Poultry processing apparatus and method

Abstract

A poultry processing machine supports birds on mandrels mounted on carriers which move in a rectangular path. The birds move continuously in opposite directions along two opposite sides of the rectangular path; and, they move intermittently in opposite directions along the other two sides of the path. Continuous movement is provided by chains with lugs which enter recesses formed in the carriers. Intermittent movement is provided by cylindrical cams which engage cam followers on the carriers and also force adjacent carriers together to couple them. The mandrel has a groove for receiving the backbone, projections for engaging the kidney spaces inside the body, and a shoulder for engaging the anterior end of the breastbone. It is pivoted to an upright position, a back-up position and a breast-up position as it travels around the apparatus. At the corners of the path, the carriers change their direction of movement without turning bodily. The bird's skin is cut around the perimeter of the thigh, the thigh joint is disjointed, the ligaments and/or tendons in the thigh joint are severed, and the leg is pulled from the body while the body is moving in an anterior back-up position. The wing/breast parts are pulled from the body when the body is moving in an anterior breast-up position.