US 9,801,394 B2 · Separation tool

Abstract

An apparatus and method for processing a poultry carcass includes a first assembly with parallel guide plates opposite a second assembly with parallel guide plates. The assemblies include a cutting element presenting an edge extending beyond a bottom edge of the guide plates. A bracket secures the cutting element to the guide plate allowing adjustment of the cutting edge. The carcass is advanced into engagement with the apparatus whereby the cutting edges cut the connective tissue between the leg and back. A bracket leading edge prevents tissue from being driven between the cutting element and guide plate. The cutting edge can extend further from the bottom edge of the guide plates at the heel than at the point. Manual processing of the carcass includes: cutting tissue between the leg and back; and separating the leg from the back wherein muscle tissue connecting the leg and the back remain intact.

Claims49

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

a first assembly, comprising;
a first guide plate with a first face and a second face, the first guide plate forming:
an upper portion extending between a front portion and a rear portion;
and
a lower portion extending from the upper portion forming a bottom edge;
a second guide plate with a first face and a second face, the second guide plate forming:
an upper portion;
and
a lower portion extending from the upper portion;
wherein the first guide plate lower portion extends from the first guide plate upper portion at an obtuse angle from the second face;
and
wherein the second guide plate lower portion extends from the second guide plate upper portion adjacent to the first guide plate lower portion.

9 more elements

An apparatus, comprising:

a first assembly, comprising:
a first guide plate with a first face and a second face, the first guide plate forming:
an upper portion extending between a front portion and a rear portion;
a guide surface extending from the front portion of the first guide plate upper portion;
and
a lower portion extending from the upper portion forming a bottom edge, and a cutting surface adjacent the upper portion front portion;
a second guide plate with a first face and a second face, the second guide plate forming:
an upper portion;
and
a lower portion extending from the upper portion, the lower portion extending between a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion extends at an obtuse angle from the second guide plate lower portion second face
wherein the first guide plate lower portion extends from the first guide plate upper portion at an obtuse angle from the second face;
wherein the second guide plate lower portion extends from the second guide plate upper portion adjacent to the first guide plate lower portion;
a cutting edge extending beyond the bottom edge of the first guide plate lower portion, the cutting edge extending between a point and a heel, wherein the heel is adjacent the first guide plate rear portion;
and
a bracket secured to the first guide plate lower portion, the bracket forming a leading edge and a slot receiving the cutting edge.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Separation tool

Life of this patent

Separation tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49