Method for obtaining an inner fillet from a poultry carcass part, and device for processing a poultry carcass part.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining an inner fillet (16) from a poultry carcass part at least the part of the inner fillet facing the shoulder joint, and the tendon (16a) attached thereto is exposed, while the inner fillet is essentially in its natural position on the carcass. With a processing device, an incision is made in the inner fillet or the tendon in the area of the attachment (16b) of the tendon to the inner fillet. The incision is directed essentially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the inner fillet, parallel thereto, or at a small angle thereto. Next, the inner fillet is separated from the carcass part.

Description: The invention relates to a method for obtaining an inner fillet from a poultry carcass part. The invention also relates to a device for processing a carcass part, for the purpose of obtaining the inner fillet from the carcass part. The inner fillets, also called tenders, of poultry, such as chickens, turkeys etc., are positioned on the breastbone (sternum) on both sides of the crest (crista sterni) thereof, and form part of the most valuable meat parts of the poultry. Removing the inner fillets from a carcass part of poultry according to the prior art, as described in EP-A-0,695,506 which also discloses the preambles of claims 6 and 12, is done by removing the wings from the carcass part, making a separation in the opening bounded by the wishbone and the breastbone, and then scraping away the inner fillets from the carcass part. According to US-A-5,314,374 another way of removing inner fillets is partially cutting and scraping away inner fillets from a carcass part without wings, and then pulling away the inner fillets from the carcass part by means of gripping members. According to EP-A-0,695,506 still another way of removing inner fillets is the separation of membrane connections between the inner fillets and the breastbone, cutting open the canalis triosseus, and pulling away the inner fillets by means of the wings connected thereto through tendons. A drawback of the above-mentioned method according to the prior art is that with each of the removed inner fillets still at least a part of a tendon is connected, which in the poultry connects the inner fillet with the associated wing. In the further processing of the inner fillets to high value consumer products, e.g. to "nuggets", the tendons and sometimes also at least a part of the attachment thereof to the inner fillets must be removed, since the consumer of the meat does not appreciate such tendon parts. The removal of tendons of tendon attachments usually takes place manually by removing them from the inner fillets to be removed or removed from the carcass part. This requires a considerable use of human labor, which is expensive, has only a moderate reproducibility and quality, and does not contribute to the hygiene of the inner fillet processing, which are drawbacks. US-A-5,395,283 discloses a device for automatically cutting off a part from the tendon connected to each inner fillet from inner fillets conveyed in trays. The inner fillets are to be placed and positioned in the trays manually, and no solution is provided for removing the complete undesired tendon part from an inner fillet. The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device with which an inner fillet without an undesired tendon part can be obtained, where it is unnecessary to perform the above-mentioned human actions. To reach this object, the method according to the invention is characterized as described in the independent method claim, and the device according to the invention is characterized as described in the independent device claims. Preferred embodiments are described in the subclaims. The method and the device according to the invention provide a substantial labor saving and an improvement of the quality and processing reproducibility by making an automated, uniform incision at the moment when the inner fillet and the associated tendon are still essentially in their natural position, well-defined in terms of place. In the following, the invention is explained further by reference to the appended drawings of an example embodiment, in which: Fig. 1 shows, in perspective view, a part of a filleting line with a processing device according to the invention; Fig. 1a shows, in side view, an inner fillet and a part of the tendon attached to it; Fig. 2 illustrates, in side view, partially in cross-section, the operation of a guide of the processing device according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows, in perspective view, details of the processing device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 illustrated, in side view, partially in cross-section, the operation of the processing device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows, in perspective view, another embodiment of a processing device according to the invention; and Fig. 6 shows a detail of the processing device according to Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale. In the different Figures, the same reference numerals relate to the same parts of parts having the same function. Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 show a filleting line 2 in which carriers 6 are moved in the direction of arrow 8 along a rail 4. Each carrier 6 comprises a basic body 6a with a tray 6b on which obtained fillet parts can be placed if desired. At the side of the basic body 6a a poultry part fixing member 6c is provided, which is rotatable in a controlled manner around an axis not shown in detail, which is directed centrally through the poultry part fixing member 6c and transverse to the side of basic body 6a. A so-called breast cap 10 (a breast part without skin, without clavicula, without wings, with ribs, and with or without a part of the back) of poultry is fixed on the poultry part fixing member 6c in such a way, that the longitudinal axis of breastbone 12 thereof is directed essentially vertically. Here, for a suitable fixing reference is made to e.g. EP-A-0,254,332. In Fig. 1 the outer fillets 14 of the breast cap 10 are partially pulled away for exposing at least the part of inner fillets 16 facing the shoulder joint, with attached tendons running to the shoulder joint. In Figs. 2-4 the outer fillets 14 are absent. The inner fillets 16 essentially are in their natural position, and are attached to the breastbone 12 with membranes. The tendon part to be removed from each inner fillet 16 extends essentially to inside the canalis triosseus. The longitudinal direction of the inner fillets 16 is essentially at right angles to the conveyance direction 8. In the filleting line, a processing device 18 secured to a frame 20 is placed fixed relative to the rail 4. The processing device 18 comprises a guide 22 and two rotating cutters 24, 26 (Fig. 3) driven in opposite directions according to respective arrows 28 and 30 by means of respective motors 32 and 34. As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the axis of rotation of the motors 32, 34 is oblique relative to a vertical line. In Fig. 1 a protective hood 40 is placed around the rotating cutters 24, 26 to protect operators. Fig. 1a shows the inner fillet 16, a tendon 16a attached thereto, and a tendon attachment 16b. In the Figure, arrows 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and 17e indicate different positions where an incision in the area of the tendon attachment 16b can be made according to the invention. The incision 17a is in the inner fillet 16 outside the tendon attachment 16b. The incision 17b is in the inner fillet 16 at the edge of the tendon attachment 16b. The incision 17c is in the inner fillet 16 in the tendon attachment 16b. The incision 17d is at the end of the inner fillet 16 on the transition of the tendon attachment 16b to the tendon 16a. The incision 17e is in the tendon 16a. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the breast cap 10 is pushed away by the guide 22 in the area of the collar bones (os coracoidus) at the back side of the breast cap 10 in the direction of arrow 36 (Fig. 2), and thus is positioned at an angle relative to the rotating cutters 24, 26 (Fig. 4). In this way, the rotating cutters 24, 26 are prevented from cutting into bone parts, releasing undesired bone residues. The rotating cutters 24, 26 are situated one behind the other in the path of the breast cap 10 for a certain incision 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d or 17e essentially at right angles to the longitudinal direction of both inner fillets 16, but in principle it is also possible to use only one rotating cutter, or to use one or more stationary or resiliently positioned cutters. It is also possible to reverse the directions of rotation 28 and 30. The cutters do not merely have a cutting function, but also a positioning function by the cutting forces exerted on the breast cap 10 relative to the guide 22. The position or height of incision is adjustable by selecting the place of providing the motors 32, 34 on the frame 20, taking into account the dimensions of the breast caps 10 or inner fillets. After the incision of the breast cap 10, the inner fillets 16 are removed manually or mechanically, the undesired tendon parts remaining on the carcass. It is to be observed here that the envisaged incision, which in practice will be a cutting-through or a near-cutting-through, can be obtained not only by one or more cutters, but also with other cutting means, such as a water jet. Further it is to be observed that the cutting means may not only be situated stationary along the conveyance path of the conveyor, but can also be made movable for bringing them synchronously with the conveyance of the carriers into the path of the carcass parts for providing the envisaged incision. The carcass part may be conveyed intermittently, and may stand still at the time of incision. Also it is to be observed that it is not essential for the invention that the wings miss from the carcass part to be processed in the processing device 18. If the carcass part comprises wings, these wings can be simply kept outside the working range of the rotating cutters 24, 26 or other cutting means by means of suitable guides, such that in spite of the presence of wings the intended incision is obtained. Further it is to be observed that the tendon incision can also be obtained by conveying the breast cap 10 with the breastbone 12 parallel to the arrow 8, and having cutters, or other cutting means engage the inner fillet or tendon parts to be incised from the sides of the breast cap 10. This is explained in more detail with reference to an example embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Figs. 5 and 6 show carriers 40 of the type shown in EP-A-0,551,156, on which front halves 42 of poultry with inner fillets 44 are conveyed in the direction of arrow 46. A cutting device 48 is situated stationary along the conveyance path of the front halves 42. The cutting device 48 comprises two disks 50a, 50b which are driven through respective axes 52a, 52b indicated with dashed lines in the direction of respective arrows 54a, 54b by means of drive devices not shown in detail. The axes 52a, 52b rotate inside stationary jackets 56a and 56b, respectively, on which under the respective disks 50a, 50b respective gear rings 58a, 58b are provided. On each disk 50a, 50b, a rotating cutter 64a, 64b, respectively, is mounted rotatable around a respective axis 60a, 60b, and provided with a respective gear wheel 62a, 62b (not visible) engaging the respective gear ring 58a, 58b. The edges of the disks 50a, 50b are not cutting. The cutters 64a, 64b rotate in opposite directions 66a, 66b, respectively, by the rotation of the disks 50a, 50b in the respective directions 54a, 54b, the angular velocity of the cutters 64a, 64b being greater than the angular velocity of the disks 50a, 50b, and the circumferential speed of the disks 50a, 50b preferably being greater than the conveyance speed of the front halves 42. The rotation of the disks 50a, 50b is synchronized with the carriers 40 such that the cutters 64a, 64b engage subsequent front halves 42 always at the same place. De disks 50a, 50b somewhat lift the inner fillets 44. The cutters 64a, 64b cut into or through the tendons 16a of the inner fillets 44, as Fig. 6 illustrates in particular, in particular above the tendon attachment 16b of the tendons 16a to the inner fillets 44. The longitudinal direction of the inner fillets 44 is essentially parallel to, or at a small angle to the conveyance direction 46. The disks 50a, 50b may be provided with supplemental cutting means 68a, 68b for breaking membrane connections between the breastbone of the front half 42 and the inner fillets 44. The functions which in the arrangement of Figs. 5 and 6 are obtained by the disks 50a, 50b and cutters 64a, 64b, 68a and 68b, may also be obtained with suitably placed stationary or moving guides and cooperating stationary or moving cutting means, which engage carcass parts provided on carriers which are moved continuously or intermittently. In this case, first membrane connections between the breastbone and the inner fillets are broken with cutting means, then the inner fillets are lifted with guides, and finally the tendon or inner fillet incision is performed with cutting means. It is also possible not to place the carcass parts on top of the carriers, but to place them below carriers, the breastbone being directed downwards from the carrier. This situation is e.g. obtained by rotating the carriers 40 through 180 degrees around a horizontal longitudinal or transverse axis. In such a situation, the active lifting of the inner fillets (= increasing the distance to the breastbone) may be dispensed with, since the force of gravity fulfills this function.

Claims: Method for obtaining an inner fillet from a poultry carcass part, comprising the steps: (a) exposing at least the part of the inner fillet facing the shoulder, and the tendon attached to it, while the inner fillet is essentially in its natural position on the carcass part; (b) providing an incision in the inner fillet or the tendon in the area of the attachment of the tendon to the inner fillet; and (c) separating the inner fillet from the carcass part. Method according to claim 1, wherein the incision according step (b) is directed essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the inner fillet. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carcass part is conveyed on a carrier along a conveyance path in a conveyance direction along cutting means for performing the incision according to step (b). Method according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal direction of the inner fillets is essentially transverse to the conveyance direction. Method according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal direction of the inner fillets is essentially parallel to, or at a small angle to the conveyance direction. Device for processing a poultry carcass part, comprising: a conveyor with at least one carrier to be moved along a conveyance path in a conveyance direction, for carrying the carcass part which comprises at least a breastbone, a collar bone, and an inner fillet being essentially in a natural position, and a tendon attached thereto, characterized in that the plane of symmetry of the breastbone extends essentially in a plane at right angles to the conveyance direction; and that cutting means are present for providing an incision in the inner fillet or the tendon in the area of the attachment of the tendon to the inner fillet. Device according to claim 6, further comprising: a guide extending essentially in the conveyance direction, for guiding the back side of the carcass part in the area of the collar bones, the cutting means cooperating with the guide. Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cutting means comprise at least one rotatingly driven cutter with a rotating axis. Device according to claim 8, wherein the rotating axis of the rotatingly driven cutter is directed at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the inner fillet to be incised or the tendon to be incised. Device according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the cutting means comprise two cutters situated behind each other as seen in the conveyance direction, and being driven rotatingly relative to each other in opposite directions. Device according to claim 10, wherein the direction of rotation of the upstream cutter, as seen in the conveyance direction, is selected such that the cutting side thereof engaging the inner fillet or tendon moves opposite to the conveyance direction. Device for processing a poultry carcass part, comprising: a conveyor with at least one carrier to be moved along a conveyance path in a conveyance direction, for carrying the carcass part which comprises at least a breastbone, and an inner fillet being essentially in a natural position, and a tendon attached thereto, the longitudinal direction of the breastbone being essentially parallel to the conveyance direction; characterized in that cutting means are present for providing an incision in the inner fillet or the tendon in the area of the attachment of the tendon to the inner fillet. Device according to claim 12, wherein the cutting means comprise a cutter which is rotatingly driven around an axis of rotation. Device according to claim 13, wherein the axis of rotation of the cutter is situated eccentrically relative to an axis of rotation of a rotatingly driven carrier of the cutter. Device according to claim 14, wherein the direction of rotation of the cutter is opposite to the direction of rotation of the cutter carrier. Device according to claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the direction of rotation of the cutter is selected such that the cutting side thereof engaging the inner fillet or tendon moves opposite to the conveyance direction.

Inventors: ANNEMA HEIN, JANSSEN PETRUS CHRISTIANUS HEN, VAN DEN NIEUWELAAR ADRIANUS JO, ANNEMA, HEIN, JANSSEN, PETRUS CHRISTIANUS HENDRIKUS, VAN DEN NIEUWELAAR, ADRIANUS JOSEPHES
Applicants: STORK PMT, STORK PMT B.V.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A22C21
IPC codes: A22C21, A22C17