Apparatus for conveying and processing foodstuffs and related method of operation

Abstract

A conveyor apparatus for conveying and processing foodstuffs such as meat is provided. The conveyor apparatus includes a filling device, a mincer which can be coupled to the filling device and having an inlet and an outlet, a closure element which can be mounted to the outlet, a signaling device associated with the closure element, and at least one signal line device for the transmission of signals of the signaling device from the closure element to the filling device. The provision of the signaling device and the signal line device allows for prevention of operation of the cutting elements of the mincer when the closure element is not detected to be in a closed position, thereby making maintenance and repair safer to conduct. A method of conveying foodstuffs in accordance with the apparatus is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.