System for making a longitudinal preliminary incision in a poultry leg

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for performing a preliminary longitudinal incision on a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by an articulation and surrounded by meat, the system including a cutting unit having a knife and a conveyor for transporting the poultry leg along a conveying path aligned with the cutting unit, the system further including a drive mechanism configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode, each mode configured to perform a different incision.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for automatically performing a longitudinal pre-cutting of poultry legs. [Background technology]

[0002] Processing poultry legs, which have jointed upper and lower leg segments, has become a substantially automated process that largely eliminates manual labor. Deboning poultry legs can involve automatically making a longitudinal pre-cut along the leg to facilitate meat removal from the leg bone. EP 3250039 B1 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of a device for making such a longitudinal pre-cut along the entire poultry leg. The poultry leg is transported by an overhead conveyor, suspended from the ankle joint, and a knife in the device is driven longitudinally along a fixed, predetermined cutting trajectory to make a curved pre-cut along the entire poultry leg, often referred to as a J-cut. The pre-cut begins at the ankle joint of the poultry leg and extends along the lower leg, through the knee joint, and along the upper leg, to the hip joint.

[0003] Alternative poultry leg processing lines are configured to obtain bone-in leg portions of poultry legs, particularly the bone-in lower leg portion, often referred to as a "drumstick." These alternative processing lines do not pre-cut the poultry legs for deboning, but rather are configured to separate the bone-in lower leg portion from the bone-in upper leg portion of the leg. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3250039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a system for processing poultry legs having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat, more particularly to provide an improved system for performing a preliminary longitudinal cut on a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat, and more generally to overcome or mitigate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a system for making a preliminary longitudinal cut on a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat. The first bone may, for example, be associated with a first leg part, such as the lower leg part or "drumstick" of the poultry leg. The second bone may, for example, be associated with a second leg part, such as the upper leg part or "thigh" of the poultry leg. It should be understood that the first leg part may alternatively be associated with the upper leg part or "thigh" of the poultry leg, and the second leg part may alternatively be associated with the lower leg part or "drumstick" of the poultry leg. The system includes a cutting unit having a knife and a conveyor for transporting the poultry leg along a conveying path aligned with the cutting unit. The system further includes a drive mechanism for driving the cutting unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. The drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to drive the cutting unit to move the knife along a first predefined cutting trajectory to make a first longitudinal pre-cut in the poultry leg. The drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to drive the cutting unit to move the knife along a second predefined cutting trajectory, different from the first cutting trajectory, to make a second longitudinal pre-cut in the poultry leg. Thus, the secondary drive mechanism is adjustable between at least the first mode and the second mode to produce different pre-cuts. The system can select between at least two different pre-cuts, such as a first pre-cut and a second pre-cut, thereby providing flexibility in processing the poultry leg. For example, the first pre-defined cutting trajectory may be along the entire poultry leg to allow for deboning of the entire poultry leg. The second cutting path may cut the poultry leg only along a second bone, e.g., the other bone of the thigh or drumstick, to allow for deboning of the thigh, while refraining from cutting along a first bone, e.g., one bone of the drumstick or thigh, to obtain a substantially intact bone-in drumstick or bone-in thigh. In another example, the first cutting path and the second cutting path may both cut the poultry leg only along the same one of the first bone or second bone, where the first cutting path differs from the second cutting path in terms of, e.g., incision length and / or incision location. Thus, the preliminary incision may be adapted to the dimensions of the poultry leg.

[0008] The first and second cutting trajectories may, for example, be aligned with one another, or the first and second cutting trajectories may at least partially overlap one another.

[0009] In another aspect, the drive mechanism includes a primary drive mechanism and a secondary drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is configured to selectively operate in a cutting mode or a non-cutting mode. The drive mechanism in the cutting mode is configured to drive the cutting unit by the primary drive mechanism to move the knife from the non-cutting position to the cutting position, and to drive the cutting unit by the secondary drive mechanism to move the knife along a cutting trajectory in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg to perform a preliminary incision. The drive mechanism in the non-cutting mode is configured to refrain from driving the cutting unit by the primary drive mechanism to move the knife from the non-cutting position to the cutting position, and to drive the cutting unit in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg by the secondary drive mechanism while maintaining the knife in the non-cutting position. Thus, the system can be selectively operated according to a cutting mode for incising the poultry leg or a non-cutting mode for not incising the poultry leg. It should be understood that in the cutting mode, the system can be selectively operated according to the first mode or the second mode described herein to perform different preliminary incisions in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg. Thus, the system can be selectively operated according to a cutting mode or a non-cutting mode, and according to a first mode or a second mode.

[0010] Optionally, the drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to move the knife between a cutting position and a non-cutting position to perform the first pre-cut, and the drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to delay and / or accelerate the movement of the knife between the cutting position and the non-cutting position relative to the first mode. Thus, the system may be configured to control the point at which the knife is inserted into and / or withdrawn from the poultry leg by the drive mechanism. Thus, the length and position of the first pre-cut and the second pre-cut may be controlled. Optionally, the non-cutting position of the knife may coincide with the receiving position of the knife to allow receipt of the poultry leg.

[0011] Thus, the secondary drive mechanism is adjustable relative to the conveyor between a first mode and a second mode, in which the first mode moves the knife between a cutting position and a non-cutting position at a first location along the conveying path, and in the second mode moves the knife between a cutting position and a non-cutting position at a second location along the conveying path that is different from the first location, e.g., upstream or downstream of the first location. At the first and second locations, the knife can be moved from the cutting position to the non-cutting position or vice versa.

[0012] Optionally, the drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to move the knife from a cutting position to a non-cutting position for performing the first preliminary incision, and the drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to delay movement of the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position for performing the second preliminary incision relative to the first mode. Thus, the point at which the knife is withdrawn from the poultry leg may differ between the first mode and the second mode.

[0013] Optionally, the drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to move the knife from a receiving position for receiving the poultry leg to a cutting position for making the first preliminary incision, and the drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to delay movement of the knife from the receiving position to the cutting position for making the second preliminary incision relative to the first mode. Thus, the insertion point of the knife into the poultry leg may differ between the first mode and the second mode.

[0014] Optionally, the first pre-incision is a pre-incision of a first length and the second pre-incision has a second length different from the first length.

[0015] Optionally, the first pre-incision is a pre-incision in the longitudinal direction of the first bone and the second bone, and the second pre-incision is a pre-incision in the longitudinal direction of the second bone but not in the longitudinal direction of the first bone.

[0016] Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a primary drive mechanism for moving the cutting unit along the length of the linear guide member from a first cutting unit position to a second cutting unit position, and a secondary drive mechanism configured to move the knife from a receiving position for receiving the poultry leg to a cutting position for performing a preliminary incision.

[0017] Optionally, the primary drive mechanism is substantially unchanged in use.

[0018] Optionally, the secondary drive mechanism is adjustable in use.

[0019] Optionally, the secondary drive mechanism is configured in the first mode to move the knife from the receiving position to the cutting position when the cutting unit is in the first cutting unit position, and in the second mode to move the knife from the receiving position to the cutting position when the cutting unit is in an intermediate cutting unit position between the first cutting unit position and the second cutting unit position.

[0020] Optionally, the secondary drive mechanism is configured in the first mode to move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position when the cutting unit is in the second cutting unit position, and the secondary drive mechanism is configured in the second mode to move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position when the cutting unit is in an intermediate cutting unit position between the first cutting unit position and the second cutting unit position.

[0021] Optionally, the first cutting unit position and the intermediate cutting unit position are predetermined and fixed.

[0022] Optionally, the secondary drive mechanism comprises an adjustable secondary guide track configured to guide a secondary follower wheel of the cutting unit along a first path in a first mode, or along a different second path in a second mode.

[0023] Optionally, the secondary drive mechanism comprises an actuation unit associated with the linear guide member, the actuation unit comprising a secondary follower wheel guided by the secondary guide track to be moved along the length of the linear guide member relative to the cutting unit between a proximal position proximal to the cutting unit and a distal position distal to the cutting unit, the actuation unit at the proximal position being configured to place the cutting unit in a non-cutting position and the actuation unit at the distal position being configured to place the cutting unit in a cutting position, or vice versa.

[0024] Optionally, the actuating unit is removably hookable to the cutting unit at a position proximal to the actuating unit. Thus, the actuating unit and the cutting unit can be coupled to one another such that the actuating unit moves together with the cutting unit in the length direction of the elongate guide member, e.g., as guided by the primary drive mechanism. When the actuating unit is hooked to the cutting unit, the cutting unit can be maintained in a non-cutting position. In an alternative configuration, when the actuating unit is hooked to the cutting unit, the cutting unit can be maintained in a cutting position. The actuating unit can be biased toward the distal position relative to the cutting unit. Thus, movement of the actuating unit and the cutting unit toward each other can be against the biasing force. Thus, the actuating unit can be moved to the distal position by the biasing force upon decoupling from the cutting unit. The biasing force can be induced by a spring that spring-biases the knife in the cutting position. The spring can be loaded at a proximal position and released upon decoupling of the actuating unit from the cutting unit.

[0025] Optionally, the system comprises a latch control configured to control the release of the actuation unit from the cutting unit.

[0026] Optionally, an engagement control device is positioned along the conveyor path for selectively interacting with the actuating unit as it is transported by the conveyor, the engagement control device being movable between a first control state for disengaging the actuating unit from the cutting unit and a second control state for maintaining the actuating unit engaged with the cutting unit.

[0027] Optionally, the engagement control device in the first control state is configured to release the actuation unit from the cutting unit to perform the pre-cutting, and the engagement control device in the second control state is configured to refrain from releasing the engaged actuation unit from the cutting unit to refrain from performing the pre-cutting.

[0028] Optionally, the system is configured to determine whether to perform a preliminary cut for each poultry leg individually, and to control with the hooking control device to release or maintain the actuating unit hooked to the cutting unit individually for each poultry leg.

[0029] Optionally, the secondary guide track is adjustable relative to the conveyor to move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position at a first location along the conveying path in a first mode, and move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position at a second location along the conveying path different from the first location, e.g., downstream or upstream of the first location, in a second mode. The secondary guide track can thus guide the secondary follower wheel along different paths to result in actuation of the cutting unit. Thus, the point at which the knife is inserted into and / or withdrawn from the poultry leg can be controlled by the adjustable secondary guide track.

[0030] Optionally, the secondary guide track comprises an upstream section and a downstream section adjustably, eg, pivotally and / or translationally, connected to the upstream section.

[0031] Optionally, the upstream section is substantially unchanged in use and the downstream section is movably adjustable relative to the upstream section in the first mode.

[0032] Optionally, the upstream section is substantially stationary in use and the downstream section is pivotally drivable relative to the upstream section, the downstream section being tilted relative to the upstream section in a first mode and substantially aligned with the upstream section in a second mode. In the first mode, the secondary guide track can form a substantially continuous path for the secondary follower wheel, while in the second mode, the secondary guide track can form a discontinuous path for the secondary follower wheel.

[0033] Optionally, the primary drive mechanism comprises a stationary primary guide track for guiding a primary follower wheel of the cutting unit to move the cutting unit from the first cutting unit position to the second cutting unit position.

[0034] Optionally, the linear guide member and associated cutting unit are part of a plurality of linear guide members and associated cutting units forming a periphery of a rotatable carousel.

[0035] Optionally, the conveyor is an overhead conveyor.

[0036] Optionally, the conveyor is provided with a height adjustable bone holder for holding the poultry leg at the first bone at an adjustable distance from the conveyor.

[0037] Optionally, the system comprises a sensor for sensing a poultry leg parameter that may be related to a poultry leg dimension, and a control unit configured to adjust a holding height of the bone holder relative to the conveyor based on the sensed poultry leg parameter, The poultry leg parameter may be one or more of a first bone length, a second bone length, a knuckle position, a joint position, a poultry leg width, etc.

[0038] Optionally, the poultry leg dimensions include a position of a joint between the first bone and the second bone relative to the conveyor, and the control unit is configured to adjust a holding height of the bone holder at which the bone holder holds the poultry leg such that the bone holder holds the poultry leg with the joint at a predetermined distance from the conveyor, wherein the predetermined distance may be such that the drive mechanism in the second mode initiates a second pre-incision at the joint.

[0039] Optionally, the poultry leg dimensions include a position of a terminal knuckle of a first bone, e.g., an ankle knuckle, relative to the conveyor, and the control unit is configured to adjust a holding height of the bone holder that holds the poultry leg such that the bone holder holds the poultry leg with the terminal knuckle of the first bone at a predetermined distance from the conveyor, wherein the predetermined distance may be such that the drive mechanism in the first mode initiates the first pre-incision at the terminal knuckle of the first bone.

[0040] Optionally, the system is configured to be set to operate according to either the first mode or the second mode for a plurality of poultry legs conveyed in succession.

[0041] Optionally, the system is configured to determine independently for each poultry leg of a plurality of subsequently transported poultry legs whether to make a first pre-incision or a second pre-incision and accordingly whether to operate according to the first mode or the second mode. The system may, for example, be configured to consider for each bone holder whether the poultry leg held therein will be or has been incised according to the first mode or the second mode. Each bone holder may, for example, have a bone holder ID assigned thereto, and the system may be configured to associate a status with each bone holder that is or may be related to characteristics of the poultry leg held by it and / or to a processing step to be performed on the poultry leg held therein.

[0042] Another aspect provides a poultry leg processing line comprising a system as described herein and a poultry leg meat recovery system disposed in a conveying path downstream of the system for recovering meat from the poultry legs.

[0043] Optionally, the leg meat recovery system is configured to selectively operate in a third mode or a fourth mode, where the leg meat recovery system in the third mode is configured to remove meat from the first bone and the second bone, and the leg meat recovery system in the fourth mode is configured to remove meat from the second bone but not from the first bone. The third mode may be related to the first mode. For example, if a preliminary incision is made along the first bone and the second bone, leg meat may be removed from both the first bone and the second bone of the poultry leg. The fourth mode may be related to the second mode. For example, if a preliminary incision is made only along the second bone but not along the first bone, leg meat may be removed only from the second bone but not from the first bone. Thus, poultry legs can be completely or only partially deboned using the same machine.

[0044] Optionally, the leg meat recovery system comprises an upstream meat extractor device configured to extract meat from the second bone but not from the first bone, e.g., in the third and fourth modes, and a downstream meat extractor device configured to extract meat from the first bone in the conveying path downstream of the upstream meat extractor device. Optionally, the downstream meat extractor device is configured to extract meat from the first bone in the third mode and to refrain from extracting meat from the first bone in the fourth mode.

[0045] Optionally, the downstream meat extractor device in a fourth mode is configured to discharge poultry legs from the conveyor.

[0046] Optionally, the upstream meat extractor device has a first claw and a second claw movable relative to one another between an open position for receiving the poultry leg and a closed position for engaging the poultry leg between the first claw and the second claw at a joint between the first bone and the second bone, and the upstream meat extractor device is configured to move the first claw and the second claw together in a longitudinal direction of the second bone from the joint to an opposite end of the poultry leg while in the closed position to extract meat from the second bone.

[0047] Optionally, the upstream meat extractor device comprises a height-adjustable knife configured to make a cut at an opposite end of the poultry leg at an adjustable distance from the conveyor to separate the meat from the second bone.

[0048] Optionally, the poultry leg processing line comprises a knife positioned relative to the conveying path between the upstream and downstream meat extractor devices to cut the poultry leg at a joint between the first and second bones to separate the second bone from the first bone.

[0049] Optionally, the bone holder comprises a latch for holding the poultry leg with the first bone and a fixing unit for fixing the poultry leg relative to the latch, the fixing unit having a first arm, a second arm and an arm drive mechanism for moving the first arm and the second arm relative to the latch between a passive state for allowing the latch to receive the poultry leg and an active state for engaging the poultry leg between the first arm and the second arm.

[0050] Optionally, the passive first and second arms are positioned between the latch and the conveyor.

[0051] Optionally, the arm drive mechanism is formed by a stationary guide track and a follower wheel guided by the stationary guide track.

[0052] Optionally, the bone holder comprises a base member having a latch attached thereto, and a drive member movably drivable relative to the base member by an arm drive mechanism, the first arm and the second arm being hingedly connected to the drive member.

[0053] Another aspect provides a poultry piece holder for holding poultry pieces, particularly a bone holder for holding a poultry leg while it is transported by a conveyor, the bone holder configured to be attached to the conveyor and including a latch for holding the poultry leg suspended from a first bone and a locking mechanism for locking the poultry leg relative to the latch, the locking mechanism including first and second arms configured to be moved relative to the latch between a passive state for allowing the latch to receive the poultry leg and an active state for engaging the poultry leg, particularly the first bone, between the first and second arms.

[0054] Optionally, the jaws of the active first and second arms are located on a side of the latch opposite the conveyor.

[0055] Optionally, the jaws of the first and second arms in the passive state are disposed between the latch and the conveyor and / or are at the same height as the latch relative to the conveyor.

[0056] Optionally, the fixation mechanism is associated with a first bone holder follower wheel to be movably drivable by the stationary guide track.

[0057] Optionally, the bone holder comprises a base member for mounting to the conveyor and a drive member coupled to the follower wheel for being movably drivable relative to the base member, the first arm and the second arm being hingedly coupled to the drive member.

[0058] Optionally, the latch is translationally coupled to the base member to allow the spacing between the latch and the base member to be adjusted.

[0059] Optionally, the latch is associated with a second bone holder follower wheel for being translationally drivable relative to the base member by an adjustable guide track.

[0060] Optionally, the bone holder comprises a braking or latching mechanism configured to lock the position of the latch relative to the base member in a closed state and to unlock the position of the latch relative to the base member in an open state to allow adjustment of the latch position relative to the base member.

[0061] Optionally, the latch is rotatably coupled to the base member.

[0062] One aspect provides a method that includes conveying a poultry piece held by a poultry piece holder along a conveying path, acquiring an image of the poultry piece, and adjusting a conveying height of the poultry piece holder based on the acquired image. The poultry piece may specifically be a poultry leg, for example, as described herein. It is understood that the poultry piece holder may be a bone holder, as described herein.

[0063] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for automatically performing a pre-incision longitudinally on a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat using a system such as that described herein.

[0064] Optionally, the method includes acquiring an image of the poultry leg and determining, e.g. based on the acquired image, whether to operate the system according to a first mode for making a first preliminary incision longitudinally of the poultry leg or a second mode for making a second, different preliminary incision longitudinally of the poultry leg.

[0065] Another aspect provides a method for automatically deboning poultry legs having a drum bone and a thigh bone connected by a knee joint and surrounded by meat, e.g., using a poultry leg processing line as described herein, the method including performing a longitudinal pre-cut on the drum bone and refraining from performing a longitudinal pre-cut on the thigh bone, e.g., using a system as described herein.

[0066] It is to be understood that any of the aspects, features, and options described herein may be combined. It is particularly to be understood that any aspect, feature, and option described in the context of the present system applies equally to the present processing line, and vice versa. It is also to be understood that any aspect, feature, and option described in the context of the present system or the present processing line applies equally to the present method, and vice versa.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0068] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a system for making a preliminary longitudinal incision in a poultry leg. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a system for making a preliminary longitudinal incision in a poultry leg. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a poultry piece holder. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a poultry piece holder. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a poultry piece holder. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows a poultry leg processing line. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a system for making a preliminary longitudinal incision in a poultry leg. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a system for making a preliminary longitudinal incision in a poultry leg. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows a system for making a preliminary longitudinal incision in a poultry leg. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] FIGS. 1 and 2 and 12-14 illustrate a system 1 for performing a longitudinal pre-cutting of poultry legs. Here, system 1 is part of a poultry processing line 100, specifically a processing line for in-line processing of poultry legs as shown in FIG. 11. System 1 is positioned to be joined by an overhead conveyor 5 of poultry processing line 100. Overhead conveyor 5 has a plurality of bone holders, e.g., including a plurality of suspended latches, each bone holder for carrying a respective poultry leg. Exemplary bone holders 7 for system 1 are shown in FIGS. 8-10. Each bone holder 7 can hold a poultry leg by a first bone such that each poultry leg hangs downwardly from its associated bone holder. Each poultry leg may include a first bone, e.g., a lower leg bone or "drumstick bone," and a second bone, e.g., an upper leg bone or "thigh bone," articulated by a joint, e.g., a knee joint.

[0070] Here, the conveyor 5 is guided through the end loop by a rotatable carousel 9. The carousel 9 includes an upper disc 11 and a lower disc 13. A pair of parallel shafts 15 extend between the upper disc 11 and the lower disc 13 at regular intervals around the periphery defined by the outer peripheries of the upper disc 11 and the lower disc 13.

[0071] The system 1 comprises a plurality of cutting units 21. Each cutting unit 21 includes a knife 51 for making the preliminary incisions. In this example, each cutting unit 21 is associated with a respective pair of axes 15. The parallel axes 15 form an example of linear guides for guiding the movement of the cutting units 21, here in the vertical direction. The cutting units 21 form part of the periphery of the carousel 9 and are movable together with the parallel axes 15 around the carousel rotation axis.

[0072] The system 1 includes a drive mechanism for driving cutting units 21 for performing preliminary incisions. Here, the drive mechanism includes a primary drive mechanism with a stationary primary guide track 19. The primary guide track 19 is configured to guide primary follower wheels 39 that may be attached to the cutting units 21 to move the cutting units 21 along their associated axes 15. Here, each cutting unit 21 is engaged with a pair of parallel axes 15 for vertical sliding movement, which is induced by a curved path defined by the primary guide track 19. The primary guide track 19 is held stationary while the carousel 9 rotates about the primary guide track 19.

[0073] The drive mechanism also comprises a secondary drive mechanism, here comprising a secondary guide track 23, which here guides a follower wheel 27 associated with the cutting unit.

[0074] 3-7 show various views of an exemplary cutting unit 21. The cutting unit 21 includes a slide 37 that is slidable along the length of the parallel shafts 15. The slide 37 has a pair of vertically extending through-holes 41 for receiving the pair of parallel shafts 15 of the carousel 9 therein. The slide 37 has a follower wheel 39 attached to it, here on its back side. The primary guide track 19 engages the follower wheel 39 associated with the slide 37 such that a curved path defined by the primary guide track 19 moves the slide 37 along the length of the shafts 15.

[0075] Here, a guide bar 43 and a knife arm 45 are pivotally mounted on the surface side of the slide 37. The knife arm 45 includes a knife holder that holds a knife 51. The guide bar 43 includes a support rod 43B that urges the poultry leg toward the knife 51. The guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 are biased toward each other by respective torsion springs 47, 49. The guide bar 43 is pivotable relative to the slide 37 about a pivot axis 47A, while the knife arm 45 is pivotable relative to the slide about a pivot axis 49A. The movement of the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 is controlled to be simultaneous by interengaging toothed segments 43A and 45A, respectively. The guide bar 43 includes a support rod 43B that urges the poultry leg (not shown) toward the knife 51.

[0076] The cutting unit 21 is movable between a non-cutting position, here a receiving position, for receiving a poultry leg, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, and a cutting position for making a preliminary incision, as shown in FIG. 5. In the receiving position, the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 are spread apart to allow the poultry leg to be received between the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45. The spreading of the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 is a result of the follower wheel 27 being lifted by the secondary guide track 23. In the cutting position, the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 are pivoted towards each other to insert the knife 51 into the received poultry leg. The pivoting of the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 is a result of the follower wheel 27 being released from the secondary guide track 23, allowing the guide bar 43 and the knife arm 45 to be pushed towards each other by the torsion springs 47, 49. It should be understood that other configurations may also be used, such as, for example, a spring urging the guide bar 43 and knife arm 45 away from each other and a secondary guide track 23 driving the knife arm 45 and guide bar 43 toward each other against the force of the springs 47, 49.

[0077] 5 and 6 are arranged in mirror images of each other and are configured to incise a corresponding one of the right leg and the left leg. Alternating left and right cutting units 21 may be arranged in system 1. Other arrangements are also contemplated.

[0078] In this example, the knife 51 of the cutting unit 21 is pivotally mounted to the knife arm 45 for orienting its cutting blade about a pivot axis 53. The pivoting movement of the cutting knife 51 is controlled by a driven wheel 35 acting on a knife adjuster slide 55. A knife adjuster arm 56 connects the knife adjuster slide 55 and the knife 51 and has an adjustable length. The knife adjuster slide 55 is slidable along the length of the vertical axis 15. Here, the knife adjuster slide 55 has a pair of vertically extending through-holes 58 for receiving the pair of parallel shafts 15 of the carousel 9 therein. The slide 37 and the knife adjuster slide 55 are movable relative to and independently of each other along the axis 15.

[0079] Here, the secondary guide track 23 also guides the positioner roller 29 of the cutting unit 21 during part of its rotation. The positioner roller 29 controls the leg positioner arm 59, which pivots inward and outward from the slide 37 about a pivot axis 61.

[0080] The drive mechanism is configured to be selectively operable in a first mode for making a first longitudinal pre-cut in the poultry leg or a second mode for making a second longitudinal pre-cut in the poultry leg. In these examples, the secondary drive mechanism includes an adjustable secondary guide track 23 for selectively transitioning the drive mechanism of system 1 between the first mode and the second mode. Thus, the secondary guide track 23 defines an adjustable path for the follower wheel.

[0081] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the secondary guide track 23 defines an adjustable path for the follower wheel 27. Here, the secondary guide track 23 has a fixed upstream section 23A and a movable downstream section 23B, with the movable downstream section 23B pivotally movable relative to the fixed upstream section 23A. The system 1 includes an actuator 12, here a linear actuator, for pivoting the downstream section 23B relative to the upstream section 23A. By actuating the downstream section 23B of the secondary guide track 23, the trajectory of the path defined by the secondary guide track 23 can be changed. Here, the fixed upstream section 23A engages and lifts the follower wheel 27 of the cutting unit 21 to maintain the cutting unit 21 in the receiving position. The downstream section 23B can be aligned with the upstream section 23A to effectively extend the engagement of the follower wheel 27, thereby maintaining the cutting unit 21 in the receiving position over a wider range of the conveying path. This configuration may correspond to a first mode. The downstream section 23B may be further pivoted away from the cutting unit 21, here downward, to effectively shorten the engagement of the follower wheel 27 and thereby release the follower wheel 27 earlier, here at the pivot between the upstream section 23A and the downstream section 23B. This configuration may correspond to a second mode. Accordingly, the secondary guide track 23 may be adapted to selectively delay the transition of the cutting unit 21 from the receiving position to the cutting position. It should be understood that the secondary guide track 23 may similarly be configured to delay or facilitate the transition of the cutting unit 21 from the cutting position to the receiving position.

[0082] Because the primary guide track 19 can drive the slider 37 downward along the axis 15, the location in the poultry leg where the preliminary incision is initiated can be selectively changed. For example, in a first mode, the knife 51 can be inserted into the poultry leg at the free end of a first bone, e.g., the ankle knuckle, opposite the joint where the poultry leg is held by the bone holder. Once inserted, the primary drive mechanism drives the cutting unit to make a first preliminary incision longitudinally of the first bone and a second bone. In a second mode, because the slider 37 advances downward along the axis 15, the transition to the cutting position in this example is effectively delayed compared to the first mode. Thus, the knife 51 can be inserted into the poultry leg at the joint, and once inserted, the primary drive mechanism can drive the cutting unit to make a second preliminary incision only longitudinally of the second bone. Thus, the first bone can be selectively missed by the knife 51. Thus, the meat, eg, drumstick meat, associated with the first bone may remain substantially intact, which may be desirable for subsequent processing steps.

[0083] In the example of FIGS. 12-14 , the secondary guide track 23 defines an adjustable path for the follower wheel 28. The follower wheel 28 is attached to an optional actuation unit 22 of the system 1. The actuation unit 22 is associated with the parallel axis 15 so as to be moved along the length of the parallel axis 15 by the secondary guide track 23. The actuation unit 22 is movable relative to the cutting unit 21 between a proximal position, in which the actuation unit 22 is proximal to the cutting unit 21, and a distal position, in which the actuation unit is distal from the cutting unit 21, as shown in FIGS. 12-14 . In the proximal position, the cutting unit 21 is in a non-cutting position. Here, the actuation unit 22 in the proximal position engages the follower wheel 27 to hold the follower wheel 27 in a raised position, thereby placing the knife 51 in a non-cutting position. In the distal position, the actuation unit 22 disengages from the follower wheel 27, allowing the knife 51 to move to the cutting position under the influence of the spring force induced by the torsion springs 47, 49. Thus, in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the follower wheel 27 engages the secondary guide track 23. The example of FIGS. 12-14 includes the actuation unit 22 between the follower wheel 27 and the secondary guide track 23. Because the follower wheel 28 is substantially vertically aligned with the cutting unit 21, as opposed to the off-center follower wheel 27, the provision of the actuation unit 22 can reduce or eliminate wear on the secondary guide track 23.

[0084] In this example, the actuating unit 22 is removably coupleable with the cutting unit 21 at a proximal position. As shown in FIGS. 12-14 , in the coupled state, the actuating unit 22 locks the knife 51 in a non-cutting position, here by holding the follower wheel 27 in a raised position. The actuating unit 22 can be selectively disengaged from the cutting unit 21. When the actuating unit 22 is disengaged from the cutting unit 21, the actuating unit 22 is pushed downwardly against the loaded torsion springs 47, 49, thereby allowing the knife 51 to move to the cutting position under the influence of the springs 47, 49.

[0085] In this example, the system includes a control device 24 for selectively disengaging the actuating unit 22 from the cutting unit 21. The control device 24 is disposed along the conveyor's transport path to interact with a release mechanism for disengaging the actuating unit 22 from the cutting unit 21. Here, the control device 24 includes a movable actuating element 24A for engaging with an engaging element 26 of the release mechanism. In this example, the engaging element 26 is provided on the cutting unit 21. In a first control state of the control device 24, the actuating element 24A is positioned to engage with the engaging element 26. Thus, when the cutting unit 21 is transported past the control device 24 in the first control state, the actuating element 24A engages with the engaging element 26 to activate the release mechanism to disengage the actuating unit 22 from the cutting unit 21. In a second control state of the control device 24, the actuating element 24A is pulled down so as to disengage from the engaging element 26. Thus, when the cutting unit 21 is transported past the control device 24 in the second control state, the actuating element 24A does not engage the engaging element 26, thereby not activating the release mechanism. When the control device is in the second control state, the actuating unit 22 accordingly remains coupled to the cutting unit 21, such that the knife 51 is consequently maintained in a non-cutting position. Thus, the system 1 is now configured to be selectively in a cutting mode for making a pre-incision, for example according to the first mode or the second mode, or in a non-cutting mode for refraining from making a pre-incision.

[0086] In this example, the example of Figures 12-14 is further adjustable to operate according to the first or second mode described in connection with the example of Figures 1 and 2. Here, the secondary guide track 23 has an optional upstream section 23A at the control device 24 to reduce load on the release mechanism. However, the upstream section 23A may be omitted. Here, the downstream section 23B of the secondary guide track 23 is adjustable to operate the system 1 according to the first or second mode described in connection with the example of Figures 1 and 2. Compared to Figures 1 and 2, here the downstream section 23B of the secondary guide track 23 is translationally adjustable.

[0087] Compared to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive mechanism, specifically the secondary guide track 23, in the example shown in FIGS. 12-14 is configured to vary the position at which the knife 51 is moved from the cutting position to the non-cutting position. Thus, in the first and second modes, the knife 51 is inserted into the poultry leg at the free end of a first bone opposite the joint, e.g., the ankle knuckle. Once inserted, the primary drive mechanism drives the cutting unit to perform a preliminary incision longitudinally in the poultry leg. The secondary guide track 23 is adjustable to control the withdrawal of the knife 51 from the poultry leg to complete the incision. Thus, in this example, the withdrawal point of the knife 51 from the poultry leg differs between the first mode and the second mode. Therefore, the end point of the preliminary incision can be adjusted. It should be understood that the secondary guide track 23 can similarly be used to control the insertion point of the knife 51 into the poultry leg.

[0088] It should be understood that the examples of Figures 1 and 2 on the one hand and the examples of Figures 12 to 14 on the other hand may be combined. For example, the example of Figures 1 and 2 may be provided with an actuation unit 22 as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Also, for example, the system 1 may be provided with a secondary drive mechanism configured to control the point of insertion of the knife 51 into the poultry leg as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and configured to control the point of withdrawal of the knife from the poultry leg as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

[0089] The system 1 may be configured to operate according to either the first mode or the second mode for a batch of poultry legs. Alternatively, the system 1 determines individually for each poultry leg of the batch whether to perform the first or second pre-incision and whether to operate according to the first or second mode accordingly. The system 1 may, for example, be configured to take into account for each bone holder 7 whether the poultry leg has been incised according to the first or second mode and adapt the further processing of the poultry leg accordingly.

[0090] The system 1 of this example further comprises an optional height-adjustable bone holder 7 for holding the poultry legs at an adjustable height while they are transported by the conveyor 5. In this way, differences in shape and size between poultry legs can be efficiently taken into account. The height-adjustable bone holder 7 is configured to adjust the spacing of the poultry leg relative to the conveyor 5, specifically so that the joint between the first and second bones, e.g., the knee joint, is at a predetermined, fixed vertical distance from the conveyor 5. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary guide track 23 may be controlled so that the follower wheel 27 is released at an appropriate point depending on the joint position of the joint between the first and second bones.

[0091] To determine the joint positions of the poultry legs, for example relative to the conveyor, the system 1 comprises a sensor 90, in particular an optical sensor, here an X-ray sensor. The sensor 90 acquires an image of the poultry legs held and transported by the bone holders 7, based on which the joint positions can be determined. It should be understood that the joint positions can be determined automatically in various ways and based on various parameters of the poultry legs. The holding height of each bone holder 7 can be controlled individually depending on the poultry leg it holds.

[0092] 8-10 show an example of a height-adjustable bone holder 7 that can be used, for example, in the system 1 described herein. The bone holder 7 includes a latch 71 for suspending a poultry leg from a first bone by engaging the first bone at a knuckle, e.g., an ankle knuckle, at one end of the first bone. The latch 71 is coupled to a base member 72 associated with or attachable to the conveyor 5, where the base member 72 is formed by a link of the conveyor 5. The latch 71 in this example is translatable relative to the base member 72 to adjust the spacing between the latch 71 and the base member 72. In this example, the latch 71 is attached to the base member 72 via a toothed shaft 73. A latching mechanism cooperates with the toothed shaft 73 to lock and unlock the shaft 73 relative to the base member 72. The latching mechanism may be operated via an operating mechanism 74.

[0093] The spacing between latch 71 and base member 72 can be adjusted by a follower wheel 75 that is engagedly guided by an adjustable height adjuster guide track. The height adjuster guide track may, for example, have an adjustable ramp.

[0094] In this example, bone holder 7 includes a leg securing mechanism for securing a poultry leg relative to latch 71. The leg securing mechanism includes first arm 76 and second arm 77 configured to be moved relative to latch 71 between a passive state, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 , for allowing latch 71 to receive a poultry leg, and an active state, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 , for clamping a poultry leg, specifically a first bone, between jaw 76A of first arm 76 and jaw 77A of second arm 77. In the active state, jaw 76A of first arm 76 and jaw 77A of second arm 77 are positioned beyond latch 71 relative to conveyor 5. Jaw 76A of first arm 76 in the passive state and jaw 77A of second arm 77 in the passive state The jaw 77A of the bone holder 7 is now positioned between the latch 71 and the conveyor 5. Here, the bone holder 7 comprises a slider 78 connected to a follower wheel 79 for movably sliding relative to the base member 72 along the bone holder's linear guide. The first arm 76 and the second arm 77 are hingedly connected to a movable drive member 78. The movable drive member 78 is driven by the follower wheel 79 and an associated stationary guide track. The bone holder 7 also comprises auxiliary pivot arms 81, 82 pivotally coupled to the first arm 76 and the second arm 77, respectively, for moving the first arm 76 and the second arm 77 laterally away from each other when moving between a passive state and an active state. The auxiliary pivot arms 81, 82 are further pivotable about a common pivot axis 85. The common pivot axis 85 extends transversely to the toothed shaft 73. In the passive state, the jaws 76A, 77A are positioned on one side of a common pivot axis 85, and in the active state, the jaws 76A, 77A are positioned on opposite sides of the common pivot axis. Specifically, a spring 84 is provided to bias the first jaw 76A and the second jaw 77A toward each other in both the passive and active states. The locking mechanism specifically has two stable states corresponding to the active and passive states, respectively.

[0095] In this example, the bone holder 7 also includes a pivot member 83 configured to rotate the bone holder 7 about a vertical axis relative to the conveyor 5. The pivot block 83 is configured to be engaged by a stationary engagement member to drive rotation about the vertical axis. The pivot block 83 is rotatably mounted to the base member 72.

[0096] The bone holder 7 may be selectively in an active or passive state depending on the processing step to be performed on the poultry leg. For example, during the preparation of the longitudinal cut of the poultry leg, the bone holder 7 may be in a passive state to allow full access to the poultry leg. During the meat recovery step, such as after the preparation, the bone holder 7 may be in an active state to provide suitable fixation of the poultry leg.

[0097] 11 shows an example of a poultry leg processing line 100 for in-line processing of poultry legs. The processing line includes a conveyor 5, or a portion of a conveyor 5, for transporting the poultry legs along a transport path consistent with various processing systems. In this example, the poultry legs are transferred from an infeed line 88, where the poultry legs are transferred to the conveyor 5 at a transfer station 89.

[0098] Here, a processing line 100 comprises a system 1 for making a longitudinal pre-incision of a poultry leg as described herein, here associated with a rotatable carousel 9. A sensor 90 is arranged upstream of the rotatable carousel 9 for acquiring images of the poultry leg for use in identifying the joint positions of the poultry leg. A bone holder 7 may, for example, adjust the height of a latch 71 upstream of the carousel 9 accordingly. Here, the system includes a height adjuster system 95 by which the bone holder 7 is adjusted based on the sensor-acquired images of the poultry leg.

[0099] Downstream of the cutting system 1 is a leg meat recovery system 110 configured to recover meat from the poultry leg. In this example, the leg meat recovery system 110 is specifically configured to recover meat only from the second bone, i.e., not from the first bone. The leg meat recovery system 110 includes a pair of claws for engaging the poultry leg at the joint between the first and second bones and for moving together along the second bone to peel meat from the second bone. The peeled leg meat, which may still be hanging from the second bone, may then be removed by a recovery knife. The leg meat recovery system 110 may be similar to that described in WO2020 / 162757A2, for example.

[0100] In this example, the salvage knife is height adjustable so that it is suitably positioned relative to the conveyor to make a cut proximate the end of the second bone without cutting the second bone. The height of the salvage knife may be adjusted based on a sensor-acquired image of the poultry leg. The bone holder 7 may be active to secure the poultry leg while salvaging the leg meat from the second bone.

[0101] After the meat has been removed from the second bone, the second bone may be separated from the first bone by a bone-separating knife. In this example, the bone-separating knife is height-adjustable so that it is suitably positioned relative to the conveyor to make a cut at the joint between the first and second bones without cutting either the first or second bone. The height of the bone-separating knife may be adjusted based on sensor-acquired images of the poultry leg. The bone holder 7 may be in an active state to secure the poultry leg while the leg meat is being removed from the second bone.

[0102] Downstream of the leg meat recovery system 110, the poultry leg processing line 100 of this example includes a poultry leg ejector device 120. The ejector device 120 is configured to selectively eject the poultry leg from the bone holder 7, specifically depending on whether the poultry leg has been cut by the upstream cutting system 1 according to a first mode or a second mode. For example, when the system 1 operates according to the first mode, the ejector device 120 refrains from ejecting the poultry leg, whereas when the system 1 operates according to the second mode, the ejector device 120 ejects the poultry leg from the bone holder 7. As described herein, in the first mode, the system 1 makes a first preliminary cut along the first bone and the second bone, whereas in the second mode, the system 1 makes a preliminary cut only along the second bone but not along the first bone. Thus, when system 1 refrains from making an incision along the first bone, e.g., when in the second mode, the first leg portion associated with the first bone, e.g., the drum or drumstick, may remain substantially intact. In some cases, it may be desirable to refrain from deboning this portion of the poultry leg, e.g., the drum. Thus, ejector device 120 may eject the poultry leg from bone holder 7 to prevent the poultry leg from being transported by conveyor 5 to a subsequent leg meat collection system 130 configured to collect meat associated with the first bone of the poultry leg. It should be understood that at this stage of processing line 100, the poultry leg may include the first bone and the second bone, or may include only the first bone if the second bone has been removed in upstream collection system 110. The ejected poultry leg may be transported via output line 87 for optional further processing. Poultry legs not ejected by the ejector device 120 may be further conveyed by the conveyor 5 for deboning by a downstream meat recovery system 130 .

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 system for making a longitudinal preliminary incision in a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat, the system comprising: a cutting unit having a knife; a conveyor for conveying the poultry legs along a conveying path aligned with the cutting unit; a drive mechanism configured to selectively be in a first mode or a second mode; the drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to drive the cutting unit to move the knife along a predefined first cutting trajectory to make a first preliminary incision in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg; The system, wherein the drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to drive the cutting unit to move the knife along a predefined second cutting trajectory different from the first cutting trajectory to make a second preliminary incision in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism in the first mode is configured to move the knife between a cutting position to perform the first pre-incision and a non-cutting position, and the drive mechanism in the second mode is configured to delay and / or accelerate movement of the knife between the cutting position and the non-cutting position relative to the first mode.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pre-incision is a pre-incision of a first length and the second pre-incision has a second length different from the first length.

4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a primary drive mechanism for moving the cutting unit in the length direction of a linear guide member from a first cutting unit position to a second cutting unit position, and a secondary drive mechanism configured to move the knife from a receiving position for receiving the poultry leg to the cutting position for performing the preliminary incision.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the secondary drive mechanism is adjustable to guide a secondary follower wheel of the cutting unit along a first path in the first mode or to guide the secondary follower wheel along a different second path in the second mode.

6. 6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the secondary drive mechanism comprises a secondary guide track having an upstream section and a downstream section, the downstream section being adjustable relative to the upstream section.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the secondary drive mechanism comprises an actuation unit associated with the linear guide member, the actuation unit comprising a secondary follower wheel guided by the secondary guide track for movement along the length of the linear guide member relative to the cutting unit between a proximal position proximal to the cutting unit and a distal position distal to the cutting unit, the actuation unit in the proximal position configured to position the cutting unit in the non-cutting position and the actuation unit in the distal position configured to position the cutting unit in the cutting position, or vice versa.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the actuation unit is removably hookable to the cutting unit at the proximal location of the actuation unit.

9. 9. The system of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a latching control configured to control the release of the actuating unit from the cutting unit, the latching control being positioned along the conveyor's transport path for selectively interacting with the actuating unit as it is transported by the conveyor, the latching control being movable between a first control state for releasing the actuating unit from the cutting unit and a second control state for maintaining the actuating unit latched to the cutting unit.

10. 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the engagement control device in the first control state is configured to release the actuation unit from the cutting unit to perform the pre-cutting, and the engagement control device in the second control state is configured to refrain from releasing the engaged actuation unit from the cutting unit to refrain from performing the pre-cutting.

11. 11. The system of claim 4, wherein the secondary drive mechanism is configured to move the knife from the receiving position to the cutting position when the cutting unit is in the first cutting unit position in the first mode, and the secondary drive mechanism is configured to move the knife from the receiving position to the cutting position when the cutting unit is in an intermediate cutting unit position between the first cutting unit position and the second cutting unit position in the second mode.

12. 12. The system of claim 4, wherein the secondary drive mechanism is configured to move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position when the cutting unit is in the second cutting unit position in the first mode, and the secondary drive mechanism is configured to move the knife from the cutting position to the non-cutting position when the cutting unit is in an intermediate cutting unit position between the first cutting unit position and the second cutting unit position in the second mode.

13. 13. The system of claim 4, wherein the primary drive mechanism comprises a stationary primary guide track for guiding a primary follower wheel of the cutting unit to move the cutting unit from the first cutting unit position to the second cutting unit position.

14. 14. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the linear guide member and associated cutting unit are part of a plurality of linear guide members and associated cutting units forming the periphery of a rotatable carousel.

15. 15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the conveyor is an overhead conveyor and is provided with a height-adjustable bone holder for holding the poultry leg at the first bone at an adjustable distance from the conveyor.

16. 16. The system of claim 15, comprising a sensor for sensing a poultry leg parameter that may be related to poultry leg dimensions, and a control unit configured to adjust the holding height of the bone holder relative to the conveyor based on the sensed poultry leg parameter.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the poultry leg dimensions include a position of the joint between the first bone and the second bone relative to the conveyor, and the control unit is configured to adjust the holding height of the bone holder so that the poultry leg is held by the bone holder with the joint at a predetermined distance from the conveyor.

18. 18. A poultry leg processing line comprising the system of any one of claims 1 to 17 and a poultry leg meat recovery system positioned in the conveying path downstream of the system for recovering meat from the poultry legs.

19. 20. The poultry leg processing line of claim 18, wherein the poultry leg meat recovery system comprises an upstream extractor device configured to extract meat from the second bone but not from the first bone, and a downstream extractor device configured to extract meat from the first bone in the conveying path downstream of the upstream extractor device.

20. 20. The poultry leg processing line of claim 19, wherein the upstream meat extractor device has first and second claws movable relative to one another between an open position for receiving the poultry leg and a closed position for engaging the poultry leg between the first and second claws at the joint between the first and second bones, and wherein the upstream meat extractor device is configured to move the first and second claws together in a longitudinal direction of the second bone from the joint to an opposite end of the poultry leg to remove meat from the second bone while in the closed position.

21. 21. The poultry leg processing line of claim 20, wherein the upstream meat remover device comprises a height-adjustable knife configured to make a cut at the opposite end of the poultry leg at an adjustable distance from the conveyor to separate the meat from the second bone.

22. 22. The poultry leg processing line of any one of claims 18 to 21, comprising a knife positioned relative to the conveying path between the upstream and downstream meat extractor devices to cut the poultry leg at the joint between the first and second bones to separate the second bone from the first bone.

23. 23. A poultry leg processing line according to any one of claims 18 to 22 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the bone holder comprises a latch for holding the poultry leg by the first bone and a fixing unit for fixing the poultry leg relative to the latch, the fixing unit having a first arm, a second arm and an arm drive mechanism for moving the first arm and the second arm relative to the latch between a passive state for allowing the latch to receive the poultry leg and an active state for engaging the poultry leg between the first arm and the second arm.

24. 24. The poultry leg processing line of claim 23, wherein the passive first and second arms are positioned between the latch and the conveyor.

25. 25. A poultry leg processing line according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the arm drive mechanism is formed by a stationary guide track and a follower wheel guided by the stationary guide track.

26. 26. A poultry leg processing line as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the bone holder comprises a base member having the latch attached to the base member, and a drive member movably driveable relative to the base member by the arm drive mechanism, the first arm and the second arm being hingedly connected to the drive member.

27. 27. A method for automatically carrying out the preliminary longitudinal cutting of a poultry leg having a first bone and a second bone connected by a joint and surrounded by meat, using a system according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and / or a poultry leg processing line according to any one of claims 18 to 26.

Images