Pre-evisceration device

Abstract

1. A pre-evisceration device for preparing a poultry carcass for evisceration, the poultry carcass including a head cut off, a neck and at least a portion of the neck skin, and a viscera pack including at least the esophagus and crop, the pre-evisceration device comprising a neck skin remover configured to remove at least a portion of the neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of processing slaughtered poultry carcasses, especially at the stage of preparation for evisceration or evisceration itself. [Background technology]

[0002] After poultry is slaughtered, the viscera pack is removed from the carcass. This is usually done through a discharge opening while the carcass is hanging upside down, for example by using an evisceration tool. The viscera pack is usually not completely disentangled from the rest of the carcass before evisceration, which means that some connections between the viscera pack and the carcass must be broken by the force used to pull the viscera pack from the carcass during evisceration.

[0003] Some types of poultry, such as chickens, have a crop. The crop is an enlarged muscular pouch near the esophagus or throat. It is part of the digestive tract and is essentially an enlarged portion of the esophagus. The crop is used to temporarily store food. Poultry about to be slaughtered are generally not fed for a period of time, and as a result, the crop of slaughtered poultry is considered to be empty. The crop is generally located in the breast between the breast tenderloins, adjacent to the tip of the sternum, and therefore adjacent to the wishbone as well. Although the crop itself is fragile and weak, both ends of the crop are firmly connected to the esophagus and trachea, with one end adjacent to the body cavity and the other end near the neck. Typically, an evisceration instrument contacts the crop connection at the end adjacent to the body cavity.

[0004] A common problem during evisceration is the potential for crop rupture due to the force used to pull the viscera pack from the carcass. It is estimated that this can occur in up to 60% of chickens if no additional measures are taken. If the crop ruptures, additional cleaning steps may be required to remove the crop contents that have contaminated the poultry meat, as well as to remove any parts of the viscera pack that remain on the poultry carcass, such as part of the crop and esophagus. Such cleaning steps are disclosed, for example, in EP 1247453.

[0005] EP 3426050, incorporated herein by reference, attempts to reduce contamination with crop residue and contents during the evisceration process by making a longitudinal slit in the neck and then entering the slit with a release instrument to release at least a portion of the esophagus and trachea at the neck side of the crop. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1247453 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3426050 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least partially mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art or at least to provide an alternative. A particular object of the present invention is to reduce the number of crops that are ruptured during evisceration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved by a pre-evisceration device for preparing a poultry carcass for evisceration, the poultry carcass optionally having its head cut off; At least a portion of the neck and neck skin; a viscera pack including at least an esophagus and a crop; Including, The pre-evisceration device comprises a neck skin remover configured to remove at least a portion of the neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack.

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to a pre-evisceration device that is meant to be used before evisceration. For example, the pre-evisceration device can be arranged in a processing line, with the evisceration device being arranged in a processing station downstream of the pre-evisceration device. It is also possible for the pre-evisceration device and the evisceration device to be combined in a single processing station. The pre-evisceration device can, for example, be part of a carousel device comprising multiple pre-evisceration devices, or can be embodied as an in-line linear arrangement in the processing line.

[0010] In the pre-evisceration device, poultry carcasses are prepared for evisceration. The poultry carcasses may be, for example, chicken carcasses of turkey carcasses. It is noted that in this context, the carcasses need not be complete carcasses, i.e., may be considered carcass parts. Poultry carcasses are typically pre-headed, optionally in a processing station in the same processing line upstream of the pre-evisceration device, so that at least the head may be removed. However, it is noted that the present invention also contemplates that the neck skin may be removed before the poultry carcass is decapitated. The poultry carcass includes at least a portion of the neck skin, although additional carcass parts may optionally be pre-removed. Optionally, the poultry carcasses include legs and / or feet of the poultry, and the pre-evisceration device comprises an overhead conveyor system having a plurality of shackles configured to hold the poultry carcasses suspended by the legs as they move through the pre-evisceration device.

[0011] The poultry carcass further comprises a viscera pack comprising at least the esophagus and crop. The esophagus is, for example, still connected to the neck (and / or neck tissue and / or neck skin). Typically, the viscera pack comprises further organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and trachea. The viscera pack is subsequently eviscerated from the poultry carcass, for example, in an evisceration device. Typically, the purpose of the evisceration device is to completely remove the viscera pack in one processing step.

[0012] The pre-evisceration device comprises a neck skin remover configured to remove at least a portion of the neck skin from the poultry carcass. This therefore occurs prior to evisceration of the viscera pack, meaning that at least the esophagus and crop remain on the poultry carcass. The neck skin is thus disentangled from the esophagus and removed. Optionally, substantially all of the neck skin is removed from the poultry carcass. The neck skin remover can function in a variety of ways, some of which are set forth in more detail herein.

[0013] Thus, the present invention involves removing the neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack. The inventors have found that without this measure, the crop is often the weakest link in the viscera pack and therefore may rupture during evisceration. However, the neck skin strengthens the connection of the esophagus. By removing the neck skin, the esophagus is not as strongly connected to the poultry carcass. This provides a predefined weakest link so that this connection ruptures instead of the crop during evisceration.

[0014] In an embodiment, the neck skin remover comprises a skin gripper configured to grip the neck skin and a skin slitter configured to make a slit in the neck skin. Optionally, the neck skin remover is configured to apply a pulling force to the neck skin after the slit is made to remove the neck skin from the poultry carcass. Optionally, the skin gripper is configured to apply said pulling force to the neck skin. For example, the skin gripper may pull the neck skin in a direction away from the poultry carcass. Making the slit before pulling the neck skin has the advantage that the location at which the neck skin is torn is better defined. It should be noted that a neck skin remover that applies a pulling force after the slit is made does not exclude the neck skin remover already applying said pulling force before, and optionally while, the slit is made (in addition to after the slit is made).

[0015] The neck skin remover may, for example, include a drive mechanism for moving the skin gripper. The drive mechanism may, for example, include an actuator controlled, for example, by a control unit. The drive mechanism may, for example, include a cam follower mechanism, a driven wheel that follows, for example, a cam track, for example, on a drum of a carousel. The skin gripper may, for example, include one or more rollers. The skin gripper may, for example, include pinchers or jaws (e.g., including two jaw elements). The skin slitter may, for example, include a fixed blade or a rotating blade.

[0016] The neck skin remover may be configured to generate the pulling force by, for example, relative movement between the skin gripper and the poultry carcass. The relative movement can be achieved, for example, by moving the skin gripper relative to the poultry carcass. The relative movement can be achieved, for example, by moving the poultry carcass relative to the skin gripper. The relative movement can be achieved, for example, by moving the skin gripper and the poultry carcass in opposite directions. The relative movement can be, for example, horizontal, vertical, angular, or a combination thereof. A shackle of the conveyor may be configured, for example, to move the poultry carcass relative to the skin gripper.

[0017] In some embodiments, the skin gripper may be configured to grip the skin before the slit is made, at which point the skin may already be held tighter, which may make it easier to make the slit at a well-defined location.

[0018] In some embodiments, the skin gripper may be configured to grip the skin after the slit is made. The presence of the slit can make it easier to grip the skin and immediately apply a pulling force.

[0019] In embodiments, the skin slitter is configured to create slits in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the neck. For example, if the poultry carcass is suspended from the legs, the slits may be horizontal. It has been found that creating slits in this direction allows for better definition of the location at which the neck skin will split from the neck than if the slits were created longitudinally. Substantially perpendicular may involve the angle between the longitudinal direction and the direction in which the slits extend being slightly more or less than 90 degrees, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees.

[0020] Optionally, the neck skin remover is configured to apply a pulling force in a direction perpendicular to the slit, e.g., parallel to the longitudinal direction. For example, if the poultry carcass is suspended by the legs, the pulling force may be downward. This further ensures that the location where the neck skin is torn from the neck is well defined.

[0021] Optionally, the skin slitting device is configured to make slits on the breast side of the neck of the poultry. Optionally, the skin slitting device is configured to make slits at the breast end of the neck. Optionally, the skin slitting device is configured to make slits on the dorsal side of the neck of the poultry. Optionally, the skin slitting device is configured to make slits at the dorsal end of the neck, both of which are opposite the head end of the neck.

[0022] In embodiments, the skin grasper comprises a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion configured to close toward each other to grasp the neck skin. Optionally, the skin grasper is configured to simultaneously move the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion to separate the neck skin from the neck. Optionally, the pre-evisceration device is configured to move the poultry carcass away from the skin grasper to separate the neck skin from the neck. Thus, the neck skin can be grasped between the jaw portions and then separated from the poultry carcass by moving the jaw portions and the poultry carcass relative to each other. The neck skin grabber can comprise, for example, a drive mechanism having, for example, an actuator and / or a cam follower mechanism, for moving the jaw portions. The drive mechanism may comprise, for example, a first pivot for the first jaw portion and a second pivot for the second jaw portion configured to pivot the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion between an open position for receiving the neck and a closed position for grasping the neck skin. Optionally, the first jaw portion and / or the second jaw portion have a toothed profile, e.g., including a plurality of protrusions and recesses, e.g., the protrusions of the first jaw portion are configured to be positioned within the recesses of the second jaw portion when the first and second jaw portions are closed toward each other. This interlocking in the closed position can improve gripping of the neck skin. The first and / or second jaw portions may be embodied, for example, as skin-grasping blocks.

[0023] In an embodiment, the skin gripper includes a rotatable gripper roll and an opposing member, and the skin gripper is configured to grip the neck skin between the rotatable gripper roll and the opposing member and separate the neck skin from the neck by rotating the rotatable gripper roll. The opposing member may be, for example, stationary or may be, for example, a shoe. The opposing member may be, for example, a second rotatable gripper roller. The rotatable gripper roller(s) may have, for example, a helical, linear profile. The neck skin remover may include, for example, a drive mechanism, for example, one or more motors, for rotating the rotatable gripper roller(s).

[0024] In embodiments, the skin gripper comprises a first skin gripper block pivotable about a first pivot axis and a second skin gripping block pivotable about a second pivot axis, the first skin gripping block and the second skin gripping block being configured to pivot about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, respectively, between an open position for receiving neck skin and a closed position for gripping the neck skin, the movement from the open position to the closed position may involve a pivoting movement of, for example, less than 90 degrees, for example less than 45 degrees.

[0025] Optionally, the first and second skin-gripping blocks both include a grooved profile having a plurality of grooves and recesses, wherein in the closed position, the grooves of the first skin-gripping block are disposed within the recesses of the second skin-gripping block, and vice versa, and optionally the grooves extend at angles to both the horizontal and vertical directions. The inventors have found that the grooved profile helps to further pull the neck skin between the first and second skin-gripping blocks when the first and second skin-gripping blocks are moved to the closed position.

[0026] Optionally, both the first skin-gripping block and the second skin-gripping block have a neck-facing surface having a curvature, the surface being configured to face and engage with the neck when the first skin-gripping block and the second skin-gripping block are disposed in the closed position. The curvature may, for example, match the curvature of the neck. By providing this neck-facing surface with a curve, it is possible to prevent the neck from being pulled together with the neck skin between the first skin-gripping block and the second skin-gripping block.

[0027] In an embodiment, the hide slitter includes a fixed blade. The poultry carcass may be moved relative to the fixed blade, for example, by a conveyor system.

[0028] In an embodiment, the leather slitter includes a rotating blade.

[0029] In an embodiment, the hide slitter includes a blade that is moved relative to the poultry carcass, optionally while the poultry carcass and blade are moved simultaneously in the conveying direction. This may be an advantageous embodiment, for example, when the pre-evisceration apparatus is part of a carousel machine.

[0030] In an embodiment, the leather slitter comprises a first blade and a second blade configured to perform a cutting motion to create a slit in the neck leather.

[0031] In embodiments, the pre-evisceration apparatus further comprises a disentangling unit configured to disentangle at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the esophagus after the neck skin is removed by the neck skin remover. This may be advantageous to further weaken the connection between the esophagus and the poultry carcass. Thus, the connection may be weaker than the crop, thereby ensuring that the breaking point during evisceration is the connection between the esophagus and the poultry carcass, and not the crop. Furthermore, with the neck skin removed, the disentangling unit can easily reach the tissue to be disentangled. The tissue may include, for example, membranes, muscles, blood vessels, and tendons. The disentangling unit may optionally comprise one or more disentangling members configured to move. Optionally, the disentangling unit comprises a drive mechanism for moving the disentangling member(s), which may include, for example, a motor, an actuator, and / or a cam follower mechanism. Optionally, the poultry carcass is moved relative to the disentangling member(s) to disentangle the tissue.

[0032] In an embodiment, the disentangling unit is further configured to disentangle at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the trachea after the neck skin has been removed by the skin grasper. The trachea is also typically removed during evisceration and is similarly connected to the neck of the poultry carcass. Disentangling the tissue weakens the connection, which is preferably weaker than the crop to ensure that the breaking point during evisceration is not the crop.

[0033] In embodiments, the disentanglement unit comprises at least one disentanglement member, optionally two disentanglement members, configured to move longitudinally relative to the esophagus to disentangle tissue. For example, if the poultry carcass is suspended by its legs, the disentanglement member(s) may be configured to move downward, or the poultry carcass can move upward (e.g., because the conveyor is configured accordingly). For example, if the disentanglement unit has two disentanglement members, each disentanglement member may engage tissue on both sides (e.g., left and right) of the esophagus and / or trachea. The disentanglement member(s) may be, for example, pin(s). Optionally, the disentanglement member(s) are not sharp, for example, the disentanglement member(s) are rounded, square, triangular, blunt, or blunt. That is, the disentangling member(s) are not blades or knives.

[0034] In embodiments, the disentangling unit includes at least one disentangling member configured to disentangle tissue, the disentangling member configured to have the same relative movement with respect to the poultry carcass as the skin gripper to apply a pulling force. For example, the skin gripper and the disentangling member may be configured to move simultaneously. For example, the skin gripper and the disentangling member may be configured to be held stationary while the poultry carcass is moved.

[0035] In an embodiment, the disentangling unit comprises a hook-shaped disentangling member having a hook-shaped bend configured to be positioned around the esophagus, and the disentangling member configured to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the esophagus to disentangle the tissue.

[0036] In an embodiment, the pre-evisceration apparatus further comprises a neck positioner configured to position the neck of the poultry carcass in a predetermined position before the neck skin is removed. The neck positioner may, for example, be configured to move with the poultry carcass through the pre-evisceration apparatus.

[0037] The neck positioner may include, for example, a neck support for placing the neck region of a poultry carcass. The neck support may include, for example, two neck plates. The neck support may be configured to support the neck, for example, when the skin gripper grips the neck skin and / or when the skin slitter creates a slit, and may optionally be configured to stop supporting the neck before or while a pulling force is applied to the neck skin. Optionally, the neck support is configured to be moved between an open position to allow the neck to be placed within the neck positioner and a closed position to support the neck. Optionally, the neck support can pivot about a pivot axis for movement between the open and closed positions.

[0038] The neck positioner may include, for example, a shoulder support for placing the shoulder region of a poultry carcass. The shoulder support may include, for example, two shoulder support extensions, each for supporting a shoulder, and a recess between the shoulder support extensions for receiving the neck.

[0039] In embodiments, the pre-evisceration apparatus further comprises a breast support configured to support a breast region of the poultry carcass. Optionally, the breast support is configured to be moved between an open position to allow the neck to be placed in the neck positioner and a closed position to support the breast. Optionally, the breast support is pivotable about a pivot axis for movement between the open and closed positions.

[0040] In embodiments, the pre-evisceration device further comprises a skin collector configured to receive the neck skin after it has been removed from the neck. The skin collector may be, for example, a hopper, a conveyor belt, or a collection bin.

[0041] Optionally, the pre-evisceration device further comprises a neck skin tracking system configured to enable identification from which poultry carcass the neck skin has been removed. Optionally, the neck skin is traceable at least until the poultry carcass is subjected to inspection. Such inspection is typically performed after evisceration based on the eviscerated viscera pack. If the poultry carcass is unfit for (human) consumption, for example due to disease, it may be possible to visually notice from the viscera pack. In such cases, the previously removed poultry carcass part is typically also unsuitable for (human) consumption. The neck skin tracking system enables removal of the neck skin in such cases, thereby simultaneously enabling the neck skin of a healthy poultry carcass to be used for (human) consumption.

[0042] The neck skin tracking system may, for example, comprise a conveyor band configured to transport neck skins simultaneously with, and optionally side-by-side with, the poultry carcass. The neck skin tracking system may, for example, comprise a neck skin container for each neck skin, the neck skin containers being trackable, for example, via a bar code or QR code.

[0043] In embodiments, the pre-evisceration apparatus further includes an overhead conveyor including a plurality of shackles, each configured to hold a poultry carcass suspended by its legs with the neck hanging downward and move the poultry carcass in a conveying direction. The overhead conveyor may be embodied according to any of the variations known to those skilled in the art. The overhead conveyor may, for example, move the poultry carcasses through the pre-evisceration apparatus. The overhead conveyor may be configured to keep the poultry carcasses moving while the pre-evisceration apparatus removes the neck skin, for example, if the pre-evisceration apparatus is part of a carousel machine. The overhead conveyor may be configured to keep the poultry carcasses stationary while the pre-evisceration apparatus removes the neck skin.

[0044] The present invention further relates to an evisceration system comprising a pre-evisceration device according to any of the preceding embodiments described herein and an evisceration device comprising an evisceration tool for eviscerating a viscera pack including the crop and esophagus from the discharge end of a poultry carcass after the neck skin has been removed from the poultry carcass by the pre-evisceration device. The pre-evisceration device and evisceration device may be arranged in a single processing station or distributed over two (e.g., subsequent) processing stations. The evisceration device may be embodied in any of the variations known to those skilled in the art, for example, by applying one or more of the features and / or steps of EP 3171699, EP 2779836, or EP 1764001, which are incorporated herein by reference. The evisceration tool may be, for example, an evisceration spoon.

[0045] The present invention further relates to a poultry processing system comprising a plurality of pre-evisceration devices or evisceration systems according to any of the embodiments described herein integrated into a carousel machine, and / or a plurality of skin grippers integrated into the carousel machine, and a single skin slitter located on the periphery of the carousel machine. The carousel machine can advantageously enable accurate processing while maintaining high speeds in the processing line. For example, the multiple skin grippers may be configured to move in a circular orbit within the carousel machine while gripping neck skins from poultry carcasses. Optionally, a single skin slitter can be provided for multiple (optionally fixed) neck skin removers located on the periphery of the carousel machine.

[0046] The present invention further relates to one or more methods. The methods can be performed using an apparatus according to the present invention, but neither the apparatus nor the method is limited thereto. Features described herein with reference to the apparatus have the same meaning with respect to the method, unless expressly defined otherwise. Features described with reference to the apparatus can be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the method to achieve similar advantages.

[0047] The objects of the present invention may be achieved by a method for preparing a poultry carcass for evisceration, comprising removing at least a portion of the neck skin from the poultry carcass, for example by using a pre-evisceration apparatus or evisceration system according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0048] The object of the present invention is, for example, a method for preparing the evisceration of a poultry carcass, the poultry carcass being optionally decapitated, At least a portion of the neck and neck skin; a viscera pack including at least an esophagus and a crop; Including, The method includes removing neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack, and can be accomplished by a method, optionally using a pre-evisceration device or evisceration system according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described using the drawings. It should be understood that these drawings serve only as examples of how the invention may be implemented and are not intended to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention and claims in any way. Like features are designated with like reference numerals throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a poultry carcass. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of a pre-evisceration device; [Figure 3B] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of a pre-evisceration device; [Figure 3C]1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of a pre-evisceration device; [Figure 3D] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of a pre-evisceration device; [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a pre-evisceration device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a pre-evisceration device. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a pre-evisceration device. [Figure 4D] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a pre-evisceration device. [Figure 4E] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a pre-evisceration device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a skin collector with a neck skin tracking system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, Figure 1 shows a cross section of a poultry carcass 1, in this case a chicken carcass 1, in a neck-down orientation. This is the orientation in which the poultry carcass 1 is typically transported by an overhead conveyor while suspended, for example, by its legs in shackles. Figure 1 illustrates the location of the carcass and the organs discussed herein within its body cavity. Figure 1 was obtained by flash-freezing a slaughtered chicken while suspended by its legs and cutting the frozen chicken in half, thereby opening the body cavity.

[0052] In FIG. 1 , the following parts of poultry carcass 1 are labeled with reference numbers: legs 3, breast side of body cavity 4, breast tenderloin 5, vertebrae 6, posterior side of body cavity 7, excretory end of body cavity 8, excretory or cloaca 9, neck end of body cavity 10, neck 11, neck opening 21, intestines 12, gizzard 14, liver 15, heart 16, abdominal fat 17, esophagus 18, neck portion of crop 18', crop 19, trachea 20, and neck portion of crop 20'. In this example, poultry carcass 1 has been previously decapitated and defeated so that the head or feathers are not visible. Neck opening 21 indicates the location where the head has been removed. However, in other embodiments, poultry carcass 1 can still include the head.

[0053] The gizzard 14 is shown here with food debris, e.g., seeds, still present in the gizzard. The crop 19 is shown slightly enlarged. The crop 19 serves the function of temporarily storing food. Typically, poultry to be slaughtered will not be fed for some time, with the goal that the crop 19 of the poultry to be slaughtered 1 will be empty by the time the poultry is slaughtered. However, in reality, remnants of food or other consumable objects may sometimes still be present in the crop 19.

[0054] The entire organ set is identified as a viscera pack by reference numeral 13. The majority of the viscera pack 13 is located within the body cavity of the carcass 1. The viscera pack 13 includes, among other things, the crop 19, the esophagus 18, and the trachea 20. Traditionally, the viscera pack 13 is removed from the poultry carcass 1 as one of the first steps after the head is cut off and before any additional skin or meat is removed. An evacuation opening can be created around the evacuation 9 through which an evisceration tool can be inserted into the body cavity. The evisceration tool can include, for example, a spoon, hook, or the like, which is used to grasp the lowest organ that can be reached (in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 ). The viscera pack 13 is then pulled out of the body cavity through the evacuation opening.

[0055] Not all organs in the viscera pack 13 are completely disentangled from the poultry carcass 1 before evisceration, as this is quite complex and time-consuming. Therefore, the pulling force applied by the evisceration tool when the viscera pack is pulled from the body cavity must rupture some tissue connections between the organs and the poultry carcass 1. FIG. 1 shows that the esophagus 18 and trachea 20 extend from the neck opening 21 toward the body cavity, and that, with respect to the remaining organs, the crop 19 is closest to the neck opening 21. The esophagus 18 and trachea 20 have respective portions 18' and 20' connected to the neck 11. A relatively large pulling force is required to rupture the connections between the portions 18', 20' and the neck 11. The crop 19, on the other hand, is a relatively weak organ. As a result of the pulling force, the crop 19 frequently ruptures before the portions 18', 20' are disentangled from the neck 11. This can result in contamination from the contents of the crop 19, which must be cleaned in the next step. Even if the crop 19 is completely empty, additional steps are required to remove any remnants of the esophagus 18 and trachea 20 (and sometimes the crop 19) that were not removed during evisceration.

[0056] The present invention proposes a pre-evisceration device, the operating principle of which according to a possible embodiment is shown diagrammatically in Figures 2A-2C. Figure 2A shows a poultry carcass 1 that has not yet been eviscerated. In this example, the poultry carcass 1 has been decapitated and the feathers clipped, but still has a neck 21 (note that in Figure 2A, part of the neck is blocked by a skin gripper 51), and, being a pre-evisceration device, a viscera pack (not visible in Figure 2A) including at least the esophagus and crop (usually also the trachea and other organs of the viscera pack). Figure 2A also shows wings 23, 24 and a back 25 of the poultry carcass 1.

[0057] The pre-evisceration device comprises a skin gripper 51 configured to grip the neck skin 22, as shown in Figure 2A. In this example, the neck skin 22 is gripped at the dorsal side of the neck 21. Additionally, since the poultry carcass 1 is hung upside down, the neck skin 22 is gripped at the dorsal end of the neck 21, which in this case corresponds to the higher positioned end.

[0058] The skin grasper 51 includes a first jaw portion 52 and a second jaw portion 53 that move toward each other to grasp the neck skin 22. The pre-evisceration device may include a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the first jaw portion 52 and the second jaw portion 53 toward each other.

[0059] In the example shown, both the first jaw portion 52 and the second jaw portion 53 have toothed profiles with protrusions 54, 55 and recesses 56, 57. When the jaw portions 52, 53 are moved toward each other, the protrusions 54 of the first jaw portion 52 are positioned within the recesses 57 of the second jaw portion 53, and vice versa, which improves the grip on the neck skin.

[0060] 2B shows that the pre-evisceration apparatus further comprises a skin slitter 60. The skin slitter makes slits 23 in the neck skin 22. In this example, the slits 23 are made after the skin grippers 51 have grasped the neck skin 22. This may be advantageous because the neck skin 22 may be held tighter by the skin grippers 51, making it easier for the skin slitter 60 to make the slits 23. However, this is not required and the process may be performed in the opposite order, i.e., the slits 23 may be made before the skin grippers 53 grasp the neck skin 22.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the skin slitter 60 is stationary while the poultry carcass 1 is moving. In FIG. 2B, the poultry carcass 1 is moving at least partially toward the left. In other embodiments, the skin slitter 60 can be moving while the poultry carcass 1 is stationary, or both the skin slitter 60 and the poultry carcass 1 can be moving. The skin slitter 60 is embodied as a blade with a sharp tip 61, which is introduced into the neck skin 22 held by the skin gripper 51. This creates a first incision opening in the neck skin 22. The skin slitter further includes a sharp edge 62 that completes the slit 23.

[0062] The longitudinal direction 71 of the neck 21 is shown schematically in Figure 2B. It can be seen that the slits 23 are made in a direction 72 that is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction 71. That is, once made, the slits 23 extend in the direction 72. This is advantageous because it makes it clearer and more predictable how the neck skin 22 is removed from the neck 21 in subsequent steps. Figure 2B also shows that the angle between the longitudinal direction 71 and the direction 72 of the slits 23 may deviate slightly from 90 degrees, for example, by 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees, more or less than 90 degrees.

[0063] 2C shows that after the slit has been made, a pulling force F can be applied to the neck skin 22. In this case, the skin gripping tool 51 applies said pulling force F by simultaneously moving the first jaw portion 52 and the second jaw portion 53. The movement of the first jaw portion 52 and the second jaw portion 53, and thus the pulling force F, is in a direction 73 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the slit was made. The direction 73 is substantially downward when the poultry carcass 1 is suspended by its legs, and thereby parallel to the longitudinal direction of the poultry carcass 1.

[0064] 2C shows that a gap 25 is formed while the neck skin 22 is being pulled downward. The upper boundary 24 (in the view shown in FIG. 2C) of the gap 25 is defined by the previously made slit. This illustrates one of the advantages of the direction of the slit and the direction of the pulling force F. It can be seen that as the skin gripper 51 moves further downward, the slit increases in the circumferential direction, and the gap 25 increases in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions. Eventually, the neck skin 22 is pulled away from the neck 21.

[0065] The inventors have found that when the neck skin 22 is removed from the neck 21, the connections between the esophagus and the neck 21 and between the trachea and the neck 21 are weakened. These connections, if weaker than the crop, become fracture points during evisceration. This results in less crop rupture and more efficient removal of the esophagus and trachea during evisceration.

[0066] 3A-3D schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a pre-evisceration device 99 that uses a neck positioner including a shoulder support 41 and a neck support. The shoulder support 41 is positioned beneath the shoulder region 26 of a poultry carcass 1, which in this example has been previously decapitated and defeated. While not fully visible in the side view of FIG. 3A (similar shoulder supports are more clearly visible in FIGS. 4A-4E and 5), the shoulder support 41 includes two shoulder support extensions 41a, each supporting a shoulder. A recess is located between the shoulder support extensions, through which the neck 21 of the poultry carcass can be positioned. Supporting the poultry carcass 1 by the shoulder region 26 has the advantage of limiting the impact of variations in poultry size. With the shoulder position predetermined, variations in neck size alone affect the location where the slit is made and the neck skin is grasped. However, because the neck 21 is relatively small compared to the rest of the poultry carcass 1, the effect of these variations is small and has limited impact on the operation of the pre-evisceration apparatus.

[0067] 3A-3C further illustrate a skin gripping device 91 that includes two skin-gripping blocks that function as a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion. In the side views of FIGS. 3A-3C, only the second skin-gripping block 93 is visible. When the neck 21 is positioned within the recess of the shoulder support 41, the skin-gripping block 93 is in an open position. After positioning the neck 21, the skin-gripping blocks pivot toward each other to grip the neck skin 22, as occurred prior to the situation shown in FIG. 3A. The pivoting can be achieved by pivoting a pivot member 94 for each skin-gripping block 93. The pivot member 94 is part of the drive mechanism. The skin-gripping block 93 can include a profile to enhance gripping of the neck skin 22. A similar skin gripping device 151 is described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A-4E.

[0068] 3A shows that the neck positioner in this example includes a neck support 42. The neck support 42 is connected to a connecting element 44. When the poultry carcass 1 is positioned within the shoulder support 41, the connecting element 44 is pivoted downward to ensure that the neck support 42 does not interfere with the neck 21. When the neck 21 is in the recess of the shoulder support 41, the connecting element 44 can be pivoted upward to allow the neck positioner 42 to engage the neck 21 to further position and support the neck 21.

[0069] Figure 3A further shows that the various (shoulder and neck) supports 41, 42 are connected via various connecting elements 44, 45, 48 towards the right side in Figure 3A. In practice, the components shown in Figure 3A may be arranged around the periphery of the carousel device, in which case the centre of the carousel device is located on the right side in Figure 3A.

[0070] A poultry carcass 1 can approach the carousel apparatus while suspended by its legs in a shackle (not shown), which is part of an overhead conveyor system comprising multiple shackles. Components within the carousel apparatus rotate around the periphery of the carousel apparatus. The movement of the shackles and the carousel apparatus is synchronized so that the poultry carcass 1 is positioned within the shoulder support 41. Optionally, additional guide mechanisms, such as converging guide bars or plates, can be used to position the poultry carcass 1 within the shoulder support. Such features are commonly known to those skilled in the art and therefore are not shown in further detail.

[0071] The neck support 42 can then be moved into position relative to the neck 21. This can be achieved, for example, because the neck support 42 is connected (via, inter alia, connecting elements 44, 45) to one or more driven wheels that follow a cam track in the drum of the carousel. A change in the cam track (e.g., in the vertical direction) causes movement of the neck support 42. Such features are also commonly known to those skilled in the art and therefore are not shown in more detail.

[0072] The skin gripper 91 can then be actuated to grip the neck skin. The pivot member 94 can also be connected to a driven wheel that follows the cam track, thereby acting as part of the drive mechanism for these components.

[0073] FIG. 3B shows that the leather slitter 63 is then actuated. The leather slitter 63 in this embodiment includes a first blade 63 and a second blade 64 configured to perform a shearing motion to create a slit in the neck leather 22. The slit is seen to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck 21. In the illustrated arrangement, the slit extends horizontally. The leather slitter 63 may also be coupled to one or more driven wheels, each driven by a cam track. These components move the leather slitter 63 toward the neck 21 to perform the shearing motion, thereby functioning as part of the drive mechanism for the leather slitter 63. These components are not visible in FIG. 3B because they are obscured by other components, such as the leather gripping block 93.

[0074] Figure 3C shows that the disentangling unit is then activated. In this example, the disentangling unit comprises two disentangling members 31, only one of which is visible in Figure 3C because the second disentangling member is positioned behind the first. The disentangling members 31 are moved into the slit made by the skin slitter 63. In this case, the disentangling members are positioned on either side of the esophagus. The disentangling members 31 have rounded tips and circular cross sections. Therefore, they are not sharp and do not include knives or blades.

[0075] The disentangling member 31 may also be coupled to one or more driven wheels, each driven by a cam track. These components move the disentangling member 31 towards the neck 21, thereby functioning as part of the drive mechanism for the disentangling member 31. In the example shown, the disentangling member 31 is moved horizontally into the slit towards the neck 21.

[0076] 3D shows that a pulling force F is then applied to the neck skin 22. In this example, this is achieved by moving the poultry carcass 1 upward, which can be achieved, for example, by a conveyor. As the carcass moves upward, the neck skin 22 remains clamped by the skin gripper, which causes the slit to become a larger gap until the neck skin 22 is removed from the poultry carcass 1.

[0077] The disentangling member remains in the position shown in Figure 3C, but the neck is moved upwards along with the poultry carcass 1. The relative movement of the neck with respect to the disentangling member disentangles tissue around the esophagus.

[0078] FIG. 3D shows shoulder support 41 in more detail, with shoulder support extensions 41a, 41b and recess 41c.

[0079] After the neck skin has been removed and the tissue around the esophagus and trachea has been loosened, the poultry carcass 1 leaves the carousel apparatus and is further transported to an evisceration apparatus, which may also optionally be embodied in the carousel apparatus.

[0080] A pre-evisceration device 100 according to another embodiment and operating principle is shown in Figures 4A to 4E. Figures 4A and 4B show that a poultry carcass 101 is first placed in a shoulder support 141. The shoulder support 141 has two shoulder support extensions 141a, 141b that each support a shoulder. A recess 141c is disposed between the shoulder support extensions 141a, 141b, through which the neck 121 of the poultry carcass can be positioned. In this embodiment, the shoulder support 141 forms a neck positioner.

[0081] In this embodiment, the skin gripper 151 also includes a first skin gripper block 152 and a second skin gripper block 153, which are in the open position when the poultry carcass 101 is placed in the pre-evisceration device 1. In FIG. 4A , the first skin gripper block 153 is seen to include a grooved profile 154 having a groove on its inside. It will be understood that the second skin gripper block 153 includes a similar profile, such that the groove of the first skin gripper block 152 can be positioned in the recess of the second skin gripper block 153 when the skin gripper blocks 152, 153 are placed in the closed position. In the closed position, the first skin gripper block 152 and the second skin gripper block 153 are closed toward each other. The grooved profile 154 further pulls the neck skin 122 between the first skin gripper block 152 and the second skin gripper block 153.

[0082] When the neck 121 is positioned within the recess 141c, a portion of the neck 121 is disposed between the skin gripping blocks 152, 153. In Figure 4C, the skin gripping blocks 152, 153 are moved to the closed position. This is done by pivoting the skin gripping blocks 152, 153 toward each other so that their respective profiles interlock. During this movement, the neck skin 122 is gripped between the profiles of the skin gripping blocks 152, 153. In the illustrated example, the neck skin 122 is gripped on the dorsal side of the neck 121.

[0083] 4B, it can be further seen that the first skin-gripping block 152 has a first neck-facing surface 155 having a curvature, and the second skin-gripping block 153 has a second neck-facing surface 156 having a curvature. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 4D, these neck-facing surfaces 155, 156 engage the neck 121. The curvature is adapted to the curvature of an average poultry neck. In this way, it is ensured that the neck 121 together with the neck skin 122 is not pulled between the first skin-gripping tool and the second skin-gripping tool 152, 153.

[0084] Optionally, breast support 131 is then moved from the open position (FIGS. 4A-4B) to the closed position (FIG. 4C). Breast support 131 supports the breast of poultry carcass 101, for example, as cutting occurs. While breast support 131 may be placed in the closed position before or after the neck skin is grasped by skin grasper 151, in the illustrated embodiment, breast support 131 must be in the open position to allow poultry carcass 101 to be positioned within shoulder support 141. In this embodiment, breast support 131 has an inverted "U" shape (position in FIG. 4C), which allows breast support 131 to be supported on shoulder support 141 while simultaneously supporting breast 129 rather than neck 121. However, other embodiments are possible.

[0085] A leather slitter can then make a slit in the neck 121. This is not visible in Figures 4A-4E because the leather slitter is positioned behind the neck 121 and makes the slit on the back side of the neck 121. The leather slitter in this case comprises a blade that moves through the neck skin 122 slightly above the leather gripper 150, at the portion of the neck skin 122 that is firmly held by the leather gripper 150. The leather slitter is moved horizontally so that the slit extends horizontally, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck 121.

[0086] Figure 4D shows that pin 132 can then be moved from the receiving position (Figures 4A-4C) to an operating position (Figure 4D). Pin 132 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of neck 121 and is further embodied as a rod. In the operating position, pin 132 is located approximately where the slit will be made, in this case on the dorsal side of neck 121 above skin-gripping blocks 152, 153.

[0087] 4E shows that the skin gripper 151 can then apply a pulling force F to the neck skin 122. This is done by simultaneously moving the skin gripping blocks 152, 153 while the neck skin 122 is still being gripped. The neck skin 121 is stretched and eventually torn. The location where the neck skin 121 is torn is clearly defined by the slit.

[0088] 4E, the movement of the skin gripper 151 is a combination of a forward rotation and an inclined downward movement while the poultry carcass 101 is held stationary. However, other movements are possible, for example, the skin gripper 151 can move horizontally or vertically and / or rotate backward. It is also possible for the poultry carcass 101 to be moved, for example, in the opposite direction of the skin gripper 151 or while the skin gripper 151 is held stationary.

[0089] 4E further shows that the pin 132 is moved simultaneously with the skin gripper 151. During this movement, the pin 132 increases the pulling force applied to the neck skin 122.

[0090] Although not explicitly shown in Figures 4A-4E, one skilled in the art will appreciate that in this embodiment, the pre-evisceration apparatus can also be located on the periphery of the carousel machine. Any movement of components as described can be achieved using driven wheels actuated by cam tracks on the carousel drum, optionally connected to the moving components via intermediate links. Alternatively, the pre-evisceration apparatus can be provided in a linear arrangement within the processing line, and movement of components can be achieved using actuators, for example.

[0091] Figure 5 shows a schematic of a skin collector 81 that provides a neck skin tracking system. A poultry carcass 1 can be seen suspended by its legs 27, 28 in the shackles 81 of an overhead conveyor system. The shoulder support 41 is visible, having shoulder support extensions 41a, 41b and recesses 41c. The neck skin 22 of the poultry carcass 1 has just been removed and is falling after being released by the skin gripper. Components such as the skin gripper, neck positioner, and disentanglement unit have been omitted from Figure 5 for clarity.

[0092] A skin collector 81 is provided beneath the poultry carcass 1. In this example, the skin collector 81 is embodied as a conveyor belt 81 onto which the neck skins 22 fall. The movement of the conveyor belt 81 and the overhead conveyor system (the shackles 81) is coordinated with one another so that the neck skins 22 arrive at the inspection station so that they can be matched with the poultry carcass 1 from which they were removed. The inspection station is typically downstream of the evisceration device, which is downstream of the pre-evisceration device. Because organs can reveal disease or other problems, it is typically the viscera pack that is inspected after evisceration. As a result, inspection may occur after the neck skins are removed, meaning that it is not possible to know whether the poultry carcass 1 will pass inspection at the time the neck skins 21 are removed. Inspection may be visual by an operator or may use a camera with the application of an inspection algorithm. If the viscera pack is rejected during inspection for some reason, the neck skins 22 removed from the same carcass part 1 can be identified, thereby preventing this particular neck skin 21 from being used for consumption. On the other hand, other neck skins 21 can be safely used for consumption knowing that the poultry from which they originated was not rejected.

[0093] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, which may be embodied in various ways. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to implement the present invention in various ways in substantially any suitable detailed structure. It is not necessary that all of the described objectives be achieved in a particular embodiment.

[0094] Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the invention, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. As used herein, the terms "a," "an," or "one" mean one or more than one, unless otherwise specified. The terms "various," "plurality," or "several" mean two or more than two. The words "comprise," "include," "contain," and "have" have an open meaning and do not exclude the presence of additional elements. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0095] The mere fact that certain technical features are recited in different dependent claims still enables the possibility that a combination of these technical measures can be used to advantage.

[0096] A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of the various components referred to in the specification and claims, for example a processing or control unit, or the functions of a single processing or control unit described herein may in fact be distributed across multiple components, optionally physically separated from one another. Any communication between components may be wired or wireless, in known manner.

[0097] The operations performed by the control unit may be implemented as a program, e.g., a computer program, a software application, etc. The program may be executed using computer-readable instructions. The program may include subroutines, functions, procedures, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, source code, object code, shared libraries / dynamic load libraries, and / or other sets of instructions designed to execute on a computer system.

[0098] The computer program or computer readable instructions may be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

Claims

1. 1. A pre-evisceration device for preparing a poultry carcass for evisceration, said poultry carcass optionally having its head decapitated; At least a portion of the neck and the neck skin; a viscera pack including at least the esophagus and the crop; Including, The pre-evisceration device comprises a neck skin remover configured to remove at least a portion of the neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack.

2. The neck skin remover is A skin gripping tool configured to grip the neck skin; a leather slitter configured to create a slit in the neck leather; Equipped with the neck skin remover is configured to apply a pulling force to the neck skin after the slit is made to remove the neck skin from the poultry carcass.

10. The pre-evisceration device of claim 1.

3. the leather slitter is configured to create the slit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the neck.

3. The pre-evisceration device of claim 2.

4. and a disentangling unit configured to disentangle at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the esophagus after the neck skin has been removed by the neck skin remover. A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the disentangling unit is further configured to disentangle at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the trachea after the neck skin is removed by the skin grasper.

5. A pre-evisceration device according to claim 4.

6. the disentangling unit comprises at least one disentangling member, optionally two disentangling members, configured to move in the longitudinal direction of the esophagus to disentangle the tissue. A pre-evisceration device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. a neck positioner configured to position the neck of the poultry carcass in a predetermined position before the neck skin is removed; A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the skin grasper comprises a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion configured to close toward each other to grasp the neck skin, and optionally the skin grasper is configured to move the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion simultaneously to pull the neck skin away from the neck. A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The skin gripper includes a rotatable gripper roll and an opposing member, and the skin gripper is configured to grip the neck skin between the rotatable gripper roll and the opposing member, and to pull the neck skin away from the neck by rotating the rotatable gripper roll. A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

10. the skin gripper comprises a first skin gripper block pivotable about a first pivot axis and a second skin gripping block pivotable about a second pivot axis, the first skin gripping block and the second skin gripping block being configured to pivot about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, respectively, between an open position for receiving the neck skin and a closed position for gripping the neck skin; and optionally the first and second skin-gripping blocks both include a grooved profile having a plurality of grooves and recesses, wherein in the closed position, the grooves of the first skin-gripping block are disposed within the recesses of the second skin-gripping block, and vice versa, and optionally, the grooves extend at an angle to both the horizontal and vertical directions; and / or the first skin-gripping block and the second skin-gripping block both have a neck-facing surface having a curvature, the surface configured to face and engage the neck when the first skin-gripping block and the second skin-gripping block are disposed in the closed position; A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The leather slitter has a fixed blade. A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

12. a skin collector configured to receive the neck skin after it has been removed from the neck; and a neck skin tracking system configured to enable identification of which poultry carcass the neck skin was removed from. A pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. An evisceration system comprising: a pre-evisceration device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and an evisceration device comprising an evisceration tool for eviscerating the viscera pack including the crop and oesophagus from a discharge end of the poultry carcass after the neck skin has been removed from the poultry carcass by the pre-evisceration device.

14. 1. A poultry processing system comprising: A plurality of pre-evisceration or evisceration devices according to any one of claims 1 to 13 integrated into a carousel machine, and / or a plurality of skin grippers integrated into the carousel machine, and a single skin slitter positioned on the periphery of said carousel machine; A poultry processing system comprising:

15. 1. A method for preparing a poultry carcass for evisceration, said poultry carcass optionally having its head decapitated; At least a portion of the neck and the neck skin; a viscera pack including at least the esophagus and the crop; Including, The method comprises removing the neck skin from the poultry carcass prior to evisceration of the viscera pack, optionally using the pre-evisceration device or the evisceration system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images