Patent ID: 6155919
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: A22B,A22C

Abstract:
An automated system for processing a hog carcass, said carcass having a loin portion, a belly portion, a rib section and a first and second side, comprising:a first cutting blade configured so as to fit through a cut previously made in a rib section of the hog carcass such that said blade proceeds along said cut throughout a cutting operation;a second cutting blade positioned on a second side of said animal carcass portion being severed, said blade being positioned so that a significant portion of skin associated with said belly portion of said carcass is retained on said belly portion after said cutting operation;a driving means operatively associated with said first and second cutting blades, said driving means capable of moving the first and second blades in a predetermined fashion to sever said loin portion from said belly portion;at least one ultrasonic sensor operatively associated with a progressive charge coupled camera capable of defining a map of a fat/muscle surface area of said hog carcass;one or more skinner positioning screw motors in communication with said first and second cutting blades and with at least one of said ultrasonic sensors such that when a signal from one of said ultrasonic sensors is received by said one or more skinner positioning screw motors, said first and second cutting blades are guided into proper positioning for a cutting operation;whereby said cutting operation maximizes the amount of skin remaining with the belly portion of the hog carcass after severing of said loin portion and said belly portion.