Tendon extraction system

Abstract

This device is used to remove the tendon from a cut of meat and the meat product produced thereby. The device includes at least one blade which is capable of substantially surrounding the tendon. The tendon is pulled through the blade and the tissue which is in close proximity to the tendon without severing other tissue, allowing the cut of meat to remain substantially intact after the tendon is removed. The cutting blade may be a singular oval-shaped blade or may be two blades placed adjacent each other to form an opening through which the tendon can be pulled. The tendon can also be attached to a grasping device which pulls the tendon past the cutting edges. This grasping device can be attached to an actuator which moves it in a linear direction away from the cutting blade thus drawing the meat tissue adjacent the tendon into contact with the cutting edges of the blade. The actuator may be mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically powered.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.