Abstract: A method for surface treating animal tissue is provided by the invention. The method includes the steps of providing animal tissue having an average size of between about 0.5 inch and about 16 inches in length, introducing the animal tissue into a bath provided at a temperature of between about 80° C. and about 150° C. for between about 25 seconds and about 150 seconds, and recovering the animal tissue from the water bath. A pasteurization unit is provided for continuous processing of animal tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a carcass during meat production. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a band sized to fit around a limb of the carcass and a readable identification tag affixed to the band for remote identification of the carcass. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a block adapted to couple to a trolley carrying the carcass and a readable identification tag coupled to or embedded in the block. The readable identification tag may be used to read and write information relating to the carcass to a database.

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: An apparatus and method for identifying a carcass during meat production. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a band sized to fit around a limb of the carcass and a readable identification tag affixed to the band for remote identification of the carcass. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a block adapted to couple to a trolley carrying the carcass and a readable identification tag coupled to or embedded in the block. The readable identification tag may be used to read and write information relating to the carcass to a database.

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. The carrier is attached to a vertically-disposed wheel for rotating the carrier in a circular path. A spray assembly, located at a point above the wheel, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surface of the intestine. A supply tube, located at a point above the wheel, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: A system and method for applying labels to a meat product and organizing a meat display case for ease of use by the consumer. The method of the present invention includes collecting PLU codes and corresponding product descriptions from a retailer, associating each PLU code with one or more preparation characteristic, using simple, easy-to-understand symbols, and applying a label to the meat product that the consumer can read and understand quickly and easily. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a method for organizing a retailer's meat display case for facilitating desired product selection by the consumer.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal includes separating a vertebra of the animal and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. The vertebra separating is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. The electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: A method for surface treating animal tissue is provided by the invention. The method includes the steps of providing animal tissue having an average size of between about 0.5 inch and about 16 inches in length, introducing the animal tissue into a bath provided at a temperature of between about 80° C. and about 150° C. for between about 25 seconds and about 150 seconds, and recovering the animal tissue from the water bath. A pasteurization unit is provided for continuous processing of animal tissue.

Abstract: A method for surface treating animal tissue is provided by the invention. The method includes the steps of providing animal tissue having an average size of between about 0.5 inch and about 16 inches in length, introducing the animal tissue into a bath provided at a temperature of between about 80° C. and about 150° C. for between about 25 seconds and about 150 seconds, and recovering the animal tissue from the water bath. A pasteurization unit is provided for continuous processing of animal tissue.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat. The method includes separating one or more vertebrae of a carcass of a red meat slaughter animal prior to rigor mortis, wherein the act of separating enables stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass.

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: Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground, which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal carcass.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are presented for the steam pasteurization of the meat to heat the surface of the meat and reduce surface contamination. One example of an apparatus for reducing surface contamination of meat includes a dewatering region, a steam region, a coolant region, and a controller. The dewatering region includes at least one dewatering element for directing a dewatering fluid at a piece of meat to remove surface water from the meat. The steam region includes at least one steam valve for directing steam at the piece of meat to heat the surface of the meat. The coolant region has at least one coolant element for directing a coolant fluid at the piece of meat to cool the meat. The controller is configured and arranged to control a conveyor to move the piece of meat from the dewatering region to the steam region, to stop the piece of meat in the steam region while steam is directed at the piece of meat, and to move the meat from the steam region to the coolant region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground, which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal carcass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the approximate lean content of pork bellies, and a method for categorizing pork bellies on the basis of weight and lean content is described. The method for determining approximate lean content uses a conductivity apparatus configured and arranged to apply an electromagnetic field to the pork belly. The approximate lean content of the pork belly is determined on the basis of a relationship between the measured conductivity of the pork belly and the fat content of the pork belly. A system for categorizing pork bellies on the basis of weight and lean content is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously counting, stacking, and packaging relatively rigid and stackable articles, such as frozen meat patties, is provided. The apparatus includes a bottom stacker for stacking stackable articles in a column, a stack mover for moving the stack of articles to a packaging station, and a packager for packaging the stack of articles. The packager can provide an open plastic bag without injecting air.

Abstract: A lift and carry or walking beam conveyor in which parts are conveyed along a pair of parallel stationary rails by a pair of movable rails located between the stationary rails. The movable rails are moved from a point below to a point above the stationary rails and from a retracted to an advanced or forward position. The conveyor incorporates a curved or quarter-turn portion which is uniquely actuated by pivotal connections to contiguous straight sections.

Abstract: A stripper assembly for unloading parts from an accumulating conveyor. The parts are moved by the conveyor between pivoting lever arms which hold the part as a push blade advances the part downward to a gravity release position.

Abstract: A metering assembly for use in conjunction with an accumulating conveyor to separate parts, one at a time, from a row of abutting parts or from a flow of parts to create spacing on a continuation of the conveyor to enhance further operations or to discharge parts directly from the conveyor. A pivoting metering block receives a single part from the accumulating conveyor and advances it forward while retaining the next succeeding part, assuring single part spacing or discharge.

Abstract: A lift and carry accumulating conveyor having a frame with a pair of elongated, spaced apart and parallel stationary rails. A pair of elongated, spaced apart and parallel movable rails are mounted to the frame so that the movable rails are movable between a forward and a retracted position as well as between an upper and a lower position and so that the movable rails extend generally parallel to the stationary rails. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the frame and is rotatably driven by a motor. A disk is obliquely attached to the shaft and is mechanically coupled to one end of the lever while the other end of the lever is attached to the movable rails to move the movable rails between the forward and retracted position upon rotation of the shaft. An eccentric cam is also attached to the shaft and, through a plunger attached at one end to the movable rails, vertically moves the movable rails between the upper and lower position upon rotation of the shaft.