Abstract: A semi-continuous meat press includes a frame supporting an upper press pad and a lower press pad, positioned adjacent one another to define an open position and a closed position, the closed position having a selectable, adjustable gap between the pads. Upper and lower flexible belts are interposed between the upper and lower press pads, and serve to convey meat pieces between the press pads for the pressing step. The upper and lower press pads and upper and lower flexible belts are urged together by hydraulic cylinders through a four bar mechanical linkage. The press pads are made of a soft pliable plastic material to allow the meat pieces to sink into the pads and provide space for the pliable plastic material to move around and envelop the thick parts of the meat pieces.

Abstract: A machine for the continuous marination of meat products massages the meat pieces in marinade and the marinade in contact with the meat pieces at all times during the marinating process. The apparatus includes a rotating cylindrical drum made from a series of adjacent longitudinal, sawtooth-shaped internal vanes. The vanes are segmented by longitudinally spaced dividers forming compartments in the drum, with periodic transfer sections to urge the meat and marinade mixture from one compartment to the next as the drum is rotated. The drum may be rotated in one direction for approximately one revolution at a high RPM, and then stopped and rotated in the other direction.