Abstract: A tool for steeling a knife includes a frame and first and second steeling components. Each of the components is shiftably mounted relative to the frame for movement between a first position and a second position. The steeling components cooperatively define a knife interface configured to engage and thereby steel the knife. The steeling components are resiliently biased into the first position, with the knife interface moving as the steeling components shift between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an intestine includes attaching the intestine to a rotatable drum and rotating the drum at a first rotation speed to load the intestine onto the drum. A cleaning fluid is discharged into the intestine during rotation of the drum. The rotation speed of the drum is reduced to a second rotation speed, which is then maintained during a crawl phase. The intestine is detached from the drum during the crawl phase.

Abstract: An intestine cleaning machine includes a rotatable drum presenting an intestine-supporting surface, a nozzle assembly coupled to the drum, and an intestine squeeze conveyor assembly. The nozzle assembly is operable to discharge a cleaning fluid into the intestine as the drum is rotated. The squeeze conveyor assembly includes a frame assembly, and first and second spaced apart intestine-conveying elements configured to receive the intestine therebetween. The intestine-conveying elements cooperatively define opposed intestine-engaging surfaces that are moveable in a common direction. At least one of the intestine-conveying elements is adjustably supported relative to the frame assembly to permit adjustment of a spacing between the intestine-conveying elements, such that adjustment of the spacing between the intestine-conveying elements permits pressure to be exerted against the intestine as the intestine is moved by and between the intestine-engaging surfaces.

Abstract: An intestine cleaning machine includes a rotatable drum, a fluid supply line, and a nozzle assembly fluidly coupled to the fluid supply line. The fluid supply line is configured for fluid connection with a source of fluid. The nozzle assembly includes an elongated outlet tube presenting a fluid discharge opening. The nozzle assembly also includes an intestine retainer assembly shiftable relative to the outlet tube into and out of an intestine-securing position. The outlet tube is configured for insertion into the open intestine end so that the fluid discharge opening is located within the intestine. The intestine retainer assembly is operable to secure the open intestine end to the outlet tube when in the intestine-securing position so that, when the open intestine end is received and secured on the outlet tube, fluid may be emitted into the intestine as the drum is rotated.

Abstract: A rotary knife includes a blade housing and an annular blade. The blade housing includes a housing race. The annular blade includes a blade race. One of the housing race and the blade race defines a wear band. The other of the housing race and the blade race defines an annular groove. The annular groove receives the wear band such that the annular blade is rotatably supported by the blade housing. The wear band has an annular surface. The wear band includes a plurality of surface features formed in the annular surface.

Abstract: A rotary knife includes a blade housing, an annular blade, and a grease cup assembly. The blade housing includes a housing race, a first inlet bore, a first lubricant channel, a second inlet bore, and a second lubricant channel. Each lubricant channel extends from the housing race to the respective inlet bore. The annular blade includes a blade race engaging the housing race so that the annular blade is rotatably supported by the blade housing. The grease cup assembly is coupled to the blade housing so as to selectively be in communication with one of the first and second inlet bores. The grease cup assembly is configured to inject a lubricant to the housing race through the lubricant channel.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning food processing equipment, which can include a plurality of individual containers, a plurality of conduits, fluid control components, and a manifold. The individual containers contain different cleaning solutions (e.g., caustic, acid, and/or sanitizer). The conduits are each fluidly connected to either one of the plurality of individual containers or a water source, and the fluid control components are each configured to individually and selectively control when fluid flows through each of the conduits from one of the plurality of individual containers and/or the water source. The manifold has a plurality of inlets each fluidly coupled with one of the plurality of conduits and one outlet fluidly coupled with the plurality of inlets. The cleaning solutions mix with each other and/or with water within the manifold before being dispensed therefrom into food processing equipment.

Abstract: A tool for steeling a knife includes a frame and first and second steeling components. Each of the components is shiftably mounted relative to the frame for movement between a first position and a second position. The steeling components cooperatively define a knife interface configured to engage and thereby steel the knife. The steeling components are resiliently biased into the first position, with the knife interface moving as the steeling components shift between the first and second positions.