Rectum separating

Details Rectum separating Rectum separating

1996-07-23

1997-11-18

Little, Willis

Butchering

Viscera processing

Venting or opening preparatory to eviscerating

452176, A22C 2106, A23B 500

Patent

active

056881649

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating and dosing the rectum of a slaughtered animal carcass.
The separating of the rectum and closing or "bagging" of the anus is presently a manual operation in the case of cattle and also usually in the case of other slaughtered animals. Typically, the carcass is hanging from an overhead rail by hooks attached to the bovine's rear legs. The slaughterman stands on an elevated floor which is at a height such that the anus of the bovine is at approximately waist level. The speed of the conveyor is such that a new animal passes in front of the slaughterman between every 20 and 50 seconds, depending upon the schedule for the abattoir.
The slaughterman's first task is to separate the rectum. Typically, the flesh next to the anus is gripped with one hand and the knife held with the other. The hold on the anus is to tension the rectum away from the knife. The first series of cuts is around the inner surface of the pelvic bone to a depth of approximately 80 mm; several strokes are needed to completely circumscribe the anus, rectum and urogenital organs. The next series of cuts are required to separate the organs to depths approaching 300 mm; the knife hand by this stage is within the pelvis. The time taken to perform the separating task is about 10 seconds.
The stage after the separation of the rectum is the sealing and tying of the rectum. In most slaughter-houses, a plastic bag is used to cover the separated rectum and associated tissue. The bag can then be tied onto the tissue using various devices, such as string, elastic bands or an elastrator ring which is a type of food-approved O-ring which must be expanded using pneumatic pliers. The time taken for the sealing is about 10 seconds.
The slaughterman is then required to sterilise his knife and clean any contamination from his hands and arms.
A mechanised or partially mechanised process is known for use with smaller animals, particularly pigs. This mechanised operation involves holding the anus against movement by application of a vacuum, followed by advancing a tubular saw blade which cuts around the rectum. The strength of the hold by use of a vacuum is not great and the process and apparatus is unsuitable for larger animals, particularly cattle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus for effectively separating and closing the rectum of a slaughtered animal carcass.
It is a further and preferred object to provide a method and apparatus for separating and closing the rectum of a slaughtered animal carcass which is capable of at least partial mechanisation.
According to the present invention there is provided a process for separating and closing the rectum of a slaughtered animal carcass, the process comprising the steps of: apparatus is located in the closed end of the bag, the gripping apparatus acting through the bag but without perforating the bag, the carcass without piercing the rectum, have been cut and constricting the bag around the rectum at a location spaced inwardly of the anus so as to constrict the rectum whereby the bag encloses the anus and a terminal end section of the rectum, and section of the rectum to enter into the pelvic cavity of the carcass for removal together with other viscera without discharge from the anus contaminating the carcass.
The step of cutting tissues may comprise manually cutting tissues around the rectum by manual operation of a cutting tool, e.g. by a slaughterman using a knife. Alternatively the cutting may be carried out by mechanically advancing and operating a cutting means such as a powered cutting blade or saw so as to cut tissues around the rectum to a predetermined depth inside the pelvic cavity.
The process may include the further step of applying longitudinal tension to the rectum by partial retraction of the gripping apparatus subsequent to the step of gripping tissues so as to thereby straighten the path of the rectum and minimise lateral movement of the rectum during the step of cutting tissues. The applicatio

REFERENCES:
patent: 4023237 (1977-05-01), Meyn
patent: 5123871 (1992-06-01), Van Den Nicuwelaar et al.
patent: 5133686 (1992-07-01), Van Den Nicuwelaar et al.
patent: 5474492 (1995-12-01), Aubert
patent: 5580304 (1996-12-01), Bleth et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Rectum separating does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Rectum separating, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rectum separating will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1561714