In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a flattener which is configured to flatten a meat product, and a scanner which is configured to scan features of the meat product after flattening. A second station is configured to dock front and rear ends of the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a flattener which is configured to flatten a meat product, and a scanner which is configured to scan features of the meat product after flattening. A second station is configured to dock front and rear ends of the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features.

A system 10 for analyzing and trimming pork bellies and other three-dimensional food and non-food products which are to be subsequently portioned or sliced so as to achieve an optimum harvest of slices from the food product bearing in mind achieving a maximum yield together with a desired quality level of the portions/slices. The system 10 includes a conveyor 12 for carrying the workpieces (WP) to be trimmed prior to subsequent slicing of the workpiece past a scanning system 14 for scanning the workpiece WP to ascertain the physical characteristics of the workpiece, including, for example, its three-dimensional shape as well as its position on the conveyor. A cutting station 16 trims the workpiece WP into a desired two-dimensional shape which represents an optimum shape for the workpiece that seeks to maximize the harvest of slices from the workpiece while maintaining a desired quality level for the slices. A slicing station uses high speed cutters or slicers for portioning/slicing the workpiece into portions/slices which have been simulated by a processing system 18 employing a processor or computer 20.

A system 10 for analyzing and trimming pork bellies and other three-dimensional food and non-food products which are to be subsequently portioned or sliced so as to achieve an optimum harvest of slices from the food product bearing in mind achieving a maximum yield together with a desired quality level of the portions/slices. The system 10 includes a conveyor 12 for carrying the workpieces (WP) to be trimmed prior to subsequent slicing of the workpiece past a scanning system 14 for scanning the workpiece WP to ascertain the physical characteristics of the workpiece, including, for example, its three-dimensional shape as well as its position on the conveyor. A cutting station 16 trims the workpiece WP into a desired two-dimensional shape which represents an optimum shape for the workpiece that seeks to maximize the harvest of slices from the workpiece while maintaining a desired quality level for the slices. A slicing station uses high speed cutters or slicers for portioning/slicing the workpiece into portions/slices which have been simulated by a processing system 18 employing a processor or computer 20.

The present invention relates to a game animal field dressing and gutting assistance tool. The tool is used for holding the legs of a game animal open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal. The tool comprises a telescoping pole that can be adjusted and selectively-affixed in length for use with different game animals. The telescoping pole includes two ends, each end having a strap assembly housing a strap and a lock for securing the strap. The straps can be connected to the animal's legs and the telescoping pole can be selectively-affixed in length to enable a hunter to spread the legs of the game animal to a desired distance. The straps and pole keep the legs open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal.

The present invention relates to a game animal field dressing and gutting assistance tool. The tool is used for holding the legs of a game animal open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal. The tool comprises a telescoping pole that can be adjusted and selectively-affixed in length for use with different game animals. The telescoping pole includes two ends, each end having a strap assembly housing a strap and a lock for securing the strap. The straps can be connected to the animal's legs and the telescoping pole can be selectively-affixed in length to enable a hunter to spread the legs of the game animal to a desired distance. The straps and pole keep the legs open while the hunter dresses and guts the animal.

A method and apparatus for use in the field processing of downed big game animals, without removing the entrails of the animal. The procedure may be implemented by one or more persons with the use of a multi-purpose tool that is portable, relatively light weight and suitable to fit into or on to a backpack when collapsed. The multi-purpose tool has features making it suitable for various outdoor activities; but it is especially adapted to form a sturdy tripod stand having telescoping legs and a rope locking mechanism on its head. When assembled as a tripod stand, rope is used to temporarily lift and hold each leg of the animal individually until each quarter and portion is skinned and removed from the carcass in the field.

A method and apparatus for use in the field processing of downed big game animals, without removing the entrails of the animal. The procedure may be implemented by one or more persons with the use of a multi-purpose tool that is portable, relatively light weight and suitable to fit into or on to a backpack when collapsed. The multi-purpose tool has features making it suitable for various outdoor activities; but it is especially adapted to form a sturdy tripod stand having telescoping legs and a rope locking mechanism on its head. When assembled as a tripod stand, rope is used to temporarily lift and hold each leg of the animal individually until each quarter and portion is skinned and removed from the carcass in the field.

An animal carcass hanging device includes a base having an upper surface, a projection connected at one end with the base upper surface, and a connection device connected with a second end of the projection. The projection has a width that is less than a width of the base. When the device is inserted into a central cavity of an animal carcass, the projection extends through a carcass upper end opening so that the base is in contact with a wall of the cavity. The connection device is then connected with a structure and the carcass is hung from its front quarter.

An animal carcass hanging device includes a base having an upper surface, a projection connected at one end with the base upper surface, and a connection device connected with a second end of the projection. The projection has a width that is less than a width of the base. When the device is inserted into a central cavity of an animal carcass, the projection extends through a carcass upper end opening so that the base is in contact with a wall of the cavity. The connection device is then connected with a structure and the carcass is hung from its front quarter.