Loin puller

摘要

An improved loin puller (10) for trimming the back fat (34) from a loin (32) which is attached to a carcass half (30) by using an automated system having a variable width and depth of cut. A frame (12) is provided to support the individual components of the improved loin puller (10) a selected distance above a support surface (38). A conveyor belt (50) is provided for conveying the carcass half (30) toward a cutting blade (76). Loin engagement chains (56) are provided for pulling the loin (32) and associated back fat (34) toward and across the cutting blade (76). The cutting blade (76) is provided for separating the loin (32) from the back fat (34). A cutting depth adjuster (20) is provided for selectively controlling the depth of cut. A cutting width adjustor (22) is provided for selectively varying the width of the cut without substantially varying the depth of the cut. A cutting blade heater (28) is provided for heating the cutting blade (76) to soften the fat being cut and thus ease the cutting pressure required. A second conveyor belt (118) may be provided for supporting and conveying the front portion of the carcass half (36). A stationary support shelf (154) may alternatively be provided for supporting the front portion of the Carcass half (154).