Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the differential and purposeful stimulation of an animal carcass, i.e. substantially an entire animal carcass, without the purge problems typically found in the anterior and posterior portions of the animal carcass. In one embodiment, the method includes electrically stimulating at least a first section of the animal carcass to a first degree and electrically stimulating at least a second section of the animal carcass to a second degree less than the first degree. In one embodiment, the muscles of the midsection are electrically stimulated to a first degree and the muscles of the anterior and posterior end sections are electrically stimulated to a second degree less than the first degree. An apparatus for carrying out the methods of the present invention are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for obtaining samples of meat during commercial meat production. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated, hand held device used to rapidly obtain samples of meat that are of essentially uniform size in order to test for the presence of microbiological contaminants in such meat, as well as methods of using the device. The device can be used to comply with laws and regulations concerning the testing of meat for microbial contamination during commercial meat production. The device is also lightweight and ergonomically constructed so that it may be operated by a single individual.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for washing an animal intestine. The device may include one or more flushing arms connected to a rotating fluid tank. The rotating fluid tank provides the fluid to the flushing arms, which in turn provide the fluid to the animal intestine. The rotating fluid tank may be adapted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and during such rotation moves the flushing arms through a number of working sections around the washing machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a relatively quick and easy way of tracing meat products to their origins. Specifically, methods of tracing a fully processed meat product back through the production process use windows of traceability to quickly identify which lots were being processed at a particular time. Identification and cross-referencing during the production process also allow for further tracking of the origin of meat products, ultimately up to their feedlot of origin.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to livestock. Specifically, accurate, automated livestock-to-carcass, meat product, or organ identification systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, or organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the feedlot, lot and/or animal of origin as well as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: A guide for providing a controlled cut down a longitudinal length of a spine of a carcass using a backsaw includes first and second guide members, wherein the guide members are preferably interconnected by a lateral bracing member. The guide members are fixedly secured to a blade guide of the backsaw. The guide members include a front surface sloped relative to the front of the blade guide. In use, the guide members contact the carcass on either side of the spine and maintain a blade alignment down the spinal column of the carcass.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for obtaining samples of meat during commercial meat production. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated, hand held device used to rapidly obtain samples of meat that are of essentially uniform size in order to test for the presence of microbiological contaminants in such meat, as well as methods of using the device. The device can be used to comply with laws and regulations concerning the testing of meat for microbial contamination during commercial meat production. The device is also lightweight and ergonomically constructed so that it may be operated by a single individual.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for washing an animal intestine. The device may include one or more flushing arms connected to a rotating fluid tank. The rotating fluid tank provides the fluid to the flushing arms, which in turn provide the fluid to the animal intestine. The rotating fluid tank may be adapted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and during such rotation moves the flushing arms through a number of working sections around the washing machine.

Abstract: A system and method are described that provide a way to package food products. More specifically, a method of packaging food is described that provides an alternative to packaging food products with carbon monoxide. Instead, oxygen can be used during packaging in an attempt to preserve food product quality and color.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the differential and purposeful stimulation of an animal carcass, i.e. substantially an entire animal carcass, without the purge problems typically found in the anterior and posterior portions of the animal carcass. In one embodiment, the method includes electrically stimulating at least a first section of the animal carcass to a first degree and electrically stimulating at least a second section of the animal carcass to a second degree less than the first degree. In one embodiment, the muscles of the midsection are electrically stimulated to a first degree and the muscles of the anterior and posterior end sections are electrically stimulated to a second degree less than the first degree. An apparatus for carrying out the methods of the present invention are further provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to livestock. Specifically, accurate, automated livestock-to-carcass, meat product, or organ identification systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, or organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the feedlot, lot and/or animal of origin as well as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a relatively quick and easy way of tracing meat products to their origins. Specifically, methods of tracing a fully processed meat product back through the production process use windows of traceability to quickly identify which lots were being processed at a particular time. Identification and cross-referencing during the production process also allow for further tracking of the origin of meat products, ultimately up to their feedlot of origin.

Abstract: A method of controlling, reducing, or eliminating microorganisms including, but not limited to, fungi and bacteria associated with hygiene, food spoilage, and human pathogenesis on food surfaces after the foods have been packaged is achieved by exposing the microorganisms to a source of pulsed ultraviolet radiation through transmissible packaging. The duration of the pulses of ultraviolet radiation are in the range of picoseconds to microseconds at about 1 mJ/cm2 to about 10 J/cm2. Total energy irradiance is controlled in the case of foods with limited tolerance to such exposure.

Abstract: A method of producing meat crumbles is described. Meat crumbles are produced such that the individual crumbles maintain their separation through processing to the final product. When used by a consumer, the meat does not have to be directly handled before being placed into a cooking apparatus, thereby reducing the mess and potential bacterial infections associated with the excessive handling of meat products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing loins from pork bellies to result in a high yield of loin in a two-step method, the first step involving the removal of the loin and the second step involving the skinning of the loin portion removed. A unique knife shaped in the form of a Z is used to cut all the way through the belly. Once complete, the skin from the belly remains on the loin and is subsequently run through a loin skinner in a controlled cutting process that significantly reduces the chance of cutting below the loin fat and into the muscle.

Abstract: A method of reducing the stress in meat producing animals and of improving the quality of the meat produced from slaughtering said animals, while reducing the number of animals lost due to incapacitation, injury, or untimely death, by administering to the animals an effective amount of epinephrine or an epinephrine-like drug sufficient to acclimate the animal, and allowing the animal then to rest before loading the animal to be slaughtered by industry standard procedures for such meat producing animals. This method produces a meat with high sensory qualities.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking and identifying food products as they are being processed is disclosed, wherein no tags or encodings are attached to the food products, and wherein there is no extraneous manipulation of the food products. The tracking system of the present invention utilizes sensor input from substantially any sensor capable of detecting a food product in some manner. That is, the tracking system uses binary detect/no detect inputs for determining whether a food product can be identified at each sensor along a predetermined path. Thus, given that a food product has been identified at a particular sensor, the tracking system generates an hypothesis indicative of when the food product is expected to be at the next sensor along the predetermined path. Accordingly, if the next sensor detects a food product within an allotted window, then the food product detected is assumed to be the one to which the hypothesis applies.