Automated processing system and method for poultry carcasses

Abstract

1. A method for loading a poultry carcass having at least a back, breast, and leg portion onto an automated processing system, the method comprising: receiving the poultry carcass while suspended by the leg portion from a first conveyor; receiving the breast portion of the carcass by a second conveyor synchronized with the first conveyor while suspended by the leg portion from the first conveyor and engaged by the second conveyor; separating the received poultry carcass by the automated processing system into a carcass front half comprising the breast portion and a carcass back half comprising the leg portion while suspended by the leg portion from the first conveyor and engaged by the second conveyor; further transporting the carcass back half while suspended by the leg portion from the first conveyor; and inserting by the automated processing system a mandrel into the carcass front half engaged by the second conveyor and further transporting the carcass front half on the inserted mandrel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated processing system and method for processing poultry carcasses. [Background technology]

[0002] Processing systems and methods for processing poultry carcasses are known. The poultry carcasses are typically conveyed through a processing station to obtain poultry meat pieces from the carcasses. The front half of the poultry carcass, comprising the breast portion, is often conveyed on a mandrel, while the back half of the poultry carcass, comprising the leg portion, is typically conveyed suspended from a latch. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to propose a method and system that allows for the automated processing of whole poultry carcasses without the need for human intervention. More generally, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative process and structure that is more effective and relatively inexpensive to provide and use than the prior art. In any event, the present invention at least aims to provide a useful alternative and contribution to the existing art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, a method is provided for processing a poultry carcass having at least a back, breast, and leg portion with an automated processing system. The method includes transporting the carcass on a first conveyor of the automated processing system and holding the carcass at a carcass first half on the first conveyor while transporting the carcass on the first conveyor. The first conveyor may, for example, include a latch for suspending the poultry carcass by the leg portion from the latch. The first conveyor may, for example, be an overhead conveyor.

[0005] The method includes positioning at least a portion of a second, different conveyor of the automated processing system adjacent to the carcass second half while the first conveyor is transporting the carcass. The portion of the second conveyor can be positioned adjacent to the carcass second half so that the portion is ready to engage with the carcass second half. The portion can also engage with the carcass second half. Herein, positioning the second conveyor adjacent to the carcass second half may include engaging the carcass second half with at least the portion of the second conveyor. Optionally, the positioning includes adapting the position of the second conveyor from an initial position to a receiving position for receiving the carcass second half, such as by moving the portion of the second conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the second conveyor. The position of the portion of the second conveyor may be adapted relative to the trajectory of the second conveyor, for example, between the initial position and the receiving position. The receiving position may be an engagement position where the portion of the second conveyor engages the second carcass half. The second conveyor may be synchronized with the first conveyor. The second conveyor may run parallel to and adjacent to the first conveyor. The first and second conveyors may include a common conveyance path segment where a segment of the conveyance path of the second conveyor substantially coincides with a segment of the conveyance path of the first conveyor, for example, such that the second conveyor in addition to the first conveyor can be positioned adjacent to and engage with the poultry carcass.

[0006] The method includes separating, by an automated processing system, a poultry carcass into a first carcass half and a second carcass half carried by the first conveyor while the carcass is transported on a first conveyor and while the carcass is proximate to, e.g., engaged by, a second conveyor. The second carcass half may be engaged by the second conveyor before the carcass is separated into the first and second carcass halves. The second carcass half positioned proximate to the second conveyor may be engaged by the second conveyor after the poultry carcass has been separated into the first and second carcass halves. The second carcass half may be a front carcass half comprising at least a breast portion. The first carcass half may be a rear carcass half comprising at least a leg portion and optionally a loin portion.

[0007] The method includes further conveying the first carcass half, particularly away from the second carcass half, on a first conveyor, and further conveying the second carcass half, particularly away from the first carcass half, on a second conveyor. The first conveyor may, for example, convey the front half of the poultry carcass through one or more dedicated processing stations for further processing of the first carcass half. The second conveyor may, for example, convey the second poultry carcass half through one or more dedicated processing stations for processing the second carcass half.

[0008] Thus, the method provides for automatic separation of the poultry carcass into a first half and a second half, automatic transfer of the second carcass half to a separate second conveyor, and transport of the second carcass half on the second conveyor for further processing, such that no human intervention is required to separate the poultry carcass and transfer the two carcass halves to separate conveyors or processing lines.

[0009] Optionally, the first conveyor holds the carcass by suspending it by its legs, particularly using one or more latches of the first conveyor. The first carcass half may be suspended, for example, from the ankles of the carcass. While suspended by its legs, at least the portion of the second conveyor may be positioned proximate to, for example, engage with, the breast portion of the carcass, particularly using a gripper of the second conveyor. The gripper may form the portion of the second conveyor positioned proximate to, for example, engage with, the second carcass half. The gripper may be movable relative to the remainder of the second conveyor. The gripper may take the form of a container, such as a bowl-shaped container, for holding the second carcass half. The gripper may include two or more parts movable relative to each other to grip the second carcass half. The second carcass half may be at least partially positioned within the gripper such that when the second carcass half is positioned adjacent to the gripper, the second carcass half separates from the first carcass half, thereby moving the second carcass half into the gripper, e.g., by gravity. The second carcass half may be positioned within and engaged with the gripper before the second carcass half separates from the first carcass half.

[0010] Optionally, the method includes inserting, by the automated processing system, a mandrel into the second carcass half engaged by a second conveyor, e.g., a gripper of the second conveyor, and further transporting the second carcass half on the inserted mandrel. The mandrel may include a substantially conical body tapering from a proximal end to a free distal end to fill the breast cavity of the second carcass half. The mandrel may hook onto the second carcass half upon insertion to retain the second half on the mandrel.

[0011] Optionally, the method includes transferring the second carcass half from the second conveyor to a third conveyor different from the first and second conveyors, the third conveyor including a mandrel. The mandrel may be used, for example, to remove the second carcass half from the gripper of the second conveyor. Thus, the second conveyor may include a first transfer section in which the second carcass half is separated from the first carcass half and transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, and a second transfer section in which the separated second carcass half is transferred from the second conveyor to the third conveyor. In the second transfer section, the third conveyor may run parallel to and adjacent to the second conveyor to allow the mandrel to be inserted into the second carcass half while the second conveyor is being transported by the second conveyor. During insertion, the mandrel may engage with the second carcass half. The second conveyor may then release the second carcass half. A third conveyor may transport the second carcass half through one or more processing stations, for example for extracting breast meat from the second carcass half. The second conveyor may be an endless conveyor.

[0012] Optionally, the mandrel is carried by a third conveyor and inserted into the second carcass half by moving the gripper holding said portion of the second conveyor, e.g. the second carcass half, towards the third conveyor from an initial position distal to the third conveyor to a transfer position proximal to the third conveyor, preferably by a predetermined fixed amount.

[0013] Optionally, the portion of the second conveyor is moved from the transfer position away from the third conveyor to release the second carcass half from the portion of the second conveyor.

[0014] Optionally, the method includes determining, by the automated processing system, a dimension of the poultry carcass while transporting the carcass by the first conveyor and prior to separating the poultry carcass into a first carcass half and a second carcass half carried by the first conveyor, and adapting a position of the second conveyor relative to the first conveyor in response to the determination. Dimensions may vary between carcasses. To improve the effectiveness of the method, the dimension of the carcass may be determined before the carcass is engaged by the second conveyor. The position of the second conveyor may be adjusted based on the dimension of the carcass to account for dimensional variations between poultry carcasses.

[0015] Optionally, determining the dimensions of the carcass includes obtaining an image of the carcass from an image sensor and analyzing the image to determine the dimensions. An image sensor, such as a camera, can obtain an image of the carcass. The image may be analyzed to determine the dimensions, particularly in an automated manner. The image may be analyzed to determine, for example, the length and / or width of the poultry carcass or part thereof. The image may be analyzed to determine, for example, the circumference of the poultry carcass. For example, if the poultry carcass is hanging by its legs from the first conveyor, the image may be analyzed to determine the lower circumference of the poultry carcass, for example, the position of the lower circumference relative to the first conveyor or the second conveyor.

[0016] Optionally, determining the dimensions of the carcass includes obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) image of the carcass. The 3D image may be obtained, for example, using a 3D camera or a 3D line scan system. The 3D image may be obtained dorsally, i.e., looking toward the frontal plane. The dimensions of the carcass may be determined, for example, by determining the distance between the rostral end of the thorax and the caudal end of the thorax of the carcass. The rostral end of the thorax may be determined by determining the curvature of the outer surface of the thorax of the carcass from the 3D image and determining the rostral end as the location where the gradient of the outer surface away from a plane parallel to the frontal plane has a predetermined threshold. The caudal end of the thorax may be determined by determining the curvature of the outer surface of the thorax of the carcass from the 3D image and determining the caudal end as the location where the gradient of the outer surface away from a plane parallel to the frontal plane has a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be, for example, an angle away from a plane parallel to the frontal plane between 30° and 90°, preferably between 45° and 80°, such as between 55° and 70°. The threshold may be different for the cranial and caudal ends.

[0017] The second conveyor may be adapted to engage a lower periphery of the poultry carcass. The second conveyor may include a support surface for supporting the poultry carcass, the support surface adapted to be substantially aligned with the lower periphery of the poultry carcass.

[0018] Optionally, the method includes moving, by the automated processing system, the grippers of the second conveyor from an initial position relative to the remainder of the second conveyor to a receiving position for receiving the second carcass half. The receiving position may be an engagement position where the grippers engage the poultry carcass. Moving the grippers from the initial position to the receiving position may include moving the grippers a variable first amount depending on the determined carcass size and moving the grippers a predetermined fixed second amount. Dimensional variations between carcasses may be relatively small compared to the distance the grippers are moved to engage the poultry carcass. Thus, dimensional variations can be accounted for by the variable first amount, and the fixed second amount may be used primarily to approach the carcass with the grippers. The initial position may be predetermined. However, the receiving position is variable because it depends on the carcass size. For example, the grippers may assume an intermediate position before being moved to the engagement position. For example, the intermediate position may be variable if the gripper is first moved a variable first amount from the initial position to the intermediate position, and then moved a predetermined, fixed second amount from the intermediate position to the engagement position. Alternatively, the intermediate position may be non-variable, i.e., fixed, if the gripper is first moved a predetermined, fixed second amount from the initial position, and then moved a variable first amount from the intermediate position to the engagement position. The receiving position may also be an engagement proximity position where the gripper is proximate to the second carcass half and is a predetermined distance, e.g., 1 cm or less, from the second carcass half.

[0019] Optionally, the variable first amount is less than the predetermined fixed second amount.

[0020] Optionally, the method includes moving a separator, such as a knife or knife assembly, relative to the first conveyor based on the determined carcass size to separate the carcass into a first carcass half and a second carcass half according to the carcass size.

[0021] Optionally, the automated processing system conveys the first carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the first carcass half is further processed to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the first carcass half, particularly a drumstick, a thigh, and / or a whole leg. Optionally, the automated processing system conveys the second carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the second carcass half is further processed to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the second carcass half, particularly a wing, a wing portion, a breast fillet, a fillet, and / or a back meat.

[0022] According to one aspect, there is provided an automated processing system configured to process a poultry carcass having at least a back, breast, and leg portion according to any of the methods described above.

[0023] According to one aspect, an automated processing system is provided that includes a first conveyor configured to transport a carcass and to hold the carcass at a first carcass half during transport. The system includes a second conveyor, e.g., synchronized with the first conveyor, configured to receive a second carcass half. The second conveyor may be configured to position at least a portion of the second conveyor proximate to the carcass at the second carcass half, e.g., to engage the carcass at the second carcass half. The system includes a separation station, wherein the second conveyor can run parallel to and adjacent to the first conveyor. The separation station is configured to separate the carcass into a first carcass half and a second carcass half while the carcass is being held and transported by the first conveyor and proximate to, e.g., engaged by, the portion of the second conveyor. The first conveyor is further configured to further convey the separated first carcass half, particularly away from the second carcass half, and the second conveyor is further configured to further convey the separated second carcass half, particularly away from the first carcass half.

[0024] Optionally, the first carcass half comprises a leg portion and the second carcass half comprises a breast portion.

[0025] Optionally, the first conveyor comprises one or more latches for suspending the carcasses by their legs from the latches.

[0026] Optionally, the second conveyor comprises a gripper for receiving, e.g. engaging, the second carcass half, in particular for receiving, e.g. engaging, the breast portion, which may form said part of the second conveyor.

[0027] Optionally, the gripper comprises a bowl-shaped container having an open top for receiving the second carcass half therein.

[0028] Optionally, the gripper comprises a clamping member configured to clamp the second carcass half engaged with the gripper.

[0029] Optionally, the gripper is movably arranged relative to the remainder of the second conveyor between an initial position and a receiving position in which the gripper receives, eg engages, the second carcass half.

[0030] Optionally, the receiving positions of the grippers are adaptable to the dimensions of the carcass.

[0031] Optionally, the gripper is movable relative to the remainder of the second conveyor from the initial position to the receiving position by a variable first amount depending on the determined dimensions of the carcass and a predetermined fixed second amount. The gripper may, for example, be moved from the initial position to an intermediate position and then moved from the intermediate position to the receiving position. The system may be configured to first move the gripper the variable first amount from the initial position to the intermediate position and then move the predetermined fixed second amount from the intermediate position to the receiving position, or vice versa.

[0032] Optionally, the system comprises an image sensor configured to acquire images of the carcass, and a processing unit configured to receive the images and determine dimensions of the carcass based on the acquired images.

[0033] Optionally, the second conveyor comprises a track and a cart for transport along the track, the system comprising: an adjustment mechanism for moving the gripper a variable first amount relative to the cart from an initial position to an intermediate position, the adjustment mechanism comprising a follower associated with the gripper and movably coupled to the cart; and a guide configured to engage the follower during transport of the cart along the track, the guide being adjustable relative to the track in response to the determined dimensions of the cart.

[0034] Optionally, the track has a distal track section, e.g., vertically distal from the second conveyor, and a proximal track section, e.g., vertically proximal to the second conveyor, and the system is configured to move the gripper from the intermediate position to the receiving position by transporting the carriage from the distal track section to the proximal track section while maintaining a fixed position of the gripper relative to the carriage.

[0035] Optionally, the system includes a third conveyor, comprising the mandrel and a transfer station, for example synchronized with the second conveyor. At the transfer station, the third conveyor can run parallel to and adjacent to the second conveyor. The transfer station is configured to transfer the separated second carcass halves from the second conveyor to the third conveyor by inserting a mandrel into the separated second carcass halves while the separated second carcass halves are being transported by the second conveyor, releasing the second carcass halves by the second conveyor, and further transporting the separated second carcass halves on the mandrel by the third conveyor, particularly away from the second conveyor.

[0036] Optionally, the track of the second conveyor has a further distal track section, e.g., vertically distal from the third conveyor, and a further proximal track section, e.g., vertically proximal to the third conveyor, and the system is configured to move the gripper from an initial position to a transfer position for transferring the second carcass half to the third conveyor by transporting the carriage from the further distal track section to the further proximal track section while maintaining a fixed position of the gripper relative to the carriage.

[0037] Optionally, the system is configured to convey the separated first carcass half along one or more stations of an automated processing system where the first carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the first carcass half, and / or the system is configured to convey the separated second carcass half along one or more stations of an automated processing system where the second carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the second carcass half.

[0038] It is to be understood that any of the aspects, features, and options described herein may be combined, and it is to be particularly understood that any aspect, feature, and option described in the context of the method applies equally to the system, and vice versa.

[0039] In the following detailed description, the present invention will be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings are schematic and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale, but are merely illustrative. In particular, any absolute dimensions shown herein are merely exemplary. In the drawings, corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an automated processing system. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an automated processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an automated processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an automated processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an automated processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] 1A and 1B illustrate an automated processing system 1 for processing poultry carcasses 2 having at least a back, breast, and leg portion. System 1 includes a first conveyor 3, here an overhead conveyor, configured to transport poultry carcasses 2 suspended by their legs from the first conveyor 3, specifically suspended from one or more latches 4a-4d of the first conveyor 3. System 1 also includes a second conveyor 5 synchronized with the first conveyor 3. The second conveyor 5 is configured to receive the breast portion of the carcass 2, specifically while the breast portion hangs from the leg portion while the leg portion is suspended from the first conveyor 3, specifically positioned adjacent to, engaging with, and / or supporting the breast portion of the carcass 2. Herein, second conveyor 5 includes one or more grippers 7a-7d.

[0042] The system 1 includes a separator 6 configured to separate a poultry carcass 2 into a first carcass half 2A and a second carcass half 2B, where the first carcass half 2A corresponds to the rear half of the carcass. More generally, where the first carcass half 2A comprises the leg portion. Where the second carcass half 2B corresponds to the front half of the carcass. More generally, where the second carcass half 2B comprises the breast portion. Specifically, the separator 6 is configured to separate the poultry carcass 2 into the first carcass half 2A and the second carcass half 2B while the poultry carcass 2 is hanging by the leg portion from the first conveyor 3 and being received by the second conveyor 5. The separator 6 is disposed in a common conveying path of the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 5. In this example, the separator 6 includes a rotary circular knife having an axis of rotation transverse to the conveying direction of the first conveyor. Here, a pair of rotary circular knives are arranged. The pair of knives rotate about parallel axes of rotation and extend in the same horizontal plane. The pair of circular rotary knives are arranged on both sides of the first conveyor so as to approach the poultry carcasses 2 from both sides.

[0043] In this example, the grippers 7a-7d form a bowl-shaped container having an open top for receiving the second carcass half 2B. Here, when the grippers receive the second carcass half 2B, the second carcass half is at least partially positioned inside the grippers. Here, when the grippers 7a-7d receive the carcass, the second carcass half is engaged by the grippers. When the grippers receive the second carcass half, the second carcass half can also be at least partially positioned inside the grippers without the grippers engaging the second carcass half. And, when the second carcass half 2B separates from the first carcass half 2A, the walls of the grippers can be positioned close to the second carcass half 2B so that the second carcass half engages the grippers and falls a short distance, for example, 1 cm or less.

[0044] In this example, the grippers 7a-7d of the second conveyor 5 are adjustable between an initial position, shown schematically for gripper 7a, and a receiving position, shown for gripper 7c. In this example, the grippers 7a-7d are vertically adjustable while being conveyed horizontally. The grippers 7a-7d are specifically adjustable relative to the track 5a of the second conveyor 5. Between the initial position shown for gripper 7a and the receiving position shown for gripper 7c, the grippers 7a-7d are movable to an intermediate position, shown for gripper 7b. The grippers 7a-7d are specifically movable from the initial position 7a to the intermediate position by moving the grippers 7a-7d a variable first amount. The variable first amount depends on the size of the poultry carcass. Thus, each gripper 7a-7d may be individually adjusted to a respective intermediate position that depends on the size of the poultry carcass with which it is associated. Here, the variable first amount is imposed by the adjustment mechanism 8a-8d of the second conveyor 5. In this example, the grippers 7a-7d are specifically adjustable from the initial position to the intermediate position by changing the position of the grippers 7a-7d relative to the track 5a, here the vertical position. From the intermediate position 7b, the grippers 7a-7d can be moved to the receiving position by moving the grippers 7a-7d by a predefined, fixed second amount. Here, the second amount is imposed by the transport path of the second conveyor 5, which is defined here by the track 5a approaching the first conveyor 3. Thus, here, when adjusting the grippers 7a-7d from the intermediate position to the receiving position, the relative position between the grippers 7a-7b and the track 5a does not change. Instead, the grippers 7a-7d are kept in a fixed relative position with respect to the track 5a and are transported along a portion of the track 5a approaching the first conveyor 3, here from below.

[0045] The dimensions of the poultry carcass 2 are determined by a sensor, in this example an image sensor 9 such as a camera. The image sensor 9 is configured to acquire an image of the poultry carcass. Based on the image, for example by using a processor of the processing system, the dimensions of the poultry carcass 2 are determined. For example, the dimensions may include the size of the poultry carcass, for example the position of the bottom end of the poultry carcass when hanging from the first conveyor 3. The movement of the gripper 7 from the initial position to the receiving position can be adapted accordingly.

[0046] Grippers 7a-7d may clamp a poultry carcass, specifically a breast portion, as shown schematically in Figure 1B. Grippers 7a-7d may be movable from an open state for receiving a poultry carcass, as shown for grippers 7a-7c, to a closed state for clamping poultry carcass 2, as shown for gripper 7d. Gripper 7 is moved from the open state to the closed state while in the engaged position.

[0047] While received by the grippers 7 of the second conveyor and hanging from the first conveyor 3, the poultry carcass is transported along the separator 6 and separated into a first carcass half 2A and a second carcass half 2B. The position of the separator 6 may be adjustable relative to the first and / or second conveyors based on the obtained dimensions of the poultry carcass. Thus, the separator 6 can be aligned with the separation position on the poultry carcass 2.

[0048] Once separated, the first carcass half 2A and the second carcass half 2B are conveyed away from each other by the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 5 respectively.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an example of an adjustment mechanism 8a of system 1. Here, adjustment mechanism 8a includes a carriage 20, and gripper 7 is supported by carriage 20 via an adjuster bar 28. Similarly, carriage 20 is supported by second conveyor 5, here by rods 21 and 22, which are fixedly attached to second conveyor 5. Here, gripper 7 is fixedly attached to adjuster bar 28 and is movable relative to carriage 20 by a variable first amount from an initial position shown for gripper 7a to an intermediate position shown for gripper 7b. Here, system 1 includes an adjustable ramp 26, the positioning of which relative to carriage 20 is adjusted based on the size of the poultry carcass. In this example, ramp 26 is movable transversely to the conveying direction and, here, vertically translatable. Ramp 26 may also be pivotable to adjust the ramp angle of ramp 26 relative to second conveyor 5.

[0050] The adjuster bar 28 is provided at one end with a ramp follower wheel 27. The ramp follower wheel 27 is configured to engage the ramp 26, thereby adjusting the position of the gripper 7 relative to the carriage 20. Here, the follower wheel 27 and therefore the adjuster bar 28 are pushed upward by the adjustable ramp 26 to position the gripper 7 at an intermediate position depending on the carcass. The carriage 20 is provided with a brake operable by a brake switch 29, which is configured to maintain the position of the adjuster bar 28 relative to the carriage 20. In this example, the brake is normally engaged and can be disengaged by operating the brake switch 29. In this example, the brake switch 29 is operated by a lateral guide 30. The lateral guides 30 are arranged parallel to the adjustable ramps 28 so that the brakes are disengaged by means of the lateral guides 30 to allow the adjuster bars 28 and the associated grippers 7 to be adjusted relative to the carriages 20 in a given section of the second conveyor 5. The brakes are re-engaged after adjusting the position of the grippers 7 in a variable intermediate position, as shown for gripper 7b.

[0051] 1A and 1B, the second conveyor 5 now extends in a substantially horizontal plane, and the gripper 7 is moved a predefined, fixed second amount by the cam track 25 and associated cam 23 from the intermediate position shown for gripper 7b to the receiving position shown for gripper 7c. The cam is attached to the carriage 20 and follows the cam track 25. Here, after moving the gripper 7 a variable first amount, the gripper 7 is moved a fixed second amount; however, it should be understood that the reverse order may also be applied. Thus, here, the position of the gripper 7 relative to the carriage 20 is adjusted by the variable first amount and fixed by re-engaging the brake. The carriage 20 is then moved a fixed second amount toward the poultry carcass by the cam 23 following the cam track 25, thereby retracting the gripper 7 into the receiving position. Here, rods 21 and 22 slidingly support the carriage 20 to allow the carriage 20 to move relative to the conveyor 5. Similar to the example of FIG. 1B , the example of FIG. 2 shows that the grippers 7 are movable between an open state, shown for grippers 7a, 7b, and 7c, and a closed state, shown for gripper 7d, so that the poultry carcass 2 can be gripped by the grippers. FIG. 2 shows an example of an actuation mechanism for moving the grippers between the open and closed states. Here, the gripper 7 is provided with an actuation handle 31 fixedly attached to a side wall 32 of the gripper 7. In this example, the movable side wall 32 is pivotally disposed relative to the rest of the gripper 7, here about a horizontal pivot axis extending in the conveying direction. The actuation handle 31 cooperates with an actuation guide 33 of the system 1 to move the gripper between the open and closed states. The actuation guide 33 extends generally in the conveying direction, specifically parallel to the cam track 25 for guiding the carriage 20. In this example, the movable side wall 32 of the gripper 7 is spring-biased toward the closed state. During transport of the carriage 20 on the second conveyor 5, the actuation guide 33 grips the actuation handle 31 and guides it to pivot the movable side wall 32 to the open position against the biasing spring force.Specifically, in this example, the actuation handle 31 is pivoted by the actuation guide 33 so that the actuation handle 31 assumes a vertical orientation to facilitate adjustment of the position of the gripper 7 by a first amount and a second amount. After the gripper 7 receives the poultry carcass 2, the actuation guide 33 releases the actuation handle 31 so that the movable side walls 32 are returned to a closed state by the spring force. As a result, the poultry carcass can be gripped by the gripper 7 under the influence of the spring force.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows an example of a processing system 1 including a third conveyor 10. Here, the third conveyor 10 includes one or more mandrels 11a-11c for insertion onto the second carcass half 2B. In this example, the third conveyor 10 is synchronized with the second conveyor 5 along a common transport path. While the second conveyor transports the second carcass half 2B, the mandrel 11 is inserted into the second carcass half 2B. Upon insertion, the mandrel 11 engages with the second poultry carcass half 2B. The second conveyor 5 then releases the second carcass half 2B so that the second carcass half 2B can be further transported on the mandrel 11 by the third conveyor 10.

[0053] The second carcass halves 2B in this example are pushed onto the mandrels 11a-11c by moving each gripper 7a-7c holding a respective second carcass half 2B toward the third conveyor 10 from an initial position shown for gripper 7a to a transfer position shown for gripper 7b, where the mandrels 11a-11c enter the second carcass half 2B, respectively. Here, the grippers 7a-7c are moved toward the third conveyor 10 by a predetermined fixed amount imposed by the track 5a of the second conveyor 5 approaching the third conveyor 10. Therefore, in this example, the grippers 7a-7c are not adjusted relative to the track 5a of the second conveyor 5. The position of the grippers 7a-7c relative to the track 5a optionally corresponds to an intermediate position adjusted before receiving the second carcass half 2B during carcass separation.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a processing system 1 including a first conveyor 3, a second conveyor 5, and a third conveyor 10. The second conveyor 5 is an endless conveyor here. The first conveyor 3 and / or the third conveyor 10 may also be endless conveyors. The second conveyor 5 interfaces with the first conveyor 3 in a separation section 12, which particularly corresponds to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The second conveyor 5 further interfaces with the third conveyor 10 in a transfer section 13, which particularly corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the processing system 1 includes a single infeed line 14 through which poultry carcasses are fed and two outfeed lines 15, 16 through which the first and second carcass halves are fed, respectively. Here, the infeed line 14 and one of the outfeed lines 15 are formed by the first conveyor 3. Here, the other delivery line 16 is formed by the third conveyor 10 .

[0055] The processing system 1 may be further configured to convey the separated first carcass half 2A along one or more stations, specifically for collecting one or more pieces of poultry meat from the separated first carcass half 2A, and / or may be further configured to convey the separated second carcass half 2B along one or more stations, specifically for collecting one or more pieces of poultry meat from the separated second carcass half 2B. In the example of Figure 4, the first delivery line 15 delivers the first carcass half 2A past a loin cutter 15A, a thigh meat collector 15B, a thigh bone cutter 15C, and a drumstick collector 15D. In the example of Figure 4, the second delivery line 16 delivers the second carcass half 2B past a wing cutter 16A, a skin cutter 16B, a skin remover 16C, a breast fin collector 16D, and an inner fin collector 16E.

[0056] The invention is described herein with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the essence of the invention. Although features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments for purposes of clarity and conciseness of description, alternative embodiments having all or partial combinations of the features described in those separate embodiments are also contemplated.

[0057] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specification, drawings, and examples are therefore to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0058] Although features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments for purposes of clarity and concise description, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention may include embodiments having all or any combination of the described features.

[0059] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" shall not be construed as being restricted to "only one" but are instead used to mean "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. 1. A method for processing a poultry carcass having at least a back, breast, and leg portion by an automated processing system, comprising: transporting the carcass on a first conveyor of the automated processing system and holding the carcass on the first conveyor in a first carcass half position while transporting the carcass on the first conveyor; positioning at least a portion of a second conveyor of the automated processing system, different from the first conveyor, adjacent to a second carcass half while the first conveyor is transporting the carcass; separating, by the automated processing system, the carcass while being transported on the first conveyor and while the carcass is proximate to the at least a portion of the second conveyor, into the first carcass half and the second carcass half carried by the first conveyor; further conveying the first carcass half on the first conveyor, particularly away from the second carcass half, and further conveying the second carcass half on the second conveyor, particularly away from the first carcass half.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of positioning the second conveyor adjacent the second carcass half includes engaging the second carcass half with the at least a portion of the second conveyor.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first carcass half comprises the leg and the second carcass half comprises the breast.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first conveyor holds the carcass by suspending it by the legs, particularly using one or more latches of the first conveyor, and while suspended by the legs, the at least a portion of the second conveyor is positioned adjacent to the breast of the carcass.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein when the first conveyor holds the carcass suspended by the legs, the second conveyor is positioned adjacent to, for example engaging with, the breast portion of the carcass, in particular by means of a gripper of the second conveyor.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, including the steps of inserting a mandrel into the second carcass half engaged by the second conveyor by the automated processing system, and further transporting the second carcass half on the inserted mandrel.

7. 5. The method of claim 4, including the step of transferring the second carcass half to a third conveyor different from the first conveyor and the second conveyor, the third conveyor comprising a mandrel.

8. determining, by the automated processing system, a size of the carcass while the carcass is being transported by the first conveyor and prior to separating the carcass into the first carcass half and the second carcass half carried by the first conveyor; and adapting the position of the at least part of the second conveyor relative to the first conveyor depending on the result of the determining step.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of determining the dimensions of the carcass includes obtaining an image of the carcass from an image sensor and analyzing the image to determine the dimensions.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, including the step of moving, by the automated processing system, the grippers of the second conveyor from an initial position relative to the remainder of the second conveyor to an engagement position in which the grippers engage the carcass.

11. the step of moving the gripper from the initial position to the engagement position comprises: moving the gripper a variable first amount dependent on the result of the determined size of the carcass; and moving the gripper a predetermined fixed second amount.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the variable first amount is less than the predetermined fixed second amount.

13. 13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the automated processing system conveys the first carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the first carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the first carcass half, and / or the automated processing system conveys the second carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the second carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the second carcass half.

14. 14. An automated processing system configured to process poultry carcasses having at least the back, breast and leg portions according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. a first conveyor configured to convey a carcass and configured to hold the carcass while engaging a first carcass half of the carcass; a second conveyor configured to position at least a portion of the second conveyor adjacent to the second carcass half of the carcass; a separation station configured to separate the carcass into the first carcass half and the second carcass half while the carcass is being held and transported by the first conveyor and is adjacent to at least a portion of the second conveyor; The automated processing system of claim 14, for example, wherein the first conveyor is further configured to further transport the separated first carcass half, specifically away from the second carcass half, and the second conveyor is further configured to further transport the separated second carcass half, specifically away from the first carcass half.

16. 16. The automated processing system of claim 15, wherein the first carcass half comprises the leg portion and the second carcass half comprises the breast portion.

17. 17. The automated processing system of claim 16, wherein the first conveyor is one or more latches and comprises one or more latches for suspending the carcasses by the legs from the latches.

18. 18. The automated processing system of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second conveyor comprises a gripper for receiving, e.g. engaging, the second carcass half, in particular the breast portion.

19. 20. The automated processing system of claim 18, wherein the gripper comprises a bowl-shaped container having an open top for receiving the second carcass half therein.

20. 20. The automated processing system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the gripper comprises a clamping member configured to clamp the second carcass half engaged with the gripper.

21. 21. An automated processing system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the gripper is movably arranged relative to the remainder of the second conveyor between an initial position and a receiving position in which the gripper receives, e.g. engages, the second carcass half.

22. 22. The automated processing system of claim 21, wherein the second position of the gripper is adaptable to the dimensions of the carcass.

23. 23. An automated processing system as described in claim 21 or 22, wherein the gripper is movable relative to the remainder of the second conveyor from the initial position to the receiving position where the gripper approaches the carcass and, for example, engages the carcass, by a variable first amount depending on the determined dimensions of the carcass and a predetermined fixed second amount.

24. 24. An automated processing system according to any one of claims 15 to 23, comprising an image sensor configured to acquire images of the carcass, and a processing unit configured to receive the images and determine dimensions of the carcass based on the acquired images.

25. a third conveyor carrying mandrels; 25. The automated processing system of any one of claims 15 to 24, comprising a transfer station configured to transfer the separated second carcass halves from the second conveyor to the third conveyor by inserting the mandrel into the separated second carcass halves while transporting the separated second carcass halves by the second conveyor, releasing the second carcass halves by the second conveyor, and further transporting the separated second carcass halves on the mandrel by the third conveyor, particularly away from the second conveyor.

26. 26. The automated processing system of any one of claims 15 to 25, configured to convey the separated first carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the first carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the first carcass half, and / or configured to convey the separated second carcass half along one or more stations of the automated processing system where the second carcass half is further processed, in particular to recover one or more poultry meat pieces from the second carcass half.

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