US3736622A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for slaughtering animals
Assignee: TDK Micronas GmbH
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Filing: 1971-12-29
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Granted: 1973-06-05
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Expires: 1991-12-29
Abstract
Abstract An animal is slaughtered in a head-down position and is subsequently inverted after bleeding to place the hindquarters down while the animal muscles are still flaccid. The carcass is maintained in the latter position until rigor mortis sets in, the carcass is thoroughly chilled, or both. By positioning the animal carcass with the hindquarters down and with the animal muscles flaccid, the meat drifts or settles downwardly toward the hindquarters. Consequently, the meat is distributed more toward the hindquarters of the animal carcass where the more expensive cuts are located. Higher monetary value of the carcass is thus achieved. To increase the movement of the muscle or meat toward the hindquarters, the carcass can be subjected to vibrations or shock in addition to the force of gravity. Also, this movement of the meat can be increased by subjecting the carcass to centrifugal force with the animal rotated about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the carcass and is located nearer to the forefeet than the hind feet.
Inventors
- 👤 C Wallace
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:56
CPC Classifications
A; A22; A22B; A22B7/00; A22B7/001; A22B7/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
Apparatus associated with slaughtering and handling of an animal comprising first conveying means having means for making a connection with a hind leg of an animal to hold it with the forequarters down and move it along a predetermined path, and means associated with said conveying means for engaging the animal carcass, turning it end-for-end, and continuing the move the inverted animal carcass along a predetermined path; and said associated means comprises second conveying means associated with the first means, said second conveying means having a first portion lower than a corresponding portion of said first conveying means and having a second portion higher than a corresponding portion of said first conveying means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus associated with slaughtering and handling of an animal comprising first conveying means having means for making a connection with a hind leg of an animal to hold it with the forequarters down and move it along a predetermined path, and means associated with said conveying means for engaging the animal carcass, turning it end-for-end, and continuing the move the inverted animal carcass along a predetermined path; and said associated means comprises second conveying means associated with the first means, said second conveying means having a first portion lower than a corresponding portion of said first conveying means and having a second portion higher than a corresponding portion of said first conveying means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized further by means for subjecting the animal carcass to a force in a direction longitudinally of the carcass and toward the hindquarters thereof after the animal is turned end-for-end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for handling an animal comprising a conveyor, means connecting the animal to said conveyor in a manner to hand downwardly therefrom, and means for subsequently subjecting the animal carcass to a force directed longitudinally of the carcass and in a direction toward the hindquarters thereof after the animal is bled and before the meat sets, said force comprising a plurality of repetitive forces applied to the carcass during conveyance by said conveyor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for handling an animal comprising a conveyor, means connecting the animal to said conveyor in a manner to hand downwardly therefrom, and means for subsequently subjecting the animal carcass to a force directed longitudinally of the carcass and in a direction toward the hindquarters thereof after the animal is bled and before the meat sets, said force comprising a plurality of repetitive forces applied to the carcass during conveyance by said conveyor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized by said force being gravity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus associated with slaughtering and handling of an animal comprising: conveying means having means for making a connection with a hind leg of an animal to hold it with the forequarters down and move it along a predetermined path; means associated with said conveying means for engaging the animal carcass, turning it end-for-end, and continuing to move the inverted animal carcass along a predetermined path; said associated means comprises means forming a surface for receiving and temporarily supporTing the animal carcass, and said associated means further comprises an extended portion of said conveying means which continues to move the animal carcass after it is temporarily supported by said surface means; and said surface forming means comprises a turntable to receive the carcass and carry it to another position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus associated with slaughtering and handling of an animal comprising: conveying means having means for making a connection with a hind leg of an animal to hold it with the forequarters down and move it along a predetermined path; means associated with said conveying means for engaging the animal carcass, turning it end-for-end, and continuing to move the inverted animal carcass along a predetermined path; said associated means comprises means forming a surface for receiving and temporarily supporTing the animal carcass, and said associated means further comprises an extended portion of said conveying means which continues to move the animal carcass after it is temporarily supported by said surface means; and said surface forming means comprises a turntable to receive the carcass and carry it to another position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for handling an animal comprising a conveyor, means connecting the animal to said conveyor in a manner to hang downwardly therefrom, and means for subsequently subjecting the animal carcass to force directed longitudinally of the carcass and in a direction toward the hindquarters thereof after the animal is bled and before the meat sets, said means including a truncated conical surface, rotatably mounted and driven, on which the carcass is hung, such that the centrifugal forces due to rotation tends to increase the settlement of the meat toward the hindquarters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for handling an animal comprising a conveyor, means connecting the animal to said conveyor in a manner to hang downwardly therefrom, and means for subsequently subjecting the animal carcass to force directed longitudinally of the carcass and in a direction toward the hindquarters thereof after the animal is bled and before the meat sets, said means including a truncated conical surface, rotatably mounted and driven, on which the carcass is hung, such that the centrifugal forces due to rotation tends to increase the settlement of the meat toward the hindquarters.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |