Appeal 2007-2184
Application 10/322,838
We REVERSE.
I. BACKGROUND
The invention relates to a method of injecting a brine solution into a
meat product. Claim 1 is illustrative of the subject matter on appeal:
1. A method of injecting a brine solution into a meat product,
comprising:
providing an injection zone comprised of a plurality of separate brine
injection heads each with banks of injection needles over a metal conveyor
positioned longitudinally underneath the injection heads,
connecting each of the heads and the needles therein to a separate
source of brine fluid with the concentration of brine being different in each
source,
using historical data to determine the location of lean and fat areas in
the meat product,
supplying brine solution to each source to have a predetermined salt
and nitrite concentrate for the lean and fat areas depending on the historical
data,
providing high concentration brine to the brine source connected to
heads designated for fat areas and low concentration brine to the brine
source connected to heads designated for lean areas,
passing the single piece of meat product on the conveyor through the
injection zone underneath the injection heads,
causing the banks of injection needles to move downwardly to inject
the meat product with fluid in accordance with the location of lean and fat
areas; and
wherein the brine supplied from each fluid source being at the same
pressure to provide a uniform distribution of brine throughout the meat
product.
2
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