Abstract: A sausage encasing machine has a computer and a casing diameter sensor located on a frame downstream of an exit end of a meat stuffing tube. The sensor is connected to the computer to transmit casing diameter data to the computer as the casing is being sensed. The computer is programmed to sausage diameter parameters, and the computer is programmed to signal a machine power system to cease operation whenever the computer detects that the casing diameter exceeds the predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A shrimp processing machine and method of processing shrimp are described. A reciprocating meat picking assembly powered by a main drive wheel of the machine rotates a cam wheel to cause a cam arm of the meat picking assembly to reciprocate relative to the drive wheel. Meat picking tines mounted to the cam arm reciprocate with respect to the drive wheel to retrieve a shrimp from the drive wheel upon each rotation of the cam wheel. A deveining brush having a substantially v-shaped cross sectional profile removes a vein from a processed shrimp. The cutting assembly of the machine is provided with a leaf spring which is aligned with the cutter arm of the assembly to ensure that the cutter arm is biased toward the drive wheel, but is done so in a manner which avoids off-axis loading of the cutter arm.

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: A rodenticide dispensing system includes a bait station as the lower part of a garbage container. The bait station has a horizontally disposed bait rod extending along substantially the full length of the front wall of the container. A hinged, lockable door, provides access to the bait rod, which is releasably supported at its ends. A pair of access holes are provided in the sides of the station for entry and exit of rodents. The access holes are located a substantial horizontal distance away from the bait rod to minimize the likelihood of tampering. The bait rod is supported within the bait station at a desired feeding height for rodents. The bait station may also be constructed as a stand alone unit.

Abstract: A fish hook remover is described which provides a shank that can include a handle. The shank has a spiral hook engaging flight. The spiral hook engaging flight is generated about an axis with a central hook shank receiving opening. A spiral line guide opening is defined by the flight that spirals into the central hook shank receiving opening such that a fish line engaged laterally by the flight will be guided into the central hook shank receiving opening.

Abstract: A combined fishing tackle holder and food cooler consisting of a cabinet component atop each of four corner legs each amenable to threadably receiving a spike based screw component which cabinet component has a wholly insulated hollow center space and a bipartite lid with insulating material on the bottom thereof as well as holding a plurality of drawers amenable to opening and closing within each lateral side of the cabinet component and further which cabinet component holds two cupholders, each one slideably openable in each upper anterior corner thereof as well as holding a pair of velcro hook and fastener components on the posterior side thereof and a fishing pole support unit affixed to an anterior side thereof which fishing pole support unit contains each of two pole holder units.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for manufacturing sausages as chain-like food products is comprised of: a stuffing nozzle (5) over which an unstuffed natural intestine casing (2) is fitted and which is adapted to continuously discharge a fixed amount of meat (M) as a stuffing material from a distal end (5a) into the unstuffed natural intestine casing (2) so as to form a stuffed natural intestine casing (4) forwardly of the distal end (5a), and is rotated so as to rotate the stuffed natural intestine casing (4) about an axis (X) in the direction of (A) by means of the fitted unstuffed natural intestine casing (2); and two pairs of pincher members (6a), (6b) and (7a), (7b) for consecutively pinching the stuffed natural intestine casing (4) in predetermined cycles and adapted to circulatingly move in the direction of (C) to move the pinched stuffed natural intestine casing (4) from a position forward of the distal end (5a) of the stuffing nozzle (5) further downstream (in the direction of (B)).

Abstract: An assembly for a seafood cleaning machines provides increased efficiency and decreases loss of meat of cleaned seafood items, such as shrimp, prawns, and the like. The assembly has a plurality of parallel rollers, a plurality of secondary rollers spaced between and mounted slightly above the power rollers, and a plurality of insert rollers fitted between adjacent power rollers and secondary rollers. Each insert roller has a variable diameter outside surface, gradually increasing from an upstream portion to the downstream portion. Smaller diameter upstream portion forms a tighter channel between the rollers and help the rollers to grab even smaller portions of the inedible parts of the crustaceans. To remove peeled off inedible portions, the assembly provides for a two-level water spraying, from above and below the insert rollers, thereby preventing a build-up of debris on the rollers and decreasing a possibility of over-peeling.

Abstract: A rope guide or escort safety lines for small children wherein the children grasp a handle attached to a main rope to prevent the children from straying or getting lost. The guide rope comprises a central main nylon rope with a plurality of intermediate cross ropes with end handles for gripping. The cross-ropes are located at spaced positions on the main rope. A team leader position is located at the forward portion of the main rope and includes an adjustable belt-like element which fastens about the waist of the team leader. A supervisor handle is located at the end of the main rope to be gripped by the adult responsible for the small children who grasp the handles on the cross-ropes. Decorative signs may be hung from the main rope to enhance the design for children.

Abstract: A device for skinning and field dressing small game is described. The device includes a base plate having four or more openings therein and a retaining element or holder. A first set of two openings are holes to receive free ends of the holder. The second set of two openings are to receive and removably retain the hind legs of a squirrel or the like and are positioned in a lower portion of the base plate. These openings each form a slot having an elongated shape with an essentially semi-circular top portion and a tapered-wall lower portion. The holder has in one plane a wider open section with a narrowed extension. At the end of the wider open section, the free ends are preferably structured as two downward extending hook-shaped portions which, in use, insert into the first set of two openings in the base plate. In use, the base plate is affixed to a support, such as a tree, and the holder is maintained in an outwardly extended position.

Abstract: A cutting blade made of surgical stainless steel with a very small angled back hone, a small grind angle, a small angled front hone, and a reduced size included angle, which has an increased hardness that results in a longer lasting narrow edge geometry blade that has a reasonable cost with increased durability and accuracy, providing greater cutting precision, productivity and net yields, while reducing the compression of the blade and processing downtime.