摘要 |
A plurality of bird openers (36) are positioned in a circular array about a revolving carrousel framework (22) which is rotated by engagement with a moving overhead conveyor system. Each bird opener is moved vertically by a cam arrangement (35) as the carrousel framework rotates. Birds suspended from the conveyor are positioned adjacent each bird opener, with the bird opener protruding between the legs of its bird, and each bird opener is lowered down into engagement with its bird, so that a cutting element (75) enters the body cavity of the bird and cleats (54) engage the body of the bird about the opening of the body cavity to hold the bird in a stationary attitude upon further movement with the carrousel. The cutting element is thrust in an upwardly directed arc (100) away from the center axis of the carrousel framework so as to cut through the body portion of the bird and to enlarge the vent opening of the bird while the bird is held in position by the cleats.
|