An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. Preferably, the frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

An apparatus for supporting and maneuvering an animal carcass includes a frame and a carcass holding device connected with the frame. The carcass holding device includes a gear assembly, a pair of support arms, and a pair of plates connected with the support arms. The support arms each have a first end connected with the gear assembly and a second end with which the plates are connected. The gear assembly is operable to displace the plates between a retracted position in which the plates may be inserted into an animal carcass rib cage, and an expanded position wherein the plates engage the rib cage to secure the animal carcass for butchering. Preferably, the frame is adjustable to provide linear displacement and rotation of the carcass holding device.

The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.

A system for recovery of animal byproducts and providing water reuse from an animal processing plant waste stream. In one embodiment of the invention there is an equalization tank forming part of an animal processing plant that is mechanically filtered to recover animal byproducts from a water mixture in the equalization tank. In another aspect of the invention there is a skimmer tank that contains a skimmer mixture with water and animal byproducts. The system mechanically separates the animal byproducts from the skimmer mixture in a manner that is suitable for human consumption. The system also allows the separated water to be reused in the animal processing plant.

A system for recovery of animal byproducts and providing water reuse from an animal processing plant waste stream. In one embodiment of the invention there is an equalization tank forming part of an animal processing plant that is mechanically filtered to recover animal byproducts from a water mixture in the equalization tank. In another aspect of the invention there is a skimmer tank that contains a skimmer mixture with water and animal byproducts. The system mechanically separates the animal byproducts from the skimmer mixture in a manner that is suitable for human consumption. The system also allows the separated water to be reused in the animal processing plant.

A system for vacuum chilling poultry product includes: a vacuum chamber configured to be evacuated to chill poultry product in the vacuum chamber; at least one inclined or vertical conduit coupled to the vacuum chamber, with the at least one conduit configured to hold at least one water seal when the vacuum chamber is evacuated; and a conveying mechanism that is configured to continuously convey the poultry product upwardly through the at least one conduit, then into and through the vacuum chamber, and then downwardly through the at least one conduit.

A system for recovery of animal byproducts and providing water reuse from an animal processing plant waste stream. In one embodiment of the invention there is an equalization tank forming part of an animal processing plant that is mechanically filtered to recover animal byproducts from a water mixture in the equalization tank. In another aspect of the invention there is a skimmer tank that contains a skimmer mixture with water and animal byproducts. The system mechanically separates the animal byproducts from the skimmer mixture in a manner that is suitable for human consumption. The system also allows the separated water to be reused in the animal processing plant.

Systems and methods for automated monitoring and control of food processing systems are disclosed. Data from one or more controllers of a food processing system is received during operation of the food processing system at a remote food processing facility. Values of one or more operating parameters of the food processing system are monitored, based on the received data. At least one event of interest occurring during the operation of the food processing system is detected, based on the monitored values of the one or more operating parameters. Control signals for adjusting a configuration of the food processing system are transmitted to the one or more controllers, based on the detected event.

Systems and methods for automated monitoring and control of food processing systems are disclosed. Data from one or more controllers of a food processing system is received during operation of the food processing system at a remote food processing facility. Values of one or more operating parameters of the food processing system are monitored, based on the received data. At least one event of interest occurring during the operation of the food processing system is detected, based on the monitored values of the one or more operating parameters. Control signals for adjusting a configuration of the food processing system are transmitted to the one or more controllers, based on the detected event.

The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.