Importance

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Abstract

An automatic machine for sterilizing, packing and sealing a meat product includes a first station (1) for sterilizing the meat product surface layer or stratum by submitting it to a thermal shock of high temperature during a very short interval (HTST technique), an apparatus (E) for feeding the meat products to the first station and a further meat product conveying apparatus (0) for withdrawing the meat product from the first station and transferring it to a wrapping position, a second station (2) for wrapping the meat product in a pre-set position including a device (57, 58) for sequentially positioning tubular containers such as bags (65) from a storage area (62) therefor to the wrapping position and opening the inlet of the tubular container for insertion of the meat product therein from the transfer device (0), a device (85, 86, 87, 88, 95) for transferring the filled tubular containers in the open position to a third station (3), and a device at the third station for vacuum sealing of the container. A cover (46) is provided in the first station for assuring aseptic atmosphere for the sterilization at an average temperature from 100.degree. C. to 160.degree. C. at intervals less than 15 seconds. An enclosure (120) is provided for enclosing the three stations in a laminar upright flow chamber to assure the purity of the atmosphere in which the sterilization is carried out.

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First Claim