Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1(~3~6~ 1
The present invention relates to a conveyor tr~y system ¦~
for use on a kill floor for carrying the entrails of slaughtered
animals, for the purposes of examination for contamination and
selection for treatment or consumption.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Continuously moving conveyor rails are in general use `~
for the processing of slaughtered animals on a kill floor. At
various stations along the conveyor rail, the carcass will be
subjected to various different operations. At one such location
the carcass is openéd and the entrails are removed. It is then
the standard practice for the entrails to be inspected by an
officially appointed inspector who checks the entrails to ensure
that they are healthy. Any unhealthy entrails will be condemned
as unfit for consumption. He will also check the entrail cavity
in the carcass.
In the past, entrail conveyor tables have been provided
which moved along a fixed path. Problems occurred in moving the
entrails from the carcass to the entrail conveyor. In particular,
this involved unpleasant manual tasks, and it is increasingly
difficult to find labour willing to carry out such work and it is
desirable to reduce or eliminate such manual tasks, as far as
possible.
In the past, the inspection task has been carried out
on such tables which are located at a fixed height below the
carcass. The carcass was suspended by its hind legs at a fixed
height on the conveyor rail. The entrails therefore dropped or
were manually removed from the carcass onto the table. Depending
upon the size of the carcass the entrails will drop either a
greater or lesser distance. In some cases, this resulted in
rupturing of a portion of the entrails with consequent contamina-
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_ _ .... _ ____.~,
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tion of the edible portions thereof which must therefore be
immediately condemned as unfit for consumption regardless of whether
or not they were originally healthy. Furthermore, it is essential
that the inspector shall inspect both the entxail cavity in the
carcass, as well as the entrails from that carcass. In the past,
this has been somewhat difficult and it is by no means uncommon
for the inspector to be unable to match one set of entrails with
the appropriate carcass, and the consequent confusion has resulted
in possible condemnation of otherwise healthy materials, or alter-
natively the passing of unhealthy material.
Furthermore, the workmen responsible for opening the
carcass and removing the entrails must be able to reach up to
almost full height of the conveyor, to open a relatively short
carcass, or must be able to work at a somewhat lower level to
work on a larger carcass. Again, in the past the operator has
been required to reaah upwardly, or downwardly, depending upon
the length of the carcass, and has been standing essentially on
a fixed platform while he was working with consequent inconvenience
and inefficiency.
In order to meet increasin~ly severe health standards
imposed by governmental and state and provincial regulations, it
is desirable that all equipment such as inspection tables and
the like shall be continuously sterilized so that the entrails
from each new carcass shall be placed on a totally sterile area
of a table or conveyor. Again, this has in fact not always been
achieved to the highest state of sanitation due to the physical
impossibility of separating one set of entrails from the next
on a moving table for example.
It is therefore a general objective of the invention
to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and to provide a system
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of conveyor ~rays for entrails which will receive the entrails
without rupturing a portion thereof, and which will enable the
inspector to match up each set of entrails with the correct car-
cass, and which will permit him to accept or reject in a simple
and effective manner, and which may be sterilized effectively for
each successive usage, and also in which the operator workin~ on
the carcass conveyor line can be positioned at the appropriate
height for opening the particular carcass in the most efficient
manner, and in which handling of the entrails is minimized.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
i
The invention seeks to provide the foregoing advantages
and objectives by the provision of a plurality of separate tray
units, each tray unit being capable of receiving a set of entrails
from a carcass moving on a conveyor system, said plurality of
trays being carried on a separate continuous closed loop carriage
system, and being power operated whereby they move continuously
around said carriage system, in synchronism with the movement of
the conveyor system for carcasses, and wherein said trays are
movably mounted on said carriage system whereby they may be moved
towards or away from carcasses on the rail whereby said trays
may be positioned for r;eception of entrails from a carcass at the
appropriate position for a particular carcass, and then may be
returned to a suitable position for inspection. There is
preferably provided means for tipping the trays for acceptance
or rejection of their contents respectively, and including a
sterilization station where each tray is finally washed and
sterilized prior to reception of a further set of entrails.
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention
to provide a system having the foregoing advantages in which the
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plurality of trays is carried on a carriage system which is in
the form essentially of a carousel whereby the trays move around
a continuous closed loop path. Such path may be of any suitable
shape and will preferably have at least one straight portion ad-
jacent to the carcass conveyor system whereby the trays will be
moving in a straight line, at least for a portion of their travel,
thereby permitting each tray to register with its appropriate
carcass on the carcass conveyor system.
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention
to provide a tray system having the foregoing advantages in which
each of the trays is carried on telescopic arm support means
whereby each tray may be sequentially extended outwardly from the
carriage system and returned to it.
More particularly, it is an objective of the invention
to provide a tray system having the foregoing advantages including
tilting means for tilting each of the trays at predetermined
different locations to tip the contents thereof for either accep-
tance or rejection thereof.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a
tray system having the foregoing advantages in which each tray
is mounted on hoist means whereby it may be hoisted upwardly
and downwardly relative to the carriage, towards or away from
a carcass.
It is a separate objective of the invention to provide an
operator support or platform which may move horizontally, in
unison with the carcass, and it may also provide for vertical
movement of the operator platform, if desired.
~ he various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understand-
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ing of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objectsattained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated an~
described preferred embodiments of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS:-
Figure 1 is an upper perspective illustration showingthe moving tray system according to the invention, with some of
the trays shown mounted on their carriage mechanisms, and other
such trays shown in isolation;
Figure 2 is a top plan view showing the tray in isola-
tion, in schematic form with the various stations around the path
of the carriage system.
Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation showing the first
station of the tray system with the operator in a lower position,
working on a large carcass;
Figure 4 is a schematic side elevational view corres-
ponding to Figure 3, showing the operator in a still lower posi-
tion, in a final stage of the removal of the entrails from the
carcass;
Figure 5 is a schematic side elevational view corres-
ponding to Figure 3 showing the operator in a upward position
working on a smaller carcass;
Figure 6 is a rear elevational view showing the support
for the operator;
Figure 7 is a rear upper perspective illustration
showing the carriage for a particular tray;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view showing the tray
and a portion of its carriage;
Figure 9 is a side elevational view corresponding to
Figure 8, showing the tray in an extended position;
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Figure 10 is a side elevational view corresponding to
Figures 8 and 9 showing a tray in its tilted position;
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the carriage for a tray~
with the tray itself being omitted for the sake of clarity;
Figure 12 is a sectional front elevation along the
line 12-12 of Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a front elevation along the line 13~13 of
Figure 11, and,
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a detail of
Figure 8 showing aniextended position of the tilting mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC E~ODIMENT
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, it will be seen that
the apparatus according to the invention is shown in its position
in a typical meat packing plant, located along one side of a
typical carcass conveyor rail indicated as the letter C. Such
conveyor rails are well known in the industry, and are arranged
for conveying carcasses continuously throughout the plant, while
various different operations are performed at different locations.
Various different trolley systems are available (not shown) which
;20 are supported on the rail ~, and which are arranged, by means such
as hooks, chains and the like to support a carcass. It will of
course be appreciated therefore, that all of the carcasses will
therefore be supported at the same height on the rail C. If
carcasses vary significantly in size, the operator will, therefore,
have to either reach higher or lower to perform the particular
function on that carcass.
As has been mentioned, in the typical meat packing plant,
the entrail cavity of the carcass is normally opened just above a
table which is located at a fixed height beneath the carcass.
In accordance with the invention, as shown in Figure 1,
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an entirely separate conveyor system is provided for the entrails,
so that, as soon as the entrails are removed from the carcass, the
entrails are then moving on a separate conveyor system, and the
carcass can move on. Such a separate conveyor system will be
seen to comprise a continuous conveyor rail 10 supported at a
predetermined elevation by any suitable means such as the support
rods 12. The support rods 12 will be attached to the ceiling
structure of the meat packing plant in the typical case. In this
particular example, the support rods 12 are shown attached to an
over head supporting framework shown generally as F. It will of
course be appreciated that the supporting framework F may be of
any suitable design depending upon the requirements of the building
in which the conveyor system is installed, and is not, therefore,
critical to the objects of the invention. As best shown in Figure
2, the conveyor rail 10 is formed into a closed loop having essen-
tially four relatively straight sections, and four corners, arranged
in a somewhat irregular manner, the purposes of which will become
apparent from the following description. Again, however, the
particular arrangement of the paths of the support rail 10 is not
critical to the invention, but merely illustrates one method.
The path could be any other shape.
Supported on the rail 10 are a plurality of trolley
systems indicated generally as 14. In the particular example
of the invention as illustrated, there are seven separate such
trolley systems, but the number may vary depending on the design
of the ent~re meat packing plant.
The trolley systems 14 each comprise a generally rec-
tangular tubular trolley frame 16, and four upwardly extending
arms 18 ex~ending in pairs on opposite sides of the rail 10. On
the upper ends of the arms 18 there are provided trolley wheels
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or rollers 20 which engage the rail lO and by means of which the
trolley frame 14 may run around the rail 10 in the manner described
below.
In order to move all of the trolleys 14 continuously
around the rail 10, there is provided a conveyor chain system 22,
typically of a known design, which extends continuously around
the path of the rail 10, and engages the trolleys 14 in the
manner shown.
The chain 22 is driven by any suitable motor drive
means such as the motor 24, reduction gear 26 and drive sprocket
28. Preferably, the motor and drive sprocket will be operated at
a speed appropriate to move the chain 22 at the same speed as the
trolleys (not shown) on the conveyor rail C.
By means of the motor drive system and chain 22, the
trolleys 14 are thus moved continuously around the rail lO in a
closed loop path.
Attached to the upper edge of the conveyor rail lO,
and extending downwardly therefrom are a plurality of fixed
support arms 30 located at spaced intervals entirely around the
rail 10. Attached to the lower ends o the support arms 30, is
a continuous guide rail 32, the purpose of which will be described
below. The rail 32 describes essentially the same shape of path-
way as that described by the conveyor rail lO.
Located more or less directly beneath the conveyor rail
10, but fastened to the floor of the building, there is provided
a furthPr guide rail 34, mounted on a series of upstanding legs
36, the purpose of which will be described below. Again, the
guide rail 34 describes essentially the same path as that described
by the guide rail lO.
Extending downwardly from each trolley 14, on the upper
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conveyor rail 10, there are provided two vertical post members 40
The post members 40, at their lower ends, are attached to a lower
trolley comprising horizontal arms 42 and cross-member 44. Down-
wardly dependent leg members 46 are attached to arms 42 and have
trolley wheels 48 which run on t~e lower guide rail 34.
In this way, the movement of the upper trolley 14,
caused by the chain drive system, is c~mmunicated through the
vertical posts to the lower trolley which is thereby moved around
the lower guide rail together with the upper trolley, as a single
unit.
In order to provide still further guidance and control
for the movement of the two trolley units and post members as
described, a pair of generally horizontal control arms 50 extend
outwardly fro~ respective post members 40 and support two further
guide trolleys 52. Each guide trolley 52 supports horizontal
guide rollers 56, and has a pair of upstanding support rods 58
carrying vertically oriented guide rollers 60. The rollers 60
and 56 together engage the guide rail 32 so as to control the
movement of the trolley units and post members around their
predetermined path.
In order to catch and support the entrail from a carcass,
the trays 62 are provided movably mounted on post members 40, there
being one tray to each such pair of post members. Preferably, the
trays 62 will have at least one dividing wall 64 dividing the tray
into a large and a small portion, and the smaller portion will
preferably have a raised floor portion 66 which effectively divides
the tray into three compartments.
In this way, the various portions of the entrails from
the carcass may be suitably arranged on the tray so as to
facilitate inspection.
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The trays will of course be made of stainless steel so as
to facilitate washing, and will be washed and sterilized each
time they are used, in a manner to be described below. The trays
are supported on movable mounting means, to be described below,
such that they may be moved towards or away from a carcass on the
rail C. This movement will usually be a straightforward up or
down vertical movement, to adjust to the size of the carcass. It
may also however envisage a hori~ontal outward and inward movement
if desired.
m ese various functions are achieved in the following
manner.
Assuming a horizontal movement capability is required,
then each of the trays is mounted on a pair of three part
telescoping cantilever arm members indicated generally as 68.
Each of the cantilever arm members comprises an outer sleeve
portion 70, an intermediate sleeve portion 72 and an inner arm
portion 74. The inner arm portion is slidably mounted within
the intermediate arm sleeve portion and the intermediate sleeve
portion is slidably mounted within the outer sleeve portion. Such
slidable mounting may be achieved by any suitable anti-friction
means such as plastic sleeves 76, formed for example of TEFLON
(Trade Mark) or any other suitable plastic material having a low
degree of friction, or in the alternative, some other form of
anti-friction bearing means may be used. Similarly, the use of
a sleeve type telescopic construction is merely illustrative.
Other forms of extendable cantilever mechanism may be employed
such as rails, channels or the like as is well-known for example
in the construction of hoisting mechanisms and the like.
In order for the trays to move upwardly and downwardly the
outer sleeve portion 70 is rigidly mounted on vertically movable
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trolley members 78 consisting of a pair of plate members 80, and
rollers 82 rotatably mounted therebetween. The rollers 82 engage
the post members 40, and are slidably movable upwardly and downwardly.
In order to hoist the two trolleys 78 upwardly and down-
wardly, the two trolleys are inter-connected by a connecting bar
84, which is in turn connected to the operating rod 86 of a
pneumatic cylinder 88. Clearly, some other form of power operated
means may be provided, the cylinder 88 being merely exemplary.
The cylinder 88 is mounted, by any suitable means such as
the mounting brackets 90 on the post members 40. In order to
provide further support for the outer sleeves 70 of the cantilever
arms 68, a rectangular supporting frame 92 is fastened to the
lower ends of the plates 80 as shown, and is also attached to the
cantilever arms 68 in any suitable manner at the outer ends thereof.
Where outward and inward movement is not required, then
the arm members 68 could be replaced by fixed supporting means
~e.g. frame 92) of suitable length fastened in any suitable manner,
for example, to the trolleys 78.
As best shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the tray 62 is
supported at its outer end by means of a flange 94 pivotally
connected to a flange 96 extending upwardly from the inner arms 74.
The weight of the tray 62, rearwardly of the flange 94 is supported
on a series of rollers. The outer-most roller 98 is mounted on
the outer end of the intermediate sleeve 72, and two further rollers
100 are mounted on the outer sleeve 70. In this way, the tray 62
may be extended and retracted, while its weight is supported by
the rollers.
Extension and retraction of the tray 62 is achieved,
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as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 11 by power means such as pne~atic
cylinder 102, the connecting rod 104 of which is connected to a
cross-member 106 extending between the inner arm portions 74 at
their outer ends.
Any suitable control mechanism (not shown) for operating
the cylinder 102 may be provided in a manner well known in the art.
It will of course be appreciated t~at any other power
operated means may be provided, and the use of pneumatic cylinders
while being a convenient form of such a powex system, is merely
exemplary.
In order to tilt the tray as shown in Figure 10, to
dump the contents, power means such as pneumatic cylinders 108
are mounted on respective horizontal arms 42 (see Figure 14~ having
connecting rods 110 which are provided with rollers 112 at their
free ends. The rollers engage the underside of the tray 62 in
the manner shown in Figure 10, and, when the cylinders 108 are`
operated the connecting rods 110 will be extended thereby pushing
the trays into the positions as shown. i
When the cylinders 108 are retracted, the tray 62 will
swing downwardly under the influence of gravity.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the use of
pneumatic cylinders is not the only way in which this function
could be carried out, and is merely exemplary of one suitable
power operated means for the purpose. Other power systems could
of course be used without departing from the scope of the inven-
tion.
Referring now to Figure 2, it will be appreciated that
the trays 62 are moved around a continuous closed loop path which
is essentially rectangular on three sides and angled on the fourth
side as shown. Around this continuous closed path, there are
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, ,~"~, ,,~,
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various different work stations or operating stations where
different functions are carried out.
These stations are shown in Figure 2 as follows.
The eviscerating station is shown as E, being at a
location between the closed loop rail 10 and a continuous carcass
conveyor C. At this station, the carcasses are opened and evis
cerated, and the entrails or viscera placed in the trays 62.
The inspection station is shown as I. At this station,
the government appointed inspector will carefully examine the
- viscera locatéd on the trays 62 as they pass in front of him.
Any portion of the viscera which is to be condemned as
unfit/ and subsequently disposed of will be suitably marked by the
inspector. Similarly, when he has completed his inspection of the
viscera, he can simply move to his left, and inspect the appropriate
carcass moving along the conveyor rail C, the carcass is moving
from right to left with respect to Figure 2 in the direction of
the arrow along the line C as shown.
From the inspection station, the trays pass around
three separate removal stations Rl, R2 and R3. Stations Rl and R2
will be used for the removal of different portions of the "pluck~.
They are shown merely shown in schematic form. In fact, the
separate items comprising the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, etc.,
will be removed and recovered separately, being subjected to
appropriate washing steps, cooling steps and the like as i5 well-
known in the art. Separate conveyor rails may be provided for
conveying different portions of the pluck to appropriate refriger-
ation rooms for rapid cooling, as is well-known in the art.
Th~ removal station R3 is shown as somewhat larger than
Rl and R2. At this station, the paunch of the viscera will be
removed.
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The disposal station is shown as D. At this station any
portions of the visc~ra which are condemned will be disposed of.
By means of a suitable diverting chute 114, incorporated
in the removal station R3, the paunch, if condemned, may be diverted
into the disposal station D.
After the trays 62 have thus been emptied, they are
washed prior to reuse. This is achieved at the washing station W.
This is not shown in detail, but will essentially consist of a
system of high pressure water sprays spraying hot water preferably
containing any suitable detergent or disinfectant fluid directly
onto the surfaces of the trays 62. Preferably, the water sprays
would be angled so as to provide a sweeping action so as to sweep
any particles off the tray and leave the tray 62 free of contam-
ination.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the trays 62
while passing throu~h the washing station W is still elevated
at an angle by means of the cylinders 108, and the water will
simply drain directly off into any suitable receptacle (not shown).
Drying means may aiso be provided if desired.
Once washed, each tray 62 will then be returned to the
horizontal position, by the retraction of the cylinders 108, and
is then ready for use once more.
If desired, in order to provide for a more automated
high speed system, the actual operator who opens the carcasses
on the rail C, and eviscerates the carcasses onto the trays 62,
may be mounted on a movable platform as shown in Figures 3, 4
and 5.
Such a platform will be seen to consist of a small
bucket-shaped platform 116.
The platform 116 is preferably mounted on a pair of
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guide posts 118 suspended from a trolley 120. The trolley 120
runs on a pair of relatively short parallel support rails 122.
Typically, the rails 122 may be about six or eight feet long.
The trolley 120 may be moved along the support rails
122 at a rate comparable to the rate of movement of the carcass
along the conveyor rail C. This may be achieved, for example, by
a synchroni7ed electric motor or any other suitable power means
(not shown~. Preferably, the operat on of such trolley will be
timed so that it may be returned or reciprocated along the rails
122 in time to align the operator and the platform 116 with the
next carcass.
If desired, in order to permit the operator to reach
either a shorter or a longer carcass, the platform 116 may be raised ¦
upwardly and downwardly on the support post 118 by any suitable
power operated means such as the pneumatic cylinder :l24.
In operation, the operator will be in the position as shown
in Figure 3, for a large carcass. The carcass will be moving
slowly and the operators platform 116 will also be timed to commence
movement at the same speed so as to keep the operator facing the
carcass while he is working on it. The trays will be at their
lowest positions.
By any suitable automatic timing mechanism, (not shown),
the tray 62 will have been raised upwardly, towards the neck of
the carcass. The tray 62 will thus be positioned essentially
directly beneath the carcass to be opened.
The operator will then open the entrail cavity and remove
the paunch which will fall downwardly into the tray 62.
The operatory by means of the cylinder 124 may lower the
platform 116 so as to have access to the "pluck" of the carcass.
He will remove the various portions of ~he pluck and place them
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by hand in the appropriate spaces in the tray 62 as shown schemati-
cally in Figure 4.
Cylinder 88 is operated to lower tray 62 to its lowermost
position.
Throughout this operation, the carcass on the rail C, and
tray 62, and the platform 116 are all moving simultaneously from
right to left with respect to Figure 2, until the operators work
is completed.
me platform 116 will then move in the reverse direction
so as to place the operator in position to work on the next carcass.
Once deposited on the tray 62, the entrails will then be
carried on the tray from one station to another around the track
of the rail in the manner described above.
An inspector will be standing somewhere at about station ~,
and will inspect the entrails. At the same time he can inspect
the cavity in the carcass from which they were removed. He will
usually make some appropriate notation on the entrails and carcass.
At stations Rl and R2 certain edible portions of the entrails
or viscera are removed and placed in suitable bins or chutes (not
shown), leaving the paunch in the tray 62. When the tray 62 reaches
the work stations R3 and D, the cylinders 108 are operated so as
to tip the tray 10~ If the paunch is to be accepted as fit,
then it will be deposited in the receiving station R3. If, however,~l
it is to be rejected, then an operator will position the baffle 114
so as to divert it to the disposal chute D.
While still in its tilted position, the tray 62 will then
pass through the water spray unit W (and dryers if provided). The
cylinder 108 are then retracted permitting the tray to swing
downwardly into its horizontal position, and it is then ready to
receive the viscera from another carcass. Where the next carcass
.
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~L~3'76~3L
is under size, then the operator can by any suitable controls
(not shown) be moved so as to elevate the platform 116 to the
most suitable height.
The tray is moved upwardly, since the carcass is somewhat
smaller since it will be desirable to have the tray 62 somewhat
higher so as to receive the paunch without damage.
Preferably, the raising and lowPring of tray 62 will be
automatic. The tray 62 will normally be in its lowermost position
as shown in Figure 3, and then will be elevated by cylinder 88
until the tray 62 touches the lowermost portion~of the carcass.
Operation of cylinder 88 is preferably automatic and a
suitable pressure sensitive device (not shown) responds to contact
between tray 62 and the carcass so as to shut off the cyli~der 88
at that point.
Similarly, automatic controls will operate the cylinder 88
so as to lower the tray 62 to its lowermost position, once the
tray 62 has been retracted.
Where horizontal outward and inward movement is incorporated
in the apparatus then the extension and retraction of the trays
will also preferably take place automatically by operation of
cvlinders 102 by suitable controls (not shown).
It will of course be appreciated that in many cases,
horizontal movement of the trays, and possibly of the operator,
will not be necessary, and the equipment for this function can
therefore be omitted altogether.
Each tray will then simply move horizontally out and in,
and the platform 116 will remain at the same height at all times. ~ -
If desired some form of manual height adjustment could be provided
for the platform so that it can be preset to the most suitable
working height for a particular operator, or batch of carcasses.
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Having described what is believed to be the best
mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be
seen that the invention may be particularly defined as
follows:
An entrail conveyor system for use on a kill floor
having carcass rail means for carrying carcasses thereacross,
said entrail conveyor system comprising, e~trail tray
means,conveyor means for moving said tray means along a
predetermined path, and adapted to be located adjacent to
i 10 said carcass rail means, and, power operated movahle support
means for moving said tray means relative to said conveyor
m~ans towards and away from said carcasses on said carcass
rail means.
The invention further comprises the entrail
conveyor system having the foregoing features and wherein
said entrail tray means comprises a plurality of separate
individual tray members, and partition means on said
tray members dividing same into at least two separate
compartments.
The invention further comprises an`entrail
conveyor system having ~he foregoing features and wherein
said conveyor means comprises a closed loop continuous
conveyor, adapted to move said tray means around a continous
closed loop path, a portion of said closed loop path beiny
adapted to be located along side a portion of said carcass
rail means whereby, for a portion of said path, said
tray means, and c~rcasses on said rail means move along
essentially parallel adjacent paths, said tray means
being thereafter moved away from said carcass rail means
and returning thereto around the remainder of said path.
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The invention comprises an entr~il conveyor
system having the foregoing features including a plurality
of treatment stations around said closed loop path,
located away from said carcass rail m~ns, for subjecting
entrails carried on said tray means to a plurality of
di f ferent treatments .
rrhe invention comprises an entrail conveyor
system having the foregoing features including tray
washing means adjacent to said closed loop path of said
conveyor means said ~ray means being passed successively
through said tray washing means.
The invention comprises an entrail conveyor
system having the foregoing features wherein said conveyor
means includes a plurality of upright support members,each
of said support members being linked together whereby they
move along said predetermined path in unison.
The invention comprises an entrail conveyor
system having the foregoing features wherein said -tray
support means are attached to said upright support members,
said tray support means being operable to be extended
away from said upright support members, and to be
retracted thereto whereby to move said tray means as
aforesaid towards or away from carcasses on said carcass
rail means.
The invention comprises an entrail conveyor
system having the foregoing features wherein said tray means
are movably mounted on said movable support means, and are
adapted to be tilted into an inclined angle relative thereto,
and including power operated tilting means for tilting
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1~3'7~
said tray means relative to said support means.
Th~ invention further comprises an entrail
conveyor system having the foregoing features including
trolley means movably mounted on said upr:Lght support
members, and movable vertically upwardly and downwardly,
and wherein said tray means are mounted on said trolley means,
whereby said tray means may b~ move~ upwardly and downwardly
relative to said carcasses.
The invention further comprises an entrail
conveyor system having the foregoing features including
working platform means for supporting an operator
adjacent said carcasses on said rail means, and, platform.
The foregoing is a description of a
preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here
by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken
as limited to any of the specific features as described
but comprehend~ all such variations thereof as come within
the scope of the appended claims.
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