Abstract: An extended shelf life sandwich and a method of forming the sandwich is provided. The method includes processing meat to be used in the sandwich. The processing includes: applying a humectant to a meat; acidulating the meat; drying the meat until a water activity of no less than 0.85 is achieved. The process is completed by wrapping the processed meat into a bread-type product.

Abstract: A method of stunning an animal for slaughter is provided. The method includes directing a first portion of electromagnetic radiation in a first side of the animals head and directing a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation in a second side of the animals head such that the first portion and second portion of the electromagnetic radiation achieve constructive interfere at a focal point within the animal's head.

Abstract: A method of reducing pathogenic bacteria in the neck of poultry is provided. The method includes opening up a neck of a poultry (20) and rupturing cervical air sacs (12). The exposed, ruptured cervical air sacs are treated with an antibacterial agent, thereby reducing pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention method of making bacon pieces comprises placing bellies in a vessel. Dry cure ingredients and water are added in the vessel containing the bellies. The dry cure ingredients and the water create a cure ingredients solution, which includes up to 3.0% water by weight of the bellies. The bellies and the cure ingredients solution are tumbled in the vessel under vacuum to create cured bellies. The cured bellies are cooked to a desired cook level. The up to 3.0% water by weight of the bellies allows the cured bellies to be cooked to the desired cook level in only one cooking step.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of evaluating packages are provided. In a vision evaluation system embodiment, the system includes a light source, a first and second camera and a control system. The light source provides polarized backlight. The first camera has a first lens positioned to image the polarized back light. A ninety degree polarized filter is positioned between the first lens of the first camera and the light source. The ninety degree polarized filter is polarized 90 degrees from the polarized back light of the light source. The second camera has a second lens that is positioned near the first lens of the first camera. The control system is coupled to control the first and second cameras to take simultaneous images at a given frequency. The control system is further configured to determine locations to analyze based on image data from the first camera. Moreover, the control system is still further configured to analyze the determined locations in associated image data from the second camera.

Abstract: A modular member for a conveyer belt is provided that includes an elongated main base, at least one attaching rod and a plurality of hooks. The at least one attaching rod is coupled proximate a first side of the main base. The plurality of aligned hooks are coupled proximate a second side of the main base. Each hook includes a slot defined by an inner surface. The slot of each hook is configured to receive an attaching rod of another modular member. The inner surface that defines the slot of at least one hook has an attaching rod relief cutout section. The attaching rod relief cutout section limits wear between the attaching rod of another modular member that is received in the slot of the at least one hook and the inner surface of the slot of the at least one hook.

Abstract: High pressure processing is utilized to remove the external carcass portions from an animal carcass. The animal carcass is subjected to pressures of 50 MPa or greater to loosen the external carcass portions. In addition, high pressure processing is utilized to strengthen the hides of animal carcasses by subjecting them to pressures of from 10 to 50 MPa.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes an automated method of removing a stockinette from meat having an end, sides, and a length. The stockinette enveloped meat is conveyed in a first direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the end of the meat with a first knife. The stockinette enveloped meat is then conveyed in a second direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the sides of the meat with a second knife and a third knife. The cuts made by the second knife and the third knife intersect with the cut made by the first knife. The cuts in the stockinette create a flap in the stockinette between the cuts. The flap is engaged and peeled away from the meat, and the meat is removed from the stockinette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-pressure pasteurization utilizes a basket (40) for holding food packages (95). The basket (40) is transported on a cart (60) from a loading station (90), to the high-pressure pasteurization processing apparatus (10) and back to an unloading station (100). Two robots (17, 18) are utilized to reduce cycle time of the high-pressure pasteurization vessels (11).

Abstract: A turkey loading apparatus (10) includes a transport conveyor (30) and a loading conveyor (50). The loading conveyor (50) is positioned underneath the transport conveyor (30) and moves from a retracted position to an extended position. The transport conveyor has a first segment (32) pivotally connected to a second segment (33). As the loading apparatus (10) is raised and lowered, the first segment (32) pivots with respect to the second segment (33). In addition, the first segment (32) moves laterally.

Abstract: A prethickened hydrolytic beverage useful in rehydrating and regaining electrolytic balance with those suffering from dysphagia. Said beverage comprises water, a carbohydrate source, a modified food starch, various electrolytes and other minor ingredients.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for unloading poultry as disclosed. A chute (35) is placed proximate the door of a coop. The door is opened and the poultry are urged out of the coop onto the chute (35). The poultry then slide down the chute (35) onto a conveyor (11), (15) which ultimately transfers the poultry to a gas stun vessel (25). The poultry are then transferred to a shackle line where they are shackled, without a full lift, and then proceed to an electrical stun (72) and killer (73). The gas stun vessel (25) includes a static mixer (53) for effectively mixing the CO.sub.2 and air before delivery to the gas stun vessel (25).

Abstract: An animal collagen or gelatin based crumble, and processes for the preparation of the particulate crumble, are useful in the preparation of collagen or gelatin based compositions. The crumble is prepared by extracting animal collagen from an animal tissue source and combining the collagen with sufficient water to form a composition comprising about 15-45 wt % animal collagen and about 0.01-5 wt % of a stabilizer or preservative. Such a combination of materials can be solidified and then processed into a large particulate format. The large particulate comprises a, regular or amorphous shaped, roughly crumbled or roughly divided, crumble product. The typical particle size of a majority of the crumble is about 0.2-5 cm. The crumble is easily manufactured, packaged, stored, handled and distributed. The crumble can be easily used as is. The material melts easily into a use locus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for unloading poultry as disclosed. A chute (35) is placed proximate the door of a coop. The door is opened and the poultry are urged out of the coop onto the chute (35). The poultry then slide down the chute (35) onto a conveyor (11), (15) which ultimately transfers the poultry to a gas stun vessel (25). The poultry are then transferred to a shackle line where they are shackled, without a full lift, and then proceed to an electrical stun (72) and killer (73). The gas stun vessel (25) includes a static mixer (53) for effectively mixing the CO.sub.2 and air before delivery to the gas stun vessel (25).

Abstract: A prethickened hydrolytic beverage useful in rehydrating and regaining electrolytic balance with those suffering from dysphagia. Said beverage contains water, a carbohydrate source, a modified food starch, various electrolytes and other minor ingredients.

Abstract: An animal collagen or gelatin based crumble, and processes for the preparation of the particulate crumble, are useful in the preparation of collagen or gelatin based compositions. The crumble is prepared by extracting animal collagen from an animal tissue source and combining the collagen with sufficient water to form a composition comprising about 15-45 wt % animal collagen and about 0.01-5 wt % of a stabilizer or preservative. Such a combination of materials can be solidified and then processed into a large particulate format. The large particulate comprises a, regular or amorphous shaped, roughly crumbled or roughly divided, crumble product. The typical particle size of a majority of the crumble is about 0.2-5 cm. The crumble is easily manufactured, packaged, stored, handled and distributed. The crumble can be easily used as is. The material melts easily into a use locus.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh meat and the fresh meat package having enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the meat a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt and a diacetate microbial growth inhibitor, and packaging the meat in a display unit. The display unit can comprise a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film, and one or more display units can be packaged in a film wrapped container. The display unit can also comprise a dividable portion of meat enclosed in a barrier bag. The atmosphere within the container can be maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh pork wherein the fresh pork package has enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the pork a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt and a diacetate microbial growth inhibitor, and packaging the pork in a packaged unit. The packaged unit can comprise a display unit comprising a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film, and one or more display units can be packaged in a film wrapped container. The atmosphere within the container can maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.