GB419380A - Apparatus for removing back fins from fish - Google Patents

Abstract

419,380. Dressing fish. ROWTON, H. S., 7, Devanha Gardens, Aberdeen. May 15, 1933, No. 14029. [Class 28 (ii).] A machine for removing fins from fish, before or after decapitation, comprises a cutting tool arranged to ride on and accommodate itself to the contour of the fish, and means for determining the width and depth of the cut so that the fins are removed without an appreciable amount of flesh. The cutting tool, as shown, comprises two overlapping disc knives 5, 6, arranged with their flat or dished surfaces in contact, and mounted in a holder 8 carried by an arm 9, the supporting sleeve 24 of which is loose upon the shaft 10. The knives are driven from the shaft 10 by chain gearing 13-15, bevel gearing 18 and spur gearing 19, 20. The knife assembly is carried on a cross-bar 9<a> which, at its underside, is formed with a curved or flared V-shaped opening 23<a> which decreases in width and depth towards the knives, and serves to guide the fins of the fishes, which are traversed on a drum, disc or endless connected plate type conveyer, beneath the knives. The conveyer may be associated with heading or filleting devices, and the fishes may be supported in advance of the knives 5, 6 by adjustable guides or jaws. The front edges of the knives 5, 6 are screened by two guards 21 secured by screws to the underside of the holder 8 ; the curved converging space between the guards serving to guide the fins and a minimum amount of flesh to the cutting zone. In order to facilitate the rising and falling of the cutting tool according to the contour of the fish, a balance weight 25 or a compensating spring is provided.