Abstract: A movable contact element for a pressing device for pressing meat products, in particular frozen and/or partly frozen meat products, preferably fresh meat products and/or bacon, comprises a base part; an attachment part; a transverse sliding part; and a height part that are connected to one another at respective connection points and that form a contact surface for a product at one side of the contact element during the pressing. The contact surface has an effective length along a first direction of extent and an effective width along a second direction of extent perpendicular to the first direction of extent, with the effective length and the effective width of the contact surface being variable.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for improving tenderness of raw meat and meat products by mechanical vibration. In the method, the raw meat is vibrated to loosen meat tissue and improve meat tenderness, or is vibrated during curing to reduce curing time while improving the tenderness. The method mechanically vibrates the raw meat to loosen the structure of the raw meat, and ultimately improves the meat tenderness; or vibrates during curing to improve the tenderness while reducing the curing time, effectively ensuring the sensory meat quality. The method of the present disclosure not only effectively solves the problem of the tenderness of meat and meat products, but also improves sensory quality and safety thereof, enables wider popularization and utilization of meat and meat products, and directly increases economic benefits of enterprises and opens up a new way for future development thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filling machine and a method for filling up pasty or liquid masses, for example for sausage production, with a feed pump, in particular a vane pump, for conveying the pasty or liquid masses, a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum in the feed pump, in particular the vane cells of the vane pump, wherein the feed pump may be connected with the vacuum pump via a first channel and via an integrated collecting vessel for entrained ingredients. According to the present disclosure, a supply means is provided via which the feed pump may be optionally additionally connected with an external collecting vessel via the first channel. The operator may thus choose between two different operating modes with and without an external collecting vessel.

Abstract: A system comprising a tenderizing apparatus with a fluid reservoir provides users an efficient way to simultaneously tenderize and marinate food. The tenderizer with a fluid reservoir generally includes a fluid outlet or valve and a tensioning element. A fluid reservoir receives marinade. Activation of the system by applying downward pressure releases marinade into an injector. The injector is inserted into the target food. Substantially simultaneously, activation results in at least one projection penetrating the surface of the target food. When downward pressure is released, the injector and projection retract. A first portion and a second portion are separated for easy cleaning. A removably attached first portion cover and third cover provide easy storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a processing device, such as a macerator for use in processing various types of food products, that includes an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a roller disposed within the macerator. The mechanism includes a controller operably connected to a motor that can move the roller within the macerator to vary the position of the roller with respect to another roller located in the macerator. Inputs to the controller are used to control the operation of the motor to move the roll into a desired configuration associated in a storage medium in the controller with a particular food product to be processed. The input to the controller can also be used to simultaneously adjust the position of other components of other processing devices in a food processing system, such as an injector to remove the need for individually adjust each device in the system.

Abstract: A meat tenderizer having a handle; a plurality of spaced apart curved blades; a plurality of cross bars; a right side plate; and a left side plate, the convex edges of the curved blades not being sharpened, the blades attached at each end thereof near one end of the side plates, the handle being attached at each end thereof near the other end of the side plates, the cross bars being attached to and across the concave edges of the blades. In addition, a method for tenderizing a cut of meat by rocking a plurality of curved blades into a cut of meat, the convex edges of the blades not being sharpened, the depth of impression of the blades into the meat being limited by a plurality of cross bars attached to and across the concave edge of the blades so that a portion of the fibers of the meat are severed by the impression of the blades into the meat thereby tenderizing the cut of meat.

Abstract: A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the chuck roll anterior to and generally parallel to the first rib to separate a neck portion thereof from a remainder thereof; sectioning the remainder into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising rhomboideus, spinalis dorsi, and serratus ventralis muscles, and the second portion comprising multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles; sectioning the first portion to substantially remove the rhomboideus and the spinalis dorsi therefrom, leaving a denuded serratus ventralis; sectioning the serratus ventralis into a first set of separate portions. The method may further include: sectioning the second portion into a second set of separate portions, each separate portion in the second set including the multifidus dorsi, complexus, and longissimus dorsi muscles.

Abstract: Systems, computer instructions stored in non-transitory machine readable mediums, and methods are disclosed herein. A portable system for electrically stimulating meat is provided. The system includes a portable housing configured to house a battery power supply. The system further includes a first end connector configured to attach to a target of tenderization, and a second end connector configured to attach to the target of tenderization. The system additionally includes a circuitry electrically coupling the battery power supply to the first and the second end connectors, the circuitry disposed in the portable housing, wherein the circuitry comprises a microprocessor programmed to derive a first electrical condition and to electrically stimulate the target through the first and the second end connectors only when the first electrical condition is not met.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal including separating a vertebral column of the animal, hanging the carcass by pelvic suspension and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. Vertebral column separation is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. Electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising triceps brachii long head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii lateral head muscle, and the second portion comprising triceps brachii lateral head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii long head muscle; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions. Another method for mass-production butchering of a beef clod may include: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising the teres major; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending or stretching muscles on an animal carcass by separating a hip joint of the carcass. Hip joint separation may be carried out while the carcass is suspended from a conveyor system as part of a commercial meat processing operation.

Abstract: An improved meat tenderizing appliance for domestic use in which both mechanical and chemical tenderizing processes are implemented in an easily cleaned, handheld unit operated by the mechanical movement of the device. A small pump is operated through the downward motion of the device. Pressure generated from the pump, as a result of the downward motion, forces the injection solution through a manifold of specially designed needles that administer micro-cuts into the meat and inject the solution. The needles are designed as heavy duty stainless steel with flutes that have sharp edges to produce the micro-cuts in the meat and to strengthen the needle.

Abstract: A method of tenderizing meat on a poultry carcass includes defeathering the poultry carcass, and subsequently applying a pulsed electrical voltage across the poultry carcass. The electrical voltage can be sufficient to impart an electrical current across the poultry carcass that is at least about 350 milliamps. An apparatus for tenderizing meat on a poultry carcass is also discussed.

Abstract: A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. The space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.

Abstract: A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. Said space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.

Abstract: A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. The space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.

Abstract: A churn for processing food products, comprising a rotating drum with an opening for loading and unloading the products, further comprising a hatch provided with elements for detachable coupling to the opening of the drum and comprising ports adapted to allow the outflow of water deposited on the bottom of the drum, elements being provided which are adapted to arrange themselves selectively in a position for opening and closing the ports.

Abstract: A driver for a food conditioner that comprises a drive shaft that is configured to be driven by a motor, a continuous-to-intermittent converter that is configured to be coupled to the drive shaft, and a slip clutch that is configured to be coupled to the continuous-to-intermittent converter, wherein the slip clutch is further configured to disengage when a torque applied to the slip clutch exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the differential and purposeful stimulation of an animal carcass, i.e. substantially an entire animal carcass, without the purge problems typically found in the anterior and posterior portions of the animal carcass. In one embodiment, the method includes electrically stimulating at least a first section of the animal carcass to a first degree and electrically stimulating at least a second section of the animal carcass to a second degree less than the first degree. In one embodiment, the muscles of the midsection are electrically stimulated to a first degree and the muscles of the anterior and posterior end sections are electrically stimulated to a second degree less than the first degree. An apparatus for carrying out the methods of the present invention are further provided.

Abstract: A food conditioner having a primary guard that is configured to be removable and a drive train network that is configured to automatically unlatch when the primary guard is removed, wherein the primary guard includes a guard partition that forces engagement of a tapered coupling drive.

Abstract: A meat tenderizer with disposable face plates requires that a fresh face plate be chosen for each use to prevent cross contamination from one use of the tenderizer to the next. The table or tables of the tenderizer head are flat and accept the face plates which may have a flat tenderizing surface or any of several textured tenderizing surfaces. The face plates are intended for a single use. Once used a face plate is discarded. The user selects the appropriate face plate for the task at hand, attaches it to the tenderizer and removes and discards it after use. Since a clean unused face plate is selected for each use, the tenderizer does not have to be washed between uses thereby saving time for the chef and providing a sanitary tenderizing surface for contact with the meat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively or contemporaneously tenderizing and marinating meats or other desired food items, wherein implementation of the present method entails application of a sealable apparatus having a mechanical tenderizing assembly incorporated therein, thus permitting the sequestration and containment of raw meat juices, meat particulate, and/or marinade therewithin during the tenderizing process, thereby eliminating leakage and/or splatter of same, and reducing or eliminating associated bacterial proliferation and contamination of surrounding surfaces or food items.

Abstract: A rotary piston pump includes a stator defining a cylindrical cavity, a rotor or barrel housed in said cylindrical cavity, able to be driven in rotation by a motor. The rotor includes an array of bores spaced circumferentially wherein pistons are mounted. The pump has a mechanical cam cooperating with the pistons in order to provoke movement of said pistons between a low position and a high position, a lid closing the cylindrical cavity, a feeding orifice coming into communication with at least one cylindrical chamber, a hopper, a discharging orifice simultaneously in communication with at least two consecutive chambers, and vacuuming means for vacuuming cylindrical chambers for filling. The vacuuming means includes at least one vacuuming channel connecting to the lower part of each cylindrical chamber able to vacuum by the bottom each chamber by the vacuuming channel therewith when the piston associated therewith is in lower position.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening one or more cuts of poultry to prepare at least one of the cuts to be cooked may have at least one roller turner, one or more roller supports, a first roller mounted on at least one of the roller supports and adapted to be turned by the roller turner and a second roller mounted on at least one of the other roller supports. The second roller may be disposed substantially parallel to the first roller such that the distance between the first roller and the second roller is less than the size of an unflattened cut of poultry, such that the poultry is flattened when fed between the rollers with the roller turner. Various configurations of the rollers, methods of using the apparatus, and automated embodiments provide advantages for food preparation.

Abstract: A hand-operable meat preparation device includes a handle, a meat tenderizer controllable through the handle to tenderize a cut of meat while introducing vibrational or other work forces therein, and a marinator controllable through the handle to internally marinate the meat with assistance from the vibrational or other work forces introduced by the tenderizer. During use, a person grasps the handle and tenderizes the meat with the meat tenderizer while marinating the meat with the marinator as the tenderizer sets up the vibrational or other work forces in the meat to assist the marination.

Abstract: To shorten a long aging time required for meat processing and reducing the viable cell count of a carcass before being cooked, an electric stimulus is imparted by applying an AC voltage via from electrode needles to at least the neck and legs of the meat carcass. The AC voltage is turned on for a time Ton and then turned off for a time Toff, and the application of the voltage is repeated a predetermined number of cycles. The Ton period is not longer than the Toff period, although the first Ton period can be longer than the Toff period. The voltage is not higher than 100V, and the frequency is not higher than the commercial frequency (maximum, 60 Hz). The aging effect is improved by stimulating the entire meat carcass electrically from at most three points.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel and comprising a blade roller having a plurality of blades transversely connected thereto in aligned relation to the path of travel. A mate roller, an in-feed roller and an out-feed roller interact with the plurality of blades to assure removal of meat portions from the blade and mate rollers during the cutting procedure. The mate roller comprises a plurality of mate roller sections each separated from one another by a first predetermined space and variably or adjustably positioned along the length of the mate roller by interaction with a stabilizing assembly to accommodate receipt of the blades within the first predetermined spaces during concurrent rotation of the blade and mate rollers. The cutting assembly may include a modular construction disposable within and removable from an operative position along a processing line associated with the path of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tenderizing meat by electrical stimulation is characterized by a portable device supplying an electrical current through an electrode or electrodes.

Abstract: A meat tenderizing machine and method of use is described. The machine has a support base on which a meat support board is displaceably supported. A block of cutting blades is displaceably secured above the base by a support frame. A meat retaining plate is associated with the block of cutting blades. The block of cutting blades and meat retaining plate are secured to guide rods for vertical displacement above the meat support board. A drive means imparts independent vertical displacement of the meat retaining plate and the block of cutting blades. Hand-operable handles are secured to the base below the meat support board and removably secured to the board to effect displacement of the board and operation of the drive for displacement of the meat retaining plate and block of cutting blades by both hands of an operator person safely disposed. Accordingly, the hands of the operator person are protected from the block of cutting blades.

Abstract: A method for mass-production butchering of a chuck roll of beef includes: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising triceps brachii long head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii lateral head muscle, and the second portion comprising triceps brachii lateral head muscle and essentially being free of triceps brachii long head muscle; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions. Another method for mass-production butchering of a beef clod may include: sectioning the beef clod into a first portion and a second portion substantially along a natural seam, the first portion comprising the teres major; and sectioning the first portion generally with or parallel to the grain into a first set of separate portions.

Abstract: A meat tenderizing device, comprising: a supporting bed, which comprises a plurality of longitudinal members arranged in the direction of translational motion of pieces of meat, and a plurality of toothed rods, comprised between the longitudinal members so as to form a deck for conveying the pieces of meat; a head arranged above the supporting bed and comprising knives adapted to be inserted between the longitudinal members of the bed and provided with elements for movement, which comprise elements that are adapted to determine selectively a stroke of the knives in which the lower end position is located at at least one height that lies above, and at at least one height that lies below, the bed that supports the pieces of meat.

Abstract: A semi-continuous meat press includes a frame supporting an upper press pad and a lower press pad, positioned adjacent one another to define an open position and a closed position, the closed position having a selectable, adjustable gap between the pads. Upper and lower flexible belts are interposed between the upper and lower press pads, and serve to convey meat pieces between the press pads for the pressing step. The upper and lower press pads and upper and lower flexible belts are urged together by hydraulic cylinders through a four bar mechanical linkage. The press pads are made of a soft pliable plastic material to allow the meat pieces to sink into the pads and provide space for the pliable plastic material to move around and envelop the thick parts of the meat pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for loading items onto a rack is described. The rack loading apparatus is a conveyor having a loading side for receiving items and an unloading side for discharging items, a positioner to align a rack with the unloading side; and a load pusher to discharge the items from the unloading side onto the rack. The system is a sausage-making stuffer/clipper, a belt conveyor, a conveyor having a loading side for receiving sausages and an unloading side for discharging sausages, a positioner to align a rack with the unloading side; and a load pusher to discharge the sausages from the unloading side onto the rack.

Abstract: A machine for tenderizing meat. Said machine includes a textured roller and a smooth plate between which untenderized meat is fed for tenderizing. Pressure is applied to the untenderized meat as it passes between the roller and plate thereby tenderizing and flattening the meat to the desired thickness and texture.

Abstract: A meat tenderizing device, comprising: a supporting bed, which comprises a plurality of longitudinal members arranged in the direction of translational motion of pieces of meat, and a plurality of toothed rods, comprised between the longitudinal members so as to form a deck for conveying the pieces of meat; a head arranged above the supporting bed and comprising knives adapted to be inserted between the longitudinal members of the bed and provided with elements for movement, which comprise elements that are adapted to determine selectively a stroke of the knives in which the lower end position is located at at least one height that lies above, and at at least one height that lies below, the bed that supports the pieces of meat.

Abstract: A marinade container has a base element having an inner surface provided with a plurality of tines which are configured for puncturing holes in a surface of a piece of food product, the base element also having an outer surface, and a lid element having an inner surface provided with a plurality of tines which are configured for puncturing holes in a piece of food product, the lid element and the base element being connectable with one another so as to define an inner space in which a piece of food product can be accommodated and the tines on the inner surface of the base element and on the inner surface of the lid element being configured so that when the piece of food product is accommodated in the inner space the tines of the base element puncture holes in one surface of the piece of food product and the tines of the inner surface of the lid element simultaneously puncture holes in an opposite surface of the piece of food product for increasing a diffusion of marinade into the food product and for thereby

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tenderizing meat by electrical stimulation is characterized by a portable device supplying an electrical current through an electrode or electrodes.

Abstract: A machine for the continuous marination of meat products massages the meat pieces in marinade and the marinade in contact with the meat pieces at all times during the marinating process. The apparatus includes a rotating cylindrical drum made from a series of adjacent longitudinal, sawtooth-shaped internal vanes. The vanes are segmented by longitudinally spaced dividers forming compartments in the drum, with periodic transfer sections to urge the meat and marinade mixture from one compartment to the next as the drum is rotated. The drum may be rotated in one direction for approximately one revolution at a high RPM, and then stopped and rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A meat tenderizing machine and method of use is described. The machine has a support base on which a meat support board is displaceably supported. A block of cutting blades is displaceably secured above the base by a support frame. A meat retaining plate is associated with the block of cutting blades. The block of cutting blades and meat retaining plate are secured to guide rods for vertical displacement above the meat support board. A drive means imparts independent vertical displacement of the meat retaining plate and the block of cutting blades. Hand-operable handles are secured to the base below the meat support board and removably secured to the board to effect displacement of the board and operation of the drive for displacement of the meat retaining plate and block of cutting blades by both hands of an operator person safely disposed. Accordingly, the hands of the operator person are protected from the block of cutting blades.

Abstract: To shorten a long aging time required for meat processing and reducing the viable cell count of a carcass before being cooked, an electric stimulus is imparted by applying an AC voltage via from electrode needles to at least the neck and legs of the meat carcass. The AC voltage is turned on for a time Ton and then turned off for a time Toff, and the application of the voltage is repeated a predetermined number of cycles. The Ton period is not longer than the Toff period, although the first Ton period can be longer than the Toff period. The voltage is not higher than 100V, and the frequency is not higher than the commercial frequency (maximum, 60 Hz). The aging effect is improved by stimulating the entire meat carcass electrically from at most three points.

Abstract: A hand-held food processor having a weighted cylindrical universal handle with a circular triangle shaped base which can accommodate various detachable optional base pieces. The base pieces contemplated include a piercing tenderizer assembly, a coarse plate, as well as a smooth plate.

Abstract: A semi-continuous meat press includes a frame supporting an upper press pad and a lower press pad, positioned adjacent one another to define an open position and a closed position, the closed position having a selectable, adjustable gap between the pads. Upper and lower flexible belts are interposed between the upper and lower press pads, and serve to convey meat pieces between the press pads for the pressing step. The upper and lower press pads and upper and lower flexible belts are urged together by hydraulic cylinders through a four bar mechanical linkage. The press pads are made of a soft pliable plastic material to allow the meat pieces to sink into the pads and provide space for the pliable plastic material to move around and envelop the thick parts of the meat pieces.

Abstract: A device that facilitates the simultaneous tenderizing and flattening of meat is provided. The device uses a modified rolling pin like structure and has a meat preparation central section between two opposing handles. The meat preparation area has a greater circumference in the middle which decreases where the meat preparation area meets each handle. The meat preparation area consists of alternating bands of a tenderizing element and a flattening element arranged in a non-linear fashion. Each tenderizing element consists of an array of serrations of varying sizes.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal includes separating a vertebra of the animal and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. The vertebra separating is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. The electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal includes separating a vertebra of the animal and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. The vertebra separating is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. The electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: A device that facilitates the simultaneous tenderizing and flattening of meat is provided. The device uses a modified rolling pin like structure and has a meat preparation central section between two opposing handles. The meat preparation area has a greater circumference in the middle which decreases where the meat preparation area meets each handle. The meat preparation area consists of alternating bands of a tenderizing element and a flattening element arranged in a non-linear fashion. Each tenderizing element consists of an array of serrations of varying sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double function-hand operated meat tenderizer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle being formed of two components, a blade assembly being detachably mounted between the two components of the handle, a plurality of columns where upper ends of the columns are mounted on the handle, and a comb being mounted on lower ends of the columns for being slidably movable toward and away from the handle. The comb has plurality of flow-through slots and protruding teeth extending from a bottom surface of the comb.

Abstract: An animal carcass (12) being processed on a slaughter line (8) passes through various electrical current processing stations such as immobilisation (1), low voltage electrical stimulation (2), electronic bleeding (3), nerve deactivation (4), electronic back stiffening (5), and mid voltage electrical stimulation (6). The parameters of the electrical current stimulation for each process are tailored to the characteristics of each carcass or carcass type by micro computers (11) at each station. The parameters are further tailored, typically by a master computer (9), to allow for the total contribution of side effects from electrical processing at each station, to optimise the quality of meat taken from the carcass.

Abstract: A system for tenderizing meat that minimizes the probability of cross-contamination between successive pieces of meat product is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one tenderizing head, a tenderizing station for supporting the meat product, and a treatment area where the tenderizing heads are cleaned and sanitized between operations on the meat product.

Abstract: A tray for tenderizing a piece of meat that has a base and a tray wall extending around a periphery of the base forming a pool for retaining marinade within the tray. A plurality of tines extend from a first side of the base and into the pool. Upon placing a piece of meat atop the plurality of tines, a plurality of holes are cause to be punctured in a surface of the meat adjacent to the tines thereby increasing the surface area of the meat able to absorb the marinade.