Abstract: A poultry chiller comprises a tank having a conveyor within the interior for urging poultry for movement along the tank, wherein the tank has an opening extending along a length of the tank, and a cleaning system for automatically cleaning the interior of the tank, the cleaning system comprising a plurality of distribution nozzles extending along the tank to direct cleaning fluid to the interior surface of the tank. Retrofitting kits are provided to automate cleaning in place of chiller tanks.

Abstract: A pull-out spray of a pull-out faucet includes a spray head connected to a pull-out hose of the pull-out faucet and a sensor trigger fitted to a faucet body of the pull-out faucet. The spray head includes a spray head body, a solenoid valve, and a sensor switch controlled by the sensor trigger. The solenoid valve and the sensor switch are fitted to the spray head body. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the sensor switch. The solenoid valve controls the spray head body to spray water or not according a control signal of the sensor switch. The spray head is controlled to spray water by pulling the spray head, thereby improving the use of the pull-out faucet.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves an intelligent method and device for cutting squid white slices, the intelligent method being implemented on the intelligent device for cutting squid white slices. The method may be implemented on a calculating device, the calculating device may have at least one processor and at least one storage medium including an instruction set used for cutting the squid white slices, the method including: reading a laser point cloud data of a three-dimensional (3D) topography of the squid white slices; optimizing the laser point cloud data; extracting an effective area of the squid white slices; determining a cutting zero point; determining a cutting process area; and determining optimization of a cutting point position and a cutting angle. The one or more embodiments provided by the present disclosure may satisfy the needs of large-scale continuous production in factories, reduce labor costs, and improve production efficiency.

Abstract: A machine for pre-treatment of selected shrimp types that are to be forwarded to machine peeling, which machine, across a conveyor belt with shrimps and at a height above this, comprises one or more mounted rotating brush that is driven by a motor and which in interaction with the distance to the conveyor belt separates the heads of the shrimps from the body.

Abstract: A multi-angle wash system for cleaning carcass, wherein the wash system comprises a multi-angle fluid distribution unit; a rotating unit; a spray unit fluidly and operably coupled to the multi-angle fluid distribution unit; and a guiding unit operably coupled to the spray unit or the multi-angle fluid distribution unit. The multi-angle fluid distribution unit comprises a connecting element that is configured to operably couple with the spray unit such that the spray unit oscillates in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit. The spray unit comprises a guiding element and nozzle sprays. The guiding unit comprises a co-guiding element that has a reciprocate structure to the guiding element of the spray unit such that the guiding unit facilitates the oscillation of the spray unit in correspondence to the rotation of the rotating unit.

Abstract: A novel pig body scalding system, includes a scalding pool body. A separating fence in the middle of a scalding region in the scalding pool body divides the scalding region into a high-speed scalding and constant-speed scalding region; moreover, the two sides of the separating fence has a high-speed and a constant-speed scalding track corresponding to the to the high-speed and constant-speed scalding region respectively. The starting end of the high-speed scalding and that of the constant-speed scalding track can be connected with the same wobbling track, and wobbling track is located at the tail end of a pig body hanging track; an infrared thermometer and pressure sensor connected with a control system is provided below the pig body hanging track. The scalding system can perform targeted scalding on each pig body according to the condition of each pig body, thereby greatly reducing the influence of scalding on pork quality.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying an antimicrobial agent to food products include methods and systems for limiting the escape of antimicrobial agent to the environment during antimicrobial treatment of the food product. In one embodiment, a series of cabinet panels moves in line with the passing food product and forms an enclosure around the food product by means of panels closing ahead of and behind the food product. In another embodiment, the direction and spray pattern of positively charged aerosolized antimicrobial particles is controlled by attracting the particles to preselected negatively charged regions within a treatment volume.

Abstract: A filling machine includes a suspension device, and is operable to suspend sausages, in particular sausage chains, with a plurality of circulating suspension hooks. The suspension device includes an integrated weighing unit for weighing at least one sausage or at least one sausage chain.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on an animal involving i) gas-based stunning, and/or ii) gas-based killing, using a foam. The foam contains a gas having a gas composition suitable for performing the procedure, such as pure nitrogen. The procedure is performed using a container (100) and the method comprises the steps of introducing the foam in the container (100) and performing the procedure. To reduce any problem caused by the susceptibility of foam to break up, the animal is introduced in the container (100) and subsequently the foam is used to expel at least 90% of the air in the container (100) from the container (100).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, and apparatus embodiments for high speed rinsing solution application. One such apparatus embodiment includes a substructure having an elliptical track, a catheter delivery system including a plurality of carriages coupled to the track, wherein each of the carriages includes a respective catheter delivery mechanism, a carousel drive system configured to drive the carriages such that the carriages circulate about the substructure on the track, a rotary timing valve positioned above a central portion of the substructure, the rotary timing valve including a plurality of outlets each positioned at a respective radial position on the rotary timing valve, wherein each of the plurality of outlets is connected to a respective catheter delivery mechanism by a hose, and a hose table positioned between the rotary timing valve and the substructure and configured to support the hoses.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, and apparatus embodiments for high speed rinsing solution application. One such apparatus embodiment includes a substructure having an elliptical track, a catheter delivery system including a plurality of carriages coupled to the track, wherein each of the carriages includes a respective catheter delivery mechanism, a carousel drive system configured to drive the carriages such that the carriages circulate about the substructure on the track, a rotary timing valve positioned above a central portion of the substructure, the rotary timing valve including a plurality of outlets each positioned at a respective radial position on the rotary timing valve, wherein each of the plurality of outlets is connected to a respective catheter delivery mechanism by a hose, and a hose table positioned between the rotary timing valve and the substructure and configured to support the hoses.

Abstract: A carcass washing cabinet having a plurality of spray arbors having a desired spray performance, which can rinse a carcass side with a reduced fluid flow rates through the spray arbors. The reduced fluid flow rates and increased pressure reduces volumes of water and/or other rinsing chemicals as well as by treating lower volumes of liquid waste that are generated by the carcass wash cabinets. Methods of rinsing carcasses with an apparatus having the plurality of arbors with high pressure nozzles and lower flow rates reduces water and/or chemical consumption without affecting microbial load reduction.

Abstract: A hide-on washer module includes striker assemblies mounted for vertical displacement from hydraulic cylinders. When each hydraulic piston reciprocates vertically, the striker assemblies and T-shaped tracking plates are displaced concomitantly. Roller assemblies are mounted to floor-mounted vertical columns that are interconnected to one another by stabilizer plates. A first set of roller assemblies engages a first tracking plate, a second set of roller assemblies engages a second reciprocating tracking plate, a third set of roller assemblies are mounted to the rear side of a front column, a fourth set of roller assemblies are mounted to the front side of a rear column, a fifth set of roller assemblies is mounted to the rear side of a front column, and a sixth set of roller assemblies is mounted to the front side of a rear column. Each roller assembly is biased to bear against its associated tracking plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing brake assembly for applying a frictional force to a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing being arranged on a filling tube of an apparatus for filling and closing said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, like a clipping machine, for limiting the movement of said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing at least while being filled, the filling tube has a longitudinal axis. The casing brake assembly comprises at least one braking body which is reversibly movable between a release position, in which the braking body is at least partially moved away from the filling tube and a brake position in which the braking body at least approximately completely surrounds the filling tube, and which comprises at least two free ends. The casing brake assembly further comprises at least two support elements for supporting and reversibly moving the at least one braking body.

Abstract: A fish descaling apparatus comprises a scaling member having a proximal end, a distal end and an aperture proximate the proximal end on a top surface thereon. The proximal end is removably coupled to a conduit connected with a conventional source of pressurized water and the distal end having a flat portion with a flange edge on at least one side thereof. A valve member is inserted within the aperture and adjusted to regulate the flow rate of water through the scaling member. In use, the flat portion with the flange edge facilitates descaling of the fish and the water runs through the scaling member simultaneously washes away the scales from the fish thereby facilitating efficient cleaning of the fish. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of stops that is adapted to collect and prevent the scales by moving towards the proximal end of the scaling member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal utilizing a device for contacting the hide of an animal with an alkaline solution having a pH of between about 8 and about 13 after stunning the animal, a second a device for contacting the hide with a second solution that includes one of water, organic acid or hydrogen peroxide and a a device for reusing at least a portion of the alkaline solution or the water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A probe for cleaning the eviscerated body cavity of an animal, including a bird, has a washer assembly rotatably mounted about a tube. The washer assembly includes a nose having apertures extending between the interior and exterior of the nose. A bore within the tube feeds fluid to the apertures in the nose. As the probe is inserted into and withdrawn from the body cavity the nose rotates and fluid washes the body cavity. Alternatively, the probe includes a helical auger mounted about the tube that rotates as the probe moves into and out of the body cavity to assist in agitating the fluid within the body cavity and to displace the leaf fat. The nose may seal the anterior opening of the bird carcass to allow the body cavity to fill with fluid and the auger to agitate the accumulated fluid.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for removing lesion material from poultry feet. The systems, for example, can include ax least one spray head located along a travel path of a plurality of movable shackles within a poultry processing line. Each shackle can be configured to hold a poultry member in a processing position as the shackles are moved along the processing line. The spray head configured to spray feet of the poultry members held by the plurality of shackles to remove the lesion material from the feet.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing lesion material from poultry feet including a frame defining an input zone, a cleaning zone, and an output zone. A conveyor moves poultry feet sequentially through the input zone, the cleaning zone, and the output zone, the conveyor configured for holding the poultry feet in a cleaning position. At least one spray head is located in the cleaning zone for spraying the poultry feet while held by the conveyor in the cleaning position to remove the lesion material.

Abstract: A cleaning device which uses water pressure and a cyclone like motion to clean and prepare fish and wild game for human consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning carcasses is described and illustrated, as is a device for mixing a cleaning substance that can be used in such applications. In some embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize a multi-phase cleaning substance spraying procedure in which the cleaning substance has desired levels of chlorine dioxide and is delivered to the carcasses at desired flow rates, both of which can vary between phases of the procedure and/or at different locations of the carcasses being cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to clean and sanitize livestock carcasses. The apparatus includes a livestock carcass travel path, at least one liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid to the carcass travel path, and at least one treatment electrode. A control circuit is configured to cause an alternating electric field to be generated between the electrode and a surface of a carcass along the travel path, through the dispensed liquid.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing lesion material from poultry feet including a frame defining an input zone, a cleaning zone, and an output zone. A conveyor moves poultry feet sequentially through the input zone, the cleaning zone, and the output zone, the conveyor configured for holding the poultry feet in a cleaning position. At least one spray head is located in the cleaning zone for spraying the poultry feet while held by the conveyor in the cleaning position to remove the lesion material.

Abstract: It is designed to wash and clean meat. When meat is put in a 5 gallon bucket and water source connected and turned on. Air is sucked in to mix with water. This makes the meat float up from the bottom and begin to toss and tumble, which takes loose scales, feathers, blood and debris over the top of bucket. This leaves the meat clean in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the load. Therefore you don't have to mess up kitchen sink. It is good for washing other things, including fruits in vegetables.

Abstract: A probe for cleaning the eviscerated body cavity of an animal, including a bird, has a washer assembly rotatably mounted about a tube. The washer assembly includes a nose having apertures extending between the interior and exterior of the nose. A bore within the tube feeds fluid to the apertures in the nose. As the probe is inserted into and withdrawn from the body cavity the nose rotates and fluid washes the body cavity. Alternatively, the probe includes a helical auger mounted about the tube that rotates as the probe moves into and out of the body cavity to assist in agitating the fluid within the body cavity and to displace the leaf fat. The nose may seal the anterior opening of the bird carcass to allow the body cavity to fill with fluid and the auger to agitate the accumulated fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal utilizing a device for contacting the hide of an animal with an alkaline solution having a pH of between about 8 and about 13 after stunning the animal, a second a device for contacting the hide with a second solution that includes one of water, organic acid or hydrogen peroxide and a device for reusing at least a portion of the alkaline solution or the water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide.

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 (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: The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system of the animal.

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: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning animals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes a track system configured to convey the carcasses through a plurality of carcass disassembly stations. The apparatus also includes a spray system for directing a fluid at a portion of at least one of the carcasses. The spray includes a plurality of nozzles configured to rotate relative to the track system. The spray system directs the fluid onto each of the carcasses in a tracking manner as the carcass moves from a first carcass location to a second carcass location. In another embodiment, a method for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes providing an assembly line for conveying the carcasses through a plurality of carcass processing stations. At least one of the stations comprises a spray nozzle assembly for directing a fluid in a rotating path at a portion of each of the carcasses.

Abstract: A method for processing meat along a meat processing line. The method includes removing viscera from a carcass, accumulating the carcass along a dead rail stack of the meat processing line, washing the carcass, and inspecting the carcass at an inspection station following the act of washing the carcass.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one to raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.

Abstract: Steam is discharged onto a carcass surface from a plurality of steam discharge jets, and impurities, steam and condensate are drawn in from the surface through a plurality of suction nozzles adapted to following an uneven surface of the carcass. A cleaning device for cleaning the surface comprises steam discharge jets and suction nozzles adapted to following an uneven surface of the carcass. Jets and nozzles may be combined into nozzle arrangements adapted to deflect resiliently. Nozzle arrangements may be made from a hose having a central lumen and a number of narrow channels embedded into the hose wall. A cleaning machine may incorporate the cleaning device as well as automated machinery for sweeping it across the carcass surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning carcasses is described and illustrated, as is a device for mixing a cleaning substance that can be used in such applications. In some embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize a multi-phase cleaning substance spraying procedure in which the cleaning substance has desired levels of chlorine dioxide and is delivered to the carcasses at desired flow rates, both of which can vary between phases of the procedure and/or at different locations of the carcasses being cleaned.

Abstract: When used as a biocide on newly butchered chickens, chlorine dioxide at concentrations of 12 to 50 ppm is effective at temperatures of 35° C. to 90° C. with 15 ppm being very effective at temperatures of 45° C. to 60° C. Chlorine dioxide in about 50° C. water did not off gas chlorine dioxide at a concentration of 50 ppm.

Abstract: A process includes contacting a feathered poultry carcass with an ammonia-based treatment material to increase the pH at the skin of the carcass and thereby effect a loosening of the feathers on the carcass. After the contact with the ammonia-based treatment material, mild heat may be applied to the feathered carcass to further loosen the feathers. The prepared feathered carcass is then defeathered in a suitable defeathering process. Ammonia may be removed from the carcass before, after, and/or during defeathering. The defeathered carcass is then passed on for further processing to produce the final poultry product.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking carcass intervention data accumulated during carcass processing. An identification is assigned to the carcass. The carcass is subjected to at least one intervention, during which processing data is accumulated. The carcass identification and the processing data are then associated and compared to predetermined processing parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning animals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes a track system configured to convey the carcasses through a plurality of carcass disassembly stations. The apparatus also includes a spray system for directing a fluid at a portion of at least one of the carcasses. The spray includes a plurality of nozzles configured to rotate relative to the track system. The spray system directs the fluid onto each of the carcasses in a tracking manner as the carcass moves from a first carcass location to a second carcass location. In another embodiment, a method for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes providing an assembly line for conveying the carcasses through a plurality of carcass processing stations. At least one of the stations comprises a spray nozzle assembly for directing a fluid in a rotating path at a portion of each of the carcasses.

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: Generally described, the invention relates to a device and method for using same which includes a module assembly which includes a drive roller which not only provides an index feature to the lower end of an elongated member (such as a cleaner or a cropper), but also provides a rotation feature as this member is inserted into the interior of a bird in order to further process it.

Abstract: Various carcass cleaning apparatuses and methods are described and illustrated, wherein carcasses can be cleaned by at least partially immersing carcasses within reservoirs moved by a conveyor. The reservoirs can be filled with cleaning fluid, receive carcasses to immerse the carcasses in the fluid, and can then be drained of such fluid, wherein the drained fluid can be collected, filtered, and supplied again to reservoirs for immersing and cleaning additional carcasses.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system of the animal.

Abstract: When used as a biocide on newly butchered chickens, chlorine dioxide at concentrations of 12 to 50 ppm is effective at temperatures of 35° C. to 90° C. with 15 ppm being very effective at temperatures of 45° C. to 60° C. Chlorine dioxide in about 50° C. water did not off gas chlorine dioxide at a concentration of 50 ppm.

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: This is a machine for the removal of ammonia burns and skin from the paws of poultry. The machine does this by using two high speed brushes. The paws of poultry are positioned in between the two brushes by using a top guide bar, a bottom guide bar and an adjustable guide bar. The adjustable guide bar is uniquely designed to have a protrusion in approximately the middle of the adjustable guide bar that aids in the process of guiding the poultry paws within the bristles of the high speed brushes. The brushes then clean off the ammonia burns and take away the skin from the paws. This process occurs prior to cutting the paws off the poultry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing and/or recovering external fat from animal stomachs prior to further processing in an animal harvest facility are described herein.

Abstract: Various carcass cleaning apparatuses and methods are described and illustrated, wherein carcasses can be cleaned by at least partially immersing carcasses within reservoirs moved by a conveyor. The reservoirs can be filled with cleaning fluid, receive carcasses to immerse the carcasses in the fluid, and can then be drained of such fluid, wherein the drained fluid can be collected, filtered, and supplied again to reservoirs for immersing and cleaning additional carcasses.

Abstract: The post chill decontamination tank assembly 24 usually is positioned at the exit end of a chiller 10 of a poultry processing line. Eviscerated birds fall into the decontamination tank 25 and the paddles 42A-42D of the paddle assembly 34 revolve in the tank about the axis 37 and collect and lift the birds through the liquid and discharge the birds from the tank. An antimicrobial is added to the liquid for treating the exposed surfaces of the birds.