829results about "Poultry processing" patented technology

A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end-product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

A portioning apparatus (10) includes a powered conveyor (12) for carrying workpieces (WP) past a scanning station (14) and past a cutting station (20). Information from the scanning station pertaining to physical parameters of the workpiece is transmitted to a control system (16) which then determines an optimal cutting strategy for the workpiece, which strategy is implemented at the cutting station (20). The length of time required to portion the workpiece is also determined, and this information is used to ascertain whether the speed of the conveyor (12) is optimal or should be changed.

A system, suitable for high-speed operation, by which raw product (45), such as a slab of meat, can be accurately processed, such as by slicing into segments of desired weight, comprises a product profiling apparatus (15). The product profiling apparats (15) meassures the profile of the physical process. The product profiling apparatus (15) includes line lasers (75, 85) for directing a line of light across the upper and lower surfaces of the product (45) and visual image cameras (80, 90) directed toward the profile surface to capture, at fixed increments, the product profile. The product may also be weighed and the product density determined from the overall profile measurements. A controller (150) receives this data, and instructs the physical process accordingly.

Apparatus for cutting baitfish employing a non-symmetrically arcuate biasing member for angularly articulating a baitfish against a plurality of blade surfaces. In certain embodiments, apparatus having an improved lever arm with increased mechanical advantage.

The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.

Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and/or exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets or lasers, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.

A method and apparatus that uses safety apparel that has an identification element so that a sensor on a machine may detect the presence of the identification element. Upon detecting the presence of the identification element, the sensors electronically activate a series of switches and relays that allow the machine to operate. A plurality of relays can be set up so that when certain operational parameters occur, or do not occur, the machine is shut down. This includes a timing circuit to ensure the machine is being properly operated. Once the machine shuts down the operator must repeat the procedure of placing the identification element in communication with the sensors.

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.

A game animal lift assembly for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) that is used to lift the carcass of a dead game animal from the ground up onto the carrying rack of an ATV. The game animal lift assembly includes a winch assembly having a flexible winch tether, a receiver hitch connecting assembly, a lifting mechanism horizontal support rod, two height adjustable vertical ground support bar assemblies, an adjustable length chassis support bar assembly, and a pivoting game animal lifting mechanism pivotally attached to the lifting mechanism horizontal support rod.

A power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandible and contractible to receive the blade. The split blade housing member and blade engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize friction and blade heating when the knife operates. The bearing locations are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis so that the blade position is stabilized during operation of the knife.

A method of enhancing the growth of an animal is provided. The method includes causing the animal to ingest or absorb an effective amount of one or more Fe III complex compounds, including but not limited to Fe III complexes comprising ligands bound to the iron centre selected from amino acids or α-hydroxy acids, o-hydroxy benzoic acids or pyridine-2-carboxylic acids, such as ferric quinate, ferric tyrosine, ferric DOPA and ferric phenylalanine. Compounds which are structural and/or functional variants, derivatives and/or analogs of the foregoing compounds, as further described herein are also disclosed. Methods for inhibiting, reducing, or preventing biofilm formation or buildup on a surface; the treatment of, inhibition of growth of, and inhibition of colonization by, bacteria, both in biological and non-biological environments; disinfecting surfaces, potentiating the effects of antibiotics and other anti-microbial agents, and increasing the sensitivity of bacteria and other microorganisms, to anti-microbial agents are also provided.

In a device, assembly and method for separating meat from bone parts, at least a chamber (2) is provided for receiving bone parts which are connected to meat, having a first open end (4) and a second open end (5) which is located opposite the first open end (4), a plunger (7), first displacement means for displacing the plunger (7) inside the chamber (2) from the first open end (4) thereof, and a stop element (13) at the second open end (5) for creating a closed space (3) together with the chamber (2) and the plunger (7). A pressure is applied to the bone parts by displacing the plunger (7) in the chamber (2). The stop element (13) is arranged at a distance from the chamber (2), so that at least one gap (15) is formed between the chamber (2) and the stop element (13), for the passage of meat which has been separated from the bone parts under the influence of pressure.

A compact 3 in 1 device used for fish cleaning, bait cutting, and/or live well. It can be easily attached to the gunwale of a boat with adjustable mounting arms. The arms are adjustable for both the width and depth of the gunwale and will fit most boats. This device includes a cutting board, clamp device to hold fish while cleaning and a knife and pliers holder. A "V" shaped tank which can be used to transport live bait, hold fish to be cleaned and/or fish already cleaned. The tank is equipped with an overflow tube with a screen attached to the top to prevent the loss of live bait. Removing the tube allows the tank to be drained. A 12 volt submersible pump is placed into the lake or reservoir and is attached to a 3 way brass ball valve. The 3 way brass ball valve will direct water to either the live well tank or the wash down hose. The electrical cord is plugged into an existing cigarette lighter on a boat or equipped with alligator clips to attach to a 12 volt battery. A inline switch and inline fuse is located withing the 10 foot electrical cord.

A system for detecting embedded objects in a specimen that includes a transport system effecting movement of the specimen relative to an imaging zone along a transport path. The system also includes detector systems arranged to operably image the specimen in the imaging zone. Each detector system includes an emitter, detector, and a primary axis defined between the emitter and detector and that crosses the transport path. Energy from the emitter is directed along the primary axis and transmitted to a unique detector producing a succession of images as there is movement of the specimen relative to the imaging zone. The system further includes a computer system operably connected to the detector systems to receive and combine the succession of images producing a plurality of image slices that are combined as a representation of the specimen for use in detecting embedded objects in the specimen.

The invention discloses a chicken claw splitting machine, which comprises a frame and a conveying device arranged on the frame, wherein a claw cutting device is arranged above the conveying device, and comprises a transmission motor, a driven belt pulley driven by the transmission motor, a claw cutting power transmitting mechanism arranged in a distribution box, a conveying power transmitting mechanism for driving the conveying device to run, and at least one group of claw cutting mechanisms connected with the claw cutting power transmitting mechanism. In the invention, the conventional manual operation is completely replaced by mechanical automatic operation; power transmission of the conveying device and a splitting mechanism is driven by the same transmission motor, so that the isochronism of conveying and splitting actions is very high; a part of the splitting mechanism is basically sealed, so that safety and sanitation are realized; double conveying belts are adopted, so that thesplitting efficiency is high; and chicken claws are split twice in the claw cutting mechanism, so that the chicken claws become smaller and are more convenient to package in small bags. Due to the adoption of the structure, the labor force, physical resources, financial resources and the like are saved greatly, the working efficiency is increased, and the problem that the conventional manual operation is insanitary is solved.