Other

Altra Technologies, Incorporated

David L Thiede

John W Long

Richard A Gunderson

Michael A Parisi

R Jeffrey Nelson

A stand alone sensor module having built in intelligence that provides object detection for a both a vehicle and stationary applications. The system includes a processor connected to a sensor and a signal interface. The processor receives signals from the sensor and the signal interface and generates a status signal based on the signals received from the sensor and the signal interface. The processor drives the status signal to the signal interface.

System and method of providing scalable sensor systems based on stand alone sensor modules

A trailer based collision warning system includes one or more side object detection sensors, one or more backup assist sensors, a driver vehicle interface, and trailer-mounted display units operating essentially independent of the tractor with all detection and warning system equipment mounted on the trailer. The trailer based collision warning system is coupled to industry-standard tractor to trailer wiring to provide the trailer with power and signals such as left turn indication and right turn indication. The side and rear sensors detect the presence and location of objects and transfer this information to a driver vehicle interface device located on the trailer. The system can also be equipped with video cameras with a means of automatically activating the camera in the area where a hazard condition has been detected. The driver vehicle interface determines the nature of the information and/or warning needed by the driver and provides this information in the form of signals sent to displays that can to assist the driver in safely maneuvering the trailer. The collision warning system can also operate in a security mode.

Trailer based collision warning system and method

The present invention discloses a toolless quick change blade holder for receiving and supporting a blade in a skinning machine for trimming a layer of unwanted material from a meat product. The disclosed blade holder is equally well adapted for both automatic and manual machines. The blade holder comprises a lower base plate and an upper clamping plate adapted to be removably secured to the lower base plate. The blade is positioned between the forward portions of the lower and upper plates. A fulcrum device is included for removably securing the upper plate to the lower plate and for limiting upward movement of the central portion of the clamping plate relative to the base plate. A device for releasably separating the rearward portions of the upper and lower plates activates the fulcrum device causing pressure to be applied on the forward portions of the plates urging them together thereby creating a clamping action on the blade, retaining it in position. The device for releasably separating the rearward portions of the plates may include a ramp, the scaling of which results in the separation of the plates.

Toolless quick change blade holder apparatus

A bent blade holder for receiving, bending and supporting a flexible blade in an automatic skinning machine for trimming a non-linear layer of unwanted material from a meat product. The bent blade holder has a base plate having a base curved surface of a size and shape for removably receiving the flexible blade, a clamping plate adapted to be removably secured to the base plate and having a clamping curved surface substantially conforming to the base curved surface and means for removably securing the clamping plate to the base plate. The blade is removably secured between the base plate and the clamping plate and bent to conform to the base and clamping curved surfaces. A meat product is transported to the blade and maintained in trimming engagement therewith such that a portion of material conforming to the curve of the blade is trimmed from the meat product.

Bent blade holder apparatus and method

An automatic feed mechanism upper conveyor for an automatic trimmer wherein a layer of material may be removed from a meat product. The automatic feed mechanism upper conveyor comprises: a conveyor frame, means for mounting the conveyor frame, first and second drive shafts mounted at each end of the frame and connected in tandem by a drive chain. A plurality of friction engagement wheels is mounted in spaced relation on each of the first and second drive shafts. The friction engagement wheels in cooperation with the feed means is operative to advance the meat product into trimming engagement with the trimming means and is operative to trim a layer of material from the meat product without pivoting the meat piece. A method is also provided for placing a meat product to be trimmed on said feed means of an automatic skinning machine having a dual drive upper press roller, advancing said meat product on said feed means to said press roller means and said feed roller means, advancing said meat product in a substantially uniform direction with said press roller means, said feed means and said feed roller means past said trimming means, and discharging said trimmed meat product from said trimmer.

Multiple drive press roller and slicer apparatus and method

The inclined automatic trimmer apparatus of the present invention includes a base frame and trimming blade mounted on the base frame for trimming unwanted material from the meat product. A feed conveyor is situated forwardly of the trimming blade for transporting the meat product to the trimming blade. A feed roller is mounted on the base frame adjacent the trimming blade to receive the meat product transported by the feed conveyor and to advance the meat product into trimming engagement with the trimming blade. A press roller is mounted on the base frame for rotating the meat in trimming engagement with the trimming blade. The feed roller trimming blade and press roller all form a 'V' shaped trough for receiving the meat product. The method of the present invention includes providing an automatic trimmer having a feed conveyor, a feed roller and a trimming blade, placing a meat product to be trimmed on the feed conveyor, advancing the meat product on the feed conveyor to the feed roller means and rolling the meat product in a generally stationary position in the 'V' shaped trough and in trimming engagement with the trimming blade for circumferential trimming of a layer of material therefrom.

Inclined automatic meat trimmer apparatus and method

The automatic trimmer apparatus of the present invention includes a base frame and trimming blade mounted on the base frame for trimming unwanted material from the meat product. A feed conveyor is situated forwardly of the trimming blade for transporting the meat product to the trimming blade. A feed roller is mounted on the base frame adjacent the trimming blade to receive the meat product transported by the feed conveyor and to advance the meat product into trimming engagement with the trimming blade. A press roller is mounted on the base frame for rotating the meat in trimming engagement with the trimming blade. The method of the present invention includes providing an automatic trimmer having a feed conveyor, a feed roller and a trimming blade, placing a meat product to be trimmed on the feed conveyor, advancing the meat product on the feed conveyor to the feed roller means and rolling the meat product in a generally stationary position in trimming engagement with the trimming blade for circumferential trimming of a layer of material therefrom.

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Omaha, NE, United States of America

David L Thiede