US448413A - Slaughtering apparatus - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) 2 SheetsSheet 1. T. H. CURTIS.

SLAUGHTEBING APPARATUS. No. 448,413. Patented Mar. 1'7, 1891.

Ill

WITNESS JNVENTOR,

@ ZZW/W aaaz A A T TORZVE Y.

me NORRIS warsns cm, ma'wumo, wAsmxsrau, n. c.

' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. I T. H. CURTIS. SLAUGHTBRING APPARATU3.

Patented Mar. 1'7, 1891.

(No Model.)

ATEN

anion.

THEODORE H. CURTIS, OF CLEVELAND,

OHIO.

SLAUGHTERING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 448,413, dated March 17, 1891.

' Application filed October 28,1890. Serial No. 369,580 (N0 model.)

ratus; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, and to the let:

ters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in slaughtering apparatus.

The object of the invention is to provide improved means for catching and elevating hogs which will grasp the animal by two legs and securely hold the animal against twisting or wrenching either leg loose, and which can be easily and quickly operated.

A further object is to provide improved catching and elevating apparatus which can be operated by one person, and which has two connected grapples operated by two handles, and improved means whereby the hog can be released when desired.

These objects are accomplished by and this invention consists in certain novel features of construction and in combinations of parts more fully described hereinafter, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation showing the grapples closed, parts being broken away. Fig. 2 is an edge view, the device being closed. Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the grapples opened in position to grasp the legs of the hog, parts being broken away. Fig. l is a detail section on line :0 00, Fig. 1, showing the locking-bolt and means for operating the same to open the grips or grapples.

In the drawings, the reference-letter a indicates the carrying or connecting frame of the device, preferably formed integral of suitable metal and of sufficient strength to support a hog, and at one end having the two opposite extending bearing-arms Z) I), which carry two similar grips or grapples or other means to hold the hog. Each grapple consists of the main operating-lever 0, strongly pivoted a distance from its grasping end to an arm I) to swing laterally and having its 0pposite end extended to receive a handle 6. The short lever memberfof the grapple is strongly pivoted on the main lever at a in rear of the pivotal point (1, (to receive its power,) while the rear end of said short lever is fulcrumed to the outer end of a pivoted link extending toward the center of the frame and at its inner end loosely secured to the frame, so as to oscillate as the levers move. The outer or grasping ends of the lever members of each grapple are oppositely curved, respectively, outwardly and then inwardly, and the end of one lever is longitudi nally bifurcated at h to receive the end of the other lever, which extends therethrough when the levers are closed with their ends overlapping.

From the foregoing it will be clearly evident that when the two operating levers or handles of the two grapples are swung in certain directions the grapples will be closed, and when swung in the opposite directions they will open by reason of the peculiar arrangement and pivotal union of the two different classes of levers embodied in each grip, the main lever operating the short lever. In the present design of carrying out my invention when the two lever-handles are moved toward each other the levers close and when moved away from each other they open; but of course the arrangement might be varied so that the grips would close and open when moved oppositely from the manner described above. Certain means are also provided for locking the grapples in their closed positions, each grapple being provided with separate and independent means as follows: The rear end of the frame is provided with a pair of oppositely-extending arms 2' 7:, projecting over the operating-handles and provided on their rear sides with outwardly and oppositely inclined ratchet-teethj, and each operating-lever has a lateral lug 2' upon which a dog it is mounted, provided with engagingshoulder l to slide over the ratchet'teet-h of its arm t' when the lever is thrown in to close the grips, (under influence of spring l,) but to tightly bite into and mesh with said teeth against outward movement of the levers to open the grips, thereby firmly locking the same. These dogs have the extended handle ends Z conveniently located, so that the operating-levers can be easily released and swung out by merely pressing in the handle ends of the dogs with the thumbs while the levers are moved. Suitable stops are provided for the dogs.

The inner endsof pivoted links g may be provided with longitudinal slots m, and said ends extend through the walls of a box or casing 01, formed longitudinally on the frame. The links are confined by pins 0, passing through the frame and said slots, thereby allowing limited longitudinal play thereof. A boltp is longitudinally movable in said box or casing and extends rearwardly beyond the frame and has elevating chain or connection q attached strongly to its outer end. The

longitudinal movement of the bolt is limited by a longitudinal slot 21, and a pin usecured to the frame and extending therethrough. Within the box or casing the bolt fits snugly and is provided on two sides with the laterally-inclined faces or steps 1 2 to bear against the ends of links g. The normal position of the bolt is that shown in Fig. 1, with the grips closed,and one or more expansive springs a are employed in the box to yieldingly hold the bolt in its normal posit-ion, with the ends of the links resting between faces 1 2. A longitudidal slot is formed in said box or casing, and also an aperture 1') is formed in said bolt.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows and will be readily understood by all persons acquainted with modern methods of slaughtering hogs: A man is located in the pen, holding the present device bythe handles with the grips open. He then catches a hog by the two hind legs and throws the handles toward each other, thereby firmly gripping the hog, while the lockin g devices before mention ed securely hold the grips locked. As soon as the hog is securely caught the operator places the hook of the elevating-rope into ring 0', secured to hook d of the chain q, and the hog is then elevated and placed on th e tramway carriage or trolley by hook d. \V hen itis desired to drop the hog,thehandles are grasped and thelocking-dogs pressedin and the handles thrown apart, thus opening the grips and releasing the animals legs. When the construction of Fig. 1 is employed, the hog is ordinarily delivered by a tool, Fig. 4, consisting of a lever e, which enters aperture 1) of the bolt and has a swinging hook f, which bears up against the lower end of the frame and forces the frame up independently of the locking-bolt, whereby the ends of the links 9 g are allowed to slide inwardly on the inclined tion of Fig. 1 the device and hog" is-upheld by the locking-bolt. Hence as soon as the weight of the hog is upheld by said bolt'the frame and grapples tend to draw down on the bolt, whereby the ends of links 9 engage outwardly-inclined surfaces 2 2 and are forced out thereby, and thus the grasping ends of the levers are tightened around the legs of the animal. It should be understood that when the links g are moved outward the grasping ends of the same are drawn together, and vice versa when the links move in.

The construction shown in 3 dispenses with the locking-bolt and co-operating parts, the links g 9 being pivoted to lugs of the frame at 3 3 to allow oscillation of their outer ends, and the elevating-chain being secured directly to the end of the frame at 4, the device being otherwise the same as that of Fig. 1, only far simpler in construction. The animal is delivered by releasing the operatinglevers and throwing them apart, as before described.

In slaughtering establishments hogs are ordinarily secured and raised by a chain shackled around one leg of the animal. The other leg is thus left free, allowing the animal to kick, wrench, and throw himself, thereby rupturing the blood-vessels at the joints and in the bones. This blood settles and cannot be cured, and hence a percentage of the hams will not cure satisfactorily. These disadvantages are obviated by the use of my invention, for the animal is lifted by both hind legs and has no chance to kick and throw himself, and hence the hams and meat can be thoroughly cured.

This invention consists, broadly, in a hoggrappling mechanism composed of two grapples (nor do I limit myself to a peculiar c011- struction of grapple or grip) so positively or fixedly connected or secured together that they will be fixedly held a determined distance apart when grasping the legs of the hog, thereby composing what might be termed a double grapple, as the device is really a single tool or instrument, the two grips or grapples of which are positively secured together.

I do not limit myself to any peculiar arrangement, combination, connection, support, or frame whereby the grapples or grips are composed and positively secured together.

My invention further consists in the two fixedly-connected grapples or a double grap- Two loosely-connected grapples have heretofore been used to grasp the animal by both legs; but in practice two men arerequired to successfully apply them to the animal, and the grapplesbeing only connected by ropes and held locked by the weight of the animalthe hog is able to throw one leg loose and is left suspended by one leg, this old arrangement also possessing certain other disadvantages. The present device has its two grips fixedly connected, so as not to move independent of each other, with two handles to operate the same. The device can hence be operated by one man. The legs of the hog are firmly held, so that he cannot kick alternately with his hind legs. Each grapple has independent locking means, so that the grapples automatically lock the moment they are sufliciently applied and can be released instantly. One grapple can tightly grasp and hold the small portion of one leg while the other grapple grasps the larger portion of the other leg. By reason of the peculiar shape of the grasping ends of the leversthe legs of the animal are guided into the proper position to be grasped, and are thereby easily, quickly, and surely caught without danger of missing.

It is evident that various changes might be resorted to in the form and arrangement of the parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of myinvention. Hence I do not wish to limit myself to the construction herein set forth, but consider myself entitled to all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim is- 1. A device for the purpose mentioned, having two lever-grips held a fixed distance apart.

2. A hog grappling. and elevating mechanism comprising the two pivoted lever grips or grapples so arranged and positively connected or secured together as to be rigidly held a fixed distance apart when looked upon the legs of the hog, and thereby holding said legs rigidly together, substantially as described.

3. A hog grappling and elevating mechanism comprising a pair of grapples or grips, positive non-flexible connections between said grapples, and a pair of operating levers or handles, each grip having but one of said op erating levers or handles, whereby one man can operate both grips, and the grips will rigidly hold the legs of the hog.

at. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of the two grapples, each having a single operating lever or handle, and positive locking means for said grapples, substantially as described.

5. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of the two grapples or grips, rigid connections between said grips,

positive locking means therefor, and the single elevating chain or connection for supporting both grips, said connection being connected to the grips independent of said locking means and the opcratingdevers of the grips.

6. In a hog grappling and elevating n1echanism, the combination of the two grapples or grips, rigid connections between the grips, two operating levers or handles, and the elevating chain or connection attached to the connections between said grips independent of said operating-levers.

7. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, a lever-grip, the outer ends of the grlplevers being flared or bent outwardly and made to overlap when closed, as set forth.

8. The combination, with a connectingframe, of two lever-grips pivoted to and fixedly connected thereby, suls'tztntially as described.

9. In a device for the purpose mentioned, a frame, in combination with a grip composed of levers of two different classes, one lever being pivoted to the frame and pivoted to and operating the other, substantially as described.

10. A hoggrappling mechanism comprising, in combination, the two positively and fixedly connected lever-grips, each having a single operating-lever, whereby one man can operate the two grips, substantially as described.

11. In combination, a rigid frame to wh ch the elevating-chain is connected and the gr1ps pivoted thereto and having two operatinglevers,substantially as described.

12. In a device for the purpose mentioned, one or more grips and independent locking means for each grip, whereby each gr p can be independently locked at any position or released, substantially as described.

13. The grips composed of levers, in comb1- nation with a separate independent lockingdog for the operating-lever of each grip and a frame connecting said grips, and with which said dogs engage to lock the grips.

14. In combination, the frame having ratchet-teeth, lever-grips carried by the frame, each having an operating-lever, and pivoted dogs carried by said levers to mesh with said teeth and lock the grips.

15. A grip mounted on a frame and having a swinging operating-lever, and a pivoted spring locking-clog carried by said lever, arranged to engage the frame and lock the lever and be operated by the thumb to release the lever.

16. A hog grappling and elevating mechanism comprising a pair of lever-grips, grapples, or other means to grasp and hold both hind legs of a 110g held afixed distance apart when closed and looked upon the legs of the hog, substantially as described.

17. In combination, a frame, a pair of grips composed of levers, and a movable bolt mounted in the frameand to which the elevatingchain is attached, said bolt being arranged when upholding the hog to tighten said grips and when the frame is lifted thereon to partially open the grips, substantially as .de-

scribed. 18. In combination, the frame having a longitudinal opening, the bolt longitudinally movable therein and to which the elevatingehain is attached, said bolt having steps or inclined surfaces, as set forth, and the grips composed of the levers, one leverof each grip having a link, as set forth, to bear against said bolt and be operated by the steps or inclined faces thereof, substantially as described.

19. In combination, a frame and a grip 'car-' ried thereby, consisting of an operating-lever fulcrumed on the frame, one end forming a handle and the other a grasping end, and another short lever at one end movably fulcrumed to the frame, the other end forming a grasping end, said lever being pivoted between its ends on the operating-lever, substai'itially as described.

20. In a catching and elevating apparatus, a pair of grips or grapples arranged so as to be held a fixed distance apart when locked and to grip both hind legs of a hog and prevent independent movement thereof and locking means to hold said grapples rigidly closed or locked, substantially as described.

21.. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of the two grapples and positive connections between the same so arranged and constructed that the grips are fixedly held a determined distance apart when grappled upon the hogs legs, substantially as described.

22. A hog-catching tool consisting of the double grip or grapple, the grapples of which to close and openthe grapples of said tool,

substantially as described.

24. A hog-catching tool consisting of the double grapple,the operating-levers to close and open the grapples thereof, and locking means to lock the grapples upon the legs of the hog, substantially as described.

25. A hog-catching tool consisting of a rigid support and two grapples carried thereon, substantially as described.

26. A hog-catching tool consisting of two grapples fixedly secured together and incapable of relative independent movement and a single supporting or elevating chain or eonnection, substantially as described.

27. A hog-catching tool composed of two fixed grapples arranged and constructed to grasp both hind legs of a hog and rigidly hold them against independent. movement and means for opening and closing said grapples, substantially as described.

28. A hog-catching tool consisting of two grapples, means for operating the same, and positive connections or a non-flexihle support between the grapples, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signatn re in presence of two witnesses.

THEODORE II. CURTIS.

Witnesses HUBERT E. PEOK, O. M. WERLE.

Images