Peeling Patents (Class 452/50)
  • Patent number: 11051521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a consumable treating liquid to an individual meat product, comprising the steps of placing an individual meat product on a carrier; moving the meat product towards a liquid applier; applying a consumable treating liquid to a meat product; forcing excess liquid towards the bottom of the meat product and/or the carrier, and controllably removing the excess liquid from the meat product and/or the carrier by a liquid remover. The invention also provides a device for applying a consumable treating liquid to an individual meat product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Marel Further Processing B.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Bernhard Hubert Bontjer, Frank Johannes Antonius van den Heuij
  • Patent number: 10058103
    Abstract: The device consists of a supply area (2) through which a conveyor belt (3) is fed above which a moistening station (4) is arranged by means of which the skin of the sausage is softened in order for the sausage to then be perforated and injected in order for said internal air flow to cause the skin to detach from the meat in the corresponding gripping and blowing station (6). It is then subjected to transversal cutting with a guillotine mechanism (16) and then to longitudinal cutting (18) while the skins are removed underneath by means of a pair of toothed wheels (23), the clean product coming out by way of an outlet conveyor belt (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ARCTECNO APLICACIONES, S.L.
    Inventor: Joan Ramisa Usero
  • Patent number: 9993008
    Abstract: A machine for peeling sausages having an adjustable carriage assembly and an adjustable knife holder with one or more blade holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Marel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent M. Veldkamp, Mattheus C. Willems, David W. Nida, Emile A. Burgers
  • Patent number: 9408401
    Abstract: In a device for the separation of sausage chains, having a feeding apparatus (1) for feeding sausage chains, with which a separating apparatus (3) for separating the sausage chains into individual sausage chain sections, respectively sausages, is associated and n-fold number of separating apparatuses (3.1 to 3.n) is to be integrated adjacent to each other in the device (P), wherein n?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: INOTEC GMBH MASCHINENENTWICKLUNG UND VERTRIEB
    Inventor: Miroslaw Domlatil
  • Patent number: 9364009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for skinning sausages or other food products, wherein an initial cut is made on a front end of said sausage, particularly in the region of an end-side tapering of the sausage, the skin is grabbed in the region of the initial cut at two points located at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction by means of two gripping elements, wherein the skin is particularly pulled onto a plane in a planar manner by a first working movement, particularly onto the contact surface of the sausage, the skin is cut parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sausage starting at the initial cut in the region between the gripping elements, the skin is lifted up away from the plane by a working movement of the gripping elements, and the sausage is conveyed parallel to the longitudinal extension thereof, particularly relative to the position of the gripping elements holding the sausage in a lifted position, and the skin is thus pulled off the sausage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH
    Inventor: Guenther Weber
  • Patent number: 9301534
    Abstract: An automated casing removal system for removing the casing of encased food products supported on a support frame. An inclined surface on the support frame has a staging area onto which encased food product is loaded. The staging area has a cutting member moveable along a portion of the length of the staging area, and a stop mechanism downstream from the cutting member on the inclined surface. The stop mechanism extends within a plane which intersects the inclined surface to prevent the food product from moving down the inclined surface. The staging area has retaining member upstream of the stop mechanism which retains the casing to unravel the casing from the food product as the food product rolls down the inclined surface when the stop mechanism is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: FORMAX, INC.
    Inventors: Noah Z. Pentelovitch, Henry George Randolph, III, Sean Michael Wood, Krystian Zimowski
  • Publication number: 20090258589
    Abstract: A knife assembly for removing a meat casing including a base member adapted to be mounted to a support structure, the base member includes a cutting assembly mounting portion having a first opening located on a surface of the base member and a slot, the slot extending from the first opening toward another surface of the base member. The knife assembly also includes a cutting assembly having a mounting arm configured to engage the slot to couple the cutting assembly to the base member and a cutting blade portion adapted to hold a blade, wherein at least a portion of a sharp edge of the blade is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: SF Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Dwayne PUGH
  • Patent number: 7377842
    Abstract: A method apparatus for removing a casing, particularly a casing with a clip end embedded in the product, is disclosed where the clipped end is clamped and gas is injected into this end to blow out the clip and casing end while the clamped portion prevents the entire casing from being inflated. The air or gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the product with a needle, for instance, to balloon out the casing in the clamped area to free the previously embedded clip. The clip is then gripped, certain cuts are made in the casing, and the casing is pulled from the product. An injector such as a needle is inserted into the end portion of the product and pressurized gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the end portion. The injection of the gas causes the casing to balloon out from the product thereby freeing the previously embedded clip. The freed clip is then gripped while the casing is then cut for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory J. Painter, Terry Lee Holmes
  • Patent number: 6656031
    Abstract: A method of removing the skin (7) from a sausage (1) comprises a plurality of steps. First, an end portion (2) of the sausage (1) is cut off, whereafter the skin (7) is grasped by gripping means (3) in diametrically opposed positions. Thereafter, an incision is made in the sausage (1) in its longitudinal direction by a knife (6), and the gripping means (3) and the sausage (1) are displaced in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the sausage (1) so that the skin (7) is pulled off in this direction. An abutment member (5) counteracts the tendency of the sausage (1) to move with the gripping means (3) when these are displaced. An apparatus for removing the skin (7) from a sausage includes a substrate for supporting the sausage, gripping means (3), a knife (6) and a displacement device (8). The gripping means (3) are disposed on either side of the sausage (1) and the knife (6) is disposed at the surface of the sausage (1) between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: CFS Kempten GmbH
    Inventor: Ulf Andersson
  • Patent number: 6582290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detaching a fibrous casing from the surface of a cured processed meat product, preferably a sausage, especially when the outer surface of the fibrous casing has been provided with a substantially inextensible net with a view to form protuberances on the surface of the processed meat mixture. The device is used for blowing compressed air between the fibrous casing and the surface of the cured processed meat mixture, so that the fibrous casing is detached from the surface of the processed meat mixture and skin removal is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Eriksson Capital AB
    Inventors: Esa Hihnala, Roland Tallberg
  • Publication number: 20030054747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detaching a fibrous casing from the surface of a cured processed meat product, preferably a sausage, especially when the outer surface of the fibrous casing has been provided with a substantially inextensible net with a view to form protuberances on the surface of the processed meat mixture. The device is used for blowing compressed air between the fibrous casing and the surface of the cured processed meat mixture, so that the fibrous casing is detached from the surface of the processed meat mixture and skin removal is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Esa Hihnala, Roland Tallberg
  • Patent number: 6468143
    Abstract: An end-cutting and stripping station for removing casings from sausages is disclosed. The station comprises a carousel having end-cutting units spaced around its perimeter. The carousel is connected to a conveyor, each unit receiving a sausage as the conveyor advances. Each unit includes a sausage support and a carriage slidably mounted below the support. An actuator is connected between the carriage and the carousel. As the actuator retracts, sensor fingers on the carriage slidingly engage a sausage on the support. When the finger tips reach the bottom end of the sausage, the fingers move inwardly, actuating a control valve and halting the carriage. A casing cutter is then actuated to cut off the lower end of the casing above the finger tips. As the conveyor exits the carousel, a pair of stripper bars positioned below the conveyor engage the tops of the sausages and force them out of the casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Stainless Steel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. White, Gregory A. Roepka
  • Patent number: 6354931
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ballooning and peeling the casing of a cooked meat stick such as cured pepperoni. Prior to peeling the casing from the meat stick, a needle pierces the casing and air is then injected through the needle and between the casing and the meat kernel therewithin so as to ballooningly separate the casing from the meat kernel. A gripper, preferably using jaws, grip one end of the casing and hold the casing to a casing drum. The casing is split longitudinally by a knife, and, as the casing drum rotates, the casing is wound onto the casing drum and forcibly pulled from the cooked meat stick. After the casing has been fully wound onto the casing drum and thus removed from the meat stick, the gripping jaws release the casing and a casing ejector slides the wound casing from the casing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ranger Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Klyce
  • Patent number: 6080055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing casings (15a) from elongated casing enclosed sausage sticks (15). An indexing conveyor (22) receives the casing-enclosed sausage sticks (15). An inflating mechanism is provided for inflating the casing-enclosed sausage sticks. An end cap removal section provides for the removal of the end caps. A casing slitting mechanism laterally slits the casings and the casings are then removed in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the sausage sticks. Preferably a mechanism is provided for removal of the casings after they have been taken off from the sausage sticks by means of forced air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Hormel Foods, LLC
    Inventors: Lyndon R. Leining, Eric S. VanDenBerg, William D. Young
  • Patent number: 6059647
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a tubular casing made of a flexible sheet from a food stuffed in the casing are disclosed. The casing is sealed at an opening portion thereof with a sealing means. The method includes stripping one end portion of the casing from a food body, and holding the casing stripped in the preceding step by a pulling means. The method includes pulling the stripped casing outwardly by the pulling means, while the pulling means and the food body are allowed to move relative to each other with respect to a lengthwise direction and a circumferential direction of the food body. The casing is peeled spirally from the food body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ryowa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imaura
  • Patent number: 6045441
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing casing from a body of a sausage includes an infeed mechanism to provide forward movement of the body of the sausage along a feed path, with the tuft of the sausage leading the body of the sausage. A cutting device is operatively connected to the apparatus for cutting the casing of the sausage. A tucker plate is moveable between an unengaged position to an engaged position. A pair of stripper rollers are positioned below the tucker plate assembly. The body of the sausage contacts the tucker plate, causing the grasping members to more from the unengaged to the engaged position, forcing the tuft down between the stripper rollers and the casing is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignees: Algona Fabrication and Equipment Company, Peelmen, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Christensen, Derek E. Householder, Benjamin O. Strattan, Robert W. Reinke, Sr., Robert W. Reinke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5928073
    Abstract: A method of removing the skin casing from a sausage by slitting the sausage (2) in its one end region comprises the steps that a flap of the skin casing is gripped by a gripper (15) in the immediate proximity of the slit. The gripped flap is displaced in relation to the sausage (2) in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of the sausage, preferably approximately tangential. The gripper and the sausage undergo a relative displacement in the longitudinal direction of the sausage. The sausage will, at least during a part of the removal operation of the skin casing, be caused to rotate approximately about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Peeler System AB
    Inventors: Ulf Andersson, Lars B.ang.rden, Anders Rosengren
  • Patent number: 5649858
    Abstract: A quick assembly/disassembly apparatus for splitting casing surfaces and peeling the cases from a string of sausages or the like which includes a trackway along which the sausage chain moves and driving discs that engage the casing covered chain of sausages and moves it along the trackway. A contour follower slitting blade is urged with a preselected amount of pressure against the skin casing of the moving chain of sausages and cuts the casing a precise amount to enable it to be thereafter loosened from the sausage by a stream of compressed air. A limiting pin prevents the slitting blade from displacement from the casing surface when the blade encounters a new casing to be split or other surface irregularities. Compressed air is directed against the split casings to urge the skin casings away from the sausages, and a vacuum assists an additional pair of driving discs to cooperatively engage the slit casings and move the casings to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Charles E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5643071
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting sausage casings or the like from a peeling station which utilizes selectively operable storage tanks for receiving the peeled casings from the peeling station connected to the peeling station by conduits through which moved peelings can be transported by air flow induced from a vacuum source. The receiving tanks each having two interior walls and an exterior wall, one of the interior walls being perforated to permit air flow to move therethrough. The second interior wall forms an air flow passage with the exterior wall to direct air flow induced by the vacuum through the casing outlet means. Each tank has a selectively openable door to discharge collected casings for removal to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Charles E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5449318
    Abstract: A cellulose food casing which can be peeled from food product contained therein without damaging said food product, said food casing having an internal surface composition comprising regenerated viscose containing polyalkylene glycol having a molecular weight of from 300 to 20,000. The invention further includes such food casings in fibrous form wherein only the internal layer of viscose contains polyalkylene glycol and the method for making such casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Teepak, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Halftown, Douglas E. Appleby, Marc J. Vrijsen
  • Patent number: 5295895
    Abstract: Apparatus for skinning the casing from a chain of encased frankfurters. The apparatus has a plurality of carrier wheels which conveys the frankfurter chain in a sinuous path to provide at least a pair of stressing stations where the casing is stressed first on one side and then the other. Knives are located at the stressing stations which slit the casing on opposite sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Thomas A. Klyce, Jerry W. Davis
  • Patent number: 5246395
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing casings from sausages having a frame, and a conduit extending within the frame through which a string of linked sausages are longitudinally moved. A knife means is pivotally mounted in the longitudinal path of the linked sausages and is capable of moving into the recessed portions of the string existing between adjacent ends of the linked product to sever the casing material in that area. A spin jump paddle is pivotally and transversely mounted in the path of the string of sausages downstream from the knife element so that the casings will pass thereover. The paddle has a width greater than its thickness and will rotate from a flat position to a vertical position depending on the portion of a linked product that is passing thereover. The casing material being removed from the linked product passes over the paddle and downwardly to a pair of gripping rolls. Steam is injected into the conduit and diverted through the length thereof to loosen the casing material from the cooked product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Townsend Engineering Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Zirps, Matthew K. Haggerty, Massimo A. Russo, Karl T. Ulrich, Jennie Kwo
  • Patent number: 5184541
    Abstract: A unit for being positioned between an outlet conveyor and an inlet conveyor having a steam source coupled thereto. The unit includes a body machined out of metal or the like. The body has a passageway with an inlet end for being coupled to the outlet port of the inlet conveyor and an outlet end for being coupled to the inlet port of the outlet conveyor. The body has a vacuum port communicating with the passageway for being coupled to a vacuum source for allowing steam to be sucked from the passageway therethrough. A gate is machined out of plastic or the like and attached to the body for movement between an opened position in which the passageway through the body is opened and a closed position in which the passageway through the body is closed at a point between the outlet end of the passageway and the vacuum port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ranger Tool Co.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Klyce
  • Patent number: 5094649
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing the skins or casings from sausage products includes an abrasion means suitably in the form of a pair of counter rotating, rough surfaced rollers through which the sausages pass after the casings have been slit longitudinally, to tear the casings off the sausages abrasively. Immediately downstream of the abrading means is a suction means, preferably in the form of a perforated suction roller, which sucks the casing remnants away from the residual sausages. The apparatus avoids the need for the use of compressed air to loosen and separate the casings from the sausages, thereby drastically reducing tne nose level at which the apparatus operates, and eliminating the risk of bacterial contamination inherent in the use of jets of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Canada Packers Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Hall, Larry A. Rohde, Michael L. Samarco, Edward Kroeger