Patent ID: 6682412
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: A22B

Abstract:
An apparatus for holding and maneuvering an animal carcass while holding open a rib cage of the carcass, the apparatus comprising:a first support member; a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member so that the second support member can pivot about an axis relative to the first support member; a linear actuator attached to and supported by the second support member; a pair of spreading plates adapted for insertion into an open rib cage of an animal carcass; and a scissors linkage having a first end, a second end and a central portion, the scissors linkage being coupled to the actuator at a first end of the scissors linkage, coupled to the second support member at central portion of the scissors linkage and coupled to the spreading plates at a second end of the scissors linkage, said scissors linkage being operable to retract the spreading plates toward each other to permit insertion of the retracted spreading plates into an open rib cage of an animal carcass and to expand the spreading plates against the rib cage for spreading and holding open the rib cage of an animal carcass in response to operation of the linear actuator.