Patent ID: 6612920
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B26D,G05B,Y10T

Abstract:
An automated cutting apparatus comprising:(a) a cutting tool; (b) a cutting platform located adjacent to the cutting tool for transporting a piece of meat to the cutting tool, wherein the cutting platform comprises: (i) a cradle for holding the piece of meat; (ii) a first carriage located at a first end of the cradle; (iii) a first activator operatively coupled to the first carriage to move the first carriage along a first axis; (iv) a second carriage located at a second end of the cradle; (v) a second activator operatively coupled to the second carriage to move the second carriage along the first axis; (vi) a third carriage located along a side of the cradle inbetween the first and second end of the cradle; and (vii) a third activator operatively coupled to the third carriage to move the third carriage along a second axis wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis; (viii) wherein the controller sets the speed of movement of the first and second actuators proportionately to the speed of movement of the third actuator; (c) a programmable controller coupled to the cutting platform and cutting tool wherein the programmable controller sends commands to the cutting platform and the cutting tool to control their respective movements; and (d) an input device coupled to the programmable controller, the input device comprising input parameters selectable by an operator to specify thicknesses and quantities of chops cut from the piece of meat for a plurality of groups wherein the programmable controller uses the input parameters to control the movement of the cutting tool and cutting platform accordingly.