Abstract: An apparatus and method configured to macerate a liquid. The apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir; a collector; and a maceration pod configured for hydraulic communication with the reservoir and the collector, the maceration pod comprising a plurality of toasted wooden particles. The plurality of toasted wooden particles comprising: a particle size between about 200 microns and 1180 microns; a volume between 5 teaspoons to 8 teaspoons; and a volumetric ratio of medium toasted wood particles to heavy toasted wood particles of between about 1:1 and about 5:1. Methods of macerating a fluid at atmospheric pressure and above.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing meat slabs into meat strips, particularly pork belly slabs into bacon strips. The apparatus includes a massager, a slab press station, a sleeve for holding the pressed slab, an oven or smokehouse, a blast chiller, a slab removable device and a spiral freezer. The method for processing the meat slab into meat strips includes massaging the slab, pressing the slabs and inserting the slabs into sleeves in the pressed condition. The sleeves are then transported to an oven for cooking and then a blast chiller. Once chilled, the slabs are removed from the sleeve and sliced to the appropriate thickness.

Abstract: Thermal processing apparatus and a method for the defrosting of meat are disclosed. A vessel includes an opening, and a rotation assembly is adapted to rotate the vessel such that the opening is disposed on the axis of rotation. The vessel preferably comprises electrically conductive walls. An RF source is adapted to direct electromagnetic energy into the vessel through the opening. Preferably, the electromagnetic energy is in the microwave spectrum. The apparatus includes a waveguide which couples electromagnetic energy from the RF source to the opening in the vessel. A rotary coupling is used to couple electromagnetic energy from the RF source to the opening in the vessel. The process includes tumbling and radiating the product with microwave energy to bring the product from below the latent heat stage to fully defrosted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing meat slabs into meat strips, particularly pork belly slabs into bacon strips. The apparatus includes a massager, a slab press station, a sleeve for holding the pressed slab, an oven or smokehouse, a blast chiller, a slab removable device and a spiral freezer. The method for processing the meat slab into meat strips includes massaging the slab, pressing the slabs and inserting the slabs into sleeves in the pressed condition. The sleeves are then transported to an oven for cooking and then a blast chiller. Once chilled, the slabs are removed from the sleeve and sliced to the appropriate thickness.