METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING MEAT

摘要

There is disclosed apparatus for the mechanical removal of whole-tissue meat from the region of the vertebrae of an animal carcass. The apparatus comprises a support means for supporting the or part of the carcass. A cutting means is provided for making a longitudinal cut in the meat along the line of the vertical dorsal protrusions of the vertebrae. There is also provided substantially rigid clearing means of substantially fixed shape and means for causing relative movement between the support and the clearing means such that the clearing means is able to move longitudinally along the or part of the carcass to force the meat away from the vertical and lateral protrusions of the vertebrae and if present at least part of the length of the ribs extending from the vertebrae. There is also disclosed a method of removing whole-tissue meat from the region of the vertebrae of an animal carcass.