Patent ID: 6110032
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
A shell fish processing apparatus comprising at least one manipulator means for holding and opening a shell fish, a plurality of stations at which shell fish are processed, a means for moving the manipulator means and the stations relative to one another so as to process the shell fish held by the manipulator means, wherein the or each manipulator means has first and second holding means for holding the shell fish, at least one of the holding means being movable, and means for relatively moving the holding means in at least two stages so as to enable a shell fish held in the manipulator means to be opened in at least two stages, and wherein a plurality of cylinders are provided having extendible pistons and being endwise connected to each other between a moveable holding means and a fixed position such that independent contraction or expansion of the pistons allows the movable holding means to be movable between a plurality of positions to enable a shell fish held by the manipulator means to be opened in at least two stages.