Abstract: The pet cage includes a base, a top net plate and a plurality of side net plates, wherein the side net plates are sequentially connected end to end to form a fence space, the bottom of the fence space is connected with the base, and the top of the fence space is connected with the top net plate; a connecting structures for connecting adjacent side net plates with each other are arranged between the adjacent side net plates, and the connecting structure includes a clamping hook arranged on one side net plate and a clamping tongue arranged on the other side net plate for clamping and locking the clamping hook. Therefore, the invention has the advantages of simple manufacturing process, quick and convenient installation, high connection strength, safety and reliability.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing meat slabs into meat strips, particularly pork belly slabs into bacon strips. The apparatus includes a massager, a slab press station, a sleeve for holding the pressed slab, an oven or smokehouse, a blast chiller, a slab removable device and a spiral freezer. The method for processing the meat slab into meat strips includes massaging the slab, pressing the slabs and inserting the slabs into sleeves in the pressed condition. The sleeves are then transported to an oven for cooking and then a blast chiller. Once chilled, the slabs are removed from the sleeve and sliced to the appropriate thickness.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for pressing and cooking and/or chilling food product logs. The apparatus and method comprise or use a tower press which has vertically compressible tiers and is positioned and mounted at one location for selectively elevating and lowering the tower press. The apparatus and method further comprise or use a container positioned at the same location such that the tower press can be lowered into the container for cooking and/or chilling the food product logs. The tower press can also be elevated out of the container for loading and removing food product logs from the vertically compressible tiers.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening pieces of meat without piercing nor shredding the meat including a first roller set, each roller in the first roller set having non-sharpened outer edges; a second roller set, each roller in the second roller set having non-sharpened outer edges, the first roller set directly opposing and being spaced and fully separated from the second roller set, the first and second roller sets together having a product in-feed end into which meat pieces are drawn and having a product out-feed end at which flattened meat pieces are expelled from between the first and second roller sets; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the first roller set and the second roller set, where meat passing between the first and second roller sets is substantially flattened but not pierced nor shredded; and an in-feed conveyor belt assembly at the in-feed end including an in-feed conveyor belt and a rolling mechanism for rolling the in-feed conveyor belt in a direction to advance meat pieces p

Abstract: A press for making a patty includes a substantially flat panel to contact the product to be pressed into a patty. An upstanding member is affixed to the panel. A weight member or “mould” surrounds the upstanding member. The weight member is moveable along the upstanding member between a first position where the weight member overlies the panel to facilitate the application of force to the product and a second position where the weight member is spaced from the panel.

Abstract: A meat preparing machine having two vertically stacked columns of two or more non-sharpened edge stainless steel rollers, or of various other materials such as plastic or aluminum, adjacent to one another in an aluminum or stainless steel frame. The stacked rollers are configured to tenderize, flatten, scrape or cut the meat into strips. Four threaded shafts with numbers connect each corner of the stacked rollers to an adjacent corner of the other stacked rollers to allow for the adjustment of the spacing between the stacked rollers. A first conveyor belt with scraper at the end to discharge meat into the first and second columns is mounted adjacent the top of the rollers for feeding the meat into the rollers. A second conveyor belt with scrapers to discharge meat is mounted adjacent the bottom of the rollers for retrieving the prepared meat from the machine.

Abstract: A method of storing and aging a meat which comprises the steps of containing meat in a controllable environment under a mechanical compression, substantially separating a majority of a surface of the meat from direct contact with a gas present in the controllable environment, controlling the gas in the controllable environment by reducing free oxygen gas in the controllable environment and controlling gas pressure in the controllable environment while protecting a majority of the surface of the meat from the effects of a pressure variation, and holding the meat under the controllable environment for a period of time within a predetermined temperature range; provided that the meat is held under the mechanical compression during the controlling of the gas in the controllable environment.

Abstract: A method of grading pork bellies which involves flattening the bellies to a pre-selected thickness with a pressure roller. The bellies are measured at a number of locations to establish an average thickness and thereafter selectively directed to collecting areas based on their thickness and surface area. The collected bellies are then given final grades based on their leanness and quality and moved on for further processing.

Abstract: A pressing device comprised of stackable moulds for cooking and shaping hams into an oval cross-section. Each mould comprises transverse sides, longitudinal sides, crosspieces extending between the longitudinal sides, and a plurality of fixed troughs extending between the transverse sides. Below each trough (3), there is suspended from the transverse sides, a cover which is formed by a longitudinal plate, two end plates and two longitudinal sides. The end plates of the cover can slide against the faces of the transverse sides, each end plate being furnished with longitudinal pins which are directed toward vertical slots positioned along the transverse sides. Finally, a spring is disposed and compressed between the cover and the base of the trough.

Abstract: A pressing column for the pressing, for example, of hams in molds is provided with shelves to support the molds. The shelves are mutually connected by links which allow a certain mutual movement between the shelves in the vertical direction. By raising the upper part in the pressing column, the shelves can be pushed in from the side of the column from a platform which is adjustable in height. Hereafter, the upper part can be lowered and the contents of the molds are pressed in a normal manner with a pressing apparatus. After the pressing and the boiling of the hams, the shelves are again separated and the molds are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for pressing meat products. The system includes a press rack having platens that are movable between a loading position in which meat products can be loaded between the platens, and a pressing position in which the platens are adapted to press the meat products. A hydraulic locking and release mechanism is used to selectively retain the platens in the pressing position. The system also includes a floor mounted closing unit that provides the power for moving the press rack from the loading position to the pressing position.

Abstract: A meat flattening machine having two vertically stacked rows of non-sharpened edge stainless steel rollers adjacent to one another in an aluminum frame. Each row has at least two and preferably six rollers wherein the top row is spaced further apart from the bottom rows The plural stacked rows allow for the meat to be pulled and stretched between the rollers for flattening the meat. Four screws connect each corner of the stacked rollers to an adjacent corner of the other stacked rollers to allow for the spacing between the stacked rows to be adjustable. Each roller has parallel rows of rectangular ridges having non-sharpened edges. The bottom roller of each stack can have grooves approximately 1/16 inch deep, while the above rollers can have grooves approximately 1/8 inch deep between the rectangular ridges. The frame includes a removable electric motor, stainless steel sprockets and stainless steel chains for rotating the rollers.

Abstract: A method of storing and aging a meat which comprises the steps of containing said meat in a controllable environment under a mechanical compression, substantially separating a majority of a surface of said meat from direct contact with a gas present in the controllable environment, controlling said gas in said controllable environment by reducing free oxygen gas in said controllable environment and controlling gas pressure in said controllable environment while protecting a majority of the surface of said meat from the effects of a pressure variation, and holding said meat under said controllable environment for a period of time within a predetermined temperature range; provided that said meat is held under the mechanical compression during the controlling of said gas in said controllable environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for compacting and separating material. The main components of the device are a hollow housing sealable at one end by a removable cap, a cylindrical housing having a threaded exterior for compressing material within the housing movably mounted to the other end of the hollow housing, and a plurality of separating members slidably positioned within the hollow housing. A portion of material is placed within the hollow housing, followed by a separating member, followed by another portion of material, and optionally another separating member. After the material is compressed within the hollow housing, the end is opened and the compressed portions of material are removed from the hollow housing, The compressed portions of material are maintained separated from one another by the separating members, An alignment and guidance system may be employed to maintain separating members in a level manner during operation.

Abstract: A hand held press used to remove the liquid packing fluids in a can of food by biasing the lid of the can against the contents of the can. The press includes an upper pressing element and a lower pressing element. The upper pressing element has a perforated region that acts as a strainer. The perforated region is advanced against the lid and into the can, wherein displaced packing fluids are collected within a receiving area defined within the perforated region. A pour spout then allows the collected fluids to be removed in a controlled manner. The lower pressing element retains the can in a predetermined orientation as the can is being pressed. Accordingly, the angle at which the displaced fluids will pour is controlled by the manipulation of the press and the can of food held firmly within the press.

Abstract: A device for removing excess grease and juices from a cooked hamburger. The device includes a container having a bottom and sidewall which extends upwardly to define a container cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the container cavity. A cover having a top and integral sidewall extends downwardly to define a cover cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the cover cavity, and a hole is disposed through the top wall. A coupling component is for coupling the cover to the container. A draining plate having a plurality of draining holes therethrough is adapted to rest on the rim of the container between the cover cavity and container cavity when the container is coupled to the cover. A pressing component is disposed through the hole of the container and located within the cover cavity and is used to press a cooked hamburger against the surface of the draining plate.

Abstract: A meat press is provided which includes an actuating dolly and a press tree having first and second frames. The actuating dolly includes a subframe that is vertically extendable and carries cylinders that engage portions of the overlying tree when brought into registry therewith. The cylinders engage a linkage which is connected to a second frame and can cause movement thereof in a manner which exerts a compression force on a meat product loaded on the tree. The linkage is constructed and the cylinders are mounted in a manner that allows the cylinders to exert a horizontally directed pulling force on the linkage which then causes vertical movement of the second frame.

Abstract: A can star drive for a fish-canning machine in which a turret 11 and can star 75 are separately driven, with the can star 75 being rotated through its 120.degree. advance in each cycle during half again as much time as it takes for the turret 11 to advance through its 120.degree. advance. The slower rate of rotation of the can star 75 reduces the exit velocity of the filled cans as they are discharged from the machine to avoid ejection of fish from filled cans. In addition, the can star 75 rotates through its 120.degree. continuously in a one-step advance, rather than through a two-step advance with an intermediate stop as in prior machines.

Abstract: A household hamburger maker is disclosed having a hollow, circular outer collar and a hand-held center plug. Ground meat is placed into the hollow area of the outer collar, and the center plug is inserted into the same hollow area and pressed down against the ground meat. While the center plug is being pressed down, it is also twisted alternately clockwise and counterclockwise, which produces a smooth top surface on the ground meat as it is shaped into a hamburger patty. While still being twisted, the center plug is pulled back up and away from the hamburger patty, leaving behind a correctly-shaped patty that has a smooth top surface.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for cooking and shaping precut meat pieces such as beef cuts, pork cuts or the like. The process comprises the steps of placing an uncooked meat piece adjacent the opening of a shaping mold, subjecting the meat piece to an air pressure differential to cause the meat piece to enter the mold, and heating the mold to cook the meat piece therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for shaping bacon bellies or similar generally compressible materials in order to impart a greater three-dimensional uniformity to such bacon bellies or the like. Parameters of individual bellies, including dimensional parameters and temperature when desired are determined. Data on these parameters are stored in an ordered fashion, which stored data are utilized to vary the extent that walls of a pressing apparatus move during a pressing operation. By this method and apparatus, each individual belly or the like is pressed and reshaped in accordance with its own specific parameters, while provision is made for avoiding overpressing due to irregularities in shape of the bacon bellies and the like.

Abstract: Machine for meat treatment and maceration with automatic loading and unloading including a rotatable drum having an internal chamber, a loading and unloading hood inlet opening defined in one end of the internal chamber, a closing door-lid engaging against the loading and unloading hood inlet, a supporting structure on the frame independent of the drum for supporting the door-lid, a device for rotatably supporting the door-lid on the supporting structure, a device for positioning the door-lid in and separating it from the drum inlet, a drive assembly for fitting and locking the door-lid in tight closing engagement in the inlet in any position of rotation, and a device on the supporting structure assembly for releasably gripping the drive assembly so that the drive assembly is released and the door-lid is freely rotatable on the supporting structure when the door-lid is fitted and locked to the hood inlet to allow rotation of the door-lid with the drum, and the drive assembly is locked on the supporting struct

Abstract: A meat mold cover assembly that is simple in construction, easy to engage and disengage from the mold, adds only a small additional volume to the space occupied by the product, and promotes the production of a molded product having uniform dimensions is provided by the use of an internally biased cover assembly that uses points of supports spaced along the length of at least one side of the mold to allow easy release and attachment of the cover assembly to the mold and integral biasing means acting on the lid along at least two lines of action to provide a balanced pressure on the meat. In a more specific form the cover assembly provides these benefits by using at least three spring assemblies that act directly on and within the periphery of the lid on at least two lines of action. The springs are counter acted by a cover support. The support is attached to at least two opposite sides of the mold through one or more hold down bars and pivotable links to engage each side of the mold.

Abstract: A mould unloader is disclosed for hams and the like which performs in a fully automatic way the operation of removing the lid (4), overturning the open mould (5) containing the product (6), removing the mould, conveying and evacuating the unloaded product and the empty containers the mould unloader includes, in a sequence along a horizontal working line, a first station (1) that carries out the operations of unhooking and removing the lid from the above, an overturnable flap (2) for overturning the container with the product in it, and a second station (3) for removing the mould from the above, said unloader also including means for collecting and evacuating the empty containers, said means being arranged laterally with respect to said horizontal working line.

Abstract: Machine for meat treatment and maceration, with automatic loading and unloading including a rotating drum having a loading and unloading hood inlet coaxial with the axis of rotation in one end, a door with fitting and locking devices for closing the drum hood inlet, driving and rolling support elements for driving and supporting the drum on a tilting frame for lifting and lowering one end of the drum articulated at the other end on a fixed structure, a series of containers surrounding the drum carried by a carriage structure for step-by-step advance movement, and a device for dumping a load in each container into a hopper for loading the drum, tilting of the frame by lifting the rear end of the drum producing unloading of the treated meat through the hood inlet into the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing pieces of fresh meat has a vessel with an open top for insertion or removal of meat and a cover which overlies the meat in the vessel and can be pushed downwardly by a jack so as to pressurize the pieces of meat and expel air by eliminating gaps between neighboring pieces of meat as well as between the pieces of meat and the internal surface of the vessel. Compression of meat results in expulsion of juices which rise and overlie the topmost layer of meat around the cover.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein which may be used to simultaneously squeeze and shape a quantity of hams or other meats during the cooking process. The device comprises pairs of racks or trays with one of each pair being fixed and one movable. The pairs of racks are spring loaded to pull the movable rack toward the fixed rack to squeeze and shape the meat located between them during the cooking process. A hydraulic cylinder or other power means is attached and actuated to simultaneously separate the trays before and after the cooking process to load and unload hams.

Abstract: A product press, for supporting product during processing, and having a support frame, at least one fixed tray member fixed to the support frame, at least one movable tray movable towards and away from the fixed tray for holding product, biasing means urging the movable tray towards the fixed tray for applying pressure to product stored therebetween, and means for releasably holding the trays apart.

Abstract: This invention relates to a meat product press apparatus adapted to hold and compress ham members or the like during a meat packing plant processing procedures. The meat product press apparatus includes a lower press assembly interconnected by a main clamp assembly to a top press assembly. The lower and top press assemblies provide grate or grid type structures presented in spaced, parallel planes to clamp the meat product therebetween. The main clamp assembly includes an initial bias lock assembly to interconnect adjacent ends of the lower and top press assemblies and a pressure bias lock assembly to interconnect the spaced, opposite adjacent ends of the lower and top press assemblies. The initial bias lock assembly includes a pair of spaced spring members which are connectable to a cam lock member.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure-treating meat, in particular uncooked ham before pickling brine is introduced, is provided with two opposed, rotating pressure rollers supported in a housing, which are provided on their jacket face with protrusions, teeth or studs or ribs extending along or obliquely with respect to the jacket lines. The grooves located between the studs are embodied in gabled fashion, as seen in cross section, on at least one of the pressure rollers. The circumferential circle through the tips of the gables of the grooves may be smaller by 0.5-5 mm, and preferably 1-2 mm, than the circumferential circle around the studs.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a ham mold, in which at least one two-part mold, consisting of a container and of a cover that fits loosely into it, is positioned in a chamber that can be vacuumized. The cover can be moved in relation to the container in order to compress a ham that has been placed in the mold. The apparatus is equipped with a compression bridge consisting of a strut, compression springs and a securing arm and is positively or non-positively connected to at least one compresion-medium cylinder that is positioned on one wall of the chamber and forces the parts on the mold into one another. A compression beam is positioned in such a way that it can be raised and lowered on two pressure-medium cylinders and that has two points of compression positioned at a distance along the compression-bridge strut and operates non-positively in conjunction with the compression bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for opening molds by automatically unlocking a pair of locking mechanisms which cooperate to lock a pair of mold sections together. There are also disclosed herein a method and apparatus for handling a removed mold section and an article ejected from another mold section.

Abstract: A method and a machine for the production from relatively thick flat pieces of frozen meat, for example roast beef, of thin slices suitable for roasting or grilling. The method is characterized by the fact that the flat meat pieces, before thawing above the freezing point taking place, are passed through a channel-shaped space of flat rectangular cross-section and of decreasing height in the direction of conveyance, which space is formed between two opposite endless conveying belts running in the same direction and in which the meat pieces are mangled and rolled to a desired final slice thickness substantially without loss of meat juice and blood.

Abstract: A receptacle which may be tiered or stacked with other like receptacles and adapted to be nested when empty. Each receptacle in the tier or stack is intended to hold food products that are to be placed in a smoke house for cooking with the weight of each receptacle being supported by the product in the next lower receptacle in the stack and thus serving as a press to compress the product in said lower receptacle until such time as the product shrinks through the cooking process to a predetermined height. When the product is reduced to this predetermined height, each receptacle seats upon and rests upon the next lower receptacle in the stack to prevent further transmission of the product load and thus stops the pressing action at the predetermined height. Each receptacle is of unique design whereby it may be used to accommodate two alternate heights of smoked food product.

Abstract: The method and means of compressing meat products is described which ensure that the top and bottom portions of the meat or poultry product or the like will be flattened and so that the meat product will have a predetermined thickness.