Patents Assigned to Birko Corporation
-
Patent number: 11832624Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventors: Tom Espy, Mike Gangel, Drew Mohnen, Chad McCune
-
Patent number: 11582978Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of Salmonella in harvested meat comprising treating the meat with an effective electrostatically charged antimicrobial solution comprising a blend of lactic and citric acids in proportions containing a predominance of lactic acid from 65:5 wt./wt. to 77:3 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid; and the pH of the solution is less than about 3.2.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Gary L. Nace, Terry L. McAninch, Victor M. Reusch, Elis M. Owens
-
Patent number: 11412748Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Tom Espy, Mike Gangel, Drew Mohnen, Chad McCune
-
Patent number: 11185083Abstract: Disclosed are methods for killing or reducing the incidence of pathogenic bacteria, comprising contacting the bacteria with a PURAC CL 21/80 solution (1-2.5% by weight) comprising lactic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.43% to 1.23% by weight and citric acid in an amount ranging from about 0.29% to about 0.88% by weight. In some aspects, the pathogenic bacteria can be present on a meat product.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Gary L. Nace, Terry L. McAninch, Victor M. Reusch, Elis M. Owens
-
Patent number: 11134694Abstract: An improved method for applying an electrically charged lubricant on an oppositely charged carcass trolley in a meat packing plant meeting the requirements of (1) adequate lubricity, (2) “drip-resistance,” (3) safety, (4) rust resistance, (5) economy of manufacture and use, and (6) the ability to be removed by cleaning methods is provided by preparing a mixture of mineral oil, a fatty acid, a silicone oil, and a polybutene, each being acceptable for incidental contact with food.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: BIRKO CorporationInventors: Terry L. McAninch, Bob Ogren, Elis Owens
-
Patent number: 11061008Abstract: A diagnostic system for processing animal carcass, wherein the system comprises an artificial animal carcass that includes a bladder inside; a sensory module under the exterior surface of artificial animal carcass; and a display module operably coupled with the sensory module. The bladder inside the artificial animal carcass is configured to be filled with water at the slaughter facility, so that the weight of artificial carcass is approximately the same as the weight of real carcass to be processed. The sensory module is configured to measure a selected parameter on the surface of artificial animal carcass to be displayed on the display module.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: BIRKO CorporationInventors: Drew Mohnen, Tom Espy, Mike Gangel
-
Patent number: 10834933Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of Salmonella in harvested poultry comprising treating the poultry with an effective antimicrobial solution comprising a blend of lactic and citric acids in proportions containing a predominance of lactic acid from 50:30 wt./wt. to 75:5 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid; and the pH of the solution is less than about 3.2.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Gary L. Nace, Terry L. McAninch, Victor M. Reusch, Elis M. Owens
-
Patent number: 10455843Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Tom Espy, Mike Gangel, Drew Mohnen, Chad McCune
-
Patent number: 9675085Abstract: Fluid distribution systems for use in meat-handling facilities include a fluid distribution assembly for fluidly coupling with a fluid supply where the fluid distribution assembly comprises at least one valve for alternately supplying fluid to a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may further include at least one motor for oscillating the nozzle assemblies. Cabinet assemblies for use in meat-handling facilities may include a fluid distribution system. Valve assemblies may include a diverter for selectively supplying fluid to at least two outlets. Methods of washing at least a portion of a carcass include spraying fluid onto the at least a portion of the carcass with a first set of nozzle assemblies and with a second set of nozzle assemblies positioned over the first set of nozzle assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas Espy
-
Publication number: 20150264942Abstract: Fluid distribution systems for use in meat-handling facilities include a fluid distribution assembly for fluidly coupling with a fluid supply where the fluid distribution assembly comprises at least one valve for alternately supplying fluid to a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may further include at least one motor for oscillating the nozzle assemblies. Cabinet assemblies for use in meat-handling facilities may include a fluid distribution system. Valve assemblies may include a diverter for selectively supplying fluid to at least two outlets. Methods of washing at least a portion of a carcass include spraying fluid onto the at least a portion of the carcass with a first set of nozzle assemblies and with a second set of nozzle assemblies positioned over the first set of nozzle assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: BIRKO CorporationInventor: Thomas ESPY
-
Patent number: 9101950Abstract: A swivel body for a packing house washer which includes a hollow housing, a ball joint mounted on a water line coupler which is mounted into the hollow swivel body. The waterline coupler has a hollow neck which is in fluid communication with the swivel body chamber. Water is forced into the swivel body chamber and passes through the waterline coupler into a spray bar. The ball joint fastened to the coupler and neck allows the waterline coupler to articulate within the swivel body. Bushings are used for water tight fitting of the ball joint within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventor: Tom Espy
-
Publication number: 20140272041Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of E. coli and Salmonella in slaughtered beef or other meat during processing or post-processing by treating the meat with an effective antimicrobial solution comprising lactic acid and a water soluble anionic or zwitterionic surfactant at a pH of about 3.2 or less. Mixtures of lactic acid with citric acid and a surfactant may also be employed. Antimicrobial solutions of lactic acid and surfactant may be used in other food processing applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BIRKO CorporationInventors: Terry L. MCANINCH, Ellis M. OWENS, Victor REUSCH
-
Publication number: 20140154375Abstract: A method for processing tripe includes refining tripe with at least one bleaching agent and at least one alkaline material to improve tripe appearance, and contacting the treated tripe with an alkaline builder at a temperature of about 110° F. to 160° F. Tripe may be rinsed with cold water before packaging. The methods of processing tripe may provide tripe with enhanced appearance appealing to consumers, while increasing margin profits to meat packing plants due to higher tripe yield and lower operation cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventors: Terry McANINCH, Elis M. OWENS, Wayne LARSON
-
Patent number: 8716205Abstract: An improved lubricant for use with a conveyor in a meat packing plant meeting the requirements of (1) adequate lubricity, (2) “drip-resistance,” (3) safety, (4) rust resistance, (5) economy of manufacture and use, and (6) the ability to be removed by cleaning methods is provided by preparing a mixture of mineral oil, a fatty acid, a silicone oil, and a polybutene, each being acceptable for incidental contact with food, in certain minimum amounts and increasing the amounts of one or more of said components such that the improved lubricant has a viscosity of 20-160 centipoise. A method of improving a lubricant for use on a conveyor in a meat packing plant and a method of lubricating the conveyor are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Birko CorporationInventor: Terry L. McAninch
-
Patent number: 8715759Abstract: An antimicrobial intervention for the production of ground meats by treating the exterior of the meat trimmings with an antimicrobial agent before grinding. An apparatus for applying an antibacterial agent to meat trimmings includes a closed or essentially closed chamber for limiting the escape of the antimicrobial agent to the environment during antimicrobial treatment of the trimmings, an entrance system for introducing trimmings into the closed chamber while preventing or significantly limiting the antimicrobial agent from escaping into the environment, an application system for applying an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent to exposed surfaces of the trimmings in the closed chamber; and an exit system for removing the treated trimmings from the closed container while preventing or significantly limiting the escape of antimicrobial agent into the environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Birko CorporationInventor: LaWayne Larson
-
Publication number: 20130035269Abstract: An improved lubricant for use with a conveyor in a meat packing plant meeting the requirements of (1) adequate lubricity, (2) “drip-resistance,” (3) safety, (4) rust resistance, (5) economy of manufacture and use, and (6) the ability to be removed by cleaning methods is provided by preparing a mixture of mineral oil, a fatty acid, a silicone oil, and a polybutene, each being acceptable for incidental contact with food, in certain minimum amounts and increasing the amounts of one or more of said components such that the improved lubricant has a viscosity of 20-160 centipoise. A method of improving a lubricant for use on a conveyor in a meat packing plant and a method of lubricating the conveyor are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventor: Terry L. McAninch
-
Publication number: 20130000681Abstract: A method for cleaning used storage or processing liquid containers employing an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, nitric acid and one or more surfactants, e.g., a detergent and/or wetting agent. Preferably, the aqueous cleaning solution has a total nitric acid content of 12 wt % or less. Complete cleaning can be achieved without using any caustic. The cleaning solution can be recycled repeatedly to clean multiple containers on numerous occasions over a period of time, e.g., several weeks.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: BIRKO CORPORATIONInventors: Dana J. Johnson, Terry L. McAninch
-
Patent number: 8211239Abstract: A method for cleaning used beer kegs employing an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, nitric acid and one or more surfactants, e.g., a detergent and/or wetting agent. Preferably, the aqueous cleaning solution has a total nitric acid content of 12 wt % or less. Complete cleaning can be achieved without using any caustic. The cleaning solution can be recycled repeatedly to clean multiple kegs on numerous occasions over a period of time, e.g., several weeks.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Birko CorporationInventor: Dana J. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20110038997Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of Salmonella in harvested poultry comprising treating the poultry with an effective antimicrobial solution comprising a blend of lactic and citric acids in proportions containing a predominance of lactic acid down to a minimum of about 40:40 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid, and preferably ranging down to about 45:35 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid; and the pH of the solution is less than about 3.2.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Birko CorporationInventors: Gary L. Nace, Terry L. McAninch, Victor M. Reusch, Elis M. Owens
-
Patent number: 6451062Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hide-curing additive comprising an effective biocidal amount of an essential oil and a non-ionic surfactant. The improved additive provides an effective cure for the hides, is environmentally safe and economical.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Birko CorporationInventors: Dana J. Johnson, Terry L. McAninch, Frederick W. Holzhauer