Abstract:
Produce is harvested and de-cored in a field where they are grown. The de-cored produce is loaded in totes and transported to a processing facility. The processing facility includes a washing device that immerses the de-cored ends of the produce in a tank of washing fluid (e.g., a cleaning solution that includes anti-bacterial agents). In one embodiment, a flow of washing fluid is directed through the de-cored end of the produce and out a leafy end of the produce while the produce is still loaded in totes. A washing device having a tank and a transport mechanism that moves totes loaded with de-cored produce into the tank. Optionally, a device such as a pump maintains a flow in the tank in a direction toward de-cored ends of produce.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for cutting a puff extrudate utilizing a blade that passes through the extrudate while the extrudate is in a viscous melt stage. The present invention utilizes a tube to facilitate production of a curly puff extrudate. A gap is provided in between the tube and the extruder die to allow a blade to access the extrudate as it exits an orifice in the die. The blade accesses the extrudate at the viscous melt stage, before the extrudate has cooled and hardened. The blade nicks the extrudate, as opposed to completely cutting it, which allows the extrudate to remain connected throughout processing such as curling in the containment tube. The gap also allows steam to be vented form the extrudate as it exits the orifice in the die. The nicked extrudate separates when fried or baked.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an extruded food product, which method comprises the steps of i) simultaneously co-extruding the food product and a curable coating on the outer surface of the food product ii) passing the food product that has been subjected to the co-extruding step in step i) through a coagulation bath, and iii) subjecting the food product from step ii) to further treatment.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods and moulding devices for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat, in particular chicken. The method comprises filling a mould cavity with a portion of the mass under the influence of a filling pressure exerted on the mass and for a filling period via a filling opening associated with the mould cavity, closing the filling opening of the mould cavity and holding the mass in the mould cavity for a fixing period. Then, the mould cavity is opened and the moulded product is removed from the mould cavity. The method uses fixing-pressure-exerting means which are designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on the mass in the mould cavity after the filled mould cavity has been closed.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device and a gentle process for homogenizing fatty liquid natural products, particularly for homogenizing milk or cream products, e.g. cow's milk, sheep's milk or goat's milk, with a fat content of up to 50 wt. %.
Abstract:
An animal separator particularly for waiting rooms in animal hospitals comprises an enclosed pet resting area for isolating pets and an integral chair for the owner. The resting area comprises a base having a raised side portion and end portions at the front and rear extending upwardly therefrom substantially at right angles. A pull out drawer is located beneath the base for ease of cleaning while a forward hinged door is located in the base of the unit to permit the base to move upwardly from the rear to deposit waste through the door into the drawer. The sides and end portions include a plurality of spaced apertures to permit an open feeling for the pet. The front end portion includes a slight lip to encourage the pet such as a dog to remain on the base which is grooved to permit ease of movement. A chair may be integrally molded to a one side of the separator adjacent the entrance side or the legs thereof may be inserted in a pair of elongated slots positioned adjacent the wall on the entrance side.
Abstract:
A pet perch for attachment to a window sill or other support surface has a generally rectangular frame defining a central opening, and a jacket for encasing the frame and covering the opening to provide a soft, hammock-like pet resting area. The jacket may be a drawstring cover which can be attached or removed without disturbing the frame and mounting bracket or removing the perch from the window sill. A pair of adjustable brackets secures the frame to the window sill. Pegs in the brackets are inserted into keyholes in the frame to fasten the frame and brackets together. The holes in the frame provide alternative fastening locations, so that the perch can be used with different depth window sills. In addition, the frame may be secured to the window sill by using hook and loop fasteners on the sill and the frame and/or by using screws or the like.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a pet bed which is designed to be comfortable for the pet, easily cleaned, and exceptionally durable. The bed is constructed from a single piece molded plastic body with an oval, concave resting area for the pet. The resting surface has numerous holes which allow for ventilation for the animal and also provide for removal of water when the bed is cleaned as by spraying from a water hose. The peripheral support walls of the invention are fitted with several cutouts which increase ventilation, allow for the escape of water from beneath the bed during cleaning, and provide convenient hand-holds when lifting the bed. The bed also is fitted with a pair of snap hooks for securing it to a kennel fence.
Abstract:
A raised, generally rectangular, modular flooring system for livestock comprised of a deck formed from a plurality of substantially equally spaced circular deck bars pairs (18) extending in one direction and permanently crimped or welded to an underlying plurality of circular tie rods (12) substantially equally spaced and extending perpendicular to the deck bar pairs (18). Each of the tie rods (12) is press fused welded to depth approximating the tie rod's (12) diameter into the upper surface of a plurality of equally spaced cross bar supports (14) at right angles to the cross bar supports (14). Each cross bar support (14) is, in turn, welded at either end to an end support bar (8) which is parallel to the tie rods (12) and perpendicular to the cross bar supports (14). The assembly is encapsulated in a heavy plastic coating (20). The encapsulation of the deck bar pairs (18) has a generally cam shaped cross section (19), which shape facilitates the run off of animal wastes.
Abstract:
Floor covering material for stables, in particular for tie-stall cowsheds, consisting of a top layer impermeable to moisture and a compressible central layer, the underside showing a honeycomb-like structure, having hump-like projections on the surfaces thereof and a fabric attached to the humps of the honeycomb structure is arranged on the back of the matting.