Abstract: An assembly and method are disclosed for separating the muscle tissue of meat from sinew. A plurality of elongate pins which are spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the pins pierce the meat from which the sinew is to be removed to restrain the sinew against movement, and a compressive force is imparted to the muscle tissue by a compression assembly while the sinew is being restrained against movement. The force which is imparted to the muscle tissue separates the muscle tissue from the sinew and causes the muscle tissue to move away from the restrained sinew and through the spaces between the pins. With the assembly and method of the invention it is possible to remove significant and substantial portions of the sinew from the meat being processed, and to reduce the fat in the muscle tissue to as little as less than 1-11/2 wt %.

Abstract: Charges of solid coolant granules are automatically inserted into a fresh animal carcass or a portion of an animal carcass by the use of an inserting tool. The granular solid coolant charge is contained within a chamber of the tool which also includes a flat spear blade. When the blade forms a slit in a selected muscle area, the granular solid coolant charge is positively, rapidly and consistently positioned within the pocket that had just been opened by the spear blade. The insertion tool and process are especially well-adapted for use in reducing the development of pale, soft and exudative meat, while accomplishing this in a manner that is rapid and minimizes variations from carcass to carcass.

Abstract: A device for regulating the discharge of bones and other hard, objectionable material from processed food includes a flow control device contained within a housing applied to the discharge line downstream of a grinding apparatus. The device has a reciprocating valve element having an elongated cylindrical valve head with a groove formed therein at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the valve element. This groove is constantly contacted by the discharge product flow stream in open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: A forced air defrost tunnel apparatus and method are provided for accomplishing carefully controlled defrosting of large quantities of bulk frozen food, such as pork, beef, lamb, chicken and turkey in whole muscle form, as well as bacon bellies and fish. The principle support for and shape of the defrost tunnel is provided by a stack or train of stacks of frozen proteinaceous food boxes or bundles that alternate with support spacer racks. An air containment device, preferably consisting primarily of a tarp, is closely secured over the stack or train of stacks. A supply of high pressure air at a temperature greater than that of the frozen food is forced through the defrost tunnel and flows through passageways within the support spacer racks.