fat thickness, continuously receivlng and convertlng thls analog slgnal into a dlgital slgnal S corresponding to the measured fat thickness, indicating on the second tool when the fat thickness has been measured and storing ln response to the indicatlon the dlgltal signal corresponding to the measured thickness. The measurements are then utilized to grade the carcasses.
Referrlng now to Flgure 4, there ls shown a handheld measuring tool ln 10 a plan vlew whlch ls used for provldlng the length and any circumference measurements on the carcasses. The tool has a general pistol shape comprising a maln body portlon 40 having a cavlty 41, a cover 42 attached by means 43 to enclose the contents contained wlthln the cavlty 41 of the body. A handle grlp 44 has mounted thereon and positloned for actlvatlon swltch or slgnalllng elements 44a and 44b`wlth thelr leads 44c and 44d belng coupled through the body and out a terminal connector 45 to the data terminal 33. Fixedly mounted within the cavlty 41 of the body 42 is the transducer element 46 with an ad~ustment means 46a. Also mounted within the cavity ls a trimmer potentio-meter 47 with adlustment means 47a mounted by bracket means 47b withln the 20 cavity. The transducer output extension 46b is coupled to an extension means in cable 48 by coupling means 48a. The cable extenslon 48 which extends through a nozzle 49 is mounted by means 49a to the body 40 of the tool.
Nozzle 49 includes an end portlon 49b and a retaining means 49c. The cable extension 48 includes two spacer terminal means 48b and 48c. The coupling 25 means 48a' is shown in an extended positlon in dashed lines and the extenslon :1058859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 of cable spacer terminal 48c' is shown in dashed lines. Nozzle portlon 49d provides a guide means for the coupling and cable during extension and retraction. Means 48b indicates the return limit on the set normal position of the cable 48 which is the normal set position of the transducer element 46. Transducer 46 has its output leads coupled to the connector 45 in a known manner. The transducer 46 may be of the type identified as Displaceable Transducer-Model 4046 and marketed by R. I. Controls, Minneapolis, Mlnnesota. This element provides the analog signal as indicated in Flgure 3b, numbered as 131 c .
Use of the measuring tool for llnear measurement ls as follows. The tool ls held in one hand by handle 44 with the thumb of the hand positioned to activate the microswitches 44a, b. The terminal means 48c ls placed on the altch bone of the carcasses and the tool is pulled downward to the first rib which extends the cable 48 until the front-most nozzle portion 49b touches the first rlb portion to make the cable extend the carcass length as indicated in Figure 1. At this point, the thumb presses one of the switches 44a, b to indicate to the terminal means 33 that the measurement has been made and the signal representlng this length measurement should be stored.
In order to make a circumference measurement about a portion of the body of the carcasses, the $pacer element 48c is pulled out and about the circumference of the body and placed within the retaining means 49c and the switch activated to make the circumference measurement. Since as lndlcated in Flgure 2 the carcass length normally ranges within ten inches, it has been found that an eigkt inch displaceable potentiometer ls satlsfactory with a twenty-seven inch cable extension from 48b to 48c.
lOS8859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 The trim potentiometer 47 is utilized to finely adjust the analog control signal to account for variations in the setting and elements comprising the apparatus so that an accurate analog voltage to linear measurement correlation can be made. The handheld measuring tool may also include a hanging ring 40a fixedly attached to the body 40 of the tool. The tool may be hung retained in a predetermined position with sufficient slack for reasonable movement by the operator.
Referring now to Figure 5, a handheld tool is illustrated for measuring the backfat thickness by insertion of the tool point into surface 1, Figure 1, up to the skin surface 2 without penetration of the skin. This tool also has a general pistol shape comprising a body 50 with a cavity 51 and cover 52 enclosing the contents mounted wlthin the cavity by means 53. A hand grip 54 has switch or signalling elements 54a, 54b with their connecting leads 54c, d mounted thereon. The leads are coupled to connector 55 through the body 50 of the tool. Fixedly mounted within the cavity 51 is a transducer 56 with ad~ustment 56a, a trimmer potentiometer 57 with ad~ustment 57a mounted by bracket 57b. Slide means 58 is connected to the extendable and retractable transducer cable 56b. Mounted within the cavity is a spring means 60 which may be a negator-type spring which is coupled by coupling means 59 to the slide means 58. Fixedly mounted to the body 50 is a fat penetration knife 60, fixed by means 61. The knife point is sufflciently sharp to pierce the fat at surface 1, Figure 1, but not pierce the skin through surface 2. The slidable element 58 slides within bearing means 50a and has a hand-ad~ustable portion 58a which is movable from the position shown to the dotted position indlcated by 58a'. In a simllar manner, the coupling means 59 is movable and causes the R . F . Sumptio~ C . H . Wallace 1-5 retraction of the cable element 56b to the position shown in dashed lines and is lndicated by 59'. This tool may also be hung by means 50b mounted to the body 50 so that the tool may be retained in a position two and according to the arrangement of Figure 3a.
This type of measuring tool for measuring backfat thickness is utilized as follows. The tool Is gripped by the handle 54 in one hand and the slide means 58a is grlpped with the other hand and slid from the shown position to the position 58a' shown in dashed lines. The point of knife 60 of the tool Is then lnserted lnto the carcass backfat but does not puncture the skin of the carcasses. When the skln stops the penetratlon, slide element 58a is released, and the sprlng 60 returns the sllde element 58a to an intermediate posltlon between solld and dashed lines, so that the surface 58b' rests against the fat surface. Thls dlsplacement represents a dlfference between the knlfe polnt and the thlckness of the fat. At this tlme, the switch or signalling lS element 54a, b is actlvated by the thumb holding the tool by the handle.
, A second measurement may be made at another polnt in the fat thickness, so i~
'~ that the two measurements may be averaged by repeating the process of retracting the slide member, inserting the knife, releasing the slide, and pressing the other switch element to indicate that the measurement is complete and the signal representing the measurement is to be stored. The transducer element 56, in view of the smaller range of variation of backfat thickness as illustrated in Figure 2, need not be as large, although the same type may be used having approximately a three and one-half inch cable to accomplish the measurement utilizing the principles of the invention.
In the foregoing description, we have described apparatus and methods R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 of continually measuring and recording these measurements to serve as a particular basis for grading individual or groups of hog carcasses or carcass halves. In addition, we have disclosed handheld meacuring tools to automatically and continuously provide length, circumference, and thickness 5 measurements on animal carcasses in general so that the measurements may be recorded, and then fed to a central device for utilization. Those skilled in the art will no doubt realize the potential application in other than animal carcass measurements.
While we have described above the principles of our invention in 10 connection with specific methodsand apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitatlon to the scope of our invention as set forth in the ob~ects thereof and ln the accompanying clalms.
MJL:rb Maroh I, l974 :
Summarv of the Invention Accordlngly, an improved means and method is provided for measuring carcasses in a continuous manner.
Another oblect of the invention is to be able to rapidly measure and record 25 the results of the measurement in a continuous manner.
A particular object is to provide an improved means and method of measuring hog carcasses which is useful in grading the carcasses.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for measuring carcasses comprising: a handheld measuring tool for sequentially making length and circumference measurements on a carcass and producing a signal representative of each measurement, said tool including a tool body and guide nozzle mounted to said body; a transducer mounted in said body, a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end and extending through said body passing through said nozzle and having a portion extending to the exterior of said body, said transducer producing a signal proportional to the extension of said cable;
end means on said exterior portion of said cable having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle for engaging and positioning said end means when said cable ls extended around a portion of said carcass for determining a circum-ference measurement; terminal means coupled to said ool for receiving each said signal and storing a value representing each measurement; and said tool having switch control means for controlling sequentially the storage of each said signal in said terminal means when each measurement has been made.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of measuring a length and a circumference on a carcass using a single handheld measuring tool for both measurements including an extendable cable operatively connected to a transducer, said transducer including means for converting the relative extension of said cable into an electric signal and two switch means associated with said tool for interconnecting said trans-ducer with terminal means including signal receiving and storage means, comprising: (a) making a length measurement by the steps of holding said tool in one hand; placing with the other hand the terminal end of said extension cable of said tool on the aitch bone of the carcass; pulling with . -6---~ 1058859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 said one hand said tool toward the first rib to extend the cable correspond-ing to the length to be measured; producing in the measuring tool an analog signal representing the length measurement; continuously receiving in a remote terminal coupled to said tool said analog signal and converting said signal to a digital signal corresponding to the length measurement; activating by said one hand one of said two switch means when the cable has been extended to the amount corresponding to the length measurement; storing in response to said switch activation the digital signal corresponding to the measured length; and (b) making a circumference measurement by the steps of extending the cable of said tool with the other hand about a portion of the carcass to be measured and placing the end of the cable in a retaining means on said ; tool; activating by said one hand the other of said switch means when the end of said cable is in contact with said retaining means; receiving in the remote terminal the signal corresponding to the circumference measurements;
storing in response to said other switch activation, the signal corresponding to the measured circumference.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a handheld measuring tool for making length and circumference measurements comprising: a tool body having a cavity therein; a guide nozzle mounted to said body with a passage into said cavity; a hand grip mounted to said body for holding said tool in one hand; a transducer mounted within said cavity and having a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end, said cable extending from said transducer through said passage in said nozzle and terminating in an end means having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable outside said nozzle, said transducer producing a signal proportionate to the extension of said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle including an engagement member positioned and adapted for engaging the end means when said tool is making the circumference measurement; and switch control means operatively interconnecting said transducer ~ -7-`` 1()58859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 and an output terminal means, the switch control means being positioned on said tool for activation by said one hand when the cable has been extended the amount corresponding to the length or circumference measurement whereby said output terminal means sequentially stores signals corresponding to the length or circumference measurement.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention in both its apparatus and method will best be understood if reference is made to the following Figures in conjunction with the Description -7a-`` 1058~59 R.F. Sumption~.H. Wallace 1-5 of the Preferred Embodiments, in which:
Flgure 1 illustrates a typical half carcass and indicates some standard measurements and features according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a chart illustrating according to the prior art the relationships between thlckness of backfat, carcass length or weight and grade for carcasses wlth muscling typlcal of their degree of fatness;
Flgure 3a is a block dlagram illustrating apparatus for measuring and recordlng accordlng to the invention;
Flgure 3b is a partial schematic drawing lllustrating certain features and portions of the inventlon useful in understanding the operation and method of use of the apparatus descrlbed ln connectlon with Figures 4 and 5;
Flgure 4 ls a plan view of a measuring tool according to the invention useful ln measurlng lengths and circumferences of carcasses; and Flgure 5 ls a plan view of a measuring tool useful in measuring fat thlckness ln a carcass.
Descrlptlon of the Preferred Embodiments As indlcated in the Background of the Invention, a method and means are requlred in order to properly classlfy each hog being processed by a packer, slnce the economlc lmportance ln such classlfication is qulte substantial. In ;~ 20 evaluatlng and properly classlfylng the carcasses of Figure 1 so as to determine the classlflcatlon accordlng to the accepted standards illustrated in Figure 2, it ls lmportant that as a minimum the carcass length measurement be made and the backfat thickness be measured in one or two places. Should other evaluation procedures be used, circumferential measurements about the ham portion, for example, may also be made utilizing the teachings of the disclosure.
i~
R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 In normal processlng in a packer plant the carcasses, including whole carcasses and/or carcass halves, are moved on a conveyor arrangement by the hind legs in a continuous manner and at an approximate rate of about 400 to 500 an hour. Therefore, in order to make a measurement on each carcass or even every other carcass, it is necessary to have a means for rapidly making the measurements of length, circumference, and backfat thlckness and recording these measurements in an accurate and substantially automatic manner.
Referring now to Figure 3a, the arrangement and method for accomplishing the measurlng and recording is shown in block form. The measuring tools 31 and 32 are coupled by leads to a data terminal generally indicated by dashed llnes 33. The data terminal 33 includes at least a power supply 34, digital volt meters 35, 36, respectlvely coupled to storage buffers 37, 37', 38, 38' and to an interface lnput-output devlce 39. The input-output devlce 39 can then be coupled by 39a to a central data store or other central computer processlng apparatus. The central apparatus may store all the data and/or further process the data according to the method of organizing the data for gradlng of the carcasses. Although the leads are shown as single lines, it should be understood that they represent multiple leads and are shown as single leads only for purposes of the drawing representation.
Leads 31a from measuring tool 31 are coupled to control buffers 37, 37' and the output from the buffers is coupled by leads 37a, 37a' to the input of devlce 39. Measuring tool 31 is also coupled by leads 31b to the input of digital volt meter 35, and the output of digital volt meter 35 is coupled by leads 35a to other inputs of buffers 37, 37'.
In a similar manner, measurlng tool 32 ls coupled by leads 32a to digital _g_ R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 volt meter 36 and the output of digital volt meter 36 is coupled by leads 36a to other inputs of buffer stores 38, 38'. The output of the buffers 38, 38' is coupled by leads 38a, 38a' to device 39. The output leads 32b of measuring tool 32 are coupled to control the buffer stores 38, 38'. The power supply 34 is coupled by leads 34a and 34b to the measuring tools, digital volt meters, and buffers to supply the necessary voltage requirements of the terminal33.
Referring now to Figure 3b, a schematic drawing useful in understandlng the method and apparatus of the invention is provlded, wherein the principal features of a measuring tool are included within the dashed llnes indicated at 131. The digital volt meter 135 is coupled to buffer store 137 which may be ln the form of a sample and hold circuit by lead 135a and lts output coupled by leads 137a to the input-output device 139. This circuit conflguration will enable an analog signal on lead 131b of the measuring tool 131 to be coupled to dlgital volt meter 135 which converts the analog input voltage to a digital voltage in the form of a binary coded decimal output 135a which is continuously coupled to buffer 137 which stores the signal for subsequent delivery by device 139 to the central processing arrangement.
The measuring tool 131 lncludes wlthin its conflguration a transducer element comprlsing a spring biased potentiometer, symbolically represented within dashed lines 131c, a trimmer potentiometer 131d, a push or pull element 131e, and a switching or indlcating means 131f and a lead 131a coupled to another input of buffer 137.
According to the practice of the invention, the trimpot 131d is coupled at one terminal to a source of potential~V and its tapping point terminal to one R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 end of a variable potentiometer of transducer element 131c. The other end of the variable potentiometer may be grounded. The tapping point of the potentiometer is spring biased to a normal set position. Attached to the tapping point is a push or pull element which is manually extendable or 5 retractable to change the analog voltage appearing on lead 131b. This voltage ls continuously coupled to the digltal volt meter which converts the analog slgnal to a dlgltal BCD signal which is continually fed to the buffer store.
The buffer store continuously samples the output 135a which changes continu-ously as the element 131e is moved from the normal biased position set in 10 the transducer. The sampled signal is then held in the buffer by activating switch or lndlcator means 131f which may be a microswitch having one terminal at ground or other potentlal placed on the inhibit or store input of buffer 137.
The measuring tool 131 has established by vlrtue of the voltage reference +V an analog signal value representing a predetermined measurement and by 15 extending or retracting the element 131c, the analog voltage level is altered.
- This provides an analog signal representative of a measured length which may be related to the length or circumference of a carcass or to the fat thickness measured. At the moment the measurement is made, switch 131f is activated on the tool and the digital representation of the analog signal in a coded form 20 is stored. Subsequently, the stored read-out by the ln-out device is coupled into a central store or processing arrangement to be utilized in grading. It should also be evident that each tool may include more than one microswitch and as shown in Figure 3a, would cause a second measurement to be stored.
For example, the first digital volt meter 35 output would be stored in the No.
25 1 buffer store by activating a first æwitch, and activating the second microswitch R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 would cause the storagein the No. 2 buffer store. In a similar manner, the measuring tool 32 by activating flrst and second mlcroswitches would cause the storage of the output of digital volt meter 36 to be sequentlally made in buffer No. 3 and buffer No. 4.
In the manner in which Figure 3a is arranged, it is contemplated that the carcasses travellng on a conveyor wlll pass Position I and measurlng tool 31 will be utlllzed as described in connection with Figures 3a and 3b, and to be subsequently described in connection with Figure 4. The carcasses then con-tlnue to posltion lI to measuring tool 32 wherein the desired fatback or insertion measurements are made utilizing this tool and as more specifically descrlbed in connection with Figure 5.
This invention lncorporates apparatus and methods of measuring using handheld devices which are connected by leads to a termlnal device which may or may not be remotely located from the hand measuring tools. The instan-taneous measurements made by the tools comprlse analog signals which are correlated to the measurements made on the carcasses and they are converted in the terminal device to coded digital signals representing the measurement and the digltal signals are stored when indicated by an activating switch on the handheld measuring tool. These stored signals are then transferred to a larger central processing or storage arrangement for utilization in classifying and gradlng the carcasses. The method includes producing ln a first measuring tool an analog signal representing a length or circumference measurement, contlnuously recelvlng and converting the analog signal to a digltal signal corresponding to the length or circumferential measurement, indicating when the measurement is completed, and storlng the digital signal corresponding to the lOS8859 R.F. Sumptlon-C.H. Wallace 1-5 measured length ln response to the indication produced. The method further includes the steps of inserting a second measuring tool into the fat of the carcasses to produce an analog signal representatlve of the fat thickness, continuously receivlng and convertlng thls analog slgnal into a dlgital slgnal S corresponding to the measured fat thickness, indicating on the second tool when the fat thickness has been measured and storing ln response to the indicatlon the dlgltal signal corresponding to the measured thickness. The measurements are then utilized to grade the carcasses.
Referrlng now to Flgure 4, there ls shown a handheld measuring tool ln 10 a plan vlew whlch ls used for provldlng the length and any circumference measurements on the carcasses. The tool has a general pistol shape comprising a maln body portlon 40 having a cavlty 41, a cover 42 attached by means 43 to enclose the contents contained wlthln the cavlty 41 of the body. A handle grlp 44 has mounted thereon and positloned for actlvatlon swltch or slgnalllng elements 44a and 44b`wlth thelr leads 44c and 44d belng coupled through the body and out a terminal connector 45 to the data terminal 33. Fixedly mounted within the cavlty 41 of the body 42 is the transducer element 46 with an ad~ustment means 46a. Also mounted within the cavity ls a trimmer potentio-meter 47 with adlustment means 47a mounted by bracket means 47b withln the 20 cavity. The transducer output extension 46b is coupled to an extension means in cable 48 by coupling means 48a. The cable extenslon 48 which extends through a nozzle 49 is mounted by means 49a to the body 40 of the tool.
Nozzle 49 includes an end portlon 49b and a retaining means 49c. The cable extension 48 includes two spacer terminal means 48b and 48c. The coupling 25 means 48a' is shown in an extended positlon in dashed lines and the extenslon :1058859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 of cable spacer terminal 48c' is shown in dashed lines. Nozzle portlon 49d provides a guide means for the coupling and cable during extension and retraction. Means 48b indicates the return limit on the set normal position of the cable 48 which is the normal set position of the transducer element 46. Transducer 46 has its output leads coupled to the connector 45 in a known manner. The transducer 46 may be of the type identified as Displaceable Transducer-Model 4046 and marketed by R. I. Controls, Minneapolis, Mlnnesota. This element provides the analog signal as indicated in Flgure 3b, numbered as 131 c .
Use of the measuring tool for llnear measurement ls as follows. The tool ls held in one hand by handle 44 with the thumb of the hand positioned to activate the microswitches 44a, b. The terminal means 48c ls placed on the altch bone of the carcasses and the tool is pulled downward to the first rib which extends the cable 48 until the front-most nozzle portion 49b touches the first rlb portion to make the cable extend the carcass length as indicated in Figure 1. At this point, the thumb presses one of the switches 44a, b to indicate to the terminal means 33 that the measurement has been made and the signal representlng this length measurement should be stored.
In order to make a circumference measurement about a portion of the body of the carcasses, the $pacer element 48c is pulled out and about the circumference of the body and placed within the retaining means 49c and the switch activated to make the circumference measurement. Since as lndlcated in Flgure 2 the carcass length normally ranges within ten inches, it has been found that an eigkt inch displaceable potentiometer ls satlsfactory with a twenty-seven inch cable extension from 48b to 48c.
lOS8859 R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 The trim potentiometer 47 is utilized to finely adjust the analog control signal to account for variations in the setting and elements comprising the apparatus so that an accurate analog voltage to linear measurement correlation can be made. The handheld measuring tool may also include a hanging ring 40a fixedly attached to the body 40 of the tool. The tool may be hung retained in a predetermined position with sufficient slack for reasonable movement by the operator.
Referring now to Figure 5, a handheld tool is illustrated for measuring the backfat thickness by insertion of the tool point into surface 1, Figure 1, up to the skin surface 2 without penetration of the skin. This tool also has a general pistol shape comprising a body 50 with a cavity 51 and cover 52 enclosing the contents mounted wlthin the cavity by means 53. A hand grip 54 has switch or signalling elements 54a, 54b with their connecting leads 54c, d mounted thereon. The leads are coupled to connector 55 through the body 50 of the tool. Fixedly mounted within the cavity 51 is a transducer 56 with ad~ustment 56a, a trimmer potentiometer 57 with ad~ustment 57a mounted by bracket 57b. Slide means 58 is connected to the extendable and retractable transducer cable 56b. Mounted within the cavity is a spring means 60 which may be a negator-type spring which is coupled by coupling means 59 to the slide means 58. Fixedly mounted to the body 50 is a fat penetration knife 60, fixed by means 61. The knife point is sufflciently sharp to pierce the fat at surface 1, Figure 1, but not pierce the skin through surface 2. The slidable element 58 slides within bearing means 50a and has a hand-ad~ustable portion 58a which is movable from the position shown to the dotted position indlcated by 58a'. In a simllar manner, the coupling means 59 is movable and causes the R . F . Sumptio~ C . H . Wallace 1-5 retraction of the cable element 56b to the position shown in dashed lines and is lndicated by 59'. This tool may also be hung by means 50b mounted to the body 50 so that the tool may be retained in a position two and according to the arrangement of Figure 3a.
This type of measuring tool for measuring backfat thickness is utilized as follows. The tool Is gripped by the handle 54 in one hand and the slide means 58a is grlpped with the other hand and slid from the shown position to the position 58a' shown in dashed lines. The point of knife 60 of the tool Is then lnserted lnto the carcass backfat but does not puncture the skin of the carcasses. When the skln stops the penetratlon, slide element 58a is released, and the sprlng 60 returns the sllde element 58a to an intermediate posltlon between solld and dashed lines, so that the surface 58b' rests against the fat surface. Thls dlsplacement represents a dlfference between the knlfe polnt and the thlckness of the fat. At this tlme, the switch or signalling lS element 54a, b is actlvated by the thumb holding the tool by the handle.
, A second measurement may be made at another polnt in the fat thickness, so i~
'~ that the two measurements may be averaged by repeating the process of retracting the slide member, inserting the knife, releasing the slide, and pressing the other switch element to indicate that the measurement is complete and the signal representing the measurement is to be stored. The transducer element 56, in view of the smaller range of variation of backfat thickness as illustrated in Figure 2, need not be as large, although the same type may be used having approximately a three and one-half inch cable to accomplish the measurement utilizing the principles of the invention.
In the foregoing description, we have described apparatus and methods R.F. Sumption-C.H. Wallace 1-5 of continually measuring and recording these measurements to serve as a particular basis for grading individual or groups of hog carcasses or carcass halves. In addition, we have disclosed handheld meacuring tools to automatically and continuously provide length, circumference, and thickness 5 measurements on animal carcasses in general so that the measurements may be recorded, and then fed to a central device for utilization. Those skilled in the art will no doubt realize the potential application in other than animal carcass measurements.
While we have described above the principles of our invention in 10 connection with specific methodsand apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitatlon to the scope of our invention as set forth in the ob~ects thereof and ln the accompanying clalms.
MJL:rb Maroh I, l974 :
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Apparatus for measuring carcasses comprising: a handheld measuring tool for sequentially making length and circumference measurements on a carcass and producing a signal representative of each measurement, said tool including a tool body and guide nozzle mounted to said body; a transducer mounted in said body; a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end and extending through said body passing through said nozzle and having a portion extending to the exterior of said body, said transducer producing a signal proportional to the exten-sion of said cable; end means on said exterior portion of said cable having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle for engaging and positioning said end means when said cable is extended around a portion of said carcass for determining a circumference measurement; terminal means coupled to said tool for receiving each said signal and storing a value representing each measurement; and said tool having switch control means for controlling sequentially the storage of each said signal in said terminal means when each measurement has been made.
2. A method of measuring a length and a circumference on a carcass using a single handheld measuring tool for both measurements including an extendable cable operatively connected to a transducer, said transducer including means for converting the relative extension of said cable into an electric signal and two switch means associated with said tool for inter-connecting said transducer with terminal means including signal receiving and storage means, comprising: (a) making a length measurement by the steps of holding said tool in one hand; placing with the other hand the terminal end of said extension cable of said tool on the aitch bone of the carcass;
pulling with said one hand said tool toward the first rib to extend the cable corresponding to the length to be measured; producing in the measuring tool an analog signal representing the length measurement; continuously receiving in a remote terminal coupled to said tool said analog signal and converting said signal to a digital signal corresponding to the length measurement; activating by said one hand one of said two switch means when the cable has been extended to the amount corresponding to the length measure-ment; storing in response to said switch activation the digital signal corresponding to the measured length; and (b) making a circumference measurement by the steps of extending the cable of said tool with the other hand about a portion of the carcass to be measured and placing the end of the cable in a retaining means on said tool; activating by said one hand the other of said switch means when the end of said cable is in contact with said retaining means; receiving in the remote terminal the signal correspond-ing to the circumference measurement; storing in response to said other switch activation, the signal corresponding to the measured circumference.
pulling with said one hand said tool toward the first rib to extend the cable corresponding to the length to be measured; producing in the measuring tool an analog signal representing the length measurement; continuously receiving in a remote terminal coupled to said tool said analog signal and converting said signal to a digital signal corresponding to the length measurement; activating by said one hand one of said two switch means when the cable has been extended to the amount corresponding to the length measure-ment; storing in response to said switch activation the digital signal corresponding to the measured length; and (b) making a circumference measurement by the steps of extending the cable of said tool with the other hand about a portion of the carcass to be measured and placing the end of the cable in a retaining means on said tool; activating by said one hand the other of said switch means when the end of said cable is in contact with said retaining means; receiving in the remote terminal the signal correspond-ing to the circumference measurement; storing in response to said other switch activation, the signal corresponding to the measured circumference.
3. A handheld measuring tool for making length and circumference measurements comprising: a tool body having a cavity therein; a guide nozzle mounted to said body with a passage into said cavity; a hand grip mounted to said body for holding said tool in one hand; a transducer mounted within said cavity and having a spring biased extendable output cable operatively connected to said transducer on one end, said cable extending from said transducer through said passage in said nozzle and terminating in an end means having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable outside said nozzle, said transducer producing a signal proportionate to the extension of said cable; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle including an engagement member positioned and adapted for engaging the end means when said tool is making the circumference measurement; and switch control means operatively interconnecting said transducer and an output terminal means, the switch control means being positioned on said tool for activation by said one hand when the cable has been extended the amount corresponding to the length or circumference measurement, whereby said output terminal means sequentially stores signals corresponding to the length or circumference measurement.
4. The tool of claim 3 including a trimming potentiometer mounted in said cavity and electrically coupled to said transducer for adjusting the proportional signal output.
5. The tool of claim 3 including a connector means mounted on said tool for input coupling of a supply voltage to said tool and for coupling the output from said transducer through said switch means to said output means.
6. The tool of claim 3 including a mounting ring fixedly attached to the tool body to enable hanging of the tool in a predetermined position.
7. A handheld tool for making separate sequential mechanical length and circumference measurements on portions of meat carcasses and for convert-ing said measurements to variable electrical separate signals representative of said mechanical measurements comprising: body means having a pistol like shape including a hand grip portion and a nozzle like portion; transducer means carried by said body means; extendable and retractable flexible cable means operatively connected on one end to said transducer means, said nozzle like portion of said body means having an opening therein, said cable means passing through said opening and being guided thereby to the exterior of said nozzle like portion, said cable means being unsupported outside said opening; end means on a portion of said cable means having a cross sectional dimension that is larger than said cable, which extends outside said nozzle like portion; means positioned at the outer end portion of said nozzle for engaging said cable end means when a circumference measurement is being made by positioning said unsupported portion of said cable means around a portion of said carcass; spring means associated with said cable means for biasing said cable means towards its retracted position; said transducer means including means for producing an electrical signal representative of the relative amount of extension of said cable means from its retracted position when each of said length and circumference mechanical measurements are made;
switch control means operatively connected to said transducer; and signal receiving and storing terminal means operatively connected to said switch control means for receiving said signals from said transducer when said switch control means is operated to sequentially produce and store said length and circumference measurement signals.
switch control means operatively connected to said transducer; and signal receiving and storing terminal means operatively connected to said switch control means for receiving said signals from said transducer when said switch control means is operated to sequentially produce and store said length and circumference measurement signals.
8. The tool of claim 7 including a trimming potentiometer mounted in said body means and electrically coupled to said transducer for adjusting the signal output.
9. The tool of claim 7 including a connector means mounted on said tool for input coupling of a supply voltage to said tool and for coupling the output from said transducer through said switch means to said terminal means.
10. The tool of claim 7 including a mounting ring fixedly attached to the tool body to enable hanging of the tool in a predetermined position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA314,362A CA1062452A (en) | 1974-03-27 | 1978-10-26 | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US45516874A | 1974-03-27 | 1974-03-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1058859A true CA1058859A (en) | 1979-07-24 |
Family
ID=23807666
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA222,700A Expired CA1058859A (en) | 1974-03-27 | 1975-03-20 | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1058859A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2512374A1 (en) |
| DK (2) | DK125475A (en) |
| GB (3) | GB1506003A (en) |
| SE (2) | SE407853B (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2728913A1 (en) * | 1977-06-27 | 1979-01-18 | Hans Breitsameter | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLASSIFYING MEAT |
| WO1983004366A1 (en) * | 1982-06-08 | 1983-12-22 | Proca Consulting Ab | Method for taking body measurement and apparatus for performing the method as well as a system for taking body measurement and producing garments |
-
1975
- 1975-03-20 CA CA222,700A patent/CA1058859A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-03-21 DE DE19752512374 patent/DE2512374A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1975-03-21 GB GB38715/77A patent/GB1506003A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-03-21 GB GB38714/77A patent/GB1506002A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-03-21 GB GB11977/75A patent/GB1506001A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-03-25 DK DK125475A patent/DK125475A/da unknown
- 1975-03-25 SE SE7503415A patent/SE407853B/en unknown
-
1977
- 1977-12-29 SE SE7714861A patent/SE417134B/en unknown
-
1979
- 1979-06-21 DK DK259279A patent/DK259279A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE407853B (en) | 1979-04-23 |
| DK125475A (en) | 1975-09-28 |
| DK259279A (en) | 1979-06-21 |
| SE7714861L (en) | 1977-12-29 |
| GB1506002A (en) | 1978-04-05 |
| GB1506001A (en) | 1978-04-05 |
| GB1506003A (en) | 1978-04-05 |
| DE2512374A1 (en) | 1975-10-09 |
| SE417134B (en) | 1981-02-23 |
| SE7503415L (en) | 1975-09-29 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US3979835A (en) | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses | |
| CA1300398C (en) | Probe unit for automatic determination of quality properties of meat | |
| US3326049A (en) | Soil sampling device | |
| Devitt et al. | Genetic correlation estimates between ultrasound measurements on yearling bulls and carcass measurements on finished steers | |
| DK156018B (en) | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFICATION OF MEAT | |
| Rhodes et al. | Meat texture: II. The relationship between subjective assessments and a compressive test on roast beef | |
| US4071957A (en) | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses | |
| CA1058859A (en) | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses | |
| Orme et al. | Relationship of live animal measurements to various carcass measurements in beef | |
| CA1062452A (en) | Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses | |
| US3594579A (en) | Device and method using gamma rays for size and density produce selection | |
| Kempster et al. | A note on the accuracy of an ultrasonic technique for selecting cattle of different breeds for slaughter at equal fatness | |
| Bodor et al. | GRA. LE. D.(GRApevine LEeaf Digitalization) software for the detection and graphic reconstruction of ampelometric differences between Vitis leaves | |
| Tulloh | Variations in the skin and skin-fold thickness of beef cattle. | |
| Sather et al. | A study of ultrasonic probing techniques for swine. I. The effect of operator, machine and site | |
| CN214174368U (en) | Soil moisture tachymeter for soil detection | |
| Fortin et al. | A note on the accuracy of the New Zealand Hennessy grading probe and the Danish fat-o-meater in measuring fat and muscle thickness in pig carcasses | |
| US4391141A (en) | Apparatus for determining the properties of a material having plastic properties by determining its density | |
| CN207991608U (en) | Character investigation bar between a kind of wheat paddock | |
| WO1992014116A1 (en) | Method and device for determining the weight of pigs | |
| NL8302661A (en) | Soil-testing tool in form of walking stick - has PH, humidity and temp. sensors in exchangeable pointed head | |
| CN217210638U (en) | Flue-cured tobacco seedling grade classification instrument | |
| Hudson et al. | A comparison of ultrasonic machines for the prediction of backfat thickness in the live pig | |
| Phillips et al. | The accuracy of measurements and weights of sheep | |
| CN217739172U (en) | Crop growth environment monitoring device |