Abstract: A carcass dehairing brush having a rod attachment assembly and a whip assembly. The rod attachment assembly is configured to releasably be coupled to a rod, and includes a rod positioning member, a support member and a latch. The whip assembly includes a base and flexible portions extending therefrom away from the rod attachment assembly. A method of coupling is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A carcass dehairing brush having a rod attachment assembly and a whip assembly. The rod attachment assembly is configured to releasably be coupled to a rod, and includes a rod positioning member, a support member and a latch. The whip assembly includes a base and flexible portions extending therefrom away from the rod attachment assembly. A method of coupling is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A burner nozzle assembly having a base chamber, a flame chamber and a nozzle plate. The base chamber has an outer wall and an inner wall. The flame chamber is positioned above the base chamber and has an outer wall and an inner wall, and has two opposing channels splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements. The nozzle plate is positioned between the base chamber and the flame chamber and has a upward conical configuration, an upper wall and a lower wall. A plurality of circumferential spaced apart openings extend through the nozzle plate. An elongated slot is disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber. The elongated slot has opposing ends which terminate proximate a respective opposing channel, to facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

Abstract: A starwheel assembly for use with a carcass dehairing machine comprising a starwheel having a central hub and at least one paddle deflection limiting member, as well as a scraper paddle. The central hub includes an arcuate body having an outer surface and an inner surface. Each paddle deflection limiting member includes a proximal end coupled to the outer surface of the body of the central hub and a distal end opposing the proximal end. A paddle attachment assembly facilitates attachment of the scraper paddle thereto. The configuration of the starwheel apparatus provides support for the scraper paddle and limits the movement thereof.

Abstract: A leaf lard starting apparatus for gripping a lower edge of leaf lard of a hog carcass or the like to initiate separation of the lower edge from the carcass preparatory to removal of the leaf lard from the carcass by other means. The leaf lard starting apparatus includes a leaf lard starter having a pair of clamps activated by a linear motor, and a handle for effecting the positioning of the starter. A control system includes a control valve actuated by means of a push button carried by the handle for controlling the operation of the leaf lard starting apparatus. The leaf lard starter is suspended from a trolley system by means of a second linear fluid motor, and when the push button has been depressed to activate the leaf lard starting apparatus and clamp the leaf lard, the control system automatically causes the second motor to elevate the starter to effectively begin the stripping of the leaf lard from the carcass.