Norman C Abler

US Patent:

20060219069, Oct 5, 2006

Filed:

Apr 5, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/098393

Inventors:

Gary Skaar - Marshall WI, US
Timothy Watson - Waunakee WI, US
John Hirschey - Middleton WI, US
Jennifer Tomey - Merom IN, US
Norman Abler - Madison WI, US

International Classification:

B26D 7/00

US Classification:

083013000, 083167000

Abstract:

An apparatus, and method of its use, for slicing food products, particularly elongated food products, in which the apparatus has a housing enclosing a rotatable slicing blade, and a sleeve which is mounted in a housing sidewall. The sleeve provides a passageway through which a food product passes and receives a treatment along its outer surface. Other additional and/or alternative features for enhancing or sustaining the cleanliness within the slicing housing also are provided, which include use of overpressure within the housing interior, introduction of HEPA-filtered gas or air therein, delivery of an antimicrobial agent therein, and/or providing interior housing wall surfaces having a surface finish (RMS) not exceeding 32 microinches. The slicing apparatus, and its method of operation, provides reliable, accurate continuous slicing capability while requiring less cleaning.

US Patent:

59766492, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Sep 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/935682

Inventors:

David F. Kuethe - Madison WI
Vernon D. Karman - Poynette WI
Norman C. Abler - Madison WI

Assignee:

Kraft Foods, Inc. - Northfield IL

International Classification:

B27M 300

US Classification:

428 356

Abstract:

An improved method is disclosed for the fusing, joining or seaming of cellulosic materials. The method utilizes a hydroxide solution of selected organometallic compounds or metal oxides to rapidly crosslink opposing, overlapping cellulosic surfaces to provide secure seams. In particular, the invention is directed to the production, either on-line or off-line, of tubular cellulosic casings for the manufacture of sausages and sausage-like products. The seams according to this invention have such high shear strength that extremely narrow bond widths are possible. The narrowness of the bond site eliminates or minimizes striping or discoloration of the finished product.

US Patent:

58741372, Feb 23, 1999

Filed:

May 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/864793

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI
Zbigniew S. Borkiewicz - Madison WI
Donald E. Lucke - Madison WI

Assignee:

Kraft Foods, Inc. - Northfield IL

International Classification:

A22C 1300
B31C 1300

US Classification:

428 348

Abstract:

An improved method is described for the fusing, joining or seaming of cellulosic materials. The method utilizes a solution of selected organometallic compounds or metal oxides to rapidly crosslink opposing, overlapping cellulosic surfaces to provide secure seams. Enhanced seam strength is achieved by a subsequent moisture treatment. The tubular cellulosic casings are well-suited for the manufacture of sausages and sausage-like products. The seams according to this invention have exceptionally high shear strength and wet strength.

US Patent:

51744317, Dec 29, 1992

Filed:

Mar 31, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/860842

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI

Assignee:

Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

B65B 3500

US Classification:

198428

Abstract:

An apparatus for transferring individual slices of food material from a food material supply source to a support member includes at least two rotating hollow drums disposed on and rotating around two associated stationary inner drums. The first rotating drum is disposed proximate to the food material supply, while the second rotating drum is disposed proximate to the support member and the first rotating drum. The stationary drums have hollow inner cores to which negative air pressure in the form of a vacuum is supplied which causes individual material slices to adhere to the outer shell of the first drum and transfer to the outer shell of the second drum.

US Patent:

51495546, Sep 22, 1992

Filed:

Apr 24, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/690481

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI

Assignee:

Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

A23L 100
B65B 3500

US Classification:

426420

Abstract:

An apparatus for transferring individual slices of material which are sliced from a material supply to a support web includes a rotating hollow drum disposed on and rotating around a stationary inner drum. The rotating outer drum is disposed proximate to a slicing station and material supply. The rotating drum and the stationary drum have hollow inner cores to which negative and positive air pressure is alternately applied to cause individual material slices to alternately adhere to the outer shell of the drum and to leave the outer shell of the drum.

US Patent:

62729586, Aug 14, 2001

Filed:

Feb 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/505552

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI
James A. Rattmann - Marshall WI
Donald W. Hamburg - Sun Prairie WI

Assignee:

Kraft Foods, Inc. - Madison WI

International Classification:

B26D 706
B26D 732

US Classification:

83 23

Abstract:

An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

US Patent:

52302679, Jul 27, 1993

Filed:

May 18, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/885106

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI

Assignee:

Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

B26D 732

US Classification:

83 23

Abstract:

An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply , while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around two driven rollers, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

US Patent:

54530440, Sep 26, 1995

Filed:

Oct 20, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/326417

Inventors:

Norman C. Abler - Madison WI
Jay I. Gust - Madison WI
Terry L. Holmes - DeForest WI
Donald E. Lucke - Madison WI

Assignee:

Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

A22B 500

US Classification:

452176

Abstract:

Charges of solid coolant granules are automatically inserted into a fresh animal carcass or a portion of an animal carcass by the use of an inserting tool. The granular solid coolant charge is contained within a chamber of the tool which also includes a flat spear blade. When the blade forms a slit in a selected muscle area, the granular solid coolant charge is positively, rapidly and consistently positioned within the pocket that had just been opened by the spear blade. The insertion tool and process are especially well-adapted for use in reducing the development of pale, soft and exudative meat, while accomplishing this in a manner that is rapid and minimizes variations from carcass to carcass.