Abstract: A food source information transferring system for a livestock meat-packing facility and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the food source information transferring system is capable of reading tag-identifying information in a hook RFID tag incorporated in a hook that can be hung on a hook machine. An animal carcass attached to the hook then undergoes meat chopping, cutting, and/or packing operations in the meat-packing facility. For each meat package produced, a data set associated with the tag-identifying information in the hook RFID tag can be paired with a data set associated with a meat package label attached to the meat package. This dynamic and robust data association between the hook RFID tag and the meat package label enables a food source information database in the food source information transferring system to preserve and trace detailed food source information at various levels of meat production and processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for handling carcasses of slaughtered animals during suspended transport after evisceration and before weighing in an abattoir by means of an air stream, in which a horizontally directed stream of conditioned air is made to flow around the carcasses at speeds of 1.5 to 6 m/s with a suction effect. Suspension conveyors are set up in a separate room in a meandering arrangement along parallel tracks transversely to the horizontally aligned extraction openings and inlet openings for air, and the inlet openings and extraction openings are connected through an air-conditioning plant, arranged outside the room, for dehumidifying and cooling the air extracted from the room.

Abstract: A ham product and method for production thereof described herein separate bone-in hams into smaller pieces. Accordingly, pieces of bone-in ham, even those spirally-sliced, will be available to consumers in smaller portions. Unlike conventional methods, however, the ham product provides three or four pieces of essentially equal size that each have a nearly equal meat-to-bone ratio. Furthermore, when a spiral cut ham is separated into pieces, each piece includes a portion of the femur and retains attachment of the slices to the femur so that the slices stay intact during handling and packaging and so that the pieces retain the natural shape and easy handling desired by consumers.

Abstract: A method and a system for tracing items through a non-synchronized process are disclosed. Information relating to items going through processing is obtained by a control mechanism, such as any processing device or an autonomous robot for transferring the item. The placement or position of the item after processing or transfer is stored as traceable information for the transferred items in a data base and the information relating to the item on arrival and the information after processing or transfer then contributes to historic information about the items.

Abstract: High pressure processing is utilized to remove the external carcass portions from an animal carcass. The animal carcass is subjected to pressures of 50 MPa or greater to loosen the external carcass portions. In addition, high pressure processing is utilized to strengthen the hides of animal carcasses by subjecting them to pressures of from 10 to 50 MPa.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the production history of consumable animal primal cuts. Data collected from animal breeders and animal feeders is provided to a centralized data management system. An independent auditor also collects data on the operations of animal feeders. The data is analyzed to identify trends or relationships between aspects of the production lifecycle. Quality data on the quality of the primal cuts is also provided to the data management system. Feedback on procedures to be adjusted to improve primal cut quality can be provided to feeders.

Abstract: A method of cutting a beef chuck roll to provide a plurality of higher value beef products includes the steps of: cutting the chuck roll along at least three cut lines to separate the chuck roll into four primary muscles, a first or eye muscle, a second or rhomboideus muscle, a third or splenius muscle and a fourth or serratus ventralis muscle; and trimming each of the four primary muscles to remove excess fat, seams, silver and other undesirable components. Some of the primary muscles are tenderized and marketed as boneless chuck roast products. Some of the primary muscles are cut across the grain into boneless chuck steaks.

Abstract: A motorized height-adjustable table apparatus including a table having a meat-cheese slicer mounted on a work surface thereof and having telescopic legs connected by a pair of perpendicular crossbars which are raised and lowered by a motor having a threaded shaft extending downwardly from a motor center axis, the shaft rotationally engaging an aperture in the center of the crossbars. The motor may be controlled by a hand-operated or a foot-operated control device.

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: A method for monitoring and tracking the processing of a plurality of meat items which originated from an animal, with the processing utilizing instructions, such as instructions from a customer. The method comprises the steps of registering one or more of an identification of one piece of meat from the plurality of meat items, an identification of a supplier of the one piece of meat, and an identification of the animal from which the one piece of meat originated; allocating the one piece of meat to one of a plurality of workstations; registering an identification of the workstation; processing the one piece of meat into a plurality of meat cuttings at the workstation utilizing the instructions; and further processing one or more of the plurality of meat cuttings, wherein traceability is established between the one or more of the plurality of meat cuttings and one or more of the one piece of meat, the supplier, and the animal from which the one piece of meat originated.

Abstract: A method of cutting beef short ribs having a first, concavely shaped inside surface and a second convexly shaped outside surface comprises the steps of: separating the short ribs into a plurality of generally equally sized individual rib meat portions, each having a rib bone, by cutting completely through the short ribs from the first surface to the second surface along cut lines extending generally midway between and generally parallel to the rib bones; and making a series of generally parallel cuts into the meat on at least one of the first and second surfaces of each of the rib portions, the cuts made into each rib portion extending generally perpendicular to the rib bone along the entire length of the meat from one end of the rib bone to the other end of the rib bone and being spaced apart from each other by a first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method for parsing point-cloud data is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a point-cloud file from a database; (b) determining whether the point-cloud file is in a first format or a second format; (c) opening the point-cloud file in a binary data mode and transforming the binary data to predetermined readable data to be stored as a temporary file, and setting the temporary file as a target point-cloud file if the point-cloud file is in the second format, otherwise, if the point-cloud file is in the first format, setting the first format point-cloud file as the target point-cloud file; and (d) parsing point-cloud data in the target point-cloud file into a predetermined data structure. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that will enable a hunter to safely and easily field dress a dead animal. The apparatus includes a stake and two straps (one longer than the other) that are connected to each other, to the stake and to the dead animal's legs. The single stake can be inserted into the ground and each set of straps is adapted to be attached to stake and to one or more of the dead animal's legs. The hunter has the ability to use one, two, three or four sets of straps to restrain/control/stabilize as many of the dead animal's legs as that hunter desires to restrain/control/stabilize. The hunter also has the opportunity to use no stake and still safely, easily and successfully field dress their dead animal.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for the detection of anatomical structures and anatomical positions. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the detection of musculoskeletal elements, such as bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the like, which could be useful for example in poultry processing for bone screening as well as for guidance of machines for processing.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the production history of consumable animal primal cuts. Data collected from animal breeders and animal feeders is provided to a centralized data management system. An independent auditor also collects data on the operations of animal feeders. The data is analyzed to identify trends or relationships between aspects of the production lifecycle. Quality data on the quality of the primal cuts is also provided to the data management system. Feedback on procedures to be adjusted to improve primal cut quality can be provided to feeders.

Abstract: A method of processing meat is disclosed. The method includes subjecting the meat (pork or turkey) to high pressure processing at a pressure of at least 175 MPa for a time of 20 minutes or less, wherein post mortem glycolysis is inhibited. For beef, a pressure of at least 200 MPa and a hold time of from 30 seconds to 20 minutes are used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning slaughtered poultry, provided with a carries (3) provided with a contact surface for locally engaging a first carcass part of a slaughtered poultry animal at a first position. The invention also relates to a method for conditioning slaughtered poultry, and to a production line for processing poultry carcasses transported hanging in carriers.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with measuring subcutaneous fat and loin depth in a portion of muscle tissue. Consistent with one such method a probe is presented to the portion of muscle tissue. The probe produces a response-provoking signal in the muscle tissue used to determine the fat and loin depth in the portion of muscle tissue.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device and method for the preparation of brochettes with picked-and-placed food consisting of a brochette (17) and one or more pieces of foodstuff (4). The brochette (17) is held by a brochette holder. The pieces of foodstuff (4) are picked up from a transport device (2) by ingredient grippers (5, 11, 12) and slipped onto the brochette (17) or placed in a mold, into which the brochette is subsequently introduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for cutting a pork leg to create a meat cut which includes an exposed bone feature and a squared face. The method for making the exposed bone feature involves trimming shank meat bare from a fibula bone and removing a tibia bone above a knee cap joint leaving a stifle joint intact. The method for making the squared face involves removing light and dark butt trim and a rump point to form a generally flat surface. When oriented downward, the flat surface aligns with any flat support surface and holds the meat cut in a standing position. The standing position directs the exposed bone feature generally upward in a unique and attractive presentation. Additionally, the present invention relates to the resultant product formed by the same method where the meat cut allows for improved roasting, braising, slow-cooking, and carving of a ham roast.

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: Devices and methods for tracking animals include assigning an animal identification to a first animal. Collecting a biological sample from the first animal and associating the first animal with each premises at which the first animal is located. The invention further provides an identification device that includes a tag portion and a sample portion. The tag portion can be configured to be attached to an animal in any method known in the art. The sample portion can be detachably coupled to the tag portion and can include a biological collector that can collect a biological sample from the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for field dressing game. The apparatus includes an anchor and a cord attached to the anchor. The anchor is adapted to be inserted into the ground, and the cord is adapted to be attached to an animal's leg and to the anchor.

Abstract: A protective tool for assisting in field dressing a deer, the tool having a protective shield of a convenient width and contour to be slid thru an incision made thru the belly skin of a deer just forward of the pelvic crest and hence into and thru the pelvic cavity between the inner surface of the crest and the colon, whereby the crest can then be sawed thru longitudinally along the crest without danger of the saw cutting into the colon or adjacent viscera and releasing meat damaging fluids.

Abstract: A viscera bag includes a closure and a valve connection. The bag is flexible and a vacuum line can be connected thereto. The vacuum line can withdraw fluids from the bag and the bag can be vacuum sealed to ensure that fluids will not leak out of the bag. A method of performing an autopsy includes using the viscera bag to contain any organs that have been removed and placing the removed organs in the bag back into the body after fluid has been withdrawn from the bag.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a method of preparing a poultry drumstick, particularly chicken drumsticks, for cooking, and the food product produced therefrom. Chicken drumsticks, featuring a centrally disposed elongated bone between a thigh end and a foot end, including a quantity of meat surrounding the bone. The method comprises the steps of making an annular cut about the bone, followed by making a pair of opposing vertical cuts along the bone, from the annular cut, and through the meat to define two essentially equal sections. Thereafter, the two sections are peeled downwardly away from the bone and brought together to form a ball of meat. Before cooking, any skin may be removed such as by twisting and separating the skin therefrom.

Abstract: An edible bird with an internal cavity provided by removal of the visceral parts of the bird and most or all of the internal bone structure. Disposed within the cavity of the bird body, is an edible filling and heat transfer elements to transfer heat directly into the edible filling when the bird is cooked.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for rapidly cooling the exposed lean surfaces of a beef carcass. The system is adapted to reach important muscle regions, including the interior muscles located in the cavity of the carcass side. The system includes at least one nozzle disposed at an angle with respect to a line extending perpendicular to the carcass, such that a coolant contacts muscles located inside the cavity.

Abstract: A method of cutting the back of a bird provides two boneless meat products. The back includes a backbone, a tail at the rear end of the backbone and an area of meat on each side of the backbone. The method includes cutting the back along a first cut line extending generally perpendicular to the backbone and proximate to the rear end of the backbone to remove the tail. The back is also cut along a second cut line extending at a first angle with respect to the backbone and proximate to the rear end of a first side of the backbone to remove a first generally triangularly shaped boneless meat product. The back is further cut along a third cut line extending at a second angle with respect to the backbone and proximate to the rear end of a second side of the backbone to remove a second generally triangularly shaped boneless meat product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing carcasses of dead poultry randomly scattered throughout a poultry house are disclosed which reduce the amount of time and labor required to remove dead poultry during an entire growing session.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for rapidly cooling the exposed lean surfaces of a beef carcass. The system is adapted to reach important muscle regions, including the interior muscles located in the cavity of the carcass side. The system includes at least one nozzle disposed at an angle with respect to a line extending perpendicular to the carcass, such that a coolant contacts muscles located inside the cavity.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for processing worms uses spaced top and bottom surfaces of a rotor set a sufficient distance apart so that worm bodies to be processed touch both surfaces. A splitter is located mid-way between the surfaces and the worm bodies are forced by centrifugal force and by a flow of water in which the bodies are entrained to encounter and to be split by the splitter blade. The top and bottom surfaces are set a sufficient distance apart so that the worm bodies are partially flattened when passing therebetween. The splitter is located so as to be operative to split the central digestive tract of the worm body. An inlet is located in the top surface through which the worm bodies are introduced into the space between the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing the spinal cord from the animal carcass during processing prior to splitting the carcass. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a catheter tube, which comprises a flexible vacuum casing having a flexible rotating shaft captured therein where a cutting bit member is attached to the tip end of the rotating shaft for breaking down the spinal tissue such that a vacuum can be applied to the catheter to aspirate the spinal cord tissue. The catheter tube can be fed down the spinal channel prior to the carcass being split and as the catheter is being inserted the cutting tip is rotated to break down the spinal tissue and a vacuum is applied to aspirate the broken down tissue. Another embodiment of the apparatus for the concept of removing the spinal cord prior to splitting the carcass comprises a semi-flexible pull line or pull chain/ curly spring.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is provided. Also provided are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue and bone tissue.

Abstract: A device for retaining and trussing the hocks of poultry carcass in juxtaposition and proximal to the body during processing, packaging, shipping, storage, and/or cooking. The present invention is a unitary, plate-like member of resilient material comprising two generally C-shaped members for fitting about and retaining the hocks. The generally C-shaped members are located proximally to each other and about an axis of symmetry.

Abstract: The Stow Away Collapsible fish cleaner is a V-shaped trough or holding tray with integral ends that performs similarly to welded or molded fish cleaners to securely hold fish for cleaning on the outside of the boat. The Stow Away is substantially different in that it is made up 7 integrally incorporated hinge assemblies which allow the devise to be folded completely flat without disassembly. The folded flat dimension is approximately 1.5″ inches including the 1 inch gunnel support flange. The devise is made ready by unfolding from the flat storage position to the V-shape with no assembly. The primary components are made of aluminum with stainless steel hinge pins making it strong and durable. The hinges are an integral part of each of six (6) parts interfacing with each other on seven (7) axis in this design. The devise rests on the side gunnel of the boat on the support flange, secured by web strap and a lever type harness clip (or other quick release connector) to the boat.

Abstract: A device for retaining and trussing the hocks of poultry carcass in juxtaposition and proximal to the body during processing, packaging, shipping, storage, and/or cooking. The present invention is a unitary, plate-like member of resilient material comprising two generally C-shaped members for fitting about and retaining the hocks. The generally C-shaped members are located proximally to each other and about an axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing poultry meat comprising the step of subjecting poultry meat to a contact treatment with an aqueous hinokitiol solution in poultry processing for a production of poultry meat; and a method for producing poultry meat comprising the step of sterilizing poultry meat by the method described above in poultry processing.

Abstract: A livestock processing facility comprising a waste area, a processing area, a storage area and a packaging area. The processing area comprises at least two processing portions wherein each processing portion is positioned such that the processing area at least partially circumscribes the waste area. Waste from any processing portion of the processing area is directly fed through conduits without passing through any other area of the facility. A processing portion of the processing area includes a self-cleaning system to wash and sanitize the processing portion at regular intervals. The storage area includes separate modular coolers wherein the temperature of each cooler can be controlled independent of any other. Each area of the processing facility is positioned and designed to control the flow of air away from the storage and packaging areas toward the waste area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detectable heavy duty needle cannula (12) for use in hypodermic syringes and the like. Needle cannula (12) comprises a magnetizable or magnetized stainless steel alloy, which enables needle cannula (12) to be detectable in metal detectors that are commonly used in the meat processing industry to detect broken needle cannulas in the flesh of slaughtered animals. Needle cannula (12) further comprises a sidewall (17) that is thicker than the sidewalls of prior art needle cannulas. The thicker sidewall imparts to needle cannula (12) greater resistance to breakage during the process of injecting animal health products into an animal and greater detectability in a metal detector.

Abstract: A portable worktop that may be used for cleaning, preparing, or serving food has been developed. The portable worktop includes a work surface with an opening in the work surface. The worktop is held in place on a stable supporting base by a fastening ring. The opening is positioned over the supporting base so that the opening may be used for waste disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a bone product are disclosed. The method includes contacting an interior section of a cylindrical bone portion with a high pressure fluid medium to remove at least a portion of cancellous bone matrix from the bone portion. The apparatus includes multiple stations of opposing high pressure nozzles holding the cylindrical bone portion from each end and for contacting the interior surfaces of a bone portion with a fluid medium. The apparatus also includes a third nozzle for contacting the exterior surface of the bone portion with a fluid medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an application for handling information in relation to meat being conveyed through a number of processing stations. The information is used to trace the processing history of a piece of meat, including its origination. The ability to trace the processing history may be used e.g. in order to trace back sources of contamination and for verification of the status and quality, weight etc. of the meat. The information is furthermore useful for the workers processing the meat at the stations or useful for the control and management of the meat processing plant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a bone fracture in a specific bone of a slaughtered animal or a part thereof, particularly fowl, especially for detecting a bone fracture in the leg bone of fowl, the apparatus comprising: retention means designed to retain an animal on a retention location thereof, fracture detection means designed for detecting a possible fracture in the relevant bone of the animal, and signalling means which are linked to the fracture detection means and signal whether a bone fracture is or is not present.

Abstract: Improved barbecue and kabob skewers are described. The barbecue skewer includes a rod or brochette to support, warm and cook food and a structure that allows for easy and effective removal of food when served. As an additional feature of the remover may include a safety guard to protect fingers, hands and arms from burns. The remover may also include a brush or tough material to scrape and clean the skewer. Further, the remover may be attached to a skewer handle for storage and convenience or may be separately applied for use.

Abstract: Fat removal apparatus for removing fat from the surface of a liquid body includes a rotary fat skimmer mounted for rotation above said surface of the liquid body and a plate having an inclined front face surface and an outer periphery partially submerged in the liquid body, a fat removal opening is provided in the plate portion co-axially with respect to the axis of rotation of the plate, a spiral shaped fat capture flange extends forwardly from the surface of the plate and has an inner end at the fat removal opening centered in the plate and an outer leading end edge positioned radially outward from the fat removal opening to engage and remove fat from the surface of the liquid body and deliver it to the fat removal opening.

Abstract: An animal tracing system having a parasitic premise information panel for attachment to the stud of an ear tag for use in determining the history and origins of an animal after the animal has been slaughtered, the premise information panel contains a bar code and a numeric code to reveal an animal's history and origin, the panel having sufficient strength to remain attached to the identification panel in day-to-day wear but of sufficient weakness so that a user can remove the premise information panel from the animal ear tag without removing the ear tag from the animal carcass and, along with a blood sample, store the panel therewith until a later date, at which time the premise identification information can be referred to a blood test reveals that the animal has a disease. The tainted carcass can be quickly identified by cross-referencing the premise information panel to the ear tag remaining on the carcass.

Abstract: An animal carcass rib spreader and method of use. The rib spreader includes two carcass engaging members coupled to a frame. Each of the carcass engaging members is adapted to engage opposite halves of a rib cage of an animal carcass. A first carcass engaging member of the two carcass engaging members is mounted to a carriage unit. The carriage unit is coupled upon an elongate member of the frame by a mechanically progressive mechanism that is used for causing movement relative to that elongate member. The mechanically progressive mechanism is engaged upon the elongate member and configured for manual actuation. The mechanically progressive mechanism incrementally advances the first carcass engaging member away from a second carcass engaging member for spreading the rib cage of the animal carcass. Preferably, the mechanically progressive mechanism is a ratchet mechanism driven by a pivotable actuator of a handle assembly that is connected to the carriage unit.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for composting poultry carcasses, comprising a two wheel utility trailer with a rotary drum composter mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis above and parallel to the wheel axle of the trailer. The drum may be turned, manually or mechanically, until the composting process is complete. After composting, the loaded composter is taken to a field for spreading. The drum has openings which are opened and a chain drive is connected to the axle of the trailer so that the drum is turned by the movement of the wheels of the trailer over the ground. This tumbling action spreads the composted material as the trailer is pulled over the field. In one embodiment, the trailer is provided with a roof to keep rain off the composter drum. In another embodiment, the spreading action is improved by providing a distributing disc located under the trailer and driven by the drive axle to throw the composted material falling from the openings of the drum.

Abstract: A material mixture is separated into components of different flowability using a perforated drum mounted in a housing and supported by a detachable mounted portion. The drum is partially wrapped by a presser belt with is pressed against the drum by an adjustable pressure roller. The housing is formed as a parallelepiped-shaped shaft with a dividing wall to separate the drive section from the service section. The presser belt is guided to form an angle of 20.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the drum and the drum is driven to have a peripheral speed of two to six percent higher than that of the presser roller.