Inventors:
Thomas J. DeRoche - Metairie LA
Valerie S. Melancon - River Ridge LA
Matthew M. Lyle - Milton FL
Assignee:
The Laitram Corporation - Harahan LA
International Classification:
A22C 2517
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing a fish body to remove skin therefrom includes a frame that supports multiple scraper arms. Each of the arms is pivotally or slideably mounted to the frame. Each of the arms has a first end portion attached to the frame at a structural support. The opposing end of the scraper arm is a "free" end that carries a scraper blade member. Each of the blade members has a holder portion and a blade portion pivotally connected to the blade holder. This pivotal attachment evenly distributes the scraping portion to the fish body during processing. By changing the tension of the springs that bias each arm into engagement with the fish body, the scraping tension can be adjusted so that it is very light. This prevents undesirable removal of the meat product that underlies the very thin skin outer surface.