Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. The system uses a single method such as multi-dimensional single voxel(s) of MR, NMR, MRI, ultrasound, C.A.T. scan, CT scan, P.E.T. scan, or a combination of these, or any equivalent internal measuring device, on a single occasion, to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. The system also combines internal evaluation with an external animal evaluation system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a computer component exchange in a network for executing buy orders for purchasing computer components is disclosed. A plurality of owner-processors are electrically connected to the network. At least a first owner-processor is adapted to transmit electronic buy orders through the network for purchasing computer components. At least a second owner-processor is adapted to receive buy orders from the network. The system comprises an exchange server complex that is electrically connected to the network having plurality of investment instruments comprising shares of ownership interests in the exchange server complex that are stored as data records in an accounting database. At least some of the owner-processors are capable of being associated with at least one of the shares, thereby defining an ownership interest in the exchange server complex for a proprietor of the respective owner-processor.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A system for determining a three-dimensional image of an animal, or other symmetric object, by projecting a pattern of light on the object and capturing two images of the reflected light with two cameras located a fixed distance apart. Using triangulation, the x, y, and z locations of each element of the light pattern is measured, thus creating a three-dimensional image of the surface of the object. Because animals are symmetric, an image need only be taken of one side of the animal, and the image mirrored, to determine the complete three dimensional characteristics of the animal.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional linear, angular and volumetric characteristics of an animal or carcass, such as a beef animal. The system uses light spots from a structured light camera to measure multiple points on the animal. The system locates the vertical, horizontal and depth dimension for each point and uses this data to calculate the desired linear and volumetric measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of some of the light spots projected on the animal. The system also provides rapid consecutive three-dimensional motion pictures of the animal.

Abstract: A computerized system that scans the animal using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The scan data is analyzed within the computer to determine if an embryo is present or to determine if scar tissue is present, or to determine the size of organs within the animal. The scan data is produced as digital pixel values, coded as gray scale values, within scan wave lines wherein the gray scale values represent types of tissue. The size of the embryo is defined by separating the embryo tissue from the surrounding muscle tissue of the uterus. The embryo is classified by size by comparing and ranking within like kinds of animals to determine the age of the embryo.

Abstract: A computerized system scans an animal using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to produce digital pixel values representing internal tissue. The pixel values are coded as gray scale values representing of the density of tissue scanned. The computer system then classifies each pixel, based upon its gray scale value, as representing fat, muscle, cartilage or skeletal tissue. Once classified, the percentage of intramuscular fat is calculated and presented on the screen of the computer system. Once the pixel data is classified, a perimeter around the muscle being scanned is defined by separating the muscle tissue from the surrounding tissue, and, the area of the muscle is calculated and presented to the user of the system. Multiple scans are performed along one dimension of the animal to determine the volume of the muscle. The system also ranks the animal with animals of like kind.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional phenotypic characteristics of an animal, such as a dairy cow. The system uses a large number of modulated laser light beams from a lidar camera to measure approximately 100 points per square inch of the animal. Each laser beam measures intensity, horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions, and by combining the measurements, the system composes a very accurate three-dimensional image of the animal. The systems calculates the desired phenotypic measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of selected points on the animal. The system then stores the measurements for each animal in a computer data base for later use. The system also stores a light intensity image of the animal's markings which is compared to other stored images.

Abstract: A processing assembly for use in processing poultry parts by separating the parts into different portions comprising an elongate roll with helically extending teeth and a cover defining a recess therein for the discharge end of the roll with a size such that the discharge end of said roll is rotatably received in the recess and a depth such that the teeth on the discharge end of the roll extend a prescribed distance into the recess.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for processing the heart from poultry viscera by removing the connecting structure and any lungs connected to the heart with a pair of processing rolls to pull the connecting structure between the processing rolls and the heart down against the processing rolls and pinch off the connecting structure from the heart.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for removing the liver from poultry viscera by mechanically stretching the viscera connected to the liver to pull the gall bladder away from the liver; and, mechanically cutting between the liver and the gall bladder to separate the liver from the viscera and the gall bladder.

Abstract: A system for processing a gizzard with the viscera attached where the viscera is conveyed along a poultry processing line by conveying means including adjusting means for adjusting the viscera to a predetermined length while the viscera is conveyed by the conveying means; viscera separating means for separating the gizzard from the rest of the viscera; transfer means for automatically transferring the viscera from the conveying means into said viscera separating means; conveyor means for moving the gizzard along a processing path; gizzard splitting means for splitting a gizzard moved along the processing path by the conveyor means to open the pocket in the gizzard; gizzard washing means for washing the contents from the open pocket in the gizzard moving along the processing path by the conveyor means; gizzard peeling means operatively associated with the conveyor means to receive the split and washed gizzard therefrom and peel the lining from the gizzard; transfer means for transferring the gizzard from the r

Abstract: A system for processing a gizzard with the viscera attached where the viscera is conveyed along a poultry processing line by conveying means including adjusting means for adjusting the viscera to a predetermined length while the viscera is conveyed by the conveying means; viscera separating means for separating the gizzard from the rest of the viscera; transfer means for automatically transferring the viscera from the conveying means into said viscera separating means; conveyor means for moving the gizzard along a processing path; gizzard splitting means for splitting a gizzard moved along the processing path by the conveyor means to open the pocket in the gizzard; gizzard washing means for washing the contents from the open pocket in the gizzard moving along the processing path by the conveyor means; gizzard peeling means operatively associated with the conveyor means to receive the split and washed gizzard therefrom and peel the lining from the gizzard; transfer means for transferring the gizzard from the r