Overview
This patent recounts a sophisticated automated bandsaw system that couples machine vision with motion control to classify end cuts and compute precise cutting depths for portioning whole loins. Filed on January 17, 2023 and granted on July 15, 2025, the claims cover a controller-driven device application that ingests images from multiple visual sensors to locate bone configurations, characterize meat portion geometry, calculate uncut length and volume, and select cutting planes and depths according to operator preferences. Inventors based in Amarillo, TX worked with Midwest Machine, LLC to secure protection for an integrated arrangement of tray and pusher positioning, conveyor handling, and bandsaw actuation tied to on-device and networked computing. The drafting emphasizes modular control architecture, image-based classification of T‑bone versus porterhouse sections, and preference-driven thickness selection—elements that reduce manual sorting, raise throughput, and improve yield consistency. The specification also contemplates IR/thermal sensing, scale-based weight inputs, and cloud-connected data storage for recipe and analytics support.
Key Features
- Dual visual sensors (overview + end-slice) for classification and measurement
- Device application that computes cutting depth from image, weight, and geometry
- Meat positioning assembly with tray and pusher for precise bandsaw engagement
- Operator preference inputs and networked data/storage options
This patent underscores the firm’s technical depth in drafting claims that bridge mechanical design and computer-vision control. The invention advances automation in meat processing, improving repeatability and operational efficiency across commercial cutting operations and related food‑processing systems.
Granted: 2025-07-15
