CA2025761A1 - Sea creature shell cutter - Google Patents
Sea creature shell cutterInfo
- Publication number
- CA2025761A1 CA2025761A1 CA 2025761 CA2025761A CA2025761A1 CA 2025761 A1 CA2025761 A1 CA 2025761A1 CA 2025761 CA2025761 CA 2025761 CA 2025761 A CA2025761 A CA 2025761A CA 2025761 A1 CA2025761 A1 CA 2025761A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shell
- hole
- blade
- saw
- pressure plate
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 241000257465 Echinoidea Species 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000002149 gonad Anatomy 0.000 description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002710 gonadal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000512259 Ascophyllum nodosum Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000005589 Calophyllum inophyllum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000258955 Echinodermata Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000876472 Umma Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N cocaine Chemical compound O([C@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@@H](N2C)[C@H]1C(=O)OC)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003028 elevating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019629 palatability Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003908 quality control method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015170 shellfish Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002435 tendon Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin or like shelled creature. The apparatus comprises a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an exposed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell and means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled. The apparatus further comprises a means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof into non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
An apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin or like shelled creature. The apparatus comprises a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an exposed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell and means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled. The apparatus further comprises a means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof into non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
Description
202~761 ``
- 2 - ~ ~`
BACRGROUND OF THE INVBNTION
`, ;'''' ~ ' The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in facilitating the processing of sea urchins or other similar shelled creatures, and more particularly relates to a tool which may be 5 used to open the shell of a sea urchin to facilitate removal of its gonads.
A sea urchin is a small, bulbous, spiny Echinoderm. It has a mouth and an anal pore located respectively on the bottom and top of the shell in its geometric centre. The urchin attaches 10 ltself to various kelps, which it feeds upon, or other sea bottom ob~ects. ~ ;
Most of the urchin is unusable for food. The part that is utilized i8 the gonad, both male and female. ~oe contained within the gonadal sack iB regarded by many as a delicacy akin to caviar. :
There are several problems associated with the removal of tha gonads from sea urchins:
(1) The gonads are encased in a spiny calcareous shell.
(2) The gonads are surrounded by viscerae which serve to soil the gonads when disturbed.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVBNTION
`, ;'''' ~ ' The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in facilitating the processing of sea urchins or other similar shelled creatures, and more particularly relates to a tool which may be 5 used to open the shell of a sea urchin to facilitate removal of its gonads.
A sea urchin is a small, bulbous, spiny Echinoderm. It has a mouth and an anal pore located respectively on the bottom and top of the shell in its geometric centre. The urchin attaches 10 ltself to various kelps, which it feeds upon, or other sea bottom ob~ects. ~ ;
Most of the urchin is unusable for food. The part that is utilized i8 the gonad, both male and female. ~oe contained within the gonadal sack iB regarded by many as a delicacy akin to caviar. :
There are several problems associated with the removal of tha gonads from sea urchins:
(1) The gonads are encased in a spiny calcareous shell.
(2) The gonads are surrounded by viscerae which serve to soil the gonads when disturbed.
(3) The gonads are attached to the shell in two ways: - ~
- The gonads are held in place by a sinuous ; ;
tendon which extends from the top of the sack ;~
to a circular area surrounding the anal pore.
- They are held as well by a tissue to tissue bond on the inside of the urchin shell. ~-', ' - ,:, "
2~2a761 , ' ., ' The aesthetics of the product sold to consumers are as important as the palatability of the product. For this reason, any process that is used to remove the gonads must guarantee gonadal sacks are not damaged. Only high quality sacks receive best prices from consumers.
The presently employed method of opening sea urchin shells is to split the shells using a hand tool in the form of a knife or chisel and to scoop out the gonads using a tool like a ~poon. The process is messy and time consuming due to long removal and clsaning times.
Canadian Patent No. 1,150,456 of O'Donnell issued July 26, 1983 describes and illustrates a mechanical apparatus for facilitating the cracking of sea urchin shells. That apparatus incorporates a blade, spring mounted for depression onto the shell of a sea urchin held on a plate below, the blade being formed with a central recess to facilitate penetration of the sea urchin shell in the region of the mouth. The blade and the shaft on which it is mounted are pivotally supported so as to break a cracked sea urchin shell open.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a devlce which will automate the sea urchin gonad removal process.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will, in conjunction with another apparatus described and illustrated in my co-pending patent application Serial No. , produce a high quality product for consumers and significantly reduce labour coæts and facilitate the removal of sea urchin gonads.
2025761 ~:
- The gonads are held in place by a sinuous ; ;
tendon which extends from the top of the sack ;~
to a circular area surrounding the anal pore.
- They are held as well by a tissue to tissue bond on the inside of the urchin shell. ~-', ' - ,:, "
2~2a761 , ' ., ' The aesthetics of the product sold to consumers are as important as the palatability of the product. For this reason, any process that is used to remove the gonads must guarantee gonadal sacks are not damaged. Only high quality sacks receive best prices from consumers.
The presently employed method of opening sea urchin shells is to split the shells using a hand tool in the form of a knife or chisel and to scoop out the gonads using a tool like a ~poon. The process is messy and time consuming due to long removal and clsaning times.
Canadian Patent No. 1,150,456 of O'Donnell issued July 26, 1983 describes and illustrates a mechanical apparatus for facilitating the cracking of sea urchin shells. That apparatus incorporates a blade, spring mounted for depression onto the shell of a sea urchin held on a plate below, the blade being formed with a central recess to facilitate penetration of the sea urchin shell in the region of the mouth. The blade and the shaft on which it is mounted are pivotally supported so as to break a cracked sea urchin shell open.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a devlce which will automate the sea urchin gonad removal process.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will, in conjunction with another apparatus described and illustrated in my co-pending patent application Serial No. , produce a high quality product for consumers and significantly reduce labour coæts and facilitate the removal of sea urchin gonads.
2025761 ~:
UMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin or like shelled creature comprising a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an expo~ed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell, and means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled. The apparatus further comprises a means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof lnto non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure plate i8 associated with the hole saw, in operation to ~upport the shell. The pressure plate has an aperture through which the saw blade is to project during operation. Means are provided to permit relative movement of the pressure plate and the hole saw during operation so that the saw blade extends through the , :~
pressure plate aperture to cut a hole in a shell supported on the pressure plate. ~
The apparatus according to the present invention provides ~"
a good initial cut into the urchin shell, which cut, when centred about the mouth section of the sea urchin, completely removes that ,' ~ ` ` ~ ' ' , ;
2~761 mouth section and exposes the gonads for subsequent removal, while not damaging the gonads in any way. While effective on sea urchins the apparatus of the present invention is also useful on scallps -~
and possibly other shellfish.
BRIEF DE~CRIPTION OF T~ DRAWINGB
....
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a hole saw apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a partial section view through the wall of the hole saw blade and support tube in FIGURE 1, illustrating the manner in which the blade is secured to the support tube; and FIGURES 3A and 3B are respectively front (from the inside) and side views of a preferred profile for the teeth of the saw blade of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is a side view, in partial section of the -apparatus of FIGURE 1.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it will be understood that it i5 not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of -~
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
. ~.,",` .~. .:
2025761 :; ~
','" `~ ':' ' DETAILED DE~CRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ;
In the drawings, similar features have been given similar ,. -:: ., .
reference numerals. ;
Turning to Figures 1 and 4 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 for opening the shell 4 of a sea urchin or like shelled creature. Apparatus 2 comprises a hole saw blade 6 of appropriate material (e.g. steel acceptable to regulatory agencies) releasably secured to a support tube 8 for rotation about an axis of rotation X (Figure 4), Snap-on guides 10 in the lower walls of saw blade 6 co-operating with rivets 12 on support tube 8 (Figure 2), or any other conventlonal means may be used to releasably hold blade 6 on tube 8. An appropriate conventional drive means 14 is used to rotate tube 8 and blade 6 during operation.
At the upper end of hole saw blade 6 is a plurality of teeth 16, a preferred form of which is illustrated in Figures 3A
and 3B. As can be seen in these figures, the outer edges 18 of teeth 16 are bevelled to a point, from the inside surface 20 to the outside (Figure 3A). As can be seen in Figure 3B, the teeth are slightly inwardly tapered on their inside surface 20, from the bottom to top. The teeth are outwardly pointed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation X. It has been found that such a saw blade, turning at from about 200 rpm to about 10,000 rpm (increased spacing of the teeth requiring an increased speed) will effectively cut open the mouth area of the shell 4 of the sea urchin. Hole saws of diameters ranging from 1 inch to 2 inches ;
have been found to be effective, although the preferred diameter is 2~2~761 about 1 3/4 inch. The blade is preferably of about 1/8 inch in width and made of stainless steel.
In conjunction with hole saw blade 6 and support tube 8 there is a pressure plate 22 having a centred aperture 24, plate 22 to receive a sea urchin shell 4 in centred fashion so that the area of shell 4 to be opened lies exposed through aperture 22, through which aperture teeth 16 of blade 6, as will be described in more detail subsequently, are to extend. Pressure plate 22 is supported on a table 26 by means of a plurality of compression springs 28, extending between the plate and table about their periphery as illustrated. Table 26 is also provided with an aperture 30, ~imilar to and aligned with aperture 24 of pressure plate 22.
Table 26 is supported by an appropriate frame 32 as illustrated, with support tube 8 and blade 16, during operation, rotatable and movable along the axis of rotation with respect thereto, as illustrated. Compression springs 28 permit pressure plate 22 to be depressed against their bias a limited amount such that, during operatlon, teeth 16 of blade 6 can contact the shell 4 of the sea urchin and cut a clean hole through it. Downward pressure on pressure plate 22 may be provided manually, for example, by pressing the sea urchin supported on pressure plate 22 downwardly, or by appropriate mechanical means. After the cut has been made, removal of the pressure on pressure plate 22 or shell 4 by the operator or a mechanical means will cause compression springs 28 to return to their original state, elevating pressure plate 22 so that shell 4 is now clear of teeth 16 of blade 6.
~'. ,'. ',~
~,.';" ~,'"
~;~', '' 2 ~ 2 a 7 ~
In operation, it has been found that the sea urchin shell 4 may be quickly and easily opened using apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention. A uniform smooth hole in shell 4 is created in the desired, bottom area of the urchin which completely removes the mouth section and exposes the gonads 32 (Figure 2) while not damaging the gonads in any way. The process works well for different diameter hole saws, it having been found that generally there are not mouth sections of sea urchins which are of greater diameter than 1 1/8 inches. A 1 3/4 inch diameter hole saw blade cannot be used on some of the smaller urchins, it has been found, ~ince the blade encompassed the whole urchin. Nevertheless that blade has been ~ound to be the optimal blade for most normal sized urchins.
When a hole has been drilled using the apparatus 2 in ac¢ordance with the present invention in the shell of a sea urchin, ~haking the urchin in a downward movement removes viscerae only.
Most of the gonad sacks 34 remain intact inside the urchin shell.
The gonads are now ready for removal using the apparatus described in my co-pending application Serial No.
The use of the apparatus according to the present invention in the initial opening procedures provides a very , effective method for commencement of the gonad removal procedure.
ThiC apparatus permits the mouth ~tructure of the sea urchin to be removed allowing easy access to the gonads. The body fluid of the sea urchin washes away any dust or splinters that are created through the drilling operation. The viscerae are allowed to drop out leaving relatively clean gonads. The uniform hole thus created 20257~1 in the shell of the sea urchin provides smooth sides for easier subsequent automation of the gonad removal process. The apparatus of the present invention exposes the gonads for easier quality control prior to their removal.
Thus it i8 apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
,.. ;' ' ,.
,:: .. ,:;
,'.'.,"' ::..' ; " ., , ;'..:
:,. ;,.:. ...
'','';;'~,',''",', ,' "., '~,.' ''.', ,,:: ~.,::
.'',~''."','',, ' .,',':''~''
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin or like shelled creature comprising a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an expo~ed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell, and means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled. The apparatus further comprises a means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof lnto non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure plate i8 associated with the hole saw, in operation to ~upport the shell. The pressure plate has an aperture through which the saw blade is to project during operation. Means are provided to permit relative movement of the pressure plate and the hole saw during operation so that the saw blade extends through the , :~
pressure plate aperture to cut a hole in a shell supported on the pressure plate. ~
The apparatus according to the present invention provides ~"
a good initial cut into the urchin shell, which cut, when centred about the mouth section of the sea urchin, completely removes that ,' ~ ` ` ~ ' ' , ;
2~761 mouth section and exposes the gonads for subsequent removal, while not damaging the gonads in any way. While effective on sea urchins the apparatus of the present invention is also useful on scallps -~
and possibly other shellfish.
BRIEF DE~CRIPTION OF T~ DRAWINGB
....
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a hole saw apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a partial section view through the wall of the hole saw blade and support tube in FIGURE 1, illustrating the manner in which the blade is secured to the support tube; and FIGURES 3A and 3B are respectively front (from the inside) and side views of a preferred profile for the teeth of the saw blade of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is a side view, in partial section of the -apparatus of FIGURE 1.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it will be understood that it i5 not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of -~
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
. ~.,",` .~. .:
2025761 :; ~
','" `~ ':' ' DETAILED DE~CRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ;
In the drawings, similar features have been given similar ,. -:: ., .
reference numerals. ;
Turning to Figures 1 and 4 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 for opening the shell 4 of a sea urchin or like shelled creature. Apparatus 2 comprises a hole saw blade 6 of appropriate material (e.g. steel acceptable to regulatory agencies) releasably secured to a support tube 8 for rotation about an axis of rotation X (Figure 4), Snap-on guides 10 in the lower walls of saw blade 6 co-operating with rivets 12 on support tube 8 (Figure 2), or any other conventlonal means may be used to releasably hold blade 6 on tube 8. An appropriate conventional drive means 14 is used to rotate tube 8 and blade 6 during operation.
At the upper end of hole saw blade 6 is a plurality of teeth 16, a preferred form of which is illustrated in Figures 3A
and 3B. As can be seen in these figures, the outer edges 18 of teeth 16 are bevelled to a point, from the inside surface 20 to the outside (Figure 3A). As can be seen in Figure 3B, the teeth are slightly inwardly tapered on their inside surface 20, from the bottom to top. The teeth are outwardly pointed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation X. It has been found that such a saw blade, turning at from about 200 rpm to about 10,000 rpm (increased spacing of the teeth requiring an increased speed) will effectively cut open the mouth area of the shell 4 of the sea urchin. Hole saws of diameters ranging from 1 inch to 2 inches ;
have been found to be effective, although the preferred diameter is 2~2~761 about 1 3/4 inch. The blade is preferably of about 1/8 inch in width and made of stainless steel.
In conjunction with hole saw blade 6 and support tube 8 there is a pressure plate 22 having a centred aperture 24, plate 22 to receive a sea urchin shell 4 in centred fashion so that the area of shell 4 to be opened lies exposed through aperture 22, through which aperture teeth 16 of blade 6, as will be described in more detail subsequently, are to extend. Pressure plate 22 is supported on a table 26 by means of a plurality of compression springs 28, extending between the plate and table about their periphery as illustrated. Table 26 is also provided with an aperture 30, ~imilar to and aligned with aperture 24 of pressure plate 22.
Table 26 is supported by an appropriate frame 32 as illustrated, with support tube 8 and blade 16, during operation, rotatable and movable along the axis of rotation with respect thereto, as illustrated. Compression springs 28 permit pressure plate 22 to be depressed against their bias a limited amount such that, during operatlon, teeth 16 of blade 6 can contact the shell 4 of the sea urchin and cut a clean hole through it. Downward pressure on pressure plate 22 may be provided manually, for example, by pressing the sea urchin supported on pressure plate 22 downwardly, or by appropriate mechanical means. After the cut has been made, removal of the pressure on pressure plate 22 or shell 4 by the operator or a mechanical means will cause compression springs 28 to return to their original state, elevating pressure plate 22 so that shell 4 is now clear of teeth 16 of blade 6.
~'. ,'. ',~
~,.';" ~,'"
~;~', '' 2 ~ 2 a 7 ~
In operation, it has been found that the sea urchin shell 4 may be quickly and easily opened using apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention. A uniform smooth hole in shell 4 is created in the desired, bottom area of the urchin which completely removes the mouth section and exposes the gonads 32 (Figure 2) while not damaging the gonads in any way. The process works well for different diameter hole saws, it having been found that generally there are not mouth sections of sea urchins which are of greater diameter than 1 1/8 inches. A 1 3/4 inch diameter hole saw blade cannot be used on some of the smaller urchins, it has been found, ~ince the blade encompassed the whole urchin. Nevertheless that blade has been ~ound to be the optimal blade for most normal sized urchins.
When a hole has been drilled using the apparatus 2 in ac¢ordance with the present invention in the shell of a sea urchin, ~haking the urchin in a downward movement removes viscerae only.
Most of the gonad sacks 34 remain intact inside the urchin shell.
The gonads are now ready for removal using the apparatus described in my co-pending application Serial No.
The use of the apparatus according to the present invention in the initial opening procedures provides a very , effective method for commencement of the gonad removal procedure.
ThiC apparatus permits the mouth ~tructure of the sea urchin to be removed allowing easy access to the gonads. The body fluid of the sea urchin washes away any dust or splinters that are created through the drilling operation. The viscerae are allowed to drop out leaving relatively clean gonads. The uniform hole thus created 20257~1 in the shell of the sea urchin provides smooth sides for easier subsequent automation of the gonad removal process. The apparatus of the present invention exposes the gonads for easier quality control prior to their removal.
Thus it i8 apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
,.. ;' ' ,.
,:: .. ,:;
,'.'.,"' ::..' ; " ., , ;'..:
:,. ;,.:. ...
'','';;'~,',''",', ,' "., '~,.' ''.', ,,:: ~.,::
.'',~''."','',, ' .,',':''~''
Claims (13)
1. Apparatus for opening the shell of a sea urchin or like shelled creature comprising:
(a) a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an exposed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell, (b) means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled; and (c) means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof into non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
(a) a hole saw having a cylindrical blade with teeth on an exposed end of the blade rotatable about an axis, the hole saw operable to drill a hole of predetermined diameter through an area of the shell, (b) means associated with the hole saw to support the shell to be opened and expose to the hole saw the area of its shell in which the hole is to be drilled; and (c) means associated with the hole saw and the support means to permit relative movement thereof into operative position whereby the saw blade and shell are in contact so as to enable drilling of the hole, and relative movement thereof into non-operative position with the saw blade clear of the shell.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hole saw blade is of a diameter in the range of about 1 inch to about 2 1/2 inches.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hole saw blade is of a diameter of about 1 3/4 inches.
4. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hole saw blade has a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the hole saw is selected to rotate its blade at a speed in the range of between about 200 rpm and about 10,000 rpm.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a pressure plate is associated with the hole saw, in operation to support the shell, the pressure plate having an aperture through which the saw blade is to extend during operation, means being provided to permit relative movement of the pressure plate and the hole saw during operation so that the saw blade extends through the pressure plate aperture to cut a hole in a shell supported on the pressure plate.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the pressure plate is supported on biasing means on a table, the table secured by a frame to the hole saw and having an aperture aligned with that of the pressure plate through which aperture the saw blade is to extend during operation, the biasing means arranged so that, in operation, the pressure plate is depressed relative to the table, against the urging of the biasing means, to bring the shell into contact with the saw plate to drill a hole in the shell, and the pressure plate is thereafter elevated into non-operative position, under urging from the biasing means.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the biasing means comprises a plurality of compression springs extending between the table and the pressure plate.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the saw blade is releasably secured to and guided in its operation by a support tube.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the saw blade teeth are outwardly pointed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the blade.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the edges of the teeth are bevelled to a point from inside to outside surfaces of the teeth.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the teeth are slightly inwardly tapered on their inside from bottom to top.
13. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hole saw further comprises means associated with the blade to rotate the blade about the axis.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025761 CA2025761A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Sea creature shell cutter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025761 CA2025761A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Sea creature shell cutter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2025761A1 true CA2025761A1 (en) | 1992-03-20 |
Family
ID=4146011
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025761 Abandoned CA2025761A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Sea creature shell cutter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2025761A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5364301A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1994-11-15 | Marine Machines, Inc. | Processing sea urchins for extracting gonads |
| US8591296B2 (en) | 2009-10-28 | 2013-11-26 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Mollusc processing apparatus and related methods |
| US11974582B2 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2024-05-07 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Apparatus and methods for mollusc processing |
-
1990
- 1990-09-19 CA CA 2025761 patent/CA2025761A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5364301A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1994-11-15 | Marine Machines, Inc. | Processing sea urchins for extracting gonads |
| US8591296B2 (en) | 2009-10-28 | 2013-11-26 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Mollusc processing apparatus and related methods |
| US11974582B2 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2024-05-07 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Apparatus and methods for mollusc processing |
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