Abstract: Provided is poultry processing equipment and more particularly, an improved evisceration device and subassemblies thereof for removing organs from a membrane-covered socket in the body cavity of a poultry carcass, such as the lungs.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a split animal carcass includes upper and lower pairs of upwardly inclined brushes, leading and trailing vertical brushes, and upper and lower pairs of downwardly inclined brushes. The upwardly inclined brushes are transversely spaced apart from one another to accommodate an animal carcass between them, as are the downwardly inclined brushes. First and second fluid headers are positioned in parallel relation to each inclined brush and three fluid headers are associated with the vertical brushes. The first inclined fluid headers have nozzles aimed at the carcass and the second inclined fluid headers have nozzles aimed at the brushes. Two of the vertical brush fluid headers are aimed at the vertical brushes and the third fluid header is aimed at the carcass.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking carcass intervention data accumulated during carcass processing. An identification is assigned to the carcass. The carcass is subjected to at least one intervention, during which processing data is accumulated. The carcass identification and the processing data are then associated and compared to predetermined processing parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing meat comprising an endless conveyor having an infeed end and a discharge end with the conveyor passing through a housing or tank which is partially filled with agitated water. Pieces of meat are conveyed by the conveyor through the agitated water to remove foreign particles therefrom. The foreign particles are recirculated through a filter and a water chiller with the chilled and filtered water then being returned to the tank. Excess water is blown from the pieces of meat after the pieces of meat have been conveyed through the agitated water. The method of processing the meat is also described.

Abstract: A method and means for processing meat comprising an endless conveyor having an infeed end and a discharge end with the conveyor passing through a housing or tank which is partially filled with agitated water. Pieces of meat are conveyed by the conveyor through the agitated water to remove foreign particles therefrom. The foreign particles are recirculated through a filter and a water chiller with the chilled and filtered water then being returned to the tank. Excess water is blown from the pieces of meat after the pieces of meat have been conveyed through the agitated water. The method of processing the meat is also described.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise: I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.

Abstract: A device for preparing small intestines of a vertebre is provided. The device includes a body for cooperation with the small intestines. The body defines an external periphery of the body. The device further includes means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines. The means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines is operably associated with the body. The device further includes means for despooging the small intestines in juxtaposition with said body.

Abstract: The post chill decontamination tank assembly 24 usually is positioned at the exit end of a chiller 10 of a poultry processing line. Eviscerated birds fall into the decontamination tank 25 and the paddles 42A-42D of the paddle assembly 34 revolve in the tank about the axis 37 and collect and lift the birds through the liquid and discharge the birds from the tank. An antimicrobial is added to the liquid for treating the exposed surfaces of the birds.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing the neck area of an animal carcass includes a pair of upwardly inclined brushes sharing a common angle of inclination, followed by a first pair of vertically disposed brushes, a second pair of vertically disposed brushes, and by a pair of downwardly inclined brushes sharing a common angle of inclination. The brushes of each pair of brushes are transversely spaced apart from one another to accommodate an animal carcass between them. First and second fluid headers are positioned in parallel relation to each inclined brush. A neck area of a carcass is initially cleaned by the pair of upwardly inclined brushes and associated fluid headers. The neck area then passes between the first and second pair of vertical brushes and associated fluid headers. The final cleaning is administered by the pair of downwardly inclined brushes and their associated fluid headers.

Abstract: A method of depopulating livestock is provided. The method comprises restricting the livestock in a defined space, and depositing foam into the defined space, forming a foam blanket covering the livestock. The livestock can be avians, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. A device for making medium expansion foam comprising a high expansion foam generator having a fan, and a shroud shielding the fan from ambient air intake. The shroud limits the amount of ambient air incorporated into the foam during operation. The device can include an alternative gas input positioned to direct an alternative gas to the fan. The alternative gas is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The post chill decontamination tank assembly 24 usually is positioned at the exit end of a chiller 10 of a poultry processing line. Eviscerated birds fall into the decontamination tank 25 and the paddles 42A-42D of the paddle assembly 34 revolve in the tank about the axis 37 and collect and lift the birds through the liquid and discharge the birds from the tank. An antimicrobial is added to the liquid for treating the exposed surfaces of the birds.

Abstract: A machine for scrubbing a fowl, wherein the machine comprises at least one pair of opposing rotating brushes, wherein the fowl passes between said at least one pair of opposing rotating brushes. The pair of opposing rotating brushes comprises a first rotating scrubber and a second rotating scrubber having bristles extending therefrom. The fowl is suspended via a shackle suspended from a track, wherein the height of the scrubbing machine may be selectively varied via a threaded height adjuster. The bristles of the machine are rotated, wherein the bristles contact the exterior of fowl travelling through the machine. Jets of water, or other cleaning fluid, spray inwardly to reach the fowl and the scrubbing bristles to rinse removed material from the fowl and bristles. The brushes are rotated through hubs attached to gears powered by a motor, wherein the gears may be selectively rotated in either direction.

Abstract: The post chill decontamination tank assembly 24 usually is positioned at the exit end of a chiller 10 of a poultry processing line. Eviscerated birds fall into the decontamination tank 25 and the paddles 42A-42D of the paddle assembly 34 revolve in the tank about the axis 37 and collect and lift the birds through the liquid and discharge the birds from the tank. An antimicrobial is added to the liquid for treating the exposed surfaces of the birds.

Abstract: A tripe washing and refining apparatus (10) includes a base (20), a vessel (14), and a motor (16). The vessel (14) includes a selectively reversible rotatable disc (30) and two baffles (32,34) extending from an annular side wall (24) above the disc (30). Disc projections (40,42,44) extend from an upper surface (38) of the disc (30) and present opposed washing (48) and refining (50) surfaces. The baffles (32,34) likewise present opposed washing (60) and refining (62) surfaces. The washing surfaces of the disc projections (40,42,44) and the baffles (32,34) engage the tripe to agitate and wash it. The refining surfaces of the disc projections (40,42,44) and the baffles (32,34) engage the tripe to remove fat or other components from its exterior.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing faecal matter from slaughtered poultry suspended by the legs, wherein the poultry, after having been cut for bleeding, is scalded to soften the feathers of the poultry, and after having been scalded is plucked and eviscerated to provide fresh defeathered slaughtered poultry, wherein also the removal of faecal matter takes place by prior to evisceration removing not yet unloaded faecal matter from the poultry by applying a pressure load to the abdominal cavity of the poultry, and simultaneously or subsequently spraying away the faecal matter squeezed out of the poultry with water and/or air.

Abstract: A compact, light-weight, portable fish cleaning station which can be removably mounted on the outside surface of any marine piling, vertical post, tree or pole greater than 2 inches in diameter. The station is used to hold a fish for cleaning or cutting while allowing drainage of waste material into the water or bucket, when attached. The station includes a cutting board of wood and/or moldable structured plastic attached to two vertical support arms that are temporarily aligned over the face of a support piling and securely tied in position with the attached rope and cleat. The vertical support arms are designed with four primary contact points that insure a secure fit and prevent “wobble”. The width of the support arms is sufficient so that the station may be used on pilings or posts of various diameters. The station can be positioned at various heights for the comfort of the user. The station is easily removed from the piling, tree, post or vertical support and fold for easy storage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing or reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria present on an eviscerated carcass. The process includes introducing the eviscerated carcass to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a housing structure having an entrance and an exit. Disposed within the housing structure is a rotating brush assembly and a spray assembly. The brushing assembly provides brushing and massaging actions to the surfaces of the carcass whereas the spraying assembly simultaneously directs a cleaning solution onto the surfaces of the carcass.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing or reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria present on an eviscerated carcass. The process includes introducing the eviscerated carcass to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a housing structure having an entrance and an exit. Disposed within the housing structure is a rotating brush assembly and a spray assembly. The brushing assembly provides brushing and massaging actions to the surfaces of the carcass whereas the spraying assembly simultaneously directs a cleaning solution onto the surfaces of the carcass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing mammal carcasses comprises the step of contacting the carcass with an aqueous hinokitiol solution in processing the carcass for a production of red meat as food. The aqueous hinokitiol solution is safe for a human body and enables to sterilize carcasses effectively without lowering quality of red meat as a final product obtained by processing the carcasses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing faecal matter from slaughtered poultry suspended by the legs, wherein the poultry, after having been cut for bleeding, is scalded to soften the feathers of the poultry, and after having been scalded is plucked and eviscerated to provide fresh defeathered slaughtered poultry, wherein also the removal of faecal matter takes place by prior to evisceration removing not yet unloaded faecal matter from the poultry by applying a pressure load to the abdominal cavity of the poultry, and simultaneously or subsequently spraying away the faecal matter squeezed out of the poultry with water and/or air.

Abstract: A poultry treatment system relating to dissection, shape arrangement, and dispensing treatment, which can prevent the growth of bacteria in cleaning, cooling, and succeeding treatment processes for making possible the securing of the least contaminated state (the number of common live bacteria carried by a packed article of 2 kg is 102), composed of; a pretreatment section 20 comprising hanging part 20a, bloodletting part 20b, immersion-in-hot-water part 20c; a treatment section 10 comprising a plucking part 11, hollowing part 12, cleaning/sterilizing/cooling part 13, and water-washing part 14; a dissecting/dispensing/packaging section comprising a automatic dissection part 16, shape arrangement part 17, dispensing/packaging part 18; and shipment section 21.

Abstract: A processing chamber effective for workers to perform therein a selected task upon an edible product. The processing chamber comprises a floor, walls, and a ceiling joined together to be impermeable to water. The processing chamber further comprises a washing system which, when activated at regular intervals in the absence of the workers, directs a pressurized fluid toward at least one object within the processing chamber. The pressurized fluid washes away debris and sanitizes the at least one object. Upon sanitizing, the workers re-enter the chamber to perform the selected task upon the edible product.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically rinsing and scraping bi-valve mollusks and the like. The mollusks are placed into a perforated drum that is rotated by a motor, the drum having a plurality of agitation protrusions for churning, lifting and dropping the mollusks so they become frictionally engaged with one another and the plurality of abrasive elements contained therein thereby effectively scraping off any barnacles or other like debris. Jet streams of water are emitted to shower the mollusks during operation and a housing assembly that maintains the perforated drum therein also forms a basin that retains the effluence and creates an agitating, churning bath to facilitate cleaning. The front panel of the housing assembly is hinged to a bottom plate thereof and has two perpendicular side panels extending therefrom to form a chute for unloading the mollusks in an orderly manner into a bucket or other like container.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine along a closed-path track. A vertically disposed tube, located at a point along the track, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surfaces. A cleaning nozzle, located at a point along the track, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rinsing the body cavity of slaughtered poultry, such as a slaughtered chicken, wherein, after removing the innards from the bird, a finger is inserted in the body cavity, rinsing agent is introduced via the finger into the body cavity for rinsing said body cavity and the finger is removed from the body cavity. The invention also provides an apparatus as means for performing the method described above. The method in the apparatus is characterized in that before and/or during rinsing of the body cavity the skin between the legs of the bird, at the anal end of the body cavity, is moved away from the wall of the body cavity.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) including radio frequency identification circuitry enclosed in a protective molded casing having an attachment surface for attaching the RFID to a ferrous object, the radio frequency identification circuitry being positioned in the casing so as to keep the circuitry a predetermined distance away from the ferrous object which may interfere with the communication between the RFID and the RFID reader.

Abstract: A tripes cleaning apparatus having a suspended, rotatable drum that presents an outer cylindrical surface on which the tripes are supported. The drum includes sets of flighting so as to facilitate arrangement of the tripes on each portion thereof in a single-layered helical orientation. A nozzle is associated with each set of flighting so that a low pressure cleaning fluid can be flushed through the tripes as the drum is rotated. Each nozzle is preferably activated to disperse cleaning fluid by bending the nozzle relative to its normally straight configuration, and a J-hook projects from the drum adjacent each nozzle to releasably hold the nozzle in the open, bent configuration and help retain the tripes against the drum. The apparatus further includes a spray bar operable to clean the outside of the tripes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salmon roe selecting and washing machine which can completely remove faulty roe and foreign substances from normal, mature roe, wherein the salmon roe selecting and washing machine has at least one salmon roe transferring plate 11 extending in the salmon roe transferring direction, in which a number of slits 14 having such a width that normal salmon roe does not fall down are formed, and resiliently supporting a salmon roe transferring portion 7 inclined downward in the salmon roe transferring direction at a frame 5 thereof, a vibrating means 16 is provided at the salmon roe transferring portion, and a shower means 18 for sprinkling salt water is secured above the salmon roe transferring portion 17. By sprinkling salt water by the shower means 18 while vibrating the salmon roe transferring portion 7 by the vibrating means, and transferring salmon roe by streams of salt water, faulty roe and foreign substances, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine is disclosed. The apparatus has a horizontal tube member for supporting an intestine; support members attached to opposite sides of said tube member for supporting the side portions of a slit intestine; a transporter mounted below and adjacent to the bottom side of said tube for moving intestines from adjacent the distal end of said tube towards the proximal end; a cutting blade mounted above said tube member; and a plurality of nozzles arranged at transversely opposite sides of said tube member for directing fluid downwardly and about the top side of said pipe member. A method for cleaning animal intestines using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spray nozzle provides for the efficient washing or rinsing of the eviscerated body cavity of poultry during processing operations. The nozzle is formed monolithically of a single block of material, such as food grade high density polyurethane plastic or other suitable material. The nozzle body has a single axial passage extending from a threaded attachment end to terminate within the body near the opposite distal end. A series of three orifices are provided, with each orifice having an elongate opening. The result is an efficient and thorough wash pattern, with the central orifice producing a liquid stream disposed generally axially relative to the nozzle, and the two lateral passages producing generally circumferentially and upwardly disposed spray patterns to wash down essentially the entire body cavity of the poultry and to reduce rejection of poultry due to residual foreign matter remaining within the cavity after evisceration and washing.

Abstract: Water is conserved and poultry raised for human consumption is cleaned by a viscera-removing machine that incorporates a unique nozzle member positioned adjacent a crop-removing tool. The close positioning of the nozzle to the crop-removing tool insures that contaminates are washed out of the internal cavity of the bird immediately upon crop removal. This prevents contaminates from being absorbed into tissue surrounding the internal cavity. The nozzle is mounted in longitudinal alignment with the crop-removing tool at the lowermost or leading end of a spiral rod that rotates about its axis of symmetry and reciprocates up and down as previously slaughtered poultry is delivered to a crop-removing and washing station. Each downward motion of the spiral rod causes the tool and nozzle to enter the vent of a bird and to exit at the neck opening.

Abstract: In the inventive method for the sanitary rinsing of an animal, an assembly line is provided which includes a plurality of shackles. Each shackle includes an inventive tag which includes a machine readable unique shackle number. Once an animal is stunned and attached to a shackle the animal is moved to a weighing station, which is equipped with a tag reader, weighs the animal and transmits the weight and shackle number to a computer where the data is recorded in a database. The animal is then bled and moved to a rinsing station, which is equipped with a tag reader which reads the shackle number. The system then looks up the weight of the animal to be rinsed at that particular rinsing station and calculates the amount of solution to inject into the circulatory system of the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the shells of crabs and other crustacean and shellfish for removal of barnacles and other encrusted debris. A conveyor carries the shells through a cleaning station. The cleaning station features a rotating flail, having chains or other like flexible members for impacting against the shells with hard, smooth members for selectively shattering the barnacle shells while permitting the relatively softer crustacean shells to remain intact.

Abstract: A method for rinsing pieces of meat, which preferably in connection with the slaughtering process itself have been sorted out, because they have been poured over with blood, where a portion of pieces of meat are centrifuged during simultaneously adding of cold rinsing water for a period of 2-4 minutes, and where said portion thereafter is further treated by centrifuging without adding rinsing water for a period in the order of 2-3 minutes, whereafter the rinsed and drained meat, which now may be used for consumer purposes, preferably automatically is emptied from the centrifuge, and an apparatus in the form of a centrifuge of the slinging/scrabing type with a stationary cylindric collecting container (8) for the meat to be rinsed, said apparatus comprising a motor-driven, circular bottom plate (22) with bringing along ribs (24) surrounded by a detachable ring-shaped hole plate (18), said collecting container (8) is at the inner side provided with upright inclined ribs (16) and a side opening with a screened o

Abstract: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning poultry carcasses having a cavity. A plurality of cleaning heads are spaced about a sprayer carousel that is rotatably mounted upon a vertical shaft. The cleaning heads are mounted upon a plurality of vertically oriented guide rails which are spaced about the sprayer carousel. A circumferential cam is fixedly connected to the vertical shaft inside the sprayer carousel. A cam follower connected to each cleaning head follows the profile of the cam, displacing the cleaning head vertically along the guide rails. A conveyor transports the carcasses sequentially into and out of engagement with the sprayer carousel and an indexing member maintains each of the carcasses in alignment with one of the cleaning heads. In response to relative movement between the fixed cam and the rotatable sprayer carousel the cam follower of each cleaning head follows the circumferential profile of the cam.

Abstract: The invention relates to decontaminating meat by locating a body of meat (10) within a chamber (15), providing a volume (25) of decontaminating water (27) sufficient to fill the chamber (15) and immerse the body of meat; supplying the decontaminating water (27) at e.g. 80.degree. C. to the chamber at multiple inlet point (31-34) accompanied by substantial turbulence as it fills the chamber (15) and discharging the decontaminating water from the chamber (15) after the body of meat (10) has been decontaminated (e.g. after ten seconds). The volume of decontaminating water (27) is provided in an elevated vessel (26) connected to the chamber (15) through a supply passage (30) of relatively large flow area.

Abstract: An automated crustacean processing apparatus provides a scrubbing of crustacean leg portions at high speed and volume and additionally maximizes the amount of leg processable. A cutting arrangement is provided to sever the legs from the body portions with minimum wastage of usable leg material. Asymmetric scrubbing of the upper and lower leg surfaces means that the upper surfaces, which are less debris-laden and feature a commercially significant layer of red colouring receive a less vigorous scrubbing then the leg undersides, which are more debris-laden and do not feature a red layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning poultry carcasses having a cavity. A plurality of cleaning heads are spaced about a sprayer carousel that is rotatably mounted upon a vertical shaft. The cleaning heads are mounted upon a plurality of vertically oriented guide rails which are spaced about the sprayer carousel. A circumferential cam is fixedly connected to the vertical shaft inside the sprayer carousel. A cam follower connected to each cleaning head follows the profile of the cam, displacing the cleaning head vertically along the guide rails. A conveyor transports the carcasses sequentially into and out of engagement with the sprayer carousel and an indexing member maintains each of the carcasses in alignment with one of the cleaning heads. In response to relative movement between the fixed cam and the rotatable sprayer carousel the cam follower of each cleaning head follows the circumferential profile of the cam.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for poultry washer nozzle for insertion into the cavity of an eviscerated poultry. The washer has an axial central tube upon which is mounted a rotatable cylinder as a distal portion and a proximate rib portion spaced from said tube. Orifices between the tube and internally of the cylinder provides cleansing liquid to the inside of the cylinder from which it flows through tangential offices in the cylinder. The proximate rib portion is detailed to center the poultry about the washer.

Abstract: A water system for supplying chilled water to a food production line. The chilled water is held in a holding tank which is sampled by a pump which delivers water to an analyzer. The water is first filtered to remove debris that would hamper the analysis. The analyzer determines the disinfectant level in the water, and generates a signal indicative of that level. When the disinfectant level falls below a predetermined level, a disinfection pump is activated to deliver additional disinfectant to the tank. The preferred disinfectant is Liquid Chlorine(sodium hypochlorite). The analyzer can measure the free available chlorine level, pH or oxidation-reduction potential of the water.

Abstract: An intestine or tripas cleaner cleans an entire tripas, without cutting the tripas into segments, thereby providing significant sanitation advantages. The cleaner comprises a rotatable accumulator onto which an unwashed tripas is wound while passing water through the inside and onto the outside. One end of the unwashed tripas is attached to a fitting which seals the tripas so water passes into the inside without leakage. Water is sprayed onto the outside of the tripas as the unwashed tripas is wound onto the accumulator. The wash water flows by gravity to the bottom of the accumulator and passes through a drain. Simultaneously with washing a tripas, a washed tripas is discharged from the accumulator through an outlet structure, preferably directly into a shipping box. Significant cost advantages are provided by reducing labor expense.

Abstract: A shellfish wash device has a main platform, a wash tank disposed on the main platform, a tubular flow device disposed in the wash tank, a power source disposed beneath the wash tank, a main disk disposed in the tubular flow device, and a rotating cap disposed on the main disk. The power source has a motor, a first bevel gear, a pivot connected to the motor and the first bevel gear, a second bevel gear engaging with the first bevel gear, a shaft connected to the second bevel gear, and a distal portion of the shaft passing through a center of the wash tank, a center of the tubular flow device and a center of the main disk. An end of the shaft is inserted in the rotating cap.

Abstract: A two step antimicrobial treatment of animal carcasses prior to chill storage in a commercial slaughter operation. As a first step, the carcass is isolated in a hot water pasteurization chamber and sprayed with recirculation water at a minimum temperature of at least 165.degree. F. (74.degree. C.) over its entire surface for a minimum time sufficient to kill bacteria. Isolation is achieved with air curtains across the entrance and exit openings, an exhaust system and a liquid level control in the bottom of the chamber. Recirculation water collected in the bottom of the chamber is filtered, combined with makeup water, heated and recirculated to the chamber. As a second step, the carcass is isolated in an acid application chamber and sprayed with an organic acid solution immediately prior to delivery to the chill storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying pathogens on meat includes a dewatering station, a steam heating chamber, and a cooling chamber. The meat is treated as it is moved along by a conveyor. The dewatering chamber includes an air blower with nozzles for blowing air at the surface of the meat to remove surface water from the meat. The steam heating chamber is disposed adjacent the dewatering chamber and includes a steam heating chamber enclosure that is sealed for maintaining a positive pressure in the steam heating chamber relative to the dewatering chamber. In one embodiment the steam chamber moves along with the meat on the conveyor. The cooling chamber is disposed adjacent the steam chamber opposite from the dewatering station. The cooling chamber has nozzles for spraying chilled water onto the surface of the meat for rapidly cooling the meat after it is passed through the steam heating chamber. The meat conveyor extends through the dewatering chamber, the steam chamber, and the chilled water chamber.

Abstract: In the inventive method for the sanitary rinsing of an animal, an assembly line is provided which includes a plurality of shackles. Each shackle includes an inventive RFID tag which includes a machine readable unique shackle number. Once an animal is stunned and attached to a shackle the animal is moved to a weighing station, which is equipped with an RFID tag reader, weighs the animal and transmits the weight and shackle number to a computer where the data is recorded in a database. The animal is then bled and moved to a rinsing station, which is equipped with an RFID tag reader which reads the shackle number. The system then looks up the weight of the animal to be rinsed at that particular rinsing station and calculates the amount of solution to inject into the circulatory system of the animal.