System and method for processing poultry meat products

Abstract

A system and method for processing poultry slaughter products is provided, the system comprising a first transport line having successive first product carriers traveling at a first speed and spaced a first distance apart, each configured to carry a respective one of the products, a second transport line having successive second product carriers traveling at a second speed and spaced a second distance apart, each configured to carry a respective one of the products, and a product conveying device for conveying the products from the first product carriers to the second product carriers in succession, the product conveying device configured to convey a predetermined plurality of products in succession each time, with the conveying location of each subsequent product in the plurality being either upstream or downstream along the first transport line from the conveying location of each previous product in the plurality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In a system for processing poultry slaughter products such as chicken meat processing products, there is always an effort to achieve a faster processing speed in order to increase the production capacity. Such a system usually has a chain-like conveying member to which a product carrier for carrying the meat processing product, usually a hook, is attached. In this case, the meat processing product is conveyed continuously through the processing stations. Depending on the meat processing product to be processed and the processing stage, a specific product carrier is required to carry the meat processing product so that it can be processed efficiently.

Background Art

[0002] Such a system may have a conveying position where the meat processing product is conveyed, i.e., moved across, from a first product carrier such as a hook on a first transport line such as a carousel or an overhead conveyor chain to a second product carrier on a second transport line, for example. This can be a relatively important point in such a system. Insufficiently accurate positioning of the product carriers relative to each other during the conveying operation causes an increase in the error rate of the conveying of the meat processing product, and as a result, for example, causes an increase in the downtime of the system due to jamming of the meat processing product. Also, this conveying becomes even more important when the conveying speed or the processing speed increases.

[0003] Generally, in order to reliably convey such meat processing products, the speeds of the first transport line and the second transport line, and the distance between consecutive carriers on the first transport line and the second transport line, i.e., the carrier pitch, are made equal. Thus, the consecutive carriers of the first transport line can be arranged right next to the carriers of the second line so that they can carry the product. However, such equal speeds and carrier pitch may not be desirable in all situations.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] US5453045 discloses a poultry meat processing system having a conveying device capable of transporting products from a first transport line to a second transport line, which may have different speeds and spacings between adjacent shackles. To facilitate product transport, an intermediate buffering device is provided in the form of a buffer wheel having a slidably mounted carrier, thereby allowing products to be transported from the first line to the buffer wheel and then from the buffer line to the second line. However, there is room for improvement with respect to product transport, especially since such processing systems are very complex.

[0005] WO2016 / 003271A1 also relates to the transport of poultry products using transport wheels between first and second transport lines, which has the same or at least similar drawbacks as the system of US5453045.

[0006] WO02 / 44670A1 relates to a method and apparatus for weighing suspended poultry carcasses. An eccentric buffer wheel can be used to compensate for differences in shackle spacing between the first and second lines. Furthermore, such a system is quite complex.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for processing poultry meat products. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for processing poultry meat products having a transport device that can effectively transport the meat products from a first transport line to a second transport line, which can travel at different speeds and / or have different carrier pitches. Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system for processing poultry meat products having a transport device that can transport the products from a first transport line to a second transport line with fewer structural requirements on the transport line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One or more of the aforementioned objectives is a processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention for processing poultry meat products such as chicken meat processing products, wherein the system is A first transport line having a series of first product carriers configured to travel at a first speed during use and to be spaced a first distance apart along the first transport line, each carrier carrying one of the products, A second transport line having a series of second product carriers configured to travel at a second speed during use and to be spaced a second distance apart along the second transport line, each carrier carrying one of the aforementioned products, It has a product transport device for continuously transporting products from each first product carrier to each second product carrier, The product transport device is configured to transport a predetermined number of products in succession each time, and the transport position of the product after the predetermined number of products is reached by the system, which is located either upstream or downstream along the first transport line each time from the transport position of the product before the predetermined number of products.

[0009] The effect of the system according to the present invention is that reliable transport can be achieved without the need to use several intermediate buffer wheels or buffer stations, in the case of different speeds and / or different distances, i.e., pitches, between carriers on the first and / or second transport lines, for the original provision of a product transport device that provides upstream or downstream transport positions. In other words, according to the present invention, poultry meat processing products can be transported directly from each first product carrier on the first transport line to each second product carrier on the second transport line. The time interval between each of the sequential transports of a predetermined number of products can be predetermined depending on the first and / or second speed and / or the first and / or second distance.

[0010] A further benefit of the system according to the present invention is that gaps can be intentionally created in the second transport line. The gaps in the transport line mean one or more, preferably one empty carrier, between each carrier that carries products; in other words, a carrier that is not carrying products, i.e., a carrier without products. For example, the tenth carrier in the line can all be left empty (while the other carriers carry products).

[0011] This can be achieved, for example, by moving the second transport line at a faster speed than the first transport line and optionally providing the second product carrier at a greater distance from the first product carrier. In the system according to the present invention, products can also be reliably transported by providing an upstream transport position, and gaps are created between successive repetitions of the continuous transport of a given number of products, i.e., between iterations.

[0012] Such gaps in the second transport line can be advantageous during further transport of products on the second transport line, for example, because it becomes easier to place dropped products back onto the second transport line. Such gaps can be realized more frequently, for example, when the speed difference between the first and second transport lines increases.

[0013] Poultry meat processing products, such as chicken meat processing products, may be the whole animal processed for meat, a part of it, or a combination of parts thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, each successive transport of a predetermined number of products, i.e., each repetition of transport, has the same predetermined number of products.

[0015] In this embodiment, the predetermined number of products may be any number ranging from 2 or more products to 20 or fewer products, preferably any number ranging from 5 or more products to 15 or fewer products.

[0016] In one embodiment, the transport position of one product in a later predetermined group of products is the same as the transport position of one product in a preceding predetermined group of products that has the same number of consecutive units. In other words, in each iteration, products of the group of products are transported at the same respective transport positions. Thus, the product transport device has a plurality of transport positions equal to the predetermined plurality, and each transport position is at a predetermined different position along the first transport line.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system is configured such that the second speed is faster than the first speed during use, and the product transport device is configured such that the transport position of a product after a plurality of products along the first and second transport lines is always upstream of the transport position of the product before the plurality of products. By doing so, a gap can be effectively created in the second transport line.

[0018] The first and second transport lines can be located close to each other, at least in the product transport device. The first and second transport lines can travel in the same direction during use. In this way, the transport of products from the first product carrier to the second product carrier can be reliably performed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first transport line travels along a first path, and the second transport line travels along a second path, and at least at the transport location, the first and second paths are at a certain distance from each other. This also enhances reliable product transport.

[0020] In one embodiment, the product handling device is configured such that, during the handling of each of a plurality of products, the first carrier that carries the product is at least substantially adjacent to the second carrier to which the product is being carried during handling. This also enhances reliable product handling.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least in the conveying device, both the first transport line and the second transport line follow respective curved paths defined by a carousel, etc., and preferably, the second transport line, and thus its curved path, is outside the first transport line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second distance is greater than the first distance. By doing so, preferably in combination with the second speed being greater than the first speed, a gap can be effectively created in the second transport line.

[0023] The speed of the second transport line can be in the range of 0.85 to 1.15 times, preferably 1 to 1.10 times, and more preferably 1.05 to 1.10 times the speed of the first transport line.

[0024] In one embodiment, the product conveying device has a cam follower connected to a conveying element for engaging the product to convey the product from the first carrier to the second carrier, and the system has a cam track along which the cam follower travels during use, and the cam track is configured to move the cam follower at each respective conveying position to start conveying the product at that position from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cam track has a predetermined track section for moving the cam follower to start the conveying, and the system has a drive module configured to move the predetermined track section, preferably together with the cam track itself, upstream or downstream along the first transport line during each successive conveyance of the plurality of predetermined products during use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cam follower is provided on each of the first carriers and connected to each of the first carriers. Further, the conveying element is provided on each of the first carriers and connected to each of the first carriers. Therefore, in use, the cam followers of each successive first product carrier pass along the predetermined track section and are moved by that track section so that the product is conveyed by the conveying element connected to that cam follower.

[0027] In one embodiment, the product conveying device is arranged to move between a non-operating position where the predetermined track section remains free from the cam follower that passes through the track section so as not to engage the cam follower for conveying the product, and an operating position where the track section engages the cam follower that passes through the track section for conveying the product. Such movement of the predetermined track section can be provided by mechanical means such as a further cam follower connected to the track section through which the follower passes a further cam track, or by electrical or pneumatic means.

[0028] In one embodiment, the conveying element is configured to engage the product by a pushing operation.

[0029] Alternatively, the product conveying device may have one or more electric or pneumatic actuators connected to the conveying element so as to start conveying the product from the first carrier to the second carrier at each conveying position. For example, an electrically operated solenoid can be provided on each first product carrier and connected to the conveying element.

[0030] The corresponding embodiment is also applicable to the method described below according to the second aspect of the present invention. The system according to the first aspect of the present invention can be arranged to implement the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for processing poultry meat processed products, preferably using the system according to the invention described above. The method comprises A step of transporting the product using a first transport line that travels at a first speed and has a series of first product carriers spaced a first distance apart along the first transport line, wherein each of the products is carried by each of the first product carriers. A product transport device comprising the steps of continuously transporting products from each first product carrier to each second product carrier on a second transport line traveling at a second speed, wherein the second product carriers are spaced a second distance apart along the second transport line, During the transport step, a predetermined number of products are transported consecutively each time, and the transport position of the product after the predetermined number of products is always upstream or downstream along the first transport line from the transport position of the product before the predetermined number of products.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second speed is faster than the first speed, and the transport position of the product after the product along the first and second transport lines is always upstream of the transport position of the product before the product.

[0033] In one embodiment, each of the consecutive transports of a predetermined number of products has the same predetermined number of products.

[0034] In the embodiment of the system having the predetermined track section described above, during the transport step, the predetermined track section is moved upstream or downstream, preferably upstream, along the first transport line during the sequential transport of each of the predetermined plurality of products.

[0035] The corresponding embodiments are also applicable to the system described above according to the first aspect of the present invention. The effects of the method according to the present invention are similar to the effects of the system according to the present invention described above.

[0036] Broadly speaking, the present invention relates to a system and method for processing poultry meat products, the system comprising: a first transport line having a series of first product carriers that travel at a first speed and are spaced apart by a first distance, each carrying one of the products; a second transport line having a series of second product carriers that travel at a second speed and are spaced apart by a second distance, each carrying one of the products; and a product transport device for continuously transporting products from the first product carriers to the second product carriers. The product transport device is configured to transport a predetermined number of products in succession each time, and the transport position of a product after a number of products is each time upstream or downstream along the first transport line from the transport position of a product before a number of products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments and accompanying schematic drawings, where similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements.

[0038] [Figure 1] This figure shows a front view of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic diagram of the system related to Figure 1, viewed from above. [Figure 3A] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 3B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 4A] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 4B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 5A]This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 5B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 6A] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 6B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 8A] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Figure 8B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a part of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, viewed from above at different moments in time during the use of the system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for processing poultry meat processing product 8, in this embodiment chicken. System 1 has a supply line 2, a first transport line 3, and a second transport line 4. Supply line 2 supplies chicken to the first transport line 3. The first transport line 3 has a carousel 10 having a plurality of first product carriers 6 spaced a first distance apart along its perimeter. Each first product carrier 6 is configured to carry one of the product 8. The first transport line 3 travels at a first speed when in use.

[0040] The second transport line 4 travels at a second speed when in use and has a series of second product carriers 12 spaced at a second distance along the second transport line 4. Each second product carrier 12 is configured to carry one of each product 8. As can be seen from the diagram, both the first transport line 3 and the second transport line 4 follow curved paths at least partially, with the first transport line 3 following a circular path defined by the carousel 10. The second transport line 4 is outside the first transport line 3 and travels along a curved path that passes through the carousel 10.

[0041] System 1 also has a product transport device 14 for continuously transporting product 8 from each first product carrier 6 to each second product carrier 12. When System 1 is in use, products are supplied by the supply line 2 to the first transport line 3, i.e., the carousel 10. The products can then be processed on the carousel 10, for example, by cutting, trimming, or deboning. After that, the products 8 are transported by the product transport device 14 from the first transport line 3 to the second transport line 4.

[0042] According to the present invention, the product transport device 14 is configured to transport a predetermined number of products 8, for example, 10 products, in succession each time. As will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 8B, the transport position of a later product in the predetermined number of products 8 is always upstream along the first transport line 3 from the transport position of the previous product 8 in the predetermined number of products 8, and the transport position of one product 8 in the later predetermined number of products 8 is the same as the transport position of one product 8 in the preceding predetermined number of products 8 having the same number of consecutive products. This means that the second product of the 10 products being transported in succession is transported to the same position along the first transport line 3 as the second product of the preceding 10 products that have already been transported in succession, and the second product of the subsequent 10 products that are still being transported in succession.

[0043] The product transport device 14 has a cam follower 18 connected to a transport element 20 for engaging with the product 8 to transport the product 8 from the first carrier 6 to the second carrier 12. Such cam followers 18 and transport elements 20 are provided for and connected to each of the first carriers 6. The transport element 20 may be a pusher for pushing the product from the first carrier 6 to the second carrier 12. System 1 also has a cam track 22 on which the cam follower 18 travels when in use, and the cam track 22 is configured to cooperate with the cam follower 18 of the first carrier 6 so that, at each transport position, the transport element 20 initiates the transport of the product 8 from its first carrier 6 to the second carrier 12. The cam track 22 has predetermined track sections 24, such as a bulging section of the cam track, which move the cam follower 18, thereby the transport element 20, to initiate the transport. Other sections of the cam track 22 can maintain the transport element 20 in a non-operating position. System 1 has a drive module 29 configured to move a predetermined track section 24 upstream or downstream along the first transport line 3 during the subsequent transport of a plurality of products 8 when in use. The track section 24 and the cam track 22, of which the section 24 is part, are mounted on a carousel disk 28 that is rotatable around the central axis 30 of the carousel 10. The disk 28 can be rotated at a different rotational speed and / or direction of rotation than the rotational speed of the first carrier 6, and can be driven by a separate drive motor, or can be driven via a gear system such as a planetary gear system that operates between the rotating part of the carousel 10 and the disk 28 so as to rotate the disk 28 depending on the rotation of the first carrier 6 on the carousel 10. In this way, the cam track 22, and therefore the track section 24, can be moved upstream or downstream along the first transport line 3. In this embodiment, the product is first transported from the supply line 2 to the first transport line 3, which is shaped like a carousel, and then to the second transport line 4. However, other configurations of the first and second transport lines are also possible.For example, instead of mounting the first carrier on a carousel, the first carrier may be suspended from an overhead conveyor chain, preferably running along a guide wheel, as shown in the example supply line 2 in Figure 1.

[0044] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, a poultry meat processing product 8 is processed using the system 1 described above. Using a first transport line 3, the products 8 are each carried and transported by each of the first product carriers 6. The products 8 are then transported by a product transport device 14 from each of the first product carriers 6 to each of the second product carriers 12 on the second transport line 4. During the transport steps, a predetermined number of products are transported consecutively each time, and the transport position of a product after a predetermined number of products is each time upstream or each time downstream along the first transport line 3 from the transport position of a product before a predetermined number of products.

[0045] Next, this principle will be further explained with reference to Figures 2 to 8B. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of System 1 according to the present invention. A carousel 10 is shown, having a number of 12 first product carriers 6 spaced apart around it. The carousel 10 rotates counterclockwise (meaning in the direction 11 shown) and together with the first carriers 6 forms a first transport line 3. As shown, a second transport line 4 travels through the carousel 10 and follows its circumference in part. The second product carriers 12 of the second transport line 4 move from right to left in the diagram of Figure 2, and as a result move in the direction 11 shown. The carriers 12 are at a greater distance from each other than the carriers 6. When in use, the line speed of the second transport line 4 is faster than the line speed of the first transport line 3. Products on the carriers are represented by squares 8. Furthermore, a supply line 2 is shown, rotating clockwise in direction 13 and having product carriers 32 at the same distance from each other as the first product carriers 6. The supply line 2 travels at the same speed as the first transport line 3, and therefore the first speed of the carousel 10. As a result, the product 8 can be transported from the supply line 2 to the first product carrier 6 of the carousel 10 using conventional transport means such as a pusher 34 that operates at a radially adjusted position where carrier 32 and carrier 6 are closest together, as shown in Figure 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second speed is faster than the first speed. Also, as can be deduced from Figure 2, the second distance is greater than the first distance. System 1 has a circular cam track 22 (partially shown in Figure 2). This cam track 22 is part of the disk 28, as previously described. When in use, the disk 28 rotates clockwise, and therefore rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction 11 of the product carrier 6. The cam track 22 has predetermined track sections 24, indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. As a result of the track sections 24 also rotating clockwise, any cam follower 18 traveling within the cam track 22 can be engaged by the track section 24 at different positions so as to transport the product 8 at the position where the track section 24 engages with the cam follower 18.

[0047] Here, Figures 3A to 8B are referred to, starting with Figure 3A, each showing a moment in time, i.e., during the execution of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention. In the examples of these figures, a first transport line is represented, defined by a carousel having a number of 20 first carriers A_1 to A_20. A second transport line is represented, having second product carriers having labels beginning with B. Generally, product 8 is transported from the first carrier A to the second carrier B. From Figure 3A, it can be deduced that at the shown moment in time, only carriers A_1 and B_1 are aligned radially to each other, thereby ensuring that product 8 can be transported at (only) the positions of those carriers. At that moment in time, a predetermined track section represented by arrow 24 is at (i.e., passing) its first position. As shown in Figure 3A, the first product 8 of a plurality of products being transported in succession is on carrier A_1, and carrier B_1 is empty. The first product 8 is then transported to its position by the transport device 14 in the manner described above. As shown in Figure 3B, product 8 is transported from carrier A_1 to carrier B_1 at the first position. The first carrier A and the second carrier B continue to move counterclockwise, and the predetermined track section 24 moves clockwise as indicated by the position of arrow 24. Figures 4A and 4B show the continuous transport of the second product 8 of the plurality of products from carrier A_2 to carrier B_2 at a second position upstream in the direction of movement of carrier A. As shown, at that moment in time, i.e., at the second position, carrier A_2 is aligned radially with carrier B_2. Figures 5A and 5B show further transport at a sixth position, again upstream in the counterclockwise direction of movement of carriers A and B (transport at the third to fifth positions and the transport of related products are not shown). As shown in the figure, at that moment, i.e., at the sixth position, carrier A_6 is aligned radially with carrier B_6, and the sixth product of the plurality of products is transported. Figures 6A and 6B show the further transport of the tenth product of the plurality of products at the tenth and final position (transportation at positions seven through ninth is not shown), which is again upstream in the counterclockwise direction of movement of carriers A and B.

[0048] After the aforementioned continuous transport of a plurality of 10 products from the first transport line 3 to the second transport line 4, the predetermined track section 24 continues to rotate clockwise without transporting any further products, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 7, while carriers A and B continue to move counterclockwise 11. The predetermined track section 24 is now outside the range of the indicated portion of the track 22 that can transport products. To move the track section 24 to a non-operating position that does not engage with the cam follower 18, the track section 24 may be provided to be movable with respect to the cam track 22. The track section 24 may include an additional cam follower that travels within an additional cam track 26, as shown in Figure 1. The additional cam track 26 may be provided as part of an additional disk that may be fixedly provided. This means that, during use, while the disk 28 rotates and therefore the track section 24 also rotates, the track section 24 can move between a non-working position and an working position as a result of further cam drivers passing through further cam tracks 26, and the track section 24 can be moved to a non-working position when it is upstream or downstream of the indicated portion of the cam track 22 (in Figure 2B; i.e., the portion referred to by the number 22), in which case the section 24 is outside the range of the cam driver 18 passing through the section 24 to the extent that the cam driver does not engage to transport the product. A given track section 24 can be moved to an working position while passing through the indicated portion of the cam track 22, and in that working position, the track section 24 forms a bulging section of the cam track 22 to engage with the cam driver 18 to transport the product.

[0049] The transport device 14 has two such predetermined track sections 24, 24' at an angle of 180 degrees to each other, as shown in Figure 7. Thus, the right section 24 (in the diagram in Figure 7) has just left the designated track portion of track 22, while the left section 24' is already approaching the track portion. After a certain moment in time, track section 24' is in the position shown in Figure 8A, which is the same as the “first position” described above, and is ready to transport the first product 8 from a series of 10 products to be transported in succession from carrier A_11 to carrier B_12. See also Figure 8B. As shown in Figure 8B, carrier B_11 remains empty. In other words, a gap is created in the second transport line 4. After transporting product 8 from carrier A_11 to carrier B_12, the 9 consecutive products are now transported from each first product carrier to each second product carrier in the manner described above, as a result of the interaction between the track section 24' and the cam follower 18. At this time, two consecutive groups of 10 products each are transported from the first transport line to the second transport line. After that, as with the second product carrier B_11 as described above, one second product carrier B remains empty again, and a third iteration of transporting 10 products is started again using the track section 24.

[0050] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art when carrying out the invention described in the claims, based on an examination of the drawings, disclosures, and the appended claims. The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention only as examples. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for processing poultry meat products, A first transport line having a series of first product carriers configured to travel at a first speed during use and to be spaced a first distance apart along the first transport line, each carrier carrying one of the aforementioned products, A second transport line having a series of second product carriers configured to travel at a second speed during use and to be spaced a second distance apart along the second transport line, each carrier carrying one of the aforementioned products, It has a product transport device for continuously transporting products from each first product carrier to each second product carrier, The product transport device is configured to transport a predetermined number of products in succession each time, and the transport position of the product after the predetermined number of products is always upstream or downstream along the first transport line from the transport position of the product before the predetermined number of products.

2. The system is configured such that the second speed is faster than the first speed when in use, and the product transport device is configured such that the transport position of the product after the plurality of products along the first and second transport lines is always upstream of the transport position of the product before the plurality of products. The system according to claim 1.

3. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Each of the consecutive transports of a predetermined number of products has the same predetermined number of products. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transport position of one product in a later predetermined group of products is the same as the transport position of one product in a preceding predetermined group of products that have the same consecutive number. The system according to claim 4.

6. In at least the transport device, both the first transport line and the second transport line follow a curved path defined by a carousel. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The product transport device has a cam follower connected to a transport element for engaging with a product to transport the product from the first product carrier to the second product carrier, the system has a cam track on which the cam follower travels when in use, and the cam track is configured to move the cam follower at each transport position to begin transporting the product from the first product carrier to the second product carrier at that position. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The cam track has a predetermined track section that moves the cam follower to initiate the transport, and the system has a drive module configured to move the predetermined track section upstream or downstream along a first transport line during each sequential transport of a predetermined number of products when in use. The system according to claim 7.

9. The cam follower is provided on each of the first product carriers and connected to each of the first product carriers, and the transport element is provided on each of the first product carriers and connected to each of the first product carriers. The system according to claim 8.

10. The transport element is configured to engage with the product by a pushing motion. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A method for processing poultry meat products, A step of transporting the product using a first transport line that travels at a first speed and has a series of first product carriers spaced a first distance apart along the first transport line, wherein each of the products is carried by each of the first product carriers. A product transport device provides a step of continuously transporting products from each first product carrier to each second product carrier on a second transport line traveling at a second speed, wherein the second product carriers are spaced apart by a second distance along the second transport line. A method wherein, during the transport step, a predetermined number of products are transported consecutively each time, and the transport position of a product after the predetermined number of products is each time upstream or downstream along the first transport line from the transport position of a product before the predetermined number of products.

12. The second speed is faster than the first speed, and the transport position of the subsequent product along the first and second transport lines is always upstream of the transport position of the preceding product. The method according to claim 11.

13. Each of the consecutive transports of a predetermined number of products has the same predetermined number of products. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. A method using the system described in claim 8, wherein during the transport step, the predetermined track section is moved upstream or downstream along the first transport line during the sequential transport of each of the predetermined plurality of products. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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