Device and method for processing pieces of meat

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, comprising at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path, wherein at least one meat carrier comprises at least one carrying surface for carrying at least one piece of meat; at least one initial cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, at least one primary cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, at least one secondary cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, and at least one orientation adjusting structure which is configured to displace at least part of at least one meat carrier such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor.

Description

[0001] Device and method for processing pieces of meat

[0002] The invention relates to device for processing pieces of meat. The invention also relates to a method for processing pieces of meat.

[0003] The processing of meat, particularly poultry, has long been an important aspect of the food industry. As consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-cook meat products continues to grow, there is an increasing need for efficient and precise meat processing equipment. Traditional meat processing methods often involve manual cutting and portioning, which can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and subject to inconsistencies. In recent years, automated meat processing systems have been developed to address these challenges. These systems typically employ conveyors and various cutting mechanisms to process meat pieces. However, existing automated systems often struggle to achieve the desired level of precision and flexibility in cutting operations, particularly when dealing with irregularly shaped pieces of meat or when aiming to produce specific cut patterns.

[0004] One of the various challenges in automated meat processing is the ability to make accurate cuts at different angles and orientations. This is particularly important when processing poultry, where different parts of the bird may require different cutting approaches to maximize yield and produce desired portion sizes. Additionally, the natural variation in size and shape of meat pieces can make it difficult for automated systems to consistently achieve optimal cutting results. Another issue faced by current meat processing equipment is the limited ability to adjust cutting operations on-the-fly or to perform multiple cutting operations in sequence without manual intervention. This lack of flexibility can result in reduced efficiency and may limit the range of products that can be produced on a single processing line. Furthermore, existing systems often struggle with maintaining consistent pressure and positioning of the meat during cutting operations, which can lead to uneven cuts or damage to the meat structure. This is particularly problematic when attempting to create specific cut patterns or when dealing with delicate meat tissues.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need for improved meat processing devices that can offer greater precision, flexibility, and efficiency in cutting operations. Such devices should be capable of performing multiple cutting operations at various angles, adjusting to the natural variations in meat pieces, and maintaining consistent control over the meat during processing. Additionally, there is a demand for systems that can be easily adapted to produce a wide range of meat products without significant reconfiguration or downtime.

[0006] Therefore it is a goal of the present invention to provide an improved device for processing pieces of meat, or at least provide an alternative to the known devices.

[0007] The invention provides thereto a device for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, comprising:

[0008] - at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path, wherein at least one meat carrier comprises at least one carrying surface for carrying at least one piece of meat;

[0009] - at least one initial cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one initial cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one initial cutting element is in particular positioned substantially parallel to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier such that the at least one initial cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier in a plane which is substantially parallel to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface; and / or

[0010] - at least one primary cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one primary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one primary cutting element is in particular positioned under a first angle with respect to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface such that the at least one primary cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier under an angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface; and / or - at least one secondary cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one secondary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one secondary cutting element is positioned under a second angle with respect to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface of at least one meat carrier such that the at least one primary cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier under an angle with respect to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface; and

[0011] - preferably at least one orientation adjusting structure which is configured to displace at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor preferably upon contact between the at least one orientation structure and at least one meat carrier such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier, and in particular the at least one carrying surface thereof, is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor, wherein at least one orientation adjusting structure is provided between the at least one primary cutting module and the at least one secondary cutting module.

[0012] The device according to the invention offers numerous benefits for meat processing, particularly in poultry applications. Its versatile design incorporates multiple cutting modules having cutting elements positioned at various angles, enabling precise and complex cutting patterns in a single pass. This multi-angle cutting capability, combined with an innovative orientation adjusting structure, allows for a wide range of sliced meat products to be produced efficiently and consistently. The adaptable nature of the device enables that different meat types and sizes can be applied. By integrating several cutting operations via the respective initial cutting module, primary cutting module and / or secondary cutting module into one cohesive system, the device enhances productivity and flexibility in meat processing facilities, allowing for easy customization of cutting recipes to meet diverse product specifications.

[0013] The device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier, and preferably multiple meat carriers for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path. Alternatively, the device can be configured to cooperate with at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier, and preferably multiple meat carriers for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path in particular in a transport direction. The transport path may extend along a transport direction. At least one meat carrier is in particular configured to carry and / or support at least one piece of meat, such as but not limited to at least one piece of poultry. At least one meat carrier, preferably multiple meat carriers and more preferably each meat carrier comprises at least one carrying surface for carrying at least one piece of meat. This enables that pieces of meat can be displaced through the cutting modules of the device in a controlled manner. At least one meat carrier and preferably all meat carrier may be detachably connected to the conveyor.

[0014] Along the transport path of the conveyor, the device incorporates at least two and preferably three distinct cutting modules: an initial cutting module, a primary cutting module, and / or a secondary cutting module. Each of these modules is strategically positioned to perform specific cutting operations on the meat provided in at least one meat carrier as it moves along the conveyor. The initial cutting module is typically positioned upstream, allowing it to perform at least one first cut on the meat pieces. Following this, the primary cutting module is located downstream from the initial cutting module, enabling it to make (a) subsequent cut(s) on the meat. Further along the transport path, the secondary cutting module is positioned downstream from both the initial and primary cutting modules. This sequential arrangement allows for a progressive and efficient cutting process, where each module builds upon the cuts made by the previous one. The downstream positioning of the primary and secondary cutting modules results in that the meat pieces may have already undergone initial processing before reaching the further cutting stages, potentially allowing for more complex or refined cutting operations to be performed on pre-cut or partially processed meat pieces. At least one initial cutting module is typically arranged first in the sequence. It contains at least one cutting element that is positioned substantially parallel to the carrying surface of the meat carrier or a plane defined by the carrying surface of the meat carrier. This configuration allows for cuts to be made in a plane that is substantially parallel to the carrying surface. This may be useful for tasks such as trimming or creating uniform thickness. It is also possible to apply the initial cutting module for slicing at least part of a piece of meat, for example in order to prepare the piece of meat to become a cordon bleu. Typically following the initial cutting module, at least one primary cutting module is positioned along the transport path. The cutting element in this module is set at a first angle relative to the carrying surface of the meat carrier. This angled positioning enables cuts to be made at a non-parallel angle to the carrying surface, which may be beneficial for creating specific shapes or portions. It is for example possible that at least one first angle is between 30 and 150 degrees with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface, preferably between 60 and 120 degrees, more preferably substantially 90 degrees. At least part of the at least one primary cutting element may be positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier. At least one secondary cutting module comes preferably next in the sequence. Similar to the primary module, its cutting element is positioned at an angle, a second angle, relative to the carrying surface. It is for example possible that at least one second angle is between 30 and 150 degrees with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface, preferably between 60 and 120 degrees, more preferably substantially 90 degrees. At least part of the at least one secondary cutting element may be positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier. It is possible that at least one first angle substantially equals at least one second angle. It is also conceivable that the first angle and the second angle of respectively the primary and secondary cutting element(s) are determined with respect to a plane defined by at least part of at least one conveyor. Between the primary and secondary cutting modules, if both applied, the device incorporates an orientation adjusting structure. This component is designed to alter the orientation of at least part of the meat carrier relative to the conveyor. The adjustment typically occurs when the orientation structure comes into contact with part of the meat carrier. This feature allows for the meat to be repositioned between the primary and secondary cutting operations, enabling that the piece(s) of meat can be cut a different direction whilst the cutting elements can be positioned in a simple configuration. The strategic placement of this orientation adjusting structure between the primary and secondary cutting modules suggests that the device is designed to perform a series of cuts at different angles, with the ability to reorient the meat between these cutting operations. This configuration may allow for a wide range of cutting patterns and meat product shapes to be produced efficiently within a single processing line. When it is referred to an orientation adjusting structure also an orientation adjusting section and / or an orientation adjusting mechanism could be meant.

[0015] At least one conveyor in the device may be an endless conveyor. It is also possible that at least one conveyor comprises an endless belt and / or an endless chain. This configuration allows for continuous, uninterrupted movement of meat pieces through the processing stages, in particular by making use of meat carriers provided upon the conveyor. An endless conveyor design enables efficient use of space and facilitates a smooth, consistent flow of product along the transport path. It is for example possible that an endless belt is applies which is made of foodgrade materials. The conveyor provides a stable basis for the meat carriers and thus the meat provided thereupon as they move through the various cutting modules. This setup can enhance productivity by allowing for continuous loading and unloading of meat pieces, minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput in the meat processing operation.

[0016] The device's cutting modules are strategically designed to perform cuts in different orientations. The initial cutting module operates in a substantially horizontal direction, making cuts parallel to the carrying surface of the meat carrier. This allows for precise horizontal sectioning of the meat pieces. In contrast, both the primary and secondary cutting modules incorporate a vertical cutting component, enabling them to make cuts that penetrate the meat from above. When these modules cut the meat at an angle, this angle can be substantially perpendicular to the carrying surface, allowing for clean, precise cuts through the depth of the meat piece. The primary and secondary cutting elements may be configured to operate at the same angle relative to the carrying surface. It is also possible that the primary and secondary cutting elements are positioned under a different angle with respect to the carrying surface. Due to the orientation of the meat carrier being adjusted before the meat arrives at the secondary cutting module, the secondary cutting element(s) will cut the meat in a different configuration. This arrangement of cutting modules with varying orientations enhances the device's versatility, allowing it to produce a wide range of meat cuts and portions with a single pass through the system. It is conceivable that the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting elements are positioned substantially in line with each other, in particular in the transport direction of the conveyor.

[0017] The device is versatile in its ability to process a wide variety of types of meat, in particular poultry types. It can handle common poultry such as chickens and turkeys, preferably individual parts like breasts, thighs and / or wings but optionally whole birds could be applied within the device. Due to the adaptability of the device, the size of the pieces of meat which can be processes can vary over a wide range. Non-limiting examples of poultry which can be applied are chicken, duck, goose, pheasant and / or optionally larger birds like ostriches or emus. However, the type of meat applied can also be beef, pork or other types of meat.

[0018] At least one meat carrier is preferably displaceably connected to the at least one conveyor. In a possible embodiment, at least one meat carrier is rotatably connected to the at least one conveyor. Preferably multiple meat carriers or each meat carrier are / is rotatably connected to the at least one conveyor. At least one meat carrier can be rotatable with respect to the at least one conveyor. It is for example possible that at least one meat carrier is connected to the conveyor via an attachment structure. A displaceable, and in particular rotatable connection allows for adjustment of the meat carrier's orientation during the processing operation in an efficient and effective manner.

[0019] At least one orientation adjusting structure may be configured to rotate at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor. This rotation capability can be particularly useful for reorienting meat pieces between cutting operations. In some implementations, the orientation adjusting structure may be designed to rotate the meat carrier by a specific amount, such as a quarter turn or 90 degrees. This precise rotation can facilitate access to different sides or surfaces of the meat piece for subsequent cutting operations. Hence, at least one orientation adjusting structure may be configured to rotate at least part of at least one meat carrier in an angle between 45 and 135 degrees, preferably between 75 and 105 degrees, more preferably between 85 and 95 degrees. Optionally, at least one orientation adjusting structure comprises at least one Geneva drive and / or may be formed by at least one Geneva drive. A Geneva drive or Geneva drive mechanism can provide intermittent rotary motion, allowing for precise, controlled rotation of the meat carrier at specific intervals. This mechanism may be particularly advantageous for ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning of the meat pieces between cutting stages. At least one orientation adjusting structure may also be a static orientation adjusting structure. It is for example conceivable that at least one orientation adjusting structure is a static structure, wherein displacing of at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor rotation is forced by the movement of the at least one conveyor. Hence, in this configuration, the displacement or rotation of at least part of the meat carrier with respect to the conveyor may be forced by the movement of the conveyor itself. As the conveyor moves, it may interact with the static structure in a way that causes the desired reorientation of the meat carrier. It is also possible that at least one orientation adjusting structure is an active orientation adjusting structure which actively pushes or displaces part of the meat carrier in order to adjust its orientation with respect to the conveyor.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the device may comprise at least one further orientation adjusting structure arranged downstream of the secondary cutting module. At least one further orientation adjusting structure may be configured for altering the orientation of at least part of at least one meat carrier, for example rotating it over a predetermined angular rotation with respect to a supply orientation. This feature can allow for further processing or reorientation of the meat carriers after they have passed through the secondary cutting module. It is for example possible that at least one further orientation adjusting structure is positioned downstream from at least one secondary cutting module. Hence, the device according to the invention may comprise at least two orientation adjusting structures. At least two orientation adjusting structures may be designed such that the orientation adjusting structures and the further orientation adjusting structures are configured to rotate a meat carrier in opposing directions. A bidirectional rotation capability can provide enhanced flexibility in meat piece orientation and may allow for more complex cutting patterns or processing sequences. However, it is also conceivable that the orientation adjusting structures and the further orientation adjusting structures are configured to rotate a meat carrier in the same direction. At least one primary cutting module may comprise at least two and preferably a plurality of mutually spaced primary cutting elements, wherein the at least two and preferably the plurality of cutting elements are parallelly spaced apart in a width direction of the conveyor. In case multiple primary cutting elements are applied, the piece of meat can be cut into several slices or pieces in an efficient manner. The parallel orientation of at least to primary cutting elements offers several advantages and possibilities for enhanced meat processing. At least two cutting elements can be parallelly spaced apart at a predetermined distance. The presence of a (predetermined) distance between at least two primary cutting elements allows for consistent and uniform cutting patterns across a width of the meat piece. Each primary cutting element may be configured for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, enabling simultaneous multiple cuts on a single meat piece or the processing of multiple pieces side by side. This arrangement can significantly increase the throughput of the device, as it allows for parallel processing of meat pieces or the creation of multiple cuts in a single pass. The spacing between cutting elements can be designed to produce specific portion sizes or to accommodate different meat piece widths. Additionally, this configuration may allow for easy adjustment or replacement of individual cutting elements, enhancing the module's maintainability and adaptability to different cutting requirements. It is possible that the angle and / or cutting depth of each primary cutting element is adjustable.

[0021] It is also conceivable that at least one secondary cutting module comprises at least two and preferably a plurality of mutually spaced secondary cutting elements, wherein the at least two and preferably the plurality of cutting elements are parallelly spaced apart in a width direction of the conveyor. This configuration offers enhanced versatility and efficiency in meat processing. In some embodiments, the primary cutting module and the secondary cutting module may comprise different numbers of respective cutting elements, allowing for varied cutting patterns between stages. This difference in element numbers can enable the creation of more complex cut geometries or the further subdivision of meat pieces as they progress through the device. The initial cutting module may optionally feature a single cutting element, focusing on an initial horizontal cut, while the subsequent primary and / or secondary cutting modules may have multiple cutting elements configured to perform more intricate cutting operations. This arrangement can be particularly beneficial for producing a wide range of portion sizes or shapes from a single meat piece. The parallel spacing of cutting elements in the secondary module can be adjusted to create specific cut widths or to accommodate different product specifications. Additionally, this configuration may allow for selective activation of cutting elements, providing flexibility to produce different cut patterns without changing the physical setup of the module.

[0022] It is beneficial if at least one primary cutting element and / or at least one secondary cutting element is a circular cutting element. Also all primary cutting elements and / or all secondary cutting element may be or comprise a circular cutting element Also at least one initial cutting element may be a circular cutting element. The circular cutting element may be configured for rotatably cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat. The circular cutting elements may be rotatably mounted to a driven axle. The circular cutting element may be configured for providing a continuous cutting action as the meat pieces pass through the respective modules. The use of circular cutting elements offers several advantages in meat processing. Their rotational motion can provide a clean, consistent cut while minimizing tearing or damage to the meat fibers. The continuous cutting action of circular elements can also contribute to smoother operation and potentially higher processing speeds. Additionally, circular cutting elements may be easier to sharpen or replace compared to some other cutting element designs, potentially reducing maintenance downtime. A driven axle configuration allows for precise control of cutting speed, which can be adjusted to optimize cut quality for different types or textures of meat. Furthermore, the use of similar circular cutting elements across different modules may simplify maintenance procedures and spare parts inventory management for the device.

[0023] It is conceivable that at least one cutting element of at least one of the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module, and / or the secondary cutting module is displaceable in height with respect to the at least one conveyor, in particular such that at least one cutting element is displaceable between a first position in which the cutting element is configured to cut at least part of at least one piece of meat, and a second position in which the cutting element is positioned at a greater distance from the at least one carrying surface than in the first position. It is for example possible that in the second position, the cutting element can not interfere with the meat carrier and / or a piece of meat provided thereupon. Hence, the device may comprise height-adjustable cutting elements in one or more of the initial, primary, and secondary cutting modules, offering enhanced flexibility and precision in meat processing operations. This feature allows for dynamic adaptation to varying meat thicknesses or desired cutting depths without the need to stop or reconfigure the entire system. The cutting elements may be displaceable between at least two positions: a first position for active cutting and a second position at a greater distance from the carrying surface. This displacement capability can be beneficial for accommodating different meat sizes, adjusting cut depths on-the-fly, or quickly disengaging the cutting element when not needed. Various mechanisms may be employed to achieve this height adjustment, such as hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, mechanical screws, or servo motors, each offering specific advantages in terms of speed, precision, or force. In some embodiments, individual cutting elements may be independently adjustable, while in others, entire modules may be displaced as a unit. The height adjustment feature may also facilitate easier cleaning and maintenance procedures by allowing better access to the cutting elements and surrounding areas. Additionally, this functionality could be integrated with a control system to automate adjustments based on sensor inputs or preprogrammed cutting patterns, further enhancing the device's versatility and efficiency in processing various meat products. It is for example possible that at least one primary cutting element of the primary cutting module is displaceable in height with respect to the at least one conveyor, in particular such that at least one primary cutting element is displaceable between a first position in which the primary cutting element is configured to cut at least part of at least one piece of meat, and a second position in which the primary cutting element is positioned at a greater distance from the at least one carrying surface than in the first position. Likewise it is conceivable that at least one secondary cutting element of the secondary cutting module is displaceable in height with respect to the at least one conveyor, in particular such that at least one secondary cutting element is displaceable between a first position in which the secondary cutting element is configured to cut at least part of at least one piece of meat, and a second position in which the secondary cutting element is positioned at a greater distance from the at least one carrying surface than in the first position. For the initial cutting element of the initial cutting module, it is also conceivable that the initial cutting element is displaceable in a substantially horizontal plane. Hence, the at least one initial cutting element may be configured to be positioned at a (horizontal) distance from a cutting putting. The device according to the present invention may comprise at least one actuator connected to at least one initial, primary and / or secondary cutting element and which is configured to displace the at least one cutting element in height. At least one cutting element may for example be at least one initial cutting element, at least one primary cutting element and / or at least one secondary cutting element. The incorporation of at least one actuator connected to at least one cutting element for height displacement advantages in terms of operational flexibility and precision. The use of at least one actuator may allow for real-time adjustments during meat processing, enabling the device to adapt to variations in meat size, shape, or desired cutting patterns without interrupting the production flow. At least one actuator, which may be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric, can provide precise control over the at least one cutting element's position, potentially improving cut accuracy and consistency. The device may further comprise at least one control unit configured to selectively activate or deactivate at least one of the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module, and the secondary cutting module. Activation or deactivation of at least one cutting module may for example be done by adjusting the height of at least one cutting element. It is also possible that at least one control unit is configured to control the activation of at least one actuator. The control unit's ability to selectively activate or deactivate cutting modules, for instance by adjusting the height of cutting elements, may offer benefits such as energy efficiency, reduced wear on unused components, and the capability to quickly switch between different cutting configurations. This functionality could be particularly useful in processing lines handling diverse meat products or when rapid changeovers are required. Alternative implementations may include multiple actuators for independent control of individual cutting elements, or a single actuator controlling an entire cutting module. The control unit could be integrated with various sensors and vision systems to automate height adjustments and module activation based on real-time analysis of each meat piece, potentially optimizing yield and cut quality. Additionally, this setup may facilitate easier cleaning and maintenance procedures by allowing better access to the cutting elements when raised to their highest position.

[0024] Optionally, the device may comprise at least one stabilizing structure for stabilizing at least part of at least one cutting element and / or at least part of at least one piece of meat accommodated in a meat carrier. It is for example possible that at least one stabilizing structure is arranged at a predetermined distance with respect to the conveyor and / or meat carrier. It is conceivable that an upstream portion of the stabilizing structure is pivotally mounted, directly or indirectly, and that a pivot point is situated at a distance from the conveyor. It is also possible that at least one stabilizing structure comprises one or more cutting element recesses, for passing through of one or more cutting elements. The at least one stabilizing structure may prevent that pieces of meat will be removed from the meat carrier by the force of the cutting elements. At least one stabilizing structure can be configured to co-act with the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module and / or the secondary cutting module. An embodiment of a stabilizing structure can also be a supporting structure. The device, and in particular the initial cutting module, may comprise at least one supporting structure. At least one support structure may comprise at least one belt. The support structure may enhance the precision and effectiveness of the initial cutting operation. The at least one supporting structure is preferably configured to support the initial cutting element during the cutting action. As the meat carrier approaches the initial cutting module, the belt may engage with the bottom of the meat piece, applying upward pressure to ensure consistent contact with the cutting element. Additionally, the belt can be designed to squeeze the meat piece within the meat carrier just prior to the horizontal cut. This squeezing action may serve multiple purposes: it can help to stabilize the meat piece, reducing movement during cutting; it may compress the meat slightly, potentially improving the consistency of the cut thickness; and it could help to expel any air pockets, leading to a more uniform cut. The supporting structure may be adjustable in terms of tension and / or height, allowing for customization based on the size and type of meat being processed. It is also conceivable that part of the supporting structure is pivotable wherein a pivot point is preferably situated at a distance from the conveyor.

[0025] It is possible that at least one meat carrier comprises at least one accommodating space for accommodating at least one piece of meat. Possibly, at least one meat carrier comprises at least two accommodating spaces for accommodating at least two piece of meat, preferably wherein said at least two accommodating spaces are arranged adjacently, for example parallel. The incorporation of accommodating spaces in the meat carriers offers several benefits for efficient and precise meat processing. At least one accommodating space may be configured to securely hold one or more pieces of meat during transport and / or cutting operations, potentially improving stability and cut accuracy. In a possible embodiment, at least one meat carrier, and in particular at least one carrying surface thereof, comprises at least one cutting recess, and preferably a plurality of cutting recesses, for allowing at least one (primary and / or secondary) cutting element to pass through. At least one cutting recess may be configured such that at least one cutting element can be at least partially accommodated in at least one of said cutting recesses, at least during cutting. It is possible that at least two cutting recesses extend in different directions. At least two cutting recesses may for example enclose a mutual angle. It is possible that at least two cutting recesses are extending in mutually substantially perpendicular directions. It is also possible that at least one meat carrier comprises at least one primary group of cutting recesses configured to co-act with at least one primary cutting element and at least one secondary group of cutting recesses, configured to co-act with at least one secondary cutting element. It is possible that the cutting recesses are substantially elongated. Possibly the cutting recesses of the primary group of cutting recesses extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cutting recesses of the secondary group of cutting recesses. The inclusion of cutting recesses in the meat carriers, particularly on the carrying surfaces, provides significant advantages in terms of cutting flexibility and precision. These recesses allow cutting elements to pass through or be partially accommodated during cutting operations, potentially enabling deeper or more complex cuts without damaging the carrier itself. The arrangement of cutting recesses in different directions, including perpendicular orientations, may facilitate multi-directional cutting capabilities, allowing for a wider range of cut patterns and product shapes. This feature could be particularly beneficial when processing irregularly shaped meat pieces or when aiming to produce specific portion geometries. The use of separate groups of cutting recesses for primary and further cutting elements may enable sequential or simultaneous cutting operations with different orientations or depths, potentially increasing the versatility of the device. Alternative implementations could include interchangeable meat carriers with different recess patterns to accommodate various cutting requirements, or adjustable recess depths to suit different meat thicknesses. The cutting recesses might also be designed with specific angles to guide cutting elements along predetermined paths, potentially improving cut consistency and reducing the risk of carrier damage. At least one meat carrier may be a modular meat carrier. All meat carriers applied may be identical. It is also conceivable that several different meat carriers are applied. It is also possible that at least one meat carrier comprises at least one side wall, and preferably multiple side walls. At least one side wall, and preferably each side wall, may comprise cutting recesses for co-action with at least one cutting element. It is possible that the cutting recesses of the carrying surface extend into the cutting recesses of the side walls of the meat carrier. It is possible that the side walls and the carrying surface are mutually displaceable. It is for example possible that the position of the carrying surface is adjustable with respect to the side walls.

[0026] At least one meat carrier may comprise a base structure directly or indirectly attached or attachable to the conveyor, preferably to a chain, providing a stable foundation for transport along the processing line. At least one meat carrier may further comprise at least one carrying structure rotatably mounted to the base structure. It is also possible that the base structure forms part of the conveyor. It is possible that a magnetic attachment is provided between at least one meat carrier and at least one conveyor. It is also possible that a magnetic attachment is provided between a base structure and a carrying structure. At least one base structure can also be referred to as attachment structure.

[0027] It is possible that at least one carrying surface of at least one meat carrier is adjustable. It is in particular possible that the position and in particular the height of the carrying surface of the meat carrier can be adjusted. The carrying surface can for example be displaced from a position in the bottom area of the meat carrier to a position in the upper area of the meat carrier. This is beneficial as it provides flexibility for possible cutting actions to a piece of meat provided in the meat carrier. It is for example possible that the position of at least one carrying surface within at least one meat carrier is adjustable. At least one carrying surface may be displaceable with respect to at least one side wall, and preferably multiple side walls, of the meat carrier.

[0028] The device preferably comprises at least one pushing rod, and preferably multiple pushing rods, configured for displacing at least part of at least one carrying surface of at least one meat carrier. The pushing rod may be substantially elongated and / or may comprise a length direction. It is possible that at least one meat carrier comprises at least one pushing rod. It is also possible that at least one meat carrier is configured for co-action with at least one pushing rod. The at least one pushing rod, and preferably multiple pushing rods, may alternatively form part of the conveyor. The conveyor may enclose at least part of each pushing rod. This may lead to a stable configuration. In a possible embodiment, at least one pushing rod, and preferably multiple pushing rods and more preferably each pushing rod comprises at least one spring. At least one spring may be positioned around at least part of at least one pushing rod. It is conceivable that at least one spring is configured to actively keep at least part of at least one carrying surface of at least one meat carrier in a predetermined position, preferably in a lower position. A protective cover may be present to protect at least part of the spring. When the carrying surface is in a lower position, the internal volume of the meat carrier is larger then when the carrying surface is in a higher position. Typically, the meat carrier can be configured such that gravity will keep the carrying surface in a lower, or relatively low, position. If the meat carrier is position upside down, with its carrying surface faced downward, it is conceivable that the carrying surface is positioned in a higher position due to gravity. The at least one spring can be configured such that the carrying surface is actively forced to a predetermined position. Via means, such as a height adapting mechanism, the at least one spring could be urged or forced into a compressed configuration. It is for example possible that active control of the position of the carrying surface is desired due to wear and / or contamination of parts of the meat carrier.

[0029] Displacing at least part of the carrying surface of a meat carrier can be used for more applications than regulating the cutting height for the initial cutting module. It is for example also conceivable that displacing of at least part of the carrying surface is applied for emptying a meat carrier. Further by positioning the carrying surface level to the outer edges of the side walls, if applied, the meat carrier can be easily swept empty and / or cleaned. Preferably, the position of the carrying surface within the meat carrier can be controlled at any location within the device. For example, the change of the position of the carrying surface by pushing a pushing rod is can be applied in between cutting modules in order to remove part of the (cut) meat piece(s). The device may further comprise at least one cleaning structure for cleaning at least part of at least one meat carrier, preferably at least part of at least one carrying surface of at least one meat carrier. At least one cleaning structure may comprise a substantially flexible wiping element.

[0030] The device according to the invention could further comprise a height adapting mechanism which may be configured for adjusting the height of part of a meat carrier in particular prior to or during cutting of the meat in the initial cutting module. The height adapting mechanism may comprise a (curved) track and may be configured to co-act with at least one pushing rod configured for the displacement of the carrying surface of the meat carrier. The track may be used in combination with a substantially parallelogram-shaped rod configuration and a track actuator which can be attached to the parallelogram-shaped rod configuration via a slit or guiding structure, in particular such that action of the actuator is translated into actuation of the parallelogram-shaped rod configuration and thus the curved track. The curved track can subsequently actuate the pushing rod(s). Hence, the at least one height adapting mechanism may be configured to displace at least part of at least one pushing rod. Preferably at least one height adapting mechanism is configured to push the pushing rod in its length direction in particular such that at least part of the carrying surface is displaced. The height adapting mechanism may be configured to overcome the force of at least one spring co-acting with at least one pushing rod, if applied.

[0031] The invention provides also relates to a device for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, comprising at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path, wherein at least one meat carrier comprises at least one carrying surface for carrying at least one piece of meat, at least one initial cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one substantially horizontally oriented initial cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat in a substantially horizontal direction, and / or at least one primary cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one substantially vertically oriented primary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat in a substantially vertical direction and / or at least one secondary cutting module preferably arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one substantially vertically oriented secondary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat in a substantially vertical direction, and preferably at least one orientation adjusting structure which is configured to displace at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor preferably upon contact between the at least one orientation structure and at least one meat carrier such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier, and in particular the at least one carrying surface thereof, is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor, wherein at least one orientation adjusting structure is provided between the at least one primary cutting module and the at least one secondary cutting module.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, preferably by making use of a device according to the present invention, said method comprising the steps of:

[0033] - providing at least one piece of meat in at least one meat carrier comprised or provided upon at least one conveyor;

[0034] - conveying at least one meat carrier along: o at least one initial cutting module; o at least one primary cutting module; and o at least one secondary cutting module; which at least one initial cutting module, primary cutting module and / or secondary cutting module are arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, wherein the method includes the step of displacing at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor upon contact between at least part of at least one meat carrier and at least one orientation structure such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier, and in particular the at least one carrying surface thereof, is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor.

[0035] Any of the described embodiment for the device according to the present invention can be applied to the method according to the present invention. The method in particular enables that it can be chosen effectively in which directions the piece of meat is cut. Thereto, the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module and the secondary cutting module can be put in operational mode or non-operational mode. The method may include the step of unloading at least part of the processed pieces of meat.

[0036] The invention will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which:

[0037] - figure 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a device 100 according to the present invention;

[0038] - figures 2a-2d show a possible embodiment of a meat carrier according to the present invention;

[0039] - figures 3a and 3b show the initial cutting module in more detail;

[0040] - figures 4a-4e show a height adapting mechanism for use in a device according to the invention;

[0041] - figures 5a and 5b show a detailed view of a primary cutting module according to the present invention; and

[0042] - figure 6 shows a top view of a primary cutting module and a secondary cutting module according to the present invention.

[0043] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a device 100 according to the present invention. The device 100 is configured for processing pieces of meat (not shown), such as but not limited to pieces of poultry. The device 100 comprises at least one conveyor 101 along which several cutting modules 102, 103, 104 are arranged. In the shown embodiment, the device 100 an initial cutting module 102, a primary cutting module and a secondary cutting module 104. The cutting modules 102, 103, 104 are arranged adjacently in a transport direction T of the conveyor 101 , which is indicated with an arrow. The conveyor 101 comprises in the shown embodiment an endless belt. The conveyor 101 further comprises multiple meat carriers 105 for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path defined by the conveyor 101 . The meat carrier 105 is shown in more detail in figures 2a-2d, wherein it is better visible that the meat carrier 105 comprises at least one carrying surface 106 for carrying at least one piece of meat (not shown). In the shown embodiment, the conveyor 101 comprises multiple meat carriers 105 which are successively positioned. The meat carriers 105 are displaceable, in particular rotatably connected with the conveyor 101. The device 100 further comprises at least one orientation adjusting structure 107 which is configured to displace at least part of a meat carrier 105 with respect to the at least one conveyor 101 such that the orientation of the meat carrier 105, and in particular the carrying surface 106 thereof, is altered with respect to the conveyor 101. In the shown embodiment, at least one orientation adjusting structure 107 is positioned between the primary cutting module 103 and the secondary cutting module 104. It can be seen that meat carriers 105 as shown have a substantially rectangular orientation. The length direction of the meat carriers 105, or the longest side thereof, is initially oriented in the transport direction T of the conveyor 101. After the meat carriers 105 have passed, and in particular interacted with, the orientation adjusting structure 107 the longest side of the meat carriers are substantially perpendicular to the transport direction T of the conveyor 101. The meat carriers 105 are turned a quarter turn. On a bottom part of the conveyor 101 another orientation adjusting structure 107 is comprised to get the orientation of the meat carriers 105 back in the initial position.

[0045] The at least one initial cutting module 102 is arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor 101 and comprises at least one initial cutting element 102A for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat. At least part of the initial cutting element 102A is positioned substantially parallel to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface 106 of the meat carrier 105 such that the at least one initial cutting element 102A can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface 106 of the at least one meat carrier 105 in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface 106. The at least one primary cutting module 103 is also arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor 101 and comprises in the shown embodiment multiple primary cutting elements 103A for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat. The primary cutting elements 103A are positioned under a first angle with respect to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface 106 of at least one meat carrier 105 such that the primary cutting elements 103A can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the carrying surface 106 under an angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface 106. In the shown embodiment, the primary cutting elements 103A are positioned substantially parallel to the carrying surface 106 of a meat carrier 105 provided upon the conveyor 101. Likewise, the at least one secondary cutting module 104 is arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor 101 and comprises multiple secondary cutting elements 104A for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat. The secondary cutting elements 104A are positioned under a second angle with respect to (a plane defined by) the at least one carrying surface 106 such that the secondary cutting elements 104A can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface 106 under an angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface 106. The secondary cutting elements 104A are in the shown embodiment also positioned substantially parallel to the carrying surface 106 of a meat carrier 105 provided upon the conveyor 101. In the shown embodiment, the cutting elements 102A, 103A, 104A are circular cutting elements 102A, 103A, 104A. A possible circular direction R of the circular cutting elements 102A, 103A, 104A is indicated in figure. The device 100 comprises a control unit 108 configured to selectively activate or deactivate at least one of the initial cutting module 102, the primary cutting module 103 and / or the secondary cutting module 104. The arrows A in the figures indicate that the respective primary cutting elements 103A and secondary cutting elements 104A can be adjusted in height. The initial cutting element 102A can in the shown embodiment be displaced in height and in the plane wherein it is positioned. A supporting structure 118 is present to support the cutting elements 102A, 103A and / or the meat pieces during the cutting process. The device 100 comprises multiple pushing rods 117 configured for displacing at least part of a carrying surface 106 of a meat carrier 105. The figure further shows the presence of an optional height adapting mechanism 109 configured to adjust the height of at least part of a meat carrier 105, in particular the carrying surface 106 thereof such that the cutting position of the initial horizontal cut by the initial cutting element 102A can be optimized. This mechanism 109 is shown in more detail in figures 4a- 4e. A cleaning structure 128 can be present for cleaning at least part of at least one meat carrier 105 in a particular at least part of the carrying surface 106 thereof. The cleaning structure may comprise a substantially flexible wiping element 129. In the shown embodiment, the device 100 is a mobile device 100, provided with wheels 190. The device 100 can be used in combination with a receiving reservoir for receiving the cut pieces of meat at the end of the conveyor 101.

[0046] Figures 2a-2d show views of a possible embodiment of a meat carrier 105 according to the present invention. Figure 2a shows a perspective view, where figures 2b and 2c show a cross sectional view illustrating the working principle of the meat carrier 105. Figure 2d shows a base structure 114 of the meat carrier in more detail. In the shown embodiment the meat carrier 105 is a substantially rectangular carrier 105. The meat carrier 105 comprise a base structure 114 which is directly or indirectly attached or attachable to the conveyor (not shown). The meat carrier 105 further comprises at least one carrying surface 106. The meat carrier 105, and in particular the carrying surface 106 thereof comprises multiple cutting recesses 115 for allowing at least one cutting element (not shown) to pass through. Also the side walls 116 of the meat carrier 105 are provided with cutting recesses 115. The cutting recesses 115 of the side walls 116 are positioned in line with the cutting recesses 115 of the carrying surface 106. This enables that a cutting element can be guided through the cutting recesses 115 effectively. It can be seen that the meat carrier 105 as shown comprises a primary group of cutting recesses 115 and a secondary group of cutting recesses 115 which are substantially perpendicular to each other. It can be seen that the cutting recesses 115 form a grid pattern. As can be seen in figures 2b and 2c, position of the carrying surface 106 is adjustable. This is for example practical for the co-action with the initial cutting module, whereof the initial cutting element typically slides over the upper surface of the meat carrier 105, in particular over the upper surface of the side walls 116. By pushing the carrying surface 106 upward but leaving the side walls 116 unaltered, it can be controlled how much of the meat provided upon the carrying surface 106 extends from on the upper side of the meat carrier 105. This extending part of the meat can then be partially or fully cut by the initial cutting element. The pushing rod 117 is shown in figures 2b and 2c which is responsible for the displacement of the carrying surface 106. In the shown embodiment, the pushing rod 117 comprises a spring 127 which surrounds part of the pushing rod 117. The spring 127 is enclosed between a flange of the pushing rod 117 and part of the base structure 114. The use of a spring 127 is optional. The pushing rods 117 can be connected to a height adapting mechanism as shown in figures 4a-4e. The displacement and positioning of the carrying surface 106 is indicated with a dotted line and an arrow H indicating the height adjusting options. A slot 119 is applied to attach the base structure 114 and to the carrying structure 120. The carrying structure 120 comprising the side walls 116 and the carrying surface 106. Figures 3a and 3b show the initial cutting module 102 in more detail. The initial cutting module 102 comprises a circular rotational cutting element 102A, in particular a blade. Figure 3a shows a perspective view as part of the device 100 where figure 3b shows a view of the initial cutting module 102 as such without its protective cover 122. The initial cutting module comprises multiple drives 121 for driving the cutting element 102A and / or the equipment to regulate the positioning thereof. With arrows it is indicated how the initial cutting module 102 and / or parts thereof such at the initial cutting element 102A can be displaced. The initial cutting element 102A is in the shown embodiment positioned below a supporting structure 118. The supporting structure 118 is configured to support the initial cutting element 102A during a cutting actions and / or to push and / or guide at least part of a piece of meat provided in the meat carrier 105 in a substantially downward direction. In the shown embodiment, the supporting structure 118 comprises an (endless) belt.

[0047] Figures 4a-4e show an optional height adapting mechanism 109 configured for adjusting the height of part of a meat carrier 105 prior to or during cutting of the meat in the initial cutting module 102. The height adapting mechanism 109 comprises a curved track 126. The pushing rod 117 as also shown in figures 2b and 2c is responsible for the displacement of the carrying surface 106 of the meat carrier 105. The curved track makes use of a substantially parallelogram-shaped rod configuration 123. An track actuator 124 is attached to the parallelogramshaped rod configuration 123 via a slit 125 such that action of the actuator is translated into actuation of the parallelogram-shaped rod configuration 123 and thus the curved track 126. The curved track 126 subsequently actuates the pushing rods 117. The dotted lines and arrows indicate which parts can be displaced in which directions.

[0048] Figures 5a and 5b show a detailed view of a primary cutting module 103 according to the present invention. The device 100, and in particular the primary cutting module 103 comprises at least one stabilizing structure 110 for stabilizing at least one primary cutting element 103A and / or at least part of at least one piece of meat accommodated in a meat carrier. The stabilizing structure 110 comprises multiple cutting element recesses 111 for passing through of one or more cutting elements 103A. The cutting element recesses 111 are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a width direction of the conveyor 101. In the shown embodiment, the driven axle 113 is and the stabilizing structure 110 are configured for retaining six primary cutting element 103A, but only two primary cutting element 103A are installed. The number of applied primary cutting element 103A can vary based on the intended cuts to be made. The stabilizing structure 110 is removably placed in device 100 for cleaning purposes. An optional direction of rotation R is indicated at a circular blade forming the primary cutting element 102A. The primary cutting elements 102A are attached to an actuator and / or drive via a driven axle 113. The primary cutting module 102 further comprises a height adjusting mechanism 112 which enables that the cutting position of the primary cutting elements 102A can be adjusted. It is also possible to position the primary cutting elements 102A at a position wherein the meat in the meat carrier 105 will not be cut, depending on the desired meat product. This is shown in figure 5b, whereas in figure 5a the cutting elements 102A are in an operational position. The secondary cutting module can be equivalent to the shown primary cutting module 102.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a top view of a primary cutting module 102 and a secondary cutting module 103 according to the present invention. The figure shows that the orientation adjusting structure 107 adapts the orientation of the meat carrier 105 respect to the transport direction T of the conveyor 101 . The orientation adjusting structure 107 is positioned between the primary cutting module 103 and the secondary cutting module 104. The orientation adjusting structure 107 can for example be formed by a Geneva drive. The use of an orientation adjusting structure 107 enables that the cutting elements 102A, 103A of the respective primary cutting module 102 and a secondary cutting module 103 can both be oriented along the transport direction T of the conveyor. In this way, the cutting elements 102A, 103A can be used in the most efficient and effective manner for cutting. An effective way of the cutting the meat pieces is to rotate the cutting elements 102A, 103A counter clockwise and / or in an opposite direction of the transport direction T of the conveyor. This enables that the meat pieces will be prevented from displacing during the cutting process.

[0050] It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the framework of the attached claims, which will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. In this case, it is conceivable for different inventive concepts and / or technical measures of the above-described variant embodiments to be completely or partly combined without departing from the inventive idea described in the attached claims. The verb 'comprise' and its conjugations as used in this patent document are understood to mean not only 'comprise', but to also include the expressions 'contain', 'substantially contain', 'formed by' and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Claims1 . Device for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, comprising:- at least one conveyor comprising at least one meat carrier for transporting at least one piece of meat along a transport path, wherein at least one meat carrier comprises at least one carrying surface for carrying at least one piece of meat;- at least one initial cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one initial cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one initial cutting element is positioned substantially parallel to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier such that the at least one initial cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface;- at least one primary cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one primary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one primary cutting element is positioned under a first angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier such that the at least one primary cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the at least one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier under an angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface;- at least one secondary cutting module arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, comprising at least one secondary cutting element for cutting at least part of at least one piece of meat, wherein at least part of the at least one secondary cutting element is positioned under a second angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface such that the at least one secondary cutting element can cut at least part of at least one piece of meat provided upon the atleast one carrying surface of the at least one meat carrier under an angle with respect to a plane defined by the at least one carrying surface; and- at least one orientation adjusting structure which is configured to displace at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor upon contact between the at least one orientation structure and at least one meat carrier such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier, and in particular the at least one carrying surface thereof, is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor, wherein the at least one orientation adjusting structure is provided between the at least one primary cutting module and the at least one secondary cutting module.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one meat carrier is rotatably connected to the at least one conveyor.

3. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one orientation adjusting structure is configured to rotate at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor.

4. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one orientation adjusting structure comprises at least one Geneva drive.

5. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one orientation adjusting structure is a static structure, wherein displacing of at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor rotation is forced by the movement of the at least one conveyor.

6. Device according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one further orientation adjusting structure arranged downstream of at least one secondary cutting module.

7. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one primary cutting module comprises a plurality of mutually spaced primary cutting elements, wherein the plurality of cutting elements are paral lelly spaced apart in a width direction of the conveyor.

8. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one secondary cutting module comprises a plurality of mutually spaced secondary cutting elements, wherein the plurality of cutting elements are parallelly spaced apart in a width direction of the conveyor.

9. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one primary cutting element and / or at least one secondary cutting element is a circular cutting element.

10. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one initial cutting element is a circular cutting element.11 . Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one cutting element of at least one of the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module, and / or the secondary cutting module is displaceable in height with respect to the at least one conveyor, wherein at least one cutting element is displaceable between a first position in which the cutting element is configured to cut at least part of at least one piece of meat, and a second position in which the cutting element is positioned at a greater distance from the at least one carrying surface than in the first position.

12. Device according to claim 11 , comprising at least one actuator connected to at least one initial, primary and / or secondary cutting element and configured to displace the at least one cutting element in height.

13. Device according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one control unit configured to selectively activate or deactivate at least one of the initial cutting module, the primary cutting module and / or the secondary cutting module.

14. Device according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one stabilizing structure for stabilizing at least part of at least one piece of meat accommodated in a meat carrier.

15. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one meat carrier, and in particular at least one carrying surface thereof comprises at leastone cutting recess, and preferably a plurality of cutting recesses, for allowing at least one cutting element to pass through.

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein at least two cutting recesses are extending in mutually substantially perpendicular directions.

17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least one meat carrier comprises a primary group of cutting recesses configured to co-act with at least one primary cutting element and a secondary group of cutting recesses, configured to co-act with at least one secondary cutting element.

18. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the position of at least one carrying surface within at least one meat carrier is adjustable.

19. Device according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one height adapting mechanism configured for adjusting the height of at least part of at least one meat carrier in particular prior to or during cutting of the meat in the initial cutting module.

20. Method for processing pieces of meat, in particular pieces of poultry, preferably by making use of a device according to any of the previous claims, said method comprising the steps of:- providing at least one piece of meat in at least one meat carrier provided upon at least one conveyor;- conveying at least one meat carrier along: o at least one initial cutting module; o at least one primary cutting module; and o at least one secondary cutting module; which at least one initial cutting module, primary cutting module and secondary cutting module are arranged along the transport path of the at least one conveyor, wherein the method includes the step of displacing at least part of at least one meat carrier with respect to the at least one conveyor upon contact between at least part of at least one meat carrier and at least one orientation structure such that the orientation of at least part of the at least one meat carrier, and in particular the atleast one carrying surface thereof, is altered with respect to the at least one conveyor.

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