Patent ID: 10477872

Abstract:
A method and apparatus for separating wings from a poultry carcass includes an overhead conveyor for conveying partially processed poultry carcasses sequentially along a processing path back-first. Each carcass is tilted on its back and its wings are separated and spread out to the sides of the carcass. The scapula bones of the carcass are urged to a desired position. A pre-cut is made in the back of the carcass along a specified location to sever a primary tendon associated with the scapula and holding each wing to the carcass. The wings are tensioned to dislocate the shoulder joints and to begin to pull the balls and sockets of the joints apart at the shoulder. Rotary blades cut through a piece of back meat and then between the separated balls and sockets of the shoulder joints while the wings are being prevented from moving along with the carcass. This progressively opens up the dislocated shoulder joint as the rotary blades cut until the wings are completely severed and removed from the carcass. The cutting of bones and attendant bone pieces and shards in the wing parts is virtually eliminated and valuable breast meat is not sacrificed for the sake of meatier wings.