Abstract: The present invention relates in general to spool assemblies, and more specifically, to a tape take-up roller for collecting carrier strips, or tape, that attach a chain of bags for packaging food in a food production facility. A purpose of the invention is to provide an improved spool assembly that conveniently and safely allows an operator to collect and remove tape therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the spool assembly may comprise a series of cantilevered, elongated prongs having a closed first end secured to a base and an opposite open second end. The base may be rotatably coupled to a bearing housing that permits the base and series of prongs to rotate together around a longitudinal axis for collecting tape around the series of prongs. The spool assembly permits tape to be safely removed from the series of prongs by sliding the tape off the open second end without requiring the use of cutting tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of packaged meat product, and more specifically, to a modified atmosphere meat packaging system and method of packaging meat product. The modified atmosphere meat packaging system and method comprises a lid-stock container with a reduced-volume headspace configured to contain a modified atmosphere consisting of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Spices, salts, rubs and seasonings may be further placed on the meat product to add flavor and mask a myoglobin state during long periods of shipping, storage and retail display. An impermeable gaseous barrier is configured to “gently touch” the meat product to prevent movement inside the meat packaging system and maintain an attractive appearance to consumers. The purpose of the invention is to provide a packaged meat product that appears freshly cut and wrapped straight from the butcher at a local meat market as opposed to a centralized packaging facility.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a cuspidor funnel are described, each of which may be securely attached to an empty beverage container, and then detached from the container with the container being disposed of after use. A first is attached to a standard sized beverage can while the second is structured to be attached to a standard sized beverage bottle. The can embodiment includes a cylindrical structure that snaps onto the beverage can top rim and positions a funnel neck into the opening of the beverage can typical of a press-tab opening soda or beer can. This funnel neck receives fluid captured by the angled funnel wall formed on the top face of the cuspidor funnel. The beverage bottle embodiment includes a generally cylindrical structure that is threaded onto the beverage bottle opening typical of most single serving plastic beverage bottle containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of packaged meat product, and more specifically, to a modified atmosphere meat packaging system and method of packaging meat product. The modified atmosphere meat packaging system and method comprises a lid-stock container with a reduced-volume headspace configured to contain a modified atmosphere consisting of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Spices, salts, rubs and seasonings may be further placed on the meat product to add flavor and mask a myoglobin state during long periods of shipping, storage and retail display. An impermeable gaseous barrier is configured to “gently touch” the meat product to prevent movement inside the meat packaging system and maintain an attractive appearance to consumers. The purpose of the invention is to provide a packaged meat product that appears freshly cut and wrapped straight from the butcher at a local meat market as opposed to a centralized packaging facility.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a cuspidor funnel are described, each of which may be securely attached to an empty beverage container, and then detached from the container with the container being disposed of after use. A first is attached to a standard sized beverage can while the second is structured to be attached to a standard sized beverage bottle. The can embodiment includes a cylindrical structure that snaps onto the beverage can top rim and positions a funnel neck into the opening of the beverage can typical of a press-tab opening soda or beer can. This funnel neck receives fluid captured by the angled funnel wall formed on the top face of the cuspidor funnel. The beverage bottle embodiment includes a generally cylindrical structure that is threaded onto the beverage bottle opening typical of most single serving plastic beverage bottle containers.