Patent ID: 7125330
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
1. An overhead conveyor apparatus for processing poultry, comprising: a conveyor line having movable hooks suspended therefrom with holders for the poultry's legs, said hooks rotatable about a substantially vertical axis for adjustment of the suspended poultry; an adjusting plate configured with each said hook, said adjusting plate further comprising first cam members having a first engaging length, and a second cam members having a second engaging length that is greater than said first engaging length; guide members disposed along said conveyor line to engage with said second type of cam causing rotation of said adjusting plate and respective hook, said guide members having a configuration and disposed such that said first cam members pass said guide members without engaging therewith; said hooks pivotal relative to said respective adjusting plates about a substantially horizontal axis; and a catch member configured on each said hook between said holders and said adjusting plate, said catch member engageable by a guide disposed relative to said conveyor line causing said hook to pivot about said horizontal axis out of its vertically suspended position.