Abstract: An indexing conveyor system wherein a feed conveyor section receives items, which are rapidly dispensed from a source thereof, and transports the items, one behind the other, on a plurality of endless belts to a pivotal conveyor section. A counter counts the items moving on the pivotal conveyor section and effects rapid pivotal movement of the pivotal conveyor section when a predetermined number of items have been counted. The distal end of the pivotal conveyor section pivots between positions aligned first with one and then the other of a pair of elongated receiving conveyor sections arranged in tiers and each having a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced endless belts. A guard conveyor section closely overlies the pivotal conveyor section, is movable in unison therewith, and prevents items from being thrown off of the pivotal conveyor section when the latter pivots between its respective positions.

Abstract: A process for preparing cured bacon which, when cooked for consumption, contains substantially reduced levels of N-nitrosamines. The process comprises the steps of nitrite-curing, heat processing and slicing bacon bellies and then spraying or otherwise applying to the resulting slices, after completion of said-nitrite curing and before cooking, a treating solution containing liquid smoke.

Abstract: A process for preparing cured meat which, when cooked for consumption, contains substantially reduced levels of N-nitrosamines. The process comprises the steps nitrite-curing, heat processing and slicing a meat product and then spraying or otherwise applying to the external surfaces of the resulting slices, after completion of said nitrite-curing and before cooking, a treating solution containing a tocopherol, liquid smoke and reducing sugar.

Abstract: A process for preparing cured meat which, when cooked for consumption, contains substantially reduced levels of N-nitrosamines. The process comprises the steps of introducing into uncured meat a nitrite-containing curing composition, a tocopherol and an additional nitrosamine-inhibiting substance which may be liqid smoke, a reducing sugar, or a combination thereof, and thereafter processing the meat to effect curing. The invention is applicable either to ground meat, such as sausage, or to intact cuts of meat, such as ham or bacon bellies.

Abstract: A process for preparing cured bacon which, when cooked for consumption, contains substantially reduced levels of N-nitrosamines. The process comprises the steps of nitrite-curing, heat processing and slicing bacon bellies and then spraying or otherwise applying to the resulting slices, before cooking, a treating solution containing liquid smoke and a reducing sugar.

Abstract: A paperboard carton with improved tear resistance and blanks therefor for packaging a product such as bacon, said carton having an inspection flap for viewing the contents and scoring lines which provide easy opening of the carton. The tear resistance of said carbon is improved by the positioning of the scoring lines which are located such that lines of force initially created by lifting the inspection flap do not intersect a ply-separation area located within the edge section of the top panel.

Abstract: A portable cage for compressing food articles during processing of the articles as by heating, smoking or the like. The cage includes means for moving a pair of trays toward each other to apply pressure on food articles between the trays and means for limiting the pressure so applied to a predetermined amount. The device is further capable of applying different predetermined pressures to articles on different trays, the amounts of such predetermined pressures being determined so as to offset the differences of the weights of the articles on the trays to thereby make the total pressures on the food articles on each tray more uniform. The mechanism is easily operable to open and close the cage for loading and unloading of the articles but is capable of developing substantial pressures when the trays are pressed against the food articles. Another feature of the improved cage is the provision of trays having spaced screens with mechanisms between the screens for bringing pressure on the food articles.

Abstract: A portable cage for compressing food articles during processing of the articles as by heating, smoking or the like. The cage includes means for moving a pair of trays toward each other to apply pressure on food articles between the trays and means for limiting the pressure so applied to a predetermined amount. The device is further capable of applying different predetermined pressures to articles on different trays, the amounts of such predetermined pressures being determined so as to offset the differences of the weights of the articles on the trays to thereby make the total pressures on the food articles on each tray more uniform. The mechanism is easily operable to open and close the cage for loading and unloading of the articles but is capable of developing substantial pressures when the trays are pressed against the food articles. Another feature of the improved cage is the provision of trays having spaced screens with mechanisms between the screens for bringing pressure on the food articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing bacon and, more particularly, to a process for preparing bacon which, when cooked, will have reduced levels of N-nitrosamines by injecting green bacon bellies with a curing solution composed of a nitrite-containing pickle, a liquid smoke and a food grade emulsifier.

Abstract: A process for preparing cured bacon which when cooked for consumption contains substantially reduced levels of N-nitrosamines. The process comprises the steps of preparing a nitrite-stable injectable curing solution containing a nitrite, a liquid smoke and a reducing sugar, injecting the curing solution into a green belly, and processing said belly to effect curing.

Abstract: Improvements in molding apparatus and method for forming a plurality of patties from a mass of agglomerable edible material such as, chopped meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, or the like. The molding apparatus includes a rotatable turret having a plurality of mold cavities positioned therein with a piston reciprocably mounted in each cavity. Upward piston reciprocation forms a mold in the lower portion of the cavity. An improved food-feeding mechanism having an enlarged end opening in communication with the cavity pushes the edible material into the mold over a wide portion of the turret rotation. The piston reciprocates upwardly while in communication with said food-feeding mechanism to draw food material into the mold and avoid air pockets in same. As the turret rotates and the piston reciprocates downwardly to expell the patty, an improved continuous wire band patty cut-off mechanism cleanly separates the patty from the piston to which it typically sticks, without deforming the patty.

Abstract: A process for packaging units of food in which the food units are placed on a bottom film and slits made in the film. The film with the food units thereon is passed into an open chamber, the chamber closed, and a vacuum drawn on it followed by back-filling with a substantially oxygen-free gas. The film with the food units thereon and a top film over the units is then subjected to vacuum and the top and the bottom films sealed. Alternately the package may be back-filled with oxygen-free gas prior to being sealed about the food unit. The disclosure includes also the steps of partially sealing food units between top and bottom films in a first chamber, back-filling with a substantially oxygen-free gas, then vacuumizing in a second chamber, and fully sealing the packages in a second chamber, or alternately back-filling with the oxygen-free gas before fully sealing.

Abstract: A device for handling articles such as meat logs which includes a main conveyor and means for moving the articles transversely and consecutively above and across the main conveyor to a predetermined position, and having automatic means operable when each article reaches the desired position over the main conveyor, for opening the device to allow the article to fall down on the main conveyor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cured meat porducts, which have the characteristic color of high quality cured meats and which are able to retain this color during an extended period during which distribution and marketing of the meats may take place which process includes the step of incorporating calcium sorbate and sodium nitrate. The inventionalso refers to the meat products so produced and whichcontain calcium sorbate for facilatating the developmentand maintenance of the characteristic color associatedwith good quality cured meats.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material such as meat. The apparatus includes a turret which rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into one of a plurality of mold cavities and a discharge station where each formed patty is ejected by a piston. An improved sealing means is provided for effecting sealing engagement of a feed spout assembly with the bottom surface of the rotating turret. An improved cut-off band is also provided for separating the formed patties from the turret at the discharge station. Reciprocation of the piston in each mold cavity is regulated by a control means which includes means for limiting the free upward movement of the piston until the cavity opening is fully aligned with a feed opening in the feed spout assembly.

Abstract: Resin peptides useful in preparing peptides having biological activity, and particularly such resin peptides containing ALA-GLU-CH.sub.2 - R at one end of an amino acid chain, R being the resin and ALA and GLU being the residues of the amino acids alanine and glutamic acid; and processes for the preparation of such resin peptides. Resin peptides including ACTH.sup.1-28 are disclosed which have adrenocorticotropic activity along with processes for their preparation.

Abstract: A new peptide which has calcitonin-like biological activity which has a shorter amino acid chain and which is chemically more stable than natural calcitonins. Also resin peptides are disclosed which may be converted to peptides having biological activity and processes for producing said resin peptides and said peptides having biological activity.

Abstract: Drafts of preselected weight are sliced into a preselected number of slices by passing the material to be sliced through a curtain of radiation to measure the density of the material, and this measurement is used to calculate the length of each draft, which measurement is stored and subsequently read out to control the operation of a stepping hydroelectric motor which pushes the material through a cutting station at the proper speed.

Abstract: An improved molding apparatus is provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material, particularly meat in frozen flake cut form. The apparatus includes a rotating turret with a plurality of mold cavities and reciprocable pistons. The turret rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into the mold cavities and a discharge station where the formed patties are ejected and separated by a continuous cut-off band. An improved cut-off band is also provided in which the band is disposed at a slight angle to facilitate its entry into the interfaces between the bottom surfaces of the pistons and the formed patties. The leading corners of the pistons are chamfered to receive the blade. The band is looped between a pair of pulleys on adjustable supports for providing the desired inclination of the band. Scrapers and spray nozzles are provided to maintain the cleanliness of the band and the pulley grooves.

Abstract: A tool for cutting materials such as animal carcasses and portions of carcasses one after another, the tool including a cutting blade and a guard member, together with means for discharging against the blade and against the guard member hot water at sterilizing temperature for sterilizing the cutting blade and guard between their use in cutting different carcasses. The disclosure also deals with a process in which one carcass is cut using the tool, the tool withdrawn and the blade and guard then treated by discharging sterilizing water thereon before the tool is again used in the cutting of other carcasses.