Abstract: An air impingement nozzle that includes a fluid supply line with a fluid inlet and a fluid return line with a fluid outlet. A first wall in spaced walls extend between and are in communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet to form a fluid channel. The first wall and second wall are curved such that an outer surface of the first and second wall form an air nozzle.

Abstract: A peeling system and device that eliminates the need for a steam tube and/or air blasts by moving the position of a cutter blade or the use of a pincher wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating food items having muscle protein and a product produced by the inventive apparatus and method. The inventive method preferably utilizes the inventive apparatus to (a) continuously press the food items using a pliable material which conforms to and at least partially surrounds the food items when pressing and/or (b) infuse the food items with a treatment liquid preferably by impacting the food items while they are at least partially suspended in the solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating food items having muscle protein and a product produced by the inventive apparatus and method. The inventive method preferably utilizes the inventive apparatus to (a) continuously press the food items using a pliable material which conforms to and at least partially surrounds the food items when pressing and/or (b) infuse the food items with a treatment liquid preferably by impacting the food items while they are at least partially suspended in the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a user's body weight during physical activity comprising: a frame; a pair of straight springs pivotably extending from an upper portion of the frame and having distal ends spaced apart from each other; and a fluid-operated lift system for raising the distal ends of the straight springs to provide a lifting force for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for cooking and smoking food items and a smoked product produced by the inventive method. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises (a) an oven including a belt-type conveyor, for continuously conveying food items through the oven, and a circulation system for circulating a cooking medium in the oven such that the cooking medium contacts and cooks the food items and (b) a smoke generation and delivery system for delivering smoke to the circulating system such that the smoke contacts the food items along with the cooking medium. The inventive method preferably comprises the steps of (a) continuously conveying food items through an oven and (b) delivering smoke into the oven such that the smoke contacts the food items. The oven used in the inventive apparatus and inventive method is preferably an indirect-fired oven. The smoke most preferably contacts the food items in an impinging manner.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for cooking and smoking food items and a smoked product produced by the inventive method. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises (a) an oven including a belt-type conveyor, for continuously conveying food items through the oven, and a circulation system for circulating a cooking medium in the oven such that the cooking medium contacts and cooks the food items and (b) a smoke generation and delivery system for delivering smoke to the circulating system such that the smoke contacts the food items along with the cooking medium. The inventive method preferably comprises the steps of (a) continuously conveying food items through an oven and (b) delivering smoke into the oven such that the smoke contacts the food items. The oven used in the inventive apparatus and inventive method is preferably an indirect-fired oven. The smoke most preferably contacts the food items in an impinging manner.

Abstract: A freezing apparatus comprising: a container having an opening at the top thereof; a cover removably positionable over the opening; and a cooling unit which includes a cooling element and an air circulating fan. The cover has a port provided therein for receiving the cooling element and air circulation fan.

Abstract: A method of processing the carcasses of animals which die during the course of a grow-out operation. The inventive method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting and freezing the carcasses in a freezing apparatus and (b) transporting the frozen carcasses to a processing facility. It is preferred that (1) the processing facility referred to in step (b) is a rendering facility and (2) the inventive method further comprises the step of (c) rendering the carcasses.

Abstract: A freeze wheel is provided with an outer skin on which a food or other type product is placed to be frozen. A chamber is formed adjacent the outer skin and a plurality of nozzles project into the chamber for directing a refrigerant onto the inner surface of the skin. The refrigerant flow is controlled to provide a uniform flow pattern along the inner surface to strip away a boundary layer of fluid and maximize heat transfer across the outer skin. The nozzles are arranged in a series of concentric rings with the nozzles in alternate rows lying in common radial planes. An interior portion of the wheel is closed off by one or more doors which may be opened to allow cleaning of the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for slicing a food piece includes at least one stationary feeding channel for serially feeding food pieces. The feeding channel has a feed outlet through which food pieces pass prior to slicing thereof. At least one moving slicing assembly including a first planar support surface on which the food piece exiting the feed outlet rests prior to a slice being cut is provided, the first support surface being disposed at a distance below the feed outlet about equal to the desired slice thickness. The fixed slicing blade is maintained at a set distance from the first support surface and adjacent to the feed outlet to sever a slice from the food piece, the distance between the first support surface and the slicing blade defining a slice exit through which individual slices exit the slicing assembly.