US3675273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fish butchering apparatus
Assignee: Star Kist Foods Inc
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Filing: 1970-11-27
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1990-11-27
Abstract
Abstract Fish butchering apparatus for separating a fish into a main loin section and a lower head and belly section. The apparatus includes a power-operated vertically movable knife which is urged towards and away from a horizontal table upon which a fish is positioned. Means on the table cooperate to position a fish so that the knife will cut downwardly through such fish along a line extending approximately from the center of the eye to the vent regardless of the size of the fish.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank V Vidjak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:01
CPC Classifications
A; A22; A22C; A22C25/00; A22C25/14; A22C25/145; A22C25/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
Butchering apparatus for use with tuna-like fish of various sizes, comprising; a frame having a horizontal table, the upper surface of said table receiving fish to be butchered; a vertically movable knife carried by said frame; power-operated means interposed between said frame and said knife to urge said knife downwardly towards said table, to butcher a fish disposed on its side upon the upper surface of said table and to thereafter raise said knife; a fixed belly-engaging guide on said table; a transversely movable back-engaging plate on said table; a longitudinally movable nose-engaging plate on said table; and linkage means operatively interconnecting said plates to cause said nose-engaging plate to automatically move a predetermined longitudinal distance when said back-engaging plate is moved a transverse distance corresponding to the width of a fish to be butchered, whereby said guide and said plates will position different sizes of fish so that said knife will cut downwardly through said fish along a line extending approximately from the center of the eye to the vent of said fish.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
Butchering apparatus for use with tuna-like fish of various sizes, comprising; a frame having a horizontal table, the upper surface of said table receiving fish to be butchered; a vertically movable knife carried by said frame; power-operated means interposed between said frame and said knife to urge said knife downwardly towards said table, to butcher a fish disposed on its side upon the upper surface of said table and to thereafter raise said knife; a fixed belly-engaging guide on said table; a transversely movable back-engaging plate on said table; a longitudinally movable nose-engaging plate on said table; and linkage means operatively interconnecting said plates to cause said nose-engaging plate to automatically move a predetermined longitudinal distance when said back-engaging plate is moved a transverse distance corresponding to the width of a fish to be butchered, whereby said guide and said plates will position different sizes of fish so that said knife will cut downwardly through said fish along a line extending approximately from the center of the eye to the vent of said fish.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said linkage effects a transverse movement of said back-engaging plate to a longitudinal movement of said nose-engaging plate in the ratio of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said belly-engaging guide includes a pusher element and spring means constantly though gently urging said pusher element towards a fish being butchered.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said table is formed with a head-receiving aperture and a body-receiving opening, and said aperture and opening are normally closed by panel means, means operatively interposed between said frame and said panel means to move said panel means to an open position as said knife reaches its lower position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said nose-engaging plate is adjustable transversely relative to said fish.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said belly-engaging guide includes a pusher element and spring means constantly though gently urging said pusher element towards a fish being butchered.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said table is formed with a head-receiving aperture and a body-receiving opening, and said aperture and opening are normally closed by panel means, means operatively interposed between said frame and said panel means to move said panel means to an open position as said knife reaches its lower position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
Butchering apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said nose-engaging plate is adjustable transversely relative to said fish.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said table is formed with a head-receiving aperture and a body-receiving opening, and said aperture and opening are normally closed by panel means, means operAtively interposed between said frame and said panel means to move said panel means to an open position as said knife reaches its lower position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said nose-engaging plate is adjustable transversely relative to said fish.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |