Abstract: A device for downloading data from a machine having a touch screen or PLC to govern its operation, the device includes a handheld control unit that is operably associated with the touch screen or PLC such that the touch screen or PLC can be downloaded from the touch screen onto the device and information from the device can be transmitted to a personal computer to be viewed or printed. Additionally, a method of downloading the data from a machine having a touch screen or PLC to a handheld control unit and downloading this information to a personal computer such that the information can be viewed or printed.

Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing skin and fat from meat parts, a tooth roll assembly attached to a frame and a trimming blade assembly attached to an adjustable frame where the position of the trimming blade assembly is adjusted in relation to the tooth roll assembly based upon the thickness of a layer of fat of the meat part.