Abstract: A system to retain a bag within a container when rotated by a chute is provided. The system includes a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate. The input is connected to a first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm. The hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm.

Abstract: An emulsion system is provided. The system includes a shaft that supports a plurality of cutting assemblies and screens in alternating order, wherein the cutting assembly rotates with respect to an in close proximity to the screen. The cutting assemblies include a plurality of cutting elements that extend radially outward from a hub and are positioned at consistent radial spacing along the perimeter of the hub. Each cutting element includes front and back edges that cut food particles in conjunction with holes within the screen, wherein the front and back edges are substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: A method of processing a food item that includes moving a food item along a direction towards an automated slicer, wherein prior to the food item being sliced by the automated slicer the food item that is being moved has a length, L, as measured along the direction. The method further includes determining a thickness, T, of a slice of the food item to be generated by the automated slicer and slicing the food item that has the length, L, by the automated slicer so that a maximum possible number, Nmax, of slices of the food item are generated that have the thickness, T.

Abstract: An emulsion system is provided. The system includes a shaft that supports a plurality of cutting assemblies and screens in alternating order, wherein the cutting assembly rotates with respect to an in close proximity to the screen. The cutting assemblies include a plurality of cutting elements that extend radially outward from a hub and are positioned at consistent radial spacing along the perimeter of the hub. Each cutting element includes front and back edges that cut food particles in conjunction with holes within the screen, wherein the front and back edges are substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: A method of processing a food item that includes moving a food item along a direction towards an automated slicer, wherein prior to the food item being sliced by the automated slicer the food item that is being moved has a length, L, as measured along the direction. The method further includes determining a thickness, T, of a slice of the food item to be generated by the automated slicer and slicing the food item that has the length, L, by the automated slicer so that a maximum possible number, Nmax, of slices of the food item are generated that have the thickness, T.

Abstract: An emulsion system is provided. The system includes a shaft that supports a plurality of cutting assemblies and screens in alternating order, wherein the cutting assembly rotates with respect to an in close proximity to the screen. The cutting assemblies include a plurality of cutting elements that extend radially outward from a hub and are positioned at consistent radial spacing along the perimeter of the hub. Each cutting element includes front and back edges that cut food particles in conjunction with holes within the screen, wherein the front and back edges are substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: A method of processing a food item that includes moving a food item along a direction towards an automated slicer, wherein prior to the food item being sliced by the automated slicer the food item that is being moved has a length, L, as measured along the direction. The method further includes determining a thickness, T, of a slice of the food item to be generated by the automated slicer and slicing the food item that has the length, L, by the automated slicer so that a maximum possible number, Nmax, of slices of the food item are generated that have the thickness, T.

Abstract: A method of processing a food item that includes moving a food item along a direction towards an automated slicer, wherein prior to the food item being sliced by the automated slicer the food item that is being moved has a length, L, as measured along the direction. The method further includes determining a thickness, T, of a slice of the food item to be generated by the automated slicer and slicing the food item that has the length, L, by the automated slicer so that a maximum possible number, Nmax, of slices of the food item are generated that have the thickness, T.

Abstract: A method of thawing meat frozen in meat blocks for initial separation of the meat block before the meat block is placed in a rotating container is provided. The meat block being subjected to pressure before treated in the rotating container, said pressure initiating a separation process of the meat block into individual pieces. This pressure may be applied over the diagonals of the meat block. The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing the method, said apparatus comprising a number of pistons which either cooperate in pairs or cooperate with a firm opposite face for applying pressure to the meat block. The faces of the pistons may be plane, or they may comprise elevations or depressions as well as adapted to act over at least one of the diagonals of the meat block.