Patent ID: 6547658
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: A22B,A22C

Abstract:
An apparatus for processing a carcass middle portion of an animal, and for separating at least the loin and fatback portion thereof, comprising:a working surface onto which the carcass middle is positioned, said working surface supported by a frame above a support surface; a dual blade loin knife assembly carried by said frame at a first selected location on said frame, said dual blade loin knife assembly providing a plurality of cuts on the carcass middle, a means for positioning said dual blade loin knife assembly providing adjustment of depth and width of said plurality of cuts made on the carcass middle by said dual blade loin knife assembly; a means for conveying carried by said frame for conveying the carcass middle toward said first selected location to engage said dual blade loin knife assembly, said conveying means having a working surface for engaging the carcass middle; and a gripper assembly carried by said frame for gripping the carcass middle and forcing the carcass middle against said conveying means and toward said first selected location; whereby said dual blade loin knife assembly provides cuts on the carcass middle as the carcass middle is moved by said conveying means past said first selected location on said frame.