Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and process for removing mold from the exterior of meat products, such as the casings of salami and pepperoni, is disclosed which includes a conveyor extending longitudinally through a plurality of stations for cleaning and drying the products. The meat product is placed upon the conveyor at an entry location and is then passed through a cleaning station which sprays refrigerated water at high pressure over the products. The nozzles for spraying the refrigerated water are placed above and below and to the sides of the conveyor carrying the salami or pepperoni. The conveyor then carries the meat roll to an air station which is adapted to blow ambient air across the conveyor carrying the meat to blow excessive water therefrom. The ambient air basically urges the water to be removed from the meat casing by the inertia of the air itself. The conveyor then carries the casings to a drying or heating station where heated air is blown over the salami or pepperoni to complete the drying operations. The conveyor then carries the cleansed and dried meat to an exit station for removal thereof. To hold the meat product in position upon the conveyor, a second upper conveyor may extend above the horizontal and lower conveyor and be adapted to rest downwardly upon the top of the lower conveyor. This upper conveyor will, by the weight thereof, thereby hold the individual meat pieces in place and prevent movement thereof during passage to the cleaning station, the air station and the heating station.

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First Claim