Abstract: Apparatus for automatically separating stacks of nested, cup-shaped containers having outwardly projecting lips around the rims thereof so that individual containers are continuously supplied to a point of use. The apparatus includes a separating mechanism for continuously separating the containers in a stack. This separating mechanism utilizes holding shoes for supporting the stack by means of shoes which contact the lip of the lowermost container. The apparatus also includes a conveyor mechanism which advances stacks of containers to a staging station. A gate arrangement is provided at the staging station to create a separation between adjacent stacks of containers and to drop consecutive ones of the stacks into the separating mechanism.

Abstract: A method of removing cellulose casings from sausages without causing damage to the sausages. The method employs a continuous laser beam having a wavelength ranging from 1 to 15 microns, at an applied energy density ranging from 20 to 60 joules per square centimeter. The sausages are transported beneath the laser beam, which is focused nominally at the surface of the sausages at a focal length ranging from 6.3 to 15 centimeters. Alternatively, the laser beam may be focused nominally at the longitudinal center of the sausages, with the laser beam having a focal length ranging from 6.3 to 15 centimeters. As each sausage is moved beneath the laser beam, the cellulose casing is vaporized to create an elongated slit in the casing. The casing is then pulled from the sausage.

Abstract: A box is disclosed which incorporates stiff ends and a flexible middle portion, which permits a number of such boxes to be stacked one-atop-another in a stable arrangement, while also permitting a person to manually feel the sectional shape of the housed product by applying compressive force at the edges of the box. The flexible middle portion is comprised of opposing pairs of apex-to-apex arcuate scores on the sides of the box so that compressive forces are localized at these arcuate scores. Each score has unscored regions between its termini and the adjoining edge of the box, so that the box tends to reform to its original shape when the compressive forces are released.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of nitrosamines during the cooking of a nitrite-cured meat, by introducing a gamma pyrone compound, optionally in combination with a reducing sugar or liquid smoke, into the meat prior to cooking.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically separating stacks of nested, cup-shaped containers having outwardly projecting lips around their rims so that individual containers are continuously supplied to a point of use. The apparatus includes a separating mechanism for continuously separating the containers in a stack and a feed mechanism for receiving a plurality of stacks of the containers and supplying the same to the separating mechanism as a stack being separated nears depletion.The separating mechanism includes a plurality of vertically extending circumferentially spaced bars forming a channel for retaining a stack being separated. Pairs of oppositely arranged, substantially horizontally extending holding and stripping fingers engage, hold and separate the lowermost container of the stack, and a pair of oppositely arranged holding shoes support the stack when the holding and stripping fingers are disengaged from the stack during each separating cycle.

Abstract: A method for nitrite-curing meat generally, and bacon in particular, wherein the cured product exhibits both a reduced tendency to form nitrosamines and a resistance to surface charring when cooked. The method utilizes the essential step of introducing a reducing sugar alkylated in the C-1 position, a specific example of which is a methylglucoside, into the meat product before cooking for consumption. The alkylated reducing sugar can be introduced either as a constituent of the curing pickle or can be separately delivered into the meat prior to cooking.