Joint cutting devices and related methods

Abstract

A joint cutting device for providing a cut in a wing or leg of a poultry carcass moved by a conveyor in a transport direction, the wing comprising at least a joint connecting at least a first bone and a second bone and a joint tissue surrounding the joint, the joint cutting device comprises a joint guide having a guide surface configured to engage the poultry carcass at the joint tissue, and a blade arranged to be configured to cut in the joint tissue at a cutting position defined by the joint guide, where when viewed in the transport direction, the joint guide is configured to engage the poultry carcass at the joint tissue. The guide surface is elongated and corrugated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of processing poultry carcasses after slaughter, and in particular to providing a cut at a joint connecting a first bone to a second bone, such as providing a cut at a joint in a leg or wing of a poultry carcass, such as providing a cut at the elbow joint of a poultry wing or the knee joint of a poultry leg.

[0002] After poultry is slaughtered, the carcass is typically cut into at least several parts that can be sold separately. In some cases, the wings can be cut off and sold as a whole, while in other cases, the wings are cut into two or more wing parts. The wing consists of the upper arm (also called the wing root or upper wing segment; including the humerus), the lower arm (also called the middle wing, flat wing or middle wing segment; including the radius and ulna), and the wing tip (including the metacarpal bones and phalanges), each of which is connected to the other by a joint. For example, to separate the upper arm and the lower arm, the elbow joint (also called the second joint) is cut, while the lower arm and the wing tip are connected by the wrist joint.

[0003] The elbow joint connects the humerus of the upper arm to the radius and ulna of the lower arm. The shape of this joint is quite complex, making it difficult to provide anatomical cuts. If the cutting blade severs one of the bones, after the cutting operation, part of the bone remains connected to the other bone via the joint. As a result, the cut portion may be too long or too short. In addition, bone or cartilage may be visible at the cut portion, which is visually unsightly.

[0004] Various devices have been proposed for performing anatomical cuts in poultry wings. However, these devices are often quite complex and / or do not provide satisfactory cuts.

[0005] Similarly, poultry legs can also be cut into pieces after slaughter. The leg consists of a shank section and a thigh section, wherein the shank section includes the femur and the thigh section includes the tibia. The femur and tibia are connected to each other through the knee joint.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome or at least partially alleviate the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution for performing anatomical cuts at the elbow joint of a poultry wing using a device that is relatively simple in construction and use. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution for performing anatomical cuts at the knee joint of a poultry wing using a device that is relatively simple in construction and use.

[0007] One or more objects of the present invention can be achieved using a joint cutting device for providing a cut in a poultry carcass, for example a wing or a leg of a poultry carcass, which is moved in a transport direction by a conveyor, the wing or the leg comprising at least a joint connecting at least a first bone and a second bone and joint tissue surrounding the joint.

[0008] Wherein, the joint cutting device comprises:

[0009] a joint guide having a guide surface configured to engage the poultry carcass at the joint tissue,

[0010] a blade configured to cut in joint tissue at a cutting position defined by the joint guide,

[0011] in,

[0012] When viewed in the transport direction, the guide surface is elongated and corrugated.

[0013] The present invention therefore relates to a joint cutting device. A joint cutting device is used to perform a joint cutting in a poultry carcass that is being moved by a conveyor in a transport direction. In particular, the joint cutting is performed at a joint connecting a first bone to a second bone. By way of example, it is envisioned that the principles of the present invention may be applied to perform a joint cutting in a wing of a poultry carcass, for example, at the elbow joint. It is also envisioned that the principles of the present invention may be applied to perform a joint cutting in a leg of a poultry carcass, for example, at the knee joint.

[0014] The poultry may be, for example, a chicken, a turkey, a goose or a duck. The poultry has usually been slaughtered before, optionally by a slaughtering device arranged in a processing line upstream of the joint cutting device. The poultry carcass may be a carcass portion, i.e., a carcass portion from which one or more body parts have previously been removed. For example, the poultry carcass may be feathered. Typically, the poultry carcass has also been headed and eviscerated. When the joint cutting device is configured to provide a cut at the elbow joint, it is possible that the wing tips have previously been removed.

[0015] Alternatively, the poultry carcass comprises two legs. In this case, the conveyor can be an overhead conveyor comprising a plurality of shackles configured to suspend the poultry carcass by its legs. Alternatively, the poultry carcass can be a front half, for example a carcass half comprising at least a breast and wings. In this case, the conveyor can be a conveyor configured to transport the front half. Alternatively, the poultry carcass can be a detached wing, wherein the conveyor is a wing conveyor. When the cut is made in the legs, the poultry carcass can be, for example, a hind half, and the conveyor can be a hind half conveyor, or the poultry carcass can be a detached leg, and the conveyor can be a leg conveyor. A skilled person knows how to implement each of these types of conveyors.

[0016] The conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a transport direction. Optionally, the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a transport direction while the joint cutting device provides the cuts. However, it should be noted that it is also possible for the poultry carcasses to remain stationary while the joint cutting device provides the cuts. The transport direction may be a straight direction or, for example, a curved direction when the joint cutting device is implemented in a turntable machine. The transport direction may, for example, be horizontal or at an acute angle to the horizontal. Optionally, the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a processing line comprising a plurality of processing stations, wherein the joint cutting device is arranged at one of the processing stations, for example, at the wing (part) cutting station or the leg (part) cutting station.

[0017] A poultry carcass comprises a wing or a leg, which comprises at least one joint. For example, in the case of a wing, this may be an elbow joint or a wrist joint. In the case of a leg, this may be a knee joint, for example. A joint connects at least a first bone and a second bone. For example, an elbow joint connects the humerus (as a first bone) to the radius and ulna (both of which may be considered as second bones). For example, a tarsal joint connects the radius and ulna (both of which may be considered as first bones) to the metacarpal bone (as second bones). For example, a knee joint connects the femur (which may be considered as a first bone) and the tibia (which may be considered as a second bone). Joint tissue surrounds the joint. Joint tissue may, for example, include skin, membranes, muscles, blood vessels, tendons. There is usually also a first bone tissue surrounding the first bone and a second bone tissue surrounding the second bone.

[0018] The joint cutting device comprises at least a joint guide and a blade. The joint guide has a guide surface that is elongated and corrugated. The corrugated surface has a plurality of teeth that are arranged alternately with recesses when viewed in the direction of transport. Because the guide surface is elongated, the teeth are arranged in a front-to-back sequence when viewed in the direction of transport.

[0019] Optionally, the guide surface has at least five teeth, for example at least ten teeth. The joint tissue contacts the guide surface. The teeth and recesses subject the joint tissue to alternating increasing and decreasing contact pressure. The inventors have discovered that this allows the joint to be accurately positioned on the guide surface. Even if the joint is initially positioned inaccurately upon contact with the guide surface, the alternating contact pressure forces the joint to find its correct position on the guide surface. This is achieved by partially opening the joint and joint tissue using alternating contact pressure.

[0020] The teeth and recesses are preferably arched. This ensures that the joint tissue is not subjected to sudden increases or decreases in contact pressure. In addition, the guide surface is optionally blunt-edged or blunt, i.e. not sharp. Therefore, the guide surface is not a blade or knife that causes an incision on the joint tissue or cuts into the joint tissue. The blade and the guide surface are separate components (although optionally arranged on the same guide element). However, the guide surface may damage the joint tissue.

[0021] The joint guide may for example be arranged stationary when viewed in the transport direction and, optionally, be movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein for example poultry carcasses are moved past the blade by a conveyor.The joint guide may be non-rotating.

[0022] The joint guide defines a cutting location in the joint tissue. The blade cuts into the joint tissue at the cutting location. The cutting location is typically defined by a location in the joint tissue where the guide surface engages the joint tissue at the most downstream location of the guide surface or at the moment the blade engages the joint tissue. Because the guide surface has correctly positioned the wing joint, the cutting location is also correctly defined, and the (dissecting) cut can be accurately performed.

[0023] The blade may be configured to cut partially into a joint. The blade may be configured to completely cut through a joint. The blade may be configured to perform anatomical cuts at a joint. The blade may, for example, be a stationary blade, wherein, for example, a poultry carcass is moved past the blade by a conveyor. The blade may, for example, be arranged stationary when viewed in the transport direction, but the blade may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein, for example, a poultry carcass is moved past the blade by a conveyor. The blade may, for example, be configured to move into a joint and / or through a joint for cutting. The blade may, for example, be a rotating blade. The joint cutting device may, for example, comprise a blade drive for moving and / or rotating the blade.

[0024] In an embodiment, the guide surface has a longitudinal axis which extends in a manner which is non-parallel to the transport direction. The longitudinal axis typically extends in a direction in which the guide surface is elongated. The longitudinal axis can, for example, be defined by the tops of the teeth of the corrugated surface. Non-parallel to the transport direction involves that they may intersect or be skew lines (i.e. they do not intersect because they are offset in a direction perpendicular to both). Optionally, the longitudinal axis extends in a manner which makes an acute angle with the transport direction or with an imaginary line parallel to the transport direction. Optionally, the longitudinal axis extends in a manner which is non-perpendicular to the transport direction. Optionally, when viewed in the transport direction, the longitudinal axis extends partially towards a side of the guide surface which is configured to receive joint tissue.

[0025] The longitudinal axis of the guide surface is non-parallel to the direction of transport, ensuring that the guide surface is positioned deeper into the joint tissue as the poultry carcass is moved in the transport direction. Consequently, despite the alternating increase and decrease in the contact surface area, the overall contact pressure increases. The overall contact pressure can, for example, be considered the average contact pressure exerted by a pair of consecutive teeth and recesses of the corrugated surface. Thus, the average contact pressure exerted by a first pair of teeth and recesses is lower than the average contact pressure exerted by a second pair of teeth and recesses, which is arranged downstream of the first pair.

[0026] As the total contact pressure increases and the guiding surface is positioned deeper into the joint tissue, tension in the joint increases, further opening the joint. Joint opening involves the first and second bones being positioned further apart from each other. This provides more space for the blade to perform anatomical cuts without intersecting the first or second bones.

[0027] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device further comprises a joint limiting guide, which is arranged relative to the guide surface and / or the blade and is configured to limit the movement of the joint in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The joint limiting guide ensures that the joint cannot move in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, away from the guide surface and / or the blade, and thereby ensures that the contact between the guide surface and / or the blade and the joint tissue is maintained. The joint limiting guide therefore ensures that the contact pressure between the guide surface and the joint tissue is maintained. A gap for receiving the joint tissue is arranged between the guide surface and / or the blade and the joint limiting guide.

[0028] In an embodiment, the guide surface has a longitudinal axis that extends non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint restraining guide. Thus, when viewed in the transport direction, the gap between the guide surface and the joint restraining guide is reduced. For example, when the longitudinal axis of the guide surface extends non-parallel to the transport direction, the longitudinal axis of the joint restraining guide may alternatively extend parallel to the transport direction. For example, when the longitudinal axis of the guide surface extends parallel to the transport direction, the longitudinal axis of the joint restraining guide extends non-parallel to the transport direction.

[0029] Since the gap decreases as the poultry carcass is moved in the transport direction, the contact pressure between the joint tissue and the guide surface increases. This has the same advantages as explained above with reference to the longitudinal axis of the guide surface extending non-parallel to the transport direction.

[0030] In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the guide surface extends at an acute angle to the transport direction or an axis parallel to the transport direction, wherein the acute angle is between 5 and 25 degrees, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees. In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the guide surface extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the joint restraining guide, wherein the acute angle is between 5 and 25 degrees, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees. The inventors have found that good results in positioning the joint on the guide surface are achieved when the respective angles are within these ranges.

[0031] In an embodiment, the joint restraining guide comprises a first bone restraining surface and a second bone restraining surface, wherein the first bone restraining surface extends at an angle to the second bone restraining surface, wherein the angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. For example, the angle can be between 20 degrees and 150 degrees, such as between 40 degrees and 120 degrees. In an embodiment, the joint restraining guide further comprises a joint restraining surface that is curved and defines a recess, wherein the guide surface and / or the blade is disposed in the recess.

[0032] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device further comprises a first bone guide and / or a second bone guide, wherein the first bone guide is configured to engage first bone tissue to move the first bone relative to the joint; and the second bone guide is configured to engage second bone tissue to move the first bone relative to the joint. The first bone tissue is tissue surrounding the first bone, and the second bone tissue is tissue surrounding the second bone. In some embodiments, the joint cutting device may include both the first bone guide and the second bone guide. In other embodiments, the joint cutting device may include only one of the first bone guide and the second bone guide. In this case, the joint cutting device may optionally include a bone guide configured to engage tissue of the first bone and the second bone that is farthest from the body of the poultry carcass. For example, when the joint cutting device is configured to cut at the elbow joint, the bone guide may be configured to guide the lower arm. For example, when the joint cutting device is configured to cut at the knee joint, the bone guide may be configured to guide the lower leg segment.

[0033] The first bone guide and / or the second bone guide respectively move the first bone and / or the second bone relative to the joint. Preferably, the movement is in a direction in which the joint opens. Typically, this involves the first bone and / or the second bone being respectively moved in a direction in which the joint is stretched, for example, in a direction in which the first bone and the second bone are arranged more in a straight line relative to each other. For example, when the joint guide is configured to engage the joint tissue below the joint, the first bone guide and / or the second bone guide can be configured to move the first bone and / or the second bone respectively upward. As the joint is opened further, this provides more space for the blade to cut without cutting into the first bone or the second bone.

[0034] The first bone guide and / or the second bone guide can, for example, be implemented as a protrusion extending from the joint guide and / or from a guide element on which the joint guide is arranged. The protrusion can, for example, gradually increase in size when viewed in the transport direction. The protrusion can, for example, extend from 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 6 mm, at its widest point when viewed perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0035] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device further comprises a pre-cutting blade which is arranged at the beginning or upstream of the guide surface and which is configured to form an incision in the joint tissue. By forming this incision, the joint tissue can be more easily positioned on the corrugated guide surface. For example, at the elbow joint of a poultry wing, there may be a flap of skin. This flap may make it more difficult for the corrugated guide surface to contact the joint tissue close enough to the joint so that the joint tissue can be correctly positioned. By providing the incision before the guide surface or at its beginning, the guide surface can better move the flap out of the way and engage the joint tissue closer to the joint. It may also be easier to open the joint. The pre-cutting blade may, for example, be configured to form an incision of 1 mm to 5 mm, for example a 1 mm to 3 mm incision, into the joint tissue.

[0036] The pre-cutting blade can be arranged on a guide element, on which the joint guide is also arranged. Optionally, the joint cutting device further comprises a pre-cutting guide to guide the joint tissue towards the pre-cutting blade. Optionally, the pre-cutting guide is also arranged on the guide element.

[0037] In an embodiment, the joint guide and / or the blade are connected to an elastic mechanism to allow the joint guide and / or the blade to move accordingly. Optionally, the joint cutting device includes an elastic mechanism. Optionally, when the joint limiting guide is present, the joint limiting guide is arranged stationary (and therefore not connected to the elastic mechanism). The elastic mechanism can, for example, connect the joint guide and / or the blade to a stationary frame. The elastic mechanism can, for example, include one or more springs, such as mechanical springs, pneumatic springs or hydraulic springs. The movement allowed by the elastic mechanism can, for example, be substantially perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0038] Alternatively, the elastic mechanism may be connected to one of the joint guide and the blade, wherein, optionally, the other elastic mechanism is connected to the other of the joint guide and the blade. Alternatively, the elastic mechanism may be connected to both the joint guide and the blade, for example by being connected to a guide element on which both the joint guide and the blade are disposed. Optionally, the elastic mechanism also allows movement of other elements, such as the pre-cutting blade, the pre-cutting guide, and / or the first bone guide and / or the second bone guide, when these elements are disposed on the same guide element.

[0039] Optionally, the resilient mechanism is configured to allow movement toward or away from the joint restraining guide. Optionally, at least the downstream portion of the blade is prevented from moving away from the joint restraining guide. This can ensure that the gap between the joint restraining guide and the blade is sufficiently small to sever the entire joint tissue. For example, the blade can be fixed in position, or the pivot member can be configured to allow the joint guide and, optionally, the upstream portion of the blade to pivot away from the joint restraining guide, while the downstream portion of the blade pivots toward the joint restraining guide.

[0040] Optionally, the elastic mechanism is configured to allow movement in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction while maintaining an equal gap between the joint restraint guide and the joint guide and / or the blade. For example, if the transport direction is horizontal and the joint restraint guide is arranged vertically above the joint guide and / or the blade, the movement allowed by the elastic mechanism may be in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0041] Allowing the joint guide and / or blade to move provides the possibility of adapting to dimensional changes in poultry carcasses, particularly dimensional changes at the joint tissue. The elastic mechanism is configured to provide a biasing force to bias the joint guide and / or blade to a rest position, in which a joint with small joint tissue can optionally be cut. If the joint tissue is large, the joint tissue will automatically move the joint guide and / or blade by providing a force to resist the biasing force. The movement will provide more space for the larger joint tissue. For example, the gap between the guide surface and / or blade and the joint limit guide can be increased by moving the joint guide and / or blade. After the larger joint tissue has been moved past the joint guide and / or blade, the biasing force can arrange the joint guide and / or blade back to the rest position.

[0042] In an embodiment, the blade is configured to completely sever the joint and joint tissue to separate the first bone from the second bone. For example, when the elbow joint is completely severed, this embodiment allows the lower arm to be separated from the upper arm. For example, when the knee joint is completely severed, this embodiment allows the thigh segment to be separated from the calf segment. Using the joint cutting device according to the present invention, the separation of the first bone and the second bone can be achieved by anatomical cutting while using a device that is relatively simple in construction and use.

[0043] In an embodiment, the blade is arranged downstream of the guide surface and is configured to engage the joint tissue at the same position as the most downstream portion of the guide surface. Thus, the guide surface advantageously positions and opens the joint using a corrugated surface, and the blade thus cuts into a portion of the joint tissue that engages the guide surface at the end of the corrugation. The cutting position is accurately defined in this way. Optionally, the blade can be arranged adjacent to the guide surface. Optionally, an intermediate guide is arranged between the guide surface and the blade, for example, the upstream side of the intermediate guide is adjacent to the guide surface, and the downstream side of the intermediate guide is adjacent to the blade. The intermediate guide can, for example, have a constant (i.e. non-corrugated) intermediate surface, which optionally has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide surface.

[0044] In an embodiment, the blade includes a cutting surface having a longitudinal axis that extends non-parallel to the transport direction and / or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint restraining guide. Optionally, when viewed in the transport direction, the longitudinal axis of the cutting surface extends partially toward a side of the cutting surface configured to engage joint tissue. Optionally, when viewed in the transport direction, a gap between the cutting surface and the joint restraining guide is reduced. Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the cutting surface extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide surface. Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the guide surface coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cutting surface.

[0045] As the poultry carcass is moved in the transport direction, the blade will thus penetrate further into the joint tissue and joints to make a deep cut. Optionally, the cut is achieved by moving the poultry carcass while keeping the blade substantially stationary; however, in some embodiments, the elastic mechanism may allow some movement of the blade, but the blade, for example, does not rotate.

[0046] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device further comprises a downstream blade arranged downstream of the blade, and the downstream blade is configured to sever the final joint tissue. Thus, complete separation of the first bone from the second bone can be ensured. The downstream blade can, for example, be embodied as a hook-shaped member. The downstream blade can, for example, be arranged on a guide element.

[0047] In an embodiment, the guide surface is configured to engage the joint tissue vertically below the joint. Thus, the joint tissue is (at least partially) supported by the guide surface. This has the advantage that gravity enhances the contact pressure between the guide surface and the joint tissue, which improves the positioning and opening of the joint.

[0048] In an embodiment, the guide surface is blunt-edged. In other words, the guide surface is blunt, i.e., not sharp. Thus, the guide surface is not a blade or knife. The guide surface does not incise or cut into joint tissue. The blade and guide surface are separate components (although they may optionally be arranged on the same guide element).

[0049] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device comprises at least one carcass positioning guide arranged upstream of the guide element and optionally upstream of the pre-cutting blade, wherein the carcass positioning guide is configured to engage the poultry carcass to tilt the poultry carcass from a generally vertical position to an at least partially horizontal position. This may make it easier to position the wings or legs on the guide surface.

[0050] For example, if the conveyor is an overhead conveyor having a shackle configured to suspend the poultry carcasses by the legs, the poultry carcasses can be arranged in a generally vertical posture. The carcass positioning guide can engage the poultry carcass, thereby applying a friction force that causes the engaged portion to produce a hysteresis displacement when the shackle is moved in the transport direction. The carcass positioning guide can extend partially upward to guide the engaged portion to a higher position, thereby arranging the poultry carcass in an at least partially horizontal posture. For example, if the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a breast-first manner, the carcass positioning guide can be configured to position the poultry carcasses in a breast-down manner, optionally by engaging the breast to position the poultry carcasses in a breast-down manner. For example, if the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a back-first manner, the carcass positioning guide can be configured to position the poultry carcasses in a back-down manner, optionally by engaging the back to position the poultry carcasses in a back-down manner.

[0051] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device further comprises a collector for receiving a separated carcass portion comprising one of the first bone or the second bone, and is configured to receive quality information about the separated carcass portion, and is configured to classify the separated carcass portion based on the quality information.

[0052] The collector may, for example, comprise a receiver arranged below the joint cutting device. The collector may, for example, comprise a conveyor belt arranged below the joint cutting device. The collector may, for example, comprise a control unit having a communication terminal for receiving quality information. The quality information may, for example, be provided by a quality assessment station. The quality assessment station may, for example, be arranged in the processing line, optionally upstream of the joint cutting device. The quality assessment station may be configured to assess one or more quality parameters of the poultry carcasses, such as meat quality, meat quantity, meat size, disease. The quality parameters may, for example, be assessed using visual sensors or weight sensors, or may be assessed by an operator.

[0053] Based on the received quality information, the collector (e.g. a control unit) classifies the separated carcass parts. For example, the classification may involve two or more categories, e.g. from high quality to low quality or rejected. Based on the quality identification, the collector may determine a subsequent action to be performed on the separated carcass parts. The subsequent action may, for example, involve a location to which the separated carcass parts are to be transported. The collector may, for example, based on the classification, transport the separated carcass parts accordingly and / or provide an (e.g. visual) output signal to inform the operator accordingly.

[0054] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device comprises a guide element, wherein at least the joint guide is arranged on the guide element. Optionally, a blade is also arranged on the guide element. Optionally, the first bone guide and / or the second bone guide are also arranged on the guide element. Optionally, a pre-cutting blade is also arranged on the guide element. Optionally, an elastic mechanism is connected to the guide element. Optionally, a downstream blade is arranged on the guide element. These embodiments provide multiple features on a single guide element, wherein the guide element is a single physical component and the features are non-removably attached to the guide element. Therefore, the features are provided as a single module, which makes the joint cutting device simple in construction and use.

[0055] In an embodiment, the joint cutting device comprises a conveyor configured to move the poultry carcasses in a transport direction. The conveyor may, for example, be an overhead conveyor comprising a plurality of hooks configured to suspend the poultry carcasses by their legs. The conveyor may, for example, be a conveyor configured to transport the front half. The conveyor may, for example, be a wing conveyor. The conveyor may, for example, be a conveyor configured to transport the back half. The conveyor may, for example, be a leg conveyor. A skilled person knows how to implement each of these types of conveyors. Optionally, the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses in a transport direction while the joint cutting device provides the cuts. The transport direction may be a straight direction or a curved direction. The transport direction may, for example, be horizontal or at an acute angle to the horizontal. Optionally, the conveyor is configured to move the poultry carcasses along a processing line comprising a plurality of processing stations, wherein the joint cutting device is arranged at one of the plurality of processing stations, for example at the wing (part) cutting station.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a joint cutting station comprising a first joint cutting device according to any of the embodiments described herein and a second joint cutting device according to any of the embodiments described herein. For example, the first joint cutting device is configured to perform a first cut at the joint of the left wing of a poultry carcass, and the second joint cutting device is configured to perform a second cut at the joint of the right wing of a poultry carcass. For example, the first joint cutting device is configured to perform a first cut at the joint of the left leg of a poultry carcass, and the second joint cutting device is configured to perform a second cut at the joint of the right leg of a poultry carcass. Optionally, the first cut and the second cut are performed simultaneously. Optionally, the first cut and the second cut are performed sequentially, for example wherein the first joint cutting device is arranged upstream or downstream of the second joint cutting device.

[0057] The present invention also relates to one or more methods. While the methods may be performed using apparatus according to the present invention, neither the apparatus nor the method is limited thereto. Unless expressly provided otherwise, features described herein with reference to an apparatus have the same meaning as with respect to a method. Features described with reference to an apparatus may, mutatis mutandis, be applied to a method to achieve similar advantages.

[0058] The objects of the present invention can be achieved, for example, by a method for cutting a poultry carcass, such as a wing or leg, comprising at least a joint connecting a first bone and a second bone, and joint tissue surrounding the joint. The method comprises the following steps: moving the poultry carcass in a transport direction; and cutting the carcass using a joint cutting device according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0059] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described using the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings serve only as examples of how the invention may be implemented and are in no way intended to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention and the claims. Identical features are indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In the picture:

[0061] Figure 1A The joint cutting device is schematically shown in side view;

[0062] Figure 1B The joint cutting device is schematically shown in another view;

[0063] Figure 1C The joint cutting device is schematically shown in a top view;

[0064] Figure 2A Schematically illustrates a joint cutting device with additional optional features;

[0065] Figure 2B Shown Figure 2A An enlarged portion of the joint cutting device is shown;

[0066] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the process for cutting the wing portion of a poultry carcass.

[0067] Implementation process of the section cutting device;

[0068] Figure 4 The skeletal structure of a poultry wing is shown.

[0069] In order to enhance the understanding of the possible applications of the present invention, Figure 4 There is shown the bone structure of a poultry wing 100. However, it should be noted that the present invention may also be applied to cutting at other joints, such as at the leg of a poultry, for example at the knee joint.

[0070] Figure 4 Bones and joints are shown, but it is understood that in practice, tissue surrounds Figure 4 All parts shown. Such tissues include skin, cartilage, membranes, muscles, blood vessels, and tendons.

[0071] A poultry wing 100 includes a shoulder joint 101, through which it connects to the body of a poultry carcass. A humerus 102 extends from the shoulder joint 101. The humerus 102 and the tissue surrounding it form the upper arm. An elbow joint 103 connects the upper arm to the lower arm. The lower arm includes a radius 104 and an ulna 105. A wrist joint 106 connects the lower arm to a wingtip 109. The wingtip includes a metacarpal bone 107 and a phalange 108.

[0072] The present invention relates to a joint cutting device that can cut at a joint connecting a first bone and a second bone. For example, the joint cutting device can cut at an elbow joint 103, where the first bone is a humerus 102. The radius 104 and the ulna 105 can both constitute the second bone.

[0073] Figure 1A The joint cutting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The joint cutting device 1 comprises a joint guide 2, a blade 3 and a joint limiting guide 4. The joint guide 2 and the blade 3 are arranged on a guide element 15. Figure 1B and top view Figure 1C Also shown is a guide element 15. The joint cutting device 1 is intended for making cuts in poultry carcasses, for example at the elbow joint of the wing of slaughtered poultry, such as chickens, or at the leg of slaughtered poultry, for example at the knee joint.

[0074] The poultry carcasses are transported by means of a conveyor (not shown) in a transport direction 5. Such conveyors are generally known; for example, for poultry, an overhead conveyor can be used comprising a plurality of shackles, each of which transports a poultry carcass suspended by its legs. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the transport direction 5 is from left to right and is parallel to the horizontal direction. A gap 13 can be defined between the joint guide 2 and the joint limiting guide 4, into which the joint of the poultry carcass enters.

[0075] The joint of the poultry carcass and the joint guide 2 are positioned relative to each other so that the joint tissue surrounding the joint is in contact with the joint guide 2. The first bone and the second bone are arranged on opposite sides of the joint guide 2. For example, Figure 1A , the first bone can be arranged behind the joint guide 2 and the second bone can be arranged in front of the joint guide 2. If necessary, the poultry carcass (in particular the joint, the first bone and / or the second bone) can be guided towards the joint cutting device 1 by a pre-guiding device (not shown). The pre-guiding device can, for example, include one or more converging guide elements having a wide opening for receiving a portion of the poultry carcass to be guided and converging when approaching the joint cutting device 1 to guide the portion towards the desired position. The pre-guiding device can also include a carcass positioning guide configured to arrange the poultry carcass from a generally vertical position to an at least partially horizontal position.

[0076] When entering the gap 13, the joint tissue may first come into contact with the optional receiving member 14 and then with the guiding surface 2a of the joint guide 2. In an embodiment, the receiving member 14 may be omitted so that the joint comes into direct contact with the guiding surface 2a of the joint guide 2. It can be seen that the guiding surface 2a is corrugated and elongated. That is, the guiding surface 2 comprises a plurality of protrusions and recesses which are arranged alternately when viewed in the transport direction 5. In this example, the protrusions are arched teeth. In this example, eleven arched teeth are provided, but this number may be adjusted, for example, based on the type of poultry carcass or the type of joint to be guided. Optionally, the protrusions are blunt-edged (and arched) so that they do not incise the joint tissue or do not cut into the joint tissue. However, in some embodiments, the guiding surface may also slightly damage the joint tissue during positioning. Furthermore, the guiding surface is elongated, for example as Figure 1C As shown, in Figure 1C , it can be seen that the guide surface is much larger in the direction from the left to the right of the page (in this viewing angle) than in the direction from the bottom to the top of the page.

[0077] As the poultry carcass is transported in the transport direction 5, the joint tissue is subjected to alternating increasing and decreasing contact pressure due to the corrugated guide surface 2a. This causes the joint to settle onto the guide surface and gradually open. The blade 3 is arranged downstream of the guide surface 2a and can therefore cut while the joint is open. This allows for a clean cut between the first and second bones. The cut is made in the cutting position defined by the guide surface, thereby reducing or even eliminating the possibility that the blade 3 will cut into the first or second bone during the cut. This enables a anatomical cut.

[0078] Figure 1A The longitudinal axis 6 of the contact surface 2a is shown. In this example, the longitudinal axis 6 is defined by the tops of the teeth of the corrugated surface 2a. The longitudinal axis 6 extends non-parallel to the transport direction 5. Figure 1A In FIG, this is illustrated by means of a horizontal axis 7, which is parallel to the transport direction 5. It can be seen that the longitudinal axis 6 extends at an angle 8 to the horizontal axis 7. As a result, the contact pressure exerted on the joint tissue by the guide surface 2a increases as the poultry carcass is moved in the transport direction 5. At the same time, due to the corrugated surface, the contact pressure still alternately increases and decreases. Thus, for example, if the second pair of teeth and recesses is located downstream of the first pair of teeth and recesses, the average contact pressure exerted on the joint tissue by the first pair of teeth and recesses is lower than the average contact pressure exerted on the joint tissue by the second pair of teeth and recesses. This further opens the joint and thus improves the cutting. The angle 8 can, for example, be between 10 and 15 degrees.

[0079] The joint limiting guide 4 is configured to engage joint tissue at an opposite side of the joint than the joint guide 2 . Figure 1A It is also shown that (the longitudinal axis 4a of) the joint restraining guide 4 extends parallel to the transport direction 5. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the guide surface 2a extends non-parallel to the joint restraining guide 4, and the gap 13 becomes smaller when viewed in the transport direction. This ensures that when the contact pressure is increased by the joint guide 2, the joint tissue cannot be moved upwards (in the transport direction). Figure 1A The joint limiting guide 4 can be implemented as a guide rod or a guide plate with a suitable shape (see, for example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis 6 of the guide surface 2a may extend parallel to the transport direction 5, but the longitudinal axis 4a of the joint restraining guide 4 may extend non-parallel to the transport direction 5. It is also possible that both the longitudinal axis 6 of the guide surface 2a and the longitudinal axis 4a of the joint restraining guide 4 extend non-parallel to the transport direction 5 and to each other.

[0080] In the example shown, the joint is held in contact with the guide element 15 between the guide surface 2a and the blade 3. This allows the blade 3 to cut at a location of the joint tissue that contacts the guide surface 2a at the most downstream location of the guide surface 2a. The cutting location is thus defined, and the open joint can be severed without cutting into the first or second bone. In the embodiment shown, the joint cutting device 1 includes an intermediate guide 16 between the guide surface 2a and the blade 3, but in other embodiments, the guide surface 2a and the blade 3 can be adjacent.

[0081] The blade 10 has a cutting surface 3 a , which is sharp and configured to cut. Figure 1A Also shown is the longitudinal axis 10 of the cutting surface 3a, which also extends non-parallel to the transport direction 5. In this example, the longitudinal axis 10 of the blade 3 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 of the guide surface 2a, but it is also possible that the respective longitudinal axes 6, 10 extend at different angles 8 to the horizontal. When the gap 13 between the blade 3 and the joint limiting guide 4 becomes smaller than the thickness of the joint tissue, the blade 3 begins to cut into the joint tissue and then sever the joint. In the example shown, the blade 3 extends at the angle 8 until the blade 3 is so close to the joint limiting guide 4 that the joint is completely severed. The first bone and the second bone are then separated from each other.

[0082] although Figure 1A Not shown, a downstream blade may also be provided downstream of the blade 3. The downstream blade may be implemented as a hook, for example, which ensures that the final joint tissue is cut off in case the blade 3 does not completely cut off the joint tissue.

[0083] Figures 1A to 1C It is also shown that the joint cutting device 1 can include a second bone guide 9, which is configured to engage a second bone. In this example, the second bone guide 9 extends from the guide element 15 as a protrusion and has a widened portion 9a at its most upstream portion (see Figure 1C The second bone guide 9 gradually becomes thicker. The second bone guide 9 moves the second bone relative to the joint by pushing it wider and higher, which further opens the joint.

[0084] In the example shown, the joint cutting device 1 does not have a guide for the first bone similar to the second bone guide 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 1C This may be the case, for example, because poultry carcasses are usually conveyed by a conveyor at a location where Figure 1AFrom a perspective of , this position is located behind the joint cutting device 1. The second bone is therefore the part of the poultry carcass that is arranged furthest away from the poultry carcass. The first bone can be partially suspended from the poultry carcass, while the second bone is suspended from the joint guide 2. On the other hand, if the poultry carcass is suspended above the joint cutting device 1 so that both the first bone and the second bone are suspended from opposite guides of the joint guide 2, it may be advantageous to also provide a first bone guide that is designed similarly to the second bone guide 9.

[0085] It will be appreciated that in practice the articulating device 1 is connected to a frame or similar so as to be at the correct height relative to the conveyor. Connecting elements 12 are provided for connecting the articulating device 1 to the frame.

[0086] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The embodiment is schematically shown with some optional features which may be provided in addition. The joint cutting device 1 comprises, for example, a pre-cutting blade 25 which is provided at Figure 2B Shown enlarged in the figure. Pre-cutting blade 25 is positioned upstream of joint guide 2 and forms an incision in the joint tissue. This incision makes the joint tissue more flexible, allowing guide surface 2a to more effectively open and accurately position the joint. This can be particularly advantageous in the following situations: in the elbow joint of a poultry wing, a so-called skin flap may be present. This flap, together with the joint tissue, influences guide surface 2a to position and open the joint.

[0087] In the example shown, the joint cutting device 1 comprises a pre-cutting guide 26, which is located upstream of the pre-cutting blade 25. When the poultry carcass is conveyed towards the pre-cutting blade 25, the pre-cutting guide 26 engages the joint tissue. The pre-cutting blade 25 extends from the pre-cutting guide 26 by a few millimeters (e.g. 1 mm to 3 mm) so that an incision is formed when the joint tissue moves past the pre-cutting blade 25. A practical embodiment involves a pre-cutting extension 24, which is part of the guide element 15. The pre-cutting guide 26 and the pre-cutting blade 25 are formed by the pre-cutting extension 24 and / or are arranged on the pre-cutting extension 24. However, many other embodiments are also possible.

[0088] Another advantageous option involves connecting the guide element 15 to the frame 31 via an elastic mechanism 20 with springs 22, 23. The springs 22, 23 allow the guide element 15 to move somewhat in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5, against a biasing force. In this example, this is a downward movement against an upward biasing force. This movement allows adaptation to different sizes of joint tissue. The joint limiting guide 4 is stationary and therefore remains in the same position regardless of the size of the joint tissue. The joint limiting guide 4 can extend in a manner opposite to the pre-cutting blade 25 and the pre-cutting guide 26.

[0089] Figure 2A It is shown that the pivot member 21 can also be part of the elastic mechanism 20. The pivot member 21 defines a pivot axis 24, which in the view shown extends in a direction perpendicular to the paper. The movement allowed by the elastic mechanism 20 is a pivotal movement about the pivot axis 24. This involves, for example, the downstream part 3b of the blade 3 moving upwards when the joint guide 2 and the upstream part 3a of the blade 3 move downwards. This ensures that the gap between the blade 3 and the joint limiting guide 4 is small enough at the downstream part 3b to cut through the joint tissue. In other embodiments, the pivot member can be arranged further upstream so that, for example, when the joint guide 2 moves downwards, the entire blade 2 moves upwards.

[0090] Other mechanisms can provide the biasing force. For example, if the biasing force is downward (e.g., on the joint restraint guide 4), gravity can be used, optionally by providing additional weights. Other elastic mechanisms can also be used, such as pneumatic components or hydraulic components.

[0091] The elastic mechanism 20 can also allow movement in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 5 while maintaining an equal gap between the joint limiting guide 4 and the joint guide and / or the blade 3. Figure 2A From the perspective of the image, the movement is in a direction perpendicular to the paper.

[0092] Furthermore, since in the example shown, the joint guide 2, the blade 3, and the pre-cutting blade 25 are all (rigidly) connected to the guide element 15, in this example, they will move together. In other embodiments, for example, the joint guide 2 and the blade 3 may move independently against a biasing force, or even one may move while the other is not.

[0093] Figure 3A and Figure 3BA possible application of the joint cutting device 1 for cutting the elbow joint of a poultry wing 52 is shown. The poultry carcasses 50 are conveyed via a hook (not shown) on an overhead conveyor. The poultry carcasses 50 are conveyed with the breast 51 facing forward. The position may have been previously changed from a completely vertical suspension to a more horizontal position, for example using a carcass positioning guide. This makes it easier to position the poultry wings 52 using the pre-guide element.

[0094] exist Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG, the poultry wing 52 comprises a first cutting portion 61, which previously separated the wing tip from the poultry wing 52. The poultry wing 52 still comprises an upper arm 53 and a lower arm 54, which are connected by an elbow joint. The upper arm 53 comprises a first bone (the humerus), and the lower arm 54 comprises at least a second bone (in the case of the poultry wing 53, the ulna and the radius). The elbow joint is to be severed by the joint cutting device 1, the guide element 15 of the joint cutting device 1 and the joint limiting guide 4 being in Figure 3A The guiding element 15 is not as Figures 1A to 2B Although not visible, it should be understood that the guide surface and the blade are arranged at the same angle as the guide element 15. The longitudinal axes of the guide surface and the blade also extend in a non-parallel manner to the horizontally extending transport direction.

[0095] The upper arm 52 and the lower arm 53 are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the guide element 15 and, therefore, also on mutually opposite sides of the guide surface and the blade 3 . Figure 3A At the farthest downstream portion of blade 3, gap 13 is shown to be very small. As poultry carcass 50 moves through joint cutting device 1, the joint is opened and positioned by the guide surfaces. Blade 3 then begins cutting at the joint until gap 13 is sufficiently small that the joint is completely severed and lower arm 54 is separated from upper arm 55.

[0096] This situation can be Figure 3B Seen in Figure 3B The second cutting portion 62 is shown. The joint portion 55, which is part of the upper arm 52, is still visible. Some joint tissue 57 arranged below the joint and some joint tissue 56 arranged above the joint are also visible. The lower arm has been cut off and dropped. Although not shown, a collector can be arranged below the joint cutting device 1 for receiving the lower arm. The collector is also configured to receive quality information about the lower arm from the quality assessment station. Based on the quality information, the collector classifies the lower arm and determines the subsequent action to be performed on the lower arm.

[0097] Figure 3A and Figure 3BAlso shown are guide plates 41 and guide rods 42. Guide plates 41 guide the body of the poultry carcass 50 and the upper arm 53 by engaging below the shoulder. Guide rods 42 guide the upper arm 53 by pressing it downward. Guide plates 41 and guide rods 42 may be part of a pre-guiding element that helps position the poultry carcass 50 and wing 52 so that the joint tissue is arranged in the gap 13 of the joint cutting device 1.

[0098] Also visible is an advantageous embodiment of the joint restraining guide 4, which has a first bone restraining surface 71, a second bone restraining surface 72, and a joint restraining surface 73. The first bone restraining surface 71 and the second bone restraining surface 72 extend at an angle to each other. This accommodates the arrangement of the upper arm 53 and the lower arm 54, since the upper arm 53 is partially arranged horizontally, while the lower arm 54 is vertically suspended from the guide element 15. The joint restraining surface 73 is arranged in a relatively narrow recess 74. The blade 3 extends into this recess 74, which ensures that the joint is completely severed.

[0099] although Figure 3A and Figure 3B Only a single joint cutting device 1 is shown for one wing 52 of a poultry carcass 50, but it should be understood that a second joint cutting device, implemented in a similar manner but mirrored, can be provided for the other wing. The second joint cutting device can be configured to provide a cut in the second wing simultaneously with the joint cutting device 1 making a cut in wing 52. The second joint cutting device can also be arranged at a further upstream or downstream location.

[0100] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to practice the present invention in various ways with almost any suitable detailed structure. Not all described purposes need to be implemented through specific embodiments.

[0101] In addition, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the present invention, but are intended to provide an understandable description of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the words "a", "an" or "one" used herein mean one or more. The terms "a multiple of", "a plurality" or "several" mean two or more. The words "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" have open meanings and do not exclude the presence of additional elements. The reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0102] Despite the fact that some technical features are recited in different dependent claims, this still allows the possibility that a combination of these technical measures can be used to advantage.

[0103] A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of the various components mentioned in the specification and claims, such as a processing unit or control unit, or the functions of a single processing unit or control unit described herein may be distributed across multiple components, optionally physically separated from each other. Any communication between components may be wired or wireless, using known methods.

[0104] The actions performed by the control unit can be implemented as a program, such as a computer program, software application, etc. The program can be executed using computer-readable instructions. The program can include subroutines, functions, procedures, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, source code, object code, shared libraries / dynamically loaded libraries, and / or other instruction sets designed for execution on a computer system.

[0105] Computer programs or computer readable instructions may be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

Claims

1. A joint cutting device (1) for providing a cutting portion (62) in a leg or wing (52, 100) of a poultry carcass (50), the poultry carcass (50) being moved by a conveyor in a transport direction (5), the leg or wing comprising at least a joint (103, 106) connecting at least a first bone (102, 104, 105) and a second bone (104, 105, 107), and joint tissue (56, 57) surrounding the joint, in, The joint cutting device comprises: a joint guide (2) having a guide surface (2a) configured to engage the poultry carcass at the joint tissue, a blade (3) configured to cut in the joint tissue at a cutting position defined by the joint guide, in, When viewed in the transport direction, the guide surface is elongated and corrugated.

2. The joint cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide surface has a longitudinal axis (6) which extends non-parallel to the transport direction.

3. The joint cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a joint limiting guide (4), which is arranged in a manner opposite to the guide surface and / or the blade and is configured to limit the movement of the joint in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, in, The guide surface has a longitudinal axis (4a), the longitudinal axis (4a) of the guide surface extending non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint limiting guide.

4. The joint cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - a first bone guide (9) configured to engage first bone tissue to move the first bone relative to the joint; and / or - A second bone guide (9) configured to engage second bone tissue to move the first bone relative to the joint.

5. The joint cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pre-cutting blade (25), which is arranged at the beginning or upstream of the guide surface and is configured to form an incision in the joint tissue.

6. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The joint guide and / or the blade are connected to a resilient mechanism (20) to allow the joint guide and / or the blade to move, respectively.

7. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The blade is configured to completely sever the joint and the joint tissue to separate the first bone and the second bone.

8. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The blade is disposed downstream of the guide surface, and wherein the cutting position is where a downstream-most portion of the guide surface engages the joint tissue.

9. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The blade comprises a cutting surface (3a) having a longitudinal axis (10), the longitudinal axis (10) of the cutting surface (3a) extending in a manner not parallel to the transport direction and / or not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint limiting guide, wherein, optionally, the longitudinal axis of the cutting surface extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide surface.

10. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The longitudinal axis of the guide surface extends at an acute angle (8) to at least one of: the transport direction or an axis (7) parallel to the transport direction; or the longitudinal axis of the joint limiting guide; wherein the acute angle is between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 15 degrees.

11. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The guide surface is configured to engage the joint tissue vertically beneath the joint.

12. An arthrodesis device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The guide surface is blunt-edged.

13. The joint cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one carcass positioning guide, which is arranged upstream of the guide element and, optionally, upstream of the pre-cutting blade, wherein The carcass positioning guide is configured to engage the poultry carcass to tilt the poultry carcass from a generally vertical position to an at least partially horizontal position.

14. A joint cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint cutting device further comprises a collector for receiving a separated carcass part comprising one of the first bone or the second bone, and is configured to receive quality information about the separated carcass part, and is configured to classify the separated carcass part based on the quality information.

15. A method for making cuts in a leg or wing of a poultry carcass, said leg or wing comprising at least a joint connecting a first bone to a second bone and joint tissue surrounding said joint, The method comprises the following steps: - moving said poultry carcasses in a transport direction, - said cutting being performed using a joint cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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