Cutting device, system including cutting device, and method for cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass.

Abstract

This invention relates to a cutting device for cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass, the cutting device comprising: a support member; a drilling member rotatably mounted on the support member, the drilling member including a tubular drilling wall portion surrounding an internal drilling space, the drilling wall portion having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite to the open cutting end; a centering mandrel arranged coaxially with the drilling wall portion, the mandrel having a guide end configured to enter the anal opening of the carcass, at least a portion of the mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by the drilling wall portion to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel; and a suction device for applying suction to the internal drilling space via one or more inlet openings. The cutting device further includes one or more venting openings, which are different from the one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end, the one or more venting openings being configured to allow air to enter the internal drilling space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cutting device and a method for cutting loose portions of the rectum, such as those of a pig. This disclosure also relates to a system incorporating such a cutting device. Background Technology

[0002] When processing slaughtered animals, such as pig carcasses, it is important to avoid or significantly reduce the risk of meat contamination by substances such as excrement located in the stomach and intestines of the carcass. During the processing of animal carcasses, the attachment of the intestines to the skin at the anal opening is typically severed. In further processing of the carcass until the viscera can be completely released and removed from the carcass, the end of the intestine (the rectal end) can then be processed, for example, sealed. A cutting device can be used to cut the skin and underlying structures around the anal opening. For the purposes of this disclosure, such a cutting device is sometimes also referred to as a bung driller.

[0003] This cutting device may include a cutting edge at the end of a cylindrical wall member of a drilling component, wherein a mandrel is concentrated in the drilling component. During operation of the cutting device, the guide end of the mandrel enters the anal opening and a portion of the rectum (also known as the bung) of the carcass, and the cutting edge cuts around the anal opening and the end of the rectum.

[0004] WO2013119106(A1) describes a rectal cutting apparatus comprising a cutting member, a centering mandrel, a rotary drive, and a suction device. The cutting member is rotatably mounted on a support member, comprising a cylindrical wall portion surrounding an internal space, wherein the cylindrical wall portion has a tip portion with a cutting edge. The centering mandrel is coaxially arranged within the cylindrical wall portion, the free end of the centering mandrel extending beyond the cutting edge. The rotary drive is used to rotate the cutting member relative to the support member. The suction device is used to create a vacuum within the internal space of the cutting member, the suction device having an axially movable ejector member located within the internal space of the cutting member and an ejection drive for axially moving the ejector member. In the cutting step, the cutting member is initiated and driven to rotate, causing the cutting member to cut through the tissue surrounding the rectal end portion. During this process, the support member is displaced to allow the cutting member to move deeper into the tissue. During the cutting process, the suction device maintains a vacuum in the inner space of the cutting member, which is transferred to the outer inner space by air being suctioned through the flexible membrane. The cut portion of the rectal end is thus suctioned into the outer portion of the inner space. The cutting process continues until the rectal end has been cut off along its entire length.

[0005] In existing plug drilling processes, vacuum is used to provide holding force on the skin inside the cutting device, allowing the blade to cut into the skin and preventing the drilling components from pressing against the skin instead of cutting into it. However, the vacuum effect can cause the anal opening to open or turn outward. This can allow excrement to be released from the rectum and come into contact with the skin surrounding the anal opening, from which microorganisms can spread. This increases the risk of meat contamination.

[0006] Therefore, it is still desirable to provide a cutting device and corresponding process that reduces the risk of contamination, such as contamination caused by the inward-outward retraction of the anal opening during the cutting process, or at least to provide an alternative to existing cutting devices or processes. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, embodiments of a cutting device are disclosed herein, which is used to cut the distal rectal portion of an animal carcass. The cutting device includes:

[0008] • Load-bearing components;

[0009] • A drilling component, rotatably mounted on a support member, the drilling component including a tubular borehole wall portion surrounding an internal borehole space, the borehole wall portion having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite to the open cutting end;

[0010] • A centering mandrel, which is coaxially arranged with a portion of the borehole wall, has a guide end configured as an anal opening for entering the carcass, and at least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the portion of the borehole wall to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel.

[0011] • Suction device, used to apply suction to the internal borehole space through one or more inlet openings;

[0012] The cutting device also includes one or more ventilation openings, which are different from one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end. The one or more ventilation openings are configured to allow air to enter the internal drilling space, in particular to allow fresh air that is not contaminated by contaminants from the intestines of the carcass to enter the internal drilling space.

[0013] Therefore, when airflow is allowed to enter the internal borehole space, particularly the annular space surrounding the mandrel, through one or more separate vents that are different from the one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end, the airflow can include fresh air that has not come into contact with and is therefore not contaminated by contaminants from the carcass' intestines. Specifically, the fresh air entering through the one or more vents is not contaminated by the rectal end portion that enters the internal borehole space through the open cutting end. The fresh air entering through the one or more vents is neither contaminated by contaminants previously drawn from the internal borehole space via the one or more inlet openings, nor by contaminants that may still remain in the hoses or other conduits that fluidly connect the one or more inlet openings to the suction device. The cutting device thus allows for a unidirectional airflow from the one or more vents to the one or more inlet openings. Operation of the cutting device does not require reversing the airflow, particularly not reversing the airflow through the inlet openings to flush contaminants from the internal borehole space, thereby reducing the risk of carcass contamination. One or more vent openings are preferably configured to allow air to enter the internal drilled space, particularly the annular space surrounding the mandrel, when suction is applied to the annular space, i.e., to the annular portion of the internal drilled space surrounding the mandrel, by the suction device through one or more inlet openings.

[0014] The cutting device can be configured to control the amount of air allowed to enter through one or more vents. Specifically, the cutting device can be configured to selectively allow air into the internal drilled space only during a portion of the cutting process, or to allow more air into the internal drilled space during one portion of the cutting process than during another. For example, in some embodiments, the cutting device is configured to allow air into the internal drilled space only after the open cutting end is inserted into the carcass or only after the cutting-free portion of the rectum, such as only during and / or after the open cutting end is withdrawn from the carcass and / or from the cut-free rectal portion.

[0015] Therefore, in some embodiments, the drilling component further includes one or more vent valves configured to control airflow into the internal drilling space through one or more vent openings, particularly controlling the amount of air allowed to enter the internal drilling space through the one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, the one or more vent valves are configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings after the rectal end portion has been cut off, during and / or after the open cut end has been withdrawn from the carcass, and when suction is applied by a suction device to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0016] Therefore, when the drilling member is withdrawn from the carcass and the severed rectal end portion falls from the drilling member, some—preferably all or most—of any contaminants, particularly excrement, that may have overflowed from the anal opening into the annular space of the drilling member during the cutting process are sucked up by the cutting device, rather than falling off with the rectal end portion or even being expelled from the drilling member. Specifically, allowing air to enter the annular space surrounding the mandrel while maintaining suction during the withdrawal of the drilling member from the carcass allows the suction device to generate an airflow in a controlled manner that carries feces and / or other contaminants out of the annular space.

[0017] The cutting apparatus and process disclosed herein can be used to process different types of animals. Therefore, the animal carcass can be the carcass of any slaughtered animal, such as an animal slaughtered in a slaughterhouse. Animals can be, for example, pigs, poultry, cows / dairy cows, goats, sheep, etc. Preferably, the cutting apparatus is used for pig carcasses.

[0018] In various embodiments, the suction device is configured to apply suction to an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel. In some embodiments, the suction device is configured to create a vacuum in the annular space to draw the cut portion of the rectal end and surrounding tissue into the internal borehole space. The suction device may be configured to create a vacuum in the internal borehole space, particularly in the annular space, at least when one or more vent valves are closed or configured to allow only a reduced airflow into the internal borehole space. The vacuum created in the annular space during cutting is used to pull the skin surrounding the anal opening during cutting to achieve a clean cut and to prevent the cutting edge from damaging the rectum. During cutting, the cut portion of the rectal end and surrounding tissue is further drawn into the internal borehole space. When the open cut end of the borehole wall portion reaches the abdominal cavity of the carcass, the entire rectal end portion has been cut off and is contained within the internal borehole space of the borehole member. Therefore, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "vacuum inside the internal borehole space" is understood to be a pressure difference between the internal borehole space and the ambient atmosphere that is large enough to pull the rectum during cutting.

[0019] In some embodiments, one or more vent valves are further configured to selectively prevent air from entering the annular space completely or partially through one or more vent openings during at least a portion of the actual cutting operation, i.e., when the cutting device is advanced into the carcass and the tissue is being cut. Thus, with one or more vent valves preventing air (or allowing only a reduced airflow) from entering the annular space through one or more vent openings, and with the open cutting end of the drilling member substantially closed / blocked by the tissue of the carcass, the suction device can generate and maintain a vacuum in the annular space. With one or more vent valves allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings during and / or after the drilling member is withdrawn from the carcass, operation of the suction device causes an airflow within the annular space that can flush contaminants out of the annular space through the suction device, thereby preventing the sucked-up contaminants from overflowing from the open cutting end during the release of the already cut rectal portion.

[0020] Control of one or more vent valves can be performed using a suitable control device. Specifically, in some embodiments, the cutting device includes a control device for controlling the operation of one or more vent valves, wherein the control device is configured to:

[0021] - During the initial cutting phase, one or more vent valves are partially or completely closed, and the suction device is controlled to generate a vacuum at least in the annular space surrounding the mandrel;

[0022] - During the subsequent withdrawal phase, particularly during and / or after the open cut end is withdrawn from the carcass and / or from the cut rectal end portion, one or more venting valves are opened, and the suction device is controlled to apply suction to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0023] For example, the control device can be an electrical control circuit appropriately configured to control the vent valves, such as a properly programmed or otherwise configured microprocessor, PLC, industrial control unit, etc. Alternatively, the control device can be a mechanical, pneumatic, or other suitable control mechanism, such as a manually controllable valve. The control device can be configured to automatically control one or more vent valves, for example, as part of the automatic control of the cutting process. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to control one or more vent valves in response to user input, for example, by user operation of a suitable actuator such as a button or switch. The control device can be a local control device housed in the same housing or support structure as the support member, or it can be a remote control device communicatively connected to, for example, the support member, for example, by means of a wired or wireless connection. The control device can be configured to also control other operations of the cutting apparatus, such as a suction device, a motor, or other drive devices for rotating the drilling member. One or more vent valves can be housed in the support member or in another suitable location.

[0024] One or more vent openings are distinct from and preferably offset from the open cutting end. With one or more vent openings positioned near the rear end of the tubular borehole wall portion, the resulting airflow can effectively transport contaminants accumulated at the rear end of the annular space toward the inlet opening and away from the open cutting end, through which the suction device applies suction. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the cutting device includes one or more suction conduits fluidly connected to the suction device to the internal borehole space, such as to the internal mandrel space of the mandrel and / or to the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The one or more suction conduits have inlet openings for entering the internal borehole space, particularly the internal mandrel space and / or the annular space. The one or more inlet openings are preferably positioned near the rear end of the mandrel or the rear end of the borehole member. The cutting device may also include one or more venting conduits for delivering airflow through the one or more inlet openings into the internal borehole space. Preferably, the venting conduit is physically separate from the suction conduit, through which suction is applied, thereby allowing the airflow through the venting conduit and / or through the suction conduit to be restricted to a unidirectional flow.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cutting device includes an end wall portion, which may be part of a drilling member or a support member, the end wall portion axially defining an internal drilling space in a rearward direction, opposite to an open cutting end. One or more vent openings and / or one or more inlet openings may be located in the rear wall portion. In one embodiment, one or more vent openings are located in a radially outward portion of the end wall portion, for example, adjacent to or located at a circumferential edge defined between the drilling wall portion and the end wall portion. In some embodiments, one or more inlet openings are located at or near the center of the longitudinal axis of the drilling member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mandrel is a rod or tube having a closed guide end or tip positioned toward or within the region of the open cutting end of the drilling member, or projecting axially from the open cutting end. In some embodiments, the mandrel includes a mandrel wall portion surrounding an internal mandrel space. Thus, all or at least a portion of the internal mandrel space is located within the drilling member and is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular drilling wall portion, forming part of the internal drilling space. The mandrel wall portion may be a tubular wall portion. In some embodiments, the mandrel wall portion includes one or more suction openings arranged near the guide end of the mandrel; for example, a plurality of suction openings are distributed around the perimeter of the mandrel wall portion and located at one or more spaced axial positions along the mandrel. When suction is applied to the internal mandrel space, radially inward suction is generated at the one or more suction openings. Thus, as the mandrel is advanced through the anal opening of the carcass into the rectal end, the intestinal wall of the rectal end is radially inwardly suctioned to adhere tightly to the mandrel. In addition, some feces or other contaminants from the inside of the rectum can be aspirated into the internal mandrel space. This reduces the risk of contaminants leaving the anal opening and contaminating the skin surrounding it during the cutting procedure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mandrel wall portion includes one or more connecting conduits, particularly one or more through-holes or other forms of air passages in the mandrel wall portion, configured to provide fluid communication between the internal mandrel space and the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The one or more connecting conduits are preferably located near the rear end of the tubular borehole wall portion, particularly directly adjacent to the rear end of the tubular borehole wall portion. When the mandrel is axially movable, the one or more connecting conduits are preferably located near the rear end of the tubular borehole wall portion, particularly directly adjacent to the rear end of the tubular borehole wall portion, when the mandrel is in its retracted, rearmost position. Therefore, when suction is applied to the internal mandrel space, as described below, suction is also applied to the annular space surrounding the mandrel via the connecting conduits. Alternatively or additionally, suction to the annular space surrounding the mandrel may be applied via one or more additional inlet openings, for example, located in the end wall portion that axially defines the annular space or in the tubular borehole wall portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the suction device is fluidly connected to the internal mandrel space, and the suction device is configured to apply suction directly to the internal mandrel space via one or more inlet openings, i.e., the mandrel may include one or more inlet openings, such as at the rear end of the mandrel, for example, in the rear end wall of the mandrel, or as an open rear end of the tubular internal mandrel space. Specifically, the suction device may be configured to apply suction in an axial, rearward direction, or in other ways away from the open cutting end and / or away from the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The drilling member can therefore be further configured such that the suction device applies suction to the annular space via one or more inlet openings and one or more connecting conduits, i.e., the suction device applies suction exiting the annular space and entering the internal mandrel space via one or more connecting openings, and the suction device applies suction exiting the internal mandrel space through one or more inlet openings. Therefore, with one or more vent valves allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings, the suction device causes airflow to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings, enter the inner spindle space from the annular space through one or more connecting conduits, and further move toward and exit one or more inlet openings.

[0029] In some embodiments, the internal mandrel space includes an inner tubular portion and an outer portion, the outer portion circumferentially at least partially surrounding the inner tubular portion and radially separated from it by one or more partition walls. In some embodiments, the outer portion is an annular outer portion separated from the inner tubular portion by tubular partition walls. In other embodiments, the outer portion is a manifold, which, for example, includes a plurality of longitudinal channels, each extending longitudinally along the inner tubular portion, the plurality of longitudinal channels being circumferentially distributed around the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion has a guide end and a rear end opposite to the guide end, the guide end being close to the guide end of the mandrel. In some embodiments, the inner tubular portion is fluidly connected to the outer portion at the guide end of the inner tubular portion. In some embodiments, the inner tubular portion includes one or more inlet openings. The suction device can therefore be configured to apply suction to the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space in a direction away from the guide end of the inner tubular portion via one or more inlet openings. One or more suction openings of the mandrel can fluidly connect the outer portion of the internal mandrel space to the periphery of the mandrel. In one embodiment, one or more connecting conduits directly connect the annular space surrounding the mandrel to the inner tubular portion of the inner mandrel space, thereby providing a relatively short air passage and reducing the risk of adipose tissue obstructing the air passage, while providing an effective airflow to remove contaminants from the rear portion of the annular space and from the entire length of the inner mandrel space. In an alternative embodiment, one or more connecting conduits connect the annular space surrounding the mandrel to the outer portion of the inner mandrel space. Thus, with one or more vent valves allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings, the suction device directs airflow from one or more vent openings through one or more connecting conduits into the outer portion of the inner mandrel space, then toward the guide end of the mandrel and into the guide end of the inner tubular portion of the inner mandrel space. From the guide end of the inner tubular portion, the airflow continues rearward along the inner tubular portion to one or more inlet openings. Thus, an effective airflow is provided for removing contaminants from the rear portion of the annular space and from the entire length of the inner mandrel space.

[0030] Preferably, the drilling member is configured to maintain a sufficient pressure differential relative to the ambient air outside the drilling member during the continuous drilling process. Specifically, when the open cutting end of the tubular borehole wall contacts the carcass and is substantially enclosed by the carcass's tissue, a pressure differential can be established and maintained between the annular space surrounding the mandrel and the outside of the drilling member by a suction device. To establish such a pressure differential, the drilling member can be "complete" or airtight, meaning there are no significant openings or cuts in the tubular body, particularly in the circumferential borehole wall portion. While the absence of any openings allows for the most efficient establishment of a pressure differential, it is understood that small openings or cuts may exist in the borehole wall portion of the drilling member without preventing the drilling member from maintaining a sufficient pressure differential relative to the outside. For example, such cuts could be located in the cutting blade, making the cutting blade more aggressive. The vacuum generated inside the drilling member also effectively prevents any contaminants from leaving the internal borehole space through the open cutting end during the cutting process. In some embodiments, the tubular borehole wall portion has an annular cutting blade at the open cutting end of the tubular borehole wall portion, the annular cutting blade preferably being intact or unbroken, such as not a saw.

[0031] With the guide end of the mandrel configured to protrude from the open cutting end of the tubular borehole wall portion, whether permanently or in the extended position of the axially movable mandrel, the guide end of the mandrel can be inserted into the anal opening before the borehole wall portion engages and cuts the tissue surrounding the anal opening.

[0032] The mandrel can be axially fixed relative to the drilling member, or it can be axially movable relative to the drilling member. Specifically, in some embodiments, the mandrel is axially movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the extended position, the guide end of the mandrel protrudes from the open cutting end of the tubular borehole wall portion, and wherein, in the retracted position, the guide end of the mandrel is located within the internal borehole space. During the cutting operation, i.e., as the drilling member cuts and advances deeper into the carcass, the mandrel can thus move rearward into the internal borehole space as the rectal end portion is drawn into it. For example, the mandrel, or at least its rear portion, can be configured as a piston, such as a pneumatic piston, which can be controlled to extend or retract relative to the supporting member.

[0033] In some embodiments, with and without the mandrel in the retracted position, one or more connecting conduits are located inside the internal borehole space. Specifically, in some embodiments, with the mandrel in the retracted position, one or more connecting conduits are positioned close to the rear end of the internal borehole space, for example, directly adjacent to the rear end of the internal borehole space.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cutting device further includes a plug retainer that surrounds at least a portion of the mandrel. In some embodiments, the plug retainer is circular and / or cup-shaped and extends circumferentially around the mandrel. The total outer diameter of the plug retainer may be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular borehole wall portion. In some embodiments, a space exists between the outer periphery of the plug retainer and the tubular borehole wall portion, thereby forming an annular space on a radially inward side between the outer periphery of the plug retainer and the outer periphery of at least a portion of the mandrel, and on a radially outward side between the outer periphery of the plug retainer and the inner side of the tubular borehole wall portion. In one embodiment, the plug retainer has a circumferential surface that has no opening at the rear, i.e., no opening toward the interior and rear end of the borehole member. The plug retainer is open in the region toward the open cutting end of the borehole member. In the case where the open cutting end engages the borehole body, the plug retainer preferably defines an inner volume separate from the remaining volume inside the borehole member. Therefore, two separate volumes are formed, which are capable of containing potential contaminants and reducing the diffusion of contaminants, especially reducing the diffusion of contaminants from the volume inside the plug retainer to the annular space surrounding the mandrel and the plug retainer.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plug retainer has a retaining device capable of engaging with the exterior of the carcass. The retaining device may be located at the edge of the cup-shaped plug retainer, i.e., between the closed and open portions of the plug retainer. The plug retaining device is capable of engaging with the exterior of the carcass, i.e., with the skin region of the carcass surrounding the anal opening. The retaining device of the plug retainer is able to retain the skin so that it does not turn over when the plug drill is inserted into the skin and carcass, where the drilling process provides a turning force to the skin surface. Another function of the retaining device is to prevent the anal opening of the carcass from turning over from the inside out, for example, when a vacuum can be created inside the drilling member during the drilling process, or at least to reduce the extent or risk of this occurring. Thus, at least the main portion of the excrement is retained inside the rectum. In one embodiment, the retaining device of the plug retainer includes teeth or other structures capable of engaging with the skin surface of the carcass. The teeth function to obtain a good grip on the skin, and do not cut into the skin except for any cutting made to obtain a good grip. The teeth may have any form suitable for engagement with the skin of the carcass, such as having pointed tips.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plug retainer is configured to rotate about a mandrel. In some embodiments, the plug retainer can slide axially within the drilling member. The plug retainer is preferably rotatable relative to the drilling member and can remain stationary relative to the drill body during the drilling process. In a preferred embodiment, the plug retainer and mandrel are connected such that the retainer and mandrel can slide axially within the drilling member. Therefore, the plug retainer can be located in a fixed position along the longitudinal direction of the mandrel, but the plug retainer can still rotate about the mandrel.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plug retainer has an airtight circumferential wall portion. Therefore, the plug retainer defines an internal plug retainer volume within the plug retainer itself. When the retaining device of the plug retainer engages with the exterior of the carcass, the internal plug retainer volume can be a closed volume. Thus, the cutting device can be configured to have a plug retainer volume located between the exterior of the carcass skin, the exterior of the guide portion of the mandrel, and the interior of the plug retainer. This plug retainer volume surrounds the mandrel and a portion of the carcass skin surrounding the anal opening.

[0038] As explained above, the mandrel may include one or more suction openings near the guide end of the mandrel. In some embodiments, one or more suction openings are located in the region between the closed guide end of the mandrel and the plug retainer, such as between a portion of the boundary of the closed guide end of the mandrel and the plug retainer toward the interior of the drilling member, such that the suction openings can be positioned along the mandrel and / or located within the plug retainer volume of the plug retainer. In embodiments, the mandrel has an unfilled or open inner volume and has an opening at least in a portion of the region toward the closed guide end. Preferably, no suction opening is located at the outermost guide end or end of the mandrel, such as within 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm of the outermost end.

[0039] An air valve can be located within a plug retainer, between the plug retainer volume inside the plug retainer and the annular space inside the drilling member surrounding the plug retainer. This air valve allows air, including contaminants, to be drawn from the plug retainer volume into the annular space or from the annular space into the internal mandrel space. The airflow direction via the air valve located in the plug retainer can be determined by the position of a suction device connected to the mandrel to draw air away from the internal volume of the mandrel, or by the position of a suction device connected to the drilling member to draw air away from the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the suction openings in the mandrel are configured such that one or more suction openings are located in a region inside the plug retainer, i.e., within the plug retainer volume. Alternatively or additionally, one or more suction openings are located in the portion of the mandrel that is inserted into the end of the intestine or rectum of the carcass to be processed. Preferably, the outer end of the mandrel does not include a suction opening.

[0041] In some embodiments, the suction openings are positioned along a region of the mandrel, such as in corresponding annular arrangements at different axial locations around the perimeter of the mandrel. The suction openings can be positioned along the mandrel, such as in a region near the guide end, and there can be 2 to 10 annular arrangements with openings, such as 4-8 annular arrangements, 5-7 annular arrangements, or 6 annular arrangements. Each annular arrangement may include 4-8 openings, such as 6 openings. The size of the openings can be determined according to the type of carcass to be processed. When a vacuum is established, a retention effect is achieved by suction at the end of the intestine or rectum. A vacuum can also be created inside the plug retainer, i.e., a vacuum is created within the plug retainer volume.

[0042] The suction device can be configured to apply suction to the mandrel and / or to the annular space surrounding the mandrel. In some embodiments, the suction device is in fluid communication with the internal mandrel space, and the suction device is configured to apply suction to the internal mandrel space, particularly to the rear end of the internal mandrel space. When the mandrel is inserted into the anal opening and when the open cutting end of the drilled member engages with the rectal end portion of the carcass, the applied suction creates a vacuum in the internal mandrel space and / or in the internal drilled space, particularly in the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0043] The suction device can be a pump, especially a vacuum pump, or another suitable device for applying suction, such as a connection port for connecting a hose or pipe to the cutting device so that the cutting device can be connected to an external vacuum pump or other suction source.

[0044] Cutting devices for processing animal carcasses are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, those skilled in the art know suitable materials for the different components of the cutting device, which can preferably be made of materials approved for use in slaughterhouses, such as metal. This material can be cleaned frequently, such as after each use. Some components or units of the cutting device, such as bearings, can be made of polymer materials. The overall design and function of the cutting device are known and need not be described here.

[0045] The second aspect disclosed herein relates to a method for cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass by using a cutting device to cut around the anal opening and the rectal end, the method comprising:

[0046] • Push the guide end of the mandrel into the anal opening of the animal carcass;

[0047] • The open cutting end of the tubular bore wall portion of the rotating drilling member is used to cut around the anal opening and along a portion of the rectal end of the carcass. The tubular bore wall portion defines the internal drilling space. At least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the bore wall portion in order to define an annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0048] • Apply suction to the internal borehole space, particularly to at least the annular space, through one or more inlet openings, so as to create a vacuum in at least the annular space during the drilling process;

[0049] • Allow air to enter the annular space through one or more ventilation openings of the cutting device, which are different from one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end of the borehole wall portion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0051] • Remove the drilling components and mandrel from the body;

[0052] • At the same time and / or after the drilling components and mandrel are withdrawn from the body, suction is applied to the annular space at least through one or more inlet openings;

[0053] Allowing air into the annular space includes allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings at least simultaneously with and / or after the drilling component and mandrel are withdrawn from the body. In some embodiments, air is allowed to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings only simultaneously with and / or after the drilling component and mandrel are withdrawn from the body.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling the airflow entering the internal borehole space through one or more vent openings by operating one or more vent valves.

[0055] In embodiments of the method, the severed rectal end portion may fall into the interior of the carcass or otherwise be transported into the interior of the carcass. In some embodiments, the severed rectal end portion may fall or be transported to the exterior of the carcass, such as on the ventral side of the carcass, or the severed rectal end portion may fall to a location other than the carcass, such as on a tray, in a container, etc.

[0056] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a cutting system comprising:

[0057] A robot having at least one industrial manipulator, such as a robotic arm;

[0058] At least one cutting device as described herein, the at least one cutting device being connected to at least one industrial manipulator.

[0059] In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one vision system for acquiring image data of the carcass in the external region of the anal opening.

[0060] In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one processor for processing the acquired image data, and the at least one processor is configured to calculate control information based on information including the image data.

[0061] In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one control device configured to obtain at least control information from at least one processor, and the at least one control device configured to control at least one industrial manipulator, such as at least one robotic arm, and at least one plug drill to process animal carcasses.

[0062] The plug drilling system may include various components such as robots, industrial manipulators, robotic arms, vision systems, processors, and control devices. Those skilled in the art will recognize these different systems and how they should be connected to configure the system to acquire image data, process that data, and control the robot or robotic arm to process animal carcasses using the cutting apparatus described herein. The number of axes or degrees of freedom that the industrial manipulator can operate on can depend on the setup, such as whether the animal carcass is in transport during the process, for example, from the time the system begins to identify the location of the anal opening to the time the cutting device is removed after the drilling process. Therefore, depending on the setup, the industrial manipulator can be an industrial manipulator operating in multiple degrees of freedom, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six. Preferably, at least two degrees of freedom are used, such as at least four degrees of freedom.

[0063] Different information can be obtained from the image data, such as information related to, for example, the location and size of the anal opening, the tail, the sex, etc. This information can be included in image processing, and based on this information, it can be calculated where the cutting device will be positioned to cut around the anal opening and how the industrial manipulator should be controlled.

[0064] In embodiments of the system, the industrial manipulator is capable of operating, for example, in 3 degrees of freedom, such as in 5 degrees of freedom, such as a 6-axis robot manipulator.

[0065] In an embodiment of the system, the system includes at least one cleaning cabinet for cleaning the cutting device after use. Preferably, such a cleaning cabinet includes a water connector, a soap applicator, a heating device, and / or a drying device. Water can be applied through the water connector into the heating connection, and therefore the heating device and soap applicator can be located outside the cleaning cabinet. Those skilled in the art understand the requirements of slaughterhouses for cleaning devices.

[0066] In one embodiment of the system, at least one cleaning cabinet is connected to at least one industrial manipulator, such as a robotic arm. Thus, an industrial manipulator or robotic arm can hold at least one plug drill and the cleaning cabinet, wherein the cutting device can be cleaned after it has come into contact with the carcass.

[0067] In embodiments of the system, at least one industrial manipulator or robotic arm includes at least two cutting devices and at least one cleaning cabinet. In this design, an industrial manipulator or robotic arm can house two cutting devices and one cleaning cabinet, wherein one cutting device can be cleaned after it has come into contact with the carcass, and such that the other cutting device can be operated while one cutting device is being cleaned.

[0068] More than two cutting units can be located on an industrial manipulator or robotic arm, such as three or four cutting units. This can be combined with one, two, or three cleaning cabinets.

[0069] In one embodiment of the system, two industrial manipulators, such as robotic arms, are included in the system, each manipulator housing at least one cutting device.

[0070] In one embodiment of the system, a fixed blade may be located within the system for cutting the meat at the ventral side of the anal opening. This cutting can be performed by pulling the cut-off plug towards the ventral side of the carcass before removing the plug from the carcass.

[0071] Any aspect or feature of the figures described herein can be combined with embodiments of other aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 The illustration shows a prior art method for cutting plugs;

[0074] Figure 2 An embodiment of the cutting device is illustrated;

[0075] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a cutting device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0076] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting device according to another embodiment is shown;

[0077] Figures 5A to 5G The illustration shows the process of cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass using the cutting device of the embodiment;

[0078] Figures 6A to 6E The illustration shows the process of cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass using a cutting device according to yet another embodiment;

[0079] Figure 7 The illustration shows a cutting device according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0080] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples illustrate embodiments of the invention, they are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

[0081] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a prior art method for cutting the anus. A cutting device 1 is located outside and around the anal opening 2 of an animal carcass 3. The guide end of the spindle 4 of the cutting device 1 is inserted into the intestinal / rectal end 5 of the animal carcass. Inside the cutting device 1, a vacuum is created to ensure that the skin 9 of the carcass 3 is not forced into the carcass 3 by the force applied to the skin 4 by the cutting device 1 during the cutting process. Normal pressure, i.e., atmospheric pressure, exists on the skin 9 outside the cutting device 1, and also exists inside the carcass 3. Due to the vacuum inside the cutting device 1, the intestinal wall 6 may be drawn into the cutting device 1 and thus turn inside out and open, allowing feces 7 (circled) to escape from the intestine 5 and enter the space inside the cutting device 1, where the feces 7 contaminate the skin 9 located inside the cutting device 1.

[0082] Figure 2 An embodiment of the cutting apparatus is schematically illustrated. The cutting apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 100, includes a drilling member 110 having a tubular borehole wall portion 111 defining an internal borehole space. The tubular borehole wall portion 111 has an open cutting end 113. The circumferential edge of the tubular borehole wall portion 111, defining the open cutting end 113, is formed as a cutting blade 114.

[0083] The cutting device 100 includes a support member 140, and a drilling member 110 is rotatably mounted on the support member 140 to allow the drilling member to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the drilling member.

[0084] Figure 2The cutting device 100 is configured to be mounted to a robotic tool (not shown). Specifically, the support member 140 can be configured to be mounted to the robotic tool, such as to the manipulator arm of the robotic tool. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments of the cutting device can be configured for handheld operation. For this purpose, the support member can be shaped and sized to be handheld. Furthermore, some embodiments of the cutting device can operate both in handheld mode and when mounted on a robotic tool.

[0085] The support member 140 includes or is operatively coupled to a drive mechanism, such as an electric motor 190, to rotate the drilling member. Figure 2 In the example, the cutting device includes a drive gear 170, which is configured to be operatively connected to the manipulator arm of the robotic cutting system. The drive gear can therefore be driven by the drive mechanism of the robotic system.

[0086] The cutting device 100 also includes a centering mandrel 120, which is circumferentially surrounded by a tubular borehole wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110, and the centering mandrel 120 is arranged coaxially with the drilling member. Therefore, the mandrel and the tubular borehole wall portion 110 together define an annular space surrounding the mandrel, i.e., the annular portion of the internal borehole space. The mandrel has a guide end 121 configured for insertion into the anal opening of the carcass.

[0087] The cutting apparatus 100 includes a vacuum pump 150 or other suction device, which is fluidly connected to one or more inlet openings of an internal drilling space, such as one or more inlet openings of the internal mandrel space and / or one or more inlet openings of the annular space surrounding the mandrel, by means of one or more suitable suction conduits 157, such as hoses, pipes, and / or other forms of air passages. The suction device may be housed within or located away from the support member 140. When the suction device is located away from the support member, the suction conduit 147 may include one or more connectors 146 on or at the support member 140 for detachably coupling the suction device to the support member. The support member may include additional connectors, such as compressed air connectors for driving a movable mandrel.

[0088] The cutting device 100 also includes a control unit 180, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor, PLC, or other suitable electrical control circuitry for controlling the operation of the cutting device. The control circuitry can be housed within the support member 140 or located remotely from the support member. When the control circuitry is located remotely from the support member, it can be connected to the support member via a wired or wireless connection, such as a control bus.

[0089] The cutting device 100 also includes one or more controllable vent valves 142 for controlling the airflow into the annular space surrounding the mandrel, which will be described in more detail below. The one or more vent valves 142 are operatively coupled to and controlled by the control device 180.

[0090] Figure 3 An embodiment of a cutting device is shown, for example... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting device. As mentioned above, the cutting device 100 includes a drilling member 110, which is rotatably mounted to a support member to allow rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drilling member. The drilling member 110 has a tubular borehole wall portion 111 defining an internal borehole space 112. The tubular borehole wall portion 111 has an open cutting end 113. The circumferential edge of the tubular borehole wall portion 111 defining the open cutting end 113 is formed as a cutting blade 114. The rear end of the drilling member is closed by a rear end wall portion 141.

[0091] The cutting device 100 also includes a centering mandrel 120, which is circumferentially surrounded by a tubular borehole wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110 and arranged coaxially with the drilling member. Therefore, the mandrel 120 and the tubular borehole wall portion 110 together define an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel, i.e., the annular portion of the internal borehole space. The mandrel has a guide end 121 configured for insertion into the anal opening of the carcass.

[0092] The cutting device also includes a plug retainer 130 that circumferentially surrounds the mandrel 120 and is circumferentially surrounded by a tubular borehole wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110. The plug retainer 130 is formed as a cup-shaped annular member having an open end facing the mandrel's guide end 121 and a closed end facing the rear end wall portion 141. The plug retainer 130 has teeth 133 arranged along the edge of the open end of the cup-shaped plug retainer. The teeth are capable of engaging with the skin around the anal opening of the carcass.

[0093] The mandrel 120 is axially movable relative to the drilling member 110, at least between an extended position and a retracted position. Figure 3The diagram illustrates a mandrel 120 in its extended position, where a guide portion of the mandrel protrudes from the open cut end 113 of the tubular bore wall portion 111. The guide portion extends axially between the guide end 121 of the mandrel and the plug retainer 130. A rear portion 122 of the mandrel extends axially rearward from the plug retainer and into the end wall portion 141. The rear portion 122 is slidably arranged such that it can retract into the support member through the end wall portion and extend toward the open cut end 113. For example, the rear portion 122 of the mandrel can be formed as a tubular piston, and the guide portion can be removable or permanently attached to the piston.

[0094] The plug retainer 130 is axially fixed relative to the mandrel 120, such that the plug retainer 130, together with the mandrel 120, is axially movable relative to the drilling member 110 between an extended position and a retracted position. Figure 3 In the diagram, the protruding position of the plug retainer 130 is substantially flush with the open, cut end of the drilling component. Figure 3 In the example, the teeth 133 of the plug retainer protrude slightly from the open cutting end. Therefore, when the guide end 121 of the mandrel is inserted into the anal opening of the carcass, the teeth 133 can engage the skin surrounding the anal opening just before the cutting blade 114 begins to cut into the skin. In the retracted position ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image), the plug retainer is positioned near the end wall portion 141, and the guide end 121 of the mandrel is retracted into the inner drilling space 112.

[0095] The mandrel 120 can rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the support member 140, or the mandrel 120 can be rotatably fixed relative to the support member. Similarly, the plug retainer 130 can rotate relative to the mandrel 120, or the plug retainer 130 can be rotatably fixed relative to the mandrel. Preferably, the plug retainer 130 is configured such that during operation, when the rotating drilling member 110 cuts into the carcass, the plug retainer does not rotate relative to the skin surrounding the carcass.

[0096] Mandrel 120 has a mandrel wall portion 125 defining an internal mandrel space 123. The internal mandrel space 123 extends axially between a guide portion and a rear portion of the mandrel. At least a portion of the internal mandrel space, particularly the rear portion of the internal mandrel space that does not protrude from the open cutting end, constitutes part of an internal drilling space. The rear portion 122 of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide space for the internal mandrel space 123 and a suction device (in... Figure 3 Not explicitly stated in the text, see, for example Figure 2The mandrel 120 is in fluid communication with a suction device 150, such as a vacuum pump, configured to apply backward suction to the internal mandrel space 123 through an inlet opening 124. Other embodiments may include more than one inlet opening and / or inlet openings located at different locations on the mandrel. The mandrel wall portion 125 of the mandrel 120 includes a suction opening 126 arranged around the periphery of the guide portion of the mandrel 120, i.e., the portion extending between the guide end 121 and the plug retainer 130. Thus, when the guide portion of the mandrel extends into the anal opening of the carcass, and when suction is applied to the internal mandrel space 123 via the inlet opening 124, radially inward suction is applied through the suction opening 126, causing the intestinal wall to be drawn radially inward, thereby snuggling the mandrel. It will be understood that different embodiments may include different numbers of suction openings and / or suction openings arranged in different ways along or around the guide portion of the mandrel.

[0097] The mandrel 120 also includes a connecting conduit 127 that provides fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear portion 122 of the mandrel and the inner mandrel space 123. Thus, when suction is applied to the inner mandrel space 123 via the inlet opening 124, suction is also applied to the annular space 115 toward the inner mandrel space 123 via the connecting conduit 127.

[0098] The connecting conduit 127 is positioned in the rear portion 122 of the mandrel, adjacent to the plug retainer 130, i.e., immediately behind the plug retainer. Therefore, regardless of whether the mandrel is in the extended or retracted position, the connecting conduit 127 has an opening 128 for access to the internal drilled space 112. When the mandrel 120 is in the retracted position... Figure 3 In the case of (not shown), the opening 128 of the connecting conduit 127 is axially positioned in the rear end of the internal drilled space 112, immediately adjacent to the front of the end wall portion 141. Figure 3 The example shown depicts two connecting catheters. However, it is understood that other embodiments may include only a single connecting catheter or more than two connecting catheters, such as three, four, five, or even more. Different embodiments may therefore include different numbers of connecting catheters or catheters located in different positions.

[0099] The end wall portion 141 of the load-bearing member includes a vent opening 143, which is fluidly connected to a common vent valve or to a corresponding vent valve. Figure 3 Not shown in the image, see example. Figure 2A vent valve 142 is configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space 115 through a vent opening 143 and to selectively prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through a vent opening 143. Typically, the cutting device 100 may include one or more vent valves, each controlling one or more vent openings. Figure 3 In this example, the vent opening is configured as a small channel between the end wall portion 141 and the tubular borehole wall portion 111. This channel connects to an annular channel 144, which in turn is connected by a controllable valve 142 (see...). Figure 2 It and a suitable ventilation duct are fluidly connected to the outside atmosphere and / or another air source that is not contaminated by feces, etc.

[0100] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the cutting device is shown, for example... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting device. Figure 4 Implementation examples and Figure 3 The similarities of the embodiments are that, Figure 4 The embodiment includes a drilling member 110, a centering mandrel 120, and a plug retainer 130. The drilling member 110 is rotatably mounted to a support member to allow rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drilling member. The centering mandrel 120 is circumferentially surrounded by a tubular borehole wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110 and is coaxially arranged with the drilling member. The plug retainer 130 circumferentially surrounds the mandrel 120 and is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110, all of which are combined as shown. Figure 3 In addition to the following modifications to the mandrel, as described:

[0101] As in Figure 3 In the embodiments, Figure 3 The mandrel 120 of the embodiment has a mandrel wall portion 125 defining an internal mandrel space 123. However, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the internal mandrel space 123 includes an inner tubular portion 423 and an outer portion 424 circumferentially surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion 423 extends axially between a guide end 121 of the mandrel and a rear portion 122 of the mandrel, and the inner tubular portion 423 is coaxial with the mandrel 120. The rear portion 122 of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide the inner tubular portion 423 of the internal mandrel space 123 and a suction device (in... Figure 3 Not explicitly stated in the text, see, for example Figure 2The fluid communication between a suction device 150 (e.g., a vacuum pump) and the internal tubular portion 423 of the internal mandrel space 123 is configured to apply a rearward suction force through an inlet opening 124. Other embodiments may include more than one inlet opening and / or inlet openings located at different locations on the mandrel.

[0102] The outer portion 424 of the inner mandrel space is arranged radially outward relative to the inner tubular portion, and is radially separated from the inner tubular portion by a partition wall 425. The outer portion 424 may be configured as an annular space completely surrounding the inner tubular portion. Alternatively, the outer portion may be configured as a plurality of elongated channels, each extending axially along the inner tubular portion. The elongated channels may be distributed around the perimeter of the inner tubular portion. Each of the outer portions 424, such as the annular space or channels, is fluidly connected to the inner tubular portion 423 through one or more openings 426 arranged near the front end of the inner tubular portion, i.e., near the guide end 121 of the mandrel. This ensures that a strong suction force can be applied directly to the guide end of the mandrel and facilitates effective cleaning of the guide end of the mandrel. The outer portion 424 of the inner mandrel space extends axially between the guide end 121 of the mandrel and the plug retainer 130.

[0103] The mandrel wall portion 125 of the mandrel 120 includes a suction opening 126, which is arranged around the periphery of the guide portion of the mandrel 120, i.e., the portion extending between the guide end 121 and the plug holder 130, as combined Figure 3 As described. However, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the suction opening 126 supplies the outer portion 424 of the inner mandrel space. That is, any air or contaminants drawn into the mandrel through the suction opening 126 flow forward through the outer portion 424 toward the guide end 121 of the mandrel, then flow radially inward into the inner tubular portion 423, and flow backward through the inner tubular portion 423 to the inlet opening 124.

[0104] The mandrel 120 also includes a connecting conduit 127 that provides fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear portion 122 of the mandrel and the inner tubular portion 423 of the inner mandrel space 123. In this example, the conduit has a curved shape. These connecting conduits have radially inward and slightly forward-oriented inlet portions 428 for receiving airflow from the annular space 115. These connecting conduits also have rearward and slightly radially inward outlet portions 429 that supply airflow rearward and slightly radially inward into the inner tubular portion 423 of the inner mandrel space. (As in...) Figure 3In the example, the connecting conduit 127 is positioned in the rear portion 122 of the mandrel, adjacent to the plug retainer 130, i.e., immediately behind the plug retainer 130. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting conduit 127 may provide fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear portion 122 of the mandrel and the outer portion 424 of the inner mandrel space 123.

[0105] Now refer to Figures 5A to 5G To describe the operation of embodiments of the cutting device, for example Figures 2 to 4 The operation of any embodiment. In particular, Figures 5A to 5G The diagram schematically illustrates different stages of the process of cutting off the rectal end portion of a carcass using a portion of the cutting device. For ease of illustration, Figures 5A to 5G A less detailed view of the cutting device is shown. However, it is understandable that... Figures 5A to 5G The cutting device can have the same features as those already referenced above. Figures 2 to 4 Some or even all of the features described in the text are the same.

[0106] Figure 5A The illustration shows a longitudinal cross-section of a cut through a portion of the cutting device, with the mandrel 120 in its retracted position. Specifically, the cutting device includes a load-bearing member (in... Figures 5A to 5G (Not explicitly shown in the text), a drilling component 110 rotatably mounted on a supporting member, a centering mandrel 120, a plug retainer 130, and a suction device 150, such as a vacuum pump, all of which are combined as follows: Figure 2 As described.

[0107] The drilling component 110 includes a tubular borehole wall portion 111 that surrounds an internal borehole space 112. The tubular borehole wall portion has an open cutting end 113 defined by an edge of the tubular borehole wall portion that is formed as a cutting blade 114.

[0108] A centering mandrel 120 is coaxially arranged with a tubular borehole wall portion 111 and has a guide end 121 configured to enter the rectum of the carcass. At least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular borehole wall portion, thereby defining an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel. The mandrel has a circumferential mandrel wall portion defining an internal mandrel space 123 having a rearward inlet opening 124. The mandrel includes a connecting conduit 127 providing fluid communication between the annular space 115 and the internal mandrel space 123.

[0109] The drilling member 110 also includes one or more vent openings 143 in the rear wall portion 141 of the drilling member for selectively allowing air into the annular space 115. Figures 5A to 3In the example of 5, two such vent openings are shown. However, it is understood that other embodiments may include only a single vent opening or more than two vent openings. Similarly, the airflow through each vent opening can be controlled by a corresponding vent valve ( Figures 5A to 5G (Not shown) can be individually controlled, or one or more valves can control the airflow through multiple vent openings.

[0110] The suction device 150 may be a vacuum pump or other device configured to apply suction to the internal mandrel space 123 via the rear inlet opening 124, as illustrated by arrow 160. Therefore, the suction device also applies suction to the annular portion of the internal borehole space 112 via the connecting conduit 127.

[0111] The plug retainer 130 is an annular cup-shaped element surrounding the mandrel. The plug retainer has a forward-facing open end with forward-facing teeth 133 arranged circumferentially along the open end.

[0112] exist Figure 5A The image shows the cutting device 100 on the outside and front of the rectal end portion of the carcass 3 before the cutting process begins, wherein the open cutting end 113 of the drilling member faces the anal opening 2.

[0113] like Figure 5B As illustrated, the cutting process begins by axially moving the mandrel 120 to its extended position and inserting the guide end 121 of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2. Specifically, Figure 5B The diagram illustrates a cutting device with the mandrel 120 in its extended position. In this position, the cutting device 100 is ready to be inserted into the anal opening of the carcass, with the guide portion of the mandrel 120 located outside the drilling member 110, i.e., in front of the drilling member 110, and inserted into the anal opening 2. Initial insertion of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2 can be performed simultaneously with the suction device 150 applying suction to the internal mandrel space 123, such as... Figure 5B As illustrated by arrow 160. Alternatively, the initial insertion of the mandrel into the anal opening can be performed without any suction or with only reduced suction applied.

[0114] The teeth 133 of the plug retainer 130 are positioned to engage with the skin surface surrounding the anal opening of the carcass. Figure 5B In this example, the teeth are axially positioned slightly behind the cutting blade 114. However, in other embodiments, the teeth may extend slightly from the drilling member or be flush with the cutting blade 114.

[0115] Figure 5C The diagram illustrates a cutting device in which the mandrel is inserted deeper into the anal opening of the carcass, and where the teeth 133 of the plug retainer 130 have engaged the skin surrounding the anal opening. With suction applied to the internal mandrel space 123 by the suction device 150 and to the annular space 115 via the connecting conduit 127, the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening are drawn rearward toward the open cutting end 113 of the drill member 110, thereby preventing external air from entering the internal drilled space 112 through the open cutting end 113. Similarly, the intestinal wall 6 is drawn radially inward and blocks the suction opening 126 in the guide portion of the mandrel 120. Furthermore, during this stage of the cutting process, the vent valve is closed to prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143. Thus, the suction device 150 creates a vacuum in the internal drilled space 123, particularly in the internal mandrel space 123 and in the annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel 120.

[0116] like Figure 5C As illustrated, when the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening are aspirated toward the open cutting end 113 of the drill member 110, the skin and tissue also close the forward-facing open end of the plug retainer 130, thereby creating a plug retainer volume 134 inside the plug retainer 130, wherein a vacuum can be established here by the suction device 150 via one or more of the suction openings 126 in the guide portion of the mandrel 120.

[0117] It is understood that in other embodiments, the suction device may be configured to directly apply additional and / or alternative suction to the plug retainer volume inside the annular space and / or plug retainer, for example via a support member, mandrel, borehole wall portion and / or suitable opening and / or air conduit in the plug retainer.

[0118] The cutting blade 114 of the drilling member 110 is now positioned so that it can begin cutting into the carcass surrounding the anal opening and the end of the rectum. Cutting is performed by rotating the tubular drilled wall portion 111 about its longitudinal axis using a motor (not shown) or other drive mechanism, while simultaneously advancing the drilling device deeper into the carcass and applying suction to the internal mandrel space 123 using the suction device 150. During this process, the mandrel 120 gradually retracts rearward relative to the drilling member into the internal drilled space 112. This movement can be caused by actively actuating the mandrel rearward in the axial direction, for example, by means of a pneumatic piston. Alternatively, the slidable mandrel can be easily pushed back due to the suction pulling back the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening, which in turn pushes the plug retainer 130 and the mandrel 120 rearward.

[0119] The primary function of the plug retainer 130 is to apply force to the exterior of the skin 9, preventing the edge of the anal opening, i.e., the intestinal wall 6 near the anal opening, from everting outwards, and allowing a large amount of excrement to escape from the end of the intestine / rectum through the end 121 of the spindle 120 and be discharged through the anal opening. The secondary function of the plug retainer 130 is to retain any excrement that may have escaped through the anal opening within the plug retainer volume 134, thus significantly reducing the area of ​​skin 9 that may be contaminated by excrement compared to prior art systems. Therefore, during the cutting process, the plug retainer 130 prevents the internal intestinal wall from being sucked backwards through the anal opening, thereby also reducing the risk of contaminants being drawn from the interior of the rectum out of the anal opening and into the annular space 115.

[0120] Figure 5D The diagram illustrates a cutting device during the cutting process, wherein the drilling member 110 has penetrated the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening of the carcass, and wherein the mandrel 120 and the plug retainer 130 are partially retracted back into the internal drilling space 112 of the drilling member 110. Furthermore, the severed skin and tissue have been drawn back into the drilling member 110.

[0121] Figure 5E The illustration shows the cutting device 100 advancing further into the carcass and having cut off the rectal end portion of the carcass. At this stage, the mandrel 120 is in the retracted position, and the opening 128 or connecting conduit 127 is positioned in the rear end of the internal drilled space 112.

[0122] With the cutting complete and the drilling component to be withdrawn from the carcass again, the vent valve of the cutting device is opened to allow air to enter the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143, as illustrated by arrow 161. This releases, or at least significantly reduces, the vacuum inside the drilling component, and allows the skin and tissue inside the drilling component to be pulled back from the drilling component by the elastic intestinal wall 6 as the cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass. Furthermore, the suction device 150 continues to apply suction to the internal mandrel space, as illustrated by arrow 160, causing airflow through the vent opening 143 into the annular space 115, and further into the internal mandrel space 123 through the connecting conduit 127, and exiting the internal mandrel space rearward through the inlet opening 124, as illustrated by arrow 162. The air allowed to enter through the vent valve can be ambient air at atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the air can be compressed air or air otherwise under controlled pressure, or even air actively pumped into the internal mandrel space 123 through the vent opening 143. The airflow 162 can remove some or even all contaminants that may have entered the annular space 115 from the drilling member. Specifically, as explained above, the plug retainer 130 reduces the risk of such contaminants entering the annular space 115 from the inside of the intestine during cutting. However, some contaminants may still enter the annular space 115. As the drilling member is withdrawn from the carcass, the generated airflow 162 flushes these contaminants out of the annular space 115, further reducing the risk of contaminants remaining on the outside of the carcass after the cutting process is complete.

[0123] Figure 5F The illustration shows the cutting device after it has been partially withdrawn from the carcass 3. Specifically, the severed tissue has fallen from the mandrel 120 and the plug retainer 130 due to the elasticity of the intestinal wall 6. While ventilating the annular space 115 through the venting opening 143, a continuous suction force 160 flushes some or all of any remaining contaminants from the annular space 115 and from the internal mandrel space 123 out of the drilling member, and prevents contaminants from falling into the carcass 3 during the withdrawal of the cutting device.

[0124] It is understood that, in some embodiments, when the drilling and cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass, different flow directions can be established for the airflow between the venting opening and the inlet opening during continuous suction, for example, by changing the position of the opening in the guide end of the mandrel, the position of the venting opening and / or the inlet opening, and / or the position of the connecting conduit. It is further understood that, instead of dropping the severed rectal end into the cutting hole, the severed rectal end can also be initially retained inside the drilling member by means of vacuum, and the rectal end is positioned outside the cutting hole.

[0125] Figure 5GThe illustration shows the cutting device after it has been completely withdrawn from the carcass 3.

[0126] Figures 6A to 6E A cutting apparatus and its operation according to another embodiment are schematically illustrated. Figures 6A to 6E The cutting device and Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 5A to 5G Similar to the cutting device, it includes components rotatably mounted on a support member ( Figures 6A to 6E The drilling component 110, centering mandrel 120, and suction device 150 (not explicitly shown in the image) are used for drilling.

[0127] The drilling component 110 includes a tubular borehole wall portion 111 surrounding an internal borehole space 112. The tubular borehole wall portion has an open cutting end 113 defined by an edge of the tubular borehole wall portion formed as a cutting blade 114. A centering mandrel 120 is arranged coaxially with the tubular borehole wall portion 111 and has a guide end 121 configured to enter the anal opening 2 of the carcass 3. At least a portion of the mandrel 120 is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular borehole wall portion 111, thereby defining an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel. The mandrel 120 has a circumferential mandrel wall portion 115. ，该 A circumferential mandrel wall portion 115 defines an internal mandrel space 123 having a rearward inlet opening 124. The mandrel includes one or more connecting conduits 127 providing fluid communication between the annular space 115 and the internal mandrel space 123. The one or more connecting conduits 127 are located in the rear end of the internal drilling space 112, adjacent to the end wall portion 141 of the drilling member. The mandrel 120 also includes one or more suction openings 126 in the circumferential wall 125 of the mandrel 120. The one or more suction openings 126 are located near the guide end 121 of the mandrel 120. It is understood that in some alternative embodiments, one or more suction openings may be located in other locations or even omitted. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more connecting conduits may be located in other locations or even omitted. In such embodiments, the cutting device may include a separate inlet opening to allow the suction device to apply suction directly to the annular space.

[0128] The cutting device also includes a vent valve 142, which can be housed in the support member and is configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143 and to selectively prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143.

[0129] The suction device 150 may be a vacuum pump or other device configured to apply suction to the internal mandrel space 123 via the rear inlet opening 124, as illustrated by arrow 160. Therefore, the suction device also applies suction to the annular portion 115 of the internal borehole space 112 via the connecting conduit 127.

[0130] Figures 6A to 6E The mandrel of the cutting device is arranged to be axially fixed relative to the drilling member 110, wherein the guide end 121 of the mandrel extends from the open cutting end 113. Figures 6A to 6E The cutting device and Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 5A to 5G The further difference in the cutting device is that, Figures 6A to 6E The cutting device does not have a plug retainer.

[0131] Figure 6A The illustration shows a longitudinal cutting device positioned in front of the anal opening 2 of the carcass 3, with the guide end 121 of the mandrel 120 facing the anal opening 2. In this position, the cutting device is ready to begin cutting out the rectal end portion of the carcass 3. A suction device 150 is activated and applies suction to the internal mandrel space 123 via the inlet opening 124. Therefore, the suction device 150 also applies suction to the annular space 115 via the connecting conduit 127 and at the suction opening 126. Alternatively, initial insertion of the mandrel into the anal opening can be performed without any suction or with only reduced suction applied.

[0132] like Figure 6B As illustrated, the cutting process begins by inserting the guide end 121 of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2. Specifically, Figure 6B The diagram illustrates a cutting device in which a mandrel 120 is inserted into the anal opening of the carcass. With suction applied via a suction device 150 to the internal mandrel space 123 and via a connecting conduit 127 to the annular space 115, the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening are drawn rearward toward the open cutting end of the drilling member. Similarly, the intestinal wall is drawn radially inward and blocks the opening 126 in the guide portion of the mandrel. Furthermore, during this phase of the cutting process, the vent valve is closed to prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143. Thus, the suction device 150 creates a vacuum in the internal drilling space 112, particularly in the internal mandrel space 123 and the annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel 120. Suction may cause a portion of the intestinal wall 6 to bulge from the anal opening into the internal drilling space 112. This may also cause a small amount of intestinal contents, as contaminants 7, to be drawn into the internal drilling space 112.

[0133] The cutting blade 114 of the drilling component 110 is now positioned so that it can begin cutting into the carcass surrounding the anal opening and the end of the rectum. Cutting is performed by means of a motor (not shown) rotating the tubular drilled wall portion 111 about its longitudinal axis, while further advancing the drilling and cutting device into the carcass 3, and simultaneously by the suction device 150 continuing to apply suction to the internal spindle space 123.

[0134] Figure 6C The diagram illustrates a cutting device in which the drilling member 110 has penetrated the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening of the carcass, and the mandrel 120 is further advanced into the anal opening. Furthermore, the severed skin and tissue have been drawn back into the drilling member 110. Contaminants 7 that have escaped from the anal opening are also drawn towards the rear end of the internal drilling space 112, and some of the contaminants are drawn out of the cutting device through the connecting conduit 127 and the inlet opening 124. Similarly, at least some of the contaminants that may have been drawn into the internal mandrel space 123 through opening 126 as the mandrel is further advanced into the carcass are drawn out of the cutting device through the inlet opening 124.

[0135] like Figure 6D As illustrated, the vent valve 142 is opened when cutting has been completed and the cutting device is about to be withdrawn from the carcass again. Specifically, Figure 6D The illustration shows a cutting device after the rectum of the carcass has been severed, with vent valve 142 opened to allow air to enter the annular space 155 through vent opening 143, as illustrated by arrow 161. Thus, the vacuum inside the drilling member is released, or at least significantly reduced, and the skin and tissue inside the drilling member can be pulled out by the elastic intestinal wall when the cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass.

[0136] In addition, as referenced Figures 5A to 5G In the described embodiment, the suction device 150 continues to apply suction to the internal mandrel space 123, as illustrated by arrow 160, thereby causing an airflow to enter the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143, and further into the internal mandrel space 123 through the connecting conduit 127, and exit the internal mandrel space rearward through the inlet opening 124. This airflow can carry some or even all of the remaining contaminants that may have entered the annular space out of the cutting device through the inlet opening 124.

[0137] Figure 6EThe illustration shows the cutting device after it has been withdrawn from the carcass. Specifically, the severed tissue has fallen from the mandrel due to the elastic force of the intestinal wall. While the annular space 155 is ventilated through the venting opening 143, continuous suction 160 flushes most or even all remaining contaminants out of the annular space 115 and prevents contaminants from falling into the carcass during the withdrawal of the cutting device.

[0138] exist Figures 5A to 5G and Figures 5A to 6E In the example, the vent valve is controlled to allow airflow through one or more vent openings only after the rectal end portion of the carcass has been cut off. Typically, in some embodiments, the cutting device may also allow airflow into the internal borehole space through the vent openings during the cutting process. In some embodiments, the cutting device may disallow or only allow reduced airflow into the internal borehole space through the vent openings as the borehole member cuts into the carcass, in order to allow the suction device to generate a sufficient vacuum in the internal borehole space. After the rectal end portion has been cut off, and in cases where the rectal end portion is released from the internal borehole space through the open cutting end, such as during and / or after the cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass, the cutting device may be configured to allow airflow—or allow an increased airflow greater than the reduced airflow—into the internal borehole space through one or more vent openings, while continuing to apply suction through one or more inlet openings, thereby facilitating the effective removal of contaminants from the internal borehole space.

[0139] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the cutting device is shown, for example... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting device. Figure 7 Implementation examples and Figures 6A to 6E The similarities of the embodiments are that, Figure 7 The embodiment includes a drilling member 110 and a centering mandrel 120, the drilling member 110 being rotatably mounted to a support member to allow rotation of the drilling member about its longitudinal axis, the centering mandrel 120 being circumferentially surrounded by a tubular borehole wall portion 111 of the drilling member 110 and the centering mandrel 120 being coaxially arranged with the drilling member, all of which are combined as shown in the figure. Figures 6A to 6E In addition to the following modifications to the mandrel, as described:

[0140] As in Figures 6A to 6E In the embodiments, Figure 7 The mandrel 120 of one embodiment has a mandrel wall portion 125 defining an internal mandrel space. However, in Figure 7In one embodiment, the internal mandrel space includes an inner tubular portion 723 and an outer portion 724 circumferentially surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion 723 extends axially between an open end 726 near a guide end 121 of the mandrel 120 and a rear end near the rear portion of the mandrel. The inner tubular portion 723 is coaxial with the mandrel 120. The rear portion of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide fluid communication between the inner tubular portion 723 of the internal mandrel space and a suction device, and the inlet opening 124 is connected to the suction device (in... Figure 7 (Not explicitly shown in the text), for example, a vacuum pump, the suction device is configured to apply a rearward suction force to the inner tubular portion 723 of the internal spindle space through the inlet opening 124.

[0141] The outer portion 724 of the inner mandrel space is arranged radially outward relative to the inner tubular portion 723, and is radially separated from the inner tubular portion by a partition tubular wall 725. The outer portion is thus configured as an annular space completely surrounding the inner tubular portion 723. The outer portion 724 is fluidly connected to the inner tubular portion 723 at its open guide end. The outer portion 724 of the inner mandrel space extends axially between the guide end 121 of the mandrel and the rear end of the mandrel.

[0142] The mandrel wall portion 125 of the mandrel 120 includes a suction opening 126, which is arranged around the perimeter of the guide portion of the mandrel 120, such as in combination with... Figures 6A to 6E As described. The mandrel 120 also includes a connecting conduit 127 that provides fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear portion 122 of the mandrel and the outer portion 724 of the inner mandrel space. As in Figures 6A to 6E In the example, the connecting conduit 127 is positioned in the rear portion of the mandrel, adjacent to the rear wall portion 141 of the drilling component.

[0143] As in the previous example, one or more vent valves 142 selectively allow airflow to enter the annular space 115 through vent openings 143 during the retraction of the drilling component from the cutter body upon completion of the cut. Additionally, in Figure 7In this embodiment, during the retraction of the drilling component from the body, a rearward suction force 160 is applied to the inner tubular portion 723 of the inner mandrel space. The suction force causes the airflow that has entered the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143, including any contaminants that may have accumulated in the rear portion of the annular space 115, to travel radially inward through the connecting conduit 127 into the outer portion 724 of the inner mandrel space. The airflow continues axially forward within the outer portion 724 of the inner mandrel space toward the mandrel's guide end 121, then radially inward and through the open guide end 726 into the inner tubular portion 723, and then rearward through the inner tubular portion to the inlet opening 124. Similarly, any contaminants that may have been drawn into the inner mandrel space during the cutting process through the suction opening 126 are also flushed out rearward through the inner tubular portion 723 of the inner mandrel space.

Claims

1. A cutting device for cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass, the cutting device comprising: - Load-bearing components; - A drilling member rotatably mounted on the support member, the drilling member including a tubular borehole wall portion surrounding an internal borehole space, the borehole wall portion having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite to the open cutting end; - A centering mandrel, the centering mandrel being coaxially arranged with the borehole wall portion, the mandrel having a guide end configured to enter the anal opening of the carcass, at least a portion of the mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by the borehole wall portion to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel; - A suction device for applying suction to the internal borehole space via one or more inlet openings; The cutting device further includes one or more ventilation openings, which are different from the one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end. The one or more ventilation openings are configured to allow air to enter the internal borehole space, and the cutting device is configured to establish a unidirectional airflow from the one or more ventilation openings to the one or more inlet openings via the suction device, without any reverse airflow. The unidirectional airflow is used to flush out contaminants from the internal borehole space, wherein the ventilation openings are located between the end wall portion of the supporting member and the tubular borehole wall portion.

2. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein, The suction device is configured to apply suction to the annular space that circumferentially surrounds the mandrel.

3. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein, The suction device is configured to generate a vacuum in the annular space in order to suction the cut-off portion of the rectal end and surrounding tissue into the internal drilled space.

4. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more vent openings are configured to allow air to enter the internal drilled space when the suction device applies suction through the one or more inlet openings to the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

5. The cutting device according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more vent openings are configured to allow air to enter the annular space surrounding the mandrel when the suction device applies at least a suction force to the annular space surrounding the mandrel through the one or more vent openings.

6. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting device is configured to allow air to enter the internal borehole space only after the open cutting end is inserted into the carcass or only after the rectal end portion is cut off.

7. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting device is configured to allow air to enter the internal borehole space only during and / or after the open cutting end is withdrawn from the carcass and / or from the cut rectal end portion.

8. The cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cutting apparatus comprising one or more vent valves configured to control airflow entering the internal borehole space through the one or more vent openings.

9. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more venting valves are configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more venting openings after the rectal end portion has been cut off, during and / or after the open cut end has been withdrawn from the carcass, while suction is applied by the suction device to the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

10. The cutting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more vent valves are configured to selectively prevent air from entering the annular space completely or partially through the one or more vent openings when the cutting device is advanced into the carcass and the tissue is being cut.

11. The cutting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cutting apparatus includes a control device for controlling the operation of the one or more air valves, wherein... The control device is configured to: - During the initial cutting phase, the one or more vent valves are partially or completely closed, and the suction device is controlled to generate a vacuum at least in the annular space surrounding the mandrel; - During the subsequent withdrawal phase, the one or more vent valves are partially or fully opened, and the suction device is controlled to apply suction to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

12. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more ventilation openings are positioned near the rear end of the borehole wall portion.

13. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mandrel includes a mandrel wall portion that defines an internal mandrel space.

14. The cutting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The mandrel wall portion includes one or more suction openings, which are arranged near the guide end of the mandrel.

15. The cutting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The mandrel includes the one or more inlet openings, and wherein the suction device is configured to apply suction to the internal mandrel space via the one or more inlet openings, and / or wherein the mandrel includes one or more connecting conduits configured to provide fluid communication between the internal mandrel space and the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

16. The cutting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The internal mandrel space includes an inner tubular portion and an outer portion, the outer portion circumferentially at least partially surrounding the inner tubular portion and radially separated from the inner tubular portion by one or more partition walls, the inner tubular portion having a guide end and a rear end opposite to the guide end of the inner tubular portion, the guide end of the inner tubular portion being close to the guide end of the mandrel, wherein the inner tubular portion is fluidly connected to the outer portion at the guide end of the inner tubular portion; wherein the inner tubular portion includes the one or more inlet openings, and wherein the suction device is configured to apply suction to the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space in a direction away from the guide end of the inner tubular portion via the one or more inlet openings.

17. The cutting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The mandrel is axially fixed relative to the drilling member, wherein the guide end of the mandrel protrudes from the open cut end of the tubular borehole wall portion, and wherein the one or more connecting conduits are positioned near the rear end of the borehole wall portion.

18. The cutting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The mandrel is axially movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, when the mandrel is in the extended position, the guide end of the mandrel protrudes from the open cut end of the borehole wall portion, and wherein, when the mandrel is in the retracted position, the guide end of the mandrel is located inside the internal borehole space.

19. The cutting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, With the mandrel in its retracted position and with the mandrel in its extended position, the one or more connecting conduits are located within the internal drilled space, and / or therein, With the mandrel in the retracted position, the one or more connecting conduits are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the borehole wall portion.

20. The cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cutting apparatus further comprising a plug retainer that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the mandrel.

21. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cutting device comprising one or more suction conduits that fluidly connect the suction device to the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

22. The cutting apparatus of claim 21, further comprising one or more ventilation ducts for delivering airflow through the one or more ventilation openings into the internal drilling space, the ventilation ducts being physically separate from the suction ducts, and suction being applied through the suction ducts.

23. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting device is configured to establish a pressure difference between the annular space surrounding the mandrel and the outside of the drilling member by means of the suction device when the open cutting end of the tubular borehole wall contacts the carcass and is substantially closed by the tissue of the carcass.

24. A method for cutting off the rectal end portion of an animal carcass by cutting around the anal opening and rectal end using a cutting device, said cutting device being the cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising: - Push the guide end of the mandrel into the anal opening of the carcass; - The open cutting end of the tubular bore wall portion of the rotating drilling member cuts around the anal opening and along a portion of the rectal end of the carcass, the tubular bore wall portion defining an internal drilling space, at least a portion of the mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by the bore wall portion to define an annular space surrounding the mandrel; - Suction is applied to the internal drilling space through one or more inlet openings to create a vacuum in at least the annular space during drilling; - Allows air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings of the cutting device when suction is applied, thereby establishing a unidirectional airflow from the one or more vent openings to the one or more inlet openings without any reverse airflow, the unidirectional airflow being used to flush contaminants out of the internal borehole space, the one or more vent openings being different from the one or more inlet openings and different from the open cutting end of the borehole wall portion.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Applying suction includes applying suction to the annular space at least through the one or more inlet openings.

26. The method of claim 24, the method comprising aspirating the cut portion of the rectal end and surrounding tissue into the internal drilled space.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, the method comprising: The drilling component and the mandrel are withdrawn from the body; Simultaneously and / or after the drilling component and the mandrel are withdrawn from the body, suction is applied to the annular space via the one or more inlet openings; Allowing air into the annular space includes allowing air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings at least during and / or after the drilling member and the mandrel are withdrawn from the body.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, Air is allowed to enter the annular space only during and / or after the drilling component and the mandrel are withdrawn from the body.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, the method comprising controlling the airflow entering the internal borehole space through the one or more venting openings by operating one or more venting valves.

30. A cutting system, the cutting system comprising: - A robot having at least one industrial manipulator; - At least one cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, said at least one cutting device being connected to said at least one industrial manipulator.

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