Abstract: An anti-microbial formulation for seed and crop application includes about 170 ppm hypochlorous acid; about 25 ppm hypochlorite ion; about 2.5 ppm ozone; about 2.5 ppm chlorine dioxide; between about 10 ppm and about 100,000 ppm alkyl polyglycoside; and a remainder of water. A method of manipulating the pH of the formulation and a method of treating seeds and crops with the formulation to restrict or eliminate microbial growth and proliferation is also described herein.

Abstract: A tripes cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable drum presenting a tripes-supporting surface and a nozzle associated with the tripes-supporting surface and operable to discharge fluid from a fluid source into the tripes as the drum is rotated. The tripes cleaning apparatus also includes an automatic valve configured to cyclically control flow from the fluid source to the nozzle in coordination with rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A tripes cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable drum presenting a tripes-supporting surface and an integrated fluid valve and nozzle assembly operable to selectively discharge fluid from a source into the tripes as the drum is rotated. The assembly includes a valve base fixed relative to the tripes-supporting surface and a valve body rotatable relative to the valve base into and out of a closed position. Fluid flow to the tripes is at least substantially prevented when the valve body is in the closed position. The assembly also includes a nozzle rigidly fixed to the valve body. The nozzle is elongated to present a fluid discharge opening spaced from the valve body, with swinging of the nozzle controlling rotation of the valve body into and out of the closed position.

Abstract: A device for separating an intestine subjected to a pulling force from a structure such as a fatty structure connected to the intestine by cutting includes a guide for guiding at least the intestine; and a cutting member connected to the guide for severing the structure in the vicinity of the intestine. The cutting member is adapted to sever the structure as closely as possible to the intestine. Further, a method includes fixing the structure, exerting a pulling force on the intestine, guiding the intestine and severing the structure in the vicinity of the intestine, wherein the combination of the structure and the intestine is guided prior to the cutting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable cutting of the fish and removal of the viscera without damage to either the viscera or the remaining fish product. The systems may include an adjustable cutting device to cut the belly in a particularly unobtrusive manner and/or an adjustable gutting device to severe a gullet of the fish from the fish body and to gather and remove the viscera without significant damage to the viscera or the remaining fish product. Extractors for severing the connection between the gullet and the fish are also provided to assist in removal of the viscera, including the gonads. Vacuum head assemblies for cleaning a cavity of the fish after the viscera is removed are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for washing eviscerated poultry carcasses (12) has a housing (11), a conveyor (15a) for moving the shackled poultry carcasses through the housing. A guide bar (24) tilts the poultry carcasses (12) from a vertical position for spraying by a first set of nozzles (23). The first set of nozzles (23) delivers a cleaning solution (100) at a sufficient flow rate and line pressure, whereby a portion of the cleaning solution (100) is deflected back out the rear opening (12d) of the poultry carcass (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a carcass includes an elongate housing having a forward and a rearward frame disposed in parallel, transversely opposed relation to one another. The elongate housing includes a plurality of stations. At least one rotating device at each station is disposed on the forward or rearward frame. A first station may include a pair of transversely opposed counter-rotating devices disposed at a common downward angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate housing. A second station includes a plurality of rotating devices positioned near the top of the apparatus to clean the hoof and ankle area. A third station includes a plurality of vertically stacked rotating devices. A fourth, fifth, and sixth station include plural rotating devices in axial alignment with one another that are collectively oriented in a predetermined downward slope relative to the longitudinal axis to clean a carcass from top to bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating processed food casing in preparation for stuffing. The method includes extending the casing, applying (e.g., spraying) an organic acid (e.g., a citric acid solution) to the exterior surface of the casing to produce a treated casing, and mounting the treated casing onto a stuffer. In one embodiment, extending includes removing the casing from a brine solution and laying the casing onto a support surface (e.g., attaching to a movable conveyor). The casing in the brine solution is commonly attached to a ring, and preferably attaching includes hooking the ring onto an engagement member on the conveyor. If desired, the method can also include rinsing the casing (e.g., spraying a water solution onto an exterior surface of the casing) after extending the casing and before and/or after applying the organic acid.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning fowl by removal of residual viscera and bacteria the machine comprising a wand with brushing tendrils attached to a tip, wherein the tip has exits for spraying cleaning fluid there from. The tip is attached to a rotating hollow shaft into which the cleaning fluid is introduced. Fowl are secured to hangers and the hangers are transported on a track to and around the machine. While passing around the machine, the wand is inserted into the fowl for cleaning thereof. The wand rides on a fixed cam comprising timed upward and downward guide tracks which transmit upward and downward movement to the wand, thereby inserting it into, and removing it from, the carcass of a fowl.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for washing an animal intestine. The device may include one or more flushing arms connected to a rotating fluid tank. The rotating fluid tank provides the fluid to the flushing arms, which in turn provide the fluid to the animal intestine. The rotating fluid tank may be adapted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and during such rotation moves the flushing arms through a number of working sections around the washing machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating processed food casing in preparation for stuffing. The method includes extending the casing, applying (e.g., spraying) an organic acid (e.g., a citric acid solution) to the exterior surface of the casing to produce a treated casing, and mounting the treated casing onto a stuffer. In one embodiment, extending includes removing the casing from a brine solution and laying the casing onto a support surface (e.g., attaching to a movable conveyor). The casing in the brine solution is commonly attached to a ring, and preferably attaching includes hooking the ring onto an engagement member on the conveyor. If desired, the method can also include rinsing the casing (e.g., spraying a water solution onto an exterior surface of the casing) after extending the casing and before and/or after applying the organic acid.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning fowl by removal of residual viscera and bacteria the machine comprising a wand with brushing tendrils attached to a tip, wherein the tip has exits for spraying cleaning fluid there from. The tip is attached to a rotating hollow shaft into which the cleaning fluid is introduced. Fowl are secured to hangers and the hangers are transported on a track to and around the machine. While passing around the machine, the wand is inserted into the fowl for cleaning thereof. The wand rides on a fixed cam comprising timed upward and downward guide tracks which transmit upward and downward movement to the wand, thereby inserting it into, and removing it from, the carcass of a fowl.

Abstract: Processing poultry includes the application of electrolyzed water as one step during the processing process. Acidic and/or basic electrolyzed water can be applied to a poultry carcass during the processing process using a nozzle, an electrostatic sprayer or by immersion.

Abstract: A device for preparing small intestines of a vertebre is provided. The device includes a body for cooperation with the small intestines. The body defines an external periphery of the body. The device further includes means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines. The means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines is operably associated with the body. The device further includes means for despooging the small intestines in juxtaposition with said body.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for washing an animal intestine. The device may include one or more flushing arms connected to a rotating fluid tank. The rotating fluid tank provides the fluid to the flushing arms, which in turn provide the fluid to the animal intestine. The rotating fluid tank may be adapted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and during such rotation moves the flushing arms through a number of working sections around the washing machine.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning fowl by removal of residual viscera and bacteria, the machine comprising a wand with brushing tendrils attached to a tip, wherein the tip has exits for spraying cleaning fluid therefrom. The tip is attached to a rotating hollow shaft into which the cleaning fluid is introduced. Fowl are secured to hangers and the hangers are transported on a track to and around the machine. While passing around the machine, the wand is inserted into the fowl for cleaning thereof. The wand rides on a fixed cam comprising timed upward and downward guide tracks which transmit upward and downward movement to the wand, thereby inserting it into, and removing it from, the carcass of a fowl.

Abstract: A tripe washing and refining apparatus (10) includes a base (20), a vessel (14), and a motor (16). The vessel (14) includes a selectively reversible rotatable disc (30) and two baffles (32,34) extending from an annular side wall (24) above the disc (30). Disc projections (40,42,44) extend from an upper surface (38) of the disc (30) and present opposed washing (48) and refining (50) surfaces. The baffles (32,34) likewise present opposed washing (60) and refining (62) surfaces. The washing surfaces of the disc projections (40,42,44) and the baffles (32,34) engage the tripe to agitate and wash it. The refining surfaces of the disc projections (40,42,44) and the baffles (32,34) engage the tripe to remove fat or other components from its exterior.

Abstract: A suction head for cleaning of the surface of carcass parts consists of an oblong handle (1) and a nozzle (3) mounted at one end of the handle. An air duct (6) passes through the handle and the nozzle, and it can be connected with a suction device via a coupling (5) in the other end of the handle. Steam ducts (10) are designed in the nozzle (3) to lead hot steam to the surface parts (11) of the nozzle, which are intended to get into contact with the surface of the carcass parts. These steam ducts (10) are connected with a supply duct (7), which is connected with a steam source via a coupling (8) on the suction head. The supply duct (7) for steam passes through the handle (1) from its coupling end to the suction device and to its nozzle end. In the nozzle the duct passes into the steam ducts (10). It is less fatiguing for an operator to use this suction head than a conventional head with disinfection facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine is disclosed. The apparatus has a horizontal tube member for supporting an intestine; support members attached to opposite sides of the tube member for supporting the side portions of a slit intestine; a transporter mounted below and adjacent to the bottom side of the tube for moving intestines from adjacent the distal end of the tube towards the proximal end; a cutting blade mounted above the tube member; and a plurality of nozzles arranged at transversely opposite sides of the tube member for directing fluid downwardly and about the top side of the pipe member. A method for cleaning animal intestines using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

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: An apparatus for carrying out a cleaning operation applied to the internal neck skin of slaughtered poultry by removing the windpipe, gullet, glandular tissue or remainders thereof, includes suspension devices for suspending the poultry by the legs, a presser device, which during the cleaning operation presses on at least a part of the poultry, and a rotatable bore organ to be inserted from the top into the poultry being suspended by the legs for carrying out the cleaning operation. During the cleaning operation, the presser device pushes the neck skin of the poultry toward the bore organ.

Abstract: A system to control pathogens on a target element is disclosed, wherein the target element is subjected to hypochlorous acid. The present invention incorporates the use of hypochlorous acid as a pathogen control medium, wherein a hypochlorous acid stream of between about 4.3 and 7.0 pH as a pathogen reduction agent is utilized. In one embodiment, the hypochlorous acid stream is used to reduce pathogens in poultry processing plants.

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.

Abstract: A fish is scaled, and its internal organs removed, by continuously advancing the fish along a treatment path while simultaneously exposing the fish body to high-pressure water jets. During treatment the fish is positioned vertically, with the belly downwards. The forces required for holding and transporting the fish are applied laterally to the upper part of the fish body, which is harder, without touching the belly area, which is soft and therefore is left free. The descaled fish proceeds to a position for cutting the belly area and removing the internal organs. The treatment is carried out in the same devices efficiently and without deterioration of the gustatory properties.

Abstract: A tripes cleaning apparatus having a suspended, rotatable drum that presents an outer cylindrical surface on which the tripes are supported. The drum includes sets of flighting so as to facilitate arrangement of the tripes on each portion thereof in a single-layered helical orientation. A nozzle is associated with each set of flighting so that a low pressure cleaning fluid can be flushed through the tripes as the drum is rotated. Each nozzle is preferably activated to disperse cleaning fluid by bending the nozzle relative to its normally straight configuration, and a J-hook projects from the drum adjacent each nozzle to releasably hold the nozzle in the open, bent configuration and help retain the tripes against the drum. The apparatus further includes a spray bar operable to clean the outside of the tripes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine is disclosed. The apparatus has a horizontal tube member for supporting an intestine; support members attached to opposite sides of said tube member for supporting the side portions of a slit intestine; a transporter mounted below and adjacent to the bottom side of said tube for moving intestines from adjacent the distal end of said tube towards the proximal end; a cutting blade mounted above said tube member; and a plurality of nozzles arranged at transversely opposite sides of said tube member for directing fluid downwardly and about the top side of said pipe member. A method for cleaning animal intestines using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salmon roe selecting and washing machine which can completely remove faulty roe and foreign substances from normal, mature roe, wherein the salmon roe selecting and washing machine has at least one salmon roe transferring plate 11 extending in the salmon roe transferring direction, in which a number of slits 14 having such a width that normal salmon roe does not fall down are formed, and resiliently supporting a salmon roe transferring portion 7 inclined downward in the salmon roe transferring direction at a frame 5 thereof, a vibrating means 16 is provided at the salmon roe transferring portion, and a shower means 18 for sprinkling salt water is secured above the salmon roe transferring portion 17. By sprinkling salt water by the shower means 18 while vibrating the salmon roe transferring portion 7 by the vibrating means, and transferring salmon roe by streams of salt water, faulty roe and foreign substances, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine is disclosed. The apparatus has a horizontal tube member for supporting an intestine; support members attached to opposite sides of said tube member for supporting the side portions of a slit intestine; a transporter mounted below and adjacent to the bottom side of said tube for moving intestines from adjacent the distal end of said tube towards the proximal end; a cutting blade mounted above said tube member; and a plurality of nozzles arranged at transversely opposite sides of said tube member for directing fluid downwardly and about the top side of said pipe member. A method for cleaning animal intestines using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spray nozzle provides for the efficient washing or rinsing of the eviscerated body cavity of poultry during processing operations. The nozzle is formed monolithically of a single block of material, such as food grade high density polyurethane plastic or other suitable material. The nozzle body has a single axial passage extending from a threaded attachment end to terminate within the body near the opposite distal end. A series of three orifices are provided, with each orifice having an elongate opening. The result is an efficient and thorough wash pattern, with the central orifice producing a liquid stream disposed generally axially relative to the nozzle, and the two lateral passages producing generally circumferentially and upwardly disposed spray patterns to wash down essentially the entire body cavity of the poultry and to reduce rejection of poultry due to residual foreign matter remaining within the cavity after evisceration and washing.

Abstract: A method for rinsing pieces of meat, which preferably in connection with the slaughtering process itself have been sorted out, because they have been poured over with blood, where a portion of pieces of meat are centrifuged during simultaneously adding of cold rinsing water for a period of 2-4 minutes, and where said portion thereafter is further treated by centrifuging without adding rinsing water for a period in the order of 2-3 minutes, whereafter the rinsed and drained meat, which now may be used for consumer purposes, preferably automatically is emptied from the centrifuge, and an apparatus in the form of a centrifuge of the slinging/scrabing type with a stationary cylindric collecting container (8) for the meat to be rinsed, said apparatus comprising a motor-driven, circular bottom plate (22) with bringing along ribs (24) surrounded by a detachable ring-shaped hole plate (18), said collecting container (8) is at the inner side provided with upright inclined ribs (16) and a side opening with a screened o

Abstract: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning poultry carcasses having a cavity. A plurality of cleaning heads are spaced about a sprayer carousel that is rotatably mounted upon a vertical shaft. The cleaning heads are mounted upon a plurality of vertically oriented guide rails which are spaced about the sprayer carousel. A circumferential cam is fixedly connected to the vertical shaft inside the sprayer carousel. A cam follower connected to each cleaning head follows the profile of the cam, displacing the cleaning head vertically along the guide rails. A conveyor transports the carcasses sequentially into and out of engagement with the sprayer carousel and an indexing member maintains each of the carcasses in alignment with one of the cleaning heads. In response to relative movement between the fixed cam and the rotatable sprayer carousel the cam follower of each cleaning head follows the circumferential profile of the cam.

Abstract: An intestine or tripas cleaner cleans an entire tripas, without cutting the tripas into segments, thereby providing significant sanitation advantages. The cleaner comprises a rotatable accumulator onto which an unwashed tripas is wound while passing water through the inside and onto the outside. One end of the unwashed tripas is attached to a fitting which seals the tripas so water passes into the inside without leakage. Water is sprayed onto the outside of the tripas as the unwashed tripas is wound onto the accumulator. The wash water flows by gravity to the bottom of the accumulator and passes through a drain. Simultaneously with washing a tripas, a washed tripas is discharged from the accumulator through an outlet structure, preferably directly into a shipping box. Significant cost advantages are provided by reducing labor expense.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for poultry washer nozzle for insertion into the cavity of an eviscerated poultry. The washer has an axial central tube upon which is mounted a rotatable cylinder as a distal portion and a proximate rib portion spaced from said tube. Orifices between the tube and internally of the cylinder provides cleansing liquid to the inside of the cylinder from which it flows through tangential offices in the cylinder. The proximate rib portion is detailed to center the poultry about the washer.

Abstract: Device for removing at least the crop of slaughtered poultry, comprising means for holding a carcass of the poultry, a crop probe assembly with a crop probe holder and an elongated crop probe, which is provided with crop engaging means in an end portion, such as a number of teeth/sprockets, means for moving the crop probe up and down between a non-active position to one or more active positions, means for turning the crop probe about its longitudinal axis, in which the crop probe is provided with a nose on the outer end of the end portion, and in which on the side of the holder means facing away from the crop probe the device is provided with a neck breaker with neck breaking means and with means for activating the neck breaker and with means for moving the neck breaker toward the carcass and away from it, said means for moving the crop probe, the activating means and the means for moving the neck breaker being geared to one another such that during activation of the neck breaker the nose of the crop probe is

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine is disclosed. The apparatus has a horizontal tube member for supporting an intestine; support members attached to opposite sides of said tube member for supporting the side portions of a slit intestine; a transporter mounted below and adjacent to the bottom side of said tube for moving intestines from adjacent the distal end of said tube towards the proximal end; a cutting blade mounted above said tube member; and a plurality of nozzles arranged at transversely opposite sides of said tube member for directing fluid downwardly and about the top side of said pipe member. A method for cleaning animal intestines using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fecal matter from the interior of an extracted animal intestine. The apparatus has a water supply conduit, a water tube connected to the water supply conduit and at least one outlet for discharging water into an intestine surrounding the tube, and a transporter for moving intestines from one end of the tube towards the opposite end. A method for cleaning extracted tubular animal intestines by placing an animal intestine over a water tube, discharging water from the tube into the intestine and passing the tubular intestine along and off the tube without reversing the direction of movement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing hog stomachs includes a base, an inversion member having a first end insertable through an opening in the stomach, a second end connected to the base, a first end opening in the first end, and a second end opening in the second end, the end openings coinciding with a passageway through the inversion member; and a contact member movably connected to the base and movable between a loading position adjacent the first end of the inversion member and an inverting position in the passageway.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting open the stomach of a bird comprising a cutting means shaped as a nozzle for ejecting a high pressure liquid jet. For obtaining an optimised cutting action the nozzle preferably is displaceable away from or towards the stomach to be processed. Constructively it is preferable that the nozzle is mounted at the outer end of an arm pivoting in a vertical plane said outer end engaging the stomach through guiding means, such as a follower roll.

Abstract: A machine for separating serosa from mucosa is disclosed. The machine comprises two peeling rollers, or one peeling roller or belt and a stationary member. The stationary member can comprise a blade. The separation between the two peeling rollers, or the one peeling roller or belt and stationary member is about equal to or less than the thickness of a harvested intestine ribbon. The separation has a proximal and a distal end. The machine also comprises first means for rotating the one or more peeling rollers or the peeling belt at a first speed. A pull roller is adjacent to the distal end of the separation. The machine further comprises second means for rotating the pull roller at a second speed. The second speed is less than the first speed of the first means for rotating. The source of the nonseparated serosa-mucosa layer can be a harvested intestine ribbon of a mammal. Separated serosa is useful in the manufacture of catgut sutures.

Abstract: A washer for forcefully spraying with water the inside of eviscerated poultry that is traversing a treatment line. The washer is mounted on a module frame that moves with the line. The washer descends into the body cavity of the bird and sprays water thereinto. The washer is an elongated member having a rotatable hollow core with tangentially placed holes to thereby rotate the core as a result of water egressing therethrough. The core is surrounded by a cage. The washer is pivotally mounted and is detailed to arc upwardly with a bird that the washer is in.

Abstract: Apparatus intended for implementation in a high speed industrial slaughter house for the automatic evisceration of slaughtered animal carcasses including an automatic mechanical distribution and anal obstructor system, and a mobile structure supporting a circular blade for ventral incision, a circular saw for progressive penetration into the sternum, and nozzles projecting water at an adjustable pressure for disengaging the entrails from the path of the cutting tools.

Abstract: An elongated washer for cleaning the inside of slaughtered, eviscerated poultry, comprising a spraying element to which cleaning liquid can be fed, and radially projecting parts, running mainly in the lengthwise direction, being disposed near the spraying element, which parts are provided with sharp projections. Preferably, the sharp projections run in the lengthwise direction. The projecting parts are advantageously plate-shaped and the radial dimensions thereof, viewed in the lengthwise direction, decrease from a central part towards both ends. In a method for cleaning birds using the washer the spraying element and the projecting parts are inserted through an opening near the anus of the bird and are moved in the direction of and through the neck part.