Device and method for removing meat from poultry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing meat on the back of poultry from the poultry chest of slaughtered poultry. The invention also relates to a poultry carrier for use in said device. The invention also relates to a method for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing meat on the back of poultry from the chest of poultry, in particular by using a device according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing meat from poultry, in particular a device for removing poultry back meat from the poultry chest of a slaughtered poultry. The present invention also relates to a poultry carrier for said device. The present invention also relates to a method for removing meat from poultry, in particular a method for removing poultry back meat from the poultry chest, in particular by using the device according to the present invention. Background Art

[0002] In order to divide slaughtered poultry into parts attractive to consumers, the poultry is usually supplied to the cutting line of a poultry processing plant. In this line, the poultry is conveyed by a conveyor guided past a plurality of processing stations. However, especially for harvesting back meat from the carcass parts of slaughtered poultry, known devices and methods only yield a small part of the back meat, such as for example two outer meat slices, while requiring relatively complex and / or inefficient and generally rather expensive equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first object of the present invention is to provide an improved poultry meat harvesting device and method.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide an improved poultry back meat harvesting device and method.

[0005] A third object of the present invention is to provide a relatively efficient poultry meat (especially poultry back meat) harvesting device and method.

[0006] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a poultry meat (especially poultry back meat) harvesting device having a relatively compact and / or efficient design.

[0007] At least one of these objects can be achieved by a device according to the preamble, the device comprising:

[0008] - at least one conveyor, in particular a ring conveyor, for conveying poultry pieces along a conveying path;

[0009] - at least one poultry carrier, said at least one poultry carrier being attached to said conveyor and / or forming part of said conveyor, wherein each poultry carrier is configured to carry and / or support at least one poultry piece, in particular at least a part of a poultry chest (carrier), to which poultry back meat is attached,

[0010] - At least one pre-cutting section, said at least one pre-cutting section being arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor, said at least one pre-cutting section including at least one pre-cutting element, said at least one pre-cutting element being positioned such that at least a part of the poultry meat is partially separated from the remaining part of the poultry, in particular wherein at least a part of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry chest cavity, and,

[0011] - At least one meat separation section, arranged downstream of the pre-cutting section along the conveying path of the conveyor, said meat separation section including at least one rotatable cutting element for forming a separation cut to separate the at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry part, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity. Preferably, the meat separation section is further configured to physically remove the separated poultry part from the remaining poultry part at least in a direction away from the conveying path, in particular to physically remove the separated poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity.

[0012] Thus, the device according to the invention constitutes a poultry meat (in particular poultry back meat) harvesting device and method for harvesting back meat from the carcass part of a slaughtered poultry (in particular a chicken). The device according to the invention allows the harvesting of back meat with good quality in terms of meat structure and yield, and allows, for example, separating almost the entire back meat part as a single outer slice from the chest cavity. Compared with the prior art, this results in larger slice sizes, and also results in an increased yield in the (back) meat harvesting process and thus reduced meat waste. Therefore, the device according to the invention can also be considered a slicing device.

[0013] During the transportation of the poultry on / by the conveyor along different processing stations, the poultry is preferably oriented in an upright position with the breast side downwards, preferably wherein the fillet or back meat is substantially horizontally oriented. Preferably, during transportation, at least a part of each piece of poultry is located above the conveyor, wherein the conveyor supports at least a part of each piece of poultry. This results in a situation where the back meat part of the poultry chest cavity (poultry carcass) is positioned on top, and due to the positioning below the conveyor, a working space is formed above and around the back meat part to accurately separate this back meat part from the chest cavity in successive steps. This reduces the constraints of the cutting process and thus allows a more controlled cutting process. In addition, due to the low positioning of the conveyor, the cutting stations (such as the pre-cutting section and the separation section) can be easily installed and positioned, resulting in a relatively efficient and possibly simple device design. The separation section preferably includes a single rotatable cutting element. The single rotatable cutting element is preferably axially rotatable about a rotation axis that actually intersects the conveying path. This means that the rotatable cutting element defines a plane having at least one direction component parallel to the conveying path, for example a horizontal component parallel to the horizontal conveying path.

[0014] The pre-cutting section is preferably configured to form at least one pre-cut on the poultry, which extends in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the poultry through the pre-cutting section. Preferably, the pre-cutting section includes a plurality of pre-cutting elements positioned at a mutual distance from each other, where the mutual distance is preferably greater than 0.5 cm, such as greater than 1 cm and / or where the mutual distance is preferably less than 5 cm. According to this preferred embodiment, in the pre-cutting section, (at least) two incisions are formed in the back meat, one on each side of the spine (vertebral column). At or around the spine, the back meat remains attached to the spine in the pre-cutting section and will be cut (and separated) in the downstream separating section. The width of the uncut portion of the back meat portion adjacent to the spine is preferably defined by the distance between opposite, spaced-apart pre-cutting elements. One or more pre-cutting elements can be and preferably are stationary pre-cutting elements. It is conceivable that at least one pre-cutting element includes at least one non-linear blade portion, such as an angled and / or curved blade portion, preferably a concave-curved blade portion. The blade portion is preferably configured to follow at least a part of the upper side of the chest cavity and thus at least a part of the back meat portion. Preferably, at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the poultry such that two spaced-apart poultry meat flaps are formed at opposite sides of the uncut portion of the poultry, and / or where at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the back of the poultry such that two spaced-apart poultry back meat wings are formed at opposite sides of the spine (main trunk) of the poultry chest cavity. A third cut is made by the separating section to preferably separate the back meat portion as at least one outer meat slice (optionally, the back meat wings still attached to each other) from the chest cavity. It is conceivable that at least one pre-cutting element, preferably each pre-cutting element, is elastically and / or rotatably attached to the device. Preferably, where the pre-cutting element is elastically pivotable or rotatable about a pivot axis that extends substantially parallel to the conveying path. Preferably, the pivot axis is positioned below and / or at a lateral distance from the conveying path relative to the conveying path. The pivotable pre-cutting element allows for small deviations between poultry blocks to be taken into account. For example, not every chest cavity has the same size. Thus, in the case of a slightly larger chest cavity, the pre-cutting element can be forced outwards to account for the larger size. Preferably, the pre-cutting element has a first maximum position where the pre-cutting element is closest to the conveying path, preferably, this position (or a further inward rotational movement) is physically or mechanically determined and / or defined. To this end, the pre-cutting section can include at least one stop for stopping the rotational movement of the pre-cutting element in the downward direction. Thus, the stop defines the stationary position of the pre-cutting element. The poultry chest cavity can cause the pre-cutting element to move outwards relative to the stop and elastically return the pre-cutting element to the stationary position as the chest cavity passes the pre-cutting element.

[0015] The at least one pre-cutting element is preferably aligned with the rotatable cutting element of the separating part, in particular in terms of height. Preferably, the highest edge of the at least one pre-cutting element is positioned at the same level or at a higher level compared to the cutting position of the rotatable cutting element. This alignment preferably allows for a smooth, direct or indirect connection between the two parts, which is beneficial for the meat cutting process.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one poultry meat product alignment part, which is arranged between the pre-cutting part and the meat separation part and is used to align the poultry, in particular at least one pre-cut poultry part, relative to the rotatable cutting element of the separation part. Such an intermediate part can further facilitate the processing of poultry along the different parts mentioned in this section on the conveying path. Preferably, the alignment part comprises at least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, so as to move at least a part of the pre-cut (separated) poultry part away from the remaining poultry part, thereby forming at least one space between the pre-cut poultry part and the remaining poultry part. Such one or more spaces will generally contribute to a smooth and precise cutting process in the downstream separation part. It is conceivable that at least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, is configured to lift at least one pre-cut poultry meat part in a direction away from the remaining poultry meat part to form the at least one space. It is envisaged that at least one alignment element, preferably each alignment element, is configured as a guide rod for guiding the pre-cut poultry meat part and / or a slide rod for allowing the pre-cut poultry meat part to slide on the slide rod and / or be pulled (by the conveyor). Preferably, at least one alignment element is aligned with the rotatable cutting element of the separation part. Preferably, at least a part of the highest edge of at least one alignment element is located at the same level or a higher level as the cutting position of the rotatable cutting element. Such alignment will generally ensure a smooth transition of the poultry from the alignment part to the separation part. Preferably, at least a part of the highest edge of at least one alignment element is located at substantially the same level or a lower level compared to at least one pre-cutting element. Such alignment will generally ensure a smooth transition of the poultry from the pre-cutting part to the alignment part. The alignment part is preferably connected to the pre-cutting part and the separation part and / or any other part of the device, and / or is positioned directly adjacent to the pre-cutting part and the separation part and / or any other part of the device. Such connection does not mean that these parts are in direct physical contact with each other, but rather these parts are positioned close to each other, where an optional intermediate gap is, for example, less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm, more preferably less than 0.3 cm. Preferably, the side of the alignment part facing the rotatable cutting element is at least partially concave-curved. The curvature of the curved side of the alignment part preferably substantially corresponds to the curvature of the (circular) circumferential edge of the cutting element of the separation part. The axially rotatable cutting element (such as a cutting disc) of the separation part is configured to make a cut in the horizontal direction and / or in a direction parallel to the conveying path.

[0017] Preferably, the poultry meat product alignment section includes two spaced-apart alignment elements that define a slotted passage therebetween for passage of an uncut portion of the poultry, where the uncut portion is preferably located between two cut portions of the poultry. Optionally, at least one additional axially rotatable cutting element (such as a cutting disc) is partially positioned between the alignment elements to form an incision in the back meat portion adjacent to the spine, preferably a vertical incision (perpendicular to the conveying path), and thus at a distance from and between one or more back meat portions separated by a pre-cut portion. The axis of rotation of the axially rotatable element can be horizontal or slightly inclined. This additional incision is optionally used to divide an outer meat slice into two smaller outer meat slices, which can be separated from the thoracic cavity in a separation section. Preferably, the cutting position of the additional axially rotatable cutting element (the position where the cutting element contacts and cuts the meat) is the lowest position of the rotatable cutting element. Preferably, during operation, the rotational direction of the additional axially rotatable cutting element at the cutting position is opposite to the conveying direction of the poultry, which results in relatively efficient cutting. Thus, in the case where the additional axially rotatable cutting element is used in the alignment section, the alignment section also performs the function of a dividing section. It is conceivable that the additional axially rotatable cutting element is applied and / or positioned at another location along the conveying path without an alignment section, and thus can define a dividing section. Preferably, the dividing section is located upstream of the separation section. Preferably, the splitting section is located downstream of the pre-cut section.

[0018] Preferably, at least one, more preferably each axially rotatable cutting element comprises and / or is formed by an axially rotatable disc, wherein a cutting edge, preferably a circular cutting edge, is provided at the circumferential edge of the disc. The axis of rotation of the axially rotatable disc of the separating part is preferably vertical or inclined with respect to the conveying path, preferably having an inclination angle between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, wherein the cutting position of the rotatable disc is preferably the lowest position of the disc. As described above, the cutting position is the position where the disc contacts and cuts the meat. Preferably, the radius of the disc of the separating part is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm. This allows the disc to serve as a support surface for the (back) meat separated from the thoracic cavity. This is conceivable and even advantageous in the case where at least part of the upper side of the disc is textured and / or roughened, and / or where the peripheral annular part of the upper side of the disc has a rougher surface than the central part of the upper side of the disc. This results in a relatively high friction at the peripheral part of the disc, which can be used to discharge the cut (back) meat from the cutting disc after separation from the thoracic cavity. Preferably, the upper side of the disc is configured to serve as a support surface for the separated poultry meat and the poultry meat is subsequently removed from the disc due to the centrifugal force exerted by the disc on the poultry meat. The discharged (unloaded) back meat can be received and collected in a storage container.

[0019] The loop conveyor preferably comprises at least one loop belt. The belt can be formed, for example, by a chain. Preferably, the loop belt conveyor comprises an upper run and a lower run, wherein an intermediate space is defined between the upper run and the lower run, and wherein at least a part of the upper run defines the conveying path. Here, the belt conveyor preferably comprises at least one belt return device which facilitates the transfer of the loop belt between the lower run and the upper run. The belt return device preferably comprises at least one guide sprocket, preferably at least one driven guide sprocket and optionally at least one non-driven guide sprocket. A sprocket is generally a toothed or toothless wheel or gear which meshes with and / or co-operates with the belt, such as a chain. Additionally or alternatively, the loop conveyor can be formed by a turntable conveyor, wherein the turntable conveyor preferably also comprises at least one belt, but wherein the belt generally defines a loop track which can be circular or oval or can have any other suitable shape. The belt preferably defines a single plane, which forms a planar conveyor, although a three-dimensional conveyor track is of course also conceivable. In the turntable conveyor, the conveying path can extend through the entire part of the conveyor or through one or more parts of the conveyor.

[0020] The conveyor preferably includes a plurality of poultry carriers, the plurality of poultry carriers being attached to the at least one endless belt, preferably releasably attached to the at least one endless belt. Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, more preferably each poultry carrier, is configured to carry at least one piece of poultry at a distance from the endless belt. This facilitates the processing of the poultry and also reduces unnecessary contamination of the belt. Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, includes a base structure mounted to the belt and at least one poultry-carrying structure attached to and standing up from the base structure, wherein the poultry-carrying structure is preferably configured to suspend the poultry onto the carrying structure such that the poultry is positioned at a distance from the base structure. At least a portion of the base structure and the poultry-carrying structure may be integrally connected to each other and may form a single component. At least a portion of the base structure and at least a portion of the assembly of the carrying structure may be formed, for example, from a thermoplastic material, for example by using injection molding. The base structure optionally includes a fixed portion fixed to the belt and a rotating portion rotatably fixed to the fixed portion along a vertical axis and / or an axis perpendicular to the conveying path. This allows the rotating member and the poultry-carrying structure to rotate axially along the conveyor.

[0021] At least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, preferably includes at least one insertable body configured to be inserted into the poultry chest cavity. The insertable body preferably forms part of the carrying structure. The insertable body preferably tapers towards the outer end and / or is conical. Preferably, the insertable body points towards its outer end in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the poultry carrier, at least along (at least a portion of) the conveying path of the conveyor, which conveying path passes through a pre-cut portion and a separating portion. It is generally preferred that the insertable body includes a pair of retaining fingers for engaging with the internal part of the poultry. Here, at least one of the retaining fingers is preferably elastic and / or elastically attached (in particular via a spring strip) to the remainder of the poultry-carrying structure. Preferably, at least two retaining fingers are placed at a mutual distance. The retaining fingers are typically made of metal and / or plastic. Preferably, a portion of the upper side of the insert and / or the upper side of at least one of the retaining fingers is provided with a relief structure, such as a serrated structure, for increasing the grip on the inner side of the poultry.

[0022] Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, includes at least one actuatable clamp movable between:

[0023] - a locked position (or fixed position), in which the actuatable clamp is positioned to fix and / or grip a part of the poultry (preferably the internal part of the poultry) relative to the poultry carrier; and

[0024] - Unlocking position (or release position), in which the actuatable clamp is positioned such that the poultry is not fixed and / or released, thereby allowing the unloading of the poultry from the poultry carrier.

[0025] The clamp allows the poultry to be fixed in the respective cutting parts of the device during processing. Preferably, the clamp comprises at least one locking part and an actuating part, the at least one locking part being configured to move between the locking position and the unlocking position, the actuating part preferably being spaced from the locking part, the actuating part being configured to be actuated by the device (in particular a conveyor) to move the locking part between the locking position and the unlocking position. Preferably, the actuatable clamp is pivotally attached to the poultry-carrying structure and preferably extends through the poultry-carrying structure. The clamp is also referred to as a rotary clamp. Preferably, the locking part and the actuating part are located on opposite sides of the poultry-carrying element. Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, more preferably each poultry carrier, comprises at least one latch, in particular an elastic latch, for locking (and / or unlocking) the actuatable clamp in at least one of the locking position or the unlocking position. Preferably, the device is configured such that the actuatable clamp is preferably fixed in the locking position during the transportation of the poultry along an optional preparation part and / or a pre-cutting part and / or an optional alignment part and / or a separation part.

[0026] As described above, it is preferred that at least a part of at least one poultry carrier is rotatable relative to the conveyor, preferably about a rotation axis perpendicular to the conveying path. This allows the poultry to be selectively aligned relative to successive processing sections and optionally aligned in different ways. Preferably, at least a part of at least one poultry carrier is configured to rotate intermittently by the device, in particular the conveyor. Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, comprises an axially rotatable base structure mounted to the belt, and at least one poultry-carrying structure attached to and standing up from the base structure, wherein the base structure serves as a driven wheel, in particular a square drive wheel, and wherein the device, in particular the conveyor, comprises at least one drive cam, such as a pin, preferably a fixed pin, which is configured to interact with the driven wheel and thus rotate the driven wheel once the driven wheel passes the drive cam. More preferably, the driven wheel comprises a plurality (n) of slots, where n is preferably 4, the plurality of slots being configured to continuously engage with the drive cam to rotate the base structure (at least a part thereof) by an angle of 360 / n degrees. For example, in the case where the driven wheel comprises 4 slots, the base structure (or at least a part of the base structure) rotates by approximately 90 degrees each time. The driven wheel is preferably a substantially square drive wheel. Preferably, each slot is connected to a corner of the square driven wheel and extends towards the rotation axis of the square driven wheel. Such a configuration comprising a substantially square driven wheel with four slots is also referred to as a Maltese cross drive. Thus, preferably, the device comprises at least one Maltese cross drive to intermittently rotate at least a part of the poultry carrier.

[0027] This rotational possibility of the poultry carrier is preferably used to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the pre-cutting section such that the poultry (including its spine) is oriented facing in the direction of or opposite to the transport direction. Preferably, the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the preparation section. The preparation section can be used to apply one or more preparation incisions to the thoracic cavity, as will be described in more detail below. The device is preferably configured to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the loading section and / or upstream of the unloading section to facilitate loading (optionally manually) of the poultry onto the poultry carrier and / or to facilitate unloading of the remaining poultry after removal of the meat (in particular the back meat) in the separation section. The unloading section (if applied) of the device is preferably arranged downstream of the meat separation section and preferably comprises at least one unloading element for removing the remaining poultry parts, in particular the poultry thoracic cavity, from the poultry carrier. The unloading element may comprise at least one scraping element and / or be formed by at least one scraping element, the at least one scraping element preferably being a stationary scraping element, to mechanically remove, in particular slide, the remaining poultry parts, in particular the poultry thoracic cavity, from the poultry carrier. The removed poultry meat parts can be received and collected in a thoracic cavity receiving container.

[0028] As described above, the device preferably comprises at least one preparation part arranged upstream of the pre-cutting part along the conveying path, said preparation part comprising at least one cutting element, preferably a cutting element mounted horizontally, wherein said cutting element is positioned to form at least one incision between the breastbone and the spine of the poultry carried on the poultry carrier. Preferably, the preparation part, in particular its cutting element, is constructed and positioned to cut at least one bone, in particular the coracoid bone, more particularly the left and right coracoid bones, in the vicinity of the spine of the thoracic cavity (carcass). However, if the poultry thoracic cavity includes a collarbone or a carina (commonly referred to as the wishbone) in addition to the coracoid bone, it is conceivable that, in addition to the coracoid bone, the preparation part also cuts said bone. Preferably, the cutting element of the preparation part is a circular cutting element that is axially rotatable, wherein preferably a plurality of grooves and / or teeth are provided along the circumferential edge of the cutting element. The cutting element is preferably rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveying path (extending along the preparation part). The preparation part is preferably positioned laterally with respect to the conveyor, and wherein the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier and / or the poultry carried by the poultry carrier towards the preparation part at least when the poultry carrier passes along the preparation part. By cutting this bone, it is possible to separate any tendons or muscles that the pre-cutting element and / or the separating part cannot (easily) reach. Otherwise, this may result in the back meat not being completely separated, since one or more tendons or muscles in the coracoid bone area may still be intact. This is especially because some tendons and muscles of the (plural) coracoid bones extend inwards towards the inside of the thoracic cavity, and the pre-cutting part cannot easily access this inside without cutting through the entire thoracic cavity, and the latter option is less preferred as this may cause the bone splint to terminate or break the back meat. Some examples of tendons and muscles cut by the preparation part may be the supracoracoideus muscle, however, optionally also a part of the pectoral muscle if attached. This may further and optionally allow the present invention to harvest the back meat of the poultry, including the front half.

[0029] In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the upstream end of at least one pre-cutting element is narrower than the downstream end. This allows the pre-cutting element to separate the separated (posterior) meat part from the thoracic cavity during displacement along the pre-cutting element, which is beneficial for further processing in, for example, the separating part.

[0030] It is generally advantageous if the device comprises at least one counter-pressure section comprising at least one counter-pressure element, said at least one counter-pressure element being arranged along the conveying path adjacent to and / or overlapping an upstream portion of the pre-cutting element, said upstream portion being arranged on the side of the pre-cutting element facing away from the conveyor. In this case, the at least one counter-pressure element can be formed by a roller and / or a belt. Each roller and / or each belt can have a profiled and / or textured outer surface to improve grip on the passing poultry. It is conceivable that the rollers and / or belts are non-driven. Preferably, each roller and / or each belt is movable and, more preferably, is configured to move with the passing poultry. It is also preferred that the rollers and / or belts are driven, wherein the drive speed is preferably synchronized with the drive speed of the conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor is an endless conveyor having a supply section for supplying the poultry to be processed. This supply section can also be considered a loading section.

[0031] Each driven component can be driven by a drive motor (such as an electric drive motor) of the device. It is conceivable that different components are driven by different drive motors. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that different components are driven by the same (shared) drive motor. Preferably, the device and / or at least one drive motor is configured to operate continuously.

[0032] The invention also relates to a poultry carrier for use in a device according to the invention.Examples and advantages of the poultry carrier have been described above and will be described in a broad manner below.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a method for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing poultry back meat from the breast cavity of poultry, in particular by using the device according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] A) loading at least one piece of poultry, in particular a poultry breast with attached poultry back meat, onto at least one poultry carrier,

[0035] B) conveying the loaded poultry carriers along at least a pre-cutting section and a separating section, wherein:

[0036] i. in the pre-cut portion, at least a portion of the poultry meat is partially separated from the rest of the poultry by at least one pre-cutting element, in particular wherein at least a portion of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry breast cavity by at least one pre-cutting element, and wherein

[0037] ii. in the separation section, forming at least one separation cut by at least one rotatable cutting element to separate the at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry part, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry breast cavity,

[0038] C) removing the separated poultry parts from the remaining poultry parts, in particular removing the separated poultry back meat from the poultry breast cavity, at least in a direction away from the conveying path, wherein the separated poultry parts are preferably unloaded from the device, and

[0039] D) unloading the remaining poultry parts from the poultry carrier.

[0040] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention and their advantages have been described above and will be described in a broad manner below.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described by the following set of non-limiting clauses.

[0042] Terms

[0043] 1. A device for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing poultry back meat from the breast cavity of poultry, comprising:

[0044] at least one conveyor, in particular an endless conveyor, for conveying the poultry pieces along a conveying path;

[0045] at least one poultry carrier attached to the conveyor and / or forming part of the conveyor, wherein each poultry carrier is configured to carry and / or support at least one poultry piece, in particular a poultry brisket, wherein the brisket has a poultry back attached thereto,

[0046] at least one pre-cutting section arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor, the at least one pre-cutting section comprising at least one pre-cutting element positioned such that at least a portion of the poultry meat is partially separated from the remaining portion of the poultry, in particular such that at least a portion of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry breast cavity,

[0047] - at least one meat separation section, arranged downstream of the pre-cutting section along the transport path of the conveyor, the meat separation section comprising at least one rotatable cutting element for forming a separation cut to separate at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry parts, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry breast cavity, wherein the meat separation section is also configured to physically remove the separated poultry part from the remaining poultry parts, in particular to physically remove the separated poultry back meat from the poultry breast cavity, at least in a direction away from the transport path.

[0048] 2. The device according to clause 1, wherein the pre-cutting part is configured to perform at least one pre-cut on the poultry, and the at least one pre-cut extends in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the poultry through the pre-cutting part.

[0049] 3. The device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the pre-cutting part includes a plurality of pre-cutting elements, and the plurality of pre-cutting elements are positioned at a mutual distance from each other, wherein the mutual distance is preferably greater than 1 cm, and / or wherein the mutual distance is preferably less than 5 cm.

[0050] 4. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pre-cutting part includes at least one stationary pre-cutting element.

[0051] 5. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one pre-cutting element includes at least one non-linear blade portion, such as an angled and / or curved blade portion, preferably a blade portion curved in a concave shape.

[0052] 6. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the poultry such that two separated poultry meat flaps are formed at opposite sides of the uncut part of the poultry, and / or wherein at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the back of the poultry such that two separated poultry back meat flaps are formed at opposite sides of the main trunk of the poultry chest cavity.

[0053] 7. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one pre-cutting element is aligned with the rotatable cutting element of the meat separation part.

[0054] 8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the highest edge of at least one pre-cutting element is at the same level or a higher level than the cutting position of the rotatable cutting element.

[0055] 9. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, the device further includes at least one poultry meat product alignment part, the at least one poultry meat product alignment part is arranged between the pre-cutting part and the meat separation part, and the at least one poultry meat product alignment part is used to align the poultry, in particular at least one pre-cut poultry part, relative to the rotatable cutting element.

[0056] 10. The device according to clause 9, wherein the poultry meat product alignment part includes at least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, to move at least a part of the pre-cut poultry part away from the remaining poultry part, thereby forming at least one space between the pre-cut poultry part and the remaining poultry part.

[0057] 11. Apparatus according to clause 9 or 10, wherein the at least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, is configured to lift at least one pre-cut poultry part in a direction away from the remaining poultry part to form the at least one space.

[0058] 12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one alignment element, preferably each alignment element, is configured as a guide rod for guiding the pre-cut poultry part and / or as a slide rod for allowing the pre-cut poultry part to slide and / or be pulled on a slide rod.

[0059] 13. The device according to any of clauses 10-12, wherein at least one alignment element is aligned with the rotatable cutting element of the separation part.

[0060] 14. Apparatus according to any of clauses 10 to 13, wherein at least a portion of a highest edge of at least one alignment element is positioned at the same level as or at a higher level than a cutting position of the rotatable cutting element.

[0061] 15. The device according to any of clauses 10 to 14, wherein at least a portion of a highest edge of at least one alignment element is positioned at substantially the same level as or at a lower level than the at least one pre-cutting element.

[0062] 16. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 9 to 15, wherein the poultry meat product alignment portion is connected to both the pre-cutting portion and the separating portion, and / or the alignment portion is positioned directly adjacent to both the pre-cutting portion and the separating portion.

[0063] 17. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 9 to 16, wherein the poultry meat product alignment portion comprises two distant alignment elements which mutually enclose a slotted channel for feeding through an uncut portion of the poultry, wherein the uncut portion is preferably located between two cut portions of the poultry.

[0064] 18. Apparatus according to any of clauses 9 to 17, wherein a side of the alignment portion facing the rotatable cutting element is at least partially concavely curved.

[0065] 19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cutting element comprises and / or is formed by an axially rotatable disc, wherein a cutting edge, preferably a circular cutting edge, is provided at a circumferential edge of the disc.

[0066] 20. The device according to clause 19, wherein the axis of rotation of the disc is inclined with respect to the conveying path, and wherein the cutting position of the axially rotatable disc is preferably the lowest position of the disc.

[0067] 21. The device according to clause 20, wherein the radius of the disc is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm.

[0068] 22. The device according to any one of clauses 19 - 21, wherein the upper side of the disc is at least partially textured and / or roughened, and / or wherein the peripheral annular portion of the upper side of the disc has a rougher surface than the central portion of the upper side of the disc.

[0069] 23. The device according to any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the upper side of the disc is configured to serve as a support surface for separated poultry meat, and the poultry meat is then removed from the disc due to the centrifugal force exerted by the disc on the poultry meat.

[0070] 24. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the annular conveyor comprises at least one endless belt.

[0071] 25. The device according to clause 24, wherein the conveyor in the form of an endless belt comprises an upper run and a lower run, wherein an intermediate space is defined between the upper run and the lower run, and wherein at least a part of the upper run defines the conveying path.

[0072] 26. The device according to clause 25, wherein the conveyor in the form of an endless belt comprises at least one belt return device that facilitates the transfer of the endless belt between the lower run and the upper run.

[0073] 27. The device according to clause 26, wherein the belt return device comprises at least one guide sprocket, preferably comprising at least one driven guide sprocket, and optionally comprising at least one non-driven guide sprocket.

[0074] 28. The device according to any one of clauses 24 - 27, wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of poultry carriers attached to the at least one endless belt.

[0075] 29. The device according to any one of clauses 24 - 28, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, is configured to carry at least one piece of poultry at a spacing from the endless belt.

[0076] 30. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 24 to 29, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier comprises a base structure mounted to the endless belt, and at least one poultry carrying structure attached to and upright from the base structure, wherein the poultry carrying structure is preferably configured to suspend poultry to the poultry carrying structure so that the poultry is positioned spaced apart from the base structure.

[0077] 31. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, comprises at least one insertable body configured to be inserted into the chest cavity of a poultry.

[0078] 32. Apparatus according to clauses 30 and 31, wherein the insertable body forms part of the poultry carrying structure.

[0079] 33. The device according to clause 31 or 32, wherein the insertable body tapers towards the outer end.

[0080] 34. Device according to any of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the insertable body is directed with its outer end in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the poultry carriers, at least along the conveying path of the conveyor.

[0081] 35. The device of any one of clauses 31 to 34, wherein the insertable body comprises a pair of retaining fingers for engaging with an internal portion of the poultry.

[0082] 36. Device according to clause 35, wherein at least one of the pair of holding fingers is elastic and / or is elastically attached to the remainder of the poultry carrying structure, in particular via a spring leaf.

[0083] 37. Device according to clause 35 or 36, wherein at least two of the holding fingers are placed at a distance from each other.

[0084] 38. Device according to any of clauses 35 to 37, wherein a portion of the upper side of the insertable body and / or the upper side of at least one retaining finger is provided with a relief structure, such as a saw-tooth structure, for improving the grip on the inside of the poultry.

[0085] 39. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, comprises at least one actuatable clamp which is movable between:

[0086] a locked position, wherein the actuatable clamp is positioned to secure and / or clamp a part of a poultry relative to the poultry carrier, preferably an inner part of the poultry; and

[0087] - An unlocking position, wherein the actuatable clamp is positioned such that the poultry is not fixed and / or released, thereby allowing unloading of the poultry from the poultry carrier.

[0088] 40. The device according to clause 39, wherein the actuatable clamp includes at least one locking member and an actuating member, the at least one locking member being configured to move between the locking position and the unlocking position, the actuating member preferably being spaced apart from the locking member, the actuating member being configured to be actuated by the device to move the locking member between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0089] 41. The device according to any one of clauses 30 to 40, wherein the actuatable clamp is pivotally attached to the poultry carrying structure and preferably extends through the poultry carrying structure.

[0090] 42. The device according to clauses 40 and 41, wherein the locking member and the actuating member are positioned at opposite sides of the poultry carrying element.

[0091] 43. The device according to any one of clauses 39 to 42, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, includes at least one latch, particularly an elastic latch, for locking the actuatable clamp in at least one of the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0092] 44. The device according to any one of clauses 39 to 43, wherein the actuatable clamp is in the locking position during transportation of the poultry along an optional preparation section and / or the pre-cutting section and / or the optional alignment section and / or the meat separation section.

[0093] 45. The device according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least a portion of at least one poultry carrier is rotatable relative to the conveyor, preferably about a rotation axis perpendicular to the conveying path.

[0094] 46. The device according to clause 45, wherein at least a portion of at least one poultry carrier is configured to be rotated intermittently by the device, particularly the conveyor.

[0095] 47. The device according to clause 45 or 46, wherein at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, comprises an axially rotatable base structure mounted to the belt, and at least one poultry carrying structure attached to and standing up from the base structure, wherein the base structure serves as a driven wheel, in particular a square drive wheel, and wherein the device, in particular the conveyor, comprises at least one drive cam, such as a pin, preferably a fixed pin, the drive cam being configured to interact with the driven wheel once the driven wheel passes by the drive cam and thus rotate the driven wheel.

[0096] 48. The device according to clause 47, wherein the driven wheel comprises a plurality (n) of slots, where n is preferably 4, the driven wheel being configured to continuously engage with the drive cam to rotate the base structure by an angle of 360 / n degrees, wherein the driven wheel is preferably a square drive wheel, and wherein each slot is connected to a corner of the square driven wheel and extends towards the axis of rotation of the square driven wheel.

[0097] 49. The device according to any one of clauses 45 - 48, wherein the device comprises at least one Maltese cross drive to intermittently rotate at least a portion of the poultry carrier.

[0098] 50. The device according to any one of clauses 45 - 49, wherein the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the pre - cutting section such that the poultry is oriented in a direction that is the same as or opposite to the transport direction.

[0099] 51. The device according to any one of clauses 45 - 50, wherein the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the preparation section.

[0100] 52. The device according to any one of clauses 45 - 51, wherein the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier upstream of the loading section and / or upstream of the unloading section.

[0101] 53. The device according to any one of the foregoing clauses, further comprising an unloading section arranged downstream of the meat separation section, the unloading section comprising at least one unloading element for removing the remaining poultry parts, in particular the poultry chest, from the poultry carrier.

[0102] 54. The device according to clause 53, wherein the unloading section comprises at least one scraping element, preferably a stationary scraping element, to mechanically remove, in particular slide - remove, the remaining poultry meat parts, in particular the poultry chest, from the poultry carrier.

[0103] 55. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further comprises at least one preparation section arranged upstream of the pre-cutting section along the conveying path, the preparation section comprising at least one cutting element, preferably a horizontally mounted cutting element, wherein the cutting element is positioned to form at least one incision between the sternum and the spine of the poultry carried on the poultry carrier.

[0104] 56. Device according to clause 55, wherein the preparation part, in particular its cutting element, is positioned to cut at least one bone, in particular the coracoid, near the spinal column of the carcass.

[0105] 57. A device according to clause 55 or 56, wherein the cutting element is an axially rotatable circular cutting element, wherein a plurality of grooves and / or teeth are provided along the circumferential edge of the cutting element, wherein the cutting element is preferably rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the conveying path.

[0106] 58. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 55-57, wherein the preparation section is positioned laterally relative to the conveyor, and wherein the apparatus is configured to rotate the poultry carrier and / or the poultry carried by the poultry carrier toward the preparation section at least as the poultry carrier passes along the preparation section.

[0107] 59. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upstream end of at least one pre-cutting element is narrower than the downstream end.

[0108] 60. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further comprises at least one back-pressure portion, the back-pressure portion comprising at least one back-pressure element, the at least one back-pressure element being arranged along the conveying path near the upstream portion of the pre-cutting element and / or overlapping with the upstream portion of the pre-cutting element, the upstream portion being arranged on the side of the pre-cutting element facing away from the conveyor.

[0109] 61. Apparatus according to clause 60, wherein at least one counter-pressure element is formed by a roller and / or a belt.

[0110] 62. Apparatus according to clause 61, wherein the rollers and / or belts are non-driven.

[0111] 63. Apparatus according to clause 61, wherein the rollers and / or belts are driven, wherein the drive speed is preferably synchronized with the drive speed of the conveyor.

[0112] 64. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the conveyor is an endless conveyor having a supply section for supplying poultry to be processed.

[0113] 65. A poultry carrier for use with a device according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0114] 66. A method for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity, in particular by using a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 64, the method comprising the following steps:

[0115] A) Loading at least one poultry piece, in particular a poultry chest cavity attached with poultry back meat, onto at least one poultry carrier;

[0116] B) Conveying the loaded poultry carrier at least along a pre-cutting section and a separating section, wherein:

[0117] i. In the pre-cutting section, at least a part of the poultry meat is partially separated from the remaining part of the poultry by at least one pre-cutting element, in particular wherein at least a part of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry chest cavity by at least one pre-cutting element, and wherein

[0118] ii. In the separating section, at least one separating cut is formed by at least one rotatable cutting element to separate the at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry part, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity;

[0119] C) Removing the separated poultry part from the remaining poultry part at least in a direction away from the conveying path, in particular removing the separated poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity, wherein the separated poultry part is preferably unloaded from the device, and

[0120] D) Unloading the remaining poultry part from the poultry carrier. Description of the Drawings

[0121] The present invention will be further elucidated hereinafter based on the following non-limiting drawings, wherein:

[0122] - Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of the device in terms of functional steps;

[0123] - Figure 2 shows a first detailed view of the preparation part of the device;

[0124] - Figure 3 shows Figure 2 a detailed perspective view of the preparation part shown in;

[0125] - Figure 4 shows a second detailed view of a part of the device according to the present invention;

[0126] - Figure 5An embodiment of at least one pre-cut portion is shown;

[0127] - Figure 6 shows a detailed view of another part of the device according to the invention;

[0128] - Figure 7 A detailed view showing a portion of the unloading portion of the present invention;

[0129] - Figure 8a and 8b Two positions of a poultry carrier according to the present invention are shown; and

[0130] - Figure 9 A poultry carrier according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0131] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The apparatus comprises a conveyor 2, in this case an endless conveyor, for transporting one or more poultry carriers (not shown) along various processing sections 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. Various processing steps can be performed and / or conducted while the meat is transported along the processing sections 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. Preferably, the processing steps are performed in the depicted order along the transport path formed by the conveyor 2. Starting from point T1, which depicts an optional rotation point of the poultry carrier along the transport path. Rotating the poultry carrier carrying the poultry brisket may be beneficial or even necessary for the processing steps, in particular the primary processing step 100. Preferably, a second point T2 depicts the actuation of a clamping mechanism (not shown in this figure) of the poultry carrier in order to clamp the poultry brisket to the poultry carrier. Preferably, the initial processing section is formed by a preparation section 100 for preparing the poultry breast cavity for downstream processing steps, said preparation section 100 being formed in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . The preparation part 100 may comprise at least one cutting element for cutting at least a portion of the thoracic cavity of a poultry, preferably for cutting a beak bone of a piece of poultry, in particular a chicken. Optionally, the cutting element is arranged for cutting both the beak bone and the clavicle, preferably near the spinal column of the poultry. After the preparation part 100, the poultry carrier is rotated at point T3. Preferably, the rotation of the poultry carrier is such that the poultry pieces carried on the carrier are oriented in a direction towards upstream before entering the pre-cutting part 200 of the device. In Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6The pre-cutting section 200, depicted in greater detail hereinafter, comprises at least one pre-cutting element. The pre-cutting section 200 is arranged to form an incision in the poultry block such that a part of the poultry meat (in particular the back meat) is partially separated from the remainder of the poultry. Preferably, the pre-cutting section 200 comprises at least one pre-cutting element configured to pre-cut the poultry such that two flaps of poultry meat are formed located on opposite sides of the uncut portion of the poultry, and / or such that at least one of the pre-cutting elements is configured to pre-cut the poultry back such that two flaps of poultry back meat are formed located on opposite sides of the backbone of the poultry chest cavity. Optionally, the apparatus 1 comprises an alignment section 700 (i.e. a meat product alignment section 700) for allowing the pre-cut poultry block to be aligned in a predetermined orientation for subsequent processing steps. The alignment section 700 can in particular allow the alignment of the pre-cut back meat flaps. Optionally, at least one optional splitting section 300 is arranged. In particular downstream of the pre-cutting section and in particular parallel or at least partially overlapping with the alignment section 700. The splitting section comprises at least one cutting element for forming at least one incision in the pre-cut poultry block. In particular, the cutting element of the splitting section 300 is arranged to cut in a direction parallel to the poultry spine. The splitting section 300 can also form part of the alignment section. Preferably, the cutting element is arranged to cut the meat pieces attached to the chest cavity of the poultry back, in particular between the two separated flaps mentioned above. This splitting section 300 is entirely optional but can allow the apparatus 1 to remove two pieces of meat from the poultry chest cavity. After the pre-cutting section 200 and the optional alignment section 700 and the optional splitting section 300, the apparatus 1 comprises a meat separation section 400 which in at least this embodiment comprises a rotatable cutting element for forming a separation incision to separate at least one pre-cut poultry portion from the remainder of the poultry, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity. The separation section, in particular its cutting element, is also configured to physically remove the separated poultry portion from the remainder of the poultry, in particular to physically remove the separated poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity, to physically remove the partially separated meat product from the poultry and to discharge the separated meat product at least in a direction away from the conveying path. Preferably, the actuatable clamp, activated at point T2 after the meat pieces have been removed from the poultry, is released at point T4. Preferably, after releasing the actuatable clamp at T4, the apparatus 1 comprises an unloading section 500 for discharging the processed poultry block from the poultry carrier. Preferably, the emptied poultry carrier is transported along the return section of the conveyor 2 and a new unprocessed poultry block is provided at the loading section 600.

[0132] Figure 2A detailed view of the preparation section 100 of the device 1 is shown. The figure schematically depicts a first point T1, where the poultry carrier 3 rotates about a vertical axis of rotation 10 of the poultry carrier 3 such that the front side of the meat carrier faces the inward direction of the conveyor 2. The conveyor 2 is formed by a plurality of hooks, to which the poultry carrier 3 is rotatably attached. The T1 of the poultry carrier 3 is arranged upstream of the preparation section 100 and allows the poultry carried on the poultry carrier 3 to be oriented relative to the preparation section 100. The preparation section 100 as shown in this embodiment includes a substantially horizontal cutting element 102. The cutting element 102 is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation 103 and, as shown in this embodiment, the cutting element 102 is driven by at least one motor 101, in particular an electric motor 101. The cutting element 102 includes a plurality of cutting teeth 104, which contribute to cutting one or more bones of the poultry pieces. In particular, the cutting element 102 is oriented to cut one or more beak bones of a piece of poultry transported by the poultry carrier 3 along the cutting element 102, which is shown in more detail in Figure 3 Before passing through the preparation section 100 of the device, the poultry carrier 3 is transported along the point T2. At this point T2, an actuator 6 is arranged for actuating the actuatable clamp 4 of the poultry carrier. The actuator 6 is arranged to activate the clamping element 4 (also referred to as the actuatable clamp 4) to a clamping position, which can alternatively be referred to as a locking position, for clamping a piece of poultry on the poultry carrier 3. After the clamping element 4 is positioned in the clamping position or the locking position, the poultry piece carried by the poultry carrier 3 can be stabilized to prevent one of the cutting elements of the device from removing or displacing the poultry piece. The actuator 6 shown in this embodiment is a static actuator, which can form part of the frame 8 of the device and is arranged at least stationary relative to the moving conveyor 2. The actuator 6 acts in cooperation with the actuating element 7 of the clamping element 4. The clamping element 4 is pivotally attached to the poultry carrier 3 about a pivot point 5. The actuating element 7 can act in cooperation with the actuator 6 through the guiding action of the actuator 6, gradually forcing the actuating element to pivot the clamping element 4 about the pivot point 5. The poultry carrier 3 preferably includes a locking latch 9 for locking the clamping element 4 in the clamping position. The locking latch 9 can be activated at a predetermined rotation of the clamping element 4.

[0133] Figure 3 shows Figure 2Detailed perspective view of a portion of the preparation section 100 shown in FIG. This figure provides a representation of a piece of poultry 11 carried on a poultry carrier 3. The poultry piece comprises an upper side 11a and a lower side 11b. The upper side 11a typically carries the back meat of the rib cage 11, while the lower side 11b is the side to which the breast is attached. As can be seen, the poultry carrier is shaped so that the upper side 11a of the poultry is carried by the poultry carrier 3 essentially horizontally. This allows for more efficient handling of the poultry 11. In this figure, the clamping element 4 is positioned and locked in the clamping position by the locking latch 9, pressing the poultry 11 against the poultry carrier 3. The cutting element 102 of the preparation section 100 is positioned to cut through the (schematically shown) beak bone 105 of the poultry 11. This allows for (subsequent) removal of the back meat. The cutting element 102 is positioned to cut the beak bone 105 near the spinal column of the poultry 11.

[0134] Figure 4 The subsequent processing steps of the pre-cutting section 200 are shown. Before entering the pre-cutting section 200, the carrier 3 of meat is rotated about the rotation axis 10 in order to orient the piece of poultry in an upstream direction. The poultry carrier 3 is configured to be rotated about its rotation axis 10 by co-acting rotation elements 12, 13. Said co-acting rotation elements 12, 13 allow the poultry carrier to be rotated at a point T3 located just upstream with respect to the pre-cutting section 200. The co-acting rotation elements 12, 13 are formed by a protrusion 12 and a recess 13, wherein at least one of the protrusion 12 or the recess 13 is statically positioned along the conveying path. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusion 12 is arranged along the conveying path so that the poultry carrier 3 moving along said protrusion causes a rotation of the poultry carrier 3. The pre-cutting section 200 comprises at least one cutting element 201, which is arranged for forming an incision in a piece of poultry. The upstream side 202 of the pre-cutting element 201 is essentially non-linear, in particular angled and / or partially curved. Reference will be made to Figure 5The pre-cut incision is described in more detail. To further ensure the precise incision placement of the pre-cut portion 200, the counter-pressure portion 800 is arranged at a distance from the pre-cut portion 200. The counter-pressure portion 800 is arranged to be spaced from the pre-cut element 201 in a direction away from the pre-cut element. The counter-pressure portion 800 is preferably positioned such that it presses at least partially on the poultry carried on the poultry carrier 3. In this particular embodiment, the counter-pressure portion 800 is formed by a driven belt 801, wherein the driven belt 801 is arranged around a pair of drive wheels 803 for driving the driven belt. For this purpose, the drive wheels 803 may include teeth for interacting with the teeth on the inner side of the driven belt 801. Preferably, at least one drive wheel 803 is driven, in particular by a drive motor 804. It is conceivable that the driven belt 801 includes one or more release portions 802. The release portion may be positioned such that at least one release portion 802 is aligned with a part of the poultry carrier 3. Preferably, the release portion 802 is configured to contact the outer side of a part of the back meat of the poultry chest cavity in order to guide and / or align a part of the back meat with the pre-cut portion 200. In the embodiment shown in this figure, a guiding portion 805 is arranged inside the driven belt 801. The guiding portion 805 is formed by a guiding body 806, wherein the guiding body 806 is pivotally attached around a pivot axis 808. A part of the guiding body 806 that is at a certain distance from the pivot axis 808 has elasticity 807 in the direction towards the cutting portion 200. This can ensure that the outer side of the driven belt 801 remains in contact with the poultry back meat at least during transportation through the pre-cut portion 200. It is imaginable that at least one pre-cut element, preferably each pre-cut element, can pivot elastically around a pivot axis 205 that extends substantially parallel to the conveying path. Preferably, the pivot axis 205 is positioned below and / or at a lateral distance from the conveying path with respect to the conveying path. Pivoting the pre-cut element 201 allows for small deviations between poultry pieces to be taken into account. For example, not every chest cavity has the same size. Therefore, in the case where the chest cavity is slightly larger, the pre-cut element 201 can be pushed outwards to accommodate the larger size. Preferably, the pre-cut element has a first maximum position where the pre-cut element is closest to the conveying path, preferably, this position (or further inward rotational movement) is physically or mechanically determined and / or defined. For this purpose, the pre-cut portion 200 may include at least one stop (not visible) for stopping the rotational movement of the pre-cut element 201 in the downward direction. Thus, the stop defines the rest position of the pre-cut element 201. The poultry chest cavity can move the pre-cut element 201 outwards relative to the stop, and when the chest cavity passes the pre-cut element, the pre-cut element elastically returns (e.g., via a spring 206) to the rest position.

[0135] Figure 5Shows a detailed example of the cutting part 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure further depicts an embodiment of the backpressure part 800 according to the present invention. The backpressure part 800 in this embodiment is formed by a single backpressure roller 809. The roller is positioned to be aligned with the pre-cutting part 200, particularly with the upstream end of the cutting element 201. Different embodiments of the backpressure part 800 can be used interchangeably. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figure, the pre-cutting part 200 includes a pair of pre-cutting elements 201, which are positioned at a distance 203 from each other. This distance is preferably greater than about 1 cm, and / or wherein the distance is less than 5 cm. The pair of pre-cutting elements 201 are arranged for cutting in poultry, and the cutting extends at least partially parallel to the transport direction. In this embodiment, the mutually facing edges 204 of the pre-cutting elements 201 are substantially parallel. This allows the poultry block 11 to conveniently pass through the space 203 between the cutting elements 201. ​ Also shown is a schematic cross-sectional view C-C' of the pre-cut poultry block 11. The cross-sectional view of the poultry 11 shows the spine 19 of the poultry, to which the chest cavity 14 is attached. A piece of back meat 15 is (partially) attached to the rear side of the poultry 11. The pre-cutting elements 201 shown in the figure are arranged to each form incisions 17, 18 in the back meat 15. The incisions preferably follow the shape of the chest cavity 14. Since the cutting elements 201 are spaced apart from each other, a part 19 of the back meat remains attached to the poultry 11, particularly to the outer side of the chest cavity 14. The incisions 17, 18 formed by the pre-cutting elements 201 form two remote flaps 20, 21 in the back meat 15.

[0136] ​Shows a detailed view of another part of the device according to the present invention. The figure depicts in sequence from upstream to downstream a pre-cutting part 200, a back-pressure part 800, an alignment part 700, a splitting part 300, and a separating part 400. The details of the pre-cutting part 200 and the back-pressure part 800 as described above apply similarly to this figure. In this embodiment, the separating part 800 is positioned at a distance from the pre-cutting part 200. To provide proper alignment of the meat pieces, the alignment part 700 is arranged between the pre-cutting part 200 and the downstream separating part 400. The alignment part 700 is arranged to be directly adjacent to the pre-cutting part 200 and the separating part 400, and allows the pre-cut poultry parts to be aligned relative to the rotatable cutting element 401 of the separating part 400. In the depicted embodiment, the alignment part 700 includes a pair of alignment elements 705 spaced apart from each other and arranged at a predetermined distance 701 relative to each other. The alignment elements 705 are configured to move a part of the pre-cut poultry parts (such as a meat flap) in a direction away from the remaining poultry parts. In particular, the pre-cut meat flap is lifted so as to create a space between the meat flap and the remaining poultry meat part. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the alignment members are formed by guide rods 705 or slide rods 705, and the pre-cut poultry parts slide or are pulled along the guide rods 705 or the slide rods 705 in the direction towards the separating part 400. Preferably, the alignment elements 705 are aligned with the position of the rotatable cutting element 401 of the separating part 400. To allow for effective separation of the pre-cut poultry, it may be preferable that at least a part of the highest edge of at least one alignment element 705 is positioned at the same level or a higher level than the cutting position of the rotatable cutting element 401. Preferably, the downstream edge or side 703 of at least one alignment element 705 is at least partially shaped to conform to the rotatable cutting element 401, and preferably, the side is at least partially concave-curved. Thus, the downstream edge 703 of the alignment element 705 is preferably directly adjacent to the rotatable cutting element 401. The upstream end 702 of the alignment element 705 may be substantially conical, which may help to directly convey the pre-cut poultry to the alignment part 700. The rotatable cutting element 401 is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. The rotatable cutting element 401 is preferably driven by at least one motor 402 (such as an electric motor 402).

[0137] ​A detailed view of a portion of an unloading section 500 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown. Before reaching the unloading section 500, the poultry carriers, particularly the gripping elements 4, need to be released from gripping the poultry, particularly the breast, onto the poultry carriers 3. To this end, the apparatus includes a release element 23 located at point T4 along the transport path, upstream of the unloading section 500. The release element 23 is configured to release the gripping elements 4, displacing them into an unclamped position. To this end, the release element 23 is configured to cooperate with the locking latch 9 of the poultry carrier 3. The release element 23 includes a release surface 24 that is at least partially positioned in the transport path so as to abut against a portion of the locking latch 9. Specifically, the release surface is positioned to rotate the locking latch 9. Rotation of the locking latch 9 causes the protrusion 9A of the locking latch to shift from a locked position, in which the locking latch prevents movement of the gripping elements, to a released position, in which the locking latch allows movement of the gripping elements 4 into an unclamped position. Downstream of the release position T4, an unloading section 500 is arranged. This section removes processed poultry pieces, particularly processed poultry breasts, from the poultry carrier 3. In this embodiment, the unloading section 500 includes at least one scraping element 501 for mechanically removing processed poultry meat parts. The scraping element 501 is a fixed element attached to a portion of the device's frame. Once the processed poultry pieces have been removed by the unloading element or scraping element 501, the poultry carrier can be provided with new poultry pieces to be processed.

[0138] ​ and 8b The clamping position (8b) and the non-clamping position (8a) of the clamping element 4 are also shown. ​ ), the distance 26 between the clamping ends of the clamping elements 4 is positioned closer to the poultry carrier 3 in order to clamp a piece of poultry. In contrast, in the non-clamping position ( ​ ), the distance 26 between the clamping ends of the actuable clamp 4 is positioned further away from the poultry carrier 3 in order to release a piece of poultry. ​ In the clamped position shown, the actuatable clamp 4 is locked by the locking latch 9. In particular, the locking portion 9A of the locking latch 9 is positioned to block the portion 4a of the actuatable clamp 4. In particular, the locking portion 9A prevents the release movement of the portion 4a of the actuatable clamp 4. ​ As can be seen in the unclamped position in FIG. 1 , the locking portion 9A of the locking latch 9 does not prevent the release movement of the portion 4a of the actuable clamp. By pivoting the actuable clamp 4 towards its clamped position (thus from ​ The position shown pivots to ​ ), the locking portion 9A of the locking latch 9 automatically moves in the rotational path of the actuatable clamp 4 so as to prevent a return movement of the actuatable clamp.

[0139] ​A poultry carrier according to various aspects of the present invention is shown. Although the poultry carrier 3 can be used to transport poultry carcasses in the present invention, it is contemplated that the poultry carrier 3 and aspects thereof can be used independently of the described apparatus. The poultry carrier 3, as shown in this non-limiting embodiment, includes a base structure 3A that is attachable or mountable to a conveyor belt. Preferably, the base structure 3A is rotatably attached to the conveyor, wherein at least the base structure 3A is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis 10. In addition to the base structure 3A, the poultry carrier 3 preferably includes a poultry carrying structure 3B configured to suspend poultry from the poultry carrying structure 3 so that the poultry is positioned spaced apart from the base structure 3A. The poultry carrier 3, in particular the poultry carrying structure 3B, includes at least one insertable body 36 that can be inserted into the thorax of a poultry. The insertable body 26 is particularly tapered toward one end, in particular toward the outer end. The taper of the insertable body 26 can be substantially similar to the (average) taper of the poultry thorax. To enhance grip on the (inner side) of the poultry's thorax, the insertable body 26 includes a relief structure 27, wherein the relief is applied to the side of the insertable body 26 facing away from the base structure 3A. The relief structure 27 can also be referred to as a serrated structure. Ideally, the relief structure 27 can accommodate one or more ribs of the thorax to partially inhibit thorax slippage. Furthermore, the insertable body 26 can include a pair of retaining fingers 29, 30 for engaging with the inner portion of the poultry. The at least two retaining fingers 29, 30 are positioned at a distance from each other. This allows the cutting element to pass through the retaining fingers during processing of the poultry's thorax. To enhance the functionality of the retaining fingers 29, 30, it has surprisingly been found that making at least one retaining finger resilient and / or resiliently attaching at least one finger to the insertable body 26 significantly enhances grip on the poultry's thorax. In this embodiment, the bottom retaining finger 30 is resiliently attached to the insertable body 26. The resilient mounting member 31 can be formed from a spring blade 31. The poultry carrier may also include at least one actuatable clamp 4, which may also be referred to as a clamping element 4. The actuatable clamp 4 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, as shown in the figure. In the locked position, as shown in the figure, the actuatable clamp 4 is positioned to secure and / or clamp a portion of the poultry relative to the poultry carrier 3. In the unlocked position, the actuatable clamp 4 is positioned so that the poultry is released and / or unfastened, thereby allowing the poultry to be unloaded. Optionally, the actuatable clamp 4 or poultry carrier 3 includes at least one locking member 25 and an actuating element 7. The locking member 25 is configured to move between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuating element 7 is preferably positioned spaced apart from the locking member 25 and configured to be actuated by a device to move the locking member 25 between the locked and unlocked positions. In particular, the locking member 25 or the clamping member and the actuating element 7 are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the poultry support structure 3B.The actuatable clamp 4 is preferably pivotally attached to the poultry carrier 3, in particular to the poultry carrier structure 3B of the poultry carrier. The actuatable clamp 4 preferably extends through an opening 32 in the carrier structure 3b. Preferably. The poultry carrier 3 also includes at least one latch 9, in particular an elastic latch, for locking the actuatable clamp 4 in at least one of a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0140] The above inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is contemplated that the individual inventive concepts, including the details of the invention, may be applied without also applying other details of the examples described in doing so. Examples of all conceivable combinations of the above inventive concepts need not be described in detail, as those skilled in the art will understand that many inventive concepts may be (re)combined in order to achieve a particular application and / or alternative embodiment.

[0141] Ordinal numbers used in this document, such as "first", "second", and "third", are for identification purposes only. Thus, the use of an expression such as a "second" component does not necessarily require the coexistence of a "first" component. "Complementary" or "cooperating" components mean that these components are configured to act together with each other. However, for this purpose, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb "comprising" and its variations used in this patent disclosure are understood to mean not only "comprising", but also to mean the phrases "containing", "consisting essentially of...", "formed by...", and their variations.

Claims

1. A device for removing meat from poultry, in particular a device for removing poultry back meat from the poultry chest cavity, characterized in that, Comprising: - at least one conveyor, in particular a ring conveyor, for conveying poultry pieces along a conveying path; - at least one poultry carrier, attached to and / or forming part of said conveyor, wherein each poultry carrier is configured to carry and / or support at least one poultry piece, in particular a poultry chest, to which poultry back meat is attached; - at least one pre-cutting section, arranged along said conveying path of said conveyor, said at least one pre-cutting section comprising at least one pre-cutting element positioned such that at least a part of the poultry meat is partially separated from the remaining part of the poultry, in particular at least a part of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry chest; - at least one meat separation section, arranged downstream of said pre-cutting section along said conveying path of said conveyor, said meat separation section comprising at least one rotatable cutting element for forming a separation cut to separate at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry part, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry chest, wherein said meat separation section is further configured to physically remove the separated poultry part from the remaining poultry part at least in a direction away from said conveying path, in particular to physically remove the separated poultry back meat from the poultry chest.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein Said at least one pre-cutting element comprises at least one non-linear blade portion, such as an angled and / or curved blade portion, preferably a concave curved blade portion.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the poultry such that two remote poultry meat flaps are formed on opposite sides of the uncut part of the poultry, and / or wherein said at least one pre-cutting element is configured to pre-cut the poultry back such that two remote poultry back meat flaps are formed on opposite sides of the backbone of the poultry chest.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, said device further comprising at least one poultry meat product alignment section arranged between said pre-cutting section and said meat separation section, said at least one poultry meat product alignment section for aligning the poultry, in particular said at least one pre-cut poultry part, relative to said rotatable cutting element.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein Said poultry meat product alignment section comprises at least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, to move at least a part of said pre-cut poultry part away from the remaining poultry part, thereby forming at least one space between the pre-cut poultry part and the remaining poultry part.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein At least one alignment element, preferably at least two alignment elements spaced apart from each other, is configured to lift at least one pre-cut poultry part in a direction away from the remaining poultry part to form said at least one space.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: At least one alignment element, preferably each alignment element, is configured as a guide bar for guiding the pre-cut poultry part, and / or a slide bar for allowing the pre-cut poultry part to slide and / or be pulled on the slide bar.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: At least one alignment element is aligned with the rotatable cutting element of the meat separation part.

9. The device according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein At least a part of the highest edge of at least one alignment element is positioned at the same level or a higher level as the cutting position of the rotatable cutting element.

10. The device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein, At least a part of the highest edge of at least one alignment element is positioned at substantially the same level as the at least one rotatable cutting element or at a lower level.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotatable cutting element includes and / or is formed by an axially rotatable disk, wherein a cutting edge is provided at the circumferential edge of the disk, and the cutting edge is preferably a circular cutting edge.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The axis of rotation of the disk is inclined with respect to the conveying path, and preferably the cutting position of the axially rotatable disk is the lowest position of the disk.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The radius of the disk is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one counter-pressure part, the counter-pressure part including at least one counter-pressure element, the at least one counter-pressure element being arranged along the conveying path near the upstream part of the pre-cutting element and / or overlapping with the upstream part of the pre-cutting element, the upstream part being arranged on the side of the pre-cutting element facing away from the conveyor.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein The at least one counter-pressure element is formed by a roller and / or a belt.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The roller and / or the belt is non-driven.

17. A method for removing meat from poultry, in particular for removing poultry back meat from a poultry chest, in particular by using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising the following steps: A) Loading at least one poultry piece, in particular a poultry chest attached with poultry back meat, onto at least one poultry carrier. B) Conveying the loaded poultry carrier at least along a pre-cutting part and a separation part, wherein: i. In the pre-cutting part, at least a part of the poultry meat is partially separated from the remaining part of the poultry by at least one pre-cutting element, in particular wherein at least a part of the poultry back meat is partially separated from the poultry chest by at least one pre-cutting element, and wherein ii. In the separation part, at least one separation incision is formed by at least one rotatable cutting element to separate the at least one pre-cut poultry part from the remaining poultry part, in particular to completely separate the pre-cut poultry back meat from the poultry chest. C) Removing the separated poultry part from the remaining poultry part at least in a direction away from the conveying path, in particular removing the separated poultry back meat from the poultry chest, wherein the separated poultry part is preferably unloaded from the device, and D) Unloading the remaining poultry part from the poultry carrier.

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