Patent Description:
Also, the close proximity of the components of the skinning apparatus makes it cumbersome to make repairs and/or to replace worn or damaged components of the apparatus, for example, the belts of the infeed and outfeed conveyors. Typically, it is necessary to disassemble a significant part of the apparatus to gain the necessary access for repair and component replacement. The present disclosure seeks to provide a poultry skinning apparatus that addresses the foregoing shortcomings.

<CIT> discloses a pressure shoe assembly for a skinner.

<CIT> discloses a food conveyor system and method of maintenance thereof.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a poultry product processing apparatus with the features of claim <NUM> is provided. The poultry product processing apparatus comprises a processing station, an infeed conveyor for transporting poultry pieces to the processing station, the infeed conveyor having an endless conveyor belt mounted on a first frame structure for carrying the poultry pieces, an outfeed conveyor for transporting the skinned poultry pieces away from the processing station, the outfeed conveyor having an endless conveyor belt mounted on a second frame structure for carrying the processed poultry pieces, a first lift mounting system to mount the infeed conveyor to the processing station to shift the infeed conveyor between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the processing station to provide access to the endless belt of the infeed conveyor and the processing station, and a second lift mounting system to mount the outfeed conveyor to the processing station to shift the outfeed conveyor between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the processing station to provide access to the endless belt of the outfeed conveyor and the processing station.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the infeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station and a distal end portion disposed away from the processing station, and the distal end portion of the infeed conveyor comprising an idler roller mounted on a first tensioning assembly, the first tensioning assembly adjustable to apply a tension load to the endless belt of the infeed conveyor and to relax the tension on the endless belt of the infeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first tensioning assembly comprising pivot arms on which the idler roller of the infeed conveyor is mounted, the pivot arms pivotable between an engaged position wherein the idler roller supports the endless belt of the infeed conveyor in an in-use taught condition and a disengaged position wherein the idler roller supports the endless belt of infeed conveyor in a slack condition.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the outfeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station and a distal end portion disposed away from the processing station, and the distal end portion of the outfeed conveyor comprising an idler roller mounted on a second tensioning assembly, the second tensioning assembly adjustable to apply a tension load to the endless belt of the outfeed conveyor and to relax the tension on the endless belt of the outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the second tensioning assembly comprises pivot arms on which the idler roller of the outfeed conveyor is mounted, the pivot arms pivotable between an engaged position, wherein the idler roller supports the endless belt of the outfeed conveyor in an in-use taught condition, and a disengaged position, wherein the idler roller supports the endless belt of outfeed conveyor in a slack condition.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising a frame structure for supporting the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor in relative position to each other.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first and second lift mounting systems comprise rotatable actuators connected between the frame and the infeed conveyor and between the frame and the outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the rotatable actuators simultaneously lift the infeed and outfeed conveyors upwardly relative to the frame and longitudinally away from the processing station relative to the lengths of the conveyors.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor to frame when in lower in-use position.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the frame structure comprises a first longitudinal side and an opposite second longitudinal side, and the locking mechanism is operable from one of the first and second longitudinal sides of the frame structure.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the infeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station, the proximal end portion comprising a first drive roller for driving the infeed conveyor belt, and further comprising a drive motor for driving the infeed conveyor, and further comprising a drivetrain disposed between the drive motor and the drive roller of the infeed conveyor to transfer torque from the drive motor to the drive roller of the infeed conveyor, the drivetrain comprising a-quick-disconnect drive link between the drive motor and the drive roller of the infeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the outfeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station, the proximal end portion comprising a second drive roller for driving the outfeed conveyor belt, and the drivetrain transferring torque from the drive motor to the drive roller of the outfeed conveyor, the drivetrain comprising a-quick-disconnect drive link between the drive motor and the drive roller of the outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the drivetrain connected simultaneously to the drive motor and the driver rollers of the infeed conveyor and outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the drivetrain comprises drive links to engage and disengage the drive motor and the driver rollers of the infeed and the outfeed conveyors.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the drive links are manually graspable to slidably engage the drive rollers of the infeed conveyor and outfeed conveyor and to slidably disengage the drive roller of the infeed conveyor and outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising a frame structure for supporting the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor in relative position to each other, wherein the frame structure comprises a first longitudinal side and an opposite second longitudinal side, and wherein drive links are manually graspable from one of the first and second longitudinal sides of the frame structure.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the drivetrain comprises a gear transfer housing mounted on the frame to receive torque from the drive motor and to the drive rollers of the infeed and outfeed conveyors.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the drivetrain comprises drive links extending between the gear transfer housing and the drive rollers of the infeed and outfeed conveyors, the drive links configured to be manually operable to engage and disengage the gear housing and the drive roller of the infeed and outfeed conveyors.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, not forming part of the invention, a poultry product skinning apparatus is provided. The poultry product skinning apparatus comprises a skinning station, an infeed conveyor for transporting poultry pieces to the skinning station, the infeed conveyor having an endless conveyor belt for gripping the poultry pieces, an outfeed conveyor for transporting the skinned poultry pieces away from the skinning station, the outfeed conveyor having an endless conveyor belt for gripping the skinned poultry pieces, a first lift mounting system to mount the infeed conveyor to the poultry product skinning apparatus to shift the infeed conveyor between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the skinning station to provide access to the endless belt of the infeed conveyor, a second lift mounting system to mount the outfeed conveyor to the poultry product skinning apparatus to shift the outfeed conveyor between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the skinning station to provide access to the endless belt of the outfeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the infeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station, the proximal end portion comprising a first drive roller for driving the infeed conveyor belt, and further comprising a drive motor for driving the infeed conveyor, and further comprising a drivetrain disposed between the drive motor and the drive roller of the infeed conveyor to transfer torque from the drive motor to the drive roller of the infeed conveyor, the drivetrain comprising a quick-disconnect drive link between the drive motor and the drive roller of the infeed conveyor.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the outfeed conveyor comprises a proximal end portion adjacent the processing station, the proximal end portion comprising a second drive roller for driving the outfeed conveyor belt; and the drivetrain transferring torque from the drive motor to the drive roller of the outfeed conveyor, the drivetrain comprising a-quick-disconnect drive link between the drive motor and the drive roller of the outfeed conveyor.

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, corresponding systems, assemblies, apparatus, and units may be identified by the same part number, but with an alpha suffix. The descriptions of the parts/components of such systems assemblies, apparatus, and units that are the same or similar are not repeated so as to avoid redundancy in the present application.

Referring initially to <FIG>, an apparatus <NUM> for removing the skin of poultry pieces includes a basic form, a frame <NUM> for supporting an infeed conveyor <NUM> for transporting and feeding poultry pieces to be skinned to a skinning station <NUM> located closely adjacent the downstream end of the conveyor. An outfeed conveyor <NUM> is also supported by the frame to carry the skinned poultry pieces away from the skinning station for further processing. The infeed conveyor <NUM> and outfeed conveyor <NUM> include endless belts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The endless belt <NUM> is trained around an end roller <NUM> at the downstream end of the infeed conveyor <NUM>. A pinch block <NUM> is configured with a concave pinch surface <NUM> having curvature closely following the curvature of the endless belt <NUM> trained around the end roller <NUM> to define a narrow gap <NUM> therebetween for capturing the skin of the poultry piece and forcing the skin through the gap <NUM>, thereby pulling the skin away from the underlying flesh of the poultry piece.

A transfer roller <NUM>, located between the adjacent ends of the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>, assists in transferring the skinned poultry piece to the outfeed conveyor. In addition, a hold down structure <NUM> is provided for applying downward pressure on the poultry piece as the poultry piece is carried by the infeed conveyor <NUM> towards the skinning station <NUM>, while the poultry skin is being removed, and also while the skinned poultry piece is being transferred from the infeed conveyor <NUM> to the outfeed conveyor <NUM>.

The infeed conveyor <NUM> is carried by a lift mounting system <NUM> to mount the infeed conveyor to the underlying frame <NUM>. The lift mounting system <NUM> functions to shift the infeed conveyor between an in-use lowered position closely adjacent the skinning station <NUM> and a retracted position raised above and shifted longitudinally away from the skinning station to provide access to the infeed conveyor <NUM>, including its endless belt <NUM>, as well as access to the skinning station.

Likewise, outfeed conveyor <NUM> is carried by a lift mounting system <NUM> to mount the outfeed conveyor to the underlying frame <NUM>. The lift mounting system <NUM> functions to shift the outfeed conveyor between an in-use, lowered position closely adjacent the skinning station <NUM> and a retracted position raised above and shifted longitudinally downstream away from the skinning station <NUM> to provide access to the outfeed conveyor <NUM>, including its endless belt <NUM>, as well as access to the skinning station.

Next, describing the skinning apparatus <NUM> in greater detail, the apparatus includes the frame <NUM>, which supports the infeed conveyor <NUM>, the outfeed conveyor <NUM>, pinch block <NUM>, and transfer roller <NUM> at a desired elevation. The frame <NUM> includes support legs <NUM> extending downwardly from a rectangular base structure <NUM>. The legs <NUM> can be adjustable in height to enable the apparatus to be leveled if needed. The base structure <NUM> in turn supports overhead, upright, longitudinally extending side structures <NUM> and <NUM> that extend along and beneath the opposite sides of the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> to be coextensive with the lengths of the conveyors. The ends of the side structures are tied together by transverse end plates <NUM>. The side structures <NUM> and <NUM> can be constructed from multiple components that are assembled or otherwise affixed together to form an integral structure, or the side structures can be constructed from a singular complement that is formed into the shape shown in the figures.

A collection pan <NUM>, with sloped side walls, is positioned within the frame base structure <NUM>, beneath the skinning station <NUM> to collect the skin removed from the poultry pieces and to direct such collected skin to a collection bin, not shown, located beneath the pan <NUM>. In this regard, the pan <NUM> includes a central outlet opening <NUM> positioned over the collection bin.

A control panel <NUM> is mounted on the frame <NUM> at what will be referred to as the "front side" of the apparatus <NUM>, since this is the side of the apparatus at which the apparatus controls are located. The opposite side of the apparatus will be referred as the "back side. " As shown in <FIG>, the control panel includes a touch screen <NUM> to enter control instructions for the apparatus and to view operational parameters of the apparatus and other information regarding the apparatus including its operation and performance. Although the control panel <NUM> is shown as mounted on the frame <NUM>, the control panel can be located elsewhere, and signals to and from the apparatus are transmitted wirelessly.

Next, referring specifically to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the infeed conveyor <NUM> includes a frame that is constructed as a unitary structure composed of longitudinal side panels <NUM> interconnected by a series of transverse connectors or rods <NUM> so as to create a rigid structure. The conveyor frame supports a driven roller <NUM> at the downstream end of the conveyor <NUM>, as well as an idler roller assembly <NUM> at the upstream end of the conveyor. The idler roller assembly <NUM> includes arms <NUM>, which are pivotally mounted to the conveyor side panels <NUM> so as to project beyond the ends of the conveyor side panels <NUM> to carry in support an idler roller <NUM>. The idler roller assembly <NUM> can pivot between a position extending longitudinally from the conveyor side panels <NUM>, wherein the conveyor belt <NUM> is in taut condition, and a position extending transversely (upwardly) to the conveyor side panels, wherein the conveyor belt is in relaxed or slack condition to facilitate installation and removal of the conveyor belt <NUM>.

The level of desired tension on the conveyor belt <NUM> can be adjusted via an adjustment structure <NUM> to adjust the position the idler roller <NUM> along the length of the pivot arms <NUM>. In this regard, the ends of the idler roller <NUM> are mounted on a carriage or slide, which in turn slides along a slot formed along the length of the pivot arms <NUM>.

The upper run of the conveyor belt <NUM> is supported by an underlying structure along which the belt slides. Such structure can be of various constructions. For example, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart, longitudinal beam members <NUM> can extend along the length of the conveyor <NUM> between the idler roller assembly <NUM> and the end roller <NUM> of the conveyor. These beam members can be supported by the transverse connectors or rods <NUM>. Alternatively, a solid deck can be positioned beneath the upper run of the conveyor belt. This deck may be coated with a low friction, anti-wear surface, or a separate low friction, anti-wear panel can be attached to the top of the deck.

A cover <NUM>, shown in phantom line, covers a portion of the infeed conveyor <NUM> during the operation of apparatus <NUM>. The cover <NUM> rests on the upper edges of the conveyor side panels <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is hinged to mounting posts <NUM>, which allows the cover to be rotated ninety degrees into open position thereby providing access to the infeed conveyor and to the skinning station <NUM>.

The infeed conveyor belt <NUM> is depicted as including outwardly projecting flights or ribs <NUM> that extend across the width of the belt while being spaced apart along the width of the belt. The flights/ribs <NUM> enable the belt to grip the exterior of the skin of the poultry piece being transported on the belt, as well as while the skin is being pulled through the gap <NUM> between the belt and the pinch surface <NUM> of the pinch block <NUM>. In <FIG>, the flights/ribs <NUM> in cross-section are shown to be in the form of truncated triangles. However, the flights/ribs <NUM> can be of other configurations, including having parallel sides. Further, the upper edge of the flights may be other than in a uniform elevation along the length of the flights. For instance, the upper edge of the flights may be undulating, have notches formed therein, or be of other profiles.

Alternatively, the infeed conveyor belt <NUM> may be textured or otherwise configured to enable the belt to grip the exterior of the skin of the poultry piece being transported on the belt, as well as while the skin is being pulled through the gap <NUM> formed between the belt and the pinch surface <NUM> of the pinch block <NUM>. The texture on the belt may be in the form of protrusions extending upwardly from the belt substrate. The protrusions can be various cross-sectional shapes, for instance, circular. The protrusions may taper in the direction outwardly from the belt substrate, and may have rounded tips. The protrusions can be of other shapes, such as square, rectangular, triangular, arcuate, elliptical, oval, etc. Also, the protrusions may be arranged in an orderly pattern about the surface of the conveyor belt, or may be arranged in one or more random patterns.

As can be appreciated, the purpose of the flights or protrusions extending from the outer surface of the endless belt <NUM> is to grip the poultry pieces to urge the poultry pieces toward the pinch block <NUM>, and also to urge the skinned portions of the poultry pieces forwardly toward the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. To this end, the conveyor belt <NUM> may be textured otherwise than as described above. Moreover, the outfeed conveyor belt <NUM> may also be flighted or textured in a manner similarly to that of the infeed conveyor belt <NUM>, or may be flighted or textured in a different manner, perhaps less aggressively than the infeed conveyor belt.

The outfeed conveyor <NUM> is constructed in a manner corresponding to the construction of the infeed conveyor <NUM>, as described above. Except as otherwise specified, the part numbers for the outfeed conveyor <NUM> are the same as for the infeed conveyor <NUM>, but with the addition of a prime (" ' ") designation. The outfeed conveyor <NUM> is shown in the figures as being of a shorter length than the infeed conveyor <NUM>. However, the outfeed conveyor <NUM> can instead be of the same length, or even longer than, the infeed conveyor <NUM>.

As discussed above, the skinning apparatus <NUM> includes a powered transfer roller <NUM> positioned between the infeed conveyor <NUM> and the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. The transfer roller <NUM> serves to facilitate the transfer of the poultry pieces, with the skin removed, from the infeed conveyor <NUM> to be the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. In this regard, the transfer roller <NUM> is positioned approximately midway between the downstream end roller <NUM> of the infeed conveyor <NUM> and the upstream roller <NUM> of the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. In this location, the transfer roller <NUM> helps reduce the likelihood that the poultry pieces will become stalled between the infeed conveyor <NUM> and the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. The transfer roller <NUM> is powered at a speed to facilitate transfer of the poultry pieces from the skinning station to the outfeed conveyor while but also so as not to damage the poultry piece being transferred to the outfeed conveyor. Typically, the infeed conveyor <NUM> and outfeed conveyor <NUM> operate at, or nearly at, the same speed.

To perform its function, the transfer roller <NUM> can be of various configurations. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the transfer roller <NUM> can be constructed in the form of a central shaft <NUM> and a plurality of ribs or paddles <NUM> that radiate outwardly from the central shaft while extending along the length of the shaft. The paddles <NUM> are able to grip the underside of the skinned poultry piece and urged the poultry piece forwardly toward the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. The overall size or diameter of the transfer roller <NUM> is selected so as to fit within the valley or gap formed by the end rollers <NUM> and <NUM> and still providing clearance from the pinch block <NUM>. Also, the transfer roller <NUM> at its upper circumference is approximately at the same elevation as the upper surface of the endless belts <NUM> and <NUM> of the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>. In this regard, the transfer roller <NUM> may have a diameter of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (from about <NUM> to about <NUM> inches), but of course can be of a larger or smaller diameter.

As noted above, lift mounting systems <NUM> and <NUM> function to mount the infeed conveyor <NUM> and outfeed conveyor to the underlying frame <NUM>. The lift mounting systems function to shift the infeed and outfeed conveyors between an in-use lowered position closely adjacent the skinning station <NUM> and a retracted position raised above and shifted longitudinally away from the skinning station so as to provide access to the infeed and outfeed conveyor <NUM> and <NUM>, including their endless belts <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as access to the skinning station.

The construction of the lift mounting system <NUM> will be described with the understanding that the lift mounting system <NUM> is of corresponding construction. Referring specifically to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lift mounting system <NUM> is in the form of actuators, and more specifically in the form of rotatable actuators. In one exemplary example, the rotatable actuators can be in the form of pivot arm structures <NUM> extending nominally in diagonal orientation between frame structure <NUM> and conveyor side panel <NUM>. The lower ends of the pivot arm structures <NUM> are pivotally connected to the frame side structure <NUM> while the upper ends of the pivot structures are pivotally connected to the conveyor side panels <NUM>.

The pivot arm structures <NUM> are composed of a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel spaced-apart arms members <NUM> spanning between end collars <NUM>. The arm members <NUM> may be welded or otherwise securely attached to the collars <NUM>. Spacer braces <NUM> span between the arms members <NUM> to provide additional rigidity to the pivot arm structures <NUM>. It will be understood that rigidity can be added to the structures by other means. In addition, the pivot arm structures can be of constructions other than as described and illustrated above.

Lower pivot rods <NUM> project outwardly from mounting flanges <NUM> attached to the frame side structures to extend through the end collars <NUM> of the pivot arm structures. Likewise, upper pivot rods <NUM><NUM> project outwardly from mounting flanges <NUM> attached to the conveyor side panel <NUM> to extend through the end collars <NUM> of the pivot arm structures.

An actuator in the form of a gas spring <NUM> extends between the frame-based structure <NUM> and an arm member <NUM> to apply an upwardly directed force to the pivot arm structures <NUM>, biasing the pivot arm structures to rotate so as to lift the infeed conveyor <NUM> in the upper direction. See, for example, <FIG>. It will be appreciated that as the infeed conveyor <NUM> moves from its lowered "in use" position shown in <FIG> to the upwardly retracted position shown in <FIG>, the infeed conveyor shifts both upwardly relative to the skinning station <NUM> as well as longitudinally away from the skinning station. As such, the infeed conveyor <NUM> is readily accessible for cleaning, for repairing, as well as for replacing endless belt <NUM>. Access is also provided to the skinning station.

The endless belt <NUM> can be conveniently replaced by pivoting the idler roller assembly <NUM> about its pivot axis on the conveyor side panels <NUM> to swing the idler roller assembly <NUM> upwardly, thereby placing the endless belt <NUM> in slack condition. Since the pivot arm structures <NUM> are only located at the backside of the apparatus, the endless belt <NUM> can be readily removed by sliding the belt off the front side of the infeed conveyor <NUM>. The new belt can be installed on the infeed conveyor <NUM> by reversing this process.

Next, referring also to <FIG>, the infeed conveyor <NUM> is locked into a downward "in use" position by a locking mechanism that is operable from the front side of the apparatus <NUM>. In this regard, the ends of a pull rod <NUM> extend through close-fitting cross holes formed in pillow block structures <NUM> mounted to the frame side structures <NUM> and <NUM> close to the upper edges thereof. The pull rod <NUM> extends through the interior of close bushings <NUM> fixed to the conveyor side panels <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a manually graspable circular knob <NUM> is attached to the end of the pull rod <NUM> exterior of the pillow block structure <NUM>. The pivot rod <NUM> is locked in engagement with the pillow block structures <NUM> and the bushings <NUM> by a cross pin <NUM> that engages through across hole formed in the pillow block structure center section <NUM>. A cross groove is formed transversely across the outer circumferential portion of the pivot rod <NUM> for closely receiving the cross pin <NUM> through, thereby preventing the pivot rod from moving longitudinally to its length.

It will be appreciated that by simply removing the cross pin <NUM>, the pull rod <NUM> can be pulled longitudinally through the pillow blocks structures <NUM> and the bushings <NUM> to thereby permit the infeed conveyor <NUM> to be released from frame <NUM>, so that the infeed conveyor can be conveniently lifted upwardly to its retracted position.

As can be appreciated, in order for the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> to be retracted upwardly relative to the frame <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, it is necessary to disengage the drive rollers <NUM> and <NUM> from the source of drive torque for the drive rollers, which source is mounted on the frame <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the drive torque for the drive rollers <NUM> and <NUM> is provided by a drive motor <NUM> mounted on the frame <NUM> within the confines of the frame side structures <NUM> and <NUM> and generally centrally relative to the frame base structure <NUM>. A drivetrain is provided to transmit the torque from the drive motor <NUM> to drive rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. The drivetrain includes a driveshaft <NUM> extending from the motor <NUM> and out through a clearance opening formed in the frame side structure <NUM> at the front side of the frame. A cog drive gear <NUM> is mounted on the distal end of the driveshaft <NUM> to drivingly engage the lower portion of an endless cog belt <NUM>. From the cog drive gear <NUM>, the cog belt <NUM> extends upwardly to wrap a driven cog gear <NUM> mounted on the end of a driven shaft <NUM>.

The driven shaft <NUM> extends inwardly into a gear transfer housing <NUM> of the drivetrain. Bearings or bushings are provided to anti-frictionally mount the driven shaft <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. A drive gear <NUM> is splined or otherwise mounted on the driven shaft <NUM> within the housing to rotate with the driven shaft. The drive gear <NUM> engages driven gears <NUM> and <NUM> which are mounted on tubular axles <NUM> and <NUM>, which in turn are mounted within bearings or bushings to anti-frictionally rotate within the housing <NUM>.

The tubular axles <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned with blind bores <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the ends of axles <NUM> and <NUM> of the drive rollers <NUM> and <NUM> of the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>. The ends of the axles <NUM> and <NUM> are supported by flanged bearings <NUM> mounted the exterior sides of the conveyor side panels <NUM>. Similar flanged bearings <NUM> are mounted on the opposite conveyor side panels <NUM>.

The transfer housing <NUM> is mounted on a central mounting post <NUM> extending upwardly from the frame side structure <NUM>. In this regard, bolts <NUM> extend through close-fitting through holes formed in a flange <NUM> extending above the top surface of the housing <NUM> and also extend through spacers <NUM> to threadably engage the mounting post. Bolts similar to bolts <NUM> extend through close-fitting through holes formed in a flange extending below the bottom surface of the housing <NUM> and also extend through spacers similar to spacers <NUM> to threadably engage the mounting post. When the transfer housing <NUM> is mounted on the central mounting post, there is a slight gap between the adjacent ends for the tubular axles <NUM>/<NUM> and the corresponding ends of the axles <NUM>/<NUM> defined by blind bores <NUM>/<NUM>.

The drivetrain also includes removable drive pins <NUM> that slidably extend through the tubular axles <NUM> and <NUM> to extend into the corresponding blind bores <NUM> and <NUM> of the drive roller axles <NUM> and <NUM>. The exterior of the drive pins <NUM> are of hexagonal cross sectional shape to match the interior shapes of the tubular axles <NUM> and <NUM> as well as the interior shapes of blind bores <NUM> and <NUM> of the drive roller axles so that the drive pins function to transmit torqued from the driven gears <NUM> and <NUM> to the drive roller axles <NUM> and <NUM>. It is to be understood that the exterior configuration of the drive pins can be of other shapes such as octagonal or can be splined.

The removable drive pins <NUM> are held engaged within the tubular drive axle <NUM> and <NUM> and the corresponding tubular blind bores <NUM> and <NUM> of the drive roller axles by rotatable keepers <NUM>. The keepers <NUM> are formed with a generally semicircular groove <NUM> that are shaped and sized to closely fit over reduced diameter sections <NUM> formed in the end portions of the drive pins. Such reduced-diameter sections are located between the hexagonal drive sections and enlarged, manually graspable heads <NUM> formed on the ends of the drive pins. The keepers <NUM> are pivotally mounted on the exterior of the housing <NUM> by hardware members <NUM>. When the keepers engaged with the dive pins, the drive pins are securely held in engagement with the tubular drive axles <NUM> and <NUM> and the corresponding blind bore portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the drive roller axles <NUM> and <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the drive gear <NUM> also powers the driven gear <NUM> of the transfer roller <NUM>.

The procedure for retracing the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM>/<NUM> from the frame is quickly and simply accomplished from the front side of the apparatus <NUM>. First, the cross pins <NUM> are removed from the pull rods <NUM> and then the pull rods drawn out from frame <NUM> and conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby releasing the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> from the frame <NUM>. Next, the keepers are rotated out of engagement with the reduced diameter sections <NUM> of the drive pins <NUM>. Thereafter, the drive pins can be manually slid out of the blind bores <NUM>/<NUM> and corresponding tubular axles <NUM>/<NUM> by simply grasping the heads <NUM> of the drive pins. Thereupon, the gas springs <NUM> will cause the pivot arm structures to swing upwardly to lift the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> off of the frame <NUM> into the upwardly retracted position shown in <FIG>. It can be appreciated that the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are thus accessible for cleaning, maintenance, repair, etc. without the need for any tools. Further, the skinning station <NUM> is also readily accessible for cleaning, maintenance, repair, etc..

Further, the endless belts <NUM> and <NUM> of the infeed and outfeed conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> can be conveniently removed by releasing the idler roller assemblies <NUM>, thereby permitting by the roller assemblies to rotate from their positions shown in <FIG> to an upwardly extending position shown in dotted line in <FIG>. This releases the tension load on the endless belts, causing the bells to become slack. As such, the belts can be slid off of their drive and idler rollers in the direction towards the front side of the apparatus. New endless belts <NUM> and <NUM> can be installed on the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> by reversing this procedure.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A poultry product processing apparatus, comprising:
a processing station (<NUM>);
an infeed conveyor (<NUM>) for transporting poultry pieces to the processing station (<NUM>), the infeed conveyor (<NUM>) having an endless conveyor belt (<NUM>) mounted on a first frame structure (<NUM>,<NUM>) for carrying the poultry pieces to be processed;
an outfeed conveyor (<NUM>) for transporting the skinned poultry pieces away from the processing station (<NUM>), the outfeed conveyor (<NUM>) having an endless conveyor belt (<NUM>) mounted on a second frame structure (<NUM>',<NUM>') for carrying the processed poultry pieces;
a first lift mounting system (<NUM>) to mount the infeed conveyor (<NUM>) to the processing station (<NUM>) to shift the infeed conveyor (<NUM>) between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the processing station (<NUM>) to provide access to the endless belt (<NUM>) of the infeed conveyor (<NUM>) and the processing station (<NUM>); and
a second lift mounting system (<NUM>) to mount the outfeed conveyor (<NUM>) to the processing station (<NUM>) to shift the outfeed conveyor (<NUM>) between an in-use lowered position and a retracted position raised relative to the processing station (<NUM>) to provide access to the endless belt (<NUM>) of the outfeed conveyor (<NUM>) and the processing station (<NUM>).