VEBENSTAD, Petter, Aaby (Christian Monsens gt. 4, Trondheim, N-7015, NO)
MISIMI, Ekrem (Fogdenget 10, Trondheim, N-7029, NO)
WESTAVIK, Harry (Hjalmar Johansens vei 15, Trondheim, N-7020, NO)
BAR, Eirin, Marie, Skjöndal (Blaaklokkeveien 31A, Trondheim, N-7050, NO)
ÖSTVIK, Stein, Ove (Sagplassveien 103, Ranheim, N-7054, NO)
BONDÖ, Morten, Steen (Reppeveien 27, Ranheim, N-7054, NO)
SINTEF FISKERI OG HAVBRUK AS (Brattörkaia 17B, Trondheim, N-7010, NO)
KJÖLAAS, Frode, Haakon (Box 66, Stranda, N-6201, NO)
VEBENSTAD, Petter, Aaby (Christian Monsens gt. 4, Trondheim, N-7015, NO)
MISIMI, Ekrem (Fogdenget 10, Trondheim, N-7029, NO)
WESTAVIK, Harry (Hjalmar Johansens vei 15, Trondheim, N-7020, NO)
BAR, Eirin, Marie, Skjöndal (Blaaklokkeveien 31A, Trondheim, N-7050, NO)
ÖSTVIK, Stein, Ove (Sagplassveien 103, Ranheim, N-7054, NO)
BONDÖ, Morten, Steen (Reppeveien 27, Ranheim, N-7054, NO)
| Claims 1. System for processing fish, said system comprising means (12) for distributing a flow of fish (30), means (20, 21, 26) for orienting and/or singularizing fish (30) and means (22) for fixating and transporting live fish (30), characterized in that the system is arranged to distribute a flow of live fish (30), to orient and singularize the distributed flow of live fish (30), and to transport and fixate the orientated and singularized fish (30) in order to allow external units to treat the oriented, singularized and fixated fish (30). 2. System in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that means (12) for distributing a flow of live fish (30) is arranged to: - keep the orientation of the fish in the speed direction, - perform speed-directional orientation of the fish arriving with an orientation transverse to the speed direction, - separate fish in the speed direction, - separate fish in the direction transverse to the speed direction. 3. System in accordance with claim 1-2, characterized in that means (12) for distributing a flow of live fish (30) moreover is arranged, preferably in the form of a constriction, to orient and/or singularize the fish in the back-abdomen direction, so that either back or abdomen points upwards. 4. System in accordance with any of claims 1-3, characterized in that means (12) for distributing a flow of live fish (30), preferably is a distribution tray formed by one or more preferably substantially rectangular or square plates (13a-b), which are provided with courses. 5. System in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the courses are formed by fins (16, 17a-b, 18a-b, 19a-b) extend substantially vertically up from the plate(s) (13a-b) and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the plate(s) (13a-b). 6. System in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the courses of the distribution tray (12) are so designed that the substantially rectangular or square plates (13a-b) transform from an initial flat profile into a funnel shaped profile. 7. System in accordance with any of claims 4-6, characterized in that the courses are separated in the width direction of the plate(s) (13a-b) and that the courses preferably exhibit an arch form extending from a location adjacent to the centre line of the plate(s) (13a-b). 8. System in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the fins (17a-b) which form the outer limits of the distribution tray (12) preferably have substantially rectangular shape whereas the fins (16, 18a-b, 19a-b) between the same preferably have an increasing width in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the plate(s) (13a-b). 9. System in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that means (20, 21) for orienting and/or singularizing fish is arranged to or integrated within the courses in means (12) for distributing fish. 10. System in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that means (20) for orienting and/or singularizing is a constriction arranged above or at the bottom of the courses, such as a physical obstruction or hindrance. 11. System in accordance with claim 9 characterized in that means (21) for orienting and/or singularizing is an orienting pipe having an initial substantially circular shape changing into a super- elliptical or substantially rectangular shape with arched short sides. 12. System in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that means (22) for transporting and fixating live fish (30) is arranged adjacent to means (12) for distributing fish (30) or means (21) for orienting and/or singularizing fish. 13. System in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that means (22) for transporting and fixating live fish has the form of V-transporters or similar, preferably in the form of endless belts (23, 24), said belts (23, 24) being driven by drive means (25a-b). 14. System in accordance with claim 12-13, characterized in that means (22) for transporting is arranged to orient the fish (30) in the back-abdomen direction in that the belts (23, 24) of the V- transporters exhibit a surface with low friction. 15. System in accordance with one of claims 12-14, characterized in that the V-transporters (22) comprise numerous belts (23, 24) arranged above each other and/or that the V-transporter (22) belts (23, 24) are provided with longitudinal openings for allowing external units to treat the fixated fish. 16. System in accordance with one of claims 12-15, characterized in that means (22) for transporting and fixating are provided with means (26) for orienting and/or singularizing fish. 17. System in accordance with one of claims 1-16, characterized in that means (20, 26) for orienting and/or singularizing are machine controlled, controlled by torque arm or similar or permanently fixed. 18. System in accordance with one of claims 1-17, characterized in that the system comprises a controller unit provided with means and/or provided with software for controlling the system. |
The present invention is related to a system for processing, orienting, singularizing, transportation and fixation of live fish as stated in the preamble of patent claim 1.
Background
The fish farming industry and equipment vendors are frequently faced with new requirements. The requirements are issued by authorities that regulate the legislation, the customers and the industry itself. In the near future, use of live cooling tanks to anaesthetize fish will become illegal in Norway. For that reason the numerous processing plants in Norway that are using live cooling tanks will face large technological change-over in the near future. The end customers are extremely concerned about high raw material quality and that farmed fish of ethical reasons are being treated gently. Moreover, the fish farming industry makes increasing demands on efficiency and capacity, which requires improvements to and renewal of existing systems. At the same time they must operate within existing regulations with regard to environmental safety, hygienic conditions and animal welfare. Therefore the industry seeks new efficient technological solutions which are capable of handling large quantities of farmed fish or caught wild fish while still allowing low level costs and maintaining ethical slaughtering and high product quality.
From JP 6255753 it is known to sort, transport and orient fish by using endless conveyors. US Patent 4,270,650 describes and apparatus and a process for aligning fish by using endless conveyors.
JP Patent publication 56164740 describes an apparatus for aligning the fish in the head direction by means of a rotating distribution tray.
DE 2619563 teaches a device for aligning fish by means of endless bands. The prior art solutions are mainly related to already killed fish and will thus exhibit substantial drawbacks if they were to be used on live fish, since the known solutions are unsuitable with live fish that move randomly. At the present time, electrical anaesthetizing and similar is, among other things, being used prior to slaughtering of fish. A drawback of the today's systems is that the anaesthetizing of fish fails to hit where it is supposed to because the fish are not oriented and fixated in a proper manner. If the electricity initially is supplied to another part of the fish body than the head, there is a risk that the backbone of the fish breaks at one or more locations. This deteriorates the product quality in the form of blood in the fish meat. In addition, the slaughtering ethics and moral are poor. Use of electrical anaesthetizing therefore requires that the electricity initially is directed to the head of the fish. There is for that reason a need to create a system for humane and ethical slaughtering of fish, and therefore it is aimed at a system which in a gentle manner can distribute, orient, transport, anaesthetize, cut and post treat fish. It is moreover a wish that the systems can be operated automatically, i.e. without manual interference by humans.
Objective
The main objective of the invention is to create a system for distributing, orienting, singularizing, transporting and fixating live fish, a system which arranges for a gentle and ethical anaesthetizing and destruction line for fish. Another objective is to create a system which can be extended with additional units for treatment of the fish and to allow use of such units.
An objective with the invention is to create a system which provides a fully automatic anaesthetizing and destruction line for fish.
The invention
A system in accordance with the invention is stated in patent claim 1. Beneficial features of the system are stated in patent claims 2-18.
A system in accordance with the invention preferably comprises means for distribution of a flow of fish, means for orienting and singularizing fish, including means for fixating and transporting fish.
The system is supplied with fish from a suited system therefore, such as a supply pipe, which is known and is not detailed here.
The means for distribution of a fish flow is preferably a distribution tray or similar, said means being arranged to - keep the orientation of the fish in the speed direction,
- perform speed-directional orientation of fish arriving transverse to the speed direction,
- separate fish in the speed direction,
- separate fish in the direction transverse to the speed direction, and to
- orient the fish in back-abdomen direction so that either abdomen or back points upwards. The means for distribution of a fish flow, preferably a distribution tray, is preferably formed of one or more preferably substantially rectangular or square plates, which are provided with courses, for example formed by fins extending substantially vertically up from the plate(s) and which extend substantially in the length direction or for example that the plate(s) in the courses is/are arranged to transform from a substantially flat shape to a funnel like shape. These courses are preferably mutually interspaced in the width direction of the plate(s) and they preferably exhibit an arch shape thus forming several separate courses for distributing fish. By using fins to establish courses, the fins which form the external limits of the distribution tray preferably have a rectangular shape, whereas the fins there between preferably have an increasing width in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the plate(s). Means for distribution of the fish preferably extend substantially horizontally in the longitudinal direction from a system for supply of fish, such as a supply pipe. Preferably the distribution tray is formed by two plates arranged movably in relation to each other along a long side to enable movement of the plates in the vertical plane about a common axis to promote fish distribution. Moreover, the distribution tray can be arranged to be movable as a whole in the horizontal plane, so that the distribution tray can be tilted forward. Fish which are supplied to the distribution tray will then move in the longitudinal direction of the distribution tray by means of the fish' own movement, i.e. the speed the fish have when arriving at the distribution tray, and the distribution tray can be somewhat tilted in the horizontal plane so that the fish easily slide along the courses in the distribution tray. Means for orienting and/or singularizing fish are arranged proximate to the means for distribution of fish, and are designed to:
- orient the fish in back-abdomen direction, so that either back or abdomen points upwards, to make sure that the fish never lay on their side when it comes out from the means for orientating and/or singularizing
- prevent that more than one fish at the time emerges from the means for orientating and/or singularizing.
The means for orientating and/or singularizing fish is arranged to or integrated in the courses which are formed in the means for distribution of fish and extends substantially horizontally from the means for distribution of fish to prevent more than one fish across emerges from the means for orientating and/or singularizing. The means for orientating and/or singularizing is preferably a narrowing, either above or at the bottom of the courses formed in the means for distribution, preferably formed with a substantially U-form or similar, integrated in the courses formed in the fish distribution means, preferably adjacent to the end of the courses. This narrowing will contribute to both singularizing and to orientating the fish in the back-abdomen direction. The narrowing can for example be physical obstructions or hindrances which can be movable or mounted rigidly. Instead of the narrowing, or in addition, the means for orientating and/or singularizing of fish may comprise orientation pipes, which are arranged to each of the courses formed in the fish distribution means. The orientation pipes preferably have an initial circular shape which transfers to a super-elliptical or substantially rectangular shape with curved short sides. Moreover, as mentioned above, the distribution tray can be arranged to promote the fish back- abdomen orientating by the fact that the courses transfer from a substantially flat shape to a funnel like shape.
Means for transportation and fixation are arranged adjacent to the orientation means and are preferably V-transporters or similar, preferably in the form of endless conveyors, said means being arranged to:
- fixate fish so that they are held relatively calm for intervention of other units,
- transport fish in the longitudinal direction, i.e. move fish from one tray in the anaesthetizing/destruction process to another, - make it possible to include other units, such as detection, anaesthetizing, cutting, bleeding etc, orient fish in the back-abdomen direction so that either back or abdomen points upwards.
The fish transporting and fixating means is arranged adjacent to the end of each of the means orientating and/or singularizing of fish and extends substantially horizontally from the means for orientating and/or singularizing fish. In this way the transporting and fixating means is preferably arranged substantially in parallel side by side at each single outlet from the fish distribution means and means for orientating and/or singularizing fish. The fish transporting and fixating means can also orient the fish in the back-abdomen direction in that it preferably exhibits a V-shape, combined with the fact that the transporting and fixating means exhibits a smooth surface, e.g. V- transporters of known type having a conveyor with a smooth surface. Moreover, the transporting and fixating means can in addition to or instead of the means for orientating and/or singularizing mentioned above, be provided with means for orientating and/or singularizing to promote orientation and singularization.
In this way, the system comprises means for distributing fish, means for orientating and/or singularizing fish which then can be transported and fixated for treatment. Since several means for transporting and fixating in a simple manner can be arranged in series, a system is thus created which in a simple manner can be expanded to create an anaesthetizing and destruction line. Various units for treatment of the fish, such as detecting, anaesthetizing, cutting and bleeding, can easily be arranged to or in connection with each of the transporting and fixating means. The system can be adapted to various units which treat the fish in the means for fish transporting and fixating. For example, the means for transporting and fixating fish can be provided with a longitudinal aperture in the conveyors, so that means can engage through this aperture, or several conveyors can be arranged on top of each other to form an opening there between where units can treat the fish. In this way the system can be adapted to the individual user's objective and individual units for treatment of the fish. The system promotes treatment of fish in a gentle and ethical manner. By the term gentle is meant that the fish to the extent possible is exposed to small external forces. By the term ethical is meant that the treatment of the fish is to be performed in such a manner that the fish is subjected to as little pain and stress as possible. The fixation of the fish in the means for transportation facilitates an ethical destruction of the fish due to the ease with which the fish can be detected and anaesthetized, in a manner that creates as little stress and pain as possible.
In addition the system allows a simple automation of future and existing anaesthetizing and destruction lines by offering a convenient adaption and extension to desired size and capacity. The system for automation is preferably provided with a controller unit, which is provided with means and/or is provided with software for controlling the system. The controlling of the system will depend on which treatment means which are arranged in the system, but preferably, the system at least comprises means for controlling the fish supply, so that the means for distributing fish is not flooded and loses its function. Moreover, the system preferably comprises means for controlling the speed for the transporting and fixating means.
Further beneficial features and details of the invention will appear from the following example description.
Example The system in accordance with the invention will in the following be described in more detail by reference to the figures, where
Figure 1 shows a principle drawing of one embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 shows details of the means for transporting and fixating fish, Figure 3 shows a distribution tray provided with means for singularizing and/or orientating, Figure 4 shows how a system in accordance with the invention works, and
Figure 5a-b show details of an embodiment of the means for orientating and/or singularizing fish.
Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows a first embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention. The system comprises means 12 for distribution of fish, said means 12 preferably being a distribution tray or similar. In an advantageous embodiment the distribution tray is formed of two substantially rectangular plates 13a and 13b, which are arranged adjacent to each other along a longitudinal centre profile 14. The plates 13a and 13b are preferably provided with hinges 15 or similar means along one of the long sides. The centre profile 14 is preferably provided with means for arranging the plates 13a and 13b on each side, via the hinges 15. The plates 13a and 13b thus extend along the longitudinal centre profile 14 and with a width from the centre profile; the plates 13a and 13b being movable in the vertical direction about a longitudinal axis formed by the centre profile 14. The advantage of the plates 13a and 13b being movable about the centre profile will be explained further below. Even though it is described that the plates 13a and 13b are movable about the centre profile, is should be noted that the plates 13a and 13b do not have to be movable for the invention to work, but movable plates provide certain advantages which are described further below. It should also be noted that the plates 13a and 13b, if they not are moveable, can be constituted by one single plate instead of two.
Moreover, means 21 for distributing is preferably arranged so that the plate(s) can be moved somewhat down from the horizontal plane to promote the movement of fish in the longitudinal direction of the distribution tray.
Moreover, the centre profile 14 preferably comprises a longitudinal fin 16 which extends with an increasing vertical height along the longitudinal direction.
Each of the plates 13a and 13b are provided with numerous fins. The number of fins will depend on the embodiment, size of the distribution tray, the size of the fish which is to be processed, the number of fish to be processed, etc. In the example shown in Figure 1, the plate 13a comprises the fins 17a, 18a and 19a and the plate 13b comprises the fins 17b, 18b and 19b. The fins 17a and 17b have a substantially rectangular shape which extends substantially vertically up from the plate 13a and 13b, respectively. The fins 17a and 17b extend with an initial arch form from adjacent to the centre profile 14 and out towards the long side of the plate 13a and 13b, respectively, and end in a substantially straight rectangular part which runs in parallel with the long side of the plate 13a and 13b, respectively. The fins 18a and 18b have an initial arch form which extends with an increasing vertical height in the longitudinal direction and ends in a substantially straight rectangular part, said fins 18a, 18b extending substantially in parallel with the fins 17a and 17b at a given distance from the fins 17a and 17b. Accordingly, the fins 18a and 18b have a shorter extension than the fins 17a and 17b and extend from distance in the longitudinal direction of the plates 13a and 13b, i.e. a certain distance into the plates 13a and 13b, respectively. The fins 18a and 18b do not necessarily extend in parallel with the fins 17a and 17b all the distance, but preferably the straight rectangular part of the fins extend in parallel with the straight rectangular part of the fins 17a and 17b. The fins 19a and 19b have an initial arch shape that extend with an increasing vertical height in the longitudinal direction and ends in a substantially straight rectangular part, said fins 19a and 19b extending substantially in parallel with the fins 18a and 18b at a given distance from the fins 18a and 18b, while also extending substantially in parallel with the fins 17a and 17b. The fins 19a and 19b accordingly have a shorter extension than the fins 18a and 18b and extend from a distance further into the plates 13a and 13b in the longitudinal direction of the plates 13a and 13b. The fins 19a and 19b do not necessarily have to extend in parallel with the fins 18a and 18b and/or 17a and 17b all the way, but preferably the straight rectangular part of the fins extend in parallel with the straight rectangular part of the fins 17a, 17b and 18a, 18b.
In this way the fins 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b and the fin 16 of the centre profile 14 establish six courses formed to keep the length orientation of the fish, to align fish arriving sidewise in the longitudinal direction, to separate fish in the longitudinal direction, and to separate fish sidewise. It should be clear that the number of courses, i.e. the number of fins will vary with the size of the distribution tray, the size of the numerous courses, the size of the fish, and the number of fish supplied. The fins can also be mounted releasable to the distribution tray so that they can be moved if the need arise.
The distribution tray 12 is preferably arranged at an outlet 11 to a system for supply of fish, such as a supply pipe (shown in Figure 4) and the distribution tray extends substantially horizontally from the bottom of the outlet 11 in the longitudinal direction and in the speed direction of the flow of fish supplied. As mentioned above, the two plates 13a and 13b are arranged movable in relation to the centre profile 14, which enables a certain lowering or tilting in vertical direction about the centre profile 14. This can be utilized to scatter the fish in a better way to the different courses which the fins form.
Moreover, the distribution tray 12 can be provided with means 20 for singularizing and/or orientation of fish, as illustrated in Figure 3. The means 20 is preferably in the form of a narrowing, e.g. a physical obstruction or hindrance, where fish emerges one by one out from the means 20. The means 20 can be controlled by machines, controlled by a torque arm or similar or be fixed at all times. Preferably, the means 20 exhibits a U-shape with the opening down towards the distribution tray 12 and will in this manner contribute to the orienting of the fish in the back- abdomen direction in addition to singularizing.
In order to promote orientating of fish in the back-abdomen direction and/or singularizing, the system can comprise, in addition to or instead of the means 20, further means 21 for orienting and/or singularizing of fish, such as aη orienting pipe or similar. An orientating pipe 21 in accordance with a first embodiment is shown in detail in Figure 5a and 5b. An orientating pipe 21 in accordance with the invention does preferably have an initial substantially circular shape which gradually transfers to a super-elliptical or a substantially rectangular shape with curved short sides, where the long sides of the form extend substantially vertically. The orientating pipe 21 is arranged between the fins of the distribution tray 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction horizontally out from each course. The orienting pipe 21 is formed in this manner to orient the fish in the back-abdomen direction, so that either back or abdomen points upwards. Moreover, the orienting pipe 21 shall ensure that the fish never lay on its side when it emerges from the orientating pipe. The orientating pipe 21 is also supposed to contribute to prevent more than one fish emerges side-by-side from the orienting pipe 21. Each course formed by the fins does preferably end out in a orienting pipe 21 of this type. Each orienting pipe 21 ends in one or more transporting means 22 for transport and fixation of fish, such as V-transporters or similar, as shown in detail in Figure 2. Preferably, the V-transporters 22 are formed by two endless conveyors 23, 24 driven by drive means 25a and 25b, such as electrical engines. The V-transporters are formed to fixate fish so that they are held relatively calmly for intervention of other units, explained in further detail below. The V-transporters transport fish in the longitudinal direction. Since the V-transporters are placed after each orienting pipe 21, which again is located in each course of the distribution tray 12, the V-transporters 22 will be arranged substantially in parallel side-by-side. If the distribution tray 12 is adapted to promote the back-abdomen orienting and/or singularizing of the fish, for example that the distribution tray changes from being flat to become funnel-shaped in the formed courses or that the distribution tray is provided with means 20 for orienting and/or singularizing of fish, then the orienting pipe 21 can be omitted and the V-transporters be arranged directly to the distribution tray.
For example several V-transporters of this type can be arranged in a row, as modules in a larger unit for several operations, and establish a part of an anaesthetizing/destruction line for fish. Then, the V-transporters will transport fish from one stadium in the anaesthetizing process/destruction process to another. The V-transporter preferably comprise smooth conveyors which will ensure that fish always are fixated with either the abdomen or back pointing upwards, i.e. not laying on the side. This may make the orienting pipe 21 superfluous. The angle between the conveyor belts can be adjusted in accordance with the need and the size of the fish. This can be performed both automatically and manually. Since the fish are fixated, the V-transporters makes it possible to include other units, such as detecting, anaesthetizing, cutting etc. as described in further details below. Moreover, several V-transporters can be arranged above each other so that units for treatment of fish can engage fixated fish, or the V-transporters can be provided with one or more longitudinal openings in the belts of the V-transporter, so that units for treatment of fish can treat fish through the same. Moreover, units for treatment of fish can treat the fish between the transporters in a row.
Moreover, the means 22 for transporting and fixating can, in addition to or instead of the above mentioned means 20 and 21 for orienting and/or singularizing, be provided with means 26 for orienting and/or singularizing, so one or more physical obstructions or hindrances, as shown in Figure 3, said means can be machine controlled, controlled by a torque arm or similar or be fixed at all times. Moreover, the belts of the V-transporters may exhibit a smooth surface. This together with the means 26 for orientating and/or singularizing will promote orientating and singularizing of fish and constitute an addition to the means 20 and 21 or instead of the means 20 and 21.
The system do preferably comprise a controller unit (not shown) which comprises means and/or is provided with software for controlling the system. The controlling of the system will depend on which treatment means which are arranged to the system, but preferably the system comprises at least means for controlling the fish supply. The controller unit is preferably arranged to control the speed and speed direction of the V-transporters. Reference is now made to Figure 4 in order to provide a detailed explanation of the operating mode of the system in accordance with the invention. As can be seen from Figure 4, fish 30 arrive as a flow of fish 30 from a supply pipe 11 with a speed direction indicated by the arrow F. When the fish 30 emerge from the supply pipe 11, the fish will spread across the courses of the distribution tray 12. The fins which form the courses will then, by means of their special construction, make sure that the fish 30 are being oriented lengthwise, even though fish 30 arrive with an orientation transverse to the speed direction into the distribution tray 12. The fish 30 will also be separated in part in the longitudinal direction and the width direction by the fins. The fish 30, which now are oriented lengthwise and scattered, will then be directed into orientating pipes 21 and/or constriction 20 in the courses of the distribution tray 12 for orienting in the back-abdomen direction and singularizing. By using the orienting pipe 21, as shown in Figure5a and 5b, the fish 30 are oriented in the back-abdomen direction, i.e. that wither back or abdomen points upwards. The fish 30 will therefore never lie on its side out from the orienting pipe 21. Because of its construction the orienting pipe 21 also prevents that more than one fish 30 comes out from the orienting pipe 21 side by side. As described above, the functions of the orienting pipe 21 can alternatively be effected in that the distribution tray 12 comprises a constriction or is funnel formed at the end of the courses or the fish can be guided directly out on the V-transporters without orienting the fish in the back-abdomen direction, whereupon the fish are oriented in the back-abdomen orientation by virtue of the smooth surface of the V-transporters and means 26 for orienting and/or singularizing. At the moment the fish 30 come out one by one and optionally oriented from the orienting pipe 21 or distribution tray 12, the fish are guided into the V-transporters 22 which fixate the fish 30 so that they are held relatively calm for intervention by other units. The V-transporters 22 transport the fish 30 lengthwise, and as mentioned above, numerous V-transporters 22 can be arranged in a row and/or above each other and in this way move the fish 30 from one stage in the slaughtering process to another. Since the fish 30 at this stage are separate and fixated for intervention of other units, such as detection, anaesthetizing, cutting, bleeding etc. These V-transporters 22 can for example establish modules in a larger unit, such as anaesthetizing/destruction line for several operations. For example detection and anaesthetizing can occur at the first V-transporter 22, whereas cutting occurs at the following transporter 22 etc. The fact that the system can be extended with modules, i.e. that numerous V-transporters 22 can be arranged in a row, enables enlargement of the system, so that in a anaesthetizing/destruction line, units can be added step by step in the longitudinal direction. This also makes it possible to utilize numerous methods for detection, anaesthetizing, cutting, bleeding etc. in the system. As new and more ethical methods for destruction and treatment of fish are being developed, they can easily be included in the system without the need for performing substantial modifications.
Modifications The courses which are formed in the means for distributing fish can be formed in numerous ways. As mentioned above, the plate(s) can change from a flat profile into a funnel shaped profile in the courses, beneficially with a constriction over or in the bottom of the courses, to orient fish in the back-abdomen direction and/or singularizing. The fins used to form the courses in one of the embodiments can be permanent or detachable and adjustable in the height or longitudinal direction.
The orienting pipe used as means for orienting and/or singularizing, can be rigid or elastic, so that to a certain degree adapts to the size of the fish but maintains its function.
The means for distributing fish, for example a distribution tray, can be module based, which means that the number of distribution trays can be increased, i.e. that also means for transporting and fixating (V-transporters) and means for orienting and/or singularizing can be increased with the capacity demand.
Different belt qualities can provide different properties for means for transporting and fixating, for example the V-transporter. It is for example possible to have a V-transporter belt with varying friction for the different process steps to be performed. As mentioned, the V-transporter can comprise numerous endless belts arranged above each other to create an opening for fitting in external units for treatment of fish which is fixated. The belts of the V-transporter can also be provided with longitudinal openings which enable the fitting in of external units for treatment of fixated fish.
Last it should be mentioned that other external units, not described here, can be adapted to and arranged adjacent to or between the individual components as described in the embodiments.
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