Continuous production and packaging of perishable goods in low oxygen environments

• US 20040146602A1
• Filed: 01/07/2004
• Published: 07/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: SafeFresh Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Case Ready Solutions LLC
• Inventors: Stephens, Robert M., Atkinson, Kevan J., Garwood, Anthony J.M.
• Application Number:
  US10/432,973
• Publication Number:
  US 20040146602A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 426/35
• CPC Class Codes: A23B 4/16 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 13/00 Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 25/067 combined with its conservation
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/062 the movable parts being attached or integral and displaceable into a position overlying the top of the container, e.g. bails, corner plates covers B65D21/064
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/066 the movable parts being supports or feet, e.g. retractable feet, pivotable supports
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/2024 the cover being welded or adhered to the container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/2076 in an at least partially rigid container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/264 for absorbing liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/267 the absorber being in sheet form
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/268 the absorber being enclosed in a small pack, e.g. bag, included in the package
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/28 Applications of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants

Abstract

Processing and packaging for perishable goods (436), such as beef, in a conduit (15514) wherein oxygen is substantially excluded and suitable gases such as carbon dioxide are provided at a suitable pressure and in such a manner as to increase the quantity of the gases dissolved in the perishable goods (436) to extend the shelf life of the goods and decontaminate the goods.

Claims

1. A sanitizing apparatus, comprising:

a first contact station having a gas injection point for an oxidizing gas, wherein the contact station exposes a perishable good to the oxidizing gas for a first suitable time period;

a scrubbing station having a gas injection point for a scrub gas or suitable gas other than free oxygen, wherein the scrubbing station washes oxidizing gas from the perishable good with the scrub gas; and

a venting station located between the first contact station and the gas scrubbing station to remove oxidizing gas and scrub gas from the system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second contact station connected to the first contact station having a gas injection point for an oxidizing gas, wherein the second contact station exposes a perishable good to a second suitable time period.

3. A sanitizing apparatus, comprising:

a contact station having a gas injection point for an oxidizing gas, wherein the contact station exposes a perishable good to the oxidizing gas for a first suitable time period;

a first pressure regulating station connected to the contact station to maintain the pressure of the contact station at a first pressure;

a scrubbing station having a gas injection point for a scrub gas, wherein the scrubbing station washes oxidizing gas and decomposition products thereof from the perishable good with the scrub gas; and

a second pressure regulation station connected to the scrubbing station to maintain the pressure of the contact station at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first pressure is maintained at a pressure less than 50 psig and the second pressure is maintained at a pressure greater than 45 psig.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the oxidizing gas is ozone.

6. A method of sanitizing, comprising a step for:

washing oxidizing gas from a perishable good with a scrub gas after exposure of the perishable good to the oxidizing gas.

7. A method of sanitizing, comprising a step for:

decomposing oxidizing gas from a perishable good at a first pressure after exposing the perishable good to the oxidizing gas at a reduced pressure.

8. A tray, comprising:

a web formed into a depression having walls, a base and a flange surrounding the depression;

a multitude of flaps connected to the flange by hinges, wherein the flaps have a base at the end opposite of the flange, the length of the flaps being longer than the walls so that when folded, the flap bases do not abut the depression s exterior base

9. A method of forming a double-walled tray, comprising:

providing a web having walls, a base and a flange surrounding the depression, wherein a multitude of flaps are connected to the flange by hinges, wherein the flaps have a base at the end opposite of the flange, the length of the flaps being longer than the walls;

applying an adhesive on the exterior of the web base;

folding the flaps at the hinge in the direction of the walls so that the flap bases do not come in contact with the adhesive; and

pressing the flap bases to bond with the adhesive to form a double-wall tray.

10. An apparatus for packaging perishable goods, comprising:

a conduit having at least one conveyor run enclosed therein and carrying trays, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an ultraviolet source.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising one or a plurality of infrared, microwave or radiant energy sources disposed on the exterior or interior of the conduit.

13. A method of sealing a lidding material to a tray flange, comprising a step for:

tensioning the lidding material before bonding to the tray flange.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step for relaxing the lid material after the step of bonding to the tray flange.

15. A method for bonding a flap to a tray, wherein the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.

16. A method for bonding a lidding material to a tray flange, wherein the adhesive is an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

17. A method for bonding a lidding material to a tray flap, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

18. A method for printing lidding material bonded to a tray flap, such that when bonding to the flap, the printing appears on at least one of the tray flaps.

19. A tray, comprising:

a web having a base, walls, and at least one flap formed from said web; and

a memory chip located in a cavity in the tray.

20. A tray, comprising:

a web having a base, walls, and at least one flap formed from said web; and

a memory chip located on the exterior of the base.

21. A tray, comprising:

a web having a base, walls, and at least one flap formed from said web; and

a memory chip located between a wall and a flap.

22. The tray of claim 21, made from oxygen permeable materials.

23. The tray of claim 21, made from substantially oxygen barrier materials.

24. The tray of claim 21, made from materials that do not inhibit the passage of radio waves.

25. The tray of claim 21, having a thin section formed on the tray to increase the rate of gas permeation and a reinforcing structure to strengthen the thin section.

26. The tray of claim 26, wherein the thin section is located at the meeting of a wall and the base and the reinforcing structure is provided by a flap bonded to the base.

29. An apparatus for processing tray preforms with flaps, comprising:

a conduit,

a tray preform holder in the conduit;

a frame having angled portions at one end thereof, wherein angled portions are spaced from each other;

a positioner to move a tray preform from the holder to the frame; and

a fixture to press against a tray preform on the frame to thusly fold the tray flaps against a tray wall.

30. An apparatus for processing perishable goods containing any undesirable gas, comprising:

a rotating mechanism to expel undesirable gas from the perishable product and remove undesirable gas therefrom to replace with the suitable gas.

31. An apparatus for processing perishable goods, comprising:

a conduit with a measuring device on the conduit to control the flow rate of perishable product, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

32. A method for tracing, comprising a step for:

associating information to a tagged animal carcass and a division of the animal'"'"'s carcass by transferring the information to a carrying means for carrying a division.

27. The tray of claim 38, further comprising an aperture that provides communication between the ambient atmosphere and the thin section.

28. The tray of claim 39, wherein the aperture is provided on a flap.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for using the information to direct the destination of the division to one or a plurality of operators.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for placing an animal carcass division in a mold having a device capable of storing the information.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for slicing an animal portion and associating the slice with the information.

36. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for associating a packaged division with the information.

37. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for using the information to determine the destination of the carrier device to one or a plurality of operators.

38. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for grading the animal carcass division before transferring to an operator.

39. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step for grinding the animal division and associating the ground division with the information.

40. A system for tracing, comprising:

means used for carrying animal carcasses and any carcass divisions, said means having a device capable of storing information; and

means for reading the information to direct the destination of carrying means.

41. The system of claim 40, further comprising conveying means for conveying carrying means to one or a plurality of operators.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the conveying means includes track assemblies.

43. The system of claim 41, further comprising one or a plurality of operator workstations located on the conveying means.

44. The system of claim 40, wherein the means used in carrying animal carcasses and any carcass division is a hook assembly.

45. The system of claim 40, wherein the means used in carrying animal carcasses and any carcass division is a carrier plate.

46. The system of claim 40, wherein the means used in carrying animal carcasses and any carcass division is a mold.

47. A lidding material having regions of color selected according to the product contained in a tray, said color being applied before application of the lidding material to the tray.

48. A method for processing a package, comprising a step for:

reading a temperature associated with a package, wherein said measured temperature approximates the maximum temperature to which the package has been exposed.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising a step for:

setting a shelf life for the packages based on the measured temperature.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising a step for:

rejecting the packages for sale based on the measured temperature.

51. A method for processing a package, comprising a step for:

reading an oxygen concentration associated with a package, wherein said measured concentration approximates the oxygen content of the interior of the package.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising a step for:

setting a shelf life for the packages based on the measured oxygen concentration.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising a step for:

rejecting the packages for sale based on the measured oxygen content.

54. A container for packages containing perishable goods, comprising:

a device having a member, said member having means of recording a temperature by undergoing physical or chemical changes in the member, wherein said change is effected by the temperature to which the container has been exposed.

55. The container of claim 54, wherein the means of recording temperature includes a color member.

56. A container for packages containing perishable goods, comprising:

a device having a member, said member having means of recording an oxygen content in the interior of the container by undergoing physical or chemical changes in the member, wherein said change is effected by oxygen in the interior of the container.

59. The container of claim 56, wherein the means of recording oxygen content include a metal oxide.

57. A container for packages containing perishable goods, comprising:

a device having a member, said member having means of receiving information via radio frequency and then converting said information into a human readable message by applying heat to a heat sensitive paper label attached to the package.

58. A container of claim 57 wherein it is enclosed with a plurality of additional similar containers within a hermetically sealed gas barrier container with selected gases therein.

60. A method of processing perishable goods, comprising steps for:

introducing an amount of water into an ozone contact station based on the amount of scrubbing gas introduced to a scrubbing station.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the scrubbing gas is carbon dioxide.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the scrubbing gas is nitrogen.

63. The method of claim 60, wherein the scrubbing gas comprises a first scrubbing gas of carbon dioxide followed by a second scrubbing gas of nitrogen.

64. A method of processing perishable goods, comprising a step for:

introducing an amount of water into a perishable product to compensate for the amount of water that is lost through evaporation or freezing.

65. A method for pricing a perishable product at a point of sale, comprising a step for:

weighing tray contents and storing the weight to a memory such that the weight is associated with a tray mark;

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising a step for:

grouping at least two or more packaged trays in a container, wherein the trays'"'"' information is stored with the container.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the device is applied in a substantially vertical position.

68. The method of claim 65, further comprising a step for grouping at least two or more containers and using portal to read the packaged trays'"'"' information and storing the information in a memory.

69. The method of claim 65, further comprising a step for delivering the packaged trays to a point of sale and using the information to generate a human readable label for each individual tray.

70. The method of claim 65, further comprising a step for accessing each individual packaged tray'"'"'s information over a communication system by use of the individual tray marking.

71. The method of claim 65, further comprising a step for comparing the information read at a point of retail to the information read at distribution or packaging center for verification.

72. A method for sanitizing perishable products, comprising a step for:

exposing the product to ozone and chlorine dioxide.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising a step for removing unreacted ozone in a filter containing manganese dioxide.

74. A processing system, comprising:

a conduit with a grinder with a measuring device and a compensation means located downstream of the measuring device.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the compensation means includes a piston within a housing.

76. A method for controlling a suitable variable of a perishable good, comprising steps for:

pumping a first stream based on the measured variable of the stream;

pumping a second stream based on the measured variable of the stream;

mixing the first and the second streams with a driver that compensates for an increase or decrease based on the rate of the streams.

77. A method of control, comprising steps for:

pumping a first stream based on a measured variable of the stream;

diverting a portion of the stream, when the measured variable is off set point into a reservoir; and

re-introducing the diverted stream at a measured rate.

78. A mixer, comprising:

a conduit;

a member having first and second sections with spiral screws; and

a third section interposed between first and second sections with fins.

79. A method of sealing, comprising steps for:

forming a tube from a web;

locating one or a plurality of containers in the tube defining a tube space therebetween;

clamping the tube space at a first end;

stretching the tube between the clamped end and the non-clamped end;

clamping the tube space at a second end; and

bonding the tube at both clamped ends.

80. An apparatus for stretching and sealing, comprising:

a first assembly, having a web-stretching member;

a second assembly, wherein the first and second assemblies suitably actuate toward and away from one another; and

one or more clamps to clamp to a web during actuation.

81. A tray, comprising:

a base;

walls extending from base to form a tray cavity, wherein the walls form an upper periphery flange; and

flaps connected to the flange, wherein the flaps include indented alphanumeric characters.

82. A decontamination apparatus, comprising:

a conduit with conveyor runs disposed within the conduit and an ultra-violet source disposed adjacent to the conveyor runs.

83. A method for decontaminating, comprising a step for:

lowering the pH of goods and exposing the goods to an ultraviolet source within a conduit, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

84. The method of claim 83, further comprising a step for adding an antioxidant.

85. The method of claim 83, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

86. A cooking apparatus, comprising:

a conduit with a conveyor run and a heat source located within the conduit, wherein a suitable gas is introduced into the conduit.

87. The cooking apparatus of claim 86, wherein the gas comprises carbon dioxide.

88. A method for cooking, comprising steps for:

introducing a suitable gas into conduit with a conveyor and a heat source.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

90. A method for processing goods, comprising:

providing a suitable gas in a conduit with a blender to achieve a temperature less than the freezing point of water.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

92. The method of claim 90, wherein the temperature is less than 30°

F.

93. The method of claim 90, wherein the temperature is less than 29°

F.

94. The method of claim 90, further comprising exposing goods to an ultra-violet source.

96. An apparatus, comprising:

a conduit;

a first impeller disposed within a conduit in a first direction; and

a second impeller mounted at an end of first impeller to receive contents of the first impeller, wherein a suitable gas is introduced.

97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

98. An apparatus, comprising:

a conduit, having;

a first gander and measuring device;

a second grinder and measuring device;

a blender to mix the first and second streams into a fluid stream,

wherein a suitable gas is introduced into the conduit.

99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the suitable gas comprises carbon dioxide.

100. A method of processing, comprising steps for:

grinding a high fat stream of goods;

grinding a low fat stream of goods;

measuring fat leaving the grinder of the first stream;

measuring fat leaving the grinder of the second stream; and

blending the first and second streams into a third stream, wherein all steps occur in a conduit provided with a suitable gas.

95. The method of claim 104, further comprising treating with acidified sodium chlorite.

101. The method of claim 100, further comprising a second step for grinding the blended third stream.

102. The method of claim 101, further comprising a step for portioning after the second grinding step.

103. The method of claim 102, further comprising a step for folding and bonding trays in the conduit provided with the suitable gas.

104. The method of claim 103, further comprising a step for loading and wrapping trays in the conduit provided with a suitable gas.

105. The method of claim 100, wherein the suitable gas is carbon dioxide.

106. A decontamination apparatus, comprising:

a conduit;

a conveyor run located in conduit;

means for injecting a decontaminating agent in the conduit; and

means for injecting a gas for scrubbing the agent.

107. A method for decontaminating goods, comprising a step for:

injecting a decontaminating agent and scrubbing gas to a conduit having a conveyor carrying goods therethrough.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

109. A measuring apparatus, comprising:

a conduit;

an X-ray source directed at the conduit; and

X-ray transparent windows having means for removing accumulations of goods passing through the conduit.

110. A method for decontaminating goods, comprising:

exposing goods to a decontamination agent within an enclosure having air curtains while suspending the goods.

111. A packaging apparatus, comprising:

a conduit; and

means for applying a web to a tray, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

113. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the means include a sloped member to direct the web onto the trays.

114. A method for packaging, comprising a step for:

bonding a web to a tray in a conduit, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the gas comprises carbon dioxide.

116. A method of processing and packaging meat according to a buyer'"'"'s specifications, the method comprising:

receiving the buyer'"'"'s specifications, including at least one variable selected from the group consisting of quantity, delivery time, fat content, and size,

automatically controlling at least one parameter of a meat processing equipment to meet the buyer'"'"'s specifications;

determining whether an estimated delivery time to the buyer'"'"'s desired destination will exceed the amount of time which the meat can endure without undergoing substantial oxidation or significant deterioration; and

packaging the meat in a master container when the estimated delivery time to the buyer'"'"'s desired destination will be in excess of the amount of time which the meat can endure without undergoing substantial oxidation or significant deterioration.

117. The method of claim 116, further comprising packaging the meat in a master container if the estimated delivery time exceeds about 6 to 9 days.

118. The method of claim 116, wherein the meat is selected from the group consisting of beef, fish, poultry and pork.

119. The method of claim 116, further comprising the step of:

invoicing the buyer using a measuring device downstream of a meat grinder in the meat processing equipment.

120. The method of claim 116, wherein the meat is processed in a suitable gas.

121. The method of claim 116, wherein the meat is processed with predetermined concentrations of carbon dioxide.

122. A system for processing and packaging meat, according to a buyer'"'"'s specifications, comprising:

a processing unit; and

a storage medium coupled to the processing unit, the storage medium containing programming code executed by the processing unit for automatically controlling the rate of at least one meat processing variable to meet the buyer'"'"'s specifications and determining whether an estimated delivery time to the buyer'"'"'s desired destination will exceed the amount of time which the meat can endure without undergoing substantial oxidation, and directing a packaging apparatus to package the meat in a master container when the estimated delivery time will be in excess of the amount of time which the meat can endure without undergoing substantial oxidation.

123. A method of processing meat, the method comprising:

grinding meat into an enclosed conduit that has been filled with a desirable gas and which substantially excludes oxygen,

adjusting the temperature of the meat, and

mixing the meat in at least one vessel which substantially excludes oxygen, so as to adjust the relative quantities of fat and lean meat to a desired ratio.

124. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

extruding the meat into a desired profile.

125. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

controlling the velocity at which the meat is extruded into the desired profile.

126. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

compressing the meat in an enclosure such that the carbon dioxide gas contained therein dissolves into the meat.

127. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

slicing the meat into desired portions.

128. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

packaging the meat in an environment that substantially excludes oxygen.

129. The method of claim 123 further comprising the step of:

adjusting the velocity of the meat by measuring a distance between the measuring device and the point of mixing.

130. A web for finishing into a packaging tray, comprising:

a base with a groove defined around the perimeter,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an upper edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the flap contains a tab foldably connected to one edge of the flap such that on folding the tab, the tab can fit into the base groove.

131. A packaging tray;

comprising;

a base with a groove defined around the perimeter;

a plurality of walls connected to the base, and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the flap contains a tab folded to create a securing device, wherein the tab is fitted within the base groove to hold the flap in place to form a double wall.

132. A method of producing webs for finishing into packaging trays, comprising the step of:

forming a web having a base with a groove defined around the perimeter and a plurality of walls attached to the base, the web having at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the flap contains a tab foldably connected to one edge of the flap such that on folding the tab, the tab can fit into the base groove to hold the flap in place to form a double wall.

133. A method of packaging, comprising:

providing a web for finishing into a packaging tray, the web comprising a base with a groove defined around the perimeter, a plurality of walls connected to the base, and at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the flap contains a tab foldably connected to one edge of the flap such that on folding the tab, the tab can fit into the base groove,

folding the tab, and

folding the flap so that the tab fits into the base groove.

134. A web for finishing into a packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other by a corrugated section, and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall with at least one of the plurality of walls.

135. A packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other by a corrugated section, and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being folded to form a double wall with at least one of the plurality of walls.

136. A method of producing webs for finishing into packaging trays, comprising the step of:

forming a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other by a corrugated section, and at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall with at least one of the plurality of walls.

137. A method of packaging, comprising:

providing for a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other by a corrugated section, and at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall with at least one of the plurality of walls

folding the flaps, and

bonding the flaps to the walls to form double walls.

138. A web for finishing into a packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base to form a corner; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall, the flap having a first and second end, with at least one of the ends having a portion shaped to conform to the corner when the flap is folded to form the double wall.

139. A packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base to form a corner; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being folded at the hinge to form a double wall, the flap having a first and second end, with at least one of the ends having a shaped portion that conforms to the corner, the shaped portion being bonded to the corner.

140. A method of producing webs for finishing into packaging trays, comprising the step of:

forming a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base to form a corner; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall, the flap having a first and second end, with at least one of the ends having a portion shaped to conform to the corner when the flap is folded to form the double wall.

141. A method of packaging, comprising:

providing for a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base to form a corner, and at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable to form a double wall, the flap having a first and second end, with at least one of the ends having a portion shaped to conform to the corner when the flap is folded to form the double wall,

folding the flap to form a double wall, and

bonding the flap end portion to the corner.

142. A web for finishing into a packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable, the flap comprising a plurality of planar surfaces, wherein at least a first and second surface join at oblique or perpendicular angles to form a reinforcing structure.

143. A packaging tray, comprising:

a base,

a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable, the flap comprising a plurality of planar surfaces, wherein at least a first and second surface join at oblique or perpendicular angles to form a reinforcing structure.

144. A method of producing webs for finishing into packaging trays, comprising the step of:

forming a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable, the flap comprising a plurality of planar surfaces, wherein at least a first and second surface join at oblique or perpendicular angles to form a reinforcing structure.

145. A method of packaging, comprising:

providing for a web having a base, a plurality of walls connected to the base, wherein at least a first and second wall are connected to each other and to the base; and

at least one flap connected by a hinge to an edge of at least one of the plurality of walls, the flap being foldable, the flap comprising a plurality of planar surfaces, wherein at least a first and second surface join at oblique or perpendicular angles to form a reinforcing structure, and

folding the flap.

146. A method of processing meat, comprising the steps of:

grinding meat to form a stream,

separating the stream of meat into a plurality of meat streams,

independently adjusting the rate of any one of the plurality of meat streams, and

combining the plurality of meat streams thusly blending the first stream of ground meat to form a second blended meat stream, in a conduit, wherein a suitable gas is provided to the conduit.

147. The method of claim 146, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

148. The method of claim 146 further comprising the step of:

providing a suitable gas to substantially fill any voids in the conduits.

149. The method of claim 146, further comprising the steps of:

continuously measuring a composition of the stream, and

adjusting the velocity of any one of the plurality of streams according to the measured composition of the first stream.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein the measured composition is a measure of the fat, water, or protein content of the meat stream.

151. The method of claim 146, wherein the stream of meat defines a first and second zone wherein each zone has a substantially uniform composition in the radial direction, but the composition of the first and second zone in a longitudinal direction varies and the second blended meat stream defines a third zone comprising a blend of the first and second zone to reduce the variation.

152. An apparatus for processing meat, comprising:

a meat grinder for grinding meat,

a first conduit with a first and a second end, the conduit attached to the meat grinder at the first end for transferring a first stream of ground meat from the first end to the second end,

a plurality of conduits with respective first and second ends, the first end of each of the plurality of conduits attached to the first conduit thusly separating the first stream of ground meat into the plurality of conduits forming a plurality of streams of ground meat, and

a second conduit for attaching the second ends of each of the plurality of conduits to the second conduit for combining the plurality of ground meat streams, wherein the rate of any one of the plurality of meat streams is independently adjustable.

153. The apparatus of claim 152, further comprising:

a measuring device for measuring a composition of the first stream of ground meat and adjusting the rate of any one of the plurality of meat streams according to the measured composition.

154. The method of claim 152, wherein the first stream of meat defines a first and second zone wherein each zone has a substantially uniform composition in the radial direction, but the composition of the first and second zone in a longitudinal direction varies and the second blended meat stream defines a third zone comprising a blend of the first and second zones with a reduced variation.

155. An apparatus for processing meat, comprising:

a meat grinder for grinding meat,

a first conduit with a first and a second end, the conduit attached to the meat grinder at the first end for transferring a first stream of ground meat from the first end to the second end,

a plurality of conduits with respective first and second ends, the first end of each of the plurality of conduits attached to the first conduit thusly separating the first stream of ground meat into the plurality of conduits forming a plurality of streams of ground meat, and

a second conduit for attaching the second ends of each of the plurality of conduits to the second conduit for combining the plurality of ground meat streams, wherein the distance between the first and second ends of each of the plurality of conduits is varied.

156. A method for processing meat, comprising a step for:

assembling a web into a finished tray and loading goods into the tray within a conduit supplied with a suitable gas.

157. The method of claim 156, further comprising the step of:

purging the conduit with a suitable gas to less than 1000 parts per million of oxygen.

158. The method of claim 156, wherein the conduit further contains a web forming apparatus for transferring the empty web to the conduit without substantially introducing oxygen to the conduit.

159. An apparatus for processing meat, comprising:

a conduit,

equipment for assembling a web into a finished tray contained within the conduit,

equipment for loading goods into the tray contained within the conduit, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

160. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

161. A method of pricing goods, comprising a step for:

storing a weight of goods in a memory keyed to a tray marking;

162. The method of claim 161, wherein the goods are associated to information and the information is stored in a memory keyed to the tray marking.

163. The method of claim 162, further comprising a step for grouping one or more loaded trays in a container, wherein the container has a read/write device and information including weight for each loaded tray is stored therein.

164. The method of claim 163, further comprising a step for making the information available to points of retail and distribution centers over a communication system.

165. The method of claim 164, further comprising a step for reading the device on the container at a point of retail.

166. The method of claim 165, further comprising a step for:

setting a price for the goods using a pricing module by reading the tray marking at the point of retail and having the information associated with the tray marking made available over a communication system for comparison.

167. The method of claim 165, further comprising a step for:

setting a shelf life for the goods using a shelf life module by reading the tray marking at the point of retail and having the information associated with the tray marking made available over a communication system for comparison.

168. The method of claim 166, further comprising a step for comparing the information read at the point of retail with the information made available over the communication system, before the step of setting a price for the item.

169. A method for packaging, comprising a step for:

pumping goods and loading the goods in a container within a conduit, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

170. The method of claim 169, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

171. A method for making pet food, comprising steps for:

grinding a first stream of pet food ingredient in a conduit;

grinding a second stream of pet food ingredient in the conduit;

blending the first and the second stream in the conduit to produce a third stream of blended composition, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

172. The method of claim 171, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

173. The method of claim 171, further comprising a step for achieving a temperature of greater than 160°

F. in the blending step.

174. The method of claim 171, further comprising a step for treating a portion of the first stream with ozone and chlorine dioxide.

175. The method of claim 174, further comprising a step for loading the pet food into a barrier container.

176. A tray, comprising:

a base;

walls extending from the base and forming a tray cavity, wherein the walls terminate at a peripheral flange around the cavity; and

flaps connected to the flange and bondable to the tray, thusly forming a double wall.

177. An apparatus, comprising:

a conduit with a grinder, blender, pump or portioner, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

178. The apparatus of claim 177, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

179. A method for processing goods, comprising steps for:

grinding the goods in a conduit; and

blending the goods, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

180. The method of claim 179, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

181. The method of claim 179, further comprising a step for controlling the temperature of the goods in the blender by adjusting the gas rate.

182. The method of claim 179, further comprising a step for measuring the goods after the blender, wherein the gas has sufficiently dissolved in the goods to reduce the amount of voids.

183. A method for packaging, comprising a step for:

maintaining the level of oxymyoglobin formation on a good such that the amount of oxygen that is available from the reduction of the oxymyoglobin after packaging is suitable.

184. A method for packaging, comprising a step for:

processing the goods in a conduit from the point of portioning to the point of packaging, wherein the conduit is provided with a suitable gas.

185. The method of claim 184, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

186. The method of claim 184, wherein the portioning refers to a grinder.

187. The method of claim 184, wherein the point of portioning refers to a slicer.

188. The method of claim 184, further comprising a step for packaging the goods in a gas having less than 20,000 parts per million oxygen.

189. The method of claim 184, further comprising a step for packaging the goods in a gas having less than 10,000 parts per million oxygen.

190. The method of claim 184, further comprising a step for packaging the goods in a gas having less than 3,000 parts per million oxygen.

191. The method of claim 184, further comprising a step for packaging the goods in a gas having less than 1,000 parts per million oxygen.

192. The method of claim 184, further comprising a step for packaging the goods in a gas having less than 500 parts per million oxygen.

193. A method of packaging, comprising a step for:

dissolving an amount of suitable gas in meat before packaging the meat.

194. A method of packaging, comprising a step for:

packaging meat with relative high amounts of deoxymyoglobin rather than oxymyoglobin.

195. A method, comprising a step for:

exposing beef to ozone at a first pressure, wherein after exposure for a sufficient amount of time, the ozone is exposed to a second and higher pressure.

196. A method of making trays, comprising a step of:

applying a unique marking on the tray at the point of production.

197. A method of treating beef, comprising the step of:

exposing the beef to a reduced oxygen environment after exposure to an environment of ozone.

198. A method of reducing or killing E. coli 0157:

M7, comprising the step of;

exposing E. coli to a reduced oxygen environment after injury to E. coli.

199. A method of reducing or killing E. coli 0157:

M7, comprising the step of;

exposing E. coli to a reduced oxygen environment after exposure to an environment of ozone and chlorine dioxide.

200. A method of tracing a good harvested from an animal, comprising a step for:

associating information pertaining to the animal on a carrying means for the animal or its divisions.

201. The method of claim 200, wherein the information is stored on an RF ID tag.

202. The method of claim 200, wherein the information includes the country of origin, place, or originating location of the animal.

203. A method of tracing a good harvested from an animal, comprising a step for:

chilling the animal prior to disassembly.

204. A method of tracing a good harvested from an animal, comprising a step for:

disassembling the animal prior to chilling.

205. The method of claim 204, further comprising a step for molding and then chilling.

206. The method of claim 205, further comprising a step for adding a decontaminating agent during molding.

207. A method of labeling a good harvested from an animal, comprising a step for:

tracing the good as it is processed and applying the origin of the good on the label.

208. A method of locating the origin of a good harvested from an animal, comprising a step for:

applying a read/write tag to a packaged good.

209. A method for disassembling a carcass, comprising a step for:

grading the carcass and disassembling the carcass based on a best fit model, and comparing the model to the final disassembly.

210. A method for forming a double wall tray, comprising:

contacting the base of the tray with a flap by folding the flap and bonding thereto in a single movement.