Abstract: An automated process assesses an amount of meat remaining on a trimmed animal carcass by generating image data of the carcass and processing the image data in a computer to calculate the amount of meat remaining on the carcass. The automated process can be carried out using an equation developed by counting pixels in an area of interest in images of a plurality of reference trimmed carcasses from which the remaining meat is thereafter scraped and weighed, to produce data points used to develop the equation which is then used to calculate the amount of meat remaining on a trimmed carcass as it proceeds down a processing line.

Abstract: An automated process assesses an amount of meat remaining on a trimmed animal carcass by generating image data of the carcass and processing the image data in a computer to calculate the amount of meat remaining on the carcass. The automated process can be carried out using an equation developed by counting pixels in an area of interest in images of a plurality of reference trimmed carcasses from which the remaining meat is thereafter scraped and weighed, to produce data points used to develop the equation which is then used to calculate the amount of meat remaining on a trimmed carcass as it proceeds down a processing line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multicomponent package having an upper and lower component that are releasably attached to each other and wherein one of either the upper or lower component has high oxygen barrier properties and the other component has low oxygen barrier properties. In one embodiment, one of the components has an oxygen transmission rate of at least 4,000 cc at STP/m2/24 hr/atm, and the other component has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 1,000 cc at STP/m2/24 hr/atm. The multicomponent package can be used to package food products that may be incompatible with each other or where it may be desirable to package each food product in differing packaging environment. As a result, two or more dissimilar food products may be stored, shipped, and/or sold in the same package.

Abstract: Pre-padded bags are produced from polymeric film material having a machine direction and a transverse direction, for packaging products such as fresh meats and poultry. A set of pre-padded end-seal bags comprises a first bag and a second bag, each bag comprising a first film portion and an underlying second film portion, the first and second film portions being sealed together with a transversely extending seal to form an end seal of each bag, the first and second film portions being sealed together with a longitudinal seal along the machine direction to form a side seal of each bag, the first bag being connected to the second bag in an area between the side seals of the bags, and each bag containing a fluid-absorbent pad.

Abstract: A set of bags comprises a first lay-flat bag and a second lay-flat bag joined along their respective lengths. An end seal extending across both the first bag and the second bag. The first bag has a first side seal extending the length of the first bag, and the second bag has a second side-seal extending the length of the second bag. The first bag is connected with the second bag in an area between the first side-seal and the second side-sea. Both the first bag and the second bag having a total free shrink at 185° F. of at least 10 percent and a transverse free shrink at 185° F. which is greater than a longitudinal free shrink at 185° F.

Abstract: A method for providing sealed internal labels for vacuum skin packages and the like is disclosed. Labels with a heat sealable printed surface are placed on the trayed product prior to entering a vacuum skin packaging chamber. In the chamber the covering film is heated to its sealing temperature before it is applied by differential air pressure to the product and tray. The label seals to the interior surface of the covering film and is protected from being defaced during handling. Furthermore moisture and juices from the product will not discolor the label as it is sealed on its printed surface to the covering film. The package produced is intended for the display case in a retail supermarket.

Abstract: A package including a sealed, internal label comprises a product having a flat horizontal surface with a heat sealable label positioned thereon. A heat sealable web of heat formable, unshrunken film forms around the product, the web covering and heat being sealed to the label. A closure member encloses the uncovered portion of the product and being sealed to the covering web.