Poultry paw cutter and related methods
AssigneePerdue Foods Products
InventorTimothy Taylor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A poultry paw cutting apparatus can include a conveyor that conveys a plurality of shackles. Each of the shackles can be adapted to hold a poultry paw. A chain can receive the poultry paws from the shackles at a first location and can convey the poultry paws substantially in unison with the shackles to a second location. The poultry paws can be released from the shackles at the second location. A paw cutting station can be positioned along the chain. A first guide member can be located along the chain substantially between the second location and the paw cutting station. The first guide member can be adapted to press the poultry paws against the chain. A method of cutting a poultry paw is also disclosed.
Claims30
A poultry paw cutting apparatus, comprising:
- a conveyor that conveys a plurality of shackles, wherein each of the shackles is adapted to hold a poultry paw;
- a chain that receives the poultry paws from the shackles at a first location, and conveys the poultry paws substantially in unison with the shackles to a second location, wherein the poultry paws are released from the shackles at the second location;
- a paw cutting station positioned along the chain;
- and
- a first guide member located along the chain substantially between the second location and the paw cutting station, wherein the first guide member is adapted to press the poultry paws against the chain.
A poultry paw cutting apparatus, comprising:
- a conveyor that conveys a plurality of shackles, wherein each of the shackles is adapted to hold a poultry paw;
- a chain that conveys the poultry paws from the shackles towards a paw cutting station;
- and
- a transmission comprising an input that receives movement from the conveyor, and an output that rotates the chain in synchronization with the conveyor, wherein the transmission mechanically converts movement of the input to movement of the output.
A method for cutting a poultry paw, comprising:
- conveying a plurality of shackles on a conveyor, wherein each of the shackles is adapted to hold a poultry paw;
- receiving the poultry paws from the shackles on a chain at a first location;
- conveying the poultry paws on the chain in unison with the shackles to a second location;
- releasing the poultry paws from the shackles at the second location;
- pressing the poultry paws against the chain with a first guide member located along the chain substantially between the second location and a paw cutting station;
- and
- cutting a portion of the poultry paw at the paw cutting station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.