Cutting device, system including the cutting device, and method for separating the rectal end of an animal carcass - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cutting device for severing the rectal end of an animal carcass, comprising a support member, a piercing member rotatably mounted to the support member and having a tubular piercing wall enclosing an internal piercing space, the piercing wall having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite the open cutting end, a centering mandrel arranged coaxially with the piercing wall and having a distal end configured to enter the anal opening of the carcass, at least a portion of the mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by the piercing wall to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel, and suction means for applying suction to the internal piercing space via one or more inlet openings. The cutting device further comprises one or more vent openings distinct from the one or more inlet openings and distinct from the open cutting end, configured to allow air to enter the internal piercing space.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cutting device and a cutting method for severing the rectal end of a carcass, such as a pig. The disclosure further relates to a system including such a cutting device. [Background technology]

[0002] When processing the carcasses of slaughtered animals, e.g. pigs, it is important to avoid or greatly reduce the risk of contamination of the meat with material present in the stomach and intestines of the carcass, such as excrement. When processing animal carcasses, the part of the intestine where it attaches to the skin at the anal opening is often cut away. The end of the intestine (the end of the rectum) may be handled, e.g. closed, during further processing of the carcass until the viscera are completely released from the carcass and removed. A cutting device may be used to cut the skin around the anal opening and the structures underneath. For the purposes of this disclosure, such a cutting device may also be referred to as a bung driller.

[0003] Such a cutting device may have a cutting blade at the end of the cylindrical wall member of the piercing member, where a mandrel is centrally located in the piercing member, and during operation of the cutting device, the tip of the mandrel penetrates the anal opening and part of the rectum (sometimes also called the bung) of the carcass, and the cutting blade cuts around the anal opening and the end of the rectum.

[0004] WO2013119106(A1) discloses a rectum cutting device, which includes a cutting member rotatably mounted on a support member, the cutting member having a cylindrical wall surrounding an internal space, the cylindrical wall having an upper end with a cutting blade, a centering mandrel arranged coaxially within the cylindrical wall, the free end of which reaches beyond the cutting blade, a rotation drive means for rotating the cutting member relative to the support member, and a suction means for forming a vacuum in the internal space of the cutting member, the suction means including an ejection member axially movable within the internal space of the cutting member and an ejection drive means for axially moving the ejection member. In the cutting step, the cutting member is actuated and driven to rotate so as to cut the tissue surrounding the rectum end. In this step, the support member is displaced so as to move the cutting member deeper into the tissue. During the cutting, the suction means maintains a vacuum in the interior space portion inside the cutting member, which vacuum is transferred to the exterior interior space portion by air sucked through the flexible membrane. A portion of the rectum portion is severed and thereby sucked into said exterior portion of the interior space. The cutting process is continued until the rectum end is severed over its entire length.

[0005] The vacuum in the prior art bung drill process is used to provide a holding force on the skin in the cutting device so that the knife can cut into the skin, thereby preventing the piercing member from pressing on the skin instead of cutting into it. However, the vacuum effect can cause the anal opening to open or evert, which can allow faeces to be released from the rectum and contact the skin around the anal opening, from which microorganisms can spread, thus increasing the risk of contamination of the meat. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It therefore remains desirable to provide a cutting device and corresponding process that reduces the risk of contamination, such as contamination resulting from eversion of the anal opening during the cutting process, or at least to provide an alternative to existing cutting devices or processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, disclosed herein is an embodiment of a cutting device for severing a rectal end of an animal carcass. The cutting device is A support member; a punching member rotatably mounted on the support member, the punching member having a tubular punching wall enclosing an interior punching space, the punching wall having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite the open cutting end; a centering mandrel disposed coaxially with the perforation wall, the mandrel having a distal end configured to enter the anal opening of the carcass, at least a portion of the mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by the perforation wall to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel; a suction means for applying suction to the interior drilling space via one or more inlet openings; Equipped with The cutting device further comprises one or more ventilation openings distinct from the one or more inlet openings and distinct from the open cutting end, and configured to allow air to enter the interior piercing space, in particular fresh air uncontaminated by contaminants from the intestines of the carcass.

[0008] Thus, the air flow can enter the internal perforation space, in particular the annular space surrounding the mandrel, through one or more separate vent openings that are different from the inlet opening or openings and different from the open cutting end, so that the air flow can contain fresh air that has not come into contact with contaminants from the intestines of the carcass and is therefore uncontaminated. In particular, the fresh air entering through the vent opening or openings is not contaminated by the rectal end that enters the internal perforation space through the open cutting end. The fresh air entering through the vent opening or openings is not contaminated either by contaminants previously sucked out of the internal perforation space through the inlet opening or openings and by contaminants that may still be present in the hose or other conduits that fluidly connect the inlet opening or openings to the suction means. In this way, the cutting device allows a unidirectional air flow from the vent opening or openings to the intake opening or openings. The operation of the cutting device does not require any reversal of the air flow to flush contaminants from the internal piercing space, in particular through the inlet opening, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of the carcass. The vent opening or openings are preferably configured to allow air to enter the internal piercing space, in particular the annular space surrounding the mandrel, while suction is applied by suction means through the suction opening or openings to at least the annular space, i.e. the annular part of the internal piercing space surrounding the mandrel.

[0009] The cutting device may be configured to control the amount of air that is allowed to enter through the one or more vent openings. In particular, the cutting device may be configured to selectively allow air to enter the internal piercing space only during a portion of the cutting process, or to allow more air to enter the internal piercing space during a portion of the cutting process than during other portions. For example, in some embodiments, the cutting device is configured to allow air to enter the internal piercing space through the one or more vent openings only after the open cutting end is inserted into the carcass or after the rectal end is severed, e.g., during and / or after the open cutting end is withdrawn from the carcass and / or from the severed rectal end.

[0010] To this end, in some embodiments the piercing member further comprises one or more vent valves configured to control air flow into the internal piercing space through the one or more vent openings, in particular to control the amount of air allowed to enter the internal piercing space through the one or more vent openings. In one embodiment the one or more vent valves are configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings while suction is applied to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel by the suction means during and / or after withdrawal of the open cut end from the carcass after severing the rectal end.

[0011] Thus, as the piercing member is withdrawn from the carcass and the severed rectum end is dropped from the piercing member, some, preferably all or most of the contaminants, which may have escaped from the anal opening into the annular space of the piercing member during the cutting process, are sucked up by the cutting device, rather than being dropped or pushed out of the piercing member together with the rectum end. In particular, by allowing air to enter the annular space surrounding the mandrel whilst maintaining suction whilst the piercing member is withdrawn from the carcass, the suction means can create an air flow which carries the faeces and / or other contaminants out of the annular space in a controlled manner.

[0012] The cutting apparatus and cutting process disclosed herein may be used to process a variety of different types of animals. Thus, the animal carcass may be a carcass of a slaughtered animal, such as slaughtered in an abattoir. The animal may be, for example, a pig, poultry, cattle / beef cattle, goat, sheep, etc. Preferably, the cutting apparatus is used on a pig carcass.

[0013] In various embodiments, the suction means is configured to apply suction to the annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel. In some embodiments, the suction means is configured to create a vacuum in the annular space in order to suck the already severed rectal end and a portion of the surrounding tissue into the internal piercing space. The suction means may be configured to create a vacuum in the internal piercing space, in particular the annular space, when at least one or more vent valves are closed or configured to allow only a reduced air flow into the internal piercing space. The vacuum created in the annular space during cutting serves to pull the skin around the anal opening during cutting, to obtain a clean cut and to prevent the cutting blade from injuring the rectum. During the cutting process, the already severed rectal end and a portion of the surrounding tissue are further sucked into the internal piercing space. When the open cutting end of the piercing wall reaches the abdominal cavity of the carcass, the entire rectal end is severed and accommodated within the internal piercing space of the piercing member. Therefore, for purposes of this disclosure, the term vacuum in the internal puncture space should be understood as a pressure difference between the internal puncture space and the surrounding atmosphere that is large enough to pull on the rectum during cutting.

[0014] In some embodiments, the one or more vent valves are further configured to selectively prevent air from entering the annular space fully or partially through the one or more vent openings during at least a portion of the actual cutting operation, i.e. while the cutting device is advancing into the carcass to cut the tissue. Thus, while the one or more vent valves prevent air from entering the annular space (or only allow a reduced air flow) through the one or more vent openings and the open cutting end of the piercing member is substantially closed / occluded by carcass tissue, the suction means can create and maintain a vacuum in the annular space. When the one or more vent valves allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings during and / or after the withdrawal of the piercing member from the carcass, activation of the suction means creates an air flow in the annular space, which can flush contaminants from the annular space by the suction means, thereby preventing the siphoned contaminants from flowing out of the open cutting end during the release of the severed rectum end.

[0015] The control of the vent valve or valves may be performed by suitable control means. In particular, in some embodiments the cutting device comprises control means for controlling the operation of the vent valve or valves, the control means being configured to partially or fully close the vent valve or valves and control the suction means to create a vacuum in at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel during an initial cutting stage, and to open the vent valve or valves and control the suction means to apply suction to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel during a subsequent extraction stage, in particular during and / or after extraction of the open cut end from the carcass and / or from the severed rectal end.

[0016] For example, the control means may be a suitably configured electrical control circuit, such as a suitably programmed or otherwise configured microprocessor, PLC, industrial control unit, and / or the like, configured to control the vent valves. Alternatively, the control means may be a mechanical, pneumatic, or other suitable control mechanism, such as a manually controllable bail and / or the like. The control means may be configured to automatically control the one or more vent valves, for example as part of an automatic control of the cutting process. Alternatively or additionally, the control means may be configured to control the one or more vent valves in response to a user input, for example by a user operating a suitable actuator, such as a button or switch. The control means may be a local control means housed in the same housing or support structure as the support member, or may be a remote control means communicatively connected to the support member or the like, for example via a wired or wireless connection. The control means may also be configured to control other operations of the cutting device, such as the suction means, a motor or other drive means for rotating the piercing member. The one or more vent valves may be housed in the support member or in other suitable locations.

[0017] The one or more ventilation openings are preferably offset from the open cutting end. When the one or more ventilation openings are located proximal to the rear end of the tubular punching wall, the air flow formed can efficiently transport contaminants deposited at the rear end of the annular space towards the inlet opening where the suction means applies suction and away from the open cutting end. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the cutting device comprises one or more suction conduits fluidly connecting the suction means to the internal punching space, for example the internal mandrel space of the mandrel and / or the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The one or more suction conduits have an inlet opening to the internal punching space, in particular to the internal mandrel space and / or the annular space. The one or more inlet openings are preferably arranged proximal to the rear end of the mandrel or punching member. The cutting device may further comprise one or more ventilation conduits for transporting an air flow to the internal punching space via the one or more ventilation openings. Preferably, the ventilation conduit is physically separated from the suction conduit through which suction is applied, thus making it possible to restrict airflow through the ventilation conduit and / or airflow through the suction conduit to only unidirectional airflow.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cutting device comprises an end wall, which may be part of the piercing member or the support member, axially defining an internal piercing space axially rearwardly opposite the open cutting end. One or more vent openings and / or one or more intake openings may be arranged in the rear wall. In one embodiment, the one or more vent openings are arranged in a radially outer portion of the end wall, for example adjacent to or at a periphery defined between the piercing wall and the end wall. In some embodiments, the one or more inlet openings are arranged in the center or adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the piercing member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the mandrel is a rod or tube with a closed tip or end located toward or in the region of the open cutting end of the piercing member or projecting axially from the open cutting end. In some embodiments, the mandrel has a mandrel wall that surrounds an internal mandrel space. Thus, all or at least a portion of the internal mandrel space that is located inside the piercing member and circumferentially surrounded by the cylindrical piercing wall constitutes part of the internal piercing space. The mandrel wall may be a tubular wall. In some embodiments, the mandrel wall has one or more suction openings located proximal to the tip of the mandrel, e.g., multiple suction openings distributed around the circumference of the mandrel wall and located at one or more spaced axial positions along the mandrel. When suction is applied to the internal mandrel space, a radially inward suction is generated at the one or more suction openings. Thus, as the mandrel is advanced through the anal opening of the carcass into the rectal end, the intestinal wall of the rectal end is sucked radially inwardly and tightly against the mandrel. Furthermore, feces or other contaminants from inside the rectal end may be sucked into the internal mandrel space. Thus, the risk of contaminants exiting the anal opening during the cutting operation and contaminating the skin around the anal opening is reduced.

[0020] In some embodiments, the mandrel wall is provided with one or more connecting conduits, in particular one or more through holes in the mandrel wall, or other forms of air channels, configured to provide fluid communication between the internal mandrel space and the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The one or more connecting conduits are preferably arranged proximal, in particular directly adjacent, to the rear end of the tubular drilling wall. When the mandrel is axially movable, the one or more connecting conduits are preferably arranged proximal, in particular directly adjacent, to the rear end of the tubular drilling wall when the mandrel is in its retracted, most rearward position. Thus, when suction is applied to the internal mandrel space, as described below, suction is also applied to the annular space surrounding the mandrel via the connecting conduits. Alternatively or additionally, suction to the annular space surrounding the mandrel may be applied, for example, via one or more additional inlet openings arranged in the end wall portions or the tubular drilling wall axially defining the annular space.

[0021] In some embodiments, the suction means is fluidly connected to the internal mandrel space and is configured to apply suction directly to the internal mandrel space via one or more inlet openings, i.e. the mandrel may be configured with one or more inlet openings, for example at the rear end of the mandrel, e.g. at the rear end wall of the mandrel, or as an open rear end of the tubular internal mandrel space. In particular, the suction means may be configured to apply suction axially, rearwardly, or otherwise in a direction away from the open cut end and / or away from the annular space surrounding the mandrel. Thus, the piercing member may be further configured such that the suction means applies suction to the annular space via one or more inlet openings and one or more connecting conduits, i.e. the suction means applies suction from the annular space to the internal mandrel space via one or more connecting openings, and the suction means applies suction from the internal mandrel space through one or more inlet openings. Thus, when the one or more vent valves allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings, the suction means causes air flow from the one or more vent openings into the annular space, causes air flow from the annular space through the one or more connecting conduits to the interior mandrel space, and further causes air flow towards and from the one or more inlet openings.

[0022] In some embodiments, the internal mandrel space has an inner tubular portion and a circumferential outer portion at least partially surrounding the inner tubular portion and radially separated from the inner tubular portion by one or more partition walls. In some embodiments, the outer portion is an annular outer portion separated from the inner tubular portion by a tubular partition wall. In other embodiments, the outer portion is a manifold, e.g., including a plurality of longitudinal channels, each extending longitudinally along the inner tubular portion and distributed circumferentially around the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion has a leading end proximal to the leading end of the mandrel and a trailing end opposite the leading end. In some embodiments, the inner tubular portion is fluidly connected to the outer portion at the leading end of the inner tubular portion. In some embodiments, the inner tubular portion has one or more inlet openings. Thus, the suction means may be configured to apply suction to the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space in a direction away from the leading end of the inner tubular portion through the one or more inlet openings. The suction opening or openings of the mandrel may fluidly connect the outer portion of the internal mandrel space with the periphery of the mandrel. In one embodiment, the connecting conduit or conduits directly connect the annular space surrounding the mandrel with the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space, thereby providing a relatively short passageway for air, thus reducing the risk of fatty tissue blocking the air passageway, while providing an efficient airflow for cleaning contaminants from the entire length of the internal mandrel space, and not just from the rear portion of the annular space. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting conduit or conduits connect the annular space surrounding the mandrel with the outer portion of the internal mandrel space. Thus, when the vent valve or valves allow air to enter the annular space through the vent opening or openings, the suction means creates an airflow from the vent opening or openings through the connecting conduit or conduits to the outer portion of the internal mandrel space, and then to the tip of the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space towards the tip of the mandrel. From there the airflow continues rearwardly along the inner tubular portion to one or more inlet openings, thus providing an efficient airflow for removing contaminants from the rear of the annular space as well as the entire length of the interior mandrel space.

[0023] Preferably, the piercing member is configured to be able to maintain a sufficient pressure difference with respect to the ambient air outside the piercing member for the duration of the piercing process. In particular, when the open cutting end of the tubular piercing wall is in contact with the carcass and is substantially closed by the tissue of the carcass, a pressure difference may be established and maintained between the annular space surrounding the mandrel and the outside of the piercing member by the suction means. To establish such a pressure difference, the piercing member may be "intact" or airtight, meaning that there are no large openings or cuts around the tubular body, in particular the piercing wall. The absence of openings allows the pressure difference to be established most efficiently, but it will be understood that there may be smaller openings or cuts in the piercing wall of the piercing member without preventing the piercing member from maintaining a sufficient pressure difference with respect to the outside. For example, such cuts may be located on the cutting blades making the cutting blades more aggressive. The vacuum created inside the piercing member also effectively prevents any contaminants from leaving the internal piercing space through the open cutting end during the cutting process. In some embodiments, the tubular perforating wall has an annular cutting blade at its open cutting end, which cutting blade is preferably intact or unbroken, such as not being a saw.

[0024] When the mandrel tip is configured to protrude from the open cutting end of the tubular piercing wall, either permanently or in the axially movable mandrel's extended position, the mandrel tip may be inserted into the anal opening before the piercing wall engages and cuts the tissue surrounding the anal opening.

[0025] The mandrel may be arranged axially fixed relative to the piercing member or axially movable relative to the piercing member. In particular, in some embodiments, the mandrel is axially movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, the tip of the mandrel protruding from the open cutting end of the tubular piercing wall when the mandrel is in its extended position and the tip of the mandrel being located in the internal piercing space when the mandrel is in its retracted position. During the cutting operation, i.e. while the piercing member cuts the carcass and advances deeper, as the rectum end is sucked into the internal piercing space, the mandrel may thus move backwards into the internal piercing space. For example, the mandrel or at least its rear part may be provided as a piston, for example a pneumatic piston, which can be controlled to extend or retract relative to the support member. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting conduits are arranged in the internal piercing space when the mandrel is in the retracted position and when the mandrel is in the extended position. In particular, in some embodiments, the one or more connecting conduits are disposed proximal, eg, directly adjacent, the rear end of the interior drilling space when the mandrel is in its retracted position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cutting device further comprises a bung holder surrounding at least a portion of the mandrel. In some embodiments, the bung holder is circular and / or cup-shaped and extends circumferentially around the mandrel. The bung holder may have an overall outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular piercing wall. In some embodiments, there is a space between the outer periphery of the bung holder and the tubular piercing wall, thereby forming an annular space radially inwardly between the outer periphery of the bung holder and the outer periphery of at least a portion of the mandrel and radially outwardly inside the tubular piercing wall. In one embodiment, the bung holder has a circumferential surface without rearward openings, i.e. without openings towards the inside and rear end of the piercing member. The bung holder is open in an area towards the open cutting end of the piercing member. The bung holder preferably defines an interior volume separate from the remaining volume within the piercing member when the open cutting end engages the carcass. Thus, two separate volumes are formed that can contain potential contaminants and in particular reduce diffusion of contaminants from the volume inside the bung holder into the annular space surrounding the mandrel and bung holder.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bung holder has a retaining means that can engage with the outside of the carcass. The retaining means may be located at the edge of the cup-shaped bung holder, i.e. between the closed and open portions of the bung holder. The bung retaining means can engage with the outside of the carcass, i.e. the area of ​​skin surrounding the anal opening of the carcass. The retaining means of the bung holder can hold the skin from rotating when the bung driller pierces the skin and the carcass, when the piercing process imparts a rotational force to the skin surface. Another function of the retaining means is to prevent the anal opening of the carcass from turning inside out, or at least to reduce the extent or risk of this happening, for example if a vacuum can form inside the piercing member during piercing. This keeps at least a major portion of the faeces in the rectum. In one embodiment, the retaining means of the bung holder has teeth or other structures that can engage with the skin surface of the carcass. The function of the teeth is to get a good grip on the skin, without cutting into the skin other than to get a good grip. The teeth may have any shape, such as pointed, suitable for engaging the skin of the carcass.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bung holder is configured to rotate around the mandrel. In some embodiments, the bung holder is axially slidable within the piercing member. The bung holder is preferably rotatable relative to the piercing member and may be non-rotatable relative to the carcass during the piercing process. In a preferred embodiment, the bung holder and mandrel are connected so that they can slide axially inside the piercing member. This allows the bung holder to be positioned in a fixed position along the length of the mandrel, but the bung holder may still rotate around the mandrel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the bung holder has a peripheral wall portion that is airtight. The bung holder thus defines an internal bung holder volume within the bung holder. The internal bung holder volume may be a closed volume when the retaining means of the bung holder engages the exterior of the carcass. The cutting device may thus be a structure having a bung holder volume located between the exterior of the carcass skin, the exterior of the tip portion of the mandrel, and the interior of the bung holder. This bung holder volume surrounds the mandrel just outside the anal opening and the portion of the carcass skin surrounding the anal opening.

[0030] As mentioned above, the mandrel may have one or more suction openings proximate the tip of the mandrel. In some embodiments, the one or more suction openings are located in the area between the closed leading end of the mandrel and the bung holder, such as between the closed tip of the mandrel and the portion of the bung holder that bounds the inside of the piercing member, whereby the suction openings may be located along the mandrel and / or inside the bung holder volume of the bung holder. In one embodiment, the mandrel has an unfilled or open interior volume and openings in at least a portion of the area toward the closed tip. Preferably, the suction openings are not located at the outermost tip or tip of the mandrel, e.g., within the outermost 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, or 2 cm.

[0031] An air valve may be arranged in the bung holder between the bung holder volume inside the bung holder and the annular space inside the punching member surrounding the bung holder. Such an air valve may be capable of drawing air, e.g. containing contaminants, from the bung holder volume into the annular space or from the annular space into the internal mandrel space. The direction of air flow through the air valve arranged in the bung holder may be determined by the position of the suction means connected to the mandrel to draw air from the volume inside the mandrel or the suction means connected to the punching member to draw air from the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0032] In some embodiments, the suction openings in the mandrel are created such that one or more suction openings are located within the area located inside the bung holder, i.e., within the bung holder volume. Alternatively or additionally, one or more suction openings are located in the portion of the mandrel that is inserted into the intestinal or rectal end of the carcass to be processed. Preferably, the outer tip of the mandrel does not include a suction opening.

[0033] In some embodiments, the suction openings are arranged along the region of the mandrel, for example in respective ring arrangements around the circumference of the mandrel at different axial positions. The suction openings may be present along the mandrel, for example in the region near the tip, in a ring arrangement of 2 to 10 openings, such as 4 to 8, for example 5 to 7, for example 6 ring arrangements. Each ring arrangement may have 4 to 8 openings, for example 6 openings. The size of the openings may be determined according to the type of carcass to be processed. When the vacuum is established, a suction retention effect of the intestine or rectum end is obtained. A vacuum may also be created inside the bung holder, i.e. within the bung holder volume.

[0034] The suction means may be configured to apply suction to the mandrel and / or the annular space surrounding the mandrel. In some embodiments, the suction means is in fluid communication with the interior mandrel space, and the suction means is configured to apply suction to the interior mandrel space, particularly to the rear end of the interior mandrel space. When the mandrel is inserted into the anal opening and the open cutting end of the piercing member engages the rectal end portion of the carcass, the applied suction force creates a vacuum in the interior mandrel space and / or the interior piercing space, particularly the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

[0035] The suction means may be a pump, in particular a vacuum pump, or any other suitable device for applying suction, such as a connection port for connecting a hose or pipe to the cutting device for connecting the cutting device to an external vacuum pump or other suction source.

[0036] Cutting devices for processing animal carcasses are known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the skilled person will know suitable materials for the various components of the cutting device, which may preferably be made of a material, such as metal, approved for use in slaughterhouses. The material may be capable of being cleaned frequently, such as after use. Some parts or units of the cutting device, such as the bearings, may be made of polymeric materials. The overall design and function of the cutting device is known and does not need to be described here.

[0037] A second aspect disclosed herein relates to a method of separating the rectal end of an animal carcass by cutting around the anal opening and the rectal end with a cutting device, the method comprising: inserting the tip of the mandrel into the anal opening of the animal carcass; cutting around the anal opening and along a portion of the rectal end of the carcass with an open cutting end of a tubular piercing wall of the rotating piercing member, the tubular piercing wall defining an interior piercing space, and wherein at least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the piercing wall to define an annular space surrounding the mandrel; applying suction to the internal drilling space, in particular at least to the annular space, via one or more inlet openings, during drilling, so as to form a vacuum in at least the annular space; allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings in the cutting device, where the one or more vent openings are distinct from the one or more inlet openings and the open cut end of the perforated wall; Contains:

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: withdrawing the piercing member and mandrel from the carcass; applying suction to at least the annular space via the inlet opening or openings during and / or after withdrawal of the piercing member and mandrel from the carcass; Contains Allowing air to enter the annular space includes at least allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings during and / or after the piercing member and mandrel are withdrawn from the carcass. In some embodiments, air is permitted to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings only during and / or after the piercing member and mandrel are withdrawn from the carcass.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling airflow into the interior perforated space through one or more vent openings by manipulating one or more vent valves.

[0040] In one embodiment of the method, the severed rectum ends are dropped or otherwise fed inside the carcass, in some embodiments, the severed rectum ends may be dropped otherwise outside the carcass, such as onto the ventral side of the carcass, or dropped elsewhere than on the carcass, such as onto a tray, in a container, etc.

[0041] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a cutting system, the cutting system comprising: a robot having at least one industrial manipulator, such as a robotic arm; At least one cutting device as described herein connected to at least one industrial manipulator; It has.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one vision system for acquiring image data of the carcass in an area outside the anal opening, hi some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one processor configured to process the acquired image data and to calculate the control information based on information including the image data.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one control means configured to receive at least control information from the at least one processor and control at least one industrial manipulator, such as at least one robotic arm, and at least one bung driller to process the animal carcass.

[0044] Different items may be included in the bung drill system, such as, for example, a robot, an industrial manipulator, a robotic arm, a vision system, a processor, and a controller. A person skilled in the art is aware of such different systems and how they should be connected in order to configure a system to acquire image data, process such data, and control a robot or a robotic arm to process an animal carcass as described herein using a cutting device. The number of axes or degrees of freedom that the industrial manipulator can work on may depend on the setup, for example, whether the animal carcass is under transport during the process, from when the system starts to identify the location of the anal opening until the cutting device is removed after the drilling process. Thus, the industrial manipulator may be an industrial manipulator that operates with a number of degrees of freedom (the number of degrees of freedom may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6), depending on the setup. Preferably, there are at least two degrees of freedom, such as at least four degrees of freedom.

[0045] From the image data, various information may be obtained, such as information regarding the position and size of the anal opening, the tail, gender, etc., which can be included in the image processing and based on which it can be calculated where to position the cutting device and how to control the industrial manipulator to cut around the anal opening.

[0046] In one embodiment of the system, the industrial manipulator may be capable of acting with, for example, three degrees of freedom, for example five degrees of freedom, such as being a six-axis robotic manipulator.

[0047] In one embodiment of the system, the system comprises at least one washing cabinet for washing the cutting device after use. Preferably, such washing cabinet comprises a water connection, a soap applicator, a heating device and / or a drying device. Water is supplied through the water connection to a hot connection, where the heating device and the soap applicator may be located outside the washing cabinet. A person skilled in the art knows the requirements of washing devices in slaughterhouses.

[0048] In one embodiment of the system, the at least one wash cabinet is connected to at least one industrial manipulator, such as a robotic arm, such that one industrial manipulator or robotic arm can hold at least one bung driller and the wash cabinet and can be washed after the cutting device contacts the carcass.

[0049] In one embodiment of the system, at least one industrial manipulator or robotic arm has at least two cutting devices and at least one cleaning cabinet. In this design, one industrial manipulator or robotic arm can hold two cutting devices and a cleaning cabinet, one cutting device can be cleaned after contacting a carcass, so that when one cutting device is being cleaned, the other cutting device can be in operation.

[0050] More than one cutting device, for example three or four cutting devices, may be arranged on one industrial manipulator or robot arm, which may be combined with one, two or three linear cabinets.

[0051] In one embodiment of the system, the system includes two industrial manipulators, such as robotic arms, each holding at least one cutting device.

[0052] In one embodiment of the system, a fixed knife may be positioned within the system to sever the meat ventral to the anal opening, which may be performed by pulling the severed bang ventral to the carcass prior to removing the bang from the carcass.

[0053] Features described herein with respect to any of the present aspects or figures may be combined with embodiments of other aspects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a prior art bang cutting method. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a cutting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cutting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G illustrates the process of severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using one embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A illustrates a process for severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using yet another embodiment of a cutting device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B illustrates a process for severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using yet another embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C illustrates a process for severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using yet another embodiment of the cutting device. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D illustrates the use of yet another embodiment of the cutting device to sever the rectal end of an animal carcass. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6E illustrates a process for severing the rectal end of an animal carcass using yet another embodiment of a cutting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a cutting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a prior art bung cutting method. The cutting device 1 is positioned outside and around the anal opening 2 of an animal carcass 3. The tip of the mandrel 4 of the cutting device 1 penetrates the intestinal / rectal end 5 of the animal carcass. Inside the cutting device 1, a vacuum is established to ensure that the skin 9 of the carcass 3 is not pushed into the carcass 3 by the force applied by the cutting device 1 to the skin 4 during cutting. Normal, i.e. atmospheric, pressure is present at the skin 9 outside the cutting device 1, and normal pressure is also present inside the carcass 3. The vacuum inside the cutting device 1 causes the intestinal wall 6 to be sucked into the cutting device 1, thereby opening it inside out, and allowing faeces 7 (shown enclosed) to leak from the intestines 5 into the space inside the cutting device 1, where the faeces will contaminate the skin 9 inside the cutting device 1.

[0057] 2 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cutting device. The cutting device, generally designated by reference numeral 100, includes a punching member 110 having a tubular punching wall 111 defining an interior punching space. The tubular punching wall 111 has an open cutting end 113. The periphery of the tubular punching wall 111 defining the open cutting end 113 is formed as a cutting knife 114.

[0058] The cutting device 100 has a support member 140 rotatably mounted to allow the piercing member 110 to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0059] The cutting apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 is configured to be attached to a robotic tool (not shown). In particular, the support member 140 may be configured to be attached to a robot tool, such as a manipulator arm of the robotic tool. However, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the cutting apparatus may be configured to be handheld. As such, the support member may be shaped and sized to be held in hand. Additionally, some embodiments of the cutting apparatus may both be operated in a handheld mode or be attached to a robotic tool.

[0060] The support member 140 includes or is operably connected to a drive mechanism, such as an electric motor 190, for rotating the drilling member. In the example of Figure 2, the cutting device includes a drive gear 170 configured to be operatively connected to a manipulator arm of a robotic cutting system. Thus, the drive gear may be driven by a drive mechanism of the robotic system.

[0061] The cutting device 100 further comprises a centering mandrel 120, which is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular piercing wall 111 of the piercing member 110 and is arranged coaxially therewith. The mandrel and the tubular piercing wall 110 thus together define an annular space surrounding the mandrel, i.e., an annular portion of the internal piercing space. The mandrel has a tip 121 configured to be inserted into the anal opening of the carcass.

[0062] The cutting device 100 comprises a vacuum pump 150 or other suction means fluidly connected via one or more suitable suction conduits 157, e.g. hoses, pipes and / or other forms of air channels, to one or more inlet openings of the internal drilling space, e.g. one or more inlet openings of the internal mandrel space of the mandrel and / or one or more inlet openings of the annular space surrounding the mandrel. The suction means may be housed in the support member 140 or may be located remotely from the support member. In the latter case, the suction conduit 147 may comprise one or more connectors 146 on or at the support member 140 for removably coupling the suction means to the support member. The support member may further comprise a connector for compressed air, e.g. for driving the movable mandrel.

[0063] The cutting apparatus 100 further includes a controller 180, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor, PLC, or other suitable electrical control circuitry that controls the operation of the cutting apparatus. The control circuitry may be housed on the support member 140 or may be located remotely from the support member. In the latter case, the control circuitry may be connected to the support member via a wired or wireless connection, such as a control bus.

[0064] The cutting apparatus 100 further includes one or more controllable vent valves 142 for controlling air flow into the annular space surrounding the mandrel, as will be described in more detail below. The one or more vent valves 142 are operatively connected to and controlled by a control means 180.

[0065] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a cutting device, such as the cutting device of FIG. 2. As described above, the cutting device 100 includes a punching member 110 that is rotatably mounted on a support member to allow the punching member to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The punching member 110 includes a tubular punching wall 111 that defines an interior punching space 112. The tubular punching wall 111 includes an open cutting end 113. The periphery of the tubular punching wall 111 that defines the open cutting end 113 is formed as a cutting knife 114. The rear end of the punching member is closed by a rear end wall 141.

[0066] The cutting device 100 further comprises a centering mandrel 120 circumferentially surrounded by the tubular piercing wall 111 of the piercing member 110 and arranged coaxially therewith. The mandrel 120 and the tubular piercing wall 110 thus together define an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel, i.e., an annular portion of the internal piercing space. The mandrel has a tip 121 adapted to be inserted into the anal opening of the carcass.

[0067] The cutting device further includes a bung holder 130 circumferentially surrounding the mandrel 120 and surrounded by the tubular piercing wall 111 of the piercing member 110. The bung holder 130 is formed as a cup-shaped annular member having an open end facing the leading end 121 of the mandrel and a closed end facing the rear end wall 141. The bung holder 130 has teeth 133 disposed along the edge of the open end of the cup-shaped bung holder. The teeth are capable of engaging the skin around the anal opening of the carcass.

[0068] The mandrel 120 is axially movable relative to the punch member 110 at least between an extended position and a retracted position. In FIG. 3, the mandrel 120 is illustrated in an extended position in which a tip portion of the mandrel projects from the open cutting end 113 of the tubular punch wall 111. The tip portion extends axially between the tip 121 of the mandrel and the bung holder 130. The rear portion 122 of the mandrel extends axially rearward from the bung holder to the end wall portion 141. The rear portion 122 is slidably arranged such that it can be retracted through the end wall portion into the support member and extend toward the open cutting end 113. For example, the rear portion 122 of the mandrel may be formed as a tubular piston and the tip portion may be removably or permanently connected to the piston.

[0069] The bung holder 130 is axially fixed to the mandrel 120 so that together with the mandrel 120 it is axially movable relative to the piercing member 110 between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position shown in FIG. 3, the bung holder 130 is generally flush with the open cutting end of the piercing member. In the example of FIG. 3, the teeth 133 of the bung holder protrude slightly beyond the open cutting end. Thus, when the mandrel tip 121 is inserted into the anal opening of the carcass, the teeth 133 can engage the skin surrounding the anal opening just before the cutting knife 114 starts to cut into the skin. In the retracted position (not shown in FIG. 3), the bung holder is located proximal to the end wall 141 and the mandrel tip 121 is retracted inside the internal piercing space 112.

[0070] Mandrel 120 may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to support member 140, or may be rotationally fixed relative to the support member. Similarly, bung holder 130 may be rotatable relative to mandrel 120, or may be rotationally fixed relative to the mandrel. Preferably, bung holder 130 is configured such that, in operation, when rotating piercing member 110 cuts into the carcass, the bung holder does not rotate relative to the hide surrounding the carcass.

[0071] The mandrel 120 has a mandrel wall 125 that defines an internal mandrel space 123. The internal mandrel space 123 extends axially between the leading and trailing portions of the mandrel. At least a portion of the internal mandrel space, in particular the trailing portion of the internal mandrel space that does not protrude beyond the open cut end, constitutes a portion of the internal drilling space. The trailing portion 122 of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide fluid communication between the internal mandrel space 123 and a suction means (not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, see for example the suction means 150 in FIG. 2) configured to apply a rear suction to the internal mandrel space 123 through the inlet opening 124, such as a vacuum pump. Other embodiments may include multiple inlet openings and / or inlet openings located at different positions of the mandrel. The mandrel wall 125 of the mandrel 120 has suction openings 126 disposed around the circumference of the leading portion of the mandrel 120, i.e., the portion extending between the tip 121 and the bung holder 130. Thus, when the leading portion of the mandrel extends into the anal opening of the carcass and suction is applied to the interior mandrel space 123 via the inlet opening 124, radially inward suction is applied through the suction openings 126 causing the intestinal wall to be sucked radially inwardly tightly around the mandrel. It will be appreciated that different embodiments may include a different number of suction openings and / or suction openings disposed in different ways along or around the leading portion of the mandrel.

[0072] The mandrel 120 further has a connecting conduit 127 that provides fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear portion 122 of the mandrel and the interior mandrel space 123. Thus, when suction is applied to the interior mandrel space 123 through the inlet opening 124, suction is also applied to the annular space 115 through the connecting conduit 127 toward the interior mandrel space 123.

[0073] The connecting conduit 127 is located at the rear 122 of the mandrel adjacent to the bung holder 130, i.e., immediately rearward of the bung holder 130. The connecting conduit 127 therefore has an opening 128 into the internal drilling space 112 regardless of whether the mandrel is in the extended or retracted position. When the mandrel 120 is in the retracted position (not shown in FIG. 3), the opening 128 of the connecting conduit 127 is axially located at the rear end of the internal drilling space 112 immediately forward of the end wall 141. In the example of FIG. 3, two connecting conduits are shown. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may include only a single connecting conduit or may include more than two connecting conduits, for example, three, four, five, or more connecting conduits. Thus, different embodiments may include a different number of connecting conduits or conduits located in different positions.

[0074] The end wall 141 of the support member has vent openings 143 fluidly connected to a common vent valve or to respective vent valves (not shown in FIG. 3, see e.g. vent valve 142 in FIG. 2) configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space 115 through the vent openings 143 and selectively prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent openings 143. In general, the cutting device 100 may include one or more vent valves, each controlling one or more vent openings. In the example of FIG. 3, the vent openings are provided as small channels between the end wall 141 and the tubular perforated wall 111. The channels are connected to an annular channel 144, which is in fluid communication with outside air and / or another source of air that is not contaminated by feces, etc., via a controllable valve 142 (see FIG. 2) and a suitable vent conduit.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of the cutting device, such as that of Figure 2. The embodiment of Figure 4 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 3 in that it has a punching member 110 rotatably mounted on a support member to allow the punching member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, a centering mandrel 120 circumferentially surrounded by an annular punching wall 111 of the punching member 110 and arranged coaxially therewith, and a bung holder 130 circumferentially surrounding the mandrel 120 and circumferentially surrounded by the annular wall 111 of the punching member 110, all as described in relation to Figure 3, except for the following modifications to the mandrel:

[0076] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the mandrel 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 has a mandrel wall 125 that defines an interior mandrel space 123. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the interior mandrel space 123 includes an inner tubular portion 423 and an outer portion 424 that circumferentially surrounds the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion 423 extends axially between the mandrel's leading end 121 and trailing end 122 and is coaxial with the mandrel 120. The trailing end 122 of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide fluid communication between the inner tubular portion 423 of the interior mandrel space 123 and suction means (not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, see e.g. suction means 150 of FIG. 2) configured to apply a rearward suction to the inner tubular portion 423 of the interior mandrel space 123 through the inlet opening 124, such as a vacuum pump. Other embodiments may include multiple inlet openings and / or inlet openings located at different locations on the mandrel.

[0077] The outer portion 424 of the internal mandrel space is disposed radially outward with respect to the inner tubular portion and is radially separated therefrom by a partition wall 425. The outer portion 424 may be provided as an annular space completely surrounding the inner tubular portion. Alternatively, the outer portion may be provided as a number of elongated channels each extending axially alongside the inner tubular portion. The elongated channels may be distributed around the circumference of the inner tubular portion. Each of the outer portions 424, e.g., annular spaces or channels, is fluidly connected to the inner tubular portion 423 by one or more openings 426 located proximal to the front end of the inner tubular portion, i.e., proximal to the mandrel tip 121. This ensures that a strong suction force is applied all the way to the tip of the mandrel and promotes efficient cleaning. The outer portion 424 of the internal mandrel space extends axially between the mandrel tip 121 and the bung holder 130.

[0078] The mandrel wall 125 of the mandrel 120 has suction openings 126 disposed around the periphery of the leading portion of the mandrel 120, i.e., the portion extending between the tip 121 and the bung holder 130, as described in relation to Figure 3. However, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the suction openings 126 feed into the outer portion 424 of the interior mandrel space, i.e., air or contaminants drawn into the mandrel through the suction openings 126 flows forward through the outer portion 424 towards the tip 121 of the mandrel, then flows radially inwardly to the inner tubular portion 423 and rearwardly through the inner tubular portion 423 to the inlet opening 124.

[0079] The mandrel 120 further comprises connecting conduits 127 providing fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear 122 of the mandrel and the inner tubular portion 423 of the internal mandrel space 123. In this example, the conduits have a curved shape. They have a radially inwardly and slightly forwardly directed inlet portion 428 for receiving the airflow from the annular space 115. They further comprise a rearwardly and slightly radially inwardly directed outlet portion 429 for supplying the airflow rearwardly and slightly radially inwardly to the inner tubular portion 423 of the internal mandrel space. As in the example of FIG. 3, the connecting conduits 127 are located at the rear 122 of the mandrel adjacent to the bung holder 130, i.e. immediately aft of the bung holder 130. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting conduits 127 may provide fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the rear 122 of the mandrel and the outer portion 424 of the internal mandrel space 123.

[0080] The operation of one embodiment of a cutting device, for example the embodiment of any of Figures 2-4, will now be described with reference to Figures 5A-5G. In particular, Figures 5A-5G show, in a schematic manner, a portion of the cutting device during different stages of the process of severing the rectal end of a carcass. For ease of illustration, Figures 5A-5G show less detailed views of the cutting device. However, it will be understood that the cutting device of Figures 5A-5G may have some or even all of the same features as described above with reference to any of Figures 2-4.

[0081] Figure 5A shows a longitudinal section through part of the cutting apparatus with the mandrel 120 in a retracted position. In particular, the cutting apparatus comprises a support member (not explicitly shown in Figures 5A-5G), a piercing member 110 rotatably mounted on the support member, a centering mandrel 120, a bung holder 130, and suction means 150, e.g. a vacuum pump, all as described in relation to Figure 2.

[0082] The piercing member 110 has a tubular piercing wall 111 that surrounds an interior piercing space 112. The tubular piercing wall has an open cutting end 113 defined by an edge of the tubular piercing wall that is formed as a cutting knife 114.

[0083] The centering mandrel 120 is disposed coaxially with the tubular perforated wall 111 and has a tip 121 configured to enter the rectum of the carcass. At least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular perforated wall to define an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel. The mandrel has a circumferential mandrel wall defining an interior mandrel space 123 having a rear inlet opening 124. The mandrel has a connecting conduit 127 providing fluid communication between the annular space 115 and the interior mandrel space 123.

[0084] The piercing member 110 further includes one or more vent openings 143 in the rear wall 141 of the piercing member for selectively allowing air to enter the annular space 115. In the examples of FIGS. 5A-35, two such vent openings are shown. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may include only a single vent opening, or more than one vent opening. Similarly, airflow through each vent opening may be individually controlled by a corresponding vent valve (not shown in FIGS. 5A-5G), or one or more valves may control airflow through multiple vent openings.

[0085] The suction means 150 may be a vacuum pump or other device configured to apply suction to the interior mandrel space 123 through the rear inlet opening 124, as indicated by arrow 160. The suction means therefore also applies suction to the annular portion of the interior drilling space 112 via a connecting conduit 127. The bung holder 130 is an annular cup-like element that surrounds the mandrel. The bung holder has a forward facing, open end with forward facing teeth 133 disposed along its circumference.

[0086] In FIG. 5A, the cutting device 100 is shown outside and in front of the rectal end of the carcass 3, with the open cutting end 113 of the piercing member facing the anal opening 2, prior to commencing the cutting process.

[0087] The cutting process is started by axially moving the mandrel 120 to its extended position and inserting the tip 121 of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2, as shown in Figure 5B. In particular, Figure 5B shows the cutting device with the mandrel 120 in the extended position. In this position, the cutting device 100 is ready to be inserted into the anal opening of the carcass, where the leading part of the mandrel 120 located on the outside, i.e. in front of the piercing member 110, is inserted into the anal opening 2. The initial insertion of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2 may be performed while the suction means 150 is applying suction to the inner mandrel space 123, as indicated by the arrow 160 in Figure 5B. Alternatively, the initial insertion of the mandrel into the anal opening may be performed without any suction or only with reduced added suction.

[0088] The teeth 133 of the bung holder 130 are positioned to engage the skin surface around the anal opening of the carcass. In the example of Figure 5B, the teeth are axially located slightly rearward of the cutting knife 114. However, in other embodiments, the teeth may extend slightly from the piercing member or may meet flush with the cutting knife 114.

[0089] 5C shows the cutting device with the mandrel inserted deeper into the anal opening of the carcass, with the teeth 133 of the bung holder 130 engaging the skin surrounding the anal opening. When suction is applied to the interior mandrel space 123 by the suction means 150 and to the annular space 115 via the connecting conduit 127, the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening are sucked backwards towards the open cutting end 113 of the piercing member 110, thus preventing outside air from entering the interior piercing space 112 through the open cutting end 113. Similarly, the intestinal wall 6 is sucked radially inwards, blocking the suction opening 126 in the leading portion of the mandrel 120. Furthermore, at this stage of the cutting process, the vent valve is closed to prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143. The suction means 150 therefore creates a vacuum in the internal drilling space 123 , in particular in the internal mandrel space 123 and in the annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel 120 .

[0090] As shown in FIG. 5C , as the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening is sucked toward the open cutting end 113 of the piercing member 110, the skin and tissue also closes the forward facing open end of the bung holder 130, thereby forming a bung holder volume 134 inside the bung holder 130, where a vacuum can be established by suction means 150 through one or more of the suction openings 126 in the leading portion of the mandrel 120.

[0091] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the suction means may be configured to apply additional and / or alternative suction directly to the inner annular space of the bung holder and / or the bung holder volume, for example via suitable openings and / or air conduits in the support member, mandrel, perforated wall and / or bung holder.

[0092] The cutting knife 114 of the piercing member 110 is now in a position where it can begin to cut into the carcass around the anal opening and the rectal end. The cut is performed by advancing the piercing device deeper into the carcass while rotating the tubular piercing wall 111 about its longitudinal axis by a motor (not shown) or other drive means, and continuing to apply suction to the interior mandrel space 123 by the suction means 150. During this process, the mandrel 120 is gradually drawn backwards relative to the piercing member into the interior piercing space 112. This movement may be caused by positively actuating the mandrel axially backwards, for example by a pneumatic piston. Alternatively, the slidable mandrel is simply pushed back due to the suction force pulling the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening backwards, which in turn pushes the bung holder 130 and the mandrel 120 backwards. The first function of the bung holder 130 is to apply a force to the outside of the skin 9 so that the edge of the anal opening, i.e. the intestinal wall 6 proximal to the anal opening, does not evert and cause any amount of waste to leak out of the intestinal / rectal end by passing near the tip 121 of the mandrel 120 and exiting through the anal opening. The second function of the bung holder 130 is to keep any waste that may leak through the anal opening inside the bung holder volume 134, thereby greatly reducing the area of ​​skin 9 that may be contaminated by waste compared to prior art systems. Thus, during cutting, the bung holder 130 also reduces the risk of contaminants from inside the rectum being sucked out of the anal opening into the annular space 115, as it acts to prevent the inner intestinal wall from being sucked backwards through the anal opening.

[0093] 5D shows the cutting device during the cutting process with the piercing member 110 having penetrated the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening of the carcass and with the mandrel 120 and bung holder 130 partially retracted rearwardly into the interior piercing space 112 of the piercing member 110. Additionally, the severed skin and tissue is being sucked rearwardly of the piercing member 110.

[0094] 5E shows the cutting device 100 having penetrated further into the carcass and severed the rectal end of the carcass. At this stage, the mandrel 120 is in the retracted position and the opening 128 or connecting conduit 127 is located at the rear end of the interior piercing space 112.

[0095] When the cut is completed and the piercing member is to be withdrawn again from the carcass, the vent valve of the cutting device is opened to allow air to enter the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143, as shown by arrow 161. Thus, the vacuum inside the piercing member is released or at least significantly reduced, and the skin and tissue inside the piercing member can be pulled back from the piercing member by the elastic intestinal wall 6 as the cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass. Furthermore, the suction means 150 continues to apply suction to the internal mandrel space, as shown by arrow 160, thus causing an air flow through the vent opening 143 into the annular space 115, further through the connecting conduit 127 into the internal mandrel space 123, and rearwardly out of the internal mandrel space through the inlet opening 124, as shown by arrow 162. The air allowed to enter by the vent valve may be ambient air at atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the air may be compressed air, or air at a controlled pressure, or air actively pumped into the interior mandrel space 123 through the vent openings 143. This air flow 162 may carry away some or even all of the contaminants that have entered the annular space 115 from the piercing members. In particular, as explained above, the bung holder 130 reduces the risk of such contaminants entering the annular space 115 from inside the intestine during cutting. Nevertheless, some contaminants may still enter the annular space 115. Washing these contaminants out of the annular space 115 by the air flow 162 that occurs during withdrawal of the piercing members from the carcass therefore further reduces the risk that contaminants are left behind outside the carcass after the cutting process is completed.

[0096] 5F shows the cutting device after it has been partially withdrawn from the carcass 3. Notably, the severed tissue has fallen off the mandrel 120 and bung holder 130 due to the elastic forces of the intestinal wall 6. Continuing to ventilate the annular space 115 through vent openings 143 while applying suction 160 flushes some or all of the remaining contaminants from the annular space 115 and from the inner mandrel space 123 out of the piercing member, preventing the remaining contaminants from falling onto the carcass 3 as the cutting device is withdrawn.

[0097] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, different flow directions may be established for the airflow between the vent and inlet openings during continued suction as the piercing device is withdrawn from the carcass, for example by varying the location of the opening at the tip of the mandrel, the location of the vent and / or inlet openings, and / or the location of the connecting conduit. It will further be appreciated that instead of allowing the severed rectum end to drop into the cutting hole, the severed rectum end may be initially held inside the piercing member by the vacuum, with the rectum end positioned outside the cutting hole.

[0098] FIG. 5G shows the cutting device after it has been completely removed from the carcass 3.

[0099] Figures 6A-6E show diagrammatically another embodiment of a cutting device and its operation. The cutting device of Figures 6A-6E is similar to the cutting device of Figures 2-4 and 5A-5G in that it comprises a punch member 110 rotatably mounted on a support member (not explicitly shown in Figures 6A-6E), a centering mandrel 120 and suction means 150, e.g. a vacuum pump.

[0100] The piercing member 110 has a tubular piercing wall 111 surrounding an internal piercing space 112. The tubular piercing wall has an open cutting end 113 defined by an edge of the tubular piercing wall formed as a cutting knife 114. The centering mandrel 120 is coaxially disposed with the tubular piercing wall 111 and has a tip 121 configured to enter the anal opening 2 of the carcass 3. At least a portion of the mandrel 120 is circumferentially surrounded by the tubular piercing wall 111 to define an annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel. The mandrel 120 has a circumferential mandrel wall 115 defining an internal mandrel space 123, the internal mandrel space 123 having a rear inlet opening 124. The mandrel has one or more connecting conduits 127 that provide fluid communication between the annular space 115 and the internal mandrel space 123. The one or more connecting conduits 127 are located at the rear end of the internal drilling space 112 adjacent the end wall 141 of the drilling member. The mandrel 120 further has one or more suction openings 126 in its peripheral wall 125. The one or more suction openings 126 are located proximal to the tip 121 of the mandrel 120. It will be appreciated that in some alternative embodiments the one or more suction openings may be located elsewhere or may even be omitted. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the one or more connecting conduits may be located elsewhere or may even be omitted. In such an embodiment, the cutting device may have a separate inlet opening to allow the suction means to apply suction directly to the annular space.

[0101] The cutting device further includes a vent valve 142 which may be housed in the support member and is configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143 and selectively prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143.

[0102] The suction means 150 may be a vacuum pump or other device configured to apply suction to the interior mandrel space 123 through the rear inlet opening 124, as indicated by arrow 160. The suction means therefore also applies suction to the annular portion 115 of the interior drilling space 112 via the connecting conduit 127. The mandrel of the cutting device of Figures 6A-6E is arranged axially fixed relative to the drilling member 110, with its tip 121 extending from the open cutting end 113. The cutting device of Figures 6A-6E further differs from the cutting device of Figures 3-4 and Figures 5A-5G in that the cutting device of Figures 6A-6E does not have a bung holder.

[0103] 6A shows a longitudinal cut through the cutting device positioned in front of the anal opening 2 of the carcass 3, with the tip 121 of the mandrel 120 facing the anal opening 2. In this position the cutting device is ready to start cutting out the rectal end of the carcass 3. The suction means 150 is activated and applies suction to the inner mandrel space 123 via the inlet opening 124. The suction means 150 thus applies suction to the annular space 115 via the connecting conduit 127 as well as to the suction at the suction opening 126. Alternatively, the initial insertion of the mandrel into the anal opening may be performed without any suction or with only a weakened suction applied.

[0104] The cutting process is started by inserting the tip 121 of the mandrel 120 into the anal opening 2, as shown in Figure 6B. In particular, Figure 6B shows the cutting device with the mandrel 120 inserted into the anal opening of the carcass. When suction is applied by the suction means 150 to the inner mandrel space 123 and via the connecting conduit 127 to the annular space 115, the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening are sucked backwards towards the open cutting end of the piercing member. Similarly, the intestinal wall is sucked radially inwards, blocking the opening 126 of the leading portion of the mandrel. Furthermore, at this stage of the cutting process, the vent valve 142 is closed to prevent air from entering the annular space 115 through the vent opening 143. The suction means 150 thus creates a vacuum in the inner piercing space 112, in particular in the inner mandrel space 123 and the annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel 120. The suction can cause a portion of the intestinal wall 6 to bulge from the anal opening into the internal piercing space 112. This may also cause a small amount of intestinal contents to be sucked into the internal piercing space 112 as contaminant 7. The cutting knife 114 of the piercing member 110 is now in a position where it can begin to cut into the carcass around the anal opening and the rectal end. The cut is performed by advancing the piercing device further into the carcass 3 while rotating the tubular piercing wall 111 about its longitudinal axis by a motor (not shown) and continuing to apply suction to the internal mandrel space 123 by the suction means 150.

[0105] 6C shows the cutting apparatus with the piercing member 110 having pierced the skin and tissue surrounding the anal opening of the carcass and the mandrel 120 having advanced further into the anal opening. Additionally, the severed skin and tissue has been aspirated rearward of the piercing member 110. Contaminant material 7 that has escaped from the anal opening is similarly aspirated towards the rear end of the internal piercing space 112, with some of the contaminant material being aspirated out of the cutting apparatus through the connecting conduit 127 and the inlet opening 124. Similarly, at least some of the contaminant material that may have been aspirated into the internal mandrel space 123 through opening 126 as the mandrel progressed further inside the carcass is aspirated out of the cutting apparatus through the inlet opening 124.

[0106] When the cut is completed and the cutting device is again about to be withdrawn from the carcass, the vent valve 142 is opened, as shown in Figure 6D. In particular, Figure 6D shows the cutting device after the rectal end of the carcass has been severed, where the vent valve 142 is now opened to allow air to enter the annular space 155 through the vent opening 143, as indicated by arrow 161. Thus, the vacuum inside the piercing member is released, or at least significantly reduced, and the skin and tissue inside the piercing member can be pulled out by the elastic intestinal wall as the cutting device is withdrawn from the carcass.

[0107] 5A-5G, the suction means 150 continues to apply suction to the interior mandrel space 123, as indicated by arrows 160, thereby causing an air flow through the vent openings 143 into the annular space 115, through the connecting conduit 127 into the interior mandrel space 123, and back out of the interior mandrel space through the inlet openings 124. This air flow can carry some or even all of the remaining contaminants that have entered the annular space out of the cutting apparatus through the inlet openings 124.

[0108] 6E shows the cutting device after it has been pulled from the carcass. Notably, the severed tissue has fallen off the mandrel due to the elastic forces of the intestinal wall. Continuing to suction 160 while venting annular space 155 through vent opening 143 flushes most or even all of the remaining contaminants from annular space 115 and prevents them from falling onto the carcass as the cutting device is withdrawn.

[0109] In Figures 5A-5G and 5A-6E, the vent valve is controlled to only allow airflow through the vent opening or openings after the rectal end of the carcass has been severed. Generally, in some embodiments, the cutting device may allow airflow through the vent openings into the interior piercing space during the cutting process. In some embodiments, the cutting device may allow no or reduced airflow into the interior piercing space through the vent openings while the piercing members cut into the carcass to allow the suction means to create a sufficient vacuum in the interior piercing space. After the rectal end has been severed, when the rectal end is released from the interior puncture space through the open cutting end, for example during and / or after withdrawal of the cutting device from the carcass, the cutting device may be configured to allow airflow, or allow increased airflow that is greater than the reduced airflow, into the interior puncture space through one or more vent openings while continuing to apply suction through the one or more inlet openings, thus facilitating efficient cleaning and removal of contaminants from the interior puncture space.

[0110] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a cutting device, such as that of Figure 2. The embodiment of Figure 7 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 6A-6E in that it has a punching member 110 rotatably mounted on a support member for rotation about its longitudinal axis, and a centering mandrel 120 circumferentially surrounded by a tubular punching wall 111 of the punching member 110 and arranged coaxially therewith, all similar to the description in connection with Figures 6A-6E, except for the following modification of the mandrel.

[0111] 6A-6E, the mandrel 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 has a mandrel wall 125 that defines an interior mandrel space. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the interior mandrel space includes an inner tubular portion 723 and an outer portion 724 that circumferentially surrounds the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion 723 extends axially between an open end 726 proximate the tip 121 of the mandrel 120 and an aft end proximate the aft portion of the mandrel. The inner tubular portion 723 is coaxial with the mandrel 120. The aft portion of the mandrel 120 has an inlet opening 124. The inlet opening 124 is configured to provide fluid communication between the inner tubular portion 723 of the interior mandrel space and is connected to a suction means (not explicitly shown in FIG. 7), e.g., a vacuum pump, configured to apply a rearward suction to the inner tubular portion 723 of the interior mandrel space through the inlet opening 124.

[0112] The outer portion 724 of the internal mandrel space is disposed radially outward relative to the inner tubular portion 723 and is radially separated therefrom by a partition tubular wall 725. The outer portion is thus provided as an annular space completely surrounding the inner tubular portion 723. The outer portion 724 is fluidly connected to the inner tubular portion 723 at the open tip of the inner tubular portion. The outer portion 724 of the internal mandrel space extends axially between the mandrel tip 121 to the mandrel rear end. The mandrel wall 125 of the mandrel 120 has suction openings 126 disposed around the circumference of the leading portion of the mandrel 120 as described in relation to Figures 6A-6E. The mandrel 120 further has a connecting conduit 127 providing fluid communication between the annular space 115 surrounding the mandrel rear end 122 and the outer portion 724 of the internal mandrel space. Similar to the example of Figures 6A-6E, the connecting conduit 127 is located at the rear of the mandrel adjacent the rear wall 141 of the piercing member.

[0113] As in the previous example, one or more vent valves 142 selectively permit airflow through the vent openings 143 into the annular space 115 during withdrawal of the piercing members from the carcass upon completion of the cut. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, rearward suction 160 is applied to the inner tubular portion 723 of the interior mandrel space during withdrawal of the piercing members from the carcass. The suction causes airflow entering the annular space 115 through the vent openings 143, including contaminants that may have accumulated at the rear of the annular space 115, to flow radially inward through the connecting conduit 127 to the outer portion 724 of the interior mandrel space. The airflow continues axially forward inside the outer portion 724 of the interior mandrel space to the tip 121 of the mandrel, then through the radially inward opening tip 726 to the inner tubular portion 723, then rearward through the inner tubular portion to the inlet opening 124. Similarly, any contaminants that may have been sucked into the interior mandrel space through the suction openings 126 during cutting are also flushed back out through the inner tubular portion 723 of the interior mandrel space.

Claims

1. 1. A cutting device for separating the rectal end of an animal carcass, comprising: A support member; a punching member rotatably mounted on the support member, the punching member having a tubular punching wall enclosing an interior punching space, the punching wall having an open cutting end and a rear end opposite the open cutting end; a centering mandrel disposed coaxially with said perforated wall, said mandrel having a distal end configured to penetrate the anal opening of said carcass, at least a portion of said mandrel being circumferentially surrounded by said perforated wall to define an annular space circumferentially surrounding said mandrel; suction means for applying suction to said interior drilling space through one or more inlet openings; It is equipped with the cutting device further comprising one or more vent openings distinct from the one or more inlet openings and distinct from the open cutting end, the vent openings configured to allow air to enter the interior drilling space.

2. the suction means is configured to apply suction to the annular space circumferentially surrounding the mandrel.

2. The cutting device of claim 1.

3. the suction means is configured to create a vacuum within the annular space in order to suck the already severed rectal end and a portion of the surrounding tissue inside the internal puncture space; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the one or more ventilation openings are configured to allow air to enter the internal drilling space, in particular the annular space surrounding the mandrel, while the suction means applies suction through the one or more inlet openings to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. configured to establish a unidirectional airflow from the one or more vent openings to the one or more inlet openings without airflow reversal to flush contaminants from the interior perforated space; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. configured to allow air to enter the interior puncture space through the one or more vent openings only after insertion of the open cutting end into the carcass or after severing of the rectal end; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. configured to allow air to enter the interior puncture space through the one or more vent openings only during and / or after withdrawal of the open cut end from the carcass and / or from the severed rectal end; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. one or more vent valves configured to control airflow through the one or more vent openings into the interior drilling space; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. wherein the one or more vent valves are configured to selectively allow air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings after severing the rectal end and during and / or after withdrawal of the open cut end from the carcass while suction is applied to at least the annular space surrounding the mandrel by the suction means; 9. The cutting device of claim 8.

10. the one or more vent valves are configured to selectively prevent air from fully or partially entering the annular space through the one or more vent openings while the cutting device is advancing into the carcass to cut tissue; 9. The cutting device of claim 8.

11. a control means for controlling operation of the one or more vent valves; The control means during an initial cutting stage, partially or fully closing the one or more vent valves and controlling the suction means to create a vacuum in the annular space surrounding at least the mandrel; During a subsequent drawing step, the one or more vent valves are partially or fully opened and the suction means is controlled to apply suction to the annular space surrounding at least the mandrel. It is configured as follows:

9. The cutting device of claim 8.

12. the one or more vent openings are located proximal to a rear end of the perforated wall portion; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the mandrel having a mandrel wall defining an interior mandrel space; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the mandrel wall has one or more suction openings located proximal to the tip of the mandrel; 14. The cutting device of claim 13.

15. the mandrel has the one or more inlet openings, the suction means being configured to apply suction to the interior mandrel space via the one or more inlet openings, and / or the mandrel has one or more connecting conduits configured to provide fluid communication between the interior mandrel space and the annular space surrounding the mandrel.

14. The cutting device of claim 13.

16. the internal mandrel space has an inner tubular portion and an outer portion circumferentially at least partially surrounding the inner tubular portion and radially separated from the inner tubular portion by the one or more partition walls, the inner tubular portion having a leading end proximal to a leading end of the mandrel and a trailing end opposite the leading end, the inner tubular portion being fluidly connected to the outer portion at the leading end of the inner tubular portion, the inner tubular portion having the one or more inlet openings, and the suction means configured to apply suction to the inner tubular portion of the internal mandrel space via the one or more inlet openings in a direction away from the leading end of the inner tubular portion.

16. The cutting device of claim 15.

17. the mandrel is axially fixedly disposed relative to the piercing member, the leading end of the mandrel protruding from the open cut end of the tubular piercing wall, and the one or more connecting conduits being disposed proximal to the rear end of the piercing wall; 16. The cutting device of claim 15.

18. the mandrel is axially movable between at least a retracted position and an extended position, and when the mandrel is in its extended position, the tip of the mandrel protrudes from the open cut end of the drilling wall, and when the mandrel is in its retracted position, the tip of the mandrel is located inside the internal drilling space; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

19. The mandrel is axially movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, and when the mandrel is in its extended position, the tip of the mandrel protrudes from the open cut end of the drilling wall portion, and when the mandrel is in its retracted position, the tip of the mandrel is located inside the internal drilling space; the one or more connecting conduits are located inside the internal drilling space when the mandrel is in its retracted position and when the mandrel is in its extended position, and / or the one or more connecting conduits are located adjacent the rear end of the drilling wall when the mandrel is in its retracted position.

16. The cutting device of claim 15.

20. The apparatus further includes a bung holder circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the mandrel.

3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

21. one or more suction conduits fluidly connecting the suction means to the annular space surrounding the mandrel; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

22. further comprising one or more vent conduits for transporting airflow into the interior perforation space through the one or more vent openings, the vent conduits being physically separate from the suction conduit to which suction is applied; 22. The cutting device of claim 21.

23. wherein the suction means is configured to establish a pressure differential between the annular space surrounding the mandrel and the outside of the piercing member when the open cut end of the tubular piercing wall contacts a carcass and is substantially closed by carcass tissue; 3. A cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

24. 1. A method for separating the rectal end of an animal carcass by cutting around the anal opening and the rectal end with a cutting device, comprising: advancing a tip of a mandrel into the anal opening of the animal carcass; cutting the carcass around the anal opening and along a portion of the rectal end with an open cutting end of a tubular perforating wall of a rotating perforating member, wherein the tubular perforating wall defines an interior perforation space, and at least a portion of the mandrel is circumferentially surrounded by the perforating wall to define an annular space surrounding the mandrel; applying suction to the interior drilling space via one or more inlet openings to form a vacuum in at least the annular space during the drilling; allowing air to enter the annular space through one or more vent openings in the cutting device, the one or more vent openings being distinct from the one or more inlet openings and distinct from the open cut end of the perforated wall; A method comprising:

25. applying suction includes applying suction to at least the annular space through the one or more inlet openings.

25. The method of claim 24.

26. and aspirating the previously separated rectal end and a portion of the surrounding tissue into the internal puncture space.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25.

27. withdrawing the piercing member and the mandrel from the carcass; applying suction to at least the annular space through the one or more inlet openings during and / or after withdrawing the piercing member and mandrel from the carcass. It contains allowing air to enter the annular space includes allowing air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings at least during and / or after withdrawal of the piercing member and mandrel from the carcass.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25.

28. allowing air to enter the annular space through the one or more vent openings during and / or only after withdrawal of the piercing member and mandrel from the carcass; 28. The method of claim 27.

29. controlling airflow into the interior drilling space through the one or more vent openings by operating one or more vent valves; 26. The method of claim 24 or 25.

30. a robot having at least one industrial manipulator; At least one cutting device according to claim 1 or 2 connected to said at least one industrial manipulator; A cutting system comprising:

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