Abstract:
Various carcass cleaning apparatuses and methods are described and illustrated, wherein carcasses can be cleaned by at least partially immersing carcasses within reservoirs moved by a conveyor. The reservoirs can be filled with cleaning fluid, receive carcasses to immerse the carcasses in the fluid, and can then be drained of such fluid, wherein the drained fluid can be collected, filtered, and supplied again to reservoirs for immersing and cleaning additional carcasses.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Carcass cleaning systems for automated or semi-automated cleaning of chicken, turkey, pig, hog, cattle, and other animal carcasses have been in use for many years. A long-standing practice of cleaning many types of animal carcasses is to convey such carcasses into and out of a dip tank containing cleaning fluid. In the interests of insuring that cleaning systems using such dip tanks continue to properly clean carcasses dipped therein, conventional practice is to drain such dip tanks after a period of time or after a threshold number of carcasses have been dipped, and then to re-fill such dip tanks with new cleaning fluid. 
         [0002]    However, the opportunity to operate cleaning systems using these dip tanks after the cleaning fluid has become unacceptably dirty still exists. The likelihood of operating dip tanks after cleaning fluid has become unacceptably dirty is increased by the operating costs of such systems. For example, the costs of disposing cleaning fluid in dip tanks, and then replacing the disposed fluid with new cleaning fluid can represent a large portion of the operating costs of a carcass cleaning system. Therefore, incentives inherently exist for operators of such systems to delay the replacement of cleaning fluid in carcass cleaning dip tanks, resulting in a greater potential for cleaned carcasses failing to meet heath and safety standards. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, in light of these and other challenges regarding the design and operation or conventional carcass cleaning systems, improved carcass cleaning systems continue to be welcome in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In some embodiments according to the present invention, a carcass cleaning apparatus is provided, and comprises a first conveyor movable to transport carcasses; a plurality of fluid reservoirs each shaped to retain a quantity of fluid; and a second conveyor movable to transport the plurality of reservoirs, wherein the first and second conveyors are movable with respect to one another to at least partially immerse a different carcass conveyed by the first conveyor into each reservoir moved by the second conveyor. 
         [0005]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide a carcass cleaning system, comprising a plurality of reservoirs each shaped to retain a quantity of fluid; a conveyor coupled to the plurality of reservoirs and movable to transport the plurality of reservoirs along a path; and a fluid line positioned to fill the plurality of reservoirs in at least one location along the path; wherein each reservoir has a first state in which the reservoir retains a respective quantity of fluid within which at least one carcass is received, and a second state in which the reservoir is substantially drained of fluid. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments according to the present invention, a method of cleaning carcasses is provided, and comprises moving a carcass along a first path; moving a reservoir along a second path; at least partially filling the reservoir with fluid; inserting the carcass into fluid within the reservoir; removing the carcass from the reservoir; emptying the reservoir of the fluid; filtering the fluid to produce a filtered fluid; and repeating both moving, at least partially filling, inserting, removing, and emptying steps with the filtered fluid for another carcass. 
         [0007]    Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a carcass cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a detail view of the carcass cleaning system of  FIG. 1   
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a number of reservoirs of a carcass cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of a reservoir shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , and further showing the relationship between the reservoir and a conveyor. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the reservoir and conveyor of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a reservoir according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a carcass cleaning system according to another embodiment of the present invention, using reservoirs of the type shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a carcass cleaning system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Before any embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
         [0017]    A carcass cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and is indicated generally at  10 . Any of the carcass cleaning systems described and/or illustrated herein can be used as a part of a larger on-line carcass processing system and/or a carcass chiller processing stage. Such a carcass processing system operates to immerse carcasses  15  in a fluid bath to remove bacteria, viscera remains, fecal matter etc. from the inside and outside of the carcasses  15 . The carcasses  15  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are chicken carcasses, although it will be appreciated that the carcass cleaning system can be used to clean carcasses of any animal, including without limitation turkeys and other poultry, pigs, hogs, cattle, and the like. 
         [0018]    Carcasses entering the carcass cleaning system according to any of the embodiments of the present invention can be processed in a number of different manners. For example, in those embodiments in which the carcass cleaning system  10  is used to clean chickens, the carcasses can enter the system  10  after being plucked and eviscerated. 
         [0019]    The illustrated carcass cleaning system  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a first conveyor  20  along which carcasses  15  are conveyed along a first travel path  37 , a second conveyor  60 , and a number of individual reservoirs  25  moveable by the second conveyor  60  along a second travel path  30 . As described in greater detail below, each of the carcasses  15  passing through the carcass cleaning system  10  is at least partially received within one of the reservoirs  25  moved by the second conveyor  60 . In doing so, each carcass  15  is at least partially immersed in cleaning fluid in the reservoir  25  in which the carcass  15  is received. 
         [0020]    The first conveyor  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  can take a number of different forms, such as a rail, cable, or chain conveyor from which carcasses  15  are suspended in any suitable manner. The first conveyor  20  can travel along a straight path, a zigzag path, a serpentine or other curved path, or any combination thereof along various portions of its length. Also, the first conveyor  20  can extend at a constant or substantially constant elevation along the carcass cleaning system  10 , or can change in elevation along any portion of the carcass cleaning system  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first conveyor  20  travels along a vertically consistent path, but may have a changing horizontal position, even though such a path is not illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a travel path extending through different heights. It should be noted that in any of the embodiments described herein, the travel path  37  of the first conveyor  20  and/or the travel path  30  of the second conveyor  60  can vary in elevation in order to bring carcasses  15  into fluid within the reservoirs  25 . 
         [0021]    By way of example only, the carcasses  15  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are suspended by shackles  40  coupled to and movable along a rail (collectively referred to herein as the first conveyor  20 ). However, any other type of conveyor suitable for moving carcasses  15  can instead be used, and falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0022]    After the carcasses  15  have traveled along the illustrated carcass cleaning system  10 , the carcasses  15  can be removed from the shackles  40 , and can be individually placed into a chiller or can remain on the shackles  40  while in the chiller. After the chiller, the carcasses  15  can be separated into pieces if desired, or can be left as one part and then packaged for shipping and consumption. 
         [0023]    The reservoirs  25  can have any shape and size desired, and can have a shape and size adapted for the types of carcasses  15  introduced into the reservoirs  25 . The reservoirs  25  can comprise polymeric material, metal, composite material, other materials, or any combination thereof. An example of a reservoir  25  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . The reservoirs  25  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  each have a substantially cylindrical shape with a top end  45  and a bottom end  50  (in one orientation of the reservoirs  25 ). In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the reservoir has any other type of rotund shape (e.g., ovular or elliptical in vertical and/or horizontal cross section with respect to the orientation shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), a substantially conical shape, a substantially cubic or other parallelepiped shape, and the like. Other reservoir shapes are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, irregular reservoir shapes can be utilized as desired, some of which are described in greater detail below. 
         [0024]    With continued reference to the reservoirs  25  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the top end  45  of each reservoir  25  is open to receive a quantity of fluid  35 , whereas the bottom end  50  is adapted to engage the first conveyor  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end  50  includes a separate element that can be coupled to or molded with the reservoir  25 . The illustrated reservoirs  25  each include an elongated protrusion  55  that is engageable with the second conveyor  60  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The second conveyor  60  can include rails  65  or other members shaped to permit sliding, rolling, or other movement of the reservoirs  25  along the second conveyor  60 . The rails  65  can engage the protrusions  55  of the reservoirs  25  to guide the reservoirs  25  along the second conveyor  60 . In some embodiments, the second conveyor  60  is stationary, but engages the reservoirs  25  to allow movement of the reservoirs  25  along the travel path  30 . In other embodiments, the reservoirs  25  are coupled to the second conveyor  60  for movement with the second conveyor  60  along the travel path  30 . In such embodiments, a separate frame member (not shown) or other suitable structure can be included to support the moveable second conveyor  60 . 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, fluid is supplied to the reservoirs  25  to at least partially fill the reservoirs  25  for partial or total immersion of carcasses  15  therein. Fluid can be supplied to the reservoirs  25  via a pipe, hose, tube, or other conduit  70 , can be supplied by a tank or other reservoir positioned adjacent the passing reservoirs  25 , or in any other manner desired. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, a conduit  70  extends to a portion of the second conveyor  60  and is oriented to direct a flow of fluid  35  into the reservoirs  25  as the reservoirs  25  pass under a conduit outlet  72 . The fluid  35  can be dispensed into each reservoir  25  in turn, as the reservoirs  25  move along the second conveyor  60 . In this regard, the second conveyor  60  can be repeatedly stopped or slowed in a position permitting fluid from the conduit outlet  72  to fill each reservoir to a desired level. For example, the reservoirs  25  can be advanced a set distance along the second conveyor  60 , can then be stopped for a set period of time or until a predetermined amount of fluid is dispensed from the fluid outlet  72 , and can then be advanced another set distance. In other embodiments, the second conveyor  60  does not stop or slow for the purpose of receiving fluid  35 . 
         [0026]    In any of the embodiments described herein, fluid  35  can be supplied from the conduit outlet  72  in an uninterrupted manner as reservoirs  25  pass the conduit outlet  72 , or the flow of fluid  35  can slow or be stopped between passing reservoirs  25 . In those embodiments in which fluid flow is controlled to correspond to the position of one or more reservoirs  25 , fluid  35  can be dispensed from the conduit outlet  72  only when a reservoir  25  is positioned to receive the fluid  35 . In such embodiments, a sensor, timer, or other device capable of coordinating the positions of the reservoirs  25  with the flow of fluid  35  can be used. A valve can also be included to permit or inhibit the flow of fluid  35  through the conduit outlet  72 . The sensor, timer, or other device can sense or otherwise determine when a reservoir  25  is properly positioned to receive fluid  35  from the conduit outlet  72 , at which time the valve can be operated to permit flow of fluid  35  into the reservoir  25 . Further, the sensor, timer, or other device can sense or otherwise determine when a reservoir  25  is not positioned to receive fluid  35  from the conduit outlet  72 , at which time the valve can be closed to inhibit the flow of fluid  35  from the conduit outlet  72 . 
         [0027]    Any cleaning fluid can be used to clean the carcasses  15 . By way of example only, the fluid can be or include water, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, chlorous acid, acidified hypochlorite, acidified sodium chlorite, organic acids, peracetic acid, other peracids, trisodium phosphate, and mixtures and combinations thereof. Other fluids or combinations of fluids can also be used, either in lieu of or in addition to any or all of such fluids. 
         [0028]    Reservoirs  25  can be located in any regular or irregular positions along the second conveyor  60 , and can be fixed in position with respect to one another or be movable to different distances with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the reservoirs  25  are positioned adjacent one another along the second conveyor  60  to catch fluid  35  without substantial spillage and without requiring a slow or stoppage of fluid flow or reservoirs  25 . Therefore, as the fluid  35  is dispensed from the conduit outlet  72 , the fluid  35  can be primarily or exclusively dispensed into one of the reservoirs  25  with little or no fluid  35  flowing past the reservoirs  25  onto a floor or other surface. 
         [0029]    Fluid  35  failing to enter or be retained in the reservoirs  25  be collected in a number of manners known to those in the art. For example, in some embodiments, a receiving tank, collecting pan, or other sump (not shown) can be provided below the conduit outlet  72  to receive fluid  35  spilled from the reservoirs  25  or missing the reservoirs  25 . 
         [0030]    After a reservoir  25  in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  is at least partially filled with fluid  35 , a carcass  15  is inserted into the respective reservoir  25  and is at least partially or fully submerged in the fluid  35 . The carcass  15  can be kept at least partially submerged in the fluid  35  for a sufficient period of time to clean the inner and outer surfaces of the carcass  15 . In some embodiments, the carcass  15  is immersed in an inverted orientation, such that the inside of the carcass  15  is immersed until fluid  35  pours into the carcass  15  to at least partially fill the inside of the carcass  15  with the fluid  35 . The reservoir  25  can be dimensioned to at least partially receive the carcass  15  and fluid  35  displaced thereby upon insertion of the carcass  15  within the reservoir  25  without spilling or substantial spillage of fluid  35  from the reservoir  25 . 
         [0031]    For example, in chicken carcass cleaning applications, about five liters of fluid  35  can be dispensed into each reservoir  25 , and each reservoir  25  can be capable of holding about ten liters of fluid  35 . The carcass  15  can displace the fluid  35  such that about five liters of fluid  35  and the carcass  15  can substantially fill a ten-liter reservoir  25 . In other embodiments, more or less fluid  35  can be dispensed into each reservoir  25 , and/or the reservoirs  25  can hold more or less fluid  35 . 
         [0032]    As carcasses  15  travel along the first conveyor  20  and reservoirs  25  travel along the second conveyor  60 , the carcasses  15  are immersed into the fluid  35 , and are then withdrawn from the fluid  35 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . After the carcasses  15  are withdrawn from their respective reservoirs  25 , the fluid  35  is poured out of each reservoir  25  into a sump  75 . The sump  75  can be any tank or container operable to receive a quantity of fluid  35  from the reservoirs  25 . In some embodiments, the sump  75  is the same element or structure used to capture and/or collect fluid  35  spilled as the reservoirs  25  are filled as described above. In other embodiments, such spilled fluid is collected by a separate sump, and can be re-circulated back into the reservoirs  25  regardless of whether fluid  34  in which carcasses  15  are immersed is re-circulated to the reservoirs  25  as described below. 
         [0033]    Some embodiments of the sump  75  can have a screen or other fluid-permeable cover to inhibit foreign particles from entering the sump  75 . In other embodiments, the sump  75  has an open top portion to freely receive any fluid  35  and particles from the reservoirs  25 . The sump  75  can have any shape and size suitable for receiving fluid  35  from the reservoirs  25 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the sump  75  can further include or be connected to at least one filter  80  and/or one or more fluid processing devices (not shown). The filter  80  can filter particles and/or bacteria out of the fluid  35 . In some embodiments, fluid  35  that has been received within the sump  75  and that has passed through any filters  80  or fluid processing devices as described above can be re-circulated (e.g., through conduit  70  and conduit outlet  72 ) back into the reservoirs  25 . 
         [0035]    With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , carcasses  15  travel along the first conveyor  20  at approximately the same rate as the reservoirs  25  travel along the second conveyor  60 . In some embodiments, this common or similar speed can be maintained for at least the distance in which the carcasses  15  are received in the reservoirs  25 . In some embodiments, the carcasses  15  push against the reservoirs  25  to move the reservoirs  25  along the second conveyor  60 . In other embodiments, the reservoirs  25  pull the carcasses  15  along the first conveyor  20 . In still other embodiments, the carcasses  15  are driven along the first conveyor  20  and the reservoirs  25  are driven by the second conveyor  60  without significant driving motion transferred between conveyors  20 ,  60 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the second conveyor  60  is driven by a power source  90  that rotates a sprocket, drum, pulley, wheel, or other rotating element (hereinafter referred to as a drive wheel  95 ). The drive wheel  95  can be coupled to the second conveyor  60  such that the reservoirs  25  are propelled along the second conveyor  60  in response to rotation of the drive wheel  95 . In some embodiments, the first conveyor  20  is driven by the power source  90  and at least one drive wheel  95 . In other embodiments, the first and second conveyors  20 ,  60  are driven by a common power source  90  connected to both conveyors  20 ,  60  by chains, gears, cables, belts, or other suitable mechanical power transmission equipment. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate alternative embodiments of a carcass cleaning system according to the present invention. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8  and the embodiments described and/or illustrated in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8 . Features and elements in the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5  are numbered in the one hundred series of reference numbers (e.g.,  10  becomes  110  and the like). 
         [0038]    The reservoir  125  shown in  FIGS. 6-8  has a shape adapted to be propelled by fluid entering the reservoir  125 . The reservoir  125  can have any of the general shapes described above, and further includes a first wall  127  that is raised with respect to (i.e., is higher than) an opposite wall  128 . In such embodiments, the reservoir  125  is shaped such that the fluid  135  entering the reservoir  125  can be directed at the first wall  127  to propel the reservoir  125  along the second conveyor  160 . Accordingly, the second conveyor  160  can act as a water wheel, since it is at least partially driven by the force or speed of the fluid  135  hitting the first wall  127  of each reservoir  125 . In some of these water wheel embodiments, the second conveyor  160  is further driven by power source, in which cases the fluid force is a supplemental driving force to propel the second conveyor  160 . 
         [0039]    In any of the carcass cleaning system embodiments described herein, the second conveyor  60  can travel any of a variety of travel paths  30 . For example, the travel path  30  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is generally elongated and ovular. Another example of a travel path is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and is indicated by reference numeral  130 . The travel path  130  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  is an irregular path such that the reservoirs  125  are brought to a high elevation, are filled, are then brought to a lower elevation for carcass immersion, and are then brought to yet a lower elevation to empty fluid  135  into the sump  175 . The creation and loss of potential energy along with the change in mass generated by the introduction and dispense of fluid  135  can further be used to propel the reservoirs  125  along the second conveyor  160 . 
         [0040]    The reservoirs in the various embodiments described and illustrated herein can be at least partially filled with fluid  35 ,  135  in a number of different locations along the second conveyor  60 ,  160 . For example, the conduit  70  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1-5  supplies fluid  35  to the reservoirs  25  at a location near the end of the second conveyor  60  and at an intermediate elevation of the second conveyor  60  (below the elevation at which carcasses  15  are received within the reservoirs  25 ), whereas the conduit  170  in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5  supply fluid  135  to the reservoirs  125  at a location intermediate the ends of the second conveyor  160  and at an elevation higher than that at which carcasses  115  are received within the reservoirs  125 . 
         [0041]    The location at which fluid  135  is introduced into the reservoirs  125  in  FIGS. 7 and 8  can provide an advantage in that the fluid  135  can be directed against first walls  127  to propel the reservoirs  125  along the second conveyor  160  under the additional influence of gravity. In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the fluid  135  is directed vertically downward against the first wall  127 , whereas in other embodiments, the fluid  135  can be directed at an angle other than vertically downward against the wall  127  to drive the reservoirs  125  along the second conveyor  160 . Still other fill locations and fill angles are possible, and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , fluid  135  can be sprayed into the reservoirs  125  as the reservoirs  125  are tipped or otherwise moved to discharge the fluid  135 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 8 , a nozzle  183  can be included to spray fluid  135  into the reservoirs  125  to wash off any foreign matter not dispensed when the fluid  135  was poured out of the reservoirs  125 . The nozzle  183  can be positioned adjacent the reservoirs  125  as the reservoirs  125  move along a portion  185  of the second travel path  130 . The nozzle  183  can be connected to a length of conduit that can either be coupled to the conduit  170  supplying fluid  135  to the reservoirs  125 , or coupled to a separate fluid source (not shown). These and other embodiments can include a drip tray  187  positioned below and/or substantially surrounding the nozzle  183  to catch fluid  135  that drips out of the reservoirs  125  and/or that is dispensed from the nozzle  183 . The drip tray  187  can drain into the sump  175  or a separate tank (e.g., in cases where the fluid sprayed along the portion  185  of the second travel path  130  is different from the fluid  135  used to clean the carcasses  115 ). 
         [0043]    The operation of cleaning a single carcass  15 ,  115  using a single reservoir  25 ,  125  will now be described in detail, it being understood that each of the carcasses  15 ,  115  and reservoirs  25 ,  125  can operate in substantially the same manner. In operation, the carcass  15 ,  115  can be coupled to the first conveyor  20 ,  120  by one or more shackles  40 ,  140 . The first conveyor  20 ,  120  can be moved along the first travel path  37 ,  137  by any of the previously-discussed power sources. The reservoir  25 ,  125  is coupled to the second conveyor  60 ,  160 , and is moved along the second travel path  30 ,  130 . The reservoir  25 ,  125  is at least partially filled with fluid  35 ,  135  from a conduit outlet  72 ,  172 . Then, the carcass  15 ,  115  is at least partially inserted into the reservoir  25 ,  125  and is at least partially submerged in the fluid  35 ,  135 , while both the carcass  15 ,  115  and the reservoir  25 ,  125  continue to move. Alternatively, the carcass  15 ,  115  can be inserted into the reservoir  25 ,  125  before or while the reservoir is being filled. The carcass  15 ,  115  is then removed from the reservoir  25 ,  125 , and is moved further along the first conveyor  20 ,  120 . The fluid  35 ,  135  from the reservoir  25 ,  125  is poured into the sump  75 ,  175 . The fluid  35 ,  135  in the sump  75 ,  175  can be filtered and re-used if desired. In some embodiments, the reservoir  25 ,  125  can follow the second conveyor  60 ,  160  back toward the conduit outlet  72 ,  172 , and one or more nozzles  183  can spray fluid into the reservoir  125  (e.g., in an inverted position) to remove foreign matter. The fluid  35 ,  135  can be collected in a sump  75 ,  175 . Also, the reservoir  25 ,  125  can repeat the cycle just described, whereas the carcass  15 ,  115  can travel along the first conveyor  20 ,  120  to undergo further cleaning and/or cooling processes. 
         [0044]    The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only, and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set fort in the appended claims. 
         [0045]    For example, the fluid  35 ,  135  used in the various carcass cleaning systems  10 ,  110  illustrated and/or described herein can be room temperature or warmer. In some embodiments, warm or hot fluid can be desirable in order to assist in eliminating bacteria and dissolving or removing viscera remains and/or fecal matter. In other embodiments, however, the carcass cleaning system  10 ,  110  can at least partially define a chiller processing stage, whereby the immersion of carcasses  15 ,  115  within the fluid in the reservoirs  25 ,  125  lowers the temperature of the carcasses  15 ,  115 . In any case, any of the carcass cleaning systems  10 ,  110  described and/or illustrated herein can be operated at any speed desired, such as to provide a carcass immersion time of under one minute to as much as an hour or more in some embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that the immersion time for on-line reprocessing can be relatively short when compared to the immersion time for chiller processing. 
         [0046]    As another example, a heat exchanger can be included in any of the carcass cleaning systems  10 ,  110  described and/or illustrated herein, such that the carcass cleaning system  10 ,  110  can be used simultaneously as both an on-line reprocessing stage and a chiller processing stage. In such embodiments, the immersion time can be, for example, about an hour. In other combined-operation embodiments, the immersion time can be more or less than an hour. 
         [0047]    Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.