The present invention relates to a pin bone removal apparatus, for removing pin bones in fish flesh, where the pin bone removal apparatus comprises at least a conveyor and a pin bone removal unit. Background of the Invention

Removal of the pin bones is a critical part of processing fresh fish. Conventional pin bone removers cannot cope with the line speed set by today's filleting machines unless the fillets are divided into 6 lanes. This set-up takes up considerable space in length and width in production facilities. In addition, conventional methods have over numerous attempts proven to be unsuccessful on especially fresh fish fillets and yet not achieved noticeable success on pre-rigor filets no matter the specie. This invention, will change, set new standards and become a new generation of intelligent and modernized pin bone removal machines in its own flexibility or with temperature manipulation in front which succeed in pre-rigor pin bone removal.

Before the development of the present invention, it has been known to remove pin bones in the following ways:

1) Manually, where operators have small tools to pick the bones from the flesh, 2) Semi-automatic, where a handheld rotating shredded drum is positioned to rip the bones from the flesh,

3) Automatic, where a conveyor takes the fish through one or more fixed rotating drums,

4) Automatic as 3), but where fillets have to be divided from 2 to 6 lanes due to the line speed, and merged again from 6 lines to 2 lines.

The speed of today's filleting machine calls for 6 lanes, which takes up a lot of space in length and width, which also is expensive, not easy to maintain or clean. In addition, the above methods have also not worked properly on fresh (pre-rigor) fish fillets, where the firm flesh and bone fastens to the skin make this impossible without damaging the flesh. The main reason the above methods have not worked properly is the fixed rollers in fixed angles, where all fillets shall pass through in a fixed pace to optimize the picking of bones.

Object of the Invention

The object of this invention is to provide a pin bone removal apparatus of the type mentioned in the introduction which changes the prior art methods by adding both intelligence and individuality to the process.

It is further objects of the invention to:

a. make it possible for an intelligent pin bone removal apparatus to comprise a scanner for filet and/or bone positioning,

b. adapt full flexible rollers (pin bone heads), which can adjust to each filet,

c. let filet pass under and to follow the filet while operating.

It is also an object of the invention to make it possible for an intelligent pin bone removal apparatus to comprise apparatus for temperature manipulation in front of the pin bone removal apparatus or built together with the pin bone removal apparatus, where the temperature manipulation apparatus works:

a. By means of microwaves and/or

b. By means of infrared and/or

c. By means of laser technology. and where the temperature manipulation apparatus works:

d. In front of the pin bone removal apparatus as an individual machine or e. In between the scanner and the pin bone remover or

f. With its own scanner e.g. laser unit.

In yet another object of the invention it is furthermore possible to add cold air during process of fillets, so outside the apparatus temperature can be higher without damaging the sensible fillet products. It is an object of the invention to significant improves today's fillet and further value added products.

It is thus objects of the invention to be able to:

1) Pick bones better and more efficient and reduce yield loss

2) Minimize space for the apparatus

3) Minimize the cost of the apparatus

4) Make the apparatus smaller and provide better cleaning etc. Description of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a pin bone removal apparatus, for removing pin bones in fish flesh, where the pin bone removal apparatus comprises at least a conveyor and a pin bone removal unit, where the pin bone removal apparatus further comprises a at least one scanner in front of the pin bone removal unit, where the scanner comprises at least a positioning unit and/or a bone detection unit.

A simple position and/or surface scanner can also control position of pinbone rollers. So any kind of scanner or sensor (electrical or mechanical) used to position and thereafter control roller position to individual fillet + MR scanner type. This makes it possible to provide a pin bone removal apparatus with intelligence and individuality. The fillets will pass through the scanner, which is able to measure the individual fillets as they pass through.

This makes it further possible to follow a procedure, where:

1. The scanner conduct a position, surface and bone detection by combining scanning methods

2. The pin bone removal unit adjust to the individual fillets

When using the scanner the fillets are then detected in terms of their location on the conveyor and the bones detected. The pin bone removal apparatus could be two individual machines, but functions could be within one machine frame as well.

This makes it possible to:

1) take up considerably less space

2) enclose the apparatus in one cabinet and to adapt to each individual fillet

3) pass the fillet much faster through the pin bone removal apparatus whether they come head or tail first

In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus, where the pin bone removal unit comprises at least one pull mechanism arranged on at least one arm, where the at least one arm has a number of flexibly positioning means, which can react on the individual fillets in motion.

This makes it possible after scanning the pin bone removers (heads) to adapt to each individual fillet.

a. The position of the individual fish and its bones, where the surface structure is tracked through to the pulling area

b. Heads placed in length can for example take every second filet and let every second pass without pulling

c. The rotating drums have servo motors and have full arm wrist flexibility d. Heads can follow the filet and extend pulling time and/or time for filet passing rotating drum/rollers

e. Each fillet is unique and the pull mechanism adapts all angles, speed accordingly, which will secure "straight" pulling from optimized angles.

f. Unique belt lift is placed to lift front of filet to expose first 2-3 bones in collar areas

The pin bones are exposed from the vertebra after filleting but piece of cartilage fastens this to the skin.

By the expression a number of positioning means is meant at least one of a linear movement of the arm, a rotating movement around the axes of the arm or around a swivel at the end of the arm where the axis of the swivel is at least parallel to the axis of the arm. It could likewise be a rotating movement around a swivel at the end of the arm where the axis of the swivel is different from parallel to the axis of the arm, preferably perpendicular to the axis of the arm. Preferably telescopic coaxial axis are used as well as swivels, however other construction means could just as well be used to conduct the same kind of movements.

This makes it possible to pull the bones out with complete flexibility and adapted to each individual fillet:

a. Up / Down

b. All vertical and horizontal angles

c. Change in the longitudinal direction with / against the belt direction

In a third aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the pin bone removal unit comprises at least two flexible pull mechanism arranged next to and / or in succession of each other, which can react to individual fillets in motion.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus, where each pull mechanism comprises at least one rotating head.

This makes it possible to remove pin bones through flexible and manoeuvrable rotator heads adjusted to the individual fillets.

In a preferred embodiment is the rotating head a rotating drum which is intended to roll over the fillets where the pin bones are placed.

After the tendering process the bones have lost their grip and can then be pulled with less or no damage to the flesh. In order to improve the result intelligent pin bone pulling is used, where:

a. The position of individual fish and its bones as well as its surface structure is tracked through to the pulling area,

b. The rotating drums have servo motors and have full arm wrist flexibility, so that the rotator drum optimizes the picking angle, c. Each fillet is unique and the pull mechanism adapts all angles, speed accordingly, which will secure "straight" pulling from optimized angles.

The pin bones are exposed from the vertebra after filleting but piece of cartilage fas- tens this to the skin.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where each rotating head having a number of flexible positioning means.

By the expression a number of positioning means is meant at least one of being ad- justable in vertical angle, being adjustable in 360 degrees or being able to run in both directions (clockwise and anticlockwise looking from the centre of rotation) and with variable speed.

This makes it possible for the rotating head to rotate in either direction, clockwise as well as anticlockwise, whichever direction is needed or wanted.

This makes it further possible with the flexibly positioning means of the arm to shift the roller/rotating head in the longitudinal direction of the fillet and thus extending the contact with the fillet, thus acting against the high speed of the conveyor.

That means that the fillet is then able to pass the rotating head/roller slower as the rotating head/roller follow the fillet in the same direction. If the fillet came with the tail first then the first roller would have to move faster than the belt and the rotating head/roller would have to drive in the opposite direction. In a preferred embodiment the pin bone removal apparatus have at least four rotating heads/rollers where the rollers are arranged two and two in parallel and two and two after each other.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the positioning unit is a 3D surface scan unit and that the bone detection unit is an x-ray unit. This makes it possible to measure the individual fillets as they pass through the scanner by means of a 3D surface scan unit to detect the shape of the fillets and an x-ray unit to detect inside bone position and the angle of the bones within the fillets. In a seventh aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the positioning unit is a 3D surface scan unit and that the bone detection unit is a MR- scanning unit.

This makes it possible to measure the individual fillets as they pass through the scan- ner by means of a 3D surface scan unit to detect the shape of the fillets and an MR- scanning unit to detect inside bone position and the angle of the bones within the fillets.

In an eight aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where that the pin bone removal unit further comprises at least one temperature manipulation unit configured to conduct a controlled heating of at least one selective area of the fish flesh and where the controlled temperature manipulation unit comprises either a microwave unit, an infrared unit or a laser unit.

This makes it possible to target the temperature manipulation to the process and to make it possible to provide a pin bone removal apparatus which is able to bring the processing window from present up to 3 days maturing down to no maturing needed.

It also makes it possible to finish the products as close to live state as possible, which includes pin bone removal and skinning.

When using the scanner the fillets are then detected in terms of their location on the conveyor and the bones detected, where after tendering process is activated. This is done by manipulating the temperature through targeted heating of bone roots, where especially the bones are fastened.

This can also be done by letting the fillets pass through an infrared unit, where infrared technology makes it possible by using the information from the scanner to heat up specific area and depth according to the fillets surface. This can also be done by letting the fillets pass through a laser unit, where laser technology makes it possible by using the information from the scanner to heat up specific area and depth according to the fillets surface with laser precision.

This can be done by letting the fillets pass through a controlled microwave chamber either in step or in a flow. The flesh will heat up the fastest, where the fat layer is thick and bones are fastened to the skin. The temperature control ensures, that it will only allow the area to tender and not the fillet to cook.

The temperature manipulation unit is preferably followed by the pin bone removal unit which could further be followed by a skinning machine or alternatively could a skinning machine follow after the temperature manipulation unit and before the pin bone removal unit. Both options are possible due to the fact that the skinning process becomes easier after the temperature manipulation unit.

Where a microwave tunnel is the temperature manipulation unit, the following procedure is also possible:

1. The temperature manipulation unit conduct a tendering process through targeted heating of bone roots,

2. The scanner conduct a position and bone detection by combining scanning methods, and

3. The pin bone removal unit adjust to the individual fillets The latter is due to the fact that the microwave unit also is able to operate without the scanner.

The process can be summarized as a two-step procedure, but not limited to:

1) Positioning and bone detection by combining scanning methods

2) Pin bone removal through flexible and manoeuvrable rotator heads adjusted to individual filets

This can be done by letting the fillets pass through a controlled microwave tunnel either in step or in a flow. The flesh will heat up the fastest, where the fat layer is thick and bones are fastened to the skin. The temperature control ensures, that it will only allow the area to tender and not the fillet to cook, hence a controlled heating of at least one selective area of the fish. With laser technology is it also possible to heat up the flesh, where the fat layer is thick and bones are fastened to the skin area, thus a controlled heating of at least one selective area.

The pin bone removal apparatus comprising a temperature manipulation unit as ex- plained would be a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus.

By a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus is meant a single unit machine or a combination of units working together one after another in a line, thus inline. The conveyor is preferably a single conveyor that transports the fish through the entire pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone apparatus such that the fish do not change its position between the units of the pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone apparatus. Alternatively it could be a number of conveyors as long as the fish do not change its position.

The conveyor is able to move the fillets forward in a flow, where it is understood that a flow is both considered to be controllable steps or forward continuous movement, where the fillets are in motion at both steps/movement.

The temperature manipulation unit is able to work from any side of the fish, whether that may be from above, below, front, back or from the sides. Furthermore is it able to work from at least one angle, where it by angle is meant angle in relation to the surface of the fish.

For the pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus to be able to work at all it is preferably driven by electricity.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where at least the laser unit further comprises a laser tool arranged at a robotic arm. This makes it possible to precisely pinpoint the position, distance and angle of the laser in relation to the fillet. In a preferred embodiment is the robotic arm part of a flex picker robot. In an alternative embodiment another type of robot could be used. It is also possible to have the laser perform a certain system of movements, whether that is in a tilted angle, zigzag, from side to side or other patterns or movements.

In a preferred embodiment are servo motors as rotary or linear actuators used due to their ability to conduct precise control of positions, angularly or linearly. Servo motors also have the ability to control velocity as well as acceleration.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the pin bone removal apparatus comprises a cabinet with self-cleaning means.

This makes it possible to conduct a completely automatized inside cleaning of a single unit machine or the combination of several or all the individual machines connected and working together, where the machines comprises cabinets.

The uniqueness continues as a solution, where movable and fixed spray bars combined with a sloped bottom section is making it possible to make a complete internal wash down, which include a 360 degree belt and cabinet wash.

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the automated inside cleaning cabinets comprise moveable and/or fixed spray bars.

This makes it possible to choose the most optimal solution, whether that is moveable or fixed spray bars. It also makes it possible to choose a combination of movable or fixed spray bars. One cabinet might require one solution, another cabinet another. Though preferably, all cabinets comprise the same solution.

In a twelfth aspect, the present invention also relates to a pin bone removal apparatus where the automated inside cleaning cabinets further comprise a sloped bottom section. This makes it possible to get the water and other liquids used for cleaning out of the cabinets. In one embodiment is the bottom sloped to one end of the cabinet, in another embodiment to the other end or in a third embodiment at the bottom centre of the cabinet.

The invention could be a single unit machine or a combination from two or more individual machines working together. The machine frames and cabinets are made to connect with each other and allow for completely automatized inside cleaning. Movable and fixed spray bars combined with a sloped bottom section is making it possible to make a complete internal wash down.

The invention also includes or at least could include a system for control- and regulating the apparatus comprising different technical items, such as for example microprocessors, sensors, timers, motors and actuators, which are not all described in the speci- fication, but as one of ordinary skill will recognize necessary to the invention, to make it function properly.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will be described in further detail below by means of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a manually method of prior art

Figure 2 shows a semi-automatic method of prior art

Figure 3 shows an automatic method of prior art

Figure 4 shows 6 lanes inclusive a divider and merger

Figure 5 shows an intelligent pin bone line - closed

Figure 6 shows an intelligent pin bone line- open

Figure 7 shows a scanner

Figure 8a-8c shows surface and bone scanning

Figure 9 shows a microwave unit

Figure 10 shows microwaves

Figure 11 shows the "Thermal mode" with depth impact shown as "sinus heat curves"

Figure 12 shows a laser

Figure 13 shows a laser beam from tool Figure 14 shows the "Thermal mode" sinus heat curves

Figure 15 shows a pin bone removal unit

Figure 16a- 16c shows a salmon fillet with bone structure

Figure 17a-17f shows rollers flexible in all directions to match fillet structure and ex- tend picking/pulling window

Figure 18a- 18c shows fillets running through with the roller going in both directions Figure 19 shows an intelligent pin bone line- open, in open position where the means for easy cleaning is shown

Figure 20 shows a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus, in closed posi- tion

Figure 21 shows a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus comprising a microwave unit, in open position

Figure 22 shows a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus comprising a laser unit, in open position.

The figures shown illustrates salmon, however the invention can be handling other kinds of individual fish as well.

In the description of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals in the various figures. Thus, there will not be given an explanation of all details in connection with each figure / embodiment.

In the drawing, the following reference numerals have been used for the designations used in the detailed part of the description:

1 Tool

2 Bone

3 Fish flesh

4 Handheld rotating shredded drum

5 Conveyor

6 Fish fillet

7 Automatic rotating drum

8 Pin bone removal apparatus

9 Direction of processing 10 scanner

11 Temperature manipulation unit

12 Pin bone removal unit

13 Microwave unit

14 Laser unit

15 Cabinet

16 Hatch

17 Positioning unit

17a 3D surface scan unit

18 Bone detection unit

18a X-ray unit

18b MR scanning unit

19 Microwave

20 Laser tool

21 Flex picker robot

22 Laser beam

23 Salmon

24 Backbone

25 Skin

26 Pull mechanism

27 Arm

28 Rotating drum

29 Linear movement, vertical

30 First rotating movement

31 First swivel

32 Second rotating movement

33 Second swivel

34 Automated inside cleaning cabinets

35 Spray bars

36 Sloped bottom section

37 Air, water, electricity connections

38 Water drain pipe

39 Lanes

40 Divider 41 Merger

42 Linear movement, horizontal length

43 Linear movement, horizontal width

44 Rotating movement Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a manually method of prior art, where operators have small tools 1 to pick the bones 2 from the fish flesh 3. Figure 2 shows a semi-automatic method of prior art, where a handheld rotating shredded drum 4 is positioned to rip the pin bones 2 from the fish flesh 3. Figure 3 shows an automatic method of prior art, where a conveyor 5 takes the fish fillet 6 through one or more automatic rotating drums 7.

Figure 4 shows 6 lanes 39 inclusive divider 40 and merger 41.

Figure 5 shows an intelligent pin bone removal apparatus 8 in closed position, where a conveyor 5 is transporting fish fillets 6 in the direction of processing 9.

Figure 6 shows an intelligent pin bone removal apparatus 8 in open position. The figure shows the position unit 17 as well as the pull mechanism 26. By open position is meant that the cabinet 15 has a hatch 16, a door or a similar device which can be opened and closed.

Figure 7 shows a scanner 10. Figure 8a shows a 3D surface scanning of a fish fillet conducted by a positioning unit 17 in terms of a 3D surface scan unit 17a; figure 8b shows a bone scanning conducted by a bone detection unit 18 either in terms of an x- ray unit 18a or a MR scanning unit 18b. Figure 8c shows a fish fillet 6 with pin bones 2.

Figure 9 shows a microwave unit 13, in open position. Figure 10 shows microwaves 19 (just one wave is shown as a sinus heat curve for illustration) from the microwave unit 13 that hit the fish fillet 6 whereby the tendering process is then activated. This is done by manipulating the temperature, where especially the bones are fastened. Fat is more aqueous than flesh or meat, which means that the fat becomes warmer before the meat when exposed for microwaves. Since the bones are fastened to the fat which again is fastened to the skin the coherence becomes weaker and the bones becomes thus easier to pull without damaging the flesh of the fish. Figure 11 shows the "Thermal mode" with depth impact.

Figure 12 shows a laser unit 14, in open position where a laser tool 20 is mounted on a flex picker robot 21. Figure 13 shows a laser beam 22 from the laser unit 14, where the laser beam 22 hit the fish fillet 6 whereby the tendering process is then activated by manipulating the temperature, where especially the bones are fastened. With laser technology this can be done very precisely. Figure 14 shows the "Thermal mode".

Figure 15 shows a pin bone removal unit 12 where four pull mechanism are arranged next to and in succession of each other, such that two and two are arranged next to each other and two and two in succession of each other.

Figure 16a shows a salmon 23 in cross section with its bone structure comprising backbone 24 and pin bones 2. Figure 16b shows a fillet 6 with pin bones 2 in the lengthwise direction of the fish fillet 6 and figure 16c shows a fillet 6 with pin bones 2 in a cross section of the fish fillet 6. The pin bones 2 are exposed from the backbone 24 after filleting but piece of cartilage fastens the pin bones 2 to the skin 25.

Figure 17a-f shows the flexibly positioning means of the pull mechanism 26 arranged on at least one arm 27 of the pin bone removal unit 12, which allows the pull mechanism 26 shown as a rotating drum 28 flexibly positioning means to optimize the pick- ing angle. Figure 17a shows an example of a linear movement 29 of the arm 27 adjustable up and down in height (vertical), figure 17b an example of a front to end displacement as linear movement 42 in length (horizontal), figure 17c an example of a first rotating movement 30 adjustable in an angle around a first swivel 31 at the end of the arm 27, figure 17d an example of a side to side displacement as linear movement 43 in width (horizontal), figure 17e shows a second rotating movement 32 adjustable 360 degrees around a second swivel 33 at the end of the arm 27 where the axis of the second swivel 33 is parallel to the axis of the arm 27, figure 17f shows that rotating drums 28 are able to run in both directions, rotating movement 44 and with variable speed. Figure 18a-c shows examples of fillets running through with the roller going in both directions (with the fillet and towards the fillet), so that the pull mechanism 26 matches the structure of the fillet 6. Figure 18a shows the conveyor 5 moving in one direc- tion and where the arm 27 of the pull mechanism 26 is moving in the opposite direction from one end of the fillet 6, figure 18b shows the conveyor 5 moving in one direction and where the arm 27 of the pull mechanism 26 is moving in the same direction from one end of the fillet 6 and to the other end of the fillet 6 shown at figure 18c. Figure 19 shows a pin bone removal apparatus 8, in open position where the means for easy cleaning is shown. This comprises automated inside cleaning cabinets 34 with moveable and/or fixed spray bars 35 as well as a sloped bottom section 36. Further are shown air, water and electricity connections 37 as well as the water drain pipe 38.

Figure 20 shows an example of how a pin bone removal apparatus 8 is turned into a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus. The figure shows the apparatus 8 in closed position, where a conveyor 5 is transporting fish fillets 6 in the direction of processing 9. In the shown embodiment is a temperature manipulation unit 11 placed in between a scanner 10 and a pin bone removal unit 12. Figure 21 shows an example of how a pin bone removal apparatus 8 is turned into a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus. The figure shows the apparatus 8 in open position comprising a microwave unit 13.

Figure 22 shows an example of how a pin bone removal apparatus 8 is turned into a pre-rigor and fresh fish pin bone removal apparatus. The figure shows the apparatus 8 in open position comprising a laser unit 14, in open position. By open position is meant that the cabinet 15 has a hatch 16, a door or a similar device which can be opened and closed.