AU2011205155B2

AU2011205155B2 - Improvements in and relating to Meat Processing Equipment

Info

Publication number: AU2011205155B2
Application number: AU2011205155A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Raymond Norton; Brent Maitland Walker
Original assignee: Scott Tech Nz Ltd; Scott Technology NZ Ltd
Current assignee: Scott Technology NZ Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-04
Filing date: 2011-08-04
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-04
Also published as: NZ585797A; AU2011205155A1

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting head configured for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the cutting head including: a cutting assembly; at least one shield portion; at least one stabilising member; and an attachment portion, wherein the, or each, stabilising member is configured to align and hold a carcase in an aligned position relative to the cutting assembly; and wherein the cutting assembly is configured to cut at least a portion of the chest region of a carcase; and wherein the or each shield portion is configured to protect a portion of the carcase from being cut by the cutting assembly or part thereof; and wherein the attachment portion is configured for attachment of the cutting head to a manipulation device. The cutting assembly comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The cutting head above is used to make a cut in a carcase by the steps of a carcase being provided by a carcase delivery system; activation of the manipulation system; activating the cutting assembly; and, activating the manipulator to withdraw the portion of the cutting assembly which was driven into the carcase.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING EQUIPMENT STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 585797, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to improvements in and relating to meat processing equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for automatically performing a medial cut through the sternum and associated cartilage of a carcase.

BACKGROUND ART

The modernisation of meat processing plants has been progressing at a steady rate to ensure both safety of workers in the industry and the sanitary preparation of meat for consumers.

One stage of the preparation process involves the cutting the chest of a carcase. This cut is made through the sternum and associated cartilage and is typically referred to in the industry as the brisket cut.

Making the brisket cut introduces a number of complexities. Firstly the cutting of the sternum and associated cartilage is relatively difficult as the sternum is a tough bone structure and therefore requires the use of heavy duty cutting equipment. Secondly, making the brisket cut risks damage to organs such as the heart and liver, each of which are removed in later processing stages for later sale. Thirdly it is preferable that the sternum be cut evenly down its medial line to provide the customer with a premium product.

Prior art cutting methods involve shears, hacksaws, circular saws and the like. Whilst these devices all satisfactorily cut through the sternum, they often result in substantial damage to the liver and heart (resulting in wastage or reduced sale value). In addition, because a typical meat processing plant transports the carcases using delivery systems that provide some degree of free movement of the carcase (which is advantageous during other processing stages) the carcase is often off centre when the cutting operation is to be performed. An automated machine is typically incapable of correcting for these slight variations and therefore any cut made by the machine may be made off the medial plane, perhaps through the ribs on one side. This is understandably not desirable.

Methods to combat this problem have involved the inclusion of highly sophisticated automated robots, fitted with cameras which identify the carcase and target the cutting apparatus. Such systems are extremely complex and therefore costly. However, even these highly sophisticated systems are unable to discern small degrees of rotation of a carcase, resulting in cuts being made off the medial plane.

In some prior art approaches, the carcase delivery (conveyor) system must be halted for an accurate cut to be made. Whilst this can improve accuracy it results in loss of efficiency as other processing stages must wait for the delivery system to restart.

Further to the issues of making an accurate cut, sanitary requirements mean that the cutting apparatus must be cleaned between cutting operations. For devices such as circular (or reciprocating) saws any cleaning solution must be prevented from contacting the electronic portion of the saw as this may result in premature failure. Such high speed cutting devices may also contribute to contamination by spraying potentially contaminated cleaning solution when restarted.

Cutting systems such as saws and the like are also undesirable in that the cutting operation can spread bone fragments and saw-dust over the carcase and meat processing line. This saw dust must be cleaned from the carcase, adding a further time consuming step to the process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting head configured for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the cutting head including: a cutting assembly; at least one shield portion; at least one stabilising member; and an attachment portion, wherein the, or each, stabilising member is configured to align and hold a carcase in an aligned position relative to the cutting assembly; and wherein the cutting assembly is configured to cut at least a portion of the chest region of a carcase; and wherein the or each shield portion is configured to protect a portion of the carcase from being cut by the cutting assembly or part thereof; and wherein the attachment portion is configured for attachment of the cutting head to a manipulation device.

In preferred embodiments the cutting assembly is any one or more of, but should not be limited to, a high pressure water jet, a circular saw, a laser, one or more cutting blades or the like. In the context of the present invention the manner in which the chest cut is performed is not considered as contributing to the art and therefore no limitation should be appointed to the implementation of the cutting assembly.

The purpose of the cutting assembly is to cleanly cut the chest region of the carcase in line with the medial line of the carcase. In this regard the cutter must be capable, in use, of making a straight longitudinal cut to a depth equivalent to or greater than the thickness of a brisket to be cut.

In preferred embodiments at least a portion of the cutting assembly is configured for insertion into a carcase.

In especially preferred embodiments at least a portion of the cutting assembly is configured to be inserted into the oesophagus of a carcase.

Insertion of the at least a portion of the cutting assembly into the oesophagus of a carcase may be made whether the head is attached or removed.

In preferred embodiments the cutting assembly comprises: a first cutting member; and a second cutting member.

In especially preferred embodiments, the first and second cutting members include opposing blade edges, which, in use, pass adjacent to each other. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the first and second opposing blade edges could pass over, or otherwise contact each other in any number of ways, for example by way of (but not limited to): a scissor motion; or a guillotine motion; or a cutting action (like a pizza cutter).

In especially preferred embodiments the chest cut is made substantially in line with the medial plane of the sternum and associated cartilage.

It will be appreciated that a blade could take any number of shapes and configurations, therefore the exact configuration of the cutting members should not be seen as being limiting. Equally, the edges of the blades described herein could be smooth or include serrations or other attributes to aid in the cutting operation, therefore the characteristics of the edges of the blades should not be seen as being limiting.

In preferred embodiments the movement of the blade of the first cutting member towards the blade of the second cutting member results in the severing of any material located between the moving blades.

In preferred embodiments, in use, the second cutting member is positioned inside the carcase substantially adjacent the sternum and associated cartilage.

It will be appreciated that in a meat processing plant the severing action performed by scissoring blades or the like provides an advantageously clean cut and results in reduced risk of cross contamination of adjacent carcases when compared to a circular cutting disc or the like. The reason for this is cutting discs tend to throw cut matter from the cutting area, this matter can hit adjacent carcases and result in contamination thereof.

In preferred embodiments the shield portion is attached to or forms part of the cutting assembly.

The purpose of the shield portion is to protect one or more of the organs of a carcase from being damaged by the cutting assembly. This may be achieved in a number of ways, such as, but not being limited to: • pushing the organs away from one or more of the blade(s); or • lying between one or more blade(s) and the organs.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the shielding portion will vary depending upon the cutting assembly that is used.

In preferred embodiments the shield portion is attached to or forms part of the portion of the cutting assembly which is configured to be inserted into a carcase.

In preferred embodiments the shield portion is in the form of a bulged or curved surface. In use the bulged or curved surface sits between the cutting assembly and the organs of a carcase, preventing cutting of the organs during both insertion of a portion of the cutting assembly into the carcase and during cutting of the chest region of the carcase.

In some preferred embodiments the shielding portion is configured to push or otherwise displace one or more organs to move them away from at least a portion of the cutting assembly.

In use the displaced organs are moved away from the active cutting edges of the cutting assembly, thereby protecting the organs from being cut.

The purpose of the stabilising member is twofold: relative to the cutting assembly the stabilising member acts to align the carcase and to hold the carcase firmly in alignment. Precision in making the chest cut is important as the cut of meat that is produced (the brisket) is a premium cut which attracts a higher price if it is made cleanly and accurately.

In preferred embodiments the carcase is aligned and held in position relative to the cutting assembly by the at least one stabilising member.

In use the carcase is held in position relative to the cutting assembly by the at least one stabilising member.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one stabilising member is pivotably attached to the cutting assembly to enable freedom of movement relative thereto.

In preferred embodiments, the pivotable attachment allows the at least one stabilising member to rotate with gravity.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one stabilising member includes a stop which limits the rotation of the at least one stabilising member in a resting position.

In some preferred embodiments the cutting head may include an actuator which assists in lifting the stabilising member.

In especially preferred embodiments, the at least one stabilising member includes first and second stabilising member arms or arm portions.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second stabilising member arms or arm portions are fixedly coupled together to prevent relative movement therebetween.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second stabilising member arms or arm portions include a curved lower edge which extends from the distal ends and substantially along the length of the first and second stabilising arms.

In some preferred embodiments the first and second stabilising member arms may include an angled front lower edge rather than a curved lower edge.

In use, the leading lower edge of the stabilising member abuts and slides over the carcase, causing the stabilising member to pivot upwards against gravity. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the stabilising member arms could be configured in a number of ways to achieve this action and therefore the shape of the lower edge of the stabilising member arms should not be seen as being limiting.

In preferred embodiments, the stabilising member includes: an alignment portion; and a holding portion, wherein, in use, the alignment portion leads the holding portion and tapers outwardly from a relatively narrow leading end towards the holding portion.

In preferred embodiments, the alignment portion is further characterised in that it includes a slide surface which is configured to abut and slide over the carcase.

In preferred embodiments the alignment portion is configured to slide between the forelegs of a carcase.

Because the alignment portion tapers outwardly from a relatively narrow leading end, as the alignment portion slides between the forelegs any misalignment of the carcase is corrected for as, whilst the alignment portion is being slid over the carcase, one or both alignment portions abut the inner thigh of the forelegs and push the carcase straight.

In preferred embodiments the slide surface is configured to distribute the weight of the stabilising member onto the carcase, the carcase thereby being able to support the weight of the stabilising member without sustaining damage to its flesh.

In preferred embodiments the holding portion includes at least one holding surface configured, in use, to abut the carcase.

In preferred embodiments the, or each, holding surface is configured to lie substantially parallel to the flesh of the carcase. It will be appreciated that a suitable configuration could be, but should not be limited to, angling or shaping of the holding surface. It will be appreciated that the chest of a carcase is curved and that in order to firmly hold the carcase the holding surfaces will abut the carcase on either side of the medial plane of the carcase.

In preferred embodiments the holding portion includes at least two holding surfaces, whereby the two holding surfaces are configured to abut against the chest of a carcase, one on either side of the medial line of the carcase.

In preferred embodiments the cutting assembly, or part thereof, in use, lies between the first and second stabilising member arms or arm portions.

The location of the cutting assembly, or part thereof, between the first and second stabilising member arms or arm portions prevents the cutting assembly from coming in contact with the inner thigh of the legs of a carcase. This region includes the lymph nodes of the carcase and therefore is considered to be a bacteriologic, virulent and fungally active, region.

In preferred embodiments the attachment portion provides an attachment surface which is configured to attach to a manipulation device. The shape and configuration of the assembly that provides the attachment surface could take any number of forms without departing from the scope of the invention, and therefore should not be seen as being limiting.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting head configured for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the cutting head including: • a cutting assembly having a fixed blade and a pivoting blade, and • a shield portion attached to the fixed blade; and • at least one stabilising member pivotable with respect to the fixed blade, and • an attachment portion, wherein the fixed blade and pivoting blade of the cutting assembly include opposing cutting edges which are configured to scissor together; and wherein the shield portion comprises a bulbous portion and a bumper bar, the bulbous portion configured to abut one or more portions of the carcase to push them away from the cutting edge of the fixed blade and the bumper bar configured to hold the said portions of the carcase clear of both the fixed blade and the pivoting blade during a cutting operation; and wherein the pivotable stabilising member • forms a U or V shape, when viewed in plan, wherein the cutting head is situated substantially within and is surrounded by the U or V shaped stabilising member; and • wherein the pivotable stabilising member is at least partially tapered from a narrow end when viewed in both plan and in profile, wherein the attachment portion is configured for attachment of the cutting head to a manipulation device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting apparatus for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the apparatus including: a cutting head, substantially as described above; a manipulation device; and a carcase delivery system, wherein the cutting head is attached to the manipulator by way of the attachment portion; and wherein the carcase delivery apparatus delivers a suspended carcase to the cutting head; and wherein the manipulation device facilitates positioning the cutting head relative to a delivered carcase in order to perform a cut.

In preferred embodiments, the manipulation device is capable of positioning the cutting head inside and about the carcase prior to and during activation of the cutting assembly.

In especially preferred embodiments, the manipulation device is capable of maintaining the positioning the cutting head relative to a moving carcase during activation of the cutting assembly.

It will be appreciated that a manipulator that can maintain the positioning the cutting head relative to a moving carcase during activation of the cutting assembly must be capable of multiaxial motion.

In some preferred embodiments the manipulator is capable of providing complex ranges of motion, for example the ability to wiggle the cutting head during insertion and removal of the cutting assembly from the carcase; or during the cutting operation.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that maintaining the positioning of the cutting head relative to the carcase during activation of the cutting assembly is advantageous as an automated meat processing line is not required to stop motion of the carcase during the activation of the cutting assembly. It should also be appreciated that the stabilising arms of the present invention hold the carcase in a substantially fixed position relative to the cutting assembly during said motion of the carcase along the processing line.

There are a number of ways that such complex motion of the cutting head could be facilitated, such as, but not limited to, robotic arms, multistage actuator systems or the like. The actual configuration of the manipulator should therefore not be seen as being limiting. One example of such a manipulator is the ABB IRB2400 industrial robot.

In some preferred embodiments, two or more cutting heads are attached to a single manipulator. Cutting heads may be fitted, spaced apart, on a single manipulation device, the spacing matching the spacing of carcases supported on a delivery system. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the motion of the cutting head is identical for each carcase, therefore a single manipulator could in theory control any number of attached cutting heads to perform simultaneous cutting operations.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of positioning and making a chest cut in a carcase, the method including the steps of: a) delivering a carcase for cutting by way of a carcase delivery system; b) activating a manipulation device to substantially simultaneously: • drive at least a portion of a cutting assembly inside the suspended carcase, wherein at least one shield portion pushes one or more portion(s) of the carcase away from the portion of the cutting assembly being driven into the suspended carcase; • drive at least one stabilising member over a portion of the carcase, thereby aligning and stabilising the carcase relative to the portion of the cutting assembly; c) activating the cutting assembly to cut the chest region of the carcase; wherein the portion(s) of the carcase that were pushed away from the portion of the cutting assembly driven into the suspended carcase at step b) are protected from being cut by the at least one shield portion; and d) activating of the manipulation device to withdraw the portion of the cutting assembly that was driven into the suspended carcase.

Delivery of a carcase to the cutting system could be achieved in any number of ways, such as by conveyors, racks or the like. It will be appreciated that each delivery method may require a different approach angle from the cutting head, such as from above, below, to the front, from the back or even to the side of the carcase. For the purposes of clarity, the carcase will be assumed to be hung from its forelegs on a standard skid and gambrel assembly.

Furthermore, a meat processing line can be considered to comprise a number of distinct processing stages. Typically before the brisket cut is made, the carcase will already have undergone a number of processing stages, such as removal of the pelt to at least waist level (i.e. post shoulder pulling of the pelt).

In preferred embodiments, detection of the presence of a carcase may be by any of, but should not be limited to, one or more proximity sensors, one or more cameras, or the known position of a gambrel on a skid conveyor system.

In especially preferred embodiments the sensors detect the. - height of the chest region of a carcase relative to a fixed point; and horizontal distance of the carcase relative to a fixed point.

In preferred embodiments, the carcase is aligned as the at least one stabilising member comes in from above and behind and slides between the forelegs of the suspended carcase.

In preferred embodiments the stabilising member prevents the cutting assembly from contacting the inner thigh area of the carcase as it passes between the forelegs.

As the stabilising member slides between the forelegs of the carcase the outwardly tapering alignment portion forces the forelegs apart as it squeezes there between, thereby aligning the carcase centrally before the stabilising member rides over the shoulders of the carcase and down the chest. The weight of gravity bears the stabilising member against the chest of the carcase and holds the carcase in alignment.

In preferred embodiments, a portion of the cutting assembly enters the carcase substantially at the oesophagus and is driven downwards into the carcase adjacent the sternum.

In preferred embodiments the weight of the stabilising member bearing against the chest of the carcase pushes the carcase back against the portion of the cutting assembly which is inserted into the carcase.

In preferred embodiments, the shield portion is configured to protect the organs of the carcase during insertion of the portion cutting assembly into the carcase and dunng the chest cutting operation.

In preferred embodiments the shield portion leads any cutting surfaces of the cutting assembly and pushes or other wise displaces one or more organs to move them away from the cutting surfaces.

In preferred embodiments the shield portion is also configured to prevent the organs from sliding around the shield portion and towards the cutting assembly.

In especially preferred embodiments, in use, the body of the portion of the cutting assembly that is inserted into the carcase forms the shield portion and lies between one or more organs and the cutting surfaces of the cutting member, protecting those organs from damage.

In preferred embodiments the method for cutting the chest region of a carcase includes the further step of maintaining the position of the cutting head relative to a moving carcase throughout the cutting operation.

In preferred embodiments step d) of the method includes the step of lifting the stabilising member to free the carcase from the stabilising member.

In preferred embodiments the method for cutting the chest region of a carcase includes the step of positioning the cutting head, or part thereof, in a cleaning position.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that a cleaning position may include, but should not be limited to: positioning the cutting head, or part thereof, in a trough of cleaning solution; and/or - positioning the cutting head, or part thereof, in an automated cleaning apparatus.

The present invention may provide a number of advantages over the prior art, such as. - improved quality due to accurate cutting along the medial line of the sternum and associated cartilage; - the carcase delivery system does not need to be halted, improving processing efficiency; organs such as the heart and liver are protected from damage during the cutting of the sternum and associated cartilage; the cutting head is easily cleaned between operations to prevent cross carcase contamination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: ΠαυΓβ 1a: is a right hand side profile view of one preferred embodiment of the cutting head according to the present invention;

Figure 1b: is a left hand side profile view of one preferred embodiment of the cutting head according to the present invention;

Figure 2a: is a front isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the cutting head of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2b: is a rear isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the cutting head of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3a: is an isometric view of the stabilising member of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3b: is an isometric view of the left hand stabilising arm of the stabilising member of Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a profile view of the left hand stabilising arm shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4b is a plan view of the left hand stabilising arm shown in Figure 3a; and

Figure 4c is a front end view of the left hand stabilising arm shown in Figure 3a.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to Figure 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b there is shown a cutting head as broadly indicated by arrow 1. Cutting head 1 has a first cutting member in the form of first blade 2 and second cutting member in the form of second blade 3. First blade 2 and second blade 3 include opposing blade edges 4. Second blade 3 is fixed to connector member 5 which is attached to a manipulator (not shown) but which would typically be in the form of a robotic arm such as an ABB IRB 2400. The first blade 2 is pivotally attached to second blade 3 at blade pivot 6, so that first blade 2 can scissor with second blade 3.

The cutting head also includes a stabilising member 7 which has left 7a and right 7b stabilising arms pivotally coupled via stabilising arm pivot 8, which is concentric with the pivot axis of blade of pivot 6 (not shown)., The manipulator is activated via one or more sensors) (not shown) which detect a carcase (not shown) and measure the distance from a fixed point to the top of the brisket and from a fixed point to the front of the chest of the carcase. The stabilising member 7 includes a lever portion 7c which is connected to a stabilising member actuator 100 by way of a link 101. Essentially the link 101 converts the rotational motion of the stabilising member 7 into the linear motion of the stabilising member actuator 100. Actuator 100 allows the stabilising member 7 to be moved relative to the second blade 3 from on a first position providing adjustable clearance between the second blade 3 and the stabilising member 7 to a second position substantially closer to the second blade 3. The first position allows for adjustable clearance as the second blade 3 is positioned within a carcase. The second position allows the weight of the stabilising member to fully bear upon the carcase, thereby holding the carcase in alignment and against the second blade 3. In the first position the tip 3 of the second blade 3 diverges from a curved edge 10 of the left 7a and right 7b stabilising arms which curve upward and outward relative to the blade tip 3’. The curved edge 10 runs from the distal ends and substantially along the length of the left 7a and right 7b stabilising arms. The left 7a and right 7b stabiliser arms ( most clearly shown in Figures 3, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b and 4c) also include an alignment portion 11 which is angled inwardly with respect to a holding portion 12.

The curved edge 10 has inward camber 15 on holding portion 12 and a flat bevelled profile 16 on alignment portion 11. The stabilising member arms have first faces 13 which face substantially inwardly, towards each other, and second faces 14 which face substantially outwardly, away from each other.

For the purposes of clarity the operation of the present invention will be described in terms of a carcase supported by its forelegs and having had the earlier processing steps of removal of the pelt and optionally the head. The manipulator (not shown) used to position the cutting head is considered to be common general knowledge and is therefore not described in detail. For the purposes of the description below the manipulator is a robotic arm of the type well known in the art of industrial automation. Activation and control of the manipulator to position the cutting head and effect the cutting operation are also considered to be a matter of routine.

In use, as the second blade tip 3’ approaches the neck area of a carcase, the alignment portions 11 of the left 7a and right 7b stabilising member arms fit between the forelegs of the suspended carcase, and the flat profile 16 on alignment portions 11 abut the carcase. The outside surface 14 of stabilising member arms 7a, 7b (refer to Figure 3a) both partially align the carcase and prevent the second blade 3 from contacting the inner region of the forelegs of the carcase. As the blade tip 3’ is driven into the oesophagus of the carcase, by the manipulator, the stabilising member arms 7a, 7b ride up over the shoulders of the carcase due to sliding, on flat profile 16 of the stabilising member arms 7a, 7b, the stabilising member rotating about stabilising member pivot 8. Both angled alignment portion 11 and second faces 14 abut the inner surface of the forelegs of the carcase, squeezing between the forelegs and thereby aligning the carcase. As the second blade 3 enters the carcase, the holding portion 12 and second faces 14 come adjacent to the carcases' forelegs. At this time the inward camber 15 on the holding portion 12 abuts the chest of the carcase and the left 7a and right 7b stabilising member arms ride down the chest of the carcase. The inward camber 15 of the left 7a and right 7b stabilising member arms forms a V shape into which the chest of the carcase fits and is thereby firmly held. Upon full insertion of the second blade 3, the carcase is held in alignment by the weight of the stabilising member 7 bearing down on the chest of the carcase along inward camber 15 edges.

The second blade 3 is thereby substantially aligned with the medial line of the sternum of the carcase, and upon activation of first blade 2 by actuator 70 the first blade 2 scissors towards second blade 3 and the sternum and associated cartilage are cut.

In use, the shielding portion 103 of the second blade member 3 lies between the heart and liver, and first blade member 2. This protects both the heart and liver from damage by the first blade member 2 during the cutting process.

On completion of the cut, first blade 2 is scissored away from second blade 3 via actuator 70 and the cutting head is retracted. The stabilising member 7 is then slid up and over the carcase and returns to its rest position. This operation may be assisted by actuator 100 which lifts the stabilising member 7 away from the carcase prior to retracting the cutting head.

Aspects of the present invention have been described byway of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A cutting head configured for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the cutting head including: a cutting assembly configured to cut at least a portion of the chest region of the carcase; at least one stabilising member configured to align and hold a carcase in a substantially fixed and aligned position relative to the cutting assembly; at least one shield portion configured to protect a portion of the carcase from being cut by the cutting assembly or part thereof; and an attachment portion configured for attachment of the cutting head to a manipulation device.
2. A cutting head as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the cutting assembly is configured to be positioned inside the carcase substantially adjacent the sternum and associated cartilage.
3. A cutting head as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one shield portion is attached to or forms part of the portion of the cutting assembly which is configured to be positioned inside the carcase.
4. A cutting head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one cutting assembly comprises: • a first cutting member; and a second cutting member.
5. A cutting head as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first and second cutting members include opposing blade edges, which, in use, pass adjacent to each other.
6. A cutting head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one shield portion is configured to push or otherwise displace one or more organs to move them away from at least a portion of the cutting assembly.
7. A cutting head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one stabilising member includes: • an alignment portion; and • a holding portion, wherein, in use, the alignment portion leads the holding portion and tapers outwardly from a relatively narrow leading end towards the holding portion.
8. A cutting head as claimed in claim 7 wherein the alignment portion is further characterised in that it includes a slide surface which is configured to abut and slide over the carcase.
9. A cutting head as claimed in either one of claims 7 or 8 wherein the alignment portion is configured to slide between the forelegs of the carcase.
10. A cutting head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cutting assembly, or part thereof lies between or is surrounded by the at least one stabilising member.
11. A cutting apparatus for cutting the chest region of a carcase, the apparatus including: a cutting head having a cutting assembly including at least one shield portion configured to protect a portion of the carcase from being cut by the cutting assembly or part thereof, at least one stabilising member configured to align and hold a carcase in a substantially fixed and aligned position relative to the cutting assembly and an attachment portion configured for attachment of the cutting head to a manipulation device; a manipulation device; and a carcase delivery system, wherein the cutting head is attached to the manipulation device by way of the attachment portion; and wherein the carcase delivery apparatus delivers the suspended carcase to the cutting head;and wherein the manipulation device facilitates positioning said cutting head relative to a delivered carcase in order to perform a cut.
12. The cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the manipulation device is capable of positioning the cutting head inside and about the carcase prior to and during activation of the cutting assembly.
13. The cutting apparatus as claimed in either one of claims 11 or 12 wherein the manipulation device is capable of maintaining the positioning of the cutting head relative to a moving carcase during activation of the cutting assembly.
14. A method of positioning and making a chest cut in a carcase suspended from a carcase delivery system using a cutting head attached to a manipulation device, the cutting head having a cutting assembly including at least one shield portion, at least one stabilising member, and an attachment portion, the method including the steps of: a) delivery of a carcase for cutting by way of the carcase delivery system; b) activation of the manipulation device to substantially simultaneously: • drive at least a portion of the cutting assembly inside the suspended carcase, wherein the at least one shield portion pushes one or more portion(s) of the carcase away from the portion of the cutting assembly being driven into the suspended carcase; • drive the at least one stabilising member over a portion of the carcase, thereby aligning and stabilising the carcase in a substantially fixed and aligned position relative to the portion of the cutting assembly inserted into the suspended carcase; c) activating the cutting assembly to cut the chest region of the suspended carcase; wherein the portion(s) of the carcase that were pushed away from the portion of the cutting assembly driven into the suspended carcase at step b) are protected from being cut by the at least one shield portion; and d) activation of the manipulation device to withdraw the portion of the cutting assembly that was driven into the suspended carcase.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the carcase is suspended by it’s forelegs and the carcase is aligned as the at least one stabilising member comes in from above and behind and slides between the forelegs of the suspended carcase.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the stabilising member prevents the cutting assembly from contacting the inner thigh area of the carcase as it passes between the forelegs.
17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein a portion of the cutting assembly enters the carcase substantially at the oesophagus and is driven downwards into the carcase adjacent the sternum.
18. The method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein step d) of the method is further characterised in that it includes the step of lifting the stabilising member prior to withdrawing the portion of the cutting assembly so as to free the carcase from the restraint of the stabilising member.