Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for processing animal hides in a meat processing facility. In one embodiment, the system the system includes a grading station for determining hide grades, a measuring station for determining at least one hide dimension of the animal hide, a hide folding station, a stacking station adapted to deposit hides at a plurality of stacking sites, a conveyor system and a control system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for processing animal hides in a meat processing facility. In one embodiment, the system the system includes a grading station for determining hide grades, a measuring station for determining at least one hide dimension of the animal hide, a hide folding station, a stacking station adapted to deposit hides at a plurality of stacking sites, a conveyor system and a control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tenderizing meat is disclosed. Fluid may be injected into a portion of a carcass coinciding with the cut of meat desired for tenderization. The injection site may be sterilized before or during injection of the fluid. The fluid may be a gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, or may be a liquid. Multiple injections may be performed spaced slightly apart. The injection apparatus may include a plurality of injectors or needles having openings for gas passage therethrough. The needles may be attached to a base having a hose attached thereto. Fluid may be pumped through the hose, through the base, through the needles, and into the carcass. A sterilization assembly may be provided with the injection apparatus for sterilizing the injection site before and/or during injection.

Abstract: An automated meat cutting system and method is disclosed. The automated meat cutting method comprises securing a carcass portion in a position, imaging the carcass portion to determine cutting paths and cutting the carcass portion along the thus determined cutting paths.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of reducing microbial levels during meat production. The method includes applying an antimicrobial agent to the animal hide, before removal of the hide from the carcass. The method may further include rinsing and drying the animal hide.

Abstract: An automated meat cutting system and method is disclosed. The automated meat cutting method comprises securing a carcass portion in a position, imaging the carcass portion to determine cutting paths and cutting the carcass portion along the thus determined cutting paths.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine. The carrier is attached to a vertically-disposed wheel for rotating the carrier in a circular path. A spray assembly, located at a point above the wheel, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surface of the intestine. A supply tube, located at a point above the wheel, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine. The carrier is attached to a vertically-disposed wheel for rotating the carrier in a circular path. A spray assembly, located at a point above the wheel, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surface of the intestine. A supply tube, located at a point above the wheel, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine along a closed-path track. A vertically disposed tube, located at a point along the track, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surfaces. A cleaning nozzle, located at a point along the track, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.