A CUTTING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR OPENING BELLY AND BREAST OF ANIMAL CARCASSES SUCH AS PIG CARCASSES

Abstract

A method and a cutting system are provided for opening belly and breast of animal carcasses. The system includes a first cutting device capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass. A guide pin is capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass abdominal wall and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly. At least one pressure device is capable of providing a second force on the outside of the carcass belly, breast and/or neck. The pressure device is fixed or movable at least in the direction of the first and second force.

Claims

1.-21. (canceled)

22. A cutting system for opening belly and breast of animal carcasses such as pig carcasses, the system comprising at least: a) a first cutting device capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass, and b) at least one guide pin located next to a cutting area of the first cutting device, the guide pin being capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass abdominal wall and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly in at least a direction towards the cutting area of the first cutting device when the first cutting device is in function, and c) at least one pressure device located relative to the first cutting device when the first cutting device is in function, such that the at least one pressure device provides a second force on the outside of the carcass belly and/or breast and/or neck, the second force being at least in a direction opposite of the first force, wherein the first and second force are acting in the processing area.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the pressure device is movable at least in the directions of the first and second force.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein the pressure device is fixed in relation to the first cutting device.

25. The system according to claim 22, wherein the at least one pressure device comprises at least one, such as at least two supporting surfaces configured to provide the second force to the outside of the skin of the carcass and where such supporting surface is a slide or a roller.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the at least two supporting surfaces are located symmetrically in relation to the guide pin and on either side of a cutting line when the first cutting device is in function and/or the at least two supporting surfaces are spaced apart.

27. The system according to claim 22, further comprising a pressure adjusting device connected to the pressure device and configured to adjust the pressure made by the supporting surfaces towards the carcass.

28. The system according to claim 22, further comprising a position adjusting device to adjust the position of the pressure device and configured to adjust the position of the supporting surfaces on the carcass skin.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the pressure adjusting device and the position adjusting device is one common device.

30. The system according to claim 27, wherein the system is connected to a controller for controlling at least the pressure adjusting device and/or the position adjusting device.

31. The system according to claim 27, wherein the pressure adjusting device controls the pressure device to act as a counter hold for the guide pin when the first cutting device cuts into the belly skin and/or the pressure adjusting device controls the pressure device to act as a pushing device when the pressure device is passing along the breast of the carcass.

32. The system according to claim 28, wherein the position adjusting devices can control the distance of the supporting surfaces in the three dimensions x, y, and z.

33. The system according to claim 22, wherein the system further comprises a second cutting device configured to cut through a pubic bone of a carcass.

34. The system according to claim 22, wherein at least the first cutting device, the at least one guide pin, and the at least one pressure device make up a tool, and wherein the system may comprise at least one or two tools and further comprises a cabinet for washing and rinsing at least one of the tools.

35. A method for cutting belly and breast of animal carcasses, such as pig carcasses, the method comprises at least the steps of: a) directing a guide pin behind abdominal wall at the pubic bone of a carcass and positioning the guide pin, such that the guide pin performs at least a first force pressing the belly skin outwards of the carcass, b) moving the guide pin along the inside of the abdominal wall keeping the at least first force and simultaneously providing at least a second force to the outside of the carcass skin, which second force is opposite the first force, wherein the first and second force is providing a local pulling and pushing effect, and c) cutting the carcass abdominal wall by a first cutting device, having a cutting area located in a skin region that is influenced by the first force and by the second force.

36. The method according to claim 35, comprising the further step of d) when the guide pin reaches the area with the breast bones, the second force is increased while the first cutting device cuts through the breast bones.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein prior to step a) the pubic bone of the pig carcasses is cut by a second cutting device.

38. The method according to claim 35, wherein the method is performed with a system comprising: a) a first cutting device capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass, and b) at least one guide pin located next to a cutting area of the first cutting device, the guide pin being capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass abdominal wall and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly in at least a direction towards the cutting area of the first cutting device when the first cutting device is in function, and c) at least one pressure device located relative to the first cutting device when the first cutting device is in function, such that the at least one pressure device provides a second force on the outside of the carcass belly and/or breast and/or neck, the second force being at least in a direction opposite of the first force, wherein the first and second force are acting in the processing area.

39. The method according to claim 35, wherein the method is an automatic method where sensors are used to locate the position of the carcass and/or at least the location of the pubic bone.

40. The method according to claim 35, wherein the animal carcasses are selected from the group of animals of pig, porcine animal, goats, sheep, cows, deer, red meat, four-legged slaughtered animals.

41. The method according to claim 35, wherein the animal carcasses are hanging in a position with hind legs up and head down.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a tool of the cutting system and a cabinet into which the tool can be positioned.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a tool with pressure device in a retracted position.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a tool in a perspective view.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates the tool of the cutting system 1 seen from above.

[0060] FIG. 5A-5D illustrate examples of relative location of guide pin and supporting surfaces at the ventral side of a carcass.

[0061] FIG. 6A-6F illustrate the process of cutting open a belly and breast of a carcass with a cutting system according to the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the cutting device with rollers as pressures surface.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates the cutting device with rollers as pressures surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting system 1 according to the invention. Illustrated is a first cutting device 2 capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass, a guide pin 3 located next to a cutting area of the first cutting device 2, the guide pin 3 being capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass abdominal wall and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly in at least a direction towards the cutting area of the first cutting device i.e. substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the guide pin 3 when the first cutting device 2 is in function. The arrow 11 illustrates the direction of the first force vector applied by the guide pin 3 when positioned inside the abdominal wall. Illustrated is also a pressure device 4 located at least in front of the cutting area of the first cutting device 2 when the first cutting device 2 is in function, the pressure device 4 being capable of providing a second force by supporting surfaces 6 on the outside of the carcass belly and breast, the second force being at least in a direction opposite of the first force. The arrow 12 illustrates the direction of the second force vector applied by the pressure guide 4 towards the skin side of the carcass. In this embodiment the pressure device 4 is movable at least in the direction of the first and second force i.e. in the directions illustrated by the arrows 11 and 12. Here the pressure device is illustrated in an advanced position corresponding to the position during a cutting process. A pressure adjusting device 5 is connected to the pressure device 4 and configured to adjust the pressure made by the supporting surfaces 6 towards the carcass. Also illustrated is a second cutting device 7 configured to cut the pubic bone before the guide pin 3 is directed behind the abdominal wall of a carcass. The second cutting device 7 is shielded by a shield 14 to which the guide pin 3 may be connected. The dotted line encircles a part of the cutting system 1 which part a tool of the system and which tool may be positioned inside a cabinet 10 to become washed and rinsed. The pressure device 4 is movable and is here shown in an extended position, which may correspond to the position of a fixed pressure device. Arrow 13 indicates the moving direction of the tool when in function cutting and opening a belly and breast of the carcass, hereby the arrow 13 also indicates the cutting direction of the cuts performed by the first cutting device 2 and by the second cutting device 7.

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates the tool of the cutting system 1 where the pressure device 4 is in a retracted position. Reference numbers have same meaning as described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates the tool of the cutting system 1 in a perspective view where the supporting surfaces 6 of the pressure device 4 is located symmetrical on each side of the guide pin 3 and in this embodiment offset to the guide pin 3. Reference numbers have same meaning as described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates the tool of the cutting system 1 seen from above. The pressure devices 4 are located symmetrically on each side of the first cutting device 2 and the guide pin 3. Each pressure guide 4 is in this embodiment designed with two supporting surfaces 6. The guide pin 3 when directed behind an abdominal wall of a carcass will perform a main force on the inside of the abdominal wall in the direction indicated by arrow 11, whereas the supporting surfaces 6 located on the skin outside of the carcass will provide a main force onto the skin surface in the direction indicated by arrow 12. The symmetrical design of the pressure devices 4 in respect to the first cutting device 2 and the guide pin 3 is not an absolute necessity, it is possible to design the pressure guide being primary located on one side of the first cutting device 2 and having supporting surfaces 6 located on each side of the guide pin 3—in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical design. Reference numbers have same meaning as described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0068] FIG. 5A-5D illustrate examples of relative location of guide pin and supporting surfaces at the ventral part of a carcass. In each of these figures an area 17 of the ventral side of a carcass is illustrated. This area 17 has been cut (the cutting device is not illustrated) along the cutting line 15 (the filled line) and is to be further cut along the calculated cutting line 16 (the dotted line). The arrow 13 illustrates the cutting direction. Some relative positions of guide pin 3 at the inside of the carcass and supporting device/surfaces 6 are indicated in the figures. FIG. 5A illustrates two supporting devices/surfaces 6 in front of a guide pin 3 when determined relative to the cutting direction. FIG. 5B illustrates one supporting devices/surfaces 6 on each side of a guide pin 3. FIG. 5C illustrates two supporting devices/surfaces 6 located behind of a guide pin 3 when determined relative to the cutting direction. FIG. 5D illustrates the guide pin 3 may comprise two guide heads located next to each other. Different designs of guide pin 3 and supporting devices/surfaces 6 are possible and so are their relative position.

[0069] FIG. 6A-6F illustrate in six steps the process of cutting open a belly and breast of a pig carcass 18 with a cutting system 1 according to the present invention. The pig carcass 18 is hanging in its hind leg. For simplification of the figure's guides along the dorsal part of the pig carcass are not indicated, though such guides should preferably be present. Also, a robot arm, a vision system, a controlling system etc are not illustrated, but may be present in the system.

[0070] In FIG. 6A the cutting system has the second cutting device 7 in the form of a pre-cutter or pubic bone cutter pointed towards the pig carcass 18. The guide pin 3 and the pressure device 4 are both in a retracted position.

[0071] In FIG. 6B the pubic bone is being cut by the second cutting device 7 inside the carcass 18. The guide pin 3 and the pressure device 4 are still in a retracted position.

[0072] In FIG. 6C the second cutting device 7 is in a retracted position and both the guide pin 3 and the pressure device 4 are turned into an advanced position. Hereby the guide pin 3 is in a position ready to be directed inside the abdominal wall of the pig carcass 18 at the location where the pig carcass 18 was cut open by the second cutting device 7. The supporting surfaces 6 of the pressure device 4 are in a position ready to be located on the outside skin surface of the pig carcass 18.

[0073] In FIG. 6D the first cutting device 2 is cutting open the belly area of the pig carcass 18 by cutting through the abdominal wall. The guide pin 3 is located inside the pig carcass 18 behind the abdominal wall, and the pressure device 4 with its supporting surfaces 6 are located on the outside skin of the pig carcass 18, hereby stabilizing the hanging pig carcass 18.

[0074] In FIG. 6E the cutting process is ongoing along the ventral side of the pig carcass 18 and the first cutting device 2 is reaching the breast region of the pig carcass 18.

[0075] In FIG. 6F the first cutting device is cutting the sternum in the breast region of the pig carcass 18 while the guide pin is still inside the pig carcass and the supporting surfaces of the pressure device 4 are located on the outside skin surface of the pig carcass 18 pressing on the carcass 18 to stabilize the carcass 18. After finalizing the cut the tool 9 may be turned inside the cabinet 10 where it can be washed and rinsed before performing a cut in another carcass. While washing and rinsing one tool 9 an identical tool may be moved out of the cabinet 10 to perform a cut in another carcass.

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates the tool of the cutting system 1 much like described in relation to FIG. 1, though in this embodiment the supporting surface 6 comprises at least one roller. In this side view of the tool only one roller as supporting surface 6 is visible, a second roller may be positioned on the other side of the cutting line or of the cutting device 2. A pressure device 4 together with a pressure adjusting device 5 determine the pressure and/or location of the roller. The pressure adjusting device 5 is illustrated as a cylinder. Illustrated is also a second cutting device 7 configured to cut the pubic bone.

[0077] FIG. 8 is showing a similar embodiment as in FIG. 7. Illustrated are two rollers as supporting surface 6 where the two rollers are spaced apart on each side of the cutting device 2 and the guide pin 3. The size of the rollers are for illustration and may be smaller or larger compared to the cutting device 2 and/or the guide pin 3. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0078] Items [0079] 1. A cutting system (1) for opening belly and breast of animal carcasses such as pig carcasses, the system comprising at least: [0080] a) A first cutting device (2) capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass, and [0081] b) At least one guide pin (3) located next to a cutting area of the first cutting device (2), the guide pin (3) being capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass abdominal wall and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly in at least a direction towards the cutting area of the first cutting device when the first cutting device (2) is in function, and [0082] c) At least one pressure device (4) located relative to the first cutting device (2) when the first cutting device (2) is in function, such that the at least one pressure device (4) provides a second force on the outside of the carcass belly and/or breast and/or neck, the second force being at least in a direction opposite of the first force, and [0083] d) Wherein the pressure device (4) is movable at least in the directions of the first and second force. [0084] 2. A cutting system (1) for opening belly and breast of animal carcasses such as pig carcasses, the system comprising at least: [0085] a) A first cutting device (2) capable of cutting open the belly and breast along the ventral side of an animal carcass, and [0086] b) At least one guide pin (3) located next to a cutting area of the first cutting device (2), the guide pin (3) being capable of being directed along the inside of the carcass belly skin and breastbone and capable of providing a first force on the inside of the carcass belly in at least a direction towards the cutting area of the first cutting device when the first cutting device (2) is in function, and [0087] c) At least one pressure device (4) located relative to the first cutting device (2) when the first cutting device (2) is in function, such that the at least one pressure device (4) provides a second force on the outside of the carcass belly and/or breast and/or neck, the second force being at least in a direction opposite of the first force, and [0088] d) Wherein the pressure device (4) is fixed in relation to the first cutting device (2). [0089] 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one pressure device (4) comprises at least one, supporting surface (6) configured to provide the second force to the outside of the skin of the carcass and where such supporting surface (6) is a slide or a roller. [0090] 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the at least two supporting surfaces (6) are located symmetrically in relation to the guide pin (3) and on either side of a cutting line when the first cutting device (2) is in function [0091] and/or [0092] wherein the at least two supporting surfaces (6) are spaced apart. [0093] 5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressure adjusting device (5) connected to the pressure device (4) and configured to adjust the pressure made by the supporting surfaces (6) towards the carcass [0094] and/or [0095] the system further comprises a position adjusting device (8) to adjust the position of the pressure device and configured to adjust the position of the supporting surfaces (6) on the carcass skin. [0096] 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the pressure adjusting device (5) and the position adjusting device (8) is one common device. [0097] 7. The system according to any of claim 5 or 6, wherein the system (1) is connected to a controller for controlling at least the pressure adjusting device (5) and/or the position adjusting device (8) [0098] and/or [0099] the system comprises a robot or robot arm. [0100] 8. The system according to any of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the pressure adjusting device (5) controls the pressure device (4) to act as a counter hold for the guide pin (3) when the first cutting device (2) cuts into the belly skin and/or the pressure adjusting device (5) controls the pressure device (4) to act as a pushing device when the pressure device (4) is passing along the breast of the carcass. [0101] 9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) further comprises a second cutting device (7) configured to cut through a pubic bone of a carcass. [0102] 10. The system according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least the first cutting device (2), the at least one guide pin (3), and the at least one pressure device (4) make up a tool (9), and wherein the system (1) may comprise at least one or two tools (9) and further comprises a cabinet (10) for washing and rinsing at least one of the tools (9). [0103] 11. A method for cutting belly and breast of animal carcasses, such as pig carcasses, the method comprises at least the steps of: [0104] a) Directing a guide pin (3) behind abdominal wall at the pubic bone of a carcass and positioning the guide pin (3), such that the guide pin (3) performs at least a first force pressing the belly skin outwards of the carcass, [0105] b) Moving the guide pin (3) along the inside of the abdominal wall keeping the at least first force and simultaneously providing at least a second force to the outside of the carcass skin, which second force is opposite the first force, [0106] c) Cutting the carcass abdominal wall by a first cutting device (2), having a cutting area located in a skin region that is influenced by the first force and by the second force. [0107] 12. The method according to the preceding method claim, comprising the further step of [0108] d) When the guide pin (3) reaches the area with the breast bones, the second force is increased while the first cutting device (2) cuts through the breast bones. [0109] 13. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein prior to step a) the pubic bone of the pig carcasses is cut by a second cutting device (7). [0110] 14. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the method is performed with a system of any of the claims 1 to 10 [0111] and/or [0112] the method is an automatic method where sensors are used to locate the position of the carcass and/or at least the location of the pubic bone. [0113] 15. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the animal carcasses are selected from the group of animals of pig, porcine animal, goats, sheep, cows, deer, red meat, four-legged slaughtered animals [0114] and/or [0115] wherein the animal carcasses are hanging in a position with hind legs up and head down.