Continuous X-ray analysis for meat blending system
AssigneeThe Kartridg Pak Co.
InventorsWilliam H. Groves, Andrew E. Donovan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for formulating meat blends to a desired fat percentage by continuously measuring in a non-destructive manner the percentage of fat in meat streams while they are flowing, and thereafter blending the streams into the desired formulation. Although the meat streams are of non-uniform consistency and density, accurate blending is accomplished by including a sensor that automatically and continuously monitors the meat streams to enable corrections for such non-uniformity. Percentage fat measurements are made by passing a beam of polychromatic X-rays through the streams and measuring both the incident and attenuated beams.
Claims15
An apparatus for automatically blending meat to a desired fat percentage, comprising:
- feed means for producing a continuous stream of meat;
- a fat analysis unit down-line of said feed means for continuously determining the ongoing fat percentage of said stream of meat;
- a sensor device for monitoring the meat stream through said fat analysis unit to measure how much meat passes therethrough;
- a microprocessor for receiving data from said fat analysis unit and from said sensor device, said microprocessor utilizing said data to regulate said feed means;
- and
- meat blender means down-line of said feed means, said fat analysis unit and said sensor device for mixing meat that has passed therethrough.
An apparatus for automatically blending meat to a desired fat percentage, comprising:
- a meat feeding means capable of producing a generally continuous flow substantially free of air pockets;
- a continuous fat analysis unit down-line of said meat feeding means, said fat analysis unit including a pipe cross for receiving meat streams from said meat feeding means, an X-ray tube for transmitting radiation beams through said pipe cross, and an ionization chamber for monitoring attenuated X-ray beams that have passed through said pipe cross;
- a load cell for monitoring meat passing through said continuous fat analysis unit, said load cell including a collection hopper having electronic weighing means;
- a microprocessor having digital computer means for receiving data from said continuous fat analysis unit and from said load cell, said microprocessor utilizing said data to regulate said meat feeding means;
- and
- meat blender means for mixing meat that has passed through said meat feeding means, said continuous fat analysis unit and said load cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.