Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of implants comprising soft tissue for use in implantation in humans. The soft tissue implants of the present application are preferably obtained from xenograft sources. The present application provides a chemical process that sterilizes, removes antigens from and/or strengthens xenograft implants. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity. The present application is also directed to processes for treating xenograft implants comprising soft tissues such as dermis, and to implants produced by such processes.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of implants comprising soft tissue for use in implantation in humans. The soft tissue implants of the present application are preferably obtained from xenograft sources. The present application provides a chemical process that sterilizes, removes antigens from and/or strengthens xenograft implants. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity. The present application is also directed to processes for treating xenograft implants comprising soft tissues such as dermis, and to implants produced by such processes.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment, a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment, a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A variety of compositions and methods for removing hair from animal skin are disclosed. The methods can include heating the skin and applying force to the skin to remove hair. The methods can further include applying an adhesive comprising a wax and a resin to the skin, allowing the adhesive to solidify, and applying force to the adhesive.

Abstract: An animal carcass hair removal machine paddle is provided. The paddle includes a core of alternating layers of woven and non-woven fabrics. The core is pressed together and surrounded by an outer shell pressed onto the core. The layers of fabric are arranged with some shorter than the full length of the core such that one end of the core is thicker than the other end and the layers form a wave-like pattern when the core is pressed. In some embodiments, the weft or warp of the woven fabrics are arranged in special aligned and/or perpendicular arrangements.

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: 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 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: 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 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 processing poultry suspended by the feet from a conveyor hook is provided. The method and apparatus allow the quality of the poultry to be classified and graded in a simpler and more effective manner to realize higher yields or an extra added value. In one exemplary embodiment a processing apparatus for a foot of the poultry is provided that includes a foot pad inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for scrubbing a fowl, wherein the machine comprises at least one pair of opposing rotating brushes, wherein the fowl passes between said at least one pair of opposing rotating brushes. The pair of opposing rotating brushes comprises a first rotating scrubber and a second rotating scrubber having bristles extending therefrom. The fowl is suspended via a shackle suspended from a track, wherein the height of the scrubbing machine may be selectively varied via a threaded height adjuster. The bristles of the machine are rotated, wherein the bristles contact the exterior of fowl travelling through the machine. Jets of water, or other cleaning fluid, spray inwardly to reach the fowl and the scrubbing bristles to rinse removed material from the fowl and bristles. The brushes are rotated through hubs attached to gears powered by a motor, wherein the gears may be selectively rotated in either direction.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus includes an input platform, a creature shaking mechanism, a flushing unit and an output platform. The input platform has a transporting unit. A creature container containing at least one creature is placed on the input platform. The creature shaking mechanism is connected to the input platform. When the creature container is transported to a positioning region of the creature shaking mechanism, the creature container is subject to a shaking operation in response to a power source, thereby turning over the creature and exposing different surfaces of the at least one creature. The flushing unit generates a spout of water to flush the different surfaces of the at least one creature so as to sufficiently shed superficial adherent substances off the at least one creature. The output platform is connected to the creature shaking mechanism for receiving the creature container that is departed from the positioning region.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for removing feathers from a carcass, and more specifically is a method and apparatus for removing feathers from the wing tips of poultry. The method and apparatus comprises at least one wing tip puller which further comprises upper and lower wing guides and a pinch roller adjacent said wing guides where the upper and lower wing guides are designed to receive a wing therebetween and the wing guide is further designed to laterally present the wing tip to the pinch roller.

Abstract: A hand-held, motorized depilating device, introducing a novel mechanical design to provide improved depilating coverage and hair plucking efficiency, without requiring the user to pass the device over the same given skin, area numerous times. The hair-plucking assembly is rotatable about a shaft and includes at least two disc assemblies, each comprising a pair of complimentary discs, mounted on a hub, and having radially extending arms which terminate in a flattened peripheral portion, which when pressed against a corresponding portion forms a trap for the hair. At least one of the radially extending arms is bent so that the associated hair trap lies in a different predetermined plane than the other hair-traps associated with that disc assembly. This staggered arrangement results in improved depilating coverage.

Abstract: A hand-held, motorized depilating device, introducing a novel mechanical design to provide improved depilating coverage and hair plucking efficiency, without requiring the user to pass the device over the same given skin area numerous times. The hair-plucking assembly is rotatable about a shaft and includes at least two disc assemblies, each comprising a pair of complementary discs, mounted on a hub, and having radially extending arms which terminate in a flattened peripheral portion, which when pressed against a corresponding portion forms a trap for the hair. At least one of the radially extending arms is bent so that the associated hair trap lies in a different predetermined plane than the other hair-traps associated with that disc assembly. This staggered arrangement results in improved depilating coverage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

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: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H2S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method and system for dehairing an animal, providing a system for recycling and safely disposing of chemical and biological wastes produced during such dehairing method. Included in such method are processes for handling sodium production in waste materials, reducing and handling production of H.sub.2 S, removing sulfides from animal hides, safely disposing of sulfide waste, removing solids from the waste materials, and reducing water and reagent use and disposal.

Abstract: A method for removing oral cavity staining in a hog carcass is provided by the invention. The method includes steps of providing a carcass including an oral cavity, applying an aqueous stain removing solution including an oxygen bleaching agent to the oral cavity, and removing the aqueous stain removing solution from the oral cavity. In the preferred embodiments, the aqueous stain removing solution includes an aqueous sodium percarbonate solution containing between about 1% by weight and about 8% by weight sodium percarbonate, and is provided at a pH of between about 9.5 and about 12.0.

Abstract: An emulsion for hair treatment is provided which is characterized by the following: the formulation (I) is composed of a W/O type emulsion, which allows the main agent to be stable, and contains preferably an oil soluble polymer compound for the emulsifier; the formulation (I), upon being mixed with formulation (II), can easily undergo demulsification and a phase inversion into an O/W type emulsion; and the emulsion has adequate viscosity to prevent dripping from the hair and a superior dyeing capability. Also, 2-formulation type oxidation hair dye with an excellent hair dyeing effect is provided by adding isostearyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the humane slaughter and processing of ratites, including but not limited to, ostrich and emu, which are generally very large, heavy, and hostile animals, on a mass scale while preserving the quality of body parts during removal. The method envisions transporting the ratites from station to station within a facility via a rail system. First, each ratite is rendered unconscious by an electrical discharge to the ratite body. The ratites are hung in an inverted position on the rail system. The ratites are then killed by lacerating the arteries in the neck and also the windpipe. The head of each ratite is removed and useful parts are extracted. Next, each ratite is de-feathered and skinned so that the hide is not damaged during removal. Specifically, the hide and muscle tissue of each ratite are separated by injecting air into the ratite at various locations. This loosens the feathers and hide.

Abstract: Current enzymatic processes for the depilation of hair require long processing times and are relatively expensive and chemical processes often create odor and/or effluent disposal problems. In the present invention, skins to be depilated are contacted with an oxidizing solution in the form of foam, instead of the liquid compositions previously used. The foam normally comprises an oxidizing agent, a pH regulator and a surfactant composition with a high foaming power. The oxidizing agent is preferably hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid. After the oxidation of the hair, the foam is preferably caused to collapse and depilation is desirably completed in a mechanical stage. In this process, the amount of fluid coming into contact with the skins during the depilation stage is minimized, thus reducing intumescence and, secondly, the amount of effluent.

Abstract: A fish fin remover that is capable of guiding a fish fin to be removed through a clearance to a rotary blade without difficulty for cutting the fin at its root accurately. The fish fin remover includes a guide frame having a step which allows the circumferential edge of the rotary blade to be accommodated in the guide frame so that the bottom of the guide frame across the clearance of the guide frame is substantially on a level with the lower surface of the rotary blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing or cutting wool from a skin, the apparatus comprising a conveyor to move the skin to a heated cutter element. The cutter element comprises a plurality of individually supported and heated electrical wires, and means are provided for reciprocating the cutter element. Each heated electrical wire may be individually controlled so that the wire is maintained at the cutting temperature while cutting, and will not overheat when not cutting. The cutting element is reciprocated so that the wire cutting the edge of the skin will not have one portion cutting and the other portion not overheated.

Abstract: A depilatory device for removing body hair, includes a pair of jaws adapted to sequentially traverse an opening in the housing when the hair-plucker body is driven by an electrical motor. The jaws of each pair are normally spaced apart in an open condition to receive a hair between them, but are movable towards each other to a closed condition to clamp the hair received between them. Camming elements carried by the housing move the pairs of jaws to their closed and open conditions as they sequentially traverse the housing opening.

Abstract: A method for remvoing hair from the hide of an animal to be slaughtered in order to reduce bacterial contamination of meat and meat by-products.A bovine is first immobilized and a depilatory substance of sodium sulfide is sprayed onto the animal's hide for 1-60 seconds. After a dwell time of about 1-180 seconds, the hair contacted by the depilatory substance is removed by directing pressurized jets of water at the animal's hide. Neutralizing agents are then sprayed onto the animal to stop the depilatory process and the animal is conveyed to an exsanguination station for further processing.

Abstract: The motor-powered depilatory device for removing skin hair is provided in a compact, efficient, hand-held unit, based on the operation of an axially rotatable hair-plucking element provided as a plurality of discs adjacently coupled in column form. By provision of a central spine comprising a pre-tensioned spring-metal wire, the discs are maintained adjacent one another under tension, while the column is bendable. When rotated axially at one end, the hair-plucking element transfers the rotation via rotational coupling of the adjacent discs in the column. Thus, even if the column is bent in an arched configuration, the rotational motion is transferred across its entire length. Preferably, the rotationally-coupled discs are made of relatively rigid plastic material, and are mechanically coupled by a set of tab-like projections on each disc surface, which engage matching recesses in adjacent discs.

Abstract: The deboner carries a plurality of modules in a closed path through a series of processing stations. Each module includes a rotary bone holder that supports one end of a poultry bone and a stripper assembly that is moved toward and away from the bone holder. The stripper blades engage the poultry part and stretch the meat, skin, etc., holding it taut while the thigh is moved through a cutting station. The stripper assembly is then moved away from the bone holder and then upwardly again to engage the bone and to strip the meat from the bone. As the blades strip the meat from the bone, the rotary bone holder is rotated by its sprocket engaging the sprocket turning protrusions.

Abstract: A poultry skinner comprises a stationary frame having a pair of chain guides attached thereto, and a pair of parallel endless chains mounted for movement upon the chain guides. The chains, driven by a motor through a Geneva drive transmission, which produces intermittent motion, carry a series of birds over a first peeling roll for removing skin from the breasts, and, after the bird is inverted, over a second peeling roll which removes the skin from the back. The bird is then automatically engaged by a fixture which supports it for further processing.Also disclosed is an improved stripper roll arrangement for cleaning peeling rolls, and a skin nicking device for cutting tendons critical to the skinning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewinging a bird comprises a generally stationary base, a holder that supports the bird to be dewinged stationarily adjacent the base, and a carriage longitudinally displaceable forward on the base. The carriage can be displaced relative to the base longitudinally forward toward the bird and backward away from the bird. A pair of transversely spaced and transversely displaceable grippers carried on the carriage are engageable around wings of the bird on the holder when the carriage is displaced forward adjacent the bird. These grippers can be closed on the wings and transversely displaced apart after closing of same for tearing the wings from the bird on the holder.