NZ566145A - Slaughter chain pelt hock cutter - Google Patents

Abstract

A pelt cutting system includes a rotating cutting device 4 to contact and cut or grind a portion of pelt or skin from a part, in particular the hock, of an animal carcass, and a support member 10, 12 opposite the cutting device which prevents movement of the hock away from the cutting device. In use, the carcass suspended on a conveyor is transported so that the hock moves on the path D between the cutter and the support, and the cutter is moved in direction P to grind a portion of the skin from the hock.

Description

566145 No: Date COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PELT CUTTING SYSTEM We, ANDREW CHARLES HENRY NASH, a New Zealand citizen of 2a Triton Ave, Owairaka, Auckland, New Zealand; PHILIP MARK STUCKI, a New Zealand citizen of 14b Kupari Place, Glen field, Auckland, New Zealand; JASON PETER VAN BEURDEN, a New Zealand citizen of 104 Owairaka Ave, Mt Albert, Auckland New Zealand; and GEOFFREY JAMES BATES, a New Zealand citizen of 5 Ross Street, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand do hereby declaire the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - I - RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010 566145 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to a pelt cutting system and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a pelt cutting system for removing a portion of pelt or skin from an 5 animal carcass's leg or hock.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION In the meat processing industry, an animal carcass, such as a bovine or ovine carcass, may 10 undergo a series of different processes in order to fully extract the meat and process the entire carcass.

One such process may be the Y-cut which is used to begin removing the pelt and skin from the carcass. A cut is generally made through the pelt and skin starting at the front 15 hocks or legs and terminating above the brisket. Sometimes the pelt may be matted or soiled making it difficult to penetrate with a blade or knife.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved pelt cutting system, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the invention broadly consists in a pelt cutting system comprising: a rotating cutting device arranged to contact and cut or grind a portion of pelt or 25 skin from a part of an animal's carcass; and a support member opposite the cutting device arranged to prevent movement of the animal carcass away from the cutting device.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a control system arranged to actuate 30 movement of an arm coupled to the rotating cutting dcvice to move the rotating cutting device toward the support member. 2 566145 RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010 Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a proximity sensor arranged to sense when an animal carcass being conveyed during processing approaches or is between the rotating cutting device and the support member.

Preferably, the rotating cutting device is arranged to rotate around an axis substantially aligned with a direction of movement of an animal carcass conveyed between the rotating cutting device and support member during processing.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises one or more blades extending 10 tangentially to a rotating axis of the rotating cutting device.

Preferably, the rotating cutting device comprises a drum carrying the blades.

Preferably, the support member is a bar provided substantially aligned with a 15 direction of movement of an animal carcass conveyed during processing.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises one or more entry guides arranged to guide the animal carcass onto the support member.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a motor arranged to rotate the rotating cutting device under control of a control system of the pelt cutting system.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a travel adjustment rod arranged to limit the movement of the rotating cutting device.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a stopper arranged to prevent the rotating cutting device contacting the support member.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises a material clearing system arranged to 30 remove waste pelt and skin material from the pelt cutting system.

Preferably, the pelt cutting system comprises guarding arranged to prevent a person or foreign object from coming into contact with dangerous or moving parts of the pelt cutting system. 3 RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010 566145 In a second aspect the invention broadly consists in a method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass comprising the steps of: (a) moving a part of the animal carcass between a rotating cutting device and a 5 support member; and (b) moving the rotating cutting device toward the support member and into contact with the animal carcass to cut or grind away a portion of pelt or skin, the animal carcass being prevented from moving away from the cutting device by the support member.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of controlling the movement of the rotating cutting device with a control system.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of sensing if an animal carcass is between the rotating cutting device and the support member.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of guiding the animal carcass onto the support member using an entry guide.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of rotating the rotating cutting device with a motor.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of removing the waste pelt and skin material.

In a third aspect the invention broadly consists in a meat processing chain arranged to convey animal carcasses during processing and comprising a pelt cutting system according to the first aspect of the invention.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. 4 566145 The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment pelt cutting system of 10 the invention; Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of a preferred embodiment cutting device of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cutting device of Figure 2 and a mounting system; Figure 4 is a close-up perspective view of the mounting system of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cutting device of Figure 2 coupled to a motor; Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the cutting device of Figure 2 showing a waste material catch; and Figure 7 is a close-up front perspective view of the waste material catch of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention relates to a pelt cutting system which may be used as part of a meat processing chain in a meat processing plant. The pelt cutting system comprises a cutting 25 device and an opposing support member. Part of an animal carcass is moved between the support member and the cutting device in order to remove a portion of pelt or skin. A portion of pelt or skin may be removed from one or more of the carcass's lower legs or hocks, so that a downstream person or machine may be able to initiate a Y-cut without being hindered by the pelt or skin.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, a pelt cutting system 2 comprises a cutting device 4 with one or more blades 8. Preferably, the cutting device 4 is a rotating cutting device arranged to rotate around an axis that is substantially parallel or aligned with the movement of an animal carcass that is being conveyed down a meat processing chain. The cutting device 4 566145 may comprise a drum 6 arranged to rotate around a central longitudinal axis L. The drum 6 may be cylindrical, conical, frusto-conical, tapered, or any other suitable shape. The drum 6 and blades 8 may be made from metal, ceramic, or any other suitable material. One or more blades 8 extend from the periphery of the cutting device 4. Preferably, the cutting 5 device 4 comprises four blades 8, however any suitable number may be used. The blades 8 may extend along the entire length of the cutting device 4 or along part of the length of the cutting device 4. A series of notches may be provided around the periphery of the drum 6 and may be arranged so that one edge of the blade 8 sits in the notch while a sharp edge 8a extends outwards from the drum 6. Each blade 8 may extend away from the drum 6 at 10 substantially a tangent to where it is coupled on the drum 6. The blades 8 may be angled at 90° relative to the direction of travel of the animal carcass's leg or hock which is indicated by arrow D. Each blade 8 may be coupled to the drum through one or more screws, or rivets, or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the blades 8 may be integral with the drum. The blades 8 are arranged to cut or grind on their sharp edges 8a when the cutting 15 device 4 is rotated around L. The blades 8 may be arranged to cut or grind when the cutting device is rotated clockwise, or anti-clockwise, or both. In use, the cutting device 4 is used to cut or grind away a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass that is brought into contact with it. A portion of pelt or skin may be removed from one or more of the carcass's lower legs or hocks, so that a person or machine may later be able to initiate a Y-20 cut without being hindered by the pelt or skin. In some embodiments, the blades 8 may have two opposing sharp edges 8a. The first sharp edge 8a may be arranged to grind or cut and the second sharp edge 8a may be contained in the notch. When the first sharp edge becomes blunt, the blade 8 may be removed from the drum 6, turned around, and replaced on the drum 6 so that the second sharp edge 8a is able to grind or cut. The cutting device 25 may be 198mm long and may have a cutting diameter of 90mm, or be of any other suitable size. The cutting device 4 may be coupled to and supported by a mounting system 20, as discussed further below.

Referring only to figure 1, the pelt cutting system 2 comprises a support member 10 30 opposite the cutting device 4. Preferably, the support member 10 is a bar 12. However, the support member 10 may be a vertical surface or any other suitable support member. The support member 10 may be made from metal, such as stainless steel, or any other suitable material. As the animal carcass approaches the pelt cutting system 2, for example suspended from a processing chain, one or more legs or hocks may enter between the 6 566145 support member 10 and the cutting device 4. The animal carcass may enter the pelt cutting system 2 from either direction as indicated by arrow D. The leg or hock may move or slide along the support member 10 until it reaches a position opposite the cutting device 4. A proximity sensor may be activated which may cause a control system to energise the cutting 5 device 4 and to move it towards the support member 10 so that it contacts the leg or hock in order to cut or grind a portion of the pelt or skin from the animal carcass. Alternatively, the cutting device 4 may be energised at all times. The proximity sensor may be mechanical, optical, camera based, or any other suitable proximity sensor. The cutting device may be coupled to and moved via an arm 22 and actuator controlled by the control 10 system. If the animal carcass is suspended, for example from a chain in a meat processing plant, pressing the cutting device 4 into the carcass may cause it to swing away from the cutting device 4, which may prevent adequate cutting of the skin or pelt. Providing the support member 10 opposite the cutting device 4 prevents the carcass or leg or hock swinging away from the cutting device 4. This may help ensure that the cutting device 4 15 effectively cuts or grinds away the pelt or skin.

The support member 10 may be provided substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cutting device 4. The pelt cutting system 2 may comprise one or more entry guides 14. In embodiments where the support member 10 is a bar 12, the bar 12 may have entry 20 guides 14 provided on each end. Each entry guide 14 may be a portion of the bar 12 that has been bent away from the cutting device 4, however any suitable entry guide may be used. The entry guides 14 may help the animal carcass initially contact and slide along the bar 12 as it is being moved towards the cutting device 4. The support member 10 may comprise a bracket 16 used to couple it to a wall in the meat processing plant. However, 25 the support member 10 may be provided on a frame, or stand, or in any other suitable manner.

Referring to figures 2 and 3, the cutting device 4 may be mounted on a mounting system 20. The mounting system 20 may be arranged to move the cutting device 4 away from and 30 towards the support member 10. When an animal carcass on a processing chain is moved towards or between the cutting device 4 and support member 10, a proximity sensor may be triggered. This may cause the control system to actuate an arm 22 coupled to the cutting device 4 to move it along pivot line P towards the support member 10. However, the mounting system 20 may be arranged to move the cutting device 4 towards the support 7 566145 member 10 in any suitable manner, for example through a linear translational movement. The cutting device 4 is moved to contact the carcass and cut or grind away a portion of the skin or pelt. The arm 22 may be actuated via an actuator 24 which may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other suitable actuator. Once the cut or grind is completed, the control 5 system may actuate the arm 22 to move the cutting device away from the support member 10. The cutting device 4 may be coupled to the arm 22 through a connecting column 26 or in anv other suitable manner.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, the mounting system 20 may comprise a mounting plate 28 10 which may be couplcd to a support structure, such as a wall or frame (not shown). One end of the arm 22 may be pivotally coupled to the mounting plate 28 through a pivot connection 30 so that the arm 22 and cutting device 4 may move towards and away from the support member 10, with the cutting device 4 moving along pivot line P. A travel adjustment rod 32 may be connected between the arm 22 and the mounting plate 28. The 15 travel adjustment rod 32 may be a threaded rod. One end of the travel adjustment rod 32 may be pivotally connected to the mounting plate 28. The travel adjustment rod 32 may pass through an aperture in a plate 34 connected to the arm 22. An inner limit nut 36 (only shown on figure 4) and an outer limit nut 38 may be provided on the travel adjustment rod 32. The nuts 36, 38 may each be moved up and down the travel adjustment rod 32, for 20 example by rotating the nuts 36, 38 on the thread of the travel adjustment rod 32. When the arm 22 is actuated by the actuator 24, the outer limit of travel will be reached when the outer limit nut 36 contacts the plate 34, and the inner limit of travel will be reached when the inner limit nut 38 contacts the plate 34. Alternatively, the inner limit of travel may be limited by one or more stoppers (not shown) provided on the support structure of the 25 mounting system 20. Limiting the travel of the arm 22 may prevent the cutting device 4 from cutting too deep into the animal carcass and, for example, cutting into bone which may cause the blades 8 to become blunt and may also compromise the structural integrity of the hanging animal carcass. Limiting the travel of the arm 22 may also prevent the cutting device 4 from coming into contact with the support member 10 which may cause 30 damage to one or both of them.

Referring to figure 5, a motor 40 may be coupled to and arranged to rotate the cutting device 4. The motor 40 may be an electric motor or any other suitable motor and may be single speed or variable speed. The motor 40 may be controlled by the control system. 8 566145 The motor 40 may be controlled to energise the cutting device 4 when an animal carcass is sensed by the proximity sensor to be approaching the cutting device 4, or is between the cutting device 4 and the support member 10. The control system may also then control the actuator 24 to actuate the arm 22 to move the cutting device 4 towards the support 5 member 10 in order to cut or grind away part of the animal carcass's skin or pelt. Alternatively, the motor 40 may be running at all times that the meat processing chain is in use.

The cutting device 4 may comprise a spindle 11 (also shown in figure 1) extending from 10 the drum 6 along axis L, which may be coupled to a pulley 42 provided on the shaft of the motor 40. The spindle 11 may be coupled to the motor through a belt, chain, bearings, or any other suitable drive mechanism so that the motor 40 may rotate the cutting device 4. Referring to figure 6, a safety guard 44 may be provided to cover the spindle 11, pulley 42 and shaft of the motor 40, and the drive mechanism. The safety guard 44 may prevent 15 people or foreign objects from coming into contact with the drive mechanism. The motor 40 may be controlled by the control system to rotate the cutting device 4 when an animal carcass is provided between the cutting device 4 and the support member 10, for example when sensed by a proximity sensor.

Referring to figures 6 and 7, waste pelt or skin material may be produced during use of the pelt cutting system 2. The pelt cutting system 2 may comprise a material clearing system arranged to transport the waste pelt or skin material away from the pelt cutting system 2. A catch may be coupled to the connecting column 26 and provided below or around the cutting device 4. The waste pelt or skin material may fall or be projected into the catch 48 25 as it is cut or ground from the animal carcass. The waste pelt or skin material may then be guided away from the system through a pipe 50. The catch 48 may additionally act as a guard which may prevent people or foreign objects from coming into contact with the cutting device 4. Alternatively, separate guarding may be provided around the dangerous or moving parts of the pelt cutting system 2 such as the cutting device 4, motor 40, drive 30 mechanism, and mounting system 20.

The pelt cutting system 2 may comprise one or more jets that spray water, air, or any other suitable fluid over the waste skin or pelt material and away from the pelt cutting system 2. The waste skin or pelt material may be washed into the catch 48 in order to be transported 9 566145 away. Alternatively, the pelt cutting system 2 may comprise one or more vacuum tubes that suck the waste pelt or skin material away from the pelt cutting system 2. However, the waste pelt or skin material may be cleared in any suitable manner.

Referring to figure 7, guarding 52 may be provided over the spindle 11 and drive mechanism. The guarding 52 may be angled away from the support member 10 and may also cover the motor 40 and act as an entry guide 14 for the animal carcass.

The pelt cutting system 2 may generally be used on any suitable animal carcass, and 10 particularly on any animal carcass which may require a Y-cut during processing such as bovine or ovine. The pelt cutting system 2 may also be used to remove woolly sock, armour plate, or any other pelt or skin related condition from an animal carcass.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications 15 may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010 566145

Claims (20)

CLAIMS -

1. A pelt cutting system comprising: A rotating cutting device arranged to contact and cut or grind a portion of pelt or 5 skin from a part of an animal's carcass; and a support member opposite the cutting device arranged to prevent movement of the animal carcass away from the cutting device.

2. A pelt cutting system according to claim 1 comprising a control system arranged to 10 actuate movement of an arm coupled to the rotating cutting device to move the rotating cutting device toward the support member.

3. A pelt cutting system according to either of claims 1 or 2 comprising a proximity sensor arranged to sense when an animal carcass being conveyed during processing 15 approaches or is between the rotating cutting device and the support member.

4. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 where the rotating cutting device is arranged to rotate around an axis substantially aligned with a direction of movement of an animal carcass conveyed between the rotating cutting device and support 20 member during processing.

5. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising one or more blades extending tangentially to a rotating axis of the rotating cutting device. 25

6. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 where the rotating cutting device comprises a drum carrying the blades.

7. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 where the support member is a bar provided substantially aligned with a direction of movement of an animal 30 carcass conveyed during processing.

8. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising one or more entry guides arranged to guide the animal carcass onto the support member. 11 RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010 566145

9. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising a motor arranged to rotate the rotating cutting device under control of a control system of the pelt cutting system. 5

10. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising a travel adjustment rod arranged to limit the movement of the rotating cutting device.

11. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a stopper arranged to prevent the rotating cutting device contacting the support member. 10

12. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising a material clearing system arranged to remove waste pelt and skin material from the pelt cutting system. 15

13. A pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising guarding arranged to prevent a person or foreign object from coming into contact with dangerous or moving parts of the pelt cutting system.

14. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass comprising 20 the steps of: (a) moving a part of the animal carcass between a rotating cutting device and a support member; and (b) moving the rotating cutting device toward the support member and into contact with the animal carcass to cut or grind away a portion of pelt or skin, the animal 25 carcass being prevented from moving awTay from the cutting device by the support member.

15. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass according to claim. 14 comprising the step of controlling the movement of the rotating cutting device 30 with a control system.

16. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass according to either of claims 14 or 15 comprising the step of sensing if an animal carcass is between the rotating cutting device and the support member. 12 566145 RECEIVED at IPONZ on 26 January 2010

17. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass according to any one of claims 14 to 16 comprising the step of guiding the animal carcass onto the support member using an entry guide. 5

18. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass according to any one of claims 14 to 17 comprising the step of rotating the rotating cutting device with a motor. 10

19. A method of removing a portion of pelt or skin from an animal carcass according to any one of claims 14 to 18 comprising the step of removing the waste pelt and skin material.

20. A meat processing chain arranged to convey animal carcasses during processing 15 and comprising a pelt cutting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 13