Patent ID: 7662034
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
1. An automated apparatus for severing poultry legs between the drumstick and thigh of the legs, comprising: a cutting device for severing the drumsticks from the thighs at a knee joint of the poultry legs as the legs are transported past said cutting device; an overhead conveyor positioned to carry the poultry legs past said cutting device, said overhead conveyer having a plurality of suspension elements for suspending the poultry legs by the drumsticks; and a clamping station having a plurality of clamping devices for holding the thighs of the poultry legs suspended from said overhead conveyor, said clamping station configured to move said plurality of clamping devices in synchronization with said suspension elements as the poultry legs are transported past said cutting device, wherein each of said clamping devices comprises at least one pair of clamping chucks and a clamping plate, whereby said clamping chucks and said clamping plate are configured for movement towards each other upon activation so that the poultry legs may be held for cutting.