System and method of producing cut meat analog

Abstract

The disclosure relates to systems and methods of producing cuts of meat analog. Specifically, the disclosure relates to computerized systems and methods for systematically depositing a user-designed a muscle analog filament and a fat analog filament in a layer-by-layer forming a shaped log with internal marbling that is sliced to form a meat-analog cut.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PRODUCING CUT MEAT ANALOGBACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods of producing analogs of cuts of meat. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a systems and methods for systematically depositing a muscle analog filament and a fat analog filament forming a shaped log that is sliced.

[0002] Consumer demand for substitutes for animal protein is rising due to health and environmental concerns. To meet this demand, meat analogs are made from plant-based proteins or cultured animal cells mimic the taste and texture of real meat. Extruded vegetable proteins are often used to achieve this texture.

[0003] There are several challenges in producing plant-based meat analogs that closely mimic the organoleptic characteristics of whole muscle cuts of animal meat. Extrusion is a common method used to form meat analogs. However, specialized extrusion equipment is required to process the mixture of ingredients into a meat-like texture. Ensuring that the equipment is capable of handling the viscosity and consistency of the mixture without clogging or uneven extrusion, is a challenge. Moreover, conventional mixing equipment may not be suitable for blending ingredients with varying viscosities and rheological properties. Thorough mixing without over-processing the ingredients can be challenging. Once the mixture is prepared, it needs to be formed into the desired shapes such as cutlets, patties, nuggets, or strips. Forming equipment must be capable of shaping the mixture while maintaining its structural integrity and texture throughout the process. The equipment should also allow for flexibility in producing various shapes and sizes of meat analogs.

[0004] Therefore, the need exists for systems, compositions and methods capable of addressing these challenges.SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed, in various implementations, are computerized systems and methods for systematically depositing a user-designed filament and a fat analog filament forming a muscle analogous shaped log, with internal marbling when sliced.

[0006] In an exemplary implementation provided herein is a system for forming a consumable emulating a cut of meat, the system comprising: a dispensing module operable to dispense a muscle -emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-cmulating composition in a layer-by-layer pattern; a conveyor, operably coupled to the dispensing module a molder; a cutter; and a central processing module (CPM), in communication with the dispensing module and the conveyor, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer- readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a pre-cut meat-emulating consumable having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis; generate a file library with a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially two dimensional (2D) layer pattern for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating consumable, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library the first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or both; using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; obtain from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the precut meat-emulating product; using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer; repeat the steps of: obtaining a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the precut meat-emulating product, and forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, until reaching the final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; using the dispensing module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the final layer.

[0007] In another exemplary implementation, provided herein is a method of forming a meatcut emulating consumable; the method comprising: providing a dispensing system comprising: a first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense: a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition; a molder; a conveyor, operably coupled to the first dispenser configured to convey a substrate to the first dispenser; and a central processing module (CPM), in communication with the conveyor, the molder, and the first dispenser, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a pre-cut meat-emulating product having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis; and generating a file library having a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially 2D layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; receiving the 2D visualization file representing the cross section of the pre-cut meat-emulating product; generating the library of files representing the substantially 2D layer for dispensing; providing the muscle-emulating composition, and the fatemulating composition; obtaining from the library the first file representing the first dispensing layer of a pre-cut meat-emulating product, the first file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the first layer; obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product; the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer; repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing; obtaining from the library the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; using thefirst dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing thereby forming the pre-cut meat-emulating product; depositing the pre-cut meat-emulating product in a mold configured to mold the pre-cut meat-emulating product into a predetermined form; molding the pre-cut meatemulating product; and cutting the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product transverse to the longitudinal axis at a predetermined distance interval.

[0008] In yet another exemplary implementation, the dispenser module / system further comprises: a second dispenser sized and configured to dispense the fat-emulating composition, and wherein: the second dispenser is in liquid communication with the second reservoir storing the fatemulating composition; the first dispenser, is sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition; and the conveyor is configured to convey the substrate to each of the first, and the second dispensers.

[0009] In an exemplary implementation, provided herein is a liquid dispenser, sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition comprising: a cover member, defining an inlet in liquid communication with the first reservoir, a collar coupled to the cover member, the collar forming an internal chamber operable to accommodate the muscle-emulating composition, the collar being; a manifold coupled to the collar, comprising an array of basally tapering frusto-conical funnels each frusto-conical funnel tapering basally from a common basin, each frusto conical funnel terminating in a circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold; and a piping block, coupled to the manifold, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein: the upper portion having an upper surface defining a longitudinal axis, and an array of apertures, configured to accommodate a corresponding circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold associated with each frusto-conical funnel; and the lower portion, having a basal surface defining a plurality of nozzles, arranged in a linear configuration, each nozzle associated with a corresponding aperture defined in the upper surface of the upper portion of the piping block; and a distributor coupled to the lower portion of the piping block, in communication with the second reservoir, the distributor operable to selectably distribute the fat-emulating composition to each nozzle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] For a better understanding of the systems and methods for systematically depositing a muscle analog filament and a fat analog filament forming a shaped log that is sliced, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures, in which:

[0011] FIG.1A, a substantially 2D raster file input, with FIG. IB, illustrating the filaments before slicing;

[0012] FIG. 2, illustrates an example of the pre-cut meat- emulating product (the “log”);

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary implementation of the depositing system;

[0014] FIG. 4 Illustrates an assembled filament deposition head;

[0015] FIG. 5A-7B, illustrates the components forming each filament deposition head; and

[0016] FIG. 8A-8C, illustrate an exemplary implementation of the sub-system used to incorporate fat-emulating composition.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Provided herein are exemplary implementations of computerized systems and methods for systematically depositing a user-designed muscle analog filament and a fat analog filament forming a shaped log with internal marbling that is sliced.DEFINITIONS:

[0018] The term “meat analog” as used herein refers to a blend of ingredients, dry and / or wet, used to make a plant-based meat-like product from either a non-animal source (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids including liquid oils, heme-containing protein or an iron salt, water, and all other ingredients added with water) or from a mixture of a non-animal source and an animal source wherein the one or more of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, water and all other ingredients added with water from which a plant-based meat-like product is prepared as described herein are produced, derived or obtained from an animal and also a non-animal source.

[0019] The term “cut meat analog” refers to cuts of animal meat and seafood that maintain some or all the structure of muscle tissue from the living animal intact, e.g. food products that are minimally processed. The term is intended to include food products having undergone typical preparations for animal meat and seafood such as cutting into steaks or fillets, or the trimming orcutting of fat, skin, bone, scales, organs, connective tissue, or inedible portions of the animal carcass. The term is also intended to include cured or dried meats.

[0020] In the context of the disclosure, the term “meat-emulating” composition refers to a blend of plant-based ingredients (as well as optionally, animal-derived ingredients) designed to replicate the organoleptic properties of real meat. These compositions can include proteins (such as gluten, soy or pea), fibers, fats, and flavorants. Likewise, the “fat-emulating” composition refers to a blend of plant-based ingredients designed to replicate the organoleptic properties associated with the fat content found in real meat. These compositions aim to mimic the mouth-warming, richness and juiciness that fat contributes to meat products, without using actual animal fats.

[0021] In the context of the disclosure, the term “plug flow” refers to a flow pattern where different layers of a fluid move at the same velocity without significant mixing between them. This type of flow occurs when the fluid moves through a conduit, such as a pipe or channel, with minimal interaction with the walls. In plug flow, each layer maintains its integrity as it moves, resembling cylindrical plugs sliding along the conduit. Furthermore, by the term "plug flow" in this specification is meant flow of a divided material composition in which the flows of liquid in one material is maintained such as to each material occupy substantially homogeneously the cross-section of flow and such as to be at a separate substantially constant flow speed at all points at such cross-section.

[0022] Furthermore, the term "communicate" (and its derivatives e.g., a first component "communicates with" or "is in communication with" a second component) and grammatical variations thereof are used to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, optical, or fluidic relationship, or any combination thereof, between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components can be present between, and / or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

[0023] As may also be used herein, the terms “central processing module” (CPM), “module”, “processing circuit”, and / or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and / or operational instructions (in other words, firmware). CPM (700), processing circuit, and / or processingunit may have an associated memory and / or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and / or embedded circuitry of the processing module, module, processing circuit, and / or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and / or any device that stores digital information.

[0024] As used herein, the term “processor” is defined as including, but not necessarily being limited to, an instruction execution system such as a computer / processor-based system, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a computing device, or a hardware and / or software system that can fetch or obtain the logic from a non-transitory storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and execute the instructions contained therein. “Processor” can also include any controller, state-machine, microprocessor, cloud-based utility, service or feature, or any other analogue, digital and / or mechanical implementation thereof. In addition, the computer program (software and / or firmware), can comprise program code means for carrying out the steps to facilitate the bioprinting and control the print head and any of its components, for example, TCM 500, as well as a computer program product comprising program code means stored on a medium that can be read by a computer, such as a hard disk, SATA CD-ROM, DVD, USB memory stick, or a storage medium that can be accessed via a data network, such as the Internet or Intranet, when the computer program product is loaded in the main memory of a computer and is carried out by the computer. Thus, the terms “non-transitory storage medium” and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” are defined as including, but not necessarily being limited to, any media that can contain, store, or maintain programs, information, and data. Non-transitory storage medium and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include any one of many physical media such as, for example, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor media.

[0025] The term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives.

[0026] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation ofquantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)”asused herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the cell(s) includes one or more cells). Reference throughout the specification to “one exemplary implementation”, “another exemplary implementation”, “an exemplary implementation”, and its derivatives (implementation, configuration, examples, circumstances etc.) and so forth, when present, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and / or characteristic) described is included in at least one configuration described herein, and may or may not be present in other implementations. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various examples, brought to provide clarifying examples.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. In addition, for the purposes of the present disclosure, directional or positional terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” “frontal,” “forward,” “rear,” “rearward,” “back,” “trailing,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “radial,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “outer,” “inner,” “exterior,” “interior,” “intermediate,” etc., are merely used for convenience in describing the various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0028] Likewise, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such. For example, “about” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% or at least ±10% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0029] In the context of the disclosure, the term "operable" means the system and / or the device and / or the program, or a certain element or step is fully functional, sized, adapted and calibrated, comprises elements for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated, coupled, implemented, actuated, effected, realized, or when an executable program is executed by at least one processor associated with the system and / or the device. In relation to systemsand circuits, the term "operable" means the system and / or the circuit is fully functional and calibrated, comprises logic for, having the hardware and firmware necessary, as well as the circuitry for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when executed by at least one processor.

[0030] The term “coupled”, including its various forms such as ’’operably coupling”, "coupling" or "couplable", refers to and comprises any direct or indirect, structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural or operational coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component or by the forming process. Indirect coupling may involve coupling through an intermediary member or adhesive, or abutting and otherwise resting against, whether frictionally or by separate means without any physical connection.

[0031] In the context of the disclosure, the term “liquid communication” refers to a flow line (e.g. tubing or ducts) allowing for passage of liquid between two units, optionally through a number of intermediate units. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “liquid communication” means that liquid such as the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition or both are able to travel from one compartment or component to another compartment or component.

[0032] In the context of the disclosure, the term “encoder” means a sub-system used to measure and detect the angular position or rotation of an object around its axis. Encoders typically convert the rotational movement into an electrical signal or digital data that can be used for various purposes such as monitoring, control, or feedback in mechanical systems.

[0033] A more complete understanding of the computerized systems and methods for systematically depositing a user-designed a muscle analog filament and a fat analog filament forming a shaped log with internal marbling that is sliced, disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures (also referred to herein as “FIG.”) are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating examples of the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof, their relative size relationship and / or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary implementations illustrating them. Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the exemplary implementations selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit thescope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 1-4D, whereby a method of forming a meat-cut (or “cut of meat”) emulating consumable is provided; the method comprising: providing a dispensing system (10, see e.g., FIG. 3) comprising: a first dispenser 101, sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition held in first reservoir 201, a fat-emulating composition held in second reservoir 202, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition (held in reservoir 203, not shown), in a layer-by-layer pattern; a conveyor 103, operably coupled to the first dispenser 101 configured to convey a substrate 104 (not shown) to the first dispenser 101; and a central processing module (CPM) 800, in communication with conveyor 103, and the first dispenser 101, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non- transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file (see e.g., FIG. 1A) representing a cross section of a pre-cut meat-emulating product 50 (or log, see e.g., FIG. 2) having a predefined length L50 defining a longitudinal axis XL50 (see e.g., FIG. 2) and generating a file library having a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially 2D layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing; receiving the 2D visualization file representing the cross section of the pre-cut meat-emulating product (interchangeable with ‘a log’); generating the library of files representing the substantially 2D layer for dispensing; providing the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; obtaining from the library a first file representing the first dispensing layer of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, the first file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; using the first dispenser 101, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the first layer; obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meatemulating product; the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representativeof: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-cmulating composition in the subsequent layer.

[0035] Then, for each file of a layer, where the dispensed filaments are printed in parallel, (to provide the typical fibrous directionality of muscle fibers) with the longitudinal axis of the log, repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscleemulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing. Upon printing the final layer according to the projected initial 2D visualization to the full predetermined length of the log 50, depositing the pre-cut meat-emulating product (interchangeable wit ‘consumable) in a molder 105 configured to mold the log 50 into a predetermined form (see e.g., FIG. IB); and forming, cutting, or slicing the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product transverse to the longitudinal axis XL50 at a predetermined distance interval, forming a cut of meat having a predetermined thickness.

[0036] In another exemplary implementation, the dispensing system 10 further comprising a second dispenser 102 sized and configured to dispense the fat-emulating composition held in reservoir 202, wherein the first dispenser 101, being sized and configured to dispense the muscle-emulating composition, and wherein the conveyor 103 is configured to convey the substrate 104 to each of the first 101, and the second 102 dispensers. Additionally, or alternatively, second dispenser 102, is sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition held in first reservoir 201, a fat-emulating composition held in second reservoir 202, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition (held in reservoir 203, not shown), in a layer-by-layer pattern.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, and in an exemplary implementation, the 2D visualization file 500 representing the cross section of the pre-cut meat-emulating consumable (log) 50 is comprised of a muscle emulating portion 501 and fat (marbling) portion 502 embedded within 5021, or external to muscle emulating portion 501. The muscle emulating portion 501 is comprised of a plurality of pixels 5O3i, with a certain grouping of pixels 5O3i, representing a single muscle-emulating filament 504j. Similarly, fat-emulating filaments portion 505 is likewise comprised of certain grouping of pixels 503i.

[0038] Tn an exemplary implementation, each of the jthmuscle-emulating filament 504j, and the pthfat-emulating filament 505p has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, where the filaments of each of the jthmuscle-emulating filament 504j, and the pthfat-emulating filament 505p, can have the same or different diameter. In certain exemplary implementations, the muscle-emulating composition, and the fat-emulating composition have the same rheological characteristics, which are configured to allow the use of a static mixer to create marbling upon maintaining the compositions ate a given ratio (w / w) for example, between 1:100 and 100:1 muscle-emulating composition: fatemulating composition. For example, the CPM can control the ratio of the compositions, by controlling the flow from each reservoir 201, 202 into manifold 110. The materials used in the manifold, and funnels are adapted to maintain plug-flow of the compositions.

[0039] It is noted that a user using CPM can “build” their own cross section represented in the raster file (e.g., a bitmap image) e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF, and the CPM will automatically, project (in other words, integrate the 2D visualization file representing the cross section (Y-Z) of the pre-cut meat-emulating product (log) over the full predetermined length of the pre-cut meat-emulating product (log), then automatically parse (slice) the integrated 2D visualization file, creating the library of X-Y layer patterns of fat-emulating filaments and / or muscle-emulating filament compositions for deposition.

[0040] In yet another exemplary implementation, the conveyor 103 is operable to move in a reciprocating motion (in other words, back-and-forth) along the longitudinal axis XL50 of the pre-cut meat-emulating product (or meat log). The stroke length is at least the predetermined length of meat log 50, furthermore, optionally, the filaments are deposited continuously and the length of a deposited filament can be several lengths of the log between each end 51, 52 (see e.g., FIG. 2), or a small portion. The pre-cut meat-emulating consumable (meat log 50) can have a length of between about 10 cm., and about 100 cm., for example, between 10 cm and about 50 cm. In certain exemplary implementations, the pre-cut meat-emulating product (or consumable meat log) can have a length of between about 20 cm., and about 35 cm. The log can be cut to slices having a thickness of between about 10 mm., and about 50mm.

[0041] For better processing the step of cutting is preceded by a step of storing the molded the pre-cut meat-emulating product for a predetermined time of between about 30 minutes and 48 hours at a predetermined temperature of between about 1 °C and about 5 °C. Furthermore, molding the precut meat-emulating product (meat log 50) can occur by pressing the meat log from two lateral sides54, 54’ (see e.g., FIG. 2) and apical side 53. The mold is configured to impart on the meat log its final external contour 1050. Alternatively, molding can be done by pressing the mold onto the meat log.

[0042] Slicing the meat log can be done in certain exemplary implementation automatically, using for example a bakery guillotine or the like.

[0043] In an exemplary implementation, the methods disclosed are implemented using the systems described. Accordingly, provided herein (and partially schematically illustrated in FIG. 3), is a system 10 for forming a meat-cut emulating consumable, the system comprising: a dispensing module 100 operable to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, and a fat-emulating composition in a layer-by-layer pattern; a conveyor 103, operably coupled to the dispensing module 100 a molder 105; a cutter 106; and a central processing module (CPM) 800, in communication with the dispensing module, the cutter, and the conveyor, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file (see e.g., FIG. 1A) representing a cross section (Y-Z) of a pre-cut meatemulating product (log 50) having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis XL50', generate a file library having a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially two dimensional (2D) layer (X-Y) pattern for dispensing the components of the pre-cut meat-emulating product (or, in other words, the meat-analog log), and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library the first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or both; using the dispenser module 100, form the (filament) pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the first layer, the fat-emulating composition or the composition comprising both the fat emulating composition and the muscle emulating composition in the first layer,; obtain from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, the fat-emulating composition in the first layer, or both; using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, or both; repeat the steps of: obtaining a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meatemulating product, and forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in thesubsequent layer, until reaching the final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; using the dispensing module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the final layer, the fatemulating composition in the final layer, or both.

[0044] Turning now to FIG.s 3, and 4-7B, illustrating an exemplary implementation of the dispensers used in the systems and methods disclosed. As illustrated, each of first 101 and second 102 dispensers in dispenser module 100 comprises (see e.g., FIG. 4): cover member 1010 , defining inlet 10101 in liquid communication with first reservoir 201 (e.g., via pump 2010 e.g., positive displacement pump, duplex pump or like), with collar 1011 coupled to cover member 1010 (see e.g., FIG 5A), collar 1011 forming internal chamber 10112 operable to accommodate muscle-emulating composition 501. Collar 1011 being quadrilateral in an exemplary implementation, having a generally rectangular shape with a pair of short side walls 10110, 10110’ and a pair of longer walls 10111, 10111’, whereby internal open chamber 10112 further having internal wall 10113 defining a trapezoidal cross section, with lip 10114 configured to accommodate and engage complimentary protrusion 10109 (not shown) defined on basal surface 10107 (not shown) of cover member 1010. A similar annular rim 10129 extend basally from lower surface 10127 around the periphery of open chamber 10112.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 5B, illustrating manifold 1012 coupled to collar 1011 (see e.g., FIG. 4), comprising array of basally tapering frusto-conical funnels 10128f eachz' frusto-conical funnel 10128f tapering basally from common basin 10122, each fhfrusto-conical funnel 101281’ terminating in circular ring 10129f (not shown) protruding from basal surface of manifold.

[0046] Also shown, in FIG.s 6A-7B (and FIG. 4) is piping block, coupled to manifold 1012, comprising upper portion 1013 and lower portion 1014, wherein: upper portion 1013 having upper surface 10136 defining longitudinal axis XLIOIS (see e.g., FIG. 6A) array of apertures 10138f, each each / !aperture 10138f defining lip 10134 configured to accommodate corresponding circular ring 10129f protruding from basal surface 10127 of manifold 1012 associated with each each / '" frusto- conical funnel 10128f. As illustrated, the array of apertures 10138f are arranged so as to minimize the space required, by arranging the apertures in two staggered rows having n apertures in one row and n- 1 apertures in the second row, forming a portion of a close hexagonal array configuration. It is noted that the two rows are subsumed in the same trapezoid perimeter defined by rim 10129.

[0047] Further illustrated in FIG.s 4, and 6A-7B, is lower portion 1014, having basal surface 10147 defining plurality of nozzles 1015p, arranged in linear configuration (sec e.g., FIG. 6B-7B), each pthnozzle 1015p associated with corresponding fhaperture 101381' defined in upper surface 10136 of upper portion 1013 of piping block.

[0048] Finally, dispenser 101 (or 102) further comprise distributor 1016 coupled to lower portion 1014 of piping block, in communication with second reservoir 202, distributor 1016 operable to selectably distribute fat-emulating composition stored in second reservoir 202, to each pihnozzle 1015p.

[0049] FIG.s 7A, illustrates Y-Z cross section (referring to Cartesian coordinates XYZ) taken along line A-A in FIG. 6A of the piping bloc comprised of upper portion 1013, and lower portion 1014, while FIG. 7B, illustrates an X-Z cross section taken along line A-A in FIG. 6A. as illustrated, comprised of upper portion 1013, and lower portion 1014, further comprises: a plurality of pipes 11138k, each pipe 11138k associated with corresponding fhaperture 10138f extending basally from / !aperture 101381' defined in upper portion 1013 to its corresponding pthnozzle 1015p in lower portion 1014; and cylindrical bore 10142, spanning lower portion 1014 longitudinally of piping block comprised of upper portion 1013, and lower portion 1014, wherein cylindrical bore 10142 is further configured to: form opening 10149q (see e.g., FIGs 6A, 7B) in each k1'1pipe of the plurality of pipes 10138k ; and accommodate a portion of distributor 1016.

[0050] Turning now to FIG.s 4, 8A, and 8B, illustrating an exemplary implementation of distributor 2016. As illustrated, distributor 1016 comprises: inlet port 10160, in liquid communication with second reservoir 202 (e.g., via pump 2020, see e.g., FIG. 3) with perforated tube 10162 having proximal end 11060 and distal end 11061, where perforated tube 10162 rotatably coupled to inlet port 10160 while encoder device 1017 coupled to distal end 11061 of perforated tube 10162 and motor 10165, operably coupled to encoder device 1017. As further illustrated in FIG.s 8A, and 8B, perforations 10169q on the perforated tube 10162 are helically radially distributed (see e.g., Hqioi69, FIG. 8B), and wherein the axial distance Xq between adjacent qthperforations 10169q is equal to the axial distance Xp between adjacent p,hnozzles 1015p. In other words, hellically distributed qthperforations 10169q are distributed radially in a helix having a predetermined pitch (referring to the distance P 'qioi69 (see e.g., FIG. 8B) between two qthperforations 10169q along longitudinal axis Xuoi62, and a predetermined turn, referring to the number of qthperforations 10169q to complete 360 °.

[0051] Further, and as illustrated in FTG. 8C, encoder device 1017 comprises: shaft 10170, coupled to motor 10165; encoder wheel 10171, coupled to shaft 10170 with rod 10173 extending distally (in other words, away from inlet port 10160) from periphery (or outer rim) of encoder wheel 10171. Also illustrated is positioning spur gear 10172 coupled to distal end 11061 (see e.g., FIG. 8B) of perforated tube 10162, with spur gear 10172 defining plurality of depressions 10175 configured to accommodate and engage rod 10173. Encoder 1017, further comprises position sensor 10174, configured to analyze the radial position of perforated tube 10162. Also illustrated in FIG 8C, is bracket 10164 and O-ring 10167, configured to seal the rotatable coupling of perforated tube 10162 within axial bore 10142.

[0052] As indicated, and illustrated in FIGs 7A-8C, hellically distributed qthperforations 10169q are distributed in helix configuration, having a predetermined pitch, and a predetermined turn, while, in an exemplary implementation, the number of depressions 10175 in positioning spur gear 10172 is equal to the number of turns along longitudinal axis LIOI62-

[0053] For example, first reservoir 201, and second reservoir 202 and dispensers 101, 102 are each maintained under positive pressure of between about 1.01 Atmosphere (ATM.) and about 2.0 ATM, operable to cause the muscle emulating composition stored in reservoir 201, to flow through each pthnozzle 1015p, forming filaments of between about 1mm and 5mm in diameter, while fatemulating composition, stored in reservoir 202, is configured to flow through perforated tube 10162 perforations, when those qthperforations 10169q are aligned with the corresponding opening 10149q (see e.g., FIGs 6A, 7B) formed in eachpipe of the plurality of pipes 10138k. In an exemplary implementation, to ensure that the fat emulating composition will form the necessary filament (or portion thereof), at any given point throughout the process, the pressure maintained (held) in the second reservoir 202, or the perforated tube 10162, is higher that the pressure maintained in first reservoir 201, or any of inner chamber 10112 of collar 1011, or common basin 10122 of manifold 1012.

[0054] Control over filament diameter during deposition is a function of several parameters, such as, for example, the (kinetic) viscosity of the muscle-emulating composition, the viscosity of the fat-emulating composition, the deposition temperature, the conveyor stroke speed, the optional headspace pressure above the basin, the nozzle diameter. In certain exemplary implementations, these parameters arc input into the CPM and the set of executable instructions is further configured, whenexecuted to incorporate these factors in the process of converting the Y-Z 2D visualization file, to the 2D X-Y layer files.

[0055] Furthermore, as temperature increases, the viscosity of the mixture typically decreases due to reduced molecular friction and increased mobility of biopolymers (proteins, starches, hydrocolloids), which is pronounced in the protein-rich compositions disclosed, where plant proteins (e.g., soy, pea, wheat gluten) undergo conformational changes and partial denaturation when heated. However, this relationship is non-linear and formulation- specific. For example, hydrocolloids like methylcellulose can exhibit inverse thermogelation in which viscosity increases dramatically above 60°C as polymers aggregate, potentially causing unexpected flow resistance in hot zones. Conversely, Fats / oils in the fat-emulating composition, can melt at higher temperatures (40-70°C), further reducing viscosity but risking phase separation if cooling occurs unevenly before cutting. In an exemplary implementation, pre-deposition mixing, maintaining temperatures below 30°C is done to prevent premature protein denaturation. Post-formation of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, rapid cooling (e.g., on chilled conveyor belts, through a cooling tunnel, or as an external step) increases viscosity instantly, enabling structural integrity for forming into cutlets or strips. For example, and in an exemplary implementation, the viscosity of the pre-cut meat-emulating product at 25°C range from about 5.0 kPa-s to about 50.0 kPa-s, assuming moisture content (50-80%), protein concentration (15- 25%), and shear history showing shear rate of between 1 s'1and 50 s’1.

[0056] In an exemplary implementation, prior to the step of cutting the molded pre-cut meatemulating product, the methods provided comprise a step of cooling the molded pre-cut meatemulating product to a temperature configured to increase the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meatemulating product by between 30% and 100% of the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product following the step of molding the pre-cut meat-emulating product. This step can provide the structural integrity to withstand the cutting device(s) without compromising internal structures of the various filaments, maintaining the desired cross-section marbling.

[0057] Accordingly and in an exemplary implementation, provided herein is a method of forming a meat-cut emulating consumable, the method comprising: providing a dispensing system comprising: a first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense: a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, a molder, a conveyor, operably coupled to the first dispenser configured to convey a substrate to the first dispenser, and a central processing module (CPM), incommunication with the conveyor, the molder, and the first dispenser, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a pre-cut meat-emulating product having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis, and generating a file library having a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially 2D layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, receiving the 2D visualization file representing the cross section of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, generating the library of files representing the substantially 2D layer for dispensing, providing the muscle-emulating composition, and the fat-emulating composition, obtaining from the library the first file representing the first dispensing layer of a pre-cut meat-emulating product, the first file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the first layer, obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fatemulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing, obtaining from the library the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing thereby forming the pre-cut meat-emulating product, depositing the pre-cut meat-emulating product in a mold configured to mold the pre-cut meat-emulating product into a predetermined form, molding the precut meat-emulating product, and cutting the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product transverse to the longitudinal axis at a predetermined distance interval, wherein (i) the first dispenser is operable todispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-cmulating composition, (ii) the dispensing system further comprising a second dispenser sized and configured to dispense a fat-emulating composition, wherein the first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense a muscleemulating composition, and wherein the conveyor is configured to convey the substrate to each of the first, and the second dispensers, (iii) the dispensing system further comprising a second dispenser operable to dispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, wherein (iv) the CPM is in communication with the second dispenser, the method comprising: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the first layer, using the second dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the fat-emulating composition in the first layer, obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of at least one of: the muscle-emulating composition, and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing, wherein (v) the filament of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, wherein (vi) the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is different from the diameter of the fat-emulating filament, wherein (vii) the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is the same as the diameter of the fat-emulating filament, (viii) the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, are dispensed in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, wherein (ix) the conveyor is operable to move in a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, wherein (x) the step of cutting is preceded by a step of storing the molded the pre-cut meat-emulating product for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature, wherein (xi), in the step of forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the first layer, and in the step of formingthe pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the musclc-cmulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, is dispensed continuously, (xii) the method further comprising, prior to the step of cutting the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product, cooling the molded pre-cut meatemulating product to a temperature configured to increase the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meatemulating product by between 30% and 100% of the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product following the step of molding the pre-cut meat-emulating product.

[0058] In another exemplary implementation, provided herein is a system for forming a consumable emulating a cut of meat, the system comprising: a dispensing module operable to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in a layer-by-layer pattern; a conveyor, operably coupled to the dispensing module a molder; a cutter; and a central processing module (CPM), in communication with the dispensing module and the conveyor, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a precut meat-emulating consumable having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis; generate a file library with a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially two dimensional (2D) layer pattern for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating consumable, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library the first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or both; using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; obtain from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the precut meat-emulating product; using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer; repeat the steps of: obtaining a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-cmulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, until reaching the final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; obtain from the library final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; using the dispensing module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the final layer, wherein (xiii) the dispensing module comprises: a first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; a first reservoir storing the muscle-emulating composition in liquid communication with the first dispenser; and a second reservoir storing the fat-emulating composition in liquid communication with the first dispenser, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey a substrate to the first dispenser and wherein the CPM is in communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir, (xiv) the dispenser module further comprises: a second dispenser, sized and configured to dispense the muscleemulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; a first reservoir storing the muscle-emulating composition in liquid communication with the second dispenser; and a second reservoir storing the fat-emulating composition in liquid communication with the second dispenser, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey a substrate to the second dispenser and wherein the CPM is in communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein (xv) the first dispenser is operable to dispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition, (xvi) each of the first and second dispensers in the dispenser module comprises: a cover member, defining an inlet in liquid communication with the first reservoir, a collar coupled to the cover member, the collar forming an internal open chamber operable to accommodate the muscle-emulating composition; a manifold coupled to the collar, comprising an array of basally tapering frusto-conical funnels each frusto-conical funnel tapering basally from a common basin, each frusto conical funnel terminating in a circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold; and a piping block, coupled to the manifold, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein: the upper portion having an upper surface defining a longitudinal axis, and an array of apertures, eachaperture defining a lip configured to accommodate a corresponding circular ring protrading from a basal surface of the manifold associated with each frusto-conical funnel; and the lower portion, having a basal surface defining a plurality of nozzles, arranged in a linear configuration, each nozzle associated with a corresponding aperture defined in the upper surface of the upper portion of the piping block; and a distributor coupled to the lower portion of the piping block, in communication with the second reservoir, the distributor operable to selectably distribute the fat-emulating composition to each nozzle, wherein (xvii) the piping block further comprises: a plurality of pipes, each pipe associated with a corresponding aperture extending basally from the aperture defined in the upper portion to its corresponding nozzle in the lower portion; and a cylindrical bore, spanning the lower portion of the piping block, wherein the cylindrical bore is further configured to: form an opening in each of the plurality of pipes; and accommodate a portion of the distributor, (xviii) the distributor comprises: an inlet port, in liquid communication with the second reservoir; a perforated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the perforated tube rotatably coupled to the inlet port; an encoder device coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube; and a motor, operably coupled to the encoder device, wherein (xix) perforations on the perforated tube are helically radially distributed, and wherein the axial distance between adjacent perforations is equal to the axial distance between adjacent nozzles, (xx) the encoder device comprises: a shaft, coupled to the motor; an encoder wheel, coupled to the shaft; a rod extending distally from a periphery of the encoder wheel; a positioning spur gear coupled to the distal end of the , defining a plurality of depressions configured to accommodate and engage the rod; and a position sensor, configured to analyze the position of the perforated tube, wherein (xxi) the hellically distributed perforations are distributed in a helix having a predetermined pitch, and a predetermined turn, and wherein a number of depressions in the positioning spur gear is equal to the number of turns, wherein (xxii) the fat-emulating filament, and the muscle-emulating filament, each has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, (xxiii) the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is different from the diameter of the fat-emulating filament, or (xxiv) the same as the diameter of the fat-emulating filament, wherein (xxv) the muscle-emulating filament, and the fat-emulating filament are each dispensed in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, wherein (xxvi) the conveyor is operable to move in a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product, (xxvii) the system further comprising controlled temperature storage, operable to store the molded the pre-cut meat-emulating product for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature, (xxviii) the molder is operable to compress thepre-cut meat-emulating product from an apical facet, a left facet and a right facet, to mold the pre-cut meat-emulating product into a predetermined cross-section, wherein (xxix) the first reservoir and the second reservoir are each maintained under pressure of between about 1.01 Atmosphere (ATM.) and about 2.0 ATM, (xxx) the pressure in the second reservoir is higher than the pressure in the first reservoir, and wherein (xxxi) the set of executable instructions are further configured, when executed by the at least one processor to control a weight ratio between the muscle-emulating composition and the fat emulating composition.

[0059] In yet another exemplary implementation, provided herein is a liquid dispenser, sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition comprising: a cover member, defining an inlet in liquid communication with the first reservoir, a collar coupled to the cover member, the collar forming an internal chamber operable to accommodate the muscle-emulating composition, the collar being, a manifold coupled to the collar, comprising an array of basally tapering frusto-conical funnels each frusto-conical funnel tapering basally from a common basin, each frusto conical funnel terminating in a circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold, and a piping block, coupled to the manifold, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein: the upper portion having an upper surface defining a longitudinal axis, and an array of apertures, configured to accommodate a corresponding circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold associated with each frusto-conical funnel, and the lower portion, having a basal surface defining a plurality of nozzles, arranged in a linear configuration, each nozzle associated with a corresponding aperture defined in the upper surface of the upper portion of the piping block, and a distributor coupled to the lower portion of the piping block, in communication with the second reservoir, the distributor operable to selectably distribute the fat-emulating composition to each nozzle, (xxxii) wherein the lower portion of the piping block further comprises: a plurality of pipes, each pipe associated with a corresponding aperture extending basally from the aperture to its corresponding nozzle, and a cylindrical bore, spanning the lower portion of the piping block, wherein the cylindrical bore is further configured to: form an opening in each of the plurality of pipes, and accommodate a portion of the distributor, (xxxiii) the distributor comprises: an inlet port, in liquid communication with the second reservoir, a perforated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the perforated tube rotatably coupled to the inlet port, an encoder device coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube, and a motor, operably coupled to the encoder device, wherein (xxxiv) the perforations on theperforated tube are helically radially distributed, and wherein the axial distance between adjacent perforations is equal to the axial distance between adjacent nozzles, and wherein (xxxv) the encoder device comprises: a shaft, coupled to the motor, an encoder wheel, coupled to the shaft, a rod extending proximally from a periphery of the encoder wheel, a positioning spur gear coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube, defining a plurality of depressions configured to accommodate and engage the rod, and a position sensor, configured to analyze the position of the perforated tube The dispensing module of claim 38, wherein the hellically distributed perforations are distributed in a helix having a predetermined pitch, and a predetermined turn, and wherein a number of depressions in the positioning spur gear is equal to the number of turns.

[0060] Although the foregoing disclosure for print head assembly been described in terms of some exemplary configurations, other configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. Indeed, the novel systems, devices, and assemblies described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A method of forming a meat-cut emulating consumable; the method comprising: a) providing a dispensing system comprising: i. a first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense: a muscle-emulating composition, a fat-emulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; ii. a molder; iii. a conveyor, operably coupled to the first dispenser configured to convey a substrate to the first dispenser; and iv. a central processing module (CPM), in communication with the conveyor, the molder, and the first dispenser, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non-transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a pre-cut meatemulating product having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis; and generating a file library having a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially 2D layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; b) receiving the 2D visualization file representing the cross section of the pre-cut meatemulating product; c) generating the library of files representing the substantially 2D layer for dispensing; d) providing the muscle-emulating composition, and the fat-emulating composition; e) obtaining from the library the first file representing the first dispensing layer of a precut meat-emulating product, the first file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition;f) using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the first layer; g) obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product; the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition in the subsequent layer; h) repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the substantially 2D layer for dispensing in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing; i) obtaining from the library the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; j) using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the final file of the substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing thereby forming the pre-cut meat-emulating product; k) depositing the pre-cut meat-emulating product in a mold configured to mold the pre-cut meat-emulating product into a predetermined form; l) molding the pre-cut meat-emulating product; and m) cutting the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product transverse to the longitudinal axis at a predetermined distance interval.2 The method of claim 1, wherein the first dispenser is operable to dispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition.3 The method of claim 2, wherein the dispensing system further comprising a second dispenser sized and configured to dispense a fat-emulating composition, wherein the first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, and wherein the conveyor is configured to convey the substrate to each of the first, and the second dispensers.4 The method of claim 2, wherein the dispensing system further comprising a second dispenser operable to dispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the CPM is in communication with the second dispenser, the method comprising: a) using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the first layer; b) using the second dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the fat-emulating composition in the first layer; c) obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product; the subsequent file comprising dispensing instructions for a pattern representative of at least one of: the muscle-emulating composition, and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer; d) repeating the steps of: using the first dispenser, forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, to the step of obtaining from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing.6 The method of claim 2, wherein the filament of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fatemulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition, has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.7 The method of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is different from the diameter of the fat-emulating filament.8 The method of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is the same as the diameter of the fat-emulating filament.9 The method of claim 2, wherein the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition, are dispensed in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meatemulating product.10 The method of claim 9, wherein the conveyor is operable to move in a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product.11 The method of claim 2, wherein the step of cutting is preceded by a step of storing the molded the pre-cut meat-emulating product for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein, in the step of forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-cmulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the first layer, and in the step of forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fatemulating composition in the subsequent layer, is dispensed continuously.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to the step of cutting the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product, cooling the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product to a temperature configured to increase the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product by between 30% and 100% of the viscosity of the molded pre-cut meat-emulating product following the step of molding the pre-cut meat-emulating product.

14. A system for forming a consumable emulating a cut of meat, the system comprising: a) a dispensing module operable to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, a fatemulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in a layer-by-layer pattern; b) a conveyor, operably coupled to the dispensing module c) a molder; d) a cutter; and e) a central processing module (CPM), in communication with the dispensing module and the conveyor, the CPM further comprising: at least one processor in communication with a non- transitory storage device storing thereon a computer-readable medium with executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the CPM to: i. receive a 2D visualization file representing a cross section of a pre-cut meatemulating consumable having a predefined length defining a longitudinal axis; ii. generate a file library with a plurality of files, each file representing a substantially two dimensional (2D) layer pattern for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating consumable, and a metafile representing at least the dispensing order of each of the substantially 2D layers for dispensing, the library comprising a first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing, a plurality of subsequent substantially 2D layers files patterns for dispensing, and a final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing;iii. obtain from the library the first file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing of: the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-cmulating composition, or both; iv. using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscleemulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; v. obtain from the library a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product; vi. using the dispenser module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscleemulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer; vii. repeat the steps of: obtaining a subsequent file representative of a subsequent layer for dispensing the pre-cut meat-emulating product, and forming the pattern corresponding to the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the subsequent layer, until reaching the final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; viii. obtain from the library final file of substantially 2D layer pattern for dispensing; ix. using the dispensing module, form the pattern corresponding to the muscleemulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition in the final layer.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the dispensing module comprises: a) a first dispenser, sized and configured to dispense the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; b) a first reservoir storing the muscle-emulating composition in liquid communication with the first dispenser; and c) a second reservoir storing the fat-emulating composition in liquid communication with the first dispenser, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey a substrate to the first dispenser and wherein the CPM is in communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the dispenser module further comprises:a) a second dispenser, sized and configured to dispense the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscleemulating composition and the fat-emulating composition; b) a first reservoir storing the muscle-emulating composition in liquid communication with the second dispenser; and c) a second reservoir storing the fat-emulating composition in liquid communication with the second dispenser, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey a substrate to the second dispenser and wherein the CPM is in communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the first dispenser is operable to dispense a filament of the muscle-emulating composition, the fat-emulating composition, or the composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second dispensers in the dispenser module comprises: a) a cover member, defining an inlet in liquid communication with the first reservoir, b) a collar coupled to the cover member, the collar forming an internal open chamber operable to accommodate the muscle-emulating composition; c) a manifold coupled to the collar, comprising an array of basally tapering frusto- conical funnels each frusto-conical funnel tapering basally from a common basin, each frusto conical funnel terminating in a circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold; and d) a piping block, coupled to the manifold, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein: i. the upper portion having an upper surface defining a longitudinal axis, and an array of apertures, each aperture defining a lip configured to accommodate a corresponding circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold associated with each frusto- conical funnel; and ii. the lower portion, having a basal surface defining a plurality of nozzles, arranged in a linear configuration, each nozzle associated with a corresponding aperture defined in the upper surface of the upper portion of the piping block; ande) a distributor coupled to the lower portion of the piping block, in communication with the second reservoir, the distributor operable to sclcctably distribute the fat-emulating composition to each nozzle.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the piping block further comprises: a) a plurality of pipes, each pipe associated with a corresponding aperture extending basally from the aperture defined in the upper portion to its corresponding nozzle in the lower portion; and b) a cylindrical bore, spanning the lower portion of the piping block, wherein the cylindrical bore is further configured to: i. form an opening in each of the plurality of pipes; and ii. accommodate a portion of the distributor.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the distributor comprises: a) an inlet port, in liquid communication with the second reservoir; b) a perforated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the perforated tube rotatably coupled to the inlet port; c) an encoder device coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube; and d) a motor, operably coupled to the encoder device.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein perforations on the perforated tube are helically radially distributed, and wherein the axial distance between adjacent perforations is equal to the axial distance between adjacent nozzles.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the encoder device comprises: a) a shaft, coupled to the motor; b) an encoder wheel, coupled to the shaft; c) a rod extending distally from a periphery of the encoder wheel; d) a positioning spur gear coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube, defining a plurality of depressions configured to accommodate and engage the rod; and e) a position sensor, configured to analyze the position of the perforated tube.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the hellically distributed perforations are distributed in a helix having a predetermined pitch, and a predetermined turn, and wherein a number of depressions in the positioning spur gear is equal to the number of turns.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the fat-emulating filament, and the muscle-emulating filament, each has a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is different from the diameter of the fat-emulating filament.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the diameter of the muscle-emulating filament is the same as the diameter of the fat-emulating filament.

27. The system of claim 17, wherein the muscle-emulating filament, and the fat-emulating filament are each dispensed in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product.

28. The system of claim 14, wherein the conveyor is operable to move in a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the pre-cut meat-emulating product.

29. The system of claim 14, further comprising controlled temperature storage, operable to store a molded the pre-cut meat-emulating product for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature.

30. The system of claim 14, wherein the molder is operable to compress the pre-cut meatemulating product from an apical facet, a left facet and a right facet, to mold the pre-cut meatemulating product into a predetermined cross-section.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are each maintained under pressure of between about 1.01 Atmosphere (ATM.) and about 2.0 ATM.

32. The system of claim 31 wherein the pressure in the second reservoir is higher than the pressure in the first reservoir.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the set of executable instructions are further configured, when executed by the at least one processor to control a weight ratio between the muscle-emulating composition and the fat emulating composition.

34. A liquid dispenser, sized and configured to dispense a muscle-emulating composition, a fatemulating composition, or a composition comprising both the muscle-emulating composition and the fat-emulating composition comprising: a) a cover member, defining an inlet in liquid communication with the first reservoir, b) a collar coupled to the cover member, the collar forming an internal chamber operable to accommodate the muscle-emulating composition, the collar being;c) a manifold coupled to the collar, comprising an array of basally tapering frusto- conical funnels each frusto-conical funnel tapering basally from a common basin, each frusto conical funnel terminating in a circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold; and d) a piping block, coupled to the manifold, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein: i. the upper portion having an upper surface defining a longitudinal axis, and an array of apertures, configured to accommodate a corresponding circular ring protruding from a basal surface of the manifold associated with each frusto-conical funnel; and ii. the lower portion, having a basal surface defining a plurality of nozzles, arranged in a linear configuration, each nozzle associated with a corresponding aperture defined in the upper surface of the upper portion of the piping block; and e) a distributor coupled to the lower portion of the piping block, in communication with the second reservoir, the distributor operable to selectably distribute the fat-emulating composition to each nozzle.

35. The dispensing module of claim 34 wherein the lower portion of the piping block further comprises: a) a plurality of pipes, each pipe associated with a corresponding aperture extending basally from the aperture to its corresponding nozzle; and b) a cylindrical bore, spanning the lower portion of the piping block, wherein the cylindrical bore is further configured to: i. form an opening in each of the plurality of pipes; and ii. accommodate a portion of the distributor.

36. The dispensing module of claim 35, the distributor comprises: a) an inlet port, in liquid communication with the second reservoir; b) a perforated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the perforated tube rotatably coupled to the inlet port; c) an encoder device coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube; and d) a motor, operably coupled to the encoder device.

37. The dispensing module of claim 36, wherein perforations on the perforated tube are helically radially distributed, and wherein the axial distance between adjacent perforations is equal to the axial distance between adjacent nozzles.

38. The dispensing module of claim 37, wherein the encoder device comprises: a) a shaft, coupled to the motor; b) an encoder wheel, coupled to the shaft; c) a rod extending proximally from a periphery of the encoder wheel; d) a positioning spur gear coupled to the distal end of the perforated tube, defining a plurality of depressions configured to accommodate and engage the rod; and e) a position sensor, configured to analyze the position of the perforated tube39. The dispensing module of claim 38, wherein the hellically distributed perforations are distributed in a helix having a predetermined pitch, and a predetermined turn, and wherein a number of depressions in the positioning spur gear is equal to the number of turns.

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