Patent ID: 6033299
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
An apparatus for transferring carcasses from a conveyor to a processing device, said carcasses having legs with hocks at the distal ends thereof, and said processing device including a plurality of modules for continuously carrying said carcasses through said processing device, said apparatus comprising:a plurality of shackles hanging from said conveyor, each said shackle having an upper end portion by which said shackle hangs from said conveyor and a lower end portion, said lower end portion including a pair of stirrups for receiving said legs and holding said legs by said hocks;delivery means for continuously delivering said carcasses from said shackles to said modules;first transfer means for continuously transferring said carcasses from said shackles to said delivery means; andsecond transfer means for continuously transferring said carcasses from said delivery means to said modules,wherein said shackles and said stirrups are configured and said first transfer means is operable such that said first transfer means transfers said carcasses from said shackles to said delivery means substantially without lifting said carcasses relative to said shackles.