GB2341531A - A conveyor system for preparing pre-cooked meat - Google Patents
A conveyor system for preparing pre-cooked meat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2341531A GB2341531A GB9820215A GB9820215A GB2341531A GB 2341531 A GB2341531 A GB 2341531A GB 9820215 A GB9820215 A GB 9820215A GB 9820215 A GB9820215 A GB 9820215A GB 2341531 A GB2341531 A GB 2341531A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- meat pieces
- conveyor
- line
- cooked
- turning
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 93
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000010025 steaming Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013550 pizza Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000275 quality assurance Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
- A23B4/00—Preservation of meat, sausages, fish or fish products
- A23B4/005—Preserving by heating
- A23B4/0053—Preserving by heating with gas or liquids, with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules or flakes
- A23B4/0056—Preserving by heating with gas or liquids, with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules or flakes with packages, or with shaping in the form of blocks or portions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
- A23L13/00—Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
- A23L13/60—Comminuted or emulsified meat products, e.g. sausages; Reformed meat from comminuted meat product
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nutrition Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Commercial Cooking Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A method for preparing comminuted, cooked meat pieces comprises in-line steaming of meat pieces on a conveyor 2, a first in-line cooking stage 8 followed by a mixing/spreading stage 12 and a final cooking stage 9. Another mixing stage may be included in between steaming and the first heating stage 8. The mixing stage 12 preferably comprises four turning arms 30, circumferentially spaced about and extending radially from a freely rotatable shaft 25, whic is disposed transversely across the conveyor 2. The method may also include an in-line system for sensing the temperature of the meat pieces and adjusting the cooking temperatures accordingly, this is preferably done by detecting infra-red emissions from the partially cooked meat.
Description
2341531
"A METHOD A" AN APPARATUS" Introduction
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces such as pizza toppings and the like which may be range in size from 3 to 20 mm.
It is known to cook comminuted meat pieces continually on a conveyor. Ilere is however a major problem with such known cooking procedures in that the cooking process must be arranged to achieve a target core temperature of 720C.
This leads to generally inefficient operation because the cooking times and temperature must be selected to achieve this temperature for all pieces.
is Accordingly known processes are generally thermally inefficient and consequently time consuming and relatively expensive in running costs.
There is therefore a need for an improved preparation process to produce cooked comminuted meat pieces which will overcome this difficulty.
Statements of Invention
According to the invention there is provided a method for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces comprising the steps of delivering raw comminuted meat pieces across a conveyor; in-line steaming of the meat pieces on the conveyor; first stage in-line thermal zone heating of the meat pieces on the conveyor; mixing the partially cooked meat pieces in-line on the conveyor; and second stage in-line thermal zone heating of the meat pieces on the conveyor.
In one embodiment of the invention the method includes the step, after inline steaming of-.
mixing the steamed meat pieces in-line on the conveyor prior to first stage heating.
Preferably the meat pieces are mixed by turning the meat pieces on the conveyor.
Ideal.ly the meat pieces are turned by engaging the meat pieces with a turning arm to turn the meat pieces in-line. Preferably there are at least two circurnferentially spaced-apart turning arms and the meat pieces are turned in4ine by successively engaging the turning arms with the meat pieces.
Most preferably there are four spaced-apart turning arms which are equispaced circurnferentially and the meat pieces are turned in4ine by successively engaging the turning arms with the meat pieces.
Preferably the or each turning arm is mounted on a common shaft which is rotatably mounted. Ideally the shaft is turned on engagement of the meat pieces with the turning arm(s).
In a preferred arrangement the or each arm extends generally axially with respect to the shaft. Preferably the or each arm includes a plurality of radially extending cut-out slots along the length thereof.
In a particularly preferred aspect the method includes the step of monitoring the temperature of the cooked meat pieces, after cooking of the pieces.
Most preferably the temperature is monitored in-line. Ideally the temperature of the cooked meat pieces is monitored by detecting the infra-red radiation emitted by the cooked product across the width of the conveyor.
In one embodiment of the invention the method includes the step of altering the temperature of the thermal zones in response to the temperature of the cooked meat pieces.
In another aspect the invention provides apparatus for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces comprising:
a conveyor onto which raw comminuted meat pieces are delivered; a steaming unit for in-line steaming of the meat pieces; a first stage in-line thermal zone heater for heating the meat pieces on the conveyor; a first mixing means for mixing the partially cooked meat pieces in line on the conveyor; and a second stage in-line thermal zone heater for heating the meat pieces on the conveyor.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus includes a second mixing means between the steaming unit and the first stage thermal zone heater for mixing the steamed meat pieces in-line on the conveyor.
Preferably the or each mixing means comprises at least one turning arm extending across the conveyor for turning the meat pieces as they pass along the conveyor.
Ideally there are at least two circumferentially spaced-apart turning arms which successively engage the meat pieces. Preferably there are four turning arms which are equi-spaced circumferentailly to successively engage the meat pieces. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the or each turning arm is mounted on 10 a shaft, the turning ann(s) extending radially outwardly of the shaft.
Preferably the shaft is mounted for free rotation of the shaft for engagement of the meat pieces with successive turning arms.
In one arrangement the shaft is mounted between a pair of bearings, at least one of the bearings being mounted for movement of the bearing and hence the shaft with respect to the conveyor. Preferably both bearings are spring biassed. In one embodiment of the invention the or each turning arm has a plurality of 20 radially extending slots which are axially spaced-apart.
In a preferred aspect the apparatus includes temperature monitoring means for monitoring the temperature of the cooked meat pieces.
Preferably the temperature monitoring means is an in-line temperature monitoring means. Ideally the temperature monitoring means is a scanner for detecting infra red radiation emitted by the cooked meat pieces. Brief Description of the Drawings 30
The invention will be more dearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a process and apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of mixing apparatus used in the method of apparatus of the invention; Fig. 3 and 4 are side views of a detail of the mixing apparatus; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a monitoring means used in the method and apparatus of the invention; and is Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the monitoring apparatus, in use.
Detailed Description
Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1, comminuted meat pieces are first delivered by a delivery means 1 onto an in-line conveyor 2 which, for ease of reference, is shown as a single conveyor extending through various steps and elements in the method and apparatus of the invention. 25 The comminuted meat pieces on the conveyor 2 are first steamed in a steam unit 7 operated at a temperature of about 80T. After steaming, the meat pieces are heated in a first thermal zone heater 8 operated at a temperature of about 180T to 200T. 30 The partially cooked meat pieces are then cooked in a second therTnal zone heater 9 which is operated at a temperature of about 180T to 200T. For complete cooking of the meat pieces, a core temperature of 72'C must be achieved. The temperature of the cooked meat pieces is monitored in-line by an infrawred scanner 10.
We have found that the optimum operating conditions may be achieved by mixing I I of the steamed meat pieces prior to first stage thermal zone heating 8 and, even more critically by mixing 12 the comminuted meat pieces between the first stage thermal zone heater 8 and the second stage thermal zone heater 9. The mixing apparatus used in stage 12 is illustrated in Figs 1 to 4. The mixing apparatus used in stage 11 operates in the same way and is therefore not described in detail. Comminuted meat pieces 20 exiting on conveyor 2 from the first stage heater 8 are 15 mixed in-line on the conveyor 2 by a mixing means including a shaft 25 extending transversely across the conveyor 2 above the bed of meat pieces between bearings 26. At least one, and in this case four, turning arms 30 extend radially outwardly of the shaft 25 and are equi-spaced circumferentailly around the shaft 25. Each of the turning arms 30 has a plurality of radially extending slots 31 extending 20 therethrough to assist the mixing process and to prevent damage to the mixer by blockages. The bearings 26 are each mounted in a respective housing 35 which in turn is mounted on a pair of pillars 36 fitted with biassing means in the form of springs 37. The pillars 36 are mounted to respective supports 29 adjacent to the conveyor 2. 25 The shaft 25 and hence the turning arms 30 are freely rotatable and the arms 30 are engaged by the meat pieces travelling along the conveyor 2. This action causes the shaft 25 to rotate so that the arms 30 pick up the meat pieces and turn them, breaking up the bed of meat pieces 20 on the conveyor. This turning and 30 shifting action has the effect of ensuring that all meat pieces are evenly cooked so that the target core temperature can be more efficiently achieved.
If necessary, the shaft 25 can be raised out of the path of the conveyor 2 by pushing the bearing 35 upwardly against the biassing of the springs 37 as illustrated in Figs 3 and 4. This action may be used to automatically cater for any variations in the height of the meat pieces along the conveyor 2.
Referring to Figs 5 to 6 the in-line scanning means 10 comprises an infra red scanner 40 which is focussed through a slot 41 in a housing 42 to monitor the temperature of the cooked meat pieces across the width of the conveyor. It will be noted that the scanner 40 is adjustably mounted on a transverse support arm 45 which is, in turn, adjustably mounted on upright supports 46 which are, in turn, adjustable along side tracks 47. In this way the scanner 40 can be positioned to achieve efficient scanning and can be readily removed form clearing. The housing 42 ensures that the temperature detected in not effected by local air currents. The scanner is used as part of a control system to adjust the temperature of the thermal zones and/or steamer as required.
The method and apparatus ensures that the desired core temperature is achieved in a highly efficient manner which provides enhanced quality assurance and optimum temperature control.
Many variations on the invention will be readily apparent and accordingly the invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.
Claims (30)
1. A method for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces comprising the steps of: - delivering raw comminuted meat pieces across a conveyor; in-line steaming of the meat pieces on the conveyor; first stage in-line thermal zone heating of the meat pieces on the conveyor; mixing the partially cooked meat pieces in-line on the conveyor; and is second stage in-line thermal zone heating of the meat pieces on the conveyor.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 including the step, after in-line steaming ofi- mixing the steamed meat pieces in-line on the conveyor prior to first stage heating.
3 A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the meat pieces are mixed by turning the meat pieces on the conveyor.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the meat pieces are turned by engaging the meat pieces with a turning arm to turn the meat pieces inline. 30
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein there are at least two circumferentially spaced-apart turning arms and the meat pieces are turned in-line by successively engaging the turning arms with the meat pieces.
6.A method as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein there are four spacedapart turning arms which are equi-spaced circumferentially and the meat pieces are turned in-line by successively engaging the turning arms with the meat pieces.
7. A method as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the or each turning arm is mounted on a common shaft which is rotatably mounted.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shaft is turned on engagement of the meat pieces with the turning arm(s).
9. A method as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the or each arm extends generally axially with respect to the shaft.
10. A method as claimed in any of claims 4 to 9 wherein the or each arm includes a plurality of radially extending cut-out slots along the length thereof.
11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim inducting the step ofimonitoring the temperature of the cooked meat pieces, after cooking of the pieces.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the temperature is monitored in line.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the temperature of the cooked meat pieces is monitored by detecting the infra-red radiation emitted by the cooked product across the width of the conveyor.
14. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 including the step of altering the temperature of the thermal zones in response to the temperature of the cooked meat pieces.
15. A method for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. Apparatus for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces comprising:
a conveyor onto which raw comminuted meat pieces are delivered; a steaming unit for in-line steaming of the meat pieces; a first stage in-line thermal zone heater for heating the meat pieces on the conveyor; a first mixing means for mixing the partially cooked meat pieces in line on the conveyor; and a second stage in-line thermal zone heater for heating the meat pieces on the conveyor.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 including a second mixing means between the steaming unit and the first stage thermal zone heater for mixing the steamed meat pieces in-line on the conveyor. 30
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the or each mixing means comprises at least one turning arm extending across the conveyor for turning the meat pieces as they pass along the conveyor.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein there are at least two circuirderentailly spaced-apart turning arms which successively engage the meat pieces.
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein there are four turning arms which are equi-spaced circurnferentailly to successively engage the meat pieces.
21. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the or each tuming arm is mounted on a shaft, the turning arm(s) extending radially outwardly of the shaft.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the shaft is mounted for free rotation of the shaft for engagement of the meat Pieces with successive turning arms.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the shaft is mounted between a pair of bearings, at least one of the bearings being mounted for movement of the bearing and hence the shaft with respect to the conveyor.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein both bearings are spring biassed.
25. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24 wherein the or each turning arm has a plurality of radially extending slots which are axially spaced apart.
26. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 25 including temperature monitoring means for monitoring the temperature of the cooked meat pieces.
27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein the temperature monitoring means is an in-line temperature monitoring means.
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein the temperature monitoring means is a scanner for detecting ffifta red radiation emitted by the cooked meat pieces.
29. Apparatus for preparing comminuted cooked meat pieces substantially as hereiribefore described with reference to the drawings.
30. Cooked comminuted meat pieces whenever prepared by a method as claimed in any of claims I to 15 and/or using an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 29.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE19980760A IE980760A1 (en) | 1998-09-15 | 1998-09-15 | A method and apparatus for preparing meat pieces |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9820215D0 GB9820215D0 (en) | 1998-11-11 |
| GB2341531A true GB2341531A (en) | 2000-03-22 |
| GB2341531B GB2341531B (en) | 2002-04-24 |
Family
ID=11041892
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9820215A Expired - Fee Related GB2341531B (en) | 1998-09-15 | 1998-09-17 | A method and apparatus for preparing cooked meat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2341531B (en) |
| IE (1) | IE980760A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1371817A (en) * | 1971-01-15 | 1974-10-30 | Jeppson M R | Method and apparatus for the preparation of precooked meat products |
| GB1379370A (en) * | 1972-03-15 | 1975-01-02 | Electrolux Ab | Method of and apparatus for continuous cooking of food |
| GB2288382A (en) * | 1994-04-08 | 1995-10-18 | Agri Dev Ltd | Conveyor and spreader |
-
1998
- 1998-09-15 IE IE19980760A patent/IE980760A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-09-17 GB GB9820215A patent/GB2341531B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1371817A (en) * | 1971-01-15 | 1974-10-30 | Jeppson M R | Method and apparatus for the preparation of precooked meat products |
| GB1379370A (en) * | 1972-03-15 | 1975-01-02 | Electrolux Ab | Method of and apparatus for continuous cooking of food |
| GB2288382A (en) * | 1994-04-08 | 1995-10-18 | Agri Dev Ltd | Conveyor and spreader |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IE980760A1 (en) | 2000-03-22 |
| GB2341531B (en) | 2002-04-24 |
| GB9820215D0 (en) | 1998-11-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20130917 |