Cantrell Machine Company, Inc.

George T Cantrell

A method and apparatus for deboning chicken is disclosed which includes providing a novel chicken deboning horn B,B' which is rigidly mounted to a stabilized table top conveyor A so that a chicken carcass P may be rigidly supported and conveyed for carving of the meat away from the bones in a mass production system. The deboning horn preferably includes a smooth horn 40 having a contoured surface 42 inclined upwardly to a reduced upper portion 40b which enters an internal cavity 43 of the carcass P. Thus, inserted, the horn contour bears against and engages spaced portions in the cavity to hold it rigid and upright while enabling rotation of the carcass for selective carving. The horn contour accepts a wide range of carcass cavity sizes owing to its cone-shaped contour. Alternate chicken retaining supports 50, 62 support poultry portions 58, 72 separately for deboning. At least the upper run of conveyor A is stabilized by means of longitudinal guide rails 12 having guide slots 12a in which opposing ends 20a, 20b of the conveyor links 20 are effectively retained.

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Oakwood, GA, United States of America

George T Cantrell