Abstract: A method of processing pork bellies to produce sliced bacon comprises receiving at least one pork belly, having a flank end and a shoulder end, from a pork belly treating process. The flank end and the shoulder end of the at least one pork belly is docked. The docked pork belly is placed on a slicing machine and sliced to produce sliced bacon.

Abstract: A method of grading pork bellies which involves flattening the bellies to a pre-selected thickness with a pressure roller. The bellies are measured at a number of locations to establish an average thickness and thereafter selectively directed to collecting areas based on their thickness and surface area. The collected bellies are then given final grades based on their leanness and quality and moved on for further processing.

Abstract: A meat product package for storing and displaying a plurality of tubular meat products preferably in an arcuate configuration, the package having a meat product forming section with plural arcuate recesses utilizing overformed recess edges to hold the tubular meat products in a curved position under tension within the recesses for storage and display. An alternative embodiment includes a method of arcuately shaping straight sticks of meat products cooked or smoked in a casing and placing them in a formed film pocket made on a form-fill-seal rollstock packaging machine.

Abstract: A meat product package for storing and displaying a plurality of tubular meat products, preferably in an arcuate configuration, having a meat product forming station with plural arcuate recesses utilizing overformed recess edges to hold the tubular meat products in a curved position within the recesses for storage and display.

Abstract: A method, and product formed thereby, for cooking meat products to produce an aesthetic surface and retain the natural juices wherein a heat shrinkable packaging material having a simulated net retaining surface appearance is formed around the meat product, and the package and meat product are cooked in a hot water bath to heat shrink the packaging material and create a three dimensional net surface design on the cooked meat product. The heat shrinkable material is thereafter removed, the meat product surface retains the netted surface design, and the meat product retains natural meat product juices.

Abstract: A method, and product formed thereby, for cooking meat products to produce an aesthetic surface and retain the natural juices wherein a heat shrinkable packaging material having a simulated net retaining surface appearance is formed around the meat product, and the package and meat product are cooked in a hot water bath to heat shrink the packaging material and create a three dimensional net surface design on the cooked meat product. The heat shrinkable material is thereafter removed, the meat product surface retains the netted surface design, and the meat product retains natural meat product juices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved combination comprising a resealable container with a matching lockable lid and methods of formation "in-line" and use thereof. The container includes a rounded container lip near the top extremity of the container. The matching lid includes a substantially rounded lid lip which is slightly larger than and of substantially the same shape as the lip for the container. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the lid lip is that of a substantially smooth curve, and the transverse cross-sectional shape of the container lip for receiving, engaging and compressing the smooth curve of the lid lip is substantially V-shaped in order to exert force upon the smooth curve of the lid lip after mating engagement for effectuating a seal therebetween. The novel features of the container and lid hereof are such that they may be formed separately on separate machines or may in other embodiments be formed and used "in-line".

Abstract: The improved metallized package component of the present invention includes a thermoplastic, polymeric film laminate being formed from at least two, and possibly several, thermoplastic film layers. The thermoplastic film layers are selected to have substantially equivalent indices of refraction to minimize diffusion of light at the interfaces thereof to maintain substantial clarity and transparency of the film laminate. A metallic layer is disposed on at least one exterior surface of the film laminate, and accordingly is visible through the film from the opposite side thereof to provide a metallic appearance to both sides of the film laminate.

Abstract: The improved display package of the present invention has a substantially triangular shape in longitudinal cross-section. The package is formed from substantially rectangular front and matching back panels. A pair of side panels are attached to the front and back panels. Each of the side panels is also rectangular in shape in the unfolded state, but includes an inwardly disposed triangular subpanel when folded along triangular-shaped fold lines.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes an elongated frame, packaging forming stations for forming a lower container and top or cover for a package, a vacuum seal and sizing station, a chill station and a cutoff or package separating station. The vacuum seal and sizing station includes an upper tool defining an upper chamber and a lower tool defining a container chamber. The lower tool is movable towards and away from the upper tool and defines a vacuum chamber therewith. A pressure and sealing bar disposed within the upper chamber is movable to seal the package top to the container. A platform is adjustably positionable in the container chamber to vary the volume or size of the vacuum chamber. A product sizing plunger carried by the upper tool engages and compresses the product placed within the container prior to application of a vacuum and sealing of the cover or top to the container.