Abstract: A method for processing beef includes the steps of preparing a beef carcass for butchering, reducing the carcass temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, removing primal cuts from the carcass, cooling the primal cuts to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, and packaging the primal cuts. To prepare the beef carcass, the head of the cattle is removed and the carcass is eviscerated. The carcass is then cooled for approximately three to four hours to lower its temperature to 75-85 degrees in preparation of removing the primal cuts. After this, the carcass is arranged on a butchering device and the primal cuts are removed. The cuts are then packaged and placed in a cooler for approximately 60 minutes to reduce their temperature to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, at which time they are prepared for distribution. The entire beef processing method, from kill floor to packaging and cooling, will be complete within 24 hours.

Abstract: Systems and related reagent cartridge queuing methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, an apparatus includes a first reagent cartridge, a second reagent cartridge, and a system. The system includes a sipper manifold assembly having a sipper, a queue to carry the first reagent cartridge and the second reagent cartridge, a cartridge moving assembly, and a cartridge receptacle assembly. The cartridge moving assembly includes a gantry, a carriage actuator, and a carriage. The carriage is coupled to the gantry and the carriage actuator is to move the carriage relative to the gantry. The cartridge receptacle assembly has a cartridge receptacle to receive the first reagent cartridge or the second reagent cartridge. The carriage is to move the first reagent cartridge from the queue and position the first reagent cartridge into the cartridge receptacle.

Abstract: Linear peristaltic pumps for use with fluidic cartridges. An apparatus includes a reagent cartridge configured to be received within a cartridge receptacle of a system. The reagent cartridge includes a reagent reservoir and a body including a surface that forms depressions. Each depression has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is fluidly coupled to at least one other depression. The reagent cartridge also includes a deformable material coupled to the surface of the body and includes portions. Each portion covers one of the depressions to define chambers. The portions of the deformable material are movable relative to the depressions between a first position outside of a dimensional envelope of the body and a second position within the dimensional envelope of the body.

Abstract: Linear peristaltic pumps for use with fluidic cartridges. An apparatus includes a reagent cartridge configured to be received within a cartridge receptacle of a system. The reagent cartridge includes a reagent reservoir and a body including a surface that forms depressions. Each depression has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is fluidly coupled to at least one other depression. The reagent cartridge also includes a deformable material coupled to the surface of the body and includes portions. Each portion covers one of the depressions to define chambers. The portions of the deformable material are movable relative to the depressions between a first position outside of a dimensional envelope of the body and a second position within the dimensional envelope of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. The frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

Abstract: An animal carcass hanging device includes a base having an upper surface, a projection connected at one end with the base upper surface, and a connection device connected with a second end of the projection. The projection has a width that is less than a width of the base. When the device is inserted into a central cavity of an animal carcass, the projection extends through a carcass upper end opening so that the base is in contact with a wall of the cavity. The connection device is then connected with a structure and the carcass is hung from its front quarter.

Abstract: A method for processing beef includes the steps of preparing a beef carcass for butchering, reducing the carcass temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, removing primal cuts from the carcass, cooling the primal cuts to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, and packaging the primal cuts. To prepare the beef carcass, the head of the cattle is removed and the carcass is eviscerated. The carcass is then cooled for approximately three to four hours to lower its temperature to 75-85 degrees in preparation of removing the primal cuts. After this, the carcass is arranged on a butchering device and the primal cuts are removed. The cuts are then packaged and placed in a cooler for approximately 60 minutes to reduce their temperature to 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit, at which time they are prepared for distribution. The entire beef processing method, from kill floor to packaging and cooling, will be complete within 24 hours.

Abstract: An animal carcass hanging device includes a base having an upper surface, a projection connected at one end with the base upper surface, and a connection device connected with a second end of the projection. The projection has a width that is less than a width of the base. When the device is inserted into a central cavity of an animal carcass, the projection extends through a carcass upper end opening so that the base is in contact with a wall of the cavity. The connection device is then connected with a structure and the carcass is hung from its front quarter.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. Preferably, the frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. Preferably, the frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. Preferably, the frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

Abstract: Linear peristaltic pumps for use with fluidic cartridges. An apparatus includes a reagent cartridge configured to be received within a cartridge receptacle of a system. The reagent cartridge includes a reagent reservoir and a body including a surface that forms depressions. Each depression has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is fluidly coupled to at least one other depression. The reagent cartridge also includes a deformable material coupled to the surface of the body and includes portions. Each portion covers one of the depressions to define chambers. The portions of the deformable material are movable relative to the depressions between a first position outside of a dimensional envelope of the body and a second position within the dimensional envelope of the body.

Abstract: A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.

Abstract: A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.

Abstract: A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.