Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Bolte

Thomas A. Bolte 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 fat trimming system
    Patent number: 8292702
    Abstract: An automated system and method for trimming fat from an outer surface of a primal of meat includes a conveyor for advancing the meat, an imaging system for creating at least one image of the meat in order to create a fat profile, and a trimming assembly that removes fat from the outer surface of the meat based on the created fat profile. An orientation device is used to secure and guide the meat on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the orientation device is configured to align with a spinal groove in the meat. In some embodiments, the primal of meat is a short loin; in some embodiments, it is a sirloin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bolte, David R. McKenna
  • AUTOMATED FAT TRIMMING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120108155
    Abstract: An automated system and method for trimming fat from an outer surface of a primal of meat includes a conveyor for advancing the meat, an imaging system for creating at least one image of the meat in order to create a fat profile, and a trimming assembly that removes fat from the outer surface of the meat based on the created fat profile. An orientation device is used to secure and guide the meat on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the orientation device is configured to align with a spinal groove in the meat. In some embodiments, the primal of meat is a short loin; in some embodiments, it is a sirloin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Thomas A. BOLTE, David R. McKenna