Abstract: An end effector of a pelt removal apparatus has a rotatable effector base on which is mounted a pair of elongated gripper bars parallel to a rotation axis of the effector base. One of the gripper bars is fixed in position, while the other one is radially spaced from and freely pivotal about a pivot axis parallel to rotation axis. When rotated in a tightening direction from a start position in which the pelt is located in a transverse gap between the gripper bars, the free gripper bar moves, without dedicated actuation of the free gripper bar, to pinch the pelt between the bars, thus gripping the pelt and allowing removal thereof by the pelt removal apparatus.

Abstract: A package for packaging fresh meat in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, whereby the packaging provides for a prolonged shelf life of the packaged meat products so that the meat will bloom to a desired red color when the packaging is opened. The packaging includes a packing tray which is sized for receiving a piece of fresh meat of predetermined cut. The tray is overwrapped with a web of clear plastic wrapping material. The overwrapped tray is ventilated to ensure gas communication between enclosed regions of the overwrapped tray and the outside ambient without blockage due to run off juices from the meat product or shifting of the meat product within the tray during transport. A number of similarly ventilated overwrapped trays are then placed within an outer barrier bag which is first evacuated of normal atmosphere and then flushed with a preservation-enhancing gas. The outer barrier bag is then sealed.

Abstract: A method for packaging fresh meat in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, whereby the packaging provides for a prolonged shelf life of the packaged meat products so that the meat will bloom to a desired red color when the packaging is opened. The packaging includes a packing tray which is sized for receiving a piece of fresh meat of predetermined cut. The tray is overwrapped with a web of clear plastic wrapping material. The overwrapped tray is ventilated to ensure gas communication between enclosed regions of the overwrapped tray and the outside ambient without blockage due to run off juices from the meat product or shifting of the meat product within the tray during transport. A number of similarly ventilated overwrapped trays are then placed within an outer barrier bag which is first evacuated of normal atmosphere and then flushed with a preservation-enhancing gas. The outer barrier bag is then sealed.

Abstract: A pelt puller apparatus and method utilizing hydraulic power means for stripping a pelt from an animal carcass suspended by both fore and hind legs in an upside down cradle position. The pelt puller apparatus includes a puller assembly and a kick bar assembly. The puller assembly is generally defined as an L-shaped frame structure and includes a pair of hydraulically operated clamp assemblies for holding the worked up sock portions of the animal pelt. The vertical frame portion of the L-shape framework includes a pair of telescopingly adjustable frame members and a hydraulic power means for providing vertical height adjustment of the clamp assemblies with respect to the animal carcass. The puller assembly framework is connected to an overhead rail system via a wheeled carriage assembly and includes hydraulic power means for providing fore/aft (push/pull) movement to the puller assembly.