Patents by Inventor Terry Lee Holmes

Terry Lee Holmes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Automated extraction of casing clips from cooked meat products
    Patent number: 7377842
    Abstract: A method apparatus for removing a casing, particularly a casing with a clip end embedded in the product, is disclosed where the clipped end is clamped and gas is injected into this end to blow out the clip and casing end while the clamped portion prevents the entire casing from being inflated. The air or gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the product with a needle, for instance, to balloon out the casing in the clamped area to free the previously embedded clip. The clip is then gripped, certain cuts are made in the casing, and the casing is pulled from the product. An injector such as a needle is inserted into the end portion of the product and pressurized gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the end portion. The injection of the gas causes the casing to balloon out from the product thereby freeing the previously embedded clip. The freed clip is then gripped while the casing is then cut for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory J. Painter, Terry Lee Holmes