Method and apparatus for head removal
AssigneeHormel Foods Corporation
InventorFrank D. Fryer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A head removal apparatus (10) includes a pivoting saw assembly (30). A first end of the pivot assembly (30) is connected to the frame (11) and a second end is free to move up and down downstream from the first end. A saw (68) is operatively connected to the second end. A guide, proximate the first end, is provided whereby the connecting strip between the head and the carcass is guided toward the saw, whereby the head travels downstream under the pivot arm and raises the pivot arm. The pivot arm raises the saw to the proper cutting height.
Claims12
An apparatus for the removal of a head from an animal carcass as it is being moved on an overhead conveyor system, the carcass being suspended with the head down and the head connected to the carcass by a connecting strip, the apparatus comprising:
- a) a support frame;
- b) a pivot arm having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end, the second end downstream from the first end;
- c) a saw operatively connected to the second end;
- d) a motor operatively connected to the saw for activating the saw;
- and
- e) a guide operatively connected to the apparatus proximate the first end of the arm, whereby the connecting strip and head are guided toward the saw, wherein as the head travels downstream under the pivot arm and raises the pivot arm, the pivot arm raises the saw to a proper cutting height.
A method of removing a head from an animal carcass, comprising:
- a) suspending an animal carcass with the head down and the head connected to the carcass by a connecting strip;
- b) moving the carcass to a head removal apparatus;
- c) contacting, with the head, an underneath surface of a pivot arm at a first position, the pivot arm having a moveable end, the moveable end having a saw operatively connected thereto;
- d) continue moving the carcass and head downstream;
- and
- e) moving the moveable end upward, by movement of the head, thereby adjusting the saw to a proper height to cut the connecting strip and remove the head from the carcass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.