СПОСОБ ВИЗУАЛЬНОГО ЗАХВАТА ДАННЫХ, ОТНОСЯЩИХСЯ К ЖИВОТНЫМ, КОТОРЫЕ ПОДЛЕЖАТ УБОЮ, ОТ ЖИВОТНОГО, КОТОРОЕ ПОДЛЕЖИТ УБОЮ

Изобретение относится к сельскому хозяйству, в частности к убою животных. Визуальный захват данных, относящихся к животным, которые подлежат убою, выполняют с применением блока захвата изображения и блока оценивания. Блок оценивания подключен к блоку захвата изображения. Посредством блока захвата изображения выполняют захват точек изображения на поверхности задней стороны животного в области захвата изображения. При этом точки изображения содержат маркировки. Затем посредством блока захвата изображения осуществляют предоставление данных точки изображения с возможностью их передачи. Далее посредством блока оценивания выполняют захват данных точки изображения. Присваивают данным точки изображения уникальный идентификационный код животного. Посредством блока оценивания выполняют предоставление маркировок в виде запоминаемого результата захвата, имеющего присвоенный уникальный идентификационный код животного. Повышается эффективность захвата данных, относящихся к животным, которые подлежат ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОПТИЧЕСКОЙ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ПОЛА УБОЙНОЙ СВИНЬИ

FIELD: optics. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the device for optical identification of a slaughtered pig sex based on phenotypic features. Such a result is achieved by the fact that the device for optically identifying the sex of a slaughter pig contains chamber (2) with perception of the scene depth, having a chamber gripping area (3) with perception of the scene depth, in which genital area (4) of the slaughter house pig (1) and in which spatial coordinates of pixels can be captured, wherein spatial coordinates can be provided in a form suitable for transmission, and comprising positioning device (5), by means of which camera (2) with perception of scene depth can be placed relative to genital area (4) of slaughter pig (1), and comprises analysing unit (6) connected to camera (2) with perception of scene depth, and spatial coordinates provided by camera (2) with perception of scene depth, can be captured by analysing unit (6), and phenotype sex of slaughter pig (1) can be determined based on spatial coordinates. EFFECT: technical result consists in providing automatic, fast and effective classification of phenotype sex slaughtering pig. 7 cl, 4 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 704 715 C2 (51) МПК G06K 9/20 (2006.01) A22B 5/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК G06K 9/00362 (2019.02); A22B 5/007 (2019.02) (21)(22) Заявка: 2017104849, 16.07.2015 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: (73) Патентообладатель(и): КСБ-ЗЮСТЕМ АГ (DE) Дата регистрации: 30.10.2019 Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: 22.07.2014 DE 20 2014 005 891.1 (43) Дата публикации заявки: 22.08.2018 Бюл. № 24 (45) Опубликовано: 30.10.2019 Бюл. № 31 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 22.02.2017 2 7 0 4 7 1 5 (56) Список документов, цитированных в отчете о поиске: US 20130322699 A1, 05.12.2013. US 2004/0023612 A1, 05.02.2004. US 2011/0279650 A1, 17.11.2011. RU 2469530 C2, 20 ...

СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОБРАБОТКИ ЗАБИВАЕМОЙ ПТИЦЫ

Группа изобретений относится к птицеперерабатывающей промышленности, а именно к обработке забиваемой птицы, транспортируемой на линию забоя. Способ и устройство для обработки забиваемой птицы (1, 2, 3, 4), транспортируемой на линию (5) забоя бойни, позволяют определять в начале указанной линии забоя живой или мертвой была птица (1, 2, 3, 4) при поступлении на бойню, что включает определение параметров тела забиваемой птицы, когда после ее оглушения птица подвешена за лапы на линии (5) забоя, причем определяют спектр поглощения крови забиваемой птицы (1, 2, 3, 4). 2 н. и 23 з.п. ф-лы, 3 ил.

УСТРОЙСТВО И СПОСОБ ОЦЕНКИ СОБЛЮДЕНИЯ ТРЕБОВАНИЙ БЛАГОСОСТОЯНИЯ ЖИВОТНОГО В ОТНОШЕНИИ ЖИВОТНОГО ДЛЯ УБОЯ

РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2017 105 493 A (51) МПК A22B 5/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ЗАЯВКА НА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: 2017105493, 12.08.2015 (71) Заявитель(и): КСБ-ЗЮСТЕМ АГ (DE) Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: (72) Автор(ы): ШИМИТЦЕК Петер (DE) 29.08.2014 DE 102014012558.0; 29.08.2014 DE 202014006905.0 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 21.02.2017 DE 2015/000399 (12.08.2015) (87) Публикация заявки PCT: WO 2016/029893 (03.03.2016) A Адрес для переписки: 123242, Москва, Кудринская пл., 1, а/я 35, Е.Л.Носыревой R U (57) Формула изобретения 1. Устройство для оценки соблюдения требований благосостояния животного в отношении животного (1) для убоя, содержащее блок (2) захвата изображения с областью (3) захвата изображения, в которой может быть оптическим способом захвачен участок поверхности животного (1) для убоя и в которой могут быть зафиксированы элементы изображения, и при этом блок (2) захвата изображения может предоставлять в подходящей для передачи форме данные об элементах изображения, и содержащее блок (4) оценивания, который соединен с блоком (2) захвата изображения и который выполнен с возможностью фиксирования данных об элементах изображения, при этом в блоке (4) оценивания сохранена нормативная модель животного (1) для убоя, при этом нормативная модель представляет собой структуру относящихся к животному признаков, соответствующих требованиям благосостояния животного, (индикаторов благосостояния животного), и при этом блок (4) оценивания выполнен с возможностью сопоставления данных об элементах изображения с нормативной моделью, распознавания отклонения данных об элементах изображения от нормативной модели и предоставления указанного отклонения в подходящей для передачи форме в виде отклонения животного (1) для убоя от нормы. 2. Устройство по п. 1, отличающееся тем, что блок (2) захвата изображения содержит ряд камер (2.1–2.4) захвата изображения, и при ...

РЕЗАНИЕ/РАЗДЕЛЕНИЕ НА ЧАСТИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ КОМБИНИРОВАННОГО РЕНТГЕНОВСКОГО И ОПТИЧЕСКОГО СКАНИРОВАНИЯ

Vorrichtung zum Markieren eines Schlachttierkörpers

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung mit einer Fixiereinrichtung, die zur irreversiblen Befestigung an einem Schlachttierkörper eingerichtet ist, insbesondere an der Schmalstelle des Beins, wobei die Fixiereinrichtung zwei in einer Relativbewegung gegeneinander bewegliche Rast- oder Riegelelemente aufweist und einen Transponder, der durch ein Leitelement mit einem Auslöser gekoppelt ist. Der Transponder weist einen Speicher bzw. Chip auf und eine Antenne, wobei bevorzugt der Auslöser mittels des Leitelements mit der Antenne verbunden ist.

Methods and apparatus for analyzing an ultrasonic image of an animal or carcass

AUTOMATIC CARCASS GRADING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Automatic carcass grading apparatus and method

Apparatus for the grading carcasses after slaughter comprises a plurality of video cameras (C1, C2) adapted to be positioned adjacent to a slaughter line (R) to expose an image of a carcass (P) on said slaughter line from a plurality of different viewpoints, signal processing means to derive from said images a plurality of parameters characteristic of said carcass, storage means to store a corresponding plurality of parameters derived from prior measurement of reference carcasses, comparator means to compare said plurality of parameters with said corresponding plurality of parameters to derive a further parameter indicative of the grade of said carcass and indicator means to provide an indication of the magnitude of said further parameter.

METHOD OF AND AN APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFYING MEAT

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE PROCESSING OF HEAD OVER POULTRY HANGING ON A PROMOTION HOOK

PROCEDURE FOR THE EXECUTION OF WORKING ON STEPS AT BATTLE ANIMALS

IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING AND/OR MERCHANDISE

A system and a method for processing meat pieces

This invention relates to a system for processing meat pieces. A radiation inspection apparatus is provided configured to receive a primary stream of meat pieces conveyed by a conveyor and to detect trim products containing undesired objects, a reject device is provided and a control unit that is configured to operate the reject device using the detected undesired objects as an operation parameter such that the meat pieces containing the undesired objects are separated from the primary stream of trim products, an object remover is provided configured to remove the undesired objects from the meat pieces separated from the primary stream of trim products, and a recirculation apparatus is provided configured to receive the meat pieces after undergoing the object remover and recirculate it as a secondary stream into the radiation inspection apparatus, where the secondary stream is separated from the primary stream, where the radiation inspection apparatus is further configured to detect whether ...

X-ray imaging system, method and shutter

An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray detector; a plurality of X-ray sources configured to illuminate the detector from different perspectives; a shutter in a transmission plane between each X-ray source controlling transmission of X-rays from each X-ray source to the detector; and a processor configured to receive and process X-ray data from the detector. The shutter may be configured to illuminate the detector alternately with each X-ray source. The processor may determine 3D information about an object from the processed X-ray data. Also provided are methods for processing X-ray data and different embodiments of shutters to alternately illuminate X-ray detectors.

System and method for measuring animals

An imaging apparatus and method of determining a cutting path and grading a carcass

A method of determining a cutting path for processing an animal carcass based on X-ray imaging. The carcass is preferably imaged using a single X-ray source and a single detector - preferably a fan beam and linear detector. The carcass is preferably hung from a conveyor rail during imaging and conveyed throughout all processing on a continuous conveyor rail. The carcass is preferably imaged by passing the carcass though the imaging system along different paths to produce images from two perspectives to enable the spatial configuration of elements of the carcass to be determined. The imaging information may also be used to grade the carcass.

A method and an apparatus for processing a half pig carcass part hanging from a carrier

A system and a method for separating a middle portion of a half pig carcass, hanging from an overhead conveyor in a carrier, by cutting between the hip bone and the chine bone (backbone) and optionally between the tail bone and the hip bone, the cut causing a middle portion of the half pig carcass part to be partly separated from the remaining half pig carcass part via gravity. Further cutting the connection between the middle part of the half pig carcass part along a curve along the muscle defining the ham cut to separate the middle portion from the rest of the half pig carcass part causing the ham part of the half pig carcass part to remain hanging in the carrier.

Ultrasonic system for grading meat

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A method of managing animals includes receiving animals to be kept at an animal management location for an undetermined time before being removed at a shipping date. The animals area organized in several arrival groups. A future weight estimate and a future backfat estimate are generated for each of the animals. Each of the estimates is generated using at least one physical measurement of the animal and an equation for making estimations for a single animal. Based on the future weight estimate and the future backfat estimate, each of the animals is sorted into one of several predetermined sort groups for separate management at the animal management location. The predetermined sort groups are different from the arrival groups and are associated with different predefined shipping dates. A system for managing animals includes a measurement component and an estimation component that generates the future weight estimate and the future backfat estimate.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING MEAT TENDERNESS

Le procédé de prédiction de la qualité d'une viande en particulier de type bovin, sur le site de transformation, comprend les étapes suivantes: a) recueillir, sur le site de transformation, des données relatives à des paramètres appartenant au groupe formé par la race, l'âge, et la catégorie de l'animal, ainsi qu'à des paramètres biologiques et/ou physico-chimiques de la carcasse de l'animal appartenant au groupe formé par le poids, la conformation, l'état d'engraissement, le pH et la couleur de la carcasse, ainsi que l'épaisseur du cuir; b) obtenir au moins un spectre optique de la viande à des longueurs d'onde appartenant à une plage spectrale allant du visible jusqu'au proche infrarouge; et c) combiner les données obtenues lors des étapes a) et b), en vue de prédire la tendreté de la viande selon une loi de prédiction prédéterminée établie par rapport à une échelle de référence de tendreté prédéterminée.

BEEF SPLITTING METHOD AND SYSTEM

A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.

A CARCASS PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A carcass cutting system including a belt positioned below a conveyor such as to stabilise a carcass during imaging and/or cutting operations. An offset section of conveyor track in the region of the belt may be utilized to urge the carcass against the belt. Imagining may use an optical imaging system, an X-ray imaging system, a laser scanning camera, a time of flight camera or a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Imaging information may be used to calculate cutting paths and/or weight distribution of carcass portions. Cutting may be performed by a robotic cutter using a circular saw or a circular knife.

DEVICE FOR OPTICALLY IDENTIFYING THE SEX OF A SLAUGHTER PIG

The invention relates to a device for optically identifying the sex of a slaughter pig (1), comprising a depth camera (2) having a depth camera acquisition region (3), in which a genital region (4) of the slaughter pig (1) can be acquired and in which spatial coordinates of pixels can be acquired, wherein the spatial coordinates can be provided in a transmittable manner, and comprising a positioning device (5), by means of which the depth camera (2) can be positioned relative to the genital region (4) of the slaughter pig (1), and comprising an evaluation unit (6), which is connected to the depth camera (2), and wherein the spatial coordinates provided by the depth camera (2) can be acquired by the evaluation unit (6) and a phenotypic sex of the slaughter pig (1) can be determined on the basis of the spatial coordinates.

MEASURING APPARATUS FOR INDIVIDUALLY DETECTING BODY FEATURES OF SLAUGHTERED ANIMAL BODIES THAT ARE CONVEYABLE IN A ROW AND PROCESSING APPARATUS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH MEASURING APPARATUS

The invention relates to an animal body measuring apparatus (1), designed to individually detect features of slaughtered animal bodies (9) that are conveyable in a row at a distance from each other and along a path, in particular poultry bodies (90), which measuring apparatus comprises at least one sensor (2), a measurement passage space (3) for conveying the animal bodies (9) through along a measurement passage path (31), on which at least one said sensor (2) is arranged, and a holding means (4). The holding means (4) comprises a movement means (5), by means of which said sensor (2), by moving the sensor back and forth, is displaceable between the measurement position (I) lying within the measurement passage space (3) and an outer position (II) permitting free passage of the animal bodies (9), which outer position as such lies completely outside the measurement passage space (3). A processing apparatus (7) for removing the meat of slaughtered animal bodies (9), in particular gutted bodies ...

AUTOMATIC CARCASS GRADING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Apparatus for the grading carcasses after slaughter comprises a plurality of video cameras (C1, C2) adapted to be positioned adjacent to a slaughter line (R) to expose an image of a carcass (P) on said slaughter line from a plurality of different viewpoints, signal processing means to derive from said images a plurality of parameters characteristic of said carcass, storage means to store a corresponding plurality of parameters derived from prior measurement of reference carcasses, comparator means to compare said plurality of parameters with said corresponding plurality of parameters to derive a further parameter indicative of the grade of said carcass and indicator means to provide an indication of the magnitude of said further parameter.

PROCESS FOR DETERMINING A TISSUE COMPOSITION CHARACTERISTIC OF AN ANIMAL

A process for determining a tissue composition characteristic of a live anim al or carcass involves the steps of: (a) obtaining either or both of at least one infrared thermographic image of the animal while it is alive, taken from at least one view, or at least one image of the carcass of the animal after slaughter, taken from at least one view, each thermographic image being capable of being represented as an array of pixels providing temperature data representative of temperature informati on at the corresponding part of the image; (b) calculating the value of at least one statistical measure of the temperature data for each thermographic image; (c) providing a predictive model wherein the tissue composition characteristic is included as an output variable, and the statistical measures of temperature data for each thermographic image are included as input variables; and (d) solving the predictive model to provide the value of the tissue composition characteristic. The process of the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING AN ULTRASONIC IMAGE OF A CARCASS

The present disclosure teaches a system for analyzing ultrasonic image th at provides an output of a measurement of muscle width from an ultrasonic image input of an outline of a muscle from an animal or carcass. The muscle that is used in th e preferred embodiment is the longissimus dorsi muscle when an ultrasonic scan is taken in a transverse direction relative to the backbone. The analysis is done with a computer that receives the electronic input of rows and columns of gray level pixel data from an ultrasonic scan image of the outline of the muscle of the animal or carcass. The software is set to select a region of the ultrasonic image input to analyze to determine a first edge of the muscle. The selected region is divided into subregions Sj.K. J designate s a row and ranges between 1 and n. K designates a column and ranges between 1 and o suc h that o is greater than I. The subregions are aligned in rows and columns throughout th e ultrasonic image input. The software calculates a ...

ULTRASONIC SYSTEM FOR GRADING MEAT

An ultrasonic system for grading meat (10) transmits an ultrasonic signal (2 0) into the meat (10) and detects the resulting back-scattered signal. The envelope of the back-scattered signal is determined. A decaying exponential curve having the form y - exp(-Dt) is fitted to the envelope, where D is the attenuation factor for the curve and t is time. A grade of the meat (10) is then determined as a function of the attenuation factor. The accuracy of this approach can be improved by measuring the total back-scattered energy from the back-signal and generating a grade for the meat (10) based on a polynomial function of both the attenuation factor and the total back-scattered energy. Accuracy can be further enhanced by removing any anomalies in the back- scattered signal resulting from fat deposits in the meat (10) before calculating the attenuation factor.

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR CLASSIFYING MEAT.

ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ ДАННЫХ ДЛЯ КЛАССИФИЦИРОВАНИЯ ТУШ УБОЙНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ, А ТАКЖЕ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ИХ КАЧЕСТВ И КОЛИЧЕСТВ

Описано получение данных для классифицирования туш убойных животных, а также для определения их качеств и количеств с помощью неинвазивного способа распознавания комплексно структурированных контуров со стремящейся к нулю нормой ошибочного распознавания, с которой могут отличаться друг от друга и идентифицироваться признаки туши убойного животного, работающее на основе характерного фрагмента туши посредством обработки изображений, в частности, как для определения данных для расчета доли мускульного мяса, торгового класса, а также находящейся в связи с этим торговой стоимости и рыночной стоимости, так и для распределения туш убойных животных по категориям качества, при соблюдении законных требований. Согласно изобретению при ошибочном распознавании различаемых и идентифицируемых комплексно структурированных контуров туши убойного животного оператор на рабочей станции в виде персонального компьютера вступает во взаимодействие с электронно-вычислительной машиной и указывает на нераспознанный ...

СПОСОБ КАЧЕСТВЕННОЙ И КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ТУШИ

Способ неинвазионного определения категории качества, торговой цены, фактической рыночной стоимости и качества туши на основе оптической обработки изображения, согласно которому исходные данные по весовой части отдельных видов продукции, полученные в ходе разделочных тестов достаточного количества туш, коррелируют с характеристическими измеренными величинами и параметрами, определенными на обеих половинах туши в окорочно-филейной части, при учете общего веса, и исходя из этого, получают относительные данные и в работающем мясоперерабатывающем предприятии для оценки выхода отдельных видов продукции проводят моделирующий расчет по относительным данным с учетом общего веса двух половин, составляющих одну тушу, а также характеристических измеренных величин и параметров, определенных для этой туши специально в окорочно-филейной части.

ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ ДАННЫХ ДЛЯ КЛАССИФИЦИРОВАНИЯ ТУШ УБОЙНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ, А ТАКЖЕ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ИХ КАЧЕСТВ И КОЛИЧЕСТВ

Описывается неинвазивный способ распознавания комплексно структурированных контуров со стремящейся к нулю нормой ошибочного распознавания, с которой могут различаться друг от друга и идентифицироваться признаки туши убойного животного, который работает на основе характерного фрагмента туши посредством обработки изображений, в частности, как для определения данных для расчета доли мускульного мяса, торгового класса, а также находящейся в связи с этим торговой стоимости и рыночной стоимости, так и для распределения туш убойных животных по категориям качества, при соблюдении законных требований. Согласно изобретению при ошибочном распознавании различаемых и идентифицируемых комплексно структурированных контуров туши убойного животного оператор на рабочей станции в виде персонального компьютера вступает во взаимодействие с электронно-вычислительной машиной и указывает на нераспознанный или неправильно распознанный искомый контур, в то время как при использовании устройства воспроизведения изображения ...

СПОСОБ ОЦЕНКИ КАЧЕСТВА ПОЛУТУШ УБОЙНОГО СКОТА

... 1. Способ оценки качества полутуш убойного скота при помощи оптической обработки изображений, причем через фотограмметрическое дешифрование оптического изображения в плоскости разрубки туш в области поясничной и тазобедренной частей средствами вычислительной техники определяют различные виды тканей и определяют специфические параметры для оценки, отличающийся тем, что в выбранной области используют как исходные опорные точки позвоночник (3) со спинно-мозговым каналом, проксимальный нижний конец подвздошной кости (2), наиболее тонкий слой шпика на средней ягодичной мышце (16) и контуры спинного шпика (6, 12), для чего согласно направлению последнего прямого участка позвоночника (3) в середину спинно-мозгового канала проводят прямую (4) в качестве первой исходной линии для измерений; на этой прямой (4) в качестве второй исходной линии (5) восстанавливают перпендикуляр до наружного контура шпика (6), так что внутреннее продолжение (7) второй исходной линии (5) тангенциально касается нижней ...

METHOD OF AUTOMATIC CHECKING AND SORTING OF POULTRY CARCASSES

Apparatus for positioning animal carcass halves for optical image processing in the cleaving plane

The invention relates to a positioning apparatus for animal carcass halves, particularly slaughtered pig halves, for the parallel alignment of the cleaving plane with the imaging plane of a camera. According to the invention, the positioning apparatus with respect to the cleavage side (11) preferably comprises a rear guide element (4), which is disposed movably at the level of the upper guide (1)and which in the region of the imaging position of the slaughtered pig half (10) has rollers (8), (8.1; 8.2; 8.3) as pressure elements.

METHOD FOR QUALIFYING ANIMAL CARCASSES, AND CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION

Device for the classification of carcasses of large cattle, calves, sheep or swine.

PROCESS AND DEVICE OF PREDICTION Of the TENDRETE Of a MEAT ON the SITE DETRANSFORMATION USING BIOLOGICAL AND/OR PHYSICOCHEMICAL INFORMATION AND DISPROPORTIONS OPTICAL IN the FIELD OF the VISIBLE one AND the INFRA-RED CLOSE RELATION

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMAL CARCASSES ALONG THEIR STATE OF FATTENING

dispositivo e método para a captura de imagem de raio x de carne com osso e sistema de desossagem de carne com osso que inclui o dispositivo

PRIMAL TRACKING

A method and system for tracking and identifying food products as they are being processed is disclosed, wherein no tags or encodings are attached to the food products, and wherein there is no extraneous manipulation of the food products. The tracking system of the present invention utilizes sensor input from substantially any sensor capable of detecting a food product in some manner. That is, the tracking system uses binary detect/no detect inputs for determining whether a food product can be identified at each sensor along a predetermined path. Thus, given that a food product has been identified at a particular sensor, the tracking system generates a hypothesis indicative of when the food product is expected to be at the neck sensor along the predetermined path. Accordingly, if the neck sensor detects a food product within an allotted window, then the food product detected is assumed to be the one to which the hypothesis applies. The tracking system is particularly useful in tracking ...

Automatic digital backfat meter

An automatic digital backfat meter. An apparatus and method primarily for measuring the thickness of backfat in an animal which automatically adjusts sensitivity and notifies the user when a proper reading is obtained. The transducer (62) produces pulses which pass amplifier (64), threshold detector (68), and are counted in counter (74). If two counts are received, indicator (76) is activated. If two counts are not received, the cycle is repeated and the amplifier (64) has its gain increased by sensitivity control (66) in a stepwise increment until indicator light (76) is activated. Time delay (78) prevents the first echo from being counted at counter (74).

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic grading of meat

An improved transducer positioning device for use in evaluating fat thickness and muscle area at a selected rib area of a hog carcass, and for evaluating fat thickness and muscle score, of the ham portion of the carcass, is disclosed. A system for displaying ultrasonic images on a monitor and for measuring and analyzing the imaged areas for use in grading the quality of the carcass is also described. The transducer positioning device consists of a transducer support arm adapted to hold a rib area transducer in the proper position against a carcass for measurement of fat thickness at a selected rib area. The support arm includes a connector hook for attaching it to the tail of the carcass so that the transducer is accurately positioned over the rib area to be measured. In addition, a ham transducer is mounted in a collar attachment for connection to the rear leg of a hog carcass to provide an accurate measurement of fat thickness and muscling of the ham. The transducers produce real time ...

System and method for processing slaughtered animals and/or parts thereof

A system for processing a carcass or carcass part of a porcine, bovine, ovine, or caprine slaughter animal involves a plurality of processing steps. The system includes a primary transport system that includes an overhead conveyor and a plurality of carriers for holding a carcass or carcass part, a plurality of processing stations, which processing stations are arranged along the track, each of the processing stations being adapted to carry out one or more processing steps on a carcass or carcass part, wherein in at least one processing station a step of removing a part of the carcass or carcass part is carried out, a secondary transport system, which secondary transport system is arranged adjacent to the processing station in which said part is removed from the carcass or carcass part, which secondary transport system is adapted to receive said part.

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ПОЗИЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ ПОЛУТУШ ЗАБИТОГО СКОТА ДЛЯ ОПТИЧЕСКОЙ СЪЕМКИ В ПЛОСКОСТИ РАСЧЛЕНЕНИЯ

... 1. Устройство позиционирования для висящих на крюках полутуш забитого скота, в частности, свиных полутуш для ориентации плоскости расчленения параллельно плоскости съемки камеры для последующей оценки и классификации с помощью обработки оптического изображения, содержащее по меньшей мере две горизонтальные направляющие трубы или элемента, расположенные на вертикальных стойках, по вертикали друг над другом, на достаточном расстоянии друг от друга, снаружи обращенной к камере, представляющей интерес зоны съемки, отличающееся тем, что на высоте верхней направляющей (1) расположен подвижно относительно стороны (11) расчленения задний направляющий элемент (4), который в зоне положения съемки свиной полутуши (10) имеет ролики (8.1; 8.2; 8.3) в качестве прижимных элементов. ! 2. Устройство позиционирования по п.1, отличающееся тем, что задний направляющий элемент (4) соединен с одним концом поворотного в контрольной точке (5.1; 5.2) рычага (6.1; 6.2), а на другом конце этого поворотного рычага ...

VERFAHREN ZUR AUTOMATISCHEN KONTROLLE UND SELEKTION VON GEFLÜGELSCHLACHTTIERKÖRPERN

Reducing optical definition for colour measurements of moving, textured, patterned objects for quality control

This new automatic method measures colour purity of textured or non-textured surfaces ("the surface"). It requires one or more video cameras and a computer to evaluate the signals measured. It is especially suitable for quality control. In the novel method, the video camera measures the colour value of one or more patterned reference plaques; before, during or after measuring the surface colour value. The optical definition of the equipment is reduced to such a level, that the structure of the surface and/or the reference plaque pattern is not registered. A signal is formed, as a combined function of the surface and plaque measurements. This is the integrated relative colour value, a measurement relative to the reference plaque. Also claimed are: use of the method for automatic measurement of the colour run of a textile band; and use in quality control of meat and its separation into quality classes.

Vorrichtung zur Klassifizierung von Schlachtkörpern von Grossvieh, Kälbern, Schweinen oder Schafen

Measuring the thickness of fat and meat in sides of meat - uses ultrasound probes with computer analysis of reflection sound to provide non-invasive evaluation of depth of fat and lean meat

Probe contains at least one ultrasound generator which is coupled to the side of meat by a flexible coupling layer, and the signals gained from an impulse/echo measurement are processed by a computer to give an evaluation of the thicknesses of the fat and meat which are present. The coupling layer consists of a plastic body with voids, made pref. of PVC or polycarbonate, and takes the form of a number of ultrasound conducting elements arranged between upper and lower surfaces. These elements are narrowest in the area which is central between the two surfaces, and are square in cross-section. The receiving oscillator has a lower resonant frequency than the sending oscillator. The frequency used for measuring the thickness of fat is higher than that used for measuring the thickness of the meat. The device may be arranged on a frame which can be pivoted horizontally for ease of use. USE/ADVANTAGE - This device is used in meat processing plants for evaluating the quality of meat, partic. sides ...

FLEISCH-BILDANALYSE.

Method and apparatus for positioning an ultrasonic transducer and a display screen

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZYING AN ULTRASONIC IMAGE OF AN ANIMAL OR CARCASS

PROCESS FOR OPTICALLY DETERMINING THE MEAT-TO-LARDRATIO IN FOR INSTANCE SLAUGHTERED ANIMALS

PROCEDURE FOR THE EVALUATION OF BATTLE ANIMAL HALVES BY OPTICAL IMAGE PROCESSING

PROCEDURE FOR THE EVALUATION OF BATTLE ANIMAL HALVES BY OPTICAL IMAGE PROCESSING

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR PREDICTING THE ZARTHEIT OF MEAT

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUM KLASSIFIZIEREN VON FLEISCH

BATTLE ANIMAL CODING DEVICE.

PROCEDURE FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL AND SELECTION OF POULTRY BATTLE ANIMAL BODIES

Non-invasive device and method for grading meat

Meat color imaging system for palatability and yield prediction

Apparatus and methods for analysing animals

Method and apparatus for using image analysis to determine meat and carcass characteristics

FAT DEPTH MEASURING APPARATUS

Image analysis for meat

Novel apparatus and method for determining meat characteristics

Method of calculating quality parameters of foodstuffs

Method for predicting beef marbling standard (BMS) numbers using coat mineral composition

The present invention addresses the problem of developing a method for predicting the quality of meat and a method for predicting shipment times in the cattle fattening stage; more specifically, a method for estimating, in the cattle fattening stage, shipment dates or BMS numbers, which influence the price of beef carcasses in markets. The inventors of the present invention discovered correlations between the contents of specific minerals contained in the coats of cattle and the quality of meat, as a result of diligently carrying out studies to solve said problem, revealing that, on the basis of the contents of the minerals, the quality of cattle meat or shipment times can be predicted in the latter stage of cattle fattening, thus demonstrating that the abovementioned problem can be solved.

METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF A SLAUGHTERED ANIMAL CARCASS AND QUANTITIES THEREIN

The invention relates to a method for the non-invasive determination of the grade, trade value, market value and the quality of a slaughtered animal carcass, based on optical image processing. Said method fulfils the conditions of the pertinent official regulations and acts and is rapid and cost-effective to implement. According to the invention, results data of weight percentages from single joint yields that have been obtained during the cutting tests of a sufficient number of slaughtered carcasses are correlated with the characteristic measured values and parameters determined from the ham and loin regions of both sides of a slaughtered animal carcass, taking into consideration the total weight, in order to obtain relationship data. During the slaughter operation, a simulation calculation is then carried out using the existing relationship data to estimate the single joint yields, taking into consideration the total weight of the two sides of a slaughtered animal carcass and the characteristic ...

CUTTING FORE END FROM HANGING HALF PIG CARCASS

A system and a method for separating a fore end of a half pig carcass by making a first cut between ribs three and four up to the shoulder blade followed by a second cut through the rest of the carcass. The first cut is made using a regular knife blade, the second cut is made using a scissor blade.

AUTOMATED PROCESS FOR DETERMINING AMOUNT OF MEAT REMAINING ON ANIMAL CARCASS

An automated process assesses an amount of meat remaining on a trimmed animal carcass by generating image data of the carcass and processing the image data in a computer to calculate the amount of meat remaining on the carcass. The automated process can be carried out using an equation developed by counting pixels in an area of interest in images of a plurality of reference trimmed carcasses from which the remaining meat is thereafter scraped and weighed, to produce data points used to develop the equation which is then used to calculate the amount of meat remaining on a trimmed carcass as it proceeds down a processing line.

POSITIONING DEVICE FOR HALVES OF SLAUGHTERED ANIMAL BODIES FOR OPTICAL CAPTURE IN THE CLEAVING PLANE

The invention relates to a positioning apparatus for animal carcass halves, particularly slaughtered pig halves, for the parallel alignment of the cleaving plane with the imaging plane of a camera. According to the invention, the positioning apparatus with respect to the cleavage side (11) preferably comprises a rear guide element (4), which is disposed movably at the level of the upper guide (1) and which in the region of the imaging position of the slaughtered pig half (10) has rollers (8), (8.1; 8.2; 8.3) as pressure elements.

CARCASS INTERVENTION TRACKING AND METHODS

The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking carcass intervention data accumulated during carcass processing. An identification is assigned to the carcass. The carcass is subjected to at least one intervention, during which processing data is accumulated. The carcass identification and the processing data are then associated and compared to predetermined processing parameters.

METHOD OF CALCULATING QUALITY PARAMETERS OF FOODSTUFFS

A method for calculating a range of quality parameters, for example colour, pigment content, fat and/or water content, of a foodstuff, in particular a foodstuff of animal origin, for example meat from fish and mammals, the method comprising the steps of providing a representative individual of the foodstuff; determining the characteristic size of the individual, for example length, area, volume and/or weight; positioning the measuring lens of a colour measuring instrument at a surface of the foodstuff representative of the quality parameters, and measuring the L*, a* and b* values (Chroma and Hue values) of the surface; comparing the measured values for the size of the present individual and colorimetric data to a multivariate model provided in advance, representative of a population of the species of the individual, the multivariate model being formed by mathematical processing of chemical analysis results, visual colour evaluation and individual size for the population and comprising ...

TRACING ITEMS THROUGH A NON-SEQUENTIAL PROCESS

PROCESS FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF LARGE BOVINES, CALVES, HOGS OR OVINES, AND DEVICE FOR ITS APPLICATION

Ce procédé consiste à réaliser la mise en appui sur un support d'une demi-carcasse sur la face longitudinale de celle-ci correspondant à l'axe de symétrie de la carcasse, ainsi que sur sa face dorsale, à proximité de la partieinférieure de celle-ci, c'est-à-dire de la partie située du côté du collier de l'animal, à réaliser un positionnement angulaire de la carcasse pour procéder à des prises de vue optiques sous différents angles, au niveau de l'arrière-train, de la cuisse, de la partie haute de l'échine et de la partie avant de la demi-carcassecorrespondant à la zone basse de celle-ci, à stocker les prises de vue dans lamémoire d'un calculateur, qui contient déjà les mesures de poids et de longueur de la demi-carcasse, à libérer celle-ci des surfaces sur lesquelles elle est en appui, puis à traiter les informations saisies en tenant compte d'informations théoriques pour réaliser le classement de la carcasse.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING AN ULTRASONIC IMAGE OF A CARCASS

The present disclosure teaches a system for analyzing ultrasonic image that provides an output of a measurement of muscle width from an ultrasonic image input of an outline of a muscle from an animal or carcass. The muscle that is used in the preferred embodiment is the longissimus dorsi muscle when an ultrasonic scan is taken in a transverse direction relative to the backbone. The analysis is done with a computer that receives the electronic input of rows and columns of gray level pixel data from an ultrasonic scan image of the outline of the muscle of the animal or carcass. The software is set to select a region of the ultrasonic image input to analyze to determine a first edge of the muscle. The selected region is divided into subregions Sj,k. J designates a row and ranges between 1 and n. K designates a column and ranges between 1 and o such that o is greater than 1. The subregions are aligned in rows and columns throughout the ultrasonic image input. The software calculates a sum of ...

СПОСОБ КАЧЕСТВЕННОЙ И КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ТУШИ

Описывается способ неинвазивного определения категории качества, торговой цены, фактической рыночной стоимости и качества туши на основе оптической обработки изображения, который выполняет условия официальных предписаний и постановлений, и реализуется быстро и точно, а также экономично. Согласно изобретению выходные данные по весовой доле отдельных видов продукции, полученные в ходе разделочных тестов достаточного количества туш, коррелируют с характеристическими измеренными величинами и параметрами, определенными на обеих половинах туши в окороко-филейной части, при учете общего веса, и исходя из этого получают относительные данные и в работающем мясоперерабатывающем предприятии для оценки выхода отдельных видов продукции производят моделирующий расчет по имеющимся относительным данным с учетом общего веса двух половин, составляющих одну тушу, а также характеристических измеренных величин и параметров, определенных для этой туши специально в окороко-филейной части. В одном варианте осуществления ...

СПОСОБ КАЧЕСТВЕННОЙ И КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ТУШИ

Описывается способ неинвазивного определения категории качества, торговой цены, фактической рыночной стоимости и качества туши на основе оптической обработки изображения, который выполняет условия официальных предписаний и постановлений, и реализуется быстро и точно, а также экономично. Согласно изобретению выходные данные по весовой доле отдельных видов продукции, полученные в ходе разделочных тестов достаточного количества туш, коррелируют с характеристическими измеренными величинами и параметрами, определенными на обеих половинах туши в окороко-филейной части, при учете общего веса, и исходя из этого, получают относительные данные и в работающем мясоперерабатывающем предприятии для оценки выхода отдельных видов продукции производят моделирующий расчет по имеющимся относительным данным с учетом общего веса двух половин, составляющих одну тушу, а также характеристических измеренных величин и параметров, определенных для этой туши специально в окороко-филейной части. В одном варианте осуществления ...

ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ ДАННЫХ ДЛЯ КЛАССИФИКАЦИИ ТУШ УБОЙНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ, А ТАКЖЕ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ИХ КАЧЕСТВА И КОЛИЧЕСТВА (ВАРИАНТЫ)

Описывается неинвазивный способ распознавания комплексно структурированных контуров с приближенной к нулю нормой ошибочного распознавания, с которой могут различаться друг от друга и идентифицироваться признаки туши убойного животного, который работает на основе характерного фрагмента туши с помощью обработки изображений, в частности, как для определения данных для расчета части мускульного мяса, торгового класса, а также в связи с этим торговой стоимости и рыночной стоимости, так и для деления туш убойных животных по категориям качества при соблюдении нормативных требований. Согласно изобретению, при ошибочном распознавании комплексных структур отличительных и идентифицирующих признаков контуров туш убойных животных на рабочей станции в виде персонального компьютера оператор с помощью электронно-вычислительной машины выполняет необходимую индикацию нераспознанного или неправильно распознанного искомого контура, задавая при помощи системы воспроизведения изображения, по крайней мере, одну ...

Method and device for treating slaughtered poultry

APPAREILLAGE POUR LA CLASSIFICATION DES CARCASSES

APPAREILLAGE POUR LA CLASSIFICATION DE CARCASSES3 SUSPENDUES A UNE CHAINE1 MOBILE PAS A PAS, COMPRENANT UNE CAMERA31 LATERALE QUI REPRODUIT L'IMAGE D'UNE PLAGE INTERIEURE DE LA CARCASSE, UN ENSEMBLE DE COMMANDE NUMERIQUE QUI ASSURE LA LECTURE D'EPAISSEURS DE VIANDE ET DE LARD ET DE LARD SEULEMENT DANS DES ZONES NORMALISEES, AINSI QUE LE POSITIONNEMENT VERTICAL D'UNE SONDE A ULTRASONS5, PAR COMMANDE D'UN ENSEMBLE13-15-16 PORTE PAR UNE BARRE17, SONDE QUI LIT LES EPAISSEURS DE VIANDE ET DE LARD ET DE LARD SEULEMENT DANS UNE SECONDE ZONE NORMALISEE, L'ENSEMBLE DE COMMANDE NUMERIQUE UTILISANT LES LECTURES DE LA CAMERA ET DE LA SONDE POUR DONNER LA CLASSIFICATION ...

APPAREIL DE MESURE NUMERIQUE AUTOMATIQUE DE LA GRAISSE DU DOS D'ANIMAUX

L'INVENTION VISE UN APPAREIL ET UN PROCEDE POUR MESURER L'EPAISSEUR DE LA GRAISSE DU DOS D'ANIMAUX QUI AJUSTE AUTOMATIQUEMENT SA SENSIBLITE ET INFORME L'UTILISATEUR LORSQU'UNE MESURE CORRECTE EST OBTENUE. L'APPAREIL COMPORTE UN TRANSDUCTEUR 62 QUI, SOUS LA COMMANDE D'UN COMPTEUR DE TEMPS 50, 54, PRODUIT DES IMPULSIONS ULTRASONORES PERIODIQUES ET RECOIT LES ECHOS PRODUITS PAR LES INTERFACES DES COUCHES DE GRAISSE DE L'ANIMAL QUI SONT ENSUITE AMPLIFIES PAR UN AMPLIFICATEUR 64 ET APPLIQUES A UN DETECTEUR A SEUIL 68 PUIS A UN COMPTEUR 74. LE COMPTEUR 74, LORSQU'IL RECOIT DEUX IMPULSIONS CONSECUTIVES, ACTIONNE UN INDICATEUR 76 ET ARRETE LE COMPTEUR DE TEMPS 54 DONT LE COMPTE EST ALORS CONVERTI EN UNE MESURE D'EPAISSEUR. SI LE COMPTEUR NE DETECTE PAS DEUX IMPULSIONS, LE GAIN DE L'AMPLIFICATEUR EST AUGMENTE PAR UN CIRCUIT DE COMMANDE 66 ET LE CYCLE EST REPETE. UN CIRCUIT A RETARD 78 EMPECHE LA DETECTION DU PREMIER ECHO.

Abattoir equipment for taking readings from half carcass - has computer for treating information from cameras and balance to determine probable area and surfaces at hip bone and primary thoracic vertebra

Abattoir equipment taking at least one reading from the surface of a half carcase (36) suspended from a hook (12) travelling on a rail (14). An inclined table (24) has two inclined conveyors (26, 28), driven by a motor at the same speed as the hook (12). At least one electronic camera (40, 44) and associated light source are fixed to the table such that the light field and the field of vision cover the required zone (46, 48) of the carcase. The light source highlights at least one characteristic of the surface reading. The camera produces, via a matrix of pixels, a series of signals representing luminous intensity and coordinates. Signals from camera and a balance are supplied via electronic circuits to a computer equipped with the means of analysing the signals. Pref. a magnetic detector (20) sensitive to passage of the hook is located on the rail. An optical rotation detector is affixed to the stem of the motor driving the two conveyors. Electronic circuits, including a counter, are connected to the detectors and initiate operation of the cameras (40, 44). For each area chosen, the computer treats information from the cameras statistically relating to the weight of the carcase and the probable edges of the areas to determine probable surface and shapes of the areas. USE/ADVANTAGE - Supplies signals to automatic marking and cutting stations in large abattoirs, allowing high speed hygienic operation. Precise measurement with continual update of information.

Procédé et appareil pour la classification des carcasses d'animaux de boucherie suivant leur état d'engraissement

L'invention concerne un procédé de classification des carcasses d'animaux de boucherie suivant leur état d'engraissement. L'appareil basé sur ce procédé comprend un dispositif de type pied à coulisse 4 que l'on positionne en certains endroits de la carcasse pour mesurer une veine de gras 2 placée juste au-dessous d'un muscle superficiel 1. La mesure s'effectue soit de manière manuelle en regardant l'échelle graduée 5, soit en relevant un affichage digital de la mesure 6, soit en intégrant la valeur dans un calculateur 10 dans lequel peut être introduit des valeurs caractéristiques de la carcasse telle que poids, âge, sexe. Le procédé contribue à l'appréciation objective de l'état d'engraissement d'une carcasse d'animal.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF QUALITY PROPERTIES OF INDIVIDUAL CATTLE CARCASSES

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF A FOOD ITEM OF AN ORGANIC OR IRREGULAR STRUCTURE

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADMINISTERING A DRUG PROGRAM RELATED TO LIVESTOCK

Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to livestock. Specifically, accurate, automated livestock-to-carcass, meat product, or organ identification systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, or organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the feedlot, lot and/or animal of origin as well as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

ARRANGEMENT OF NON-INVASIVE MEASUREMENT-DATA RECORDING AND EVALUATION APPARATUS AND RELATED PROCESS FOR THE JUDGING OF ANIMAL CARCASSES FOR INCORPORATION IN DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS

The invention relates to an arrangement of non-invasive measurement-data recording and evaluation apparatus and a related process for the judging of animal carcasses for incorporation in data processing systems. In addition to the recording and evaluation, by data processing systems, of measurement data for judging carcasses, e.g. for the commercial classification or the commercial value determination, the object of the invention is also to guarantee the spatial starting position of the object measured and also supply and removal of the object measured in relation to the measurement-data recording apparatus, and to incorporate said data in a quality assurance system. In the figure the object is attained in that a measuring-point assignment system (24) records data for positioning and identifying the object measured, transmits said data in the form of co-ordinates to a control unit (23) and positions the test sensors (3), which can be calibrated and/or which must not be subjected to calibration ...

AUTOMATIC DIGITAL BACKFAT METER

An apparatus and method primarily for measuring the thickness of backfat in an animal which automatically adjusts sensitivity and notifies the user when a proper reading is obtained. The transducer (62) produces pulses which pass amplifier (64), threshold detector (68), and are counted in counter (74). If two counts are received, indicator (76) is activated. If two counts are not received, the cycle is repeated and the amplifier (64) has its gain increased by sensitivity control (66) in a stepwise increment until the first fat layer is detected. Time delay (78) prevents the first echo from being counted at counter (74).

METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF A SLAUGHTERED ANIMAL CARCASS AND QUANTITIES THEREIN

Non-invasive device and method for grading meat

A non-invasive apparatus and method for measuring fat thickness or content and muscle depth or area parameters grading meat and animals are disclosed. The device includes an ultrasonic transducer and analyzer device which provides A scan information in digitized form. A separate controller moves the ultrasonic transducer along a predetermined path adjacent an animal or carcass while A scans are obtained at predetermined locations along the path. The A scans are digitized and analyzed to determine the tissue interface boundaries. Equations are implemented to determined the area of the longissimus muscle and fat tissue thicknesses and a lean content rating for the animal may be determined therefrom. Modeling techniques are also used to estimate certain portions of the area of the longissimus muscle of the animal or carcass based upon data gathered during the ultrasound scanning of the carcass. ...

AN APPARATUS FOR EXAMINING CARCASES

PORTABLE ULTRASONOGRAPH FOR VETERINARY ACTIVITY

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and easily house an ultrasonograph to bring or carry the ultrasonograph by arranging a shouldering member joined to the ultrasonograph for shouldering the ultrasonograph. SOLUTION: This ultrasonograph 210 is formed in a rectangular solid shape by internally installing a system to be processed by generating an ultrasonic signal, and ring connecting parts 212 are formed in upper/lower corner parts of the front face. A shouldering member 220 is composed of an almost V-shaped strap 222 and rings 224 formed in the respective end parts, and a waist band member 250 is composed of a belt 252 and both end buckles 254. A binding band 258 of the waist band member 250 is bound to a band binding part 244 of a back support member 240, and a ring 242 of the back support member 240 is connected to a ring connecting part 212 of the ultrasonograph 210. The shouldering member 220 is joined to the ultrasonograph 210 through the rings 224 connected to the ring connecting parts ...

РЕЗАНИЕ/РАЗДЕЛЕНИЕ НА ЧАСТИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ КОМБИНИРОВАННОГО РЕНТГЕНОВСКОГО И ОПТИЧЕСКОГО СКАНИРОВАНИЯ

FIELD: food industry. SUBSTANCE: disclosed are treatment system (10) and corresponding method (158) for processing workpieces (WP), including food products, for cutting and removing undesirable components from food products and/or separating said products into parts during their movement in conveyor system (12). X-ray scanning station (14) is located in the upper by conveyor section (12) technological flow and is intended for determination of food products size and/or shape parameters, as well as location of any undesirable components of these products, such as bones, fat or cartilages. Further, the food products are transferred to lower conveyor (20), where optical scanner (102) is located, intended for determination of size and/or shape parameters of food products. X-ray and optical scanning results are transmitted to processor (18) to confirm that the food product scanned by the optical scanner is the same product, previously scanned by X-ray scanner. After confirmation of this identity (if necessary) data from X-ray scanner are translated or converted into data from optical scanner. Such translation may include one or more of the following: movement of food products in direction X and/or Y, rotation of food product, food product size changing and food product shear deformation. Further, the location of the undesirable material within the food product is displayed from the X-ray scanning data into the optical scanning data. After that unwanted material is removed by means of cutting device(s) (28). Food product (or alternatively) can be divided into parts by cutting device(s) (28). EFFECT: proposed cutting/separation into parts using combined X-ray and optical scanning. 21 cl, 10 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 738 422 C2 (51) МПК A22C 17/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A22C 17/00 (2020.08); A22C 17/0006 (2020.08); A22C 17/008 (2020.08); A22B 5/00 (2020.08); A22B 5/007 ( ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ПОЗИЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ ПОЛУТУШ ЗАБИТОГО СКОТА ДЛЯ ОПТИЧЕСКОЙ СЪЕМКИ В ПЛОСКОСТИ РАСЧЛЕНЕНИЯ

Изобретение относится к устройству позиционирования для висящих на крюках полутуш забитого скота, в частности свиных полутуш, и может быть использовано для оптической съемки в плоскости расчленения с последующей оценкой и классификацией. Устройство содержит, по меньшей мере, две горизонтальные направляющие трубы или элемента, расположенные на вертикальных стойках, по вертикали друг над другом, на достаточном расстоянии друг от друга, снаружи обращенной к камере, представляющей интерес зоны съемки. На высоте верхней направляющей расположен подвижно относительно стороны расчленения задний направляющий элемент, который в зоне положения съемки свиной полутуши имеет ролики в качестве прижимных элементов. Использование изобретения позволит обеспечить вертикальную подвеску свиных полутуш в зоне съемки. 13 з.п. ф-лы, 2 ил.

Patent RU2019104179A3

`”ВУ“” 2019104179” АЗ Дата публикации: 05.11.2020 Форма № 18 ИЗПМ-2011 Федеральная служба по интеллектуальной собственности Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение ж 5 «Федеральный институт промышленной собственности» (ФИПС) ОТЧЕТ О ПОИСКЕ 1. . ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯ ЗАЯВКИ Регистрационный номер Дата подачи 2019104179/10(007806) 25.07.2017 РСТ/О$2017/043687 25.07.2017 Приоритет установлен по дате: [ ] подачи заявки [ ] поступления дополнительных материалов от к ранее поданной заявке № [ ] приоритета по первоначальной заявке № из которой данная заявка выделена [ ] подачи первоначальной заявки № из которой данная заявка выделена [ ] подачи ранее поданной заявки № [Х] подачи первой(ых) заявки(ок) в государстве-участнике Парижской конвенции (31) Номер первой(ых) заявки(ок) (32) Дата подачи первой(ых) заявки(ок) (33) Код страны 1. 62/368,941 29.07.2016 05 2. 16207287.0 29.12.2016 ЕР 3. 15/394,208 29.12.2016 05 Название изобретения (полезной модели): [Х] - как заявлено; [ ] - уточненное (см. Примечания) РЕЗАНИЕ/РАЗДЕЛЕНИЕ НА ЧАСТИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ КОМБИНИРОВАННОГО РЕНТГЕНОВСКОГО И ОПТИЧЕСКОГО СКАНИРОВАНИЯ Заявитель: ДЖОН БИН ТЕКНОЛОДЖИЗ КОРПОРЕЙШН, 0$, НОРДИШЕР МАШИНЕНБАУ РУД. БААДЕР ГМБХ + КО. КГ, ОЕ 2. ЕДИНСТВО ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ [Х] соблюдено [ ] не соблюдено. Пояснения: см. Примечания 3. ФОРМУЛА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ: [Х] приняты во внимание все пункты (см. Примечания) [ ] приняты во внимание следующие пункты: [ ] принята во внимание измененная формула изобретения (см. Примечания) 4. КЛАССИФИКАЦИЯ ОБЪЕКТА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ (ПОЛЕЗНОЙ МОДЕЛИ) (Указываются индексы МПК и индикатор текущей версии) А22С 17/00 (2006.01) 5. ОБЛАСТЬ ПОИСКА 5.1 Проверенный минимум документации РСТ (указывается индексами МПК) А22С 17/00, В260 1/00, В26О 1/04, В26О 1/56, В26Р 5/34 5.2 Другая проверенная документация в той мере, в какой она включена в поисковые подборки: 5.3 Электронные базы данных, использованные при поиске (название базы, и если, возможно, поисковые термины): Езрасепе, Соозе Раеп(5, РАТЕМТСОРЕ, Ра ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОПТИЧЕСКОЙ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ПОЛА УБОЙНОЙ СВИНЬИ

РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2017 104 849 A (51) МПК G06K 9/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ЗАЯВКА НА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: 2017104849, 16.07.2015 (71) Заявитель(и): КСБ-ЗЮСТЕМ АГ (DE) Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: (72) Автор(ы): ШИМИТЦЕК Петер (DE) 22.07.2014 DE 20 2014 005 891.1 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 22.02.2017 R U (43) Дата публикации заявки: 22.08.2018 Бюл. № 24 (86) Заявка PCT: (87) Публикация заявки PCT: WO 2016/011992 (28.01.2016) A Адрес для переписки: 123242, Москва, Кудринская площадь, 1, а/я 35, "Михайлюк, Сороколат и партнеры-патентные поверенные" R U (57) Формула изобретения 1. Устройство для оптической идентификации пола убойной свиньи (1), содержащее камеру (2) с восприятием глубины сцены, имеющую область (3) захвата камеры с восприятием глубины сцены, в которой может быть захвачена генитальная область (4) убойной свиньи (1) и в которой могут быть захвачены пространственные координаты пикселей, причем пространственные координаты могут быть предоставлены в форме, пригодной для передачи, и содержащее позиционирующее устройство (5), посредством которого камера (2) с восприятием глубины сцены может быть размещена относительно генитальной области (4) убойной свиньи (1), и содержащее анализирующий блок (6), который соединен с камерой (2) с восприятием глубины сцены, и при этом пространственные координаты, предоставленные камерой (2) с восприятием глубины сцены, могут быть захвачены анализирующим блоком (6), и фенотипический пол убойной свиньи (1) может быть точно определен на основании пространственных координат. 2. Устройство по п. 1, отличающееся тем, что камера (2) с восприятием глубины сцены выполнена в виде системы стереоскопической камеры, содержащей аппарат (7) для проецирования шаблонов, причем текстура (8) может быть спроецирована на поверхность убойной свиньи (1) в области указанной генитальной области (4) посредством аппарата (7) для ...

Meat sortation

A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Apparatus for thawing or cooling food products

An apparatus for thawing or cooling food products includes a tank adapted to be at least partly filled with a liquid. A spiral shaped blade extends between a first end and a second end of the tank, where the spiral shaped blade is mounted to a rotation axis which operates rotational movement of the spiral shaped bladed and thus the conveying of the food products from the first end towards the second end. A temperature controlling system is provided and adapted to control the temperature of the liquid by arranging multiple heat supplying units along the tank for injecting heating or cooling agents into the liquid so as to provide a substantial temperature distribution into the thawing liquid during the thawing or cooling of the food products.

System and method for processing slaughtered animals and/or parts thereof

A system for processing a carcass or carcass part of a porcine, bovine, ovine, or caprine slaughter animal involves a plurality of processing steps. The system includes a primary transport system that includes an overhead conveyor and a plurality of carriers for holding a carcass or carcass part, a plurality of processing stations, which processing stations are arranged along the track, each of the processing stations being adapted to carry out one or more processing steps on a carcass or carcass part, wherein in at least one processing station a step of removing a part of the carcass or carcass part is carried out, a secondary transport system, which secondary transport system is arranged adjacent to the processing station in which said part is removed from the carcass or carcass part, which secondary transport system is adapted to receive said part.

Method for Administering a Drug Program to Determine Whether an Animal Has Been Given a Drug

Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Adding an additive to a product suitable for human consumption

A method for treating a product suitable for human consumption, for example, a meat product, such as slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, in which a large number of products are successively supplied, optionally in groups, to an inspection station in which each product is subjected to a visual inspection to detect a defect on the respective product. If a decision is made to provide a specific additive-addition treatment to a product, the product is supplied to an additive-addition station, where the product is subjected to an additive-addition treatment and an additive is added to at least one part of the outside of each product or the inside of each product.

DEVICE FOR MEASURING A SLAUGHTER ANIMAL BODY OBJECT

The invention relates to a device for measuring a slaughter animal body object, the device including an image camera having an image-camera recording region, a depth camera having a depth-camera recording region, and an evaluation unit. The cameras are positioned in relation to one another by a positioning device in such a manner that the camera recording regions of the image camera and of the depth camera overlap in a common camera recording region at least in certain sections. The evaluation unit is capable of identifying measurement points in the common camera recording region and determining the distances thereof from one another. 16-. (canceled)7. A device for measuring a slaughter animal body object , the device comprising:an image camera having an image-camera recording range for optically recording a section of a surface of a slaughter animal body object and for recording light intensity values of image points and area coordinates of the image points, the light intensity values and the area coordinates being provided as light intensity value data on the surface of the slaughter body for transfer purposes;an evaluation unit connected to said image camera, said evaluation unit registering the light intensity value data provided by the image camera and identifying measurement points on the surface of the slaughter body from the light intensity value data;a depth camera having a depth-camera recording range for optically recording the section of the surface of the slaughter animal body object and for recording space coordinates of image points within the depth-camera recording range, the space coordinates including area coordinates and a depth value, and the space coordinates being provided as space coordinate data for transfer purposes;a positioning unit for positioning said depth camera relative to said image camera, said positioning unit positioning said image camera and said depth camera in relation to one another to have the depth-camera recording range and ...

DEVICE FOR VOLUMETRICALLY MEASURING A SLAUGHTER ANIMAL BODY OBJECT

The invention relates to an apparatus for volumetrically measuring an object in the body of an animal for slaughter. The apparatus has a first depth camera with a first depth camera recording area, a second depth camera with a second depth camera recording area and has a positioning apparatus for positioning the depth cameras relative to one another. The apparatus has an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is connected to the depth cameras, and acquires the spatial coordinate data provided by the depth cameras. The spatial coordinate data from the depth cameras can be combined as combined spatial coordinate data in a common spatial coordinate system. A surface model of the object in the body of an animal for slaughter is provided from the combined spatial coordinate data, and a volume of the object in the body of an animal for slaughter is calculated from the surface model. 110-. (canceled)11. A device for volumetrically measuring a slaughter animal body object , comprising:a first depth camera having a first depth-camera recording range for optically recording a section of a surface of the slaughter animal body object on a first side and for recording space coordinates of image points on the first side of the slaughter animal body object, the space coordinates including area coordinates and a depth value, and the space coordinates being provided as space coordinate data for transfer purposes;a second depth camera having a second depth-camera recording range for optically recording a second section of a second surface of the slaughter animal body object on a second side and for recording second space coordinates of second image points on the second side of the slaughter animal body object, the second space coordinates including second area coordinates and a second depth value, and the second space coordinates being provided as second space coordinate data for transfer purposes;a positioning device for positioning the first depth camera relative to the second depth ...

DEVICE FOR OPTICALLY IDENTIFYING THE SEX OF A SLAUGHTER PIG

The invention relates to a device for optically identifying the sex of a slaughter pig with a depth camera that has a depth camera acquisition region in which a genital region of the pig and spatial coordinates of pixels are acquired. The spatial coordinates are provided in a transmittable manner and include a positioning device to position the depth camera relative to the genital region of the pig. The device includes an evaluation unit connected to the depth camera. The spatial coordinates are acquired by the evaluation unit to determine a phenotypic sex of the pig. 15-. (canceled)6. A device for optically identifying the sex of a slaughter pig , comprising:a depth camera having a depth camera capture region for capturing a genital region of the slaughter pig and spatial coordinates of pixels, the spatial coordinates being provided in transmittable form;a positioning device for positioning said depth camera in relation to the genital region of the slaughter pig; andan analysis unit connected to said depth camera, said analysis unit capturing the spatial coordinates provided by said depth camera and ascertaining a phenotypic sex of the slaughter pig on the basis of the spatial coordinates.7. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said depth camera is configured as a stereo camera system having a pattern projector claim 6 , said pattern projector projects a texture onto the surface of the slaughter pig in the region of the genital region.8. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said depth camera is constructed as a time-of-flight camera.9. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said depth camera includes a first camera with a first depth camera capture region in which the genital region of the slaughter pig is captured in a rear-hindquarters view claim 6 , and a second depth camera with a second depth camera capture region in which the genital region of the slaughter pig is captured in a belly view.10. The device according to claim 6 , which further ...

Auger Type Poultry Chillers with Enhanced Hanger Bearing Configurations and Related Assemblies

A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank. 1. A poultry chiller comprising:an elongated tank; a first auger section comprising a first auger shaft and a first auger flight that extends radially away from the first auger shaft, the first auger flight comprising a first helical portion that is helically disposed on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion; and', 'a second auger section comprising a second auger shaft and a second auger flight that extends radially away from the second auger shaft, the second auger flight comprising a second helical portion that is helically disposed on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion;, 'an auger rotatably held lengthwise in the tank and defining a longitudinal axis, the auger comprisinga coupling shaft coupling a first coupling end of the first auger shaft and an adjacent second coupling end of the second auger shaft; anda hanger bearing assembly comprising a bearing assembly supporting the coupling shaft, a support member coupled to an upper portion of the tank, and a hanger extending between the bearing assembly and the support member;wherein the first auger ...

A METHOD OF PROCESSING A FOOD OBJECT

A method of processing a food object while the food object is being conveyed, comprises acquiring image data of the food object, cutting the food object into smaller food pieces, determining, based on the acquired image data, whether the food object contains undesired objects, and in case such undesired objects are detected, identifying which of the smaller food pieces contain the undesired objects. 114.-. (canceled)15. A method of processing a food object while the food object is being conveyed , comprising:acquiring image data of the food object;cutting the food object into smaller food pieces;determining, based on the acquired image data, whether the food object contains undesired objects, and in case such undesired objects are detected;identifying which of the smaller food pieces contain the undesired objects.16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein said step of cutting the food object comprises the step of determining a pattern based on the image data claim 15 , and performing the cutting in accordance with the pattern.17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the pattern is determined dynamically in accordance with a set of image data for each received food object.18. The method according to claim 15 , wherein said image data comprise X-ray data obtained by means of exposing the food object with an X-ray beam and processing the intensities of the X-ray beam after penetrating through the food object.19. The method according to claim 15 , further comprising automatically separating those smaller food pieces containing the undesired objects from the food object based on the identification of which of the smaller food pieces contain the undesired objects.20. The method according to claim 15 , wherein said undesired objects include one or more of the following: bones claim 15 , bloodspots claim 15 , gapings claim 15 , or nematodes.21. The method according to claim 15 , where said acquired image data comprise digital data obtained by means of an inspection device ...

METHOD FOR EVALUATING A HEALTH STATE OF AN ANATOMICAL ELEMENT, RELATED EVALUATION DEVICE AND RELATED EVALUATION SYSTEM

A method for evaluating () the health state of an anatomical element of an animal in a slaughtering plant provided with an image acquisition device. The evaluation method comprises the steps of: verifying the presence of the anatomical element; acquiring the image of the anatomical element; processing (S) the image of the anatomical element through Deep Learning techniques, generating a lesion image representing lesioned portions of the anatomical element, and a number of processed images, each representing a corresponding non-lesioned anatomical area of the animal; for each of the lesioned portions and for each of the non-lesioned anatomical areas, determining a corresponding quantity indicative of the probability that said lesioned portion corresponds to said non-lesioned anatomical area; determining a score indicative of the health state of the anatomical element, depending on the determined quantities. 1501011182220150. A method for evaluating () the health state of an anatomical element () of an animal in a slaughtering plant () , the slaughtering plant () being provided with an image acquisition device ( , ) arranged so as to acquire an image of an observation area () of the slaughtering plant () , the evaluation method () comprising the steps of:{'b': 2', '18', '22', '10', '20, 'verifying (S), through the image acquisition device (, ), the presence of the anatomical element () in the observation area ();'}{'b': 10', '20', '3', '18', '22', '10, 'if the presence of the anatomical element () in the observation area () is verified, acquiring (S), through the image acquisition device (, ), the image of the anatomical element ();'}{'b': 4', '34', '40', '18', '22', '10', '6', '10', '4', '5, 'processing (S), by an image processing unit (; ) operatively coupled to the image acquisition device (, ), the image of the anatomical element () through deep learning techniques, generating a lesion image (P), which represents lesioned portions of the anatomical element (), and ...

Method for Administering a Drug Program to Determine Whether an Animal Has Been Given a Drug

Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program. 1. A method of tracing the origins of a product , comprising:receiving a request for the origin of the product, wherein the request comprises information about the product;based on the information received about the product, determining a corresponding window of traceability for the product;determining at least one carcass that was present at a production facility during the window of traceability;determining a lot associated with the at least one carcass;reviewing an image of an organ separated from said at least one carcass;establishing, based on a computer analysis of said image, whether said at least one carcass was administered a drug during its life span;generating a report containing information regarding the origins of the product; andwherein the product is a meat product.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the product is an organ.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the organ is selected from the group consisting of brain claim 2 , liver claim 2 , tongue claim 2 , pancreas gland claim 2 , thymus gland claim 2 , stomach claim 2 , feet claim 2 , kidney claim 2 , lungs claim 2 , heart claim 2 , small intestine claim 2 , testicles claim 2 , placenta claim 2 , crop and caul.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the production facility is a meat production facility.5. A system for producing and tracking a meat product claim 1 , comprising:a meat production facility comprising a number of production areas;means for capturing images of animal organs that pass within an area of interest in at least one production area;a ...

A Method of Animal Processing

A method of processing a plurality of animal carcasses in an industrial processing plant comprising removing substantially all the blood from the two or more animal carcasses, then refrigerating or freezing the animal carcasses prior to hide removal and evisceration. 1. A method of processing a plurality of animal carcasses in an industrial processing plant , the method comprising the steps of:removing substantially all the blood from the plurality of animal carcasses, then freezing at least a part of the animal carcasses prior to hide removal and evisceration.2. (canceled)3. The method of processing an animal as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the carcasses are at least partly frozen using internal and/or external application of a low temperature fluid of between 0° C. and −51° C.4. (canceled)5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , the animal hides remain substantially intact following blood removal.6. (canceled)7. The method for processing animal carcasses as claimed in claim 1 , the method further comprising the steps of:a) stunning an animal;b) removing blood from the animal carcass;c) evacuating the stomach; andd) freezing at least part of the animal carcasswherein the hide remains substantially intact on the animal or animal carcass throughout steps a) to d).8. The method of processing animal carcasses as claimed in claim 1 , for each animal/animal carcass the method further comprising the steps of:a) removing blood from the animal carcass;b) evacuating the stomach;c) evacuating the colon;d) flushing colon with disinfectant solution;e) washing and sanitization of carcass hide;f) rinsing carcass; andg) freezing at least part of the animal carcasswherein the hide remains substantially intact on the animal or animal carcass throughout steps a) to g).9. The method for processing animal carcasses as claimed in claim 8 , the method further comprising one or more of the steps of;a) stunning the animals prior to blood removal;b) following freezing, ...

BEEF CUTTING METHOD AND SYSTEM

A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass and identifies an age-indicating indicia. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system. 1. A method of processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path comprising:providing a carcass rail having a plurality of trolleys spaced at desired intervals and movable along the carcass rail, each trolley capable of supporting a beef carcass;providing a beef carcass supported by a carcass trolley;providing a robot-based carcass processing device having a robotic arm on which is mounted a saw capable of effecting a cutting operation on a beef carcass, robot-based carcass processing device being disposed adjacent the carcass rail;providing a vision-based sensor system for detecting a location on the beef carcass as the beef carcass moves on the carcass rail to a position adjacent the robot-based carcass processing device, the location being expressed in coordinate data in Cartesian space (X, Y, Z locations);providing a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and the vision-based sensor system;moving the supported beef carcass on the carcass rail to a position adjacent the robot-based carcass processing device;using the vision-based sensor system, detecting the location on the ...

APPARATUS FOR STORING ORGANIC MATERIAL

There is disclosed an apparatus for storing organic materials, the apparatus including: a body having an opening for receiving the organic materials to be stored; an outlet formed in the body through which the organic materials are unloaded from the body; a cooling fluid circuit for circulating cooling fluid through the organic material collected by the hopper. 2. A filter according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is barrel shaped.3. A filter according to claim 2 , wherein spindle and the spray bar are located along a central elongate axis of the barrel shaped housing.4. A filter according to claim 1 , wherein the sieve is fixedly mounted to the spindle and spray bar via the turbine assembly such that the sieve rotates together with the spindle and spray bar.5. A filter according to claim 4 , wherein the turbine assembly is driven by a high pressure fluid.6. A filter according to claim 5 , wherein the high pressure fluid is pressurised air or pressurised water.7. A filter according to claim 5 , wherein the high pressure fluid is injected into the turbine assembly by fluid inlets located at opposite ends of the turbine assembly and the fluid inlets are connected by a pipeline.8. A filter according to claim 1 , wherein flow of the contaminated fluid entering the inlet of the housing is controlled by an inlet valve.9. A filter according to claim 8 , wherein flow of filtered fluid exiting the outlet is controlled by an outlet valve.10. A filter according to claim 9 , wherein a transducer is provided in the inlet and the outlet to detect pressure differentials therebetween to determine an amount of particulate material present on the surface of the sieve.11. A filter according to claim 10 , wherein upon the pressure differential between the transducer in the inlet and the transducer in the outlet reaching a predetermined amount claim 10 , the turbine assembly is activated to remove the particulate material collected by the sieve from the housing. This application is a ...

3D IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMAGING CARCASSES

A method and system of imaging carcasses involves acquiring a first set of multi-view images from respective multiple positions at a first side of a passageway, and a second set of multi-view images from respective multiple positions at a second side of the passageway. The multi-view images are acquired at a first time point upon detection of a carcass at a predetermined position at the passageway. A 3D carcass model is computed from the first and the second set of multi-view images, and is based on a 3D point cloud and/or a polygon surface. An occluded or spatially sparsely represented region locates a first region of the 3D model. The 3D model is manipulated at least at the first region to change the volume or distribution of volume of the 3D model in accordance with a weight registered by a load cell and/or a representation of a carcass suspension position. 1. A method of imaging carcasses , comprising:acquiring, using a first set of cameras, a first set of multi-view images from multiple positions at a first side of a passageway, and acquiring, using a second set of cameras, a second set of multi-view images from multiple positions at a second side of the passageway; wherein the multi-view images are acquired at a first point in time upon detection of a carcass being present at a predetermined position at the passageway;computing a 3D carcass model of the carcass or a portion thereof from the first set of multi-view images and the second set of multi-view images;locating a first region of the 3D carcass model by locating an occluded or spatially sparsely represented region of the 3D carcass model; andmanipulating the 3D carcass model at least at the first region to change the volume of the 3D carcass model or the distribution of volume of the 3D carcass model in accordance with one or both of:a weight registered by a load cell and a volume-weight conversion parameter; ora representation of a suspension position at which the carcass is suspended.2. A method ...

A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A HALF PIG CARCASS PART HANGING FROM A CARRIER

A system and a method for separating a middle portion of a half pig carcass, hanging from an overhead conveyor in a carrier, by cutting between the hip bone and the chine bone (backbone) and optionally between the tail bone and the hip bone, the cut causing a middle portion of the half pig carcass part to be partly separated from the remaining half pig carcass part via gravity. Further cutting the connection between the middle part of the half pig carcass part along a curve along the muscle defining the ham cut to separate the middle portion from the rest of the half pig carcass part causing the ham part of the half pig carcass part to remain hanging in the carrier. 115.-. (canceled)16. A method of processing a half pig carcass part that is at least partly freely hanging from a carrier , which carrier engages the hind leg part of the half pig carcass part , comprising:detecting positions of bones in a rear portion of the half pig carcass part,identifying positions of the tail bone, the chine bone, and the hip bone, and based on the identified positions,cutting by a cutting device through a half pig carcass part portion between the hip bone and the chine bone, the cut causing a middle portion of the half pig carcass part to be partly separated from the remaining half pig carcass part via gravity.17. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the cutting is through a joint.18. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the cutting is between the hip bone and the sacral vertebrae and/or wherein the cutting is between the sacral vertebrae and the chine bone.19. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the cutting is through the sacral iliac joint.20. The method according to claim 19 , further comprising:performing a further cut through the spine.21. The method according to claim 16 , further comprising:identifying the position between the tail bone and the hip bone, andperforming a further cut between the tail bone and the hip bone.22. The method according to claim 20 ...

Auger Type Poultry Chillers with Enhanced Hanger Bearing Configurations and Related Assemblies

A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank. 1. A poultry chiller comprising:an elongated tank; a first auger section comprising a first auger shaft and a first auger flight that extends radially away from the first auger shaft, the first auger flight comprising a first helical portion that is helically disposed on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends approximately circumferentially away from the first helical portion; and', 'a second auger section comprising a second auger shaft and a second auger flight that extends radially away from the second auger shaft, the second auger flight comprising a second helical portion that is helically disposed on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends approximately circumferentially away from the second helical portion;, 'an auger rotatably held lengthwise in the tank and defining a longitudinal axis, the auger comprisinga coupling shaft coupling a first coupling end of the first auger shaft and an adjacent second coupling end of the second auger shaft; anda hanger bearing assembly comprising a bearing assembly supporting the coupling shaft, a support member coupled to an upper portion of the tank, and a hanger extending between the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY OF GUTTED FISH

The present invention relates to an apparatus for optical inspection of the opened abdominal cavity () of gutted fish (), comprising a conveying device () configured for conveying the fish () along a processing line in the longitudinal direction, pivotable ventral flaps holding elements () configured for holding open the abdominal cavity () of the fish, at least one optical imaging system () arranged along the processing line, said optical imaging system being designed and configured to take at least one sequence of images of abdominal cavity regions of one of the fish () in each case, said sequence comprising a plurality of single images, at least one illumination device () configured for illuminating the abdominal cavity regions in each case with light of a predetermined spectral composition, in each case at the times the single images are taken, an evaluation unit () configured to evaluate the image sequence according to prescribed quality parameters, said evaluation unit being designed to activate an ejection device to remove the relevant fish () from the processing line by ejecting it, should the evaluation reveal any deviation from the prescribed quality parameters. The invention further relates to a corresponding method. 11110. Method for optical inspection of gutted fish () with opened abdominal cavity () , comprising{'b': 11', '13', '12, 'conveying the fish () along a processing line in the longitudinal direction () by means of a conveying device (),'}{'b': 17', '10', '11, 'pivoting of ventral flaps holding elements () configured for holding open the abdominal cavity () of the fish (),'}{'b': 11', '21', '22', '23, 'taking of at least one sequence of images of abdominal cavity regions of one of the fish () in each case, said image sequence comprising a plurality of single images taken using at least one optical imaging system (, , ) arranged along the processing line,'}{'b': 24', '25, 'illuminating the abdominal cavity regions with light of in each case a ...

Method and device for delaying rigor mortis in fish

A method and an apparatus for bringing fish to an under-cooled state by a sub-chilling process before processing, which prolongs rigor and allows processing of the fish in rigor providing better quality fish products.

SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION AND PRESENTATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA TO AN OPERATOR

The invention relates to a system and method for recording and presentation of performance data where the system comprises a transport system for transport of subjects or products to a measuring station which records one or more performance data for subjects which are transported by the transport system or wherein is entered one or more performance data related to the subjects which are transported by the transport system, an information system installed along with the transport system and where this information system releases an information related to one or more performance data for subjects with is transported by the transport system and where the released information is performed in immediate vicinity of or in contact with the respective subject for which the information is relevant. 1. A system for recording and presentation of performance data , comprising:transport system for transport of subjects or products,at least one measuring station configured to record or receive one or more performance data for subjects or products transported by the transport system;an information system installed along the transport system and configured to emit or present information related to the one or more performance data for the subjects or products transported by the transport system; wherein the emitting or presentation of information is performed in an immediate vicinity of or in contact with a respective subject or product of the subjects or products for which the information is relevant; and wherein the emitted or presented information moves along the transport system together with the respective subject or product being transported by the transport system.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the transport system comprises one or more of:a conveyor system configured to convey suspended carcasses, parts of carcasses, or for carrying suspended configured to hold the subjects or products transported by the transport system;a conveyor system configured to rest the ...

POULTRY CARCASS COOLING AND CONVEYING SYSTEM

In a hollow cylindrical housing which stores a coolant, a feeding device having a rotating shaft and spiral screw vanes fixedly installed on the periphery of the rotating shaft is provided. At least one first diffusion nozzle is provided in each pitch of the screw vanes on the inner wall of the housing. A pair of second diffusion nozzles are provided for every pitch of the screw vanes on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft respectively at different positions in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and at mutually opposite positions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft. The first diffusion nozzles are supplied with wash water through a high-temperature water piping provided on the upper outside of the housing, while the second diffusion nozzles are supplied with wash water through a channel formed in the interior of the rotating shaft. 1. A poultry carcass cooling and conveying system comprising:a hollow cylindrical housing having a coolant stored therein;a feeding device composed of a rotating shaft provided in an interior of the housing in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and spiral screw vanes fixedly installed on a periphery of the rotating shaft;a coolant circuit connected to an inlet and an outlet of the housing, and a decontamination unit and a heat exchanger provided in the coolant circuit;a first flushing nozzle provided on an inner wall of the housing to spray wash water toward the feeding device; anda second flushing nozzle provided on the rotating shaft to spray wash water toward the inner wall of the housing,the first flushing nozzle being a diffusion nozzle which is provided in plurality, at least one in each pitch of the screw vanes,the second flushing nozzle being a diffusion nozzle which is provided in pairs for every pitch of the screw vanes, the paired second flushing nozzles being provided at different positions in an axial direction of the rotating shaft and at mutually opposite positions in a circumferential ...

Three-Paddle Rocker Chiller

A rocker-type poultry chiller, including a tank for receiving poultry carcasses and holding chilled water, an axle mounted in the tank, a main paddle connected to the axle, and a side paddle connected to the axle. The oscillation of the main paddle and the side paddle urges the carcasses upwardly and laterally, which contributes to the cooling of the carcasses as a result of their thorough contact in the chilled water. The movement of the paddles also gently massages the carcasses by gently bumping them against the paddle blades and the wall of the tank. The repeated compression of the carcasses tends to tenderize the meat. The side paddles ensure more predictable and consistent contact between the paddles and all of the carcasses, which causes more agitation of the carcasses and more effective washing of the carcasses. 1. A rocker-type poultry chiller , comprising:a tank for receiving poultry carcasses and holding chilled water;an axle mounted in said tank;a main paddle connected to said axle; andat least one side paddle connected to said axle.2. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 1 , wherein said main paddle and said at least one side paddle extend downwardly towards an inner wall surface of said tank.3. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 2 , wherein said main paddle is connected to a paddle blade at an end of said main paddle.4. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 2 , wherein said at least one side paddle is connected to a paddle blade at an end of said side paddle.5. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 1 , wherein said main paddle is connected directly to said axle.6. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 1 , further comprising a cross-bar.7. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 6 , wherein said cross-bar is connected to said axle.8. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 6 , wherein said cross-bar is connected to said main paddle.9. The rocker-type poultry chiller of claim 6 , wherein said cross-bar is connected to said at least ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE SEUROP CLASSIFICATION OF THE CONFORMATION OF CARCASSES OF SLAUGHTERED CATTLE

An apparatus () for the SEUROP classification of the conformation of carcasses of slaughtered cattle, includes:—an acquisition unit () adapted to acquire at least one digital image () of an outer face of a side () of a carcass of a slaughtered bovine, the side () including a region of the rump and of the lower limb () and a remaining region () of the side ;—a processing unit () configured to receive the acquired digital image () and to calculate from the digital image () at least one angular parameter AC, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, the above-mentioned angular parameter being calculated by using at least one landmark (P1-P4) located in the region of the rump and of the lower limb (). 11. An apparatus () for the SEUROP classification of the conformation of carcasses of slaughtered cattle , comprising:{'b': 3', '30', '45', '45', '46', '47', '45, 'an acquisition unit () adapted to acquire at least one digital image () of an outer face of a side () of a carcass of a slaughtered bovine, the side () comprising a region of the rump and of the lower limb () and a remaining region () of the side ();'}{'b': 6', '30', '30', '46, 'a processing unit () configured to receive the acquired digital image () and to calculate from the digital image () at least one angular parameter AC, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, the above-mentioned angular parameter being calculated by using at least one landmark (P1-P4) located in the region of the rump and of the lower limb ().'}316. The apparatus () according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit () is configured to calculate two or more of the following angular parameters AC claim 2 , AC1 claim 2 , AC2 claim 2 , AC3 claim 2 , AC4 claim 2 , and it is such as to obtain a combined parameter calculated as a linear combination of said calculated angular parameters claim 2 , and wherein the attribution of one of the six classes of the SEUROP classification is carried out on the basis of the value of said combined parameter claim 2 , by a comparison between the ...

Method for Visual Capture of Data Relating to Animals That are to be Slaughtered From an Animal That is to be Slaughtered

A method to capture data for animals to be slaughtered with an image capture unit that has an image capture range in which a surface of an animal to be slaughtered is captured visually and in which image points on the surface of the animal are captured. The capture unit provides image point data from the image points in transmittable form. An evaluation unit captures the point data and uses the point data to capture markings on the rear surface of the animal. The evaluation unit provides the markings as a storable capture result. Image points on the surface of the animal are captured in the image capture range. The points contain the markings. The capture unit transmits the point data. The evaluation unit captures the image point data. The method makes an association of an identification code for an animal with the point data. The evaluation unit provides the markings as a storable capture result with the code for the animal. 15-. (canceled)6. A method for capturing data related to an abattoir animal , the method comprising:providing an image capturing unit having an image capturing region for optically capturing a rear-side surface of the abattoir animal;a) capturing image points on the rear-side surface of the abattoir animal in the image capturing region with the image capturing unit, the image points containing markings on the rear-side surface of the abattoir animal;b) transferring image point data of the image points with the image capturing unit,c) capturing the image point data with an evaluation unit connected to the image capturing unit and capturing the markings using the image point data;d) assigning an abattoir animal identification code to the image point data; ande) providing the markings as a storable capturing result having the assigned abattoir animal identification code by way of the evaluation unit.7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the markings are provided as a storable image in method step e).8. The method according to claim 6 , ...

CT-SCANNER WITH LARGE DETECTOR PIXELS AND/OR HYGIENIC DESIGN FOR CONTINUOUS SCANNING

CT-scanners for industrial use e.g. at abattoirs for scanning animal carcasses or cuttings hereof should be able to perform continuous scanning for an extended period of time and should be hygienic designed and be easy to clean. The CT scanner has an elongated tube forming a through-going opening for continuous conveying objects to be scanned through the CT-scanner and may have elongated detector pixel geometry leading to a fixed anisotropic spatial resolution. The CT-scanner is especially for scanning meat pieces to determine the quality such as the distribution of muscles and fat within the meat pieces. 1. An X-ray computed tomography (CT)-scanner , the scanner comprising:an elongated tube forming a through-going opening configured to continuously transport objects to be scanned through the CT-scanner, wherein the elongated tube comprises a length and a diameter, and wherein the length is larger than the diameter, and elongated tube is at least at the side forming the through-going opening, wherein the side is smooth and produced without any joints or the elongated tube is produced with joints that are smooth.2. The CT-scanner according to claim 1 , further comprising:an enclosure of X-ray absorbing material substantially surrounding the elongated tube except openings of the elongated tube forming the through-going opening.3. The CT-scanner according to claim 2 , wherein the elongated tube and a cabinet are sealed together to avoid entrance of liquid and contaminants between the elongated tube and the cabinet.4. The CT-scanner according claim 1 , further comprising:a conveyor configured to transport the objects to be scanned through the scanner.5. The CT-scanner according to claim 4 , wherein the conveyor is removable during cleaning of the elongated tube and the conveyor and the conveyor is configured to open during the cleaning of the conveyor.6. The CT-scanner according tea claim 1 , further comprising:at least one X-ray absorbing curtain at each end of the ...

Beef splitting method and system

A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass and identifies an age-indicating indicia. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.

Auger Type Poultry Chillers with Enhanced Hanger Bearing Configurations and Related Assemblies

A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank. 1. A poultry chiller comprising:an elongated tank; a first auger section comprising a first auger shaft and a first auger flight that extends radially away from the first auger shaft, the first auger flight comprising a first helical portion that is helically disposed on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion; and', 'a second auger section comprising a second auger shaft and a second auger flight that extends radially away from the second auger shaft, the second auger flight comprising a second helical portion that is helically disposed on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion;, 'an auger rotatably held lengthwise in the tank and defining a longitudinal axis, the auger comprisinga coupling shaft coupling a first coupling end of the first auger shaft and an adjacent second coupling end of the second auger shaft; anda hanger bearing assembly comprising a bearing assembly supporting the coupling shaft, a support member coupled to an upper portion of the tank, and a hanger extending between the bearing assembly and the support member;wherein the first auger ...

Method for realizing batch-based traceability for pork based on QRcode

Disclosed is a method for realizing batch-based traceability for pork based on a QR code. Based on the QR code, user information is added to a web address carried by the QR code to realize the traceability for the pork. The method includes: 1) registering basic information of pigs in breeding and brokering processes; 2) printing an initial traceability QR code of a carcass in a slaughtering process; 3) adding user information to the initial traceability QR code in a selling process, and updating the user information to the traceability system; and 4) scanning the traceability QR code to recall data of the traceability system in a catering process to achieve transparent information. The pork and pork products are traced from production process to the selling process.

IMAGE-DATA-BASED CLASSIFICATION OF MEAT PRODUCTS

Meat products can be classified based on image data. Training image data is received that includes image data about first meat products. Labels associated with the first meat products are received, where each of the labels includes a type of one of the first meat products. A trained classification model is developed based on the training image data and the received labels. Image data representative of a second meat product is received. The image data is inputted into the trained classification model, where the trained classification model is configured to classify a type of the second meat product based on the image data. The type of the second meat product is received from the trained classification model. 1. A system comprising:a transportation system configured to transport meat products;an image sensor system including an image data capture system, wherein the image data capture system is arranged to capture image data of individual meat products as the meat products are transported by the transportation system; andone or more computing devices communicatively coupled to the image sensor system and configured to receive the image data from the image sensor system; classify a type of one or more of the meat products based on the image data using a trained classification model, and', 'output the type of the one or more of the meat products after classification of the type of the one or more of the meat products., 'wherein the one or more computing devices include instructions that, in response to execution of the instructions by the one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the trained classification model includes a decision-making process configured to receive an input that includes the image data and to output an output that includes the type of the one or more of the meat products.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the decision-making process is a multilayer neural network claim 2 , wherein the ...

Carcass Weight Control

Provided, is a fully integrated system to monitor and control carcass weight to minimize weight loss in carcasses during the chilling cycle. This will be accomplished by incorporating a load cell and a radio frequency identification device on the trolley operating on the elevated track system extending through the packing plant, including the carcass chilling rooms. This method and apparatus will provide the needed location and weight data to control a water spray system to maintain a constant carcass weight during the entire chilling cycle. 18-. (canceled)9. A method of minimizing carcass weight loss during a cooling process , said method comprising:(a) operatively hanging a plurality of carcasses on a plurality of selected trolleys;(b) hanging the plurality of selected trolleys on a track;(c) obtaining an initial carcass weight for each carcass;(d) obtaining a unique identification for each selected trolley;(e) moving the plurality of carcasses and selected trolleys into at least one spray zone in a chill cooler;(f) locating each of the plurality of selected trolleys by receiving a signal representing the identification for each selected trolley by a local receiver;(g) repeatedly receiving instantaneous carcass weights for each of the plurality of carcasses with each respective selected trolley's identification;(h) spraying all carcasses in one of the at least one spray zone with water if all the instantaneous carcass weights of the carcasses on the selected trolleys are less than the respective carcass's initial weights minus a predetermined incremental weight; and(i) ceasing to spray all the carcasses with water if all the instantaneous weights of the carcasses on the selected trolleys are not less than the respective carcass's initial weights minus a predetermined incremental weight and if the carcass had been being sprayed with water.10. An apparatus for minimizing carcass weight loss during carcass cooling , the apparatus comprising:(a) a trolley;(b) a load ...

A METHOD OF PROVIDING FEEDBACK DATA INDICATING QUALITY OF FOOD PROCESSING PERFORMED BY AN OPERATOR

A method and a system provide a feedback data indicating quality of a food processing performed by an operator. The method and system involve acquiring at least one image data of a food product from an operator; and processing the acquired image data. The processing includes detecting whether undesired objects are present in the food product, obtaining, in case undesired objects are detected, position data of the undesired objects within the food product, and utilizing the position data in issuing a feedback indicator indicating a position where the detected undesired objects are present within the food product processed by the operator. 121.-. (canceled)22. A method of providing a feedback data indicating quality of food processing performed by an operator , comprising the following steps:acquiring at least one image data of a processed food product from an operator; and then detecting whether undesired objects are present in the processed food product;', 'obtaining, in case the undesired objects are detected, position data of the undesired objects within the processed food product;, 'processing the at least one image data, the step of processing includingutilizing the position data in issuing a feedback indicator indicating a position where said detected undesired objects are present within the food product processed by said operator;wherein in case undesired objects are detected in a subsequent processed food product processed by said operator, where the undesired objects are positioned within the same or similar position as for said processed food product, an intensifier is triggered indicating an increase in magnitude of said feedback indicator.23. The method according to claim 22 , wherein said feedback data is visually shown to the operator via a display.24. The method according to claim 22 , wherein visually showing said feedback data comprises showing said feedback data within outlines of a food product being processed.25. The method according to claim 22 , ...

WHOLE BIRD CHILLER CLEAN IN PLACE

A poultry chiller comprises a tank having a conveyor within the interior for urging poultry for movement along the tank, wherein the tank has an opening extending along a length of the tank, and a cleaning system for automatically cleaning the interior of the tank, the cleaning system comprising a plurality of distribution nozzles extending along the tank to direct cleaning fluid to the interior surface of the tank. Retrofitting kits are provided to automate cleaning in place of chiller tanks. 1. A poultry chiller , comprising:a tank having a conveyor within the interior for urging poultry for movement along the tank, wherein the tank has an opening extending along a length of the tank; anda cleaning system for automatically cleaning the interior of the tank, the cleaning system comprising a plurality of distribution nozzles extending along the tank to direct cleaning fluid to the interior surface of the tank.2. The poultry chiller of claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir claim 1 , a recirculation pump having a pump inlet connected to a reservoir outlet and a recirculation pump outlet is switchable to a heat exchanger and a plurality of distribution nozzles on the tank claim 1 , and further comprising a programmable logic controller having a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon to control the recirculation pump.3. The poultry chiller of claim 2 , wherein the instructions execute the following steps:controlling the outlet from the recirculation pump to bypass the heat exchanger to discharge the recirculation pump outlet to the distribution nozzles,with the recirculation pump, pumping cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the distribution nozzles, andwith the recirculation pump, pumping the cleaning fluid into the tank through the distribution nozzles, wherein after injecting, the cleaning fluid is collected and returned to a recirculation pump inlet.4. The poultry chiller of claim 2 , further comprising a second ...

MEAT PROCESSING METHODS

Meat processing methods providing reduced contamination from microbial sources, improved tenderness of the resulting meat product, and enhanced processing efficiency by decreasing cost, water usage, wastewater output, time, and energy necessary for processing meat carcasses are disclosed. The methods utilize hot water spray of the carcass in addition to subzero chilling. The methods reduce bacterial population during meat production, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The hot water also cleans the carcass before exposure to the chilled water such that the chilled water can be used repeatedly. 1. A method of producing a meat product comprising:a) contacting a carcass of an animal with hot water at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 90° C. for about 0.1 minutes to about 10 minutes;b) immersing the carcass in at least one water solution at a temperature of about −0.6° C. to about −6.0° C.; andc) producing the meat product from the carcass, wherein the meat product has decreased bacterial content and/or decreased shortening of the meat compared to a method in which the carcass is not contacted with the hot water.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hot water and/or the water solution have a salt content comprising about 1% to 10% salt weight per volume.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein no salt is added to the animal carcass.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the meat product does not have increased salt content after contact with the hot water and the at least one water solution.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hot water is delivered by spraying the animal carcass.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the meat product is not cooked by the hot water.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the meat product has reduced bacterial populations compared to a meat product that is treated with the hot water only claim 1 , a subzero saline chilling only claim 1 , or a traditional ice-water chilling only.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature ...

Apparatus And Method For Assessing Compliance With Animal Welfare On An Animal For Slaughter

An apparatus for assessing compliance with animal welfare on an animal for slaughter. The apparatus has an image capture unit with a capture region in which a section of a surface of the animal is optically captured and in which pixels are captured. The capture unit provides pixel data in a transmittable manner. The apparatus has an evaluation unit connected to the capture unit to capture the pixel data. A normative model of the animal is stored in the evaluation unit and represents a formation of animal-related features conforming to animal welfare. The evaluation unit relates the pixel data to the model and determines a deviation of the pixel data from the model and provides the deviation as a deviation of the animal from the model in a form that can be output. A method for assessing compliance with animal welfare is carried out on the apparatus. 110-. (canceled)11. An apparatus for assessing compliance with animal welfare on an animal slaughter , the apparatus comprising:an image capture unit with an image capture region for optically capturing a section of a surface of the animal for slaughter and for recording pixels in said capture region, said image capture unit providing pixel data of the pixels in a transmittable form; andan evaluation unit connected to said image capture unit for recording the pixel data, said evaluation unit storing a normative model of the animal for slaughter, the normative model representing a formation of animal-related features complying with animal welfare indicators, said evaluation unit relating the pixel data to the normative model and identifying a deviation of the pixel data from the normative model, and said evaluation unit providing the deviation in a transmittable form as a deviation from a standard of the animal for slaughter.12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the image capture unit has a plurality of image cameras claim 11 , each image camera of said plurality of image cameras has a respective image capture ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SLAUGHTERED POULTRY

Method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house, in order to establish at the start of said slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. Such can include the detection of a body parameter of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning said poultry, and wherein an absorption spectrum of blood of the slaughtered poultry is determined. 125-. (canceled)26. A method of processing slaughtered poultry conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house in order to establish at the start of the slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house , comprising:stunning the poultry; anddetecting a body parameter of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning the poultry by determining an absorption spectrum of blood of the slaughtered poultry.27. A method of processing slaughtered poultry as in claim 26 , wherein the absorption spectrum of blood of the slaughtered poultry is determined from blood in the arteries claim 26 , veins claim 26 , or both.28. A method of processing slaughtered poultry as in claim 26 , further comprising determining a difference in the absorption spectrum of blood of the slaughtered poultry with reference to the blood in the arteries and with reference to the blood in the veins.29. A method of processing slaughtered poultry as in claim 26 , further comprising cutting at least one of the arteries or one of the veins claim 26 , or both claim 26 , prior to the determining an absorption spectrum.30. A method of processing slaughtered poultry as in claim 26 , wherein the determining an absorption spectrum of the blood of the slaughtered poultry is determined noninvasively.31. A method of processing slaughtered poultry as in claim 26 , wherein the blood for the determining an absorption spectrum is from ...

MEAT PROCESSING

A meat quality and yield improvement process comprises hanging the hind leg(s) of a carcass and applying an additional pulling force of from 50 to 500 kgf to the leg and back muscles of the carcass. The additional force stretches the muscle filaments of the leg and back muscles and is maintained until rigor is complete. The hind leg(s) of the carcass may be hung at an angle of 90 to 170 degrees to the vertical. 155-. (canceled)56. A meat quality and yield improvement process comprising the steps of:hanging a carcass or a part thereof;applying an additional pulling force of from 50 to 500 kgf to muscles of the carcass in order to stretch the muscle filaments; andmaintaining this force until rigor is complete.57. The process as claimed in wherein the additional pulling force applied is from 100 to 400 kgf.58. The process as claimed in wherein the pulling force is applied for a period of from 18 hrs to 168 hrs.59. The process as claimed in wherein the additional pulling force is applied to the leg and back muscles of a carcass.60. The process as claimed in comprising the step of hanging the hind leg(s) of the carcass at an angle of from 90 to 170 degrees to the vertical.61. The process as claimed in comprising the step of joining portions of the carcass with a contraction device and rigid connectors having sufficient tensile strength to apply/resist the additional pulling force applied.62. The process as claimed in wherein the contraction device is attached to the shank of a carcass and to a rib bone of the carcass via connectors.63. The process as claimed in wherein the contraction device is adjustable in length.64. The process as claimed in wherein the contraction device comprises a ram having a cylinder and a rod claim 62 , a hook at the end of the cylinder and a hook at the end of the rod claim 62 , the ram being activated to apply a pulling force to the leg/back muscles of the carcass.65. The process as claimed in wherein the ram is adapted to apply claim 64 , on ...

Auger Type Poultry Chillers with Enhanced Hanger Bearing Configurations and Related Assemblies

A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank. 1. A poultry chiller comprising:an elongated tank; a first auger section comprising a first auger shaft and a first auger flight that extends radially away from the first auger shaft, the first auger flight comprising a first helical portion that is helically disposed on the first auger shaft; and', 'a second auger section comprising a second auger shaft and a second auger flight that extends radially away from the second auger shaft, the second auger flight comprising a second helical portion that is helically disposed on the second auger shaft;, 'an auger rotatably held lengthwise in the tank and defining a longitudinal axis, the auger comprisinga coupling shaft coupling a first coupling end of the first auger shaft and an adjacent second coupling end of the second auger shaft; anda hanger bearing assembly comprising a bearing assembly supporting the coupling shaft, a support member coupled to an upper portion of the tank, and a hanger extending between the bearing assembly and the support member;wherein the first auger flight overhangs the first coupling end of the first auger shaft and the second auger flight overhangs the second coupling end of the second auger shaft;wherein ...

Automated Process for Determining Amount of Meat Remaining on Animal Carcass

An automated process assesses an amount of meat remaining on a trimmed animal carcass by generating image data of the carcass and processing the image data in a computer to calculate the amount of meat remaining on the carcass. The automated process can be carried out using an equation developed by counting pixels in an area of interest in images of a plurality of reference trimmed carcasses from which the remaining meat is thereafter scraped and weighed, to produce data points used to develop the equation which is then used to calculate the amount of meat remaining on a trimmed carcass as it proceeds down a processing line. 1. An automated process for determining an amount of meat remaining on an animal carcass , comprising:(A) generating image data with a camera, the image data being of an animal carcass after meat has been removed from at least a portion of the carcass;(B) transmitting the image data from the camera to a computer having machine vision software; and(C) processing the image data using the machine vision software to identify data related to meat remaining on the animal carcass; and(D) determining the amount of meat remaining on the animal carcass from the data identified as relating to the meat remaining on the animal carcass.2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising cross-referencing the data related to meat remaining on the animal carcass with a look-up table to determine the amount of meat remaining on the animal carcass.3. The process of claim 1 , further comprising detecting the presence of an animal carcass in front of the camera before the image data from the animal carcass is generated by the camera.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the processing of the image data includes one or more of determining the orientation of the animal carcass relative to the camera claim 1 , identification of attributes of the carcass related to the meat remaining on the animal carcass claim 1 , or measurement of attributes of the carcass related to meat ...

A CARCASS PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A carcass cutting system including a belt positioned below a conveyor such as to stabilise a carcass during imaging and/or cutting operations. An offset section of conveyor track in the region of the belt may be utilized to urge the carcass against the belt. Imagining may use an optical imaging system, an X-ray imaging system, a laser scanning camera, a time of flight camera or a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Imaging information may be used to calculate cutting paths and/or weight distribution of carcass portions. Cutting may be performed by a robotic cutter using a circular saw or a circular knife. 1. A carcass cutting system comprising:a. a conveyor for conveying a hanging carcass;b. a belt positioned below the conveyor such as to position a carcass away from its natural hanging position; andc. a cutting tool positioned to perform a cut whilst a carcass is against the belt.2. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the section of the belt opposite the cutting tool is inclined to the vertical from an upper edge of the belt to a lower edge of the belt.3. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the section of the belt opposite the cutting tool is inclined between 5 to 40 degrees to the vertical from an upper edge of the belt to a lower edge of the belt.4. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the section of the belt opposite the cutting tool is inclined about 5 degrees to the vertical from an upper edge of the belt to a lower edge of the belt.5. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the belt includes a transition zone in which the belt transitions the carcass from a freely hanging orientation to an inclined orientation.6. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the conveyor includes a laterally offset section in the region of the belt.7. A carcass cutting system as claimed in wherein the conveyor includes main conveyor sections; an offset section that is laterally offset with respect to the main conveyor sections and ...

METHOD FOR PROCESSING PRODUCTS OF THE FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

A method for processing food products () includes transporting the food products by a first conveyor (), an X-ray unit () positioned between the intake end and the discharge end of the first conveyor to acquire a first set of product-specific data relating to the food product transported. At least one first optical camera (), assigned to the first conveyor, is used to acquire a second set of product-specific data relating to the food product. A control unit () is used to receive and integrate the first and second data sets to analyze the composition of the food product and determine parameters for the food product. Based on the determined parameters of the food product, the food product is cut with a cutting unit, under the control of the control unit. 1. A method for processing food products , comprising:(a) transporting the food products by a first conveyor having an intake end and a discharge end;(b) using an X-ray unit positioned between the intake end and the discharge end of the first conveyor to acquire product-specific data relating to the food product transported on the first conveyor, wherein the acquired product-specific data, forms a first data set;(c) Using at least one first optical camera assigned to the first conveyor to acquire additional product-specific data relating to the food product, wherein the data acquired by the least one first optical camera forms a second data set;(d) using a control unit to receive the first and second data sets and integrate the first and second data sets to analyze the composition of the food product and determine parameters for the food product; and(e) based on the determined parameters of the food product, cutting the food product with a cutting unit, wherein the cutting unit is controlled by the control unit.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:(a) passing the food products from the first conveyor to a downstream conveyor;(b) acquiring product-specific data relating to the food product on the, forming a ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WOODY BREAST CONDITION IN BROILERS USING IMAGE ANALYSIS OF CARCASS FEATURES

This invention relates generally to a system and method of detecting woody breast using image analysis of carcass features, and more particularly to a real-time system and method of detecting woody breast in broilers using non-destructive and/or non-contact image analysis of carcass features. The system and method assess woody breast in broilers at the fillet level using image analysis of the angle or area associated with the tip of the keel bone and surrounding breast meat of broiler carcasses. The method is configured be incorporated into and utilized by vision grading system. 1. A method of detecting woody breast condition in a broiler carcass using image analysis , said method comprising the steps of:acquiring a digital image of said broiler carcass;detecting a presence of woody breast condition in said broiler carcass using automated image analysis of at least one carcass feature of said image of said broiler carcass; andgrading or categorizing a severity of any detected presence of said woody breast condition in said broiler carcass.2. The method of wherein said step of acquiring said digital image of said broiler carcass further comprises the step of acquiring said digital image of said broiler carcass against a background having a sharp outline of said broiler carcass.3. The method of further comprising the step of detecting woody breast condition in said broiler carcass using non-destructive and non-contact image analysis of said carcass feature.4. The method of further comprising the step of detecting woody breast condition in said broiler carcass using said non-destructive and non-contact image analysis of said carcass feature controlled by an on-line process control system.5. The method of further comprising the step of grading or categorizing said severity as mild claim 1 , moderate or severe.6. The method of further comprising the step of grading or categorizing said severity of said woody breast condition in said broiler carcass using an automated ...

DEVICE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR OPTICALLY INSPECTING ARTICLES IN THE FISH AND MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRY

An apparatus, designed and configured for optically inspecting articles of the fish and meat processing industry, includes at least one imaging system which is arranged so as to be encapsulated on all sides in a housing and is configured for optically scanning the articles. The housing has a transparent viewing window and a protective element, forming a light-transmissive channel, and is releasably arranged on the outside of the housing to protect the viewing window from contamination. In addition, an arrangement for processing and inspecting the opened abdominal cavity of gutted fish, includes a conveying device configured for conveying the fish along a processing line in the longitudinal direction, which is characterised in that the arrangement comprises at least one apparatus configured for optically inspecting the abdominal cavity. 1. An apparatus designed and configured for optically inspecting articles in the fish and meat processing industry , comprising:at least one imaging system which is arranged so as to be encapsulated on all sides in a housing and is configured for optically scanning the articles;the housing having a transparent viewing window; anda protective element, forming a light-transmissive channel releasably arranged on an outside of the housing to protect the viewing window from contamination.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the protective element is arranged on the viewing window and encloses at least one detection zone of the imaging system while maintaining an unobstructed view of the articles.3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the protective element comprises a protective element base with a central light transmittance recess and holding means claim 2 , which are configured in each case to arrange the protective element base releasably on the viewing window claim 2 , are present on the housing side.4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the holding means are arranged on an inside of the housing and are ...

MEAT PROCESSING

A meat quality and yield improvement process comprises hanging the hind leg(s) of a carcass and applying an additional pulling force of from 50 to 500 kgf to the leg and back muscles of the carcass. The additional force stretches the muscle filaments of the leg and back muscles and is maintained until rigor is complete. The hind leg(s) of the carcass may be hung at an angle of 90 to 170 degrees to the vertical. 1. Apparatus for applying a pulling force to a carcass comprising an elongate contraction device and rigid connectors at ends of the contraction device , the device being adapted to apply a pulling force of from 50 to 500 kgf to muscles of a carcass.2. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the contraction device is adjustable in length.3. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the contraction device comprises a ram.4. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the ram has a cylinder and a rod and the rigid connectors are provided at the ends of the rod and the cylinder.5. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the connectors comprise a first hook at the end of the cylinder and a second hook at the end of the rod.6. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the ram is adapted to apply claim 4 , on retraction of the rod claim 4 , a pulling force of from 100 to 400 kgf.7. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the ram is adapted to apply claim 4 , on retention of the rod claim 4 , a pulling force of from 100 to 200 kgf.8. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the pulling force is about 150 kgf.9. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the rod has a stroke length of from 150 to 200 mm.10. Apparatus as claimed in wherein the rod has a stroke length of about 160 mm.11. Tenderised meat in which the muscle fibres are stretched to achieve a sarcomere length of greater than 2.6.12. Tenderised meat as claimed in wherein the sarcomere length is up to 4 microns.13. Tenderised meat as claimed in wherein the sarcomere length is up to 3.5 microns.14. Tenderised meat as claimed in wherein the sarcomere length is from 3.0 to 3.2 microns ...

Method and apparatus for grading of live animals and animal carcases

Method and system for contaminant detection during food processing

Imaging systems, containing at least one charge-coupled device detector, are used for determining contamination of foodstuffs, such as for example, animal carcasses. Image processing algorithms allow for the identification of contaminants.

Adding an additive to a product suitable for human consumption

Halal cattle slaughtering and dividing process

本发明公开了一种清真牛屠宰分割工艺，包括以下步骤：S1肉牛接收：肉牛是合格供方提供；S2入暂养圈：肉牛饲养三个月以上；S3入圈断食、断水；S4宰前处理；S5入翻板箱、吊挂；S6屠宰：S7胴体、内脏检疫及修整(同步)；S8高压冲洗：用32‑38℃温清洗液、0.2MPa以上高压冲洗胴体；S9沥水降温；S10排酸：在0‑4℃，相对湿度为70‑80%，放置12‑24小时；S11分割、修整：将牛按各部肉按品种分开，进行修整；S12称重、包装、速冻；S13金属探测；S14成品包装、冷藏，本发明的的方法具有提高屠后牛肉的安全系数，让消费者更加放心的食用牛肉，而不必担心牛肉的细菌问题，增加牛肉的保质期，减少人们因食用牛肉而引发病症的几率。

Quality control and grading system for meat

Automated grading of meat (carcasses or cuts, particularly pork legs) employs the steps of: a) obtaining a representative image, or representative images, of a meat cut; e.g. using video cameras; b) processing said representative image or representative images to provide data relatable to the fatness of said meat cut; c) processing data provided at step (b), so as to produce one or more parameters suitable for categorizing the meat cut and/or the carcass from which the meat cut was taken; suitable parameters include the amount of fat or lean tissue, the location of fat tissue and the predicted yield of meat product; and d) comparing said parameter(s) with values stored in a database to determine the overall grading of said carcass or meat cut.

A quality control and grading system for meat

Automated grading of meat (carcasses or cuts, particularly pork legs) employs the steps of: a) obtaining a representative image, or representative images, of a meat cut; e.g. using video cameras; b) processing said representative image or representative images to provide data relatable to the fatness of said meat cut; c) processing data provided at step (b), so as to produce one or more parameters suitable for categorising the meat cut and/or the carcass from which the meat cut was taken; suitable parameters include the amount of fat or lean tissue, the location of fat tissue and the predicted yield of meat product; and d) comparing said parameter(s) with values stored in a database to determine the overall grading of said carcass or meat cut.

Method of animal processing

一种用于在工业加工工厂中加工多个动物胴体的方法，所述方法包括从两个或更多的动物胴体中在实质上去除所有的血液，随后在去除皮毛和内脏之前冷却或冷冻所述动物胴体。

Chicken processing method and chicken processing system

Disclosed is a fertile chicken processing method having an improved form. The chicken processing method comprises the following steps: a) moving plastic boxes having live chicken inside, and stacking and loading the same onto a live chicken conveying vehicle; b) mooring the plastic boxes to a mooring facility having a blue light environment which blocks light from the outside; c) hanging the chicken to a shackle of a conveyor, and suspending the same; d) making the chicken faint by an electric shock having a gradually increasing voltage with a stun gun; e) cutting an artery of the chicken, and taking the blood away; f) scalding the chicken with a scalding device, and removing feathers with a feather remover; g) cutting the neck of the chicken with a neck cutter; h) burning feathers with a burner when the skin dries after the neck is cut; i) extracting internal organs with an internal organ extractor; j) cutting the ankle of the chicken, and dropping the chicken from the shackle; k) cooling the resultant product with a coolant in a cooling chiller at 2-4C for 46-50 minutes; l) aging the resultant product in an aging room at -2 to -5C for 48-50 minutes; m) moving the aged chicken on a belt, and sorting the chicken by weight; n) and packing the chicken. The chicken processing method produces chicken having improved quality.

Chicken carcass individual trace apparatus

본 발명은 닭 도체의 개체를 추적하는 시스템에 대한 것으로서, 특히 닭 도체의 가공 시 샤클을 카운트하여 해당 샤클에 이송되는 닭 도체의 개체를 추적할 수 있는 닭 도체 개체 추적시스템에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은 샤클 카운트 센서로 샤클을 카운트하여 닭 도체를 추적할 수 있는 닭 도체 개체 추적시스템을 제공할 수 있다. 또한, 본 발명은 RFID 태그를 생략하고 샤클 카운트 센서만이 구비되므로 저비용으로 닭 도체를 추적할 수 있는 닭 도체 개체 추적시스템을 제공할 수 있다. 또한, 본 발명은 샤클 카운트 센서에 샤클 카운트 카메라를 더 구비하여 닭 도체를 효과적으로 추적할 수 있는 닭 도체 개체 추적시스템을 제공할 수 있다. 또한, 본 발명은 샤클 카운트 센서로 추적된 닭 도체를 닭 도체의 품질 등급과 함께 추적할 수 있는 닭 도체 추적시스템을 제공할 수 있다. The present invention relates to a system for tracking an individual of a chicken carcase, and more particularly, to a chicken carcass individual tracking system capable of tracking an individual of a chicken carcass transferred to a corresponding shackle by counting a shackle during processing of the chicken carcass. The present invention can provide a chicken carcass individual tracking system that can track the chicken carcass by counting the shackles with a shackle count sensor. In addition, the present invention can provide a chicken carcass individual tracking system that can track chicken carcasses at low cost since the RFID tag is omitted and only the shackle count sensor is provided. In addition, the present invention can further provide a chicken carcass individual tracking system that can be provided with a shackle count camera in the shackle count sensor to effectively track the chicken carcass. In addition, the present invention can provide a chicken carcass tracking system that can track the chicken carcasses tracked with a shackle count sensor along with the quality grade of the chicken carcasses.

Device for detecting and evaluating product-specific information of products of the food processing industry, and system comprising such a device and method of processing products of the food processing industry

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung (10), ausgebildet und eingerichtet zum Erfassen und Auswerten von produktspezifischen Informationen von Produkten (12) der Nahrungsmittel verarbeitenden Industrie, umfassend einen in der Transportebene spaltfreien Transportförderer (11) zum Transportieren vereinzelter Produkte (12) in Transportrichtung T von einem Einlaufende zu einem Auslaufende, eine Röntgeneinheit (13) mit mindestens einer Röntgenquelle (14) und mindestens einer Röntgenkamera (15) oder mindestens einem Röntgendetektor zum Erfassen produktspezifischer Informationen, wobei Röntgenquelle (14) und Röntgenkamera (15) dem Transportförderer (11) derart zugeordnet sind, dass die Produkte (12) zwischen der Röntgenquelle (14) und der Röntgenkamera (15) entlang führbar sind, sowie eine Steuerungseinheit (16), die mit der Röntgeneinheit (13) verbunden und zum Empfangen und Auswerten der von der Röntgeneinheit (13) erfassten, produktspezifischen Informationen, die einen ersten Datensatz bilden, ausgebildet und eingerichtet ist, die sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass demselben Transportförderer (11) zwischen dessen Einlaufende und Auslaufende mindestens eine optische Kamera (17) zugeordnet ist, mittels der zusätzlich zu der Röntgeneinheit (13) produktspezifische Informationen von den auf dem Transportförderer (11) transportierten Produkten (12) erfassbar sind, wobei die optische Kamera (17) mit einer Steuerungseinheit (18) verbunden ist, die zum Empfangen und Auswerten der von der optischen Kamera (17) erfassten, produktspezifischen Informationen, die einen zweiten Datensatz bilden, ausgebildet und eingerichtet ist. Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein System (29) mit einer solchen Vorrichtung (10) sowie ein Verfahren zum Verarbeiten von Produkten (12) der Nahrungsmittel verarbeitenden Industrie.

Automatic method of determining amount of meat left on animal carcass

FIELD: food industry. SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to meat processing industry, namely to an automatic method for estimating the amount of meat left on the scraped animal carcass. Method involves generating carcass image data and processing image data in a computer to calculate the amount of meat left on the carcass. Method can be implemented using an equation created by counting pixels on a region of interest of images of a plurality of reference scraped carcasses, from which thereafter scraps and weighs remaining meat, to obtain measurement points used to create an equation, which is then used to calculate the amount of meat left on the scraped carcass as it moves along the processing line. EFFECT: enabling real-time fast and high-accuracy determination of the amount of meat left after carcass scraping without interrupting the processing process. 50 cl, 9 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 728 231 C1 (51) МПК A22B 5/00 (2006.01) A22C 21/00 (2006.01) G06T 7/00 (2006.01) G06T 7/60 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A22B 5/00 (2020.02); A22C 21/00 (2020.02); G06T 7/00 (2020.02); G06T 7/60 (2020.02) (21)(22) Заявка: 2019117990, 20.12.2017 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: 28.07.2020 28.12.2016 US 62/439,626 (45) Опубликовано: 28.07.2020 Бюл. № 22 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 29.07.2019 (86) Заявка PCT: R U 2 7 2 8 2 3 1 C 1 US 2017/067609 (20.12.2017) (87) Публикация заявки PCT: WO 2018/125715 (05.07.2018) Адрес для переписки: 125196, Москва, ул. Лесная, 9, Международная юридическая фирма "Бейкер и Макензи", пат. пов. Пыльневу Ю.А. (54) АВТОМАТИЧЕСКИЙ СПОСОБ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ КОЛИЧЕСТВА МЯСА, ОСТАВШЕГОСЯ НА ТУШЕ ЖИВОТНОГО (57) Реферат: Группа изобретений относится к зачищенных туш, с которых после этого мясоперерабатывающей промышленности, а соскабливается и взвешивается оставшееся мясо, именно к автоматическому ...

Patent RU2017104849A3

7 ВУ” 2017104849`” АЗ Дата публикации: 11.02.2019 Форма № 18 ИЗИМ-2011 Федеральная служба по интеллектуальной собственности Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение ж 5 «Федеральный институт промышленной собственности» (ФИПС) ОТЧЕТ О ПОИСКЕ 1. . ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯ ЗАЯВКИ Регистрационный номер Дата подачи 2017104849/08(008719) 16.07.2015 РСТ/ОЕ2015/000355 16.07.2015 Приоритет установлен по дате: [ ] подачи заявки [ ] поступления дополнительных материалов от к ранее поданной заявке № [ ] приоритета по первоначальной заявке № из которой данная заявка выделена [ ] подачи первоначальной заявки № из которой данная заявка выделена [ ] подачи ранее поданной заявки № [Х] подачи первой(ых) заявки(ок) в государстве-участнике Парижской конвенции (31) Номер первой(ых) заявки(ок) (32) Дата подачи первой(ых) заявки(ок) (33) Код страны 1. 202014 005 891.1 22.07.2014 РЕ Название изобретения (полезной модели): [Х] - как заявлено; [ ] - уточненное (см. Примечания) УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОПТИЧЕСКОЙ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ПОЛА УБОЙНОЙ СВИНЬИ Заявитель: КСБ-ЗЮСТЕМ АГ, РЕ 2. ЕДИНСТВО ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ [Х] соблюдено [ ] не соблюдено. Пояснения: см. Примечания 3. ФОРМУЛА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ: [Х] приняты во внимание все пункты (см. п см. Примечания [ ] приняты во внимание следующие пункты: р [ ] принята во внимание измененная формула изобретения (см. Примечания) 4. КЛАССИФИКАЦИЯ ОБЪЕКТА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ (ПОЛЕЗНОЙ МОДЕЛИ) (Указываются индексы МПК и индикатор текущей версии) С06К 9/20 (2006.01) А22В 5/00 (2006.01) 5. ОБЛАСТЬ ПОИСКА 5.1 Проверенный минимум документации РСТ (указывается индексами МПК) О06К 9/00-9/20, А22В 5/00, 25/00-25/14, АОТК 11/00, НО4М 13/00-13/02, @ОТ@ 9/00, 5.2 Другая проверенная документация в той мере, в какой она включена в поисковые подборки: 5.3 Электронные базы данных, использованные при поиске (название базы, и если, возможно, поисковые термины): СТРО, О\У/Р1Т, ЕАРАТТУ, Езрасепеф, ]-Р]а(Раь К-РТОМ, КТРКГ, РАТЕМТЗСОРЕ, Ра еагсв, КОРТО, ЗТРО, ОЗРТО 6. ДОКУМЕНТЫ, ОТНОСЯЩИЕСЯ К ПРЕДМЕТУ ПОИСКА Кате- ...

Image analysis systems for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal carcass

The invention is an image analysis system and method for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal. One embodiment of the invention is particularly designed to capture an image of the 12 th rib cross section of the ribeye and perform an image analysis of the ribeye for grading purposes. The image capturing camera portion of the system has a wedged shaped camera housing for ease of insertion into the ribbed incision. The image capturing portion of the system further comprises a camera with a flash for consistent lighting. The camera is positioned such that it views the ribeye cross section at an angle to accommodate the wedge shape of the camera housing for ease of insertion in the incision. The camera housing also has various alignment means to facilitate the user's ability to capture images in a consistent manner. Once the image is captured either digitally or captured and converted to a digital image, an image analysis is performed on the digital image to determine parameters such as the percentage lean, total area of the ribeye, total fat area, total lean area, percent marbling, and thickness of fat adjacent to the ribeye, and other parameters. These parameters are used to predict value determining traits of the carcass.

Method and system for automatically cleaning an immersion tank

一种用于自动清洗浸泡罐(14)的方法包括：基本上包封浸泡罐(14)的内部容积(30)；增加浸泡罐(14)的内部容积(30)中的温度和湿度；然后将清洗溶液施加到浸泡罐(14)的内表面；以及从浸泡罐(14)的内表面冲洗掉清洗溶液和污垢。

Device and method of assessing compliance with animal welfare requirements on animal for slaughter

FIELD: physics. SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an apparatus and a method for assessing compliance with welfare requirements of an animal in relation to an animal for slaughter. Device comprises an image capturing unit (2) with an image capturing region (3), in which a surface area of animal (1) for slaughter can be optically grasped and in which image elements can be fixed, and wherein image capturing unit (2) can provide in image suitable for transmission data on image elements, and comprises evaluation unit (4), which is connected to image capturing unit (2) and which is configured to record data on image elements, wherein in estimation unit (4), the normative model of animal (1) for slaughter is stored, wherein the regulatory model is a structure of animal-related features corresponding to welfare requirements of the animal. Characteristics related to an animal are skin color, skin surface texture, external outlines or physical characteristics. Evaluation unit (4) is configured to match data on image elements with a normative model, to recognize deviation of data on image elements from a regulatory model and providing said deviation in a suitable form for transmission in form of abnormality of animal (1) for slaughter from normal. Image capturing unit (2) comprises a number of image capturing chambers (2.1–2.4), and wherein each image capturing camera (2.1–2.4) has an image capturing subregion (3.1–3.4). Above image capturing subareas overlap each other so as to provide coverage of the entire surface of animal (1) for slaughter. EFFECT: invention also discloses a method of assessing compliance with welfare requirements of an animal in relation to an animal for slaughter, which can be carried out using such a device. 11 cl, 2 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 693 731 C2 (51) МПК A22B 5/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A22B 5/00 (2019.02) (21)(22) Заявка: 2017105493, ...

Poultry chiller with open auger

Poultry is chilled by moving the birds with an auger in one direction and chilled water in the opposite direction. The auger that moves the birds has a segmented auger blade ( 23 ) formed with a series of blade segments ( 24 ) which overlap one another along the auger shaft ( 22 ) and define water passages ( 26 ) therebetween. A grill ( 36 ) is positioned in the passages. The water passages permit movement of chilled water through the tank, and the offset edges of adjacent auger blade segments, together with the water movement, causes a tumbling and reorientation of the birds as they are chilled and conveyed through the tank.

A method of animal processing

A method of processing a plurality of animal carcasses in an industrial processing plant comprising removing substantially all the blood from two or more animal carcasses, then refrigerating or freezing the animal carcasses prior to hide removal and evisceration.

Method for administering a drug program to determine whether an animal has been given a drug

Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Artificial vision inspection method and system

An artificial vision inspection method and system which takes photographs, on either sides, of poultry or other meat at various stages of processing as they pass by on hanging racks. The method and system then sorts the meat according to quality parameters selected by the user, from presence or absence of parts to size to coloration.

Laying hen butchers processing method with chicken and chicken butchers system of processing

本发明提供蛋鸡用鸡屠宰加工方法及鸡屠宰加工系统。该蛋鸡用鸡屠宰加工方法包括：从饲养场笼子中取出活鸡来放入塑料箱后移动塑料箱，并装载于活鸡运输车辆；将上述塑料箱系泊于外部光被阻隔的蓝灯气氛的系泊设备；将收容于上述塑料箱内的鸡悬挂于输送机的挂钩；使鸡经过电晕机，从而被电压逐渐增加的电击晕；放血步骤；实施浸烫并脱毛；使鸡经过割头机来切断鸡颈；使鸡经过火焰机来火烧鸡绒毛；使鸡经过内脏摘取机来摘取内脏；脚踝切断步骤；在冷却水中对鸡进行冷却；在催熟室对鸡进行催熟；使鸡在带上进行移动，并按重量进行筛选；以及对鸡进行包装。

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREDICTING THE TENDENNESS OF MEAT ON THE PROCESSING SITE USING BIOLOGICAL AND / OR PHYSICO-CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD OF VISIBLE AND NEAR INFRARED

The invention concerns a method for determining the quality of meat, in particular beef, on the transformation site, comprising the following steps: a) collecting, on the transformation site, data on parameters pertaining to the group consisting of the animal's race, age, and category, and biological and/or physico-chemical parameters of the animal's carcass pertaining to the group consisting of weight, conformation, fleshing, the carcass pH and colour, and the thickness of the hide; b) obtaining at least an optical spectrum of the meat at wavelengths pertaining to a spectral range from the visible to near-infrared; c) combining data obtained from steps a) and b), to determine the meat tenderness according to a predetermined law established with respect to a predetermined tenderness reference scale.

Carcass segmentation apparatus and method by means of morphological operators

A method and system are described for determining the quality of a carcass which inludes capturing an image of the carcass, identifying anatomical elements of the carcass in the image, examining each anatomical element in the image for an abnormality; and classifying each anatomical element in response to the examining step. The system and method makes use of morphological operators to segment the image. The results of the classification can be used to determine further processing of the carcass.

Device and method for the classification of a food item of an organic or irregular structure

The invention relates to a device for the classification of a food item (1) of an organic or irregular structure comprising an image capture unit (2), an evaluation unit (3), a data input unit (4) and a data output unit (5), wherein the evaluation unit (3) is connected to the image capture unit (2), the data input unit (3) and the data output unit (4), and wherein the food item (1) can be captured as optical data by means of the image capture unit (2) and the optical data can be provided to the evaluation unit (3) in a transferable manner and wherein characteristic values for the food item (1) can be extracted from the optical data by means of the evaluation unit (3), wherein the characteristic values can be assembled into a characteristic value tuple for the food item (1) and wherein the characteristic value tuple of the food item (1) can be automatically assigned to a characteristic value tuple range, wherein the characteristic value tuple range is formed by one or a plurality of characteristic value tuples and wherein a class can be assigned to said characteristic value tuple range and wherein the class can be assigned to the characteristic value tuple range by means of the data input unit (4). The device is particularly characterised in that the characteristic value tuple range can be divided up into a core range and a marginal range by means of the evaluation unit (3) and in that the assignment of the characteristic value tuple for the food item (1) can be made separately by core range and marginal range. The invention further relates to a method, particularly a method that can be carried out with the device, for the classification of a food item (1) of organic or irregular structure.

Meat imaging system for palatability and yield prediction

An image analysis (IA) system for scoring characteristics predictive of palatability and yield of a meat animal carcass or cut. The IA system uses a n imaging device, a data processing unit for processing image data, and an output device for output of processed data to the user. Also disclosed is a method for using the IA system in predicting palatability, yield, or defect conditions of a meat animal carcass or cut. The results are identified with a particular piece of meat for further grading, sortation and processing.</SDO AB>

PROCESS FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF CARCASES OF LARGE CATTLE, CALVES, PIGS OR SHEEP AND DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION.

Method and device for positioning carcass parts.

METHOD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SLAUGHTER BODY AGENTS BY IMAGE PROCESSING

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Analyse von Schlachttierkoerperhaelften mittels Bildverarbeitung als eine Voraussetzung fuer die vollautomatische Grobzerlegung, Klassifizierung und Erfassung exakter morphologischer Daten in der fleischverarbeitenden Industrie bzw. in Schlachtbetrieben. Durch die Erfindung wird eine Voraussetzung geschaffen, koerperlich schwere und unexakte Arbeit zur rationalisieren. Nach der Erfindung wird sowohl die aeuszere Kontur und Speckschicht als auch die gesamte Wirbelsaeule identifiziert. Dabei stellen die Zwischenwirbelschichten die Voraussetzung zur Schnittdefinition fuer die Zerlegung dar. Die aeuszere Kontur, Speckschicht sowie die exakte Lage des 6. Lendenwirbels dienen der Berechnung fuer die Klassifizierung. Durch die Schwerpunkte der ermittelten Wirbel stellt das Verfahren gleichzeitig Parameter fuer exakte morphologische Untersuchungen zur Verfuegung.{vollautomatische Grobzerlegung; Klassifizierung; Schlachttierkoerperhaelften; Analyse Knochenstruktur; Fleischzerlegung; Kontur; Wirbelsaeule; Bildverarbeitung} The invention relates to a method for the analysis of slaughtered animal body parts by means of image processing as a prerequisite for the fully automatic coarse dissection, classification and acquisition of exact morphological data in the meat processing industry or in slaughterhouses. The invention creates a condition for rationalizing physically heavy and inexact work. According to the invention, both the outer contour and the layer of bacon as well as the entire vertebral column are identified. The intervertebral layers are the prerequisite for the definition of the section for the dissection. The outer contour, the layer of bacon and the exact position of the sixth lumbar vertebra are used to calculate the classification. Due to the focus of the determined vortices, the method simultaneously provides parameters for exact morphological examinations {fully automatic coarse decomposition; classification; ...

Grading and evaluation of poultry with ultrasound

Method and apparatus for grading poultry and determining a condemnation in an an imal or carcass intended for human consumption is taught hereinabove. The apparatus includes an ultrasou nd machine, including a probe, wherein the probe is positioned on the animal such that an image of the portion of the anima l to be examined is shown. An image analyzer determines and identifies a pattern of anatomically distinct tissue and bone out line of the animal shown on the image. Pattern re-cognition equipment compares the pattern of tissue and bone outline with a no rm reference for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue of animals requiring condemnation. If a gre ater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern is shown then, means for indicatin g a condemnation condition for the animal are activated. The probe is positioned on the carcass parallel to the keel such that the image of the breast muscle of the carcass is detected by the ultrasound machine. A breast muscle size indicator of the bre ast muscle is determined from the detected image. The calculation of a grade for the carcass is based upon the ratio of the indicator to the weight of the carcass.

Method and apparatus for positioning an ultrasonic transducer and a display screen

Disclosed herein is a system for positioning an ultrasonic transducer where the user can see the positioning device and a display of the image being generated at the same time. This system solves the problem of the user having to look away from the transducer to see the image. The method comprises positioning a display screen to show the ultrasonic image being generated to the user such that the user can see the positioning of the transducer and the image on the display screen at the same time. To accomplish this the display screen can be incorporated into or mounted directly mounted onto the transducer housing. Once the user properly positions the transducer and is satisfied with the image, a image capture signal can be sent by the user. Once the image is captured it can be sent to an associated computer for analysis, printed or saved for archiving, etc.

device for volumetric measurement of a slaughter animal body object

wo 2014/139504 1/1 pct/de 2014/000123 resumo dispositivo para a medição volumétrica de um objeto do corpo de animal de abate. a invenção refere-se a um aparelho para volumetricamente medir um objeto no corpo de um animal para abate, que tem uma primeira câmara de profundidade com uma área de gravação de câmara primeira profundidade e tendo uma segunda câmara de profundidade com uma área de gravação de câmara segunda profundidade, e tendo um aparelho de posicionamento para posicionar a câmaras de profundidade em relação ao outro e com uma unidade de avaliação, em que a unidade de avaliação está ligado às câmaras de profundidade, e em que a unidade de avaliação, adquire os dados de coordenadas espaciais fornecidos pelas câmaras de profundidade, e em que a coordenada espacial de dados a partir da câmaras de profundidade podem ser combinados como combinado coordenada espacial de dados de uma forma espacial sistema de coordenadas comum, e em que um modelo de superfície do objeto no corpo de um animal para abate, pode ser fornecida a partir do combinado coordenada espacial de dados, e em que um volume do objeto no corpo de um animal para abate, pode ser calculada a partir da superfície modelo. wo 2014/139504 1/1 pct / 2014/000123 Abstract device for the volumetric measurement of a slaughter animal body object. The invention relates to an apparatus for volumetrically measuring an object in the body of a slaughter animal having a first depth chamber with a first depth chamber recording area and having a second depth chamber with a recording area of second depth chamber, and having a positioning apparatus for positioning the depth chambers relative to one another and with an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit is connected to the depth chambers, and wherein the evaluation unit acquires the spatial coordinate data provided by the depth chambers, and wherein the spatial coordinate data from the depth chambers can be combined as combined spatial data coordinate of a ...

Image analysis systems for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal carcass

The invention is an image analysis system and method for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal. One embodiment of the invention is particularly designed to capture an image of the 12th rib cross section of the ribeye and perform an image analysis of the ribeye for grading purposes. The image capturing camera portion of the system has a wedged shaped camera housing for ease of insertion into the ribbed incision. The image capturing portion of the system further comprises a camera with a flash for consistent lighting. The camera is positioned such that it views the ribeye cross section at an angle to accommodate the wedge shape of the camera housing for ease of insertion in the incision. The camera housing also has various alignment means to facilitate the user's ability to capture images in a consistent manner. Once the image is captured either digitally or captured and converted to a digital image, an image analysis is performed on the digital image to determine parameters such as the percentage lean, total area of the ribeye, total fat area, total lean area, percent marbling, and thickness of fat adjacent to the ribeye, and other parameters. These parameters are used to predict value determining traits of the carcass.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic grading of meat

An improved transducer positioning device for use in evaluating fat thickness and muscle area at a selected rib area of a hog carcass, and for evaluating fat thickness and muscle score, of the ham portion of the carcass, is disclosed. A system for displaying ultrasonic images on a monitor and for measuring and analyzing the imaged areas for use in grading the quality of the carcass is also described. The transducer positioning device consists of a transducer support arm adapted to hold a rib area transducer in the proper position against a carcass for measurement of fat thickness at a selected rib area. The support arm includes a connector hook for attaching it to the tail of the carcass so that the transducer is accurately positioned over the rib area to be measured. In addition, a ham transducer is mounted in a collar attachment for connection to the rear leg of a hog carcass to provide an accurate measurement of fat thickness and muscling of the ham. The transducers produce real time scanned ultrasonic images which are displayed on a monitor for immediate evaluation of, and grading of, the carcass. The images are also recorded for later display on remote monitoring devices for more detailed analysis and grading by suitable pattern recognition techniques.

Device for classifying carcasses of large cattle, calves, hogs or sheep

Device of the type including a system against which a side of meat suspended from the conveyor of a slaughterhouse line bears, capable of orientating the side of meat about its hanging point, a system for taking shots which is located on one side of the conveyor, a luminous or contrasting background situated facing the system for taking shots, on the other side of the conveyor, a system for processing the shots and a control system. The system against which each side of meat bears includes a vertical post, the axis of which passes through the axis of the hook of the conveyor, this post being driven in terms of rotation by a gear motor unit and associated with a mechanism for indexing its angular position, the post having, diametrically opposite each other, two series of bearing limit stops for a side of meat, each limit stop including a support fixed to the post used for mounting a horizontal bar forming the limit stop proper.

Apparatus and method for the acquisition of linear, angular and surface measurements of live animals or carcasses of slaughtered animals

Cooling device, and method for cooling slaughtered animals

Cooling device for cooling slaughtered animals (8, 9) which have been at least partially eviscerated, and the belly cavity of which forms an essentially closed space, comprising a cooling chamber (1) which is provided with conveyor means for conveying the animals through it, while cooling medium supply means are present for supplying a cooling medium to the animals, with one or more supply openings (4, 5), and it is possible to direct the cooling medium to be delivered thereby to the outside of the slaughtered animals (8, 9), essentially at the position of a part of the body with a relatively high heat content. The cooling medium supply means preferably also comprise one or more auxiliary supply openings (5, 7), by means of which at least some of the cooling medium to be delivered by them can be guided into the belly cavity (16) of the slaughtered animals (8, 9).

A rapid chill process for poultry carcasses

Poultry carcasses are chilled rapidly when exposed to a flow of gaseous air at a temperature in the range from about -50°C to about -120°C for a period of time in the range from about 1 s to about 60 s. The flow is directed over and into the body cavity of the carcasses. The carcasses are orientated in the flow such that the sternum of each carcass faces downstream. One advantage of the process is that the number of viable microorganisms present on the carcasses is reduced significantly while avoiding freeze-damage to the carcasses.

Ultrasonic system for grading meat

An ultrasonic system for grading meat (10) transmits an ultrasonic signal (20) into the meat (10) and detects the resulting back-scattered signal. The envelope of the back-scattered signal is determined. A decaying exponential curve having the form y - exp(-Dt) is fitted to the envelope, where D is the attenuation factor for the curve and t is time. A grade of the meat (10) is then determined as a function of the attenuation factor. The accuracy of this approach can be improved by measuring the total back-scattered energy from the back-signal and generating a grade for the meat (10) based on a polynomial function of both the attenuation factor and the total back-scattered energy. Accuracy can be further enhanced by removing any anomalies in the back-scattered signal resulting from fat deposits in the meat (10) before calculating the attenuation factor.

Method and apparatus for tempering treatment of meat, tempered meat treated by the method, and refrigerated meat storage

A tempering treatment method whereby the temperature of meat, which involves carcass prepared by slaughtering cattle or poultry and sterilizing and washing, is lowered as close to the ice storage temperature as possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by the actions of enzymes contained within the meat before transporting the meant to a refrigerated storage, which comprises surface-freezing the meat by blowing a cold air stream at about -20 to about -40oC to the meant before conducting the tempering treatment, thus allowing the generation of freezing latent heat in the subcutaneous part owing to the surface-freezing (freezing the subcutaneous tissue), and then rapidly lowering the core temperature inside the meat due to the latent heat released at the melting of the freezing latent heat to thereby conduct the tempering treatment at a temperature of 0 to +15oC.

Rocker chiller

In one embodiment, a method of reducing the temperature and increasing the moisture content of carcasses includes progressively introducing the carcasses into a body of heat-exchanging fluid in a tank having a curved bottom surface, oscillating a paddle in the tank along the curved bottom surface to upwardly and laterally urge the carcasses through the body of fluid, and axially propelling jets of heat-exchanging fluid through the body of fluid to axially urge the carcasses along the length of the tank toward an outlet end of the tank.

Device and method for the classification of a food item of an organic or irregular structure

The invention relates to a device for the classification of a food item (1) of an organic or irregular structure comprising an image capture unit (2), an evaluation unit (3), a data input unit (4) and a data output unit (5), wherein the evaluation unit (3) is connected to the image capture unit (2), the data input unit (3) and the data output unit (4), and wherein the food item (1) can be captured as optical data by means of the image capture unit (2) and the optical data can be provided to the evaluation unit (3) in a transferable manner and wherein characteristic values for the food item (1) can be extracted from the optical data by means of the evaluation unit (3), wherein the characteristic values can be assembled into a characteristic value tuple for the food item (1) and wherein the characteristic value tuple of the food item (1) can be automatically assigned to a characteristic value tuple range, wherein the characteristic value tuple range is formed by one or a plurality of characteristic value tuples and wherein a class can be assigned to said characteristic value tuple range and wherein the class can be assigned to the characteristic value tuple range by means of the data input unit (4). The device is particularly characterised in that the characteristic value tuple range can be divided up into a core range and a marginal range by means of the evaluation unit (3) and in that the assignment of the characteristic value tuple for the food item (1) can be made separately by core range and marginal range. The invention further relates to a method, particularly a method that can be carried out with the device, for the classification of a food item (1) of organic or irregular structure.

System for preventing carcass scorching

The present invention is a system and method for rapidly cooling the exposed lean surfaces of a beef carcass. The system is adapted to reach important muscle regions, including the interior muscles located in the cavity of the carcass side. The system includes at least one nozzle disposed at an angle with respect to a line extending perpendicular to the carcass, such that a coolant contacts muscles located inside the cavity.

Cutting/segmentation using a combination of X-ray and optical scanning

提供加工系统和相应的方法，其用于加工包括食物个体的工件以在传送系统上传送食物个体时从食物个体切割和去除不需要的组分和分割食物个体。X射线扫描站位于上游传送机部分上，以确定食物个体的尺寸和形状参数以及食物个体的任何不需要的组分。将食物个体转移到下游传送机，光学扫描仪位于在该下游传送机处以确定食物个体的尺寸和形状参数。X射线和光学扫描的结果被传送到处理器，以确认由光学扫描仪扫描的食物个体与先前由X射线扫描仪扫描的食物个体相同。一旦确认了该相同性，来自X射线扫描仪的数据被转换或变换成来自光学扫描仪的数据。将食物个体中不需要的材料的位置从X射线扫描数据映射到光学扫描数据上。通过切割机除去不需要的材料。

High speed fresh meat slicer

A high speed fresh meat slicer is provided to make the cut pieces of the fresh meat have a uniform thickness, and to make the constitutional members thereof dissembled and assembled without tools. A high speed fresh meat slicer includes a base(1), a cutter frame, a supply portion, a cutter portion, and a sending portion(5). The cutter frame is installed on one side of the base(1) to be slant, and comprises a supply path. The supply portion is installed on one side of the cutter frame to be slant. The cutter portion cuts the protruding end of the fresh meat supplied to the side of the supply path of the cutter frame through the supply portion. The sending portion(5) is installed on the other side of the cutter frame, and is detachably installed on the base(1) to send the cut pieces of the fresh meat.

Method of determining the quality characteristics of individual carcasses and applying the method of automatic classification

Device for obtaining and analyzing characteristic data for food industry products, an apparatus comprising such a device and a method for processing food industry products

FIELD: food industry.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to food industry and is intended for obtaining and analyzing characteristic data for products. Device (10) comprises conveyor (11), which has no gaps in transportation plane and is intended for transportation of separate products (12) in T direction of transportation from loading end to unloading end, X-ray unit (13) comprising at least one X-ray source (14) and at least one X-ray chamber (15) for receiving characteristic data of products, which are installed between the loading end and unloading end of conveyor (11), wherein X-ray source (14) and X-ray chamber (15) are connected to conveyor (11) so that products (12) can be directed between source (14) and chamber (15). Device also comprises control unit (16, 19), which is connected to X-ray unit (13) and is configured to receive and analyze characteristic data of products, which form the first data set and obtained by X-ray unit (13). At least one optical camera (17) is connected to conveyor (11) between its loading end and unloading end, by means of which, in addition to X-ray unit (13), characteristic data of products (12) transported on said conveyor (11) can be obtained. Optical camera (17) is connected to control unit (18, 19) configured to receive and analyze characteristic data forming a second data set and obtained by optical camera (17). First and second data sets are analyzed in control units in form of separate disconnected data sets.EFFECT: invention also relates to plant (29) containing such device (10), and to a method for processing products (12) of food industry.21 cl, 5 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 710 146 C1 (51) МПК A22B 5/00 (2006.01) A22C 17/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A22B 5/00 (2019.08); A22C 17/00 (2019.08) (21)(22) Заявка: 2019104151, 25.07.2017 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный ...

Method for determining the quality properties of individual pieces of meat

ABSTRACT A method of determining properties of meat by measuring light reflective properties thereof. The method comprises measuring reflective values at various points along a scanning line using, for example, an optical probe inserted into the meat which can measure light in different wavelength regions or different discrete wavelengths. The output measurements from the probe are obtained as a series of whole numbers and a determina-tion is made as to the number of occurrences of each whole number. The values thus obtained are used as variables to calculate the value for the property of the meat.