WO2002040232A1

WO2002040232A1 - Machine for cutting a meat block comprising a marrow bone

Info

Publication number: WO2002040232A1
Application number: PCT/FR2001/003268
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Emsens
Original assignee: Michel Emsens
Priority date: 2000-11-17
Filing date: 2001-10-22
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: FR2816867A1; AU2002212420A1; FR2816867B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a machine for cutting up a meat block comprising a marrow bone, characterised in that it has, suitably mounted on a frame (1): independent support elements (4) for maintaining and positioning the meat block; the support elements (4) are secured by means (8-9) to be continuous displaced, and step by step, opposite at least a cutting assembly (C); the cutting assembly or assemblies (C) is/are arranged to ensure in combination with the fittings (4f) of the support element (4), the transverse splitting of the meat block so as to produce at least a cut; the different elements and assemblies are automatically controlled by a control central unit to be synchronously displaced.

Description

MACHINE FOR CUTTING A PIECE OF MEAT HAVING A BONE WITH A MARROW

The invention relates to the technical sector of food processing machines for cutting meat.

More particularly, the invention relates to the transverse cutting of a piece of meat having a bone marrow to obtain pieces of meat for the preparation of an osso-buco in particular. Generally, osso-buco is obtained from a veal shank or a turkey drumstick, male or female.

For the cutting and slicing of meat without bone, machines have been proposed making it possible, in a continuous manner, to obtain slices of variable thickness. Mention may be made, for example, by way of non-limiting indication, of the teaching of patents and patent applications WO 93/22114, FR 2,367,582, FR 2,570,316, FR 2,535,642. As indicated, these machines, whatever their embodiment, can be used for cutting slices of pieces of meat without bone. For this reason, the different pieces of meat, such as veal shank, turkey drumstick, and generally all pieces of meat having very substantially in its central part a bone marrow, that is to say of relatively section important, are cut manually by sharp tools, generally in the form of hatchets. This is the case of pieces of meat made for the preparation of an osso-buco.

The production of osso-buco pieces is therefore done entirely manually and by hand. We can see that this cut and this manual slicing requires on the part of the operator, significant repetitive efforts with the risk of frequent accidents. We also observe that these repetitive cutting gestures generate, in the long run, tendonitis and other problems for the operator. Finally, despite all the experience that the operator can have, it is difficult to obtain pieces of meat of substantially the same volume, and of substantially constant thickness.

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks in a simple, safe, effective and rational manner.

The problem which the invention proposes to solve is to be able to industrialize and automate the cutting of a piece of meat having a bone marrow for the production of pieces of osso-buco in particular, having, consequently, the objective of increase production rates, and reduce costs, while avoiding the operator a particularly strenuous and dangerous work.

To solve this problem of automating this type of cutting, it is necessary to take into account the nature of the specific piece of meat to be treated, particularly in terms of its volume which is not of generally parallelepiped shape, and of the material to be cut which consists of an outer layer and a thickness of meat arranged concentrically to a marrow bone which has a certain hardness. To solve such a problem, a machine has been designed and developed which, suitably mounted on a frame: - independent support elements arranged for holding and positioning the piece of meat;

- The support elements are subject to means to be moved continuously and step by step, facing at least one cutting assembly; - The cutting assembly (s) is (are) arranged to ensure, in combination with arrangements of the support elements, the transverse slicing of the piece of meat in order to produce at least one piece of osso-buco in particular;

- the different elements and assemblies are slaved to a control unit to be moved synchronously.

To solve the problem posed of being able to automatically cut, and continuously, several pieces of meat, the support elements are arranged on a part of the frame acting as a horizontal work plan by cooperating with means capable of constituting a path of guide to allow the movement of said elements, in a closed loop, as and when the means control, said elements being positioned continuously, contiguously, to form an endless chain.

To resolve the problem posed of ensuring the simultaneous movement of all of the support elements in the manner of an endless chain, the control means for the latter consist of at least one jack whose end of the rod cooperates with a retractable finger capable of being engaged and disengaged at will from an imprint formed at the base and in the thickness of each support element to allow, under the effect of the displacement of the rod, the translational drive of a support element corresponding and, concomitantly, the displacement of one step of the other support elements, by pushing effect.

To solve the problem posed of ensuring perfect positioning of the support element or elements relative to the cutting assembly considered, the machine has means capable of ensuring the temporary blocking of the chain resulting from the contiguous positioning of the various support elements, at when ordering the cutting assembly (s).

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is to be able to make, in a continuous and simultaneous manner, the different cuts necessary for the number of pieces of osso-buco that can be obtained in the piece of meat considered. To solve such a problem, the machine has a number of cutting assemblies corresponding to the number of pieces of osso-buco that one wants to make in the piece of meat, said assemblies being controlled, in a simultaneous manner.

Advantageously, the cutting assemblies are suitably offset with respect to each other and angularly oriented so as to be able to obtain, under the effect of their simultaneous control, different successive branches on several pieces of meat positioned in the support element or elements, and the number of which corresponds to the number of osso-buco pieces desired.

To ensure the cross section as such of the piece of meat considered, each cutting assembly has a stirrup receiving, with capacity to move towards the piece of meat, a member interchangeable cutting edge. The cutting member can be constituted by a fixed cutting blade, by a saw animated by an oscillating or circular movement, without excluding other solutions.

To solve the problem of forming an endless chain and ensuring the positioning and retention of a plurality of pieces of meat to be treated, each support element is in the form of a rounded sole with the bearing face receiving the piece of meat, is profiled longitudinally to substantially match the profile of said piece.

To solve the problem posed of ensuring the slicing of a piece of meat in the best conditions, taking into account its volume which does not have planar bearing faces, the face of the sole, receiving the piece of meat, has , in overflow, means for positioning and abutment of said piece and grooves suitably oriented to correspond to the different cutting assemblies and allow the insertion of the cutting members to ensure the complete cross section of the piece of meat.

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is that of being able to continuously remove, and for each piece of meat treated, the part of bone which does not have meat. Such a problem is solved in that the sole has, at one of its transverse ends, a reserve in the form of a through opening, for the reception of the part of the piece of meat corresponding to bone alone, said opening being temporarily closed by the work surface of the frame while being able to be put in communication with an evacuation hole as the support elements move.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of the figures of the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting machine according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the machine; - Figure 3 is a partial view in section showing an embodiment for the movement of the support elements;

- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view seen at one of the cutting assemblies, Figure 4a is a preferred embodiment of the cutting member. - Figures 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views showing the principle of the operating cycle for the simultaneous cutting of a number of pieces of meat depending on the number of pieces of osso-buco that one wants to obtain for the same room;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support element; Figure 8a showing a preferred embodiment.

- Figure 9 shows a piece of osso-buco obtained.

The machine illustrated in Figure 1 is shaped to cut a piece of meat (P) having, in its central part, a bone marrow for making pieces of osso-buco for example.

Advantageously, this piece of meat (P) is constituted by hocks of veal, turkey drumsticks. In the following description, a piece of cut meat of the osso-buco type will denote a cut piece of meat of the type illustrated in FIG. 9 concentrically having an outer layer (PI) generally consisting of skin, a layer of meat (P2 ) and, in its central part, the bone marrow as such (O). Furthermore, according to the figures of the drawings, the pieces of meat (P) correspond to a turkey drumstick, it being understood that this example is given by way of non-limiting indication.

As shown in Figure 1, the machine comprises a frame (1) for supporting the ground, part of which acts as a work plane (la) arranged in a horizontal plane. This work plan (la) has arrangements (2) and (3) capable of constituting a guide path to allow the displacement of support elements (4) in a closed loop.

The support elements (4) are positioned flat, contiguously and continuously, in the guide path (2-3) constituting an endless chain. In other words, the various support elements (4) are arranged end to end.

As shown in particular in Figure 8, each support element (4) is arranged to ensure the maintenance and positioning of the cut piece of meat. Each support element (4) is in the form of a sole with two parallel lateral sides (4a) and (4b) connected by rounded edges (4c).

The face (4d) which receives the piece of meat (P) is profiled longitudinally to substantially match the profile of the latter. Through example, the bearing face (4d) is formed by a succession of cut sides of progressive inclination from an end face arranged substantially in a horizontal plane. This bearing face (4d) has, near one of its lateral edges (4b), pins (5) and (6) acting as a lateral stop. One of the rounds (4c) has a head (7) to ensure the longitudinal positioning of the piece of meat (P). The general dimensions of each sole (4) correspond to the largest dimensions generally encountered with this type of piece of meat, whether of the hock or the pestle. Note that the head (7) can be adjustable relative to the sole. It is the same with regard to pawns (5) and (6).

The support elements (4), as defined, are subject to means for being moved continuously, and step by step, opposite at least one cutting assembly (C).

The displacement control means for all of the support elements (4) consist of at least one jack (8), the barrel (8a) of which is made integral with a fixed part of the frame of the machine. The rod (8b) of this jack cooperates with a retractable finger (9) secured for example to a jack (10). This finger (9) is intended to be engaged in a corresponding imprint (4e) formed at the base of each of the support elements (4).

After engagement of the finger (9) in the corresponding imprint (4e) of the support element, a displacement of the rod (8b) secured to said finger (9), ensures the translational drive of the support element corresponding to the inside the guide path (2-3) and, concomitantly, the displacement of one step of the other support elements by the pushing effect. In Indeed, it is recalled that the different support elements (1) are arranged in a contiguous manner inside the guide path (2-3) constituting a closed loop. In other words, the displacement in one direction or the other of one of the support elements (4) causes the displacement of all of the elements.

Note that the displacement of a step corresponds very substantially to the length of a support element (4). After ensuring this movement, the finger (9) is retracted to allow control, in a direction opposite to the previous one, of the rod (8b) of the jack (8) which, therefore, is no longer in connection with the support elements (4). The finger (9) is then again engaged in the impression (4e) of another support element (4), and so on, so as to cause the continuous displacement and step by step of the different support elements (4 ) opposite at least one cutting assembly (C) carried by the work surface (la).

The cutting assembly (s) (C) are arranged to ensure, in combination with arrangements of the support elements (4), the transverse slicing of the piece of meat (P) in order to produce at least one piece (M) of osso -buco, as illustrated in FIG. 9. More particularly, the machine has a number of cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) corresponding to the number of pieces of osso-buco which it is desired to produce in the piece of meat (P). The different sets (Cl), (C2), (C3) are subject to all means to be ordered simultaneously. For example, if the piece of meat to be treated is sized to obtain, after slicing, three pieces (M1-M2-M3) at osso-buco, the machine has three cutting sets (Cl), (C2), (C3 ). According to the invention, as shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) are suitably offset with respect to each other and oriented angularly with respect in particular to the various support elements ( 4) to ensure, under the effect of their simultaneous order, different successive slices. These different successive slicing operations are carried out on several pieces of meat positioned on the support elements (4) and the number of which corresponds to the number of pieces of osso-buco desired. In other words, if we consider the example illustrated, three cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) are suitably offset and angularly oriented relative to three successive support elements (4J, 4.2, 4.3) according to the slicing principle illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7. For example, for the same piece of meat, the cutting device (Cl) corresponds to the first slicing, the cutting device (C2) to the second slicing, the cutting device ( C3) on the third slicing. In other words, the simultaneous control of the three cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) makes it possible to ensure, on three pieces of meat, the first, second and third slices. On leaving the cutting device (C3), the piece of meat is sliced into three pieces (M1-M2- M3).

Each cutting assembly (Cl), (C2) and (C3) has a stirrup (11) integral with a part of the frame of the machine, in particular the work surface (la). The upper branch (l ia) of each stirrup receives for example a jack (12) for moving in the direction of the piece of meat, a cutting member (13). This cutting member (13) can be constituted by a fixed cutting blade or by a saw (not shown) driven by a movement of movement in translation or circular. The blade (13) is coupled to the rod of the jack (12) by any means known and suitable for a person skilled in the art to be easily interchangeable.

To ensure a perfect cut of the whole piece of meat, each of the support elements (4) has grooves (4f) suitably oriented and of depth determined to correspond to the different cutting blades (13) to allow, consequently, partial insertion of said blade to ensure the complete cross section of the piece of meat. Thus, in the example illustrated, where the machine has three cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2) and (C3), each support element (4) has three oriented grooves (4f).

Preferably, the oriented grooves are through to receive a cutting blade (13) bevelled like a guillotine. The bevel (13a) of the blade is oriented so as to cause the piece of meat to be pressed between the pins (5) and (6) when the blade is lowered under the action of the jack (12). In other words, the blade passes through the sole (4), and the corresponding part of the frame which is split in a complementary manner. We refer to Figures 4a and 8a.

According to another characteristic, the sole (4) has, at one of its transverse ends, and more particularly at its rounded edge (4c) opposite to that receiving the stop head (7), a reserve (4g) in the form of a through opening for the reception of the part of the piece of meat corresponding to bone alone. As the support elements move, under the conditions indicated, the opening (4g) is temporarily closed by the work surface (la) while being able to be placed in communication with a discharge hole (lb) that has a part of the work surface (la).

Obviously, the different elements and assemblies, as defined and described, are slaved to a control unit of the electric or pneumatic type, to be moved in synchronism, with any means of delay required.

Similarly, to ensure a perfect cut and avoid any relative and untimely movement of the various support elements (4) at the time of cutting as such, the entire chain formed by said elements can be temporarily blocked, for example by means of another retractable finger driven by another jack (not shown), and capable of being engaged in the impression (4th). Note that the finger capable of temporarily blocking the chain at the time of cutting is controlled simultaneously with the retraction of the other finger for the movement of the corresponding support element.

Obviously, the machine as defined has any protection arrangement for the user such as for example a mesh casing (14).

The advantages are apparent from the description.

Claims

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S

-1- Machine for cutting a piece of meat having a bone marrow, characterized in that it has, suitably mounted on a frame (1):

- independent support elements (4) arranged for holding and positioning the piece of meat;

- The support elements (4) are subject to means (8-9) to be moved continuously, and step by step, opposite at least one cutting assembly (C);

- the cutting assembly (s) (C) is (are) arranged (s) to ensure, in combination with arrangements (4f) of the support elements (4), the transverse slicing of the piece of meat in order to achieve at least a piece ;

-2- Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (4) are arranged on a part of the frame (1) acting as a horizontal work plan (la) by cooperating with means (2-3) suitable to constitute a guide path for peπnettre the movement of said elements (4) in a closed loop, as and when the control means (8-9), said elements (4) being positioned continuously, a joined together, to form an endless chain. -3- Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means of the support elements (4) consist of at least one jack (8) whose end of the rod (8a) cooperates with a retractable finger (9 ) suitable for being engaged and released at will from an imprint (4e) formed at the base and in the thickness of the support element (4) to allow, under the effect of the displacement of the rod (8a), the 'drive in translation of the coπespondant support element and, concomitantly, the displacement of one step of the other support elements (4), by pushing effect.

-4- Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it has means capable of ensuring the temporary blocking of the chain resulting from the contiguous positioning of the different support elements (4), when ordering the cutting assembly or sets (VS).

-5- Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a number of cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) coirespondant to the number of pieces that we want to make in the piece of meat , said assemblies being controlled, in a simultaneous manner.

-6- Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the cutting assemblies (Cl), (C2), (C3) are suitably offset from each other and angularly oriented to allow to have, under the effect of their simultaneous order, different successive slices on several pieces of meat positioned in the support element (s) (4), the number of which corresponds to the number of pieces desired. -7- Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that each cutting assembly (C) has a stirrup (11) receiving, with the ability to move in the direction of the piece of meat, an interchangeable cutting member (13), in particular under form of a beveled blade.

-8- Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that each support element (4) is in the form of a rounded sole whose face (4d) receiving the piece of meat is longitudinally profiled to substantially match the profile of said piece.

-9- Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the face (4d) of the sole receiving the piece of meat has, in overflow, positioning and stop means (5), (6) and (7) of said piece and grooves (4f) suitably oriented to correspond to the different cutting assemblies and allow the insertion of the cutting members to ensure the complete transverse cutting of the piece of meat.

-10- Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the sole has, at one of its transverse ends, a reserve in the form of a through opening (4g), for the reception of the part of the piece of meat coπespondant to bone alone, said opening (4g) being temporarily closed by the work plan (la) of the frame while being able to be placed in communication with a discharge hole as the elements move support (4).