GB2197779A

GB2197779A - A method and apparatus for dressing carcases

Info

Publication number: GB2197779A
Application number: GB08723168A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Wayne Philips; Martin Herbert Biss
Original assignee: MILLERS MECH EQUIP
Current assignee: MILLERS MECH EQUIP
Priority date: 1986-11-26
Filing date: 1987-10-02
Publication date: 1988-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2007-10-02
Also published as: NZ218435A; AU597431B2; AU7932987A; GB8723168D0; GB2197779B

Abstract

Apparatus for use in dressing animal carcases capable of positioning and repositioning the carcase to be dressed into the positions necessary to allow all dressing operations to be performed at a single dressing station, comprises supports for front legs and hind legs and means for adjusting the relative positions of the supports. <IMAGE>

Description

A method and apparatus for dressing carcases This invention relates to apparatus for use in dressing animal carcases. More particularly, it relates to apparatus upon which an animal carcase can be supported and moved into the positions necessary for dressing operations to be performed.

The processing of sheep and small animal carcases to facilitate pelt removal and carcase dressing is carried out predominantly by systems where carcases are mounted on a chain conveyor or a series of conveyors after slaughter. Process workers andlor mechanical equipment are stationed at various points along the chain to carry out specific operations on the carcase as it passes. The chain or series of chains undergoes a number of height and configuration changes as it passes along the slaughterboard to enable various operations to be carried out on the carcass and to allow changes of orientation of the carcase.

Such dressing chains are however hy virt.llt nf their size unsuitable for use in low capital cost plants of low to medium throughput. In particular, they are unsuitable for use in solo butchery operations.

It is an object of the present invention to provlde an animal dressing apparatus which is suitable for use by a solo operator or which at least offers the public a useful choice.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention can be said to consist in an animal carcase dressing apparatus including front leg supporting means, hind leg supporting means and means capable of adjusting the position of said leg supporting means relative to each other, the arrangement being such that a carcase to be dressed supported on one or other or both of the leg supporting means can be positioned and repositioned to allow all of the dressing operations called for by an operator to be performed at a single dressing station.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus further includes means to which the hide of a carcase to be dressed can be attached for removal and control means capable of controlling the position adjustment means to move the leg supporting means relative to each other in a pre-set 5eAuenc.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to consist in carcase dressing apparatus as defined above in combination with B conveyor system including carcase delivery means and carcase removal means.

In this embodiment, the apparatus preferably includes means capable of engaging with the carcase delivery means to receive the carcase to be dressed, of supporting the carcase during dressing and of engaging with the carcase thereto.

And still a further aspect, the invention can be said to consist in a method of dressing an animal carcase comprising the steps oft (a) providing an animal carcase dressing apparatus as defined above: (b) supporting a carcase to be dressed on one or other or both of the leg supporting means of the apparatus; (c) operating the position adjustment means to position and reposition the carcase as appropriate for the dressing operations to be performed; and (d) removing the dressed carcase from the leg supporting means of the apparatus.

Conveniently, the animal carcase is supported on both the front leg supporting means and the hind leg supporting means and in an inverted orientation during at least one phase of the dressing operation.

Although the present invention consists in the foregoing, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that it is not limited thereto and that the invention also includes embodiments of which the following description provides examples. In particular, certain preferred aspects of the invention will be described in more detail in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of dressing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus according to the invention including hide attachment means Figure 3 is a plan view showing the use of the apparatus )f Figure 1 in a continuous dressing facility.

Figure 4 is a schematic outline of the use of the apparatus in the processing of sn animal carcase.

Figure 5 is an example of a circuit which cAn t: ustd -o cwitrai the sequence of operations of the apparatus.

The present invention is directed to apparatus that allows for station dressing of animal carcases and the method that is employed associated with the apparatus. Although both the apparatus and the method will be described in more detail in relation to the processing of sheep and lamb carcasses, it will be appreciated that the general concept is not limited to such applications.

The apparatus according to the invention includes hind leg supporting means and front leg supporting means which are adjustable in relation to each other in order to accommodate the differing positions of a carcase which are necessary during the proceseing or dressing of that carcase.

The apparatus further includes means capable of adjusting the position of both the front leg supporting means and the hind leg supporting means relative to each other. the range of adjustment possible being sufficient to allow the carcase being dressed to be oriented in each of the positions necessary to achieve dressing of the carcases.

The presently preferred construction of the apparatus of the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. As shown. the apparatus is designed for station dressing of a carcase and comprises a frame 10 supported above the processing space. The frame 10 is suitably supported from a structural member preferably to minimise obstruction of the processing space. Of course, the frame 10 could also be supported from the floor of the processing area or could even be mounted to a vehicle.

The frame 10 provides a support for the position adjustment means of the apparatus. Preferably, the position adjustment means includes pistons to move the respective leg supporting means up and down in relation to each other.

As is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the frame 10 provides a support for a piston cylinder 11 which is conveniently pneumatically operated. An example of an appropriate pneumatic cylinder is the SMC cylinder,CAIFN-300Y. The piston rod of piston cylinder 11 passes through the frame 10 and has secured to its free end the hind leg supporting means of the apparatus.

As illustrated the hind leg supporting means preferably includes a horizontal Imar 0L to which the free end of the piston c colander 11 is attached. On either side of cylinder 11 there is provided stabilising means in the form of a longitudinal guide 14 for the hind leg supporting means. Guides 14 also pass through the frame 10 and are attached to bar 12. At the top end of each guide 14 there is further provided an enlarged collar 15 which acts as a stop and sets the maximum distance that the bar 12 can move downwards. In this way, a stable support is provided for the hind legs of an animal carcase during processing.

As is further shown in Figure 1, there are provided two coaxial piston cylinders 16 and 17 pivotally secured to the upwardly extending member IS of the frame 10. Again, the cylinders are preferably pneumatic cylinders. Examples of appropriate pneumatic cylinders are the SXC cylinders CAIGN100-42fY and GAIGNS00-750Y.

The piston rod lg of cylinder 16 is attached at its free end to the front leg supporting means which ie also in the form of a horizontal bar 20. In this way, when the piston rod 19 moves downwards, the horizontal bar 20 is caused to similarly move downwards to the desired position.

Although two pneumatic cylinders are shown to move the front leg supporting means up and down, it is of course possible to provide only a single pneumatic cylinder of the appropriate size. However, by using two such cylinders of appropriate sizes the precise positioning of the front leg supporting means during the dressing sequence is more easily controllable.

In preferred embodlments, the front leg supporting means also includes means by which the spacing or spread of the forelegs of a carcase to be dressed can be adjusted. The presently preferred means for achieving this spacing or spread is shown in Figure 1. As shown, the bar 20 designed to support the forelegs of the animal carcase is provided with V wedging grip means attached to dependent arms 21 and 22. A single V grip means 23 is provided on arm 21 and opposed the grip means 24 are provided on arm 22 to allow the forelegs to be supported in either a spread or adjacent position during dressing of the carcass.

The cylinders 16 and 17 associated with the front leg supporting means of the apparatus are also provided with stabilising means in the form of longitudinal guides 25 on each side of the cylinders. These guides 25 pass through part of the frame 10. Again, each of the guides 25 is provided at its top with an enlarged collar 26 which zcts ', a stop to regulate the maximum downwards movement of the front leg supporting means.

In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus is provided with means to which the hide 38 of a carcase 39 to be dressed can be attached to facilitate removal of the hide. The hide attachment means is provided below the position adjustment means such that each leg supporting means can be moved towards and away from the attachment means.

An embodiment of the invention in which the apparatus includes the hide attachment means is shown in P1 8Isre 2. . As illustrate, the hide attachment means has a frame 40 and includes a pair of opposed jaws which are closable so as to be capable of clamping the hide of a carcase between them. These jaw. which are designated 41 and 42 are preferably closable under the operation of a ram 43. conveniently a pneumatic ram.

It is further preferred that the apparatus of the invention incorporates a control means capable of controlling the position adjustment means to move the leg supporting means relative to each other in a pre-set sequence. Preferably, the control means as in the form of a programmable inicro-processor.

The movement of the leg supporting means from one position relative to each other in the sequence to the next position relative to each other in the sequence can be initiated in two ways. Firstly, the initiation can be by direct actuation of the control means by the operator. Such an arrangement is preferred. However, in other embodiments the control means can incorporate a timing device, the movement of the leg supporting means from one position relative to each other in the sequence to the next position in the sequence occurring after a pre-determined length of time.

In the presently preferred embodiment where a plurality of dressing stations are associated with a conveying system, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used to control the sequence of movements of the leg supporting means. It is further prefered that the PLC be used to control the queutng of carcases onto the carcase delivery means from the infeed conveyor. An example of a suitable PLC is the Hitachi P-Z50E having a P-500E expansion unit attached.

The PLC and its supporting electrical componentry are contained within a cabinet mounted above the apparatus and away from the conveying system.

The PLC responds to inputs from an associated operator panel which includes the emergency stop, the run/stop key and the conveyor on/off and speed controls. and from a foot swith which initiates the various movements of the apparatus in sequence. Further input as to the exact positioning of the components of the apparatus in the sequence is provided by appropriately positioned sensors, for example by magnetic or proximity sensors. By way of illustration, a Pulsotronic 9966-1400 (M30 10-30 VDC NPN) proximity sensor can be used.

On the basis of the input information received, the PLC activates the various functions of the apparatus by outputting to contractors and relays and ultimately to solenoids associated with electrovalves 11', 16 and 17' to control pistons ll, 16 and 17 respectively to move the leg supporting means of the apparatus into the required positions.

By way of example only, a circuit as shown in Figure 5 can be used to control the sequence of operations of the apparatus.

Inclusion of a programmable control means into the apparatus of the invention q6 particularly desirable as it allows the mode of operation to be varied to suit a particular butcher's individual preference or to suit the dressing technique required in a particular elaughterhouse.

The apparatus according to the invention described above is preferably associated or combined with a conveying system which includes carcase delivery means and carcase removal means. Where the apparatus is to be sssociated with such a conveyor system, the hind leg supporting means further includes means capable of engaging with the carcase delivery means to receive the carcase to be dressed, of supporting the carcase during dressing and of engaging with the carcase removal means to allow transfer of the dressed carcase thereto. In the presently preferred embodiments, the conveyor system comprises 8 rail conveyor upon which the carcases are mounted by slide means or hangers to be slideably movable therealong and the engagement means comprises a section of rail engagable with both the carcase delivery rail and the carcase removal rail.This preferred construction is also illustrated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings where a section of rail 13 is attached to the horizontal bar 12 of the hind leg supporting means by depending arms 64.

Where the apparatus of the invention is to be used in conjunction with a conveying system, more than one dressing station may be provided. An example of a layout of a conveying system supporting a plurality of dressing stations is shown in Pigure 3.

As shown. an infeed conveyor 30 has conventional control and switching mesns to feed railt 31, 32 and 33. These rails de er carcass t dressed to the dressing station 34, 35, 36 constructed in accordance with the previous description and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The rail section 13 fits into the feed conveyor rail and receives carcases to be dressed from that rail. After the dressing operations have been completed, the rail section 13 engages with the outfeed conveyor rail and the dressed carcases move along the outfeed conveyor rail to out feed conveyor 37. Outfeed conveyor 37 passes the dressed carcases received from rails 31, 32 and 33 for further processing or storage.

Although it is not critical, the herring-bone arrangement shown in the layout of Figure 3 is particularly suitable to provide adequate processor apace and to allow more dressing stations to be added if needed.

An example of the type of dressing process for which the apparatus of the invention is particularly unsuitable is in the processing of sheep or lamb carcases. This process will now be particularly described with reference to Figure 4.

The sheep or lamb carcase is subjected to normal pre-operation treatments of stunning and bleeding and is then delivered by an appropriate conveying system to the dressing station. At this stage, the sheep carcass is suspended from a slide by its hind legs on rail 13. The carcase in this position is then subjected to the first step of the dressing process which comprises clearing both sides of the head and severing the air canal. A cut is then made through the nose grissle to connect the two cleared sides of the head of the carcase in order to form a nose flap. Clearing of the head can also be performed at this point.

This position is illustrated as 1 in Figure 4.

The front legs (forelegs) of the carcase are then attached to bar 20 of the front leg supporting means which has been moved downwards under the influence of the pistons 16, 17. The forelegs are supported on the spreaders provided on the front leg supporting means in a position such that they are wide apart. A Y-cut is then made in the forequarter of the carcase. The forelegs are then opened up along the front of the Legs, the trotter joint cleared and the skin severed. The brisket flap is pushed back and the legs are cleared. This position is shown at 2 in Figure 4.

In the position shown at 3 in Figure 4, the hind leg supporting means is lowered such that the carcase is moved towards a substantially horizontal position with the head down. While in this position, a dehider is used to clevc he neck area of thp Carcass rther, the brisket and belly of the animal are cleared In the position shown at 4 in Figure 4, the hind legs are removed from the hind leg support means allowing the carcase to be suspended only from the front leg supporting means.In this position, the udder or scrotum of the carcase is removed, and the hind legs are cut in two ways. The first cut is a Y-cut to the crutch of the animal whereas the second cut is down the belly of the carcase from the brisket flap to the crutch.

In position 5 in Figure 4. the carcase remains attached by the forelegs only. The pelt is then pulled towards the back of the animal to clear the brisket and shoulders. The pelt of the animal is then attached to the hide attachment means by being clamped between jaws 41 and 42 and the animal raised in height by the pistons 16, 17. This operation causes the pelt to be progressively pulled off the animal. This step is repeated until the pelt has been entirely removed from the carcase. These operations are performed at position 6 in Figure 4.

As shown at 7 in Figure 4, the hind legs of the carcase are re-attached to the hind leg support means to cause the carcase to be suspended in 8 substantially horizontal position with the head down. The anus of the carcase is now trimmed and the carcase made ready for general inspection.

The next te is t re-orientate the carcase in order to minimise the swing involved when the forelegs are removed. This is achieved by lowering the front leg supporting means in order to place the carcase in as near to a vertical position as is practicable. This position as shown at 8 in Figure 4.

The final step of the process is shown at 9 in Figure 4. Subsequent to the removal of the forelegs of the carcase using either a hydraulic cutter or a knife, the dressed carcase is re-suspended from its hind legs only so that it can be placed upon the carcase removal section of the conveying system and removed either to storage or to further processing.

Again, it must be emphasised thst the above process shows only a typical sequence of the various adjustments ih orientation of a carcase during a dressing process.

Thus. in accordance with the invention there is provided an animal carcase dressing apparatus of reduced cost, of simple ionstLuttion and which allows a 5v * operator to perform e multitude of operations luring the dressing of the crease. This latter feature is particularly important as it results in less operator fatigue and boredom compared with an on-chain conveyor system.

Further, the apparatus of the invention occupies much less space than an on-chain system and provides better process flexibility to suit both the operator and the dressing technique required. It would also be possible to mount the apparatus.according to the invention on a vehicle to provide a transportable dressing station.

It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the above description is provided by way of example only and that the scope of invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Animal carcase dressing apparatus including front leg supporting means, hind leg supporting means. and means capable of adjusting the position of said leg supporting means relative to each other, the arrangement being such that a carcase to be dressed supported on one or other or both of the leg supporting means can be positioned and re-positioned to allow all the dressing operations called for by an operator to be performed at a single dressing station.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the front and hind leg supporting means are positioned below the position adjustment means t allow adequate operating space for the operator.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the front leg supporting means are provided with means by which the spacing or spread of the forelegs of a carcase to be dressed can be adjusted.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the position adjustment means includes two or more pistons to move the leg supporting means relative to each other.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims l to 5 further including means to which the hide of a carcase to be dressed can be attached, said hide attachment means being provided below the position adjustment means such that each leg supporting means can be moved towards and away from the ettachment means.

6. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the hide- attechment means includes a pair of opposed jaws, said jaws being closable so as to be capable of clamping the hide of a carcase threbetwPen.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further including control means capable of controlling the position adjustment means to move the leg supporting means relative to each other in a pre-set sequence,

8. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the movement of the leg supporting means from one position relative to each other in the Sequence to the next position relative to each other in the sequence is initiated by station of the control means by the operator.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the control means includes timing means, the movement of the leg supporting means from one position relative to each other in the sequence to the next position relative to each other in the sequence occurring after b pre-determined length of time.

10. Animal carcast dressing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-10 in combination with a conveyor system including carcase delivering means and carcase removal means.

11. A combination according to claim iO wherein the hind leg supporting means includes means capable of engaging with the carcase delivery means to receive the carcase to be dressed, of supporting the carcase during dressing and of engaging with the carcase removal means to allow transfer of the dressed carcase thereto.

12. A combination according to claim 12 wherein the conveyor system oemprsses a rail conveyor upon which the carcases are mounted by slide means to be slidably movable therealong and the engagement means comprises a section of rail engagable with both the carcase delivery rail and the carcase removal rail.

13. A combination as claimed in any one of clsims 11 to 13 wherein more than one carcase dressing station is provided, each dressing station being provided with separate carcase delivery means and carcase removal means.

14. A method of dressing an animal carcase comprising the steps of: (a) providing animal carcase dressing apparatus station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; (b) supporting a carcase to be dressed on one or the other or both of the leg supporting means of said apparatus: (c) operating the position adjustment means to position and re-position the carcase as appropriate for the dressing operations to be performed: and (d) removing the dressed carcase from the leg supporting means.

15. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the animal carcase is supported on both the front leg supporting means and the hind leg supporting means and in an inverted orientation during at least one phase of the dressing operation.

16. An animal carcase dressing apparatus substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

17. A combination of an aminal carcase dressing apparatus and a conveyor system substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of dressing an animal carcase substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.