DK202270251A1

DK202270251A1 - Needle head for use in a brine injecting machine, and method of production of a needle head

Info

Publication number: DK202270251A1
Application number: DKPA202270251A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Stitz Krog Karsten
Original assignee: Fomaco As
Priority date: 2022-05-12
Filing date: 2022-05-12
Publication date: 2024-02-13

Abstract

A needle head (1) for use in a brine injecting needle bridge, said needle head (1) defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a base (11), wherein said base forms a body and has a substantially non-circular cross section, said cross section lying substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, and at least one needle (12) extending from said base. Also, a needle bridge block (3) comprising at least one needle head cavity (31) defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity defines a substantially non-circular periphery at least along a section of the longitudinal axis, said noncircular periphery lying substantially orthogonally to said longitudinal axis and methods of producing the same.

Description

DK 2022 70251 A1 1

TITLE

Needle head for use in a brine injecting machine, needle head bridge and method of production.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a brine injection head and bridge in a brine injecting machine and method of manufacturing the same, more particularly to a brine injection head with a non- circular base and a bridge for housing the head.

BACKGROUND

In general, the criteria for evaluation of the quality and taste of meat are commonly based on the degree of softness, savouriness, and juiciness of meat. Therefore, there is an interest in improving the taste and texture by softening meat, as well as maintaining the juiciness and taste for an increased period after cooking, and the colour of the meat after processing. In the meat manufacturing process, an injecting apparatus has generally been used including injecting needle means adapted to introduce brine and/or conditioning solutions comprising various ingredients such as water, spices and/or suspended proteins into food products, such as raw meat. Key to introducing the brine or solution in the meat in an effective manner, is that the solution is distributed evenly. This avoids obtaining untreated areas and so-called “brine pockets”, wherein an amount of brine above the absorption capacity of the surrounding meat is injected.

To this end, it is a long-sought goal to provide injecting apparatuses that enable regular and dense injection sites in the meat.

DK 2022 70251 A1 2

Typically, brine injection machines comprise one or several injector heads in a needle bridge, housing a plurality of injector needles connected to one or more pressurized brine supply devices. EP3241441B1 discloses a brine injection apparatus with a conveyor device; three successive injector heads, each provided with a plurality of injector needles connected to pressurized brine supply devices.

The construction of both needles and needle bridges must be sturdy so to meet the requirement of withstanding harsh and repetitive mechanical stresses during operation. This requirement sets a lower limit to the size of needle heads and needle cavities in the corresponding needle bridges for housing the needle heads and, thus, an upper limit to the number and density of needles carried by a needle bridge.

Further, injection site density can be increased, as is disclosed in WO2010061406A1, at least in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt, by decreasing the stroke travel distance so to increase the injection site frequency on the meat to brine. However, and while being a suboptimal solution by only increasing injection site density along one dimension, this approach results in an increased stroke to coverage ratio and to increased wear on all component parts of the machine.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a needle head and/or a needle bridge that allow for a more regular and dense injection site pattern while maintaining a comparatively low operation rate.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is a first object to provide a needle bridge comprising needle head cavities enabling the contiguous arrangement of a plurality of needle heads permitting a denser needle distribution. It is a second object to provide a needle head that enables the contiguous arrangement of a plurality of such needle heads in a needle bridge permitting a denser needle distribution.

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, a needle head for use in a brine injecting machine, specifically a brine injection needle bridge, is provided, the needle head defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: a. a base, wherein the base has a substantially non-circular cross section, the cross section lying substantially orthogonally to the axis, and b. at least one needle extending from the base.

By the needle head comprising a non-circular cross-section, a contiguous arrangement of a plurality of needle heads in a needle bridge that permits a denser needle distribution may be enabled.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises a single needle extending from the base.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises a plurality of needles extending from the base. The number of needles extending from the needle head base may be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, etc.

By the needle head comprising a non-circular cross-section and further comprising a plurality of needles, such as two

DK 2022 70251 A1 4 needles, the needle head may be arranged in a corresponding needle bridge in a manner that allows for a denser injection site pattern on the meat to be treated.

Dense needle pattern with high number of injection points promotes improved brine distribution.

In a certain implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises at least three needles wherein the insertion points of three needles into the needle head base are arranged at substantially 60°.

By the angle between three needle insertion points into the needle head being substantially 60% all needles comprised in one needle head may be advantageously arranged equidistantly from two other needles.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the conveyor belt travel distance per stroke corresponds to an integer multiple of the distance between two needle insertion points into the needle head. As used herein, an integer multiple means any rational number that can be expressed as the sum or difference of a finite number of units, being a member of the set ...-3, -2, -1, 1, 2, 3... (not 0). Thereby, a regular injection pattern is advantageously achieved on the meat when treated.

In a certain implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises three needles wherein the insertion points of the needles into the needle head base are arranged equidistantly from each other. This number of needles per needle head offers an ideal balance between obtaining the desired effect of allowing a denser needle arrangement on the needle bridge while providing a needle head that is a unit of a size that is efficient to exchange from the needle bridge

DK 2022 70251 A1 in case of needle breakage or uneven wear across the width of the conveyor belt.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the periphery of the needle head cross section comprises at least 5 two arcs that do not share the same center.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the periphery of the needle head cross section defines a substantially regular curved polygon with constant width and is a Reuleaux triangle. In such a case, three needle insertion points are arranged in proximity to the vertices of the

Reuleaux triangle. This arrangement advantageously allows for a plurality of such needle heads to be arranged closer to each other in a needle bridge, while allowing for sufficient distance between needle head cavities on the surface of a needle bridge to withstand the mechanical stresses generated during operation. The arrangement allows for closer arrangement of needles in a needle bridge than if they were comprised in a needle head with a periphery approximating a circle. Thus, this arrangement allows for a denser injection pattern.

In a certain implementation form of the first aspect, the periphery of the needle head cross section further comprises at least two straight sections. Thereby, the needle head cross section may define an oblong shape comprising straight sections connecting rounded ends, or, e.g., a triangle comprising straight sections connecting rounded corners.

By the arcs being arranged at the tips of an oblong shape or replacing the corners of, e.g., a triangle, the needle head base comprises a surface around its periphery that may make better contact with sealing means, thereby offering decreased

DK 2022 70251 A1 6 leakage of brine around the needle head, which may reduce dripping.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the periphery of the needle head cross section comprises a first arc and a second arc, the arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein the first and second arcs differ in arc curvature. Thereby, connecting sections may also be rounded, albeit with less curvature when compared to the sections in the expected locations of the corners of a shape, and so also provide a needle head with a peripheral surface that offers decreased leakage of brine around the needle head, which may reduce dripping and waste of brine during operation.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first and second arcs differ in length.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the periphery of the cross section comprises a first arc and a second arc, the arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein the first and second arcs differ in arc curvature and, optionally, length, and, further, comprises at least one straight section.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the cross-section periphery comprises at least two first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and at least two second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length.

Such an arrangement may enable the needle head cross section to define an oval shape that provides a surface around its periphery that may make improved contact with sealing means, thereby offering decreased leakage of brine around the needle

DK 2022 70251 A1 7 head, which may reduce dripping and waste of brine during operation.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the cross-section periphery comprises three first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and three second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length such that the periphery defines a shape with three-fold rotational symmetry. While incorporating the advantages of the implementation forms described herein above, this arrangement offers the possibility of including three needles per needle head, which is an ideal number of needles per needle head. In this arrangement, three needle insertion points are arranged in proximity to arcs of greater curvature, 1i.e., narrower turn. This arrangement advantageously allows for a plurality of such needle heads to be arranged closer to each other in a needle bridge, while allowing for sufficient distance between needle head cavities on the surface of a needle bridge to withstand the mechanical stresses generated during operation. The arrangement allows for closer arrangement of needles in a needle bridge than if they were comprised in a needle head with a periphery approximating a circle. Thus, this arrangement allows for a denser injection pattern.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head base comprises a groove arranged peripherally for releasably attaching sealing means. Sealing means may be an

O-ring, a gasket, or similar means. By the means being releasably attachable, it is possible to conveniently replace the sealing means when an existing one has reached the end of its useful life.

DK 2022 70251 A1 8

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the depth or the width of the peripherally arranged groove varies more than 5%, such as between 10% and 20%, along the periphery of the needle head base.

In a certain implementation form of the first aspect, the depth or the width of the peripherally arranged groove is more than 5%, such as between 10% and 20% smaller along sections of the periphery of the needle head base that coincide with short arcs with tighter curvature as described herein above.

With the depth or the width of the peripherally arranged groove being smaller along sections of the periphery of the needle head base that coincide with the short arcs with tighter curvature, the sealing means, such as an O-ring, protrudes further outward along the periphery of the needle head base where the curvature is tighter, thereby compensating for increased stretch on the sealing means at these locations due to the tighter curvature. The effect is that the seal is tighter in these areas, and the needle head offers improved water tightness all around.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises one or more polymers.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the needle head comprises polyoxymethylene (POM).

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, one or more polymers comprised in the needle head are selected from a group comprising Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PETP,

Frtalyte TX (PETP-TX), Polyethylene (PE), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polypropylene (PP).

DK 2022 70251 A1 9

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, needle head comprises a EN1.4 metal, such as metal selected from a group comprising EN1.4418; EN1.4405; EN1.4401;

EN1.4301; EN1.4305; and EN1.4307.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a needle bridge block comprising at least one needle cavity defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity defines a substantially non-circular periphery at least along a section of the longitudinal axis, the non-circular periphery lying substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block comprises at least two arcs that do not share the same center.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block defines a substantially regular curved polygon with constant width and is a Reuleaux triangle.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block further comprises at least two straight sections.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block comprises at least a first arc and a second arc, the arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein the first and second arcs differ in arc curvature and optionally, also differ in length.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the

DK 2022 70251 A1 10 needle bridge block comprises a first arc and a second arc, the arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein the first and second arcs differ in arc curvature and, optionally, length, and, further, comprises at least one straight section.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block comprises at least two first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and at least two second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, the curvature and/or length being different from the first curvature and length.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the periphery of the cross section of the needle cavity in the needle bridge block comprises three first arcs substantially equal 1n curvature and length, and three second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, the curvature and/or length of the second arcs being different from the first curvature and length of the first arcs, such that the periphery defines a shape with three-fold rotational symmetry.

In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the needle bridge comprises a plurality of modular needle bridge blocks arranged adjacently and aligned by aligning means to define a needle bridge bottom surface, each modular needle bridge block comprising at least one needle head cavity for receiving a needle head according to any implementation form of the first aspect, with each of the needle head cavities being accessible from the needle bridge bottom surface.

DK 2022 70251 A1 11

In a possible implementation form of the third aspect at least two of the modular needle bridge blocks are arranged to be stacked vertically on top of each other and are vertically dimensioned to cover the full height requirement of the needle bridge for use in a brine injecting machine.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the needle bridge block comprises a plurality of needle cavities, wherein the cavities’ centers and the cavities’ orientation are arranged such that a distance between the plurality of the needles’ insertion points in one needle head base is substantially equal to a distance between two needles’ insertion points, the needles pertaining to two separate needle heads, when mounted in the needle bridge block.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the needle bridge block comprises a plurality of needle cavities, wherein the cavities’ peripheries centers and the cavities’ peripheries orientation are arranged such that an angle between three needle insertion points in two needle head bases is substantially 60°, wherein at least 2 of the three needles are mounted on separate needle heads.

In a certain implementation form of the second aspect, the plurality of needle head cavities are arranged forming at least one row of aligned cavities, wherein the needle head cavities’ angle of rotation of the periphery of the cross- section 1s substantially the same in relation to a longitudinal axis of the needle bridge block. In combination with the conserved distance between needle insertion points on one needle head and between the insertion points of 2 needles pertaining to different needle heads, this arrangement ensures that the resulting injection pattern on treated meat is one of great uniformity.

In a certain implementation form of the second aspect, the plurality of needle head cavities are arranged forming two rows of cavities and the cavities’ angle of rotation differs 60° between rows. This arrangement advantageously allows for rows of needles striking at different locations in the meat being treated to perpetuate the regular pattern for obtaining a uniform injection pattern.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the needle bridge is

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the needle bridge block comprises one or more polymers.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the needle bridge block comprises polyoxymethylene (POM).

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the one or more polymers comprised in needle bridge block are selected from a group comprising Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PETP, Ertalyte TX (PETP-TX), Polyethylene (PE),

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polypropylene (PP).

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect one or more metals are comprised in needle bridge block and is selected from a EN.4 metal, such as metal selected from a group comprising EN1.4418; EN1.4405; EN1.4401; EN1.4301;

EN1.4305; and EN1.4307.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for producing a needle head as described herein, wherein the

DK 2022 70251 A1 13 needle head base is milled, and the needle is assembled in the needle head with a heat-shrink fit.

In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the needle is glass blasted such that the grip between needle and needle head is improved.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for producing a needle head, wherein the needle head is formed by injection molding.

By the method of producing a needle head and/or a needle bridge block comprising injection molding, production steps carried out in the prior art, such as drilling holes in the needle head base and/or needle bridge may be avoided. Thus, injection molding a polymer to form a needle head base and/or needle bridge block may greatly reduce production time and capital expenditure. Further, injection molding a polymer to form a needle head base and/or a needle bridge block may greatly improve tolerances when the molded needle head is mounted in a needle bridge cavity. This is because injection molding is a process wherein the final dimensions of the resulting product are more easily controlled. Indeed, milling entire parts or cavities with relatively large dimensions may cause generate embedded tensions and/or stresses on the polymer material, which may lead to undesired material warping. Thus, injection molding offers less product variation and better tolerances between the mounted needle head in a needle bridge. Further, by mounting a needle head in a needle bridge of same material allows similar thermal expansion and compression of the two parts, since these will intrinsically be subject to the same heat expansion

DK 2022 70251 A1 14 coefficient, thereby leading to better tolerance between the two parts across varying temperatures.

In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, injection molding is followed by machining. As used herein, machining is the process of cutting, shaping, or removing material from a workpiece using a machine tool. One such process 1s milling. Milling may be used for obtaining an improved finish of the final product.

In a particular implementation form of the fourth aspect, the needle head base comprises a polymer as disclosed herein and is injection molded onto at least one needle.

By the method of producing a needle head comprising injection molding, production steps carried out in the prior art, such as inserting the needle into a newly drilled hole, welding the needle onto the base, front soldering the needle to the head, and repeating for as many needle heads are to be produced may be avoided. Thus, injection molding a polymer directly onto a needle may greatly reduce production time and capital expenditure.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for producing a needle head and/or a needle bridge block, wherein the needle head and/or a needle bridge block is formed by 3D- printing.

In a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, 3D- printing is followed by milling. The combination of 3D- printing followed by milling may be particularly advantageous since 3D-printing is cheap and fast, and subsequent milling ensures that the needle bridge cavities and the needle head bases may interact with improved tolerance. Thus, this production method ensures low production costs and high- quality products.

According to a sixth aspect, a stripping plate suitable for use in a brine injecting machine is provided, wherein the stripping plate comprises a plurality of through-holes arranged in a pattern corresponding to a pattern defined by a plurality of needles according to a needle head according to any implementation form of the first aspect, as described herein above.

In a possible implementation form of the sixth aspect, the stripping plate comprises 3n through holes, wherein n equals the number of needle heads according to the invention mounted in a needle bridge or wherein n equals the number of needle head cavities comprised in the needle bridge block according to any implementation form of the second aspect.

These and other aspects will be apparent from and the embodiment (s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. la is an elevated view of the needle head according to the disclosure.

Fig. 1b is a detail of the needle head base according to the disclosure.

Fig. lc is a lateral view of the needle head base.

Fig. 1d is an underneath view of the needle head base and needle insertion points.

Fig. 2a illustrates a sealing means according to the disclosure.

Fig. 2b is a top view of a non-circular needle base according to the disclosure.

Fig. 3 is an elevated view of a needle bridge block according to the disclosure.

Fig. 4a illustrates possible needle head base periphery shapes according to the disclosure.

Fig. 4b illustrates possible needle head arrangements in a needle bridge block according to the disclosure.

Fig. 4c illustrates a possible injection pattern obtained on processed meat after injection with a needle bridge according to the disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of an injection pattern resulting from use of a needle bridge and needle heads in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

Fig. 6a is an elevated view of two assembled needle bridge blocks according to the disclosure.

Fig. 6b is an underside view of two assembled needle bridge blocks according to the disclosure.

Fig. 7a is an underside view of a second block according to the disclosure.

Fig. 7b and 7c are an elevated and underside views of an assembled second block and needle bridge blocks according to the disclosure.

DK 2022 70251 A1 17

Fig. 8a is side view of a brine injecting machine according to the disclosure.

Fig. 8b and 8c are elevated and lower views of a needle bridge according to the disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a representation of an injection sequence according to the disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a representation of a modular stack array comprising a plurality of modular stacks arranged along a first, second and third axes according to the disclosure.

Fig. 11 shows a meat injection device including a needle bridge block and needles according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to Fig. la, the needle head 1 comprises a base 11 that forms a body, which comprises at least one needle 12 extending therefrom. The needle head 1 defines a longitudinal axis, which is shared by the body 11 and the at least one needle 12. Thereby, both the body 11 and the at least one needle 12 also define a longitudinal axis, which is parallel to the previously defined needle head longitudinal axis. In represented embodiment three needles 12 extend from the base 11. The needle or needles 12 are at least partially embedded in base 11 as is visible in Fig.ld. The needle head base 11 further comprises at least one fluidic inlet 13, in the represented embodiment in Fig. 1b, three fluidic inlets 13, which are cavities in the needle head base 11 fluidically connecting the needle 12 to a needle body first surface 14.

The body of needle head 1 further comprises a groove 15 that extends peripherally around needle head base 11, as shown in

Fig. lc. Groove 15 is dimensioned to accommodate sealing means

DK 2022 70251 A1 18 2 such that said sealing means are fixed on the needle head base 11 securely enough to withstand the drag created by friction between needle head 11 and the interior of needle head cavity 31 when the brine injecting machine is in operation.

Alternatively, the periphery of the needle head may comprise at least one annular protrusion arranged around the periphery of the needle head base suited for fixing sealing means (not shown). Such a protrusion may serve the same purpose as groove 15.

In one implementation form (not shown), the depth of groove varies, e.g., becomes shallower, around the second arcs 17 with tighter curvature than first arcs 18. Corresponding sealing means 2 are shaped to sit in groove 15 and be thereby 15 fixed in a releasable manner. The shallower sections of groove 15 around second sections 17 cause the second arcs 21 of sealing means (an O-ring 2 as illustrated in Fig.2a) to bulge out sufficiently to compensate for the O-ring material being increasingly stretched around second arcs 17 of the needle base periphery.

In one embodiment, the depth of groove 15 is 11% to 15% shallower around second arcs 17 than around first arcs 18.

With a depth between 1.5mm and 1.7 mm, the depth of groove 15 varies, thus, by approximately 0.2 mm.

The implementation form of a needle head of Fig. 2b shows a base periphery comprising three first arcs 18 and three second arcs 17 with different curvature and length.

As used herein, an arc is any portion (other than the entire curve) of the circumference of a circle.

DK 2022 70251 A1 19

The arrangement of Fig. 2b results in a needle head base with a periphery defining a shape with three-fold rotational symmetry. Such an arrangement is optimal for comprising three needles 12 while allowing distance dl between the three needles of the needle head to be substantially equal to a distance (also dl) between two needles pertaining to two separate needle heads, when mounted in a needle bridge block (Fig. 4b, 4c).

Alternative arrangements of needle heads comprising other numbers of needles, such as 2, 4, or 5 needles according to the invention are illustrated in Fig. 4b. Of these, needle head bases with a periphery defining at least two arcs with different centers such as the needle head base 11b are preferred. Those comprising at least two first arcs and two second arcs such as needle head base lla are even more preferred. It is to be mentioned that any shape illustrated in Figs. 4a - 4c are not limiting, but only intended as examples, and that it is to be understood that any sharp- cornered shape, such as shape llc, may also be arranged as a rounded corner shape, such as shape lla and is, thus, also included as part of this disclosure.

When arranged contiguously, several needle head base arrangements (Fig.4b, 4c) may allow for a first distance (dl) between the plurality of needles 12 of the needle head to be substantially equal to a second distance (also dl) between two needles 12 pertaining to two separate needle heads 11, when mounted in a needle bridge block 3. When needle heads 11 are mounted in needle head cavity 31, the angle formed between three needles 12, wherein at least two needles pertain to two different needle heads 11, is substantially 60°, and, thus,

DK 2022 70251 A1 20 the three needles 12 define an equilateral triangle across needle heads 11.

Fig. 4c illustrates how a plurality of needle heads 11 are arranged forming two rows wherein the heads’ angle of rotation differs substantially 180° between rows. This arrangement enables obtaining the regular and evenly distributed injection pattern in the meat being processed as illustrated in Fig. 5, depending on the advancement to stroke ratio of a conveyor belt on which the meat is placed.

Turning now to Fig. 3, needle bridge block 3 comprises two rows of needle head cavities 31 arranged to form two rows of aligned cavities, wherein the needle head cavities’ angle of rotation of the periphery of the cross-section in one row is substantially the same in relation to a longitudinal axis of needle bridge block 3. The cavities’ angle of rotation differs substantially 180° between rows. This arrangement enables to obtain the regular and evenly distributed injection pattern in the meat being processed as above and as illustrated in

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6a and 6b show two modular needle bridge blocks 3 arranged vertically adjacent to each other. Said blocks are aligned by alignment means 32, which in said figures comprise protrusions 33 and depressions 34, with a shape that allows depressions 34 to overlap protrusions 33 when blocks 3 are stacked, thereby enabling the alignment of said blocks. Block 3 further comprises fastening means 37, which comprise in

Figs 6a and 6a two guide channels 38, which are arranged to receive elongated fastening means, such as a threaded rod to hold stacked blocks 3 in place during operation.

DK 2022 70251 A1 21

Block 3 further comprises needle head cavities 31, arranged in two row on first surface 35 of block 3, and extending through the depth of blocks 3 at least to second surface 36 on the second block 3, so to create a continuous elongated cavity within which needle heads 1 may travel. The continuity of the elongated cavity is enabled by alignment means 33.

Here, by corresponding protrusions 34 on the under surface of the first needle block 3 interacting with corresponding cavities 34 on a top surface of the second needle block 3.

Needle cavities 31 are separated by a distance d3, which is chosen to allow a maximum of needle heads 1 to fit in each block 3, while ensuring sturdiness and structural integrity of cavities 31. Thus, needle cavities are arranged with respect to each other and the respective edges of the modular needle bridge block such that needle head cavities are spaced evenly at a distance d3.

Fig. 7a shows a second needle block 40 comprising liquid supply means comprising liquid inlet 43 and configured to be connected to a liquid source. Second needle block 40 further comprises two liquid valves 44 arranged between the liquid inlet 43 and the at least one liquid channel 42.

Liquid valves 44 are arranged between liquid inlet 43 and each of the liquid channels 42 for independent supply of liquid to each of liguid channels 42. second needle block 40 also comprises alignment means 33, in the form of at least depressions 34 for alignment with first blocks 39 as illustrated in Fig. 7b and 7c.

Fig. 8a shows the arrangement of Figs 7a-7c mounted on support plate 60. Support plate 60 as shown in Figs. 8b and 8c comprises cavities 61, which are arranged same number and

DK 2022 70251 A1 22 corresponding location and shape to extend needle cavities 31 of needle bridge 4. Stripping plates 51 are arranged to strip meat off the needles 12 during operation and are each arranged at an extremity of pawl columns 52. Stripping plates 51 comprise through-holes that are arranged to receive needles 12 and, thus, match the distribution of said needles 12 in a needle head.

Fig. 9 illustrates an injection sequence comprising conveyor means defining a conveying direction defined by a belt direction. When a meat piece is placed on a conveying surface, it is advanced at each stroke by a step distance S, which equals a distance between two parallel rows of needle cavities 31 in a needle bridge 4 according to any possible implementation form of the third aspect. Needle heads 1 comprised within needle cavities 31 of a needle bridge 4, are arranged therein movably in a direction orthogonal to the conveying surface; when the plurality of modular needle bridge blocks 3 are arranged to define successive rows of needle cavities in the conveying direction and the conveyor means 53 are configured to advance in a stepped manner in the conveying direction, each step advancing one step length S; and when a second distance d2 between successive rows of needle cavities in the conveying direction is equal to the step length d2 =

S, the resulting pattern obtained on the injected meat is a regular and dense pattern of evenly distributed injection sites, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

Needle heads 1 comprise three needles 12, needle cavities 31 being arranged so that the needles are evenly distributed in the rows of repeating equilateral triangular pattern, with a first distance dl between the needles. Step length S is approximately an integer multiple of the first distance dl.

DK 2022 70251 A1 23

The equilateral triangular pattern of needles and the relationship between step length S of conveyor means 53 and distance d2 between the successive rows of needle cavities allows for a uniform pattern of liquid injection over varying dimensions of meat products, which in turn ensures that the liquid brine in the meat products travelling below needle bridge 4 is evenly distributed.

In the example depicted in Fig. 9 and 10 first distance dl is 11 mm, and step length S = 33 mm.

Alternate injection of liquid into the meat product from needle heads 1 arranged in successive rows of needle cavities 31 and skipping injection for one stroke 101, 102, 103, 104 following each injection results in the pattern illustrated in Fig. 5.

Turning now to Fig. 10, needle bridge 4 comprises a modular stack array 48 comprising a plurality of modular stacks 47 arranged along a first, second and third axes x, y, z, axes y and z being substantially perpendicular to first axis x, and modular stack array 48 is dimensioned to fulfill the width, length, and height requirement of the needle bridge 4 for use in a brine injecting machine.

Alternatively, needle bridge 4 may comprises a modular stack array 48 comprising a plurality of modular stacks 47 arranged along a first axis x, y or z, and second axis x, y or z, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and modular stack array 48 is thereby dimensioned to fulfill the width, length and/or height requirement of the needle bridge 4 for use in a brine injecting machine.

It is also possible for needle bridge 4 to comprise a plurality of modular stack arrays 48 arranged along a first,

DK 2022 70251 A1 24 second and/or third axes x, vy, z, axes y and/or z being substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the plurality modular stack arrays 48 dimensioned to fulfill the width, length, and/or height requirement of needle bridge 4 for use in a brine injecting machine.

In stack array 48 of Fig. 10, the plurality of modular needle bridge blocks 3 and second blocks 40 and first blocks 39 are dimensioned substantially equally.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single needle bridge block or other unit may fulfill the functions of several claims recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader.

Structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used, not only for simplicity, but also to indicate that said features solve the technical problem in an analogous way.

ITEMS

1. A needle head (1) for use in a brine injecting needle bridge (3), said needle head defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a. a base (11), wherein said base forms a body and has a substantially non-circular cross section, sald cross section lying substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, and b. at least one needle (12) extending from said base. 2. The needle head according to item 1, wherein the periphery of the cross section comprises at least two arcs (17, 18) that do not share the same center. 3. The needle head according to item 2, wherein the cross section defines a substantially regular curved polygon with constant width and is preferably a Reuleaux triangle. 4. The needle head according to item 2, wherein the periphery of the cross section further comprises at least two straight sections.

DK 2022 70251 A1 26

5. The needle head according to item 2, wherein the periphery of the cross section comprises a first arc and a second arc, said arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein said first and second arcs differ in arc curvature.

6. The needle head according to item 5, wherein said first and second arcs differ in length.

7. The needle head according to any one of items 5 or 6, wherein the periphery of the cross section further comprises at least one straight section.

8. The needle head according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the cross-section periphery comprises at least two first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and at least two second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length.

9. The needle head according to item 8, wherein the cross- section periphery comprises three first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and three second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length such that said periphery defines a shape with three- fold rotational symmetry.

10. The needle head according to any one preceding item, wherein the needle head base comprises a groove arranged peripherally for releasably attaching sealing means.

11. The needle head according to item 10, wherein the depth or the width of the peripherally arranged groove varies more than 5%, such as between 10% and 20% along the periphery of the needle head base.

DK 2022 70251 A1 27 12. The needle head according to any one preceding item comprising a plurality of needles extending from said base. 13. The needle head according to item 12 comprising at least three needles wherein the insertion points of three needles into the needle head base are arranged at substantially 60°. 14. The needle head according to item 13 comprising three needles wherein the insertion points of the needles into the needle head base are arranged substantially equidistantly from each other. 15. A needle bridge block comprising at least one needle head cavity defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity defines a substantially non-circular periphery at least along a section of the longitudinal axis, said non-circular periphery lying substantially orthogonally to said longitudinal axis. 16. The needle bridge block according to item 15, wherein the cross section of the non-circular periphery comprises at least two arcs that do not share the same center. 17. The needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 or 16, wherein the cross section of the non- circular periphery defines a substantially regular curved polygon with constant width and is preferably a

Reuleaux triangle. 18. The needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 or 16, wherein the cross-section of the non- circular periphery further comprises at least two straight sections.

DK 2022 70251 A1 28

19. The needle bridge block according to item 16, wherein the cross section of the non-circular periphery comprises at least a first arc and a second arc, said arcs each defined at least by a curvature and a length,

wherein said first and second arcs differ in arc curvature.

20. The needle bridge block according to item 19, wherein said first and second arcs differ in length.

21. The needle bridge block according to any one of items 19 or 20, wherein the cross section of the non- circular periphery further comprises at least one straight section.

22. The needle bridge block according to any one of items 19 to 21, wherein the cross-section of the non-

circular periphery comprises at least two first arcs substantially equal in curvature and length, and at least two second arcs substantially equal in curvature and length.

23. The needle bridge block according to item 22,

wherein the cross-section of the non-circular periphery comprises three first arcs and three second arcs such that said periphery defines a shape with three-fold rotational symmetry.

24. The needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 to 23 comprising a plurality of needle head cavities with a periphery shape corresponding to a needle head periphery shape of any of items 1 to 14, wherein said needle head cavities’ centers and said needle head cavities’ orientation are arranged such that a distance (d) between the plurality of needles of

DK 2022 70251 A1 29 the needle head is substantially equal to a distance (d) between two needles pertaining to two separate needle heads, when mounted in said needle bridge block.

25. The needle bridge block according to item 24,

wherein the plurality of needle head cavities are arranged forming at least one row of aligned cavities, wherein the needle head cavities’ angle of rotation of the periphery of the cross-section is substantially the same in relation to a longitudinal axis of the needle bridge block.

26. The needle bridge block according to item 25, wherein the plurality of needle head cavities are arranged forming two rows of cavities and the cavities’ angle of rotation differs substantially 180° between rows.

27. The needle head according to any one of items 1 to 14, and/or the needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 to 26 comprising a polymer.

28. The needle head and/or the needle bridge block according to item 27, wherein the polymer is polyoxymethylene.

29. A method for producing a needle head according to any one of items 1 to 14, 27 or 28, wherein the needle head base is milled, and the needle is assembled in the needle head with a heat-shrink fit.

30. The method according to item 29, wherein before assembly at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the needle is glass-blasted such that the grip between needle and needle head is improved.

DK 2022 70251 A1 30 31. A method for producing a needle head or a needle bridge block, wherein the needle head and/or the needle bridge block is formed by injection molding, preferably by injection molding of a polymer.

32. The method for producing a needle head or a needle bridge block according to item 31, wherein injection molding is followed by machining, such as milling.

33. The method for producing a needle head according to any one of items 31 or 32, wherein the body of the needle head base is molded onto at least one needle. 34. A method for producing a needle head or a needle bridge block, wherein the needle head is formed by 3-D printing. 35. The method for producing a needle head or a needle bridge block according to item 34, wherein 3D-printing is followed by machining, such as milling. 36. The method for producing a needle head or a needle bridge block according to any one of items 31 to 35, wherein the needle head is a needle head according to any one of items 1 to 14, 27 or 28, and/or the needle bridge block is a needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 to 28. 37. A stripping plate for use in a brine injecting machine, the stripping plate comprising a plurality of through holes arranged in a pattern corresponding to a pattern defined by the plurality of needles according to any one of items 24 to 26. 38. The stripping plate according to item 37, comprising 3n through holes, wherein n equals the

DK 2022 70251 A1 31 number of needle heads according to any one of items 1 to 14, 27 or 28 mounted in a needle bridge or wherein n equals the number of needle head cavities comprised in the needle bridge block according to any one of items 15 to 28.

Claims

DK 2022 70251 A1 32 CLAIMS

1. A needle head (1) for use in a brine injecting needle bridge, said needle head (1) defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a. a base (11), wherein said base forms a body and has a substantially non-circular cross section, sald cross section lying substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, and b. at least one needle (12) extending from said base.

2. The needle head according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the cross section comprises at least two arcs (17, 18), preferably at least two circular arcs (17,18), that do not share the same center.

3. The needle head according to claim 2, wherein the periphery of the cross section comprises a first arc (18) and a second arc (17), said arcs (17, 18) each defined at least by a curvature and a length, wherein said first and second arcs differ in arc curvature.

4. The needle head according to claim 3, wherein the cross-section periphery comprises at least two first arcs (18) substantially equal in curvature and length, and at least two second arcs (17) substantially equal in curvature and length.

5. The needle head according to claim 4, wherein the cross-section periphery comprises three first arcs (18) substantially equal in curvature and length, and three second arcs (17) substantially equal in curvature and

DK 2022 70251 A1 33 length such that said periphery defines a shape with three-fold rotational symmetry.

6. The needle head according to any one preceding claim, wherein the needle head (1) base comprises a groove (15) arranged peripherally for releasably attaching sealing means (2).

7. The needle head according to claim 6, wherein the depth or the width of the peripherally arranged groove (15) varies more than 5%, such as between 10% and 20% along the periphery of the needle head base (11).

8. The needle head according to any one preceding claim comprising at least three needles (12) wherein the insertion points (16) of three needles into the needle head base (11) are arranged at substantially 60°.

9. A needle bridge block (3) comprising at least one needle head cavity (31) defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity defines a substantially non-circular periphery at least along a section of the longitudinal axis, said non-circular periphery lying substantially orthogonally to said longitudinal axis.

10. The needle bridge block according to claim 9, wherein the non-circular periphery comprises at least two arcs (17, 18) that do not share the same center.

11. The needle bridge block according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the non-circular periphery is arranged to receive a needle head (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The needle bridge block according to claim 11, wherein the centers of the shapes of the needle head

DK 2022 70251 A1 34 cavities’ peripheries and the orientation of the shapes of the needle head cavities’ peripheries are arranged such that a distance (dl) between the plurality of needles (12) of the needle head (11) is substantially equal to a distance (dl) between two needles (12) pertaining to two separate needle heads (11), when mounted in said needle bridge block (3).

13. The needle bridge block according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of needle head cavities (31) are arranged forming at least two rows of aligned cavities, wherein the needle head cavities’ angle of rotation of the peripheries of one row is substantially the same in relation to a longitudinal axis of the needle bridge block and differs substantially by 60° or by an integer multiple thereof between rows.

14. The needle head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and/or the needle bridge block according to any one of claims 9 to 13 comprising a polymer.

15. A method for producing a needle head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or 14, wherein the needle head base (11) is milled, and the needle (12) is assembled in the needle head (11) with a heat-shrink fit.

16. A method for producing a needle head (1) or a needle bridge block (3), wherein the needle head and/or the needle bridge block is formed by injection molding, preferably by injection molding of a polymer.

17. The method for producing a needle head (1) or a needle bridge block according to claim 16, wherein

DK 2022 70251 A1 35 injection molding is followed by machining, such as milling.

18. The method for producing a needle head (1) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the body of the needle head base (11) is molded onto at least one needle (12).

19. A method for producing a needle head (1) or a needle bridge block (3), wherein the needle head or needle bridge block is formed by 3-D printing.

20. The method for producing a needle head (1) or a needle bridge block (3) according to claim 19, wherein 3D-printing is followed by machining, such as milling.

21. The method for producing a needle head (1) or a needle bridge block (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the needle head (11) is a needle head according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 14, and/or the needle bridge block (3) is a needle bridge block according to any one of claims 9 to 14.