Tenderizer

Abstract

An apparatus for tenderizing a comestible product, such as meat, comprising an intermittently advanced horizontal conveyor for conveying a product to be processed underneath a set of knives in a knife carriage supported for vertical reciprocation toward and away from the conveyor. The knife carriage has a plurality horizontal plate-like members fixed in vertical spaced relative to one another and discrete knife assemblies each comprising a rod-like member slidable in closely spaced vertically aligned apertures of upper plate-like members and extending to opposite sides thereof. The rod-like members each have a flange at the upper side of an intermediate plate-like member normally engaging the same. A discrete compression spring surrounding each of the rod-like members is interposed between the flange thereon and the under side of an upper plate-like member which is adjustable towards and from the intermediate plate-like member. A plurality of tenderizing blades or knives are connected to the lower ends of each rod-like member and extend through individual apertures in a lower plate-like member. A product stripper plate is arranged to move downwardly and upwardly in timed relation with like movements of the knife carriage and to rest upon the upper surface of the product during piercing thereof by the tenderizing knives and to be locked in said position while the knives are withdrawn from the product. The knife carriage is movable to a horizontal position for ready accessability to the knife assemblies etc. for servicing, such as, replacement etc.