Abstract: A process for preserving fresh meat which includes the steps of a) packaging fresh meat in a sealed package; b) placing the packaged fresh meat in a pressurization vessel and closing the vessel; c) pressurizing the pressurization vessel containing the packaged fresh meat to an elevated pressure of at least 50,000 psi pressure so that the packaged fresh meat is placed under the elevated pressure; d) maintaining the elevated pressure on the packaged fresh meat for a time of from 1 to 300 seconds and at a temperature of from ?2° C. to 8° C.; e) reducing the pressure on the packaged fresh meat to ambient pressure; and f) removing the meat from the pressurization vessel. Pathogens are effectively killed using this process, providing manufacturing efficiencies and longer product shelf life as compared to other meat handling procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal including separating a vertebral column of the animal, hanging the carcass by pelvic suspension and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. Vertebral column separation is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. Electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat fabrication systems and methods. The system according to one embodiment includes a conveyor (104) for advancing meat cuts, a cutting assembly (106) defining a cutting path (136) that intersects the conveyor (104), and at least one guide (160, 162, 163) that orientates the meat cuts on the conveyor relative to the cutting path such that the chine bones of the meat cut are separated from the remaining portions of the meat cuts as the meat cuts are advanced through the cutting path (136) by the conveyor (104).

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat fabrication systems and methods. The system according to one embodiment includes a conveyor (104) for advancing meat cuts, a cutting assembly (106) defining a cutting path (136) that intersects the conveyor (104), and at least one guide (160, 162, 163) that orientates the meat cuts on the conveyor relative to the cutting path such that the chine bones of the meat cut are separated from the remaining portions of the meat cuts as the meat cuts are advanced through the cutting path (136) by the conveyor (104).

Abstract: A process for preserving fresh meat which includes the steps of a) packaging fresh meat in a sealed package; b) placing the packaged fresh meat in a pressurization vessel and closing the vessel; c) pressurizing the pressurization vessel containing the packaged fresh meat to an elevated pressure of at least 50,000 psi pressure so that the packaged fresh meat is placed under the elevated pressure; d) maintaining the elevated pressure on the packaged fresh meat for a time of from 1 to 300 seconds and at a temperature of from ?2° C. to 8° C.; e) reducing the pressure on the packaged fresh meat to ambient pressure; and f) removing the meat from the pressurization vessel. Pathogens are effectively killed using this process, providing manufacturing efficiencies and longer product shelf life as compared to other meat handling procedures.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat fabrication systems and methods. The system according to one embodiment includes a conveyor (104) for advancing meat cuts, a cutting assembly (106) defining a cutting path (136) that intersects the conveyor (104), and at least one guide (160, 162, 163) that orientates the meat cuts on the conveyor relative to the cutting path such that the chine bones of the meat cut are separated from the remaining portions of the meat cuts as the meat cuts are advanced through the cutting path (136) by the conveyor (104).

Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: Described is a method of detaching a muscle from a beef cattle carcass, the method comprising the steps of: locating the muscle comprising at least one attachment point to the beef cattle carcass; and detaching the attachment point of the muscle from the beef cattle carcass prior to the onset of rigor mortis. An assembly line method is also described. Also, described are muscles comprising a substantially symmetrical and cylindrical-shape. In addition, described are muscle beef products that are produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: An automated system and method for trimming fat from an outer surface of a primal of meat includes a conveyor for advancing the meat, an imaging system for creating at least one image of the meat in order to create a fat profile, and a trimming assembly that removes fat from the outer surface of the meat based on the created fat profile. An orientation device is used to secure and guide the meat on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the orientation device is configured to align with a spinal groove in the meat. In some embodiments, the primal of meat is a short loin; in some embodiments, it is a sirloin.

Abstract: An automated system and method for trimming fat from an outer surface of a primal of meat includes a conveyor for advancing the meat, an imaging system for creating at least one image of the meat in order to create a fat profile, and a trimming assembly that removes fat from the outer surface of the meat based on the created fat profile. An orientation device is used to secure and guide the meat on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the orientation device is configured to align with a spinal groove in the meat. In some embodiments, the primal of meat is a short loin; in some embodiments, it is a sirloin.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting animal protein is provided. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group.

Abstract: An automated system and method for breaking a primal cut of meat into smaller components includes a conveyor for advancing the primal cut from a first end of the system to a second end of the system, at least one automated cutting assembly for performing a first cut and a second cut to separate the primal cut into three sub-components, and a guide for orienting the primal cut on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the guide is configured to align with a spinal groove in the primal cut. In some embodiments, the at least one automated cutting assembly includes a first automated cutting assembly for performing the first cut and a second automated cutting assembly for performing the second cut.

Abstract: An automated system and method for breaking a primal cut of meat into smaller components includes a conveyor for advancing the primal cut from a first end of the system to a second end of the system, at least one automated cutting assembly for performing a first cut and a second cut to separate the primal cut into three sub-components, and a guide for orienting the primal cut on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the guide is configured to align with a spinal groove in the primal cut. In some embodiments, the at least one automated cutting assembly includes a first automated cutting assembly for performing the first cut and a second automated cutting assembly for performing the second cut.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat fabrication systems and methods. The system according to one embodiment includes a conveyor (104) for advancing meat cuts, a cutting assembly (106) defining a cutting path (136) that intersects the conveyor (104), and at least one guide (160, 162, 163) that orientates the meat cuts on the conveyor relative to the cutting path such that the chine bones of the meat cut are separated from the remaining portions of the meat cuts as the meat cuts are advanced through the cutting path (136) by the conveyor (104).

Abstract: An age of an animal or animal carcass is estimated using a measurement or measurements of physical properties of the animal or carcass. A correlation between at least one physical property or characteristic and the animal's age is determined. A measurement of the at least one physical property or characteristic is made using non-invasive technology. An estimated age is then determined comparing the measured at least one property to the correlation of property and age.