U.S. patent application number 09/883709 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for method for processing an animal carcass and apparatus for providing electrical stimulation.
Invention is credited to Allen, Deloran M., Dolezal, Howard G. JR., Grose, Darren, Hilton, Gretchen G., Miller, Markus F..
Application Number | 20010031617 09/883709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22452225 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010031617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen, Deloran M. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Method for processing an animal carcass and apparatus for providing
electrical stimulation
Abstract
Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are
described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes
electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By
focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle
muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of
the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially
interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the
anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an
electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of
electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground,
which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating
electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal
carcass.
Inventors: |
Allen, Deloran M.; (Derby,
KS) ; Miller, Markus F.; (Abernathy, TX) ;
Hilton, Gretchen G.; (Lubbock, TX) ; Dolezal, Howard
G. JR.; (Derby, KS) ; Grose, Darren; (Wichita,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jason R. Kraus
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
220 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
22452225 |
Appl. No.: |
09/883709 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09883709 |
Jun 18, 2001 |
|
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09562614 |
May 1, 2000 |
|
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|
60132051 |
Apr 30, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
452/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A22B 5/0088 20130101;
A22B 3/06 20130101; A22C 9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
452/58 |
International
Class: |
A22B 003/06 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A method for processing an animal carcass comprising: (a)
providing an animal carcass having a midsection and anterior and
posterior end sections, the anterior and posterior end sections
having muscles that are thicker than muscles provided in the
midsection; (b) focusing electric current along the animal carcass
midsection to provide an animal carcass having electrically
stimulated muscles in the midsection and non-electrically
stimulated muscles in the anterior and posterior end sections.
2. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
wherein said animal carcass comprises a bovine carcass.
3. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
wherein the midsection of said animal carcass includes rib section
and loin.
4. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
wherein the anterior end section includes chuck, and the posterior
end section includes round.
5. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
wherein said step of applying an electric current comprises
attaching a positive probe and two negative probes to the
midsection of said animal carcass.
6. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 5,
wherein the positive probe is placed in the vicinity of the
5.sup.th and 6.sup.th lumbar vertebrae and the ground probes are
placed in the vicinity of the 4.sup.th and 5.sup.th sacral
vertebrae and the 5.sup.th and 6.sup.th thoracic vertebrae.
7. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
further comprising a step of: (a) cooling the animal carcass having
an electrically stimulated midsection and non-electrically
stimulated first and second end sections to provide an internal
muscle temperature in the first and second end sections of less
than about 70.degree. F. before onset of rigor.
8. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
further comprising a step of: (a) cooling said animal carcass
having an electrically stimulated midsection and non-electrically
stimulated first and section end section to provide internal muscle
temperature in the first and second end sections of less than about
40.degree. F. within 48 hours after slaughter.
9. A method for processing an animal carcass according to claim 1,
wherein animal carcass is a bovine carcass, and the midsection
includes inner muscles provided from about between the fifth and
sixth thoracic vertebrae and about between the fourth and fifth
sacral vertebrae.
10. An apparatus for applying electrical stimulation to an animal
carcass comprising: a) an elongated electrical stimulation bar
having a first and second ends, said first end having a sharp point
for insertion into the animal carcass; b) a first elongated ground
bar having a first and second ends, said first end having a sharp
point for insertion into said carcass, said second end electrically
connected to ground; c) a second elongated ground bar having a
first and second ends, said first end having a sharp point for
insertion into said carcass and said second end electrically
connected to ground; d) an electrical impulse generating circuit
electrically connected to said elongated electrical stimulation
bar; wherein said elongated electrical stimulation bar and said
first and second elongated ground bars provide for isolation of the
electrical stimulation to the animal carcass to between said
elongated electrical stimulation bar and said first elongated
ground bar and between said elongated electrical stimulation bar
and said second elongated ground bar.
11. A method of influencing the quality of the meat of a livestock
carcass by performing the steps of: (i) focusing electric current
to the less dense meat sections of the carcass; and (ii) isolating
the dense sections of the carcass so that minimal electric current
is applied to said dense sections, whereby the application of
electric current to said less dense sections causes the process of
rigor mortis to occur faster in said less dense sections and
whereby the isolation of said less dense meat sections allows the
process of rigor mortis to occur at a normal pace.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the steps of stimulating the
central portion of the carcass and isolating the round and chuck
portions of the carcass are performed by positioning a first ground
stake and a second ground stake at the ends of an area desired to
be electrically stimulated and positioning a hot stake having
current flowing therethrough between said first ground stake and
said second ground stake thereby providing a means for current to
flow in said area desired to be electrically stimulated.
13. An electrical stimulation apparatus comprising: (a) an
electrical stimulation frame having an inlet, an outlet, and a
length extending between the inlet and the outlet, the frame being
constructed for allowing an animal carcass to pass from the inlet
to the outlet and for providing electrical stimulation to the
animal carcass as it passes from the inlet to the outlet; (b) the
electrical stimulation frame including: (i) a plurality of
electrical stimulation probes provided along the length of the
frame for contacting the animal carcass as it passes between the
inlet and the outlet; (ii) an upper ground extending along the
length of the frame above the plurality of electrical stimulation
probes and being provided for contacting the animal carcass; and
(iii) a lower ground extending along the length of the frame and
below the plurality of electrical stimulation probes and being
provided for contacting the animal carcass.
14. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the electrical stimulation frame includes a left side frame
and a right side frame wherein: (a) the left side frame comprising:
(i) a first plurality of electrical stimulation probes comprising
said plurality of electrical stimulation probes; (ii) a first upper
ground comprising said upper ground; (iii) a first lower ground
comprising said lower ground; and (b) the right side frame has an
inlet and outlet and a length extending between the inlet and the
outlet, the right side frame comprising: (i) a second plurality of
electrical stimulation probes provided along the length of the
right side frame for contacting the animal carcass as it passes
from the inlet to the outlet; (ii) a second upper ground extending
along the length of the frame above the second plurality of
electrical stimulation probes and being provided for contacting the
animal carcass; and (iii) a second lower ground extending along the
length of the frame below the second plurality of electrical
stimulation probes and being provided for contacting the animal
carcass.
15. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising: (a) a conveyor for conveying the animal carcass
from the inlet to the outlet.
16. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 15,
wherein the conveyor comprises a rail and a trolley that moves
along the rail, and the trolley includes a hanger for holding the
animal carcass.
17. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 14,
wherein the electrical stimulation frame includes a carcass
traveling path provided between the left side frame and the right
side frame and extending from the inlet to the outlet.
18. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 17,
wherein the width of the carcass traveling path extending between
the first upper ground and the second upper ground is between about
one foot and about five feet.
19. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 17,
wherein the width of the carcass traveling path between the first
lower ground and the second lower ground is between about one foot
and about five feet.
20. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the vertical distance between the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes and the upper ground is between about one foot
and about two feet.
21. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the vertical distance between the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes and the lower ground is between about one foot
and about two feet.
22. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein: (a) the plurality of electrical stimulation probes, the
upper ground, and the lower ground are positioned so that, for a
bovine carcass hanging from its posterior end and moving along the
length of the electrical stimulation frame from the inlet to the
outlet: (i) the plurality of electrical stimulation probes contact
the surface of the carcass at a location corresponding to about the
eleventh thoracic vertebrae to about the second lumbar vertebrae;
(ii) the upper ground contacts the surface of the carcass at a
location corresponding to about the fourth sacral vertebrae to
about the fifth sacral vertebrae; (iii) the lower ground contacts
the surface of the carcass at a location corresponding to about the
fifth thoracic vertebrae and the sixth thoracic vertebrae.
23. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising: (a) a power source for providing an electrical
potential between the plurality of electrical stimulation probes
and the upper ground and lower ground.
24. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein said plurality of electrical stimulation probes are
provided extending away from the electrical stimulation frame and
into a path the animal carcass moves through traveling from the
inlet to the outlet.
25. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 24,
wherein the plurality of electrical stimulation probes have a
contact length of between about one foot and about three feet.
26. An electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 24,
wherein the plurality of electrical stimulation probes are provided
extending between about 50 degrees and about 130 degrees away from
an axis extending along the length of the electrical stimulation
frame.
27. A method for electrically stimulating an animal carcass, the
method comprising steps of: (a) moving an animal carcass along a
length of an electrical stimulation frame from an inlet to an
outlet, wherein the electrical stimulation frame includes: (i) a
plurality of electrical stimulation probes provided along the
length of the frame for contacting the animal carcass as it passes
from the inlet and the outlet; (ii) an upper ground extending along
the length of the frame above the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes and being provided for contacting the animal
carcass; (iii) a lower ground extending along the length of the
frame below the plurality of electrical stimulation probes and
being provided for contacting the animal carcass.
28. A method according to claim 27, further comprising a step of:
(a) electrically stimulating the animal carcass.
29. A method according to claim 27, wherein the step of moving an
animal carcass along a length of an electrical stimulation
apparatus comprises moving the animal carcass dorsal side
first.
30. A method according to claim 27, wherein the animal carcass
comprises a side of an animal carcass that has been split along a
backbone.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to United States
provisional patent application No. 60/132,051 that was filed on
Apr. 30, 1999. The entire disclosure on United States provisional
application No. 60/132,051 is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a method for processing an animal
carcass and an apparatus for providing electrical stimulation
during the slaughter process. More particularly, the invention is
directed to a method and apparatus for concentrating or focusing an
electrical stimulation to a specific portion of an animal
carcass.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electrical stimulation is one of a variety of methods, which
have been used for at least the past twenty-five years to tenderize
meat products. Electrical stimulation results in an acceleration of
rigor mortis and a corresponding more rapid decrease of pH in the
meat. Electrical stimulation influences the progress of post mortem
biochemical processes in the muscle tissue of the slaughtered
animal.
[0004] When an animal is alive, the muscle tissue operates under a
condition that is called aerobic metabolism, which simply means
that oxygen is available to the muscle tissue. When an animal dies,
the muscle tissue goes into a state called anaerobic metabolism
wherein oxygen is not available to the muscle tissue. Aerobic
metabolism involves a process wherein the muscles utilize the
sugar/glucose and burns it in order to create energy for use in
relaxation and contraction of the muscles. The energy resulting
from the sugar/glucose used by muscles in relaxation and
contraction is further converted into water and carbon dioxide as
long as the animal is breathing and oxygen is being received into
the body. The water and carbon dioxide exits the body as waste.
Under anaerobic metabolism conditions, the muscles utilize
sugar/glucose to create energy for use in relaxation and
contraction of muscles. Under anaerobic conditions, contractions
occur by applying electrical stimulation to the carcass, and
relaxation of muscles results from removal of the electrical
stimulation. The energy used during muscle contraction and
relaxation under anaerobic conditions is not further converted into
water and carbon dioxide that exits the body as waste. That energy
is shunted off as lactic acid, carrying a corresponding decline in
muscle pH.
[0005] During anaerobic metabolism conditions, there is a gradual
build up of lactic acid, resulting from the contraction and
relaxation of muscles that causes the pH in the muscle to shift.
Normal pH in living muscle tissue is about 7. As the typical onset
of rigor mortis occurs and there is a build up of lactic acid,
there is a shift in pH from about 7 down to about the 5.6 to 5.8
range. As long as there is sugar/glucose in the muscle tissue of
the body that can be used as energy, the muscle will go through
relaxation and contraction. When the sugar/glucose is depleted, the
filaments present in the muscle tissue become fixed and rigid, thus
the term "rigor mortis" refers to stiffening of the muscles after
death.
[0006] Electrical stimulation of muscles accelerates the process of
rigor mortis because electrical stimulation of the muscles causes
severe contractions. The contractions in the muscles result in the
muscles using up the sugar/glucose energy in the muscles faster.
Accordingly, the muscle tissue goes into rigor mortis faster.
[0007] Prior art literature teaches that the effects of electrical
stimulation works best on slaughtered animals when the nerve tracks
of the animal still have the possibility to transfer stimulation.
Some prior art methods teach that electrical stimulation has the
best effect shortly after death. Other prior art methodologies,
such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,149, teach that the
electric current should be applied to the animal while it is still
alive during at least part of the time period following complete
stunning of the animal where there has been a complete lost of
consciousness, and prior to the clinical death of the animal.
[0008] In the prior art methods of applying electrical stimulation
to slaughtered animals, electrical stimulation can involve the use
of direct current or alternating current, voltages that range
between 20-3,600 volts, frequencies that range between 0-60 Hertz,
and currents ranging between 0.1-6 amperes. Prior art literature
indicates that the later after clinical death the application of
electrical stimulation, the more current needs to be applied.
[0009] It is believed that the cooling of meat prior to the
completion of rigor mortis causes the muscles of the slaughtered
animal to contract. The contracting of the muscles causes the meat
to be tough. In some cases, contracting or shortening of the muscle
tissue may be up to as much as 50%. On the other hand, if the meat
of the carcass is not cooled to at least a minimum level, around 65
degrees, prior to the completion of rigor mortis, other problems
with the meat will result. One such problem is a condition called
pale soft exudative (PSE), which causes the slaughtered meat to be
pale in color, soft and watery. PSE results when the meat
temperature is too high when the muscle enters rigor mortis. As the
meat continues to cool and finally cools to the desired level, it
will have a tendency to lose moisture content, be pale in color and
be softer than normal.
[0010] Most generally, the prior art devices, which apply
electrical stimulation to an animal carcass, apply the electrical
charge through the entire carcass. An example of such a device and
of the conventional method of applying an electrical stimulus to
the entire animal carcass is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,544,861
to Harshan et al. It has been found that using an apparatus such as
the disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 2,544,861 to Harshan et al. results in
the denser thicker muscled sections of the carcass having PSE
tendencies. This results when using an apparatus that applies an
electrical stimulus to the entire animal carcass, such as the
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,544,861 to Harshan et al., because the
thick muscled sections of the carcass, such as the round and chuck
muscles cannot be chilled at the same rate as the less dense loin
and rib portions. The inability of the denser meat portions of the
carcass to chill as rapidly as the less dense portions, in some
instances, provides circumstances for rigor mortis to occur prior
to sufficient chilling of the denser meat portions resulting in the
denser chuck and round meat portions having the undesirable
characteristics of being pale colored, soft and watery.
[0011] There is a need for an apparatus and method that allows for
the use of electrical stimulation of an animal carcass to improve
tenderness and to accelerate the completion of rigor mortis in the
fabrication process of an animal carcass, wherein the apparatus and
method take the varying densities of the meat portions into
consideration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Methods and apparatus for electrically stimulating animal
carcasses are provided by the invention. The methods include
electrically stimulating a target region or area of an animal
carcass relative to other regions or areas of the animal carcass.
In particular, the targeted region includes the midsection of an
animal carcass which generally has thinner muscles compared with
the posterior and anterior ends of an animal carcass. Preferred
animal carcasses that can be processed according to the invention
include bovine carcasses, such as, bull, heifer, cow, and steer
carcasses. Additional animal carcasses that can be processed
according to the invention include porcine, ovine, and poultry
carcasses.
[0013] It is generally desirable to cool the internal muscle
temperature of an animal carcass prior to the onset of rigor. The
applicants have found that electrical stimulation generates heat
within the muscle tissue being electrically stimulated. In order to
allow the thicker muscles provided in the posterior and anterior
regions of an animal carcass to cool prior to the onset of rigor,
the applicants have developed a technique for focusing or
concentrating electrical stimulation within the midsection of an
animal carcass, and, in general, isolating the posterior and
anterior regions of the animal carcass from electrical stimulation.
Because the regions of the animal carcass (anterior, midsection,
and posterior) are not split apart during the step of electrical
stimulation, it is expected that the posterior and the anterior
regions will receive some level of electrical stimulation but
substantially less electrical stimulation than the midsection of
the animal carcass.
[0014] The electrical stimulation apparatus includes an electrical
stimulation frame having an inlet, an outlet, and a length
extending between the inlet and the outlet. The frame is
constructed for allowing an animal carcass to pass from the inlet
to the outlet and for providing targeted electrical stimulation to
the animal carcass as it passes from the inlet to the outlet. The
electrical stimulation frame includes a plurality of electrical
stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground. The
plurality of electrical stimulation probes is provided along the
length of the frame for contacting the animal carcass as it passes
between the inlet and the outlet. The upper ground is provided
extending along the length of the frame above the plurality of
electrical stimulation probes and is provided for contacting the
animal carcass. The lower ground is provided extending along the
length of the frame and below the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes and is provided for contacting the animal
carcass. In general, it is desirable for the upper ground and the
lower ground to contact the animal carcass while the animal carcass
is being electrically stimulated by at least one of the plurality
of electrical stimulation probes. If the animal carcass is not
grounded to either or both of the upper ground and the lower
ground, it is expected that the animal carcass will ground through
the trolley conveying the animal carcass. It is desirable to ground
the animal carcass through both the upper ground or the lower
ground to maintain a focus or concentration of current through the
muscles provided in the midsection of the animal carcass and to
minimize electrical stimulation of the muscles provided in the
anterior and posterior regions of the carcass.
[0015] A method for electrically stimulating an animal carcass is
provided by moving an animal carcass along a length of the
electrical stimulation frame from the inlet to the outlet, and
electrically stimulating the animal carcass. Preferably, the animal
carcass is moved along the electrical stimulation frame dorsal side
first in order to maximize the contact of the surface of the animal
carcass with the plurality of electrical stimulation probes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will become apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description of an
embodiment thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a beef carcass being
stimulated by the apparatus of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical stimulation
apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the circuitry employed in the
electrical stimulation apparatus;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an
electrical stimulation apparatus according to the principles of the
present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the electrical stimulation
apparatus of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] A method for processing an animal carcass is provided by the
invention. An animal carcass generally refers to the body of an
animal after it has been stunned and rendered unconscious. The
processing of an animal carcass is generally an assembly line type
operation where several carcass are moved and processed along a
series of stations. While the following includes a discussion of
the processing of a single animal carcass, it should be understood
that the processing of an animal carcass, according to the present
invention, can be applied to a continuous assembly line operation
of processing numerous animal carcasses.
[0023] The slaughter operation generally includes the operations of
stunning, bleeding, hide removal and evisceration of the animal and
subsequently cooling the animal carcass to a desired temperature.
Typically, a desired internal muscle temperature is about
40.degree. F. or less. Slaughter plants often have chill
capabilities of 24 hours or 48 hours. Those plants with 24 hour
capacity must chill rapidly while plants with 48 hour capacity can
chill more slowly. The general objective in cooling the animal
carcass is to reduce the internal muscle temperatures of the animal
carcass to below about 70.degree. F. prior to the onset of rigor.
The internal muscle temperature refers to the temperature deep
within a particular muscle. Ideally, the internal muscle
temperature should be reduced to the middle 60s.degree. F. prior to
the onset of rigor. If temperatures are above this range when rigor
mortis completion occurs, PSE muscle may result. The onset of rigor
is characterized by stiffening of the muscles after death. The
steps of processing the animal carcass, after it has been cooled to
a desired temperature, are generally referred to as the fabrication
process.
[0024] Certain muscles on the animal carcass are thicker than other
muscles. It can be difficult to sufficiently cool the thick muscles
so they reach an internal muscle temperature of below about
70.degree. C. prior to the onset of rigor. This is particularly
true if the thick muscles have been electrically stimulated and
rigor consequently accelerated. The invention provides for the
electrical stimulation of the thinner muscles provided along the
midsection of the animal carcass, without substantially
electrically stimulating the end sections of the animal carcass. It
should be appreciated that the reference to not substantially
electrically stimulating the end sections of the animal carcass
indicates that the end sections are not targeted for electrical
stimulation. Rather, the midsection is targeted for electrical
stimulation, and the end section may receive, in view of their
proximity to the midsection, a minor amount of electrical
stimulation. Accordingly, electrical stimulation is concentrated or
focused in the midsection of the animal carcass, and the amount or
extent of electrical stimulation in the end sections is expected to
be significantly less than provided in the midsection. It should be
appreciated that the reference to isolating electrical stimulation
from the end sections is not meant to require a complete absence of
any electrical stimulation in the end sections, but rather reflect
the understanding that the electrical stimulation is to be focused
or concentrated in the midsection rather than in the end
sections.
[0025] Various animal carcasses can be processed according to the
invention. Preferred animal carcasses include bovine carcasses and
more particularly, cow or steer carcasses. In a cow or steer
carcass, the midsection generally refers to the region which
includes the rib section and the loin. The anterior portion of the
animal carcass, includes the shoulder muscles which industry refers
to as the chuck. The posterior end of the animal carcass includes
the hind limb muscles which industry refers to as the round. More
technically, the midsection includes thinner muscles of the rib and
loin that are generally characterized as extending from about
between the fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae and about between
the fourth and fifth sacral vertebrae. By focusing the electrical
stimulation on the rib and loin midsection, the electrical current
generally remains isolated from the chuck and round muscles.
Accordingly, by electrically stimulating the middle muscles, it is
expected that the tenderness of the middle muscle can be enhanced
and the quality of the middle muscle can be enhanced as perceived
by the consumer.
[0026] Referring in detail now to the drawings, wherein an
embodiment of the invented method and apparatus for electrically
stimulating an isolated area of a livestock carcass is shown. The
livestock carcass 10 is a bovine carcass. The apparatus, shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, referred to as 100 in FIG. 1, which provides for the
electrical stimulation of an isolated section of the carcass 132,
includes a housing 101, an electrical stimulation stake 118 and a
pair of ground stakes 114 and 116. The electrical stimulation stake
118 is electrically connected to the housing by wire 120. The
ground stakes 114 and 116 are electrically connected to the housing
101 by wires 122 and 124. The housing 101 further includes first
and second push activated safety interlock buttons 102 and 104, an
electrical stimulation duration indication light 106, a pulse
indication light, a voltmeter 110 and an ammeter 112.
[0027] The apparatus 100 performs the method of electrically
stimulating an isolated area of a livestock carcass by inserting
the electrical stimulation stake 118 and the pair of ground stakes
114 and 116 into the carcass 10 in the manner shown. The animal
carcass 10 has a midsection 20 including relatively thin muscles
22. Exemplary thin muscles in the midsection 20 include the loin 24
and the rib muscle 26. The animal carcass 10 additionally includes
an anterior end 28 and a posterior end 30. The anterior end 28
includes chuck muscle 32, and the posterior end 30 include round
muscle 34. In many bovine carcasses, the chuck and round muscles
are as much as twice as thick as the loin and rib muscles.
Accordingly, reducing the internal muscle temperature of the chuck
and round muscles is often a much slower process compared with
reducing the internal muscle temperature of the loin and rib
muscles. Attaching the electrical stimulation stake 118 and the
pair of ground stakes 114 and 116 into the carcass 10 as shown
generally results in the substantial isolation of the round and
chuck muscles of the carcass from electrical stimulation during
operation of the apparatus 100.
[0028] More specifically, the first ground stake 114 is preferably
inserted into the carcass in the vicinity of the fourth or fifth
sacral vertebrae. The first ground stake 114 is inserted into this
area of the carcass because this area is the separation point of
the carcass loin and round sections. The second ground stake 116 is
preferably inserted into the carcass in the vicinity of the fifth
and sixth thoracic vertebrae. The second ground stake 116 is
inserted into this area of the carcass because this area is the
separation point of the carcass rib and chuck. The electrical
stimulation stake 118 is preferably inserted into the carcass in
the vicinity of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The
electrical stimulation stake 118 is preferably inserted into this
area of the carcass because this area is the separation point of
the top loin and sirloin portions of the loin.
[0029] During operation of the apparatus 100 that performs the
method of electrically stimulating an isolated area of the
livestock carcass 10, current flows from the electrical stimulation
stake 118 through the loin section of the carcass to first ground
stake 114 and flows from the electrical stimulation stake 118
through the loin section of the carcass to second ground stake 116.
Current flow through the loin section of the carcass causes the
muscles in the carcass to go through relaxation and contraction,
thereby causing an acceleration of the rigor mortis and faster
decrease of pH in the carcass meat. Substantial isolation of
current flow through the loin section of the carcass provides for
faster rigor mortis in the loin section. Any electrical stimulation
applied to the round and chuck areas of the carcass 10 is
marginal.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 that provides for the
electrical stimulation of an isolated section of an animal carcass
is shown. Generally, the apparatus includes a housing 201, and
three stimulation stakes 214, 216 and 218, which provide for the
substantial isolation of electric current flowing through a defined
area of the carcass. The defined area of current flow through the
carcass is outlined generally by the positioning of the stimulation
stakes 214, 216 and 218 in a manner substantially similar to
insertion of stimulation stakes 114, 116, and 118 into the animal
carcass 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Stimulation stake 218 is
electrically connected to the housing 201 by a wire 220.
Stimulation stake 218 is sometimes referred to as the hot
stimulation stake because it is the stimulation stake with the high
electrical potential relative to ground. Stimulation stakes 214 and
216 are referred to as the ground stakes because these stimulation
stakes which are electrically connected to the apparatus housing
201 by wires 222 and 224 and have zero potential. The housing 201
further includes 2 push-activated safety interlock buttons 202 and
204 which both need to be engaged or pressed in order to begin the
cycle of electrical stimulation. The dual push activity safety
interlock buttons 202 and 204 are necessary in order to provide
safety to an operator of the apparatus so that the operator has
less of a chance to inadvertently touch the carcass with a free
hand during the electrical stimulation portion of the fabrication
process. In addition, the housing includes a volt meter 210 and an
amp meter 212. A voltmeter 210 and amp meter 212 are installed on
the apparatus in order to provide user feedback during parameter
variation. The apparatus 200 provides for the variation of current
and voltage potential on the hot stimulation stake 218.
[0031] More specifically, the present embodiment of the apparatus
for applying electrical stimulation to an isolated section of a
carcass has a variable voltage output of 0-600 volts. The voltmeter
210 illustrates the voltage applied through the hot stake 218. The
voltage and current applied to the hot stake 218 are variable in
the present embodiment because of the relationship voltage equals
current multiplied by the resistance (V=R * 1). For example, in the
illustration shown in FIG. 1, wherein the apparatus for applying
electrical stimulation to an isolated section of a carcass is
utilized on a beef carcass, because the resistance on a beef
carcass is approximately 90 ohms, in order to achieve different
levels and types of electrical stimulation, the voltage and current
must be varied. Modifications may include adjusting the shock
duration, and pulse intervals of the electrical stimulation being
applied. The stimulation stakes 114, 116 and 118 are comprised of
sharpened aluminum stakes with handles 230, 232 and 234. The
handles 230, 232 and 234 are not electrically isolated. The dual
push-activated safety interlock button system requiring an operator
to use both hands to press the interlock buttons before the system
can only be activated provides safety from human touch.
Accordingly, the operator will not be able to handle the
stimulation stakes 214, 216 and 218 when the power is applied to
the apparatus 200.
[0032] The circuit housed in apparatus 200 is illustrated in FIG.
3. This control unit has a main power on switch 352 which may be
moved between off 354 and on 356 positions whenever it is desired
to operate the apparatus for electrically stimulating an isolated
area of a livestock carcass. Movement of the main power on switch
352 from the off position 354 to the on position 356 supplies 110
volts to the circuit 300. The 110 volts is directed through a
30-amp circuit breaker that allows for disabling of current through
the circuit 300 when current exceeds 30 amps. Once the on/off
switch 352 is turned to the on position 356, the circuit recognizes
that voltage is being applied at node 356 through the power on
indication lamp 360. In order for power to be applied to the
remainder of the circuit, both buttons 302 and 304 of the dual
button push activated safety interlock switch must be engaged. The
dual button push activated safety interlock switch provides a
safety mechanism so that the system operator has to have both hands
on the apparatus in order for power to be applied to the circuit.
If the operator were to disengage either of the two buttons 302 and
304 of the dual button push activated safety interlock switch, the
110 volts would be isolated from the remainder of the circuit 300,
disengaging the apparatus for electrically stimulating an isolated
area of a livestock carcass. Upon pressing both push activated
safety interlock buttons 302 and 304, a closed circuit occurs and
power is applied to switch timer T1, 362. When power is applied to
switch timer T1, 362, the switch portion closes 358 and the timer
begins to count through its timing sequence. Switch timer T1 is a
variable timer. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the timing
sequence that switch timer T1 controls is variable and can be set a
length desired by the system user. For example, if switch timer T1
362 has a timing sequence of one minute, the switch portion of
switch timer T1 358 will remain closed for one minute, unless the
operator disengages one or both of the buttons 302 and 304 of the
dual button push activated safety interlock switch. If either or
both buttons 302 and 304 are disengaged, timer T1 362 will
automatically reset and the time duration cycle begins again.
Assuming the operator maintains engagement of both buttons 302 and
304 of the dual button push activated safety interlock switch, the
switch portion 358 of timer T1 remains closed for the time duration
set and automatically opens after the preset time duration of timer
T1 cycles through. The automatic opening of the switch portion 358
of timer T1 eliminates the need for the operator to time the
application of electrical stimulation to the carcass. The
electrical stimulation application time duration is automatic. The
operator is notified that electrical stimulation is complete
because the electrical stimulation duration light 306 would no
longer be illuminated.
[0033] During the timing sequence, when the switch portion of
switch timer T1 has a closed circuit 358, power is applied to
switch timer T2 364, 368. Switch timer T2 364 is a pulse timer that
controls the pulsing function of the electrical stimulation being
applied through activation of control relay CR3 384. Switch Timer
T1 also activates control relay C2 366 that controls application of
voltage to the transformer 340. Control relay C2 366, 378, 380 is a
power activated switch which closes circuit connections 370 and 380
when switch timer T1 358 allows voltage to be applied to control
relay C2, 366. Upon the activation of the switches 378 and 380 of
control relay C2, the transformer 340 may be energized.
[0034] Energizing control relay C2 applies voltage to the
stimulation duration lamp 306 and the variac 374 that are
electrically connected to the transformer 340. The variac 374
provides a means for control of the output voltage applied to the
transformer 340 to be stepped up. In the present embodiment, the
variac 374 can apply a variation of voltages, from 0-120 volts AC,
to the transformer 340. That variable voltage is applied to the
step-up transformer 340 wherein the voltage may be stepped up from
120 to 600 volts AC if the variac is applying 120 volts to the
transformer. The voltmeter 372 measures the voltage output by the
step up transformer 340 and provides the system operator with a
visual indication of the voltage being applied to the carcass.
[0035] Circuit 300 also illustrates that electrical stimulation
stake 318 and the ground stakes 314 and 316. The ground stakes 314
and 316 are electrically connected to ground. The electrical
stimulation stake 318 is electrically connected to the circuit 300
through control relay C3, 370. Control relay C3, 370 is energized
upon activation of pulse timer T2, 364 causing the switch portion
of switch timer T2, 368 to close. The timing on switch timer T2,
364, while variable, in the preferred embodiment it is
approximately 2 seconds. Accordingly, the switch 368 portion of
pulse timer T2 cycles through open and close positions every 2
seconds during the timing sequence of switch timer T1, 362. When
switch timer T1 362 completes its timing sequence, the switch
portion 358 of timer T1 opens, disabling energization of the variac
374 and transformer 340 portions of the circuit. When timer T2 368
closes, the switch portion 368 in this embodiment for two seconds,
control relay CR3, 370, is energized and the switch portion of
control relay CR3, 384 is closed and the voltage from the
transformer 340 is applied to the electrical stimulation hot stake
318 through the electrical connection 320. The ammeter 382, also
displays the current applied to the electrical stimulation stake
318 so that the operator can monitor the current being applied to
the carcass. It is to be understood that the timing sequences in
timers T1 and T2 are variable.
[0036] Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternative embodiment of
an electrical stimulation apparatus according to the present
invention is shown at reference numeral 400. The electrical
stimulation apparatus 400 is particularly adapted for application
to a continuous assembly line operation for processing animal
carcasses.
[0037] Animal carcasses, such as, bovine carcasses, are commonly
split to provide a left side and a right side. The split is usually
provided along the backbone. According to the invention, the
reference to "animal carcass" is meant to describe whole carcasses,
half carcasses, and any other subdivision of an animal carcass. As
described in more detail below, an animal carcass which can be
processed according to the invention is either a left side carcass
or a right side carcass, wherein the whole animal carcass has been
split down its backbone to create the left side carcass and the
right side carcass. Additional carcasses that can be processed
according to the invention include porcine carcasses, ovine
carcasses, and poultry carcasses.
[0038] During processing, the animal carcass sides can be hung from
the posterior portion of the side from a hanger 402. The hanger 402
can be considered part of a conveyor 403 that conveys an animal
carcass (either whole or side) through animal processing
operations. The hanger 402 can be provided in the form of a hook
404. The hanger 402 extends from a trolley 406 that runs along a
rail 408. The trolley 406 can be pulled along the rail 408 by a
chain 409.
[0039] The electrical stimulation apparatus 400 can be used to
provide targeted electrical stimulation to an animal carcass. The
animal carcass 410 is shown as a right side carcass and moves
through the electrical stimulation frame 412 in the direction of
the arrow. Moving in the direction shown, the animal carcass 410
enters the electrical stimulation frame 412 at the inlet 414 and
exits at the outlet 416. The electrical stimulation apparatus 400
can be constructed so that as the animal carcass 410 moves through
the length 418 of the electrical stimulation frame 412 between the
inlet 414 and the outlet 416, it receives the desired electrical
stimulation protocol.
[0040] The electrical stimulation frame 412 includes a left side
frame 420 and a right side frame 422. It should be appreciated that
the electrical stimulation frame 412 can be provided with either
the left side frame 420 or the right side frame 422. It is a matter
of convenience to provide both the left side frame 420 and the
right side frame 422 in order to accommodate convenient processing
of either side of an animal carcass. The animal carcass 410 moves
from the inlet 414 to the outlet 416 along an animal carcass
traveling path 423 provided between the left side frame 420 and the
right side frame 422.
[0041] The left side frame 420 includes an upper ground 424, a
lower ground 426, and a plurality of electrical stimulation probes
428 provided between the upper ground 424 and the lower ground 426.
Similarly, the right side frame 422 includes an upper ground 430, a
lower ground 432, and a plurality of electrical stimulation probes
434 provided between the upper ground 430 and the lower ground 432.
It should be appreciated that the reference to "upper" and "lower"
refers to the respective location of the ground relative to the
electrical stimulation probes. That is, as the animal carcass is
suspended from a hanger 402, the upper grounds 424 and 430 are
provided closer to the hanger 402 than the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes 428 and 434, and the lower grounds 426 and 432.
Furthermore, although the upper ground 424 and the lower ground 426
are shown provided within a vertically extending plane, this
condition is not necessary. That is, the upper ground 424 and the
lower ground 426 are provided so that they contact the animal
carcass 410 as it moves along the animal carcass traveling path
423. In order to maintain contact between the upper ground and the
carcass or between the lower ground and the carcass, it may be
appropriate to extend either or both of the upper ground or the
lower ground further into the animal carcass traveling path. The
upper grounds 424 and 430, lower grounds 426 and 432, and plurality
of electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 are supported by left
and right frame constructions 433 and 435.
[0042] In a typical animal processing facility, an animal carcass
is suspended from its posterior end so that its anterior end is
closer to the ground. Accordingly, the position of each of the
upper grounds 424 and 430, the lower grounds 426 and 432, and the
plurality of electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 can be
arranged based upon the expected position of the muscle of an
animal carcass passing along the animal carcass traveling path 423.
For example, it is desirable for the electrical stimulation probes
428 and 434 to be placed so that they contact the animal carcass
surface about centrally to the muscles targeted for electrical
stimulation. In addition, it is generally desirable for the upper
grounds 424 and 430 to contact the surface of the animal carcass at
a location which allows for electrical stimulation in the
midsection but minimizes electrical stimulation within the muscles
in the posterior region. In general, this location can correspond
to a location at about the border between the midsection and the
posterior end section of the animal carcass. Similarly, it is
generally desirable for the lower grounds 426 and 432 to contact
the animal carcass surface at a location that allows for electrical
stimulation in the midsection but minimizes electrical stimulation
within the muscles in the anterior region. In general, this
location can correspond to a location at about the junction between
the midsection and the anterior region of an animal carcass. In a
preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation probes contact the
surface of the animal carcass at a location corresponding to the
region of the fourth and fifth sacral vertebrae, the upper grounds
424 and 430 contact the surface of the animal carcass at a location
corresponding to between about the eleventh thoracic vertebrae and
the second lumbar vertebrae, and the lower grounds 426 and 432
contact the surface of the animal carcass at a location
corresponding to about the fifth thoracic vertebrae and the sixth
thoracic vertebra. In the situation where bovine carcasses are
being processed, the vertical distance between the plurality of
electrical stimulation probes and the upper ground is between about
one foot and about two feet, and the distance between the plurality
of electrical stimulation probes and the lower ground is between
about one foot and about two feet. Preferably, the distance between
the electrical stimulation probes and the upper ground and the
lower is about one and one-half feet.
[0043] It should be appreciated that the electrical stimulation
probes according to the invention are used in combination with the
ground to generate an electric current in targeted muscles.
Accordingly, the electrical stimulation probes include a surface
that contacts the animal carcass. In the case of electrical
stimulation probes that are stakes, the stakes are embedded into
the carcass (preferably muscle). Preferably, the electrical
stimulation probes provide surface contact with the surface of the
carcass, and are not inserted into the muscle of the carcass.
[0044] When the electrical stimulation frame 412 includes both a
left side frame 420 and a right side frame 422, it is desirable to
provide a space 440 between the frames which is sized to receive
the animal carcass 410 while allowing the upper grounds 424 and 430
and the lower grounds 426 and 432 to contact the animal carcass
410. When processing bovine carcasses, it is preferable to provide
a distance between the upper grounds 424 and 430 of between about
one foot and about five feet, and a distance between the lower
grounds 426 and 432 of between about one foot and about five feet.
Preferably, the distance between the upper grounds and the distance
between the lower grounds is between about one and one-quarter feet
and about two feet.
[0045] The plurality of electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434
are provided extending away from the left side frame 420 and the
right side frame 422, respectively. That is, the plurality of
electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 extend into the animal
carcass traveling path 423. Accordingly, as the animal carcass 410
moves through the animal carcass traveling path 423, the animal
carcass 410 contacts each of the plurality of electrical
stimulation probes 428 and 434. The contact between the animal
carcass 410 and each of the electrical stimulation probes is for a
period of time which varies depending upon the speed of the animal
carcass 410 along the animal carcass traveling path 423, the length
of each electrical stimulation probe, and the size of the animal
carcass.
[0046] The plurality of electrical stimulation probes 428 includes
electrical stimulation bars 450 which extend into the animal
carcass traveling path 423. Preferably, the electrical stimulation
bars 450 generally extend at an angle of between about 50 degrees
and about 130 degrees from an axis extending along the animal
carcass traveling path 423 that is expected to be along the length
of the electrical stimulation frame 412. Preferably, the electrical
stimulation bars 450 are provided perpendicular to the line of
travel through the animal carcass traveling path 423. The
electrical stimulation bars 450 are preferably provided so they
bend allowing the animal carcass 410 to move through the animal
carcass traveling path 423. As the animal carcass 410 moves along
the animal carcass traveling path 442, each electrical stimulation
bar or rod 450 sequentially contacts the exterior surface 452 of
the animal carcass and maintains contact with the exterior surface
452 until the animal carcass 410 moves beyond the contact length
454 of the electrical stimulation probes 450. Rather than provide
electrical stimulation bars 450 which bend, the electrical
stimulation bars 450 can be provided on a spring which allows the
electrical stimulation bars 450 to remain relatively rigid while
moving out of the way of the animal carcass and maintaining contact
with the animal carcass surface 452.
[0047] The electrical stimulation frame 412 includes a left side
frame 420 and a right side frame 422 to conveniently process both
left and right sides of carcasses. In general, it is desirable to
maximize the contact area between each electrical stimulation probe
and the animal carcass. Depending upon whether the animal carcass
moving along the animal carcass traveling path 423 is a left side
or a right side, either the electrical stimulation probes 428 or
the electrical stimulation probes 434 will maintain better contact.
The plurality of electrical stimulation probes 428 maintains better
electrical contact with the animal carcass 410 when the carcass is
a left side carcass (dorsal side first). The plurality of
electrical stimulation probes 434 maintains better electrical
contact with the animal carcass when the carcass is a right side
carcass (dorsal side first).
[0048] The animal carcass 410 is preferably moved through the
electrical stimulation frame 412 dorsal side first from the inlet
414 to the outlet 416. The applicants have found that by moving the
animal carcass 410 dorsal side first, it is possible to provide
better contact between the plurality of electrical stimulation
probes 428 and 434 and the animal carcass surface 452 closest to
the muscles targeted for electrical stimulation.
[0049] The electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 are held in
place on the electrical stimulation frame 412 by receivers 456. The
receivers 456 insulate the electrical stimulation probes 428 and
434 from the upper grounds 424 and 430 and the lower grounds 426
and 432. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation frame 412 includes
insulating rails 458 and 460 that are held in place by rail holders
462. In general, it is desirable to avoid short circuiting the
operation of the electrical stimulation frame 412 by contact of the
animal carcass with any other grounding part of the frame than the
upper grounds 424 and 430 and the lower grounds 426 and 434.
Accordingly, the insulating rails 458 and 460 are provided so that
the animal carcass does not create a short circuit between the
electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 and the bars 464 and 466
along which the electrical stimulation probe holders 456 are
placed.
[0050] A power source 470 is provided for providing electrical
stimulation to the electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 along
line 472, and to the ground along line 474.
[0051] The plurality of electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434
are preferably constructed to provide periods of electrical
stimulation and periods of no electrical stimulation as the animal
carcass 410 moves through the electrical stimulation frame 412. The
applicants have found that it is desirable to include rest
intervals where there are no electrical stimulations so that the
targeted muscles can relax between periods of electrical
stimulation. In general, it is desirable for the rest interval to
be sufficient so that the animal carcass regains at least about 90%
of its original length. During the electrical stimulation, the
animal carcass can shorten in its original length by almost 40%.
Much of this shortening is the result of the muscles contracting
and the vertebrae curving. The applicants believe that the
following formulae represent the desired relationship between the
voltage for electrical stimulation, the time of electrical
stimulation, and the time of interval between electrical
stimulations:
T.sub.stim=60.times.D.sub.cl/V.sub.cs
T.sub.rest=60.times.(D.sub.ww-D.sub.cl)/V.sub.cs
[0052] In the above formulae, T.sub.stim refers to time of
stimulation, T.sub.rest refers to time of rest between
stimulations, V.sub.cs refers to chain speed conveying the carcass
through the stimulation frame, D.sub.ww refers to the contact point
spacing (distance between electrical stimulation probes), and
D.sub.cl refers to contact length (distance in which the electrical
stimulation probe is in contact with the carcass). For a V.sub.cs
of 42 feet/min., a D.sub.ww of three feet, and a D.sub.cl of two
feet, the T.sub.stim is about 2.9 seconds and the T.sub.rest is
about 1.4 seconds.
[0053] It is generally desirable to provide an electrical
stimulation protocol that provides the desired level of stimulation
in the targeted muscles of an animal carcass while minimizing floor
space dedicated to providing electrical stimulation in an animal
processing facility. In general, it is desirable to implement the
electrical stimulation protocol until, under observation, it
appears that the reaction by the animal carcass to the electrical
stimulation is significantly decreased or that the animal carcass
does not react any further to the electrical stimulation. It is
believed that the electrical stimulation causes a contraction in
the muscles that corresponds to a working of the muscles. It is
believed that as the energy in the muscle is depleted by the
working of the muscle, the muscle reaches a further electrical
stimulation will not generate a substantially observable amount of
contraction.
[0054] The electrical stimulation protocol can be maintained for at
least about thirty seconds in order to deplete the targeted
muscles. Preferably, the electrical stimulation protocol is
conducted by multiple periods of electrical stimulation. The
electrical stimulation protocol can be provided with either
alternating current or direct current. Preferably, the electrical
stimulation protocol utilizes alternating current. In addition, the
voltage is preferably sufficiently high so that a desired
percentage of muscle fibers in the targeted muscles are recruited
(contracted). In general, it is desirable for all of the muscle
fibers to be recruited. It is expected that once all the muscle
fibers are recruited, additional voltage causes heating of the
muscle that can be detrimental to the carcass. In general, it is
preferable to have the voltage between about 40V and about 500V. In
the case of alternating current, it is desirable to have a
frequency of between about 40 Hz and about 60 Hz.
[0055] The electrical stimulation protocol preferably includes
alternating periods of stimulation and rest. Preferably, the
periods of stimulation are for between about one second and about
five seconds, and more preferably between about 2 seconds and about
3 seconds. Preferably, the periods of rest are between about 0.5
seconds and about three seconds. A preferred electrical stimulation
protocol can be conducted for sixty seconds including alternating
periods of two seconds of electrical stimulation and one second of
rest. In such an electrical stimulation protocol, it is believed
that each of the electrical stimulation probes would provide a
period of electrical stimulation and the period between each
electrical stimulation probe would provide the period of rest. In
addition, such an electrical stimulation protocol could be
accomplished by arranging two of the electrical stimulation frames
412 in series to provide eighteen periods of electrical
stimulation.
[0056] It is expected that each period of stimulation will be
created by the contact of a single electrical stimulation probe
with the surface of the animal carcass. Accordingly, the length of
contact between the surface of the animal carcass and the
electrical stimulation probe, at a particular animal carcass
traveling speed, will result in a particular electrical stimulation
contact time. It is expected that the contact length of the
electrical stimulation probe (the length of the probe that contacts
and provides electrical stimulation to the surface of the animal
carcass) is between about one foot and about three feet, and more
preferably between about 1 1/2 feet and about 2 1/2 feet.
[0057] When the animal carcass 410 being processed through the
electrical stimulation frame 412 is a bovine carcass, it is
generally preferably that the upper grounds 424 and 430 contact the
carcass 410 in the general region of the fifth and sixth sacral
vertebrae, and that the lower grounds 426 and 432 contact the
carcass 410 in the general region of the fifth and sixth thoracic
vertebrae. In addition, it is generally desirable for the plurality
of electrical stimulation probes 428 and 434 to contact the carcass
410 in the general region between the eleventh thoracic vertebra
and the second lumbar vertebra. By contacting the animal carcass
410 with the grounds and electrical stimulation probes at these
locations, it is believed that the electrical stimulation can be
targeted in the carcass midsection which generally includes the
thinner muscles of the rib and loin which are generally
characterized as extending from about between the fifth and sixth
thoracic vertebrae and about between the fourth and fifth sacral
vertebrae. It is generally desirable to minimize electrical current
stimulation in the chuck and round muscles to allow the chuck and
round muscles to cool to a desired temperature prior to the onset
rigor mortis. Accordingly, the electrical stimulation apparatus
according to the invention preferably focuses the electrical
stimulation within the midsection.
[0058] It should be understood that the subject matter of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/178,836, filed on Jan. 28,
2000, is incorporated herein by reference.
* * * * *