A system and method for measuring a shoulder joint position of a carcass part of slaughtered poultry are disclosed. The system includes a position measurement device, having a mechanical contact member which is adapted to engage at least one shoulder joint during a measurement of the shoulder joint position, and a product carrier which is adapted to support the carcass part during movement of the product carrier along the conveying path past the position measurement device. The position of the product carrier during the measurement of the shoulder joint position is such that the carcass part is arranged relative to the position measurement device with the left shoulder joint and right shoulder joint one behind the other as seen in the transport direction so as to allow the mechanical contact member to engage a shoulder joint bone structure of a shoulder joint.

A system for inspecting poultry slaughter products, includes a supply transport line, having successive first product carriers; a discharge transport line, including successive second product carriers; at least two inspection lines, each comprising successive inspection product carriers; each of the first, second and inspection product carriers being configured to carry and transport a respective one of the products. The system has an inspection station along each of the inspection lines, with each inspection station being arranged for inspecting products passing the inspection station while being transported by the associated inspection line during use; and, a first product transfer system for successively transferring products from first product carriers to respective inspection product carriers while distributing the products over all of the at least two inspection lines; a second product transfer system for successively transferring products from inspection product carriers to respective second product carriers of the discharge transport line.

A system for inspecting poultry slaughter products, includes a supply transport line, having successive first product carriers; a discharge transport line, including successive second product carriers; at least two inspection lines, each comprising successive inspection product carriers; each of the first, second and inspection product carriers being configured to carry and transport a respective one of the products. The system has an inspection station along each of the inspection lines, with each inspection station being arranged for inspecting products passing the inspection station while being transported by the associated inspection line during use; and, a first product transfer system for successively transferring products from first product carriers to respective inspection product carriers while distributing the products over all of the at least two inspection lines; a second product transfer system for successively transferring products from inspection product carriers to respective second product carriers of the discharge transport line.

A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.

A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.

A restraint apparatus is provided for stabilizing a suspended carcass having a head and a neck. The restraint apparatus includes a supporting structure, a mobile arm relative to the supporting structure, and a restraint device fastened on the arm. The restraint device has restraining means configured to, in use, exert a first contact with the head and a second contact with the neck, and a second contact exclusive with at least one part of the rear portion of the neck.

A process and an apparatus for controlling temperature loss and shrinkage of meat after an animal is slaughtered for food. Shrinkage is controlled by compressing the meat during cooling, the compression offsetting a natural tendency of the meat to contract and providing a measure of control over the shaping of the meat. Apparatus for the process includes one or more rigid rings for placement around the meat. Each ring is wrapped with a thread secured rigidly to one side of the ring and secured movably to the other side such as to allow the length of thread on the second side of the rigid ring to form at least one winding around the meat. As the meat cools, the thread shrinks, applying the thermal contraction of the thread along the ring to constrict the winding around and thus longitudinally elongate the meat.

A food processing system and a method, includes: an overhang rail system having a plurality of spaced apart shackles designed for carrying carcass parts such that the carcass parts are at least partly freely hanging, a re-positioning apparatus having an engagement structure selectively moveable by a moving mechanism, and at least one food processing device for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass parts while the carcass parts are conveyed past the at least one food processing device. The plurality of spaced apart shackles and the engagement structure move in a synchronized manner. The engagement structure is configured to engage the carcass parts at a position different from the carrying position of the shackle and adjusting the angular position relative to a vertical axis from an initial angular position to a pre-defined angular processing position.

A conveying apparatus for food-processing industry articles includes a conveying device to convey articles in a transport direction with holding elements adapted for receiving the articles. At least one guide extends in the transport direction, and guides guide elements arranged thereon in the transport direction. One holding element is vertically adjustably arranged on each guide element. Controllable adjusting means are arranged on the conveying line for adjusting the vertical position of the holding elements relative to the respective guide element. The adjusting means controllably come into adjusting engagement with passing holding elements to adjust the holding element vertical position. Each holding elements is arranged on the respective guide element by a self-holding device configured such that the holding element is upwardly movable relative to the guide element against gravity and is downwardly releasably locked in a stop position. An assembly for processing articles and corresponding methods are also provided.

A system for inspecting poultry slaughter products, includes a supply transport line, having successive first product carriers; a discharge transport line, including successive second product carriers; at least two inspection lines, each comprising successive inspection product carriers; each of the first, second and inspection product carriers being configured to carry and transport a respective one of the products. The system has an inspection station along each of the inspection lines, with each inspection station being arranged for inspecting products passing the inspection station while being transported by the associated inspection line during use; and, a first product transfer system for successively transferring products from first product carriers to respective inspection product carriers while distributing the products over all of the at least two inspection lines; a second product transfer system for successively transferring products from inspection product carriers to respective second product carriers of the discharge transport line.