US4940599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of producing fresh meat in which substantial moisture loss during production is reduced
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-08-02
•
Granted: 1990-07-10
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Expires: 2009-08-02
Abstract
Abstract A method of producing fresh meat is disclosed, in which substantial moisture loss during production is effectively reduced. The method comprises the steps of applying liquid to the surface of a carcass; subjecting the carcass to a supercold environment for a period of time short enough to substantially prevent freezing of the outermost layers of the flesh of the carcass, but long enough to allow for formation of an ice layer around the carcass. Once the ice layer is formed, the carcass is passed into refrigeration chamber for further cooling. The carcass is kept in the refrigeration chamber for a period of time long enough to lower the temperature of the flesh to a point where substantial deterioration of the flesh is prevented, but short enough to prevent freezing of the flesh.
Inventors
- 👤 Sid V. Engler
- 👤 George Cobb
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:34
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B4/00; A23B4/06; A23B4/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of chilling a carcass in which moisture loss during chilling is substantially reduced; said method comprising the steps of: applying liquid to the carcass; subjecting the carcass to a supercold environment, so that a thin ice layer forms around the carcass; said carcass being subjected to said environment for a period of time short enough to substantially prevent freezing of the outermost layers of the flesh of the carcass, but long enough to allow for formation of said ice layer; cooling the ice-layer-protected carcass for a further period of time long enough to lower the temperature of the flesh to a point where substantial deterioration of the flesh is prevented, but short enough to prevent freezing of the flesh.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of chilling a carcass in which moisture loss during chilling is substantially reduced; said method comprising the steps of: applying liquid to the carcass; subjecting the carcass to a supercold environment, so that a thin ice layer forms around the carcass; said carcass being subjected to said environment for a period of time short enough to substantially prevent freezing of the outermost layers of the flesh of the carcass, but long enough to allow for formation of said ice layer; cooling the ice-layer-protected carcass for a further period of time long enough to lower the temperature of the flesh to a point where substantial deterioration of the flesh is prevented, but short enough to prevent freezing of the flesh.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the resultant final temperature of the flesh is between 34° F. and 40° F.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the resultant final temperature of the flesh is between 33° F. and 37° F.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the resultant end product is in a fresh state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the carcass is subjected to the supercold environment for a 5-30 second period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 5 wherein the supercold environment is a cryogenic fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 6 wherein the cryogenic fluid is sprayed onto the carcass.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 6 wherein the carcass is immersed in the cryogenic fluid.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
20 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claims 6 or 8 wherein the cryogenic fluid is liquid nitrogen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the liquid is water.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 or 10 wherein the ice layer is approximatel equal to 1% of the weight of the carcass.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the further period of cooling of the carcass is between 10 and 15 minutes.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
28 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claims 1, 6 or 12 wherein the further period of cooling of the carcass is with a cryogenic fluid.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
25 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claims 1 or 6, 13 wherein the entire chilling process takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the ice layer is substantially melted by the end of the cooling period.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of chilling a carcass as defined in claim 1 wherein the carcass is a poultry carcass.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1969832A
Cited
US2065358A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-07-09 | 1994-01-08 | 1994-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-09 | 1998-01-08 | 1998-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-09 | 2002-01-08 | 2002-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |