CA2025762A1 - Apparatus and method for removing roe from sea urchins - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for removing roe from sea urchinsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2025762A1 CA2025762A1 CA 2025762 CA2025762A CA2025762A1 CA 2025762 A1 CA2025762 A1 CA 2025762A1 CA 2025762 CA2025762 CA 2025762 CA 2025762 A CA2025762 A CA 2025762A CA 2025762 A1 CA2025762 A1 CA 2025762A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- sheath
- shell
- post
- sea urchin
- 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 title claims abstract description 61
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 230000002710 gonadal effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 210000002435 tendon Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000002149 gonad Anatomy 0.000 description 15
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000512259 Ascophyllum nodosum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000258955 Echinodermata Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 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
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust 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
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Meat, Egg Or Seafood Products (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus and related method for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells. The apparatus comprises an elongated flat blade having a longitudinal knife edge, flexible in a direction out of its plane, the blade extending outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post, and means associated with the blade and post when the blade and corresponding end of the post extend into the shell of the sea urchin to cause them to rotate through 360° in the direction of the knife edge about an axis and, when positioned proximal to the inner of the shell, cause the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall to release them from that wall.
An apparatus and related method for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells. The apparatus comprises an elongated flat blade having a longitudinal knife edge, flexible in a direction out of its plane, the blade extending outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post, and means associated with the blade and post when the blade and corresponding end of the post extend into the shell of the sea urchin to cause them to rotate through 360° in the direction of the knife edge about an axis and, when positioned proximal to the inner of the shell, cause the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall to release them from that wall.
Description
2Q~762 BACRGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing gonadal sacks containing roe from the interior walls of sea urchin shells.
A sea urchin is a small, bulbous, spiny Echinoderm. It has a mouth and an anal pore located on the bottom and top of the shell in its geometric centre. The urchin attaches itself to various kelps, which it feeds upon, or other sea bottom objects.
Most of the urchin is unusable for food. The part that is utilized is the gonad, both male and female. Roe contained within the gonadal sack is regarded by many as a delicacy akin to caviar.
There are several problems associated with the removal of the 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.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing gonadal sacks containing roe from the interior walls of sea urchin shells.
A sea urchin is a small, bulbous, spiny Echinoderm. It has a mouth and an anal pore located on the bottom and top of the shell in its geometric centre. The urchin attaches itself to various kelps, which it feeds upon, or other sea bottom objects.
Most of the urchin is unusable for food. The part that is utilized is the gonad, both male and female. Roe contained within the gonadal sack is regarded by many as a delicacy akin to caviar.
There are several problems associated with the removal of the 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.
The aesthetics of the product sold to consumer are as important as the palatability of the product. For this reason, any process that is used to remove the gonads must guarantee gonadal 202~762 ~ ~
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 spoon. The process is messy and time consuming due to long removal and cleaning time.
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 is mounted are pivotally supported so as to break a cracked sea urchin shell open.
In co-pending application Serial No. , filed September 19, 1990, an apparatus for cutting a hole in the shell of a sea urchin using a hole saw is described and illustrated. That apparatus enables the hard shell of the sea urchin to be opened in the area of the mouth structure, permitting the mouth structure to be removed and allowing access to the gonads. That apparatus pQrmits the body fluid of the sea urchin to be washed and viscerae to drop out leaving relatively clean gonads. A uniform hole is created with that apparatus, with smooth sides permitting easier automation using the apparatus of the present invention. The problem with that apparatus however is that while the gonads are 2~2S762 :.: .............................................. . .
- 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.
The aesthetics of the product sold to consumer are as important as the palatability of the product. For this reason, any process that is used to remove the gonads must guarantee gonadal 202~762 ~ ~
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 spoon. The process is messy and time consuming due to long removal and cleaning time.
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 is mounted are pivotally supported so as to break a cracked sea urchin shell open.
In co-pending application Serial No. , filed September 19, 1990, an apparatus for cutting a hole in the shell of a sea urchin using a hole saw is described and illustrated. That apparatus enables the hard shell of the sea urchin to be opened in the area of the mouth structure, permitting the mouth structure to be removed and allowing access to the gonads. That apparatus pQrmits the body fluid of the sea urchin to be washed and viscerae to drop out leaving relatively clean gonads. A uniform hole is created with that apparatus, with smooth sides permitting easier automation using the apparatus of the present invention. The problem with that apparatus however is that while the gonads are 2~2S762 :.: .............................................. . .
- 4 - - ;
exposed for easier quality control, the tissue and tendons attaching the gonadal sacks to the sea urchin shell are still in place holding the sacks to the shell. These must somehow be severed without damaging the gonadal sacks.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which will permit severing of the tissues and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall of the sea urchin, ~or easy removal of the sacks from the shell. It is a further ob~ect of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will remove the gonadal sacks from sea urchins with minimal damage to the sacks. It is yet a further object to provide an apparatus and method which will automate the sea urchin gonad removal process and make that process a fast and effective one with reduced labour costs.
8UMMARY OF ~HB ~NVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells. The apparatus comprises an elongated ;-flat blade having a longitudinal knife edge, flexible in a ~;
direction out of its plane, the blade to extend outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis o~ the -post, and means associated with the blade and post when the blade and corresponding end of the post extend into the shell of the sea urchin to extend the blade outwardly from the post and cause the blade and the post to rotate through 360 in the direction of the ~
' .'.~' '. ': :,' 20257~2 - 5 - ~ .
: ,:. . .:
.-; ,, knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post ~ ;~
and, when positioned proximal to the inner of the shell, cause the blade to sever tissue and tendon bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall, to release them from that wall. . ;
5In a preferred embodiment, the post comprises an ..
elongated sheath to house the blade, the sheath having an open .
upper end from which end the blade extends when in operative . :
position, and means associated with the blade and sheath to move the blade between said operative position and an inoperative :: ;
position wherein the blade is largely enclosed by the sheath. As well, the end of the sheath adjacent the opening is curved at about 90 to the longitudinal axis of the sheath so that the blade is curved within the sheath and extends from the sheath at about a 90 angle to that longitudinal axis. An upwardly extending nipple is ~
15preferably centred on the sheath where it commences its 90~ curve, : ;
on the axis of rotation of the sheath and blade, the nipple to fit : -. .
within a sea urchin shell's anal pore when the sheath has been passed ~hrough a hole cut in the shell in the mouth area of the sea :
urchin, and act as a guide to hold the blade and sheath in position ; ;
20during rotation.
As well, in accordance with the present invent?on there ~
is provided a method for removing gonadal sacks from interior ~.
walls of sea urchin shells. The method comprises forming a circular hole through the mouth area of the sea urchin shell. A
25longitudinal blade having a longitudinal knife edge and being -flexible in a direction out of its plane is then extended outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal -~-202~7~2 ` ~
exposed for easier quality control, the tissue and tendons attaching the gonadal sacks to the sea urchin shell are still in place holding the sacks to the shell. These must somehow be severed without damaging the gonadal sacks.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which will permit severing of the tissues and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall of the sea urchin, ~or easy removal of the sacks from the shell. It is a further ob~ect of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will remove the gonadal sacks from sea urchins with minimal damage to the sacks. It is yet a further object to provide an apparatus and method which will automate the sea urchin gonad removal process and make that process a fast and effective one with reduced labour costs.
8UMMARY OF ~HB ~NVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells. The apparatus comprises an elongated ;-flat blade having a longitudinal knife edge, flexible in a ~;
direction out of its plane, the blade to extend outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis o~ the -post, and means associated with the blade and post when the blade and corresponding end of the post extend into the shell of the sea urchin to extend the blade outwardly from the post and cause the blade and the post to rotate through 360 in the direction of the ~
' .'.~' '. ': :,' 20257~2 - 5 - ~ .
: ,:. . .:
.-; ,, knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post ~ ;~
and, when positioned proximal to the inner of the shell, cause the blade to sever tissue and tendon bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall, to release them from that wall. . ;
5In a preferred embodiment, the post comprises an ..
elongated sheath to house the blade, the sheath having an open .
upper end from which end the blade extends when in operative . :
position, and means associated with the blade and sheath to move the blade between said operative position and an inoperative :: ;
position wherein the blade is largely enclosed by the sheath. As well, the end of the sheath adjacent the opening is curved at about 90 to the longitudinal axis of the sheath so that the blade is curved within the sheath and extends from the sheath at about a 90 angle to that longitudinal axis. An upwardly extending nipple is ~
15preferably centred on the sheath where it commences its 90~ curve, : ;
on the axis of rotation of the sheath and blade, the nipple to fit : -. .
within a sea urchin shell's anal pore when the sheath has been passed ~hrough a hole cut in the shell in the mouth area of the sea :
urchin, and act as a guide to hold the blade and sheath in position ; ;
20during rotation.
As well, in accordance with the present invent?on there ~
is provided a method for removing gonadal sacks from interior ~.
walls of sea urchin shells. The method comprises forming a circular hole through the mouth area of the sea urchin shell. A
25longitudinal blade having a longitudinal knife edge and being -flexible in a direction out of its plane is then extended outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal -~-202~7~2 ` ~
axis of the post after the end of the post has been passed through the hole and the post and extended blade are rotated through 360 in the direction of the knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post and passing through the hole and the anal pore of the sea urchin shell, with the blade positioned proxlmal to the interior wall of the shell. This causes the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall and thereby release the gonadal sacks from the wall.
The apparatus and method of the present invention provide for fast and effective removal of gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchins with significant savings in labour. The apparatus according to the present invention results in easy sevQring of the tiesue bonding the gonadal sacks with very little damage to the gonadal sacks.
15BRIFF DE~CRIPTION OF THB DRAWING8 These and other objects and advantages of the invention wlll become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view in partial section of an :.
20apparatus for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea i~
urchin shells in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a plan view, from the top, of the apparatus , ~ ,. -:, . ~
of Figure 1.
FIGURE 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic views of the various ;
stages of the process according to the present invention for .: . " .
~ ;' ;-:,' 2 0 2 ~ 7 6 2 removing gonadal sacks from sea urchin shells.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. 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.
.' ~"''' D~TAI~ED D9~CRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
, i'".',~
In the drawings, similar features have been given similar reference numerals.
Turning to FIGURE 1 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention for removing gonadal sacks 4 (Figure 3C) ~rom the interior walls of a sea urchin shell 6.
Apparatus 2 comprises an elongated flat blade 8 which blade is flexible in a direction out of its plane (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3C) and has a knife edge 9 along a leading longitudinal edge.
Blade 8 is housed within a post-like sheath 10 the upper end 11 of which is curved at a 90 angle from its longitudinal axis, and terminates in an open end 12 from which the free end 14 of blade 8 extends when the apparatus is in operative position. Blade 8 is preferably a feeler blade made of spring steel.
Sheath 10 is secured within a elongated guide 16 as illustrated, for relative movement upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto. Blade 8 is fixedly secured, by means of pin 18, at its lower end, to an upper end of elongated guide 16, pin 18 2~2~762 passing through a slot 20 in the wall of sheath 10 as illustrated.
In this manner, slot 20 governs the maximum extent of upward and lower movement of sheath 10 with respect to elongated guide 16.
Preferably a similar pin and guide arrangement is provided on both sides of blade 8, sheath 10 and elongated guide 16. An appropriate biasing means, such as a spring 22, is preferably provided to urge sheath 10 upwardly into inoperative position, in which blade 8 is largely housed within sheath 10 as illustrated. By urging sheath 10 downwardly, against the force of biasing means 22, for example when an urchin shell has been placed over the upper end 11 of sheath 10 and pressure applied downwardly, sheath lO is moved downwardly until pin 18 is located at the upper end of slot 20. In this, operative position, end 14 of blade 8 will be fully exposed, as shown in phantom in Figure 1 and in full line in Figure 3C, so that the blade will be ready for operation to sever the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall of shell 6.
Elongated guide 16 is arranged, at its lower end, so as to rotate about a vertical axis, appropriate gears 26 being : . ..::: .., provided at its lower end to interact with a drive gear 28 powered by an appropriate motor ~not illustrated). In this manner, when drive gear 28 is operating, elongated guide 16, sheath 10 and blade -.~, :,, .,;
The apparatus and method of the present invention provide for fast and effective removal of gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchins with significant savings in labour. The apparatus according to the present invention results in easy sevQring of the tiesue bonding the gonadal sacks with very little damage to the gonadal sacks.
15BRIFF DE~CRIPTION OF THB DRAWING8 These and other objects and advantages of the invention wlll become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view in partial section of an :.
20apparatus for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea i~
urchin shells in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a plan view, from the top, of the apparatus , ~ ,. -:, . ~
of Figure 1.
FIGURE 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic views of the various ;
stages of the process according to the present invention for .: . " .
~ ;' ;-:,' 2 0 2 ~ 7 6 2 removing gonadal sacks from sea urchin shells.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. 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.
.' ~"''' D~TAI~ED D9~CRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
, i'".',~
In the drawings, similar features have been given similar reference numerals.
Turning to FIGURE 1 there is illustrated an apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention for removing gonadal sacks 4 (Figure 3C) ~rom the interior walls of a sea urchin shell 6.
Apparatus 2 comprises an elongated flat blade 8 which blade is flexible in a direction out of its plane (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3C) and has a knife edge 9 along a leading longitudinal edge.
Blade 8 is housed within a post-like sheath 10 the upper end 11 of which is curved at a 90 angle from its longitudinal axis, and terminates in an open end 12 from which the free end 14 of blade 8 extends when the apparatus is in operative position. Blade 8 is preferably a feeler blade made of spring steel.
Sheath 10 is secured within a elongated guide 16 as illustrated, for relative movement upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto. Blade 8 is fixedly secured, by means of pin 18, at its lower end, to an upper end of elongated guide 16, pin 18 2~2~762 passing through a slot 20 in the wall of sheath 10 as illustrated.
In this manner, slot 20 governs the maximum extent of upward and lower movement of sheath 10 with respect to elongated guide 16.
Preferably a similar pin and guide arrangement is provided on both sides of blade 8, sheath 10 and elongated guide 16. An appropriate biasing means, such as a spring 22, is preferably provided to urge sheath 10 upwardly into inoperative position, in which blade 8 is largely housed within sheath 10 as illustrated. By urging sheath 10 downwardly, against the force of biasing means 22, for example when an urchin shell has been placed over the upper end 11 of sheath 10 and pressure applied downwardly, sheath lO is moved downwardly until pin 18 is located at the upper end of slot 20. In this, operative position, end 14 of blade 8 will be fully exposed, as shown in phantom in Figure 1 and in full line in Figure 3C, so that the blade will be ready for operation to sever the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall of shell 6.
Elongated guide 16 is arranged, at its lower end, so as to rotate about a vertical axis, appropriate gears 26 being : . ..::: .., provided at its lower end to interact with a drive gear 28 powered by an appropriate motor ~not illustrated). In this manner, when drive gear 28 is operating, elongated guide 16, sheath 10 and blade -.~, :,, .,;
8 rotate 360 about this vertical axis in the direction of knife . ~ ~
: :: -::;
edge 9. Because a sea urchin shell is normally of regular ~
geometric shape, i.e. of circular construction through the cross- ~ ;
section normal to the axis extending between its mouth and anal pore 29 (Figure 3A), a nipple 30 is secured to the upper end 24 of ; ;
sheath 10, in line with its axis of rotation, the nipple to be of - ~,...:
: -'.':~'': . ''''.'':
a size and construction that will permit it to be seated in the anal pore of the urchin shell during operation of apparatus 2. As well, to support and ensure a proper alignment of sea urchin shell 6 while blade 8 is rotating during operation, a hollow, truncated cone 32 is provided, circumscribing elongated guide 16, drive gear 28 and sheath 10. The walls of support cone 32 are upwardly, inwardly flared as illustrated from the base 34 to the upper end 36 of support cone 32. Upper end 36 of support cone 32 is of a regular circular shape (Figure 2) and of a diameter such that it will permit a sea urchin shell 6 to sit on it, as illustrated in Figure 3C, when a hole 37 of appropriate size has been cut, preferably in the area of the mouth of the sea urchin. Such a hole is preferably cut using the hole saw apparatus of co-pending Application Serial No. That hole in the sea urchin shell 6 may be made of such a size that, when shell 6 is seated on the upper end of support cone 32 as illustrated in Figure 3, sheath will be depressed, with respect to elongated guide 16 sufficiently to expose an effective length of end 14 of blade 8 to sever the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks 4 to the interior wall of shell 6 and thereby release the gonadal sacks from the wall as blade 8 is rotated about the axis passing through ' ' nipple 30 in the direction of its knife edge 9. As well, with shell 6 in position as illustrated in Figure 3, nipple 30 is lodged in the anal pore of the shell 6, which pore is more or less diametrically spposite the sea urchin's mouth. This arrangement helps to secure shell 6 in position during the rotation of blade 8 and maintain a constant positioning of the shell with respect to 202a752 the rotating blade during the operation of apparatus 2.
When the cutting operation has been completed, shell 6 is removed from its position supported on the upper end 36 of support cone 32, after blade 8 has ~topped rotating. The gonadal sacks will have been freed to fall out of shell 6, at this stage. As shell 6 i8 lifted, under urging of biasing means 22 sheath 10 is forced upwardly to its inoperative position with blade 8 retracted into and largely housed within sheath 10.
The process for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells, using the apparatus according to the preeent invention, as well as the apparatus of co-pending Application Serial No. , is illustrated schematically in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. In the first step, illustrated in Figure 3A, a circular hole 37 of appropriate diameter is drilled, using a hole saw 38, in the mouth area of the sea urchin shell 6. Removal of the mouth structure provides access to the gonads. The body fluid of the urchin washes away as well as any dust or splinters that are created. The viscerae are also allowed to drop out leaving relatively clean gonadal sacks still secured by tendons and tissue to the interior shell wall.
In the next step illustrated in Figure 3B, a blade 8, having a knife edge 9 (Figure 1) and flexible in a direction out of its plane, is extended outwardly from the end of a post (sheath) 10 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post after that end of the post has been passed through the opening thus created in shell 6. Post 10 is then rotated about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the knife edge 9 through 360, the axis of ',' '. ': ' ~'' '~ ~
; 2~2~7~2 rotation passing through that hole 37 and the anal pore 29 of the sea urchin shell with the blade 8 positioned proximal to the interior wall of the shell as illustrated in Figure 3C. In this manner the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall are severed, releasing the gonadal sacks from the wall, with very little damage, for recovery and subsequent processing. It is preferred that the hole is formed with a hole saw.
It will be understood that the apparatus and process of the present invention provide a highly automated system for removing gonads from sea urchins with consequent savings in cost and time.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, lS aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments 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.
: :: -::;
edge 9. Because a sea urchin shell is normally of regular ~
geometric shape, i.e. of circular construction through the cross- ~ ;
section normal to the axis extending between its mouth and anal pore 29 (Figure 3A), a nipple 30 is secured to the upper end 24 of ; ;
sheath 10, in line with its axis of rotation, the nipple to be of - ~,...:
: -'.':~'': . ''''.'':
a size and construction that will permit it to be seated in the anal pore of the urchin shell during operation of apparatus 2. As well, to support and ensure a proper alignment of sea urchin shell 6 while blade 8 is rotating during operation, a hollow, truncated cone 32 is provided, circumscribing elongated guide 16, drive gear 28 and sheath 10. The walls of support cone 32 are upwardly, inwardly flared as illustrated from the base 34 to the upper end 36 of support cone 32. Upper end 36 of support cone 32 is of a regular circular shape (Figure 2) and of a diameter such that it will permit a sea urchin shell 6 to sit on it, as illustrated in Figure 3C, when a hole 37 of appropriate size has been cut, preferably in the area of the mouth of the sea urchin. Such a hole is preferably cut using the hole saw apparatus of co-pending Application Serial No. That hole in the sea urchin shell 6 may be made of such a size that, when shell 6 is seated on the upper end of support cone 32 as illustrated in Figure 3, sheath will be depressed, with respect to elongated guide 16 sufficiently to expose an effective length of end 14 of blade 8 to sever the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks 4 to the interior wall of shell 6 and thereby release the gonadal sacks from the wall as blade 8 is rotated about the axis passing through ' ' nipple 30 in the direction of its knife edge 9. As well, with shell 6 in position as illustrated in Figure 3, nipple 30 is lodged in the anal pore of the shell 6, which pore is more or less diametrically spposite the sea urchin's mouth. This arrangement helps to secure shell 6 in position during the rotation of blade 8 and maintain a constant positioning of the shell with respect to 202a752 the rotating blade during the operation of apparatus 2.
When the cutting operation has been completed, shell 6 is removed from its position supported on the upper end 36 of support cone 32, after blade 8 has ~topped rotating. The gonadal sacks will have been freed to fall out of shell 6, at this stage. As shell 6 i8 lifted, under urging of biasing means 22 sheath 10 is forced upwardly to its inoperative position with blade 8 retracted into and largely housed within sheath 10.
The process for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells, using the apparatus according to the preeent invention, as well as the apparatus of co-pending Application Serial No. , is illustrated schematically in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. In the first step, illustrated in Figure 3A, a circular hole 37 of appropriate diameter is drilled, using a hole saw 38, in the mouth area of the sea urchin shell 6. Removal of the mouth structure provides access to the gonads. The body fluid of the urchin washes away as well as any dust or splinters that are created. The viscerae are also allowed to drop out leaving relatively clean gonadal sacks still secured by tendons and tissue to the interior shell wall.
In the next step illustrated in Figure 3B, a blade 8, having a knife edge 9 (Figure 1) and flexible in a direction out of its plane, is extended outwardly from the end of a post (sheath) 10 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post after that end of the post has been passed through the opening thus created in shell 6. Post 10 is then rotated about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the knife edge 9 through 360, the axis of ',' '. ': ' ~'' '~ ~
; 2~2~7~2 rotation passing through that hole 37 and the anal pore 29 of the sea urchin shell with the blade 8 positioned proximal to the interior wall of the shell as illustrated in Figure 3C. In this manner the tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall are severed, releasing the gonadal sacks from the wall, with very little damage, for recovery and subsequent processing. It is preferred that the hole is formed with a hole saw.
It will be understood that the apparatus and process of the present invention provide a highly automated system for removing gonads from sea urchins with consequent savings in cost and time.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, lS aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments 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 (16)
1. Apparatus for removing gonadal sacks from the interior walls of sea urchin shells, the apparatus comprising an elongated flat blade having a longitudinal knife edge flexible in a direction out of the plane of the blade, the blade extendible outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post, and means associated with the blade and post when the blade and corresponding end of the post extend into the shell of the sea urchin to extend the blade outwardly from the post and cause the blade and post to rotate through 360° in the direction of the knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post and, when positioned proximal to the inner of the shell, cause the blade to sever tissue bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall to release them from that wall.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the blade comprises an elongated flexible feeler blade having sharpened peripheral edges.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the blade is made of spring steel.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the post comprises an elongated sheath to house the blade the sheath having an open upper end from which end the blade extends when in operative position, means associated with the blade and sheath to move the blade between said operative position and an inoperative position wherein the blade is largely enclosed by the sheath.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the end of the sheath adjacent its opening is curved at about 90° to the longitudinal axis of the sheath so that the blade is curved within the sheath and extends from the sheath at about a 90° angle to that longitudinal axis.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein an upwardly extending nipple is centred on the sheath where it commences its 90° curve, on the axis of rotation of the sheath and blade, the nipple to fit within a sea urchin shell's anal pore when the sheath has been passed through a hole in the shell in the mouth area of the sea urchin, during operation of the device and act as a guide to hold the blade and sheath in position during rotation.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising drive means to cause rotation of the sheath and blade.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the lower portion of the blade is fixed to an inner wall of an elongated guide, and this elongated guide circumscribes and is secured to a lower portion of the sheath in such a manner that the sheath is relatively moveable with respect thereto along its longitudinal axis between an upper position in which the blade is in inoperative position and a lower position in which the blade is in operative position.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein elongated slots are provided through the sheath with pins extending therethrough fixed to the blade and inner wall of the elongated guide, the slots to guide the sheath between its upper and lower positions.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein biasing means are association with the sheath and elongated guide, normally urging the sheath towards upper position.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a motor is mechanically connected to the elongated guide to cause rotation of the sheath.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a hollow, truncated cone, upwardly, inwardly flared from its base to its upper end, circumscribes the blade and post, the upper end of the cone to seatably fit into a hole in the shell of a sea urchin so that the blade and corresponding end of the post extend beyond that upper end and are in proper position, proximal to the inner wall of the shell during rotation of the blade for the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks of the sea urchin to the sea urchin shell's inner wall to release the gonadal sacks from that wall.
13. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a hollow, truncated cone, upwardly, inwardly flared from its base to its upper end, circumscribes the blade, sheath and elongated guide, the upper end of the cone to seatably fit into a hole in the shell of a sea urchin so that the blade and open end of the sheath extend beyond that upper end and are in proper position, proximal to the inner wall of the shell, during rotation of the blade, for the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks of the sea urchin to the sea urchin shell's inner wall to release the gonadal sacks from that wall.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the open end of the sheath, when in upper position, extends beyond the upper end of the cone a sufficient amount so that seating of a sea urchin shell on the upper end of the cone, with the upper end of the cone positioned in a hole of predetermined diameter in the mouth area of the shell of the sea urchin, will permit fitting of the nipple in the anal pore of the sea urchin shell and thereby cause lowering of the sheath to its lower position to extend the blade outwardly into operative position.
15. A method for removing gonadal sacks from interior walls of sea urchin shells, the method comprising the steps of :
(a) forming a circular hole through the mouth area of the sea urchin shell, (b) extending a longitudinal blade having a longitudinal knife edge and flexible in a direction out of its plane outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post after the said end of the post has been passed through the hole; and (c) rotating the post and extended blade through 360°
in the direction of the knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post and passing through the hole and the anal pore of the sea urchin shell, with the blade positioned proximal to the interior wall of the shell, to cause the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall and thereby release the gonadal sacks from the wall.
(a) forming a circular hole through the mouth area of the sea urchin shell, (b) extending a longitudinal blade having a longitudinal knife edge and flexible in a direction out of its plane outwardly from the end of a post in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the post after the said end of the post has been passed through the hole; and (c) rotating the post and extended blade through 360°
in the direction of the knife edge about an axis through the longitudinal axis of the post and passing through the hole and the anal pore of the sea urchin shell, with the blade positioned proximal to the interior wall of the shell, to cause the blade to sever tissue and tendons bonding the gonadal sacks to the interior wall and thereby release the gonadal sacks from the wall.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the hole is formed with a hole saw.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025762 CA2025762A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Apparatus and method for removing roe from sea urchins |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025762 CA2025762A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Apparatus and method for removing roe from sea urchins |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2025762A1 true CA2025762A1 (en) | 1992-03-20 |
Family
ID=4146012
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025762 Abandoned CA2025762A1 (en) | 1990-09-19 | 1990-09-19 | Apparatus and method for removing roe from sea urchins |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2025762A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| 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 |
| CN103637246A (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2014-03-19 | 青岛一球通海产品专业合作社 | Rotary sea urchin bone removing device |
| US11974582B2 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2024-05-07 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Apparatus and methods for mollusc processing |
-
1990
- 1990-09-19 CA CA 2025762 patent/CA2025762A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| 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 |
| CN103637246A (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2014-03-19 | 青岛一球通海产品专业合作社 | Rotary sea urchin bone removing device |
| US11974582B2 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2024-05-07 | Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership | Apparatus and methods for mollusc processing |
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