Abstract: A gasket retaining apparatus and a method which uses the apparatus to install a gasket between a pair of flanges. The retaining apparatus includes a gasket holding element which is temporarily secured between the flanges while joining the flanges together. A gasket groove is formed in the forward edge of the gasket holding element and one or more bolting slots extend into the body of the holding element from the forward edge. The gasket holding element preferably also includes a pair of retention holes so that a pair of releasable locking pins can be inserted through a pair of the bolt holes of one of the flanges and into the retention holes to temporarily secure the gasket holding element during the installation process.

Abstract: A gasket retaining apparatus and a method which uses the apparatus to install a gasket between a pair of flanges. The retaining apparatus includes a gasket holding element which is temporarily secured between the flanges while joining the flanges together. A gasket groove is formed in the forward edge of the gasket holding element and one or more bolting slots extend into the body of the holding element from the forward edge. The gasket holding element preferably also includes a pair of retention holes so that a pair of releasable locking pins can be inserted through a pair of the bolt holes of one of the flanges and into the retention holes to temporarily secure the gasket holding element during the installation process.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus and method for recovering poultry breast sub-tenders or other trim products from poultry or meat carcass shells, or for recovering other materials. The apparatus has a cover which can be lowered on to a base to form a vacuum chamber. One or more vacuum hoses extend from the apparatus for suctioning the product into the vacuum chamber. A product container is removably positioned in the vacuum chamber such that the product suctioned into the vacuum chamber will fall into the product container by gravity.

Abstract: A device for the rapid packaging of various meat products includes at least four bagging chutes that are fed by a rotary chute. Once bags located at the bottom of the bagging chute are filled with a meat product, they are placed on a conveyor belt. The device is designed in such a manner so as to prevent meat products from accidentally falling onto the ground and thus wasting.