Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary linkage connection assembly which pivotally interconnects transverse bars to form a food processing conveyor comprising an endless belt in which a plurality of laterally spaced transversely extending rod members are connected in spaced relationship by respective link members of the linkage connection assembly, achieved by welding one end of each link to an end of each rod to provide an endless belt having an overall smooth external linkage structure which is substantially without surfaces or spaces receptive to the accumulation and retention of food particles which form contaminants when in a conveyor belt of the type described for use upon a transport device in food processing operations and thereby provide a linkage connection assembly in a conveyor which is easily cleaned to maintain it in a sanitary condition.

Abstract: A machine employing heated water as the medium for shrinking heat sensitive film wrapping on food products and the like, wherein the machine provides a hot water distribution and recirculation system incorporating a variable speed propeller pump operable to provide a combination of droplet type hot water sprinkling and cascaded hot water drenching in order to quickly and efficiently accomplish the close encasement shrinking of the heat sensitive film wrapping upon food product items conveyably transported through the shrinking chamber of the machine, thereby precluding thermal degradation of the food products with a consequent discoloring thereof when the same are otherwise exposed to elevated temperatures during the film shrinking operation.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped food products storage and transfer vessel having an integral sanitary top rail structure triangular in cross-section and formed by being bent downward from the upper edges of the respective side-wall panels of the vessel, the lowermost depending edges of the rail members thus formed being joined to the upper external sidewalls of the vessel by means of a continuous exposed weld and the sidewall rail structure terminal positions at the respective upper external corners of the vessel being closed by separately formed corner members weldably affixed thereto to form a continuous closed rail structure about the upper open periphery of the vessel and thereby provide an easily cleanable reinforced protective top edge member for the vessel.